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Show 120 MR. E. P. RAMSAY ON THE BIRDS OF [Jail. 18, all haste to the Herbert-river Police Camp, where I was most hospitably entertained and welcomed by Inspector Johnstone, who was the first to rediscover and bring under the notice of others the existence of this remarkable species. I found Inspector Johnstone a true sportsman, as well as an ardent lover of Nature, a zealous and energetic naturalist, and a careful observer. I am indebted to this gentleman for much valuable information respecting the manners and customs of the aborigines, and notes on the habits of many birds and animals new to me, and especially for information on the present species. The Australian Cassowary is a denizen of the dense dark scrubs scattered over the district of Rockingham Bay, and extending as far north as the Endeavour river. It was tolerably plentiful only a few years ago even in the neighbourhood of Cardwell; but since the advent of sugar-planters &c. on the Herbert river and adjacent creeks, these fine birds have been most ruthlessly shot down and destroyed for the sake of their skins, several of which I saw used for hearth-rugs and door-mats. Formerly they were easily enough procured ; but latterly so wary have they become, and their numbers so decreased, that it is only with the greatest amount of patience even a stray shot can be obtained. I know of no bird so wary and timid ; and although their fresh tracks may be plentiful enough, and easily found in the soft mud on the sides of the creeks, or under their favourite feeding-trees, yet the birds themselves are seldom now seen. During the day they remain in the most dense parts of the scrubs, wandering about the sides of the watercourses and creeks, diving in through the bushes and vines at the slightest noise. Towards evening and early in the morning they usually visit their favourite feeding-trees, such as the native figs, Leichardt-tree (S. leichardti), and various species of Acmena, Jambosa, Davidsonia, &c. ; they appear to be particularly fond of the astringent fruit of the Leichardt-trees and of a species of Maranta, which produced bunches of large seed-pods filled with juicy pulp, resembling in appearance the inside of a ripe passion-fruit (Passiflora edulis). Fruits and berries of all kinds are eagerly sought after; the tame scmiadult bird which I had the pleasure of "forwarding to the Society (1875) became so fond of the fruit of the Cape-Mulberry that he would allow no one to come near the tree he had taken possession of. This bird has frequently devoured at a time as much as 3 quarts of " Loquats " (fruit of Eriobotria japonica), and several fair-sized oranges whole, besides its usual amount of bread per diem (about 3 pounds). In nature, I found that in the afternoons they frequently came out and walked along the scrubs, or along the side of the river or creeks, and swallowed large quantities of pebbles and small rough-edged stones. In confinement, plantains and sweet potatoes (in large pieces, which they can swallow whole) are a favourite food, while nothing seems to come amiss to them-grasshoppers, spiders, earthworms, cockroaches, caterpillars of all kinds, dough, and even raw meat. They ascertain the flavour of their diet bv first taking it up in the tip of their bill and giving it a slight pinch fand if not suitable, |
