P. Lambert—Pheasants in Relation to Aviculture



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I believe, called “ shot silk ”, of a purplish blue, it scintillates and

appears to vibrate in the rays of the sun.


The other day I was at Mr. Blay’s garden party, and we were looking

round his Pheasant aviaries. We had seen most of his Pheasants,

and came to two Edwards cocks. I overheard a lady remark, “ Do you

mean to say that is a Pheasant; why it is the most beautiful creature

I have ever seen.” Although that remark was not intended for me,

I flushed with pleasure, for I always maintain that the Edwards cock

is one of the Great Creator’s most wonderful creations. I always

maintain that it is hopelessly impossible to describe a beautiful bird,

and not having the descriptive powers of a Porter, a Delacour, or a

Goodfellow, I make apologies for even making an attempt to describe

a few features.


But I do wish to appeal to lovers of birds from a more laudable

point of view than mere beauty, for many of these exquisite birds

are on the point of extinction, and unless great and determined efforts

are forthcoming in the near future, then they will be lost for all time.

Can we think of such a sad and catastrophic disaster. The great

aviculturist M. Delacour is doing a wonderful work in preserving

some of these species for all times, but he wants the hearty co-operation

of hundreds of others. If we could only induce a sufficient number of

enthusiasts to join the O.P.S., we could in a few years obtain a sufficient

number of these Pheasants to make many species safe from final

extinction. We must have new blood in many species, and this cannot

be attained without active support. Don’t think for one moment

that I am suggesting that any member of this Society who joins the

O.P.S. will be required to put down a lump sum, such is not the case.

We want a sufficient number of interested members to combine together

and arrange for the importation of such rare species as the Chinese

Monal, many of the Firebacks, the Blue Crossoptilon, the Edwards,

the Bulwer, and other rare species, so what can be done about it ?

Surely it must be heartbreaking to M. Delacour to note that at present

but few of us appear to take a serious view of the situation, merely

a handful! We Britishers are renowned for our true love of birds,

and are we going to allow these Pheasants to become unknown to future

generations ? What will they think of us, if visiting the British Museum,



