62 Chjsholm, Inlyoduced Birds in Queensland. [i^t Tiiy 



success of this experiment is noteworthy. It has demonstrated 

 that the Indian Minah, whose cheerful chatter and rich brown 

 and white plumage is so well known about Melbourne, can be 

 adapted to other service than city scavenging ; that it is hardy 

 enough to weather both the coolness of the south and warmth of 

 the north (a test few native birds could stand) ; and that it can 

 live just as well in the bush as in town. This latter point makes 

 it seem the more curious that the Minahs of Melbourne stick so 

 closely to the city,/ 



While on the subject of introductions to North Queensland, 

 Sir Alfred Cowley mentions the interesting fact that a plague of 

 rats following the plague of locusts caused the sugar companies 

 to introduce the Indian mongoose?. Only a small number of 

 these animals were let loose, and little was heard of them later— 

 which is probably just as well for many beautiful birds of North 

 Queensland. 



Since the above notes were written I have received an intimation 

 from a leading resident of Stanthorpe (South Queensland) to the 

 effect that Goldfinches have been noted about that locaHty since 

 early in May of this year. The writer suggests that possibly they 

 were driven up from the south by a severe drought. He adds : — • 

 "The Sparrows and Starlings, here in numbers at present, do no 

 appreciable harm in a big fruit-growing and vegetable-producing 

 district — but who will prophesy ? " 



A Holiday Trip to the Far Upper Murray. 



By Colonel (Dr.) H. W. Bryant, R.A.O.U. 



Feeling the necessity for a complete change of air as well as a 

 mental rest, and after having made inquiries of friends, I finally 

 decided to go to Corryong, in the north-east of Victoria, near 

 the Murray River. 



22nd March. — I left Melbourne for Wodonga, and changed 

 trains from there for Tallangatta, where I arrived at 3.30 p.m. 

 From Tallangatta a motor-car took me over the hills to Corryong, 

 passing through some very fine mountain scenery. Saw a fair 

 number of rabbits. At a sharp turn in the road the chauffeur 

 pulled up to point out the place where a team of horses took 

 fright only a few weeks before and burst through the flimsy 

 protecting fence and pulled a waggon laden with stores after 

 them. The waggon capsized, and, with horses and driver, rolled 

 down the hill, turning over three times until stopped by some 

 trees. The driver and horses miraculously escaped unhurt, but 

 the goods were l)adly damaged. There were still many of the 

 broken cases lying about, bearing evidence of the accident. We 

 arrived at Corryong about 7.45 p.m., and put up at Jager's 

 Hotel. 



