152 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



have taken them, so pleased were we with the ingenuity of the 

 little architects. We also saw a Grauculus' nest in a tree, but as 

 our artist was too lazy after the long walk, and I was too busy 

 killing mosquitos and flies, we decided that the " grapes were 

 sour," and left it. 



Tuesday found us walking along the Murray River bank before 

 breakfast, but with no other result than taking a few eggs of the 

 Garrulous Honey-eater (Myzantha garnda), and later on we 

 tramped nearly around Dennis's Swamp with still worse results. 



Wednesday was dull and rainy, and a little before noon we went 

 up the river to fish, and returned with a good basket of fish,, 

 weighing twenty pounds. 



On Thursday, the ioth, we drove over to the salt lakes and a 

 pine ridge adjoining. These salt lakes yield a considerable 

 quantity of salt, but there does not seem to be a ready sale for it,. 

 for several heaps of many tons each have been lying there many 

 months awaiting buyers. These salt heaps look very peculiar 

 standing alone, and the other night as we were passing presented 

 quite a weird and ghost-like appearance. Our takes to-day were 

 Artamus svperciliostis (White-eyebrowed Wood Swallow), several 

 eggs ; and Artamus sordidus (Sordid Wood Swallow), three eggs. 

 We also noted Black Fantail's nest with eggs, Zosterops' nest with 

 eggs, White-winged Wren's nest building. We also saw the Singing 

 and Lanceolated Honeyeaters, *but, unfortunately, could not 

 find their nests. Around the salt lakes there was an abundant 

 growth of Saltbush (Salicornia australis), and here we expected 

 to find many nests of the White-winged Wren, but were dis- 

 appointed. Reward, however, came in the shape of some rabbits,, 

 which we found trapped, and which were served up next day as 

 rabbit-pie. 



Friday. — Photography and fishing occupied the whole day. 



Saturday found us on Pental Island, and after a long, hot 

 tramp we were fortunate in taking a nest with four eggs of the 

 White-rumped Wood Swallow. We then searched for a shady 

 spot to boil the billy and have lunch, but found on starting that 

 the matches had been left at home. After killing two snakes a 

 few feet away from our camping ground we turned for home 

 again, being hospitably treated by Mr. Hamilton on the way, who 

 also kindly forded us across the Little Murray. 



Sunday was again passed in quietness. 



Monday, 14TH. — After another hot walk we arrived at Essex 

 Farm, Pental Island, owned by Messrs. Sayce Brothers, one of 

 whom had kindly volunteered to show us round. A short trip 

 was proposed before dinner, and being joined by the other 

 brother, who could not resist the temptation to accompany us, 

 we took boat for about a mile down stream. After photo- 

 graphing a lovely little lake scene (a copy of which you can see 



