BY A. J. NORTH. 509 



callainus, he assures me that the male having once assumed the 

 adult phase of plumage, always retains it the whole year round. 



Dr. Ramsay is of opinion that in the section of the genus 

 Malurus in which the blue predominates, the males having 

 once attained their full adult plumage always retain it, but does 

 not feel quite so certain about the members of the red-backed 

 section. 



From the experience of the authorities quoted above, and my 

 own as regards that of M. cyaneus, together with a careful examina- 

 tion of a large series of each known species of the genus, I have 

 not the slightest doubt that the males of all species of the genus 

 Malurus will be found to retain their full adult and distinguishing 

 phase of plumage after once they have assumed it. 



