has been extended to
all the species of the genus <i>Pardalotus</i> (q.v.). The
broken colour of the plumage suggested a sparkling jewel.

1827. Vigors and Horsfield, `Transactions of Linnaean Society,'
vol. xv. p. 238:

"We are informed by Mr. Caley that this species is called
diamond bird by the settlers, from the spots on its body.
By them it is reckoned as valuable on account of its skin."

<hw>Diamond Snake</hw>, <i>n</i>. In Queensland and New South
Wales, <i>Pythonon spilotes</i>, Lacep.; in Tasmania,
<i>Hoplocephalus superhus</i>, Gray, venomous. See under
<i>Snake</i>.

<hw>Digger</hw>, <i>n</i>. a gold-miner. The earliest mines
were alluvial. Of course the word is used elsewhere, but in
Australia it has this special meaning.

1852. Title:

"Murray's Guide to the Gold Diggings.--The Australian Gold
Diggings; where they are, and how to get at them; with letters
from Settlers and Diggers telling how to work them. London:
Stewart & Murray) 1852."

1853. Valiant, `Letter to Council,' given in McCombie's
`History of Victoria' (1853), c. xvi. p. 248:

"It caused the diggers, as a body, to pause in their headlong
career."

1855. W. Howitt, `Land, Labour, and Gold,'
vol. ii. p. 148, Letter xxx:

"Buckland River, January 29th, 1854. The diggers here are a
very quiet and civil race, at the same time that they are a
most active and laborious one. . . . The principal part of
the diggers here are from the Ovens."

1864. J. Rogers, `New Rush,' pt. ii. p. 31:

"Drink success to the digger's trade,
And break up to the squatter's."

1896. H. Lawson, `While the Billy boils,' p. 148:

"His Father's Mate had always been a general favourite with the
diggers and fossickers, from the days when he used to slip out
first thing in the morning and take a run across the frosty
flat in his shirt."

<hw>Digger's Delight</hw>, <i>n</i>. a flower, <i>Veronica
perfoliata</i>, R. Br., <i>N.O. Scrophularaneae</i>, described
in quotations.

1878. W. R. Guilfoyle, `First Book of Australian Botany,' p. 64:

"Digger's Delight, <i>Veronica perfoliata</i>,
<i>N.O. Scrophularineae</i>. A pretty, blue-flowering shrub,
with smooth stem-clasping leaves; found in the mountainous
districts of Victoria and New South Wales, and deriving its
common name from a supposition that its presence indicated
auriferous country. It is plentiful in the elevated cold
regions of Australia."

1888. D. Macdonald, `Gum Boughs,'