17 A. Royal Aiistralasiaii Oi'iiitJiologisis' Union. [ist^'rjec 



kindly given sound advice concerning the Union's proposed expedi- 

 tion to the Capricorns) came a scene of beauty. The river, 

 untroubled by any wind, gleamed like a broad shield, silver- 

 grey or violet where the shadows rested ; and beyond were blue 

 hills, with white and red-roofed houses clustered about the base 

 or climbing the slopes — a picture to remember. 



Botanic Gardens. 



The Botanic Gardens, being contiguous to our quarters, were 

 frequently visited. There various rare tropical plants were seen 

 flourishing in the open instead of under glass, as they are usually 

 seen further south, and there great Jacaranda trees were in full 

 flower — sheets of dazzling lavender. Naturally, such a place was 

 a perfect home for birds. Frequently could be heard the Fig- 

 Bird's {Sphecotheres maxillaris) loud and noisy notes, the Canary- 

 like song of the Plain-coloured Brown Honey-eater {Glycyphila 

 ocularis), the sweet, eccentric warble of a Gerygone or Fly-eater, 

 not to mention the better-known notes of merry Thickheads, 

 Fantails, &c. But one poor bird — Brush-Turkey or Talegallus — 

 claimed our pity, because caged with rats. It was all right during the 

 day, but as evening approached the rats came out from numerous 

 burrows and chased the frightened bird even to the rafters of 

 its cage. For pity's as well as for health's sake the vermin should 

 be exterminated, or at least the cage be made rat-proof. 



Lectures in Brisbane. 



PUBLIC. 



There was a large gathering in the Albert Hall on the evening of 

 5th October, when a series of lecturettes on seals and sea-birds 

 was delivered by Messrs. J. A. Leach, M.Sc, A. J. Campbell, 

 C.M.B.O.U., and D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S. The chair was occupied 

 by His Excellency Sir Arthur Morgan, who, in introducing the 

 lecturers, paid a tribute to the good work of the Royal Orni- 

 thologists' Union. He welcomed the visiting members of the Union, 

 because of their great aims and their desire to prevent the wanton 

 destruction of the valuable bird-life of Australia, and he urged 

 the desirableness of giving them support in their cause. 



Mr. Leach, in the course of a most interesting address, gave a 

 descriptive account of the work done by an expedition of orni- 

 thologists in Bass Strait two years ago. After briefly outlining the 

 course which the expedition took, he told of the many wonders 

 relating to the bird-life in that part of Australasia. The numerous 

 species of birds were described in turn, and the audience un- 

 doubtedly found much that was not only attractive and amusing, 

 but also educative, in the remarks of the lecturer. 



Mr. Campbell, in his address, confined himself to the character- 

 sties of the Petrel species commonly known as the " Mutton- 



