THE SEARCHERS. 



13 



Gould tells us that in New South Wales these birds are very common during the summer, and 

 are especially numerous in the thick brushwood near the coast. Their undulatory flight is strong, 

 and their movements amongst the branches nimble and adroit ; it is by no means uncommon to see 

 them hanging head downwards from a branch to which they attach themselves solely by one of their 

 powerful claws ; such formidable use, indeed, do they make of these sharp weapons, that he who 

 unwarily seizes a wounded bird is sure to receive a series of deep and really painful wounds in 

 repayment of his temerity. 



THE K)E, OR TUi (Prosthemada'd circitiata). 



The strange cry of this species has been supposed to resemble the words, " Poor soldier," 

 " Pimlico," and " Four o'clock," while the bare places on its head have procured for it the names of 

 " Monk," " Friar," and " Leatherhead." Figs, berries, insects, and the pollen from the gum-tree 

 blossoms constitute its favourite and principal means of existence. At the approach of the breeding 

 season, which commences about November, the males become more than usually active and bold, 

 chasing and doing battle with even the most formidable of their feathered brethren should they 

 intrude upon the privacy of tlie brooding female. The comparatively large and cup-shaped nest is 

 roughly formed of bark, twigs, and wool ; the interior lined with more delicate materials. This 

 structure is generally suspended from an upright branch of a gum or apple tree {Angophora), and is 

 often found at but a few feet from the ground. In the well-wooded plains of Aberdeen and Yarrund, 

 on the upper part of the Hunter, this species breeds in such numbers that the nests may almost be 



