414 APPKNIIIX 



The epigs vary in form from oval to an ellipse and compressed oval, the shell being finely 

 grannlate, lustrous and typically of a uniform faint creamy or warm white. One set is almost 

 dead white and lustreless, and all could easily be Jiiistaken for Pigeon's eggs, except for the 

 texture of the shell. Altogether about thirty sets were taken during the season of 1908, and of 

 fifteen now before me two sets measure respectively : — Length (A) 1-4 x 0-98 inches; (B) 1-38 

 X 0-97 inches. Six eggs measure : — Length (A) 1-32 x 0-98 inches; (B) 1-4 x i inches ; (C) 

 1-4 X 1-02 inches; (D) 1-4 x 0-97 inches; (E) 1-4 x 1-03 inches; (F) 1-31 x 0-94 inches. 



The eggs of Newton's Bower-bird are totally unlike those of the typical Ptilonorhyuchidu-, 

 which are noted for their strikingly contrasted colours and peculiarity of markings. 'J'he 

 nest, too, resembles more that of a Cat-bird or Rifle-bird, but differs from either in the position 

 in which it is built. 



A nestling about a week old is olive-brown above, or as much of the feathers as are visible 

 from the ends of their sheaths ; on the crown of the head some smoky-brown down ; the forehead, 

 sides of the head and throat bare; fore-neck and breast light oli\e-brown ; the thighs with a 

 slight covering of smoky-brown down. Wing 1-85 inches. Another specimen, slightly older, 

 has a golden-olive wash to the quills, and the entire plumage is soft and downy. Wing 2-5 

 inches. 



The breeding season commences at the latter end of October, and continues during the 

 three following months. 



I know of no species in the Australian avi-fauna the skins of which are affected so much by 

 light as those of the adult male of Newton's Bower-bird. Specimens that have been mounted 

 and placed on exhibition for a few years, especially in a hot climate, when compared with recently 

 procured examples, have a faded and washed-out appearance, particularly of the golden-yellow 

 under parts and portions of the tail-feathers. 



The following information was verbally supplied to me by Mr. Sharp : — " I was much 

 interested in the bowers of the Tooth-billed Bower-bird and Newton's Bower-bird, but more so 

 in those of the latter. Some of the bowers on one side were over eight feet in height, and several 

 of these stick-formed walls were beautifully arched over the lower side. It was amusing to watch 

 a bird perched on the bough or stick that runs crosswise near the bottom of each of these structures, 

 stretch out as far as it could to ornament the inside of the higher wall with a flower, usually an 

 orchid. I several times removed pieces of moss which they use in decoration, and of one kind 

 only, hanging them on shrubs close by, then drew into concealment and watched, and each 

 time the birds showed every kind of resentment at my action ; they were quickly replaced 

 by one of them on the stick across the bower and close to the lower wall. At the larger bowers, 

 the males only assembled, and rarely a female, doubtless being engaged in the duties of incubation 

 or tending their young. The blacks informed me these birds bathed every day before assembling 

 at the bowers, which was always about midday: also that if one set fire to their bower, they 

 would come round and pick off the pieces of moss before they were consumed. The former 

 statement I verified one day by seeing five males disporting themselves in the shallow water. 

 After a time they left it and flew into a tree, shaking out their feathers and drying themselves, 

 as they slowly passed from tree to tree, until they reached the bower. On setting fire to one of 

 their bowers, a male immediately came and perched on a tree close liy, and with head bowed 

 down and drooping wings, remained motionless for some time. I set fire to two more bowers, 

 and the male in each instance acted in a similar dejected manner. The female builds a bower 

 for herself, generally about twenty yards away from one at which the males assemble. It is in 

 many respects similar to that constructed by the male, but is much smaller, not being half the 

 size. 



" On the gth November, 1908, a nest was observed built about three feet from the ground, 

 in a cavity in a tree trunk-, and contained two eggs, which the female was loth to leave. W'hen 



