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Practical Hints on Gouldian Finches



all the newspapers to the effect that another American bird had followed

the way of the Passenger Pigeon and the Carolina Parrakeet. This

was the Heath Hen (Tympanuchus cupido ), a species of American

Grouse which was formerly very common in the Hew England States,

a few being still left on the island known as Martha's Vineyard off

the coast of Hew York. This bird has been highly protected for

several years by the U.S.A. Government. However, in February this

year an odd cock has again turned up which is believed to be the sole

living representative of a once prolific species.


A few years ago the American people, with a few exceptions, laughed

at the idea of artificially protecting their native birds, but now they

have swung to the other extreme and are protecting birds that do not

need it and which are really vermin.



PRACTICAL HINTS ON GOULDIAN FINCHES


The Gouldian Finch ( Poephila gouldice) is a truly wonderful little

bird from the northern parts of Australia. From time to time it is

imported freely into Europe but, although ready enough to breed

in captivity, very few aviculturists have been really successful in

keeping it for any great length of time through lack of knowledge

of its requirements. Mr. Teague has taken great pains to find out just

what conditions are necessary to ensure success with this delightful

bird, and his article, published first in the Avicultural Magazine

for May, 1932, contains so many useful hints that I asked him to allow

the Avicultural Society to reprint it in pamphlet form, as by widely

circulating such information it should be possible to save many

Gouldians that might otherwise be lost. Mr. Teague at once gave his

consent, and I feel sure that all who admire this lovely species will

owe him a debt of gratitude.


The pamphlet is issued with a coloured plate showing both the red-

and black-headed phase, and will be found most useful by all who

keep foreign Finches. The price is Is. Id. post free from our publishers.



D. Seth-Smith.



