158



A French Member,



voyage : twice disappointment ensued. The first time, if my memory

serves me right, none at all lived beyond the Azores. The second

lot, it seems, fared a little better ; some half-a-dozen or more sur¬

vived as far as Santander—the last call of the ship before the

French ports—and would no doubt have reached our shores but

for the sudden outbreak of the present war, which became known

on board at that time and spelled the doom of my ill-fated consign¬

ment. I never heard but a hazy, probably not over-truthful account

of the tragedy ; but my mind numbers those little captives amongst

the victims of the war. It may be on account of these two failures,

also owing to the increased difficulties and risks of such shipments

in the present circumstances, that my intention of a third attempt,

when known amongst aviculturists, in June 1915, roused but a mild

interest. The Voice of Wisdom—ever ready to offer advice where

least wanted—rose and condemned or pitied such ventures. Of

course humming-birds could not travel unless accompanied by a

skilled attendant, personally experienced in 'their treatment and

many needs. Of course, the same unhappy fate awaited this lot

that had befallen the others. Such was the encouragement drummed

into my ears. To this opposition I partly owe the success of venture

number three. Indeed the preceding ones had been planned and

arranged carefully enough, and, as w 7 e thought, with sufficient

thoroughness to ensure the birds 1 welfare on their perilous journey ;

but this time there was not going to be a mishap. Each precaution

must be weighed out in advance, and no minute detail neglected for

ill-chance to seize upon and spoil everything once more. The

Colibris must be obtained, taken across the ocean and landed in

good order—and there was an end of it.


By what means this object was achieved I do not propose to

relate. I shall be content with stating that by the great and

untiring kindness of a friend in Venezuela, a large number and a

wonderful variety of humming-birds were procured. One of the

best rooms on a French steamer was prepared for their reception ;

written instructions were given to two intelligent members of the

ship’s crew, baited with the promise of a reward proportioned to

the results ; and, in spite of sages and warnings, amidst fioating-



* Yet a relation of these facts would be very helpful to other aviculturists.—ED.



