186 MATESHIP WITH BIRDS 



to when reflecting on the disappearance of the spe- 

 cies. Weakened by the competition of introduced 

 domestic animals, the birds were in no condition to 

 withstand Queensland's big drought of 1902. 



Having in mind, then, the effect of trapping, the 

 burning of grass, and the ravages of domestic cats 

 gone wild, it seems moderately clear that the "most 

 beautiful Parrot that exists" has been brought to the 

 very verge of extinction by human agency, follow- 

 ing on Nature's indiscretion in bestowing upon it 

 the fatal gift of beauty without adequate means of 

 defence or protection. It is all very lamentable. 

 It is more; it is a national calamity. Both the citi- 

 zens and governing authorities of Queensland have 

 neglected a definite duty a duty to helpless beauty 

 in allowing these pretty birds to be sacrificed. 

 Whether it is too late to make amends cannot well 

 be said; but the authorities showed the right spirit, 

 while these inquiries were progressing, in extending 

 full protection to the "lost" species and all kindred 

 Parrots. 



Finally, let us look for a few moments at the posi- 

 tion of Australian Parrots generally. Mr. Mathews 

 expresses the view (Birds of Australia, 1917) that 

 these birds "have shown signs of extinction in a very 

 rapid manner." I agree with him. It seems to me 

 that the Parrots of the mountains, the King and 

 Crimson species, for instance, are holding out fairly 

 well. So also are several of the broad-tailed Rosel- 

 las. Among the Grass-Parrots the little Budgerigah 

 and the Red-backed Parrot are still fairly common. 

 Aside from these two latter species, however, there 

 is not one of the Grass or Ground Parrots that has 

 not "slipped" very seriously. Where now is the 



