THE AUSTEALIAN BIEDS. 



HERE are about seven hundred species of birds 

 in Australia. Of these, a goodly number resem- 

 ble birds known almost everywhere. Hawks, eagles, 

 owls, cranes, crows, swallows, though differing some- 

 what from birds of that name in other countries, yet 

 there is considerably more similarity than difference. 



Of the owls there are the masked, the sooty, the 

 delicate, rufous, winking, and the " Boobook" This 

 last is a native name, given it in imitation of the cry 

 of the bird. 



There are no song-birds. These are not numerous 

 as distinct species in any country. ]n the wide con- 

 tinent of America, when you have named the robin, 

 thrush, cat-bird, and lark, you have pretty nearly 

 exhausted the list, though there are many which utter 

 a very pleasant note or two. 



In Australia there are none which can be counted 

 song-birds. The myna-bird begins very like the robin 

 and gives you about three notes, then he stops and 

 begins again. 



I have often experienced a real sense of disappoint- 

 ment in listening to these birds. 



