Monthly 
Letter-Box. 
THE BIRD WORLD. 
(113) 
Polly. 
Our Letter Box. 
To* the Editor of The Bird World, 154, Fleet Street, 
London, England. 
Sir, — I am sending you the photos, of my two 
parrots, Polly and Jimmy, which you said you 
would like to have for your paper when I wrote to 
you about them—now so long ago that it is scarcely 
likely you will remember, but this I am chancing. 
The delay was first caused by the illness of my 
young friend who wished to snapshot Polly. Not 
being able to take her in the open air, it has not 
been a success; but still, I send you two of them; 
they are too dark. As these did not succeed, I 
decided to take Polly to a professional photo¬ 
grapher’s, where the light would be good. She 
behaved admirably, and I send you two of these. 
Jimmy, being in England with friends, had 
to be photographed there. It seems she be¬ 
haved shamefully, and could only be taken 
in her cage. My friends are intensely fond 
of her, and think her very clever, but she is 
not to be compared with Polly for intelligence. 
Polly is a marvel, and everyone finds her so. Both 
Parrots are, and have always been, in splendid 
health. Besides the usual seed in their cages, they 
share all meals, and have all the food served at 
table—'tea, coffee, chocolate, bread, butter, jam, 
soups, meats, vegetables, puddings, cake, etc., etc., 
and they both know the hours of meals and know 
if there is anything on table they have not had a 
share of, and let one know. 
Fresh stone fruit is the only thing that disagrees 
with Polly, therefore she does not have it. Their 
feathers are always in splendid condition, and their 
spirits the highest—exuberant, one may call them— 
especially Polly’s; she is of a more lively and 
passionate nature than Jimmy. Extreme care in 
cleanliness and freedom from cold and draughts 
seem most important. I have had Polly 17 years 
and Jimmy 10 years. 
With best wishes for Christmas and the New 
Year.—Yours truly, 
Lina Felicite Langlands. 
Villa la Favorita, Tour de Peitz, 
Vaud, Switzerland. 
To the Editor of The Bird World, 154, Fleet Street, 
London, England. 
Sir, —I have often come across a plea urged 
in favour of the destruction of uncommon 
birds, that such cannot by any possibility breed 
here. Even if this were absolutely correct, it would 
be no reason for destroying birds which many would 
be glad to study in life. But it is not a sound argu¬ 
ment in itself, for there are many recorded cases 
of birds extending their range naturally, and breed¬ 
ing in countries new to them. Thus, the Magpie 
is known to have established itself in Ireland in 
quite recent times. The Sand-Grouse also bred 
here during their last incursion into Europe. 
Fair Play. 
Jimmy. 
