34 GOGERLEY, Breeding of Ground Parrot. [ .ist juT> u 
Each nest was made in a hollow scratched in the sand. This 
was filled with dry leaves, and a semi-domed nest made of 
stalks of asparagus fern and rushes lined with long thin grass. 
The first nest was placed between two tussocks, and the second 
nest between a small paper-bark tree and a tussock. The foun¬ 
dation of the burnt nests could be plainly seen, a small depression 
between the burnt tussocks. Many nests of Swamp Quail were 
burnt, but there were only the egg-shells to show where a nest 
had been; and in the case of the bush-rats' nests, only a small 
heap of white ashes was left. But one could not mistake the 
Parrots' nests on account of the small hollow in the sand. 
The nests were perfectly open, with entrance on one side, and 
a high wall at the back, giving the nest a dome-like appearance. 
They measured ten inches by five inches; egg-cavity, 4in. x 4in. 
The long dry grass that formed the lining was coiled right round 
the nest, forming the egg-cavity. The eggs measured 1 x .82 
inches, and were uniform in size. The fact that Mr. Wells 
kept the birds for years in an aviary suggests the possibility of 
breeding this Parrot in captivity, thus preventing its becoming 
extinct. This could also be done with many other birds that will 
become extinct otherwise. 
I am much indebted to Mr. H. F. Marked, of Sydney, for the 
pictures of nests and eggs. The photograph of the moor was 
taken by Mr. Sid W. Jackson, R.A.O.U. 
Mr. Andrews, as quoted in Mr. Ashby's article, mentions the 
■ sweet notes of this Parrot as a perfect octave. I have heard the 
same notes late in the evening when riding many years ago on 
the Cape Hawke moor. Mr. A. Wells, of Newcastle, had a 
Ground-Parrot for four years in his aviary, and mentioned the 
sweet dropping notes. This bird was taken while young on the 
heathy country north of Stockton. Dr. Brooke Nicholls reported 
seeing the Parrots at Mario, in Eastern Victoria. 
Mr. Ashby says in his notes, Part II., The Emu, Vol. XXIII., 
that, as the birds are disturbed by fires, they will move back to 
other districts. I his would be true in some cases; but, on a 
peninsula like Cape Hawke, there is no escape for the birds 
from fire. Such areas of wild moor should be for ever reserved 
foi the shelter of the Ground-Parrot, and other ground birds; 
and heavy penalties should be imposed upon persons wan ton! v 
starting fires on such areas. 
Mr. Ashby's resolution, carried at the last congress of the 
R.A.O.U.,, vis., "That all townships should reserve an area of 
300 acies, would not, in my opinion, effect the purpose, as the 
country round such townships in many cases would not be suit¬ 
able for bird life. A better plan would be that all permanent 
State Timber Reserves should be also reserved for bird protec- 
tl ° n u . This would give large areas for sanctuaries for all species 
of birds and animals. Sanctuaries close to a town would always 
