222 BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 



ground, fine grass is sometimes intermixed with the fuscous- 

 coloured down, each particle whitish in the centre, and with light- 

 coloured tips, apparently slightly darker than the nest down 

 of the Grey Teal. Dimensions (inside), 5 inches across by 2| 

 inches deep " (A. J. Campbell). 



Eggs. " Clutch nine to ten usually, thirteen maximum; ellip- 

 tical in shape ; texture of shell fine ; surface glossy and greasy ; 

 colour rich cream. Dimensions in inches of odd examples: (1) 

 2.04 x 1.5, (2) 1.9 x 1.45. Of four from a set : (1) 2.14 x 1.5, (2) 

 2.1 x 1.49, (3) 2.09 x 1.52, (4) 2.08 x 1.48 " (A. J. Campbell). 



Breeding Season. According to Mr. A. J. Campbell, it extends 

 from June to December. 



Geographical Distribution. Tasmania, some of the larger 

 islands in Bass Strait, and Australia in general. 



Observations. Shooting begins 1st February, ends 30th June. 

 Doubtless there are but few who are aware that two species of 

 Teal exist in Tasmania, most being under the impression that the 

 species so much in evidence in a number of localities during the 

 "open" season is the only one found here. The species under 

 review is on the mainland frequently called the Mountain-Teal. 

 It is a scarce species in Tasmania, or at least the males are but 

 seldom procured. I have inspected specimens from the Lake 

 district, and am informed on good authority that it frequents 

 several localities on the North-East Coast ; doubtless it is also to 

 be found in the southern portion of the island. 



To verify my own observations concerning the two species, I 

 forwarded to Mr. A. J. Campbell a set of questions, which I now 

 give, with his answers appended thereto, thinking they may be of 

 interest : 



Question. Does the male of the Chestnut-breasted Teal retain 

 its black head and neck and chestnut breast during the non- 

 breeding season? 



Reply : Yes. [I believe that once the male of this species dons 

 his full livery he never throws it off ; but I also believe that many 

 males breed before they have attained full livery.] 



Question. Is the breeding plumage of both sexes of the Grey 

 Teal similar to the non-breeding plumage? 



Reply. Yes. 



Question. Are there any outward differences between the 

 female of the Chestnut-breasted Teal and the female of the Grey 

 Teal? 



Reply. None, except in weight Chestnut, l Ibs.; Grey, 

 l T Vlbs. 



Question. Are both sexes of the Grey Teal similar in appear- 

 ance? 



Reply. Yes. 



