200 Jackson, Sermid Trip io Macphersnn llanRe, Qi [i^fA^rii 



ground in the more usual position — in a clump of the long, flat- 

 leaved rush or scrub-grass, on the crest of the range, and a long 

 way from any creek. We were very disappointed over this nest, 

 because, instead of containing two eggs when visited on 29th 

 October, it was pulled to pieces and the wood-pulp lining was 

 lying in pieces before it, together with several feathers of the 

 parent bird. All pointed to a tragedy. Some nest-robbing 

 marauder (such as a native cat) had undoubtedly 'been at work. 

 Probably many nests are treated in this manner. I took a photo- 

 graph showing the nest thus destroyed in sUv. This damaged 

 nest, together with the clump of scrub-grass and feathers from 

 the destroyed bird, was collected. 



Four species of snakes were frequently met with — namely, 

 Biack, Tiger, Copperhead, and Carpet— the first two being the 

 most plentiful. We killed about 30 of these venomous reptiles. 

 No doubt Scrub-Birds and other ground-feeding birds are 

 frequently devoured by them. 



On this visit to the Macpherson Range we located upwards of 

 30 male Rufous Scrub-Birds during many extensive tramps 

 through the jungle, backwards and forwards over the range and 

 gorges for many miles. The continual rain brought many scrub- 

 snails or land-shells out of their hiding places, including the large 

 species known as Panda falconari, which forms food for the Lyre- 

 Birds. Strange to relate, the smaller markings on this pretty 

 scrub-shell closely resemble those on the tail feathers of Atrichornis ; 

 this is a curious coincidence, as I have always found the Atrichornis 

 frequenting the same scrubs wherein this particular species of 

 snail has come under my notice. Altogether, six nests of the 

 Atrichornis composed of, and built in, the flat-leaved scrub-grass 

 have been discovered, and three that were placed in different 

 situations ; these are the only nests so far recorded. 



Not far south-west of the camp, on the Queensland side of the 

 range, is a great valley known as the Albert River Gorge ; this 

 reminded me of the Barron River Gorge, near Cairns, North 

 Queensland. One day, from the top of a great precipice over- 

 looking this magnificent chasm, we heard Scrub-Birds and many 

 others calling about 2,500 feet below us, in the dense jungle. 

 It is wonderful how sound travels up from such a depth ! Flocks 

 of 20 to 40 large Topknot Pigeons {Lopholaimus antarcticus) flying 

 over the Albert River looked more like Sparrows, but the field- 

 glasses settled the identity. A White Goshawk {Astur novce- 

 hollandice) flew over the trees below as a white speck, and 

 travelled so fast at times that it was difficult to see it with the 

 glasses. The noise from the running water in the river, about 

 3,000 feet below, could be heard plainly. A few days later we 

 ventured below into this great gorge. The descent was steep, 

 and progress was hampered by the loose earth and stones, on 

 which it was almost impossible to get a footing. Saplings, hmbs 

 of trees, vines, and roots proved invaluable as hand-grips. After 

 descending about 1,000 feet we heard our first Atrichornis, but 



