always near water. It is a bird
of the depresed interior, never ascending to higher land where there are
extensive marshes covered with the polygonum geranium. In river valleys,
on the flats of which the same bramble grows, the Ocyphaps lophotes is
sure to be found. It was first seen by me on the banks of the Macquarie,
in lat. 31 degrees during my expedition to the Darling, but there is no
part of the interior over which I have subsequently travelled where it is
not, and it is very evident that its range is right across the continent
from north to south. The general colour of this bird is a light purple or
slate colour, and its form and plumage are both much more delicate than
that of the Bronze-wing, but it is by no means so fine a bird, its flesh
being neither tender nor well-flavoured.

This bird is figured in my former work, page 79, vol. I. It has a crest,
and is marked on the back and wings very similar to Geophaps plumiferus.
This bird builds in low shrubs in exposed situations, and lays two eggs
on so few twigs that it is only surprising how they remain together.

101. GEOPELIA CUNEATA.--Speckled Dove.

All that we read or imagine of the softness and innocence of the dove is
realised in this beautiful and delicate little bird. It is very small and
has a general purple plumage approaching to lilac. It has a bright red
skin round the eyes, the iris being also red, and its wings are speckled
over with delicate white spots. This sweet bird is common on the Murray
and the Darling, and was met with in various parts of the interior, but I
do not think that it migrates to the N.W. Two remained with us at the
Depot in latitude 39 degrees 40 minutes, longitude 142 degrees,
during a greater part of the winter, and on one occasion roosted
on my tent ropes near a fire. The note of this dove is exceedingly
plaintive, and is softer, but much resembles the coo of the turtle-dove.

102. GEOPELIA TRANQUILLA, GOULD.--Ventriloquist Dove.

This bird, somewhat larger than the preceding, is not by any means so
delicate in appearance. The colour of its plumage is similar in some
respects, but has close black scollops on the breast and neck without any
spots on the wings. This bird also frequents the banks of the Darling and
the Murray, but is not so common as Geopelia cuneata. I first heard it on
the marshes of the Macquarie, but could not see it. The fact is that it
has the power of throwing its voice to a distance, and I mistook