l^A Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union. \ i^"Tar\ 



the species, a departure was made in adding to the Hst the 

 scientific names, also the numbers to each species according to 

 Gould's " Handbook to the Birds of Australia," so that there 

 could be no excuse for not knowing the identity of the species. 

 The total protection of such a large number of birds made it 

 necessary to insert a clause allowing permits to be granted for the 

 collection of certain specimens for scientific purposes. This Act, 

 which is in force at the present time, works well, although some 

 slight amendments are still needed to make its application in 

 certain directions more effective. An effort is being made 

 accordingly. 



The killing of large numbers of birds which are on the partially 

 protected list during the Christmas holidays by short-sighted 

 sportsmen (?) has troubled thoughtful ornithologists. The ending 

 of the close season for Ducks on 20tli December has been respons- 

 ible for much slaughter of young and helpless birds and of the 

 parents. Henceforth the season will extend until January in each 

 year. 



The bird-protection laws throughout the Commonwealth should 

 be brought into line. 



Reserves. 



The Bird Protection Act of 1900 gives power to the Minister 

 for Crown Lands, under whose jurisdiction it comes, to proclaim 

 areas of land still held by the Crown as " Bird Protection Reserves." 

 Several areas where the birds can breed and rear their young in 

 peace have thus been set aside. The total area of these reserves 

 amounts to 41,275 acres, and, as they are in different parts of the 

 State, they are of extreme value. The area, when compared with 

 that of the reserves in other parts of the world, is, however, 

 remarkably small. But if all the States gradually increase the 

 number of reserves all will be well. Of the areas reserved in 

 South Australia, that on the Coorong is the largest (36,600 acres). 

 It extends from Parnka to the north boundary of the hundred of 

 Dufiield, and includes all the waters and islands. Next in extent 

 is Lake Barmera, including Chambers and Nockluna Creeks, on 

 the River Murray, situated between Morgan and Renmark — the 

 area is 4,400 acres. Many water-birds congregate and breed in 

 the reserve. Dangerous Reef, Spencer Gulf, has an area of 100 

 acres at low tide, and here sea-birds find a home. A large number 

 of Crested Terns {Sterna hergii) breed annually on one end of the 

 reef, which is of low elevation ; at high tide only 30 acres is above 

 water. The Pages are islands off the eastern end of Kangaroo 

 Island, at the entrance to Backstairs Passage, and are 50 acres 

 in extent. Bushy, Beatrice, and the adjoining islets, near Kings- 

 cote, Kangaroo Island, known as the Kingscote Spit, contain 50 

 acres. They form an exceptionally good breeding-place for sea- 

 birds. Three small islands in Dutton Bay, Eyre Peninsula, com- 

 prise an area of 30 acres, while The Brothers, Coffin Bay, with an 

 area of 20 acres. Port Douglas (10 acres), and Goat Island, 



