20 JANUARY 1933, Page 13

So far, so good ; but this captivity, like this

freedom, has to be learned. A wild bird is miserable in conditions that give its optimum of contentment to the bird bred in captivity. More than this : we know beyond possibility of dispute that many of the thrushes, linnets and finches caught in the wild and sold in considerable quantities have suffered direct cruel- ties before appearing in their narrow cages. They regain their freedom with hilarity, as Mr. Eric Parker has just proved by the direct and happy method of personal visits to the markets and by releasing the birds he bought. All lovers of birds owe a debt to his researches and his pleas for the captives,