Correspondence



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richest deep red colour. There is no doubt that the hot, moist atmosphere

suits them ; the house is thoroughly sprayed with tepid water twice a day,

which keeps it damp and moist.


G. H. Gurney.


[M. Delacour was the first to start a Tropical house, which is really a stove-

house, with tropical vegetation in a very moist atmosphere, which is kept at

a temperature of between 70° and 80° F. The Tropical House in the

Zoological Gardens has proved a great success, though the vegetation has

suffered somewhat from the presence of a large species of cockroach, a relic

of the time when the house was given up to tortoises. The health of the birds

is superb, and their plumage keeps perfect. For tropical insectivorous birds—

Honey-eaters, Sugar-birds, Pittas, and such-like—the conditions of a Tropical

house are ideal.— Ed.]



SUNBIRDS


It has been my pleasure at one time or another to have in my collection

several Sunbirds, as they are always great favourites of mine. All are

exceedingly handsome creatures, and if kept under proper conditions are

long-lived and a source of joy to their owners. I give pride of place to the

Malachite, the largest of the family. It is a beautiful emerald green, with

a tuft of yellow on each side of the breast which, however, is only seen when

the bird is resting. The central tail feathers are prolonged and much longer

than the rest. Pen and brush alike fail to do justice to the extreme beauty

and coloration of this wonderful species and therefore no word of mine can

convey the contour of this glorious gem of the avian world ; it must be seen

for its beauty to be appreciated. When seen in the sunlight the feathers

glisten with radiant hues, now golden, now bronze, and now shining green.


Another bird I have kept with success is the Purple Sunbird, all glittering

purple of different shades as you view it from different angles. I have found

this species a very good songster. Closely related is the White-breasted

Sunbird, which has a purple back but is white on the breast. Then I have

also had the Double-collared Sunbird, a glorious creature, silky bronze in

colour with two golden bands around its neck.


I have always found Sunbirds do best if kept in a large flight cage, but

no doubt they would do well if allowed to fly loose in an indoor aviary or

tropical house ; but I am sure they are not suited for outside aviaries as the

sudden changes in our climate are too much for them. A large flight cage,

tastefully decorated with small natural twigs, and flowers when possible,

and, given the right food, they will live long and happily and be a source

of joy to their owner. Various methods of feeding have been adopted, but

I have found the following the best: To a cup of boiling water add one

teaspoonful of Horlick’s Malted Milk and the same quantity of sugar. Twice

a week a little honey may be added. I am sure many Sunbirds have a short

fife because the syrup is made too strong. Sweet grapes and a small piece

of banana are all helpful, as well as small flies, but if they show the least sign

of over-fatness stop the fruit supply. I have found that Sunbirds can stand

the cold when once acclimatized, but do much better with a little heat. Great

care must also be taken to see that their feet are clean, as they will loose

their claws if great care is not taken. Sunbirds are also great bathers and



