42 THE NATURALIST IN AUSTRALIA. 



and attitude the birds exhibited, these represent the outcome of but a fractional 

 portion of the numerous " sittings " with which they consciously and unconsciously 

 favoured the writer. A glance at these Plates without a reference to the accom- 

 panying context might very pardonably convey to the reader the impression that 

 these likenesses represented the portrait gallery of an extensive aviary, in place, as 

 is actually the fact, of their depicting the multifarious aspects of but a single pair 

 of birds. 



Before proceeding to a systematic analysis of the special attitudes and emotions 

 of the Podargi that are here recorded by the camera, a few explanatory words 

 appear to be desirable. The photographs reproduced in Plates VIII. and IX. owe, it 

 may be observed, their in many instances legendary and artistic embellishments to the 

 circumstance that, on account of their quaintness and suitability for the purpose, 

 they have, with the able assistance of the London Stereoscopic Company, been 

 adapted by the writer as ornamental designs for note paper and menu cards. In 

 all instances these photographic replicas have also been much reduced in size, 

 having been originally taken as whole or half plate negatives as illustrated by the 

 examples reproduced in Plates VI. and VII. 



The most typical presentments of the normal form and aspect of Podargus strigoides, 

 when in a state of complete repose, are probably afforded by the photographic like- 

 nesses reproduced in the two Plates just quoted. In these portraits an essentially hawk- 

 like aspect is predominant. At the same time the delicate mottlings of the plumage, which 

 in their pencillings and gradations of mingled greys and browns wonderfully resemble the 

 pattern and tints of the tree branches on which the birds are accustomed to perch, are 

 very distinctly shown. This notable correspondence of the bird's plumage with its 

 environment is habitually utilised by Podargus in a remarkable manner for the purpose 

 of concealing itself from the observation of recognised enemies or possible assailants. 

 Should, for instance, a hawk appear in sight or any other object of an apparently 

 unfriendly aspect, this bird will at once straighten itself up stiffly and, with its mottled 

 feathers closely pressed to its body, assume so perfect a resemblance to a portion 

 of the branch upon which it is seated that, even at a short distance, it is almost 

 impossible to recognise it. Under these conditions, in fact, it so readily escapes 

 detection that several instances have been related to the writer in which people 

 have actually placed their hand on the bird, when seated on a rail or log fence, before 

 being conscious of its presence. Trusting in its wonderful mimicry of nature, it will 

 thus remain stiff and motionless, and not attempt to fly away until forcibly removed. 



