88



Correspondence



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.


THE CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW


In some respects this year’s show of foreign birds was less interesting than

that of last year, for although there were some outstanding exhibits, it seemed

to us that the variety of species was more restricted in one or two classes.

Nevertheless, it can only be said that such a show is a supremely good one.


As last year, the star turn was provided by a Humming-Bird, Mr. Ezra’s

lovely Waterton’s Wood-Nymph, a species still rare in museum collections

and in Gould’s day known only from the type specimen. A Short-tailed Ant-

thrush was perhaps the most interesting bird we saw, while a female Hart-

laub’s Spotted Waxbill, of the Southern race which ranges from Natal to

Mombasa, and therefore the first to be imported, afforded undoubtedly a

great surprise. Mrs. Pearse’s handsome Abeille’s Grosbeak, although a fine

bird, is perhaps less striking than the more northern Evening Grosbeak ;

several examples have lately been imported from Canada, none of which

were shown. We noticed a fine specimen of Rothschild’s Grackle and the

Paradise Birds were well represented, in particular by the Lesser Superb

and more than one Wilson’s. There were two Cocks-of-the-Rock, we venture

to think a somewhat overrated bird in captivity, for the curious habits it

indulges in in its native fastness are by no means apparent in confinement,

while its shape can scarcely be called elegant. Among the Tanagers we were

delighted to see the rare Calliste Boliviana for the first time, and the less

uncommon, though more beautiful, Calliste vieilloti, also shown last year,

likewise Mr. Maxwell’s old black and red Phlogothraupis sanguinolenta.

There were more than one pair of Purple Sugar-Birds and of the Sun-Birds

the rarest were the Senegal Scarlet-chested and Mombasa Collared, both in

fine condition. The Kenya Malachite was slightly disfigured by some white

wing-feathers. Among the Parrots Mr. Maxwell’s pair of Banksian Cockatoos

took a well-deserved prize, and Mr. Ezra’s Princess of Wales Parrakeets

were very lovely. In conclusion we have only space to mention a wonderful

pair of Eclectus Parrots and an equally beautiful Green-winged Shining

Parrakeet, as well as a pair of New-Hebridean Kingfishers in perfect condition.


A. C.



