n A South Australian Ornithological Association. [isfTniy 



South Australian Ornithological Association. 



Thk last meeting of the above-mentioned Association was held at Dr. 

 Pulleine's rooms, North-terrace, Dr. Pulleine presiding. The hon. secretary 

 (Mr. J. W. Mellor) directed attention to a copy of the Rovnl Soa'cfy of Ar/s 

 Journal^ which contained a report of an extensive lecture delivered by Mr. J. 

 liiickland before the society in London recently. The pith of the subject 

 was the appalling destruction of bird life throughout the world for decorative 

 millinery, and the necessity of passing on the warning note to the colonies, 

 lest an invasion should take place of these fell plume-hunters. It pointed 

 out that the new play, "Chantecler," which is having such a run in London 

 is tending to a revival in feather head-dressing for women — in fact, to the 

 wearing of entire birds— which was to be deplored. A letter from the 

 Commissioner of Police was read, stating that action had been taken 

 regarding the catching of Seagulls at Port Adelaide. M.C. Wells, of 

 Murray I3ridge, was highly commended for his zeal in enforcing the Birds 

 Protection Act which was splendidly illustrated by the recent case in his 

 district. Capt. White directed attention to a letter received from a resident 

 of Kangaroo Island, stating that the writer was watching with much interest 

 the attempt to introduce the Mallee-Fowl on the island to save this cjuaint 

 bird from extinction, and also stating that in his opinion the birds in question 

 would, with protection, thrive well on Kangaroo Island. He was sure too 

 much could not be done to protect the native birds and animals. Mr. J. H. 

 Clark, a visitor, exhibited several sets of eggs of unusual colouration, taken at 

 Bendigo (Vic.) and Broken Hill (N.S.W.) Some of these specimens 

 completely puzzled oologists. Mr. J. W. Mellor recounted interesting 

 observations made during a recent trip on the Murray River, when 32 

 species of birds were identified. Mr. A. Crompton stated that he had seen 

 Black Cockatoos [CalyptorJivuchus funcrcus) in unusual numbei\s feeding on 

 burnt ground, evidently in search of partly roasted banksia nuts. These 

 observations had been taken in the Innian Valley district, where he had 

 spent his vacation. Capt. White gave interesting observations of bird life 

 gathered at the Reedbeds during the month, among which were notes on 

 the little Pied Cormorant, its great liking for a small species of crayfish 

 which inhabited all fresh-water rivers, creeks, and dams, and did a great 

 amount of damage to all canal and water embankments, as well as destroying 

 the spawn of fishes, on which they mainly subsist. It was shown that by the 

 destruction of these Crustacea the Cormorants were doing the agriculturist 

 and the fishing industry much good. Several interesting specimens were 

 exhibited 



Notes and Notices. 



The Great Auk. — There are a few remaining volumes of Mr. 

 Symington Grieve'.s excellent work on the " Hi.story, Archreology, 

 and Remain.s " of the recently extinct Great Auk or Garefowl 

 {A/ca ivipennis), to be had on application to Mr. James Thin, 

 54-56 South Bridge, Edinburgh. Price, los. 6d. 



" Handbook of the Birds of Tasmania." — Attention is 

 directed to a review of this book, page 66. Copies may be 

 had on application to the author, Mr. Frank M. Littler, F.E.S., 

 Box 114, Post-Office, Launceston, Tasmania. Price 4s., with 

 postage extra (postage — Commonwealth 4d., New Zealand yd., 

 elsewhere is. 3d.) 



