174 MORGAN— WvUjh I H aiul Mcasiirnnoilx of liinh. 



witli its sliiirp eyes and beak it is able to jtiek up and cut insects 

 which to us are almoist invisible without the aid of a niajinify- 

 ing glass. 



Its nest is built of small dry twigs, and is made almost 

 waterproof by the old grass which the Babbler collects and 

 plaits together. She then lines her nest with soft feathers. 

 This nest is dome-shaped, about eighteen inches long and seven 

 Avide, with an opening. 



The eggs have hair-like lines along the surface, and are 

 of a ereamish colour. It lays all the,year round, and generally 

 chooses a thick bushy tree in which to build its nest. It 

 generally lays,froni two to four eggs. Its young are the same 

 colour as the old birds, which are cautious and stealthy in their 

 movements if danger is near. 



If a Babbler hears danger approaching it holds its Ivead 

 on one side for a moment ere it utters the shrill harsh and 

 warning cry which makes known the approaching peril to its 

 comrades. 



A Babbler puts up a very plucky tight when defending its 

 young. It feeds them on moths, flies, and several other species 

 of insect life. 



"I know the song the Babbler is singing, 

 Out in the pine tree where he is swinging. 

 Birave little fellow! The skies maybe dreary. 

 Nothing he cares while his heart is so cheerv.'' 



Sorne Weights, Measurements, and Temperatures 



of Birds. 



By A. M. Maiffiin, M.B., B.Oh. 



The following weilghts, me.isureinjeiits. find toimperatures were 'taken 

 <^5nring a txip to 'tihe Lenaard River, in .North-West AavstiralLi, during 

 .Tune. 1021:— 



