62 
The Emu. 
neighbourhood, and consequently they are practically impossible 
to detect unless one is on the ground opposite the entrance. 
These birds live on the ground in the thickest scrub, and conse- 
quently their colour harmonizes with the dark-coloured soil on 
which they are found. The Cific/oso7na, or Ground -Bird, makes 
an open nest of bark or leaves on the ground, generally alongside 
a tussock of grass or log, but so correctly is the back of the bird 
assimilated with its surroundings that one only discovers the nest 
by seeing the bird fly off close to one's feet. The Coachwhip 
(Psophodes) is another scrub-loving, dark-coloured ground bird, 
and its shallow open nest is placed some two or three feet from 
the ground in any very dense cover, which completely hides it 
from observation. 
Magpies {Gymnorhind) and Butcher Birds {Cracticus) are to a 
certain extent conspicuous, but the backs of the females are 
much duller than those of the males, not having so much 
white on them ; their nests are fairly conspicuous, being gener- 
ally in forest trees or large shrubs in comparatively open country, 
but both birds are quite capable of defending themselves 
if necessary. I do not think they are ever attacked by others. 
In Thickheads {Pachycephalcs) the females are always a dull 
colour, but they build their open nests in the thickest bush they 
can find, which effectually hides them from above, even without 
the inconspicuous colour of the hen bird. The Sittellas or Tree- 
runners construct a most wonderful nest. It is lined inside 
generally with lichen, and the outside is covered with pieces of 
bark which are well and evenly fastened on with saliva and cob- 
web. It is situated in the fork of a tree and is exactly like its 
surroundings, so much so that when it is seen it is generally not 
recognized as being a nest but simply a short broken piece of 
bark-covered branch. The hen bird herself is of an inconspicuous 
colour, and as long as she remains quiet on the nest is very 
difficult to detect. 
Corresponding and Observatory Stations. 
By Will. M'Ilwraith, Rockhampton. 
{Read before the Aicst. G. U., Adelaide Session, 2?zd November, 1901.) 
All readers of Gould's famous book on the birds of Australia 
must have noticed that he was largely indebted for information 
respecting them to correspondents and observers in different 
parts of the continent. Among the objects of the Australasian 
Ornithologists' Union must be the acquisition and dissemination 
of accurate and scientific information respecting the avifauna. 
It goes without showing that these cannot be attained or 
accomplished without following the practice of the father of 
Australian ornithology. The appointment of corresponding 
members and establishment of observatory stations, in the 
