the most extraordinary event in bird architecture, more espe¬ 
cially as not being a nest for the young, but a playing-place_a 
decorated ball-room as it has been called — wherein the young 
couple flirt, and make love previous to entering upon connubial 
life. It is constructed with a consummate skill, amusing to 
witness. They may be observed constructing their runs at all 
seasons of the year, and imitating, when at work, the notes of 
the various birds around. The bird is seen, from the remains 
of an old broom, or any tw T igs thrown into the aviary, to take 
a twig, place it firmly in the ground, slightly bent inward, the 
bower being left open at the top, and forming a run of an 
uncertain length. The ornamentation of this run is a source of 
constant solicitude to the birds. Almost daily they make a 
fresh arrangement of bright coloured feathers, shells, bleached 
bones, bits of coloured rags, and other decorative materials 
which they bring from long distances when in a wild state, and 
appropriating every ornament placed within their reach when in 
captivity. Like the magpie, it is a great thief, appropriating all 
the bright or shining articles it can procure for the purpose 
of decorating their playing place. When completed, the male 
entices the female, “ fully aware, no doubt,” as a satirical writer 
observes, “that the fair are attracted by a handsome establish¬ 
ment.” It is then most amusing to witness the antics of these 
birds, running in and out of it, performing various polkas, - 
making attitudes to each other, the males setting their feathers 
in the most grotesque manner, and perform a galop with as much 
enjoyment as many of the human bipeds. 
There is another species which has received the name of “cat 
bird” (PtUonorhynchwi Smithii). It is of a green colour, more or 
less spotted with white. It has received its colonial name from 
the singular note it utters, which can only be compared to the 
nightly ph ilharmonic concerts of the domestic cat, and the sound 
must be a source ot great delight to the Londoner exiled in the 
bush, bringing before him agreeable reminiscences of home. 
The various pigeons indigenous to the colony, such as the 
wonga wonga, harlequin, and other bronze-wings, are all delicious 
for eating. The first named has the flesh white, delicate, and of 
of surpassing flavour. The large fruit-eating pigeons of the 
northern districts would also form a great acquisition. They 
are strictly arboreal in their habits, frequenting the lofty fig-trees 
and feeding upon the fruit, and their flesh is excellent eating. 
The beauty of their plumage would also render them an acqui¬ 
sition to the aviary. 
