208



Mrs. R. G. Ashby—Softbills



year I had a rare Livingstone’s Tonracon and a Blue-tailed Pitta,

but both caught colds at exhibitions and I lost them.


My only real achievement this year is the reproduction of freak

Budgerigars. I have a Cobalt hen with a white head and cobalt instead

of white wing markings. By mating her son to her I have already three

young all similarly marked, two cocks and one hen. I do not think

this has been done before.


May I hope that all our members will follow my example and give

us particulars of their birds ? Our mouths may water, but what of it ?



SOFTBILLS


By Mrs. B. 0. Ashby


The number of aviculturists who have never kept “ Softbills ” is

surprising. The mere mention of an insectivorous species seems to

frighten them. Although I have kept them for only a little over four

years, as long as I keep birds I shall have them. It is true they require

more attention than seed-eaters, but their tameness, even if all other

qualities are ignored, makes them most desirable. At present I have

about a dozen different species. The ease by which they may be kept

is clearly indicated in the case of my maid. She came to me some months

ago and had no knowledge of birds. I am able to go away most week¬

ends and have already had ten days’ holiday away from home. I do

not suggest that the birds receive quite the same attention as when I

am at home, nevertheless she manages them splendidly. In fact I feel

quite jealous at times for they seem to know her as well as they know

me. It is, therefore, with the object of persuading “ hardbill ”

enthusiasts to become “ softbill ” enthusiasts that these few hints are

written. They are solely the result of my own experiences.


There are, of course, some species which require much more attention

and experience than others. Nevertheless, many of the seemingly

“ difficult ” birds are, in fact, the easiest. My own “ bete noir ” is the

Festive Tanager. To emulate Mrs. Pearse in the breeding of them is

my ambition. Unfortunately I have never possessed other than newly

imported specimens.


With “ softbills ” the golden rule is cleanliness. Perches in



