1877. F. v. Mueller, `Botanic Teachings,' p. 34:
"The scientific name of these well-known plants is as appropriate as their vernacular appellation is odd and unsuited. The former alludes to the cassowary (Casuarius), the plumage of which is comparatively as much reduced among birds, as the foliage of the casuarinas is stringy among trees. Hence more than two centuries ago Rumph already bestowed the name Casuarina on a Java species, led by the Dutch colonists, who call it there the Casuaris-Boom. The Australian vernacular name seems to have arisen from some fancied resemblance of the wood of some casuarinas to that of oaks, notwithstanding the extreme difference of the foliage and fruit; unless, as Dr. Hooker supposes, the popular name of these trees and shrubs arose from the Canadian `Sheack.'"
1889. J. H. Maiden, `Useful Native Plants,' p. 397:
"From a fancied resemblance of the wood of casuarinas to that of oak, these trees are called `oaks,' and the same and different species have various appellations in various parts."
1890. C. Lumholtz; `Among Cannibals,' p. 33:
"Along its banks (the Comet's) my attention was drawn to a number of casuarinas—those leafless, dark trees, which always make a sad impression on the traveller; even a casual observer will notice the dull, depressing sigh which comes from a grove of these trees when there is the least breeze.'"
<hw>Cat-bird</hw>, <i>n</i>. In America the name is given to <i>Mimus carolinensis</i>, a mocking thrush, which like the Australian bird has a cry resembling the mewing of a cat. The Australian species are—
The Cat-bird—
<i>Ailuraedus viridis</i>, Lath.
Spotted C.—
<i>Ailuraedus maculosus</i>, Ramsay.
<i>Pomatostomus rubeculus</i>, Gould.
Tooth-billed C.—
<i>Scenopaeus dentirostris</i>, Ramsay.