68 THE AUSTRAL AVIAN RECORD [Vol. I 



DIGGLES S NEW SPECIES OF AUSTRALIAN 

 BIRDS. 



In the first number of this Journal, while reviewing the 

 Australian Cuckoos, I wrote (p. 9) : " In the Proc. Linn. 

 Soc. N.S.W., Vol. II., p. 205, 1876, Ramsay notes that 

 Diggles had described a Cuculus brisbanensis which from 

 the description he identified as the young of Cuculus 

 optatus Gould = C. canoroides Muller. The original 

 description by Diggles I have been unable to trace, and 

 I would be glad if anyone, who has met with it, would 

 advise me when and where it was published." On p. 15 

 I noted : " The other name is Lamprococcyx modesta 

 Diggles. This is mentioned by Ramsay (Proc. Linn. Soc. 

 N.S.W., Vol. II., p. 205, 1876) as known to him only by 

 description, and apparently given to the young of L. 

 basalts. I have asked for information regarding Cuculus 

 brisbanensis Diggles, and I suppose this was named at 

 the same time." It is very gratifying to have to record 

 that my inquiries have resulted in much of interest ; 

 firstly, through the generosity of Dr. Thorp I am in 

 possession of a reprint of the paper above referred to, 

 wherein the Cuckoos are named and described by 

 Diggles ; and secondly, through the interest and help of 

 Mr. Charles Hedley I have to ask for further information. 

 I will deal with the pamphlet first. On the cover is 

 printed : 



"SOME NEW AND RARE SPECIES OP BIRDS. 



" Read before the Queensland Philosophical Society, by 

 "Mr. S. Diggles, on 3rd August, 1876." 



Four pages are included, the pagination reading 9, 10, 

 11, 12, conclusively showing it to be a reprint. On p. 11 

 is given : — ■ 



" I have now the pleasure of informing you that an 

 undoubtedly new species of Poephila has been sent to- 

 our friend the Secretary of this Society, by Mr. Gulliver, 

 from Normanton. The new finch bears a very near 



