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" Bir«Is of a fcz^t^cr." 



Vol. II.] 1ST APRIL, 1903. [Part 4. 



Australasian Ornithologists^ Union. 



REPORT FOR 1901-2. 



{Adopted at the Melbourne Congress^ i()th November, 1902.) 



The Aust. O.U. has now passed through the first year of its 

 existence, and its work has gone steadily on. The number of 

 its inembers has increased, not only in Australasia, but also in 

 other countries. Its official journal, The Emu, has maintained 

 a high standard, in every way worthy of the Union, and is now 

 in much request b)- working ornithologists of other countries. 

 There has been no lack of interesting matter, but it will be 

 difficult to increase its size with the present subscription. The 

 coloured figure fund has been fairly subscribed to, and it is 

 expected that a coloured plate will shortly appear. 



The Union has established observatory stations throughout 

 the States, and the results of their observations will be published 

 half-yearly in Tlie Emu, and should be very interesting, 

 especially as throwing some light on the migration of various 

 species. 



Action has been taken regarding the better protection of the 

 Egrets in Victoria, which are so largely shot for the sake of their 

 feathers, known to the trade as Osprey plumes, and the Council 

 are glad to say that the Government has now protected them 

 for the whole year. 



Suggestions have also been made by the Union to the Govern- 

 ment of Queensland as to the advisability of reserving certain 

 islands off the coast of that State, with the view of protecting 

 the Nutmeg or Torres Strait Pigeon from destruction. At 

 present, although protected during the nesting season, these 

 Pigeons are frequently destroyed by shooting parties visiting the 

 islands where they have congregated for the purpose of nesting. 



In making certain alterations in the Game Laws of the State 

 of Victoria by the Government, the suggestions of the Union 

 have all been carried out, but it is difficult to protect Quail in 

 Victoria, so as to satisfy everyone, as the birds apparently 



