16 APRIL 1932, Page 15

It is a question of no little interest to natural

historians whether the eggs will hatch in this country. Their failure to hatch last year when some fertile eggs were laid in a similarly gigantic pile was due to the abnormal wet which flattened and felted the lightly lying leaves. Might it be suggested to the authorities that in ease of extravagant rain sonic umbrella-like protection be offered ? Australian suns have something to do with the hatching and, it may be, the nature of Australian leaves. But there is no particular reason to suppose that oak and bluebell will not supply the place of gum leaf and grass, or whatever is handy to the turkey in the Bush.