J. M. Grant-Ives—Ornamental Pheasant Society



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In another aviary Ribbon Finches, Bengalese, Silverbills, and

Combassons seem all great friends together. The Ribbon Finches are

mildly interested in boxes under cover, and when the sun shines inspect

those in the open. The little courting song fades out, however, as soon

as Jupiter Pluvius again obscures the landscape.


Amongst the birds the Blue Ribbon must be awarded to a pair of

Diamond Doves. Seldom have I met such fine examples of constancy

and endurance. They have a house and small wire enclosure to them¬

selves. They made their nest in an old wire sponge basket, which has

been attached to the wire netting, holding seeding grasses. No box

or tray under cover appealed to them, though the house is open to the

air on one side. Through all the stormy nights and driving rain this

pair have taken it in turn to cover the eggs. The two sitting together

when the weather was worst. They have reared two fine youngsters.

Needless to say, we provided shelter lest the nest should be swamped.



ORNAMENTAL PHEASANT SOCIETY


By J. M. Grant-Ives


The autumn and winter bird shows will soon be with us. The

O.P.S. have launched a campaign in connection with these. The

Committee feels that the very best way to bring Ornamental Pheasants

before the public is to show them at the big centres. We have had

many difficulties to surmount, one of the most difficult being the

provision of suitable show pens, and also baskets for the transport

to and fro.


We have now purchased some thirty specially designed pens, and

many baskets: these have cost us a considerable sum of money, but

we are confident the outlay will be merited.


The O.P.S. has met with the greatest courtesy from the Committees

of all the shows concerned. We shall during the next few months be

showing Pheasants at Glasgow, Bradford, Doncaster, Newport, Norwich,

Nottingham, Bristol, and London. In all cases the O.P.S. have been

permitted to appoint their own judges, and M. Delacour has promised



