Emu 



1 58 Campbell, Missing Birds. [isf"j 



startling, and is, I believe, due primarily to the existence of a 

 fierce breed of wild domestic cats. (I referred to this destroying 

 pest at one of the Union's Adelaide sessions. In North Queens- 

 land, where I am at present (November, 1914) staying, T am 

 reliably informe'd that the tropical scrubs abound with cats gone 

 wild.) Other causes for the disappearance are bush-fires and 

 the reclaiming of forest lands, and, in the case of the two first- 

 mentioned Parrots, trapping in bygone days. 



Would it not be well for members to unite to protect or to aid 

 in the protection of some of the fast-faihng forms of our avifauna ? 

 In point of fact, is not the " protection of native birds " one of 

 the chief planks of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union ? 

 I would suggest that a committee be appointed to report on the 

 wild cat question in connection with the destruction of birds. 

 The subject will have to be faced sooner or later. 



Notes on Kagus (Rhinochetus jubatus).* 



By H. E. Finckh, R.A.O.U. (Sydney). 



In April, 1905, I succeeded in hatching, but not rearing, a Kagu 

 chick. t At that time I possessed one pair of birds, which had 

 laid yearly. I Late in 1905 I secured another pair of birds, and 

 later still another pair, keeping them separated in pairs in different 

 large enclosures. From this time none of my birds either paired 

 or laid. 



Three years ago I was persuaded to part with one pair of birds 

 to a Continental Zoological Gardens. I also deposited a pair at 

 the Sydney Zoological Gardens, keeping one pair for personal 

 observation. During the nesting period last year (1913) this pair 

 had an egg, which appears to show that the birds live in pairs, 

 separately, not in company with others. The female at the Sydney 

 Gardens laid an egg last year. The mating came about in a most 

 singular manner. Having only one pair, I almost expected success, 

 watching my birds closely during the mating season. There was 

 no result, however, until the very close of this period. 



A Fan-tailed Pigeon laid an egg on the ground in the Kagus' 

 enclosure. The Kagus gathered leaves, &c., and made a nest 

 about this egg, and sat on it in turns. I permitted them to do 

 so for three days, and then removed the egg, to the greatest 

 disappointment of the. male Kagu. Within one week the birds 

 mated, and an egg was laid. Unfortunately, it disappeared ; 

 perhaps rats took it. 



On the loth July, 1914, an egg was laid, as on previous occasions 

 about dusk. The nest was then made, both birds sitting well. 



* The Kagu is a remarkable bird, placed near the Heron order. It is 

 confined to New Caledonia. 



f Emu, vol. v., part i, p. 32. 

 I Emu, vol. iv. , part 4, pp. 166-168. 



