Vol. XIV 



■g,^ ■] From Magazines, S-c, lOI 



worker, and was a member of the R.A.O.U. camping party on the 

 Capricorn Group. Some strange possibilities are suggested. Mr. 

 Harrison says : — " The genus Lmnobothrium is found upon 

 diurnal Accipitres and upon a number of water-fowl, which, in 

 the ordinary course, might form the food of the larger Hawks. 

 The position of the Accipitres is entirely unknown. Possibly 

 there is a phyletic connection between them and the water-fowl." 

 It is interesting that these parasites seem Ukely to throw light 

 on the relationship of the ratite birds. Mr. Harrison says : — 

 " Of the parasites of the Struthiones, Degeeriella asymmetrica is 

 found upon the Emu, Lipetirus asymmetricus upon two species 

 of Rhea, and Lipetirus quadriniacnlatus upon the Ostrich, and also 

 upon a species of Rhea. These three species (of insects) are un- 

 doubtedly congeneric. . . " Mr. Harrison, referring to other 

 Mallophaga, says : — " In default of any better explanation, I 

 submit that these facts of distribution point to the Sphenisci- 

 formes (Penguins) having an ancestral stock in common with the 

 Tinamiformes (Tinamous of South America), Galliformes (fowl- 

 like birds), and Columbiformes (Pigeons). It would follow from 

 this that the Penguins have undergone a comparatively recent 

 and rapid specialization to an aquatic life, and are not such an 

 ancient and lowly group as they have generally been considered." 

 There is undoubtedly a promising field awaiting examination in 

 the distribution of the biting lice (external parasites) of birds and 

 some mammals. 



Mr. Basset Hull has a short note on "Bird Sanctuaries." He 

 stresses the necessity for adequate supervision. He also appeals 

 for the amendment of the law so as to " protect all birds other 

 than game or noxious birds." The suggestion, which all orni- 

 thologists and nature-lovers will approve, is made that " ' Game ' 

 birds should be restricted to those actually of a substantial food 

 value." He says : — " Many birds, hitherto regarded as ' noxious,' 

 might safely be protected, for the good they do far outweighs the 

 mischief they occasionally wreak. All the Kites, Hawks, and 

 Eagles are such keen and active destroyers of vermin " that they 

 should be protected. Even the Crow should be " protected in 

 all coastal districts," and the Cockatoos, Parrots, Silver-eyes, and 

 other much-mahgned birds should be afforded the protection 

 enjoyed by the average human criminal, and only punished when 

 caught in the act of destroying fruit and crops. Mr. W. W. 

 Froggatt, F.L.S., contributes some interesting "Bird Notes" on 

 Galahs, Emus, and Apostle-Birds. He also refers to the bad 

 effects of the use of poisoned water by the squatters in dealing 

 with rabbits. He says Doves, Bronze-winged Pigeons, and 

 Apostle-Birds suffered most. 



Bird Distribution.—" Ecological Relations of Bird Distribution " 

 is the title of an article by S. E. Brock published in the July (1914) 

 issue of British Birds. 



