ANSEKANAS. 
335 
contained three eggs of a dirty-white colour ; the shell of which was 
rather rough. Dimensions of the eggs are as follows : — length (A) 
2-93 x 2-12 inches ; (B) 2-94 x 2-12 inches ; (C) 3-15 x 2-11 inches. 
Both birds vigorously defended their nest, and showed every sign 
of resentment at the intrusion on their domain. Dr. Ramsay who 
had them breeding at Dobroyde for several years informs me that 
live is the full number of eggs for a sitting. 
A specimen received from Mr. E. D. Atkinson taken on Flinders 
Island in Bass’s Straits, is much finer in the texture of the shell, 
and measures 3'02 x 2'2 inches. 
A specimen in the Macleayan Museum Collection, taken on 
one of the islands of Bass’s Straits, is of a pale creamy-white and 
measures, long diameter 3 - C3 inches, short diameter 2’48 inches. 
TInb. Victoria and South Australia, Tasmania. (Ramsay.) 
Genus ANSERAEAS, Lesson. 
ANSERANAS MELANOLEUCA, Latham. 
Semipalmated Goose. 
Gould, Ilandbk. Bds. Aust., Vol ii., sp. 579, p. 352. 
This bird is found plentifully dispersed over the northern, 
eastern, and 'Southern portions of the Australian continent, and 
is also found inhabiting the large swamps and reed beds found in 
the back-waters of many of the rivers of the interior during the 
wet seasons, where it resorts to breed in great" numbers in 
September and the three following months. The nest is composed 
of sedges and other aquatib herbage, and is built in the rushes 
that fringe the edge of rivers and watercourses ; at other times 
being placed in the marshes and lagoons. Eggs usually five in 
number for a sitting, but sometimes as many as eleven have been 
taken, probably the result of two birds laying in the same nest; 
they are of a creamy or dull white colour, the surface of the shell 
being smooth and slightly glossy. 
