418 Mr. D. le Souef on Birds found 



almost continuous, while in others they were much larger and 

 darker, on a slightly reddish ground, but there were various 

 gradations between the two types. The colour could be 

 washed off, by a little friction. The following are the mea- 

 surements of six :— (A) 4-50 X 2-62 inches ; (B) 4-15 x 2-75 ; 

 (C) 4-17 X 2-68; {D)415x2'61; (E) 4*20 x2-76; (F) 4-38 

 X2-70. 



The nest is composed of chocolate-coloured soil, largely 

 mixed, when in a wet state, with rootlets and other vegeta- 

 tion, which gives it the appearance of peaty substance. It 

 is smoothed over and holds together faii'ly well, varying 

 in height externally from 3 to 7 inches. The measurements 

 of an average nest are as follows : — Internal diameter 11^ 

 inches; external diameter 14; basal diameter 16|; external 

 height 5^ ; internal depth 3|. Weight 7 lbs. 6^ oz. 



2. Prion turtur. [Dove-like Prion.) 



These delicate little birds were nesting all over the island ; 

 they made their shallow burrows under the thick matted 

 grass and other vegetation, and also occasionally laid in a 

 sheltered recess under a rock. They probably commence 

 laying about the last week in October. No young birds were 

 found, but most of the eggs were partly incubated. When dis- 

 turbed the parents never attempted to fly away, but generally 

 left their eggs and tried to hide themselves in another 

 part of the burrow. None were seen about the island 

 during the day, but as soon as darkness set in they came 

 flying in from sea to their various nests, and evidently left 

 again before daybreak. Both the male and female were 

 found sitting. On one occasion one flew at night into the 

 cave in which the tent was pitched and was easily secured. 

 These birds were first found breeding in Bass Strait in 

 1890, on North-east Island, one of the Kent group, by 

 some members of the Victorian Field Naturalists' Club. 

 Only one egg is laid, which is pure white : the following 

 are the measurements of six taken on the island : — (A) 181 

 xl-37 inches; (B) 1-77 X 1-43 ; (C) 1-88 X 1-37; (D)l-87x 

 1-32; (E) 1-89 X 1-36; (F) 1-83 x 1-38. 



