36 THE NATURALIST IN AUSTRALIA. 
tion. For a short period of the year, moreover, commencing about January or 
February, the adult male loses the characteristic plumes of which he is so demon- 
stratively proud, and is not then to be distinguished from his more homely mate. 
A second, somewhat smaller, species of Lyre Bird, in which the tail is shorter 
and less handsomely marked, is also found in the mountain districts of New 
South Wales, and has been associated by Mr. Gould with the title of Menura Alberti. 
Anterior to the discovery of Australia, that rara avis in terris, of Juvenal, a 
“Black Swan,” was regarded much after the manner of the Phoenix, as an ornitho- ° 
logical paradox. The Phcenix has not yet been accommodated with a local habitation 
and a scientific name, but the Black Swan, Cygnus atratus, is, as is well known, 
one of the most characteristic bird species of the southern districts of Australia. It 
figures, as did the Lyre Bird formerly for New South Wales, as the emblematic 
national animal type on the postage stamps, and also on the banner of Western 
Australia, formerly known as the Swan River Colony. The species is now almost as 
familiar in English ornamental waters as the white varieties. Though perhaps not 
quite so graceful in its form and movements as the typical Mute Swan, Cygnus olor, 
it is, with relation to the pleasing contrast afforded by the bright scarlet bill and, 
excepting the white wing primaries, exquisitely shaded dark satiny crenulated 
plumage, regarded by many as the more handsome bird. In contradistinction to 
the White or Mute Swan, so-called with reference to its silent habits, the black 
species produces very pleasing flute-like notes. This is especially effective heard 
during the silent watches of the night, and produced by large flocks assembled in 
a neighbouring lagoon or passing overhead. The Gippsland Lakes, in Victoria, 
afford very favourable opportunities for observing the Black Swan in vast numbers 
under its natural conditions and in all phases of growth. The passenger and 
trading steamboats traversing these lakes pass close to the floating flocks, and during 
the breeding season almost run down stray broods of the little Cygnets. This 
observation applies with equal force to the long navigable reaches of the Murray 
River. To the lover of bird life, a steamer trip through this last-named magnificent 
water-way yields a unique and almost inexhaustible delight. At certain seasons of 
the year—spring and summer months—when the waters are out and the forest-lands 
on either side for hundreds of miles are one vast network of lakes and shallows, 
birds, chiefly of the natatorial and wading orders, are present in countless thousands. 
Black Swans, Ducks of many varieties, Teal, Cranes of various descriptions, including, 
in drier spots, the familiar “Native Companion,” Grus australasianus, Spoonbill, 
