152 DESTKUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA: 



The nest of this bird is placed in a variety of situations, 

 sometimes on the thin branch of a Melaleuca (Tea-tree), 

 within a few feet of the ground, but not unfrequently on 

 one of the topmost branches of an Acacia, or tall gum 

 sapling, 20 feet from the ground. Eggs, two or three in 

 number for a sitting, of a dull and, in some instances, 

 creamy-white ground colour, thickly spotted with brown 

 markings, intermingled with a few obsolete spots of 

 bluish-gray towards the larger end, where they become 

 confluent, and form a well-defined zone. This species 

 commences to breed in October and continues the two 

 following months. 



" In Tasmania," Mr. Gould remarks, " I have seen the 

 White-shafted Fautail in the depth of winter in the gullies 

 on the sunny side of Mount Wellington; and it is my 

 opinion that it only retires at this season to such localities 

 as are sheltered from the bleak south-westerly winds 

 which then so generally prevail, and where insects are 

 still to be found. The bird is also subject to the same 

 law on the continent of Australia; but as the temperature 

 of that country is more equable its effects are not so 

 decided; and, in support of this opinion, I may adduce 

 the remark of Caley, who says — ' The species is very 

 common about Parramatta, and I do not recollect having 

 missed it at any period of the year. It is generally found 

 in pairs, but I have occasionally seen as many as four or 

 five together. It inhabits alike the topmost branches of 

 the highest trees, those of a more moderate growth, and 

 the shrouded and gloomy-foliaged dells in the neighbour- 

 hood of rivulets ; from these retreats it darts out a short 

 distance to capture insects, and in most instances returns 

 again to the same branch it had left. While in the air it 

 often assumes a number of lively and beautiful positions, 

 at one moment mounting almost perpendicularly, con- 

 stantly spreading out its tail to the full extent, and fre- 

 quently tumbling completely over in the descent ; at 

 another it may be seen flitting through the branches, 

 and seeking for insects among the flowers and leaves, 



