198 IN AUSTRALIAN WILDS 



to show us mounds of the Brush-Turkey [Catheturus 

 lathami]. We drove to the foot of the mountain, and, 

 with the native in the lead, began the ascent. Our 

 guide, who was accompanied by a mongrel dog and 

 carried an antiquated gun, was inclined to dawdle, but 

 he soon discovered a Brush-Turkey's nesting mound, 

 close to the track. Composed of earth and vegetable 

 matter, it was about three feet in height, with a cir- 

 cumference at the base of thirty feet. The mound 

 was in ruins, and, of course, we were not satisfied with 

 it; but the guide considered that he had fulfilled his 

 promise, and did not worry about finding another 

 mound. He displayed energy, however, when we 

 approached a group of trees, among whose lofty 

 branches Topknot Pigeons [Lopholaimus antarcticus] 

 were feeding. Two shots were fired, and a brace of 

 plump birds was picked up by the native. 



For hours we wandered on the mountain slopes, 

 amid enchanting forest scenery. But the atmosphere 

 was oppressive, like that in a hot house, and when we 

 reached the open country again it was good to breathe 

 cool air. 



In every way, our sojourn in the Tweed River 

 district was successful, though we had not sufficient 

 time to visit all the interesting spots. Perchance 

 some of the scrub which we explored has been de- 

 stroyed; but whatever axe and fire have done, they 

 cannot dim bright memories of days among the palms. 



Brisbane, the fair capital cf Queensland, is a 

 pleasant place for naturalists. When in the city a 

 few years ago, I frequently visited the Botanic Gar- 

 dens to observe Fig-Birds [Sphecoiheres maxillaris] 

 and Friar-Birds [Tropidorhynchus corniculatus] , 

 which were numerous. But a more interesting locality 

 is the Enoggera water reserve, about eight miles from 

 the city, where Comb-crested Jacanas [Parra gal- 

 linaceci] may be studied at close range. 



