Oct., 192C* 
The Queer.siaod Naturalist. 
93 
ORNITHOLOGY. 
(A. H. Chisholm. j 
;^ince the Field Naturalists’ Qub does not encourage 
“the collecting of birds or eggs, except for strictly scientific 
purposes., the display in the ornithological section could not 
well be representative of the general activities of members 
in the study of bird life. However, Mr. R. Illidge brought 
along three cases of skins of typical Queensland forms, 
including the now very rare Psephotus pulchcrnmus 
Beautiful Parrot). Cyciopsitta coxeni (Fig Parrot-, and 
other birds which were once plentiful but are now seldom 
seen. None of these specimens was taken less than forn* 
years ago. and it is a high tribute to the taxidermic skill of 
Mr. Illidge that they are all without blemish. 
In addition, a nice lot of birds, mounted and under glass 
shades, was shown by Mr. F. Smith, of Kelvin Grove, and 
another large case of preuy species was loaned by Mr. 
E. Day, of George street. City. 
CONCHOLOGV. 
■ T. Shirlev. D.Sc. t 
Dr. J. Shirley exhibited in four glass-topped cases 
specimens of Queensland cowries, volutes, harpas. and 
murices. The cowries included the signal cowrie. Cxpma 
mappa ; the tortoise cowrie. Cypreca testudinaria : the Argus 
cowrie. Cyprcca aryus. so called from the numerous eve- 
spc«ts covering its surface ; the lynx and panther cowries. 
Cypricta lynx and Cypreva pantheina : the calf - cowrie. 
Cyprcca litcUus: the ugly cowrie, Cyprara thersites, &c. 
These shells in all ages have been admired by man ; and 
many specimens have been exhumed from Nineveh and 
other ancient cities. 
Queensland is specially rich in beautiful species of 
J'oliita, and among those exhibited were I'oluta magnifica, 
one of our largest forms; the bat volute. J'oluta z-espertilio : 
the marbled volute, Voiuta marmorafa; the snowy volute, 
J'oliita nk'osa : and the numerous varieties of I'oluta voera 
and piperita. The harp shells are so called from the general 
outline simulating a harp, while the parallel ribs resemble 
harp strings. The colours and patterns are the most elegant 
and artistic of molluscan designs. Of this group were 
shown Harpa amouretta, H. artiadarU, H, conoidalis, 
H. crassa, H. gracilis. H. nohilis. and H. rentricosa. The 
deepwater species of Mur ex. with wing-like ornamentation. 
