Chapter 1199: 1199. Audubon Society (3/5)

Chapter 1199 1199. Audubon Society (35)

Li Du didn't know much about Audubon, and he was indeed ignorant, which proved that he had to continue to expand his knowledge if he wanted to work in the warehouse auction industry.

Audubon is extremely famous in the United States. He was considered a great bird naturalist painter when he was alive, and his influence was even greater after his death. Even his name became a symbol of animal protection.

Founded in 1886, the Audubon Society is an organization with a history of more than 120 years. It is mainly responsible for leading generations of Americans to love nature. Since its establishment, it has been one of the largest non-governmental environmental protection organizations in the United States. one.

But it’s a bit ironic to say that Audubon’s paintings relied on hunting a large number of birds to make specimens. At that time, he did not have the concept of environmental protection and bird protection, purely because of his hobby and the popularization of ornithological knowledge.

As a result, now he has become the patriarch who protects animals, birds, and the environment. I don't know if the birds who died under his hands will scold their mothers in the underworld.

Li Du can't control these things. He has to entertain Bravo-Thompsey and his party well. The Audubon Society is very famous and powerful in the United States.

Bravo is a gentle person. After meeting Li Du, the two sides exchanged pleasantries first.

He was very polite to Li Du, and cared about Li Du's feelings in his speech and behavior. The reason was that he was introduced by Cole and probably knew Li Du's identity.

Li Du suddenly realized that he sold the book this time. After he got "Birds of America", he posted it on his twitter and facebook. Cole probably saw it and contacted the customer for himself. .

"Can we have a look at the book first?" Bravo asked.

Li Du nodded: "Of course it's no problem."

This book is huge, and the birds in the paintings are in a one-to-one ratio to the real ones.

The first drawing showed three fat birds with yellow and white patterns on their bodies. After seeing it, Bravo said: "This is a prairie grouse. The two fighting must be roosters. The one lying behind is a hen. Two roosters fighting for territory and hens."

Turning another page, the drawing on it is more colorful and complicated. There is a bird's nest on a tree, with four eggs inside, and four birds standing on the top of the tree or flying into the air, coiled on a branch A big snake with a white belly and black scales.

"This is the nest and eggs of the brown mockingbird. They are the most loving birds. This snake wanted to eat the eggs. They did not hesitate to fight the snake."

Just like that, five people gathered at the desk, flipped through the book and started discussing it.

Turn the book over, and on the back cover, there are two birds staying together. One has blue-blue feathers, and the other is purple-red, with red eyes and a golden beak, very beautiful.

Seeing this picture, five people exclaimed in unison:

"Oh, look here. No prototype of this bird has been found so far. It seems to be an extinct bird of paradise?"

"Ha, this book's description of it is too clear, and there is something wrong with this page in the collections of other museums."

"Yes, the back cover of the Smithsonian's "Birds of the Americas" is also severely worn. This is the first time I have seen this bird so clearly."

"This shouldn't be a species, right? From the size and appearance, you can see that it has never actually appeared."

"That's the value of Birds of America, man, Audubon wouldn't draw a bird he didn't see, such a beautiful bird must have existed, it's a pity that they should be extinct..."

The five people looked at the book for nearly an hour, and carefully analyzed the patterns on each piece of paper. They didn't look like people from environmental protection organizations, but more like ornithologists.

After the research, Bravo caressed the book and sighed: "There are a total of 85 species of birds in it, and 61 of them have become extinct so far. Alas, what a pity."

Li Du said: "So we should protect the environment together. You are doing very well now, guiding everyone to cherish and love nature. This is the greatest cause of mankind."

Hearing what he said, Bravo smiled and said: "We are deeply honored to receive your praise, this is our duty, and we hope we can do better."

There was another round of polite conversation, and finally, Sophie brought the coffee and they started talking about the book.

"Do you want to sell it?" Bravo asked, "What is your expected price?"

Li Du gave Hans a wink, and Hans had to play in this respect.

Hans was full of energy, listed the difference between the performance of the previous "Birds of the Americas" at the auction and the quality of the two books, and then said firmly: "Sixteen million dollars, gentlemen, you are the ones who know the goods , the price is reasonable, right? It is a fossil of our American nature!"

Bravo's side showed a desire to buy the book, but they couldn't afford the price, and they were willing to give up to $10 million.

From this, we can see the strength of the Audubon organization. They are non-profit environmental protection organizations, but they can spend at least 10 million US dollars to buy a book!

However, considering that the family has a history of 120 to 30 years, and has made a lot of financial investment, plus donations from the whole people, it is understandable that the association has money.

This price was absolutely unacceptable to Hans, but he made a guarantee that the book would sell for more than fifteen million.

Li Du didn't expect that this book could really sell 15 million. The previous book could sell 11.5 million, mainly because of the light of the international auction.

His expectation for this book is about 11 million US dollars, inflation plus this book is better protected, he thinks it is no problem to sell this price.

The two sides started a tug-of-war over the price. Bravo and others were stubborn and refused to pay any more money given the 10 million US dollars.

Hans was like a dog gnawing a rock, even though he was eloquent, there was nothing he could do.

But he is not in a hurry, the big deal is that this book will not be sold to the Audubon Society, and some museums are interested in this book.

Li Du listened to the dispute between the two sides, then he thought for a while, clapped his hands and said, "Everyone be quiet, guys, calm down first, and listen to me."

Everyone stopped arguing and looked at him together.

Li Du continued: "Obviously, the Audubon Society's love for this book is obvious to all. We also know the value of this book. The price of 10 million is too low."

"How about this, we all take a step back, we sell this book for 14 million..."

Upon hearing this, Bravo and the others shook their heads in unison.

Li Du said: "The price is 14 million. When the transaction is completed, we will donate 4 million US dollars to your association. How about it?"

The leaders of the Audubon Society were moved immediately. They got together to discuss it, and then Bravo came forward and said with a smile: "Mr. Li, thank you for your support for the global environmental protection cause."