°go5 J Australasian Ornit/iologists' Union. :^ C 



its avifauna, and that an official visit could then be paid to the 

 lighthouse there, which regularly forwards reports on the migratory 

 birds that strike the light. 



The hon. sec. was instructed to write to the Hon. the Premiers of 

 Tasmania and New Zealand, and also Sir Joseph Ward, of Welling- 

 ton, asking them to support the motion of Mr. W^alter Lionel 

 Rothschild which was brought before the International Ornith- 

 ologists' Congress now being held in London, that the Penguins on 

 ^Lacquarie and other islands south of New Zealand be protected, 

 as was cited in a recent cablegram. 



Mr. H. Kendall was unanimousl}^ elected advisory editor of 

 The Emu. 



The question of the next coloured plate was dealt with, and it 

 was suggested that Dr. Sharpe be written to and asked to advise 

 the Council as to what specimens were the more important for 

 figuring in The Emu, as Dr. Sharpe has several unfigured skins 

 of Australasian birds in his possession. It would also obviate 

 sending skins to England, and so facilitate the work and reduce 

 the expenditure. 



The advisability of instituting an inquiry column in The Emu 

 was dealt with, and it was decided to empower the hon. editors to 

 introduce this new feature. It was also mentioned that the per- 

 manent reciuirements of " working " ornithologists relating to 

 Australasian avifauna, such as the discovery of the unknown nests 

 and eggs of known birds, be published also. 



A portion of a dichotomous key to the birds of Australia, that 

 Mr. A. G. Campbell was at present working out, was exhibited, and 

 it was suggested that the key be issued as a supplement to The 

 Emit,. After some discussion it was decided to deal definitely 

 with the matter when the key was complete, so that there would 

 be an indication of the cost of its production. It was also in- 

 ferentially mentioned that a dichotomous key on " Oology " 

 should accompany the one on birds. 



Mr. C. L. Barrett, on the retirement of Mr. A. G. Campbell, was 

 elected unanimously " press correspondent." 



Reports of the birds striking the different lighthouses were read 

 by Mr. D. Le Souef, and some important observations were recorded, 

 especially from Cape W'ickham. 



Inquiry Column. 



It is tliought that a column of inquiry lor matters pertaining to 

 ornithology would be useful to many members, especially to those 

 residing in the country, not to mention the far bush. The Council 

 of the A.O.U., therefore, through the editors, invite questions about 

 bird subjects, such as identification, &c., which may perplex any 

 member. The replies, if possible, will be made through The 

 Emu. 



