178 INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS 



December, 1899. Neither sportsmen nor officials seem to 

 understand to what this reckless shooting will lead — namely, 

 a great deal of labour protection over crops, that should fall 

 to the lot of the bird. Such another land-stalker was the 

 Emu. In this respect our colony is not likely to see the 

 light of other days. Perhaps it is not a special matter for 

 regret, as the Emu is rather fond of grass, and the com- 

 pensation is a doubtful one. 



Young Bustards leave their nests at a very early age, 

 their guardian angel affording them much protection under 

 the law of mimicry. 



As with Gulls, Rails, and Quails, they quit their nests and 

 shells almost as soon as they are hatched in them, keeping 

 to the ground till such time as their wings will carry them 

 short distances. In this respect they differ from young 

 Mallee Fowl (Mound-builders), which can fly soon after 

 leaving the nest. On a New Zealand steamer recently 

 two Mound-builders' eggs, while being brought to Dr. 

 Snowball (the children's friend), hatched out on the cabin 

 table, and without a moment's hesitation one flew across 

 the room, so strong were its wings. 



Nest. — Simply a very slight depression in the ground. 



Egg. — One to a sitting ; olive colour, with long brown 

 smudges upon it. Length, 3 inches ; breadth, 2*2 inches. 



