<2 "The Coloured Figures of (he Birds of Australasia." [isf'julv 



** The Coloured Figures of the Birds of Australasia." 



To THE Members of the A.O.U. 



Per favour of the Editors of " TJie Emu ." 



As it will be necessary to ask for the loan of Australian skins 

 for working up my book, " The Coloured Figures of the Birds of 

 Australasia," I take this opportunity of asking all those who 

 have collections, however small, to lend them to me. 



If they are sent to me, care of the British Museum, I will pay 

 all expenses, such as insurance, carriage, &c., to and from 

 Australia. I am also prepared to buy any or all the collections 

 sent, if a list of birds and the price is sent. 



As will be seen from the following letter from Dr. Bowdler 

 Sharpe, of the British Museum, all care will be taken of all the 

 collections while in England. 



It is important that collections be sent from all parts of 

 Australia. But do not let each one think that someone else is 

 sure to send, but let all who can send. 



Hoping that all who have bird-skins will help. 

 Yours very truly, 



GREGORY M. MATHEWS. 

 Langley Mount, Watford, England, 5/5/08. . 



Dear Mr. Mathews, — 



As you are aware, our collection of Australian birds is by no 

 means satisfactory, for, although most of the species are repre- 

 sented in the Museum, there are very few specimens with the 

 exact localities, dates, &c. 



You will, therefore, require the loan of many specimens, for 

 the purpose of your work, from museums and collectors in 

 Australia. 



I write to say that any specimens sent to you on loan may be 

 directed to this Museum to my care, and I will take every means 

 to protect them. I shall be very grateful to anyone who is 

 willing to help in the improvement of the national collection as 

 regards Australian species. 



Yours sincerely, 



W. BOWDLER SHARPE. 

 British Museum (Natural History), 



Cromwell-road, London S.W., 4th May, 1908. 



\The Editors of " The Emu " have much pleasure in giving 

 piiblication to these letters. What is good enough for Dr. Sharpe is 

 certainly good enough for Australian ornithologists. Moreover, it is 

 the boast of the citizens of the Commonwealth that they are the freest 

 nation on the face of the earth, because they enact their own laws, &c. 

 Here is a unique opport^mity of ma Icing their own " History of the 

 Birds of Australasia " by assisting Mr. G. M. Mathews in his great 

 national undertaking.'] 



