Jaeky Winter 



cc CERTAINLY one of the least ornamental of the Aus- 

 ^^ tralian birds " was the way the great Gould des- 

 cribed him, and later ornithologists, following in the steps of 

 the master, have spoken in the same depreciating way of our 

 friend, Jacky Winter. 



But never was there a clearer case of libel and wrongful 

 description. That he does not possess the gorgeous colouring 

 of the parrots, or the grace of the swallows, is true; but his 

 actions have the brightness and vivacity of a child, and in his 

 scheme of colouring his tints are just as perfect and beautiful 

 as those of any of his more gaudy brothers. 



Had he been known in the days of the dandies he might 

 have served as a model of elegance for the great Beau himself; 

 for nothing could be more harmonious than the shades of grey, 

 which range from the pale pearl of his breast to the deeper 

 clove-like hue of his back. He is a regular dandy, too, in the 

 way he flicks his tail from side to side as he alights, showing 

 the white lappets which brighten his costume. 



But even if one can see no beauty in the quietness of his 

 clothes, his very cheeriness and sweetness should put him 

 beyond all charge of plainness. He is the embodiment of 

 peace and good temper. 



