130 BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 



and evergreens. The torch thistle contains a liquid 

 in its heart, which the birds drank, when it was 

 cut down. They sometimes even extracted it 

 from the young trees, by piercing the trunks 

 with their bills." It is evident that what are cal- 

 led soft-billed birds would be unable to squeeze 

 berries, and pierce woody fibres, or even leaves 

 only ; so that the peculiar formation of those re- 

 ferred to, is one of those interesting facts which 

 serves to prove the directing hand of an all-wise 

 Creator. 



The public are greatly indebted to Mr. Gould, 

 for his recent researches in natural history on the 

 Australian continent. The introduction he has 

 made of so many new birds and quadrupeds into 

 this country, and his observations on their pecu- 

 liar habits and localities, must afford new pleasure 

 to every lover of nature. In the first part of his 

 splendid work on the Birds of Australia, in speak- 

 ing of the Sacred Kingfisher (Halcyon sanctus) he 

 informs us, that so far from its habits being similar 

 to our own glittering bird of that species, it is fre- 

 quently found in the most arid and dry situations, 

 far distant from water. It appears that a supply 

 of this element is not essential to its existence; 

 and this is the case with many of the insectivorous 

 birds of Australia. From the localities, in which 

 this kingfisher is found breeding, it must pass 

 long periods without being able to obtain any 



