318 NATURAL SCIENCE [November 
In 1868 Dr Murie, then Prosector of the Zoological Society, 
published his “Observations on the presence and function of the 
Gular Pouch in Otis kori and Otis australis.’ His remarks con- 
cerning the former were based upon the examination of a specimen 
which had recently died in the Gardens. In this, a distinct opening 
was found under the tongue leading into a small pouch “ three 
inches in length and about an inch in transverse diameter.” As | 
touching the latter, his observations were based entirely on a bird 
then living in the Society’s Gardens. Of this he writes that he was 
pleased to find what he thinks “may be termed an exaggerated 
example of this organ in the Australian Bustard.” He continues : 
“ This ‘ showing off’ which is. . . a most extraordinary sight, may 
best be comprehended by a study of the accompanying sketch 
(fig. 2) drawn from nature during one of those paroxysmal periods 
of excitement.” 
Fic. 2.—The display of the Australian Bustard, Hupodotis [Otis] australis (after Murie). 
[This block was reproduced from a photograph of a coloured lithograph, and is 
unfortunately not very clear. | 
“The premonitory symptoms observable when the Bustard is 
about to exhibit himself in the pride of lust... is a slight 
swelling of the inframandibular portion of the throat, while the 
head is thrown upwards. Immediately afterwards the neck swells 
and the feathers of the lower parts concomitantly bulge out and 
descend gradually downwards in the form of a bag, oftentimes nearly 
reaching the ground. | 
