266 THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY 



squeak of a toy trumpet. This species was usually met with in 

 pairs, frequenting the fruit-bearing trees in the dense scrubs. 

 The trachea is external, and similar to that organ in the 

 Australian M. Gouldii, Gray. 



59. — Ptilorhis magnifica, Vieill., N. Diet, d' Hist. Nat XXVIII, 

 p. 167.pl Q. S9.fig, 3 (1819;. 



One female obtained during a trip to the South-East, probably 

 at Cloudy Bay, and two adult males and two young males sent 

 by Broadbent, obtained about 30 miles inland from Port Moresby. 



60. — Paradisea raggiana, Sclat, P.L.S. 1873, p. 559. 



This, certainly one of the most beautiful of its tribe, is the only 

 species of the genus found near Port Moresby ; its nearest 

 locality is about 12 miles inland on the banks of the Laloki 

 River. They usually frequent the higher branches of the larger 

 trees, but sometimes also those of smaller growth, in search of 

 berries, their chief food, associating in troops of from 5 to 10 in 

 number, the young birds and females predominating. The adult 

 males, easily found by their loud cry of " Wock," " Wock," 

 repeated some 10 or 12 times in succession, are rendered more 

 conspicuous by their habit of elevating and spreading their 

 plumes immediately after " calling," shaking them out as it 

 were, with a continuous tremulous motion for two or three 

 minutes. It was only after their feeding time in the morning 

 that they were observed thus besporting themselves. 



Mr. Goldie obtained a very fine series in all the various stages 

 of plumage, and in addition to those shot by Mr. Morton, I have 

 examined others procured by D'Albertis, Dr. James, and Broad- 

 bent. From these various collections, I find that the young males 

 resemble the females for at least the two first years, so closely, 

 that the sexes cannot be determined without discretion. The 

 first change is the darkening of the throat, then the change from 

 the dark chocolate to bright green, the frontal band or bar becomes 

 darker, and finally deep dark green, and the velvety yellow feathers 

 of the head take the place of the dull olive yellow of the young 

 birds. After these changes, the two wire-Jike centre tail feathers 



