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Mr. William Jamrach’s



In fact, the birds, when captured, had to be carried on men’s

backs in baskets for at least nineteen days. (To-day—1882—the

railroad has been extended further). The high prices that I obtained

for the living birds might give the idea that I made a large profit

during the nineteen years that I was importing them from India.

As a matter of fact I pocketed nothing. On the contrary, I estimate

that the importation of the Monauls and Tragopans left me with a

loss of £3,000. This heavy loss however was happily covered by

the profit accruing from other business matters in connection with

trading in animals.


Without referring to the larger Mammals which I introduced,

it is perhaps not out of the way if I mention that in 1871, out of

85 Viellot’s Pheasant sent off, I received 35. Some of these were

sold for £50 the pair, and others at £75, whilst in a preceding im¬

portation, the Zoological Gardens of Antwerp paid me up to £200

for two pairs. In addition to the Monauls and Tragopans which I

have already mentioned, I have imported during the last seventeen

years a great number of birds, the list of which I give further on.


I must mention that Blyth’s, Hastings’, and Cabot’s Trago¬

pans were, through my efforts, imported for the first time into

Europe. It was I also who imported a male Sclater’s Monaul for

the Zoological Society of London. In 1879 I received the first pair

of Elliot’s Pheasant, which I sold for more than £120 to M.

Rodocanachi, who has a large pheasantry, and is one of the mem¬

bers of the Societe d’Acclimatation of Paris.


For five years I have zealously striven to import Elliot’s

Pheasants, and in order to succeed, I had to overcome difficulties

which seemed insurmountable, and to lay out more than £400. I

hope, however, to regain this outlay later on, thanks to my numerous

clients.


I can assure you, dear Sir, that for these incessant voyages

to India, made entirely for collecting valuable birds and animals, it

is not sufficient to dwell only upon the hope of realizing a pecuniary

profit, but one must above all have a real love for these animals,

which you know I most truly possess.


I am, dear Sir, yours, etc.,


William Jamrach.



