322 
Editorial. 
In some respects not unlike Green Canaries, but brighter 
and with the markings and colour areas differently arranged. 
Quail Finches {Ortynm^piza jxily-Aojut) The accompanj^- 
ing beautiful drawing from Mr. Goodchild's brush, from a pair of 
this species, exhibited by our member Mr. C. T. Maxwell at the re- 
cent Clapham Show, aptly depicts, in a characteristic attitude and 
environment, a quaint and beautiful species. Whether kept in a 
cage or an aviary, they should have grass to squat amongst, in the 
aviary they will favour a bank if there be one, and choose small 
bare patches amid tallish grass as their squatting ground ; thus seen 
whether basking in the sun, or dozing, or foraging amid the grass 
for small insects, or paying visits to the seed-hoppers they are most 
interesting and beautiful objects. Though somewhat lethargic 
within tlie limits of a cage, they are nevertheless objects of interest 
especially if their cage be a long one (it need be neither deep nor 
high) and furnished with a patch of turf at each end. They thrive 
on the usual seeds, flowering grass and an occasional insect. 
A sketchy description of their attractive plumage is dark 
grey on the upper surface, rich chocolate-brown on the breast and 
abdomen, with the breast and sides of body barred with whi^e ; eye- 
region and chin also white; bill, legs and feet red. 
Correspondence. 
QUAIL HYBRIDS. 
Sir, — It may be of some interest to our members if I record 
the rearing of thirteen hybrid quails in one of my aviaries this 
summer. 
An odd cock Squamata Quail mated with an odd Calif orn- 
ian, they duly nested and reared two broods, nine and four chicks 
respectively. The Squamata did most of the " mothering." 
They are now quite grown up, and are through the moult, and 
have become very handsome birds. 
The cocks have the band underneath the throat, which 
is black in the Californian, a pale grey, the back of the }iead; is 
also of this colour. The breast has the chocolate marking as in 
the Californian, but the barring is blue-grey as in the Squamata. 
The hens also favour the Californian in colour, but are 
brighter . 
These hybrids are certainly very striking and iiaiidsome birds. 
I do not think this cross has been previously reared, if so, 
will the breeder kindly give particulars? 
Beyers' House, Westbury. VVM. SHOKE BAILY. 
Wilts, October 22, 1912. 
