The Society's Medal. 133


KEY TO THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. *


This useful key has been compiled principally from the

British Museum Catalogue of birds. Some of the descriptions

are exactly reproduced, others are added to, while a portion is

described from the author's private collection. A map of Aus-

tralia showing the various sub-regions as defined by Professor

Spencer, forms a frontispiece. A list of Australian species and

sub-species recently described as new, and of species recently

added to the Australian list, is printed at the end of this second

edition, while indices to Genera and Vernacular names are

supplied.


The volume forms a complete list of all the Australian

birds with brief descriptions and their habitat. Those who study

Australian birds cannot afford to be without this useful book.



THE SOCIETY'S MEDAL.



In the January number an article appeared by Mrs.

Johnstone, on the successful rearing of a young Fraser's

Touracou {Teuracus macrorhynchus), and the Council regard this

as a very important avicultural event and propose to award the

medal struck in silver, providing that no record of a previous

occurrence is forthcoming.


In the present issue Mr. Teschemaker records the

successful breeding of both the Yellow-rumped Finch (Mwiia

flaviprymna) and the Chestnut-breasted Finch {M. cas I a?iei thorax).

According to Gedney the latter species was bred by him, and in

the Report of the United Kingdom Foreig?i Cage Bird Society for

December 1891 it is recorded that Mr. Osbaldeston reared three

young of M. castatieithorax. The Yellow-rumped Finch however

does not appear to have been previously bred successfully in the

United Kingdom, and it is proposed to award a medal. Any

member or reader knowing of a previous instance is requested to

communicate immediately with the Hon. Business Secretary.


* A Key to the Birds of Australia, with their Geographical Distribution by Robert Hall,

F.Iy.S., C.M.Z.S. Second Edition. Price 6/6 net. Melbourne : Walker May & Co.

IyOudon : R. H. Porter.



