112 



Notes and Notices. [isf"oc 



of the Tasmanian Field Naturalists' Club :— " I have the honour 

 to inform you that I have been delegated by the Australian 

 Ornithologists' Union to bring under your notice the desirability 

 of introducing Lyre-Birds {Mcnura, sp.) into Tasmania from 

 Victoria. Owing to the destruction of these birds by foxes on 

 the mainland, they are threatened with extermination, and in 

 order to prevent this it is proposed to import some into 

 Tasmania, where the deep mountain gullies with fern glens 

 would make ideal resorts for these unique birds. It was for this 

 purpose that our Club recommended their inclusion in the 

 schedule of protected birds under the Game Protection Act. It 

 is desired that this Government communicate with the Govern- 

 ment in Victoria, where those interested will assist in the 

 collection of a number of Lyre-Birds and send them to this 

 State. Members of this Club would be glad to undertake the 

 liberation of the birds upon their arrival in places suitable for 

 their breeding, and where they would be free from molestation." 



Special Notice. 



Expedition to Bass Strait Islands. 



The hon. secretary (Mr. A. H. E. Mattingley) begs to announce 

 that he is arranging for the charter of a regular passenger 

 steamer for a fortnight's cruise after the termination of the 

 annual session in November. The steamer will be installed 

 with electric light, and be provided with steward, stewardess, and 

 all the comforts of a mail boat. 



It is proposed to visit several of the islands in Bass 

 Strait which have not yet been scientifically explored. These 

 islands are especially noteworthy on account of having once 

 formed a land bridge between Australia and Tasmania, and are 

 on the fly-line of migrating birds. Apart from the scenery, 

 which is exceedingly fine, many of the islands contain wonderful 

 sea-bird rookeries, notably of Penguins, Mutton-Bird and other 

 Petrels, Albatross, Gannets, Gulls, Terns, Geese, Cormorants, 

 &c. ; not to mention seals. 



Many of the islands are close to one another, with calm water 

 between. These " waters of rest " will add to the comfort of 

 sleeping and dining aboard, as the vessel will be entirely at the 

 disposal of members throughout the trip. 



The expedition should leave Melbourne on the evening of 

 24th November, and, in order that the steamer may be definitely 

 chartered, it is absolutely necessary that intending members 

 (ladies and gentlemen) should notify the hon. secretary (the 

 leader) rt/ c//<r^ of their intention of joining. 



The total expense will probably average about £'i per head, 

 but will not exceed £\o. 



