N. Nicholson—Trials of an Aviculturist



209



whence the noise appears to come, and rarely put up the bird. Each

pair selects its own beat, setting up, frequently during the day, the

challenge note ; and woe betide any other Partridge that encroaches

on the forbidden ground ! They both set on him at once and buffet

him without mercy till he takes to his heels. This pugnacious pro¬

pensity often meets, as perhaps it deserves to do, with an evil fate.

The Chinese fowler listens for the challenge and sets on the disputed

hill a trap with a caged decoy within. The decoy is trained, and sets

up a reply. The lord and lady of the manor rush to the spot, and run

recklessly into the trap and are caught. The captives are taken to

the market and sold as cage-birds, the Chinese having a great love

for the horrible screeching cry that this bird is incessantly sending

forth.”


I do not think that this species has been previously bred in

confinement in Great Britain.


[According to Dr. Hopkinson’s Records the species was bred in

Paris in 1868.—Ed.]



TRIALS OF AN AVICULTURIST

THE AMERICAN BLUEBIRD (SI ALIA SIALIS )


By N. Nicholson


So much having been written of this species in the past that I feel

that, in relating my experiences, there may be a possibility of trespassing

on the space of our magazine. However, I will leave this to the

discretion of our worthy Editor.


Towards the end of March my hen Bluebird, which I had wintered

indoors (the climate in this particular district being anything but

genial), showed unmistakable signs of wanting to nest. The cock

Bluebird, who had wintered indoors also along with the hen, clearly

showed that he was not averse to sharing in the good work. The

hen shuffled round in the corner of her large flight cage and, upon

being given some moss, was not long in conveying to me that she was

intent on the propagation of her species. The cock frequently fed

the hen, which I knew was a good sign.



