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Correspondence



have appeared, the latest of these from the pen of Mr. Denys Weston,

than whom no one that we know of is better suited for the task, for

he has studied Budgerigars and their colour-breeding for many years

past. On the subject of breeding he quite rightly advocates the outdoor

aviary with a good dry shelter, and not too much glass, but we disagree

with his statement that “ what glass is used should be Vita-glass ”,

which, in our opinion, is no better and no worse than any other glass

for this purpose, because no advantage is gained by attempting to

admit more ultra-violet rays to the shelter when the birds can fly in

the open flight and their nestlings are hidden in boxes, so the

additional expense may well be saved. Winter breeding the

author rightly, we think, discourages, but we should like to

know his authority for stating that “ Swallows migrate in sex

flocks ” ; and if they did so, that does not prove that Budgerigars do

the same. And what proof has he that wild Budgerigars have but two

nests in the year ? Greene said so, but without quoting his authority.

Campbell tells us that the breeding months are from August to

December, but then he mentions young in July, and further, that in

the Interior “ they sometimes breed during the winter ”. But these

are minor points, and we can very heartily recommend Mr. Weston’s

book as a sound and practical guide to the successful keeping, breeding,

and exhibition of Budgerigars, the treatment of their ailments, and

their correct mating to produce the various colours desired. It is,

attractively produced, with a very nice coloured illustration on the

cover and, at the price, 2s., it is within the reach of everybody. It is

published by Cage Birds, 4 Carmelite Street, E.C. 4.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.


I was very much interested in E. J. Boosey’s article on the

Blue-winged Grass Parrakeet, and I see that he mentions about an

eye disease that is easily contracted by these birds. Whilst my

experience with Parrakeets is practically nil, I should like Mr. Boosey

to describe this disease. Eye disease called Xeropthalmia, is very

rampant in various species of Softbills, and fruit-eating species, and is



