Vol. III. 

 1503 



MlLLlGAN, Notes on a Trip to the Stirling Range. 



I now propose to give the particulars respecting the new species 

 and Malurus pulcherrimus. In point of discovery the new 

 Calamanthus takes priority. 



Calamanthus montanellus (Rock Field-Wren). — When approach- 

 ing Yetermirrup Spring for the first time I observed a small bird 

 run in a mouse-like manner across the track into some rough 

 herbage. I at once followed in pursuit, and with the help of 

 my dog disturbed it from its refuge. Instead of flying, it still 

 ran along the ground, threading its way through the sparse low- 

 growing ground scrub. Eventually I shot it, and as it was not a 

 familiar form we determined to secure as many others as possible. 

 This, however, as we afterwards found, was not easy of accomplish- 

 ment. It appeared to be C. fuliginosus , but subsequent examina- 

 tion proved the bird to be new. 



The new species is much larger than C. campcstris, but a trifle 

 smaller than C. fuliginosus. The differences between the new 

 species and the latter are most marked. Firstly, the lustrous 

 fulvous wash on the upper surface of C. fuliginosus is supplanted 

 by a lustreless greyish-brown, and the upper surface striations 

 are less pronounced and narrower in the new species, and inclined 

 to run in longitudinal lines. On the other hand, the under 

 surface of the new species is marked with bolder striations, 

 extending farther down the chest ; and the colouring of the 

 remainder of the under surface is very much lighter, and almost 

 becomes white on the abdomen. The new bird was invariably 

 found on the gravelly and rocky country — never on the alluvial 

 flats. The song is most tuneful, and resembles that of Sphenura 

 litoralis (Bristle-Bird), but is weaker and more subdued. We 

 secured at least half a score of specimens. The sexes differ but 

 little in external appearance and colouring. 



Melithreptus leucogenys (Western Brown-headed Honey-eater). — 

 On leaving Yetermirrup on our homeward journey we, as before 

 stated, struck into the mountains south-westerly through the 

 Redgum Pass, and camped near the Redgum Springs. At the 

 latter place we were right in the midst of the mountains, and 

 between the bases of Mt. Mondurup and Rose Peak. The locality 

 was very rich in flowering shrubs, and as a consequence Honey- 

 eaters of all kinds were numerous and characteristically vivacious. 

 On the morning after our arrival we had a torrential downpour, 

 and we were, against our will, confined to camp for an hour or so. 

 On a slight abatement of the weather conditions occurring we 

 moved out, although the scrubs and timber were dripping wet. 

 Whilst standing on a hillside in the midst of the scrub, a Meli- 

 threptus perched for an instant on a bush close by. Its blackish- 

 brown head and white cheeks at once arrested my attention, but 

 before I had time to shoot it it flew away. Subsequently I heard 

 a series of rattle-like notes. These I traced to birds similar to the 

 one described. The birds were very shy, but after much patience 

 and pursuit I secured one, and. afterwards two others. On 

 examining them, the orange-coloured eye-spaces with bluish- 



