638 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION D. 
as I have seen dozens of empty nests tilted over on the one side 
as though the snake had supported itself whilst helping itself to a 
delicate mouthful. During nesting-time the birds ave bolder than 
ever, and will not hesitate to attack a dog if he ventures too near 
the youngsters. Several times when forcing my way through the 
scrub on hands and knees to try and see the Lyre-bird dancing on 
the mound, I have been defeated by getting too near their nests, 
as they at once set up their call, and in a few minutes dozens of 
them were flying around me, which was so good a hint to the 
Lyre-bird that it at once stopped its mimicking or whistling and 
made itself scarce.” 
Riding along the Murray frontage, near the Moira Lake, early 
(at sunrise) one April morning, I was agreeably surprised to hear 
from the living lines of gums that protected the river the voices 
of numerous Bell-birds. I hardly expected to find these birds so 
far inland, and I drew rein to listen to the chiming of the “ ting- 
ting” notes that were piercing the crisp air of that delightful 
morn. 
Then away in the sub-tropical parts of New South Wales, near 
the Tweed River, I have another pleasant reminiscence of Bell- 
birds. I recollect hearing their voices floating through a splendid 
forest of Ironbarks (Eucalypts) and Pines, where tree-orchids with 
clusters of yellowish flowers beamed from the trees as we passed 
in the coach, while the ground scrub around was rendered 
attractive by the presence of the stately figures of fern-trees, 
palms, and cycads. 
The Darling Downs (Q.), is probably the most northerly habitat 
of the birds. Here I must give you Mr. Hermann Lau’s own 
description taken from his MS. :— 
“ Bell-bird.—The outskirts of the so-called cedar scrubs have 
often favoured water tracts emerging either from the thickets or 
are kept in rocky enclosures. Here is where these interesting 
birds gather in numbers, sending forth their short, varied, bell- 
like notes, which tell the stray and thirsty wanderer that water 
is near. 
* * ** % * * 
In clumps and circles of prickly shrub belonging to the Solanaceous 
family adapted much by the lichens, the Bell-bird resorts for 
nidification. Often have I found three nests in one little bush, 
advantage being taken of the lichens—the only material used for 
building purposes, except the lining, which is taken from a fibrous 
tree. The eggs are two, rarely three. Highfields, 22 miles north 
of Toowoomba, October, 1875.” 
There is, of course, a focus to the breeding season of the Bell- 
bird, probably August or September, but like many other honey- 
eaters some breed early, others late. Some years ago Dr. D’Om- 
brain took a Bell-bird’s nest after Easter, while a relation of Dr. 
oe 
