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P. J. Lambert—The Palace Show



listen in strained and ecstatic bliss to the bleating inane noise made

by so-called rhythmic singers in our dance bands, and yet if this same

person hears the pure sweet song of a little Wren, a Garden Warbler

(surely the sweetest song of our British birds ?), a Robin, or a Thrush,

he will pass by and the glorious music falls on deaf ears. The hideous

song of a nigger with a face like a gargoyle, mouthing meaningless

words and ugly music will appeal, yet the song of a bird leaves this

person cold. Truly we are a strange people. I wonder what our forbears

would think of the monstrous noises that are broadcast by some

of our dance bands. I consider they pollute the ether and are unworthy

of our great musical traditions. But I was asked to write a critique

on the Palace Show not a criticism of modern music, and I am sure

our Editor and my readers are impatient. There really was a wonderful

display of Pheasants at the Palace Show, and I think it will be safe

to say that never before in any country of the world has such a varied

and gorgeous collection been staged for our edification. There were

some fifty-eight exhibits and included in this most satisfactory number

we saw the following species in all the glory of their magnificent plumage:

Tragopan, Impeyan, Peacock Pheasant, Golden, Amherst, Lineated,

Nepal, Swinhoe, Edward’s, Reeve’s, Crossoptilon, Fireback, and also

a very fine Black-winged Peacock. The latter was a novel entry but

after all why not ? It is surely a species of Pheasant and if it is not,

then how should it be classified ? It is interesting to note that this

same bird was sent to the Caterham Show and was there awarded first

prise in the A.O.S. class of Pheasants. There was a strange coincidence

at this Palace Show and surely a very happy one ? Last year our late

President, Mr. G. Blay, presented the Society with a magnificent

cup which will always be known as the “ Blay Cup ”. Last year the

late Mr. G. Blay won this cup with a fine Edward’s and this year his

daughter, Miss Margot Blay, won it with a Blue Crossoptilon. Thus

she showed in unmistakable manner that she is determined to make

the winning of this cup a family tradition. In this A.O.S. class a well

shown Edward’s was placed second, the third being allotted to a grand

Impeyan cock, resplendent in its shining armour—this was the property

of Miss M. Blay, she is very persistent. It seemed extraordinary that

such species as Tragopan, Peacock Pheasants, etc., should be passed



