142 Correspondence. T 



Emu 

 nd Oct. 



finality in regard to markings. Freckles, spots, blotches, dots, 

 streaks, &c., should each have a definite delineation. 



Disposition of Markings also requires treatment. Continuous 

 or broken zone, compact or loose cap, would express the state 

 of concentrated or scattered colouration. 



The egg constitutes a part of the bird as much as the beak, 

 feathers, &c., and requires scientific treatment on the same lines. 



The investigation of the phenomena underlying the causes of 

 variation in nature is one of the most sublime and fascinating 

 problems of biology. By concentrating attention on the problem 

 of egg variations, the student may ultimately be led to the dis- 

 covery of laws controlling variations among individuals of the 

 species. Whether these laws are influenced by climatology, 

 physiology, physico-chemistry, or the action and reaction due 

 to the subtle inter-relation of organisms, remains to be unriddled. 



A conference of leading ornithologists should bring to finahty 

 the suggestions herein roughly adumbrated. — Yours, &c., 



P. A. GILBERT. 



Redfern, Sydney. 26/1/11. 



South Australian Ornithological Association. 



The monthly meeting of this Ornithological Association was held in tlic 

 Royal Society's rooms, North-terrace, on Friday evening, 5th May. 

 Captain S. A. White presided. The secretary (Mr. J. W. Mellor) 

 reported that a deputation had waited upon the Commissioner for 

 Crown Lands with a request that the Pelican be placed upon the 

 partially-protected list. The deputation appreciated the manner in 

 which it was received, especially on hearing that part of the Coorong 

 was likely to be declared a bird sanctuary. Mr. E. Ashby brought 

 forward a notice of the deputation on the Kangaroo Island reserve on 

 13th June, when the Government would be asked to fulfil the promises of 

 former Ministries. Captain White read a paper on " The Birds of the 

 Riverina District," which he visited last year. He showed numerous 

 specimens of the birds, among which were the beautiful " Green-leek " 

 {Polytelis harrabandi), Yellow Parrakeet {Platycercus flaveolus), Rose- 

 breasted Cockatoo {Cacalua roseicapilla). Grey Jumper {Struthidea 

 cinerea), Chough {Corcorax melanorhamphus), and Yellow-throated 

 Friar-Bird (Philemon citreogularis). A long discussion occurred on the 

 genus Sericornis. Mr Ashby showed birds from Dandenong Ranges, 

 Gippsland, and Ballarat (Victoria), and from South and Western 

 Australia. Mr. Mellor exhibited specimens from Eyre Peninsula. Mr. 

 Robert Zietz (Ornithologist of the Adelaide Museum) read an extensive 

 list, and brought numerous specimens for comparison ; and Dr. A. M. 

 Morgan showed the eggs of three rare species. 



The July meeting of this Association w^as held in the Royal Society's 

 rooms on Friday evening, the 28th. Captain S. A. White presided. 

 The secretary, Mr. J. W. iNIellor, reported having received letters 

 from the Commissioner of Crown Lands in regard to the reservation 



