then). I could not ascertain whether this bower was occupied by one pair or by several pairs of birds, or 
whether the sexes were in equal or unequal nundjers — whether the male alone was the builder, or whether 
the wife assisted in the construction. I believe, however, that such a nest lasts for several seasons. 
“The Amblyornk selects a flat even place around the trunk of a small tree that is as thick and as high as 
a walking-stick of middle size. It begins by constructing at the base of the tree a kind of eone, chiefly of 
moss, of the size of a man’s hand. The trunk of the tree becomes the central pillar ; and the whole building 
is supported by it. On the top of the central pillar twigs are then methodically placed in a radiating 
manner, resting on the ground, leaving an aperture for the entrance. Thus is obtained a conical and very 
regular hut. When the work is complete many other branches are placed transversely in various ways, to 
make the whole quite firm and impermeahle. A circular gallery is left between the walls and the central 
cone. The whole is nearly 3 feet in diameter. All the stems used hy the Ambhjornis are the thin stems 
of an orchid {Dendrohiuni), an epiphyte forming large tufts on the mossy branches of great trees, easily bent 
like straw, and generally about 20 inches long. The stalks had the leaves, which are small and straight, 
still fresh and living on them — 'which leads me to conclude that this plant was selected hy the bird to prevent 
rotting and mould in the building, since it keeps alive for a long time, as is so often the case with epiphy- 
tical orchids. 
“The refined sense of the bird is not satisfied with building a hut. It is wonderful to find that the bird 
has the same ideas as a man ; that is to say, what pleases the one gratifies the other. The passion for 
flowers and gardens is a sign of good taste and refinement. I discovered, however, that the inhahitants 
of Arfak did not follow the example of tlie Amhlyorms. Their houses are quite inaccessible from dirt. 
“77/e Garden. — Now let me describe the garden of the Amhlyorms. Before the cottage there is a meadow 
of moss. This is brought to the spot and kept free from grass, stones, or any thing which would offend the 
eye. On this green turf flowers and fruits of pretty colour are placed so as to form an elegant little garden. 
The greater part of the decoration is collected round the entrance to the nest ; and it would appear that the 
husband offers there his dally gifts to his Avife. The objects are very various, but always of vivid colour. 
There were some fruits of a Garcinia like a small-sized apple. Others Avere the fruits of Gardenias of a 
deep yellow colour in the interior. I saw also small rosy fruits, probably of a Scitamineous plant, and 
beautiful rosy floAvers of a splendid new Vaccinium {Agapetes amUyormthk). There were also fungi and 
mottled insects placed on the turf. As soon as the objects are faded they are moved to the back of the hut. 
“The good taste of the Amhlyornis is not only proved by the nice home it builds. It is a cleA'Cr bird, 
called by the inhabitants ‘ Buruk Gurea’ (master bird), since it imitates the songs and screamings of nume- 
rous birds so well that it brought my hunters to despair, Avho Avere but too often misled by the bird. 
Another name of the bird is ‘ Tukan Robon,’ Avhich means a gardener.” 
The general colour of the present species is dark brown, rather more rufous on the head and upper back ; 
the Avings also rufous brown, the primaries darker brown ; tail dark brown ; entire under surface dark 
buff. The sexes, according to Professor Schlegel, are alike in plumage. 
The figures in the Plate represent a pair of birds of the present species, the larger one being a little under 
life-size. They are draAvn from specimens in my own collection. The representation of the garden and 
cabin is adapted from the woodcut given in the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle,’ which is, in turn, derived from Dr. 
Beccari’s original illustration. 
