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Sydney Porter—Notes on Birds of Fiji



describing the shack and also its condition ! But the view was superb.

On every hand were ranges and ranges of forest-covered mountains

rising high into the clouds and on every side the blue Pacific with

white circles of surf where it broke on the various coral reefs, and in the

distance were islands, dozens of them, each one a dream of tropical 1

beauty. In fact one could almost see the whole of the islands of the

main group—Kandavu, Ovalau, Ono, Ngau, Koro, and the far distant

Vanua Levu and a whole host of small islets.


I was keen to see the lovely Parrot Finch of Fiji. I had seen a few

in Suva, but not many. They were usually in small flocks of about six

or more birds : I think they must have been family parties, for most of

the birds were wearing the immature dress of uniform dull green. I

asked if it were possible to secure a few to take away with me. Tim

Solomon Island cook boy was consulted, but no, no one knew of any or

wanted to catch them ; but after hours of consultation with other

neighbours the dusky gentleman got to know of an Indian who lived

some distance away who might oblige. I was given directions as to

where I should find him, so I set off. My friend by this time was unable

to accompany me, having made good use of a small present I brought

him in a bottle ! I set off alone, threading my way through one of the

most wonderful tropical forests I have ever set foot in. Unfortunately

the dusky gentleman was not at home, but on the way back I found

him by the side of the path feeding his solitary cow. I introduced myself

and explained my mission ; a long flow of language followed, it might

have been Hindustani or any other language for all I knew, but from

the gestures and general intonation I gathered that it couldn’t be done.

At last my dusky friend broke into very bad English, and the gist

of the conversation was something as follows : “ God made, you, me,,

little birds too, birds my friends always, you no like me, take you,

fasten up always in room with lock and key. No not ever ! ” After

a very lengthy dialogue partly in some Indian language, partly in

Fijian, and partly in English, it was arranged that I should return at

a late hour, the time for the feeding of the birds, and then I should see

them. I had to make a solemn vow that I would not hurt them.


When I returned the house was closed up and my philosopher

friend had not returned. I noticed quite a few of these lovely Finches



