GROUND CUCKOO-SHRIKE. 
various localities, but included a few Australian species, showing that even 
at this early date, he was receiving specimens from some one in that 
continent.” 
Consequently the only possible conclusion is that many , if not a large 
majority, of the types of the species of birds described by Gould from Australia 
previous to 1847 are in The British Museum, and not at Philadelphia. A 
complete revision, which is now being undertaken, of the location of the 
Gouldian type species will give the exact number. This explains the action 
of the Trustees of the British Museum in refusing the purchase of the Gouldian 
Bird Collection. Having received by gift and purchase nearly all the typical 
specimens of the birds of Australia they had no alternative but refusal to an 
offer to purchase a duplicate series proposed as originals. This also explains 
Gould’s later action in allowing the British Museum to acquire the later 
received and described species, as upon reflection he recognised the justice 
of their refusal. It is possible that the correspondence between the British 
Museum and Gould mil make this clear. 
In connection with the present species Gould’s name proved to be later 
than Riippefl’s so that it is a synonym, but apparently the species Gould 
described was received from Coxen, before he met with it himself. It is 
doubtful whether the specimen in Philadelphia accepted as type is the one 
received from Coxen, as most probably Gould would substitute one of the 
specimens he himself later collected on sentimental grounds ; while very likely 
his own birds would be better prepared, and be more pleasing objects, as well 
as more easy to portray. 
There is very little known regarding the variation in this species and the 
matter stands as determined by myself in 1912 when I recognised three sub- 
species as follows : 
Pteropodocys maxima maxima (Riippell). 
Eastern Australia from South Queensland to South 
Australia. 
Pteropodocys maxima neglecta Mathews. 
South-west Australia. 
A darker race differing “ in its darker coloration above and below.” 
Pteropodocys maxima pallida Mathews. 
Northern Australia from Alexandra, Northern Territory 
to North-western Australia. 
A paler race differing “ in its much paler coloration above and below.” 
107 
