Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 3 (1899).djvu/343

Rh well stocked. Two beautiful Boat-billed Herons (Canchroma cochlearia) sat on their respective perches, one bird having the feathers at the base of the bill a delicate lemon-yellow, the other bird having the same feathers white. Photodilus badius sat sleepily on its perch, gazing on the spectator with all the dignity expected of an Owl which unites in the anatomy of its skull the characters of the Strigidæ and Bubonidæ. The glossy Starlings were well represented by the West African Juida ænea, with its long tail; Lamprotomis chalybea, metallic green; L. nitens, a lovely bird with bright bluish reflections on side of breast; and the yet more lovely L. aurata, metallic greenish blue all over head and breast, with metallic purple reflections under chin, and green wings and tail. The smaller birds included the Estrelata cærulescens, of an exquisitely delicate bluish grey, with crimson lores and under tail-coverts. The collection of Parrots was very comprehensive, and contained the rare Hawk-billed Parrot (Deroptynus accipitrinus). The Cockatoos were lively and in fine voice, screeching furiously and unitedly to form a most unmelodious concert. The Parrotlets were represented by the pretty little Psittacula galgula, with green plumage, varied by the yellow on the nape of the neck and the crimson of the throat and upper tail-coverts. The Kiwis (Apteryx mantelli and A. oweni) slept snugly under their straw, till I was able to induce the keeper to dislodge them for me to photograph. Cranes were represented in great variety, and amongst other allied birds I noted were the Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath), the Straw-necked Ibis (Ibis spinicollis), and the White Egret, so shamefully persecuted for its plumes, which now everywhere (including, I am sorry to say, Holland and Belgium) adorn women's hats under the name of "aigrettes." In an adjoining aviary was a beautiful Rose-coloured Pastor (Pastor roseus), and several Bower-birds. I was much interested to hear the vocal performance of the Parson-bird (Prosthemadera novæ-zealandiæ), consisting of a few musical notes followed by a harsh clanking sound. The extensive list of birds of prey included the American Black Vulture (Catharista atrata) and the Fishing Owl (Ketupa ceylonensis).

The Aquarium was a splendid building, the interior being very fine. Perhaps the prettiest tank was one full of large Gold-fish of a fiery red, contrasting well with the sanded floor and the delicate green Vallisneria plants. The tanks faced each other; on one side of the hall were the marine tanks, on the other fresh-water fish were exhibited. In the marine series I may mention the viviparous Blennies (Zoarces viviparus), crowded together at the bottom of their tank in dozens; Herrings (Clupea harengus) in multitudes; a huge grey Wolf-fish (Anarrhichas lupus), its great jaws almost touching the glass; and some small Sturgeons (Acipenser sturio) of different sizes. Three Silurus (Silurus glanis), each about five feet long, were shown in a tank of fresh water. The room at the end of the Aquarium