PROTECTION TO THE SMALL BIRDS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
Sir, —
In reply to a note in your journal of this day,1 it is but right to mention, that, as far as possible, protection is afforded to the birds liberated in the Botanic Garden. The garden, with its reserves, being extensive, it is not always possible to prevent the invasion and succeed in the destruction of rapacious birds, and other creatures inimical to our singing birds. But on the day when the writer of the note referred to pointed out the danger thus arising to the smaller birds, one hawk was shot, and another wounded, at the Botanic Garden.
Very regardfully, Mr. Editor, yours,
FERD. MUELLER.
Melbourne, Feb. 6.2
The Argus, 6 February 1862, included a letter signed 'A Small Bird', as follows: 'Sir, — Knowing the lively interest you take in the feathered tribe, I just take the liberty of noticing an evil which can be checked—viz. the destruction of our small birds by the hawks! Passing the Botanic Gardens this morning, I counted seven hawks hovering in the precincts of the gardens. The efforts of our good friends the acclimatisers will be stultified if these predatory birds—the hawks—are not timely destroyed. I would suggest to the conservators of the Botanic Gardens the liberal use of the gun to keep in check the hungry prowlers. By so doing humanity will benefit.'
See also M to C. Hodgkinson, 13 February 1862.
Letter not found. For the text given here, see Argus, 7 February 1862, p. 5 (B62.02.02).
Please cite as “FVM-62-02-06,” in Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, edited by R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora†, J.H. Voigt† and Monika Wells accessed on