* * *
Rubbered Swans
• The plight of birds that swim into patches of waste oil has aroused the pity of us all. A similar but, surprisingly, a less serious calamity befell a number of swans in the Thames after the great dock-side fire. They were found coated with rubber that had floated down the river. The quantity was very large and a good many boats and ships found themselves rubber-coated. Happily for both, the rubber was not quite so adhesive as was feared ; and after extensive peeling operations both birds and boats were relieved of their unwanted macintoshes. The oil menace is not quite so in- sistent as it was. On the west coast recently I failed to find any bird suffering. Nevertheless, a great deal of this nasty refuse is poured on to the sea and sonic otherwise charming bays are so fouled that the bathers suffer a good deal both in person, and clothes. Real international action is needed. There is no necessity whatever for the abuse, and, properly treated, the offal may be a not invaluable by-product.
* * *
Previous page
