MAGPIE-LARK. 
slightly rough. In shape they vary very much and take the following forms : — oval, 
short oval, lengthened oval, swollen and rounded oval, and pyriform. In size 
they also greatly vary, and an egg from a small four-egg clutch measures 24 mm. by 
20, while one from a large four-egg clutch measures 31 mm. by 21. Generally the 
largest and most richly marked eggs are from Tasmania and the more southern parts 
of Australia ; and the farther north they are found the smaller the egg, as a rule, 
and the less colouring ; but this is also the case with the eggs of very many other 
species. A clutch of the most usual form found is oval in shape, ground-colour 
pale pinkish-white, spotted and blotched, particularly about the larger end, with 
pinkish-red and purple. Surface of shell slightly glossy. Another clutch is very 
swollen or rounded oval in shape, ground-colour pale creamy- white, spotted and 
blotched (almost entirely confined to a cap at the larger end) with pale to dark 
rusty-brown, and dull purple. Surface of shell smooth, and slightly glossy. 
Nest. A large bowl-shaped structure, composed of mud, which varies from grey and 
chocolate-brown to black, according to locality, and is wonderfully reinforced with 
horse-hair, grass and feathers, etc., the lining usually consists of grass, and feathers 
are not often used. 
The nest is generally built upon a bare horizontal limb of a tree, and frequently 
one is selected standing in or near water. Nest measures from 5 to 6 inches across 
over all, egg cavity 4-| to nearly 5 inches across, by 2| to 2f inches deep. Depth 
of nest over all about 5 inches. The nests are placed at heights varying from 5 to 
50 feet or more. 
Breeding season. August to January. 
Recently a note has been published regarding Watling by one of my critics, 
and therein my mistakes are emphasized ; but I would apologise by noting 
that these were not mistakes but attempts to find out the truth, which is very 
involved in this connection, and assistance from outside sources such as 
Dixson has given is very valuable and most desirable. It must be once 
more emphasized that the “ Lambert ” drawings are a distinct entity from 
the “ Watling ” drawings, and that Latham described his species from the 
former and not from the latter. Sharpe reviewed the “ Watling ” drawings 
as being the type series, which they are not, and I followed Sharpe until 1 
independently found out the truth and corrected the error. My acceptance of 
Sharpe’s conclusions can scarcely be termed a mistake. 
In the present instance the facts are even more complicated than is at 
first apparent, and I will reproduce them in full after giving the life histories 
and habits of the species as these are more interesting to the majority of my 
readers. 
The first field notes appear to be those given by Gould who wrote : 
“ Those that came under my observation in New South Wales frequented 
alluvial fiats, sides of creeks and rivulets. Few of the Australian birds are- 
more attractive or more elegant and graceful in their actions, and these, combined 
with its tame and familiar disposition must ever obtain for it the friendship 
and protection of the settlers, whose verandahs and housetops it constantly 
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