^''';,_^_,'-'^] Corye<.pondencc. ' 327 



work he lias done at this one place, and the views he holds about 

 it, he can answer iox the whole of Australia. I consider there 

 is plenty of proof that Cormorants are doing much more harm 

 than good, and I liavc seen nothing so far which points to the 

 contrary ; in fact, I am quite unable to see any rosy picture of 

 the benefits likely to accrue from these birds — their pernicious 

 habits can only play havoc with our native fish. All my experi- 

 ence goes to prove that Cormorants are detrimental, so I cannot 

 share Capt. White's optimism. He asks how much research work 

 have I done to back up my statements ? Have I ever opened a 

 Cormorant and noted the stomach contents ? At the beginning 

 of his article he said — " I shall take no notice of personalities." 

 However, I will answer the questions. The first is rather diiftcult, 

 as it would necessitate a lot of writing as to exactly how much 

 researcli work I have actually done. I will only say I consider I 

 have seen quite sufficient to substantiate my argument ; but, in 

 these pages, I think there should be an endeavour to refrain from 

 egotism and pretentiousness. With regard to the second part of 

 the tpiestion, I make no secret of the fact that I seldom miss a 

 chance to shoot a Cormorant, and invariably open and examine 

 tlie contents of the stomach, and my experience has been quite 

 the contrary to Capt. W^hite's ; nearly all I have examined have 

 contained good food fish, if obtainable. 



I have now expressed my opinion upon this subject fairly and 

 openly, and I claim as much right to do so as anybody else. And, 

 hnally, I must say the theory I hold I feel sure will be perpetually 

 held by most people competent to judge. At the same time I believe 

 that Capt. White thinks his side of the argument is also correct, 

 but no man is infallible. I will here state that I will not write 

 any further upon this subject to The Emu ; I have definitely stated 

 my views, so I consider it unnecessary to say anything further. — 

 Yours, &c. THOS. P. AUSTIN. 



Cobborah Estate, Cobl)ora, N.S.W. 



Reviews. 



[Smitlisoiiian In>tiUitiun, United StalL-s National Museum. IJuUetin 107. "Life- 

 Histories of iN'urtli American Diving IJiids, Order I'yi^opodes. '' I'.y Arlliur Cleve- 

 land Dent, of Taunton, Massachusetts. Washington : Government I'rinting Office. 

 1 8 19.1 



Mr. Bent, in his " Introduction," naively concludes : — " If the 

 reader fails to find mentioned in these pages some things which 

 he knows about the birds, he can blame himself for not having 

 sent them to The Author." Although the work is "a triuni))!) 

 for the field oologist and observer, all partaking in its compilation 

 are to Ix- liighly congratulated. 



It should be added that the work is numerously illuminated 

 by rare and splendid photo. rpictures, and at the end are a dozen 

 coloured plates of eggs — those especially handsome depicting the 

 eggs of the Murre and Razor-billed Auk. 



