164 BIRDS. 



Lath and P. galeritus Temm.,) with an infinite 

 variety of the parrot tribe, such as ground par- 

 rots, (Psittacus formosus. Lath.) loris, {Psittacus 

 eximius, Shaw.) &c., enlivened the scene, for even 

 their discordant screams are cheering in the 

 depths of an Australian solitude ; among them 

 also the " Rosehill parrot," which, for beauty, 

 variety, and harmony of colours, is not to be 

 equalled by any of the other species, was abun- 

 dant ; I picked up one of this species lying dead 

 on the road, still warm, in full and beautiful 

 plumage, and without any external wound to 

 account for its death. The more gentle ' ' Bronze- 

 -winged pigeons" (Columba chalcoptera) were 

 also very numerous, alighting on the road to 

 pick up food, unmindful of the near approach of 

 the horses. The plumage of this bird varies 

 from a beautiful fawn colour to a dark brown, 

 with several brown feathers near the bases of 

 the wings, from which cause it derives its colo- 

 nial appellation. Numerous magpies, crows, 

 and the smaller variety of birds of gay plumage, 

 also crossed our path, exciting the admiration 

 and attention of the traveller. 



A peculiar, and, I believe, undescribed species 

 of the lizard tribe, of a black colour and repul- 

 sive appearance, but perfectly harmless, was oc- 

 sionally seen ; the tail is very short in pro- 



