Vol. VI. 

 1907 



1 Australasian Ornithologists' Union. 87 



pointed out that the study of ornithology was becoming more 

 popularised, and was advancing apace as its utility was being 

 recognized. Nature study training, as well as nature study and also 

 State school exhibitions, it was gratifying to know, were educating 

 the rising generation to appreciate the domestic economy and value 

 of their Australasian bird-life. Such training, it was pointed out, 

 was better " bird protection " than many Acts of Parliament. The 

 hon. secretary further pointed out that the " Coloured Figure Fund " 

 was raised by voluntary subscription only, and hoped that this 

 fact would not be overlooked by members, since the coloured 

 plates were extremely useful to all ornithologists, whether of the 

 dilettante or working type. The necessity of a " Check-List " was 

 a matter of urgency. Ornithologists generally were awaiting its 

 appearance, and its utility and importance was not to be over- 

 estimated. It was hoped that the convener of the "Check-List" 

 and the committee would be able to report to the members of the 

 A.O.U. at the next Congress. 



On the motion of Col. Legge, seconded by Mr. A. Butler, the 

 report was adopted. 



The report on the birds striking the lighthouses was next read. 

 Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., who compiled this useful information, 

 pointed out, amongst other interesting details, that at Cliffy Island 

 many White-eyes {Zosterops ccenilescens) struck on 17th April, and 

 40 dead ones were picked up at the foot of the tower next morning. 

 Col. Legge said he was glad to hear that the work done by the 

 light-keepers on the mainland and on the Tasmanian coast was of 

 such usefulness. He trusted that the reports on migration would 

 continue to be forwarded, and that eventually a useful list might 

 be tabulated. Mr. Butler said it was interesting to note that the 

 Fan-tailed Cuckoo {Caconiantis flahelliformis) had struck the light at 

 Tasman Head, the most southerly in Tasmania. The bird was 

 evidently right out of its course, and was flying to unknown land 

 further south. 



The balance-sheet was then read, and the report by the hon. 

 treasurer showed that the finances of the Union were in a satis- 

 factory condition. Mr. A. Butler moved its adoption, and in doing 

 so stated how pleased he was to find that the financial affairs 

 of the Union were soundly administered. Col. Legge seconded the 

 motion, which was carried. 



Correspondence. — Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and 

 Princess of Wales, co-patrons of the Union, had most graciously and 

 thoughtfully forwarded the following letter to the members of the 

 Congress assembled in Hobart : — 



Marlborough House, 

 London, 



2'jth September., igo6. 

 Sir,— 



I am desired by the Prince and Princess of Wales to request you to 

 be so good as to convey Their Royal Highnesses' thanks to the Council of the 

 Australasian Ornithologists' Union for volume v. of The Emu journal, which 



