LYRE PHEASANT. 279 



any obstruction to its progress, it seldom flies 

 into trees, except to roost, and then rises only 

 from branch to branch : they build in old hollow 

 trunks of trees, which are lying upon the ground, 

 or in the holes of rocks ; the nest is formed merely 

 of dried grass, or dried leaves, scraped together ; 

 the female lays from twelve to sixteen eggs of a 

 white colour, with a few scattered light blue spots ; 

 the young are difficult to catch, as they run with 

 rapidity, concealing themselves among the rocks 

 and bushes. 



The " Lyre pheasant" on descending from 

 high trees, on which it perches, has been seen to 

 fly some distance ; it is more often observed 

 during the early hours of the morning, and in 

 the evenings, than during the heat of the day. 

 Like all the galinaceous tribe, it scratches about 

 the ground and roots of trees, to pick up seeds, 

 insects, &c. The aborigines decorate their 

 greasy locks, in addition to the emu feathers, 

 with the splendid tail-feathers of this bird when 

 they can procure them. 



The station of " Been" is situated on an ex- 

 tensive plain, or flat ; is very wet during the 

 winter season, from the flooded state of the 

 Tumat river and adjoining creek; the soil, how- 

 ever, is not usually swampy. The river running 

 down one part of the estate, and the " Been" or 



