Correspondence



139



which grass was very scarce, the young left the nest not properly

fledged.


It seems to me, therefore, that the solution of the problem is either

to supply ample quantities of lawn grass cuttings, or to have the aviary

so stocked that the numbers of birds would never be sufficient to

destroy the grass growing there. By so doing, the parent birds would

be able to obtain from the grass sufficient nourishment to complete

the diet necessary to rear the young in perfect condition.


G. Rowland Hutchinson.



IMPORTATIONS OF RARE BIRDS


The enterprising firm of Chapmans, Ltd. (24 Tottenham Court

Road, W.), has recently imported two notable collections of birds,

one from Abyssinia, the other from Mexico. The former included

some rare Starlings, Crowned (Galeopsar salvadorii), White-capped

(Heteropsar albicapillus), Amethyst, Royal, and Superb Spreo ; also

Donaldson’s Touraco and Dinemelli’s Weavers. The Mexican collection

contained Swainson’s and Blue Jays, Clarinos, Mocking Birds, Nonpareil

and Rainbow Buntings, Red Cardinals, and the rare Thick-billed

Cardinals and others. A very fine collection and all in good condition.


Such collections as these have been few and far between lately,

but the fact that they seem to have sold well is an indication of continued

or perhaps renewed interest in Aviculture in spite of the present economic

conditions. Aviculturists are as keen as ever, though they may not

be able to pay the prices they would formerly have given for rare

birds.



PRESERVING DUNGENESS


Most of our members, in addition to being aviculturists are keen

bird protectionists, and while they do not agree with some of the

sentiments, inspired by ignorance, of certain well-meaning but misguided

persons who profess to see cruelty in any captive creature, they are most

anxious that everything possible should be done to protect wild species

that are threatened. Many species which formerly frequented and

bred in our country have disappeared while others are in danger.



