28 
is it aa gracefal in its raovemente and appeamnco, neither are the 
feathers of any valne. The settler is not likely to see the birds in a 
state of nature unless ho travels into the far interior plains. As 
settlement progresses they are bound to become extinct. The eggs 
are large, about si.x inches in length, and are of a beautiful dark green 
colour; they are laid in a shallow cavity in sandy soil, and both 
parents take part in incubating them. 
Queensland also possesses the Cassowary (casuarius Australis), a 
bird which is only second to the emu in size and ostrich-like appear¬ 
ance. It is an inhabitant of the scrubs of the extreme north. When 
erect the bird will stand about five feet high; the head is bare of 
feathers, but covered with a bright-blue skin and is surmounted by a 
helmet of horn of a bright red colour. The bird is not common, and 
in all probability will soon share the fate of all largo wild animals 
and birds—namely, extinction. 
Another of the large game birds of the colony is the Australiax 
Bustard (choriotis australis) commonly coiled the Plain Turkey. 
These birds have a very stately air as they walk tlie plains; they 
attain to a height of three feet to the top of the head from the ground. 
The male will often weigh as mnch as fifteen pounds, but the female 
is considerably smaller. Yearling birds are excellent for the table. 
The birds are seldom shot, except the shooter be on the back of a 
horse or in a vehicle, for it is next to impossible for a foot-sportsman 
to get within gunrange. As they only lay one or (sometimes) two 
eggs, and that only once a year, they also bid fair to bo eventually 
exterminated. 
Of Plovers, Dottrels, Sandpipers, and Curlews, there are many 
species to be found in the colony, and there is also a Snipe, almost 
identical with that of Europe. The Curlew is noted for the par¬ 
ticularly mournful wail which it gives voice to at night time. The 
Whimbi'el is found all along the shores and bays, and is as noisy in 
the day time as the curlcAV is at night. Of the Ibis there are several 
species, including the_ well-known Sacred Ibis of Egypt. The 
gigantic Jabiru, Avhich is to be found on the marshes and lagoons, 
is a noble bird, in appearance like a ciuno, and which, when walking 
ei'ect, measures fully five feet in height. 
The Audeidj; or Herons, as also the Egrets and Spoonbills are of 
many species, and are veiy commonly distributed. In colour they vary 
from prre white to delicate naukecn-browu, and from grey to black. 
Many are adorned witli elegant head plumes, and their snow-white 
plumage, and statuestic forms, as they stand knee-deep in the Avatcr, 
make quite a prominent feature in tlie water-side scenes of tliis country. 
NATATORES. 
Of the birds of this order the immigrant will see many, for ho will 
be constantly coming across ducks, geese, pelicans, and ibo black 
swan, Avhilo upon eveiy Avater-bole he will be sure to sec some one of 
the many species of cormorants and Aerobes. 
