Correspondence



279



to be able to report that over 90 per cent of our original members

have renewed their subscriptions and this, surely, gives some indication

that members have been satisfied with our efforts. A very pleasing

feature of the steady influx of new members is that fanciers are joining

from all quarters of the globe : Japan, New Zealand, South Africa,

Australia, and Canada are all well represented now. We were always

anxious that our Society should be world-wide and our ambition is

being fulfilled. America has now her own Society and naturally we

cannot expect many new members from that great country, but we

were all delighted to know that the Society had been formed, although

may I dare to add that we were rather proud of the fact that we were

first in the field.


Interest in ornamental pheasants is increasing at a most happy

rate and, as an instance or perhaps I should say proof of this, it is

interesting to know that at least two well-known manufacturers of

small bird aviaries are now turning their attention to special pheasant

aviaries, these are being designed primarily for pheasants although

provision is made for those who may care to keep small birds as well.


Within the next few months it is quite likely that we shall launch

an intensive campaign. This may sound very militarist but we

intend to be forceful. The Committee feel that there are dozens of

public parks and zoos which do not at present keep ornamental pheasants.

We are going to do our utmost to persuade the authorities of such

parks to keep a few pheasants, we may even arrange to supply them

with a few cocks in order to stimulate their interest. So I think the

O.P.S. is progressing steadily towards the goal for which we were

founded, viz. to foster and increase the interest of our public in orna¬

mental pheasants.


CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.


I visited recently a friend who has a small collection of Parrot-like birds

and little room for movable aviaries. He had tiled floors for the flights, a

little sand being thrown down under the perches for the sake of greater

cleanliness. The effect was very pleasing ; the birds looked well and had

a good health record and the tiles were cheaper than cement.


Tavistock.


When I kept birds my shelters had tiled floors and I fully agree with

Lord Tavistock as to their convenience and pleasant appearance.—E. F. C.



