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91.11.24

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George Verdon to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1891-11-24. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id//letters/1890-6/1891/91-11-24-final.odt>, accessed June 9, 2026

1
Letter not found. For the published text given here, see The Victorian n aturalist, vol. 8, no. 8, December 1891, p. 127. The letter is introduced: '[The following letter from Sir George Verdon has been forwarded to us by Baron von Mueller for Publication. — Ed.]'.
PROTECTION OF NATIVE BIRDS
My Dear Baron, — Will you permit me to express my great satisfaction that you are giving your valuable aid and influence to the protection of the insectivorous birds?
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Verdon is responding to the following report included in the account of the meeting of the Field Naturalists' Club held on 16 November 1891, published on p. 113 of the same issue of the Victo rian n aturalist: 'Baron von Mueller, one of the patrons of the club, was accorded a hearty welcome when he rose to advocate the protection of insectivorous and native birds. He thought that this object could be attained not only by putting a comparatively heavy tax upon guns and a great strictness in carrying out the present laws, but rather, perhaps, by the initiation of some scheme which would enlist the sympathy and co-operation of all persons interested in the subject. To this end Baron von Mueller advocated the use of a distinctive badge to be worn by members if such a union were ever inaugurated.'
The magpies in the Macedon district
3
Vic.
have been nearly exterminated by the poisoned wheat laid down for rabbits. It is quite useless there for that purpose; but it has killed a vast number of the native birds, which do far more good in destroying insects than the rabbits do harm. It may be of use to you to know this, and so I trouble you with the information.
Dr Plummer, of Gisborne,
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Vic. Andrew Plummer?
informs me that, near his house, he found fifteen magpies dead in 150 yards. — I am always, my dear Baron, yours most sincerely,
GEORGE VERDON.
Melbourne Club, 24th November, 1891.