168



Correspondence.



OUR ILLUSTRATIONS.


On taking office the present Editor found the Society in

possession of an extensive series of bird photographs, which had

been acquired under the able management of Mr. Astley. This

collection has since received several important accessions, and is

still growing; in fact, as we write we have news of yet more

photographs on their way. Nearly all are up to Avicultural

standard, and we have been enabled to publish several of high

educational value. Our Magazine, in fact, is second to none in the

excellence of its illustrations and the value of its letterpress. Our

many contributors the world over have seen to this.


The Editor therefore asks for more warmth to hatch the

Avicultural egg — for further donations, in fact, for the Illustration

Fund. He is grateful for the support he has received in conducting

the Magazine; now he would ask for power to extend its scope and

usefulness. The increased cost of reproduction holds up the issue

of many an excellent bird study. We have the pictures, but no

gallery in which to display them.


Donations should be sent direct to the Publishers and not to

the Editor.



CORRESPONDENCE.



AVICULTURE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA.


(Kindly communicated by Mr. Astley.)


Mr. C. H. Lienau writes: With our small population scattered over such a

vast area of country we cannot form the societies and clubs which bird-lovers in the

old country and on the Continent are able to, and consequently when one has to

work along practically alone, that incentive to higher things is not so keen as when

there is a feeling of friendly rivalry.


From my earliest days I have been a very keen lover of all animal and bird

life, and I cannot remember the time when we did not have a varied assortment of

pets of all kinds.


About two years ago I saw the ‘ Avicultural Magazine ’ mentioned in a book

on birds that I was reading. Feeling sure that it would be of interest to me I asked

my bookseller to order it for me, and about three months later my first copy came

to hand. I was simply charmed with it, and have read with the greatest interest

all the articles which have appeared in it and the subsequent numbers which I

have received.



