150 S. Porter—Experiences of an Amateur Importer of Foreign Birds


and chew up Iodine Nibbles faster almost than any other birds in the

collection. My four are at present living in a flight cage and agree well

together. They are all exceedingly alike in appearance but, as museum

skins show practically no sex difference in plumage, I am hoping

that I may have at least one true pair, as two preen each other’s

feathers in an affectionate way.


My birds bathe quite freely, but ignore the sleeping boxes with

which I provided them and which in consequence have now been

removed.


In saying that the Dwarf Parrots’ voices resemble those of Lorikeets

I ought, in fairness, to add, “ in their more restrained moments.”

They make themselves heard, it is true, but do not, as far as I have yet

observed, ever indulged in anything approaching the ear-piercing noises

of which Swainson’s are so fond.


The flight is swift and direct, the wings being pointed and rather

short.



SOME EXPERIENCES AS AN AMATEUR

IMPORTER OF FOREIGN BIRDS


By Sydney Pouter


While realizing that there are fellow members who are in a very

much better position to write on this subject than I am, it might be

of some little interest to give some of my personal experiences as an

amateur importer of foreign birds mainly for my own aviaries.


At first one is liable to be over enthusiastic ; one hears that such

and such a bird can be bought in its native habitat for a matter of 5s.

or so, while its market value over in this country (England) is perhaps

£10. Well, it all sounds very easy to get someone to send the birds

on in charge of the butcher on a certain ship ; to be at the docks

when the birds arrive and carry one’s treasures home, saving at least

£8 or £9 on the transaction. It may sound all right according to theory,

but take it from me, you will find it far cheaper in the end to purchase

your birds from a reputable dealer or collector in London than import



