45.  Epthianura tricolor, Gould.—­Tricoloured Epthianura.

This beautiful little bird was procured, both on the summit of the Barrier Range, and on the plains to the westward of it, generally inhabiting open brush.  It was conspicuous amongst the smaller birds on account of its bright red plumage, but it was by no means uncommon.  This bird evidently migrates from the north-west, and the second time, when it was seen so far to the westward of the ranges, it was most likely on its return from that point.

46.  PYRRHOLAEMUS BRUNNEUS, Gould.—­Brown Red-throat.

A small and common brush bird, and a good warbler, more remarkable indeed for the sweetness of its song than for the beauty of its plumage.

47.  CINCLORAMPHUS RUFESCENS.

A good songster, and generally distributed over the country.

48.  Amadina Lathami.—­Spotted-sided Finch.

This is, I believe, the largest of its genus, and is a beautiful little bird.  It was not seen to the westward of Stanley’s Barrier Range.  Its range is, however, extensive, as it is found in most parts of New South Wales, as well as South Australia.

49.  Amadina castanotus, Gould.

This pretty little bird is perhaps more numerous than any other in the interior of Australia.  Never did its note fall on our ears there but as the harbinger of good, for never did we hear this little bird but we were sure to find water nigh at hand, and many a time has it raised my drooping spirits and those of my companions, when in almost hopeless search for that, to us, invaluable element.

The Amadina castanotus is gregarious, collecting together in hundreds on bushes never very far from water, to which they regularly go at sunset.  They build in small trees, many nests being together in the same tree, and hatch their young in December.  It was met with in every part of the interior wherever there was water, but hundreds must perish yearly from thirst, for the country must frequently dry up round them, to such a distance as to prevent the possibility of their flying to another place of safety.  The hawks make sad havoc also amongst these harmless little birds, generally carrying off two at a time.

50.  Cinclosoma castanotus, Gould.—­Chesnut-backed Ground Thrush.

This is a bird of the great Murray belt, and was first shot by my very valued friend Mr. Gould, when in a bush excursion with me in South Australia.  It is by no means a common bird, and is exceedingly wary.

51.  Cinclosoma Cinnamoneus, Gould.—­Cinnamon-coloured Ground Thrush.

This third species of Cinclosoma appeared at the Depot in latitude 29 1/2 degrees, longitude 142 degrees, during the winter months in considerable numbers, and a good many specimens were procured.  Mr. Gould tells me this is the only new species procured during my recent Expedition, a proof, I think, of his indefatigable exertions in the prosecution of his researches.  Indeed I can bear abundant testimony as to the perseverance and ability he displayed whilst with me, and the little regard he had to personal comfort, in his ardent pursuit of information as to the habits of the feathered tribes in the singular region where he was sojourning.