Walter Goodfellow—Some 'Reminiscences of a Collector 181



Agyrtria, Hylocharis, Chlorostilbon, Melanotrochilus , Eulampis, and

Polytmus.


The collection of stoves-plants growing in dry walls and beds,

and on trees, is quite interesting, and the more ornamental

species are represented. They grow luxuriantly, being thoroughly

wetted morning and evening. Of course, care must be taken that

perches do not overhang them too much and any soiled leaf be washed

every day ; but it is not really difficult to keep them clean if the

house is not overcrowded, which, of course, must be carefully avoided.


The condition of birds kept under such conditions is wonderful.

The newly arrived ones are always put in the warmer place for some

time. No matter how dirty and poor they may look at first, after a

few days they become clean and bright. So far, even weak and sick

ones have recovered quickly and losses are practically now extinct.

Two of my houses contain large deep pools, but I have never been

bothered with drowning accidents. The edge of the pools is, of course,

shallow all round, and care is always taken that newly arrived birds

with imperfect wings are not let out where there is deep water. But

with good fliers I never have had any trouble. I am glad to see that

several zoos and amateurs, particularly Mr. J. H. Gurney, are also

trying to keep birds in similar Tropical houses, and I am sure that

they will be very successful, both from the point of view of the condition

of birds and of the pleasure of seeing them in much prettier and more

natural surroundings than it has so far been the case with birds kept

indoors.


The Humming-birds, particularly, are doing beautifully and look

lovely under such conditions.



SOME REMINISCENCES OF A COLLECTOR


By Walter Goodfellow


At the request of the Editor I am trying to recall a few of the

bird pets I have had in days that are gone, hoping they may be of

interest to other bird-lovers.


Starting in the first instance as a collector of skins for museums



