There is no doubt that the nests above described by Mr. Gilbert were those of _Struthidea_; those of _Corcorax_ and _Grallina_ are precisely similar; and it is somewhat singular that three birds differing so much in structure should build the same kind of mud nests.
It is exceedingly interesting to trace the range of the members of this genus or the true Crows; not so much on account of their wide distribution, as from the circumstance of the form being non-existent in some countries which appear admirably adapted for their well-being; thus while the species are widely distributed over the whole of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, the Indian Islands and Australia, none are to be found in South America, Polynesia or New Zealand.
269. Corvus Coronoides, _Vig. & Horsf._ Vol. IV. Pl. 18.
This is the only species that has yet been discovered in Australia.
This form is strictly Polynesian, and the species confined to New Zealand.
270. Neomorpha Gouldii, _G. R. Gray_ Vol. IV. Pl. 19
The members of this genus range from India throughout all the islands to Australia, but are not found in Africa or Polynesia; three species are comprised in the fauna of Australia.
Much diversity of opinion exists among ornithologists as to the place this group should occupy in the general system; by most writers they have been placed with the _Meliphagidæ_, but having had ample opportunities of observing the Australian species in a state of nature, I am enabled to affirm that they do not assimilate in any degree with those birds either in their habits, actions, economy or nidification, in all which particulars they differ from every group of birds that has come under my notice.
271. Pomatorhinus temporalis Vol. IV. Pl. 20.
_Turdus frivolus_, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. v. p. 127?
272. Pomatorhinus rubeculus, _Gould_ Vol. IV. Pl. 21.
273. Pomatorhinus superciliosus, _Vig. & Vol. IV. Pl. 22. Horsf._
By far the greater and most prominent portion of the botany of Australia consisting of only two or three genera of trees—the _Eucalypti_, _Banksiæ_, &c.—we should naturally expect its ornithology to comprise some great groups of birds destined to dwell thereon, and such we find to be the case, the true Honey-eaters and the Honey-feeding Parrakeets being remarkably numerous; the former tribe of birds comprise no less than fifty-eight species, which appear to be naturally divided into several groups, each characterized by some modification of structure: although the whole are truly insectivorous, the pollen and the honey in the flower-cups of the _Eucalypti_ are largely partaken of, and for procuring which their lengthened tongue terminating in filaments assuming the form of a brush is most admirably adapted, combined with which is a remarkably narrow gape and an incapacious stomach.