78 Protection of the Nutmeg-Pigeon. [isfjulj 



" The question as to whether these birds should be protected 

 or partially protected or not during their stay on the Queensland 

 coast is a difficult one to give an opinion upon. If the close 

 season is fixed as from the 1st November to 1st April, and it is 

 strictly observed, I do not think many birds would fall to the 

 gun, as they do not settle down to breed until about the 1st 

 November, and they leave the islands for New Guinea before the 

 1st April, consequently they would be wholly protected." 



[The assumption in Mr. Pennefather's interesting remarks that 

 these Pigeons may possibly breed a second t'me in New Guinea 

 is scarcely feasible, seeing that migratory birds usually only breed 

 in the highest latitudes of their range. 



The Nutmeg-Pigeon is at present protected from 1st November 

 to 30th April in each year. According to some authorities a 

 few of .the birds arrive as early as September, while eggs have 

 been taken in October. (See also Mr. P. Cochrane's article in 

 this issue, p. 47.) If the close season were extended, say, a month, 

 at the beginning (making it from 1st October to 30th April, 

 and properly observing it) it would probably be sufficient pro- 

 tection for the Pigeons for the time being. — Eds.] 



The British Museum of Natural History. 



His Excellency the Governor of Victoria, Sir George Clarke, 

 F.R.S., has received a letter from the British Museum authorities 

 which sets forth certain desiderata. 



The Council of the Aust. O.U. has pleasure in giving publicity 

 to the ornithological requirements, with the hope that some 

 collecting members of the Union will deem it a privilege to assist 

 one of the most noble institutions in the kingdom. 



Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe, who has charge of the Ornithological 

 Department, writes : — " I should much like to have a carefully- 

 prepared series of Victorian species. We have a gradually 

 increasing set of Australian birds, but it is so difficult to get 

 them with proper dates, sexes, and moults. 



" Perhaps we could give an exchange. Again, I should like 

 some birds in spirits. We want specimens of the leading genera 

 of Passeres, and I much want a couple of skeletons of the Crested 

 (Square-tailed) Kite (Lophoictinia isura ." 



Review. 



" Parrakeets." - - Mr. D. Seth-Smith, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., the 

 editor of the Avicultural Magazine, is issuing, under this title, 

 in six parts (price 33s.), a concise and instructive description of 

 the Parrakeets, Lorikeets, Love-Birds, and Parrotlets which are 

 or are likely to be imported into Great Britain. Not only are 

 instructions for the treatment of the various species in captivity 



