59 
lining than I ever observed in the nest of a Grallina while that 
bird had possession of it ; if this be not the case, then the nest of 
Struthidea is precisely similar, being like a great basin of mud, and 
placed in the same kind of situation, on a horizontal branch. 
“ Oct. 21. — In the evening I again met with the Struthidea , which 
I disturbed from a nest like the one above described, and from the 
new appearance of the structure I am inclined to believe it to be 
constructed by the bird itself, although it does so closely resemble that 
of Grallina , especially as in this case the nest was placed in a situa- 
tion far from water, and there were no Grallince in the neighbour- 
hood. This nest, like the last, had a very thick lining of fine grass, 
and appeared as if just finished for the reception of the eggs.” 
There is no doubt that the nests above described by Mr. Gilbert 
were those of Struthidea ; those of Corcorax and Grallina are 
precisely similar ; and we now know that all three birds build the 
same kind of mud nests. 
r 
Family CORVIDAE. 
Genus Corvus. 
It is exceedingly interesting to trace the range of the members 
of this genus or the true Crows ; not so much on account of their 
wide distribution, as from the circumstance of the form being non- 
existent in some countries which appear admirably adapted for their 
well-being; thus while the species are widely distributed over the 
whole of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, the Indian Islands 
and Australia, none are to be found in South America, Polynesia 
or New Zealand. 
269. Corvus Coronoides, Vig, fy Horsf. . . . Vol. IV. PL 18. 
This is the only species that has yet been discovered in Australia. 
Family ? 
Genus Neomorpha. 
This form is strictly Polynesian, and the species confined to New 
Zealand. 
270. Neomorpha Gouldii, G. R. Gray .... Vol. IV. PI. 19. 
Genus Pomatorhinus. 
The members of this genus range from India throughout all the 
islands to Australia, but are not found in Africa or Polynesia ; 
three species are comprised in the fauna of Australia. 
Much diversity of opinion exists among ornithologists as to the 
place this group should occupy in the natural system ; by most 
writers they have been placed with the Meliphagidce , but having 
had ample opportunities of observing the Australian species in a 
state of nature, I am enabled to affirm that they do not assimilate 
