OF SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA. 31 



its cradled course of life nine days later, and released on the 

 same day as the two in the nest from which it was removed. 



The yomig of the previous species at 24 hours of age are 

 downy and well stored with vitality. The last movement of 

 one made in methylated spirit was the drooping of the neck 

 and head upon its chest after 20 J minutes had elapsed from 

 the time of placing it in the bottle. 



The majority of nests are loosely constructed, though 

 occasionally, if fibrous roots be easily available, they are used, 

 with the result that a compact, neatly arranged nest is built. 

 The constructive material is gathered in the immediate 

 vicinity of the spot chosen for the nest, the birds seldom 

 moving far in search of material. 



An example of this habit ean be easily noticed in a region 

 wherein a fence divides an orchard from a gorse field. On 

 the orchard side, 10 yards from the fence, the nests are con- 

 structed wholly of fruit tree fibrous rootlets, while on the 

 gorse side each nest is composed of the grasses and twigs that 

 can be readily gathered amongst the bushes. There are, of 

 course, exceptions to this rule. 



Three characters of combinative material appear to be used, 

 though they pertain possibly more to local influences, and 

 may have but little weight in a wide study of the Artamidse : 

 — 1. In orchards, rootlets of the trees, internally fine, but 

 wuth coarse mantling. 2. In Hghtly timbered paddocks, grass 

 stems principally, chlorophyll-bearing before completion ; 

 occasionally a few horsehairs. 3. In well-timbered country, 

 twigs of the trees, with a finer internal lining of linear leaves. 



The bowls of all the nests are similar in dimensions, but 

 those of the complete structure may vary occasionally up to 

 twice the normal measurements. The positions, as with the 

 previous species, generally range about 6 feet, and often only 

 2 feet, above the ground. Occasionally nests are placed 

 higher, but, excepting where Pinus insignis and a few species 



