MR. GALSWORTHY'S STOCKTAKING [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I
much appreciated Mr. Galsworthy's article on " Animal Welfare " in your Christmas Number. I have always taken the greatest possible interest in this subject, and have preached about it, but it does seem to me that here, as in many other matters, we have to avoid either extreme—i.e., there are many people who, unfortunately, do the movement more harm than good by their unreasoning attitude on certain subjects. I profoundly agree with Mr. Galsworthy about humane slaughter and, like him, can find something to be said in favour of fox-hunting, while utterly condemning stag-hunting, otter-hunting, beagling, and coursing. I also find it impossible to decide about vivisection.
I differ, however, when we come to the caging of wild, birds. I have kept many, both British and foreign, with of course, the inevitable canary. Mr. Galsworthy must remember that poultry and pigeons were all bred from wild ancestors, while the canary which brightens so many homes is an even stronger case in point : it has been bred in captivity for generations and is perfectly happy and contented. I would also remind him that the exquisite blue budgerigar would never have appeared had not its wild green ancestors
been caged ; this colour phase, I believe, is unknown in a
wild state.
Again, it is a well-known fact that, owing to the spread of civilization with its accompanying evils of cats, guns, and poison, some of the rarer Australian parrakeets are in a wild state on the verge of extinction. Apparently nothing has been or is being done to save them, and the only remedy appears to be to jealously guard the small stocks in confinement and breed as many as possible. I believe Lord Tavistock has saved the beautiful Stanley's Parrakeet in this way. Hence we may all one day bless the aviculturist.
Surely the test of happiness and health would appear to be that any species can and will breed in confinement. In conclusion I would say this : vast bird sanctuaries should be established in every country. Catching should be strictly licensed, and only in the hands of a limited number of true naturalists and humane aviculturists. The close season should be far more strictly adhered to, and every country should have one. Some birds, such as the lark, should never be allowed in captivity. I, of course, only advocate any bird-keeping in aviaries or very large cages. Under these circumstances all aviculturists can testify as to the wonderful affection and tameness of many individuals. I myself have two cockatoos which can hardly bear me out of their sight.
—I am, Sir, &c., P. KINGSFORD-VENNER, F.Z.S.
7 Bisham Gardens, Highgate, N. 6.
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