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January 07, 1993 - Back to the Beginning18 Critic at Large A Memento of Africa For Future Generations By Mary Cummings Shadows of Africa, a collection of words and images that chronicles the life- cycles and habits of animals in the African wild, came out just in time for the holiday season, but it is really a book for posterity. A collab- oration between Peter Matthiessen -- renowned nationally as a nature writer and celebrated locally as a Sagaponack resident They had something more in mind than a beautiful coffee table book. who has portrayed the plight of East End baymen in his book Men's Lives —and the prominent contemporary artist Mary Frank, the book is published by Harry N. Abrams (120 pages, 71 Illustrations, $34.95). It in- chides essays drawn from Mr. Matthiessen's three previous books on Africa —The Tree Where Man Was Born (Dutton, 1972), Sand Rivers (Viking, 1981) and African Silences (Random House, 1991) as well as material not previously published in book form. Mary Frank's drawings, paintings and sculptures -71 in all, including 23 in color — are used in counterpoint to the author's nar- rative. Mr. Matthiessen, who has not only argued on behalf of local baymen's rights but sought to expose oppression on Native American re- servations in his writing, is almost as well- known as an activist in some circles as he is as a writer. In this book, he returns to a cause that has concerned him since he first began traveling the continent of Africa in 1961- In the past 30 years, as everyone is by now well aware, Africa's majestic animals, its awe- I1 Gifted Images Gallery II Original Animation Art "A Preferred Gallery of The Walt Disney Company" 47C Jobs Lane, Days Court Southampton, N -Y. 11968 (516)18714022 some elephant and buffalo herds and its vast, sky - darkening flocks of birds have drasti- cally dwindled. Drawn together by their shared sense of ur- gency and anguish at the idea that their chil- dren may inherit a world that holds no hint of the endless companies of game animals that were for them among the greatest spec- tacles left in the world, Mr. Matthiessen and Ms. Frank obviously had something more in mind than a beautiful coffee table book when they joined forces. Evidence of their more serious purpose can be found in their dedi- cations, jointly to the rangers and wardens of the African national parks, and individ- ually from Ms. Frank to her son Pablo, and from Mr. Matthiessen to his children's chil- dren "in fervent hope that my small grand- sons, Christopher, Joseph, and Andrew, together with all of the world's children, may still find remnants of the splendor of the world when they grow up." In addition, the collaborators have agreed to donate a por- tion of their earnings from the book to Wild- life Conservation International, an arm of the New York Zoological Society. While Mr. Matthiessen has lately been ac- cused of mythologizing the baymen at the ex- pense of the bass and romanticizing Native Americans by casting them as intermediar- ies in the white man's quest to re -bond with Nature, there can be no doubt about the deep and unsentimental respect inspired in him by all of Africa's beasts. From the rhinos in all their "protean ugliness," their tiny eyes bur- ied in "bags of skin," to the fearsome hye- nas filling the still night after a kill with "horrid giggling," the merciless and power- ful leopard, "one of the rare creatures be- sides man known to kill for the sake of killing," and the bizarre ostriches who careen about when they mate, shuffling their fat wings on their backs "like maids tying up apron strings while rushing to answer a bell," he knows them all. In a worst -case scenario —the end of the un- spoiled wflderness in our lifetime —it is hard to imagine a look that would bear better tes- timony to all that is lost. Mr. Matthiessen's descriptions of the timeless landscapes and awesome storms that sweep over them are extraordinary examples of nature writing at Its most powerful and evocative. During a winter -long stay in the Serengeti as a guest of the Tanzania National Parks in 1969.70, Mr. Matthiessen, anxious to watch the ani- mals in a storm that was approaching the highlands, found a perch aloof a great rock Where Do You Go for All the Gay Goings -On on the East End You Go to - - • • End Gay Organization For information on upcoming social events, educational or political forums & cultural activities call 324 -3699 or write: EEGO, Box 708, Bridgehampton, N.Y. 11932 MOPAR WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SOMETHING PERFECTLY CLEAR ...YOUR WINDSHIELD with a free pair of front wiper blades when we change your oil and filter $50.00 4cy1. $60.00 6 CYI $70y00 ILC INCLUDES. • Mopar- /Champion spark plugs. • Inspect emission components. • Set timing, adjust idle speed (if applicable). )Vehicles equipped with greater than 2- barrel carburetor and standard ignition slightly higher.) -Additional labor /special spark plugs extra. 10% OFF OTHER SERVICES • Redeemable at dealership identified below. • Not applicable to previous charges or old accounts. • Only redeemable for service and /or parts purchases. • Not redeemable for cash or body shop repairs. $24.95 C." $28.99 L 1NCUDDES: • New oil (up to 5 qts, for cars/ 6 qts. for trucks). • New Mopar- oil filter. • Complete chassis tube. • Check fluid levels. •Visually inspect battery. )Vehicles requiring special /extra oil and diesel filters slightly higher.) $47.50 • Inspect hoses and belts. • New Mopar- antifreeze II gal. max.). • Pressure test system. • Complete cooling system flush. )Chemical flush, VS engines and additional parts/labor extra.) Coupon offer refixes on January 4, 1993, and expires January 25, 1993. Present roupon when order a written. Cannot re usM with any other cowsons or specials. Taxes not intlWed. Offer for Norch,11er oeNaer may Ee higher or unavaidble. Trull prime may nary Some press Oo not include ere for disposal of Wirt and fattener. Mayo Motors, Incorporated 175 County Rd 39 Pn 0r 5032 • Southampton, NY 119H - (516) 283 -1688 Toe Sat Open 8:00 a.m. Close 4'.30 pm. " MMoper- A Nr.M..1 CUSTOMER CARE THE SOUTHAMPTON PRESS / JANUARY 7, 1993 writer reter Matunessen and artist Mary Frank, collaborators on a new book from Harty Abrams, "Shadows of Africa." Barbara Bordnick Photo and later entered these observations in his journal: "Soaring thunderheads, unholy light: at the summit of the rock the wind flung back leaves of twining fig trees flat against the sky, and black ravens blew among them. I straightened, taking a deep breath. From its aerie, a dog baboon reviled me with fear and fury. Puffs of cold air and a high far silent lightning; thunder rolled up and down the sky. Everywhere westward, the zebra le- gions fled across the plain. But dark was coming, and soon I hurried down off the high places." Ms. Frank's drawings, cutouts, mono- prints, clay reliefs and oil paintings do not play a secondary role in Shadows of Africa. African in spirit as well as in subject, they have the vitality and authenticity of truth caught on the quick. These are qualities they share with ancient cave paintings, which they often resemble, though Ms. Frank em- ploys a variety of innovative techniques that give her work a very contemporary flair. Going Out The holidays are history but the winter is just beginning. Guild Hall in East Hampton has a few suggestions for keeping it lively, including its Double Feature Night series, which continues this Saturday, January 9, at 7:30 p.m. with Orson Welles' "Journey Into Fear" (1943) and "Compulsion" (1959) at 9 p.m. Admission is $7 (or $5 for Guild Hall members and senior citizens). To make a real night of it, take advantage of a special $16 double feature meal deal offered at Hobson's Choice restaurant in East Hamp- ton call 3249793 for reservations. When others beat an off - season retreat, Amagansett's Stephen Talkhouse (267 -3117) is still booking musical talent and providing a party atmosphere over the weekend. The action starts tonight, January 7, with an open jam; tomorrow, January 8, the popular Na- peague Choir Boys wiii be on hand; and on Saturday, January 9, Loup Garou brings zy- deco back to the Talkhouse. Ed's Music Inn in Bridgehampton (53- 1700) returns to its regular winter format this weekend, presenting its Friday Night Dance Party, which features some of the Fast End's premiere DJs, tomorrow evening. Museum Offers WinterActivities Families on the lookout for some winter weekend activity will find it in January and February at The Parrish Art Museum, which is about to cele- brate Family Month. Family enter- tainment will be offered every Saturday at the museum, beginning on January 16 and continuing through February 7. On the agenda are performances, films and workshops intended for multi- generational participation— all based on the School Art Festival theme, "Identity: What is America." An exhibition of student art work, also inspired by the theme, will be on view concurrently in the galleries. The winter festivities will kick off on Saturday, January 16, with the open- ing of the exhibition and a perform- ance by The Hejnal Dancers. The dancers, who lead audiences through the origins of and influences on Polish folk dance, will take the stage at 2 p.m. Advance reservations are required and can be made by calling 283 -2118. General admission is $2.50; museum members pay $1. Activities in the following weeks in- clude screenings of comedy films; quilting instruction for children ages eight to 12; rug - braiding for children ages seven to 10; a performance of "The Wise Men of Chelm," an origi- nal play by Sandra Fenichel Asher; soap- making for children ages five to 10; parent-child workshops on African patterns and designs and on Native American family values, both for chil- dren five to eight and their parents; and a screening of "Sounder," a film about a young son of black sharecrop- pers in Louisiana during the Depres- sion. The Education Department at 283- 2118 has additional information and is accepting reservations. Children's Chorus Gets Ready The Eastern Suffolk School of Music has announced the formation of a children's chorus that will hold its first rehearsal to- day, January 7, at 4 p.m. at the school's Riv- erhead branch of ESSM, 141 East Main Street. Beginning this month, ESSM faculty member Robert Phillips also will be teach- ing group folk guitar on Saturdays at the school's Riverhead headquarters. Additional information is available from the school at 369 -2171. The chorus will be open to young singers between the ages of seven and 14; prior choral experience will not be required. Re- hearsals will be held every Thursday after- noon between 4 and 5 p.m. ESSM faculty member Wahneta Meixsell will direct the singers who will perform a repertoire includ- ing all types of choral literature— traditional classical works, popular and sacred music. Ms. Meixsell has directed children's choral groups in public schools, churches and children's theater. At the group folk guitar sessions guided by Mr. Phillips, beginners will be welcome. The group will focus its attention on the folk and protest songs and ballads of the '6os and '70s. Chords, tablature and music reading skills are part of the curriculum. Robert Phillips, a frequent performer on classical guitar, has been an ESSM faculty member for five years. He also maintains his own private studio in Amityville and was a columnist for Guitar for the Practicing Mu- sician and on the editorial staff of Guitar Re- view magazine. He has been heard in concert at Weill Recital Hall, Lincoln Center's Bruno Walter auditorium and at Town Hall in New York City. He has offered guitar instruction over cable television and his transcriptions and editions are published by Cherry Lane Music, Inc. GUILD HALL 158 MAIN STREET* EAST HAMPTON ORSON WELLES DOUBLE FEATURE JANUARY 9 7:30 PM - JOURNEY INTO FEAR (1943) with Joseph Cotten 9:00 PM - COMPULSION (1959) with Dean Stockwell CALL 324 -4051 FOR INFORMATION ng- $16 SPECIAL MEAL DEAL AT HOBSON'S CHOICE Call 324 -9793 for reservations Focus on Nature Back to the Beginning By Paul Stoutenburgh I wonder how many readers out there can remember over 30 years ago when "Focus On Nature" first appeared. At that time it was featured in the Sunday edition of the Riv- erhead News - Review and was illustrated with sketches by Dennis Puleston. It was my hope then, as it still is today, that by review- ing the wonders of the natural world here on the East End, we all would become better stewards of the land. To a great extent that hope has borne fruit for today there is a large body of people concerned with conservation. As I reviewed the article, I could see many things I'd probably correct if I were writing it today. Yet that early experience of phot- ographing from a blind on a cold winter's day is still sharp and vivid in my mind, and the beautiful meadowlark with its bright yellow vest has held a special place in my book of memories every since. And so, on to 30 years ago... The coldest day I ever spent in a blind, or as the English would say, a hide, was when I was photographing the meadowlark three years ago. I had always admired this rugged bird with its lush yellow breast, striking back chevron and white outer tail feathers that stand out so when he flies. For some reason or other, I have never quite been able to photograph it during the nesting time. I .prefer this time for photographing for three reasons. First, it's usually the warm- est part of the year and therefore more com- fortable (sometimes though it becomes too warm inside the blind). Secondly, the birds are in their best mating plumage (this changes later to ragged coats from the wear and tear of strenuous feeding and parental duties). And thirdly, the bird is confined to the nesting site by the nature of its obliga- tion, which makes it easier for photograph- ing. But being there at the right time with a camera never seemed to work out well for the meadowlark and me. To change my luck and capture this elegant bird on film, I made it my business to set up a blind in an aban- doned cornfield nearby. There was still snow on the ground and so I cleared a small area and baited it gener- ously with seed. I try to leave my blinds un- attended for a day or two so that the birds become accustomed to them. The first chance I got, I started to outfit myself for a day's photographing. Seeing the temperature down in the teens, I bundled up like a space man and carried camera, tripods, and mis- cellaneous supplies to the hide. Previously I had seen many meadowlarks in this field, gleaning the few remaining ker- nels of corn and grain that poked above the white snow cover, and so I knew it would be a matter of only a half an hour or so before my subjects would appear. Sure enough, soon three or four slowly made their way toward the exposed feeding ground and in no time at all I was busy trying to capture a good shot. For some reason, meadowlarks, like some people, do not want to be photographed and it is very difficult to get a front view of the bird showing its beautiful yellow vest. I had to be satisfied with some fairly good profile shots, but seeing all the ice and snow in the background, I put this bird on my list as one of our welcome winter residents. Grain probably makes up the bulk of the meadowlark's diet during the winter, but by springtime the diet changes as it does with so many other birds when insect life abounds. Because of its ground feeding habits in the field, its large size and its quail -like flight, this bird at one time was considered fair game for the hunter. To most of us, shooting at a small bird of this size seems almost ri- diculous. However, we must remember that our country and its laws are comparatively young, and until the concept of conservation was developed there was some rationale for this action. Years gone by saw the shooting of small birds like robins, blackbirds, bunting, shore birds and a host of others that to most would seem too small to bother with. Those were the days when there were no seasons and anyone could shoot any game for sport or profit. Today we think of this era as past history, but unfortunately this practice still prevails in many of the undeveloped parts of the world. As these areas develop, we can only hope that conservation laws will become part of their way of life and this slaughter will end. It has been said that one of the ways a country's progress can be measured is by its outlook on conservation. I hope this kind of positive progress will be seen by the end of this century. Some meadowlarks are content to spend their winters here in the north while others, like some people, feel they must go south. March marks their return to this area and we will soon thrill to the familiar "spring is here" call that once recognized is never for- gotten. Although this call is not quite as me- lodious as that of the western species, I ask nothing more As mentioned before, the bird is an exclu- sive ground feeder and therefore it is little wonder that during May it seeks its nesting site down amongst the grasses. The nests are usually half hidden under a dry tuft or hum- mock of last year's grass, something like a Dutch oven. In many cases, tunnels from one to two feet long lead into the nest, completely hiding it from sight. Trying to locate these nests by watching a bird land is almost im- possible for they never land close at hand but usually some distance away, then they run, crouched low in the grass and frequently out of sight, to the nest entrance. The nesting arras are jealously guarded as one can tell from the great amount of rivalry between birds. Usually on some high post, rock or uprising, the meadowlark will pro- claim his territory in full song, letting the whole world know that this is his native land. The tragedy in this bird's life is the fact that it continually builds its nest in the many hayfields of upstate New York and here- about. It was thought at one time that their decline was due to the fact that early mow- ing destroyed their nests. Now that the age of the horse has ended and there are fewer hayfields, we see the meadowlark thriving again as a strong and vibrant bird in our ter- ritory. Meadowlarks are very seldom found invi- divually, but usually in small flocks or groups. They are never found in large flocks as is so common with their relative, the blackbird. ROGERS MEMORIAL LIBRARY o IOBS LANI. SOUTH "FICIN. N 1191a 51618307/4 BOOK SALE Tuesdays & Saturdays 10 -4 TAPAdult Ballet, Jazz, Exercise & Children Dir. - Aras Ames 537 -1684 ELDER LAW ADRESSING THE CONCERNS OF THE ELDERLY AND THEIR FAMILIES • HEALTH CARE FINANCIAL PLANNING of ESTATE PLANNING • PROPERTY LAW JOHN E. HURLEY ATTORNEY AT LAW 50 MAIN STREET PATIO BUILDING WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY 11978 PHONE: (516) 288 -5435 FAx: (516) 288 -0909 ENGAGED IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW IN WESTHAMPTON BEACH SINCE 1961,