340 The Marquess of Tavistock—Breeding Results of 1938


species has not very often been bred in the Gardens. The very beautiful

Scarlet-chested (N. splendida) has been a very prolific breeder in recent

seasons and four or five breeding pairs are on exhibition as well as a

good many of their progeny.


The Pacific Island Parrakeets on view are two male Norfolk Island

(Cyanorhampus cooki). For a short time a pair of Yellow-fronted New

Zealands (C. auriceps ) were on view, but unfortunately they did not

survive long. A pair of the very unusual looking and rare Uvean

Parrakeets (Nymphicus uvaensis) have just lately been acquired.

The Swift Parrakeet (Lathamus discolor ), that queer brush-tongued,

honey feeding bird which is, nevertheless, said not to be a Lorikeet,

is only represented by a single specimen. The ubiquitous Budgerigar

(Melopsittacus undulatus) is, of course, represented, as also are several

of the common colour varieties.


Last, but not least, is the rarest Parrot in the collection, a single

example of the Ground Parrakeet (Pezoporus wallicus) obtained nearly

a year ago by exchange. It is in excellent condition and quite tame ;

though often stated not to have the power of either perching or

climbing, this bird has frequently been seen to climb several feet from

the ground and perch in a small bush growing in its enclosure. It is

much to be hoped that a mate can be procured for it. Its nearest

ally, the Night Parrakeet (Geopsittacus occidentalism is considered by

many to be extinct.


E. and F.—The Opopsittidse (Fig Parrots) and Stringopidae (Owl

Parrots) are not represented in the collection.



BREEDING RESULTS OF 1938


By The Marquess of Tavistock


Unless visited by some quite abnormal catastrophe, the owner of

a large collection of Parrakeets, if he manages his stock properly, should

never experience a really bad season ; on the other hand X, the evil

spirit who specializes in blasting the hopes of aviculturalists, will take

good care to make sure that he never has as good a one as he hopes

for ! On the whole, however, in spite of X being in his usual form,



