69 
him why he carries his gun, and he will probably tell you that he 
has it to shoot the magpies (Gymnorhina) which destroy his 
crops. It possibly has never struck him that our common bush 
magpie, although it will occasionally eat a little grain, also 
grapes, is one of the most valuable of our native birds. It 
follows the plough and spadesman, picking up the grubs as they 
are turned out of the ground, and is the faithful friend and com- 
panion of the ploughman. 
Our old ‘friend, the laughing-jackass (Dacelo gigas), also 
comes in for his share of abuse and persecution from the 
ignorant. I have seen many of these birds shot just because 
they happened to be perching on some high tree near an orchard. 
Surely this must be something worse than ignorance on the part 
of those holding such an opinion. Still many of these con- 
temptible pot-shotters might, if the matter of the economy of the 
bird was properly explained to them, be induced to see the error 
of their ways, or by a little gentle persuasion, as the following 
anecdote will show, be compelled to either do so, or pay dearly 
for the luxury of killing:—A few months since two very fine 
specimens of the native turkey or bustard (Choriotis Australis) 
made their appearance in a certain district ; and after the pro- 
clamation to protect the turkey “all the year round” issued by 
the Commissioner of Customs at the request of myself, and kindly 
supported and forwarded by Mr. Martin, Secretary for Agricul- 
ture. Here was a chance for the so-called sportsmen. Away 
they went, and brought back in triumph (which was, however, 
short lived) the two identical turkeys which they had shot as 
expected. All appeared to be going along smoothly until they 
chanced to meet the local policeman, who promptly summoned 
them to the court, and they were fined £5 each for shooting the 
protected turkeys, together with costs and the confiscation of the 
birds, which were probably eaten and enjoyed by the policeman 
and his family. 
Most of us recollect the serious outbreak of phylloxera that 
occurred in the Geelong district, and for which we were wholly 
unprepared. Although I am one of those who believe in the 
efficacy of the action taken by the Government of the day in 
suppressing this fearful scourge, I think, however, that if we had 
been better acquainted with the pest, and the remedies which in 
Europe and America have been tried, but with only, it is true, 
partial success, we might have thought twice before resorting to 
such extreme, though very necessary, measures. We now know 
something of the aerial as well as of the root forms of this 
wonderful little insect, and this knowledge has enabled those 
situated in the great wine districts of Europe and elsewhere to 
bring into use the various means which have been tried for its 
eradication. 
