An addition to the avifauna of Tasmania

Order: Anseres.
Family: Anatidae Anseranas melanoleuca Latham (female) (The Semipalmated Goose) - The example of this interesting species that I sent as an addition to the Museum collection is that of a young female, probably a first year bird. It was shot on the Lake River, near Cressy, on the 20th inst., and no doubt formed one of a small flock that have lately been observed in the neighbourhood of Launceston. Another specimen was shot on the outskirt of the town, and at about the same time two others were noticed flying at a great height over Invermay, and still another I hear has been simultaneously seen in the vicinity of the township of Westbury, so that there is little doubt that at least five individuals have made their appearance here. In all probability they have been carried away from their distant native haunts by high wind currents of unusual force. The specie belong to a genus peculiar to Australia, containing but a single form whose true home is the eastern portion of the continent, having been recorded from almost every favourable portion, with the exception of the western, the interior, and the extreme north at Cape York. In Victoria and Southern New South Wales it is fast becoming extirpated, and it is now only in the most out-of-the-way and secluded fresh-water lagoons and rivers that it is to be still met with, but in the more northern portion of the latter colony, and in Queensland, it is to be seen in some plenty where a suitable locality exists for its requirements. In the wild and less frequented extreme north of Australia it is very abundant, and forms one of the chief sources of food for the natives.