AMBLYORNIS INORNATA. 
Gardener Bower-bird. 
Ptilorhynchus inornatus, Schleg. Tijdsch. Dierk. vol. iv. p. 6] (1871). 
Amhlyornis inornata, Elliot, Ibis, 1872, p. 114. — Id. Monogr. Paradis, pi. xxxviii. (1873). — Sclater, P. Z. S. 
1873, p. 697. — Salvad. Ann. Mus. Civ. Genov, vii, p. 780 (1875). — Id. op, cit. ix. p. 193 (1876-77). — 
Beccari, tom. cit. p. 352, tav. viii. — Salvad. op. cit. x. p. 151 (1877). 
It was not until Baron Von Rosenberg penetrated into the interior of Nortli-vvestern New Guinea that the 
present species became known to science. It was first described by Professor Schlegel, who received 
specimens direct from the Baron, under the name of Ptilorhynchus inornatus. Shortly afterwards Mr. 
Elliot, when preparing his Monograph of the Paradiseidae, pointed out that, in addition to the similarity of 
the sexes, the plumes which hide the nostril in Ptilorhynchus were wanting in the new species ; and he 
therefore separated it under the name Amhlyornis. 
The Malays call the bird “ Gardener,” from the floral decorations he gives to his bower and the lawn 
before it. 
The following abstract of the article published by Dr. Beccari appeared in the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle’ for 
March 16th, 1878, from which I transcribe it : — 
“The Amhlyornis inornata, or, as I propose to name it, the Bird gardener, is a Bird of Paradise of t!ie 
dimensions of a Turtledove. The specific name ‘ inornata' well suggests its very simple dress. It has none 
of the ornaments common to the members of its family, its feathers being of several shades of brown, and 
showing no sexual differences. 
“ It was shot some years ago by the hunters of Mynheer von Rosenberg. The first descriptions of its 
powers of building (the constructions were called ‘ nests’) were given by the hunters of Mynheer Bruijn. 
They endeavoured to bring one of the nests to Ternate ; but it was found impossible to do this, both by 
reason of its great size and the difficulty of transporting it. 
“ I have fortunately been able to examine these constructions at the remote places where they are erected. 
On June 20, 1875, I left Andai for Hatam, on Mount Arfak. I had been forced to stay a day at Warmendi 
to give rest to my porters. At this time only five men were with me ; some were suffering from fever, and 
the remaining porters declined to proceed. We had been on our way since early morning; and at 1 o’clock 
we intended to proceed to the village of Hatam, the end of our journey. 
“ We were on a j)rojecting spur of Mount Arfak. The virgin forest was very beautiful. Scarcely a ray 
of sunshine penetrated the branches. The gtound was almost destitute of vegetation. A little track way 
proved that the inhabitants were at no great distance, h. limpid fountain had evidently been frequented. 
I found here a new Balanophora, like a small orange or a small fungus. I was distracted by the songs and 
the screams of new birds; and every turn in the path showed me something new and surprising. I had just 
killed a small new marsupial {Phascologale dorsalis, Pet. and Doria) that balanced itself on the stem of a 
great tree like a squirrel ; and turning round, I suddenly stood before the most remarkable specimen of the 
industry of an animal. It was a hut or bower close to a small meadow enamelled with flowers. The whole 
was on a diminutive scale. I immediately recognized the famous nests described by the hunters of Bruijn. 
I did not suspect, however, then that they had any thing to do Avith the constructions of the Chlamydoderce . 
After well observing the whole, I gave strict orders to my hunters not to destroy the little building. That, 
however, was an unnecessary caution, since the Papuans take great care never to disturb these nests or 
bowers, even if they are in their way. The birds had evidently enjoyed the greatest quiet until we happened, 
unfortunately for them, to come near them. We had reached the height of about 4800 feet ; and after half 
an hour’s walk we were at our journey’s end. 
Nest. — I had now full employment in the preparation of my treasure; and I gave orders to my people 
not to shoot many of the birds. The nest I had seen first was the nearest one to my halting-place. One 
morning I took colours, brushes, pencils, and gun, and Avent to the spot. I there made the sketch which 
I now publish (fig. 56, p. 333). While I was there neither host nor hostess were at home. I could not 
wait for them. My hunters saw them entering and going out, Avhen they Avatched their movements to shoot 
