J. Delacour—American Aviculture



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There are also on Long Island two interesting establishments :

the American branch of the well-known German firm, Louis Ruhe,

where many rare animals and larger birds are kept in pens and

heated stables (the smaller birds are in shops in New York City),

and Mr. Frank Buck’s Zoological Park. Mr. Buck’s name, of “ Bring

them back alive ” fame, is popular all over the world. But before

becoming a cinema star, he had been for many years a most skilful

and successful collector and importer of animals and birds. Many

of the rare specimens which have adorned American zoos during the

last thirty years have been “ brought alive ” by him. But Mr. Frank

Buck’s recent Holy wood fame has not spoiled him ; he is just as affable,

kind, and unassuming a person as can be found anywhere. He has

recently acquired a large wooded tract of land and converted it into

a show place for animals and birds. Installations are simple, but

excellent. Besides a wonderful collection of large mammals, there are

very good Pheasants, Waders, and Waterfowl, and also nice small

birds. Many of the specimens are for sale, so that the collection is

continually being renewed.


There is a small zoo in the heart of the city of New York, in

Central Park. It has been recently rebuilt in the most attractive way.

There are only a few birds, kept in a large house, but the mammal

collection is good and well shown.


In different parts of the town one finds bird shops. That of Louis

Ruhe is the largest and the best. They sell mostly birds from Europe,

India, Abyssinia, etc., but also some from Central America,

Venezuela, and Colombia, which rarely come to us nowadays.

Otherwise there is usually less choice than in our European shores,

and prices are higher as a rule.


There is no proper zoo in Boston, but in one of the suburban parks,

a very fine bird-house, of Japanese style, has been recently erected, as

well as a large outdoor flight. There are a few interesting birds, but

many more common ones.


The Philadelphia Zoo, the oldest in America, shows signs of age,

and is soon to be rebuilt. The big bird-house, of the usual type, contains

some very good birds, including Birds of Paradise.


Not far from that city, Mrs. Wikoff Smith and her daughters hay.e



