Vol.^ xix.-j Correspondence. y^ 



To the Editors of " The Emu." 

 Sirs, — May I suggest tliat collectors during the next nesting 

 season watch for opportunitit'S of introducing some of our most 

 interesting and beautiful native birds into localities more or less 

 suitable and within reach of the larger centres of population. 

 For instance, that gem of the saltbush country on the borders 

 of South Austraha and Victoria, the Black-backed Wren {Malurus 

 melauotus), or its nortliern relative, the Turquoise Wren (M. 

 call (lilt us), might, one would think, be capable of being established 

 in many places within reach of Adelaide or Melbourne. I would 

 suggest that in the event of a clutch of fresh eggs of either of 

 these species being found that it might be brought home with 

 care and placed in the nest of our ordinary Blue Wren {Malurus 

 cyaneus). Of course, it will not be easy to find early enough nests 

 of M. cyaneus, as the Mallee bird nests earlier ; still, with perse- 

 verance it might be done. I think it more than likely that the 

 young would be successfully reared and established in their new 

 conditions. We must remember that only a very few workers 

 have either time or means to allow of their visiting the haunts 

 of some of these rarer birds, and any collector carrying out such 

 a scheme as the above will earn the thanks not only of all bird- 

 lovers now living, but also those of generations to come. — 

 Yours, &c.. EDWIN ASHBY, M.B.O.U. 



" Wittunga," Blackwood, S.A., 17/6/ig. 



To the Editors of " The Emu." 

 Dear Sirs, — I have read Mr. Jas. Buckland's letter re Cor- 

 morants with great interest. As you know, I have done a great 

 deal of research work in respect to these birds, and I can prove 

 without doubt that the Cormorant is a most necessary bird to 

 preserve the balance of nature, and it is the greatest folly to 

 destroy these birds because they devour the imported fish. The 

 birds arc of much more consequence to Australia than the 

 imported fish, and the angler should be satisfied with the in- 

 digenous fish of Australia, or otherwise not grumble because the 

 Cormorant takes toll of the fish which are imported. Mr. 

 Buckland has given a very good illustration of that which will 

 surely happen if the Cormorant is exterminated, and I can back 

 him up with several such instances. 



Mr. Buckland asks for information in respect to birds and fish 

 of the Coorong. I am greatly interested in the Coorong, for I 

 am visiting the islands which are the Pelican and Swan nesting- 

 places regularly, and keeping a very close watch upon the breeding- 

 grounds of these birds. In carrying out this work as president 

 of the South Australian Ornithological Association, I motor for 

 many miles along the shores of the Coorong and traverse many 

 miles by water in the caretaker's boat ; therefore I am competent 

 to make the following statement : — 



