TC.'S \ O \ * . THE IBIS ' H A MAGAZINE OF GENERAL ORNITHOLOGY. fx<9 ^ \ ^1 EDITED BY ,f a4g!P^R95lP LUTLEY SCLATER, M.A., [ O .\£/rELLOW OF CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, OXFORD; pN-^^ECRETARY TO THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON: M TUB _ 'FELLOW' OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY ; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA, OF THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY OF NEW YORK, AND OF THE GERMAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY ; ETC. VOL. I. 1859. “ Ibimus indomiti venerantes Ibida sacram, Ibimus incolumes qua prior Ibis adest.” LONDON: N. TRUBNER AND CO.; PATERNOSTER ROW. Paris. Fr. Klincksieck, 11, Rue de Lille. Leipzig. F. A. Brockhaus. New York. John Wile y, 56, Walker Street. 1859, PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET-STREET. PREFACE. The promoters of ‘ The Ibis 5 think it due to the public, and to themselves, that, on the completion of the first volume, some account should be given of the circum¬ stances under which the undertaking was originated. For some years past a few gentlemen attached to the study of Ornithology, most of them more or less inti¬ mately connected with the University of Cambridge, had been in the habit of meeting together, once a-year, or oftener, to exhibit to one another the various objects of interest which had occurred to them, and to talk over both former and future plans of adding to their know¬ ledge of this branch of Natural History. These meetings, being entirely of a private and social nature, were found agreeable by those who attended them, and gradually became more frequented. In the autumn of 1857 the gathering of naturalists was greater than it had hitherto been, and it appeared that among some of those present there was a strong feeling that it would be advisable to establish a Magazine devoted solely to Ornithology. This feeling was not prompted by any jealousy of periodicals already existing, but by the belief that the IV PREFACE. number of persons who turned their attention princi¬ pally to this one branch of Zoology was at any rate sufficiently great to justify an experiment which in a neighbouring country, and among a kindred nation, had succeeded so well. The meeting therefore broke up with the under¬ standing that in the following year the subject should be reconsidered. During the interval, communications, either personally or by letter, were freely kept up among those who had been present, as well as with others in¬ terested in the same study, in order that the different views which prevailed on the subject might be com¬ pared, and the project thus forwarded. In November 1858, the annual assemblage took place at Cambridge ; and, after due consideration, it was deter¬ mined by those present that a Quarterly Magazine of General Ornithology should be established, that a limited subscription should be entered into to provide a fund for that purpose, and that the subscribers should form an ‘ Ornithological Union/ their number at present not to exceed twenty. The cooperation of several other gentlemen, who were not present at this meeting, was soon afterwards gladly given ; and the list now printed of the members of the Union will show the names of those who may be con¬ sidered the original promoters of the undertaking. At present, thanks to the exertions of its friends, the prospects of ‘ The Ibis ’ are quite as satisfactory as were anticipated ; but whether it can be continued, so as to PREFACE. V pay its expenses, remains to be seen, and in fact must depend entirely on the support it meets with from orni¬ thologists, both British and foreign. We therefore call upon all those who are interested in our branch of Natural History, both at home and abroad, to give us assistance in extending the circulation of our Magazine; in return for which we shall be happy to receive their communications and give publicity to their discoveries, and we shall do our best to keep them acquainted with the progress of ornithological science in all parts of the globe. PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER ( Edito ?'). 11, Hanover Square, Oct. 1859. LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. Robert Birkbeck, F.Z.S., 65 Lombard Street, London. Henry Maurice Drummond, Lieutenant-Colonel, Royal Perth Rides. Thomas Campbell Eyton, F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.G.S., Ac., Eyton Hall, Salop. Frederick DuCane Godman, F.Z.S., 55 Lowndes Square, London. Percy Sandon Godman, B.A., Corr. M.Z.S., Borregaard, Sarpsborg, Norway. John Henry Gurney, M.P., F.Z.S., Catton Hall, Norfolk. Rev. William Henry Hawker, M.A., Green Hook, Horndean, Hampshire. Arthur Edward Knox, M.A., F.L.S., St. Anne’s Hill, Midhurst, Sussex. Edward Clough Newcome, Feltwell Hall, Norfolk. Alfred Newton, M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S., Ac., Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge. Edward Newton, B.A., Corr. M.Z.S., Assistant Colonial Secretary, Mauritius. John William Powlett-Orde, late Captain 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment, Kilmorey, Argyllshire. Hon. Thomas Lyttleton Powys, F.Z.S., Lilford Hall, Northants. Osbert Salyin, B.A., Corr. M.Z.S., Duehas, Guatemala. Philip Lutley Sclater, M.A., F.L.S., Sec.Z.S., &c., Fellow of Corpus- Christi College, Oxford ; 11 Hanover-sq., London, W. Alfred Forbes Sealy, M.A., F.C.P.S., &c., Trumpington Street, Cambridge. Wilfred Huddleston Simpson, M.A., 21 Gloucester Place, Portman Square, London. Rev. Edward Cavendish Taylor, M.A., F.Z.S., Oxford and Cam¬ bridge Club, Pall Mall, London. Rev. Henry Baker Tristram, M.A., F.L.S., Rector of Castle-Eden, Durham. John Wolley, jun., Esq., M.A., F.Z.S., Beeston, Nottinghamshire. CONTENTS op YOL. I. (1859.) Number I., January. page I. On the Ornithology of Central. America. By Philip Lutlev: Sclater and Osbert Salvin. Parti.. .... 1 II Notes on Birds observed in Southern Palestine in the months of March and April 1858. By the Bev. H. B. Tristram, E.L.S . 22 III. Ornithological Beminiscences of Egypt. By E. Cavendish Taylor, M.A., E.Z.S . 41 IY. On the different Methods of preparing Natural Skele¬ tons of Birds. By T. C. Eyton, E.Z.S . 55 Y. Characters of apparently New Species of Birds collected in the Great Desert of the Sahara, southwards of Algeria and Tunis. By the Bev. H. B. Tristram, E.L.S . 57 YI. Observations on the Birds of St. Croix, West Indies, made between February 20th and August 6th, 1857, by Alered Newton, and between March 4th and September 28th, 1858, by Edward Newton. Part I. (Plate I.) . . 59 YII. On the Breeding of the Smew, Mergus albellus. By John Wolley, jun . 69 YIII. Becent Discoveries in European Oology. By Wil¬ liam C. Hewitson. (Plate II.) . 76 IX. Beview of Mr. Bree’s “ Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles” . 81 X. Becent Ornithological Publications : — 1. English 'publications : — Gould’s 4 Humming Birds,’ pts. 15, 16 ; Gould’s ‘ Birds of Asia,’ pt. 10 ; Gould’s ‘ Monograph of the Trogons,’ new ed., pt. 1 ; Eyton’s ‘ Osteologia Avium ’ ; Bree’s ‘ European Birds ’ ; Illustrated Proceedings of the Zoo- X CONTENTS. logical Society, 1858, pts. 1, 2, 3 ; Annals of Natural History ; The Zoologist ; Horsfield and Moore’s * Catalogue of the Birds in the Museum of the Hon. East India Company’ ; De Ver- teuil’s 4 Trinidad’ ; Jones’s ‘Naturalist in Bermuda’ ... 99 2. French publications. — Bonaparte and Souance’s 4 Icono- graphie des Perroquets ’ ; * Iconographie des Pigeons ’ ; Bevue et Magasin de Zoologie ; Loche’s 4 Mammals and Birds of Algeria’ . 104 3. German publications. — Cabanis’ Journal fur Ornitholo- gie, 1858, pts. 1-4 ; Naumannia, 1858, pt. 1.; yon Pelzeln’s 4 New or little-known species of Birds’ ; Kittlitz’s 4 Travels in Russian America’ &c . . 106 4. American publications. — Baird’s Report on North Ame¬ rican Ornithology ; Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 1858 ; Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York .......... 108 XI. Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, &c. Proceedings of Mr. Wallace in New Guinea ; of Mr. Eraser in Ecuador ; of M. Mouhot in Siam ; Letter of Mr. Blyth from Calcutta ; Extract from a Letter of Prof. Jameson, from Quito ; M. Malherbe’s work on the Picidse ; Living Struthious Birds in the Hardens of the Zoological Society ; Attractions of Cilicia for Naturalists. (Plate III.) . Ill Number II., April. XII. On the Ornithology of Central America. Part II. By Philip L utley Sclater and Osbert S alvin. (Plates IY. and V.) . 117 XIII. Observations on the Birds of St. Croix, West Indies, made between February 20th and August 6th, 1857, by Alered Newton, and between March 4th and September 28th, 1858, by Edward Newton. Part II . 138 XIY. Account of a Visit to a Nesting-place of the Frigate- bird {Fregata aquila). From a letter of George Cavendish Taylor, Esq . 150 XV. List of Birds received from Ibadan, in Western Africa. By John Henry Gurney, Esq., M.P . 152 CONTENTS. XI XYI. On the Ornithology of Northern Africa. By the Rev. H. B. Tristram, E.L.S. Part 1 . 153 XVII. Remarks on the Harlequin Duck ( Histrionicus tor- qucituSj Bp.). By Alfred Newton, M.A., E.L.S. . . . 162 XVIII. Notes on the Birds of Western Spitzbergen, as observed in 1855. By Edward Evans and Wilson Sturge 166 XIX. Eive Months’ Birds’ -nesting in the Eastern Atlas. By Osbert Salvin, Corr. Memb. Zool. Soc. Parti. (Plate VI.) 174 XX. On the Breeding of the Crane (Grus cinerea ) in Lap- land. By John Wolley, jnn . 191 XXI. Recent Ornithological Publications : — 1. English publications : — Bree’s 4 European Birds ’ ; Illus¬ trated Proceedings of the Zoological Society ; Annals of Na¬ tural History ; Catalogue of Mammals and Birds of New Guinea, by J. E. and G. R. Gray ; Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, April 1859 ; Journal of the Asiatic Society of Ben¬ gal . 199 2. French publications : — Jaubert and Barthelemy-Lapom- meraye’s ‘ Richesses Ornithologiques du Midi de la Erance ’ ; Pucheran on the Ornithology of the Sandwich Islands ; Revue et Magasin de Zoologie ; de Saussure’s £ Observations sur les moeurs de divers oiseaux de Mexique’ . 201 3. German publications: — Badeker’s ‘Eier derEuropaischen Vogel’; Proceedings of the Academy of Vienna; Cabanis’ Journal fur Ornithologie, 1858, pt. 5; Naumannia, 1858, pts. 2 & 3 ; Wiegmann’s ‘ Archiv’ for 1858 -; Zeitschift fur algemeine Erdkunde for 1857 . 202 4. American publications : — Baird’s Catalogue of North American Birds ; Page’s ‘ La Plata ’ ; Proceedings of the Aca¬ demy of Philadelphia; J ournal of the Academy of Philadelphia 205 XXII. Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, &c. Letter from Mr. Gould on the occurrence of the Goshawk ; from Mr. Gurney on the colour of the irides of Milvus ccgyptius ; from Rev. H. Harpur Crewe on the early appearance of the Goatsucker ; from Mr. Eraser on his travels in Ecuador ; Mr. Wallace’s discovery of a new Paradise Bird, and his collections made at Havre Dorey ; Extracts from Mr. Blyth’s letters ; New American Works on Birds ; Sale of Bennett’s Cassowary and of Mr. Wolley’s eggs . 206 Xll CONTENTS. Number III., July. Page XXIII. On the Ornithology of Central America. Part III. By Philip Lutlet Sclater and Osbert Sal yin .... 213 XXIV. List of a Collection of Birds received from the Colony of Natal in South-Eastern Africa. By J. H. G-urney, M.P., E.Z.S. (Plate VII.) . 234 XXV. Observations on the Birds of St. Croix, West Indies, made between Eebrnary 20th and August 6th, 1857, by Alered Newton, and between March 4th and September 28th, 1858, by Edward Newton. Part III . 252 XXVI. Narrative of the discovery of some Nests of the Black Woodpecker ( Ficus martins') in Sweden. By W. H. Simpson, M.A. . . . 264 XXVII. Notes on the Nesting of a pair of Eagle Owls {Bubo maximus) in confinement. By Edward Eountaine . 273 XXVIII. Characters of an undescribed species of Hawk from New Caledonia. By Philip Lutley Sclater. (Plate VIII.) . 275 XXIX. On the Ornithology of Northern Africa. By the Rev. H. B. Tristram, E.L.S. Part II. The Sahara. (Plate IX.) . . . 277 XXX. Eive Months’ Birds’ -nesting in the Eastern Atlas. By Osbert Salyin, B.A., Corr. Mernb. Zool. Soc. Part II. 302 XXXI. Recent Ornithological Publications. 1. English 'publications '. — Illustrated Proceedings of the Zoological Society; G-ould’s ‘Birds of Asia,’ pt. 11 ; Gr.R. Grray’s List of Parrots ; Bree’s 4 European Birds ’ ; Ey ton’s 4 Osteo- logia Avium,’ pt. 2 . . . 318 2. French publications'. — Revue et Magasin de Zoologie ; Pucheran’s Papers in ‘L’Institut’ . 322 3. German and Scandinavian publications: — Hartlaub’s Monograph of the African Lamprotornithince : — Erhard’s ‘ Eauna der Cycladen’ ; Sundevall’s 4 Sven ska Eoglarna’ ; Sunde- vall’s Critique on Sparman’s 4 Museum Carlsonianum ’ and Le Vaillant’s 4 Oiseaux d’Afrique ’ . . . 323 American publications : — Cassin’s, ‘Mammalogy and Orni- CONTENTS. Xlll thology of tlie U. S. Exploring Expedition’; Proceedings of the Academy of Philadelphia ; Baird’s Catalogue of North American Birds . . 325 XXXII. Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, An¬ nouncements, &c. Death of Mr. Edward Evans ; Letter from Mr. Eowley on the Dartford Warbler, &c. ; from Mr. Hawker on a supposed nest of the Ash-coloured Shrike; Mr. Wallace’s discovery of a second Paradise-hird in Batchian ; Mr. Eraser’s proceedings in Ecuador ; Mr. Salvin’ s return to Guatemala ; Prof. Baird’s Account of Progress of Natural History in the IJ. S. ; Arrival of a pair of Bennett’s Cassowary and other Birds at the Zoological Gardens . 329 Number IY. October. XXXIII. List of Birds observed and collected during a Voyage in the Bed Sea. By Dr. Theodor von Heuglin. Edited and translated by Dr. G. Hartlaub. (Pates X. and XI.) . 337 XXXIY. Eive Months’ Birds’ -nesting in the Eastern Atlas. By Osbert Salvin, B.A., Corr. Memb. Zool. Soc. (Part III.) 352 XXXY. Observations on the Birds of St. Croix, West Indies, made between Eebruary 20th and August 6th, 1857, by Alered Newton, and between March 4th and September 28th, 1858, by Edward Newton. Part IY. (Plate XII.) . 365 XXX YI. On the occurrence of White’s Thrush ( Oreocinclo aurea) near Stratford-on-Avon, with remarks on the genera Oreocinclo , Turdus , and Merula. By Bobert E. Tomes . . 379 XXXVII. List of Birds of Prey received from Beyrout. By John Henry Gurney, M.P., E.Z.S . 389 XXXVIII. Descriptions of Six new Species of Birds. By Daniel G. Elliot of New York. (Plate XIII.) .... 391 XXXIX. On the habits of the Black-winged Stilt as ob¬ served on its occurrence in Sussex. By A. E. Knox . . . 395 XL. Note on the breeding and mode of capture of the Short-tailed Petrel or Mutton-bird ( Puffinus obscurus ) in XIV CONTENTS. the islands of Bass’s Straits. From the Journal of Robert Elwes . 397 XLI. Notes on some of the Humming-birds of Ecuador figured in Mr. Gould’s Monograph. By Dr. William Jame¬ son of Quito, and Louis Eraser, Corr. Memb. Zool. Soc. . 399 XLII. Review of Herr Badeker’s and Dr. Brewer’s Oological Works . 400 XLIIL On the Ornithology of Northern Africa. By the Rev. H.B. Tristram, M.A.,E.L.S. Part III. The Sahara (continued) 415 XLIY. A List of the Tyrant-birds of Mexico, with de¬ scriptions of some new species. By Philip Lutlet Sclater, M.A. (Plate XIY.) . 436 XLY. Note on Pel’s Owl (S 'cotopelia peli). By John Henrt Gurney, M.P., E.Z.S. (Plate XY.) ..... 445 XLYI. Letter from Mr. Wallace concerning the Geo¬ graphical Distribution of Birds . 449 XLYII. Recent Ornithological publications. 1. English publications : — Gould’s ‘Monograph of theHmn- ming-birds,’ pts.xvii.,xviii.; Gould’s Supplement to ‘The Birds of Australia,’ pt. iii. ; Illustrated Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1859, pt i. ; Bree’s ‘ European Birds Annals of Na- turalHistory; Collingwood’s ‘Migration of Birds’ and ‘Fauna of Blackheath ’ ; E. Yernon Harcourt’s ‘ Sporting in Algeria’ ; The Zoologist, Osburn on the Birds of Jamaica . 454 2. French publications : — Revue et Magasin de Zoologie ; Malherbe’s ‘ Monographic des Pics ’ . 457 3. German , Dutch , and Russian publications : — Cabanis’ Journal fur Ornithologie ; Naumannia, 1858, pts iv., v., vi. ; Schlegel and Herklots’s ‘ Fauna von Nederland’ ; Hofman’s ‘ Nor dliche Ural ’ . 458 4. American 'publications : — -Pacific R. R. Reports, vol. x. ; Brewer’s ‘ N. American Oology ’ ; Report of the Smithsonian Institution for 1858 ; Proceedings of the Academy of Phila- phia for J uly . . 460 XLYIII. Letters,* Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, &e. Mr. Edward Newton’s departure for the Mauritius ; Mr. CONTENTS. XV Fraser’s Proceedings in Ecuador ; Letter from Mr. Blyth ; Letter from Mr. Salvin ; Letter from Mr. Orde on the occur¬ rence of rare Birds in the Hebrides ; Notice of the Discovery of the Egg of the Californian Vulture ; The Nesting and Egg of Balceniceps ; Mr. Currie’s note on the occurrence of Pallas’s Sand-grouse in Norfolk ; Mr. E. Fountaine’s further note on the breeding of Bubo maximus ; M. Radde’s explorations on the Amoor; Mr. Gould’s acquisition of Biar dig alius ; Con¬ tinuation of Du Bus’ £ Esquisses Ornithologiques ’ ; Occur¬ rences in the Gardens of the Zoological Society . 461 ERRATA. Page 6, line 15,/or “Rev. Zool. 1848, p. 3,” read “ Rev. Zooi. 1844, p. 41.” Page 120, line 10, for citreopygia read citreopygius. Page 164, lines 6 and 7, for “ Mr. Cassin, in Professor Baird’s,” read “ Professor Baird in his.” Page 164, line 9, for “sea-coasts,” read “ sea-coast.” Page 164, line 10, insert a comma after “ Iceland.” Page 164, line 14, for “the north of Norway and Fimnark,” read “the “ north of Norway or Finmark ” Page 164, line 22, for “441,” read “443.” Page 165, line 26, for “368,” read “366.” Page 165, line 27 , for “ 124,” read “163.” Page 165, line 28, for “ Devonport,” read “Davenport.” Page 319, line 24, for “ II.” read “ 11.” PLATES IN VOL. I. Page I. Gymnoglaux nudipes . . . . 64 II. Eggs of European Birds . 76 III. Cepbalopterus penduliger . . . 114 IV. 1. Elainia vilissima . . . . 122 2. - placens . . . . . 123 V. Eggs of Guatemalan Birds . 138 VI. Ealco barbaras . 184 VII. Gallinula pumila . 249 VIII. Accipiter haploehrous . 275 IX. Saxicola philothamna, <y et $ . . . 299 X. 1. Sylvia delicatula . 340 2. Sula melanops . . . 351 XI. Otis heuglinii . 344 XII. Eggs of Birds of St. Croix . 378 XIII. Platypsaris affinis . 394 XIV. 1. Mitrephorus pbseocercus . 442 2. Camptostoma imberbe . 444 XV. Sqotopelia peli . 445 THE IBIS. No. I. JANUARY 1859. I. — On the Ornithology of Central America. Part I. By Philip Lutley Sclater and Osbert Salvin. Although the birds of Central America are tolerably well known to us from the numerous travellers and collectors who have explored different parts of its shores, and supplied the museums of Europe with specimens, no writer has as yet at¬ tempted anything like a general account of the ornithology of this remarkable country, where winter visitants from the northern portion of the New World mix with others of peculiar form and splendid plumage, which recall to one’s memory the most brilliant ornaments of the tropical bird-faunas of Brazil and Cayenne. A considerable number of specimens having been lately trans¬ mitted to England from Guatemala — perhaps the most attract¬ ive part of the great Central-American isthmus, — and one of the writers of the present article having himself passed some months in that country, and collected specimens and made notes upon its birds, it has been thought that the opportunity should not be lost of attempting a sketch of the ornithology of this region, in order to form a foundation upon which a more complete work may hereafter be established. It is proposed, therefore, in the present paper, to give a list, with incidental remarks, of all the species of birds which are certainly known to inhabit Central America, from the confines of Mexico to where the Isthmus again contracts in the republic of Honduras, and the route of the proposed Honduras Interoceanic Railway gives a convenient southern boundary. VOL. i. 4 B 2 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the The authorities at present existing on the ornithology of this country are but few. The birds of Southern Mexico are known to us through the researches of MM. Salle, Botteri, and Boucard* * * § ; but none of these explorers have yet descended so far south as the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Yucatan, which lies within our limits, was visited by Dr. Cabot, who accompanied Mr. Stephens in his second journey. Several interesting papers f on the birds of this country were the results of this expedition, but unfortunately no accurate list of the species obtained was ever published. The only account of the birds of- Guatemala that we are acquainted with, besides some scattered notices of new species by Dr. Hartlaub, the Vicomte Du Bus J, and others, is the late Prince Bonaparte’s article in theP. Z. S. 1837, “ On the birds collected by Col. Velasquez de Leon during a fortnight’s scientific tour in Guatemala.” He gives here the names of thirty-nine species, some of which were then new. But several well-known collectors have visited parts of this country, and many of their specimens are now in the Derby Museum at Liver¬ pool and our National Collection. M. Delattre passed some time at Coban, in the Vera Paz, during one of his f voyages,’ and has given us an account § of the habits of that magnificent bird the Pharomacrus paradiseus, which he first observed near that city. The late Mr. Dyson (whose chief object was, I believe, to procure the Ocellated Turkey) collected also on the Bay of Honduras and obtained many fine specimens. The late Sefior Don Jose Constancia, of La Antigua Guatemala, was a corre¬ spondent of the late Mr. H. E. Strickland, and sent him several collections of birds, some of which were figured in Sir William * See “ Catalogue of the Birds collected by M. Auguste Salle in Southern Mexico,” by P. L. Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 283 ; and other papers, P. Z. S. 1857, p- 81, p. 201, p. 210, and p. 226 ; and 1858, p. 95 and p. 294. t See Boston Journal of Natural History, iv. p. 246, and p. 460, v. p. 90, and p. 416; and the Appendix to vol. ii. of Stephens’s ‘Travels in Yucatan.’ X See “ Description de sept oiseaux de Guatemala, par le Dr. G. Hart¬ laub,” Rev. Zool. 1844, p. 215 ; “ Sur une nouvelle espece du genre Melanotis,” ibid. 1852, p. 460 : Du Bus in Bull. Acad. Bruxelles and * Esquisses Ornithologiques.’ § See Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 163. 3 Ornithology of Central America . Jardine’s f Contributions to Ornithology* * * §/ Mr. Joseph Leyland of Liverpool has also recently visited the Bay of Honduras for the purpose of collecting objects of natural history. Mr. Thomas Moore, of the Derby Museum, has drawn up an account of the Mammals and Birds collected by Mr. Leyland, and has kindly allowed us the use of his MS., which we hope to see published shortly. Our southern limit, the line of the proposed railway through Honduras, was traversed in 1858 by Capt. G. C. Taylor. A list of the birds obtained by him will be found in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society f for the same year, and is our only authority upon the birds of this district. Far¬ ther southwards, the ornithology of Nicaragua has been partly explored by DelattreJ and Salle §, and that of Yeragua by Mr. Bridges ||, M. Warscewicz ^[, and the surveying expedition under the command of Capt. Kellett. The specimens obtained from the latter source are now in the British Museum. We believe we have now mentioned nearly, if not quite, all the authorities on Central American ornithology **. Of such of these as relate to the territory within our limits we have of course availed ourselves. But we have derived most assist¬ ance from the series of bird-skins which have been lately trans¬ mitted by George Ure Skinner, Esq., from Guatemala. This gentleman, well known for the splendid Orchids ft which he has * See Contr. Orn. pi. 17, pi. 33, &c. Some of the duplicates from these collections passed into my possession. — P. L. S. t See P. Z. S. 1858, p. 356. X See “Note sur les collections rapportees en 1853 par M. A. Delattre de son voyage en Californie et dans le Nicaragua par Charles Lucien, Prince Bonaparte,” Compt. Rend, xxxvii. and xxxviii., and also separately printed. § The two beautiful Mammals figured in P. Z. S. 1848, pi. vi. and vii., Mycetes palliaius, Gray, and Sciurus dorsalis, Gray, were obtained by M. Salle during this journey near Grenada in Nicaragua, and not at Caraccas, as there stated. || See P. Z. S. 1856, p. 138. See P. Z. S. 1850, p. 162. ** Whether Dr. Wagner and Dr. Scherzer, who have recently travelled through the Central American republics, collected any birds, we do not know, but we believe they have not yet published anything on the subject. ft Cattleyia skinneri, Barkeria skinneri, Lycaste skinneri, Odonto- glossum grande, and many other magnificent species. B 2 4 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the imported from the same country, has lately employed collect¬ ors * in several parts of the republic, more particularly at Sa- lama, Cajabon, and other places in the Vera Paz; and it is to his exertions that science is indebted for the knowledge of the ap¬ propriately named Cotinga amabilis, for additional specimens of the wonderful Oreophasis derbianus, and many other ornitholo¬ gical rarities. Salvin, from whose personal observation the greater part of our notes are derived, reached Belize in the middle of December 1857. After a few days’ stay, he proceeded down the coast to Ysabal, on the inland lake called the Golfo Dulce, and thence by easy stages up to the city of Guatemala, collecting by the way when the opportunity presented itself. Duenas, about thirty miles south of the capital, situated nearly between the two vol¬ canos of Agua and Fuego, was his head-quarters during his six months’ residence in the country ; but he also made two excur¬ sions towards the Pacific coast, and one to the lake of Atitlan in the Altos of Guatemala. Leaving the country towards the end of June last, he returned home by the Pacific coasting steamer and Panama. The part of Central America which we are now speaking of, being in fact a continuation of Mexico, partakes of much of the same general physical contour, and embraces three distinct faunas. The first is that of the Atlantic coast-region, or tierra caliente, bordering the Caribbean Sea. This varies greatly in breadth, extending nearly over the whole of the northern por¬ tion of the peninsula of Yucatan, but in other places being confined within narrow limits. It may be held to embrace all the eastern slope of the watershed up to the height of 4000 feet. Corresponding to this on the other side is the Pacific coast- region, also a tierra caliente , extending to about the same height above the sea-level. It differs, however, in being of a uniform narrow width of not more than 50 miles, and the descent to it from the table-land is abrupt, and is well defined by the volca¬ nic chain which borders the western limit of the table-land. In these twTo coast-regions occur nearly all the tropical forms which * We regret to hear by late accounts of the death of one of the most active of these — Rivera Paz, whose sevices it will be difficult to replace. 5 Ornithology of Central America. are represented in the ornithology of Guatemala, but we believe that the two faunas are nevertheless quite distinct, and that the same species seldom occurs in both districts. We have not yet sufficient information to enable us to work out this subject ; but we may remark, that Meleagris ocellata , Cotinga amahilis , Ram- phocelus passerinii, Anabates rubiginosus, and Galbula melanoge- nia , may all be considered as species peculiar to the Atlantic coast-region ; while Buteo ghiesbreghti, Ara aracanga , and others, appear to be confined to the Pacific. Between the two coast-regions, embracing the whole interior of the country, is the central region or table-land of Guatemala, varying in altitude from 4000 to 8000 feet, out of which rises a chain of volcanic peaks, which in some cases attain a height of nearly 14,000 feet. There are many forms peculiar to this district. In the first place, it is the winter residence of the greater part of the northern migrants, which abound here from October to the end of March. Our list will show a large number of these birds. Of the many residents peculiar to this region, we may mention as characteristic examples, Oreo - phasis der bianus, Pharomacrus paradiseus, Pyrgisoma biarcuatum , Turdus grayii and T. rufitorques, Panyptila melanoleuca, Corvus cacalotl (?), and Erismatura rubida. The province of Vera Paz is partly in the Central and partly in the Atlantic region, and the species collected there may consequently belong to either fauna. Species marked (N.A.) in the following list are such as are included in the fauna of the U.S., and, with a few exceptions, may be taken to be winter visitants to Guatemala. Ordo I. INSESSORES. Tribus 1. Passeres*. Subtribus I. Oscines. Fam. I. TURDLDiE. I. Turdus grayii, Bp. P. Z. S. 1837, p. 118. This species is resident throughout the higher districts, but is not found lower down than at an elevation of 4000 ft. It * We agree very much with Mr. Wallace’s views (Ann. Nat. Hist. 1856), who separates the great mass of Insessores into three groups — Passeres, 6 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the breeds commonly at Duenas in the months of April and May, making a nest of roots, fibres and small twigs with a lining of dry grass and fine roots. The eggs, three in number, are more or less covered with spots and blotches of red-brown on a ground of pale bluish green, the spots being more concentrated at the obtuse end. They measure 1 inch lines in axis and 10 \ lines in diameter. The song of Turdus grayii is very rich and of considerable compass, quite rivalling any of its congeners. It is a favourite cage-bird with the Spaniards, and enjoys the name of ‘ Sinzonte’ in common with all other thrushes. 2. Turdus leucauchen, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858 (Nov. 9th). Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In the collections of P. L. S. and Mr. Gould. 3. Turdus infuscatus, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1848, p. 3. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Sir William Jardine's collection. 4. Turdus rufitorques, Hartl. Rev. Zool. 1844, p. 214; Du Bus, Esquisses Orn. pi. 19 et 20. It is only in the higher parts of the Cordillera that this species is found ; it occurs on the northern spur of the Yolcan de Fuego, near a small village called Calderas, at an elevation of about 7000 feet. At Las Gordinas, in the Altos of Guatemala, and about the lofty hills that surround the Lake of Atitlan, it is tolerably numerous. In short, wherever the evergreen oaks attain their maximum growth, T. rufitorques may be found. 5. Turdus mustelinus (Gm.). (N. A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 6. Turdus swainsoni (Cab.). Turdus olivaceus, Brewer, Baird's Rep. p. 216. (N. A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 7. Catharus melpomene (Cab.), Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 97. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Fissirostres, and Scansores. The Passeres we divide, according to Muller’s views, into Oscines and Tracheophonce, the latter group passing on towards the Fissirostres. Ornithology of Central America. 7 8. Malacocichla dryas, Gould, P. Z. S. 1854, p. 285, pi. 97. The Department of the Vera Paz alone seems to produce this species, of which examples were first transmitted by Mr. Skinner. (Mus. Brit.) 9. Malacocichla mexicana, Bp. Compt. Rend, xliii. p. 998. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Also in the Derby Museum and the collection of the Philadelphian Academy, from Coban (Delattre) . 10. Melanoptila glabrirostris, Sclater, Pc Z. S. 1857, p. 275. Omoa, Honduras (Leyland). Mus. Brit., Derb., et P. L. S. 11. Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn.). Turdus felivox, Vieill. (N. A.) At Belize this bird occurs, but sparingly ; it is also found in Guatemala, but is probably restricted in its range to the north¬ ern coast. 12. Melanotis hypoleucus, Hartlaub, Rev. Zool. 1852, p. 460. About Duenas this Mock-bird is very common, frequenting the thick bushes and underwood. It is shy, and eludes obser¬ vation by skulking rather than by open flight. Its song in February is short and disjointed, but towards the breeding season it improves in quality. The food of M. hypoleucus con¬ sists chiefly of berries ; but, as it is also often to be observed searching about the roots of trees and amongst dead leaves, in¬ sects and their larvae may probably be included. This species forms a very slight nest, using small twigs for its construction with a lining of fine roots. The structure is usually placed in a thick bush about 9 or 10 feet from the ground. The eggs are laid about the end of May, and are three in number, rather elongated in form and uniform greenish blue in colour. They measure, axis 1 inch 2 lines, diam. 9| lines. 13. Mimus gracilis, Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 83. This bird seems to have a universal range over the whole Republic, including British Honduras. Skins from Belize and 8 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the from Saluma, in the Department of Vera Paz, present no differ¬ ences. It is a favourite cage-bird with the Spaniards. Its food is principally berries. Fam. II. SYLVIIDiE. 14. SlALIA WILSONI (Sw.). (N. A.) “El asulejo” It is only in the more open districts of the elevated region that this Blue-bird is found ; in such localities, however, it is numerous. Some Guatemala skins of this species are very pale below, on the belly quite white. Others are intermediate between this and the deep red of the more northern bird. We have not ob¬ served the same variation in Mexican examples. 15. Reg ulus calendula (Linn.). (N. A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Fam. III. TROGLODYTIDiE. 16. Campylorhynchus capistratus (Less.). Picolaptes ca- pistratus, Des Mur, Icon. Orn. pi. 63. Often transmitted from Belize and Honduras. 17. Thryothorus rufalbus, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1845, p. 337 ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 140. This Wren is tolerably numerous and a resident at Duenas. It is to be found in moderately thick forest, but seems rather to seek single trees of dense foliage than thickly grown underwood. 18. ClSTOTHORUS ELEGANS, Sp. nOV. Supra murino-brunneus, nigro transversim obsolete fasciatus ; capitis antici et interscapulii plumis nigris, stria mediali distincta sordide alba ornatis : alis et cauda fasciis alternis pallide brunneis et nigris extus notatis : primariorum pogoniis internis pallide nigricanti-cinereis : cauda nigra ; rectricum lateralium pogonio externo et pogonii interni parte terminali pallide fulvis, maculis quadratis nigris varie- gatis : subtus ochracescenti-albidus, unicolor, gutture dilu- tiore, fere albo, lateribus et crisso paulo saturatioribus : rostro superiore fusco, inferiore cum pedibus pallide flavidis : long, tota 4*30, alse 1*75, caudse 1*75, rostri a rictu 6, tarsi *7. Ornithology of Central America . 9 A single specimen only was shot by Salvin amongst the rushes on the banks of the lake of Duenas, where it appeared to be scarce. This apparently hitherto unnoticed Wren rather resembles the N. American Cistothorus brevirostris , but is much larger in di¬ mensions and more distinctly marked. 19. Troglodytes aedon (Vieill.). (N. A.) Undoubted examples of this bird have been transmitted by Mr. Skinner ; but it is uncertain whether this agrees with the common wren at Duenas, specimens of which were not col¬ lected. Fam. IV. ALAUDIDiE. 20. Anthus ludovicianus (Gm.). (N. A.) A small flock of about twelve were seen in the open land near Duenas, about the middle of February. They were apparently on passage, and did not remain. Fam. V. PARIDiE. Subfam. Polioptilin,®. 21. P olioptila mexicana (Bp.). Culicivora mexicana, Bp. Consp. p. 316 ? This bird is not uncommon at Duenas, frequenting low bushy trees. It seems to extend its range through a great variety of temperature, as a single individual was seen in the month of February 14,000 feet above the level of the sea, on the summit of the Volcan de Agua. It does not remain to breed. Specimens from Guatemala agree with those collected by M. Salle in the State of Vera Cruz. They are much more cinereous than P. ccerulea of N. America, and have no appearance of a frontal band in either sex. It is not yet certain whether they are anything more than P. ccerulea in winter plumage. Fam. VI. MNIOTILTIDiE. Subfam. Siurin^. 22. Siurus auricapillus (Gm.). (N. A.) Numerous examples of this species have been forwarded ] 0 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the through Mr. Skinner from the Vera Paz. It occurs but very sparingly at Duehas in the month of February. 23. Siurus noveboracensis (Gm.). (N. A.) Just outside the town of Belize, and beyond that part called Yarborough, this is a very common bird in the month of De¬ cember. Subfam. MniotiltinvE. 24. Minotilta varia (Linn.). (N. A.) At Belize, as well as throughout the more elevated portions of Guatemala, this bird is found ; it seems to be pretty equally and generally spread over the whole country. It is migratory at Duehas, leaving that district in the spring. 25. Parula Americana (Linn.). (N. A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 26. Parula superciliosa (Hartl.). Conirostrum super ciliosum, Hartl. Rev. Zool. 1844, p. 215; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 299. Originally described from Guatemalan specimens by Dr. Hart- laub. 27. Geothlypis trichas (Linn.). (N. A.) This is perhaps the commonest species of the Mniotiltidce about Duehas, but like all the rest is migratory. It is usually to be found in the neighbourhood of water, and frequents the reeds surrounding the Lake of Duehas, and the bushes on the banks of its outlet to the River Guacalate. 28. Geothlypis macgillivrayii (Aud.). Sylvia tolmicei , Townsend. (N. A.) Throughout the district lying between the Volcanos of Agua and Puego this species is by no means uncommon, frequenting the outskirts of the forest and the edges of the clearings. The distinctive marks over and under the eye, by which G. macgil¬ livrayii is distinguished from G. philadelphica , are very apparent in a living or freshly-shot bird. 29. Oporornis Formosa (Wilson) ; Baird, Report, p. 247. (N.A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Ornithology of Central America. 1 1 30. Helmitherus vermivorus (Lath.); Baird, Rep. p. 252. (N.A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 31. Helminthophaga pinus (Linn.); Baird, Bep. p. 254. (N. A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 32. Dendroica virens (Gm.). (N.A.) This species occurs but sparingly at Duenas, where it is a winter visitant. Specimens also have been transmitted by Mr. Skinner and by Senor Constancia. 33. Dendroica townsendii, Baird, Rep. p. 269. (N. A.) D. townsendii is also a winter visitant at Duenas, and though more frequently met with than D. virens , is by no means abundant. 34. Dendroica coronata (Linn.). (N. A.) This bird frequents the more open districts about Duenas, preferring scattered bushes to the denser underwood. It is an abundant species, especially between Duenas and the village of Alotenango, in the winter season. 35. Dendroica blackburnue (Gm.). (N.A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner and Senor Constancia. 36. Dendroica castanea (Wilson). (N. A.) 37. Dendroica ^estiva (Gm.). (N.A.) 38. Dendroica maculosa (Gm.). (N.A.) Specimens of all these three Wood- warblers have been trans¬ mitted by Mr. Skinner. 39. Myiodioctes mitratus (Gm.). (N. A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Also collected by Capt. Taylor near Comayagua (see P. Z. S. 1858, p. 358). 40. Myiodioctes pusillus (Wils.). (N. A.) A common migratory species at Duenas, where it is only found during the winter season. 41. Myiodioctes canadensis (Linn.). (N.A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 12 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the 42. Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.). (N. A.) At Belize this species occurs in the winter. 43. Setophaga picta (Sw.). Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 44. Setophaga flammea, Kaup, P. Z. S. 1851, p. 49. S. in - termedia , Hartl. B. Z. 1852, p. 5. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner and Senor Constancia. Distinct from the Mexican Setophaya miniata. The specimen from Gua¬ temala described in Baird’s Report (p. 299) without doubtbelongs here. Pam. VII. VIREONIDiE. Subfam. Icteriin^e. 45. Icteria velasquezi, Bp. P. Z. S. 1837, p. 117. We rather doubt the distinctness of the southern specimens of Icteria from those of the United States (/. polyglotta and I. lonyicauda), and believe they may be referred to the winter dress of the latter. Subfam. Vireonix/E. 46. Vireosylvia olivacea (Linn.) ; Baird’s Rep. p. 329. (N. A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 47. Vireosylvia flavo-viridis, Gassin, Pr. Ac. Sc. Philad. (1851) v. p. 152, pi. 11 ; Baird, Rep. p. 332. In coll. P. L. S., received from Don Jose Constancia. 48. Vireosylvia philadelphica, Cassin, Pr. Ac. Sc. Philad. v. p. 153. pi. 10. fig. 2 ; Baird, Rep. p. 335. (N. A.) In coll. 0. S. received from Mr. Skinner. 49. Vireo flavifrons, Vieill. ; Baird, Rep. p. 341. (N. A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 50. VlREOLANIUS PULCHELLUS, Sp. IIOV. Lsete psittaceo-viridis : pileo cyaneo : gutture flavo : forma et statura Vireolanii icterophryos. A single specimen of this beautiful bird is in the British Museum, received from Mr. Skinner through Mr. Gould. 13 Ornithology of Central America. 51. Cyclorhis flaviventris, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1842, p. 133. Transmitted by Senor Constancia and Mr. Skinner. Fam. VIII. HIRUNDINIDiE. 52. Hirundo horreorum, Barton ; Baird, Rep. p.308.(N. A.) This species, or one very closely resembling it, was observed by Salvin near Duenas, in April 1858, 53. Petrochelidon bicolor (Vieill.). (N. A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Mr. Gould's collection. 54. Petrochelidon thalassina, Sw. Phil. Mag.1827, p.365. (N.A.) _ Early in March great numbers of this beautiful species occur near Duenas, where they remain but for a short time ; during that time they are to be found flying over the open land to the south of the lake. 55. Atticora pileata, Gould, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 355. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 56. Cotyle serripennis (Aud.). (N.A.) In a gorge on the River Guacalate this Swallow is especially abundant, but it is also found elsewhere about Duenas. Greater numbers appear in the winter months, but a few are to be found all through the year. 57. Progne dominicensis (Gm.). A skin, transmitted by Mr. Skinner, seems to agree most nearly with this species. Fam. IX. AMPELIDiE. Subfam. Ampelin^e. 58. Ampelis cedrorum, Vieill. (N. A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner, and said to be an occasionally abundant winter visitant. Bomhycilla marice , Coinde (Grenoble, 1857), seems to be nothing more than this bird. Subfam. Ptilogonydin.e. 59. Ptilogonys cinereus (Sw.). Transmitted by Senor Constancia to the late Mr. Strickland ; and also in Mr. Skinner's series. 14 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the 60. Myiadestes obscurus, Lafr. Every wooded ravine in the elevated region resounds with the strange song of this bird, which, from its remarkable character, has procured for the songster the title of f Guarda barranca’ The notes have a metallic ringing in their tone, and though peculiar, are extremely soft in their cadence. It is a bird that, of all others, when once heard and known, associates itself with all that is beautiful in the grand mountain- scenery of Guatemala. Deservedly this is a favourite cage-bird with the Spanish ladies, and few houses are without it. Fam. X. CCEREBIDiE. 61. CcEREBA LUCIDA, Sp. nOV. Affinis C. ccerulece ex Cayenna, et rostro simillimo, sed colore cseruleo -viridescente, gula media usque ad pectus nigra, alis et tarsis longioribus distinguenda. Long, alse 2’4. Numerous specimens transmitted by Mr. Skinner seem to agree in the above distinctions. 62. Chlorophanes atricapilla, Vieill. ? Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. We have not yet had an op¬ portunity of comparing this with southern specimens. 63. Diglossa baritula, Wagl. Isis, 1832, p. 281 ; Gray & Mitch. Gen. pi. 42. Transmitted by Senor Constancia and Mr. Skinner. Fam. XI. TANAGRIDiE. 64. Saltator atriceps (Less.). Arremon giganteus, Bp. P. Z. S. 1837, p. 117 ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 358. Pyrrhula raptor , Cabot. Comayagua, Honduras (Taylor): common in Yucatan (Cabot), 65. Saltator magnoides (Lafr.). Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 66. Saltator grandis (Licht.); Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 72. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner in the state described as adult. Specimens procured at Duenas are all in the stage described by Lafresnaye as S. icterophrys, and may perhaps, after all, turn out to be distinct. It is there not uncommon, frequenting the 15 Ornithology of Central America. thick bushy underwood. Its food consists principally of small fruits and berries. 67. Buarremon brunneinuchus (Lafr.). Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 68. Buarremon chrysopogon, Bp., Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 86. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner, showing that the locality given in the Paris Museum (California) is wrong. 69. Lanio aurantius, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1846, p. 204. Procured in Honduras by Dyson. Mus. Brit. 70. Phgenicothraupis rubicoides (Lafr.). Transmitted by Senor Constancia and by Mr. Skinner. 71. Pyranga ^estiva (Gm.). (N.A.) This bird enjoys an almost universal range throughout the Republic of Guatemala. It occurs in December, at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, in the pine-ridges near Quirigua, and in fact along the whole road from the port of Izabal to the city of Guatemala, a distance of about 80 leagues. At Duenas P. cestiva is common, occurring during the winter months. 72. Pyranga hepatica (Sw.); Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 24. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 73. Pyranga ludovician a (Wilson). (N.A.) P. ludoviciana occurs near the village of Alotenango, situated between the Volcanos of Agua and Puego, at an elevation of about 5000 feet, but is anything but a common species. Speci¬ mens also have been sent from the Vera Paz. 74. Pyranga erythromel^na (Licht.). P. erythromelcena is common on the Pacific coast in the month of March, and occurs abundantly near Santa Lucia, a village distant about 12 leagues from Escuintla. It is also found in the Vera Paz. 75. Pyranga roseogularis, Cabot, Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist, v. p. 416 ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 6. Discovered in Yucatan by Dr. Cabot. 16 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the 76. Ramphocelus passerinii, Bp.; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 130. It is on the eastern sea-board, and not on the southern slope of the Cordillera, that R. passerinii occurs. At Izabal, the port of Guatemala, on the Gulf of Dulce, it is tolerably numerous. Skins also have been sent from Cajabon in the Department of the Vera Paz. This bird is readily distinguishable from the New Grenadian R. jlammigerus by its smaller size. 77. Ramphocelus sanguinolentus (Less.), Cent. Zool. pi. 39. This magnificent species is found on the hot sea-board of the Bay of Honduras. Mr. Dyson obtained specimens on the Cha- malican River. 78. Tanagra diaconus (Less.). Transmitted by Senor Constancia. 79. Tanagra vicarius (Less.), Cent. Zool. pi. 68 (1830). Tanagra abbas, Licht. Preis-Verz. 1831. This Tanager is resident, but not very numerous, at Duenas. It has also been sent from the Vera Paz. In the month of May it builds a compact nest, composed of small twigs with a little wool, and lined with a few pieces of dead flag, fine roots, and horsehair. The nest, usually in a cypress or other thick¬ growing tree, is placed on the upper part of a branch, and about ten or twelve feet from the ground. The eggs, three in number, are spotted or blotched with three shades of reddish brown on a pale bluish-grey ground. Axis 10^ lines, diam. 8 lines. 80. Calliste larvata, Du Bus. Procured by the late Mr. Dyson during his voyage up the Chamalican River, but appears to be scarce. 81. Euphonia elegantissima (Bp.). Pipra elegantissima, Bp. P. Z. S. 1837, p. 112. Procured in Guatemala by Col. Velasquez de Leon. 82. Euphonia affinis (Less.), Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 274. 83. Euphonia hirundinacea, Bp. P. L. S. 1837, p. 117; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 278. 17 Ornithology of Central America . The specimens whence Prince Bonaparte took his description were procured in Guatemala by Col. Velasquez de Leon : Seiko? Constancia has also transmitted examples. 84. Euphonia gouldi, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 66. pi. 124. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 85. Chlorophonia occipitalis (Du Bus), Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 270. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Sir William Jardine's col¬ lection. Fam. XII. FRINGILLIDiE. 86. Hedymeles ludoyicianus, Linn. (N. A.) It would appear that this bird is abundant in the Vera Paz, as numbers of skins have been transmitted by Mr. Skinner. It does not occur at Duenas, but is a common cage-bird in the city of Guatemala. 87. Spermophila moreletii, Bp. Consp. p. 497. This bird was originally discovered near the lake of Peten by M. Morel et, and was described from his specimens in the Paris Museum by Prince Bonaparte. It is not an uncommon species about Duenas, where it is generally to be found amongst the tall reeds on the edge of the lake. It occurs also at Belize. 88. Volatinia jacarina (Linn.), Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 305. Transmitted by Senor Constancia. Whether this is the true jacarina must remain doubtful, until the several species con¬ founded under that name are worked out. The present bird has white feathers on the bend of the wings above, and the under¬ coverts black. 89. Cyanospiza ciris (Linn.) ; Baird, Rep. p. 503. (N. A.) Though of rather unfrequent occurrence at Duenas, this bird is abundant on the Pacific coast, evidently preferring the hot to the more temperate districts. Capt. Taylor procured a specimen at Comayagua, in the centre of the State of Honduras. See P. Z. S. 1857, p. 358. 90. Cyanospiza versicolor (Bp.). Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Mus. Brit. YOL. i. c 18 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the 91. Cyanospiza cyanea (Linn.). (N. A.) This is a winter visitant at Duenas, where it cannot be said to be abundant. Mr. Skinner having transmitted many skins, it may be supposed to occur more frequently in other parts. 92. Zonotrichia pileata (Bodd.). Z. matutina, auct. Quite an abundant species and resident at Duenas and on the plain of Antigua Guatemala, where it may constantly be seen about the c nopal 9 ( Cactus cochinellifer) in the cochineal plantations, and the mud walls surrounding .them. The bird builds a nest outwardly of strong grass roots and small twigs, and inwardly of horse-hair. The eggs, two in number, are spotted or blotched with deep red on a. pale bluish-green ground. They measure, axis 10 lines, diam. 7| lines. 93. Passerculus lincolni (Aud.). This species was found about the reeds on the margin of the lake in February, but it is not common. 94. Pyrgisoma biarcuatum (Lafr.), Voy. Venus, Ois. pi. 6; Bp. Consp. p. 486. Atlapetes rubricatus, Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 140. This species is not uncommon about Duenas, and is resident. It frequents the thick underwood, but is generally found near the more open and cultivated districts. It builds a very deep nest composed of dead leaves and sticks, with a few horse-hairs inside. This structure is placed in a low bush about 5 or 6 feet from the ground. The eggs, two in number, are closely but distinctly spotted with red on a ground of creamy white ; they measure, axis 1 inch, diam. 8^ lines. It seems very doubtful whether the genus Pyrgisoma can be held to be really distinct from Wagler’s Atlapetes . 95. Coturniculus passerinus (Wilson). (N. A.) Transmitted by Senor Constancia and Mr. Skinner. 96. Hasmophila rufescens (Sw.). Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Mus. Brit. 97. EUSPIZA AMERICANA (Gm.). (N.A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Ornithology of Central America . 19 98. Coccothraustes abeillii (Less.). Guiraca abeillii, Less. Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 41. Mr. Gould has received an example of this beautiful bird from Mr. Skinner. 99. Chrysomitris mexicana (Sw.). Transmitted by Senor Constancia to Mr. Strickland. In coll. P. L. S. Earn. XIII. ICTERIDjE. Subfam. Agelasin^e. 100. AgeljEUs phceniceits (Linn.). The females of this species congregate in large flocks near the lake of Duenas, feeding about the swampy grass on the edge of the water. The males are always separate, and generally to be seen on a single twig of a bush or low trfee, uttering their mono¬ tonous cry. At Duenas they are resident all the year round, and build in the reeds that surround the lake, deferring the period of incubation till the month of June. 101. Sturnella hippocrepis, Wagl. (?) Not only at Duenas, where it is common about the open land, but through all the open plains of the higher region, is this bird found. At the former place it is most abundant in the winter months, but some few pairs remain to breed. Subfam. Icterin^e. 102. Cacicus MONTEZUMiE (Less.) Cent. Zool. pi. 7. Procured by Capt. Taylor at Taulevi, Honduras : seen once at Iguana near Izabal, in the Atlantic coast-region. 103. Ocyalus wagleri, Gray and Mitch. Gen. of B. pi. 8. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from Cajabon, Yera Paz. 104. Cassiculus prevosti (Less.). Occurs sparingly at Duenas. Is generally seen in the thick trees, where it seems to employ itself in breaking the dead twigs, and so attracts attention by the sound. 105. Icterus gularis (Wagl.). Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from the Yera Paz, and collected c 2 20 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the by Capt. Taylor near Comayagua, Honduras (P. Z. S. 1858, p. 358). 106. Icterus pectoralis (Wagl.). Also from the Vera Paz (Mr. Skinner). 107. Icterus giraudi, Cassin. Confer P.Z.S. 1857, p. 227. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 108. Icterus cucullatus (Sw.). A single specimen, apparently referable to this species, was shot in December at Belize, where it is known by the name of the “ Banana-bird/; a title doubtless common to all the genus. It differs from Mexican specimens in having the black ex¬ tending above and behind the eye, and it will be necessary to make further comparisons. 109. Icterus wagleri, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 7. This is the only one of the genus found about Duenas, where it is not uncommon. 110. Icterus prosthemelas, Strickland, Contr. Orn. 1850, p. 120. pi. 62. A close ally of the preceding. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 111. Icterus baltimorensis (Linn.), Bp. P. Z. S. 1837, p. 116. Transmitted from the Vera Paz by Mr. Skinner. 112. Icterus ^peinis, Lawrence. Th is small variety of the Orchard Oriole has been transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Prof. Baird does not consider it truly distinct from /. spurius. 113. Quiscalus macrurus (Sw.). This species plays the part of the sparrow in Guatemala, and seeks the abode of man as that familiar bird does in Europe. It frequents the larger towns as well as the villages. Its favourite resort is the stable, where it scratches for its food among the ordure of the horses) sometimes perching on the backs of these animals and ridding them of their ticks; and now and then flying on to the manger and picking up stray grains of maize. It breeds in societies at Duenas, selecting the willows that grow near the lake and the reeds on its banks for its nests. 21 Ornithology of Central America . The breeding season seems to extend over some length of time, and in the month of May young birds and fresh eggs may be found in nests in the same tree. On the coast, young ones nearly capable of dying were seen in the early part of March. The nest is usually made of grass and placed among thin upright branches, the grass being entwined round each twig to support the structure. The number of eggs seldom exceeds three ; they are curiously marked with black spots on a bluish-grey ground. They measure, axis 1 inch 4 lines, diam. 11^ lines. Capt. Taylor procured specimens of this bird near Comayagua. Fam. XIV. CORVIDAE. Subfam. Corvine. 114. Corvus cacalotl, Wagler : Bp. P.Z.S. 1837, p. 115? A true Raven occurs tolerably abundantly about the plains of Chimaltenango, at an altitude of 6000 feet. It sometimes de¬ scends to Duenas, but rarely. It was also once observed near the village of Estansuelas, on the entrance to the plain of Zacapa. ' Specimens have not yet been obtained, and it is only doubtfully referred, following Bonaparte, to Corvus cacalotl of Wagler. 115. Cyanocitta melanocyanea, Hartlaub, Rev. Zool. 1844, p. 215 ; Bp. Consp. p. 378. Throughout the wooded parts near Duenas this Jay is com¬ mon, and the only species. It is resident all the year, breeding in the months of April and May. It makes a loose nest of small twigs, and lays four eggs of a brick-red colour, spotted and blotched with a darker shade of the same. They measure, axis 1 inch 3 lines, diam. 10- lines. 116. Cyanocitta ornata (Less.). Transmitted by Mr. Skinners collector from Cajabon. Also extends to Honduras. 117. Cyanocitta pumilo, Strickl. Contr. Orn. 1849, p. 122, pi. 33 ; Bp. Consp. p. 378. Originally described from specimens transmitted by Senor Constancia. It is perfectly distinct from the Mexican Cyanocitta nana. See P. Z. S. 1857, p. 204. 22 Rev. H. B. Tristram's A Totes 118. Cyanocorax guatemalensis, Bp. Consp. p. 380. Also from Cajabon and Honduras. 119. Cyanurus coronatus (Sw.). Garrulus coronatus, Sw. Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 437; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 359. Transmitted by Senor Constancia. Observed in the barranco of Los Chocoyos, in the Altos of Guatemala. 120. Calocitta Formosa (Sw.). Cyanurus bullockii, Bp. P.Z.S. 1837, p. 115. Found abundantly on both the Atlantic and Pacific coast- regions, but never ascends to the central region. 121. PsiLORHINUS MORIO (Wagl.). Occurs on the eastern coast between Quirigua and Iguana, on the road to Guatemala. [To be continued.] II. — Notes on Birds observed in Southern Palestine, in the months of March and April 1858. By the Rev. H. B. Tristram, F.L.S. There is, perhaps, no country frequented by travellers whose Fauna is so little known as that of Palestine. This may arise partly from the more absorbing associations of sacred and his¬ torical interest, which are of themselves more than sufficient to occupy the attention during the short period usually allotted to a tour in Palestine ; and partly from the extreme difficulty and even danger of pursuing researches in a region so unsettled and lawless. The following list makes no pretension to anything like com¬ pleteness, as ornithology was by no means the principal object of the writer's expedition, and the districts most abounding in birds, as the Lebanon, the upper waters of the Jordan, and the wooded regions of Northern Palestine, were not visited by him at all. It is put forth rather in the hope that the fact of so many rare and interesting species having been observed in so short a time, may induce succeeding travellers to endeavour to supply on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 23 that which, up to the present time, is a desideratum in our knowledge of geographical ornithology. 1. Gypaetos (barbatus ?). The Lainmer Geyer was several times observed sailing over the high mountain-passes west of the Jordan; but as no spe¬ cimen was obtained, it cannot be decided whether it was the Gyp. barbatus , or the variety or species, Gyp. nudipes , with the lower part of the tarsus bare. 2. Gyps fulvus. Common in all the hill-country of Judaea, and observed breeding in some ravines near the Dead Sea, and also between Jerusalem and Jericho. 3. Neophron percnopterus. Universally distributed, and equally abundant in the plains of Sharon and the naked hill-district of the south. Breeds in great . numbers in the valley of the Kedron, heaping up its enormous nest of sticks, rubbish, and old rags, on every con¬ venient ledge. While the adult bird was to be seen through the whole country, I never observed a single specimen in the sombre livery of youth. One very fine bird paid the penalty of its curiosity, while we were sitting on a rock, at luncheon, on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. It made several swoops as though anxious to share our chicken, and hovering over us, fell dead at a discharge of No. 7 shot. 4. Aquila chrysaetos. Not uncommon. One sitting on a loose rock permitted me to approach near enough to ascertain its species. 5. Aquila n^evia. One bird was shot. It appears to be the commonest species in the rocky districts. 6. Aquila heliaca. I believe I saw this bird perched on a little island on the north side of the Dead Sea. I was not able to obtain a specimen. 7. ClRCAETOS GALLICUS. Noticed preying on large lizards on the hills near Bethlehem. 24 Rev. H. B. Tristram’s Notes Several individuals in the same neighbourhood. From the immense numbers of reptilia in the country, this Eagle is pro¬ bably generally distributed. 8. Milvus ater. Universally present about the towns and villages, hanging over the poultry, but apparently leaving them unmolested for the sake of the offal and garbage. 9. Milvus parasiticus. Not so common, and apparently preferring- the wooded dis¬ tricts. I have noticed the same distinction in the habits of these two species in North Africa. 10. Falco lanarius ? On one occasion, while riding with an Arab guide, I observed a falcon of large size rise close to us. The guide, when I pointed it out to him, exclaimed, “ Tdir Sakqr ” Ta'ir, the Arabic for “ bird,” is universally throughout North Africa and the East applied to those falcons which are capable of being trained for hunting, i. e. “ the bird ” par excellence. Tdir el Hohr , “ the noble bird,” is the common appellation of the Peregrine and its congeners. “ Sakqr ” I have only heard applied to the very large falcons — never to the F. peregrinus or F. punicus , both of which are trained by the Arabs for the chase. No doubt our specific name u Falco sacer ” is derived, not from a Latin source, but from the Arabic trivial name of the species. There seems as yet much confusion in the nomenclature of the different larger species or races, which to the south and east of the Mediterranean take the place of the F. grcenlandicus , islandicus, and norvegicus of the North. The bird which I saw was nearly as large as a Jer Falcon, and had a very bright rufous head, the light colour extending to the back of the neck. How far F. sacer , lanarius , cervicalis, biarmicus, and cherrug , are distinct species, and what is the geographical range of each, seems a question well-worthy the investigation of naturalists travelling in the East. 11. Falco peregrinus. I saw either this species, or one closely resembling it, on the rocks near Cgesarea. on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 25 12. Hypotriorchis subbuteo. Several Hobbies were seen, and one shot, in the wooded dis¬ trict not far from Ladrone, near the ancient Bethoron. 13. Hypotriorchis eleonor^;. Though not noticed by me in the country itself, a very fine specimen, in the rich brown-black plumage of the adult, perched one afternoon on the mast-head of our yacht, not far from the coast. A general gun-cleaning was, fortunately for his life, going on at the moment, and he winged his way just as a piece had at length been put together. In the evening, about two hours afterwards, he returned, at least I presume it was the same, but only paused for a few minutes in the fore-rigging, when he went off towards land. 14. Tinnunculus alaudarius. Universally distributed and extremely abundant. Large colonies breed in ruined towers in company with the succeeding species. 15. Tinnunculus cenchris. Gregarious about the ruins in the plain districts. About fifteen or twenty pairs were building their nests in and about the beautiful tower of Ramleh ( Arimathea ) in company with a still larger number of the common Kestrel, and flew screaming round me, as I climbed the still perfect staircase of the tower. It was interesting to watch them in the evening sweeping like swallows over the fields, or threading their way up and down the lanes fenced with prickly pear, in pursuit of the Scarabcei on which they were feeding, seizing them with their claws on the wing, and as they sailed by me, picking off with their beaks the elytra of their prey, and dropping them almost at my feet. Though I have never found the lesser Kestrel either in Asia or Africa except in company with the common species, yet it seems to be without the power of adaptation possessed by its congener, confining itself to old towers and rocks, and living always in communities more or less numerous. I obtained some beautiful specimens at Ramleh. There is a still larger colony about the old ruined English church of Lydda, over the reputed tomb of “ St. George of merrie England.” 26 Rev. H. B. Tristram’s Notes 16. Erytiiropus vespertinus. A few pairs were seen among the large terebinth-trees near the foot of the hills of Judaea. They seem to roost and build there, feeding only in the plains, over which they hover, resembling rather the Kestrels in their habits and flight than the Hobby. 17. Micronisus gabar. Once seen, on a hill-side to the south of Bethlehem, preying on a large lizard. 18. Circus - ? We noticed Harriers several times skulking over the plains, but, not having obtained specimens, cannot state the species. The Marsh Harrier was not observed. 19. Athene meridionalis. Extremely common in all the hill country and plains alike. Frequently one would be seen by the side of a mountain-path, on a bare rock, selecting the most conspicuous position, and remaining there until we came close up, and then leisurely removing to another spot some twenty yards off. Seldom could we ride for an hour in any part of the country without noticing this comical little fellow. Mount Olivet is one of his favourite resorts. 20. Scops zorca. Frequently heard, and once obtained. It seems to inhabit the Mosque of Omar at Jerusalem, and prefers the neighbour¬ hood of man to the wilder portions of the country. 21. STRIX ELAM ME A. I started this bird once in the daytime from a thicket of trees on the banks of the Jordan. 22. Cypselus apus. We saw a few Swifts, as we were leaving Jaffa, in April, but had not observed them before in the interior. Probably they were not then returned from their southern migration. 23. Cypselus melba. We observed several pairs apparently commencing the business of nidification near Mar Saba, and again in the tremendous ravine above the site of Jericho. on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 27 24. CoTYLE R1PARIA. Abundant in the sandy banks on the left side of the Jordan. I may mention in passing that I have found the Sand Martin breeding in Egypt in February. Is it not, therefore, probably double-brooded ? 25. CoTYLE RUPESTRIS. The Rock Martin is not unfrequent in the barren gorges of the Kedron, near the Dead Sea, where I found it breeding at the end of March, and obtained specimens. I have observed, both in the Atlas range and in Palestine, that it appears to be confined to mountain gorges, and that it is by no means gre¬ garious, each pair keeping a range of territory to themselves, though the bird occurs from one end of the pass to the other. 26. Hirundo rueula, Temm. Appears to be the Common Swallow of the Holy Land. I cannot be sure that I saw H . rustica at all, though possibly it might not yet have returned from the South. 27. CoRACIAS GARRULA. Seen occasionally in the olive-yards and wooded hill-sides. 28. Merops persicus. In the valley of the Jordan. I think I also saw Merops apiaster , but I obtained no specimens. 29. Ceryle rudis. One specimen seen near the Jordan. 30. IJ PUPA EPOPS. Common about the towns and villages. Frequents dunghills, and is extremely tame and familiar. The Arabs have a super¬ stitious reverence for this bird, which they believe to possess marvellous medicinal qualities, and call it “ the Doctor.” Its head is also an indispensable ingredient in all charms and in the practice of witchcraft. 31. Sitta syriaca, Ehrenb. Few birds have interested me more than the Dalmatian Nut¬ hatch. I had good opportunities of observing its habits in the south of the Morea in winter, and I encountered it again in the hill-country of J udsea. Unlike our species, it is confined to 28 Rev. H. B. Tristram's Notes the most barren and rocky regions, and runs up and down the stones with wondrous agility, descending head downwards, and then, by a sudden bound, flying to the foot of the next rock, which it climbs, and runs down after the same fashion, search¬ ing the crevices as it goes, for small beetles, with which the stomachs of those I examined were filled. In summer and winter alike they were always in pairs, never (as Sitta europced) in small flocks. The note is louder than that of our species, and much resembles the call of the Spotted Woodpecker. 32. Troglodytes europ.eus. Frequent. 33. Erythropygia galactotes. Seen near the Jordan. 34. Hippolais salicaria. In moist places near Jericho. 35. Salicaria turdoides. Among the reeds by the mouth of the Jordan. 36. Fhyllopneuste ruea. Generally distributed. 37. Phyllopneuste bonellii. One specimen shot. 38. Melizophilus proyincialis. Among the bushes on the dry hill-sides, in the most barren parts of the country. 39. Sylvia subalpina. Shot on the wooded banks of the Jordan. 40. Sylvia melanocephala. Frequent in gardens and olive-yards. 41. CuRRUCA ORPHEA. Several times met with in olive-yards and on wooded hill¬ sides throughout the country. 42. CURRUCA ATRICAPILLA. Found in numerous flocks in the defiles opening on the Dead Sea. Had I not procured and brought home several specimens, I should have doubted its identity with our species, so different on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 29 was the locality from its usual resorts here. Probably the birds were just then returning from their southern migration. 43. Ruticilla tithys. Frequent on the barren rocky hills. 44. Saxicola ru bicola. Lower down the hills, among the low bushes. 45. Saxicola rubetra. In the same localities as the preceding. 46. Saxicola saltatrix, Menetries. On the bare rocky hills. In habits and locality exactly like our Wheatear. 47. Saxicola eurymel^na, Hempr. et Ehrenb. Obtained in an olive-yard close to Bethlehem, where the bird is not uncommon. It is fond of perching on the top of a wall, and drops down noiselessly as danger approaches, with a silent flight skimming the ground till it rests again on a stone or clod at some little distance, where it remains jerking its tail until again disturbed. 48. Saxicola* - ? A pair shot at St. Helena's Well, not far east of Bethany. They had a nest in a hole of the wall over the well, containing four blue eggs thickly spotted with rusty brown. 49. Dromol^a leucura. I saw this bird, as I believe, to the south-east of Bethlehem, among the barren hills ; but as I have obtained in the Sahara several specimens of a nearly allied species just described by Brehm as Dromolaa leucopygia, and did not obtain a specimen of the bird I saw in Palestine, the species must remain for the present doubtful. 50. Petrocincla saxatilis. Frequent in the deep gorges of the Kedron. * Mr. Tristram has submitted these specimens to my examination. The species appears to agree with Saxicola lugens of Licht., as figured in Tem- minck’s Planches Coloriees, under the name Sax. leucomela. — Ed. 30 Rev. H. B. Tristram's Notes 51. Petrocincla cyanea. Observed in every part of the country. Unlike the Rock Thrush, it was often seen perched on the half- ruined buildings of the Palestine towns and villages ; and has been supposed by some to be “ the sparrow that sitteth alone upon the house¬ top '' of Scripture. 52. Ixos xanthopygius, Hempr. et Ehrenb. (Ixos vallom- brosce, Bp.) This most interesting bird was found in all parts of the coun¬ try, wherever there is wood or gardens, from Jaffa to the Jordan. In its skulking habits it exactly resembles the Ixos obscurus of Algeria, but its brilliant saffron vent renders it conspicuous among the bushes. The head and throat are of a deep black ; and there is scarcely any perceptible difference between the sexes in plumage, but that the black on the head of the female is not quite so bright. It is the finest songster in Palestine, and has obtained the name of the Palestine Nightingale, which is well deserved, whether for the volume or the variety of its notes. It wants, however, the last two notes of the nightin¬ gale's song. On arriving at the banks of the Jordan long before sunrise, at 4 a.m., the thick jungle which fringes the river was alive with the cheery notes of these unseen musicians, who continued their concert until nearly noon. 53. Turdus merula. Seen, but not obtained. 54. Turdus musicus. In the olive-yards. 55. Crateropus chalybeus, Bp. I obtained this rare bird in the open wooded district near Jericho, where it lives in small flocks of from six to twelve. It was interesting to observe how exactly, in its peculiar habits and note, it corresponds with its congener, Crateropus numidicus , with which I was most familiar in the Sahara. The unseen party keep up a perpetual chattering in a bush, something like the clamour of a flock of starlings. On your approach the noise is hushed, and, if possible, they steal away unseen on the other side to another thicket, where, as soon as they feel at a safe distance. on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 31 the conversation recommences. They fly in an irregular line, never in a flock, and spreading their long tails, always alight at the foot of the bush or tree. They then climb to the top one after another, hopping from bough to bough (where is the only chance of getting a shot), and leisurely descend to the ground on the other side, taking care in retiring to keep the covering object in a straight line between their pursuer and themselves. I scarcely ever met with a more wary bird. They appear to be sedentary in all their localities, and there is no sexual distinction of plumage in either of the two species of the genus with which I am acquainted. 56. AnTHUS CAMPESTR1S. Common in the higher plains and on the hills. 57. Anthus pratensis. Very abundant in the Plain of Sharon. 58. Budytes melanocephala. The only one of the genus I noticed. The head was of a deep black, and the white line behind the eyes very distinct. I saw a skin in Jerusalem, which I took to be that of Budytes flava. 59. Motacilla alba. On the Plain of Sharon, beginning to assume its summer dress. Abundant. 60. Parus major. The Great Tit was the only species of the genus which I met with. 61. Muscicapa - ? I observed a Flycatcher repeatedly, but neglected to secure a specimen, and therefore cannot be certain whether it was Muse . atricapilla or albicollis, but I think the latter. 62. Lanius minor. In the neighbourhood of Jaffa. 63. Lanius cucullatus. Seen only once near Kirjath-jearim. 32 Rev. H. B. TristranPs Notes 64. Enneoctonus rufus. The Woodchat is one of the commonest birds of Palestine, frequenting olive-yards and gardens. 65. Garrulus melanocephalus. I found this splendid Jay in several localities where there was timber of sufficient size to afford it cover. My examples were shot by my friend Mr. J. L. Gibbs. It is difficult to conceive how, with specimens in hand of the different species, the confusion of authors could have arisen as to Garrulus glandai'ius of Europe, G. melanocephalus of Asia and the Caucasus, and G. cervicalis of Algeria. The smaller size, the darker colouring, the black forehead, deep chestnut neck and collar, the lesser extent of the blue on the scapulars, and the very light brown outer tail-feathers of the Algerian bird, at once separate it from the others. Garrulus melanocephalus has not only the rich black feathers extending to the nape of the neck, but has the forehead white instead of spotted, as in our species ; while the black moustache is of twice the extent and breadth, the region behind the eyes is white instead of chestnut, the white on the throat extends much lower down, and the lower plumage is of a much lighter colour. It is probable, then, that the specimens quoted by Degland as from Syria have been Algerian skins passed off by the Paris dealers, my skins corresponding, as might have been expected, with the Caucasian bird described by Nordmann. My friend Colonel Drummond, who has frequently shot the Common Jay in Greece, remarks that he never found Garrulus melano¬ cephalus in that country. 66. Amydrus tristram ti, Sclater. This handsome bird, which Mr. Sclater has done me the honour to name after me, and has described in the 1 Annals of Natural History ’ for December 1858, I discovered in the gorge of the Kedron, not far from the Dead Sea. Several pairs were breeding in the rocks among the cells hewn out by the old monks of Mar Saba. In habits and manners they reminded me somewhat of the Grakles of North America, but seem a strictly desert bird. The species ought to be found at Petra, if on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 33 anywhere. The male has but two notes, but those are of won¬ derful power and of the richest volume. The roll of his music is something like that of the Organ-bird of Australia, and makes the rocks resound. The nest is placed in inaccessible crevices of the cliffs, and the birds are bold and fearless, allowing a stranger to approach very near while continuing their song, then suddenly breaking off for an instant and renewing it the moment one stands still. The plumage of the female is much inferior in brilliancy to that of the male, but she has the same rich chestnut wings. 67. Corvus CORAX. Universally present. 68. Corvus cornix. Not uncommon. 69. Pastor roseus. One specimen seen in an orange-grove at Jaffa. 70. Sturnus vulgaris. Large flocks feed in the Plain of Sharon. 71. Chlorospiza chloris. Common in all the gardens throughout the country. 72. Petronia stulta (Gm.). Pound everywhere on the bare stony hills, and frequenting the villages for food, but never observed among gardens or trees. 73. Passer salicicola, Vieill. In vast numbers near Jericho. 74. Passer cisalpinus. I believe that it is this variety which frequents the towns and villages, but unfortunately I did not preserve a specimen. 75. Passer montanus. About Jerusalem. 76. Fringilla ccelebs. Very common. 77. Euspiza melanocephala. In the brushwood on the hill-sides on the road from Ramleh to Jerusalem. VOL. i. D 34 Rev. H. B. Tristram's Notes 78. Carduelis elegans. In flocks on the Plain of Sharon. 79. Linota linaria, Linn. Common throughout the country. 80. Erythrospiza githaginea. In the most desert portion of the rocky wilderness between Bethlehem and Hebron. 81. Emberiza miliaria. Common on all the cultivated plains. 82. Emberiza hortulana. Generally distributed. 83. Emberiza clesia. One of the most common birds of the more fertile districts of Palestine. Perched on the topmost bough of a shrub or tree, it continues its monotonous song throughout the day, and is to be seen on almost every bush. In its habits and actions it is very different from its Algerian congener, Emberiza saharce , which it so nearly resembles in form and plumage, avoiding buildings, and not, as far as I am aware, perching on stones or walls. Its nest is placed near the ground in a low bush. 84. Galerida cristata. Excessively abundant both in the plains and on the bare hills. It had reared its brood at the end of March in some instances. 85. Calandrella brachydactyla. Common in the more barren districts. 86. Melanocorypha calandra. In the Plain of Sharon. 87. Ammomanes isabellina. Plentiful in the rocky deserts, especially near the Dead Sea. 88. Ammomanes - ? A smaller species, possibly the Amm. elegans of Brehm, with the dark bar on the extremity of the tail ; but I was not able to preserve my specimen for want of time. In the same locality as the preceding. on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 35 89. CuCULUS CANORUS. I have heard this bird in Palestine, but did not obtain nor see it. 90. COLUMBA (ENAS. Several shot in woods near Jericho. 91. CoLUMBA LIVJA. In great numbers where there are rocks and water. 92. Turtur auritus. Resorts to the orange-groves round Jaffa. 93. Turtur ^egyptiacus. One shot near Jericho, where the Arabs state it is common. 94. Columba - ? I saw several of a pigeon new to me near Jericho — decidedly smaller than the Stock Dove ; but I was unsuccessful in my endeavours to obtain a specimen. 95. Pterocles - ? The only Sand-grouse I met with were a small flock to the west of the Dead Sea. They were neither Pt. arenarius nor Pt. setarius, and seemed to me to be Pt. exustus. 96. Caccabis saxatilis. The Partridge of the country. The Erancolin, which is stated to inhabit Palestine, did not come under my observation. I cannot help thinking that there are two distinct races of Cacc. saxatilis , neither of them agreeing exactly with the bird I have procured in Greece and in Crete. The specimens 1 obtained in the cultivated districts are much lighter in colour than the Greek specimens. The black collar is narrower, and the throat sandy white instead of rufous. At the same time they are at least one-third heavier, and at table rival the pheasant in size. They are of a flavour far superior to the French red-legged or Barbary birds. In the mountains I procured others very much smaller than my Greek specimens, but of plumage more like them in hue. The eggs of a nest of this variety, which I took while in the mountains, eleven in number, are scarcely as large as those of Perdix petrosa. n 2 36 Kev. H. B. Tristram’s Notes 97. Caccabis heyii (Temm.). Of this rare bird, perhaps one of the most elegant of its group, I was fortunate enough to obtain a fine specimen. Biding on a barren hill near the Dead Sea, we observed a pair of birds scarcely larger than a quail running on the steep side with the swiftness of a dog. After a long chase, and forcing them with great difficulty to take wing, one of my companions, Mr. Musters, succeeded in shooting the male bird, which he kindly presented to me. We afterwards saw another pair near Mar Saba. The whole plumage, with the orange bill and lemon-coloured tarsi, is a singular blending of the characteristics of the types of Caccabis and Perdix. 98. COTURNIX DACTYLISONANS. Extremely abundant wherever there is cultivation in the plains. 99. Otis tarda. I am told that this bird is sometimes brought into the market at Jaffa from the Plain of Sharon. 100. Otis tetrax. Not uncommon in the corn-fields on the plains. 101. (Edicnemus crepitans. Abundant in the plains. 102. Hoplopterus spinosus. A pair observed on the banks of the Jordan. 103. Grus cinerea. Saw a flock near Lydda, apparently on their migration. The bird is well known to the inhabitants. 104. ClCONIA ALBA. Several seen not far to the north of Jerusalem. 105. ClCONIA NIGRA. I met with a flock of about two hundred Black Storks, appa¬ rently searching for food in the barren salt plain close to the north-west corner of the Dead Sea. They were too wary to allow me to approach within shot, but did not fly far when dis¬ turbed. As well as I could discover, they were feeding on the on Bii'ds observed in Southern Palestine. 37 small snails which cluster on the twigs of the Salsola in that arid region. 106. Ardea cinerea. On the banks of the Jordan. 107. Egretta alba. Marshes near Jaffa. 108. Egretta garzetta. In the same marshes in considerable numbers. 109. Buphus russatus, Wagl. Very abundant in the moist meadows round Jaffa. 110. Buphus comatus (Pallas). In the same locality as the last. 111. Ardeola minuta (Linn.). I flushed one, which I did not obtain, near the mouth of the Jordan. 112 Numenius tenuirostris ? Some Curlews which I saw near Kirjath-jearim I take to have been of this species. 113. Bhynchaspis clypeata. The only duck I met with in Palestine was a solitary male Shoveller flying up the course of the Jordan. 114. Pelecanus crispus. An immense flock of this Pelican passed us, swimming out to sea, when within sight of Mount Carmel. 115. Sterna leucoptera. One specimen, apparently a straggler, at Jaffa. 116. Sterna caspia. Several of these splendid Terns were fishing close to the shore at Jaffa. 117. Xema melanocephalum. Abundant at Jaffa. 118. Larus puscus. In the same locality, very abundant. 38 Rev. H. B. Tristram's Notes 119. Larus argentatus. Common along the coast. Several other Gulls were also observed, but not obtained, as we lay at anchor, and in Caiffa Bay probably the whole of the south-eastern species might be collected. Larus audouinii and Sterna affinis were among those we recognized, but could not secure. Note to Mr. Tristrands Pape r on the Birds of Palestine. We are acquainted with only two authorities of any import¬ ance on the Birds of the Holy Land : first, Hemprich and Ehrenberg's ‘ Symbohe Physicse ' (Berlin, 1820-25); and se¬ condly, a paper of Prince Bonaparte in the ‘ Comptes Rendus' (vol. xlii. p. 764). The following extract, which contains all that relates to Syrian ornithology in the former work, it has been thought advisable to reprint, as the book is very scarce, and difficult of access : — <e In Syria xxx. species observavimus, Europseas xx., Asiaticas x. Inter genera unicum Asiaticum est. Nomina nunc brevi enumerare lubet. 1. Ixos XANTHOPYGOS, Nob. (Statura et colore Ixo capensi et 7. arsinoce simillima, hoc paullo major, cauda longiore, crisso et tectricibus inferi- oribus Isete flavis : rostro validiore, magis curvato. Capite atro a capensi diversus. Marem foeminam et pullos novimus. Specimina xix. In Arabia frequens, in Africa nunquam visus.) 2. Turdus saxatilis. 3. Turdus merula, var. syriaca. (Ab Europsea differt rostro digitisque validioribus, cauda lon¬ giore. Remigum ivtus longissimus. — Rostrum album. Spe¬ cimen unicum habuimus.) 4. Cinclus aquaticus, var. rufiventris et albiventris. 5. Saxicola eurymel,ena, Nob. (Specimina ix. adsunt, Syriaca omnia. Collare, tergseum et vertex cum pectore et abdomine et basis caudae alba. Vertex cinereo aspersus. Cervix et pectus dilute isabellina. Caudle § apice nigra. Alse, gula et frontis margo nigra. Fcemina on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 39 fusca, gutture nigricante, prope mentum fusco asperso, macula parotica rufescenti-fusca, macula pone oculos alba. A S. stapazina Europsea facile distinguitur guise nigritudine latiore. A Saxicold deserti Arabica et Africana collari albo statim discernitur. A S. x ant homeland Africana et Arabica rostro paullo longiore, cauda latius nigra, alis non marginatis et colore albo, nec flavicante, differt.) 6. Saxicola rubicola. 7. Saxicola amrhileuca. Nob. (Statura et colore S. aurita valde affinis, fronte gulaque albis. Specimina xii. adsunt, Syriaca omnia. Rostrum, pedes et cauda stapazina , sed gula alba, vertice tergoque non ferru- gineis sed mere albis aut cinerascentibus. Unguis posterior brevior, minus acutus. Ab aurita differt colore candidiore, dorso et abdomine albis, vertice cinereo, pectore flavescente, capite planiore, nigredine inter nares et oculos latiore.) 8. Saxicola libanotica. Nob. (Statura et colore S. stapazince affinis. Specimina x. venat1 sumus, Syriaca omnia, mares, foeminas et pullos. Rostro tarsisque longioribiis et tergseo cserulescenti-cinereo ab affinibus statim distinguitur. Tarsi validi, pollicares : rostrum a fronte 6,f/ superat, acutum, rectum. Tergum a vertice hide cserulescenti-cinereum. Frons cum linea supra- oculari alba. Fascia nigra per oculos ducta. Alse cum caudsB apice nigrse. Subtus tota alba. Foeminee alis fuscis et fascia oculari fusca differunt. Pulli fuscescentes, flavo guttati, rostro tarsisque longis faciles discretu.) 9. Saxicola cenanthe. 10. Saxicola rostrata, Nob. (Specimina vii. adsunt, eaque in iEgypto superiore, Arabia Sep- tentrionali et Syria occisa sunt. Statura et colore S. cenantha, sed rostro 6,,/ ad 7'" longo, basi latiore, apice tenuiore differt. Senilis cinerea ; sed in quatuor specimi- nibus junioribus, ptilosi oenantha autumnali indutis et late flavo marginatis remigibus pictis, longissima rostra vidimus. CEnanthce rostrum 5W ad 6,n longum. An oenantlicBj cujus 1. specimina attuli, memorabilis varietas est ?) 11. Sylvia phcenicurus. 12. Sylvia semirufa, Nob. (Duodecim specimina congessimus, iEgyptiacum unum, reliqua omnia in monte Libano Syrise. Mares adultos iii., adoles- 40 Notes on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. centem distinctum i., reliqaos adolescentes sexu dubios lia- buimus, foeminas suspicabamur eas, quibus color juvenilis, sed alae non limbatae sunt. Statura tit re ejusque stetbiaei colore atro in adultis, sed abdomen phcenicuri, saturatius ferrugineum. Abdomine et axillis cinnamomeis et rostro longiore a titd differt, a phoenicuro remigum secundo bre- viore, pectore totoque stetbiaeo atro et ungue rectiore recedit. Mas adultus in capite cinerascit. Rostrum 5W ad 5 longum.) 13. Curruca galactodes, var. syriaca. (Statura iEgyptiaca paullo minor, pedibus gracilioribus, digito posteriore breviore, tarsis aequalibus, rostro breviore de- pressiore, rectricibus mediis nigricantibus. Colori iEgypti- acse et Europaeae reliquis notis convenit.) 14. CURRUCA PHRAGMITIS. 15. CuRRUCA LANGUIDA, Nob. (Statura et habitu Cur niece pallida liostrse, et arundinacea Auctorum valde affinis, magis cinerascens. Cauda paullo magis gradata, solis iL extimis pennis apice et margine albis. Rostrum basi minus depressum, carina altiore, bine a latere validius apparet. Supra unicolor, obscure fuscenti-cinerea, subtus alba, braccis fuscentibus. Linea supra-ocularis pal¬ lida obsoleta. IJnicum specimen Syriacum, tanquam e Curruca garrula et pallida hybridum.) 16. Curruca garrula. 17. Curruca cinerea. 18. Curruca yiridula, Nob. (Specimina vi. Habitus et color S. trochili, sed statura paullulum major et alae longiores. Remigum ratio ut apud trochilum . Alae 2U 6m ad 2lf 7"' longae, nec 2" S'" ad 2” 4P1. Aliae subtus flavent, aliae albent ; nonnullae supra cinerascunt.) 19. Curruca trochilus. 20. Curruca cisticola. 21. Curruca gracilis. ( Sylvia gracilis, Licbt.) 22. Curruca orphea, var. Helena, Nob. (Statura C. orphea Europaeae inferior, rostro longiore, minus eon- vexo. Long. 6" 9"}, myxi long. 2fm aequat. Colore Euro- paeam aequat. Specimina iii. adsunt, Syriacum i. capite nigro, Arabica ii. capite cinereo.) 41 Ornithological Reminiscences of Egypt. 23. CURRUCA ATRICAPILLA. 24. Curruca momus,N. (Sylvia melanocephala Nubi8e,Licht.) (Specimina iv. Habitus et color Curruca melanocephala. Ros- tro, tarsis totoque corpore minor quhm melanocephala, remi- gum 2dus septimo longior, qui eo brevior in melanocephala est. Tarsus 8^,A/. Cauda gradata.) 25. Lanius minor. 26. Lanius rufus, var. 27. Muscicapa grisola. 28. Motacilla alba. 29. Budytes boarulus. 30. Anthus campestris/* The species mentioned by Prince Bonaparte as from Palestine in his article in the ‘Comptes Rendus^ are — (1) Cinnyris osea, Bp. (2) Crateropus chalybeus, Bp. (3) Ixos vallombrosa , Bp. (evidently the same as Ehrenberg^s xanthopygius) . (4) Saxicola erythraa , H. et E. (5) Cercomela asthenia, Bp. (6) Ammoperdix heyii (Ternm.). (7) Gavia brunneiceps, Bp. (8) Ceryle rudis. They were collected by the Hue de Vallombrosa. We quite agree with Mr. Tristram in calling the attention of the many travellers who visit the Holy Land every year, to the very inaccurate knowledge we as yet possess of its fauna, and to the many interesting species which they may obtain there; such as, among the birds, Cinnyris osea, Ixos xanthopygius, Amydrus tristramii, &c., which are quite unknown in European collections. — (Ed .) III. — Ornithological Reminiscences of Egypt. By E. Cavendish Taylor, M.A., E.Z.S. The following birds (with two or three exceptions) were shot by myself and three friends, in Egypt, between Alexandria and the first Cataract of the Nile, during the months of November and December 1853, and January 1854. In the very few instances where the bird was not actually obtained, it was seen by myself so plainly as to leave no doubt on my mind as to its 42 Mr. E. C. Taylors Ornithological identity. It will be seen from the list, that, although many of the species obtained by us are not as yet known to visit any part of Europe, still, with two exceptions, they belong to genera which have some representative in European ornithology. I found Egypt a country very rich in birds, especially abounding in Raptores and Grallatores. It seems to be a favourite winter residence for many of the migratory birds, especially the larger GrallatoreSj which at other seasons visit various parts of Europe. It is, however, perfectly obvious, that, confining the term of ©ur visit, as we did, to three months, and the area of our investi¬ gations to the immediate vicinity of the Nile, we can have seen but a very small proportion of the species which visit the country during the course of the year. BAPTOKES. 1. Gyps fulvus. Griffon Vulture. This species I observed generally distributed throughout the country, but nowhere very abundant. It seemed to avoid the towns, and was rather shy and wary. 2. Neophron percnopterus. Egyptian Vulture. Very abundant all through the country, especially frequenting the towns and villages. When wounded it made no attempt to defend itself with its beak or claws, but contented itself with vomiting the contents of its stomach, — a bad habit, to which, as far as my experience goes, the preceding species is not addicted. I find the Egyptian Vulture almost universally figured and described as having yellow legs and feet, and by Mr. Gould in his f Birds of Europe 9 it is figured with yellow legs and hazel irides. Now I beg to observe, that, in the very numerous speci¬ mens which came under my notice, recently killed, and in every stage of transition from brown to the pure white of the adult plumage, the legs and feet were invariably pale flesh-colour, very slightly tinged with brown in the immature birds, but always without the least tint of yellow. The irides are deep red, 3. Aquila imperialis. Imperial Eagle. Gould’s Birds of Europe , vol. i. pi. 5. This magnificent bird seems rare in Egypt. We only pro- 43 Reminiscences of Egypt. cared one specimen, which I shot near Siout in Upper Egypt, and I am not aware that any of our party saw it on any other occasion. 4. Aquila n^evia. Spotted Eagle. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 8. Generally distributed, and rather abundant. We procured specimens in the plumage of the first year, as it is figured in the second edition of Mr. Yarr ell's f British Birds*; in that of the second or third year, as it is figured by Mr. Gould ; and also in the uniform dark brown plumage of more advanced age, in which state it is a much less handsome and striking-looking bird than it appears in Mr. Gould's admirable figure. 5. Aquila pennata. Booted Eagle. Gould’s Birds of Europe , vol. i. pi. 9. Seems rare. We procured only one specimen, which was shot near Siout. Irides orange-colour. 6. Pandion haliaetus. Osprey. Generally distributed, and frequently seen, but rather shy and wary. 7. Buteo rufinus. Long-legged Buzzard. Ruppell, Atlas , pi. 27. I did not see this bird below Cairo; but above, I found it everywhere pretty abundant. RiippelPs plate, to which I refer, is the only figure of this species that I have seen, except that given in Mr. Bree's work on European birds, now in course of publication. In all the specimens that came under my notice the tail was light cinnamon-red, and not grey, as is represented by Ruppell. This species is about the largest of the genus Buteo, the specimens we procured varying from 23 to 25 inches in length. One that I skinned had its stomach filled with small frogs. Irides yellowish brown. 8. Ealcq lanarius. Lanner Falcon. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 20. A specimen of this splendid Falcon was shot by one of our party near Girgeh in Upper Egypt, while it was being pursued by an eagle [Aquila ncevia). It was an adult female, measuring 44 Mr. E. C. Taylor’s Ornithological fully 21 inches in length. As far as I know, this is the only occasion on which this bird was seen by any of our party. This species, which is labelled Falco lanarius both in the British and the Paris museums, and is described as Falco sacer by Prince Charles Lucien Bonaparte in his f Conspectus Generum Avium/ is probably the “Saker” of falconry. Under that name it is figured by Mr. Bree. There was a fine specimen of it alive in the gardens of the Zoological Society of London during the last spring and summer, labeled Falco lanarius. The specimen we procured in Egypt had the legs and feet pale yellow ; the top of the head yellowish white, with a brown streak along the centre of each feather ; the whole upper surface of the body and wings (as I believe is always the case in this species) brown, without any tinge of blue. Under surface white, with large and nume¬ rous brown spots. 9. Ealco biarmicus, Temm. Double-bearded Falcon. Falco cervicalis, Licht. This species is by far the most abundant of the large Falcons in Egypt. It fully equals Falco peregrinus in size, the specimens we killed varying from 1 7\ to 19 inches in length according to sex and age. This bird is labeled in the British Museum Falco cervialis, a name of which I do not understand the meaning. Biarmicus and cervicalis are not bad specific names for it, as the double moustache and rufous cervix are its most striking cha¬ racteristics. This species is by some considered to be the true Lanner of falconry. 1 have never seen a good figure of it. It differs conspicuously from the preceding species in having the top of the head and nape of the neck bright rufous ; a double moustache; and the whole upper surface of body and wings bluish grey, each feather edged with buff. It is also much smaller, and has the under surface of the body cream-colour, with small roundish black spots. The legs and feet are of a bright yellow. 10. Falco peregrinus. Peregrine Falcon. By no means abundant. I saw it two or three times, and shot one specimen. 11. Falco jssalon. Merlin. Tolerably abundant. I noticed rather a strange numerical 45 Reminiscences of Egypt. disproportion in the sexes. Of the six or seven specimens killed, all but one were adult males. Of those I saw, but did not shoot, all were males. 12. Ealco tinnunculus. Kestrel. Excessively abundant, and singularly tame and familiar. I have approached as near as ten yards to one on the ground, engaged in regaling itself on a lizard, or mouse, before it took the least notice of my intrusion. 13. Accipiteu nisus. Sparrow Hawk. Not uncommon, but rather local ; principally frequenting the groves of gum-acacia. 14. Milyus iEGYPTius. Arabian Kite. The most abundant of any bird of prey in Egypt ; especially frequenting the towns and villages, where they did not appear at all to molest the pigeons or poultry. These birds used to follow our boat in flocks, picking up anything we threw over¬ board into the river like sea-gulls. They seemed to live prin¬ cipally on small lizards, and to be very harmless and inoffensive. This species is not included in Mr. Gould's work on European birds ; but as it is so very abundant in Egypt, and not less so about Alexandria than farther south, I feel little doubt but that it may occasionlly be met with in the south-eastern portions of Europe. The tail in this species is only slightly forked ; the beak is pale straw-colour ; the irides are brown- — characteristics which at once distinguish it from Milvus ater of Europe, which has the beak black and the irides yellow. Legs very short. Feet small and weak. 15. Elanus melanopterus. Black-winged Kite. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 31. Abundant all through the country. In the months of No¬ vember and December I generally saw single birds ; but by the middle of January they were almost always to be seen in pairs. The food of this species seems to be chiefly small lizards and large insects. The feet and toes are yellow, and more fleshy than is usual in the Raptores. Irides of the most brilliant orange- red. I once saw this species in the Campagna, near Rome, which is, I believe, further north than it usually ranges. 46 Mr. E. C. Taylor’s Ornithological 16. Circus rufus. Marsh Harrier. Generally distributed, and rather abundant. All the nume¬ rous specimens that came under my notice in Egypt were in what is considered to be the plumage of the first or second year. 17. Circus cyaneus. Hen Harrier. Rather less abundant than the last species. 18. Circus cineraceus. Montagu’s Harrier. Occasionally killed, but less abundant than either of the pre¬ ceding species. 19. Circus paludus. Pallid Harrier. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 34. We procured one adult male specimen, which differs from Circus cyaneus in being paler in colour, and in having the upper tail-coverts broadly barred with grey. 20. Bubo ascalaphus. Egyptian Horned-Owl. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 38. The vicinity of Minieh is the only part of the country where I saw this bird ; there, however, we killed three or four speci¬ mens in the space of two days. On one occasion its presence was betrayed to me by the noise made by some hooded crows, who were persecuting it as it sat in a palm-tree. The irides are of a brilliant orange -yellow. Length 18 to 19 inches. 21. Strix flammea. White Owl. Occasionally seen, and once shot. 22. Athene meridionalis. Abundant all through the country, and very tame and fear¬ less. I have seen it both in Alexandria and Cairo, in the middle of the town. This species differs from Noctua nudipes (Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 48) in being paler in colour and somewhat smaller in size. Irides pale golden yellow. INSESSORES. 23. Caprimulgus isabellinus. Isabella Goatsucker. By no means rare ; but it does not often show itself before twilight. 47 Reminiscences of Egypt. 24. Cypselus apus. Common Swift Tolerably abundant. 25. Hirundo rustica. Common Swallow. I found this bird abundant in and around Alexandria and Cairo on my arrival in Egypt about the middle of November. I do not recollect whether I saw it on my return to Lower Egypt at the end of January. 26. Hirundo rupestris. Crag Swallow. Gould3 s Birds of Europe, vol. ii. pi. 56. The most abundant of the Hirundines above Cairo. I found a nest of this species, on the 25 th of January, in the grottoes of Beni-Hassan, containing two eggs nearly ready to hatch. Both nest and eggs much resembled those of the Common Swallow. 27. Merops viridis. Egyptian Bee-eater. Very abundant, and generally seen in small flocks. This species is not more than half the size of Merops apiaster. Irides red. 28. Alcedo ispida. Common Kingfisher. I saw this bird once only, near Atfeh, the place where the Mahmoudeeh Canal joins the Nile. 29. Alcedo rudis. Black and White Kingfisher. Gould3 s Birds of Europe, vol. ii. pi. 62. Abundant all the way from Alexandria to the first Cataract, and very tame and familiar. The food of this species seems to be entirely fish ; I have often watched it hovering over a shallow pool of water, and every now and then darting down, and catch¬ ing fishes sometimes as much as three or four inches in length. This bird breeds in holes in the banks of the Nile. Its irides are dark brown. Legs and feet black. 30. Lanius excubitor. Grey Shrike. Occasionally shot, but not by any means abundant. 31. Petrocincla cyanea. Blue Bock-Thrush. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. ii. pi. 87. We only procured one specimen of this bird in Egypt. It is one of the commonest species of birds in Italy. I have 48 Mr. E. C. Taylor's Ornithological noticed it peculiarly abundant about Susa, and in a less degree so in the neighbourhood of Rome. In the south of Italy, and in Sicily, I have often seen it kept as a cage-bird. 32. Saxicola cachinnans. Black Wheatear. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vok ii. pi. 88. I did not notice this species below Assouan (the first Cata¬ ract) ; there, however, it was abundant. 33. Saxicola luge ns, Licht. S. leucomela, Temm. PL Col. The most abundant of all the Saxicola on the Nile. 34. Saxicola stapazina. Russet Wheatear. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. ii. pi. 91. Frequently seen and killed. I have no doubt but that many other species of Saxicola may be found in Egypt ; but as they chiefly frequent the desert, and we seldom strayed more than two or three miles from the banks of the Nile, we only saw the hree species I have enumerated. 35. Motacilla alba. White Wagtail. Excessively common all through the country. 36. Motacilla lugubris. White-winged Wagtail. Gould’s Birds of Europe , vol. ii. pi. 142. I found this species rather rare. 37. Motacilla neglecta. Grey-headed Wagtail. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. ii. pi. 146. Only occasionally seen. 38. Alauba cristata. Crested Lark. Excessively abundant. This bird, and Motacilla alba , are the most abundant of all the small birds in Egypt. 39. Passer salicicola, Vieill. Spanish Sparrow. Passer hispaniolensis, Gould'sB. of Europe, vol. iii.pl. 185. Abundant; frequenting the open country in large flocks, and roosting in trees. 40. Passer cisalpinus. Cisalpine Sparrow. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. iii. ph 185. Abundant ; associating with the preceding species. 49 Reminiscences of Egypt. 41 . Erythrospiza githaginea. Vinous Grosbeak. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. iii. pi. 208. Tolerably abundant ; frequenting the open country, and the borders of the desert, in small flocks. I never saw this bird settle on trees, but always on the ground. Bill bright red. Legs and feet pale brown. 42. Sturnus vulgaris. Common Starling. This bird was seen and shot on one occasion only, in Lower Egypt, near Cairo. 43. Corvus corax. Raven. Occasionally seen, but not abundant. 44. Corvus cornix. Hooded Crow. Excessively abundant, and very bold and fearless. 45. Upupa epops. Hoopoe. One of the commonest birds in Egypt, especially abounding in the vicinity of the towns and villages. In the month of January I used to notice these birds entering the holes in the crude brick walls ; I frequently dug them out, but never found any eggs. We found the Hoopoe a very good bird to eat. I have occasionally seen it in various parts of France and Italy ; but the only place in Europe where I have found it at all abun¬ dant is the neighbourhood of Catania in Sicily. 46. Centropus senegalensis. Straight-heeled Coucal. Only one specimen obtained, which I shot near Atfeh. This species was not seen by us on any other occasion. Irides red. Legs and feet greenish grey. No species of the genus Centropus is included in European ornithology. 47. Cuculus glandarius. Great Spotted Cuckoo. Frequently seen and shot, but not very abundant. RASORES. 48. Columba schimperi. Schimper’s Pigeon. Bp. Consp. vol. ii. p. 48. Excessively abundant all through the country in a semi- domesticated state ; inhabiting the dove-cotes, which are the VOL. i. E 50 Mr. E. C. Taylor's Ornithological most conspicuous public edifices of the Egyptian villages, and frequenting the open country in large flocks — so large, indeed > that with three guns we have killed as many as 100 head in about two hours. I have often seen these birds, when they come down to the Nile to drink, actually settle, and sit on the water like sea-gulls, which struck me as rather an abnormal practice for pigeons. This species differs from Columba livia in having the lower part of the back and rump of a darker shade of grey than the wings, instead of white as in that species. Bill black. Irides orange. It never perches on trees. 49. Turtur senegalensis, Linn. Cambaian Turtle. Turtur cegyptiacus , Temm. Very abundant throughout the country, especially frequenting the groves of gum-acacia. We found this bird exceedingly good to eat. 50. Pterocles exustus, Temm. Singed Sand Grouse. Abundant on the borders of the desert, in small flocks. Rather wild, and difficult to shoot. This bird is very good eating. 51. Pterocles senegalensis, Latham. Senegal Sand- Grouse. Occasionally killed, but by far less abundant than the pre¬ ceding species. In both species there is a very marked differ¬ ence in plumage between the sexes. 52. Coturnix vulgaris. Common Quail. Abundant ; especially frequenting the young wheat. Of the five Rasorial birds killed by us in Egypt, this is the only one which is included by Mr. Gould in his ‘ Birds of Europe/ GRALLATORES. 53. Grus cinerea. Common Crane. Rather rare, and very wary and difficult of approach. 54. Ardea cinerea. Common Heron. Tolerably abundant. 55. Ardea russata. Buff-backed Heron. Ardea bubulcus, Savigny. Excessively numerous all through the country, and very tame Reminiscences of Egypt. 51 and familiar. It does not frequent water, or marshy ground, like most of its congeners, but especially affects the society of cattle; I have often seen it standing on the backs of buffaloes and cows. From this propensity to fraternise with cattle it is called f Cow Bird ; by the English. I never saw an example of this bird with the elongated buffy plumes on the back, which are considered to be characteristic of the species. All that I saw had the entire plumage pure white, except the crown of the head, which was buff. I conclude from this that the elongated dorsal plumes are peculiar to the breeding season, as I cannot believe that the very numerous specimens which came under my notice were all in immature plumage. Bill and irides yellow. Legs and feet blackish grey. This bird does duty on the Nile as the Ibis , being generally pointed out to travellers by dra¬ gomans, &c., as the real Ibis religiosa. For the Ibis, I should say, is now a rare bird in Egypt ; at any rate, none of our party saw it, and I have been assured that the only part of the country where it is now regularly seen, is the neighbourhood of Lake Menzaleh, near the Damietta mouth of the Nile. 56. Nycticorax europ^us. Night Heron. Bather local; living in flocks, and seems always to resort during the day to the same grove of palm-trees, to which, on being disturbed, they would return after a short flight. I have noticed this species as not unfrequent in the vicinity of Catania in Sicily. 57. Ciconia alba. White Stork. Common, but rather wild. 58. Ciconia nigra. Black Stork. Frequently seen, but less abundant than the former species. 59. Platalea leucorodia. Spoonbill. Abundant ; but very wild, and difficult to shoot. 60. (Edicnemus crepitans. Common Thick-knee. Tolerably abundant. We found these birds particularly good to eat. 61. Hoplopterus spinosus. Spur-winged Plover. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. iv. pi. 293. About the commonest bird in the country, and very noisy e 2 52 Mr. E. C. Taylor’s Ornithological and tame. Irides dark red. We used to eat both this and the next species of Plover, but both were rather dry and insipid. 62. Pluvianus aegyptius, Linn. Black-headed Plover. I did not see this very pretty species below Cairo, but above I found it everywhere numerous. Irides dark brown. Legs and feet pale blue. Toes three in number. This bird enjoys the credit of being the Trochilos of Herodotus, which he men¬ tions as living on such terms of intimacy with the Crocodile. The account which that veracious historian gives of the entente cor diale between these apparently ill-assorted allies is as fol¬ lows : — “ As the Crocodile lives chiefly in the river, it has the inside of its mouth constantly covered with leeches ; hence it happens that while all other birds and beasts avoid it, with the Trochilos it lives at peace, since it owes much to that bird : for the Crocodile, when he leaves the water and comes out upon the land, is in the habit of lying with his mouth wide open, facing the western breeze : at such times the Trochilos goes into his mouth and devours the leeches. This benefits the Croco¬ dile, who is pleased, and takes care not to hurt the Trochilos” Herodotus, Book ii., end of chap. 68. As a matter of fact, I seldom saw a crocodile on land without seeing a Pluvianus cegyptius near him. 63. Charadrius minor. Little Ringed Plover. Occasionally seen, and shot. 64. Vanellus cristatus. Lapwing. We once fell in with a small flock of these birds, and shot some of them. 65. Vanellus leucurus (Licht.). White-tailed Plover. Vanellus Villotm, Savigny’s Descr. de PEg. pi. 6. fig. 2. This is, perhaps, the rarest species of bird we procured in Egypt. There is one footless specimen only in the British Museum, which is not named; and in the Paris Museum, at the Jardin des Plantes, I could not find it at all. Savigny says that it is found only in Egypt. The only part of the country where I saw it was on an extensive tract of wet, marshy ground about four or five miles S.W. of Thebes, on the left bank of the river. There, however, it was abundant, and we shot several. Length 53 Reminiscences of Egypt. 11 inches. Bill black. Irides red. Legs and feet very bright yellow. Legs long. Toes four in number. Head and neck brownish grey: back brown, glossed with purple: throat whitish: breast bluish grey : belly buff : thighs, vent, upper and under tail-coverts, tail-feathers and wing-coverts pure white. Primaries black. 66. Numenius arquata. Common Curlew. Occasionally shot, but by no means common. 67. Himantopus melanopterus. Black- winged Stilt. I saw this bird on one occasion only, on some marshy ground near Benisouef, where there were several flying about, one of which was shot. 68. Totanus ochropus. Green Sandpiper. Abundant, and generally distributed. 69. Totanus hypoleucus. Common Sandpiper. Not quite so numerous as the preceding species. 70. Totanus stagnatilis. Marsh Sandpiper. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. iv. pi. 314. We procured one specimen only of this rare species, which was shot on some marshy ground near Denderah. 71. Totanus glottis. Greenshank. Occasionally killed, but rather rare. 72. Tringa temminckii. Temminck’s Stint. Occasionally killed in Upper Egypt, but by no means nu¬ merous. 73. Scolopax gallinago. Common Snipe. Tolerably abundant in marshy ground. 74. Scolopax gallinula. Jack Snipe. Almost as numerous as the preceding species, and frequenting the same localities. 75. Rhynchasa bengalensis (Gm.). Short-winged Painted Snipe. The only time we fell in with this bird was on some wet ground near Keneh, where we killed six, two of which I skinned, 54 Ornithological Reminiscences of Egypt. and the rest we ate, and found rather nasty. Bill reddish brown. Legs and feet greenish grey. I believe that no species of Rhynchcea has yet been included in the list of European birds. NATATORES. 76. Anser albierons. White-fronted Goose. Abundant ; generally in flocks. 77. Anser .egyptiacus. Egyptian Goose. Numerous; frequently seen in pairs. 78. Tadorna rutila. Ruddy Sheldrake. We shot this species between Cairo and Sakara. I did not notice it on any other occasion. 79. Anas clypeata. Shoveller Duck. Occasionally shot. 80. Anas boschas. Common Wild-Duck. Abundant. 81. Anas acuta. Pintail Duck. By no means rare. 82. Anas crecca. Teal. Tolerably numerous. 83. Pelecanus onocrotalus. Common Pelican. This magnificent bird is tolerably numerous, and generally distributed. It is usually to be seen standing on sand-banks in the bed of the river, and is a characteristic feature of Nile scenery. 84. Carbq cormoranus. Common Cormorant. Abundant, roosting in the cliffs overhanging the river. 85. Sterna anglica. Gull-billed Tern. We procured a specimen of this bird on some marshy ground between Cairo and Sakara, where there were several flying about. 86. Xema - ? We shot a small Gull belonging to the division of the genus which has the head dark-coloured in summer ; as the specimen Methods of preparing Natural Skeletons of Birds . 55 in question was in immature winter plumage, I could not deter¬ mine the species. 87. Larus audouinii, Temm. Audouin's Gull. Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. v. pi. 438. On two or three occasions, at a considerable distance above Cairo, I noticed a large Gull with a bright red bill, which I be¬ lieve to have been Larus audouinii. I never succeeded in pro¬ curing a specimen. IV. — On the different Methods of preparing Natural Skeletons of Birds. By T. C. Eyton, E.Z.S., &c. I propose in this paper merely to state the different methods which I have employed in preparing the natural skeletons in my collection. Not that I entirely object to artificial skeletons ; but I prefer natural, particularly if purchased from dealers, as the former are so very liable to be adulterated, if I may so apply the word. I have now before me a beautifully mounted skeleton of a Circus, purchased of a dealer, which has two left metatarsi. Birds generally come into collectors' hands either fresh with the flesh on, or partially cleaned and without having been macerated, or partially cleaned and having been also macerated. In the first case, I always remove as much of the flesh as I con¬ veniently can, and macerate the skeleton in water, which has a small piece of the flesh, previously removed, placed in it, until the flesh which remains on the bones becomes soft and easily scraped off. After this I place the skeleton in clean water, and change the water frequently until it ceases to become discoloured. I then place the skeleton in a solution prepared in the following- way : — Make a saturated solution of common alum, and when cool dilute it with an equal quantity of water, and add to it half an ounce of common salt for every half-pound of alum. This solution converts the ligaments into a species of leathery sub¬ stance, and also destroys the colour of any blood that may have penetrated the bones. The time that is required to effect this varies according to the state and size of the skeleton. If it be clear of blood, twenty-four hours will be sufficient ; but some- 56 Methods of preparing Natural Skeletons of Birds . times larger birds, of a bad colour, must be kept in the solution nearly a week. When the skeleton is removed from the solution of alum, the ligaments will be found to have become much stiff¬ ened, though not so much but that the skeleton can be easily put into position. The next step is to wash the skeleton slightly under a tap of water, if convenient, or if not, in a basin ; this prevents the crystals of alum forming on the outside of the bones when dry. It is now ready for mounting, and will be easily brought into the position in which it is wished to be arranged in the following way : — Having fixed the feet to a stand, prepare a flat board, and upon it an upright square or rounded piece of wood, with numerous holes drilled horizontally through it at different distances, in which wire-pegs can be inserted, so as to be moveable to different heights. Fasten the second vertebra of the skeleton to the topmost peg with a thread, and other parts of the skeleton to such wire-pegs as may be found con¬ venient, according to the attitude necessary. When the skeleton is dry, it will merely require to be varnished with mastic varnish, and is then complete. It is generally better to remove the head, for greater convenience in cleansing out the brain ; this may be easily fastened on again with a piece of wire. The most difficult skeletons to clean are those which have been dried with much flesh left on them, particularly when it has remained on them for any length of time. It is sometimes almost impossible to succeed in bringing the bones of such skeletons to a good colour. In this case macerate the bones first in plain water, and remove as much of the flesh as possible. Then place the skeleton in a strong solution of carbonate of potash, or even, if requisite, in a weaker one of caustic potash, though this only for a very few hours. Remove any flesh that could not previously be taken off, and then macerate it again in water for about twenty-four hours. The treatment is afterwards the same as in that of fresh skeletons. Those skeletons that have been previously slightly macerated will be found to be much more easily prepared than those that have not been dipped in water at all before packing, as in the former case the re¬ maining flesh does not become nearly so hard and impervious to water. Rev. H. B. Tristram on new species of African Birds. 57 If travellers who collect skeletons, after removing as much flesh as possible from the subject, would merely macerate it for an hour in water, it would save much labour and time in mount¬ ing. It is also as well to leave the large wing- and tail-feathers, and the skin of the scalp on the specimens, in order to assist in identifying the species, where the skins are not transmitted also. Again, if collectors in preparing skins would extract the brain with a wire, instead of breaking up the whole of the back part of the skull, many valuable contributions to the osteology of Birds would be preserved, in the heads of their specimens. V. — Characters of apparently new species of Birds collected in the great Desert of the Sahara , southwards of Algeria and Tunis. By the Rev. H. B. Tristram, F.L.S. 1. Certhilauda salvini, Tristram. Supra pallide isabellina, superciliis indistinctis et corpore subtus albis, pectore summo vix conspicue nigro guttato ; striga rictali indistincte nigricante : alis nigricantibus, fasciis duabus latis, altera ad basin secundariorum, altera terminali, albis : secundariis tribus externis dorso coneoloribus ; pri- mariis sex externis, nisi in parte basali, nigricantibus : cauda nigra, rectricibus duabus extimis albo extus marginatis, dua¬ bus mediis dorso coneoloribus : tectricibus alarum inferiori- bus niveis : rostro pallide fusco : pedibus schistacescenti- albis : long, tota 7*8, alse 4*5, caudse 3*1, tarsi 1*3. $ mari similis. Hab. in Sahara Algeriensi. Obs. Differt a Certhilauda desertorum statura minore, fasciis alarum albis latioribus, et secundariis multo minus elongatis. 2. Galerida macrorhyncha, Tristram. Cristata : corpore suprh arenicolori-fusco, plumarum parte media nigricante : primariis nigricanti-brunneis, cervino extus limbatis : cauda nigricante, cervino limbata : rectricum ex¬ tern arum apicibus cervinis : subtus sordide alba, antice rufescente tincta ; gula et pectore nigro striatis ; tectricibus alarum inferioribus pallide cervinis; rostro fusco, mandibula inferiore multo pallidiore ; pedibus pallide carneis : long, tota 7*8, alse 4*5, caudse 2*8, rostri a rictu 1*0, tarsi 1*05. Hab. in Saharse Algeriensis parte boreali. Obs. Aflinis Galeridce cristatce , sed statura majore et rostro elongato, incurvo distinguenda. 58 Rev. H. B. Tristram on new species of African Birds. 3. Galerida arenicola, Tristram. Similis Galerida abyssinica Bp. quoad magnitudinem, colore autem Galerida isabellina appropinquans, sed differt ab utraque rostro elongato, tenuq et paullum incurvo : long, tota 6*6, alse 4*1, caudse 2*4, rostri arictu 0*9, tarsi 0*9. Hab. in Saharse Algeriensis regione arida. 4. Calandrella reboudia, Loche, MS. Similis Calandrella brachydactyla, sed rectricibus extimis albo, neque fulvo, extus limbatis ; rostro fortiore et breviore et colore omnino pallidiore et magis isabellino. Hab. in Sahara Algeriensi. 5. Drymoica striaticeps, Tristram. Supra fuscescenti-cinerea, uropygium versus paullum rufescens, pileo nigro striolato : superciliis indistincte albidis : linea inter rictum et oculum angusta nigra ; alis obscurioribus extus dorso concoloribus : cauda fusco-nigricante, rectricis extimse pogonio exteriore omnino et proximo apice sordide albis : subtus alba, hypochondriis rufo tinctis : rostro et pedibus pallide aurantiacis : iri dibus pallide fuscis : long, tota 4*25, alse2'75, caudse 2*1, tarsi 0*75, rostri a rictuO‘5. Hab. in Saharse Algeriensis regione meridionali. Obs. Forsan cum Maluro Sahara, Lochii, nondum descriptor co-sequalis. 6. Sylvia deserticola, Tristram. Rufescenti-fusca, interscapulio et marginibus alarum nigrican- tium latis castaneis : ciliis oculorum albis : subtus cinna- momescenti-alba, lateraliter magis rufescens : cauda fusco- nigra, rectricis extimse pogonio externo et pogonii interni parte apicali albis ; rectrice secunda albo vix terminate : mandibula superiore pallide fusca, inferiore citrina ; pedi¬ bus pallide citrinis : iridibus flavissimis : long, tota 4*50, alse 2*1, caudse 2*0, tarsi *75, rostri a rictu *47. 2 omnino pallidior, interscapulio dorso concolore, et corpore subtus magis albo. Hab. in Saharse Algeriensis parte australi. Obs. Affinissima Sylvia conspicillata in vestitu hyemali, sed capite et dorso superiore rufescenti-fusco, nec cinereo, et colore corporis inferi distinguenda. 7. Saxicola philothamna, Tristram. Sordide cinerea, fronte et superciliis albescentibus, dorso medio et scapularibus cinerascenti-nigris : lateribus capitis et gutture nigris, abdomine sordide albo : dorso postico cum caudse Messrs. A. and E. Newton on the Birds of St. Croix. 59 basi ima et crisso cinnamomescenti-albis : alis fusco-mgri- cantibus, tectricibus majoribus albido, remigibus cinnamo- meo extus marginatis : rostro et pedibus nigro-fuscis : long, tota 7*0, alse 3 ‘6, caudse 2*7, tarsi 1-2 , rostri a rictu -8. $ supra cinnamomea, interscapulio obscuriore, uropygio dilu- tiore, subtus sordide alba : alis caudaque nigricanti-fuscis, illis cinnamomeseenti-albo limbatis, hujus basi late cinna¬ momea. Hah. in Sahara Algeriensi, arbusta frequentans. Obs. Forsan Dromolcea isabellina Lochii, sed cum Saxicola isabellind Piippellii et Temminckii minime cosequalis. 8. Saxicola halophila, Tristram. Supra cinnamomea, superciliis et dorso postico pure albis : late- ribus capitis et alis nigricantibus ; bis sordido albo anguste marginatis : cauda alba, rectricum lateralium fascia lata terminali et duabus mediis fere omnino fusco-nigris : subtus alba, gutture et pectore cinereo adumbratis : rostro et pedibus nigris : long, tota 5*5, alse 3*5, caudse 2*4, tarsi 1*0, rostri a rictu 0-6. $ mari similis, sed coloribus paullo dilutioribus, et lateribus capitis prsecipue minus nigris. Hob. in Sahara Algeriensi, loca salifera frequentans. 9. Saxicola homochroa, Tristram. Pallide cinnamomea, subtus dilutior : cauda nigra : ventre uro¬ pygio et crisso cum basi caudse albis : alis nigricanti-fuscis sordido albo omnino limbatis : rostro et pedibus nigricanti- fuscis : long, tota 5*5, alse 3*5, caudse 2’5, tarsi *95, rostri a rictu 0*6. Hab. in Sahara Tunitana. VI. — Observations on the Birds of St. Croix , West Indies , made , between February 20 th and August 6th 1857 by Alfred Newton, and , between March 4>th and September 28 th 1858 by Edward Newton. (Part I.) The Danish Island of Saint Croix, or, as it is often called, Santa Cruz, lies between 64° 40; and 64° 59' longitude West of Green¬ wich, and in lat. 17° 45' North, about forty miles nearly due South from St. Thomas, and eighty miles East by South of Porto Pico. It is about twenty miles in its greatest length, which lies almost due east and west, with a breadth varying from one to four 60 Messrs. A. and E. Newton's Observations miles, ft was discovered by Columbus on bis second voyage, in 1493 ; and the name bestowed on it by the “ grand Admiral 39 is still the one most frequently used in conversation. It is supposed to have been first settled by the English and Dutch about 1625, and for the next five-and- twenty years was, like all the adjacent islands, the scene of constant bloodshed. In 1650 the Spaniards made a descent upon it from Porto Rico, and completely de¬ stroyed the rising plantations, but in their turn were very shortly afterwards expelled by the French, who proceeded to found a colony there. The settlement proved to be very unhealthy : three governors in succession and two-thirds of the colonists died the first year ; and, as it was deemed, and no doubt rightly so, that the insalubrity was caused by the dense and aged forests which covered the island, the survivors determined to burn them down. Accordingly, having set fire to them, they retreated to their ships and witnessed the conflagration, only returning when the fire had burnt itself out*. Since this, the island has had a high reputation for healthiness. That the simultaneous and sudden destruction by fire of all the woods in an island like this would have a marked and lasting effect upon its Fauna, no one can doubt ; and one of its results may probably be traced in a fact ascertained by Herr Apothek Riise of St. Thomas, that in St. Croix there occur the “ dead 33 shells of about a dozen species of terrestrial Mollusks, of which he has never found a single example inhabited by the living animal, though they are undoubtedly recent and not fossil forms. It is difficult to account for the extinction of so many species, unless it may be presumed that the changes brought about in the island by so great a fire, rendered it unsuitable for their longer habitation. It is fair to suppose that the Birds were affected, in at least some degree, like the Mollusks ; particularly when we observe that, though St. Croix lies some way removed from the chain of the neighbouring islands, no one species is to be found there which is peculiar to it alone — the case with nearly all the West Indian islands, whose ornithology has been inves¬ tigated, being the reverse, — -and further when we discover, that * Abridged from ‘ An Historical Account of St. Thomas, W. I., with notices of St. Croix and St. John’s.’ By John P. Knox. New York, 1852.- 61 on the Birds of St. Croix. there hardly occurs there a single representative of those genera which are most typical of the birds of the Antilles as distin¬ guished from those of either of the neighbouring continents. The eastern end of St. Croix is comparatively barren, as is the windward side of most of the islands of the West Indian archipelago ; and the plantations there have been mostly aban¬ doned, the country being now overgrown with "bush” of a moderate height, consisting chiefly of the "Casha” (Acacia far- nesiana, W.) with interspersed Cacti and Euphorbia. A chain of low hills rises near the sea, which runs with scarcely any in¬ terruption along the north side to the western end, attaining its greatest elevation in what is called Blue Mountain (in humble imitation, probably, of the lofty peak of that name in Jamaica). Most of these hills are clothed with the same kind of bush as the east end, with the exception of the Cacti. They slope abruptly to the sea-shore on the north and north-west ; but be¬ tween them and the south side lie those gently undulating plains for the fertility of which the island is so justly celebrated. These are, for the most part, highly cultivated, that part of the land which is fit for growing the Sugar-cane being divided into regular squares or parallelograms, separated from each other by narrow strips called “ ranges,” just wide enough to allow of the passage of a cart, which gives the country, when viewed from the hills, the appearance of a vast chess-board. But here and there a tall line of Cocoa-nut ( Cocos nucifera,lj.), Mountain-cabbage ( Areca oleracea , Jacq.), or Thibet Trees ( Acacia lebbeky W.) breaks the horizon, while dotted about are the different “ works ” of the sugar estates, with their long rows of buildings, boiling, curing, and megass houses, the mule and cattle pens, and the lofty engine- chimney or windmill, according to the motive power employed. Shaded by towering palms and tamarinds, and embowered amid thickets of oleanders and oranges, stand the hospitable dwellings of the planters and managers, while hard by, almost hidden in a verdant forest of bananas or plantains, lie the more humble houses of the negro village. The southern shore, fringed with the deadly Manchioneel ( Hippomane manci- nilla, L.), is extremely flat, and contains a large lagoon surrounded by a dense grove of Mangroves ( Rhizophora mangle , L.), under 62 Messrs. A. and E. Newton's Observations the arching* root-branches of which burrow Land-crabs innume¬ rable. The north-west corner of the Island is very beautiful, and contains the greatest number of forest-trees to be found in the place, though many of them are natives of distant lands. Along the sides of the ravines with which it is intersected, are to be seen in its glory that most stately and magnificent of the palms the Mountain Cabbage, the Mammee ( Mammea americana, L.), and the Mango ( Mangifera indica , L.), contrasting their deep emerald leaves with the grey foliage of the Mahogany; the many different species of Ficus, with their curious roots sprouting from their trunks and branches ; the broad-leaved Bread-fruit ( Artocarpus incisa, L.) ; the graceful Turpentine (Bur sera gummifera , Jacq.), in appearance recalling the Birch of northern latitudes; while along the margins of the streams that run among the hills are the so-called “gardens," whose chief characteristic is the luxuriant Bananas and Plantains ( Musce ) waving their wide leaves split into ribands by the wind, and shaped like Chinese banners. Above all, that most striking feature of the West Indian forest, the gigantic Silk-cotton tree (Eriodendron anfractuosum, D. C.) extends its grotesquely shapen limbs, affording a friendly harbour to numberless tufts of Bromeliacea , garlanded with festoons of trailing “ vines," and often presenting the curious spectacle of a tree subject at the same time to the influence of all four seasons*. But our object is now the birds of St. Croix ; and we are loth to occupy the attention of our readers with too many prefatory remarks. Let it suffice to say, that we believe that the orni¬ thology of this Island has never previously been investigated, and that we are now far from thinking that the following is any¬ thing like a perfect list of the birds which occur there. The fact must especially be taken into consideration, that our obser¬ vations extended over many of the same months in both years, and that neither of us had much opportunity of examining what additions were made to its Avi-fauna by autumnal migrants and winter residents. It is particularly likely that the numbers of Sylvicolince and Scolopacidce are much understated. When any object was to be gained by specifying which of us was the observer of a fact, we have been careful to word that portion * See Gosse’s ‘Naturalist’s Sojourn in Jamaica/ pp. 278 and 499. 63 on the Birds of St. Croix. which relates it in the first person singular, to place it between inverted commas, and to add the proper initials ; but in general the date of the year will show who is responsible for the state¬ ment. To the notice of those species of which we did not obtain specimens, and concerning the determination of which some doubt may therefore be entertained, there is prefixed a note of interrogation ; and those which occur also in the Island of St. Thomas are marked by a dagger. 1. [?] American Osprey. Pandion carolinensis, Bp. Falco haliceetus, ptm., L. ; Aud. pi. 81. We have both seen on various occasions what we fully believe to have been this species. It probably appears in the island at all times excepting the breeding season. 2. Duck Falcon. Falco anatum} Bp. ; F. peregrinus , Wils. pi. 76. The sternum and other bones of a bird which had been wounded in the autumn of 1856 and kept alive for some time, are now in our possession ; and we have no doubt as to this being the species to which they belong. “ I saw a Falcon, probably of this species, March 17th, 1858.” — E. N. f 3. American Kestrel. Tinnunculus sparverius , Vieill. Falco sparverius , L. : F. B. A. ii. pi. 24 : Aud. pi. 42. “ Killie- killie.” This bird is common over the whole island, and may almost always be seen hanging in the wind at a considerable height from the ground, in the manner of its European congener (T. alaudarius, Gray), or passing rapidly from tree to tree in its graceful flight, uttering, as it goes, its plaintive cry. It seems to breed most commonly on the old windmills dismantled since the almost general introduction of steam-power. A male, killed May 2nd, 1857, had in its stomach the remains of a full-sized house-lizard (. Anolis , sp. ?). Another male, shot April 2nd, 1 858, was carrying in its claws a mouse or small rat, which, dropping into a thick bush, was lost. All the specimens obtained by us were very brightly coloured ; but assuredly there is no specific difference between them and those from North America. Indi- 64 Messrs. A. and E. Newton's Observations viduals vary very greatly in the size of their bills. Specimens from St. Croix are in the Norfolk and Norwich Museum. A female, killed March 12th, 1857, had the skin of the chin of a bright straw-colour plainly showing through the feathers. The name by which this bird is known in the island sounds like a good imitation of its cry. “ May 6th, 1858. — On sending a negro up a Thibet Tree (. Acacia lebbek, W.) to examine a hole, in which I had been told a young Owl had been found last year, out flew a female e Killie- killie/ and perched immediately on a tree close by. In the hole were three eggs, laid without any nest, as the man informed me. They are very like those of our own Kestrel, but do not seem ever to have the crimson colouring, and are of course very much smaller." — E. N. 4. Bare-legged Owl. Gymnoglaux nudipes , Cabanis, Journ. f. Ornith. 1855, p. 466. Striae nudipes , Baud., Vieill. (pi.), Shaw et Latham, nec Nilsson & Gould. (Plate I.) This bird, so scarce in collections, seems to be the only Owl found in the island; and there even, its existence is known but to few. It appears to be very local, and to be confined to the so-called gardens" by the sides of the streams, which are shaded by thick groves of Mangoes and Mammees, probably because in these places only it finds the shelter and retirement it needs ; but it is possible that here it may not be uncommon, as amongst the dense foliage it may easily escape notice. “ A young bird, nearly full-grown, but still covered with down, was sent to me alive on May 30th, 1857, by the manager of the Great Fountain Estate, where it had been taken the previous day, in a hollow tree, — there being no nest or other bird with it. I kept it in a cage until June 23rd, during which time it hardly changed in its appearance, except that the quill-feathers showed themselves. It was peevish in its temper, and showed its dis¬ pleasure by snapping its bill and uttering guttural sounds. It displayed none of the activity which so distinguishes some of the small Owls of Europe, but would sit, even at night, sulkily dozing on its perch. If a finger were held towards it, it would take no notice until it came within easy reach of its beak or claws, when the approach was resented by a vicious attack. If the Ibis. 1859 Pl.I M IT. Hanliart, Tmp"^ j mm, m. GYMtfOGLAJOX NUDIPES . 65 on the Birds of St. Croix. whole hand were introduced with the intention of taking it out of the cage, it would generally fall over backwards, and clutch violently at the intruder with its talons, grasping firmly, and submitting to be thus lifted out. There were times, however, when it evinced a more friendly disposition, and it would then sit patiently on one’s finger and endure to have its head stroked. Finding, from trials often repeated, that it showed little taste for birds or insects, I fed it almost entirely on small lizards (Anolis, sp. ?). These it invariably swallowed whole, head fore¬ most of course. On offering it a well-grown lizard, it would try to seize it in its beak, as near the head as possible. If it suc¬ ceeded in getting a good hold, it instantly grasped the body with one foot, and, keeping the animal straight, soon disposed of it ; but if, as often happened, it missed its first aim, the reptile would generally attack the bird, seizing hold of it between the gape and eye with its tiny mouth. A struggle would then take place, the Owl going over on its back and endeavouring with one or both feet to pull off the lizard, the latter seldom giving way except with a mouthful of the former’s facial bristles, which in this species are very long even in the young bird. On these occasions, as often as not, the reptile would have the best of the battle, and make his escape. A few days after I received this live bird, an adult, believed to be one of its parents, wTas shot and sent to me from the same locality. The stomach of this example contained insects only ; its sexual organs were much in¬ jured by shot. At the time I believed it to be a male, but am now inclined to change this opinion.” — A. N. “A male of this species was brought to me from the Great Fountain Estate on May 1 1th, 1858, the stomach of which con¬ tained the remains of several beetles. On September 1st, I re¬ ceived a young bird which had been knocked down by a stone on the Estate Allendale ; it was full-grown and feathered, with the exception of a small quantity of nestling-down on the back of its head. I was unable to ascertain the sex. I was told that, at the Fiver and Great Fountain Estates, Owls were generally heard ‘ bawling’ at sunrise; but I have been to those places at that hour, and listened for them to no purpose.” — E. N. Though there does not seem to be much doubt of this being VOL. i. F 66 Messrs. A. and E. Newton's Observations the original Strioc nudipes * of Daudin (Tr. d'Orn. ii. 199), yet it must be confessed that the descriptions given of it by Shaw (Gen. Zool. vii. 269) and Latham (Gen. Hist. B. i. 372, which is a vain repetition of Shaw's) are very inaccurate. As, too, Vieillot's plate of this bird (Ois. d'Am. Sept. pi. 16), which is the only one published, does not well represent this species, we are glad to be able to give here, by Mr. J. H. Gurney's libe¬ rality, a better figure of it from Mr. Wolf's pencil. The length is more nearly eight than “ seven inches," as mentioned by Shaw; and it requires a lively imagination to convert the long mesial streak on each feather of the under parts into a “ lyre¬ shaped spot." Most decidedly, too, the young birds are less “ rufous " than the adults ; and the belly, instead of being “ whiter than in the full-grown bird," is of nearly the same colour as the back. Dr. Cabanis states ( loc . cit .) that Dr. Gund- lach has met with it in Cuba ; and the Paris Museum contains specimens sent from Porto Rico by M. Mauge. There is a single bird in the University Museum at Edinburgh. Besides this and our own four examples, now deposited in the fine col¬ lection of Raptor es at Norwich, we know of no others in this country. In this species the irides are bright hazel, the bill horn-colour, palest at the tip, the legs and toes pale brown, the claws horn- colour. The female bird seems to be more rufous than the male, with the breast and belly not so thickly mottled ; but as we have only two specimens which appear to be fully adult to judge from, these distinctions may be the result of age rather than of sex. 5. Barn Swallow. Hirundo horreorum , Barton (Baird's Rep. B. Pac. R. R. Survey, p. 308). H. americana, Wils. “ I observed two individuals of this species for the first time. Sept. 13th, 1858, and I continued to see some almost daily up to my departure from the island on the 28th of that month. They were generally hawking after the manner of our own * There is, we think, no doubt on this point, Daudin’s name being founded on specimens procured by M. Mauge in Porto Rico, which are now in the Paris Museum, where we have had an opportunity of examining them. — Ed. 67 on the Birds of St. Croix. familiar bird (H. rustica, L.), and, I think, could hardly be di¬ stinguished from it on the wing. On one occasion I saw several hundreds flying over a lagoon, intending probably to pass the night in the thick mangroves on its margin. From what I could learn, they do not winter in the island, nor are they seen there on their passage northwards in spring.” — E. N. 6. Belted Kingfisher. Ceryle alcyon (Linn.) : Aud. pi. 77 : YarrelFs Brit. B. 3rd edit. ii. p. 236. Apparently a winter visitant, leaving the island late in April. It chiefly frequents the Mangrove-swamps and the mouths of the small streams, but sometimes fishes nearly half a mile out at sea. Its loud call has been well likened to the noise made by springing a watchman's rattle. “The stomach of one I skinned contained shells of crabs.” — A. N. “I saw what I believe to have been a bird of this species on my passage home in October 1858, in lat. 26° 17' N., long 57° 28r W. It flew round the steamer several times within gun¬ shot ; and I could clearly make out the dark belt across the breast.” — E. N. The maritime habit of this species makes the occurrence of two examples in Ireland, as recorded by Mr. Thompson (B. Irel. i. 373), less surprising than might otherwise appear. t 7. Black-and-yellow Creeper. Certhiola flaveola (Linn.) (?) “ Sugar Bird.” Whether this be really identical with the Certhia flaveola of Linnaeus, the type of which is usually supposed to be the bird from Jamaica, may very fairly be doubted. But so much con¬ fusion seems to exist among naturalists respecting the so-called species of the genus Certhiola, that it is very desirable not to make matters worse. And, as the specific value of the differ¬ ences which exist between the “ Sugar-bird ” of St. Croix and the “ Banana Quit” of Jamaica is by no means certain, it ap¬ pears best merely to remark upon them, and to abstain from describing the former as distinct from the latter, especially, too, as, after an examination of a tolerably large series of skins from other localities in the British Museum and Mr. F. L. Sclater's f 2 68 Messrs. A. and E. Newton on the Birds of St. Croix. collection, with all the advantage which Prince C. L. Bonaparte^s diagnoses in the ‘ Comptes Bendus^ (vol. xxxviii. p. 259) afford, it does not seem possible to come to any decided opinion on the subject. The following are some of the principal differences to be observed between the birds from St. Croix and Jamaica : — St. Croix. Adult male. — Top of head, nape, back and upper wing-coverts dull black. Rump with a small greenish- yellow ill- defined patch. White on outer webs of primaries occupying small space, and almost hidden by wing-coverts, hardly showing, even when the wing is open. Three outer tail-quills on each side tipped with a broad patch of dirty white. Throat lead-grey ; broad stripe of black from gape, round the eye and above the ear. Edge of shoulder white or faintly tinged with yellow. Jamaica. Adult male. — Top of head, nape, back and upper wing-coverts deep black. Rump bright canary-yellow, well-defined. White on outer web of primaries occupying a largish space, and forming a distinct patch, even when the wing is closed. Three outer tail- quills on each side tipped with a broad patch of clear white. Throat dull dark grey; narrow line of black from gape, above the eye and ear. Edge of shoulder bright yellow. The females from both islands appear to be more alike. The young males, even when breeding, have the line over the eye brilliant yellow, and the grey feathers of the chin tipped with yellow. Adult females have the superciliary stripe white, and nearly resemble the males. The bird from St. Thomas much more nearly resembles that from Jamaica than that from St. Croix, but has a much paler- grey throat. In Mr. Gosse’s pretty figure of this species (Ill. B. Jam. ph xvi.), he has omitted a very singular and pleasing feature, namely, the prominent pale crimson or bright pink lips at the gape, which, while the bird is alive, form a striking contrast of colour with its plumage. These are brightest in the adult, but are also very conspicuous in the young bird. The colour is very fleeting ; and generally by the time the skin is taken off, no traces of it are to be seen. This bird gets its name in St. Croix from its constantly entering the curing-houses at the different works through the barred windows: and managers and over¬ seers give it a bad reputation for stealing sugar from the hogs¬ heads : but we are inclined to think it is often attracted thither by the swarms of flies, which certainly throng there for the purpose of eating the newly-made muscovado. It is a very famk Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew . 69 liar species, haunting gardens and often entering houses, where* instead of appearing alarmed, as do most other birds under similar circumstances, it preserves great coolness, hopping gravely from one piece of furniture to another, and carefully exploring the surrounding objects, its short squat figure putting one perpetually in mind of the Nuthatches ( Sitta ), to which group Certhiola must have some strong affinities. It generally keeps in pairs, and appears to breed from March to August, building its domed and often pensile nest, which has a small porch or pent-house roof over the entrance, in almost any kind of situation, but most generally at the extre¬ mity of a leafy bough. It sometimes seems to lay its eggs, which rarely appear to exceed three in number, before the nest is finished, rather to the discomfiture of the oologist, who de¬ lays inserting his finger into the structure while he sees one or both of the birds busy with a tuft of grass or cotton in their bills, until at last, losing patience, he examines the edifice to find the eggs already hatched. These are in shape elongated, and in colour white, blotched, particularly at the larger end, with rusty red. The nest is generally very untidy on the out¬ side ; it is composed of coarse grass or bents, with a good sprinkling of cotton without, and feathers in the inside. The birds are also fond of picking up rags and any sorts of odds and ends they can find about the houses, and adding them to the pile. “ I observed an instance in which two broods were reared from the same nest, with only an interval of ten days between the time the young left it and the laying of an egg/’ — E. N. [To be continued.] VII. — On the Breeding of the Smew , Mergus albellus, L . By John Wolley, jun. The first year I was in Lapland, 1853, it was important for me to find out the native, that is, the Finnish, names for the birds of the country. Of the ducks generally I soon learned to un¬ derstand to which species each name referred; but there was one called Ungilo, concerning which I was for a long time in the 70 Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew. dark. It was described as breeding in holes of trees, or in tyllas, that is, nest-boxes. It was a smaller bird than the Sotka (Golden Eye), but was able to turn that bird out of its hole, if it wanted it for itself ; though some accounts told the reverse story. It had formerly been found not unfrequently on the Muonio River, and especially on the lakes through which the little Jeris-joki runs. On the former river, a little above the inlet of the Palo-joki, there is even an islet called after it, Un- gilon-saari, on which, though there are still tyllas, the bird has not been known for a good many years. In the course of time I learned that the bird, had a beak like a Koskilo (Merganser), and the colours of the male were described to me in a way that left no doubt it was the Smew. Still it required some selection of evidence to hold this opinion firmly ; for instance, a woman talking to me imitated the cry of the bird, in doing which she used the syllables “ u-u-ungel ” with the music of the spring call of the Long-tailed Duck, and by her subsequent description clearly showed that that was the bird she meant, though it is usually known by quite another name, identical with, and perhaps bor¬ rowed from, the Swedish, Alle. This suggested to me that the name Ungilo may have been originally applied to the Long-tailed Duck, inasmuch as we find, in Strongs “ Description of Sand- mor," that the Long-tailed Duck is called Angle-mager (Hook- maker) on parts of the Norwegian coast, doubtless from its cry, connected with the time of its appearance when the sea-fishing begins*. Nothing is more common than one and the same name being applied to different birds in different districts. Even this very name Ungilo is used for the Goosander in certain places on the Upper Tornea River. Concerning the egg of Ungilo I made every inquiry. All the people who remembered it on the Muonio agreed that it was much less than the Golden Eye's, and was liable to be found in * The Finnish names of things are often nearly related, as the language generally is, to the Lappish. For northern productions it is likely that the Finns, the later comers, would often borrow from the Lapps. The Lapps call the Long-tailed Duck “ Hanghi,” a name probably formed from the ear. 71 Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew. the same hole with eggs of that bird. As a consequence of this popular belief, I often had dwarf eggs of Sotka brought to me for Ungilo’s. From one trustworthy man, Piko Haki, I heard that some ten years before he had found a nest and taken the eggs on sale for eating to a resident trader, who had asked him where he had got Hens' eggs. Now Hens' eggs are unknown in the interior of the country, where I was ; but at Uleaborg, where the trader had been familiar with them, they are about the size of our Bantam's eggs. This gave me the best indi¬ cation I had yet met with of the probable appearance of the egg, and I told my servant-lad Ludwig in confidence that, when we at length should get UngiWs eggs, they would be very like Wigeon's, though probably more white. Of course this was not to be talked of, as it might lead to attempts at impo¬ sition. It is possible that the small comparative size of the UngiWs eggs, and the habit of the bird turning out the Golden Eye, had made it little liked by the people, and that they used to catch it on its eggs and kill it, as they do Hawk-Owls and Tengmalm’s Owls. However that may be, year after year passed by, and I never once, out of the tens of thousands of duck-like birds that came under my notice, caught sight of a Smew. In time I came to hear from people who came from the Sodankyla district, a good way to the east of Muonioniska, that Uinilo, as it was there called, bred at more than one lake in that neighbourhood. In 1856 I sent a very clever Lap, Martin Pekka, to this quarter for the egg-season, but he could not meet with Uinilo. In 1857 the clergyman of Muonioniska, Priest Liljeblad, had been transferred to Sodankyla ; and in the spring of this year, an intelligent young man, Carl Leppajervi, went from Muonio¬ niska to be assistant-schoolmaster with his former teacher. I gave Carl strict charge to make every inquiry for Uinilo in that part of the world and of travellers from Kemi Trask. One day (the 30th July 1857), as I passed by the homestead of Regina's Calle, the famous steerer of the Muonio Falls, there was given to me a wooden box, such as is used in the country for carrying butter on a journey, addressed “ To the English gentleman Joh Woleg in Muoniovaara." The box was not tied nor secured in 72 Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew. any waj- ; and on the lid being opened, there first appeared a well-written Finnish letter, of parts of which the following is an exact translation : — “ Matthias Lakso of Made-koski-kyla, on the Kitinen-joki, five miles (Swedish) from Sodankyla, has found on the Liesi-joki eggs of Uinilo, and has brought to me three eggs, on which is written a number like this.” [Here follows a facsimile of the figure 1 on the eggs. It appears from Hermelin’s map, that the Kitinen-joki, of which the Liesi is doubtless a tributary, runs into the Kemi-joki a little north of Sodankyla.] “ They were found on the 8th day of the Summer-month (June) 1857. Of an old birch trunk the wood was rotted away, and it was left hollow, forming a hole in which they were.” [The expression used involves the idea of the trunk being still standing.] There were two men in company, and the other man has given four eggs to the priest : there were seven of them ; but there was no down brought. * * * * The Uinilo was also killed, and with the eggs it too is sent. — Carl Leppajervi. First day of the Hay- month (July) 1857. And the priest will send the four Uinilo’ s eggs, if you send him four eggs of Kuukili ” ( Garrulus infaustus). “ This Uinilo was taken to the priest, and he wants for it 20 copecks.” The next, or probably the first thing in the box that struck my eye, was a stiff-necked skin of a female Smew, with hatching- spots on its under side ; then I came to five or six much- injured eggs of Greenshank and other birds ; and lastly, at the bottom of all, well-wrapped in tow, were the three Smew’s, blown each with two holes, which I afterwards found it safe to round off with a drill. The eggs rather staggered me at first sight, they were so like Wigeon’s. From time to time I held consultations over them. On comparing them with a series of something like fifty Wigeon’s eggs, I found that they were pretty nearly of the same size, though rather below the average. They were flattened at the small end more than any of the Wigeon’s, and they had less of the yellowish tinge about them, so that persons not much used to eggs could pick them out of the lot ; but all these peculiarities might be accidental, though it seemed remarkable that any woodsman trying to pass off Wigeon’s eggs Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew. 73 for Smew's should have been able to find so abnormal a nest. But it was not very long before I satisfied myself that there was a decided difference of texture. This could be perceived on an ordinary examination ; but it became very striking on ex¬ posing the egg to direct sunshine and examining the penumbra, or space between full light and full shadow, with a magnifying glass — the sharp “ mountainous ” structure of the Wigeon's egg was strongly contrasted with the- lower and more rounded cha¬ racter of the elevations in the Smew's. It is my intention to en¬ deavour to illustrate this with the help of photography. Fur¬ ther, I tried the sense of touch : scratching the egg with the most sensitive of my finger-nails I could at once perceive the greater roughness of the Wigeon's. Ludwig, though his hand was by no means of the finest, did not make a single mistake in some ten trials with his eyes shut of various Wigeon's eggs and the supposed Smew's, and one or two other people were equally suc¬ cessful. I now felt no doubt that I had true eggs of the Smew. The ivory-like texture of the Goosander's egg was a prettv par¬ allel to the character of the Smew's. In the meantime, on August 4th, I sent a letter to Pastor Liljeblad, accompanied by a box with four beautiful eggs of the Siberian Jay, packed as eggs should be packed, and enclosing money, amongst other uses to pay for a thoroughly trustworthy man to travel to Made-koski-kyla, to inquire into the particulars of the capture of the Smew and its eggs, to himself visit the birch trunk, and to bring away the down which would be lying at the bottom of the hole. I also wrote to Carl Leppajervi. In a month after I wrote, I hoped an answer might arrive ; but I wTas disappointed, and I was obliged to leave Muoniovaara for England on the 11th of September. I had not been very long in England when I received a letter enclosing communications from Pastor Liljeblad and from Carl Leppajervi,- which had arrived at Muoniovaara on the 16th of September, and also enclosing a specimen of the down, which my agent had picked out of the heap of touch-wood sent with the letters from So- dankyla. The priest told me in Swedish that he had asked me for the eggs of the Siberian Jay, only because he had for many years pro- 74 Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew. mised a friend in the South to do his best to procure them, and that the only chance left for him was to get them of me — 'he had been so many times wilfully deceived by the country people ; that he now sent me the four Uinilo’s eggs, which had been brought to him. He added, in answer to a question of mine, “ I think that the men who came with them, if not exactly of the best-behaved sort, are at least so far to be trusted that they brought the true ones. Kalle went at once to Made-koski.” Kalle^s letter said in Finnish, “ I have been to Made-koski for the Uinilo^s down, but there was not much of it there. The birch stump was open at the top, and who knows but the wind may have carried some of the down away ? Matthias Lakso took away a little from what I have sent, to see if he could make out himself that it was UinihFs. That Uinilo was caught actually from the top of those eggs ; indeed it is true. * * * * I saw that in that birch stump there had at some other time been eggs, for there were old pieces of egg-shell. Written 29th of Harvest- month (August) 1857.- — Karl Leppajervi.” I was told by my man in Lapland that these four eggs had been blown with only one hole, sufficiently well made, but that a great part of the yolk had been left inside. They were also stained outside ; but he had cleaned them out, rounded the holes with a drill, and made a good job of them. The down sent to me I found to agree generally with that on the body of the female Smew ; but I did not make a careful examination, and I have not yet made it. At the end of October 1858 1 received these other four eggs. I found that the character which 1 had previously observed, but which I had originally seen on only one of the first three, was common to all the other four, namely that shown by the pre¬ sence of a thin calcareous covering outside the egg-shell proper, apparently of the same nature as that which is so conspicuous in the egg of the common tame Swan. Some attempts had been made in Sodankyla, as my man told me, to scrape this off. The following are the dimensions in two directions, with some description, of four eggs which are now before me, picked out of the six which remain in my possession out of the nest of seven : — 75 Mr J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew. 1st egg 2nd egg 3rd egg 4th egg Greatest length. . 2’04 inches. 205 204 2*04 )> )) }> Greatest breadth. 1*52 inch. 1-47 1-43 1-42 }) )) a Of the first egg, the widest part is exactly halfway down ; but in one direction the inferior fulness of the curve points out which is the small end of the egg ; though, were there cut out of the middle of each end a piece of the shell bounded by a circle of a quarter of an inch in radius, I think, as the pieces lay upon a level surface, the piece from the small end of the egg would be found less elevated than the other piece. In other words, the small end of the egg is even more flattened than the large end, though the flattened area there is not so extensive as that of the large end. Of the second egg, the conjugate diameter is nearer to the large end than it is to the small end, the proportion of the distances being as 9 to 10. The curve towards the small end is less suddenly changed than in the egg last described, though still the present egg is very broad at the small end. The third egg is equally flat at the small end with the second ; but it is rather less curved from the broadest part to the com¬ mencement of this flat end. The fourth is still narrower than the last, before the flatness of the small end commences. I have previously alluded to the texture and the colour of these eggs. I have seen a MS. list of birds from the German naturalist Herr Hoffmansegg, then resident in Archangel, from which it appears that Mergus albellus occurs in that neighbourhood, which is considerably more southerly than Muonioniska, or Sodankyla. As I did not hear of it on the north or north-east coast of Norway, and as it is not known to breed in Sweden, I should be inclined to suppose it generally an eastern and northern bird. It is worthy of note, that the very pale colour of the down of the Smew seems to be connected with its choosing holes for 76 Mr. W. C. Hewitson on Recent Discoveries breeding. No bird of the duck kind that has white down, as far as I know, places its eggs in an exposed situation. The Goosander, Golden Eye, Sheldrake, birds differing much from one another, have all white down, and all lay their eggs in holes of trees when such are to be found, whilst one of them at least has well-coloured eggs. Beeston, Nottingham, December 20, 1558. VIII.— Recent Discoveries in European Oology. By William C. Hewitson. (Plate II.) It is with very great pleasure that I find myself again associated with old friends and fellow-labourers in endeavouring to pro¬ mote a favourite and delightful study. Birds’ eggs, though beautiful objects in themselves, and amongst the first of God’s glorious works which gave utterance to that burst of joy which has never forsaken some of us through life, may be made of the greatest use in ornithological study, and would of themselves alone form a foundation towards a general arrangement of birds. For the eggs of the three species now figured and the notes, which accompany them, I am indebted to the Rev. H. B. Tris¬ tram. They have been discovered since the completion of the third edition of the f Eggs of British Birds,’ and that of the Cursorius is a most valuable addition to our oological knowledge. I have adopted those specific names for the three species by which Mr. G. R. Gray has shown that they were first christened. It is quite time that English ornithologists should adopt that golden rule in nomenclature, the right of priority, from which no naturalist should ever deviate. Cuculus glan darius, Linn. Great Spotted Cuckoo. Eggs, Plate II. figs. 1, 2. The following most interesting account is from the pen of Mr. Tristram. It does not quite settle the question as to the nesting habits of this bird, and does not exonerate it beyond a Ibis, 1859. II. IT. 5. 3. W. C.Jfevntean, del. et Mi. 1858 Printed \rj Jful del &.1/7kJtan. 77 in European Oology. doubt from the stain which is attached to the character of our well-known species. Mr. Tristram, although inclining to the belief that the C. glandarius rears its own young ones, acknow¬ ledges that the eggs are so like those of a magpie of the country, in the nest of which it lays them, that the eggs of the two birds for a time passed his critical eye, and were labeled as those of one and the same species. The eggs are certainly well-adapted to represent those of a magpie, but are still more like those of our own thrushes. That represented in fig. 2 is a facsimile of the egg of the blackbird, both in size and colour. That in fig. 1, except that it is larger, would pass- for the egg of the ring-ouzel. Mr. Tristram says, “ In our expedition of the spring of 1857, we were fortunate enough to pitch our tents, for upwards of three weeks, in a valley between two of the southern spurs of the Eastern Atlas range, which proved to be one of the very few breeding localities of the Great Spotted Cuckoo as yet dis¬ covered in North Africa. In the middle of May we had no¬ ticed it several times, but could obtain no clue to its breeding- habits, until one day I had extended a long ride as far as a French outpost, when an officer showed me a Cuckoo he had just skinned, and gave me an egg he had taken from the ovary ready for deposition. He told me that in a certain wood near our camp he had in former years taken nests, and had never, during a fifteen years’ residence in Africa, observed the bird in any other district, and that even here it seemed confined to very narrow limits. Within a very few days after this a nest rewarded our search, containing a single egg ready to hatch (May 20th) : the nest was in the top of a tree in the forest. After this we found several other nests. I am aware that M. Brehm*, who has described the habits of this bird in Nubia, attributes to it the same evasion of domestic duties of which our C. canorus is guilty, and states that it makes use of the nests of the Corvidae, whose eggs its own in some degree resemble as to colouring. But, as far as my own observation goes, I cannot concur in the accusation of its use of a foundling hospital, further than that I believe it does appropriate and repair the deserted * See Cabanis* Journal fur Ornithologie, 1853, p. 144, and Zoolo¬ gist, xx. 3987* 78 Mr. W. C. Hewitson on Recent Discoveries tenements of Pica mauritanica and Athene meridionalis. In this view I am borne out by my companions Mr. 0. Salvin and Mr. W. H. Simpson. We all devoted much time and care to the solution of this Cuckoo’s habits, and never found it laying its eggs in a nest already occupied. “ On one occasion one of our Arabs came and told me he had found a nest of the ‘ Burroo Burroo ’ (its local name) in the forest. I accompanied him to the spot. The male bird took flight from a branch of an adjoining tree ; and in the top of a gnarled old terebinth, where a branch had at some period been rent from the trunk and formed a cavity, I espied a nest like that of the little owl (certainly not that of a magpie), and pro¬ truding therefrom the long tail-feathers of my friend. She flew screaming off, and I found left two eggs, set rather hard. On another occasion a nest of four eggs, fresh, was brought us. We found but this one nest of four eggs, one of three, two nests of two each, and two of one each. I have been somewhat prolix on this question because our experience is so different from that of Dr. Brehm. A friend has suggested that perhaps the Cuckoo, before depositing her eggs, ejects those of the rightful occupant. “ It is fair to add, that on unpacking our collections some months after, it was found that a few days before discovering the Great Spotted Cuckoo’s nest we had placed two of its eggs along with two undoubtedly those of Pica mauritanica , and la¬ beled them as being all of the latter bird, and of one nest. These four eggs appear by our notes to have been broug*ht in by our Arabs, and it is quite possible they may have placed the eggs of two nests, which they took to be of the same species, together, to save themselves trouble in bringing them home ; and that we, who did not value the magpie’s eggs, had stowed them away without any particular observation. “ C. glandarius has three notes : a call-note something like that of C. canorus, probably used by the male; its cry of alarm, something between that of the Jay and the Boiler; and its third note, ( Wurree Wurree/ from which it doubtless derives its Arab name, just as the common Cuckoo is called by them i Tookook .’ ” 79 in European Oology. Cursorius gallicus, Gmel. Cream-coloured Courser. (C. isabellinus, Temm.) Egg, Plate II. fig. 3. Although rare in Europe, this species has for more than half a century been recorded as a British bird. Por the discovery of its eggs, ornithologists are indebted to the Bev. H. B. Tris¬ tram, who has kindly sent me the following notes : “ Although during the winter of 1856-57 I penetrated several hundred miles into the Algerian Sahara, and beyond its limits as far as between latitude 31° and 30°, yet this bird only once came under my observation, being evidently for the most part only a summer migrant to those regions. In the month of June 1857, I twice met with small flocks of them on the Hauts plateaux be¬ tween Biskra and Batna, to the south of Constantine. During the previous summer of 1856, 1 had met with the bird several times in the western Sahara, north of Laghouat, and especially in the neighbourhood of Ain Oosera, a solitary caravansary in the desert, kept up by the French government as a military halting-place. “ Though certain that the birds were breeding there at the time, I was unable to detect their nest ; but shortly after my departure, the keeper of the caravansary, who had assisted me in my search, and who had in previous years frequently taken the eggs, and cooked them as omelets along with those of the P ter ocles setarius, found the nest and sent me the eggs, three in number. According to his account, the Courser always ad¬ heres to this number, as indeed might have been expected from the character of the bird. “ It makes no nest whatever, but deposits its eggs on the bare soil in the most arid plains.” Eggs sent from Tangiers, deposited by birds in a state of con¬ finement, and consequently smaller and more faintly coloured than the one now figured, are in the collections of Mr. Gurney and Mr. A. N ewton. Theone figured bears a very striking resemblance both in shape and colour to some of the eggs of the Norfolk Plover. The delicate undulations are not easily imitated in a drawing. Turnix africanus, Desfont.; Gray's Genera, p. 510. ( Hemi - podius tachydromus, Temm.) Andalusian Quail. Eggs, Plate II. figs. 4, 5. This species has been introduced as a British bird by Mr. 80 Recent Discoveries in European Oology. Yarrell, and figured as such in the Supplement to his work, from a specimen said to have been killed in Oxfordshire. Mr. Tris¬ tram says, that although not rare in the wooded districts of northern Algeria, its nest had, until last year, eluded the re¬ searches of all the French collectors. Various eggs had from time to time come into the hands of the Paris dealers, the produce of birds in captivity ; but these two eggs are, as far as I can ascertain, the very first from a bird in a state of nature. They were taken by Capt. Loehe, of the French army, in Kobah forest, on July 11th, 1857. The nest contained seven eggs, nearly fresh. It was placed on the ground in the midst of a dense thicket of underwood, most ingeniously concealed, and where no dog could penetrate to put up the bird. “ It was in such situations that I had frequently before found the Hemipode, which never occurs in the plains or in the desert. When disturbed, it is scarcely possible to make it take wing. When beaten out of a bush, it half runs, half flies, to the nearest cover, somewhat after the manner and with much of the ap¬ pearance of Bailloffis Crake. I do not believe that it migrates in the Atlas, as specimens are occasionally found at all times of the year ; nor does it appear ever to congregate, either in flocks or bevies, after the manner of the Quail, to which, indeed, in all its habits it affords a striking contrast. “ The female is very much larger and generally more brilliant in colouring than the male, and is at least one-third heavier than her mate. I was out with Capt. Loche when he discovered this nest, of which he kindly allotted me three eggs.” Mr. Goi*Jd has figured the two sexes as of equal size, and says that it is difficult to distinguish them by their plumage each from the other. The eggs bear but little resemblance to those of other gallina¬ ceous birds. The shell is delicate and thin, and touched with a neutral purple tint, which gives them some likeness to those of the Pratincole. ‘ Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles.' 81 IX. — Review of Mr. Breeds ‘Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles.’* It is a matter of great regret that the ornithology of Europe has been hitherto so little studied by British naturalists. This fact has always been regarded with wonder by our continental brethren, — very naturally, too, when they think that of the troops of tourists who annually swarm over Europe, how vast a majority are our fellow-countrymen, and reflect that in England the study of Natural History is scarcely pursued but by amateurs for their own gratification. We confess that it is not easy to account for this. Perhaps the chief cause is the comparative rarity with which birds present themselves on the Continent. How often, when questioning a friend just returned from his summer’s trip to Holland, up the Bhine, or among the Alps — or, it may be from exploring the passes of the Pyrenees, the cones of Mount Etna, or the fjelds of Norway — as to what he may have observed of the feathered tribes during his rambles, has the answer been, “O, there are no birds abroad l” and thus it has come to be believed that the Continent is nearly as unavi- ferous as Lake Avernus itself ! Yet the birds are there, if tra¬ vellers will but look for them, and birds, too, possessing great interest even to those ornithologists who confine their attention solely to the species found within the compass of the four seas. But we trust that a spirit of more extended research is growing up, that soon the continental reproach may be taken away, and that our fellow-countrymen, as regards Natural History, may no longer be sneered at as “ penitus toto divisos orbe JBritannos.” The Englishman is catholic enough in his other sympathies : he knows to a nicety the points wherein St. Peter’s surpasses St. Paul’s, can compare the merits of York Minster and Cologne Cathedral, has an opinion of his own as to the best means of pre¬ serving the faded remains of Leonardo da Vinci’s master-piece, just as he has with regard to the right mode, if any, of restoring the national pictures in Trafalgar Square; he pronounces au- * A History of the Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles, illus¬ trated with accurately-coloured Plates. By C. R. Bree, Esq. London: Groombridge and Sons. [Tn course of publication.] VOL. I. G 82 Mr. Breeds ‘Birds of Europe tlioritatively between Mr. Wailes's stained glass and that of Munich ; would be nearly as soon accused of a false quantity as of mistaking Dresden china for Sevres ; or, if of a less aesthetic turn of mind, can tell you, without referring to his “ Murray,” the population of Hamburg or Naples within an odd hundred, the height of the Hospice of St. Bernard above the sea, the depth of the Fall of Terni or the length of the Loire. All these he is conversant with ; and, as regards the natural history of his native islands, the British ornithologist might be able to tell you which of the western counties never re-echo the notes of the Nightingale, at what elevation the haunts of the Ptarmigan begin in Scotland, or whether the Jay ever visits Ireland. But ask the same man whether he considers Falco concolor a Euro¬ pean species, or if he can describe the differences between Frin- gilla hispaniolensis and F. cisalpina, and he will stare as much as if he were being submitted to a competitive examination by the Civil Service Commissioners. In fact, M. Temminck's f Manuel d’ Ornithologies is nearly the only work on the birds of Europe (for Mr. Gould^s splendid publication deters the general public by its expense) the existence of which English naturalists* com¬ monly recognize ; and their practical knowledge of this book has been chiefly confined to the accounts of those species which are found in their own islands. It was therefore with no small satisfaction that we first heard of Mr. C. R. Breeds intention to publish that which forms the subject of the present notice, be¬ lieving, as we do, that it is impossible to get a right notion of even our indigenous birds, without those illustrations which a knowledge, more or less extensive, of the ornithology of the Continent alone can furnish. We do not wish it for a moment to be thought that we undervalue the labours of those ornitho¬ logists who have confined their writings to the elucidation of those species only which occur in the British Isles. Our Pennants, Montagus and Bewicks, our Yarrells, Thompsons and Macgil- livrays are, and will justly continue to be, held in high estimation; * We beg to be understood, that throughout this article we shall use this and the similar terms of 4 ornithologist 9 and c zoologist’ in the widest sense possible, comprehending in it every one whose tastes or profession render him partial to the study of Natural History. not observed in the British Isles .' 83 but it is remarkable that the regard in which they are held is exactly proportionate to the knowledge they possessed of exotic forms. The idea of a work relating only to those European birds which do not occur in this country had, if we mistake not, been enter¬ tained by two or three of our ornithologists. Whether they or Mr. Bree would have performed the author's part best, we do not care to inquire. He is first in the field, nay, at present alone there, and therefore entitled to our undivided support. We have little doubt that the low price of his book — to say nothing of the mode of publication, which spreads even this small expense over a considerable period of time — will obtain for it a very ex¬ tended sale, and will, we trust, make the subjects of it extremely popular. We do not look for a scientific work — we even fear we must be content to accept error for truth occasionally ; for though we fully believe Mr. Bree to be a pains-taking man, heartily desirous of performing his self-imposed duties with credit to his reputation and satisfaction to his subscribers, yet, as the most honest man will now and then prove an unjust judge if he be not a good lawyer, so we are afraid that Mr. Bree's very best intentions have not always saved him from mistakes, into which, perhaps, a man better up in his subject, even with less conscientious striving after accuracy, would never have fallen. We have a right to expect that Mr. Bree should, as his pro¬ spectus announces, carefully collate his information from the best authors ; and on the whole we think he has done so ; but that he should be exempt from the common failing of compilers, is of course not to be hoped for. The seven parts of Mr. Bree's work already published contain the European non -British Vulturidce and Falconidce. We do not wish to prejudge the remainder of the book, but we cannot but feel a lurking suspicion that we may have seen the best portion of it. Mr. Bree has fortunately obtained the assistance of one whose knowledge of the Raptorial Order is unquestionably su¬ perior to that of any other man. An attentive reader of ‘ The Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles 3 will have no difficulty in recognizing the suggestions and ideas of Mr. John Henry Gurney in many places where no mention is made of that o 2 84 Mr. Breeds ‘ Birds of Europe gentleman's name ; and we fear that after the completion of the next family, the Strigidee, we shall have to look in vain for that discreet Mentor, of whom, we suspect, our Telemachus stands greatly in need. Mr. Bree describes in these seven parts twenty- two species, which, as far as our knowledge at present goes, seems to be about the number of European Diurnal Baptores not to be found in Britain. But then we should strike out without hesitation a species which our author admits, and per¬ haps replace it by another not hitherto included in the Eu¬ ropean list. It is true that one or two of these rest upon “ dealers' authority," or rather, we should say, the authority of naturalists, to support which, dealers always have speci¬ mens at hand from the desired localities. Such an instance is, we take it, the case of the Sociable Vulture ( Otogyps auricu- laris, Gray), of which, as it has the credit of occurring in Greece, examples may usually be bought, said to have been ob¬ tained in that country, with the localities and dates marked on their labels, for aught we know, in the letters Cadmus gave, and according to the calendar Meton instituted. But of this par¬ ticular bird two examples are stated as having occurred in West¬ ern Europe, one of which was a few years since alive at Antwerp ; and anyhow we think it may be pronounced to be an occasional visitant, and therefore admitted among the number. The Cine¬ reous Vulture ( Vultur monachus , L.) — the “ Vautour Arrian" of our neighbours — has a much better, nay, an undoubted claim to be included, rare though it be. We beg to add Albania as a locality for it to those hitherto enumerated, on the testimony of a roving and bird-loving friend, who not long since was on a shooting excursion in that country, and saw there a “ big black fellow" about sixty yards from him. The Vultur kolbii} a phan¬ tom which once haunted the European list, has now long since been laid; and our author, very properly, shows no disposition to raise him again. With the help of quotations from Bruce and Tschudi, Mr. Bree discourses eloquently respecting the Bearded Vulture ( Gypaetus barbatus, Cuv.j, the pride of European plun¬ derers ; but, considering that by many naturalists the Gypaete from Abyssinia is regarded as a distinct species, we think him hardly prudent in referring Bruce's entertaining anecdote to the not observed in the British Isles.} 85 bird more used to civilized and persecuting man, without giving his readers due warning that, after all, it may not be strictly ap¬ plicable to the subject of his notice. He omits also to mention that the rich tawny hue of the under surface in some individuals of the Lammergeyer is probably owing to a stain, the effect of bathing in muddy water or of rolling in the sand with wet plu¬ mage ; certainly the specimens we see from the snowy peaks of the Alps and Pyrenees are without any trace of this brilliant colouring. We now come to the Falconidce ; and we are especially pleased to find Mr. Bree according a place to the true Gyrfalcon (F. gyr- falco, Schl.), which we consider to form a race, to call it by the least worthy name, perfectly distinct from either the Greenland or Iceland birds (F. candicans , Gm. and F. islandicus, Sab.), with which it has so often been confounded. But our gratification is somewhat impaired by his insisting on calling it Falco gyr- falco norvegicus, — not so much on the ground that the binominal system of nomenclature should be strictly adhered to (for we consider that its advantages are so universally recognized, that a trifling deviation from the letter of the law can make no mate¬ rial difference), as because this name would imply there was also a <{ gyrfalco” not “ norvegicus .” Naturalists are apt to forget that, if any respect should be shown to old authors, it is especially in the case of these noble birds, which at all times and in all places were the companions of our forefathers, and whose every peculiarity was studied in a manner that now-a-days no one, except an occasional votary of the ancient recreation, has any conception of. No falconer in time past or present would ever think of calling an “Icelander” a “Gyrfalcon.” With him the Gyrfalcon is, and always has been, the large falcon obtained from Norway, or accidentally in more southern coun¬ tries, with dark, almost Peregrine-like cheeks, a stout body, short tail, and other distinctive marks which it is unnecessary here to describe ; and to apply its proper name to the denizen of another land sounds to him as irregular and unmeaning as when we hear our Transatlantic cousins call a bird akin to our Fieldfare by the familiar name of “ Robin .” It must be remembered that many of the earlier naturalists, if not falconers themselves, 86 Mr, Breeds ‘ Birds of Europe yet had opportunities of observing the peculiarities of each bird of prey in a manner not possessed by us. To suppose that they did not apply in the closet what they learned in the field, would be to deny them common sense. Hence they are still to be regarded as good authorities on these points ; and there can be no manner of doubt that all the species of Falco described by Linnaeus and his contemporaries were founded not more on any diagnoses of their own than upon the traditions of fal¬ coners. The truth of this, every day's experience tends to con¬ firm. At the present time, indeed, many people have but a faint idea of what a Gyrfalcon is*; but we beg to assure our readers that the different words “ Gyrfalco," “ Gyrfalcon," “ Gerfaut," and “ Geierfalke," should never be applied to any but the great falcon of Scandinavia ; and we repeat that the calling this bird F. gyrfalco norvegicus signifies that there is a F. gyrfalco from some other country, which is putting upon the name of old writers a meaning it will not bear. That the true Gyrfalcon has occurred in this country, we certainly think probable ; but it must be borne in mind that nearly all the large northern falcons killed here are young birds of the year, and that it is not easy, though, we think, always possible, to detect the Icelander from the Gyrfalcon when imma¬ ture. With all due deference to Mr. Gurney's opinion as quoted by Mr. Bree, we believe that the late Mr. Charles St. John was right in calling the bird killed in Ross-shire in 1851, which has since passed into Mr. Gurney’s possession, an “ Ice¬ land Falcon." We are further much indebted to Mr. Bree for keeping- distinct the long-confounded Saker and Banner (F. sacer , Gm. and F. lanarius, Schl.). The latter bird has a good claim to be included in the British list; for Lewin's figure (Br. Birds, i. t. 17) seems referable only to this species, and the subject of it was * We lately found, in a somewhat celebrated museum in this island, until a few years since presided over by a naturalist whose memory is still dear to his disciples, an example of the North American Goshawk ( Astur atricapillus ) labeled as a Gyrfalcon ! ; and to make the matter worse, this was, we suspect, under its rightful appellation a type specimen of one of the best ornithological works in the English language, and ac¬ tually the subject of a very accurate plate therein ! ! not observed in the British Isles.' 87 taken in Lincolnshire : but we know of no other instance of its occurrence here unaccompanied by considerable doubt. Its proper habitat, besides central and southern Europe,, appears to be North Africa ; and it is often sent from the neighbourhood of Tangiers. It also occurs in Egypt, where, however, the very nearly allied F. biarmicus of Temminck is also found. It is certainly distinct from the F. barbarus of Linnseus, and, as Dr. Schlegel says, also from the F. peregrinoides of Sir Andrew Smith, a truly South African bird. The Saker is most likely the large falcon used in the Lebanon and on the plains of Assyria for taking hares and antelopes ; its nearest ally seems to be the F. jugger of Dr. Gray, which wanders occasionally from India, its proper home, to Egypt, where it has been called F. tanypterus by the late Dr. Lichtenstein. We regret that our author has not given figures of the Eleo¬ nora Falcon (Hypotriorchis eleonorce, G. R. Gray) in the extremes of both plumages ; for the only two plates of it are in works not by any means accessible to most European naturalists. We have heard a curious story relating to this species breeding, some years ago, in society on an island off the Algerine coast, which was turned into a convict-station by the French government, to the utter destruction of the whole colony, every bird being turned into gibier by the new settlers. Of the Lesser Kestrel ( Tinnunculus cenchris, Frisch) we have nothing particular to remark, excepting that its eggs are generally found represent¬ ing those of the Orange-legged Hobby ( Erythropus vespertinus , Brehm) in most collections. Mr. Bree has included the South African Red-legged Hawk (. Micyonisus gabar, G. R. Gray), upon good grounds ; but in his list of its synonyms he has comprehended et Sparvius niger, Vieillot; Gal. des Ois. i. 22,” and “ Accipiter niger , Gould, Syn. B. of Australia, pt. 3. pi. [43.] f. 1.” Now both these refer to a perfectly distinct race, or probably species — the Sooty Hawk, which differs altogether from the former both in colouring and range. Our author remarks with regard to this species, “ There is no point about which we should be more rigorously careful than simplicity in nomenclature.” In answer to this we say that simplicity is not promoted by such an inaccuracy as 88 Mr. Breeds f Birds of Europe he has been here guilty of, and that what he declares to be “ a manifest absurdity " has been much increased by his own want of attention. Respecting the Pale-chested Harrier ( Strigiceps swainsonii, Smith) we have no comments to olfer ; and next we arrive, ac¬ cording to Mr. Breeds arrangement, at the Eagles. Of the Imperial Eagle ( Aquila mogilnik, Gmel.) we cannot commend the figure. The head, neck and back are represented of a colour far too light, and this spoils the contrast otherwise afforded by the snowy scapularies. On Bonelli's Eagle ( Aquila fasciata, Vieill.) we have no re¬ mark to make; and with regard to the Booted Eagle ( Aquila pennata, Gmel.), only to suggest that in the extract, though correctly quoted, from Mr. Tristram's f Catalogue of Eggs col¬ lected in Algeria in 1857/ that gentleman must surely have intended exactly the contrary to what he wrote ; for in what way an Eagle differs from a Buzzard “ on the wing " we are at a loss to imagine, though, “ in repose/' the long flat head of the former is sufficiently unlike the short rounded one of the latter. The claim of the Tawny Eagle ( Aquila nrevioides, Cuv.) to be considered European rests at present solely upon a trophy of the Russian war, an example having been obtained in the Crimea by Captain Blakiston during its occupation by the Allied Armies. Now though it is extremely probable that, where such large num¬ bers of eagles were gathered together, this African and perhaps (for we cannot, without some degree of hesitation, look upon the Indian Aquila vindhiana of Franklin as exactly the same) Asiatic species should appear among them, yet it is very desirable that this specimen, now we believe in the Museum of the IJoyal Artillery Institution at Woolwich, should be examined by some experienced ornithologist. We understand that the species is extremely common in the Atlas ; and therefore its occasional occurrence on the northern shores of the Mediterranean may be expected. We rejoice to see Pallas's Eagle ( Pontoaetus leucoryphus , Pall.) done justice to, as it is by our author ; but it is unfortunate that he has not. given us a figure from a European specimen, or at least from one not Indian. The late Mr. H. E. Strickland's col- not observed in the British Isles.’ 89 lection appears to have contained such an example; and we can¬ not think that its present possessor would have objected to lend it for Mr. Breeds use, particularly, too, as the distinction between the Indian “ Mace’s Eagle” (. Pontoaetus macei, Temm.) and the present has never been shown in any plate. The most serious fault we have to find with Mr. Bree is for propagating a terrible error, by continuing (after the manner, it is true, of certain authorities who in most cases fully deserve attention) to annex the American Bald Eagle ( Haliaetus leucoce- phalus, Linn.) to the European list, from which Dr. Schlegel, as we have always thought, most properly erased it. But our author does not seem to have given himself the trouble of attending to the reasons adduced by that careful writer. It is true he does not seem to attach much credit to Nilsson’s statement (which is undoubtedly incorrect) of its being commonly met with in Scan¬ dinavia ; but he says, “ It is generally believed, however, to occur accidentally in Europe. One male, as reported by Degland, has been killed in Switzerland, a female in Wiirtemberg; and it is stated by Brehm to appear sometimes on the sea-coast of Ger¬ many.” Now, if Mr. Bree will but turn to the ‘ Revue critique des Oiseaux d’Europe-’ (page 27), he will find, “ Pour ce qui regarde les individus tues, a ce qu^on pretend, pres de Stuttgart et de Zurich, ces individus Aont jamais ete decrits par aucun naturaliste, ce qui me fait penser que cu Aetaient tout simple- rnent que de tres-vieux individus de Taigle-pecheur commun, espece que Ton a, comme le sait tout-le-monde, long-temps con- fondue avec celle d’Amerique du nord.” What are these “ in¬ dividus,” but the birds reported, long before DeglandA time, to have occurred in Switzerland and Wiirtemberg ? for, we take it, our readers do not require to be informed that Zurich is an important city in one country, and Stiittgardt the capital of the other, though Mr. Bree does not seem to be aware of it. As to good Pastor BrehnTs statement of this species appearing on the sea-coast of Germany, we venture to suggest that the only locality where this is possible would be that part of the Con¬ federation indicated as the scene of the discovery of the child by the shepherd in the ' Winter’s Tale/ before Sir Charles Hanmer and Mr. Kean changed “ Bohemia” into “Bithynia,” But our 90 Mr. Breeds f' Birds of Europe author evidently thinks that his strong point is the capture in the middle of Russia of the two Sea Eagles with all their “ heads and necks, as well as tails, as white as snow,” on the evidence of Dr. Nordmann, which to our mind tells the other way : — “ After having compared them carefully with other Sea Eagles killed in the same locality, he considered them to be old individuals of F. albicilla , not admitting any specific difference between it and F. leucocephalus.” Now it is quite possible that at that time Dr. Nordmann had not had much experience of the Bald Eagle, and therefore was not aware of the great distinction be¬ tween it when adult and the common Sea Eagle. But we feel quite sure that, acute observer as he is, had he really got hold of an old American bird, he would never for a moment have ima¬ gined that it was identical with the European one, and accord¬ ingly we believe that the specimens obtained were not examples of the H. leucocephalus. We have seen individuals of H. albicilla from the Volga, with extremely pale heads ; and we can well imagine that his birds were like them, the similitude to snow ex¬ isting only in the fancy of the Muscovite ornithologist. This is by no means so improbable as at first sight would appear. In a state of nature, and under a favourable light, we ourselves have seen the common Sea Eagle with a head and neck of a white¬ ness that absolutely startled us at the first glance ; for the locality was not so very far removed from those Norwegian islands where Boie asserted that H. leucocephalus bred : but that it was only H. albicilla , our faithful telescope soon left us no room for doubt. There is another point in connexion with this subject which deserves consideration, and which we should feel glad if Mr. Bree, or any one else who agrees with him, would enlighten us upon. If H. leucocephalus is found, not as a straggler, but an inhabitant of the middle of Russia, how comes it that it is not met with in the countries lying between that and America ? It does not occur in Greenland, has never been observed in Iceland, is not found, in spite of the assertions of MM. Nils¬ son and Boie, in Scandinavia, and we have it most certainly not in the British islands, though, through some mistake or other, M. Temminck and Baron Laugier were induced to buy two examples at Mr. Bullock's sale, said to have been killed in not observed in the British Isles’ 91 the Hebrides. Schlegel, as we have shown, has effectually dis¬ posed of the reported German and Swiss specimens ; and no one has been venturous enough to declare that the continent of Asia (supposing the birds to reach the old world by the Pacific route) owns its presence. Let our readers take our word for it, the Bald Eagle is not a European bird ; and if it ever occurs on this side the Atlantic, it will be merely as an escaped captive or a chance wanderer on a filibustering expedition ; and we exceed¬ ingly regret that Mr. Bree, who has herein acted against the advice of his “ discreet adviser,” has thought fit to assist in prolonging a very grave mistake. A little more attention would have revealed to him that the authorities, of whom he quotes a strong list to support his view of the case, have been merely copying from each other, instead of citing fresh testi¬ mony; and one of the best of them, the late Prince C. L. Bo¬ naparte, in his last publication on the Birds of Europe, has reversed his former opinion, and enumerated H. leucocephalus in the ‘ List e d’oiseaux que Von fait passer pour Europeens / re¬ marking of it, “ confondu avec Hal. albicilla” Mr. Bree has, in our opinion, exercised a wise discretion in refusing a place in his work to the South-African Cuncuma vocifer of Mr. G. R. Gray ; for we quite agree with him in thinking the evidence of this bird^s occurrence in Greece too slight, resting, as it does, merely on the tickets of two specimens in the Museum at Mayence, and uncorroborated by any testimony on the part of Count Henry von der Muehle. Our author makes an astonishing assertion, and one entirely contrary to fact, in stating that “ the Short-tail Eagle forms the sole representative of the genus Circaetus of Yieillot,” since Mr. Gray (Gen. B. p. 16, and App. p. 1) makes ten, Dr. Kaup (Contr. Orn. 1850, pp. 71, 72) sixteen, and the late Mr. Strick¬ land* (Orn. Syn. i. pp. 45-48) eight species of that group. We * Of these eight species of Circaeti, it is now known that C.ferox is Buteo leucurus, Naum. ( B . rujinus of Mr. Bree’s book) ; C. cinereus is the young of C. pectoralis ; Circaetus solitarius of S. America is no Circaetus, but nearly allied to the genus Harpyhalice'etus (of which C. coronatus is the type), and the only member of M. Jules Verreaux’s division Urubitor - nis (P. Z. S. 1856, p. 145) ; and C. cinerascens of Muller is a Buteonine bird (confer Pr. Bonaparte in Rev. Zool. Feb. 1855). This leaves only 92 Mr. Breeds f Birds of Europe are not sure that this bird ( Circaetus gallicus, Gmel.) has not been killed in England. It certainly has occurred as far north on the Continent, according to Dr. Kjoerboelling (Danmark's Fugle). We do not think that M. Temminck's meaning (Man. d'Orn. pt. iii. p. 25) is, as Mr. Bree interprets it, that it is be¬ coming rare in Belgium and in Italy. It was probably never anything but a straggler in the former country, M. de Selys- Longchamps (Faune Beige, p. 53) mentioning but two instances of its occurrence there, and most likely it was never more fre¬ quently met with in the latter country than at the present day. We have Mr. Robert Birkbeck's authority (Zool. 1854, p. 4249), it is “ common in Liguria in the spring ; ” and that gentleman met with examples in the markets at Borne and Genoa, besides seeing “ several soaring over the Campagna." It is unfortunate that our author has overlooked the very in¬ teresting communications in fNaumannia' for 1853 (pp. 256 and 296), by Dr. J. Fr. Naumann and Herr H. F. Moeschler, respecting the Long-legged Buzzard ( Buteo rufinus, Kaup), under the synonym of Buteo leucurus of the former writer ; for they would have enabled him to have added much to the meagre account he has given of this bird's habits in Europe, of which he states “ nothing is known." In the neighbourhood of the lower part of the Volga, it seems to be far from uncommon, and to breed. The late Mr. Strickland (Orn. Syn. p. 35) identifies this species with the Buteo pectoralis of Vieillot. If he be right, that name has the priority of rufinus ; but one of the German writers above cited thinks it probable that it is the bird described by Pallas (Zoogr. Rosso-Asiat. i. p. 354, sp. 27) as Accipiter hypo - leucus, in which case this specific name, as being the oldest, ought to be used*. two described species in the genus Circaetus , namely C. gallicus and C. pectoralis. Mr. G. R. Gray has as yet only published the name of his Circaetus fasciolatus. — Ed . * Mr. G. R. Gray (List B. Brit. Mus. 2nd ed. i. p. 17) refers the hypoleucus of Pallas, with an expression of doubt, to Circaetus gallicus. We have not now the means of determining whether the Anglo-Saxon or the Teu¬ tonic suggestion be right, but we hope our calling the attention of natural¬ ists to the question may be the means of settling the point. [It is stated by Prince Bonaparte (Rev. Zool. Feb. 1855), that Pallas’s hypoleucus not observed in the British Isles .' 93 To Mr. Gurney we believe the credit is due of discovering the identity of the Buteo cirtensis of General Levaillant with ‘ le Ta - chard’ of his older, and, among ornithologists, better known name¬ sake, the great African traveller. It is true that Prince C. L. Bonaparte (Cat. Ois. d'Eur. 1856) quotes the Algerian warrior's bird as identical with the many-named B. rufinus last noticed; but we are inclined to think Mr. Gurney has made out his case — though whether the two specimens of the African Buzzard ( B . tachardus, Vieill.) in the Norwich Museum were really from the Volga, is another question. Skins from the country drained by that river, prepared, as they are principally, at the Moravian settlement of Sarepta, can, it is said, be at once detected by a prac¬ tised eye — though whether their peculiarities cannot be success¬ fully imitated by clever and unprincipled dealers we know not, but we fear it is possible. We before remarked of Aquila ncevi- oides, that its being a common species in North Africa renders its occasional occurrence in Europe very likely. The same may be said of this Buzzard, which is not only met with in the south¬ ern portion of the continent, but also along its northern shore, from the extreme limits of Morocco to Tunis. We do not there¬ fore so much demur to our author's giving it a place in his work ; but we should be inclined to consider it on probation only. The fact however is, that, as has been observed by Mr. P. L. Sclater (Proc. Linn. Soc., Zool. ii. p. 135), “ Africa, north of the Atlas along the southern shores of the Mediterranean, appears to belong to Europe zoologically, and not to the continent with which it is physically joined.5' We would indeed take exception to the word “ zoologically,'5 for we believe the Algerian mammals and reptiles * are entirely distinct from those of the opposite coast ; but the cis-Atlantean part of North Africa should unquestionably be regarded as forming part of Europe ornithologically, and we trust the day may not be distant when some philosophic belongs to Buteo rufinus ; but a still older appellation is S. Gmelin’s Accipiter ferox, which we have called attention to above. — Ed.] * Dr. Gunther, in his recent papers on the geographical distribution of Reptiles and Batrachians, takes a different view from this, and confirms the zoological division indicated in the Proceedings of the Linnean Society, above quoted. See Proc. Zool. Soc. 1858, p. 3 77 et seq. — Ed. 94 Mr. Breeds 1 Birds of Europe naturalist will so treat it in extenso. But to return : — Mr. Bree lias made a singular, and, we fear we must say, a careless error in asserting that this bird te is included by Schlegel in his f Fauna Japonica’ ” — thereby implying that, on this eminent naturalises authority, the species occurs in Japan; for the authors of that work say nothing of the kind. They do indeed incidentally men¬ tion (Faun. Jap., Ayes, p. 16) “ la Buse commune du Cap, Falco tachardus de Shaw ou le Tachard de Levaillant, dont le Uougri de Levaillant est Padulte but it is only to say of it that, though it resembles the Japanese Buzzard in the* conformation of its feet, yet it is “ d’une taille moins forte, et son plumage tire fortement au roux a Page adulte.” Of the Black Kite ( Milvus migrans, Bodd.) we have only to remark that our author is in great error when he says that “ it is common in J apan, where it is known by the name of Tobi,” &c. Now the Japanese species (called by Messrs. Temminck and Schlegel M. melanotis ) is the same as the common Indian Govinda Kite (M. govinda, Sykes), and is, notwithstanding Mr. Strickland’s opinion (Orn. Syn. i. p. 134), by which we suspect Mr. Bree to have been misled, altogether distinct from our Black Kite — as any one may see, who will take the trouble to compare the two. Therefore, though perfectly willing to admit the Japanese themselves to all the privileges of European civilization, we must protest against their “ Tobies 39 being treated otherwise than as aliens. Besides, as to the Black Kite being “very common in Abyssinia,” and again, as our author has it, under the head of the Arabian Kite (M. forskahli , Gmel.), “ equally common at the Cape of Good Hope ” with that species, these are both statements far from correct. The former, the Black Kite, only occurs in Abyssinia as an occasional winter visitant, and is never met with at the Cape, where its place is supplied by the more truly African form. As to the Black-winged Kite ( Elanus melanopterus, Leach), the last of the birds we have to remark upon, Mr. Bree makes some inaccurate assertions. First, “ It forms with its congener, the North American ( Swallow- tailed Kite/ which is in the British list, the only representative of the genus Elanus of Savigny and, again, “ It is found generally distributed over not observed in the British Isles.’ 95 the Indian continent, and in Africa from south to north. It is common in Egypt, and it occurs in Java, New Holland, and also in the southern part of North America.” Now, by all modern authors of repute, the North American Swallow-tailed Kite (. Elanoides furcatus, Vieill.)* is justly removed from the genus Elanns ; and then, of this genus as thus restricted, there are cer¬ tainly three other, well marked-species, besides the European, of which we are at present speaking. These are, the American White-tailed Kite (E. leucurus , Vieill.), of which plates may be found in Mr. Audubon’s work (B. Am. pis. 351, 352), and the Australian Axillary and Letter-winged Kites (E. axillaris, Lath, and E. scriptus ), both well figured by Mr. Gould (B. Austr. i. pis. 23, 24), which not only in their geographical range, but in their characters to be perceived even at first sight, are undeniably distinct from E . melanopterus. We are glad that our author has not included Falco peregri- no'ides. of Sir A. Smith in his work — it is a truly South African species, and we are not aware of its occurrence within European limits. So also of Tinnunculus rupicolus (Daud.), though the Norwich Museum contains a specimen said to be from Greece, — not a very likely locality for this bird. We regret that Mr. Bree has not thought fit to adhere to the rules of nomenclature now almost universally adopted, especially when introducing so many species, it may be for the first time, to the majority of his readers. In the present article we have called the subjects of our author’s work by those names which in the opinion of almost all naturalists should be applied to them. We trust that for the future he will take care of this. Let him be assured that by not doing so, he is throwing a most serious obstacle in the way of beginners ; and, if we might be permitted to tender our advice to such persons, we would strongly recommend them at once to get in the way of using those names which inevitably will be adopted at last. It remains for us to remark upon the plates in Mr. Bree’s work. As examples of printing in colours, which we believe they are, they are very successful, and much superior to those in the kindred book of Mr. Morris; but they are not always, when regarded solely from an ornithological point of view, very accu- 96 Mr. Breeds ‘Birds of Europe rate. The representations of the Gyrfalcon, Saker, and Lanner are reduced copies of Mr. Wolf's illustrations in the f Traite de Fauconnerie' of Messrs. Schlegel and Verster de Wulverhorst, and, notwithstanding the translation which they have undergone, still retain much of their original spirit. Next to these come the drawings by Mr. Reeve, which have much merit. We before noticed the incorrectness of the figure of the Imperial Eagle ; but the worst figure of all is that of the Eleonora Falcon, which is so unhappy-looking, as to remind one of the attempts at drawing birds made a hundred years ago. We regret that we cannot praise the plates which represent eggs. We think the fault must lie in the process of engraving, which does not seem at all ap¬ plicable to the representation of such delicate objects. Not one of the figures possesses any distinctive characters. But far more serious than this evil, is, we fear, the principle on which Mr. Bree has proceeded, with regard to the specimens or drawings from which the plates are taken. The offer of assistance from M. Moquin-Tandon has been, in our opinion, productive of anything but real benefit to the work. Our author says that the figure of the egg of the Booted Eagle is from a drawing furnished by the distinguished French natu¬ ralist just named, who observes, “ This egg was sent to me from the Spanish Pyrenees by a seller of skins. I thought for some time that it belonged to the Common Buzzard, or else the Rough¬ legged Buzzard ; but on comparing it with two drawings, quite recently published by M. Badeker (pL 1. fig. 3), I discovered that I had not been deceived." Now here is just one of those cases, which bring the study of Oology, and very justly, into more dis¬ credit than any other thing. M. Moquin-Tandon's egg is very likely that of a Booted Eagle ; but where is the proof of the fact ? Absolutely, as we read it, there is none. This gentleman buys an egg of a dealer, who we suppose sells it to him under the above name. It is, if it is fairly represented, a nice-looking egg, just about the right size, and slightly mottled with pale reddish brown. But “ How like a Common Buzzard's ! — how like a Rough-legged Buzzard's ! — how like fifty other eggs ! — what a pity ! — there must be a mistake — I have been cheated," he says. “But wait : here is the first number of Prof. Badeker's work; let us not observed in the British Isles.’ 97 look, — Aquila pennata, yes, here it is ; after all, it is right : my fears, and not the dealer deceived me/’ This is the state of the case ; and can anything be more illogical ? M. Moquin-Tandon is, we are afraid, by no means singular. There are many collect¬ ors in this country, who yearly spend large sums in buying eggs from dealers — utterly un-identified, or with (since identification of eggs has lately become somewhat fashionable) a plausible history, but one that will not bear investigation. Little do they know how the four quarters of the globe have been ransacked, how varieties have been selected from a large series of specimens belonging to allied, or, it may be, utterly remote forms, because they resemble the figures that have been published of the egg for which there is a demand in the market. They are of no author¬ ity whatever ; their faces are their fortune, and like, we fear, some other pretty faces, are without character, and may lead those that seek them into endless trouble. It is this example of M. Moquin- Tandon's mode of identifying eggs which compelled us, while treating of the Bald Eagle, to pass over the evidence in favour of its European claims adduced by Mr. Bree from supposed eggs of that bird, said to have been brought from the North of Europe by Prince Napoleon's expedition. It would be a waste of time to inquire whether they were rightly named, or from what country they were obtained — whether from Iceland, where no one has even said that the Bald Eagle occurs ; from Norway, where no one now believes that it ever existed; or from Spitzbergen, innocent of all eagles, whether French or American. We regret to see our author avail himself of such an argument. And now one word more and we have done. To find fault is never an agreeable task, and never so disagreeable as when the person censured is, in the main, of the same way of thinking as oneself. Still less is the office of a reviewer an enviable one, — a single sentence, nay, a word, may breed a hostile spirit that nothing can appease. And least of all should we desire to pro¬ voke such an enmity among ornithologists, when writing in the first number of a new Journal, which can only be continued by the favour they may accord it. It is simply because we be¬ lieve that Mr. Bree's work will have a deservedly wide sale among many who have had hitherto little or no knowledge of European VOL. i. H 98 f Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles * ornithology, that we have been so careful to correct the errors that have crept into it, in spite of the time and labour, of which the author has not been sparing in devoting to his task. We therefore entreat Mr. Bree to take in good part all we have said ; we can honestly declare that we are prompted by no ill-feeling against him. If our censure has been plain -spoken, so also has been our praise ; and praise of a very high degree he merits. There is one point of view especially from which Mr. Breeds work deserves every encouragement. Many, we hope all, real naturalists (and here we use the word in a restricted sense) have seen with great pain the late insen¬ sate rage for acquiring specimens of natural history, especially of so-called “ British ” birds. These are in most cases amassed from the mere amor habendi. No use whatever is made of them ; our knowledge of the purposes they were designed, when in life, to fulfil, is in no way advanced by nine out of ten of the collections of British birds, which now are so commonly formed. On the contrary, it is greatly retarded, as the destruction of every curious and uncommon bird of course diminishes the op¬ portunities of observation, and collections on this plan, or rather this want of plan, tend to encourage the knavish more than the honest dealer. Now it must inevitably slacken the demand for these “ Bare British Birds,” if collectors will extend their so¬ licitude to foreigners. We shall cease to hear of enormous prices taken or refused for a Bock Thrush or a Cream-coloured Courser which may happen to have been killed in this country, and which really ought to have no greater intrinsic value on that account. The advantages of strictly local collections are not to be denied, but they are chiefly discernible with respect to common indigenous species, A good series of specimens show¬ ing the constant distinctions to be found between individuals from different localities of any of our most plentiful species, say the Yellow Bunting or the Bed Grouse, would be in every way much more interesting than a collection containing many high- priced stragglers from foreign lands. It is in this manner we believe that science can be most benefited. Herein we claim Mr. Bree on our side. Some years ago he recorded, in the pages of the ‘ Zoologist 5 (1849, p.2524), opinions nearly identical 99 Recent Ornithological Publications. with our own on the unnecessary destruction of rare birds. “ I do not understand/’ he wrote, “ Natural Science to consist of a mania for collecting ; I look upon it rather as a study of God’s works, in the world, which he has created and peopled and as one means of checking this mania do we heartily wish Mr. Bree well, and recommend the purchase of his book to all our readers. December 1858. X. — Recent Ornithological Publications. Those who wish to keep themselves aufait with the present rapid advance of every part of Zoology will do well to consult the Report upon the progress of its different branches published every year in the second volume of ( Wiegmann’s Archiv fiir Naturgeschichte/ now edited by Professor Troschel. In the “ Bericht fiber die Leistungen in der Naturgeschichte der Vogel” (Report on the Birds), from the pen of Dr. Hartlaub, will always be found a complete resume of what has been done in Orni¬ thology during the previous year. -The only fault we have to find with it is its somewhat tardy appearance (the Bericht for 1857 not having yet reached us) ; but this, we believe, is owing to no fault of the author. We are not prepared at present to offer to our readers any such detailed and complete account of what has been published, but shall endeavour from time to time to notice some of the principal publications, relating to the branch of Zoology to which this Journal is devoted, which come under our notice. 1. English Publications. In speaking of books concerning Birds published in this country, Mr. Gould’s magnificent series of illustrated works claims our first attention. In the year 1858 Mr. Gould has issued Parts 15 and 16 of the f Monograph of the Trochilidae / Part 10 of ‘ The Birds of Asia/ and the first part of a new edition of the Monograph of the Trogons. The Humming-birds figured are the follow ing : — h 2 100 Recent Ornithological Publications . Part 15. (May 1st, 1858.) 1. Eriocnemis derbianus. 2. „ nigrivestis. 3. „ isaacsoni. 4. Trochilus colubris. 5. Phaethornis obscurus. 6. „ viridicaudata. 7. Lampornis graraineus. 8. „ porphyrurus. 9. Lampornis veraguensis. 10. „ aurulentus. 11. ,, prevosti. 12. Cometes? glyceria. 13. Heliopcedica melanotis. 14. Erythronota edwardi. 15. ,, niveiventris. Part 16. (Sept. 1st, 1858.) 1 . Phseoleema rubinoides. 2. Helidoxa jacula. 3. Discura longicauda. 4. Phaethornis superciliosus. 5. „ eephalus. 6. Sternoclyta cyaneipectus. 7. Thalurania furcata. 8. „ columbica. 9. Thalurania venusta. 10. „ eriphile. 11. „ verticeps. 12. Microchera albicoronata. 13. Chrysobronchus virescens. 14. „ viridicaudus. 15. Chrysuronia elicise. We look forward with great anxiety to the completion of this great work (which we believe we may shortly expect) ; and we hope that Mr. Gould in his introduction will not only give us a simple, understandable arrangement of this difficult group, but also some structural characters for the recognition of the multi¬ tude of genera into which it is now divided, and which appear to be still increasing, three new generic terms having been pub¬ lished in these last two parts. The Tenth Part of f The Birds of Asia’ contains figures of 9. Palseornis derbianus. 10. „ malaccensis. 11. „ affinis. 12. Tesia cyaneiventris. 13. „ castaneo-coronata. 14. Accentor atrigularis. 15. „ altaicus. 16. Merula unicolor. Of these, Ceriornis caboti, Pyrrhula aurantia, and Palceornis affinis are all new and most interesting additions to the respect¬ ive groups to which they belong. Accentor huttoni and A. varie- gatus of the Himalayas have been judiciously united to the Siberian A. atrigularis and A. altaicus respectively, and, as it seems to us, upon satisfactory evidence. The latter bird is nearly 1. Phasianus mongolicus. 2. Ceriornis caboti. 3 Pyrrhula aurantia. 4. Parus cinereus. 5. „ minor. 6. „ monticolus. 7. Palseornis columboides. 8. „ schisticeps. Recent Ornithological Publications. 101 allied to the Alpine Accentor. With regard to Mei'ula unicolor , we do not quite agree with Mr. Gould in considering it so rare and so restricted to the western parts of Upper India as he ap¬ pears to think. Specimens are in the British Museum, collected by Mr. Hodgson in Nepal, and it has been named by that gen¬ tleman Petrocincla homochroa, and indifferently figured in his unpublished series of plates. We believe it is also the Turdus unicolor of Capt. Tickell (Journ. As. Soc. Beng. ii. 577) and Turdus modestus of Blyth (ibid. xvi. 144). Capt. Boys’ speci¬ mens, one of which Mr. Gould refers to, were collected in the province of Kumaon, and the bird bears the number 495 in his series. There are likewise examples in Sir William Jardine’s collection, and in that of the late Mr. Strickland. We gladly welcome the appearance of the first part of Mr. Eyton’s ‘ Osteologia Avium ’ *, a work on a very important and hitherto much neglected branch of ornithological science, with¬ out the aid of which it is hopeless to expect to arri ve at anatural arrangement of the class. The plates are drawn on zinc by Erxleben, under Mr. Ey ton’s personal superintendence. Mr. Bree’s work on European birds which have not been ob¬ served in the British Isles, forming a sequel to Mr. Morris’s History of British Birds, has reached its 7th Number. We have received from a correspondent, well acquainted with European ornithology, an extended notice of this book, given above, to which we beg to refer our readers for further information. The first three parts of the ‘ Illustrated Proceedings of the Zoological Society,’ containing the papers read up to July 13th, and accompanying plates, have appeared. The articles relating to Ornithology are very numerous, and it is hardly necessary to extract even their titles, as the work must be in the hands of every one who pays attention to Natural History. The writers on Birds are Messrs. Gould, George Gray, Meves, and Sclater, andDrs. J. E. Gray, Hartlaub, and Krefft. Mr. Gould describes (p. 355) two new species of Hirundinidce (Atticora pileata from Guatemala, and Chelidon cashmeriensis from Cashmir), and a new Ptarmigan (Lagopus hemileucurus) from Spitzbergen (p. 354). Mr. George Gray gives a list of the birds obtained by Mr. Wallace * See the Advertisements on the cover. 102 Recent Ornithological Publications. in the Aru and Ke Islands, with descriptions of new species (p.169). A Tanysiptera, a Ptilorhynchus , five Parrots*, and as many splendid Pigeons, are amongst Mr. Wallace’s most brilliant discoveries, as here recorded. A useful table appended gives the distribution of the species in New Guinea, the Aru and Ke Islands, the Louisiade Archipelago, Waigiou, Timor-laut, North¬ ern Australia, and Torres Straits. M. Meves’ communication (p. 199) is on the humming-noise of some of the Snipes, which it now said to be produced by the peculiarly-shaped outer tail- feathers. Mr. Sclater's papers are on the birds collected by Mr. Bridges in California (p. 1) ; on a collection of birds from the Bio Napo (p. 57); on some birds from Southern Mexico (p. 95) ; on new or little-known Accipitres from the Norwich Mu¬ seum (p. 128) ; a Synopsis of the Formicariidce (pp. 202, 232 and 272) ; on the Magellanic Goose (p. 289) ; on newTanagers (p. 293) ; on a collection of birds from Oaxaca (p. 294) ; on a new Buteo (p. 356) ; and on birds collected by Capt. Taylor in Honduras (p. 356). Among the birds from the Bio Napo, are two very beautiful new forms of Tanagridse, Euchcetes coccineus and Creurgops verticalis (pi. 132). Dr. Hartlaub describes “ new species of birds from Western Africa in the Collection of the British Museum” (p. 291). Dr. J. E. Gray makes remarks on the eggs of the new Cassowary (C. bennettii ), of which two some¬ what dissimilar examples are in the British Museum (p. 271). Dr. Krefft gives an interesting notice on the habits and nesting of Pomatorhinus ruficeps , Hartlaub, of Australia. The f Annals of Natural History ) for the year 1858, besides giving most of the important papers read before the Zoological Society, contain (No. 10) — “ Description of a new Grass-finch from New Caledonia,” by John Macgillivray ; (No. 12) a paper “ On a peculiar process attached to the Ischium in Erucivores,” by T. C. Eyton ; and the “ Description of a new species of bird from Palestine,” by P. L. Sclater. Out of the many species of birds in New Caledonia, Mr. Macgillivray has unfortunately selected one of the few, which are already known to the scientific world, to describe as new. As Dr. Hartlaub has shown in a * We must, however, express a doubt of the distinctness of Chalcopsitta rubrifrons from C. scintillata (Temm.). Recent Ornithological Publications. 103 recent communication to the Zoological Society, Poephila pad - doni was discovered in New Caledonia as long ago as the year 1774 by the Forsters, who accompanied Capt. Cook in his second voyage. It is described and figured by Latham in his f Synop¬ sis 3 (vol. iii. p. 287. pi. 48) as the “ Parrot Finch, ” which name was latinized by Gmelin into FHngilla psittacea. It belongs strictly to the genus Erythrura. We are not aware that the curious process attached to the anterior extremity of the ischium, mentioned by Mr. Eyton as occurring in the Cuculidce and their affines, has been previously noticed as being peculiar to this group, although some allusion to it appears to be made in Dr. OpeFs elaborate paper on Cuculus canorus published in Cabanis^s Journal for 1858. Mr. TristranFs discovery of a species of the purely African genus Amydrus in Palestine is certainly remark¬ able. ‘ The Zoologist , for 1858 contains, as usual, a number of notes on the habits of birds and the occurrence of rare species, which must always be of great interest to the naturalist. The second volume of the f Catalogue of the Birds in the Museum of the Hon. East India Company, by Thomas Hors- field and Frederic Moore*/ recently issued, is the continua¬ tion of a very important work, which we hope soon to see com¬ plete. There is as yet no such thing as a scientifically-prepared catalogue of the birds of any of the larger museums j* of Europe ; and it will be no small honour to produce the first of such a series. Moreover, the numerous notes concerning the habits of species added to the synonyms in this work render it almost a book of light reading for the general naturalist, as well as a valuable work of reference to those who are engaged in studying the ornithology of the East. We may call particular attention to the notices given of the very strange habits of various species of Hornbills (Buceros) during the period of incubation (p. 587 et seq.). Similar facts were noted by Dr. Livingstone { in his recent journey in Africa concerning Toccus erythrorhynchus. If we have any fault to find with the book, it is that the generic * London, Allen and Co., Leadenhall Street. t We should except perhaps that of Bremen, of which a carefully pre¬ pared catalogue has been printed by Dr. Hartlaub. J Livingstone’s Missionary Travels in South Africa, p. 613. 104 Recent Ornithological Publications . divisions adopted are sometimes too numerous, and the arrange¬ ment employed a little out of date. But this does not interfere with the great general merit of the work, which is, we believe, mainly due to the labour bestowed upon it by Mr. E. Moore. De VerteuiEs f Trinidad ** contains a good deal of informa¬ tion upon the zoology of the island, put together in rather a desultory way. The scientific names when given are often mis¬ spelt. We learn (p. 118) that the King Vulture inhabits the high woods, as also the Bed-headed Cathartes. The Black¬ headed Cathartes , as in theU. S., is gregarious," and found prin¬ cipally in the towns arid plantations, where it is the common scavenger. c An Essay on the Ornithology of Trinidad/ by Antoine Leotand, is appended, and here also will be found much generally interesting matter. Nearly 300 species are stated to have fallen under observation. A list is given of their genera and subgenera “after Cuvier.” The Guacharo ( Steatornis ) is in Trinidad also called “ Diablo tin.” Dr. Leotand remarks:— “ The young ones, which are literally a mass of fat, are highly praised and relished by amateurs. I have on several occasions partaken of them, but must candidly confess, in consequence of a certain cockroachy flavour, which is the reverse of tempting, I have for a long time discarded that dish.” The f Naturalist in Bermuda t J is the title of a little work on the “ geology, zoology and botany of that remarkable group of islands,” just issued from the press. Mr. Jones is fortunate in having secured two such excellent observers as Major Wedder- burn and Mr. Hurdis to assist him in his labours on the birds. Except the notices in Sir William Jardine's ‘ Contribu¬ tions/ the present is the only attempt at an account of this peculiar fauna, which is divided in its allegiance between the Old and New Worlds, and seems to incline first towards one and then towards the other, re according to the way the wind blows.” On the whole, however, the American types are de¬ cidedly predominant, Cardinalis virginianus and Sialia wilsoni * ‘ Trinidad : its Geography, Natural Resources, Administration, Present Condition and Prospects.’ By L. A. A. De Verteuil, M.D.P. London, 1858, 1 vol. 8 vo. t Reeves and Turner, Strand, London, 1859. Recent Ornithological Publications. 105 being common and resident*. We recommend this book to the notice of the residents in our numerous islands and dependencies, as showing how much there is to be done even in so limited a field of observation. II. French Publications. The death of the late lamented Prince Bonaparte, which oc¬ curred last year, has created a vacancy in the list of the active ornithologists of France, which it will be hard to fill. But of the several works commenced or projected by the Prince at the time of his death, two at least are being continued. The ‘ Ico- nographie des Perroquets/ a supplement to the great publications of Le Vaillant and Saint-Hilaire, is issued as far as its 12th livraison. We do not much like the plates of this book, which are very French in style and execution; they are, however, a great advance upon those of the work of Saint-Hilaire. But the L. P. (from the pen of M. de Souance, we believe) is very commendable, containing the complete synonymy with accurate descriptions and precise localities of each species figured. W e think, however, that in a scientific work, though this perhaps is less necessary where the languag eem ployed is French, the technical characters of the species should be given in Latin. The corresponding work, entitled f Iconographie des Pigeons/ has also reached its 12th livraison. Of the f Revue et Magasin de Zoologie^ for the year 1858, we have received seven numbers, which contain several interesting articles on Ornithology, from the pens of MM. Malherbe, Moquin-Tandon, Pueheran, and Jules Verreaux. M. Malherbe describes a new Woodpecker from Ecuador ( Celeopicus ver- reauxii). M. Moquin-Tandon continues his useful “ Notes Ornithologiques ” upon the birds of the South of France. Dr. Pueheran writes observations on Pica beecheyii , Cyanopica cyanea , and Juida nitens. M. Verreaux publishes characters of three new birds, Dryoscopus turatii (ex Afr. Occid.), Monarcha castaneiventris (ex ins. Samoens.), and Cyanalcyon leucopygius (ex ins. Salomon.). * The Tropic-bird of the Bermudas is Pha'ethon flavirostris , and not P. (Bthereus. See Jardine’s Contrib. 1852, pi. 84, where the egg is figured. 106 Recent Ornithological Publications. Loche's Catalogue* of Mammals and Birds observed in Al¬ geria contains a list of the specimens exhibited at the “Exposi¬ tion permanente des produits de FAlgerie 33 at Algiers, with the addition of other species observed by the author in that country. The classification adopted is that of Prince Bonaparte^s f Cata¬ logue des Oiseaux d'Europe/ some few synonyms are given, and the ‘ habitat ; added to each species. The book is a very useful one in its way, particularly as a handbook for tourists, or for those who are working at the ornithology of this country, as by far the most complete list of the birds of Algeria yet issued. But we object to the practice of publishing new specific names in any form without giving descriptions. Who is to know what is intended by “ Malurus Sahara , Loche in litt.,” “ Calen¬ dar ella reboudia, Loche in litt.,” “ Galerida randonii, Loche inlitt.” ? Can the public peruse M. Loche’s private correspondence and ascertain what birds he may have so designated ? It stands to reason that the publication of such names without descriptions gives not the slightest title to priority, and is only productive of a confusion of synonymy, which retards the progress of science. M. Loche5 s Catalogue enumerates as species observed by himself — Accipitres ... 46 Cursores .... 1 Insessores . . . 157 Grallae .... 70 Columbce ... 5 Anseres .... 73 Gallinse .... 6 - Total 358 An Appendix contains the names of 42 others considered doubtful. With regard to the main list, however, we suspect it will be difficult to establish the specific validity of such species as Amnomanes elegans, Microcarbo algeriensis, and some others. 3. German Publications. Ol Cabanis5 f J ournal fur Ornithologie 3 we have received only the first four parts for the last year. We notice some of the more I’emarkable articles. The veteran naturalist Max, Prinz zu Wied, contributes a series of interesting papers on the birds * Catalogue des Mammiferes et des Oiseaux observes en Algerie par le Capitaine Loche. Paris, 1858, 1 vol. 8vo. Recent Ornithological Publications. 107 observed by him during his North American journey twenty-five years ago. Had this been published soon after his return, it is probable that the species to which he gives names as undescribed might have been really new. It is, however, hardly likely that they can have escaped the penetrating researches of the Ameri¬ cans up to the present time. BrehnPs f Singing-birds of Spain 3 well merits perusal. Under the head of Dromolrea leucura} which he observed in that country, he takes the opportunity of describing two new species from Egypt, Dromolcea leucocephala and D. leucopygia (Journ. f. Orn. 1858, pp. 62 and 66). We believe them to be well-founded, having lately examined examples of both, obtained by Mr. Tristram in the Algerian Sahara. In Heft ii. Hr. Boilers paper on the Wild Canary, and Prof. Bur- meisteFs Ornithological letter from Mendoza are both of a very interesting nature. The Turdus anthracinus , mentioned by the latter author as one of the true Thrushes occurring in the vicinity of Mendoza, is doubtless H’Orbigny^s Turdus fuscater, of which Mr. Bridges obtained specimens in the same locality. Heft iii. contains the commencement of a very elaborate article on the Anatomy and General History of the Cuckoo by Hr. Opel. A note from Herr von Homeyer seems to confirm Hr. Gloger’s views as to the distinctness of Carbo desmaresti of the Eastern Mediterranean. In Heft 4 is the second part of Hr. OpePs essay on Cuculus, at the end of which (p. 306) will be found the results at which the author has arrived as to the causes of its singular method of propagation. Professor Alex, von Nordmann communicates observations on the Nesting of the Waxen Chatterer (Ampelis gar rula). We beg to remind him that our countryman Mr. John Wolley is entitled to the whole merit of this discovery. The nest and eggs were first taken by Mr. Wolley in June 1856, and were exhibited at a meeting of the Zoological Society held on the 24th of March, 1857. If the Professor will refer to the Illustrated volume of Proceedings for that year, he will find not only a full description, but a figure of both nest and eggs. Of ‘ Naumannia^ for 1858 we have only received the first part. It contains amongst other things an account of the birds of the Cyclades by Hr. Erhard. Fifty-two species are given as per¬ manent residents, 77 as winter visitants, 62 as birds of passage 108 Recent Ornithological Publications. in autumn or spring, and 29 as summer visitants. A curious, if reliable, addition to the European fauna is a new Falcon from the islands Tragonisi and Slapodia, Fatco dichrous, Erhard. Herr August von Pelzeln continues his interesting communi¬ cations to the Academy of Sciences of Vienna, on the new or little-known species of birds of the Imperial Cabinet. The ‘Sitzungsberichte' for July 1858 contain his last paper, in which he describes Merops boleslavskii from the Sudan, Furnarius ( Ope - tiorhynchus) minor from Brazil, Anumbius ferrugineigula from Patagonia, Copsychus pica from Madagascar, Mimus leucospilus from Chili, Muscivora swainsoni from Brazil, Penelope cujubi from Para, giving remarks upon the allied species, and a notice of the occurrence of Gypohierax angolensis from the eastern coast of Africa. [What does Dr. Hartlaub say to this ?] The Mimus leucospilus is, we believe, a good species, and is in the British Museum from S. Elena Bay, Ecuador, not from Chili; but it is very likely to be Mimus peruvianus of Peale (United States Exploring Expedition). Kittlitz's ‘Denkwurdigkeiten einer Reisenach den Russischen Amerika nach Mikronesien und durch Kamtschatka* 3 contains many interesting notices on Natural History, particularly Orni¬ thology, made during the author's journey round the world thirty years ago. We recommend the book as worthy of the attention of our readers. 4. American Publications. The most important work on Ornithology that has appeared during the past year is certainly the general work on North American Birds, which forms the second part of the ninth volume of the ‘ Reports of Explorations and Surveys to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Oceanf .' It is from the pen of Professor Baird, with the co-operation of Messrs. Cassin and Lawrence, and is in every respect such a work as these gentlemen, already well known for their labours on the ornithology of their native country, might be expected to produce. The * Report/ * 2 vols. 8 vo. Gotha, 1858, Perthes. t These Reports are American “ Blue-books.” They may be obtained in London of Messrs. Triibner and Co. Recent Ornithological Publications. 109 in the words of the preface, is “ a continuation of a systematic account of the vertebrate animals” observed by the different surveying parties, each of which was accompanied by competent collectors, and, “ as in the volume on Mammals, by the insertion of the comparatively few species not noticed by the expeditions, becomes an exposition of the present state of our knowledge of the birds of America north of Mexico.” The total number of species included as occurring within these limits is 721, being an increase of no less than 210 over the last list published by Audubon in 1844, which shows the energy which the Americans have lately devoted to the working out of their country’s fauna. Of each of these species the synonymy is given in a very complete way ; the specific characters are clear, and yet concise ; and, besides an indication of the general geo¬ graphical range, the precise locality of each individual specimen in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, where the zoo¬ logical collections made by the different surveying parties were deposited, and in most cases also its measurements, are recorded : so that, on the whole, the work must be pronounced to be very complete, and quite indispensable to any one who pays attention to the ornithology of the New World. The following Table gives the number of species included of the different orders, and may be taken as a fair general estimate of the Nearctic Avi-fauna:— Species identified. Species not identified. Total. Order I. Raptores . 61 . _ 61 II. Scansores . 35 _ 35 III. Insessores. a. Strisores . 17 _ 17 b. Clamatores . 30 1 31 c. Oscines . 2 76 9 285 IV. Rasores. a. Columbse . 11 _ 11 b. Gallinse . 21 1 22 V. Grallatores. a. Herodiones . 24 _ 24 b. Grallae . 58 1 59 VI. Natatores. a. Anseres . 48 4 52 b. Gaviae . 108 16 124 Total . 689 32 721 110 Recent Ornithological Publications. The 'Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 9 for 1858 have been received in this country up to p. 184, giving the papers read up to October 26. The ornitho¬ logical communications are — (1) "Descriptions of new Birds from the vicinity of Port Tejon, Cal.,” by J. X. de Yesey ( Tyrannula hammondii and Vireo cassinii); (2) "Description of a new Toxo- stoma [T. crissalis) and a new Junco (J. dorsalis)” by Dr. T. C. Henry, from New Mexico ; and (3) " Description of a newTanager from the Isthmus of Darien, and Note on Selenidera spectabilis ,” by John Cassin. The Tanager is a Calliste, belonging to the section containing G. gyrola and its allies. Mr. Cassin calls it C. lavinia. It is the second* species discovered since the com¬ pletion of the lately published Monograph. The beautiful new Toucan, named by Mr. Cassin Selenidera spectabilis (Proc. Acad. Philad. 1857, p. 214), was again obtained by the American Surveying party on the Isthmus of Darien, near the village of Susio, province of Choco. A plate, giving good figures of two interesting African species, Pholidornis rushice and JPgithalus flavifrons , is attached to the same part of the ' Proceedings/ The ' Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York ’ for 1858 contain (1) " Notes on some Cuban Birds, with descrip¬ tions of three new species,” by John Gundlach. The species mentioned are, Cypselus collaris, Max, C. niger (Gm.), Tachornis iradii, Lembeye, Myiadestes elizabethce , Lemb., Colaptes chryso- caulosus, sp. nov., Culicivora lembeyii , sp. nov., and Teretristris fornsiy sp. nov. They are accompanied by interesting observa¬ tions on their habits. Mr. Lawrence adds some explanatory remarks. The discovery of the distinctness of Colaptes chry- socaulosus from the common Golden shafted of the United States [Colaptes auratus ) is noteworthy; it being the fourth species of the family now known as peculiar to the island. (2) "Descrip¬ tions of two new species of Gulls in the Museum of the Smith¬ sonian Institution at Washington [Larus suckleyii and Rissa septentrionalis) both from Puget Sound,” by Mr. Lawrence. (3) "Descriptions of seven new species of Humming-birds,” by George N. Lawrence. We understand from Mr. Gould, to whom Mr. Lawrence has sent the types of his species for exa- * Calliste cyanotis, Sclater (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1858, p. 294), is the other. Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, fyc. Ill ruination, that the whole of them (with the possible exception of Iolama frontalis) are known in Europe, and have nearly all been previously described. The new edition of the f Mammals and Birds of the United States Exploring Expedition under Commodore Wilkes/ by Mr. Cassin, has just been received in this country. We hope hereafter to be able to give a full notice of this important work. XI. — Extracts from Correspondence, Notices , fyc. (Plate III.) We are happy to be able to state that letters have been received from Mr. Wallace, dated Ternate, September 2nd, announcing his safe return from New Guinea about a fortnight before that time. Mr. Wallace gives by no means a favourable account of Havre-Dorey as a collecting-place, and says that he has never made a voyage “ so disagreeable, expensive, and unsatisfactory as that now completed .” He suffered greatly from illness and from bad and insufficient food, and was only just sufficiently recovered to work at cleansing and packing his collections. His servants suffered as much as himself, two or three of them were always sick, and one of his hunters died of dysentery. Not only was he unable to procure any of the rarer Paradise-birds himself at this spot, but he could not even purchase a single skin of them. “It is certain,” says Mr Wallace, “ that all but the two common yellow species ” ( Paradisea apoda and P. papuana ) “ are very rare, even in the places where the natives get them, for you may see hundreds of the common species to perhaps one of the rarer sorts. I sent two of my servants with seven natives a voyage of 100 miles to the most celebrated place for birds — - Amberbabei — mentioned by Lesson, and after twenty days they brought me back nothing but two of P. papuana and one of P. regia.” He goes on to say, “ My only hope now lies in Waigiou, where I shall probably go next year, and try for P. rubra and P. superba. Even of P. papuana I have not many, as my boys had to shoot them all themselves. I got nothing from the natives at Dorey. You will ask why I did not try somewhere else, when I found Dorey so bad. The simple 112 Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c. answer is, that in the whole mainland of New Guinea there is no other place where my life would be safe a week. It is a horribly wild country. You have no idea of the difficulties in the way of a single person doing anything in it. There are a few good birds at Dorey, but full half of the species are the same as at the Aru Islands, and there is much less variety. My best things are some new and rare Lories*.” In a letter written from Ter- nate in March last, before starting for Havre-Dorey, Mr. Wal¬ lace remarks, speaking of the Eastern tropics generally, “ This part of the world is very poor in species compared with South America. In Java, so rich, so varied, and so well explored, there are barely 300 species according to Muller, a number which any one spot in tropical America would probably furnish if well explored.” In the same letter, with reference to the dis¬ tribution of the Parrots, he says, “ The Psittacidce are very inter¬ esting. It is, however, almost impossible to get all the species of each locality, some being always scarce and difficult to shoot. The greatest confusion exists as to their distribution, owing to their being carried from island to island by the native traders. This I hope in a great measure to set to rights. Almost every island of any extent has some peculiar species, but there are others which extend over a considerable range of the Archipelago. The representative species in the different islands are often very closely allied. In Gilolo I have found the true Geoffroiius cya- neicollis, which is quite distinct from G. personatus of Amboyna, and also from the Aru species, which, if different, as I think, from the Amboyna one, is newt- In my second Macassar collection I have sent a Trichoglossus%, which I think new — the most western of the genus. At Manado, in the north of Celebes, I shall find many of the rare birds which do not occur at Ma¬ cassar. I have a pair of the superb Pitta maxima of Forsten, * Among these is what Mr. Wallace thinks is a new species of Char- mosyna. t This will stand as Geoffroiius aruensis, having been described by Mr. G. R. Gray from Mr. Wallace’s specimens as Psittacus aruensis (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1858, p. 183). X The Trichoglossus from Macassar is T. ornatus. There are examples of this species in the Levden Museum from Celebes collected by Forsten, and from Bouton collected by Muller. Q ! Ibis, 1853. PL EL M h IT . HanEart. Imp xJ\ Wolf, ILL CEPHALOPTERUS PENDULICER Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, fyc. 113 from Gilolo.” Mr. Wallace’s second Macassar collection has been received since he wrote thus. In it and his first collection he has transmitted many interesting species, Buceros cassidix, B. exaratus, Basileornis corythaix, Streptocitta albicollis, Phceni- cophaus callirhynchus , Spilornis rufipectus * — all types peculiar to Celebes; and among the Psittacidce, Tanygnathus mulleri, Bp., a fine species of Prioniturus, and Trichoglossus ornatus. In the last collection we were surprised to recognize in a strongly-built Corvine bird, Prince Bonaparte’s Gazzola typica (Compt. Bend, vol. xxxvii. p. 828, et Notes Orn. p.6). Prince Bonaparte gives New Caledonia as the locality of this bird, which is very singular, as the Streptocitta of Celebes is also attributed, in Labillardiere’s ‘ Voyage/ to New Caledonia. But the fact is, that Labillardiere visited Celebes as well as New Caledonia, and the specimens from each country must have been mixed up together. The true position of the Gazzola is certainly near Corvus dauricus, however Prince Bonaparte may deride its being labeled “ Corvus dauricus de la Nouvelle Caledonie,” and we are not at all sure that it is generically separable therefrom. Another interesting bird in Mr. Wallace’s last Macassar collection is a curiously-marked Thrush of the section Geocichla, allied to G. interpres-\ of Java and Sumatra, but having the whole back as well as the head chestnut-red. For this bird, of which two examples only were sent, we propose the name Geocichla erythronota%. From Lom¬ bok Mr. Wallace has transmitted the true Geocichla interpres. Mr. Fraser, who is now collecting in the Andes of Ecuador, dates his last letters from Pallatanga, on the Pacific slope of the western range of the Cordillera, south-westwards of Biobamba, in the tierra caliente . His first collection from this spot, which has just arrived, contains about 110 species, among which are * Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1857, p. 222. t Temminck, PL Col. 458. X Geocichla erythronota, Sclater. G. supra castanea : alis, cauda, lateribus capitis et corpore subtiis ad medium pectus intense nigris; macula utrinque inter oculum et rictum, altera in regione auriculari, tectricum alarium apicibus et pri- mariorum ad basin marginibus extemis, rectricis extimae macula ter- minali et secundae macula minore, albis : abdomine crissoque albis, ventre nigro tanquam squamato : rostro plumbeo, apice flava, pedibus flavis : long, tota 8#0, alae 4’5, caudae 30. VOL. I. I 114 Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, fyc. many scarce birds, such as the curious Toucan (Andigena lami- nirostris), some rare Tanagers ( Saltator atripennis and Buar- remon leucopterus), and several undescribed species of different families. But the most remarkable thing in the collection, and indeed one of the most extraordinary birds lately discovered, is a new Umbrella-bird ( Cephalopterus ) with a very elongated throat- lappet, nearly as long as the whole body of the bird. This we propose to call Cephalopterus penduliger* . It will be described at length, and its differences from the two previously known species ( Cephalopterus ornatus and C. glabricollis) pointed out, in the report on Mr. Fraser’s collections submitted to the Zoolo¬ gical Society. Meanwhile the accompanying figure by Mr. Wolf (PI. III.) will give a good idea of its strange appearance. M. Mouhot de Montbeilliard of Jersey has safely arrived at Bangkok, whence he was preparing to start, as soon as the dry season should commence, to explore the natural productions of the unknown interior of the kingdom of Siam. His first col¬ lections may be expected very shortly. His agent is Mr. S. Stevens, of 24 Bloomsbury Street. A letter from Mr. Blyth of the Calcutta Museum, dated in June last, announces the arrival of some interesting novelties from the Andaman Islands: — “ Among the birds I received a handsome new Shawa ( Kittacincla albiventris, nobis). Form typical, but with the four medial tail-feathers much less elongated than in K. macroura; the abdominal region, tibial plumes, axillaries, and fore¬ part of wing underneath pure white; vent and lower coverts only, and hindermost portion of the flanks deep ferruginous, as in the other : otherwise like K. macroura Mr. Blyth also speaks of a new Pheasant which he has described as Diardigallus fas- ciolatus. Five males were brought alive to Calcutta, supposed * It is smaller considerably than C. ornatus, measuring — whole length 14^ inches, wing 9^, tail 4\, bill from front 1‘7 , tarsus 1*8, throat-lappet 8^. The corresponding measurements of a fine specimen of C. ornatus in Mr. Gould’s collection are, whole length 1 7^inches, wing 1 1 , tail 6^-, bill from front 1 '9, tarsus 2’1, throat-lappet 4'0. In C . penduliger the throat-lappet is long and narrow, and there is no bare space on the neck ; in C. ornatus the lappet is short and broad, covering a naked space ; in C. glabricollis the whole fore-neck and chest as well as the basal part of the lappet itself are denuded. In C. penduliger, again, the under wing-coverts are partly white, in C. ornatus they are quite black. Extracts from Correspondence , Notices , fyc. 115 to be from Borneo, but no female. A sketch and parts of the feathers enclosed would seem to indicate its being a very remark¬ able species — “ the crest-plumes of curious structure : size of the various species of Gallophasis : the figure slim and game¬ looking, with bright red legs, and fully as much papillose crimson skin about the face as the Nycthemerus.” We have not yet met with Mr. Blythes published description of this singular bird. In a letter just received by Sir William Jardine from Professor Jameson of Quito, that gentleman states, “On the 1st of the pre¬ sent month (November) I made an excursion to the farm of Anti- sana. The farm-house is situated at an elevation of 13,454 feet above the sea-level, and is uninhabited, except on special occa¬ sions. In an apartment on the ground-floor I found some nests of Oreotrochilus pichinchae. I am certain as to the species. One of the nests was attached to the extremity of a straw-rope hang¬ ing from the roof.” Most of onr readers will probably have seen the prospectus of M. A. Malherbe of Metz, announcing the immediate commence ment of the publication of his long-promised monograph of the Woodpeckers. M. Malherbe now begs us to announce a slight alteration in the plan of publication, in that he only intends to issue a livraison every two months, instead of every twenty days. Moreover he has resolved to strike off only 75 copies of the plates, after which the stones will be effaced ; so that those who desire to possess the work should send in their names* without loss of time. The Zoological Society have lately added to their collection fine examples of Darwin's Bhea, and the common Cassowary, so that the following extraordinary assemblage of Struthiones may now be seen alive in the Gardens : — Struthio camelus, Rhea americana , and R. darwinii , Dromaeus novae hollandice , Casuarius galeatus and C. bennettii, and Apteryx mantellii. Should any wandering naturalist be inclined for a few months' excursion next spring, and not know where he may profitably betake himself, we present him with an account of what he may * Direct “ a M. Alfred Malherbe, Conseiller a la Cour Imperiale, Metz, France.” The work will appear in 25 livraisons, at 18 fr. each, forming two folio volumes. i 2 116 Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, fyc. expect to find in the neighbourhood of Tarsus, a port which may be easily reached by the French and Austrian steamers of the Levant line from Smyrna and Rhodes. “A shooting excursion in the Cilician Taurus would be no disagreeable amusement ; for it would not be difficult, directly on leaving the steamer down in the plains, to kill Francolins, Wild Swine, two species of Gazelles, the yet undetermined Stag of the Pyramus woods, Beavers, black Fishing-otters, Jackals, and striped Hysenas, not to speak of a multitude of marsh and water fowl, with which the wide sedgy expanse of brackish waters abounds. “ When the heat of the plains becomes excessive, the sports¬ man may ascend to the hills to search out the Leopards in the rocky hollows, which, however, are among the rarities. But the Boar is not uncommon in the mountain woods, the Ptarmigan, Jackal, and striped Hysena ascend up to an elevation of 3000 feet, and the great pale yellow Vulture is to be found wherever a beast is killed. Passing through the wide woods, which girt the hills, one meets with the Syrian Bear, and hither too the Leopard retreats in the summer time from the heat of the low country, while the black-eared Lynx makes his permanent abode here in company with the Bears, which ravage the vine¬ yards. Badgers too, Syrian Squirrels, Hares, Foxes, and par¬ ticularly Jackals, are not uncommon in the neighbourhood of the villages, and the Wild Boar range through the valleys up to the borders of the hills. Of feathered fowl, Ptarmigan and Wild Doves are generally diffused. The Moufflon is seldom seen, yet the inhabitants of Giillek get from 10 to 20 head every year. What has been already said might perhaps seem sufficient to show that Cilicia invites the visit of the sportsman. But the most noble game of all inhabits the mountain region. The Steinbock* exceeds the European species in dimensions by one- third. It often reaches a length of 6^ feet. In its company live Viverra sarmatica, and a noble bird, possessing a fine-sound¬ ing call, Tetraogallus caucasicus. They all find a follower in the Gypaetus, which is however rare.” — Kotschy, ‘ Reise in den Cilicischen Taurus fiber Tarsus/ Gotha, 1858. * Perhaps Capra caucasica, Gfilderst.? — Ed. THE IBIS. No. II. APRIL 1859. XII. — On the Ornithology of Central America . Part II. By Philip Lutley Sclater and Osbert Salyin. [Continued from p. 22.] (Plates IV. and V.) Subtribus II. Tracheophonce. Fam, XV. ANABATLDiE. Subfam. Anabatin^e. 122. Anabates rubiginosus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 288. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Sir William Jar diners and Salvin^s collections. Irides marked “red.” 123. Synallaxis erythrothorax, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1855, p. 75, pi. 86. Originally described from examples collected in the vicinity of Coban by Delattre. M. Salle has transmitted specimens of this bird from the vicinity of Cordova, Vera Cruz, as also of the Anabates , of which he was the original discoverer. Subfam. DendrocolaptinjE. 124. Picolaptes affinis, Lafr. R. Z. 1850, p. 275. Pacific coast-region. Runs up the trees like a Certhia. Ob¬ served frequently. 125. Picolaptes - ? A second species of this genus was obtained by Mr. Leyland, near Omoa. VOL. i. K 118 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the 126. Bendrocops anabatinus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859 (Jan, 25 th). Omoa (Leyland). 127. Xiphocolaptes emigrans, sp. nov. Xiphocolaptes al~ hicollis, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 202. An accurate examination of specimens of the large Central American and S. Mexican Xiphocolaptes has convinced us that it is specifically quite distinct from X. albicollis of Brazil, as indeed might have been expected from its “habitat.” It does not appear to have come under the observation of M. de Lafres- naye, not being included in his Monograph of this group in the ‘ Revue et Magasin de Zoologie/ It differs from X. albicollis in its straighter, thicker, and lighter-coloured beak, which is of a dirty horn-coloured white except at the base ; in the entire absence of the black abdominal cross-bands, which particularly distinguish X. albicollis ; and in the less extension of the white on the throat. The whole length of a specimen in Sclater^s col¬ lection is 12| inches, wing 5| inches, tail 4J inches. Its size, therefore, renders it easily recognizable among the other species of the group found in the same country. 128. Dendrocolaptes sancti-thom^: (Lafr.); Sclater, P.Z.S. 1858, p. 96. Named from S. Thomas, near the mouth of the Rio Dulce, on the bay of Honduras — a Belgian colony, and not, as is sup¬ posed (P. Z. S. loc.cit.), from the island. In the collection of P. L. S. from Honduras. 129. Sclerurus guatemalensis (Hartl.). Tinactor guati- malensis , Hartl. R. Z. 1844, p. 370. We have not yet met with specimens of Sclerurus from Gua¬ temala. It may probably be identical with S. mexicanus, but Hr. Hartlaidfis description does not agree with that bird. Earn. XVI. EORMICARIIDiE. Subfam. Thamnophilin^e. 130. Thamnophilus doliatus (Linn.). This bird is common about Duenas. It is always found in 119 Ornithology of Central America . the very thickest underwood; near; but not upon the ground. It is by no means shy, but it is hard to procure good specimens from the difficulty of keeping it in sight at a distance sufficient to avoid spoiling them. 131. Thamnophilus melanurus, Gould? Vicinity of Omoa (Leyland). It is likely that this northern bird is really specifically distinct from the true T. melanurus of the valley of the Amazons. Subfam. Formicivorin^:. 132. Formicivora boucardI; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858; p.300. Mr. Leyland obtained a female specimen near Omoa. 133. Cercomacra tyrannina, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 245. A pair of this species are in the Derby Museum, obtained near Coban by Delattre. Mr. Leyland obtained one example — a female — near Belize. Subfam. Formicariin^e. 134. Gymnocichla nudtceps (Cassin) ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 274. Vicinity of Omoa (Leyland). 135. Grallaria guatemalensis, Prev.,Voy. Venus, Ois. t. 2; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 294. Specimens of this bird in the Derby Museum at Liverpool were collected by Delattre at Coban in June 1843. Fam. XVII. TYRANNIDiE. Subfam. Tjsniopterin^:. 136. Sayornis aquatica, sp. nov. Fuliginosa : secundariis alarum et caudse rectrice extima extus albo marginata : ventre medio albo : rostro et pedibus ni- gerrimis : long, tota 9’25, alse 3*25, caudse 3d, tarsi 0*7, rostri a rictu *8. Aff. Sayornithi nigricanti et S. cineracece , sed ab hac alis minus albis et pogonio rectricis extimse non omnino albo, ab ilia crassitie minore et crisso fuliginoso distinguenda. This species is resident at Duenas, where it may always be k 2 120 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the found a short distance from the village, up the stream of the river Guacalate. Sometimes, however, it occurs about the lake. In its actions it is lively and restless, little resembling the Ty¬ rants in these respects. It is always found near water, and is generally to be seen sitting on a stone on the margin, from which it constantly darts to seize a fly or insect from the surface. Mr. Gould possesses a Guatemalan example of this species in no way differing from the Duenas bird. Subfam. Tyrannin^e. 137. Attila citreoIpygia, Bp.; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p.228. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Mr. Gould’s collection. 138. Scaphorhynchus MExxcANUs, Lafr. R.Z. 1851, p.473. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 139. Pitangus uerbianus (Kp.) i Saurophagus derbianus, Kaup, P. Z. S. 1851, p. 44, pi. 36: Saurophagus quatemalensis , Lafr. R. Z. 1852, p. 462. This species occurs abundantly at Belize in December. At Duenas it appears to be only a summer visitant, as it was found breeding there in the month of May, not having previously been observed. It builds a large loose nest with a great deal of superfluous matter about it, the entrance being at one side. The single nest found was composed entirely of small twigs, and was placed at the end of a branch about twenty feet from the ground. The eggs were laid about the third week in May. They are slightly pear-shaped, and in colour of a pale creamy white, spotted and blotched with brick-red ; they measure, axis 1 in. 2J lines; diam. 10^ lines. 140. Myiodynastes luteiventris, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859 (Jan. 25th). Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In the collections of Mr. Gould and 0. S. 141. Tyrannus intrepides (Vieill.) . (N.A.) Mr. Gould’s collection contains an example of this bird trans¬ mitted to him by Mr. Skinner. 121 Ornithology of Central America. 142. Tyrannus vociferans, Sw. Quart. Journ. Sc. 1826, p.273; Baird’s Rep. p.174. Tyrannus cassinii, Lawrence. (N.A.) Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from Salama, Vera Paz. 143. Tyrannus melancholicus (Vieill.). This is a very abundant resident species about Duenas. It builds in the month of May an open nest, slight in texture and Hat in form. This structure is composed of sticks, with a few tine roots and horse-hair inside, and is usually placed at the end of a branch, at various heights from the ground. The eggs, generally four in number, are spotted with three shades ot red on a creamy-white ground. Some examples measure — axis 1H lines, diam. 8 lines, but others are more rounded in form. 144. Milvulus monachus, Hartl. R. Z. 1844, p. 214 : Mil- vulus tyrannus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 297. Scarcely different from the S. American M. tyrannus. It occurs at Estansuelas, a village on the road between Izabal and Guatemala. Mr. Skinner has transmitted examples of it, as also of 145. Milvulus forficatus (6m.) ; PI. Enl. 677 ; Baird’s Rep. p. 169. 146. Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.) ; Baird’s Rep. p. 178. (N.A.). Mr. Gould’s collection contains a Guatemalan skin of this species. 147. Myiarchus lawrencii (Giraud) ; Baird’s Rep. p. 181. A common and resident species at Duenas, where its pecu¬ liarly melancholy note may frequently be heard. 148. Myiarchus cinerascens (Lawr.) : M. mexicanus , Baird’s Rep. p. 179. Also found at Duenas ; but it is by no means of such frequent occurrence. Examples were procured at Livingston, at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, in December. We are not quite con¬ vinced of the identity of this bird with Dr. Kaup’s Tyrannula mexicana (P. Z. S. 1851, p. 51), to which Professor Baird has united it. Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the 1 99 149. Myiarchus cooperi, Kaup ; Baird's Bep.p. 180. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In collection of P. L. S. 150. Contopus borealis (Sw.) ; Baird’s Bep. p. 188. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Mr. Gould's collection. 151. Contopus mesoleucus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859 (Jan. 25th). Mr. Gould's collection contains Guatemalan examples of this species. 152. Contopus sordidulus, Sclater, P.Z. S. 1859 (Jan. 25th). Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 153. Contopus virens (Linn.), Baird's Bep. p. 190. Also transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 154. Empidonax flaviventris, Baird's Bep. p. 198. In Mr. Gould's collection from Guatemala. 155. Empidonax minimus, Baird, Bep. p. 195. Occurs at Belize and Duenas. 156. Empidonax albigularis, sp.nov. Supra sordide olivaceo-brunneus, uropygio rufescente tincto : gutture albo : pectore et cervicis lateribus grisescenti-brun- neis : ventre et crisso pallide flavis : alis et cauda fusco- nigricantibus, illis pallido brunneo bifasciatis, secundariis extus albido anguste limbatis : tectricibus alarum inferi- oribus ochracescenti-brunneis : rostro superiore fuseo, in- feriore flavo : pedibus nigris : long, tota 4*75, alse 2*3, caudse 2*1, tarsi 0-6, rostri a rictu 0*6. AflP. Empidonacti minimo , sed statura paulo majore, alarum fasciis brunneis et gula pure alba, dorso quoque obscuriore distinguenda. A single example of this apparently undescribed species was shot by Salvin at Duenas. 157. Mitrephorus ph^ocercus, Sclater, P.Z, S. 1859 (Jan. 25th). In Mr. Gould’s collection, received from Mr. Skinner. 158. Elainia vilissima, sp. nov. (Plate IV. fig. 1.) Olivacea, pileo nigricanti-cinereo, fronte et superciliis sordide albis : alis fusco-nigris, tectricibus majoribus, secundariis et primariis secunda, tertia, quarta et quinta ad basin flavo IV. ftis ^ « 5 q 1 f E LAI >11 A.. .V.I L I i S. IMA. . 2.. K LA INI A PLACE NS. 123 Ornithology of Central America. extus anguste limbatis : cauda fusco-nigricante, olivaceo marginata : subtus cinerascenti-alba, abdomine toto flavi- cante, medialiter albescentiore, hypochondriis olivaceo tinctis : tectricibus alarum inferioribus flavis : rostro supe¬ rior nigro, inferiore fusco : pedibus nigris : long, tota 5*0, abe 2*4, caudse 2*2, tarsi 073, rostri a rictu 0*5. This apparently hitherto unnoticed and obscure species belongs to the section of the genus Elainia, which have the head-feathers flat, and not subcrested, as in E.pagana (the type of the genus), E. placens, and others. Mr. Skinner has transmitted several examples of it, which are in Mr. Gould's and Sclater' s collections. 159. Elainia placens, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859 (Jan. 25th) : Elania - ?, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 297. (Plate IV. fig. 2.) Supra olivacea, pileo cineraceo, crista interne flava : alis cau- daque obscuris, olivaceo extus limbatis : capitis lateribus cum gutture albescenti-cinereis, ciliis oculorum albis : abdomine et tectricibus subalaribus flavis : rostro nigro, mandibube inferioris basi albida : pedibus obscure carneis : long, tota 5*5, abe 2 *7, caudse 2-6, tarsi 0 65. Our figure is taken from a Mexican specimen of this pretty Elainia collected by M. Salle near Cordova, in the month of March. It is a female, but the sexes are probably alike. A similar example is in Mr. Gould's collection received from Guatemala through Mr. Skinner. 160. Legatus variegatus, Sclater: Elainia variegata, Sclater, P.Z. S. 1856, p. 297. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Mr. Gould's collection. 161. Myiozetetes texensis (Giraud). Muscicapa texensis, Giraud, B. Texas, pi. 1. Tyrannula cayennensis , Sw. Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 367. An abundant and resident species at Duenas. It builds in the month of May a nest composed of small roots and strong grass, of light construction, and covered over, having a large hole in the side. The eggs, generally three in number, are of a rich creamy white, thinly spotted at the obtuse end with red ; they measure, axis 1 Onlines, diam. 8 lines. 124 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the Subfam. Platyrhynchin^e. 162. Muscivora mexicana, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 295. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 163. Todirostrum cinereum (Linn.) ; P. Z.S. 1855, p. 148. Occurs at Belize in December. 164. Mionectes assimilis, Sclater, P. Z.S. 1859 (Jan. 25th). Pam. XVIII. COTINGIDiE. Subfam. Querulin^e. 165. Lipaugus rufescens, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 276. Discovered by Delattre near Coban . Subfam. Tityrin^e. 166. Tityra personata (Jard. & Selb.) ; Sclater, P. Z.S. 1857, p. 70. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. One specimen was shot near Iguana, a day’s journey from Ysabal, in the coast-region. 167. Pachyrhamphus aglaue (Lafr.) ; P. Z. S. 1857, p. 74. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from Cajabon. 168. Pachyrhamphus polychropterus (Vieill.)? Vicinity of Omoa (Leyland). Subfam. Pi prince. 169. Chiroxiphia linearis (Bp.). Pipr a linearis, Bp.P.Z.S. 1837, p. 113 ; Gould’s Voy. Sulphur, Birds, pi. 20. p. 40. Pipra fastuosa, Less. R. Z. 1842, p. 174. Mr. Skinner has transmitted skins of this beautiful bird from the Vera Paz. Mr. Hinds’s specimen, figured in the ‘ Voyage of the Sulphur,’ is said to have been from Realejo, on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua ; and M. Salle informs us that he procured examples near Granada, on the lake of Nicaragua. 170. Manacus cand^ei (Parzud.). Originally described from specimens obtained in Honduras, but ranges as far northward along the Atlantic coast-region as the vicinity of Cordova, where M. Salle obtained examples. See 125 Ornithology of Central America. P. Z. S. 1856, p. 299. Mr. Leyland obtained a female specimen near Lake Peten. 171. Pipra mentalis, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 299, pi. 121. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Mr. Gould’s collection. Subfam. CoTINGIDAiE. 172. Cotinga amabilis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 64, pi. 123. From the Vera Paz. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Tribus II. Fissirostres. Fam. I. CAPRIMULGIDiE. 173. Nyctidrqmus americanus (Linn.) ? Mr. Cassin has referred the Mexican and Central American bird to this species in his 1 Catalogue of Caprimulgidse.’ It does not, however, appear to be the same as Nyctidromus derbi- anus (as given by Mr. Cassin), the latter being a much larger bird, and having the outer tail-feather broadly edged with white on the inner web. Fam. II. CYPSELLDiE. 174. Hemiprocne zonaris (Shaw) : Hirundo zonaris, Shaw ; Acanthylis collaris, G. R. Gray. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 175. Panyptila melanoleuca (Baird) : Cypselus melano- leucus , Baird, Pr. Ac. Phil. 1854, p. 118 ; Baird, Rep. p. 141. This Swift is by no means common in Guatemala ; indeed so local is it, that its presence might easily have been overlooked. It is found nearDuenas ; and the following extract from Salvin’ s note-book relates to its capture : — “ On going out with my gun, about three o’clock in the after¬ noon of February 13th, I followed the course of the river Gua- calate ; and after leaving the open country and the wood beyond, I entered a gorge with precipitous rocks on my right hand. On proceeding up this gorge for about a quarter of a mile, I heard a noise coming from the rock, which I at first took to be bats in some of the cracks. After watching some time, I saw two Swifts 126 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the dart into a hole, or rather crack in the rock, about twenty feet from the ground ; the noise then was louder than ever. Not altogether understanding this, I crossed the river and walked up to the foot of the cliff, and began to throw stones at the hole, to make the Swifts, which I had seen enter, fly out. Stones were no good, so I tried shouts, but with no better success. I then fired my gun at the hole, but still without result, the noise within con¬ tinuing as loud as ever all the time. My last resource was to climb up as far as I could, and try and poke them out with a bamboo-cane that happened to be lying at my feet. When I had climbed up a little way, what should I see but a dead Swift, which had fallen through the crack, and been caught on the ledge where I found it ? It had evidently been killed by my random shot. When I had descended, I fired again, this time frightening out five or six birds, but not, as I thought, killing any. As soon as these five or six got clear of the rock, they were pursued by all the u Cotylce serripennes of which there were a great number in the valley. As I was watching their flight, down fell a Swift at my feet. I then loaded, and was about to leave the spot, when a third made its appearance, falling- down the crack. I again climbed up to where I had found the first, both to see if there were any more, and to examine more closely. Then I found a good many feathers, some pieces of dry grass, and a skeleton of a Swift. This was evidently their common roosting-place, and there were others similar in the same rock ; how many inhabited the same hole I cannot say, for after I had shot three, and five or six were flying about, the noise continued as loud as ever.” (0. S.) Fam. III. TROCHILIDiE. 176. Phaethornis cephalus (Bourc. et Muls.), Rev. Zool. 1848, p. 269; Gould, Mon. Troch. part xvi. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 177. Phaethornis adolphi (Bourc.); Gould, Mon. Troch. part xiv. This is an abundant species in the forest about Izabal, but the density of the undergrowth renders it extremely difficult to Ornithology of Central America . 12 7 obtain a shot at so small and active an object. The bird is by no means shy, and takes but little notice of an observer, even searching the flowers almost within arnfls reach for the insects and honey therein contained. In movement it is extremely ele¬ gant and graceful, and, flitting from flower to flower, shows its beautifully-formed tail conspicuously in every motion. Like all others of the family, it selects a small twig for its perch, giving preference to a dead one. While at rest, it trims its feathers dexterously with its bill, which every now and then it cleans, by rubbing it first, on one side, then on the other of the twig on which it stands. 178. Campylopterus rufus (Less.); Rev. Zool.1840, p.73; Gould, Mon. Troch. part iii. Transmitted by Don Jose Constancia. It occurs, but very rarely, at Duenas, and would appear to be an inhabitant of an elevation higher than that district, as it is more numerous about Atitlan. 179. Campylopterus delattrii (Less.); Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 14; Gould, Mon. Troch. part x. This magnificent species was first discovered by M. Delattre at Coban. Numerous examples have since been transmitted to Europe by Mr. Skinner. 180. Campylopterus pampa (Less.) ; Supp. Ois. Mouches, p. 125, pi. 15; Gould, Mon. Troch. part x. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 181. Lampornis prevosti (Less.) ; Colibris, p. 87, pi. 24; Gould, Mon. Troch. part xv. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 182. Petasophora thalassina (Swains.), Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 441 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. part v. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 183. Cyanomyia cyanocephala (Less.); Less. Supp. Ois. Mouches, p. 134, pi. 18; Gould, Mon. Troch. part xi. About Duenas this is an abundant species. It frequents the shrubby forest, feeding principally among the flowers of a tree 128 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the which abounds there. This tree, which grows to a height of about twenty or thirty feet, bears clusters of white flowers, and has its branches and stem covered with spines, which sting when touched. Its bark also, when bruised, emits a milky fluid, which blisters the skin, if any be allowed to remain upon it. The bird, when taking its food from this tree, places itself in front of a bunch of the flowers, and hovers opposite, at a distance of about two or three inches. On perceiving the object of its search, it darts in, and, seizing whatever that may be, insect or honey, re¬ turns to its position in front of the cluster. So it passes on from blossom to blossom, and in like manner from cluster to cluster, until the whole tree is thoroughly ransacked. Humming-birds do not remain long on the wing at once, but rest frequently, choosing for that purpose a small dead or leafless twig at the top, or just within the branches of the tree. While in this posi¬ tion, they take the opportunity of trimming their feathers and cleaning their bill, all the time keeping up an incessant jerking of their wings and tail. When this operation has been gone through, they peer about for fresh flowers on which to dart. The cry of the present species is somewhat represented by the work “ chirik,” uttered frequently and with great rapidity. This cry seems common to ail the family, and it is only from an in¬ timate acquaintance that one can trace a difference between the species. When they are flying from one place to another, or pur¬ suing one another, this cry is especially used, and in the latter case it is uttered with great vehemence. The humming sound, from which these birds take their trivial name, is something like that produced by a large beetle ; but very little practice will soon so accustom the ear, that it seldom mistakes the unseen presence of a Humming-bird for anything else. 184. Florisuga mellivora (Linn.) ; Gould, Mon. Troch. part ii. 185. Eugenes fulgens (Swains.) ; Phil. Mag. 1827, p.441 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xii. 186. Myiabeillia typica (Helatt. etLess.); Rev. Zooi. 1839, p. 16; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. viii. 129 Ornithology of Central America. 187. Delattria henrici (Less, et Delatt.); Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 17 ; Gould, Mon. Trocli. pt. viii. 188. Delattria viridipallens (Bourc. et Muls.), Ann. dela Soc. de Lyons, 1846, p. 321 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. ix. 189.. LamproltEMa rhami (Less.) ; Rev. Zool. 1838, p. 315 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xi. 190. Heliomaster constanti (Delatt.) ; Echo du Monde Savant, 1843; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. v. Examples of all these six species have been transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 191. Thaumastura enicura (Vieill.) ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. iv. On no occasion were the males of this species observed about Duenas during the months of February and March ; indeed it was not until the month of May that both males and females were seen together, at which time, the nopal of the cochineal plantations being in full flower, great numbers of Humming¬ birds, especially of this species, were in the habit of feeding from the blossoms of that cactus. The females during the winter months are common enough, and frequent the same places, and feed principally on the same treea, as the Cyanomyia cyano- cephala. 192. Selasphorus helois^e (Less, et Delatt.), Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 15 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. viii. 193. Selasphorus platycercus (Swains.) ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. iii. 194. Tryphjena duponti (Less.), Colibris, Supp. pi. 1 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. i. Examples of these three species have been transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 195. Trochilus colubris (Linn.) ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xv. This species would appear to be abundant in the winter months in Guatemala, as numerous examples have been trans¬ mitted by Mr. Skinner. It occurs at Acatenango, a village on 130 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the the southern slope of the great Cordillera, showing that it chooses for its winter retreat the moderate climate afforded by the region lying between the elevations of 3000 and 4000 feet. 196. Lophornis Helena (Delatt.), Rev. Zool.1843, p. 133; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. x. 197. Amazillia corallirostris (Bourc. et Muls.), Ann. de la Soc. de Lyons, ix. (1846) p. 328 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xiii. This species seems to be an inhabitant of the hot sea-board only, and does not extend its vertical range to a greater eleva¬ tion than 2000 feet. In such regions on the Pacific coast it is very abundant, and is, in fact, the commonest ‘of the family, in some parts almost swarming. In every village numbers may be seen flitting about the blossoms of the orange- and lime-trees. Its horizontal range appears to be extensive, and may be said to include the whole of the southern portion of Guatemala from the confines of Chiapas to the State of San Salvador, and probably also embraces the Balsam coast of that Republic, as Capt. Taylor obtained examples on Tigre Island, Bay of Fonseca (P. Z. S. 1858, p. 358). 198. Amazillia riefferi (Bourc.), Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 103 : A. dubusi (Bourc.). 199. Amazillia arsinoe (Less.). 200. Thaumatias candidus (Bourc.), Ann. de la Soc. de Lyons, 1846. 201. Chrysuronia elicijs (Bourc. et Muls.), Ann. de la Soc. Sci. de Lyons, 1846, p. 314; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xvi. 202. Heliopedica melanotis (Swains.) : Trochilus mela- notus, Swains. Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 441 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xv. 203. Eupherusa eximia (Delatt.) ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xiv. 204. Chlorostilbon caneveti (Less.), Colibris,Supp. pl.37. Specimens of these seven species have been transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Ornithology of Central America. Fain. IV. GALBULIDiE. ]31 205. Galbula melanogenia, Sclater, Contr. Orn.l852,p.61. Inhabits the Atlantic coast-region. Specimens were obtained by Leyland near Omoa. Fain. V. ALCEDINIDiE. 206. Ceryle torquata (Linn.). Observed on the Rio Dulce,but not obtained ; so there may be some doubt as to the species. 207. Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). (N. A.) Shot at Belize, and again on the Golfo Dulce, and appears to be tolerably common in the winter on the Atlantic coast. 208. Ceryle amazona (Gm.). Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Procured by Capt. Taylor on the lake of Yojoa. 209. Ceryle americana (Gm.). Occurs abundantly everywhere upon the small streams in the Atlantic coast-region and in the interior. Observed near Duenas frequently, both on the Guacalate and on the outlet of lake of Duenas. 210. Ceryle superciliosa (Linn.). This species is found in the Pacific coast-region, frequenting the forest-swamps as well as the large rivers. The specimens, on comparison with S. American examples, show no appreciable differences. Fam. VI. MOMOTIDiE. 211. Momotus lessoni (Less.). Transmitted by SenorConstancia and Mr. Skinner. A Motmot, probably of this species, was observed both in the Pacific and Atlantic coast-regions. It is usually seen sitting very upright on a low branch of a tree, and uttering its low, melancholy double note — hou-hou — whence the generic name was doubtless derived. It is by no means shy, and known by the Spanish name of f Paxaro bobo / or stupid bird. 212. Hylomanes gularis (Lafr.). Transmitted by Senor Constancia and Mr. Skinner. 132 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the 213. Prionirhynchus carinatus (Du Bus); P. Z. S. 1857, pi. 128. et 1858, p. 357. Obtained by Capt. Taylor near the lake of Yojoa, Honduras. 214. Eumomota superciliaris (Jard. & Selb.). Momotus yucatanensis, Cabot, Boston Journ. N. H. iv. p, 467. Inhabits the Atlantic coast-region of Yucatan, extending as far round as the Bay of Campeachy. Fam. YII. TROGONIDiE 215. Trogon mexicanus (Swains.) ; Gould, Mon. Trogonidse, pi- 1- Salving collection contains Guatemalan examples of this bird. 216. Trogon puella, Gould, P. Z. S. 1845, p. 18: Trogon xalapensis, Du Bus. Mr. Skinner has sent many examples of this bird to Europe, transmitted to him from the Department of Vera Paz. It occurs in the Pacific coast-region. It is therefore in the ‘ tierra caliente / and not in the mountainous district, that T. puella is found. 217. Trogon caligatus, Gould, Mon. Trogonidse, pi. 7. This is an abundant species in the Pacific coast-region. 218. Trogon melanocephalus, Gould, Mon. Trogonidse, pi. 12. Guatemala and Honduras. 219. Trogon citreolus, Gould, Mon. Trogonidse, pi. 13. Mr. Gould's example of this rare Trogon is said to be from Yucatan. 220. Trogon massena, Gould, Mon. Trogonidse, pi. 16. Honduras (Leyland). 221. Pharomacrus parabiseus (Bp.) : Trogon pavoninus , Temm. (nec Spixi) PI. Col. 372 : Trogon par adiseus, Bp. (1826) : Pharomacrus mocinno , De la Llave, Registro Trimestre, i. p. 48 (1831) : Calurus resplendens , Gould, Mon. Trog. pi. 21 ; Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 63. Though this most beautiful of all the Trogons has never come under the observation of a naturalist since M.Delattre discovered 133 Ornithology of Central America. it at Coban, and consequently nothing further can be added to our knowledge of its habits, yet the following observations define the limits to which its range extends. The altitude at which this species is found exceeds 6000 feet, and it would appear to occur more or less numerously in all the mountainous districts that attain such an elevation. A few may be found at Calderas, in the Volcan de Fuego, according to Mr. Wyld of Duenas, who says that the females are much more numerous than the males in that locality, and that the males are seldom seen. The Department of Quesaltenango, and its capital of the same name, the second city in Guatemala, derive their appellation from this bird, — “ Quesal ” being the term applied in the Kachiquel language to this Trogon, the termination “ tenango ” signifying the place of. Hence Quesaltenango is, par excellence , the place of the Quesal. However, it is from Coban and its neighbour¬ hood, in the Department of Vera Paz, that the whole of the skins that find their way to Europe are procured ; and judging from the great number of specimens that are sent, the bird must be very numerous in that locality. Tribus III. Scansores. Fam. I. CUCULIDiE. 222. Dromococcyx mexicanus. Bp. P. Z. S. 1856, p. 308. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from Cajabon, Vera Paz. 223. Diplopterus excellens, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p.228. San Pedro, Honduras (Leyland). 224. Piaya mexicana (Sw.), Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 440 ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 308. Honduras (Taylor), Guatemala (Constancia), Lake of Peten and Omoa (Leyland). 225. Piaya erythropygia, Less. Rev. Zook 1842, p. 209 ; Des Murs, Icon. Orn. pi. 66. The following remarks, referring to the only specimen seen, are from Salvin’s note-book : — “As we were riding from Subinal to Laguna, two villages on YOL. i. L 134 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the the road from Izabal to Guatemala, the latter being about eleven leagues from the capital, my attention was called by one of my companions to a bird he had just seen cross the road. The underwood was very dense at that part, and I had great diffi¬ culty at first in catching a glimpse of the bird ; and when I suc¬ ceeded, its distance from me was so short that I for some time hesitated to shoot, my gun being loaded with No. 6 only. See¬ ing no prospect of a better shot, I at last fired, and reduced my specimen to a mangled mass, which I was only just able to make into a very indifferent skin. “ As the time between my first seeing the bird and shooting it occupied some minutes, I was enabled to watch it closely. Its habits assimilate to those of the Geococcyx ajfinis , and it skulks along the ground as that species does, now running rapidly, now standing still with its head erect. But it differed from G. af- finis in climbing about the branches of the low underwood. The song of this Cuckoo, though short, is peculiarly rich in its tone, and there is a mellowness in each note that I have seldom heard surpassed. An Indian to whom I showed it at Laguna called it ( El reloz/ or f The watch ,’ and said that it sang at every hour of the day, the length of the song depending upon the hour ; thus, he said, that at 1 o’clock it sang a very short song, and at 12 o’clock a very long one ! Another Indian called it 1 El pa- jar o tonto/ or f The foolish bird/ a name strictly applicable, as I could have almost caught the one I shot with my hand.” The principal colour of the bare skin at the back of the eye is almost cobalt-blue ; the legs are brownish yellow, and the irides dark. 226. Geococcyx affinis, Hartl. Rev. Zool. 1844, p. 215. This Cuckoo is abundant all over the Central region, and also occurs, though sparingly, in the Atlantic coast-region. The habits of this curious bird, especially in the way it runs, remind one much of the large lizard commonly known in Gua¬ temala as the “ Iguana .” It passes rapidly across the road, as that reptile does, first peering out of the underwood before making a rush, and now and then stopping, just before diving- in again, to take a final survey. The bird is by no means shy, often remaining quite still by the side of a path, looking at you 135 Ornithology of Central America. with a sort of inquiring gaze, as if it had never seen man be¬ fore. The Spanish name for it is “ Sigamonte.” 22 7. Crotophaga sulcirostris,Sw. Phil. Mag. 1827, p.440. Though the habits of this bird closely resemble those of its congener, C. ani, of the West India Islands, of which Mr. Gosse, in his f Birds of Jamaica/ gives a full description, the notes of the two species are quite different, and resemble each other only in character. It occurs commonly at Duenas, and was found in the vicinity of Omoa by Leyland. Fam. II. BHAMPHASTIDiE. 228. Bhamphastos carinatus (Sw.) ; Gould, Mon. ed. 2, pi. 7. Along the banks of the Bio Dulce this Toucan is abundant. It is known to the negro sailors as the “Billy-goat/* to the bleating of which animal the cry of the bird has a faint resem¬ blance. 229. Pteroglossus torquatus (Wagler); Gould, Mon. ed.2, pi. 14. Like the last, occurs on the Bio Dulce, but is not so numerous. It is found also in the Pacific coast- region, where it is not un¬ common in the neighbourhood of San Sebastian. 230. Aulacorhamphus prasinus (Gould), Mon. ed.2, pl.29. A true inhabitant of the mountainous districts and central coast-region. It occurs at Calderas, also in Vera Paz, from which last locality Mr. Skinner has sent numerous examples. The Spanish name for all the Toucans is “ Cucharon.” Fam. III. PICID^. 231. Dryocopus guatemalensxs (Hartl.), Bev. Zool. 1844, p. 214 : D. regius, Beichb. Extends from S. Mexico, where it was procured by Salle (P. Z. S. 1857, p. 226), through Guatemala to Honduras, where Captain Taylor obtained specimens. See P. Z. S. 1858, p. 359. 232. Dryocopus scAPULARis(Vig.) : D. leucorhamphus, Beichb. Seems to have the same range as the preceding, having been l 2 136 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the also procured in the two last-mentioned localities. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from Vera Paz. Salvin saw either this or the former species near the city of Guatemala fly from a tree, which it was ascending, and return, after seizing an insect in the air. 233. Campephilus imperialis (Gould) ? This largest and finest of all the Picidce is believed to occur in the densely-wooded barrancas which are scored out in the sides of the Volcan de Fuego. The description given by Mr. Wyld, of Duenas, of a specimen shot by him, seems to corre¬ spond to no other known species. 234. Centurus santacruzi, Bp. P. Z. S. 1837, p. 116: Picus dubius, Cabot. Seems generally distributed in Guatemala, occurring princi¬ pally in the coast-region ; but also seen at Duenas. Dr. Cabot says that this bird is not uncommon in Yucatan. Captain Taylor procured it near Comayagua, Honduras, and Mr. Skinner has transmitted examples from Salama, Yera Paz. 235. Centurus pucheranii (Malherbe); Bp. Consp.i.p.120. Vicinity of Omoa (Leyland). 236. Sphyropicus varius (Linn.) ; Baird, Rep. p. 103. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 237. Picus jardinii, Malherbe; P. Z. S. 1858, p.359. Procured by Capt. Taylor in Honduras, near Taulevi ; and extends as far northwards as Orizaba. 238. Picus scalaris, Wagler : Picus parvus , Cabot. Obtained by Dr. Cabot in the neighbourhood of Tocul, Yu¬ catan. 239. Chloronerpes yucatanensis (Cabot) ; Sclat. P. Z. S. 1856, p. 307. Yucatan (Cabot). Occurs near Duenas, but not very com¬ monly. 240. Chloronerpes sanguinolentus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859 (Jan. 25th). Near Omoa (Leyland). Ornithology of Central America. 137 241. Melanerpes formicivorus (Sw.). Is found in the central region. Specimens were obtained at Calderas, on the Volcan de Fuego, where it frequents the forests of evergreen oaks and feeds upon the acorns. 242. Celeus castaneus (Wagler) ; P. Z. S. 1858, p. 359. Specimens of this species were obtained by Leyland in his recent expedition to Honduras, and by Capt. Taylor on the In- teroceanic railway route, on the Atlantic slope. It seems con¬ fined to the hot coast-region. 243. Colaptes mexicanoides, Lafr. R. Z. 1844, p. 42 : Co - laptes ruhricatus , Gray and Mitch. Gen. B. pi. Ill (necLicht.). This is quite a distinct species from Colaptes mexicanus. (Con¬ fer Baird, Gen. Rep. p. 121.) Specimens were procured byDe- lattre near Coban. It was observed to occur abundantly in the barranco of Los Chocoyos, in the Altos of Guatemala, in May 1858. Gray and MitchelPs plate gives a very good representa¬ tion of the male, though the synonyms quoted are all referable to C. mexicanus. The female has the rictal spot brown, like the head, instead of red. In C. mexicanus the female has no rictal spot. Fam. IV. PSITTACIDiE. Subfam. Arin,e. 244. Ara aracanga (Gm.) ; PL Enl. 12 ; Wagler, Mon. Psitt. p. 672. This Ara is common in the Pacific coast-region, and generally seen in pairs. They keep to the topmost branches of the forest trees, and, as in captivity, are very noisy. The bird is com¬ monly known as “ Guacamaya.” 245. Conurus astec, Souance, Rev. Zool. 1857, p. 97. Obtained by Leyland at Belize. In collection of P. L. S. 246. Conurus lineolatus (Cassin) : Psittacula lineolata, Cassin, P. Ac. Sc. Philad. : Bolborhynchus catharina , Bp. Compt. Rend. xliv. p. 538. The example of this Parrot in the collection of Dr. Cabot of Boston was obtained by him in the island of Cosumel, Yucatan. 138 Messrs. A. and E. Newton’s Observations Subfam. Psittaculin^e. 247. Pionus senilis (Spix). Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. 248. Chrysotis auripalliatus (Less.) : Amazona auropal- liatus, Less. Descr. Mamm. et Ois. p. 198 : Psittacus flavinu- chus, Gould, Zool. Yoy. Sulphur, p. 45, pi. 27. This Parrot is common in the Pacific coast-region of Gua¬ temala. 249. Chrysotis albifrons (Sparm.) ; Souance, Icon, des Perr. pi. 30 ; P. Z. S. 1858, p. 35. 250. Chrysotis - ? A young bird in Sclater’s collection, from Omoa (Leyland), is difficult to determine, but not improbably belongs to an unde¬ scribed species. There are considerable additions to be made to the present list of Central American Parrots. EXPLANATION OF PLATE V, Fig. I. Egg of Tanagra vicarius (p. 16). Fig. 2. Egg of Pyrgisoma biarcuatum (p. 18). Fig. 3. Egg of Pitangus der bianus (p. 120). Fig. 4. Egg of Tyrannus melancholicus (p. 121). Fig. 5. Egg of Myiozetetes texensis (p. 123). Fig. 6. Egg of Cyanocitta melanocyanea (p. 21). Fig. 7- Egg of Turdus grayii (p. 5). [To be continued.] XIII. — Observations on the Birds of St. Croix , West Indies , made, between February 20 th and August Qth 1857 by Alfred Newton, and, between March Mh and September 28 th 1858 by Edward Newton. (Part II.) [Continued from p. 69.] 1 8. Grass-green-breasted Humming Bird. Eulampis chlorolcemus, Gould, Monogr. Troch. pt. xiv. “ Doctor Bird.” This is the only species of this wonderful group of little birds that is at all common in St. Croix. Wilson, Audubon, Mr. Ibis, 1859. II. V, 139 on the Birds of St. Croix. Gosse, and several others gifted with the “ pen of a ready writer " have so fully described, as far as words will admit, the habits of different members of the family Trochilidce , that it is unnecessary to say much on this score. Their appearance is so entirely unlike that of any other birds, that it is hopeless to attempt in any way to bring* a just conception of it to the ideas of those who have not crossed the Atlantic; and even the comparison so often made between them and the Sphingidre, though doubtless in the main true, is much to the advantage of the latter. One is admiring the clustering stars of a Scarlet Cordia , the snowy cornucopias of a Portlandia, or some other brilliant and beautiful flower, when between the blossom and one's eye suddenly appears a small dark object, suspended as it were between four short black threads meeting each other in a cross. For an instant it shows in front of the flower ; an instant more, it steadies itself, and one perceives the space be¬ tween each pair of threads occupied by a grey film ; again another instant, and emitting a momentary flash of emerald and sapphire light it is vanishing, lessening in the distance, as it shoots away, to a speck that the eye cannot take note of, — and all this so rapidly that the word on one's lips is still unspoken, scarcely the thought in one's mind changed. It was a bold man or an ignorant one who first ventured to depict Humming Birds fly¬ ing ; but it cannot be denied that representations of them in that attitude are often of special use to the ornithologist. The pecu¬ liar action of this, and probably many or all other species of the family, is such, that at times, in flying, it makes the wings almost meet both in front and behind at each vibration. Thus, when a bird chances to enter a room, it will generally go buzzing along the cornice : standing beneath where it is, one will find that the axis of the body is vertical, and each wing is describing a nearly perfect semicircle. As might be expected, the pectoral muscles are very large, indeed the sternum of this bird is a good deal bigger than that of the common Chimney Swallow ( Hirundo rustica, L.). But the extraordinary rapidity with which the vibrations are effected seems to be chiefly caused by these powerful muscles acting on the very short wing-bones, which are not half the length of the same parts in 140 Messrs. A. and E. Newton's Observations the Swallow; and accordingly great as this alar action is, and in spite of the contrary opinion entertained by Mr. Gosse (Nat. Sojourn in Jamaica, 240), it is yet sometimes wanting in power, owing doubtless to the disadvantageous leverage thus obtained ; and the old authors must be credited, who speak of cobwebs catching Humming Birds. “On the 3rd of May, 1857, a bird of this species flew into the room where I was sitting, and, after fluttering for some minutes against the ceiling, came in contact with a deserted spider's web, in which it got entangled and remained suspended and perfectly helpless for more than a minute, when by a violent effort it freed itself. I soon after caught it, still having fragments of the web on its head, neck, and wings ; and I feel pretty sure that, had this web been inhabited and in good re¬ pair instead of being deserted and dilapidated, the bird would never have escaped*." — A. N. “ This bird breeds from the end of March to the end of June. It is an easy matter to find its nest ; for on approaching within ten or a dozen yards of where it is, the bird, if it is on, is sure to fly at you, and then retreating remains suspended a few seconds just above your head, when it darts off and perches on some dead twig, most likely on the very tree which holds its nest. It does not st^y here long, but takes short flights into the air, returning to the same place, and, when there, showing its impatience by a continual flirting or, rather, twitching of its wings. If you then retire, keeping your eye on the bird, it will presently dart straight on to its nest, leaving it, however, at the least movement on your part. This species is not particular as to the tree on which it builds, as I have found nests on the Silk-cotton, Mango, Manchioneel and Avocado-pear ( Laurus persea,\i.). They are placed on a horizontal branch, from half an inch to two inches thick, and are composed of cotton or the * In the ‘ Zoologist ’ for 1858 (p. 5922) is a note from Mr. J. M. Jones, in which that gentleman says that the Vireo noveboracensis is sometimes captured in the net of the large spider ( Epeira clavipes) which is found in the Bermudas; and in his recent work, ‘The Naturalist in Bermuda’ (p. 126), he again repeats the statement, adding, however, that it is only the young of that species which has been known to be thus entangled. 141 on the Birds of St. Croix. down of a species of Cactus, studded on the outside with white Lichen or shreds of bark, the whole structure measuring nearly two inches across, and built at the height of from about five to fifteen feet from the ground, sometimes concealed by leaves, at others on an almost naked bough. The eggs are two in number, white, and about 0 55 inch long, by 0*4 inch in trans¬ verse diameter." — E. N. This bird is as common in St. Thomas as in St. Croix. Dr. Lund, writing from St. John's, says it is also found in that island. The females are very much smaller than the males. t 9. Gilt-crested Humming Bird. Orthorhynchus exilis (Gmel.) : Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xiii. After a careful examination of skins procured from St. Croix and St. Thomas, we refer them to the above-named species, though one of a male presents a slightly different appearance from the ordinary type, in having a narrow blue edging to the otherwise golden green crest, and thus exhibiting an affinity to the closely allied Blue-crest (0. cristatus, L.) from St. Vincent's and Barbadoes. The present bird has, we believe, hitherto been known only from Martinique and Nevis. “ I shot a female of this species at Southgate Farm, June 8th, 1858 ; and I only saw two other examples, — one at the same place, and the second at Salt River, when accompanied by Mr. Osbert Salvin, during that gentleman's short visit to St. Croix. South- gate Farm is an estate on the north shore of the eastern end of the island, and, much of the land adjacent being out of cultiva¬ tion, is chiefly covered with Casha bushes, interspersed with Manchioneel along the coast. This is also the case in the neigh¬ bourhood of Salt River. I have been told that a Humming Bird, smaller than the ordinary one, and therefore probably of this species, has been seen in other localities ; but it must be very uncommon. Of its habits I know nothing." — E. N. We beg to acknowledge here the assistance we have received from Mr. Gould in determining this and the species last men¬ tioned. t 10. Pearly-eyed Thrush, Cichlherminia fuscata , Bp. 142 Messrs. A. and E. Newton's Observations Tardus fuscatus, Yieill., Ois. de 1'Amer. Sept. ii. pi. 57 bis. “ Thrush.” Common in parts of the island overgrown with bush, espe¬ cially on the hill-sides, and probably resident. The cock has a loud, clear, Meruline whistle, and seems as if he ought to sing, but does not. The nest is generally built in the Guava bushes (Psidium pomiferum , Linn.), and is a very neat piece of work, greatly resembling that of our Jay ( Garrulus glandarius, Yieill.), excepting, of course, in size. The eggs, four to six in number, are of a fine spotless blue-green, deeper in colour, as they are larger, than those of the American Robin ( Tardus migratorius , Linn.). The iris of this bird is of an opaque, pearly white. It appears to feed chiefly on fruits and berries, especially Guavas and Mangoes. The sexes do not differ materially ; but the bills of individuals vary greatly in size. The moult takes place as early as the end of July, and continues to the end of September. This species is as common in St. Thomas as in St. Croix. It breeds from the end of May to the end of July. Mr. G. It. Gray informs us that Mr. Gould's Colluricincla fusca (P. Z. S. 1836, p. 6) is this bird, as shown by the type now in the British Museum, where we have also placed examples of our own bird from St. Croix. 11. Golden-crowned Water-Thrush. Siurus aurocapillus, Sw. Turdus aurocapillus , Wils. ii. pi. 14, fig. 2 ; Aud. ph 143. u Water- Wagtail." Apparently only a winter visitant, departing in April, and not common. The action of this bird is very singular, though probably that of all the members of the genus. It walks leisurely about, with its tail elevated perpendicularly, giving it a slight jerk at each step. 12. New York Water-Thrush. Siurus noveboracensis , Nutt. Turdus aquaticus, Wils. pi. 22. fig. 5 ; Aud. pi. 433. Seiurus aquaticus , Rich, and Sw., Eaun. B. Am. pi. 43. Is tolerably common by the side of quick-running streams, and occasionally seen away from them. It is most often ob¬ served sitting on a stone in the midst of the water, slowly jerk¬ ing its tail in the manner of a Dipper {Hydrobat a, Yieill. ; 143 on the Birds of St. Croix * Cinclus, Bechst.), and uttering its short quick note, which resembles the sound made by striking two flints sharply to¬ gether. 13. Black-and-White Creeper. Mniotilta varia, Vieill. ; Aud. pi. 90. Certhia maculata , Wils. pi, 19. fig. 3. “Tree Creeper.” Apparently only a winter visitant, leaving the island at the end of March ; almost a thorough Creeper in habits. 14. Parti-coloured Warbler. Parula americana , Bp.: Sylvia pusilla , Wilson, pi. 28. fig. 3. Sylvia americana} Aud, pi. 15. Like the last-mentioned species, apparently only a winter visitant, but later in the time of its moving northwards. “ I saw one on May 6th, 1858; but most of them had de¬ parted about the middle of March.” — E. N. 1 15. Yellow Warbler. Dendrceca (estiva (GmeL), Baird. Sylvia citrinella , Wils. pi. 15. fig. 5 ; S. (estiva, Aud. pi. 95. “ Wild Canary ;” “ Mule Bird;” “ Cage Bird.” Common everywhere, and apparently resident. From its colour, and probably from its song (for it is almost the only bird in the island that can be said to sing), it has received the names by which it is known to the inhabitants. This species seems to be more abundant at the sides of the lagoons than anywhere else ; there examples may always be seen, hopping- on the outside branches of the Mangroves, both in habit and song much resembling our English Willow Wren [Phyllopneuste trochilus, Brehm). Specimens procured agree in all respects with those of the common summer visitant to the United States. “ They build generally in a low shrub, at not more than six feet from the ground, though I once found a nest in a Man¬ grove at fully ten feet. The nest is composed of coarse bents, sometimes mixed with the flower of a large reed, and woven with cotton- or sheep’s wool. The eggs seem to be always three, a number to which West Indian birds appear to be particularly partial.” — E. N. 144 Messrs. A. and E. Newton's Observations f 16. Prairie Warbler. Dendrceca discolor (Vieill.), Baird; Sylvia minuta, Wils. pi. 25. fig. 4. S. discolor, Aud. pi. 14. Leaves the island for a few months in summer, but is rather common during the time it is resident. “ I observed this bird last on March 27th, and saw it again Sept. 10th." — E. N. 17. Cape-May Warbler. Dendrceca tigrina (Gm.), Baird; Sylvia maritima, Wils. pi. 54. fig. 3 ; Aud. pi. 414 ; d'Orb. Voy. de Pile de Cuba, Ois. pi. 10. Certhiola maritima , Gosse, Ill. B. Jam. pi. 17. Not at all common ; only a winter visitant, and leaving earlier than any other of the migrants observed by us, having, it would appear, a longer journey than most of them to perform. “ I am compelled to differ from Mr. Gosse (B. Jam. p. 87) in the decision he has arrived at about this bird being a Cer¬ thiola. When I first arrived in St. Croix I had the opportunity of observing its manners for several days ; and they were alto¬ gether those of a Dendrceca. I further took particular care, not only to examine while fresh, but also to preserve, the tongue of a male which I shot on March 19th, 1857. This is now be¬ fore me ; and I am able to compare it with the tongues of Cer¬ thiola, Mniotilta , and Dendrceca cestiva. That of Certhiola is, besides being penicillate, deeply bifid. Now there is nothing of this conformation in any of the others. Of these, it is true that D. tigrina has the most bushy pencil of hairs at the tip ; but Mniotilta and Parula come very near it in this respect : and it is also true that D. cestiva differs from these three in having a horny point. If any deduction is to be drawn from the charac¬ ters of the tongue, D. tigrina must be (and very likely should be, on other grounds) removed from the genus Dendrceca, but certainly not placed in Certhiola .” — A. N. 18. Redstart Flycatcher. Setophaga ruticilla , Bp. ; Mus- cicapa ruticilla, Linn. ; Wils. pi. 6. fig. 6 ; Aud. pi. 40. “ Red¬ start." This beautiful species, having at first sight so much the ap¬ pearance of the European Redstart [Ruticilla phcenicur a, Bp.), is very common in the spring of the year, and especially seen about on the Birds of St. Croix. 145 houses. For about one week at the end of April 1857, they were extremely numerous; but in 1858 the greater part of them left in March, though one was seen May 1st. A male, killed March 17th, 1858, in plumage almost resembled the female. In the same year it was first observed September 6th, on its return from its summer quarters. 19. Long-billed Greenlet. Vireosylvia altiloqua , VieilL Ois. de FAm. Sept. pi. 38. Vireo longirostris, Sw. Faun. Bor.- Am. ii. p. 237 ; Cassin, Ill. N. Am. Birds, i. pi. 37. Extremely local, though common in the southern part of the island, where it breeds ; but whether it is resident all the year may be doubted. The clear whistle of this bird appears to have always been confounded by the inhabitants with that of the Cichlherminia fuscata , which it does somewhat resemble. Mr. Gosse remarks (B. Jam. p. 195) of the species, which he calls V. olivacea , that he can scarcely understand how its note can be written “ Whip-tom-kelly ” as it has been by some American orni¬ thologists ; but it appears much more likely that his " Jolm-to- whit ” is not the true V. olivacea, but the present bird, first figured byVieillot, and afterwards described as new by Mr. Swainson (locis citatis) : at least, the call-note of the St. Croix species would seem to resemble closely that of the Jamaica bird, whose habits Mr. Gosse so well describes. It is probable, too, that the true V. olivacea is also found in Jamaica in winter; and thus may be reconciled the otherwise conflicting statements of authors. "On June 5th, 1858, I watched a bird of this species to its nest in a Manchioneel, to the leafy part of a bough of which it was suspended. It is a beautiful structure, shaped like an in¬ verted cone, and composed outwardly of dried blades of grass, dead leaves, and wool, woven round the twigs, to which it was attached, with spiders' webs, lined inside with finer blades of grass, and about three inches and a half in diameter and five in height. The eggs, three in number, are white, with a few black spots of different sizes chiefly dispersed about the larger end. Both nest and eggs call to mind those of the Golden Oriole ( Oriolus galbula, L.), which, except in size, they greatly re¬ semble." — E. N. 146 Messrs. A. and E. Newton’s Observations t 20. Grey Petchary. Tyrannus dominicensis, Bp. : Mus- cicapa dominicensis , L. ; Aud. pL 170. “ Chieherywee,” “ Chich¬ eree.” The most conspicuous and common bird in the island, all over which it is found. Its favourite station is the top of the spear¬ like unexpanded frond of a tall Mountain-cabbage Tree, from which place it will, in the breeding season, dart down to attack almost any animal passing near, from a stray dog to an unhappy “ Gaulin” ( Butorides virescens , Bp.). If the quarry be the latter, it will make several well-directed stoops, and never leave it until it has “ brought it in/’ as the falconers say, in a cane-piece or bush ; then, much pleased with its prowess, it returns to its look-out station, celebrating its victory with cries of triumph. On one occasion, in 1858, a Chicheree was seen to pursue a Gaulin out to sea for a quarter of a mile and back again. The pretty little Killie-killie ( Tinnunculus sparverius , Vieill.) and the Black Witch ( Crotophaga ani , L.) are equally with the Gaulin the objects of its hatred; and as all four species have fairly loud voices, the noise of these encounters is not inconsiderable. The Petchary in particular is very clamorous, even when there is no apparent need ; but he takes alarm from the domestic poultry, and every morning before dawn, with his oft-repeated note, sounding like the cry of a frightened Chimney Swallow ( Hirundo rustica , L.), and evidently onomatopoeic, is as much the herald of the coming day as Chanticleer himself : this noise he is as per¬ tinacious as a Guinea-fowl in continuing till sun-down. He has much the look of the Ash-coloured Shrike (Lanius excubitor, L.), his bold action and his style of colouring both contributing to the resemblance. We have never observed that on any occasion was the flame-coloured furrow on the head opened and displayed. In the nestling plumage it is altogether wanting; but with this exception, and that of the wing-coverts being edged with pale brown, the bird then resembles the adult. The Chicheree feeds on insects, catching them with great dexterity on the wing ; but he also indulges largely on the black berries of a myrtle¬ leaved parasite which grows plentifully on Orange-trees. The seeds of this pass uninjured through the bird’s intestines, and when dropped on favourable spots soon germinate, — the bird thus 147 on the Birds of St. Croicc. being his own planter, and ensuring a plentiful supply of his favourite food. The nest is often placed under the fronds, or among the spathes, of a Cocoa-nut or Mountain-cabbage tree ; but sometimes in any ordinary situation, the end of a bough of a Manchioneel or Turpentine tree being chosen. It is flat in con¬ struction, and large for the size of the bird, being nearly a foot in diameter, composed of a platform of twigs, in the midst of which is hollowed a cup, lined with fine roots, and thus in archi¬ tectural style much resembling that of a Bullfinch ( Pyrrhula vulgaris , Temm.). The eggs do not seem to exceed three in number, and equal in beauty the most splendid varieties of those of the Red-backed Shrike ( Enneoctonus collurio} Boie) ; they are of a delicate creamy-white, marked at the larger end with blotches and spots of pink or orange-brown of different shades and sizes, and often disposed in a zone. The bird has eggs from the end of May till August. f 21 . Black-faced Finch. Phonipara bicolor , Bp. Consp. Fringilla bicolor , Linn. Spermophila bicolor , Gosse, Ill. B. Jam. pi. 64; Catesby, Nat. Hist. Carol, pi. 37. “Cane,” “ Parson,” and <e Java Sparrow.” The Bunting-like song of this very common bird is heard almost as early in the morning as the cry of the Chicheree. It frequents the curing-houses, hopping on the uncovered sugar- hogsheads, and making a plentiful meal therefrom. It is sociable, and generally feeds in small flocks, mostly on the ground, among the Guinea-grass (Andropogon bicolor, Roxb.) which is grown as forage for horses. The crops of those we have dissected usually contained small seeds. It builds its domed nest in a low bush, thicket of Bamboo, or even in a creeper planted against a house : this is seldom more than four feet or so from the ground, and is composed entirely of dry grass, the interior being lined with a finer material of the same kind ; the opening at the side is large for the size of the nest. It breeds from the middle of May to the end of J uly. The eggs are white, spotted or blotched with dull red, especially at the larger end, and often very much re¬ semble those of the Certhiola, already described. With one exceptional nest of four, three was the number always found. 148 Messrs. A. and E. Newton’s Obsei'vations t 22. Ani. Crotophaga uni, L. ; Buff. PL Enl. 102. “ Black Witch.” Very common, and, from its familiar habits and grotesque ap¬ pearance, universally known. Its manners have so often been described, that there remains little to be said of them. It lives in companies, and is delightfully noisy. It shares, as before men¬ tioned, with Tinnunculus sparverius and Butorides virescens, the privilege of being the favourite object of the attacks of the Chicheree [Tyr annus dominicensis, Bp.) ; and it is hard to say whether this bird or the one last mentioned affords most amuse¬ ment. If there is a fresh breeze, a flight after a Crotophaga is perhaps the best; for, with its long tail and short wings, it gets carried away helplessly. It loses its presence of mind, and tries perhaps to fly up wind, when “letting drive” would answer by far the best ; down then comes the Tyrant, and, after one or two stoops, hits it such a blow as to send it anyhow into whatever shelter presents itself, whether an unpleasant-looking hedge of thorns, or a softer bed of Guinea-grass. In consequence of these encounters, it is, that the Ani’s plumage, and especially its tail, suffers very much ; indeed, one can scarcely meet with a speci¬ men that has its final appendage at all in good order. There is an absurd notion prevalent in the island, that these birds are exempt from the common lot of creation, and that the name “ Black Witch ” has something to do with their supposed immor¬ tality; but it was more probably originally intended to express the bird’s ordinary call-note, which, as Mr. Hill rightly says (Gosse, B. Jam. p.289), sounds like the word “ que-yuch.” “On Junel8th, 1857, 1 was shown a nest of this species. As I walked up to the tree (a pretty large Tamarind), I saw two birds sitting close to what I afterwards found to be the position of the nest, which was placed touching the trunk, supported by some young boughs that had apparently sprouted out within the last few years, and was about five feet from the ground. It was a rude collection of sticks and twigs, large and deep, but partly filled with dead leaves, among which I discovered fourteen eggs ; and round the margin were stuck upright a few dead twigs of Tamarind. On the 23rd I again went to this nest, and took out two of the nine eggs I then found ; but on the 26th there were 149 on the Birds of St. Croix. only four, the nest having- probably been robbed by boys from a Negro village close by. On July 2nd there were eight eggs ; but a few days afterwards the nest was entirely destroyed. I never found the eggs, as if intentionally covered up. The nest was evidently common property; there were generally two or three birds sitting close to or on it, and up in the tree perhaps four or five more, who would continue screeching all the time I was there. I found the yelks of the eggs just as described by Mr. Hill in Mr. Gosse^s ‘ Birds of Jamaica / but on blowing them into a basin of water, they appeared to me to assume a spherical form. When the egg is fresh, the cretaceous deposit on the shell is very soft and easily scored ; but it soon hardens considerably.” — A. N. 22. Yellow-billed American Cuckoo. Coccyzus ameri- canus , Bp. Cuculus carolinensis , Wils. iv. pi. 28. fig. 1 ; Aud. pi. 275 ; Gould, B. Eur. pi. 242 ; Yarr. B. B. ed. 2. vol. ii. p. 204. This occasional straggler to England seems to be confined, at least in the breeding-season, to one locality on the south side of St. Croix, — a level piece of land, overgrown with low bush, and interspersed with a few trees, mostly Manchioneels, through which runs a small stream bordered here and there by bits of swampy ground, which in dry weather are so many warrens of Land-crabs, and surrounded by a few Mangroves. Here its harsh guttural call may very often be heard. It is a tame and stupid-looking bird, but, contrary to the supposed habits of most of the family, appears to show much conjugal affection ; for on one occasion a male being shot, and shrieking as it fell, a female instantly flew to the spot, and fluttered along the ground in the manner that an old hen Partridge or other bird would do to lead astray the pursuer of her young. “On June 2nd, 1858, I shot a female of this species, having an egg in her ovary, nearly ready for exclusion ; it was quite soft, but had got its proper colour. In the gizzard of this bird were the remains of two large caterpillars, and a univalve shell. On the 29th of the same month, while riding in the locality above referred to, I saw the white terminal spots of a Cuckoo’s tail pro¬ jecting from a small nest on a Manchioneel that overhung the path. It was built in a very open situation ; and the bird, as I vol. i. M 150 Mr. G. C. Taylors Account of a Visit rode underneath, was not more than a yard above my head. She sat with nearly all her neck and breast outside the nest, which was only just large enough to contain the eggs ; and I could well identify her as of this species. She did not fly off until after I had tied up my pony hard by, and had almost touched her with my stick. There were three eggs, laid side by side in a row, along which, strange to say, the bird had been sitting. The nest was some distance from the stem of the tree, and placed loosely on the bough ; it was a mere platform of small sticks laid one across another with a few finer twigs and a little grass as a lining : so slightly was it put together, that, on attempting to take it from the tree, it fell to pieces.” — -E. N. 23. Black-eared Cuckoo. Coccyzus seniculus , Gosse, B. of Jam. p. 281 (excl. synon.). Mr. Sclater informs us that this is identical with Mr. Gosse’s specimens from Jamaica ; but whether they are truly the same as Latham* s seniculus, is at present questionable. “ I shot a female of this bird, March 23rd, 1858, at the place indicated as a locality for the species last mentioned. I am not certain that I ever saw it again. Whether this and che preceding are only summer visitors or not, I am unable to say : neither bird, prior to my visit, appeared to be known to the inhabitants.” — E.N. 24 [?] - (?) Woodpecker. Ficus - (?). “Woodpecker.” A bird answering to the description of a Woodpecker, and so called by our informants, seems to be found occasionally ; but neither of us had the good fortune to meet with one ; and the accounts were so very vague, as to preclude our giving any further indication of it than the present. [To be continued.] XIV. — Account of a Visit to a Nesting -place of the Frigate-bird (Eregata aquila, L.). From a letter of George Cavendish Taylor, Esq. On the 1st of January, 1858, we went off in a boat with four rowers to visit an island some four or five miles from Tigre 151 to a Nesting-place of the Frigate-bird. Island, in the bay of Fonseca, on the Pacific coast of Hon¬ duras. It is called Bird Island, and is not more than an acre in extent, and of an oblong shape. At one end the beach is sandy, and at low-water one can walk across to another island close adjoining. At the other end the shore is rocky, and it is much the same at the sides, the beach being strewn with large volcanic stones. The surface of the island is some 30 or 40 feet above the sea-level. It is covered with long grass, and there are also a few trees and low shrubs — mangroves ( Rhizo - pliora mangle , Linn.) — growing in places, especially about high- water mark. At a distance the most conspicuous object was a numerous flight of Frigate-birds soaring over the island. As we approached, large white patches, caused by the droppings of the birds, became visible. We landed on the flat sandy beach, and in a few minutes I had shot a pair of Tiger-Bitterns ( Tigri - soma tigrinum)} which allowed me to approach without any dif¬ ficulty. Besides these and the Frigate-birds, we saw no birds on the island, except a few Pelicans, some large Accipitres , and a single Booby (Sula fused) , which had its nest on a low tree, in company with the Frigate-birds. The whole island was appro¬ priated by the latter. Nearly every tree and bush, both high and low, was covered with birds and their nests. The latter were mostly composed of a few sticks laid crossways, hardly as much in quantity as in the nest of the Bing-dove ( Columha palumbus). Each nest contained a single egg, about the size of a henVegg, and of a chalky whiteness *. We brought away nearly a hundred of them. Some were quite fresh, and others had been sat upon some days. Although the nests were upon low bushes, still they were placed just too high for one to reach the eggs without climbing. Many of the nests were on the mangrove bushes which were growing just above high-water mark, so that we could see into them when standing on the bank of the island, which was at a higher level. Some of the birds were sitting on their nests, and others were perched upon the branches. By firing into the mass I might have killed a * Specimens taken by Mr. Taylor, and exhibited at a meeting of the Zoological Society (June 8, 1858), measured 2f by If inches. See P. Z. S. 1858, p. 318. 152 Mr. J. H. Gurney’s List of Birds from Ibadan. dozen at a shot ; but shooting would have been an absurdity, for I could have obtained any number with a stick. The difficulty was to get them off their nests. Shouting had little or no effect ; and even the report of a gun would only rouse a few, who would frequently settle again on the bushes. I threw some stones among them, without producing much result, and even tried to poke them off their seats with my gun ; but they merely snapped their beaks at me in retaliation. All this time there were thousands of other birds soaring in the air a little way over our heads. I observed that the Frigate-birds were of three different plumages. As there were birds of all three sorts sitting toge¬ ther, and with their nests in the same bushes, I concluded that they were of one and the same species — males, females, and im¬ mature birds. Some have the head and neck white, the beak white, the feet and legs bluish white, the belly white, and the wing-coverts greyish brown. Others have the legs and feet black, and are black all over, with a greenish metallic tinge on the back. These have a bright scarlet pouch, which they inflate to the size of an ostrich’s egg while on the wing. The boat¬ men informed me that these were the male birds. Others, pro¬ bably immature birds, had the head black, the throat white, and the legs and feet pink. All had long, black, forked tails. I obtained a specimen of each, but did not preserve them, as I had much to do ; and, besides, they are stinking birds to handle, as bad as, or worse than, the Turkey-Buzzard [Cathartes) . The Pelicans have also a breeding-place in Fonseca Bay, but it is in an island at some distance from the one in possession of the Frigate-birds. Baltimore, U.S.A., Jan. 1st, 1859. XV. — List of Birds received from Ibadan} in Western Africa. By John Henry Gurney, Esq., M.P. The Rev. David Hinderer and Mrs. Hinderer, of Ibadan, in Western Africa, have kindly forwarded to me a small collection of birds from that locality ; and I beg to send a list of them for Rev. H. B. Tristram on the Ornithology of Northern Africa. 153 insertion in f The Ibis/ together with some brief notes which Mrs. Hinderer was so good as to attach to the specimens, and which include the native names of each species. The town of Ibadan is in latitude 7° 40' North, and longitude 4° 10' East, or thereabouts, and lies about fifty miles inland from the Bight of Benin. 1. Polyboroides radiatus (Scop.). “ Asharo. Eyes bright purple, light yellow rim.” 2. Buceros elattjs (Temm.). “ Aghigbo. Eyes black; feeds upon fruit, especially a kind of plum; is so strong, it can fight and conquer any bird.” 3. Buceros fasciatus (Shaw). “ Atioro. Eyes coal-black ; feeds on fruit.” 4. Ispidina picta (Bodd.). “ Opere. Feeds upon flies.” 5. Pogonias bidentatus (Shaw). “ Akoko. So called from its cry. Eyes purple.” 6. Centropus senegalensis (Linn.). “ Elulu. Eyes red, with, yellow ring.” 7. Ardea atricollis (Wagl.). “ Ako. Eyes deep purple; feeds on snakes and lizards. ” 8. Ardea bubulcus (Savigny). i( Leke-leke. Eyes black, with very light yellow rim.” 9. Thresciornis religiosa (Savigny). “ Yenja-yenja. Eyes deep purple ; feeds upon fish, frogs, and anything it can get out of the water.” 10. Rhyncelea capensis (Linn.). “ Eyeclo. A bird of the brooks; feeds upon little fishes and anything it can find by the waters edge.” Catton Hall, Norfolk. XVI. — On the Ornithology of Northern Africa. By the Rev. H. B. Tristram, F.L.S. (Part I.) It is impossible to gain a just view of the ornithology of any country without considering in the first place its physical and 154 Rev. H. B. Tristram on the geological characters. This is peculiarly the case with respect to Northern Africa strictly so called, i. e. the Barbary States — the ‘Mogreb* of the Arabs — extending from the Gulf of Cabes, south¬ east of Tunis, to the bold headland in which the western Atlas range abruptly terminates on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. If we cast our eyes on the map of Africa, we shall see no portion of the globe apparently so compact, so self-contained. A penin¬ sula, attached only to Asia by a narrow isthmus, Africa exhibits no islands like those which encircle Europe, -struggling, as it were, to be freed from the continent. No deep gulfs and bays indent her shores. Compact and solid, the geological convul¬ sions which have dislocated Europe have met with an impene¬ trable barrier in the ridge of the Atlas, which has sternly repelled every encroachment. We might naturally expect then to find the Eauna and Flora of Africa throughout characteristic and homogeneous, or, at most, varied only by the effects of cli¬ mate and latitude, like those of Asia and America. But when we examine more closely the physical geography of Africa, we shall find that, so far from this being the case, the natural history of the Atlas bears scarcely any affinity to that of the rest of the continent, and that this distinctiveness may be at once traced to natural physical causes. To the naturalist, North Africa is but a European island, separated, it is true, from Europe by the Mediterranean, but far more effectually isolated from Central Africa by that sea of sand, the Sahara. The Atlantic isolates it on the west, while a comparatively narrow, but most impenetrable desert of ever- shifting sand cuts it off from Tripoli and Egypt, which on their part seem to bear rather on Asia than Africa. No link attaches Barbary to the rest of the continent, no river supplies an arterial communication, not the most insignificant streamlet forms either a bond of union or a frontier line ; the long Atlas chain abruptly terminates in Tunis, and sends not one solitary spur towards Africa; it rather seems by one of its branches to claim kindred with Europe. So far the Arab geographers are accurate in coupling ‘ Mogreb 3 with Europe instead of Africa. They, too, have the tradition mentioned by Livy, Pliny, and Seneca, that Spain and Morocco were once united,— -an idea which must so naturally suggest itself Ornithology of Northern Africa. 155 to any one who has sailed through the Straits of Gibraltar, that it is needless to imagine that it had any foundation in historic memory. If we might here hazard a conjecture, it would be that the same convulsions and upheavals*, which at the close of the tertiary epoch indented the southern coasts of Europe, at the same time drained the ocean, which up to that time had rolled over the plains of the Sahara, and submerged the low-lying lands which probably united the Canaries and Madeira to the main land. The natural history of these islands is so essen¬ tially European as to point to an identical centre of creation. We may then imagine that towards the close of the later geo¬ logical epoch, Barbary was a vast peninsula linked to Europe by Gibraltar, and washed on the south by the ocean of the Sahara, on the north by the inland lake which is now the Medi¬ terranean. It is to be observed, also, that the geological character at once changes, when, leaving the southern slopes, we enter the Sahara. Upon the surface of the tertiary deposits and nummulitic lime¬ stone we come to masses of granite, quartz, and other igneous formations, with numerous rounded pebbles and large gravel, bearing all the marks of an ancient sea-bed, besides the extraor¬ dinary mountains of pure rock-salt, which in various places rise suddenly from the limestone. During my rambles in the Sahara the only true fossils I found were of a species of Chama, im¬ bedded in the cliffs, though abundant fragments of tertiary shells lie scattered among the sands. Such being the physical geography of North Africa, we need not be surprised at finding its Flora and Fauna closely approxi¬ mating to those of Europe, i. e. if we take, as the limits of Bar¬ bary, the foot of the southern slopes of the Atlas. Towards the end of the last century Desfontaines carefully explored its Flora, and described it in his well-known work f Flora Atlantica/ The additions made by Mr. Munby and others, subsequently, have raised the list of Desfontaines to about 2000 indigenous species. Among these I can scarcely find a single genus which is not represented in the Flora of Spain, Sardinia, or Sicily, with the * I once found on the Barbary coast a raised tract composed of masses of tertiary shells, 250 feet above the present Mediterranean level. 156 Rev. H. B. Tristram on the exception of the Cactus and Agave , manifestly American intro¬ ductions. The most characteristic plant, Chamcerops nanay abounds in Sardinia. Turning southwards to the Flora of the Sahara, I have catalogued 335 genera and upwards of 600 species, one-third of which are unrepresented in Europe, but represented by identical or closely-allied species in Egypt or Arabia. But when we turn to the mammals, a singular contrast pre¬ sents itself, and it seems scarcely possible to connect these with the European centre of creation. 1 cannot help expressing my thorough agreement with the remark made by the able reviewer of Breeds “ Birds of Europe,” in the 1st No. of f The Ibis/ with all due deference to our learned Editor's opinion in the foot-note: — “We believe the Algerian mammals and reptiles are entirely distinct from those of the opposite coast.” I have before me my friend Capt. Loche's * Catalogue des Mammiferes de l'Algerie/ which I have verified by examination of the specimens in the Algerian Museum. He gives a list of 75 mammals, to which I am able to add four. Of these, 21 are common to Europe ; but of these 21a close scrutiny will enable us to eliminate several. Pithecus innuus can only be deemed a straggler in Europe ; for this monkey is confined to Gibraltar, and must have reached that rock from the opposite shore, or perhaps have been introduced. Canis aureus (the Jackal), though certainly now European, has, historically, I be¬ lieve, been introduced across the Dardanelles. Mus decumanus (the Norway Rat) is confessedly not indigenous. Dama vulgaris is given by Capt. Loche ; but other authorities maintain that the Algerian Dama is specifically distinct. Of seven bats given by Capt. Loche, six are supposed to be identical with European species. But I believe that I possess three other non-European species; and when the whole series has been examined by Mr. Tomes, and further researches made by the only living naturalist capable of giving a decided opinion, it seems probable that the Atlas will be found to possess its characteristic Vespertiliones . Still, when we remember the power of flight these creatures can exercise on an emergency, and that stragglers of various North American species have frequently 157 Ornithology of Northern Africa. reached the Bermudas — a distance of 800 miles, — it is not to be wondered at if European colonists of this class should have pre¬ ceded even the French adventurers. What mammals then do we find really common to the op¬ posite shores of the Mediterranean? Only the following: — Felis catus (Wild Cat), Putorius boccamela, Lutra vulgaris (the Otter), Sus scrofa (Wrild Boar, world-wide in its distribution), Sorex araneus and S. fodiens, Mus rattus, M. sylvaticus, M. mus - cuius, Hystrix cristata, and Lepus mediterraneus — eleven in all. It is to he observed, that no mole mines, no badger skulks, no wolf roams in Barbary, while there are seventeen carnivorous animals, and among them the Lion and the Leopard, which roar within hearing of the coasts of the Mediterranean, and yet have no congeners in Europe. As far as I have been able to ascertain, the forms of reptilian life are as distinct from those of Europe and as closely united with the African types as the mammiferous races ; but I am not aware that the collections made by le Capitaine Dastugue, by myself, and others, have yet been submitted to the scrutiny of herpetologists, and the speci¬ mens which have been hitherto reported on in Paris have been chiefly collected only on the coasts. How the singular contrast between the mammalian dissimilarity and the general zoological similarity is to be explained, remains to be unfolded by the coming f Philosophic Naturalist/ foretold by Mr. Breeds Re¬ viewer above alluded to. Unless the progenitors of the carni¬ vores can have crossed the Great Desert from the south, which in its present state I should conceive scarcely possible, I dare offer no conjecture. But when we come to the ornithology of North Africa, then it is that the zoological union with Europe is most complete. The first work with which I am acquainted on the Algerian birds is the brochure of M. Alfr. Malherbe, published at Metz in 1846. Of the 191 species in this catalogue, 186 are common to Europe ; one ( Cuculus abyssinicus) is incorrectly inserted, and four are distinct species — Pica mauritanica , described by M. Mal¬ herbe in 1843 ; Parus ledouci , Malh. 1842 ; Parus cceruleanus, Malh. 1842 ; and Picus numidicus, Malh. 1842. This latter has since, it is said, been found to inhabit Spain. 158 Rev. H. B. Tristram on the M. Malherbe published an appendix to his Paper in 1847, containing four more non-European species— Aquila rapax , Aquila ncevio'ides , Falco punicus, and Caprimulgus isabellinus. With the exception of the diagnoses, M. Malherbe’s work is a mere catalogue, with a few notes, which, as they are com¬ piled by one who never visited the country, are very incorrect as to the localities and comparative rareness and abundance of species. That our knowledge of Algerian birds has advanced since 1846, the catalogue of Capt. Loche, published last year, and containing 357 species, is a sufficient proof. Yet of this num¬ ber (rivalling the portentous roll of the ‘ Zoologist’ list of “ birds observed in Britain,” though guiltless of Asiatic Grakles and Australian Spine-tailed Swifts), there are but 42 non-European species, including the 8 previously described by Malherbe. Besides these, Capt. Loche gives a supplemental list of species said to be Algerian, but which he has not met with himself. Of these I succeeded, in 1856, in obtaining three, viz. Sylvia philomela, Sylvia sarda , and Sylvia olivetorum. The 1st No. of fThe Ibis’ contains diagnoses of 9 species brought by me from the Sahara, supposed to be hitherto undescribed ; and I may add also 2 species, first obtained by me in Algeria in 1856, but described by M. Brehm in Oct. 1858, in “ Naumannia,” from Abyssinian specimens, as Dromolea leucopygia and Dromolea leucocephala. Thus our latest ornithological knowledge gives us 371 Algerian species, of which 53 are not known to have occurred in Europe. But even this list, on a careful analysis, must be enormously reduced. For what are the natural limits of North Africa ? Surely the northern fringe of the Great Desert, incorrectly termed by us the Sahara. French conquest and French alliances have, it is true, included a vast desert territory politically in Algeria, though a great portion of this is only nominally dependent, and knows no more of French jurisdiction than two hasty visits of flying columns of cavalry could impart. The Touariks profess to be allies of the Emperor, and the f Moniteur ’ once announced that the tricolor is now respected up to the walls of Timbuctoo. No tricolor, however, has yet been adventurous enough to in¬ voke any outward mark of respect in these regions, and the Ornithology of Northern Africa. 159 birds seem as little inclined for assimilation as the wingless roamers over these wastes. If, then, we assume North Africa to terminate where the last traces of vegetation disappear in the desert, we shall find but 14 Algerian non-European species recorded. These are — Aquila ncevioides. Buteo tachardus . Falco punicus. Hypotriorchis concolor. Pica mauritanica. Garrulus cervicalis. Fringilla spodiogenia. Ruticilla moussieri. Chloropeta pallida. Parus ultramarinus. Pa7'us ledouci. Lanius algeriensis. Gecinus vaillantii. Picus numidicus. Microcarbo algeriensis . Of these, Falco punicus is said to have gained a claim to the European list, having been shot in Malta by Col. H. M. Drum¬ mond. Picus numidicus there seems fair authority for believing to occur not unfrequently in the cork forests of Andalusia. Frin¬ gilla spodiogenia can scarcely be considered as more than a local, but constant, variety of Fr . ccelebs. Lanius algeriensis is, if not identical, at least closely allied to L. meridionalis. Gecinus vaillantii differs very slightly from our common Gecinus viridis , and may be only a local variety. Microcarbo algeriensis is hardly to be distinguished from Microcarbo pygmeeus ; and Chloropeta pallida , a species recognized by Prince Bonaparte, with all due deference to so great an authority, seems to me to be separated for no solid reason from the Sylvia elaica of Temminck. Prince Bonaparte makes the difference to consist only in its smaller size, but I have obtained specimens fully equalling the recorded measurements of S. elaica ; and I cannot help believing that a more careful examination will eliminate this species, as it has Sylvia familiaris , now admitted to be identical with Sylvia ga- lactotes. Hypotriorchis concolor is given by Captain Loche as occurring in the province of Constantine, but no specimen exists in the Algerian collection. Captain Loche has never seen one himself ; and as Falco eleonorce is not uncommon there, it seems most probable that this bird, in its fine uniform black plumage, has done duty with some French collector for F. concolor. 160 Rev. H. B. Tristram on the There remain then but 7 species undoubtedly and peculiarly North African; and these, with the very interesting excep¬ tions of Aquila ncevioides and the exquisite little Ruticilla moussieri, all have closely allied European cousins, whose place they supply in the Algerian economy. Is it too much to affirm that there is not a district in Europe of equal extent which does not present at least as great a number of peculiar forms ? It is fair to admit that some of the habitual denizens of Algeria obtain a place in the European catalogues on questionable au¬ thority, or rather, I should say, from the occurrence of some too restless wanderer far from his native haunts, as, e. g., Elanus melanopterus. Little wot these foolish stragglers of the destruc¬ tion they bring upon their race by the transgression of Nature's limits ! Once out of bounds, and caught on European soil, they are noted in the price catalogue of every ‘marchand des oiseaux' throughout the Continent ; and their skins and eggs are indis¬ pensable to the drawers and cabinets of German and French collectors. As in England the science of natural history is disgraced by pretenders and their abettors, who have the un¬ manly nerve to draw the trigger against the last Eagle of a dis¬ trict, to sneak for days in ambush against a Hoopoe, or desolate the last resting-place of some historic Peregrines, so the cata¬ logues of Paris, of Copenhagen, and of Hamburg tell too plainly of the efforts made for the most sordid purposes to swell the list of European species*. * I may remark, in passing, that the French dealers appear to consider Algeria as, ornithologically, a province of Southern Spain. I have been amused by the rich stores they can produce of birds and eggs from Anda¬ lusia, which, though very scarce there, are abundant in the more accessible Algeria. In one shop in Paris I saw some very fine eggs of Gypaetus, which I was assured had been taken in the Pyrenees, but which had upon them the private mark of a certain Algerian collector with whom I was well acquainted. Skins of Ixos obscurus , &c., all labelled from the south of Spain, bore a most remarkable resemblance to the (to me) familiar pre¬ parations of this gentleman, whom I had assisted in packing a box for Paris. In the summer of 1856 I was in the habit of employing the boat and local knowledge of a professional chasseur on an Algerian lake. This man used to send boxes of eggs to another Paris dealer. His collections were never named, for he knew only the provincial appellations of the birds. I 161 . Ornithology of Northern Africa. When from the denizens of the Tell, or Barbary Proper, we direct our attention to the inhabitants of the Desert and its oases, a very different result rewards our investigation. Here, out of a much more limited Fauna, we find no less than 38 species whose wings have never borne them across the Medi¬ terranean. Unwonted and often uncouth forms meet us with scientific names to match (like Rhamphocoris clotbey ), most was particularly anxious to find the nest of Anas rujina. He told me he had frequently taken the eggs, and had sent as many as forty of * le Grand Siffleur Huppe’ to Paris, receiving three francs a piece, tie showed me some he had, which bore a striking resemblance to those of A. nyroca (a very unmistakeable egg for a duck), which was abundant on the lake ; while of Anas rujina we never saw but one pair. I assured him of his mistake ; but he was positive, and showed me a letter desiring him to send more of this said e Grand Siffleur Huppe !’ At length one day, as I was with him in his boat, a duck rose from its nest ; he fired, and brought down an Anas rujina ; and I found one egg, in the nest, of the lovely pale green characteristic of this bird. I exhibited it triumphantly. He turned away in disgust, exclaiming, “ Eh bien, c’est une variete extraordinaire ! ” Soon afterwards I saw eggs of Anas nyroca in Paris marked as rujina ; and within the last year I have been amused at finding an exactly similar egg doing duty for the whistling duck in three British collections ; not, howr- ever, from Paris, but with inscriptions which told me that at one period of their existence — whether at that of their transmutation or not I cannot say — they had visited Copenhagen. My last adventure with the chasseur was ludicrous enough. He had offered me eleven eggs of the Golden Eagle, which he said he got from the Arabs, for 100 francs. I wrote to say that if he would bring the eggs, he should have the money. In a few days he accordingly appeared at my house with a clean-looking sitting of eleven eggs of Meleagris gallopavo, var. domestica. I indignantly dismissed him for an impudent rogue, and in a few days received a summons to appear in court for breach of contract. My chasseur, his turkey eggs, and his avocat were there in due state. The avocat produced my letter desiring him to bring ' les oeufs,’ and he should have his money. The chasseur swore that these were the eggs alluded to, and moreover that they were those of 4 l’Aigle Royal,’ not of 4 le Dindon.’ I affirmed the contrary. But when doctors differ, who shall decide ? And M. le Juge decided that, as a chasseur, who had been all his life among birds, was more likely to know an Eagle’s egg than an amateur, though certainly they did look to him very like turkey’s, I ought to believe the chasseur and take the eggs. On my declaration of an ap¬ peal, the prosecutor proposed to settle the affair out of court, which he did by fair promises and allowing 50 francs for boat hire. He has since transferred his genius to poultry- dealing in Kabylia. 162 Mr. A. Newton on the Harlequin Duck . of them clad with quaker-like simplicity in inconspicuous drab, with bills and tarsi often apparently distorted or exag¬ gerated, but wonderfully adapted by their all-wise Creator to supply the means of sustenance in these arid regions. We find here the order Struthiones ; the genera Oiogyps , Crater opus, Dry- moica , Comatibis, Corospiza, Rhamphocoris, unknown to Europe ; and others, as Erythrospiza , Dromolcea, Ammomanes, Pterocles, rarely represented here, but universally distributed there, and under many specific varieties. From the difference of climate and physical geography, this was naturally to be anticipated. It is only mentioned to prove the premise's with which we com¬ menced, viz. that, ornithologically, North Africa is a European province, while the Sahara is as decidedly non-European, its affinities being with Nubia and Abyssinia. XVII. — Remarks on the Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus torquatus, Bp.). By Alfred Newton, M. A., F.L.S. The value of the characters afforded by the trachea in different members of the Anatidce is so well known, that I make no apology for presenting the readers of this Journal with figures of that organ in a remarkably interesting species, the Harlequin Duck ( Anas histrionica , L. ; Histrionicus torquatus, Bp.). Of this 163 Mr. A. Newton on the Harlequin Duck . trachea I believe no representation has hitherto been given, though it has been described by Professor MacGillivray, first in the work of Mr. Audubon (Orn. Biogr. v. 617), from which the account is quoted by Mr. Yarrell (Brit. B. iii. 266), and afterwards in the Professor’s own book (Hist. Brit. B. v. 170). As this description seems to be quite as detailed and accurate as any I could furnish, and, when taken in connexion with the accom¬ panying engravings to afford a sufficiently good idea of its form in this species, I need say no more on that head, beyond remark¬ ing that, as will be seen from the figure, the bony tympanum of the male is uninterrupted by any of those membranous openings found in all the other Diving Ducks— except the Eiders* — with which I am acquainted, and that in particular it bears no resem¬ blance whatever to the same part in either the Golden-eye (A. clangula, L.) or the Long-tailed Duck {A. glacialis, L.), the typical representatives of the sections Clangula and Harelda , in one or the other of which the Harlequin Duck is usually placed by most of those ornithologists who subdivide the great and natural group of Diving Ducks, and near which two species I think all other writers agree in placing it. The specimens of the trachea now figured were prepared by me from fine freshly- killed examples of this beautiful species obtained last year by Mr. John Wolley and myself from a merchant at Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, and, excepting one in the Museum at Haslar Hospital, no others, to my knowledge, exist in this country. In these examples, when fresh, the small lobe on each side of the base of the upper mandible, which seems to have escaped the notice of many, if not of most, ornithologists, though it has been duly remarked by some, was very apparent ; and I am not aware that this external character exists in any other of the species with which the Harlequin Duck has been usually asso¬ ciated. Indeed, in many dried skins which I have examined, this peculiarity is very easily overlooked, as, unless care be taken to prevent its doing so, it usually shrinks into insignificance as the skin dries, whereas while the bird is fresh it is of a prominent size, although smaller in the female than in the male. * In the Scoters, it will be recollected, there is nothing that can properly be called a tympanum. 164 Mr. A. Newton on the Harlequin Duck. I am inclined to believe that a good deal of misconception exists as to the geographical range of this species, which I think will be found to be much more limited than is usually supposed to be the case. To take two of the latest published authorities on the subject : Dr. Degland states (Orn. Europ. ii. 453) that it “ habite les contrees arctiques des deux mondes and Mr. Cassin, in Professor Baird’s most valuable work on North Ame¬ rican Ornithology, gives as its habitat (Pac. B. B. Beport, Birds, 799), “Northern sea-coasts of northern hemisphere.” Now, I am pretty sure that in Europe, with the exception of Iceland and Western Asia, it only occurs as an accidental straggler. I believe I am authorized to say that, as far as Mr. Wolley’s expe¬ rience goes, it is not known as a bird of Lapland, including in the term the north of Norway and Einmark; and I can hardly under¬ stand its being, as M. Temminck states (Man. d’Orn. ii. 879), “ abondant dans les contrees orientales de l’Europe,” without its occasionally showing itself in the district which has been so assiduously worked by my friend ; for I presume there can be no doubt that M. Temminck did not intend to refer to any but the northern part of Eastern Europe. In more southern Scandinavia it is certainly rare *, as appears by Prof. Nilsson’s statement (Skandin. Eaun. ii. 441). I cannot find that it is known in European Bussia, but it seems to occur accidentally on the Cas¬ pian and Sea of Aral. It is also said to be met with — like so many other, to us rare, birds — about Lake Baikal ; and if the report be true, I think this must be taken, according to our present knowledge, as its normal western limit in Asia ; for in the course of Dr. Middendorff’s travels, it appears (Sib. Beise, Zool. Bd. ii. Th. 2. p. 237) to have been found only in the extreme east of Siberia, the localities for it mentioned by him being the S’tanowoj Mountains, the southern coast of the Sea of Ochotsk, and the interior of Mandchouria. This enterprising traveller obtained a nestling bird on the 23rd of June at Uds’koj- Os’trog, of which a characteristic representation is given in his * The late Mr. Thompson (B. Ireland, iii. 152) mentions, on the author¬ ity of Captain May, the occurrence of four adult males in the month of July, on a lake close to the entrance of the Salten Fjord ; but as no speci¬ men was obtained, there might have been a mistake as to the species. 165 Mr. A. Newton on the Harlequin Duck. work (pi. xxii. fig. 3). It probably also occurs in Japan, since, according to Dr. Schlegel (Faun. Jap., Aves, 141), it is “ repre¬ sente de grandeur naturelle dans plusieurs recueils japonnais.** I take this opportunity of remarking, that in two or three asserted instances of the occurrence of Anas histrionica in Great Britain, other species seem to have been mistaken for it. In ‘ The Zoologist* for 1847 (p. 1697) is a note by Dr. Battersby of Torquay, that “ a small flock of Harlequin Ducks have fre¬ quented our bay, of which I have been fortunate enough to pro¬ cure two specimens, a male and a female.” Now, an example obtained at that time, out of the same flock, was some years since shown me by Mr. Burt, the energetic curator of the Torquay Museum, and there can be no question of its being a young Long¬ tailed Duck. Again, in ‘ The Zoologist* for 1852 (p. 3331), my brother reported that a Harlequin Duck had been killed in Banffshire. This he did on the authority of the late Mr. Yarrell, whose letter to Lord March, by whom the bird was shot and kindly given to my brother, after having been submitted to the inspection of that distinguished naturalist, is now before me. In this letter Mr. Yarrell says positively that it “ is a young female of the ‘ Harlequin Duck * in its first winter plumage ; ** but the bird is still in our possession, and, I regret to say, is not the rarity I could wish, there being no doubt that it is only a very young example of the Long-tailed Duck. Both this and the Torbay specimens are referred to by Mr. Yarrell in the last edition of his work (B. B. 3rd ed. vol. iii. p. 368). Further¬ more, ‘ The Naturalist * for 1857 (p. 124) contains an extract from ‘ The Devonport Journal,’ which was also quoted in f The Times* of April 18th, 1857, asserting that a specimen of the Harlequin Duck had been recently killed in Warwickshire ; but Mr. H. Buckley, in the same periodical for 1858 (p. 124), states that he made “ particular inquiries** respecting this example, and was “ informed on undoubted authority that the bird which was mistaken for that rare Duck was, in reality, a female Scaup Duck (. Fuligula marila) .** In f The Zoologist* for 1850 (p. 2949) is a detailed account of a pair of Ducks said to be the Harlequin, which built a nest and hatched a brood in a semi-domesticated state at Melbourne in Derbyshire ; and this statement has been N VOL. I. 166 Messrs. Evans and Sturge on the copied by Mr.#Yarrell in his last edition above mentioned. Now, at the time I first read it, I had a suspicion that there was some mistake here, which further inquiries have much tended to strengthen ; but as the author of the paper (Mr. J. J. Briggs) has kindly undertaken to pursue the subject further, I need say no more about it, beyond expressing my full conviction that the birds in question will be found to have been the North- American Wood, Carolina, or Summer Duck (Aix sponsa, Boie), which, as is well known, will breed freely in this country, and whose beautifully varied plumage causes it to be often called by dealers by the name rightfully belonging to that species which is the subject of my somewhat lengthy remarks. XVIII.- — Notes on the Birds of Western Spitsbergen , as observed in 1855. By Edward Evans and Wilson Sturge. Partly inspired by a love of Natural History, but more by a desire for adventure, we were induced to visit Spitzbergen in the summer of 1855, before a trip to that island was so common as it seems likely now to become ; and though we were somewhat disappointed in not finding it so rich in ornithology as we had expected, a short notice of the species we observed there may not be unacceptable to the readers of e The Ibis/ as we believe that hitherto the only published account of the birds of this, the most northern known land of the Old World, is that contained in the Zoological Appendix to Parry's Eourth Voyage, by James Clarke Boss*. Our vessel, the c Anna/ was a fishing-smack of 30 tons register, a fast boat; and had it not been for calms, adverse gales, and fields of ice, we might, with a fair breeze, have easily made the run from Hammerfest (in the north of Norway), our port of departure, in three or four days. But at Bear Island the ice forced us to make a circuit of upwards of sixty miles; thus we were retracing our course almost the only time that we had * Narrative of an Attempt to reach the North Pole in Boats fitted for the purpose, and attached to His Majesty’s Ship f Hecla/ in the Year 1827, under the Command of Captain William Edward Parry, R.N., F.R.S. London, 1828. 167 Birds of Western Spitsbergen. a south-east wind, which would have been the most favourable for speeding our voyage ; and in the last three days we had to make another circuit of nearly two hundred miles. It was therefore with no small satisfaction, that, on the 20th of Sixth month (June), about nine in the morning, being the ninth day of our voyage, the land we had been so anxiously looking out for was seen lying about sixty miles to the eastward. The coast appeared very wild and inhospitable ; the rugged moun¬ tains were capped with dense masses of cloud ; the valleys and level ground were one sheet of snow, and the shore was guarded by an extensive field of ice, which again was surrounded by a belt of flat barren islands and jagged ice-covered rocks, known as Syd Cap (Eerne, or the South Cape Islands. Almost precisely at the midnight following we first set foot on Spitzbergen, on the low shingly beach of one of these islets, where the snow had thawed for the space of a few acres. It was, of course, broad daylight, but not a very cheerful scene ; for a wintry wind drove the snow into our faces, while the waves splashed against the shore or thundered into the deep-blue hollows of the ice. We found on this spot Brent Geese (Bernicla hrenta, Steph.), Eider Ducks ( Somateria mollissima, Leach), and Glaucous Gulls ( Larus glaucus, Briinn.), in immense numbers, and the ground was covered with their nests. A few Arctic Terns ( Sterna ma - croura , Naum.) were flying overhead, but did not appear to be as yet breeding ; at least, common as we afterwards found the bird to be, we never obtained any eggs of it. The nests of the Eider Ducks were hollows scooped in the pebbly ground, very scantily lined with down mixed with sea-weed, forming in this respect a striking contrast to those of the Brent Goose, whose three or four eggs were buried in a perfect mass of down and feathers, built on the beach. The large untidy nests of the Glaucous Gull, formed of sea-weed, and each containing usually three eggs, were to be found also on the shore, or more often on the low rocks, and in one or two instances even built on the masses of ice. These Gulls tyrannize much over the weaker birds in their vicinity ; so dense too is their plumage, that shot will hardly penetrate their feathers ; and those specimens we procured were mostly killed with the rifle. Their eggs seem n 2 168 Messrs. Evans and Sturge on the hardly distinguishable from those of the Great Black-backed Gull ( Larus marinus , L.), which bird, however, has never, we believe, been found in Spitzbergen, though abundant enough even in the north of Norway. The specimen so faithfully repre¬ sented by W. C. Hewitson in the last edition of his fEggs of British Birds* (pi. 141. fig. 2), was obtained by us on this occa¬ sion. After remaining a short time on this island, we rowed to a similar, but much larger one, not far off, where there at first seemed a probability of meeting with a White Bear ( TJrsus mari- timus , L.) ; but the ice still connecting it with the main land, our men pronounced it useless to look for one there, — the only chance of finding them being, that the ice, on breaking up, often leaves them isolated, when they become easy victims. The tracks of Arctic Foxes ( Cams lag opus t L.) were very nume¬ rous ; and one, a Blue one, was seen at a great distance. On this island we did not find a single nest or egg, the instinct of the birds teaching them that its being still united to the main land would render -them liable to the depredations of Bears and Foxes. Returning to our vessel, we proceeded on our voyage north¬ ward, but were prevented by ice from entering either Bell Sound or Horn Sound, and by fog from having more than an occasional glimpse of the land. Nearly the only birds which showed them¬ selves were Fulmars (Procellaria glacialis , L.). A Seal, which we killed and skinned, on being thrown overboard attracted a large flock of these birds, who were at first very timid, only skimming over the carcase, and settling on the water at some distance from it to reconnoitre ; but at last one courageously ventured to alight on it, and he would have made a good meal had not his feast been soon disturbed by others following his example. No end of battles then ensued ; and as we left them far in our wake, they had assembled in a vast crowd. Near Horn Sound we met with immense numbers of Briinnich*s Guil¬ lemots ( Uria brunnichii) and Little Auks ( Arctica alle, Gray), which flew about in large flocks, settling close round the vessel, playing and diving in all directions, seeming quite regardless of our presence, and keeping up a shrill chattering. Fulmars, too, were very abundant, skimming swiftly over the water like a Birds of Western Spitsbergen. 169 Kestrel ( Tinnunculus alaudarius, Gray), and as noiselessly as an Owl, coming sometimes within arm’s-length. Black Guillemots ( Uria grylle, Lath.) were also numerous. On the 24th (after having been reminded by our old cook, in broken English, of its being Midsummer-day, — a fact we might, from the state of the weather, have well overlooked) we reached the entrance of Ice Sound, a very extensive fjord stretching away inland as far as the eye could reach. The mist clearing off dis¬ played some fine mountains on which the sun shone warmly, and we had a bright blue sky overhead, the first we had ex¬ perienced since we sighted Spitzbergen. But our fine weather was of short duration; in the evening it clouded over, snow fell for about an hour, and the wind freshened to a gale, which drove us some thirteen or fourteen miles up the fjord, where we found the ice yet unbroken. The following morning we entered a little inlet on the north side of the Sound called Safe Haven, and cast anchor under the shelter of a line of ice-cliffs which rose from the water’s edge to a great height, and terminated in beautiful peaks. This magnificent glacier was backed by a stupendous pointed and almost overhanging moun¬ tain, the Aiken Fels, with one pinnacle above another towering into the clouds, and presenting the most varied and picturesque outline during the few short intervals when its lofty summit was free from the almost incessant mist of this inhospitable region. One of the peaks, which rose from the shore to the height of about 900 feet, and stood out from the rest like an im¬ mense horn, was literally alive with swarms of Fulmars, Briiu- nich’s Guillemots, Black Guillemots, and Kittiwakes ( Rissa tridactyla , Macgill.), which had their nests in its inaccessible fastnesses, secure from the depredations of man or beast; and their cries, occasionally overpowered by the roar of an avalanche, alone disturbed the silence of this Arctic bay. During the time we lay here we made many excursions along the shores of the fjord ; but the depth of the now melting snow prevented us from going any distance inland. On one occasion, after ascending about two-thirds of a high mountain, we shot a few birds, including a brace of Ptarmigan. We afterwards found these birds very abundant and exceedingly tame; but 170 Messrs. Evans and Sturge on the most unfortunately, as it turned out, only preserved the skin of one (a female/ specimen. This has since been submitted to John Gould, and that celebrated ornithologist, being convinced of its specific distinctness from any other known species of the genus, has described it in the f Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 5 for 1858 (p. 354) under the name of Lago- pus hemileucurus. It is therefore unnecessary for us to give a detailed account of this new European bird ; we need only say that it can be at once distinguished from the Common Ptar¬ migan [L. mutus, Leach) of Great Britain and Scandinavia by its much larger size, which fully equals that of the Willow Grouse [L. albus, Bp.), and from this again by its tail, the basal half of which is white. The general plumage of the female in summer much resembles that of the female Common Ptarmigan at the same time. All the males we saw were still in the winter dress, though their white feathers had become very dirty ; but the females had changed. In the same neighbour¬ hood one of us found a nest of this bird — if nest it could be called, being formed only of a few long stems of dry grass bent down in a trench-like hollow in the barren fjeld (or high table¬ land), where the snow had been thawed, or perhaps been blown away, which latter might have been the case, so bleak and ex¬ posed was the situation. There were two eggs, which resemble those of others of the genus. One of them measures 1*6 inch in length by 1*22 inch in transverse diameter. We trust that any future visitors to Spitzbergen will not fail to bring back a large series of these birds, and especially to observe whether their voice or habits differ in any respect from those of the common species, and whether, too, this latter may not be found there as well. Besides the birds we have before mentioned as occurring here, we saw some Arctic Terns, and a few Snow Buntings (Plectrophanes nivalis, Mey.). Observing a great many Little Auks flying in and out of the cliffs, we took our wire-rope, and one of us was let down the precipice ; but both they and the Black Guillemots built in such deep and narrow crevices, that it was only after much hard labour in picking and breaking the rock with a hammer that the hand could be inserted. In this 171 Birds of Western Spitsbergen. way three eggs of the Little Auk were obtained. Some of the Black Guillemots were breeding in rocks a mile or two inland ; but we only procured one egg of this species, which we obtained from a bird we shot. The BriinnidPs Guillemots were in im¬ mense profusion, constantly wheeling about in large flocks, day and night. The Snow Buntings were not plentiful, but we frequently heard their cheerful note, as they flew from one rock to another ; their plumage was as yet only partially changed : their nests seemed very difficult to find ; we only got one, which had five eggs. The Purple Sandpiper ( Tringa maritima, Briinn.) was very abundant in Coal Bay (on the south side of Ice Sound, so named on account of a small quantity of poor coal being found there), and we found four of their nests on the high fjeld. Beautiful little nests they were, deep in the ground, and lined with stalks * of grass and leaves of the Dwarf Birch ( Betula nana, L.), con¬ taining mostly four eggs of an olive-green, handsomely mottled with purplish brown, chiefly at the larger end. We watched this elegant little bird — the only one of the Grallatores we saw — with much interest, as it waded into some pool of snow-water or ran along the shingle, every now and then raising its wings over its back and exhibiting the delicate tint of the under-side, at the same time uttering its loud shrill whistle. Of the beautiful snow-white Ivory Gull ( Pagophila eburnea , Kaup) we saw only six or seven individuals ; and though both the examples we killed had their bellies bare of feathers as in sitting birds, all our endeavours to find where they were breed¬ ing failed. Our crew informed us that no one had ever found their eggs or knew where they made their nests ; they also asserted that the “ Ice Gull ” was never seen except upon ice, and in only one instance we found this statement to be in¬ correct. In this fjord a large species of Goose was very common, and we found them breeding mostly on low rocks near the coast ; but some seemed to have their nests in the high cliffs a mile or two from the sea. We obtained some specimens both of birds and eggs, but unfortunately neglected to preserve the skins of the former ; we cannot, therefore, be positive as to which spe- 172 Messrs. Evans and Sturge on the cies they were ; buf judging from our recollection, they had flesh- coloured legs and light-grey shoulders ; we have not, there¬ fore, much doubt that they were the Grey-lag Goose ( Anser ferus, Steph.). The identification of this bird is a point to which, we trust, future voyagers will pay attention ; it is probably the only species observed by us which is not included in J. C. Ross's list, before mentioned. Richardson's Skua ( Stercorarius parasiticus , Gray) we saw tormenting, as is the manner everywhere of this feathered pirate, almost every flock of Kittiwakes, Gulls, or Terns ; but we found neither nests nor eggs of it. We observed one individual of the uniform bluish -black variety. Puffins were by no means abundant ; but all we saw, we feel sure, were of the Northern species ( Fratercula glacialis), and not the common one (F. arctica), which has been stated to occur in Spitzbergen. We are unable, too, to see any distinguishing points between the Black Guillemots we procured there and those from more southern localities, though the former have been described as different by Lichtenstein, under the name of Uria mandti. In the evening of the 1st of Seventh month (July) we weighed anchor to return southwards, but we were not clear of the Sound till the following night. The wind, however, com¬ pelled us to run to the northward ; and, after being obliged again to return to our old position, it was not until the 5 th that we made a fair start from Ice Sound. Even then the alternate gales and calms, so characteristic of the Arctic Ocean, impeded our voyage. The midnight of the 7th and 8th was a beautiful one ; the wind had died away, and we sat on the deck enjoying the warm glow of the sun, as it shone fully out over the sea, a thick white haze stretching along the coast, above which the rugged mountains towered majestically against the clear blue sky. A company of Fulmars here and there, floating so sound asleep on the sparkling waters as almost to be fouled by the vessel as she slowly drifted on, or lazily picking about for their supper, — a few Guillemots now and then whizzing by, — the Little Auks skimming hither and thither in all directions, — a solitary Puffin searching for his food, and an Arctic Tern gracefully poising 173 Birds of Western Spitzbergen. himself preparatory to a plunge, — presented a picture long to be remembered by us. A fine breeze sprung up soon after and carried us rapidly down the coast, and in the afternoon we began to leave Syd Cap behind us. The weather still continued beautiful ; and it was not until about eleven o’clock on the night of the 8th that this wild and little-known land finally disap¬ peared in the soft distance. The next morning we sighted Bear Island, about which we found the Fulmars again plentiful; and on the afternoon of the 11th made Ingoe, off the coast of Norway, about forty miles north of Hammerfest, where, after a tiresome delay, when almost within sight of the island whereon it stands, our vessel, the ( Anna/ came to anchor on the evening of the 13th. Of the sixteen species of birds observed by us in Spitzbergen, there can be little doubt that, as we before said, the large Goose, which we believe to have been the Grey-lag, was the only one not noticed by Parry’s expedition ; for doubtless the Ptarmigan was by the members of it, as at first by us, thought to be only the common species. Twenty-one species, however, are in¬ cluded in J. C. Boss’s list ; and the six of them which did not occur to us are — Binged Plover ( Charadrius hiaticula), a single specimen only in Hecla Cove; Fork-tailed Gull [Larus sabini ), seen only in Waygatz Strait, and no specimen obtained ; Cu- neate-tailed Gull [Larus rossii)} seen in Waygatz Strait, and on the ice as far north as the expedition went (lat. 82° 45'), but no specimen obtained ; Pomarine Skua (. Lestris pomarinus)} one only seen in lat. 82° ; Bed- throated Diver ( Colymbus glacialis)} no locality mentioned; and Bazor-bill Auk [Alca torda ). The last species may possibly have escaped our observation, but the Binged Plover and Pomarine Skua must be regarded only as accidental stragglers ;