128



Correspondence



thickly timbered country. Goldfinches are also numerous ; they are

increasing fast, especially in the more open country. Their discarded

nests are often seen in the branches when the leaves are off the imported

trees. Green Linnets, too, we have a fair number of, and they are often

seen. Skylarks are also frequently seen and heard ; they naturally

keep to the plain country. The other birds referred to have probably

been here now for forty odd years. Some of the birds found here are

imported from other countries ; take, 'for instance, the Indian Minah,

which is usually found in well-inhabited districts, especially near the

large cities. Then, again, take the Doves from Java ; like all Doves,

they are, practically speaking, harmless, anyhow as far as fruit is

concerned, but they are very plentiful in Victoria. A few are found in

New South Wales, but they have not got anything like the hold in

any part of Southern Australia that the other birds have. Sparrows

are probably by a long way the most numerous, being found more or

less about the cities.



W. H. D. le Souef.



