Friday, October 15, 2004
A Little History
One of the reasons that Bird was invited to the opening of the Scottish parliament (see story below) was that his family has a long tradition with the British royal family.
Here is a painting from Bird's private collection of Queen Elizabeth I with a milk cow and a few farm clowns. The painting was done during a balmy time in England and depicts the first Elizabeth at one of her rural palaces. At her side is Basil (phenocopterus basilicus) who was in the area for a visit. Bird is directly descended from Basil.
In the painting an advisor is seen counseling Elizabeth as the court jester pumps the tail of the cow to facilitate the flow of milk. The local priest sits astride the cow to whisper blessings in its ear, while the farm hand is smart enough to have brought a bucket and is, in essence, waiting for the three clowns to leave so he can get on with the milking.
The English have progressed since this artwork was completed. The priests and the advisors are gone.
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