rises and runs to Vlaming Head (four miles from the N.W. Cape), getting higher and more rugged further north, where for about fifty miles it is 600 to 800 feet in height, with deep, precipitous gorges, in the beds of which wild fig trees and other small trees flourish. Behind the range is broken table-land, mostly very rugged, with much spinifex. In one place a few clumps of cabbage-tree palms occur, which is somewhat remarkable. On this plateau Eremiornis, Stipiturus, and Amytis may be found. Between this range and the sea is a flat from half a mile to two miles in breadth; some places open grass and spinifex, at others scrubby. The country lying to the south and east of the Nor'-West Cape, on the west side of the Exmouth Gulf, is of quite a different character, dense high thicket matted with runners, large white gums, and cork trees being found close to the beach. The south and east sides of the Gulf are mostly lined with dense mangroves and extensive salt marshes (samphire flats), where it is dangerous or impracticable to take horses; besides, the country is destitute of water, and almost impossible to work, unless from a boat. I am sure many species of birds must occur there which are not recorded in this list. The nearest freshwater pool to Point Cloates is in the deep gorge of the Yardie Creek, about 30 miles north. It is a permanent pool, but rarely visited by water-fowl, being rocky bottom and surrounded by ranges. The other nearest pools are about 50 miles in a S.E. direction, but are not permanent, so that it is a difficult country to work, on account of the scarcity of water, any rain soaking away at once, and the only wells at present being close to the beach. I may mention that the average rainfall for the years from 1890-1902 was 9.4 inches. This term includes two periods of distressing drought—1889-1891 and 1894-5-6, when practically no rain fell. 1893, 1897, and 1900 were hurricane years, with good falls of rain, viz., 18¼, 11½, and 23½ inches, the year 1900 being the wettest season on record, and consequently a good bird year.
The total number of birds identified is 180, of which I have actually secured 170 species. I have added the aboriginal district names for the birds as far as I can recollect them.
(1.) Circus assimilis (Spotted Harrier, Pillargo).—This is one of the commonest birds of prey, but as a rule shy. On warm days it frequently passes the greatest heat in a tree or a bush, and may then be approached closely. It appears to feed almost entirely on lizards, but I have frequently seen birds of the year attack poultry in a determined way. Birds in immature plumage are much more frequently observed than the handsome adults. They are most numerous in the winter months, doubtless because it is our wet season, and food is plentiful. The large, flat nest is built in a tree or a bush, from 5 feet to 40 feet above the ground. The usual clutch is three, but I have taken four eggs from a nest. Laying season, from 17th July to 1 3th September. Lizards of considerable size and in a paralyzed state may not uncommonly be found in the nest, for the benefit of the sitting bird.
