NATURE NOTES FROM TASMANIA. 
9» 
“ myrtle ’’-clad sides of the gully resound with his harsh ka-ka ! 
ka-ka ! mingled with which may be heard the peculiarly 
mournful scream of the black cockatoo {Calyptorhynchus xan- 
thonotus), as a flock of these fine handsome birds comes winging 
slowly along between the massive trunks, on the look-out for a 
specimen in that particular stage of decay when it may be most 
advantageously for grubs by the powerful hooked beaks of the 
“ cockles.” Early in the morning and late in the evening in 
the vicinity of settlement, for it loves not solitude, may be heard 
the rich, flute-like pipings of the “ magpie ” or piping-crow 
shrike [Gymnorhina hyperleuca), a favourite with us, and every- 
where protected. At early morn the hillsides resound with the 
merry laughter of the jackass {Cracticus cinereus), a smaller bird 
and belonging to a different family to that of the redoubtable 
snake killer of the Australian continent {Dacelo gigas), but still 
vastly entertaining to a new comer. 
The group of flame-breasted robins is well represented, no 
less than five being enumerated, among which the one most 
frequently met with is the superb warbler (Malurus Gouldi ) ; 
the male of this species being decorated with bright blue 
patches on the head, back, and wings, while the hen is of a 
sober grey hue. Closely allied to these are the familiar little 
fantail flycatchers {Rhipidura saturata) everywhere met with, 
and which charm as much by their perfect confidence in us as 
by their graceful aerial evolutions in pursuit of nimble insects. 
It will thus be seen that a happy hunting-ground lies all around, 
well stocked with such game as is pleasing to the eye of the 
naturalist, and that without wandering more than half a mile 
from his dwelling — itself a rough product of bush material and 
bush hands — he can encounter enough strong and interesting 
forms of life to provide years of study. 
Surely amid such surroundings plain notes and short obser- 
vations freshly jotted down on any points which have come 
under notice during our walks or rides, or while at work among 
the trees with axe and saw, should not be entirely devoid of 
interest to the nature lover in whatever country he may happen 
to be situated. 
August 27, 1896. — A new bird was seen to come out of the 
thicket of dogwood scrub {Pomaderris apetala) w’hich adjoins one 
side of the clearing, and to perch on the top rail of the rough 
fence. This bird was marked somewhat like the ground thrush, 
but only about half the size of the latter, and while sitting on 
the fence uttered several loud clear piping notes. It was quite 
possibly one of the honeyeaters, of which there are several 
species here in the summer, among them being migrants from 
the mainland of Australia. 
August 28. — Noticed a remarkable little bird outside a cottage 
half a mile away (my nearest neighbours), where it was hopping 
about quite familiarly among the logs of firewood strewn about 
on the ground, picking up any choice little morsels which its 
