190 A. Ezra—Further Notes on the White-fronted Bee-eater


strangely beautiful, and somehow almost prehistoric in the silent

surroundings where not a bird’s note was to be heard.


On reading this paper through, I fear I have not presented

Cassowaries as favourably as I intended or they deserve. However,

I have written chiefly of two only out of many individuals and species

which have been under my care for longer or shorter periods. I can

thoroughly recommend them to those who are able to give the necessary

accommodation to such large birds, although under these conditions

they can never to so interesting as say in a camp wandering about

free. They are not difficult to keep if they have a little warmth in the

winter, nor are they expensive to feed, but they cannot stand damp

cold. So fond am I of these birds that at one time I seriously

considered settling in some Eastern island where I could keep and

breed them.


(To be continued.)



FURTHER NOTES ON THE WHITE-FRONTED


BEE-EATER


(Melittofhagus bullockoides )


By A. Ezra, O.B.E.


This beautiful Bee-eater, which figured in the January number

of the Avicultural Magazine of 1927, was brought over by Mr. Webb,

the well-known collector, in June, 1926. In all five specimens were

landed in perfect condition. Two of these went to Captain Stokes

and the remaining three were secured by me. I need not describe

the bird as the coloured drawing by Boland Green in the January

number of the Magazine of 1927 shows him off perfectly. I do not

think this species has ever been imported before, and great credit is

due to Mr. Webb for landing these delicate birds in such wonderful

condition. When I first saw them at Gamage’s shop, I must admit,

I was frightened of them as I did not think they would do in captivity,

so did not buy them. I soon changed my mind when I saw the two



