European birds in Tasmania. The commonest species, as might have been

supposed, is the House-Sparrow, which appears to have been introduced from

Adelaide some thirty or forty years ago, it is thought, in mistake for

the Tree Sparrow. It is now so numerous that it does an enormous

amount of harm to the grain-crops and is detested by the farmers in

consequence.


It is pleasing to hear that our delightful Goldfinch, which was

introduced some twenty years ago, has thriven well, flocks of forty or

fifty individuals being seen at a time. Its increase appears to be regarded

with favour, as it is said to do much good “by feeding on the Scale and

other insect pests with which the trees are infested.”


The Starling {Sturnus vulgaris) was brought to Tasmania from New

Zealand about the year 1800. It has thriven and multiplied; but, although

it does much good by destroying harmful grubs, it becomes a nuisance in

the fruit season by its “ depredations in the orchards ” and legal protection,

which was at one time extended to it, has now been withdrawn.



The introduction of the Skylark into Tasmania is of a more recent

date. Some thirty or forty years ago a number were imported from

England and liberated near Newtown, but these did not thrive; and as recently

as ten or fifteen years ago others were introduced, which have succeeded

well, and their descendants are now fairly numerous in the paddocks in

the Newtown district. Others have been introduced into various parts of

the Island and have done well.


Pheasants, Partridges and Red Grouse have all been tried, but have

not become established up to the present time. The great drawback to the

successful rearing of game birds in Tasmania seems to be lack of sufficient

suitable cover.



CORRESPONDENCE.



NOTES FROM AN INVALID’S COUCH.


Sir,—I am getting along famously. I get some one to wheel me to a

nice sunny spot where, with the aid of my glasses, lean watch the birds.

This afternoon (April 29) I spent watching a pair of Long-tailed Tits building

—I was within a few yards of them the whole time ; it was most interesting

and amusing ; only the foundation of the nest is laid so far. It is placed

on the branch of a pine, overhanging the drive. A number of Jackdaws

have again taken up their residence in the old elms that border the drive ;

also a pair of Stock Doves. There is also a Brown Owls’ nest in one, but of

course I cannot climb about to find it out yet.


Starlings are everywhere. I found one nest in the middle ofa thick fir,

containing five pure white eggs. I have a young friend with me who investi¬

gates any nests I discover. On Sunday, a brood of Moorhens hatched in a nest

in one of our Fancy Duck enclosures. I think one of the old birds is one



