182 South Australian Or)iithological Association. [1st Tan 



district over 30 years ago, when several new species were discovered. These 

 birds were described and named by John Gould. Mr. J. W. Mellor reported 

 that the Australasian Ornithologists' Union would be holding its annual 

 congress this year in Adelaide, from nth to 13th October, and following 

 this a working camp-out on Kangaroo Island was being arranged. It was 

 unanimously agreed to assist the Union in every way to make the congress 

 a success. The Wrens and small Grass- Parrakeets were the birds under dis- 

 cussion for the evening, and interesting facts were noted. Mr. E. Ashby 

 showed specimens of the Variegated Wren {Malurus lambcrti), from New 

 South Wales, Chestnut-shouldered Wren {M. assimi/is), South Australia, 

 and the Blue-breasted Wren {M . pulcherrii)iiis)^ Western Australia, all of 

 which displayed a somewhat similar form of markings. Mr, A. H. C. Zietz 

 exhibited the Lovely Wren (J/, ainabilis) and a collection of the little 

 Grass-Parrakeets, notably the Elegant {Ncophema elegans)^ the Orange- 

 bellied (A', chrysogastrd)^ the Blue-winged (vV. vcnusta\ Pink-bellied (A^. 

 bourkci\ and the Kock [N. petrop/ii/a). Capt. S.A.White showed speci- 

 mens of the Rock-Parrakeet and the Varied Parrakeet {Psephotus multicolor)^ 

 the last-named having been plentiful on Yorke Peninsula until the introduc- 

 tion of poisoned wheat for the Sparrows and rabbits. 



Bird Observers' Club. 



At the joint invitation of the hon. secretary (Mr. F. P. Godfrey) and Mr. 

 Robert Hall, F.L.S., the sixth meeting of the above-mentioned Club was 

 held at Oxford Chambers, Melbourne, on the evening of Wednesday, 30th 

 September. Ten members and one lady associate were present. The 

 existing "game laws" were criticised, and the hon. secretary was directed 

 to communicate with Mr. C. W. Maclean, Chief Inspector of Fisheries, 

 offering the Club's support in carrying out the same. The following papers 

 were read and discussed: — By Mr. A. G. Campbell, on "The Gembrook 

 Trip"; by Mr. E. J. Christian, "The You Yangs Trip." Mr. A. G. 

 Campbell exhibited a series of Larks' skins ; Mr. Robt. Hall, photos., &c., 

 and a curious nest of a Restless Fly-catcher ; and the hon. secretary a 

 Brown Hawk. Supper was then served, and a vote of thanks to the chair- 

 man (Mr. Robert Hall) brought the meeting to a close. 



The seventh meeting of the Club was held at the residence of Dr. George 

 Home, Clifton Hill, on Wednesday, 29th November, at 8 p.m. Ten 

 members and two associates, besides a number of visitors, were present, the 

 host occupying the chair. Mr. Frank Nicholls was elected a member. The 

 only paper read was by Messrs. G. F. Howe and J. A. Ross, entitled "A 

 Whittlesea Outing." Mr. A. G. Campbell e.Khibited and explained a number 

 of Kangaroo Island birds, some of which were distinctly links between 

 eastern and western forms. Mr. G. E. Shepherd spoke on the nesting 

 habits of the birds of Mornington Peninsula. Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., 

 mentioned that Quails have been found breeding near Melbourne this 

 season, and exhibited young of Stubble Quail hatched at the Zoological 

 Gardens. Mr. Robt. Hall, F.L.S., commented on the plumage of the Blue 

 Wrens in Miss Bowie's aviaries, a nest of young being exhibited as an 

 illustration. After refreshments a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Dr. 

 and Mrs. Home and Miss Bowie. 



Notes and Notices. 



Bird Protection. — At the last meeting (iith December) of 

 the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria attention was drawn to 

 the proposed excursion, per Coogee, to Western Port, Wilson's 



