LYRE-BIRD. 
were no signs of the bird, although the greatest caution was observed 
in approaching the nest. She would be heard scratching in the vicinity 
about 11 o’clock, and invariably approached by the same route, and from 
the back and to the right of the nest. Each day the tent was thoroughly 
examined, and she continued intermittently to scratch up to the moment 
of stepping on the stone, from whence she sprang into the nest, but once 
settled on the egg, she allowed the photographer to stand in front of the 
nest without leaving it, and took no notice of the camera shutter. On the 
30th July the young bird was found hatched, but the parent was absent 
from 9 tiU nearly 11.30 a.m., after which she visited the nest at mtervals 
of about half an hour until the observer left between 2 and 3 p.m. 
Although she was obviously engaged m feedins: the young bird on each 
visit, and was in fuU view at a distance of a few feet, no sign of food 
in her biU could be detected, nor was she seen to clean the nest. On 
13th August an interesting note was made. On going to the nest, the 
young bird, then about a fortnight old, was found standing stiffly erect, 
in such a manner that its body was above the level of the nest opening, 
and pressed against the inside of the dome-shaped roof. In this position, 
even a careful scrutiny would only reveal two dark stick-hke legs, and 
anyone seeing this remarkable attitude could only conclude that it was 
another example of nature’s protection of the helpless. On the last- 
mentioned date the young bird was removed from the nest and photo- 
graphed, the parent being in such a state of excitement the while that she 
would venture within a few feet of the observer. During the whole time 
she kept up a running fire of calls, whistles, and peculiar throaty noises, 
accompanied by the yomig bird m a series of squeaks. The combined noises 
created quite a volume of sound, which increased when the yomig bird 
temporarily escaped, and had to be chased through the undergrowth. He 
was recaptured and replaced in the nest, and contrary to experience with 
many other species, quietly remained there. The tent and camera were 
packed up, the birds ceased calfing, and five minutes later all was quiet. 
At no time during the period the nest was mider observation was the 
male Lyre-Bird either seen or heard. Twelve months later (22nd July, 
1917) Lyre-Birds were calling in the same locafity.” 
Mr. A. G. Campbell has written me : “ The natural habitat of this bird 
in South Gippsland and Gembrook Ranges is fast being despoiled. The 
settler with fire and axe is changing the scene from forest grandeur into 
one of desolation. The general effect given to one of these mountain 
districts by the dry skeletons of the forest and the ground not yet in good 
heart is very depressmg, the more so when memory recalls the many 
403 
