12 2 Forgotten Feathers. ^^ 



Emu 

 Oct. 



Forgotten Feathers. 



[From "Expedition into Central Australia" (Sturt, 1869). 



vol i., p. 269.] , 



" The morning we started to pay a visit to the blacks was 

 more than usually oppressive even at daybreak, and about 9 it 

 blew a hot wind from the north-east. As we rode across the 

 stony plain lying between us and the hills the heated and 

 parching blasts that came upon us were more than we could 

 bear. We were in the centre of the plain when Mr. Browne 

 drew my attention to a number of small black specks in the 

 upper air. These spots, increasing momentarily in size, were 

 evidently approaching us very rapidly. In an incredibly short 

 time we were surrounded by several hundreds of the Common 

 Kite, stooping down to within a few feet of us, and then turning 

 away, after having eyed us steadily. Several approached us so 

 closely that they threw themselves back to avoid contact, 

 opening their beaks and spreading out their talons. The long 

 flight of these birds, reaching from the ground into the heavens, 

 put me strongly in mind of one of Martin's beautiful designs, in 

 which he produces the effect of distance by a multitude of 

 objects gradually vanishing from the view. Whatever the 

 reader may think, these birds had a most formidable aspect, 

 and were too numerous for us to have overpowered if they had 

 really attacked us. That they came down to see what unusual 

 object was wandering across the lonely deserts over which they 

 soar, in the hope of prey, there can be no doubt ; but seeing 

 that we were likely to prove formidable antagonists they 

 wheeled from us in extensive sweeps, and were soon lost to view 

 in the lofty region from whence they had descended." 



The " Common Kite " referred to is Milvus affinis, Gld. 



It would be interesting to learn if Professor Spencer or Mr. 

 Gillen, or other recent explorer, has observed the peculiar trait 

 of this Kite mentioned by Sturt. — H. E. H. 



About Members. 



A SPECIALLY bound copy of the first volume of The Emu was 

 forwarded to their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of 

 Wales, as co-Patrons of the Aust. O.U. The volume was 

 accompanied by a "snap-shot" reminiscence (taken by a 

 member of the Union) of Her Royal Highness at Fernshawe, 

 Victoria. 



Mr. D. Le Souef has received the following acknowledgment 

 from the Private Secretary of their Royal Highnesses : — " The 

 Prince of Wales has received from His Excellency the Governor- 

 General of Australia a copy of The Eimi, which you have been 

 good enough to forward for the acceptance of their Royal 



