586 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION D. 
birds feeding amongst the flowers. As boys, we had no difficulty 
in “shanghaing” as many as we wanted, and that was so long as 
the poor birds remained in the trees to be aimed at. 
The nest of the Lunulated Honey-eater is not only difficult to 
get on account of the height at which it is usually built, but because 
the clever little bird often swings it at the end of aslender bough. 
However, I once found a beautiful nest suspended almost within 
reach in the overhanging branch of Black Wattle (Acacia). 
Mr. CG. C. Brittlebank tells me when he wishes to take one of 
these nests in a difficult position he always selects a windy day for 
the purpose, then chops the bough containing the nest off. The 
poor bird remains closely to its charge, supposing, no doubt, that 
the elements are merely a trifle more boisterous than usual. The 
coveted prize is safe, and within reach before the dear, deluded 
bird realises the position of affairs, when it somewhat hurriedly 
leaves its cosy nest and delicate flesh-tinted eggs to the cause— 
well, let us say—of science. 
Gould found examples of the Lunulated Honey-eater breeding in 
a state of plumage which he believed to be characteristic of youth. 
It is just possible that Gould mistook JZ. brevirostris for the young 
of MW. lunulatus. 
There are eggs of the Lunulated or White-naped Honey-eater 
in the Dobroyde Collection, taken as early (in a double sense) as 
June, 1859, and July, 1861, respectively. Mr. Brittlebank has 
taken them as late as the 14th*, 18th, and 27th January respec- 
tively, therefore the extreme limits of the breeding season may 
be stated as from June to January, the chief months being 
September to November. 
The Pallid Cuckoo is very partial to the nest of this little 
Honey-eater as a receptacle for its egg. 
MELITHREPTUS CHLOROPSIS, Gould. 
“ Western White-naped Honey-eater.” 
Figure.—Gould, Bds. of Australia, fol., vol. iv, pl. 73. 
Reference. 
Previous Descriptions of Eggs.—Gould, Bds. of Australia (1848), 
also, Hdbk., vol. i, p. 571 (1865). 
Geographical Distribution.—West Australia. 
Nest.— Usually suspended from small branches near the top of 
gum-trees (Hucalypts), where the foliage is thickest, which renders 
it difficult to detect. A nest found by Gilbert in October was 
formed of sheep’s wool and small twigs ; another found by him in 
November was attached to a small myrtle-like tree in a thick gum 
forest, not more than 3 feet from the ground (Gould), 
* This nest was lined with white flowers, 
