l68 South Australian Ornithological Association. [,st Tan 



protecting bird-life, and keep watchful eyes in order to have the provisions 

 of the Birds Protection Act carried out. The protection of the Nankeen 

 Kestrel was discussed, and thought advisable, owing to its useful habits 

 in killing mice and other vermin, while the imported Goldfinch and Black- 

 bird were now so numerous and harmful that they should be totally un- 

 protected. A large number of exhibits was shown to illustrate and compare 

 notes and observations taken by members upon the genus Ptilotis. Mr. 

 A. H. C. Zietz, F.L.S., and Mr. E. Ashby showed specimens from various 

 parts of Australasia, and included rare species of this honey-eating family 

 of birds. Mr. Y. R. Zietz and Dr. Angove also showed stuffed birds — the 

 former three species of Field-Wrens iCalamanthus)^ and the latter the 

 smallest Emu-Wren {Stipiturus riificeps)^ from Western Australia. Dr. 

 A. M. Morgan and Mr. R. Crompton exhibited birds' eggs, Dr. Morgan's 

 contril)utions consisting of those of the Great Bower-Bird and the Koel. 

 Mr. J. W. Mellor exhibited Acanthizas from Tasmania, including the 

 Brown-tailed and Ewing Tits and an albino of the latter. Mr. A. H. C. 

 Zeitz reported having received two Emu eggs from Melville Island, the 

 first that had been pi-ocured in that locality. 



The late Professor Alfred Newton. 



In connection with the notice of tlie late Professor Newton in 

 the last issue of this journal (p. 113), it was thought that 

 members of the A.O.U. would approve of a likeness of the 

 deceased ornithologist, therefore one is herewith given (plate xii.) 

 reproduced from the October number o{ BritisJi Birds. Besides 

 for his great attainments, the late Professor was held in 

 affectionate friendship by many of his correspondents, the same 

 as was the late beloved Baron von Mueller. 



Notes and Notices. 



Oology.— Mr. H. L. White, A.O.U., Belltrees, Scone, New 

 South Wales, desires to purcliase certain rare Australian birds' 

 eggs. None but well-authenticated full clutches will be 

 considered. Reference, Mr. A. Mattingley, hon. secretary 

 A.O.U. 



The San Francisco Earthquake. — The hon. secretary 

 of the A.O.U. has received the following letter from Leverett 

 Mills Loomis, Director of the California Academy of Sciences : 

 — "At a meeting of the California Academy of Sciences held 

 5th August, 1907, the following resolution was unanimously 

 adopted : — ' Resolved that the thanks of the California Academy 

 of Sciences be tendered to the Council of the Australasian 

 Ornithologists' Union for its generous contribution of The Emu 

 to the library of the Academy. Coming to us as it does in 

 the hour of our disaster, it has given us renewed hope and 

 courage.' " 



