5 APRIL 1919, Page 14

A FREAK OF NATURE.

(To ran Emma or rim " Smariroa."1 Sta,—In reference to the " dusky, brownish bleak" gall in St. James's Park, as recorded by your correspondent Mr. W. M. Crook, may I say that on January let, 1918, a black-beaded wall of the above description was one of a party of normal coloured birds at the fire-float end of Bleck/rime Bridge? It was a case of " melanism," but only a fair example. I have an idea there was a similar bird in St. James's Park about twelve years ago, and that it was noticed by a correspondent of the Globe.-