THE BABBLER. 153 



four or five eggs, but Mr. North states that Dr. J. 

 Ramsay once took fourteen from the one nest, and 

 which he had no doubt were the joint property of 

 several birds. 



Breeding takes place principally in the months of 

 September, October, and November. 



Mr. A. J. Campbell and other observers record the 

 existence of the Babbler in Queensland, New South 

 Wales, and South Australia, as well as in Victoria. The 

 Babblers are true insect-destroying birds (stomachs of 

 these birds, examined, having contained remains of 

 beetles and gravel); and, as such, should be protected 

 against all comers. 



