1894.] Some Birds of Paradise from New Guinea. 915: 
SOME BIRDS OF PARADISE FROM NEW GUINEA. 
By Geo. S. MEAD. 
Of that class of the feathered creation to which the term 
Birds of Paradise has been applied, and which they certainly 
most appropriately bear, New Guinea with its adjacent islands 
is the home, or at least the greater number of the dozen or 
more species of this unrivalled family belong to these regions. 
Mr. Wallace, a recognized authority on these birds, as well as 
on the Malay Archipelago, seems to limit their range to the 
northern side of the mainland. Other travellers, however, 
have found them on the southern side, as well as in other parts 
of New Guinea. The Italian naturalist, D’Albertis, for exam- 
ple, encountered several species, notably Paradisea raggiana, 
along the Fly River—a large stream flowing southeast from 
the mountains of the interior and emptying into the Gulf of 
Papua, to the right of Torres Straits. 
Yet the northern side, as Mr. Wallace points out, certainly 
presents as safe a retreat as could be found for these lovely and 
much prized treasures of the feathered world. Impenetrable 
swamps, the rugged coast, impassable mountain ranges, fierce 
tribes of natives, illimitable forests—all these and other bar- 
riers are so many means of protection which it is to be hoped 
will long preserve a wild life that possesses the fatal gift of 
beauty, against utter extermination. 
There is nothing perhaps but physical difficulties or the 
subsidence of a fashion that can save birds of paradise from 
the destruction which a barbarous propensity, and the careless: 
! * On the south coast of N. G. the vegetation is generally of the most lux- 
uriant character, even for the tropics. One vast dark jungle spreads over its: 
muddy shores, abounding in immense forest trees, whose trunks are hidden by 
groves of sago palms, and myriads of other heat and moisture-loving plants. 
Unlike the eastern and southern coasts of N. G., the northwestern part is described 
as being generally covered with timber, but having no underwood or dense jun- 
gle, so that it is very easy travelling under the shade of the lofty trees. The 
country is said to abound with small fresh-water streams, and patches of good. 
grass." Polynesia, p. 175. 
