NESTS AND EGGS OF HONEY-EATERS. 633 
Nest.—Cup-shaped ; somewhat rough outwardly, but thoroughly 
constructed of fine twigs, strips of bark, leaves, dc. ; in some 
instances nearly all dry grass; inside of variegated appearance 
lined with Zamia (Cycad) wool and downy substance from Banksia 
cones, sometimes soft leaves or a feather are added, in other 
instances silky seed-vessels or Clematis-down are used chiefly ; 
usually situated low in the centre of bushes. Dimensions over all, 
3? inches by 2} inches in depth ; egg cavity, 2 inches across by 
13 inch deep. 
L£ggs.—Clutch, 2 usually, sometimes 3; oval, slightly compressed 
towards one end; texture of shell fine ; surface without gloss ; 
colour, pale or delicate buff, spotted, and sometimes blotched with 
reddish-chestnut, the markings being more around the apex. 
Dimensions of a clutch in parts of an inch: (1) ‘82 x ‘61; (2) 
tho x *6. 
Observations.—The Long-billed Honey-eater is the beautiful 
western variety of the familiar New Holland Honey-eater. It has 
been found as far east as Encounter Bay (8.A.). Dr. Ramsay, in 
his ‘List of Australian Birds,” assigns the bird to the New South 
Wales and Wide Bay District columns, and makes the bird a 
sub-species. No doubt the New Holland Honey-eater and the 
Long-billed are very closely allied ; but to see the respective birds 
at home, as I have enjoyed doing, there appear characteristic 
differences even in their voices, not to mention the specific dis- 
tinction of the longer bill of the western bird. 
In the recesses of the western forests I found many nests and 
eggs which agree with Gilbert’s original description of those of the 
bird, which is locally called, the “ Yellow-wing.” The birds are 
numerous and frisky about the under scrub, chirping like chickens, 
or perhaps may be seen turning somersaults from some swaying 
bough after insect prey. The nests are usually placed a foot or 
two from the ground in a thick, low, bush, such as an Acacia. 
The birds sat closely, in many instances letting me almost place 
my hand upon them. Sometimes at my approach a pretty bird 
settling well down in its nest would ominously watch me with its 
pearly-white eyes. 
Breeding season, July to December, the principal months being 
the last three. 
MELIORNIS SERICEA, Gould. 
“ White-cheeked Honey-eater.” 
Figure.—Gould, Bds. of Australia, fol., vol. iv, pl. 25. 
eference.—-Cat. Bds. Brit. Mus., vol. ix, p. 254. 
Previous Descriptions of Eggs.—Campbell, Southern Science 
Record (1883). North, Cat. Nests and Eggs, Austn. Mus. p. 193 
(1889). 
