ROSELLA. 
tried to cope with the pest. That farmers made no attempt to destroy 
them is proof that they were not considered a serious nuisance. Since 
taking up my quarters here (two miles from Drouin) Rosellas have been 
carefully observed in my sister’s garden — a plantation of upwards of 100 
fruit trees of various descriptions. When the fruit season arrives, Rosellas 
in small parties make frequent raids, with fatal consequences to themselves, 
because one or two are shot. Concerning these marauders my opinion is, 
if not molested, others would chum in with them — an increase of invaders 
means an extension of havoc amongst the fruit. About Drouin there are some 
extensive orchards. So far, no complaints have reached me to the effect that 
this bird is a fruit pirate. Since the commencement of this month (June) at 
this place they have started nipping off the ends of the future fruit spikes 
of pear trees. Whether this is done to sharpen their bills or to eat the tender 
buds I am not sure, because the moment they are noticed the gun is brought 
out. Last year, on two occasions, a few short rows of garden peas were planted ; 
not being closely watched, as the sprouts appeared “ pretty Joeys ” hooked up 
every one. More could be said concerning this lovely creature, but it 
has been dwelt on long enough, so by way of an appropriate ending, the 
plough with the axe has enlarged its empire to such an extent that 
extinction is an impossibility.” 
In the Emu , Vol. XV., p. 169, 1916, are : “ Notes upon the Yellow-mantled 
Parrot ( Platycercus splendidus Gould) ” by H. L. White. 
Details of the known distribution are fully given and he writes : “I am 
inclined to think that Platycercus splendidus is gradually moving south and 
displacing the Rosella, Platycercus eximius. ... If my observations be correct 
(the specimens speak for themselves) the whole of that part of New South 
Wales lying east of the Brisbane — -Sydney railway line, as far south as Scone, 
is the habitat of Platycercus splendidus, while probably the bird does nbt 
extend very far west of the line. . . . There is no doubt that the two forms 
are very closely allied, and many of the less brightly coloured birds are almost 
identical in shade ; but a comparison of fully adult specimens shows differences 
which probably justify a subspecific separation. The habits of the two forms 
are exactly similar, and the eggs are not separable.” 
From the Austr. Mus. Spec. Cat., No. 1, Vol. III., p. 129, I quote the 
account of Mr. M. Harrison : “ The £ Rosella ’ Parrakeet ( Platycercus eximius) 
is common throughout Tasmania where the country is fairly open and grassy, 
but frequently draws an abrupt fine beyond which, for some reason, it is never 
seen. Gould observed this, and states that he never saw it south of the Derwent, 
but it is now, and has been as long as I can remember, plentiful on both banks 
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