From: Biological Stn. Pearl Beach
Via Woy Woy
NSW

To: Miss M. C. Sadler
White Lodge
101 Northcourt Rd.
Abingdon, Berkshire
England

November 22, 1953

My dear Margaret,

It was so kind of you to write so quickly to give me particulars about the Bedford legacy. I do hope it is not to be squandered upon a zoo. I loath these places and there is little excuse for their existence now that we have such lovely pictures of wild animals taken in their natural homes and surroundings. I have written at once to Professor Murray of the Sydney University (Zoology Dept.). I believe he is a personal friend of Dr. Julian Huxley who is visiting Australia and was lately entertained by the Murrays at their home. I do not know if my letter will be in time, but if he has already left Prof. Murray may write to him and perhaps secure his help. If he has not left, he may even be able to bring him here. But I doubt that as he already must have a very strenuous programme, and it is such a busy time at the University.

Can you tell me exactly where the Russells come into the family? Our g.g. father Charles Russell is the first entry I can find and it seems to me that it must have been a family relationship, and not merely a friendly connection because it crops up so frequently afterwards. I did find the Crommelin-Browns somewhere, but cannot remember where. It won't show on Jacob Crommelin's wonderful tree because he only shows the descent of males, and those with daughters only are not continued because of the enormous numbers already. It is a wonderful piece of work.

I have not been well and have had shingles twice since I returned from Sydney with the 'flu. This time my eyes and face bones have been painful, and my writing is all behind. I'm afraid everyone will be neglected this Christmas. It has been most trying because it is a most important period in the work I am trying to do.

I would rather go to the Bedford family direct if an appeal could be made for a grant from the legacy. If it was for the preservation of fauna within the Empire, nothing could be more appropriate than the Australian because they are the most ancient forms in existence (both plants and animals), and they are becoming so very rare. Zoos never preserve anything and I am working for conservation - not for captivity in any shape or form. Our rarest and most interesting animals and birds are simply being exploited. One man (who has been knighted) is exporting wildlife all over the world. The glorious Birds of Paradise from New Guinea are now being taken in great numbers to languish in cages in foreign climates. I feel furious whenever I think of the dreadful things money enables people to do. If only it could be used to keep the world beautiful, people would have greater happiness. Natural beauty gives a joy which no other pleasure can surpass. It has everything. The music of bird song. The wonder and beauty of flowers. The delight of streams and sunshine, surf, beaches, trees - every item exquisite in itself and glorious in combination - producing health and happiness for rich and poor alike.

I won't say anything in praise of insects at the moment!! I am suffering from a tick bite! They are nasty things and can be quite dangerous, so I will leave this group out of the picture, at least until the swelling goes down! Nor will I extol the virtues of the wood-borers eating through the stems of some of my best wattles!

Many thanks for your letters. I will let you know immediately of any favourable results.

Love from Minard