7 2 



The collection also included such birds as the Great Billed Black 

 Cockatoo, (C. mac/orhynchus). We understood that this bird was sold at 

 a very high figure, and that Mr. Payne intended to personally deliver it the 

 following da\'. The Buff Laughing Kingfisher, (Dacelo cervina) ; the 

 Laughing Jackass, Silver}' Crowned Friar Birds, Sacred Kingfishers, Marble 

 Owl, Brown-striped Hawk and Dusky Minah, not forgetting Cockatoos of 

 various species. 



Very comfortably housed in the same house were Kangaroos of 

 different varieties, apparently very happy in their environment. Leaving, 

 here we were conducted to what appeared to us an exaggerated poultry 

 run, containing some very fine Spotted Emus. All seemed exceedingly 

 tame and very fit. Lying in the grounds were the packing cases which had 

 brought these large birds over, and Mr. Payne pointed out to us how the 

 cases had been enlarged as the birds grew during the journey. He informed 

 us that when they left the depot at Wild Dog Creek, N. W. Australia, 

 they were only the size of ordinary fowls, but as we saw them they stood 

 upwards of five feet high. We could see for ourselves how the cases had 

 been added to in the manner described. 



It was indeed a pleasure to chat with Mr. Payne on the wild habits 

 of all these species, and the methods adopted for catching and transporting 

 them, and we must confess ourselves greatly indebted to him for the 

 courtesy and trouble taken to make our visit pleasant and interesting. 

 Apart from this one must admit that words fail to adequately describe the 

 generally superb condition of the birds and animals, after such a trying 

 journey of forty days. The consignment, by the way, came via the Cape 

 and reached here on Good Friday, and we saw them on the following 

 Wednesday. After wishing Mr. Payne good-day, we hurried down Lyncombe 

 Hill to catch our train after one of the most enjoyable and instructive 

 afternoon holidays I have ever spent. 



jEDitorial. 



THE ASSUMPTION OF SEASONAL PLUMAGE. Many 

 interesting and valuable facts if members would take careful notes, as to 

 the change, that is method, dates, etc., from Winter to Summer or Nuptial 

 plumage. With Weavers, Whydahs, etc., this is brought about by a growth 

 of colour and not by a moult, only a few of the larger wing-feathers being 

 shed. I have had this Spring air annoying loss, arising from some netting 

 becoming loose, and a fine Madagascar Weaver which had endured our 

 weather for six years, got behind same and perished miserably before its 

 predicament was discovered. It was about one-third in colour, that is as to 

 area of change, and I made a careful examination of its plumage; though 



