black-headp:d minah. 
New South Wales. I am indebted to General Dames for the knowledge of this 
species having been brought from Port Ja-ckson, by Governor King.” 
It is in comiection Avith this bird (and some others) that Latham wrote: 
“ It is with no little difficulty that we have been able to fix limits to the genus 
of Gralde, more especially to those Avhich inhabit Neiv Holland ; and to say 
the truth, groat micertainty has arisen in respect to other genera also, not only 
in regard to birds, but quadrupeds, as well as otlier classes. It is true, that 
Avhenever any difficultj’ presents itseK, it may often be obviated by creating 
a new genus, and many persons are of opinion that tlus is the only way to 
ascortaui the place any individual ought to hold in the system ; but although 
it may be allowed in sonic instances, it should be in such only where necessity 
may make it unavoidable ; a far better way being in our opinion rather to 
strain a trifling pomt, than burthen the memory by forming numerous new 
genera. On this account. I venture to enumerate the following species, 
reservuig to others the full right of differing in sentiment.” 
It is noteworthy that the three following species were the above: (type of 
Myzantha Vigors and Horsfield, 1927), Pied Grakle (type of Grallina VieOlot 
1816) and the Blue-eared Grakle (type of Entomyzon Swainson, 1825). I 
have given the above description as it has recently been questioned, but it 
will be seen to be pertinent. In any case the next name is that given to the 
“ Hooded B(ee)-E(ater). Length from nine to ten inches; bill yellow, 
curved, and rather stout; tongue twice the length of it, and fringed at the 
tip ; front of the head wliitish ; across the croAvn of the head black, wliich colour 
passes through the eyes on each side to the tliroat; the rest of the head 
whitish-gi’ey and dusky in fine transverse fines; belly dirty Avhite, crossed wdth 
clouded dusk}’^ Imes ; upper parts of the body pale lead-colomed broAAm; lower 
bell}^ and vent white; the six outer quills brownish, the first xavy short, the 
others incline to broAvn; but six or seven of the middle ones are of a greenish- 
3 ’'ellow m the middle on the outer webs, and the tips greenish-yellow; tail 
rounded, of a pale gi'eenish lead-colour, with a dirty white tip; legs yellow- 
broAvn. Inhabits New Holland. In the collection of General Dames.” 
This is also applicable and has precedence over that based on the Chattering 
B(ee) E(ater) which has long been used, and taken from the Lambert or 
Watfing drawings. Recently I recognised that the White-fronted B(ee) E(ater) 
was also given to paintings of tliis species, Latham Aviiting: “I am obliged 
to General Davies for the above description, having made di-awings of them 
from specimens in the possession of Captain King, which were brought from 
Port Jackson, in New South Wal^.” 
In the Austral Avian Record, Vol. IV., pp. 114-122, an accomit of some 
draAvings attributed to General DaAdes is given and I refer my readers to that 
