Vol;^^'^'] Correspondence. 265 



up and down the river was again referred to, and it was thought advisable 

 to request the authorities to keep a sharp look-out for law-breakers. Mr. E. 

 Ashby showed specimens from the Lower Murray districts, and explained 

 some interesting habits and distinctions in same. Among other specimens 

 were the Little Eagle {Msar/ns iiiorphnoidcs), Nankeen Night-Heron 

 {Nycticorax cnhufonicus), Hlack Shag or Cormorant {Pludacrocorax 

 carbo\ Pied Cormorant (/'. /ivpolcucus), Chestnut-backed (iround-Thrush 

 {Cinclosoma castanflnotinn), the .Shy Scrub-Wren {Hylacola cauta), and the 

 eggs of the last-named bird. Mr. Robert Zietz .(ornithologist to the 

 Museum) stated that half a dozen Cormorants had been shot for scientific 

 purposes, and that he had examined the contents of each bird's stomach, 

 which were found to contain numbers of fresh-water crayfish or yabbies, 

 with but one or two non-cdil)ie tlsh. That went to proN e that the birds did 

 more good than harm. 



Bird Observers' Club. 



Thk monthly meeting of the Bird Observers' Club was held at the residence 

 of Dr. C}. Home, Queen's-parade, Clifton Hill, on Wednesday evening, 20th 

 December, 191 1. Twelve members accepted Dr. Home's invitation to 

 dinner, and two additional members attended the meeting. Before dinner 

 the aviaries were inspected, a fine pair of young Maned Geese being the 

 centre of attraction. A beautiful specimen of the Yellow-tufted Honey- 

 eater was also much admired. At 8.30 o'clock Dr. H. W. Bryant, 

 president, took the chair. A discussion took place in connection with the 

 (iould League of Bird Lovers. On the motion of Mr. Chas. Barrett, seconded 

 by Mr. O. W. Rosenhain, it was decided that fraternal greetings be sent to 

 the committee of the New South Wales Gould League of Bird Lovers. 

 Mr. L. G. Chandler, hon sec, said he had written to Major Semmens re- 

 garding the protection of Mutton-Birds at Cape Woolamai, and had not yet 

 received a reply. Mr. A. J. Campbell thought that there was not the 

 slightest danger of the rookery becoming deserted. The birds were late in 

 arriving this year, but were as numerous as ever. Several members spoke 

 on the subject, and it was decided that no action be taken in the matter 

 until the secretary heard from Major Semmens. Mr. F. E. Wilson read an 

 interesting paper on a trip to the Mallee. Mr. Wilson discovered a new 

 Honey-eater, and Mr. F. E. Howe, F.Z. S., his companion, secured 

 specimens of the undescribed female of the Mallee Emu-Wren. A series 

 of bird-skins collected during the trip was shown, also photographs 

 of the nests of the Scrub-Robin and the Mallee Emu-Wren. A long 

 discussion on the paper followed. Drs. Bryant and C. Ryan, Mr. A. H. E. 

 Mattingley, C.M.Z.S., and the hon. secretary were appointed as a 

 sub-committee to meet a committee of the Game Protection Society to 

 discuss the proposed game-bag limit. Mr. Mattingley stated that he had 

 been informed that poison laid for rabbits in the Alexandra district had 

 destroyed innumerable Great Brown Kingfishers and Magpies. A hearty 

 vote of thanks was passed to the host and hostess. 



The first meeting of the Bird Observers' Club in 1912 was held at the 

 residence of Mr. O. W. Rosenhain, " Koala," Balaclava-road, East St. 

 Kilda, on Wednesday evening, 17th January. Mr. Rosenhain had invited 

 members to dinner, and thirteen accepted the invitation. At 8 o'clock 

 Dr. H. W. Bryant, the president, took the chair, and the hon. secretary 

 read the minutes of the previous meeting. The hon. sec. then read two 

 letters from Major Semmens, and reports from Inspector Rowson, of the 

 Fisheries and Game Department, and Constable M'Donald, of Wonthaggi, 

 regarding the Mutton-Bird rookeries on Phillip Island. A lengthy 

 dicussion took place, and it was decided that the birds should have some 

 measure of protection. Mr. A. j. Campbell moved, and .Mr. C. Barrett 



