146 COLLECTOR'S RAMBLES 



were very small in proportion to his size, and I some- 

 what doubted his being able to fly. I did not get the 

 female. 



The spur-winged plover (Lobivanellus miles), which 

 I have mentioned, is a pugilist among birds. His 

 wings are provided with a stout, sharp spur, and he 

 must, when in good fighting trim, be able to deal death 

 with certainty to his enemies. He is ornamented about 

 the eyes with a tough yellow skin, which gives him a 

 most remarkable expression. 



All along the northeastern coast of Australia, 

 extending for over one thousand miles, is the largest 

 and most magnificent coral reef in the world. The 

 distance between it and the mainland is sometimes only 

 a mile or two, and at others ten times as far. It is 

 now and then broken by deep channels, which may be 

 used by the largest vessels, and is a great protection to 

 all kinds of navigation. Our journey from Rockhamp- 

 ton was inside this reef. It gave me a chance to enjoy 

 an ocean trip, and eat my meals with the rest for a 

 change. On the 10th. of May, we arrived at Mackay, 

 in a tropical downpour which lasted three days. It 

 cleared off the evening of our first lecture, and con- 

 tinued fine during the rest of our stay. 



My first walk at Mackay was along a road which 

 crossed the mangrove flats, and came out upon the 

 beach. 



Mangroves are low trees, growing where their roots 



