100 THE LYRE-BIRD. 



and we may here add that the musical powers of this 

 bird, which we have been inclined to doubt, have been 

 confirmed to us by the testimony of a gentleman who, du- 

 ring his residence in Australia, had many opportunities of 

 gaining information upon the subject, and he assured us 

 that not only were its own notes rich and melodious, but 

 that it imitated those of other birds with surprising tact 

 and execution. 



" The lyre-bird," observes Mr. Bennett, "is a bird of 

 heavy flight, but swift of foot. On catching a glimpse of 

 the sportsman, it runs with rapidity, aided by the wings, 

 over logs of wood, rocks, or 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 merely formed of dried 

 grass, or dried leaves scraped together : the female lays 

 from twelve to sixteen eggs, of a white color, 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 de- 

 scending 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 evening, than 

 during the heat of the day. Like all the gallinaceous 

 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." 



Dr. Latham says, " I do not find that it has been yet 

 attempted whether this bird will bear confinement ; but, 

 if the trial should turn out successful, it would be a fine 

 acquisition to our menageries." 



