128 Australasian Ornithologists' Union. fist "jan 



Mrs. H. L. Roberts (Tasmania) moved — " That the next 

 session of the Union be held in Tasmania." Seconded by Mr. 

 F. P. Godfrey, and unanimously carried. 



A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Royal Society 

 for the use of its room, to the University Board for the use of 

 its theatre, to the Marine Board for assistance in connection 

 with the proposed Kangaroo Island camp, and to Mr. J. W. 

 Mellor for arranging the details in connection with the session, 

 &c. 



At the invitation of Sir Samuel Way the members of the 

 Australasian Ornithologists' Union paid a visit to his charming 

 residence, Montefiore,''^at North Adelaide, on Tuesday after- 

 noon, the 24th October (the day the expedition returned from 

 Kangaroo Island), and this proved a happy conclusion to the 

 fifth congress of the Union. The guests were received by Sir 

 Samuel and Lady Way, who accorded them a hearty welcome. 

 The hosts, assisted by Miss S. Blue and Capt. Stewart, showed 

 the naturalists over the well-kept and compact garden and 

 grounds. Expressions of delight and admiration were freely 

 given on seeing the birds so tame on the lawns and garden plots, 

 where the Silver Gulls, Spoonbills, and Cranes seemed quite at 

 home. In cages a large variety of native Cockatoos were 

 observed, including the Bare-eyed, Rose-breasted, Long-billed, 

 and Pink Cockatoos. A remarkably fine specimen of a large 

 pure white Cockatoo from New Guinea was noted. In larger 

 aviaries numbers of Parrots were observed, including the Rock 

 Pebbler, Blue Bonnet, and others. In the spacious enclosures 

 several varieties of Quail were quiet and at home, notably the 

 Stubble and Painted varieties, the former having its nest and 

 eggs in a secluded corner. The little Black-breasted Plover also 

 breeds within the grounds, and those reared were seen. In 

 another enclosure, set aside for their sole use, were several native 

 and foreign Finches, some of most gorgeous plumage. These 

 little birds were quite contented, and some were observed build- 

 ing and rearing their young. A pair of Laughing Jackasses was 

 seen, also the useful Stone-Plover, which had bred in captivity. 

 As some of those present were ardent botanists, much interest 

 was taken in the large collection of native and foreign palms 

 and shrubs with which the grounds are studded. The shade 

 and glass-house plants proved interesting to many, as some of 

 the flowers were of extreme rarity. The visitors were photo- 

 graphed in various parts of the gardens by a Melbourne member, 

 after which they were entertained at afternoon tea. On behalf 

 of the Union, the vice-president (Mr. J. W. Mellor) conveyed a 

 hearty vote of thanks to the host and hostess for their kindness. 

 Some of the visiting members were compelled, reluctantly, to 

 leave the beauties of Montefiore early in order to catch the 

 Melbourne express. 



