THE GIFTS OF AUGUST 23 



possessing an attribute which many members of a 

 certain higher (?) genus conspicuously lack that 

 is, perception of the proper time to be silent ! 



Some years ago to be precise, it was on the first 

 day of August, 1913 a small company of Lorikeets 

 was feeding in a favorite almond tree, when a lone 

 Butcher-Bird on evil bent dropped softly down 

 alongside one of them. If the little fellow was ex- 

 pected to flutter away in alarm, anticipation was not 

 justified. He simply uttered a reproachful cry and 

 hopped to one side. What bluff was this ! The grey 

 marauder looked amazed, and made as though to fol- 

 low, whereupon the small bird turned and screeched 

 decisively at him. Then the Butcher-Bird hopped 

 to a higher branch, apparently with the intention 

 of dropping on to the plucky 'Keet. But the latter's 

 surprising sang froid was too disconcerting. Pre- 

 sently the whole band of Lorikeets flew off un- 

 harmed, and a crestfallen Butcher-Bird sulked in a 

 mulberry-tree. 



I wonder, by the way, if this altogether attractive 

 little Lorikeet is only of recent birth ; that is to say, 

 was it created after the advent of Bass Strait ? For 

 the fact is that the Purple-crown is the only one of 

 the five honey-eating Parrots known to Victoria 

 which does not penetrate to Tasmania. But then, 

 why should the Northern States also be excluded 

 from its itinerary? the additionally interesting 

 fact being that, despite its fraternity with relatives, 

 it is the only Lorikeet unknown outside the southern 

 portions of the mainland. 



It is one thing to compare the blossom of the 



