FANTAIL. 
sentative in the ranges was darker. Specimens of each kind were procured 
for reference.” 
I have introduced the above item, as it is quite possible that many more 
subspecies may exist, and also to explain that two subspecies can exist in the 
“ same locality not many miles apart ” if conditions are suitable. I wish it 
were possible to impress upon the minds of the older ornithologists that sub- 
species are merely “ geographical variations,” and that the “ geography ” is 
physical, and consequently miles are negligible where, as in this case, the variation 
is governed by height. A different subspecies may exist at the top of a moun- 
tain from the form dwelling at the bottom. As it has occurred in this species, 
I might also point out that the amount of variation is not governed by distance, 
and that a form may differ more from the adjacent subspecies than it does from 
one far distant. Thus this species, as well as ranging over Australia and 
Tasmania, extends over the whole of New Zealand and the outlying islets, 
occurs at Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands, New Caledonia and the New Hebrides. 
The New Hebrides form is practically inseparable from the Tasmanian sub- 
species, while the Central Australian bird is very easily picked out from other 
Australian forms, but is very like in every detail to the New Zealand race. 
The form sent from Buchanan Island, Northern Territory, I have named 
Bhipidura flabellifera buchanani. 
“ Differs from B. f. subphasiana in its larger size and lighter coloration.” 
Consequently, as regards Australia, the subspecies admitted are the same 
as those listed by me in 1913. 
Bhipidura flabellifera alisteri Mathews. 
New South Wales ; South Queensland. 
Bhipidura flabellifera victories Mathews. 
Victoria. 
Bhipidura flabellifera albiscapa Gould. 
Tasmania. 
Bhipidura flabellifera whitei Mathews. 
South Australia. 
Bhipidura flabellifera preissi Cabanis. 
South-west Australia. 
Bhipidura flabellifera subphasiana Mathews. 
North-west Australia. 
Bhipidura flabellifera buchanani Mathews. 
Western Northern Territory. 
Bhipidura flabellifera phasiana De Vis. 
Western North Queensland (Kimberley 
district) and Eastern Northern Territory 
15 
