56



Correspondence



reader to the open life of moor and covert, whether asleep in the blazing

sunshine or cold and dank under winter’s coverlet. In addition to the

exquisite Nature scenes we also find detailed studies of individual

birds, and even of individual talons and feet, all sketched with almost

microscopic accuracy. Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Pheasants, and

Ptarmigan may be mentioned among Mr. Thorburn’s sitters ; then

there are beautiful studies of Titmice, of Thrushes, and of Ducks.

Mr. Thorburn’s art has that most valuable quality— the power to

suggest movement. The Golden Eagle wafted on strong pinions,

its great wings curled upward by the wind, is an instance of this ;

repose, on the other hand, is seen in the Pheasant at the covertside,

with brilliant plumage set off by the blazing autumn woodland. The

Woodcock lying in concealment recalls Mr. Proctor Smith’s photograph

of a resting Snipe, which appeared in our November number ; the Barn

Owl, with its cat-like face, the handsome Fieldfare, the smart Redwing,

and the lustrous Black Cock, busy courting, pass before us in pro¬

cession. Anatomists will appreciate the detail in the figured Eagle

talons, with their suggestion of savage strength.


The sketches, are not however, of equal value ; thus the leg of the

Great Tit on plate 20 is too feeble ; and a Sea Eagle is shown feeding

with dripping beak on a Rabbit carcase, which exhibits no visible

damage.


G. R.



NEW ZEALAND BIRDS


Dear Dr. Renshaw,—'You will remember you inserted a note

in the Avicultural Magazine about my trip to New Zealand next

autumn, asking if any members would like me to be on the look-out

for anything particular in the way of observation or inquiry respecting

the birds in the North Island.


I mentioned that a lot of game birds had been sent out just before

the War by a friend of mine in Copenhagen, and you asked me to

inquire particulars. I wrote my friend a good many weeks ago, but

have had no reply, so what has happened to him I cannot say. The game

birds were Capercailzie, Willow Grouse, and Black Cock, and although

they had to go through the tropics and the journey was tremendously



