Page:The Emu volume 21.djvu/123

 DESCRIPTION OF EGGS OF NARETHA PARROT (Psephotus narathae).

Eight nesting holes were observed, all in Desert Oaks (Casuarina). The type clutch was taken from a hole 5 feet from the ground, and at a depth of 18 inches from the entrance.

Clutch, live; rounded oval in shape; shell close in grain, but slightly rough; colour, dead white without gloss.

Measurements in inches—A, .9 × .74; B, .88 × .72; C, .9 × .71; D, .93 × .73; E, .89 × .73.

Another clutch of four is uneven in size, the average being .86 × .7 in.

Both taken by F. L. Whitlock at Naretha, W.A., the first-named clutch on August 31st, and the second on September 6th. The bird appears to be an early breeder, six nests observed by Mr. Whitlock during August containing from four to six young each.—.

Abnormal Eggs of the Emu.— Copy of data supplied by Mr. C. J. Craig, of the Department of Agriculture, Perth, W.A.:—"These two large eggs of Dromaius novæ-hollandiæ were found in desert country some 200 miles south of the North-West coast. Condouve Shellborough is marked on the map. Go east on the coast line 40 miles, thence south 200 miles, and you have the locality. Eight eggs, all abnormal, were in the nest. Unfortunately, natives had roasted six (one exceptionally large, judging by the half shell) before my arrival." I went to a good deal of trouble to test the authenticity of these eggs. Specimen A measures 173 x 99 mm; specimen B measures 167 X 95 mm. An ordinary-sized tgg measures about 130 x 85 mm. A peculiarity about the eggs is their long oval shape. —H. L. WHITE. 5/9/21.

The New British Law which has for its object the protection of bird life is not the same law as that which was on the eve of enactment when war came. Dr. William T. Hornaday, Campaigning Trustee of the Permanent Wild Life Protection Fund, said yesterday, and he termed it a half victory for the London plumage trade. He predicted that the three representatives of the feather trade on the committee to be appointed would be "hand ])icked," and would dominate the committee.— From The New York Times.