29 



link-shaped appendage on the top of the machine. This con- 

 tains a continuous core of iron wire, which communicates with 

 the cylinder through the supports at the ends, and works on 

 the same principle as a ""Winter's" ring, of which it is a modi- 

 fication, being made in the link-shape for the purpose of 

 keeping it as low as possible. This appendage adds consider- 

 ably to the length of spark ; still I believe the same end might 

 have been attained by making the prime-conductor of larger 

 dimensions. 



The last experiment I have to mention is the substitution in 

 the place of the slab of ebonite before-mentioned of one of 

 the ring collectors. This addition I find still farther increases 

 the length of the spark, so that the machine which originally 

 would only spark about six inches, will in its present form, 

 under similar conditions, yield ten-inch sparks. 



Notes on the Night Parrot 



( Geopsittacus occidentalis) . 



By ~E. A7. Andeews. 



[Read February 6, 1883.] 



The iS'ight Parrot {Geopsittacus occidentalis) is found in the 

 northern and north-western portions of this colony, and speci- 

 mens have also been procured from Western Australia. 



During the day this bird lies concealed in the inside of a 

 tussock or bunch of porcupine grass {Triodia), the inside 

 being pulled out and a snug retreat formed for its protection. 

 Here, also, its rough nest is formed, and four white eggs laid. 

 "When the dark shades of evening have fairly set in it comes 

 out to feed, but generally flies direct to the nearest water, 

 which is often at a considerable distance from its nest ; in some 

 instances I have known them to fly a distance of four or five 

 miles. After drinking and shal<ing themselves up a little they 

 fly off to feed on the seeds of the porcupine grass, returning to 

 the water two or three times during the night. 



The name given to this bird by the aborigines is " Myrrlum- 

 bing," from the supposed resemblance of their whistling note 

 to the sound of that word. They have also a very peculiar 

 croaking note of alarm whilst at the water, which much re- 

 sembles the loud croak of a frog. On one occasion one of 



