120



Correspondence.



referred to nor consulted a single book of any sort. True I used Mr. Page’s book

as a reference to this extent. I referred to the illustrations in his book to,

illustrate my points and for all I know he may have in the text entirely reversed

my opinion. I hold that if you want to effectually check all progress in any

subject (and aviculture no less than any other) you will write papers with

“ reference ” books spread thickly on the table before you and be fearful lest you

say aught that does not entirely agree with the authorities. If then any remark or

phrase of mine occurs which has appeared in some book or paper or journal some

years previously it is because the writer of that book, paper, or journal and I had

made a similar observation ; which being corroborated is therefore probably

correct. At any rate I can plead guiltless of plagiarism.


But I still feel unconvinced about the green spot, as far as my experience

goes that part of the Rosellas anatomical colouration seems to me to be

absolutely variable and inconsistant. The fact that hen Rosellas are more green

about the head and neck than cocks would ipso facto tend to the assumption

that a bird with a green spot was a hen. But to say that hens had a green spot,

or that all birds who have a green spot are hens, seems to me more than one can

say. Such a variable quality cannot be constant and an inconstant characteristic

cannot be a certain sign, and an uncertain sign cannot be a reliable guide. In

saying this I impugn no lack of respect to Abrahams’ extraordinary and innate

genius. I have no doubt he could spot a hen Rosella the moment he saw it.

Having found a hen Rosella or perhaps several with a green spot he inferred that

all had, and we know quickly the wish becomes father to the thought. Besides,

I ask, who would want to waste time looking for the green spot in a bird so easy

to sex as a Red Rosella.


I must apologise for occupying so much space, but I felt that certain

points needed clearing up, especially from my point of view.


L. LOVELL-KEAYS.



