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Lionel Lindsay (Aust., 1874-1961).

The Lion’s Share [Rabbit Plague]

1907. Pen and ink, titled, signed, captioned and dated in ink below image, 30.2 x 27cm. Slight foxing and soiling overall, minor missing portions to edges.

Caption reads “L.E.N. 07. Extract from a wheat farmer’s letter: ‘Share-farming is all very well so long as you only have the landowner to share with. But when the rabbit comes in, and takes his share first, there are too many partners in the game altogether.’”

European rabbits were introduced to Australia via the First Fleet and became widespread. They reached plague proportions during the 19th century, and the impact on primary industry and the natural environment was catastrophic. Farmers and local councils tried rabbit-proof fences, traps, poisoned baits and fumigation machines, but with little success. In 1907 and 1950 viruses were developed to try to control the rabbit population. Ref: National Archives.

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Item #CL194-101

Price (AUD): $1,750.00  other currencies