^°|-^"] Bird Observers' Club. 59 



It is hoped that if any of the ringed birds are picked up dead in any part 

 of the world information will be forwarded to Mr. L. G. Chandler, the 

 hon. secretary of the B.O.C., 56 Uixon-street, Malvern, Victoria. 



South Australian Ornithological Association. 



A MEETING of the South Australian Ornithological Association was held 

 on the evening of 23rd February, Mr. M. Symonds Clark presiding. 

 Mr. J. W. Mellor reported having noted the Ground-Thrush {Oreocichla 

 luniilatd) at the Reedbeds lately, where it had not previously been seen. 

 He thought perhaps the fires in the Mount Lofty Ranges had something to 

 do with its appearance on the plains. Mr. F. R. Zietz showed a collection 

 of Finches, the property of the Museum, 19 species in all. Mr. J. W. 

 Mellor gave an account of the re-discovery of the Spotted-throated Scrub- 

 Wren {Sericornis osculans) In the Mount Lofty Ranges in September last. 

 He also gave an account of his securing a specimen of the Darker Turquoise 

 Wren {Ma/urus whitci), which had not been shown since it was named by 

 Mr. A. J. Campbell, of Melbourne, after the late Mr. Samuel White, of the 

 Reedbeds (S. A.) 



The thirteenth annual meeting of the Association was held at the 

 Institute, North-terrace, on the evening of 29th March, Captain S. A. White 

 presiding. There was a good attendance. The honorary secretary (Mr. J. 

 W. Mellor), in his annual report, stated that exceptionally good work had 

 been carried out by the Association during the past year, notably the lease 

 to the Association of the islands in the Coorong for the purpose of protecting 

 the native birds and allowing them to breed there. For the purpose of 

 preventing them being molested by so called sportsmen and other visitors, a 

 custodian had been appointed, who knew the locality thoroughly. Another 

 notable work had been the placing of Mallee-F^owl {Lipoa ocellatci) on the 

 National Reserve at Cape Borda, Kangaroo Island, where they were free from 

 the ravages of the fox, which was fast exterminating these remarkable birds 

 on the mainland. It was hoped that the residents of the island would all 

 act as special custodians to see that the birds were rigidly protected 

 wherever they might roam, as in years to come, when the birds were extinct 

 on the mainland, the island would be a novelty to the world, and a place of 

 exceptional interest to visitors. New members had joined the Association, 

 and the general interest now displayed in the study and protection of native 

 birds was on the increase. Amounts in connection with the Mallee-Fowl 

 fund, to place them on Kangaroo Island, had come in satisfactorily, and 

 donations were still welcomed. The honorary secretary read a letter from 

 Mr. A. H. Anderson, of Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, urging the protection 

 of the much-abused Cormorant, and giving interesting details relative to his 

 observations upon the habits of these birds, whose chief food consisted of 

 many of the enemies of the fishes' spawn. It was resolved to move in the 

 matter, and the honorary secretary was deputed to interview the authorities. 

 The sudden death of Dr. W. T. Angove, of Tea-tree Gully, which occurred 

 in London, was referred to, and it was decided to write a letter of condolence 

 to his widow and family, and also place on record his good work done 

 during his connection with the Association. Mr. F. E. Parsons, of Adelaide, 

 was elected a member. Mr. J. W. Mellor tabled a specimen copy of a work 

 entitled "The Game-Birds and Water-Fowl of South Africa," now being 

 written by Major B. Horsbrugh. The work was favourably commented 

 upon by those present, the coloured plates being excellent. Captain S. A. 

 White drew attention to the first issue of a new periodical being 

 published in England upon Australian bird-life, and edited by Mr. G. M. 

 Mathews, F.R.S.E., ornithologist, and entitled The Austral Aviari 

 Record. Captain White also showed several birds secured near Meningie, 



