120 THE VICTORIAN NATURALIST. 



parsnip. It is eaten raw, or cooked in the ashes, but is very- 

 good either way. 



I should have much liked if I could have given you more 

 explicit particulars of the natural history of the north-west, but 

 as I cannot do so for want of names, I will endeavour to attend 

 one of your meetings when I may, perhaps, be able to answer 

 questions which will throw a better light on the subject. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



To the Editor of the Victorian Naturalist. 

 Sir, — It may be interesting to many of your readers to hear 

 that in taking the eggs of the blue reef heron ( Demiegretta Jugu^ 

 laris), I have, I think, had the satisfaction of proving that bird 

 to be identical with the white reef heron, the Demiegretta Gregi, 

 of Gould. 



The nest was on a small, rocky island, about an acre or so n 

 extent, to which I waded with some difficulty, and after examin- 

 ing a number of nests and eggs of Briichavia Jamesojiii, Larus 

 pacificiis^ Eudyptida nwior, and Hcematopics fuliginostis, I flushed 

 a blue reef heron from a corner of the island, and after a while 

 found the nest, with three eggs, most carefully concealed under 

 over-hanging herbage and a shelving rock. 



On looking up I noticed that a white reef heron had joined 

 the blue one ; so, taking up a position behind some rocks, I 

 watched the birds. 



After a short time I observed the blue bird made towards the 

 nest, but was very undecided in its movements, first advancing, 

 then retreating, the white bird all the while, in a great state of 

 excitement, endeavouring to stop the other from venturing near 

 the nest. 



Having watched them for some time, I left my cover and took 

 the eggs, which were " hard set," and of the usual colour and 

 size. The nest was rudely built of dry tussock grass, and flat 

 in shape. 



These two were the only herons on the island, and there was 

 no other island within many miles. 



I have, ever since first discovering them as new to. Tasmania, 

 been inclined to look upon them as distinct species, but now 

 feel convinced that they are identical, the white bird being 

 merely an albino or variety of the blue ; and that in this 

 instance they were a pair, the white being the male, the blue the 

 female. My brother, the Rev. H. D. Atkinson, of Circular 

 Head, who was with me, fully concurred in this opinion. — 

 I am, sir, yours faithfully, 



E. D. ATKINSON. 

 - Table Cape, Tasmania, 12th November, 188S. 



