To the Editor of the "Nonru-Cutxa Datey News"
Sin—With reference to Mu E. S. Wauxinson's, "Stray Notes" in your: newspaper today. In which he discusses a complaint from a friend to the effect that a pair of magpies which have built 'a nest in their garden appear {0 be driving all the other birds away, 1 would like to put a word for the magpies.
This morning, as T was reading the "Stray Notes" in question, there were three magpies on my lawn, five or six doves, a pair of masked hawfinches. several bulbuls and a couple of dozen oF so sparrows all feeding peaceably together. Later a couple of black birds turned up.
The magpies have a nest in a tall poplar tree in my neighbour's garden Overlooking my own garden, and they fare regular visitors to the latter all the year round, So far from the other birds being driven away. they fare actually increasing in this neighbourhood, mainly on account of the food T regularly put out, There is only one time in the year when the magpies become aggressive and chase the other birds. and that when their young have hatched Out and before they are old enough to leave their nest.
The only other birds with which the magpies seem to have a permanent "feud are the—azure-winged magpies, T think if Mr. Wrexrxson's friends will provide plenty of food for their bird visitors they will have no need to. complain that the magpies are driving them away. I scatter the food all over the lawn. which T find more satisfactory than placing it on a bitd-table, as I used to do. This Takes it possible for all the smaller birds to get their share even when the magpies are most truculent, Anrtur De C, Sowenay.
/Shangtiai, June 10, S.A.T.A, Hospital:
Good Work Being Hindered To the Editor of the "Nonru-Ciixa Darcy News"
Sim—Everyone who knows of the great work the Anti-Tuberculosis Association is doing {o combat the ravages of that terrible plague in this city must be dismayed at the misfortune they have met in being deprived of the equipment in their Shanghai Hospital on Route Ghisi.
Hundreds of friends will be stirred with compassion for the plight of the patients. and with admiration for the courage. and determination of the Staff Who are resolved to' continue their "humanitarian service without interruption. Their need for relief Is immediate and pressing, and it is to be hoped that it will meet a suitable response both in contributions of funds and of equipment which they. can use to replace at least partially What has been taken from them.
Will yea be good enough to forward to them the sum of CN§50. for which cheque is herewith enclosed, Shanghai. June 9.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.