Central Parts of Victoria. 61 
3. — Bullinus obscurus (?) — This shell is about three- 
eighths of an inch in length, the convolutions winding from 
left to right ; colour—dark yellow. It is plentiful in the nu- 
merous brackish lagoons. 
4.—Unio tumidus(?)— This shell is very plentiful in all 
our rivers, and forms a considerable portion of the food of the 
natives during the summer season. 
Frogs.—During my stay at the Goulburn in September, 
three species of frogs came under my observation, all very 
plentiful along the banks of the river. 
Snakes and Lizards.—In the earlier part of October snakes 
and lizards become plentiful; and in the beginning of the 
ensuing month change their skins. They prey upon young 
broods of birds and animals at this season. 
Black duck.—In the middle of July the sheltered places 
at the base of the Mount Macedon ranges become the resort of 
swarms of birds of every class. The natatores in particular 
congregate in vast flocks on the swampy plains. Conspicuous 
amongst these is the black duck (Anas  superciliosa) 
aud little teal. The wood duck (Bernicla jubata) is 
also observed in groups of three or four individuals in these 
immense flocks; and the gay plumage of the mountain duck 
(Casarca tadarnuides) here and there becomes visible. i 
Towards the latter end of July, the commencement of 
the breeding season, these birds separate in couples; they 
breed in the following month, and the young are brought 
forth in September. 
Plover.—At this period (July and August) two varieties 
of plover, the alarm bird (Lobivanellus lobatus), and black 
breasted plovit, (Sarciophorus pectoralis), gather in con- 
siderable force around Mount Macedon, on the plains, especially 
where the ground is honeycombed. 
Blue Crane (Ardea Nove Hollandie). — In this month 
the blue crane may be observed flying singly through 
the gullies and along the creeks. This well known 
bird chooses his mate in September, and evinces the 
most ardent attachment towards her; the female, aware of 
this, and desiring to raise the jealousy of her paramour, pre-’ 
tends not to reciprocate his affection, and continually mani- 
fests a pretended desire to desert him. 
The black shag or cormorant (Phalacrocorax carboides), 
frequents the creeks and gullies at this period, and is seldom 
observed in groups. pee 
The curlew plovers ( Oedicnemus grallarius), which gather’ 
