C. Scott-Hopkins—The Charm of Pheasant-keeping 131


many years, and the longer I have them the keener I become. I have

tried through articles in the Avicultural Magazine and other papers

to get people interested and perhaps I have succeeded in a small way.

But it was not until my friend Mr. Lambert came to the front that

things got really going. He is to be congratulated on the zeal and keen¬

ness he has shown. We often see each other and talk about the Pheasant

world in general. It is thanks to Mr. Lambert that the O.P.S. was

inaugurated and is proving such a success and a boon to those who

have Pheasants for sale. Miss Grant-Ives is proving herself such an

efficient and workmanlike secretary that members are rolling in every

week. There is no doubt whatever that this Society has been the means

of stimulating people’s interest in this fascinating hobby. I am

delighted to see M. Delacour’s name as a member. I have the pleasure

of knowing this very keen aviculturist and have paid two or three

visits to his aviaries at Cleres. I have bought many Pheasants from

him, mostly the rare varieties. He has a truly wonderful collection.

I understand M. Delacour has invited the members of the O.P.S.

to visit his aviaries in August. Go, and you will not regret it. You

will see many other tropical birds besides Pheasants, and you may see

some monkeys, and Parrots flying about his park. Just a few words

about the O.P.S. Mr. Lambert and I have had several talks on this

subject from time to time and our main purpose in starting this society

is to encourage more and more people in the keeping of fancy Pheasants.

That object is certainly being attained already. Mr. Lambert tells me

that the demand and interest in these birds is rising rapidly. It has

been, moreover, for the last two years, because the more people who

see these lovely birds the more they wish to obtain possession of them.


But that is not our only object in forming this Society. We want to

try to save from total extinction some of the rarer varieties, by

importing and breeding them in Europe. As M. Delacour remarks,

there is real danger that this will take place very shortly if something

is not done at once. As it is he tells me that that beautiful Pheasant,

the Mongolian, is nearly extinct. Some of you will gape and discredit

this statement, because you may see from time to time advertisements

in The Field , “ Pure Mongolians ” for sale. They were, no doubt, pure

some years ago, but other blood has crept in since then ! We must



