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Denys Weston—Chester Zoological Gardens



Darwin’s and Great-billed Rheas the latter the form R. americana,

much darker than the common Grey Rhea. On the ponds there are

Ashy-headed, Andean, Blue-winged, and other rare Geese ; Eiders,

Crested Mergansers, Steamer Ducks, and two of the rarest species of

Ducks—the Crested Duck ( Anas cristata) and the Andean Teal

(A. oxyptera).


In the Bird House one sees some very rare Weavers and Whydahs,

three Egyptian Plovers (. Pluvianus ), Birds of Paradise, a tame Wood¬

cock, many Humming-birds, several in perfect condition, three species

of Mannakin, a large Cotinga (Pyroderus scutatus ), but the real treasures

are two pairs of very pretty little Lorikeets ( Psitteuteles iris ) and

Parrot Finches (Chlorum microrhyncha).


I am afraid that the above lines give a very inadequate idea of the

wealth of the Berlin Zoo. Any bird lover visiting Germany ought not

to miss the chance of admiring this wonderful establishment, which

has been organized and still is most ably managed by Dr. L. Heck

and his son.



THE CHESTER ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS


By Denys Weston


Nothing has given me greater pleasure during the last few years

than to see the growth of several provincial Zoological Gardens. The

thought that most bird lovers must share my penchant for other

animals than birds has prompted me to describe one of the latest

additions : I refer to the Chester Zoo.


Passing through Cheshire I called upon Mr. J. G. Lightfoot, a late

Director of this deservedly popular Institution, and it is to him that

I am indebted for help in compiling this article.


These delightful Gardens, situated at Upton by Chester, lie about

2J miles from Chester and are open daily, including Sundays, from

10 a.m. until dark, motor buses passing the entrance. The road is

well signposted for motorists, and I found no difficulty in finding my

way from the lucid directions given me by Mr. Lightfoot.


After passing the entrance lodge, there is ample room in the free

car park both for cars and charabancs, and a pleasant shaded walk



