Feathered Choristers



133



O.P.S. I suggest lie imports some Lady Amhersts from their native

China. They are badly wanted over here. It is pitiable to see the

number of so-called pure Amhersts which are being sold in this country.

Ninety per cent are not pure. It is a pity that the male bird of this

graceful Pheasant becomes so vicious in the breeding season and often

ends in cold-blooded murder. But no collection is complete without

this bird. If proper care is taken during the breeding time casualties

will be considerably lessened.


The breeding season will soon be with us. By the time these notes

are in print we shall be gathering eggs from the Elliot and Peacock

Pheasants, the first to lay. The Peacock Pheasant is a truly delightful

little bird, very hardy, most graceful, and very tractable. But beware,

my friends. Do not give him more than one hen and do not put other

Pheasants with him at other times of the year. If you do, you have

signed their death warrant. I do not recommend Firebacks to

beginners. I see Mr. Lambert gives this same advice in Cage Birds.


I hope the Editor will not think I have taken up too much of her

valuable space.


I w*ill finish up by wishing all my fellow fanciers the best of luck

for 1936. I hope if any members of the O.P.S. happen to be up this

way that they will come and visit my collection, which I believe is the

best in this country.


[Captain Scott-Hopkins intended this article for publication in

February, when, unfortunately, it was crowded out. Unless this fact

is borne in mind some of his remarks will seem inappropriate to the

present season.— Ed.]



FEATHERED CHORISTERS


Translated from the Hamburger Nachrichten of 4th January,

by Mrs. K. Drake, there is the following report:—■


“ In the vicinity of Sacramento in California there stands on a hill

the Chapel of St. Paul, visible from afar. Men and women come there

to perform their devotions ; but also the peculiar choir of this church



