240



Correspondence, Notes, etc .



impression on the meat, which seemed to me to be very tough, tasteless

stuff. It appeared some of the party had been out shooting and had bagged

several White Cockatoos, which had been prepared and consigned to the pot.

I never again indulged in these dishes.


On one occasion on the road I was passed by a car with something which

I took to be part of a lady’s boa hanging from the dickey. I gave chase and

told the solitary occupant he was likely to lose the “ boa ”. When he opened

the dickey I was surprised to find it stuffed full of Black Swans. It appeared

he had had a good day’s shooting, but as it was the close season for Swans he

did not wish to advertise the fact. I believe he was liable to a fine of £1 for

each bird had it been discovered. Before proceeding he insisted on presenting

me with a Swan. I strongly dislike plucking and “ drawing ” birds of any

kind, but a neighbour’s wife prepared and cooked the bird and I joined them

at supper where the Swan was the chief dish and very good it was, though

I understand an old Swan is very tough and tasteless.


Several varieties of English birds released in Tasmania have established

themselves there and my chief favourite was the Skylark, which seem to be

in considerable numbers around Hobart.



J. C. Bennett.



