Pigeon, which I saw twice, but unfortunately was not able to get a specimen; the other was one of the small Doves, and I feel sure it is the bird Woodward describes as Chalcopelia afra, and as having met it down the coast to the south. I found them very sparsely distributed over the Archipelago in pairs, and I not only procured specimens, but took their eggs, which are deposited on a few twigs, like all the Dove family, and are of a dirty-white colour. The nest is generally placed in an acacia tree, about 6 feet from the ground. The birds seem to keep to the thick undergrowth.—(Capt.) S. A. White. Zanzibar, East Africa, 24/9/03.
From Magazines, &c.
The Victorian Naturalist, vol. xx., pp. 133-139 (February, 1904) contains some "Ornithological Notes on the Grass-Wrens (Amytis) " by Mr. G. A. Keartland. His personal field observations on A. textilis, A. striatus, and A. modesta (of which he was the discoverer) are very interesting and valuable.
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Magpies as Weather Prophets.—It is noted as a remarkable fact that these birds are this year building their nests on the ground instead of on the limbs of trees as formerly. The statement is vouched for by several old residents, who add that there used to be a tradition among the blacks that when Magpies built in this manner it was a sure sign of a phenomenal visitation of wind in the spring.—Hamilton Spectator, 5/9/03.
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Protection to Birds of Paradise.—Sportsmen in British New Guinea, whenever they see a Bird of Paradise, shoot at it. The Lieutenant-Governor of the territory has issued a notice prohibiting the destruction of these birds in most portions of the possession, so that they may not become extinct. Very few feathers taken from the Bird of Paradise are imported into Australia from New Guinea. It is stated that they are sent to Paris, treated there, and then forwarded to the Commonwealth if required.—Argus, 1/10/03.
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Bird "Charmed" by Snake.—Mirboo North.—A miner at the Iron Syndicate's mine was standing outside his hut, when he noticed a bird on the roof whose actions he thought rather peculiar. The bird dropped almost at his feet. On looking down he saw a big snake making all manner of contortions with its body, and its movements seemed to hold the bird spellbound. When in the act of seizing the bird the snake reared itself up, and, seeing the man, made towards him. The snake seemed to charm the bird by its contortions and movements, and not, as is generally supposed, by its eyes. On being killed it proved to be a 4-foot tiger snake.—Age, 29/1/04.
