86 Jackson, Haunts of the Spotted Bower-Bird. \^^^ 



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handsome Crimson-winged Lories (Ptistes erylliroptevus) feeding in 

 cypress pines (Callitris robust a, R. Br.), in company with Barnard 

 Parrakeets. The mistletoe {Loranthus quandang, Lindl.) on the 

 leopard-woods is now out in yellow blossoms, and a number of Honey- 

 eaters visit them. 



24tli October. — Shot a Raven (Corone australis) in front of my camp 

 early this morning. Yesterday a storm blew down many trees and 

 branches, as well as nests, but the camp stood well. Leopard-woods 

 all well out in blossom now Noticed a broom (Apophyllum 

 anomalum, F. v. M.) covered with many chrysalides of a butterfly 

 (Belenoistentonia fabricins). Saw new and neat dome-shaped nest 

 of Short-billed Tit (Smicrornis brevirostris) in top part of a green budda 

 tree, and over it hung 1 1 of the long cigar-shaped pods of the native 

 silk-vine, giving a very pretty effect. White-shouldered Caterpillar- 

 eaters (Lalage tricolor) are becoming plentiful lately. Heard a Pallid 

 Cuckoo (Cuculus pallidus) to-night, which is the first I have heard 

 since I arrived here Dollar or Roller-Birds (Eurystomus pncificus) 

 were about to-day. Large bush-fires raging near. 



2Kth October. — The clay tank or dam where I get my water, near 

 the camp, is going down rapidly: Strong wind from north-west. 

 Collected nardoo weed (Marsilea drummondi, A. Br.) and seeds in a 

 dried-up warrambool. The Emus eat the leaves and seeds of this 

 plant. Saw no Bower-Birds about in the bush to-day. Great clouds 

 of dust pass over the camp as the large flocks of sheep pass by to the 

 clay tank to drink. 



26th October. — Everything is in a very parched state, and the out- 

 look is more serious than ever for the grazier and farmer. The land 

 has a drought-stricken appearance throughout, and bush-fires are 

 raging. Several Emus drinking at the clay tank this morning. 

 Visited No. 4 bower, and found all in good order, more bleached land- 

 shells having been added to the decorations. Crested Pigeons 

 plentiful. Found new nests of Lanceolate Honey-eater, also a huge 

 nest of the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Uroaetus audax). placed in a slightly 

 leaning and unusually large dead cypress pine. The nest was located 

 at a height of 50 feet, and a well-feathered young bird was sitting on 

 the side of the great structure. The nest measured 6 feet across. 

 Collected nest and two eggs of Barred-shouldered Dove (Geopelia 

 humeralis) from a green wilga ; birds not common. A beautiful lilac 

 everlasting flower is now plentiful on the open plains ; it is known as 

 Ptilotus exaltaius (Nees.), and resembles somewhat the colour of the 

 nape of the Bower-Birds. Came across some specimens of the White- 

 face (Aphelocephala leucopsis). Saw Doves (Geopelia placida and G. 

 cuneata) in dead cypress pines. Saw silver-leaved iron-barks {Eucalyptus 

 melanophloia, F. v. M.) fully 90 feet high and 3 feet in diameter at 

 base ; also noted the carbeen or Moreton Bay ash (Eucalyptus tesselaris, 

 F. V. M.), and blood-woods (Eucalyptus terminalis, F. v. M.) of great 

 size, and in these the Wedge-tailed and Whisthng Eagles frequently 

 build their large nests. Saw Rufous-breasted Thickheads (Pachy- 

 cephala rufiventris). Several large kangaroos were licking their arms 

 or forelegs from the elbows downwards, the saliva dropping from 

 their mouths. No water was near, and the heat intense. Walked 

 a long way to-day. Saw several of the Little Wood-Swallows 

 (Artamus minor), and their brown backs shone beautifully in the sun. 

 The white-woods (Atalaya hemiglauca, F. v. M.) are now out in large 



