Nests, Eggs, and Play-grounds of Australian Boiver-Birds. 29 



2. At the edge of the Mallee (species of Eucalyptus) 

 scrub, under Bursaria bushes, with piiies and Bull-oaks 

 (Casuarina) near. Bones placed just at entrances; bower 

 somewhat open, and concaved towards the centre of the 

 tioor ; built principally of a species of coarse tussocky grass 

 and Casuarina needles or foliage. 



3. Situated under native " Hop " bush, and slightly curved 

 in shape; principally constructed of coarse tussocky grass and 

 Casuarina needles, with a few branching twigs placed outer- 

 most. Usual heap of bones at either entrance, also bits of 

 glass, Quondong, Hakea, and other seeds, portions of Pig- face 

 weed {Mesemhryanthemum), pieces of Emu egg-shell, etc. In 

 centre a handful of bones (15) and Quondong seeds (8). 



Statement showing the dimensions in inches of three 

 ordinary sized play - grounds or bowers of the Spotted 

 Bower-Bird : — 



Lost jewellery, coin of the realm, etc., have often been 

 recovered at bowers. It is said that any decorations of the 

 bower by human hands is resented by the birds, the items, 

 huwever beautiful, being thrown out. However, if the bones, 

 etc., belonging to the bower be scattered, the birds will 

 always gather them together again. 



It has also been stated, but I have not been able to 

 verify it, that this Bower-Bird discriminates colours, and 

 that it will carry nothing of a bright red nature to its play- 

 ground. 



With reference to Gould's G, occipitalis, Dr Kamsay, who 

 has examined the type, pronounces it to be only a fine- 

 plumaged adult male of C. maculata. 



