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J. Delacour—American Aviculture



a fine collection. There is a very good series of Pheasants, some Water-

fowl, Parrakeets, and small birds. Several cages and aviaries, in the

pretty winter garden adjoining the house, are inhabited by Australian

and other Finches, Mynahs, Cissas, Orioles, and several other interesting

species. In the extensive grounds, one sees also a beautiful and large

kennel and many pens for Bantams and domestic Pigeons. Mrs. Smith’s

collection is one of the best private ones in the country.


A few miles out of Washington, at Rockville, Maryland, Mr. C.

Denley owns the oldest and one of the finest collections of Pheasants

in America. His name, experience, and kindness are known the world

over to Game-bird amateurs. The climate of Maryland is not so severe

in the winter as that of New England, although still considerably

colder than that of England and Northern France. But summers are

extremely hot, so that precautions must be taken to keep the mountain

species as cool as possible. However, Mr. Denley has been for many

years very successful in breeding practically all sorts of Pheasants,

including Argus and Tragopans. His pheasantry covers a large piece

of ground, and there are many dozens of pens, some being heated

during the cold season. I noticed two curious cock hybrid Tragopans

(Satyr X Blyth’s) with bright green faces quite intermediate between

the yellow of the Blyth’s and the blue of the Satyr.


Between Philadelphia and Washington, Mr. W. J. Mackensen’s

farm, at Yardley, is also interesting. There, several species of

Pheasants, including Mikados, and of Waterfowl, are reared

every year.


The Washington Zoo is situated in a beautifully hilly and wooded

park, very picturesque. Ten years ago it contained much of interest,

but the different installations were old and sometimes inadequate.

To-day, it is quickly becoming one of the best equipped zoos in the

world. A large and fine reptile house has been erected, while marvellous

buildings for large mammals (Elephants, Hippos, Rhinos, and Cattle)

and a beautiful small mammal house are almost ready to be opened.

The new bird house is very large and good ; it includes several long

galleries, luxuriously fitted, and a very fine central flying cage. The

largest gallery consists of a wide central space for the public with

aviaries all round, separated by plate glass, a process far superior to



