Birds. 9175 
birds may be considered “ poor fowl,” and not worth the powder and 
shot, as a Manx man observed of snipes. 
Henry HADFIELD. 
On the Nest and Eggs of the Coach-whip Bird and of the White- 
Sronted Epthianura, with some General Remarks on the Nidi- 
fication of Australian Birds. By A. Dosrés, Esq.* 
As neither Mr. Gould’s work on Australian Ornithology nor such 
others as I have been able to consult contain any particulars of the 
nidification of the two above-mentioned species, 1 am led to the con- 
clusion that, although probably casually discovered, no description 
has as yet been published, and beg therefore to communicate the 
following notes, from personal observation. 
a 
1. PsoPHODES CREPITANS, Gould. Coach-whip Bird. 
This bird is well known to most Australian colonists, though, pro- 
bably, far more frequently by the peculiar note whence it derives its 
current name than by its appearance, as it generally keeps itself con- 
cealed amidst thickets and brushes. To naturalists this species is 
extremely interesting, as its singular characteristics have long rendered 
it a matter of doubt what precise place to assign to it in the ranks of 
Australian birds. The details of its nidification may lead to the 
further elucidation of this point. 
It will not be out of place first to quote a few of Mr. Gould’s very 
accurate remarks on the habits of this bird. He says, “It is only to 
be found in dense brushes, and is a shy and recluse species; for, 
although its full notes—ending sharply like the crack of a whip— 
indicate its presence, it rarely exposes itself to view, but generally 
keeps in the midst of the densest foliage and amongst the thickest 
climbing plants, frequenting alike those that have intertwined them- 
selves with the branches of the tallest shrubs and those that form almost 
impenetrable masses near the ground, and through which it threads 
its way with the utmost ease. It is extremely animated and sprightly 
in all its actions. Of its nidification, I regret to say, I know nothing, 
although I paid great attention to the subject myself, and offered 
rewards for its nest and eggs, and for any information respecting 
them.” 
* Read before the Royal Society of Victoria, August 27, 1860, and obligingly 
communicated by N. F. Dobrée, Esq. 
