Vol. X. 



',gjj ■] From Magazines, &c. 343 



Mr. Mathews also exhibited and described a new species of 



Ground-Bird, which he named Cinclosoma alisteri. Habitat. — 

 Western Austraha. 



Distribution of Australian Land-Birds. — On this very 

 fascinating subject Mr. Robert Hall, Col. M. B.O.U., has con- 

 tributed a thoughtful paper to the Royal Society of Tasmania 

 (read 8/8/10). Mr. Hall expresses the opinion that the Aus- 

 tralian Passerine birds had their origin in the old Papuan 

 sub-region, and distributed themselves down Cape York Penin- 

 sula, some turning to the north-west, and others continuing 

 southward to Victoria, then sheering west in lesser numbers of 

 species ; but the westward extension does not join the north- 

 west stream, because of the Great Desert barrier. For the same 

 reason the water barrier of Bass Strait limited the southern flow 

 into Tasmania. However, the present-day Parrot families do not 

 lend themselves to these lines of expansion, a recent evolutionary 

 centre appearing to have occurred in the great interior of the 

 continent. Mr. Hall supports his views with comparative tables 

 and many details concerning genera and areas, which are most 

 interesting to follow for students concerned in geographical 

 distribution. Want of space alone prevents Mr. Hall's article 

 being mentioned at greater length. 



Curious Nests. — Nearly all the native birds now and then 

 build what may be called freak nests. Sometimes, for example, 

 the Magpie {GyninorJiina) builds her nest actually on the ground, 

 and sometimes she uses fencing-wire with which to construct 

 the main edifice. I have just got a curious note, with reference 

 to the present nesting season, regarding the Grallina picata or 

 Mud-Lark. Two of their nests have been found built on an 

 ordinary post-and-rail fence, where they were, of course, con- 

 spicuous as well as curious objects. The district, however, is 

 unsettled, although there is a certain amount of traffic along the 

 roads. This is the first time that I have heard of the Grallina 

 building its nest on a fence. Some time ago I referred to the 

 habit which the Yellow-rumped Tit {AcantJiiza dirysorrJiod) has 

 of building its nest beneath that of a Magpie. The Tit's nest is 

 joined on to the Magpie's nest, and from a distance seems to be 

 part of it. This season I found one Magpie's nest underneath 

 which were built no fewer than three Tits' nests, all adjoining. 

 The curious thing is that in no case which I have observed has 

 the Magpie objected to this close companionship. On the other 

 hand, the Magpie, apparently, encourages the practice, and acts 

 as a protector to the little Tit. There is no doubt at all that the 

 Tit could not very well have hit upon a safer situation in which 

 to build her nest. — " F. R,," TJie Australasian, 24/12/10. 



