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J. E. Sweetnam—The Evils of Mass Importation



much keener on live food and soft food. The cock has apparently no

song, and their only note is a high-pitched bat-like squeak which they

use to call to each other.


I hope some other members of the Society will also be successful in

breeding this bird, and I should very much like to hear from anyone

who does so with a view to exchanging some of the aviary-bred young,

if I am lucky enough to breed more than my present solitary one.



THE EVILS OF MASS IMPORTATION, AND

SOME SUGGESTED REMEDIES


By J. E. Sweetnam


While the contents of Mr. C. S. Webb’s article on “ The Parrot Ban

and the Future of Aviculture ” in the August number of the Magazine

are not likely to find favour with all interested in foreign birds, I believe

the writer’s sentiments will be echoed by most members of our Society.

As one who suffers many qualms of conscience about this matter of

importation, I feel I can do no other than express agreement with

Mr. Webb’s main contention and, in so doing, put forward some

suggestions for combating the abuse.


That, as Mr. Webb points out, these abuses must sooner or later

have the effect of drying up the supplies upon which we are so largely

dependent is, in itself, a serious consideration but, in my opinion, it is

much more serious that we should be, as at present, lending ourselves,

however unwillingly, to their continuation.


The truth is that the natural desire to secure some rare specimen

induces many of us to be less particular than we should be of the

conditions under which such birds come to us. In too many cases,

I fear, inquiry would reveal the fact that our prized possession was one

of a considerable number, many of which perished en route, and all

of which were packed and imported under conditions qualified to give

the “ cranks ” a whip to beat us with.


For this matter of importation is the Achilles’ heel of Aviculture,

and leaves those of us who occasionally speak or write on the subject

open to attack by anyone aware of this weakness in our armour.



