THE 



South Australian Ornithologist. 



Vol. I.J JANUARY, 1914. [Part 1. 



History of Ornithology in South Australia. 



By R. Crompton. 



Before the year 1855, there were a few ornithologists and col 

 lectors of birds in this colony. These men knew our birds, 

 studied their habits, noticed strangers, and some of them col- 

 lected skins. But in that year an Act was passed incorporat- 

 ing the South Australian Institute and Museum. Mr. F. G. 

 Waterhouse, C.M.Z.S., H.M.R.S., F.L.S., was appointed cura- 

 tor. Mr. Waterhouse did much good work in collecting type 

 specimens of birds. Mr. Samuel White was another en- 

 thusiast; he found among other birds Artamus melanops, 

 and Malurus callainus in the interior, and in many ways assis- 

 ted Mr. John Gould in his book on Australian birds. 



In 1861, Mr. Waterhouse accompanied John McDouall Stuart 

 and his party on his memorable exploration trip across the 

 continent, as naturalist, collecting much valuable material. 

 On his return however, space at the old Institute soon be 

 came totally inadequate, and the specimens had to be packed 

 away in the cellar where they got into a very bad state. 



In 1882, Mr. Waterhouse retired and most of his birds were 

 ordered to be burned by his successor, as they were said to be 

 ruined by insufficient attention. On December 18th, 1884, the 

 Public Library and Museum was opened and Mr. A. H. C. 

 Zietz, F.L.S., C.M.Z.S., who had been appointed preparator 

 about six months previously, enthusiastically set to work to 

 gather together another reference collection. As the cabinets 

 gradually became filled several ornithologists, notably Dr. A. 

 M. Morgan. Captain S. A. White, who follows in his father's 



