Nests and Lygs of Emus and Cassowary of Australia. 227 
Nest—Similar to that of the common Emu (J. nove- 
hollandie), being a flat bed of herbage upon the ground. 
Eggs.—Clutch, average 8-10. As in the other variety, 
a maximum of 18 has been reported. Of the usual elliptical 
form, both ends being alike in shape, superficially in appear- 
ance like shagreen or rough American cloth; general colour 
of a beautiful dark green, but if examined closely only the 
raised or rough particles or granulations of the shell will be 
found to be dark green, and which, at certain angles of light, 
are polished aud assume a very dark indigo colour, while the 
interstices are of a light green. In general appearance the 
eggs resemble those of the common Emu. Dimensions in 
inches of a proper clutch :—(1) 5°25 x 3°68; (2) 5°25 x 3°62; 
(3) 5:18 x 3°62; (4) 5:18 x 3°62; (5) 5:06 x 3°56; (6) 5:0 x 3°62; 
(7) 5:0 x 3°62. 
Observations.—Whether the Spotted Emu is a distinct or 
good species I am hardly prepared to state. However, 
during my visit to Western Australia I gathered what 
information I could referring to the Emus, and although the 
common bird certainly inhabits that territory, there appears 
to exist a spotted variety also, which exhibits a preference, 
so it is reported, to the “silver” grass country of the interior, 
and possibly extending its range to the north-west. That it 
also wanders far eastward is known by the fact that a 
specimen of the Spotted Emu taken in Victoria is in the 
National Museum, Melbourne. 
The two species, as contrasted in Gould, represent the 
feathers of the spotted variety as being barred or spotted 
alternately with dull white and grey, with a marginal tip of 
black, whereas the feathers of the common variety are grey 
only, tipped with black. The general appearance of the 
whole coat of the spotted bird is frequently of a decided 
brownish tinge. This I observed in skins I saw used as 
mats in some of the dwellings of the West Australians. 
On my return home from Western Australia, Captain 
Thomas W. Smith, of the Government schooner “ Meda,’ had 
thoughtfully forwarded a young Emu which was taken in 
the north-west. The bird remained on my premises until 
it grew out of all proportion to the size of its quarters, 
