Traces of Dodo

E-mail from Doctor Brack, Department of Psychology, Magdalen College.
Monday.

Dear Dunwich family,

Rest assured the search for your family pet carries on into the holidays.

This weekend we brought out our secret weapon in the hunt for Dodgson. The academic staff brought their children in for a Dodo-hunt. Lucy (age 7 and a half), Briony (age 9), Sam (age 10) and Calvin (aged 11) were all heavily bribed with Mars Bars (which I trust will come out of the reward offered) and set to hunting. The results were very promising, and demonstrated that motivated primary-school children can outperform Oxford undergraduates who've been celebrating Christmas early.

The findings of the team may be summarised as follows:

One feather, large and grey, similar to a pigeon but larger. We have sent it to the Biology Department who has said that they are currently busy, but they will look at it after their Christmas dinner.

One bed of hardy perennials, trampled and pecked, with the surrounding soil much scratched and disturbed. Possible evidence of roosting by a large bird.

One of the art studios reported by cleaning staff to be "messy, with a funny smell".

Footprints, as of a largish bird, on the path leading from this art studio. Traces of paint, possibly guache, on the prints.

We have accordingly put up some of your "Wanted!" notices around the art department and rewarded the intrepid hunters with four Fruit Shoots.

Thank you for sending me Harry's full name, address, phone number, mobile phone number, e-mail address, star sign and favourite topics of conversation.

Wishing you all the best in the festive season,

Dr Roisin Brack.