tho intonor plains, or that seek their food upon the ground, are of 
more sombi*e appeanince, as befits their exposed habitats. These 
species exist in incredible numbers upon the interior plains of 
Queensland; they are gregarious except at the breeding season, and 
are much preyed upon by hawks, dingos, and the natives. The 
Bronze-wings of the forest land are greatly sought after by the sports¬ 
man, as they are exceedingly delicate eating. All the species are 
considered as game, and are a frequent dish upon the tables of the 
settlor. There are several species of small doves, which are as elegant 
in form, graceful in manner, and beautiful in their plumage as the 
well-knoAvn turtle-dove of Europe. 
This order of birds also embraces that curious family the Mega- 
podidce, the nesting habits of which are so extraordinaiy. The 
Queensland representative is tho Wattled TALEGAnLUS (T. Lathami). 
The settler upon tlie coast lands of tho colony is certain to come 
across it, for it is the “ wild turkey ” of the colonists, and is constantly 
in demand for the table. It is one of the anomalies of tho animal life of 
Australia, so much so that it has puzzled naturalists in what family 
to place it. In size the bird is about that of a small turkey, and in 
appearance vciy similar, the wattlcsof the head and neck adding greatly 
to this similarity. Its colour is blackisli-brown. The most remark¬ 
able circumstance connected with the bird is that the eggs are not 
incubated in the manner of otlicr biT'ds, but are deposited two or three 
feet deep in mounds of earth and vegetable mattei’. Tliese heaps arc 
often truly gigantic when considered as tho work of bii*ds, for tho 
writer has seen thorn eight feet higli hy a circumference of even sixty 
feet. They are constructed in dense scrub, and the method adopted 
by the bird is te gi-asp a foot-full of material and throw it backwards 
as if kicking. Tlio muscles of their legs are very strongly developed, 
and Avlien kept in captivity the birds arc incessantly throwing 
material from one end of their 3 ’ard to tho other. The same mounds 
are used year after year, only some fresh material is annually added. 
When tho laying season commences tho birds scratch out holes in this 
mound and deposit the egg, large end up, at the bottom; fresli 
decaying vegetable matter is then added and the egg loft to chance. In 
duo time the young bird is hatched fully developed, works its own 
way out, and is perfectly able to take care of itself. As the scrubs 
get cleared tliese birds ^vill become scarce, but there is no reason why 
they should not become an addition to our domesticated poultry. 
QnAiLS are also common game birds of the country, and are univer¬ 
sally distributed. In scientific eyes there is only one time quail, the 
other species being of a genus more allied to the partridge. Whoever 
is fond of shooting, can, if living near plains or cultivated fields, 
always have a days’ sport, provided a good dog can bo obtained, other¬ 
wise the birds lie so close that they will only rise when the sportsman 
is close upon them. 
The Emu (dromauis novai-hollandim) is tho largest of Australian 
birds, aiul is so well known both in Jlritain and in the colonics that 
description is unnccessaiy. It is not e(jnal in size to the ostrich, nor 
