SWALLOWS AND MARTINS.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8491, 24 May 1893, Page 3

SWALLOWS AND MARTINS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THS PRESS. Sib,—The martins that were recently seen at New Brighton have, I fear, taken their departure from that neighbourhood. I was too late to see them on the 11th inst., when I made a trip there with that object, and from enquiries I made I gather that they must have left aboub that time. The approach of cold weather has doubtless driven them to seek warmer parts. Possibly some of your readers living further north or inland may come across bhem, in which event I shall be glad to receive tidings of them. From the fact that these birds live entirely on. insects they should meet with the warmest welcome as colonists. Their habit of feeding on the wing has, I believe, been the one obstacle thab has stood in bhe way of their introduction captive into this colony, and the question of their importation has been quite lately under the consideration of tbe Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. Now that the birds have found their way to our shores, I hope they may be afforded all possible protecbion and allowed to remain unmolesbed wherever they may show a disposition to settle. My object in wribing to you is to make ib generally known bhat my application for Governmenb protecbion has been granted, and that I bave to-day received a telegram from the Colonial Secretary thata warrant protecting swallows, swifts, and martins has been signed by the Governor, and will be gazetted nexb Thursday. Persons baking or killing the birds or taking their eggs will, therefore, be liable to a penalty. I? you will kindly give a paragraph to this effect, I shall be much obliged. —Yours, &c, H. Peregrine Birch, Secretary Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. 23rd May, 1693.