two birds of prey mounted for display -photo c1870s
Toronto. Issue 15-4 includes an Image of the Month column by the late Dr Wilson. The photo, featuring a couple birds of prey stuffed and mounted, may attract those folk who collect images of nature (birds being a sub-set).
Bob begin this column as follows, “Henry G. Vennor began studying Canadian Birds of Prey about 1863. As a Geologist with the Geological Survey of Canada from 1865 to 1881, he travelled extensively throughout Southern Ontario and Western Quebec. While the main reason for these travels was to record the geological features of the area, he was always on the lookout for birds, taking notes about those that he observed.
“In 1876, his notes were published in a book which described every species of Falcon, Hawk, Buzzard, Harrier, Eagle and Owl which had been found in Canada up to that time.
“Vennor’s book was illustrated with 30 mounted albumen prints of stuffed specimens of the birds which were described in the book. This photograph shows the Pigeon Hawk and the American Merlin. According to the introduction, the use of photography ‘ . . . attempted even a few years back, could not but have resulted in failure; but, today, to such perfection has this art been brought, that the pictures produced by it are not only beautiful, but truthful to the most minute detail’.”
As usual, members can read all of Bob’s column in the issue 15-4 pdf file on the ‘free to members’ PHSC DVD. Not a member? Details in above menu or to the right. A copy of the DVD will be sent via Canada Post upon your registration. Questions? drop a line to Membership Secretary, Lilianne Schneider, at member@phsc.ca.
