A Large Consignment of Indian Birds, etc. 155 
birds are only just commencing" to breed in earnest. 1 have a 
nest of four from a Jade cock and Blue-olive hen ; tliree are a 
silvery-blue olive, and one a light green. 
I have four aviaries now — one for breeding Blues, one for 
Olives, one for Jades, and one for Yellow-breasted Greens, and 
am hoping" for son"ie luck. 

A Large Consignment of Indian Birds and 
Mammals 
By We.sley T. Page, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. 
Just at tlie moment of going to press I had the oppor- 
tunity of seeing one of the largest consignment of Indian birds 
and mammals ever landed — many comments of them have 
appeared thereupon in the daily press, accompanied by many 
exaggerated and visionary episodes — almost without exception 
the whole were landed in really fine condition by our 
member Mr. E. W. Harper, F.Z.S., who, assisted by twO' 
Indians, has had the charge of them dur-ng a long and tedious 
voyage of seven weeks. It was very interesting and instructive 
listening, when, two days ago. Mr. Harper spent a day with me, 
and recounted many of the almost insuperable diflficulties and 
episodes that had marked the voyage. The consignment is, 
almost entirely, for the London Zoo, to help fill the many yacan- 
cies in their depleted collection, resulting from the years of war. 
The losses en route have been almost infinitesimal, and the 
results and conditions of this large, personally superintended, 
consignment must add greatly to Mr. Harper's already estab- 
lished reputation for skill and experience in the packing" and 
shipping" of live-stock. A consignment, however carefully 
packed and put on board ship, confided to the care of ship's 
officers is nearly always m.ore or less of a gamble, but, with a 
personally conducted shipment, such as that just landed, loss and 
also hardship and suffering for the creatures shipped, is almost 
entirely eliminated. The writer, and all who liave seen the- 
consignment, must congratulate Mr. Harper on the most 
successful finale to his skill, thoroughness and enterprise. 
