128 HON. W. EOTHSCHILD OJS T THE GENUS CASTJAKIUS. 



these raisings on the shell are closer together, and not so well developed ; in both 

 varieties they are more thinly spread over the central portion than at the ends. On 

 the whole they closely resemble the eggs of Casuarius bennettii, in which similar 

 variations are noticeable ; but they are larger and of a greater diameter, being greatest 

 in the middle. I am indebted to Inspector Kobert Johnstone for the fine series of the 

 eggs of this species which at present grace my collection. 



"The following are measurements of some of the specimens of the eggs of both 

 species : — 



" Casuarius australis. 



Length in inches. Width in inches. 

 "No. 1. Light-green smooth shell .... 533 X 3*73 



No. 2. Dark-green rough shell 5*3 X 3'88 



a 



Casuarius bennettii. 



f No. 1. Light-green smooth shell .... 5 - 65 X 3 - 54 



No. 2. Light-green rough shell 5"32 X 3-31 



No. 3. Light-green rough shell 5 - 34 X 3*4 



No. 4. Dark-green rough shell 5"2 X 3-32 



« 



The young of Casuarius australis are of a dull rusty brown, the feathers having 

 frequently a blackish shaft-stripe, giving to the back a streaked appearance. After the 

 first year the plumage takes a deeper, lighter brown hue, and black feathers begin to 

 appear mixed with brown, some being parti-coloured. After the second season, at the 

 age of from 18 to 24 months, the black feathers predominate, and the helmet, which has 

 hitherto been undeveloped, more like the shield of a Coot (Fulica), begins to show a 

 keel or ridge in the centre, which rapidly increases in height. The skin round the head, 

 on which still remain a few brownish hair-like feathers, begins to become wrinkled 

 and coloured, varying from bluish-green to orange on the lower part, and bright blue 

 on the sides of the neck, the wattles becoming carmine. The helmet still remains 

 comparatively small and undeveloped long after the wattles and naked parts of the 

 neck become coloured. I believe that the helmet does not attain its full size until 

 the fourth or fifth year at least. 



" In traversing these scrubs the head is carried low to the ground, and the vines and 

 branches of trees striking the helmet slide over it on to the back. Otherwise, in the 

 dense vine-scrubs bordering the Herbert River and elsewhere, progress would be 

 greatly impeded; but as it is, the Cassowaries traverse the scrubs with wonderful speed, 

 jumping over fallen trees and logs when in the way. A young bird (the identical 

 specimen, I believe, forwarded by His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby to the 

 Society), while in the possession of Inspector Johnstone, during my visit succeeded in 

 jumping out of its yard over a fence more than 6 feet in height. I measured the fence, 

 and found it 6 feet 6 inches to the top rail, on which its feet-marks were plainly visible; 



