OF VICTORIA. 41 



with the circumstances, but 12 to 15 dajs is about the 

 duration of the bulk of the cases. When finished it is an 

 elegant home, strong in beauty by the external decoration 

 with mosses and lichens. 



The eggs, two in number, or three on rare occasions, are 

 laid on successive days, and the time occupied in incubation 

 is 14 days. 



Mr. J. A. Hill, a naturalist-farmer near Murtoa, writes 

 to me to say that the birds have two broods in a season, 

 the first in August and the last in December. Very young 

 birds are flying about in September, and birds are accom- 

 panying their parents in April (Swan Hill district). The 

 young males of last year nest in the following August, but 

 they are unmatured as regards their plumage, and resemble 

 more the hen birJs. This early breeding applies also to the 

 Hooded Robin. It is specially sensitive to danger, and 

 when any person approaches the nest or young the male 

 feigns a broken wing, and with active legs hopes by this 

 means to draw you away from the seat of anxiety. Mr. 

 Hill, who has had considerable experience with the birds of 

 his district, considers this species the most useful insect- 

 ivorous bird in that part of the country. 



The first time the red-breast was seen in Australia by a 

 naturalist, I am inclined to believe, was upon a boulder in a 

 field and during winter, hence the name. Robins glory in a 

 stony field, and flit from one rock to another, resting a con- 

 siderable time on each, with great glee. The hen birds are 

 not musical, but very much enjoy listening to the song of 

 two or three males. 



Nest. — A delicate cup like structure of the same material 

 as the previous species, but more neatly built, and very 

 prettily ornamented with mosses to appear like the bough or 

 fork on or in which it may be placed. 



