36 THE NATURALIST IN AUSTRALIA. 



tion. For a short period of the year, moreover, commencing about January or 

 February, the adult male loses the characteristic plumes of which he is so demon- 

 stratively proud, and is not then to be distinguished from his more homely mate. 

 A second, somewhat smaller, species of Lyre Bird, in which the tail is shorter 

 and less handsomely marked, is also found in the mountain districts of New 

 South Wales, and has been associated by Mr. Gould with the title of Menura Alberti. 

 Anterior to the discovery of Australia, that rara avis in terris, of Juvenal, a 

 " Black Swan," was regarded much after the manner of the Phoenix, as an ornitho- 

 logical paradox. The Phoenix has not yet been accommodated with a local habitation 

 and a scientific name, but the Black Swan, Cygnus atratus, is, as is well known, 

 one of the most characteristic bird species of the southern districts of Australia. It 

 figures, as did the Lyre Bird formerly for New South Wales, as the emblematic 

 national animal type on the postage stamps, and also on the banner of Western 

 Australia, formerly known as the Swan River Colony. The species is now almost as 

 familiar in English ornamental waters as the white varieties. Though perhaps not 

 quite so graceful in its form and movements as the typical Mute Swan, Cygnus olor, 

 it is, with relation to the pleasing contrast afforded by the bright scarlet bill and, 

 excepting the white wing primaries, exquisitely shaded dark satiny crenulated 

 plumage, regarded by many as the more handsome bird. In contradistinction to 

 the White or Mute Swan, so-called with reference to its silent habits, the black 

 species produces very pleasing flute-like notes. This is especially effective heard 

 during the silent watches of the night, and produced by large flocks assembled in 

 a neighbouring lagoon or passing overhead. The Gippsland Lakes, in Victoria, 

 afford very favourable opportunities for observing the Black Swan in vast numbers 

 under its natural conditions and in all phases of growth. The passenger and 

 trading steamboats traversing these lakes pass close to the floating flocks, and during 

 the breeding season almost run down stray broods of the little Cygnets. This 

 observation applies with equal force to the long navigable reaches of the Murray 

 River. To the lover of bird life, a steamer trip through this last-named magnificent 

 water-way yields a unique and almost inexhaustible delight. At certain seasons of 

 the year spring and summer months when the waters are out and the forest-lands 

 on either side for hundreds of miles are one vast network of lakes and shallows, 

 birds, chiefly of the natatorial and wading orders, are present in countless thousands. 

 Black Swans, Ducks of many varieties, Teal, Cranes of various descriptions, including, 

 in drier spots, the familiar " Native Companion," Gms australasianm, Spoonbill, 



