OF SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA. 193 



community. It were wise, indeed, to allow the poor few 

 remnants of this once numerous species to wander unmolested, 

 in hope that they may increase and multiply, to the benefit of 

 mankind. During a recent visit to Western Australia I 

 became aware of the fact that the Bustard is being recklessly 

 destroyed in that State much in the same manner as occurred 

 in the eastern States twenty years ago. I was informed that 

 in one district 84 birds had been killed during December, 

 1899. Could we but foresee the consequences of this 

 murderous extermination— viz., a great deal of expensive 

 labour protection over crops that might be more effectively 

 accomplished gratis by the Turkey — we should see that our 

 protective legislation is honoured in the observance by 

 sportsmen and officials alike. 



Like the Gulls, Rails, and Quails, young Bustards leave 

 their nests almost as soon as they are hatched, and wander 

 over the ground, secure in the guardianship of protective 

 colouration, until the wings have sufficiently developed to 

 allow of flight. In this respect they differ from young Mallee- 

 Fowl (Mound-builders) which can fly soon after leaving the 

 nest. 



Recently on a New Zealand steamer two Mound-builders' 

 eggs hatched out on a cabin table during the steamer's passage 

 to Australia, and, without a moment's hesitation, one of the 

 precocious youngsters flew across the cabin, so great was the 

 development of its wings even at this stage. 



Nest. — Simply a slight depression in the ground. 



Egg. — One to a sitting ; olive colour, with long brown 

 smudges upon it. Length, 3 inches ; breadth, 2.2 inches. 



14 



