328 E. Valentine—Breeding of Goodfellows Blue-headed Parrot Finch


To-day (16th September), there is very little trace of blue on the

head, the general colour is still dull, the red in the tail is still rusty,

the same applies to the tail-coverts.


The tails are much shorter than those of the old birds.


From first they left the nest, until a fortnight ago I had to drive the

young birds into the shelter each night. During the day they passed

much of their time indoors, but always selected the most exposed part

of the aviary in which to roost.


The weather during August was fine and warm and the youngsters

went on famously, never giving me any cause for anxiety.


I was able to get a good supply of live ants’ eggs and wasp grub,

of which they are extremely fond.


Until the youngsters had become well established I never really

looked for the nest they had been hatched in, and for a long time thought

a parrakeet box had been used, now I find a wooden Keston Finch nest

had been the one selected.


In passing, I may say I find these most useful, but cannot under¬

stand why my birds do not take to the wire ones. They appear to

think they are only receptacles for nesting materials and empty same as

quickly as possible.


I am afraid these rambling notes are far too long, and tiresome,

so I must bring them to a close.


In doing so, I must say my Goodfellows have provided me with

an interesting and pleasing experience.



CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.


DR. E. SPRAWSON AND HIS EXPERIENCES WITH AMHERST


COCKS


Madam, —I have read Dr. Sprawson’s notes on his successes during the

years 1936 and 1937 with great interest. I have every respect for his knowledge

on Pheasant keeping, as I am well aware of the fact that he is an experienced

and most thorough fancier, but I must always draw my sword (in this case

my pen !) when I read disparaging remarks about the marvellous Lady

Amherst Pheasant. Surely Dr. Sprawson must have an exceptionally ferocious

male bird ? I have kept hundreds of these birds and it is very rare to find such

a bully as Dr. Sprawson tells us about. I have in my mind at this moment eight

distinguished phasianists, all of whom regularly rear Amhersts and I seldom



