OUKUXAL .MK.MIJEKS, 



147 



partly realised wlieu reading the excellent descriptions of 

 Tristram and Salvin in the earlier numbers of ' The Ibis.' 

 Such a wonderful place was the result of the overflow of 

 s])rings (Aiu), but doubtless this ornithological paradise, 

 like AVhittlesey Mere, has been '' improved " off the face of 

 the earth iu the interval between 1857 and 1908. 



The early part of 1858 presents no particular features 

 of interest. Sim])son passed a few weeks in Argyllshire, 

 looking out for shootings, and while thus engaged secured 

 nests of the Buzzard and Hen-Harrier. It was in the same 

 spring that Wolley and Newton spent so much valuable 

 time in a hopeless search for the Garefowl. But their 

 return to England was not without significance, as may be 

 gathered from correspondence received about that time, 

 which, in conjunction with a visit paid by Newton to Castle 

 Eden, contains the germ of the idea of a union of ornitho- 

 logists*. This was further advanced at Leeds, where the 



* Subjoiued are extracts from letters written to Mr, Simpson about 

 this period ; — 



From John Wolley, Beeston, Nottingliam, August 5tli. — After 

 referring to their profitless season in leehxnd, owing to their devotion to 

 the Garefowl, the writer goes on to say : "I hope you will meet Newton 

 and me and otlier good fellows (ahem !) at the British Association on or 

 about '22nd September at Leeds." 



From Alfkkd Newton, Elvedeu, August 14th ; — " Wolley's great 

 idea of having the conference of the vagabond oologists to meet their 

 wandering brethren in science of the British Ass at Leeds was chiefly 

 conceived from his having met the Border baronet, Sir William Jardine, 

 who told him he should be there. Now, certainly Edward will not 

 be at home until about October 1st, and he is not the fellow I take him 

 for, unless he keeps Salvin, who by the last account was carried away by 

 him into captivity at St. Croix, to bear him company on his passage, and 

 I hardly know how I should answer it to either of these two knights 

 errant, if I were not to urge their claims to being present at the joyful 

 reunion that is to take place some time or other." 



From H. B. Tkistuam, Castle Eden, August 10th. — Mentions that the 

 Great Bustard (Newton) had just left him, although the Great Auk 

 (Wolley) had fled south without calling. He continues : " I am ready 

 for the conference at Cambridge or else to make myself a British Ass 

 at Leeds in such good company. You know, I suppose, that Salvin and 

 Edward Newton will be back in a few weeks.'' 



