336 BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 



1 



where it is very abundant, it is found in all those parts of the 

 plains that are studded with scrubs and clumps of a low 

 shrub -like tree, resembhng the Barilla of the coast, through 

 and among which it creeps with astonishing rapidity ; indeed 

 its mode of progression on the ground is such as no descrip- 

 tion can convey an accurate conception of, and must be seen 

 to be understood : I cannot perhaps compare it with anything, 

 unless with the motion of an Indian-rubber bail when thrown 

 forcibly along the ground. While stealing from bush to bush, 

 with this rapid movement, its head low and tail perfectly 

 erect, it presents an exceedingly droll appearance. Like 

 many others of its family, it seldom employs its power of 

 flight. 



On my arrival in Australia fresh from Europe, these birds 

 and those of the preceding genus were regarded by me with 

 the highest interest, as they must be by every person not born 

 and bred in Australia, who sees them for the first time in a 

 state of nature. 



Of its nidification I have nothing to communicate : it 

 doubtless builds a dome-shaped nest, and in all probability 

 lays four spotted eggs ; but to these points I would call the 

 attention of those who are favourably situated for observing 

 them, as also to confirm or refute the opinion I have elsewhere 

 expressed of this and the following bird being distinct. 



All the upper surface dark brown, each feather with a 

 narrow stripe of white down the centre ; under surface the 

 same, but much paler ; flanks and under surface of the 

 shoulder rust-red ; tail dark brown, indistinctly barred with 

 a still darker hue and edged with pale brown ; irides reddish 

 hazel ; base of lower mandible bluish horn-colour ; remainder 

 of the bill black ; feet flesh-brown. 



The male I dissected was destitute of the rusty red colour- 

 ing on the flanks and the under surface of the shoulder. 



