THE DESTRUCTION OF BIRD LIFE IN AUSTRALIA. 79 



trees, with their beaks open. Rabbits, driven from the shelter of the bush on to the open plain die 

 very quickly, while even foxes have been found dead apparently from the effects of the heat wave. 



Th„ multiplication and expansion of bird life all over Australia is regulated by the conservation 

 of water. As the pioneer settlers move towards the interior, making great excavations, or tanks, in 

 the catchment areas in which to hold the rain of wet years to tide them over the rainless periods, there 

 will be no lack of birds to beautify the landscape with their presence. 



