^°i' lo^^ ] Australasian Ornithologists' Union. H7 



recorded, while it would also to some extent prevent destruction 

 of life. It is also suggested that the official names of the colours 

 be printed in several languages. Each distinct colour should be 

 numbered, and further separated, say, by suitable lines according to 

 its varied shades, which could be lettered. If this were done the 

 numbers and letters of the official chart need only be given when 

 recording data. The advantages to be derived from the use of such 

 a system is apparent. 



The desirableness of an up-to-date " Check-List " of birds, with 

 their common names attached, was discussed at length. It was 

 fully recognized that it was essential to instruct the ordinary person 

 in the exact vernacular names of birds, so that a uniforn nomen- 

 clature would obtain. The following members were appointed to 

 gather information relative to the local names of birds in different 

 localities and report at the next congress: — Mr. A. J. Campbell 

 (Vict.), convener; Mr. J. W. Mellor (S.A.), Mr. Robert Hall (Tas.), 

 Mr. A. W. Milligan (W.A.), and Mr. Gregory M. Mathews (England). 

 It was also decided to write to the Education Departments in the 

 several States, asking for a list of the vernacular names of the 

 different birds. 



Resolved, on the motion of Mr. A. J. Campbell, seconded by Mr. 

 Chas. Barrett — " That copies of the cinematograph films depicting 

 the bird and animal life of the expedition to Bass Strait Islands be 

 sent to England, at a cost not exceeding £12 12s., as a present to 

 the British Ornithologists' Union." 



On the motion of Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley, seconded by Mr. J. W. 

 Mellor, it was resolved that bulletins to The Emu be published as 

 occasion arose, so that delay would not be caused in the event of 

 important matter coming to hand. 



On a motion by Mr. R. Hall, which was seconded by Dr. W. V. 

 Angove, it was resolved that the consideration of the advisability of 

 holding the next annual meeting in Queensland be left in the hands 

 of the Council. 



It was resolved that an Ornithological Court be arranged for the 

 forthcoming Australian Natives' Association Exhibition, Melbourne. 



Mr. Basset Hull exhibited a hst, &c., of the " Birds of Australia" 

 in pamphlet form.* The list was designed to aid collectors, and 

 was a key to all previous lists, and as such was a valuable help to 

 systematists. 



The Education Departments of South Australia and Victoria 

 were eulogized for the interesting and instructive articles on 

 birds that were appearing in the respective School Papers. 



A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Royal Society for 

 the use of their room free of charge. 



Moved by Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley, and seconded by Mr. R. Hall 

 — " That a special vote of thanks be accorded to Captain S. A. 

 White for so kindly prospecting the Eyre Peninsula for a suitable 

 camping-ground." Carried. 



* See advt., p. iSo. 



