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Ornamental Pheasant Society



fine address by Dr. Derscheid of Belgium. In a few delightfully spoken

words he expressed the opinion that the Society had a great responsi¬

bility and were facing this in a most remarkable manner. He thought

that we had achieved in one year what would have been good for three,

but we had some problems to tackle that would tax us to the utmost.

There was one thing he would like to emphasize, he referred to the

poor stock of Amhersts in this country, in the year that the Society

had been functioning a wonderful improvement had been affected, but

there was still much to be done. He also thought that members did

not appreciate the beauty of many pheasants, such as the group of

Kaleeges.


The meeting was so pleased with his remarks that he was elected

a member of the Committee on the spot. Much humour was introduced

into the meeting by sallies between our President who incidentally

was in the chair and Mr. P. J. Lambert, the latter was inclined to wander

from the agenda, and was repeatedly called to order.


Personally, I have a suspicion that this was done to create a happy

feeling amongst members, anyway it caused amusement. Members

were shown round Mr. Blay’s extensive aviaries, and we were all delighted

with his magnificent collection of pheasants, waterfowl, and other

birds.


Mr. Blay has an aviary which must be the largest aviary in the world.

The garden party was a great success, tables and chairs set out on the

lawn of the Manor House just above the lake, every member thoroughly

enjoying the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Blay, it was really a delightful

afternoon, I have often expressed my thanks to Mr. Blay for his wonder¬

ful efforts to help the Society, it does seem as if he cannot do enough

for us, this last effort is a crowning effort, and may we hope the crown

will ultimately be studded with diamonds !



J. M. Grant-Ives.



