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Show 122 ON THE BIRDS OF NORTH-EASTERN QUEENSLAND. [Jan. 18, The following are measurements of some of the specimens of the eggs of both species :- Casuarius australis. Length Width in inches. in inches. No. 1. Light-green smooth shell.. 5*33 x 3 73 No. 2. Dark-greeu rough shell . .. 5*3 x 3*88 Casuarius bennettii. No. 1. Light-green smooth shell .. 5*65 X 3*54 No. 2. Light-green rough shell .. 5*32 X 3*31 No. 3. Light-green rough shell .. 5*34 x 3*4 No. 4. Dark-green rough shell.. .. 5*2 x 3*32 The young of Casuarius australis are of a dull rusty brown, the feathers having frequently a blackish shaft-stripe, giving to the back a streaked appearance. After the first year the plumage takes a deeper lighter brown hue, and black feathers begin to appear mixed with brown, some being party-coloured. After the second season, at the age of 18 to 24 months, the black feathers predominate, and the helmet, which has hitherto been undeveloped, more like the shield of a coot (Fulica), begins to show a keel or ridge in the centre, which rapidly increases in height. The skin round the head, on which still remain a few brownish hair-like feathers, begins to become wrinkled and coloured, varying from bluish-green to orange on the lower part, and bright blue on the sides of the neck, the wattles becoming carmine. The helmet still remains comparatively small and undeveloped long after the wattles and naked parts of the neck become coloured. I believe that the helmet does not attain its full size until the fourth or fifth year at least. In traversing the scrubs the head is carried low to the ground, and the vines and branches of trees striking the helmet slide over it on to the back. Otherwise in the dense vine-scrubs bordering the Herbert river and elsewhere progress would be greatly impeded ; but as it is, the Cassowaries traverse the scrubs with wonderful speed, jumping over fallen trees and logs when in the way. A young bird (the identical specimen, I believe, forwarded by his Excellency the Marquis of Nor-manby to the Society), while in the possession of Inspector Johnstone, during m y visit succeeded in jumping out of its yard over a fence more than 6 feet in height. I measured the fence, and found it 6 feet 6 inches to the top rail, on which its feet-marks were plainly visible ; the length of the yard was only 12 X 12 ft. I found the adult Cassowaries in full moult in March; but the new feathers had not all made their appearance in May. During these months specimens in confinement were remarkably irritable and frequently sulky, even refusing their food (which they invariably do when unwell), and were at times very spiteful, even attacking their keepers ; but strangers chiefly come in for a share of their dislike. At all times I have noticed they are very fond of bathing; the semiadult bird before alluded to, which I forwarded to the Society, was remarkable |
