162 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA : 



large and full that its powers of vision must be very great. 

 Most of those obtained were gorged with insects, prin- 

 cipally beetles and locusts, some of which were entire 

 and so large as to excite surprise how they could be 

 swallowed ; in several instances they were so perfect that 

 I preserved them as specimens for the cabinet." 



Mr. K. Hall remarks that, judging by the scarcity of the 

 birds in winter time, it is probable that it goes further north 

 to winter, and to get the advantage of a warmer latitude. 



The value of this bird to those engaged in forestry can 

 hardly be over-estimated, as the great family of Longicorn 

 beetles, flying as they do by night ; fall an easy prey to 

 this and other birds and of these beetles they must consume 

 enormous quantities. This valuable bird should be most 

 carefully protected. The whole family of the goat-suckers 

 (Caprimulgidce), to which it belongs, are strictly insecti- 

 vorous in their nature, and worthy of the most strict 

 preservation and protection. 



The White-throated Nightjar is found in Victoria, New 

 South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, and Papua. 



