72 
The Emu. 
it is unaware of being watched, and during which the observer 
must He patiently hidden, but ever alert. A wider knowledge 
of bird anatomy would also be an assistance to exactness in 
the study of ornithology. 
Where species are divided by very narrow lines, as in the case 
of some Australian birds, there is always the probability of an 
intermediate one being brought to light which may connect one 
with another. A good collector, in any branch of natural 
history, is always on the watch for such specimens. 
The date of each migratory bird's appearance in and disap- 
pearance from each district would furnish valuable reading for 
ornithologists. If supplemented by the date of nesting, number 
of clutch, &c., and verified by the signature of the observer, these 
details would be worth preserving for reference and for checking 
purposes. Migratory might be more clearly distinguished from 
non-migratory birds, geographical limits of species defined, &c. 
Other details, such as variations in size, plumage, colour of eggs, 
or in habit, would also be of interest. True " field notes " for- 
warded for publication will always be acceptable. 
* * * 
Bell Birds and Caterpillars. — "Saw a Bell Bird's 
(Oreoica cristata) nest about the middle of June. Male was 
sitting on two eggs, one about half the size of the other 
and addled. Hairy caterpillars in nest. Have found young 
during July." — Tom Carter. Hairy caterpillars placed in the 
nests of Bell Birds have also been noted in Queensland (" Nests 
and Eggs," p. 311 — Campbell). Can any member suggest 
a reason why the insects are found in this particular bird's nest } 
* * * 
Drought and Dearth of Birds. — " Native Companions 
have been very scarce in this locality this season. In the early 
part of the year small flocks were to be seen flying overhead in 
a northerly direction, but of late there are only odd pairs to be 
seen, whereas at this time last year they were here in hundreds. 
The scarcity at present is owing, no doubt, to the drought. 
" The young grasshoppers are not so plentiful either, which is 
nothing more than expected, as last year there were very few 
female grasshoppers about, not more than 20 per cent, being 
females. 
" I noticed that favourite little bird, known here as the Summer 
Martin or Wood Swallow, arrived to-day. These birds always 
seem to come here from the north, flying in large numbers high 
in the air. They are great destroyers of the young grasshoppers, 
— more so, I think, than the Ibis. A peculiar feature about the 
Summer Martins is that as soon as the grasshoppers begin to 
fly they cease destroying them. 
