Parrakeets. A Handbook to the Imported Species

Abstract

MR. SETH-SMITH'S valuable monograph of the imported species of parrakeets is now complete, and forms a handsome, well-proportioned volume. Scientifically speaking, there is no distinction between a “parrot” and a “parrakeet,” the latter word being merely a popular term used for the smaller parrots. It cannot be applied to any particular family, or to those species with long or short tails. The title of this work must therefore be interpreted in the sense in which it is generally used by aviculturists. The work treats of about 130 species belonging to the families Loriidæ, Cacatuidæ, and Psittacidæ (subfamilies Nasiterninæ, Conurinæ, Palæornithinæ, and Platycercinæ). No less than thirty-three species are represented on the beautifully executed coloured plates, and there are more than a score of illustrations in the text, chiefly illustrating the nesting and other habits. Moreover, the author has been careful to indicate the work or works in which a coloured illustration of those species not figured by him may be found. Full and most useful directions as to feeding and managing the different species are given, as well as for breeding those species which have reared, or are likely to rear, their young with us. It is also pointed out which species are most suitable for large aviaries, arid which are more adapted for smaller cages. The whole book throughout is most readable and instructive. For as well as all worth reproduction which has been written about the different species in captivity, the author has collected from the folios of Gould, Mr. A. J. Campbell's “Nests and Eggs of Australian Birds,” Dr. Mivart's “Monograph of the Loriidæ,” and many other works a great deal that has been written about the life-history and habits of the birds in a wild state, so that his work forms an excellent history of these beautiful birds, and is alike interesting to the field naturalist and the aviculturist.

Parrakeets. A Handbook to the Imported Species.

By David Seth-Smith Pp. xix + 281; with 20 coloured plates and other illustrations. (London: R. H. Porter, 1903.) Price 40s. net.