. Paty Say wey 0" Wah Was i ‘ APs ar er . nye He EY RADE NGS 4s Hr Were Ves t aka He eA DUNE Be os Re, SUNS ae URE BD SAS, Ae APY yew aivwena bag Wiig cide hens t Va , 1 4 9 '% aN a ‘ rehab X . a ok tite eee , ’ cy Patan EN DIRT , Myre 4 t 2.0. y ae ae peice ried ey PS TERTTCTINNCY SUM be tthe hng Pye arg iege af ars So TES aaa i ATR A Devt As area) i aie shah hy gi a to : ‘ ei ve t Li Fe . Shien an ‘ ge at aes TDN cP tieoe x de niatibaics ; Aelia ve , * ny AC ICk ¢ K 1 %, : me ARNT Kos i j " Then eked Ree vy ai ha! th . , re + i= ee - Oy = te z Yy oon = a” a 2 m = wo” = 7) : NI_NVINOSHLINS S23 iuvud rout BRARI ES SMITHSONIAN INSTITU < = = eB z< «&X As Sn | = Ww > = z 7) wo D WS _ Oo 77) Bs os < \ oO Se i= z es a in 2 a » 2 2 '§ SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI NVINOSHLINS S3IYV? y INSTITUTION NOILNLILSNI LIBRARIES Me. Bs. 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EDITED BY 2 DAVID A. BANNERMAN, B.A. (Canvas.). VOLUME XXXV. (~ Xxxvi1 ) SESSION 1914-1915. IE) O NED ON : WITHERBY & CO., 326 HIGH HOLBORN. AUGUST 1915. ALERE # FLAMMAM. PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET. ~anian wiis* & fi A \ \ \, ae Tux total number of Members of the British Ornithologists’ Club at the end of the Session 1914-1915 was 210. The number of attendances at the meetings of the Club during the past Session was 317. This included 271 Members and 41 Visitors, showing an average of just over 35 per meeting. The falling off in numbers may be | entirely accounted for by the war, a number of Members being on Active Service*, while many are engaged in yarious branches of “ war-work ”’ in the United Kingdom. During the past Session we have to deplore the death, in March last, of Capt. Savile Reid, who for many years was an active Member of the Club. The B.O. U. has also suffered a serious loss by the death in action in France of Lieut. Lord Brabourne (Grenadier Guards), which was briefly alluded to in the April number of the ‘ Bulletin’ ; also of Lieut. R. B. Woosnam (Worcestershire Regt.), who fell in Gallipoli on June 4. Both were well-known guests at the meetings of the Club, and their loss will be deeply mourned by all who knew them. The present Volume (XX XV.) of the ‘ Bulletin’ contains descriptions of 56 new species and subspecies of birds, the names of which will be found printed in heavy type in the Index. Many remarkable and rare forms have also been exhibited at the evening meetings. _* A preliminary list of Members of the B. O.C. now on Active Service will be published in the next (October) number of the ‘ Ibis.’ a2 a INSTifeys Sty Uy aye : Ration al Muse TW) Lord Rothschild and Dr. Hartert have contributed further valuable notes on the avifauna of Algeria, and have exhibited many rare birds, including several new forms, from New Guinea and the adjacent islands. Mr. Ogilvie-Grant has described a number of interesting new species from the Snow Mountains of Dutch New Guinea and from the Solomon Islands. The fine collections made by Mr. Willoughby Lowe, last year, in British Hast Africa and Uganda ; also by the late Mr. Boyd Alexander in Cameroon and the islands of the Gulf of Guinea, in 1909, have both proved of exceptional value. Mr. Claude Grant has almost completed working out the former, while the present writer has worked out the latter: from both collections many rare birds have been exhibited at the Club during the Session and a number of the new species and subspecies obtained are described in the following pages. Dr. V. G. L. van Someren, who has recently returned from Uganda with a valuable collection of birds, has deseribed no less than ten new forms from that El Dorado of th Ornithologist. Notable exhibits by Mr. G. M. Mathews were specim aus of Aphelocephala pectoralis (Gould) from South Central Austrilia—the only examples of Gould’s species in ~ existence. Rare species from India have been exhibited by Mr. Stuart | Baker, and from South America by Mr. C. Chubb and the late Lord Brabourne. Interesting exhibits of eggs have been made by the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, Dr. E.’Hartert, Mr. C. E. Pearson, Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker and Mr. 8. L. Whymper. The Lantern-Meeting which was held on the 10th of March was well attended ; many of the slides shown proved v of exceptional interest, especially those exhibited by Miss “Maud Haviland of Bird-life in Northern Siberia, and by Lord Rothschild depicting the three faunal regions of Algeria. A notable feature of the Session has been the institution of organised Discussions on subjects of general Ornithological interest. The subjects which came under discussion during the past Session were :— 1. (At the February Meeting). “Coloration as a Factor in Family and Generic Differentiation,” opened by Dr. P. R. Lowe ; and 2. (At the June Meeting). “ The Effect of Environment on the Hyolution of Species,’ opened by Lord Rothschild, F.R.S. Further information with regard to this new policy of the Club, which has proved so successful, will be found on pp. 31, 32, 40, and 41 of the present volume. Owing to the war no Ornithological expeditions of note have left England, several which were arranged to take place having been cancelled. (Signed) “DAVID A. BANNERMAN, Editor. London, August 1915. ; a ' d ‘ ‘ > oe e ‘ ha | L , 7 i vg , Oa ‘ eray ae { Pan's ’ ne iy RULES OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB, (As amended, June gth, 1915.) ——_<>—__. I. This Club was founded for the purpose of facilitating the social intercourse of Members of the British Ornithologists’ Union. Any Ordinary Member of that Union can become a Member of this Club on payment (to the Treasurer) of an entrance fee of One Pound and a subscription of Seven Shillings and Sixpence for the current Session. Resignation of the Union involves resignation of the Club. II. Members who have not paid their subscriptions before the last Meeting of the Session, shall cease, ipso facto, to be Members of the Club, but may be reinstated on payment of arrears and a new entrance fee. II. Ordinary Members of the British Ornithologists’ Union may be introduced as Visitors at the Meetings of the Club, but every Member of the Club who introduces a Member of the B. O. U. as a Visitor (to the dinner or to the Meeting afterwards) shall pay One Shilling to the Treasurer on each occasion. IV. No gentleman shall be allowed to attend the Meetings of the Club as a guest on more than three occasions during any single Session. V. The Club shall meet, as a rule, on the Second Wednesday in every Month, from October to June inclusive, at such hour and place as may be arranged by the Committee. At these Meetings papers upon ornithological subjects shall be read, specimens exhibited, and discussion invited. VII! VI. An Abstract of the Proceedings of the B. O. C. shall be printed as soon as possible after each Meeting, under the title of the ‘Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club,’ and distributed gratis to every Member who has paid his subscription. Copies of this Bulletin shall be published and sold at One Shilling each. Descriptions of new species may be added to the last page of the ‘ Bulletin,’ although such were not communi- cated at the Meeting of the Club. This shall be done at the discretion of the Editor and so long as the publication of the ‘ Bulletin ’ is not unduly delayed thereby. Any person speaking at a Meeting of the Club shall be allowed subsequently to amplify his remarks in the ‘Bulletin’; but no fresh matter shall be incorporated with such remarks. VII. The affairs of this Club shall be managed by a Committee, to consist of the Chairman, who shall be elected for five years, at the end of which period he shall not be eligible for re-election, the Editor of the ‘ Bulletin,’ the Secretary and Treasurer, and the Editor of ‘The Ibis, ex officio, with three other Members, one of whom shall be changed every year. The Committee shall have power to make and alter Bye-laws. VIII. Any Member desiring to make a complaint of the manner in which the affairs of the Club are conducted must communicate in writing with the Chairman, who will call a Committee Meeting to deal with the matter. [The Rules governing the Discussions are set out on ~ page 41 of this volume. ] COMMITTEE 1to14-1915. The Lord Roruscuitp, Ph.D., F.R.S., Chairman. Davin A. Bannerman, B.A., Editor of the ‘ Bulletin.’ | Percy R. Lowe, B.A., M.B., B.C., Secretary and Treasurer. — KK. G. B. Meape-Watpo (Vice-Chairman). | W. L. Scrater, M.A.,#ditor of ‘ The Ibis’ (Vice-Chairman). C. B. Rickert. Epwarp BIpWELt. LIST OF MEMBERS. JUNE 1915. —— Atnxanper, H. G.; King’s College, Cambridge. Artin, Oniver Vernon; Bloxham, Banbury, Oxon. Arunpst, Major W. B.; High Ackworth, Pontefract. Baur, P. H.; 12 Vicarage Gardens, Kensington, W. Baxer, E. C. Stuart; 6 Harold Road, Upper Norwood, S.E. Baxer, Dr. J. C.; Ceely House, Aylesbury. Bannerman, Davin A., B.A. (Aditor of the ‘ Bulletin’); 11 Washingtom - House, Basil Street, S.W. Barctay, Huen Gorney; Colney Hall, Norwich. Barrineton, Ricoarp Mantirre; Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Baynes, Grorez K.; 1 Fleet Street, H.C. Bickerton, W.; The Firs, Farraline Road, Watford. Browett, Epwarp; 1 Trig Lane, Upper Thames Street, E.C. Braauw, F. E., C.M.Z.S. ; Gooilust, s’Graveland, Noord-Holland. Bonnore, Jonw Lewis, M.A.; Zoological Gardens, Giza, Egypt. Boorman, S.; Heath Farm, Send, Woking, Surrey. Boorn, H. B.; ‘“ Ryhill,” Ben Rhydding. Borrer, C. D.; 20 Pelham Crescent, South Kensington, 8.W. Braprorp, A. D.; Upton Lodge, Watford. Braprorp, Sir J. Rosz, F.R.S.; 8 Manchester Square, W. Briees, T. H.; Rock House, Lynmouth, R.S.0., Devon. Bristowr, B. A.; The Cottage, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey. Bucniey, C. M.; 4 Hans Crescent, 8.W. Bunyarp, P. F.; 57 Kidderminster Road, Croydon. Buxton, AntHony; Knighton, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. Carrott, Crement JosepH; Rocklow, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Treland. Carter, Tomas; ‘Wensleydale,’ Mulgrave Road, Sutton, Surrey. : Cuariin, Nuennt; The Lodge, Bourne End, Bucks. Cuarman, ApeL; Houxty, Wark-on-Tyne. x Cuasr, R. W.; Herne’s Nest, Bewdley, Worcestershire. Cuvuss, Cuartes; British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, 8. W. Crarke, Capt. Goranp van Hott, D.S.0.; Brook House, Hayward’s Heath, Sussex. Crarke, Col. SrepHnnson Rosert, C.B.; Borde Hill, Cuckfield, Sussex. Crarxe, Wrtttam Eacte; Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, Cores, Richarp Epwarp; Rosebank, New Milton 8. O., Hants. Cotuetr, A.; 5 Stone Buildings, Lincoln’s Inn, W.C. Cottier, Cartes ; Bridge House, Culmstock, Devon. Covurt-Treatt, C.; 29 Fulham Park Gardens, S.W. Curtis, Freprrics, F.R.C.S.; Alton House, Redhill, Surrey. DatetsisH, Joun J.; Brankston Grange, Bogside Station, Alloa. Davison, J.; 32 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh. Davis, K. J. Acton, F.R.C.8S.; 16 Upper Wimpole Street, W. Dawson, G. H.; 21 Great St. Helens, E.C. Ds Winton, W. E.; Southover Hall, Burwash, Sussex. Dossiz, James B.; 12 South Inverleith Avenue, Edinburgh. Dosiz, Witt1AM Henry, M.R.C.S.; 2 Hunter Street, Chester. Drewirt, Dr. F. D.; 14 Palace Gardens Terrace, Kensington, W. Farir, Enwarp V.; Fowden Hall, London Road, Maidstone. Ettror, Epmunp A. 8., M.R.C.S.; Slade, Mounts, S. Devon. Exuison, Rey. Attan; Althorpe Rectory, Doncaster. Exwes, Henry Jonny, F.R.S.; Colesborne Park, Cheltenham. Evans, ArtHUR Humsiz, M.A.; 9 Harvey Road, Cambridge. Ewen, Guy L’Esrranee ; 1 Claremont Road, Windsor. Fansuawe, Captain R. D.; Broxmore, Cavendish Road, Bourne- mouth. Finiryson, Horace W.; Lancing College, Shoreham-on-Sea, Sussex. FirzHERBERT-BrockHoLes, W. J.; Claughton-on-Brock, Garstang, Lancashire. Frower, Capt. 8. 8. ; Kedah House, Zoological Gardens, Giza, Egypt. Forbes, Henry Oce, LL.D.; Redcliffe, Beaconsfield, Bucks. Fosrer, Nevin H.; Hillsborough, Co. Down, Ireland. Fronawk, F. W.; Stanley House, Park Road, Wallington, Surrey. GainsporoueH, The Karl of; Exton Park, Oakham. Garnett, Coartes; 97 Whitehall Court, 8. W. GuRRARD, Joun; Worsley, Manchester. Gisson, Ernust; 25 Cadogan Place, 8.W. Gopman, Captain E, 8.; Hampsteel, Cowfold, Horsham, Sussex. XI Govman, Frepertcxk DuCanez, D.C.L., F.RS. ; 45 Pont Street, S.W. Geopvatt, J. M.; The Nest, Bembridge, Isle of Wight. Goopcuttp, H.; 17 Priory Gardens, Shepherd’s Hill, Highgate, N. GoopreLtow, Wattrr; The Poplars, Kettering. Gossz, Partie, M.R.C.S8..; Curtlemead, Beaulieu, Hants. Gourp, F. H. Carrurners; Matham Manor House, East Molesey. Grant, C. H. B.; Sports Club, St. James’s Square, S.W. Grey, The Rt. Hon. Sir Epwazp, Bart., K.G., P.C., M.P.; Falloden, Christon Bank, Northumberland. Grirrita, Artaur F.; 59 Montpelier Road, Brighton. Gouryey, G. H.; Keswick Hall, Norwich. Gurner, Joun Henry; Keswick Hall, Norwich. Haicu, Grorer Henry Caron; Grainsby Hall, Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire. Hats, Rev. Jamzs R., M.A.; Boxley Vicarage, Maidstone, Kent. Harineton, Lt.-Col. H. H.; 84th Punjabis, Rawal Pindi, India. Harrert, Ernst, Ph.D.; The Museum, Tring, Herts. Harviz-Brown, Joun A.; Dunipace House, Larbert, Stirlingshire. Hawker, R. M.; Bath Club, Dover Street, W. Heaptey, F. W.; Haileybury College, Hertford. Hetimayr, C. E.; Zoologische Sammlung des Staats, Alte Akademie, Miinchen, Germany. Herr, G. Seccompe; 8 Wimpole Street, W. Hony, G. Baruurst; 4 Beaufort Road, Clifton, Bristol. Horssruen, Major Boyp R.; Tandridge Priory, Oxted, Surrey. Horsrietp, Hersert Knient; Crescent Hill, Filey, Yorkshire. Howazp, H. Exzor; Clarelands, near Stourport. Howarp, Rozurt James; Shearbank, Blackburn, Lancashire. Iyeram, Capt. Corzmewoon ; Sussex Mansions, Westgate-on-Sea. Irepate, Tom; 98 Riverview Gardens, Barnes, S.W. Jackson, Sir Freperick J., C.B., K.C.M.G.; Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa. Jounson, Sir Huyry H.; 55 Sloane Gardens, 8.W. Jones, Major H.; 41 Vineyard Hill Road, Wimbledon Park, S.W. Jonss, Staff-Surgeon Kunnetn H., R.N.; Manor House, St. Stephens, Canterbury. Jourpatn, Rev. F. C. R., M.A.; Appleton Rectory, near Abingdon, Berks. Joy, Norman H.; Thurlestone, Bradfield, near Reading. Ketso, J. KE. H., M.D.; Edgewood, Arrow Lakes, British Columbia. Kinnear, Norman B.; Bombay Natural History Society. XII Ktoss, C. Boppy; Kuala Lumpur, Federated Malay States. La Tovcue, J. D.; Chinese Customs, Chinwangtao, N. China. Larptaw, Tomas Geppes; Bank of Scotland Branch, Duns, N.B. Lampert, Goprrey C.; Woodcote, Esher, Surrey. Laneton, Hursert; St. Moritz, 61 Dyke Road, Brighton. Lascrttzs, Hon. Geratp; Tillington House, Petworth. Lz Soviir, D.; Zoological Society, Melbourne, Australia. Lopez, G. E.; 5 Thurloe Studios, Thurloe Square, 8. Kensington, S.W. Lone, Sypyey H., M.D.; 37 St. Giles’ Street, Norwich. Lowe, P. R., B.A., M.B., B.C. aeeiay § Treasurer); The Nuns, Bae Lucas, The Lord; 32 Old Queen Street, S.W. Lywrs, Captain Huzsert, R.N.; Garthmeilio, Corwen. Macmiitian, G. A.; 27 Queen’s Gate Gardens, S.W. Macmuituan, W. E. F.; 27 Queen’s Gate Gardens, S.W. Macpuerson, ArtaurR Hotre; 21 Campden Hill Square, Ken- sington, W. Maerata, Lieut.-Colonel H. A. F.; 54th Sikhs, F.F., Kohat, India. MarsHatt, A. McLean; Great Chitcombe, Brede, Sussex. MarsHatz, JAMES McLean; Bleaton Hallet, Blairgowrie, N.B. Mason, Colonel E. 8.; 10 Lindum Terrace, Lincoln. Martuews, G. M.; Foulis Court, Fair Oak, Hants. May, W. Norman, M.D.; The White House, Sonning, Berks. Meape-Watpo, Epmonp Gustavus Broomrierp (Vice-Chairman) ; Hever Warren, Hever, Kent. Mitts, Rev. H. Hotrorp; The Rectory, St. Stephen-in-Brannell, Grampound Road, Cornwall. Monro, Sir Horace C., K.C.B.; Queen Anne’s Mansions, 8.W. Mony, P. W.; Stourwood Cottage, Stourwood Avenue, Southbourne, Hants. Mont, Henry; 10 Ashburn Place, South Kensington, 8.W. Morray, E. Mackenzie; Drum Leys, Kirriemuir, N.B. Mosters, J. P.C.; Annesley Park, Nottingham. Nesuam, Ropert; Utrecht House, Poynder’s Road, Clapham Park, S.W. Noxson, T. H., J.P., M.Se.; Seafield, Redcar, Yorks. Newman, T. H.; Newlands, Harrowdene Road, Wembley, Middlesex. Nicuots, J. B.; Parliament Mansions, Victoria Street, 8. W. Nicuorson, F,; The Knoll, Windermere. XIII Nicozt, Micuart J.; Valhalla House, Zoological Gardens, Giza, Egypt. Oeitvin, Frrevs Mrnterte ; The Shrubbery, 72 Woodstock Road, Oxford. Ocinvie-Grant, W. R.; British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, 8.W. OxipHAm, Cuas.; The Bollin, Shrublands Road, Berkhamsted, Herts. Parkin, Tuomas; Fairseat, High Wickham, Hastings. Parrurson, Witt1am H.; 25 Queen’s Gate Gardens, S.W. Pearse, THrEp; 119 Pender Street West, Vancouver, B.C. Pzarson, Cuartes Epwarp; Hillcrest, Lowdham, Nottingham. Prwrost, Francis G., M.D.; Atheneum Club, Pall Mall, S.W. PrrsHouse, Captain S.; 12 Chatsworth Square, Carlisle. Pigorr, Sir Tnomas Diesy, K.C.B.; The Lodge, Lower Sheringham. Praysr, W. J. P.; The Quarr, Clydach, R.S.0., Glamorganshire. Poruam, Hue Leysornze, M.A.; Hunstrete House, Pensford, near Bristol. Pricu, A. E.; 4 Mincing Lane, F.C. Procror, Major F. W.; Downfield, Maidenhead. Pycrart, W. P.; British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, 8.W. RarcrirF, F. R.; 29 Connaught Square, W. Rawson, Hersert Everyn; Comyn Hill, Ilfracombe. Mead, Ropert H.; Camelot, South Parade, Bedford Park, W. Renavt, W. E.; 29 Elsham Road, Kensington, W. Ricumonp, H. W., F.R.S.; King’s College, Cambridge. Rickert, C. B.; 27 Kendrick Road, Reading, Berks. Rippon, Colonel G.; United Service Club, Pall Mall, S.W. Rivikre, B. B., F.R.C.S.; St. Giles’ Plain, Norwich. Rosinson, H. C.; State Museum, Kuala Lumpur, F. M. States. Roruscuitp, The Lord, Ph.D., F.R.S. (Chairman); The Museum, Tring, Herts. Roruscuitp, Hon. N. Cuarrtzs; Arundel House, Kensington Palace Gardens, W. RussEvt, Conrap; 2 Audley Square, W. Sr. Quintin, W. H.; Scampston Hall, Rillington, Yorkshire, SapswortH, ARNotD Durr; 30 Sussex Place, Regent's Park, H.W. SareEaunT, ArtHur Sr. Grorcze ; Exbury, Padstow, Cornwall. Sargent, James ; 76 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, 8.W. Scrater, Winriam Luriey, M.A. (Vice-Chairman) ; 10 Sloane Court, S.W. XIV Srtovs, Frepprick Courrenry ; Heatherside, Worplesdon, Surrey. Seru-Surra, Davip; 34 Elsworthy Road, South Hampstead, N.W. Seru-Smira, Luszze Morrar, B.A.; Alleyne, Caterham Valley, Surrey. Srron, M. C. C.; 13 Clarendon Road, Holland Park, W. Suarman, Frevertc; 47 Goldington Road, Bedford. SwaLtey, Freperic W.; Challan Hall, Silverdale, nr. Carnforth. Sparrow, Lt.-Col. R.; Rookwoods, Sible Hedingham, Essex. Sranrorp, E. Fraser; 9 Cumberland House, Kensington Court, W. Sraptzs-Browne, R. C.; Bampton, Oxon. Srargs, J. W. C.; Portchester, Hants. Srennouss, J. H., M.B., R.N.; Craigievar, Keptie Road, Arbroath. Sruppy, Colonel Roserr Wricur; Waddeton Court, Brixham, Devon. Sryan, F. W.; Ben Craig, Bayham Road, Sevenoaks. Swann, Grorrrey; 11 Onslow Crescent, S.W. Swann, Harorp; 45 Brompton Square, 8.W. Swinuor, Colonel C.; 6 Gunterstone Road, W. Kensington, W. Swynnerton, C. F. Massy; Gungunyana, Melsetter District, S. Rhodesia. Tatpot-Ponsonpy, C. G.; 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. Terry, Major Horace A.; Compton Grange, Compton, Guildford. Trorsurn, ArcHiBALD ; High Leybourne, Hascombe, Godalming. Trcrnurst, Craup B., M.A., M.D.; Grove House, Lowestoft, Suffolk. Tycrnurst, N. F., F.R.C.S. ; 835 Pevensey Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea. Townsend, R. G.; Buckholt, Dean, Salisbury. Trevor-BattyE, AuByN B. R.; Ashford Chace, Petersfield, Hants. Tyrwuitt-Draxe, Huen G.; Cobtree, Sandling, Maidstone. Urcurr, Henry Morris; Sheringham Hall, Sheringham, K.S.0. Vaueuan, Marruzw; Sunnylands, Milton, Pewsey, Wilts. VaucHan, Commdr. Rosert E.; Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham. Watus, H. M.; Ashton Lodge, Christchurch Road, Reading. Watron, Major H. J., I.M.S.; c/o Messrs. King & Co., P.O. Box 110, Bombay, India. Warpiaw-Ramsay, Colonel R. G. (President B. O. U.); Whitehill, Rosewell, Midlothian. Wuitaxer, Josepu I. 8.; Malfitano, Palermo, Sicily. Waite, 8. J.; Merok, Chiltern Road, Chesham Bois, Bucks. Wuuizeneand, Major C. H. T.; Deighton Grove, York. Wuymrer, Samvuen Leren ; Oriental Club, Hanover Square, W. pO.) Witp, Oxiver H.; 29 Viewforth, Edinburgh. Witxinson, Jonnson ; Vermont, Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Witson, Cuartes Josepx#; 34 York Terrace, Regent’s Park, N.W. Witson, Scorr B.; Heather Bank, Weybridge Heath, Surrey. Wirnersy, Harry F.; 326 High Holborn, W.C. Wiruerineron, G.; 19 Sumner Place, 8. Kensington, 8.W. Worttasron, A. F. R.; 15 Montpelier Square, S.W. Woopuotse, Cecit, M.D.; Chetnole House, Sherborne, Dorset. Workman, Witt1am Hueuss; Lismore, Windsor, Belfast. Wynne, R. O.; Foulis Court, Fair Oak, Hants. [Members are requested to keep the Secretary informed of any changes in.their addresses. | = ERRATA. Page 7, line 35, for Erythriorchis read Erythrotriorchis. » 17, ,, 3, for Trichalopterum erathrolema woodi read Trochalopterum erythrolema woodi. LIST OF AUTHORS AND OTHER PERSONS REFERRED TO. Baxsr, EH. C. Sruarr. Description of four new Indian Birds—Trochalopterum erythrolema woodi, Ixulus flavicollis baileyr, Ithagenes trbet- * . . anus, and Tragopan dblytht moleswortht .......+.....+20-- Exhibition of Eggs of Merops apraster ........++.+44.. Exhibition of an adult female, and a nest with eggs, of Batrachostomus moniliger, from Travancore ............ Exhibition and description of a new subspecies— Latscopus collaris whymperi—from Garwhal .......-...-+ seer ee eee Discussion of “The Coloration of the Eggs of Birds and Gare Moutnsroh Nestlings 0... 666s. eee nee eee Discussion of “ The Effect of Environment on the Evolu- tion of Species”. 21.0... s eee ete e etc ee ee eee eens, Bannerman, D. A. Exhibition of, and remarks upon, rare birds from Prince’s, St. Thomas, and Annobon Islandsin the Gulf of Guinea... . Exhibition of, and remarks upon, an example of Lampribis mmcamarom @rince’s Island... 0. ieee ese eee eee ee Suggestions regarding the Lantern Meeting .......... ne A short review of the Genus Poltolais, and exhibition and description of a new species—P. alexanderi—from Cameroon Mountain, and of the young of P. helenore .............. Description of a new Zosterops—Z. stenocricota poensis— SeeaEL CUE NAGO) POM) /eicdlape cis: o cles sas) ejtis e's it si oisies cialis o's + Exhibition of, and remarks upon, some rare birds from Cameroon Mountain, and description of a new Puff-backed Shrike (Dryescopus angolensis cameroonensis) and the male REPRE EIU TIM SHUEY fo 2 ajcuieec 9, 5, Ca) ei 0 +) + ¥-01 $y s8 dhejntern save olec als : Exhibition of a copy of Eaton’s ‘ Birds of New York’ Notice to Members serving in His Majesty’s Forces..... : VOL. XXXV. b Page 17-18 38 38 60-61 110-111 1388-139 25-26 27 39-40 52-64 o4 104-107 112 115 XVIII BanNERMAN, D. A. (cont.). Page Exhibition of specimens of the large North-Atlantic Shear- water (Puffinus kuhli fortunatus, nom, n.) and remarks upon the Distribution of Puffinus kuhli flavirostris (Gould). (Text- Houres LD). wviswg am ee «we bie S a alelcla hs See eee 118-121 Statement ve his summary of Mr. Swynnerton’s paper on ‘The Coloration of the Eggs of Birds and of the Mouths of Westlings” \c..\cis Anji wires db Sapna ae ee ae ak 121 Notice of his resignation of the Hditorship of the ‘Bulletin.’ 123-124 Discussion of “ The Effect of Environment on the Evolution Of Species” Gt veus swss oeaeh cranks ck si ee , 184-187 BraBournE, Lord. Announcement of death of, and vote of condolence with His family «5. cose. bine’ vas wasp a ene che ori ene 103-104 BraBournge, Lord, and Cuups, CHARLES. Exhibition and description of two new species of South American Birds—Buarremon matucanensis and Upucerthia SOTURCTESIS « a4 ahs nieve ta a BNI ee we dees eet tea a0 ee Wr 20-21 Bounyarp, P. F. Remarks upon the Eggs of Hydrochelidon nigra .....+0- 37 CHUBB, CHARLES. Discussion of “Coloration as a Factor in Family and Generic Differentiation” ............ ee 82 CuvBB, CHARLES and BRABOURNE, Lord. See BRABOURNE, Lord. Davis, K. J. Acton. Exhibition of a series of lantern-slides of various Birds .. 96-97 Grant, CLauvE H. B. Exhibition and description of three new subspecies of African Birds—Pterocles quadricinctus lowet, Streptopelia senegalensis sokotre, and Poicephalus meyert neavet ........ 19-20 © Description of a new subspecies—Scopus umbretta banner- LE gee es avesushe buh s+ ehh wnt — sheen 27-28 Exhibition and description of two new African Kingfishers —Haleyon leucocephala ogilviei and H. senegalensis superflua. 28 XIX TREDALE, Tom. Discussion of “Coloration as a Factor in Family and Generic Ditterentiation ” see set eevee eos oe oeeF* F708 Be H OHO GRANT, CuaupE H. B. (cont.). Page Description of three new subspecies—Centropus super- ciliosus loande, C. s. sokotre, and Melittophagus variegatus BGMGUCOIOENSUS. 624. s ses d es eens ake een estan eer casescoes 54-55 Description of nine new African subspecies—Centropus grillii wahlbergi, Indicator minor alexanderi, I. exihs leona, I. e. ansorget, Pogoniulus chrysoconus rhodesie, Dendropicos fuscescens cosensi, D. lafresnayi loande, Thripias namaquus intermedius, and Jynx ruficollis cOsenst ........00eseeeees 99-102 Harrert, Dr. Ernst. Account of his visit to Algeria and exhibition of Eggs of Alaudide found breeding in the districts visited .......... 9-11 Description of two new Herons—Egretta dimorpha and Nycticorax cyanocephalus falklandicus... ..22.+seeeeeeees 14-15 Remarks on the nest of Piea pica mauritanica .......... 16 Description of a new Blue Nuthatch—Calhsitta azurea expectata—from the Malay Peninsula.................-.. 34 Remarks upon the Eggs of Hydrochelidon nigra ........ 37 Discussion of “Coloration as a Factor in Family and EeMeMeMOMTEKCTIELATION)” | clei d aisisisra es dee vd sins svet's oreo 78-80, 83 Remarks upon Saxicola stapazina and S. aurita ........ 89 Discussion of “The Effect of Environment on the Evolu- HOMPOUSPCCIES 7 os. see ees ral ce Fa otesl Beenie Rotts Monee 132-133, 137 Harrret, Dr. Ernst and Roruscuiitp, Lord. See Rorus- CHILD, Lord. Havivanp, Miss Mavup D. Account of her recent visit to Northern Siberia, illustrated by a large series of lantern-slides of the Bird-life of the COUEUUGIAV AMM PRAY ihe licrtyrsi cl choral fey Misuabcliairslel oRansvesalvens) ov eiicysteser eel a) siacetoha 93-96 Ineram, Capt. CoLLinewoop. Remarks upon the introduction of the Greater Bird-of- Paradise (Paradisea apoda) on the island of Little Tobago. . 97 _ Exhibition of a lantern-slide of the West-Indian Tropic- birds (Phacthon etherius) on the nest .... 0... ccc cence ses 97 XX JouRDAIN, Rey. F.C. R. Page | Exhibition of Eggs of Algerian Birds.......... oe sees 16 Exhibition of Eggs of Gorsachius gotsagi taken near Fuji, SPORE: Fake Scere TPE PT TT eon so oe 24-25 Remarks upon the Eggs of Hydrochelidon nigra ........ 37 Discussion of “ The Coloration of the Eggs of Birds and of the Mouths of Nestlings” ...........+- >a «been 111 Exhibition of a nest of the Serin Finch (Serinus canarius BETINUS) oe cts e we ales Cams se eh peas © nee oe een 125 Letter from Mr. H. M. Upeher on the Cuckoo’s method of CAITYING CFLS. i civie c's « 6 sin wipiele (eon ieiaie> est ee 125 La Tovcur, J. D. Description of a new Jay—Garrulus diaphorus—from we Northern China ss <0... 2 <-¢ ci oie oe Oe ee 98-99 Lowe, Dr. Percy R. On Coloration as a Factor in Family and Generic Differ- ONtIAbION 6 )oie aso ale siels olee's ees oe oie ot hte tr 61-70 Exhibition of, and remarks upon, a nestling in down of Chionis minor, and the skulls of a Ruff (Machetes pugnax) and other Birds 65. sss aiate' el slelslejelds ito. » sis ees er 117-118 Matuews, G. M. Exhibition of specimens of Aphelocephala pectoralis and Ai, MAGT UNCLE Fogo o's one's Sie einen 0) sie oso lelaiele oles 5 ee 35-36 Exhibition of, and remarks upon, three new Frigate-Birds. 386-37 Discussion of “ Coloration as a Factor in Family and as es ae” Generic Differentiation”... +. .:<2:¢s.+<++.2)-> 1et eee 81-82 — Description of the Eggs of Morganornis superciliosus GDCNAOCIE vn sj n,0 fh.0 de eis = hieve Neng eevee 121 9 Mravr-Wa.po, E. G. B. Announcement of death of Lord Brabourne, and vote of condolence with his family ..-..4....cccue+res vig ee ere 103-104 Mount, Henry. Appointment as Auditor of the accounts of the B, O. Club. 125 OarttviE-GranT, W. R. Vote of thanks to, on his retirement from the Editorship of the‘ Bulletin’)... % sive seme wamtel Sas Chee perme ee 2 XXI Qeitviz-Grant, W. R. (cont.). Page Description of three new subspecies of Parrots——Oreopsit- tacus arfaki major, Neopsittacus muschenbrocki alpinus, Psittacella modesta collaris—from Dutch New Guinea...... 11-13 Description of two new subspecies of Kingfishers—Alcyone richardsi aoe and A. r. bougainvillec—from the Solomon CASTER 2 2 oli: wo'e aioe cca ld /alcie Misia ataraearnlavel ands abe yeaa s 13-14 Exhibition and description of three new Esculent Swifts from Dutch New Guinea—Collocalia hirundinacea excelsa, Mmescwlenta maxima, and C.Mtens .. 0.2 cece eee tees vena. 34-35 Exhibition of some remarkable colour-variations of the Red-legsed and Common Partridges .............-0-000- 45-48; Discussion of “Coloration as a Factor in Family and SeMCMMOeKCMLIATION oes cs gc es wiele hay ates ane ee 76-77 Discussion of ‘ The Effect of Environment on the Evolu- PAPMMIBONTE CLOSER EUs ic! sera SA's 5 slo ce win id sc Sens ge Adie ele 'ale 133-134 Pearson, C. E. Exhibition of, and remarks upon, Eggs of Hydrochelidon Fe IE eC 2a) 8 «oie! ela na)s ees 2%, =) ain) mg led gland sarap SY Poruaw, H. L. Remarks upon Miss Haviland’s journey to Northern Siberia. 96 Exhibition of lantern-slides of the nests and eggs of various Punnett, Professor R. C. Letter from, to Mr. D. A. Bannerman, on the evolution of metementeventuran Bustard .. 2. .05..s06.decsseeecdec dees 136-1387 PycrarFt, W. P. Discussion of “Coloration as a Factor in Family and Seem PeKeMtIAtON 6.3 is. sss cea Nee ss aee view da te ee 70-74, 85 RatcuiFr, F. R. _ Remarks upon the eggs of Hydrochelidon mgra ........ 38 Reap, R. H. Question as to the Cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris) and its “mimicry ” of the Drongo-Shrike (Buchanga atra) ........ 140; Ricxert, C. B. Announcement of discovery of a new Jay in Northern Bouya rw les Wa Touche... 62. .¢.0 +74. ee ee saan e 98: XXII Roruscui.p, Lord. Page Announcement of election of Officers and Committee, with vote of thanks to retiring Editor and Secretary .......... 1-2 Chairman’s Address at opening of Session 1914-15 ...... 2-5 Description of a new subspecies of Cassowary—Caswarius papuanus goodfellowi—from Jobi Island, and remarks on C. WEEP MAURY Ne ag ee cue hae pes + > ha ae 5-7 Remarks on the nests of Ginanthe lugens and Diplootocus MOUSE 5 LLNS pe ths wi uiek ool et og Ses tees sce ee eine " 14 Exhibition of a photograph of the extinct Mauritius Pigeon (Alectraenas nitidissima) «6... eee cee ees sven 40-41 Notes on the Genus Sula, with the description of a new subspecies—Sula dactylatra californica ....... 2.00 ceeeeee 41-45 Exhibition of seventeen varieties of the Common Partridge : ( Perdar per dix) oc'. 8 «Wed ss me poles 6 ck 6 oe tae 45 Discussion of “Coloration as a Factor in Family and Generic’ Differentiation” . 5... 004s. .0': 5.5 ssc eee 74-76, 81, 84-86 Exhibition of lantern-slides of Algeria, illustrating the Tell Region, the Hauts Plateaux, and the Saharan Desert ...... 90-9: Announcement of Mr. D. A. Bannerman’s resignation of the Editorship of the ‘Bulletin,’ and the appointment of Mr. D. Seth-Smith as his successor. ...........escerecccee 123-124. Announcement of the Committee’s decision to increase the B. O. Club subscription to 7s. 6d. per annum .............. 124 Opening of a Discussion on “ The Effect of Environment a on the Evolution of Species” .........-..=-s 05m 128-132, 137-140 4 RoruscuixD, Lord, and Harrert, Dr. Ernst. Description of a new species of Goshawk— Accipiter ( Astu) eudiabolus—from New Guinea ...........ccee ee eeveeeees 7-8 Note on an undescribed Goshawk in the Tring Museum .. 8-9 Description of a new Kingfisher—Ceyx solitaria muleata— from New Hanover. :piss,s¢seaess arate oats eae ‘eee 23-24 XXIII RoruscHiLD, Lord, and Harrerr, Dr. Ernst (cont.). Exhibition and description of a new subspecies—Diceum geeluinkianum rossei—tfrom Rossel Island................ Exhibition of three Kingfishers from New Guinea— Halcyon nigrocyanea nigrocyanea, H. n. quadricolor, and H. n. sticto- dema—with remarks on their distribution ................ SciaTer, W. L. Remarks on the type of the Genus Sula ......... Sooce bo Exhibition of engravings, with short biographical notices, of the following celebrated naturalists: C. L. J. L. Bonaparte, John Gould, H. E. Strickland, Sir William Jardine........ Discussion of “Coloration as a Factor in Family and BR eMeMMCM IMCD UIAMON 7 ook cajesin. cis trae nee es vee veaes Discussion of “ The Effect of Environment on the Evolution 2 Seghee 5 pike Eee eee eI reer Pana SETH-SMITH, Davip. Remarks on the presence of blue bead-like warts at the base of the mandibles in certain nestling-birds ................ Appointment as Editor of the ‘Bulletin’ .............. SWYNNERTON, C. F. M. Notice and discussion of a paper on “ The Coloration of the Kegs of Birds and of the Mouths of Nestlings,” and exhibition of enlarged coloured drawings of the mouths of certain PMMMEMMBRESUMMODITAS o.5.5, <0 lee cseece he vee neesieneeiee« Editor’s statement re his summary of Mr. Swynnerton’s DUS ogo Coo Deb caine Weer) chore esier alee exceroh cotlecalate) siete O06 TiceHurRst, Dr. C. B. Exhibition ‘of, and remarks upon, a male specimen of the rare Wagtail, Motacilla flava leucocephala, from Jhelum.... Discussion of “Coloration as a Factor in Family and eHICMICMIIGTeLENTIALION . 2. ee ce ee cee ia wee bern Turner, Miss E. L. Exhibition of lantern-slides of British Birds............ Urcuer, H. M. Letter from, regretting absence from Annual Dinner of the Peo Union and Club... 0.2 .6cne yee ee Gio) ecard sects erat ever See JouRDAIN, Rey. F. C. R. Page 32 33 48 49-52 77-78 139 111 124 108-112 121 59-60 83-84 89-90 88 XXIV. Van Someren, Dr. V. G. L. Page Description of a new subspecies—Apalis nigriceps collaris— arava ganda sis) )..1ia ese ties tap the seis om an ee 107-1 Exhibition and description of three new Birds from Uganda —Cuculus mabire, Scoptelus pallidiceps, and Bleda exima Exhibition and description of six new Birds from Uganda —Turdinus ugande, T. albipectus minutus, Macrosphenus Jlavieans ugande, Chlorocichia gracilirostris chagwensis, C. indicator chlorosaturata, and Andropadus ugande ....,. 126-12 Warpiaw-Ramsay, Colonel R. G. Toasts at the Annual Dinner of the B. O. Union and Club. Wuymper, 8. L. Exhibition of, and remarks upon, a number of rare Eggs from the higher Himalayas \.% ........cee. +e Hy pees mee 55-57 Wirnersy, H. F. Presentation of statement of accounts...............0. . Vote of thanks to, on his retirement from Secretaryship of the B. O: Clabes... , ott eh eees scents ss ee oh ne Remarks upon the Eggs of Hydrochelidon nigra ........ Exhibition of three young Black-necked Grebes, and remarks upon their down-plumage .............. hae = | 1 BULLETIN OF THE Pri tisH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB. No. CC. Tux hundred and ninety-seventh Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, the 14th of October, 1914. Chairman: Hon. Watter Roruscuip, Ph.D., F.R.S. Members present :—H. C. Stuart Barer, D. A. Banner- MAN, B.A. (Editor), H. G. Barcuay, E. Brower, C. D. Borner, P. F. Bunyarp, C. Cuuss, H. J. Exwes, F.R.S., PF. W. Fronawk, P. Gossr, M.R.C.S., E. Grsson, C. H. B. Grant, E. Harrerr, Ph.D., Rev. J. R. Hatz, M.A, C. Ineram, Rev. F. C. R. Jourpain, M.A., G. C. Lampert, P. R. Lowz, M.B. (Sec. & Treas.), G. M. Maruews, E. G. B. Meape-Watpo, H. Munt, C. Oxpnam, C. E. PEARSON, R. H. Reap, C. B. Rickert, W. L. Scrater, M.A., D. Sern- Smiru, J. Stewart, C. G. Tarsor-Ponsonsy, C. B. Tice- Hurst, M.B., A. Trevor-Barryz, S, L. Wuymrrr, Hl. F. Wirnersy. Visitors:—D. S. Barcuay, H. 8S. L. Fry, M.A., D. C. Lye... The Cuarrman remarked that since the last session several changes had taken place amongst the Officers of the Club. He greatly regretted to announce that the Editor (Mr. W. [November 4th, 1914.) a VOL, XXXV, Vol. xxxyv. | : 2 R. Ogilvie-Grant) and the Hon. Secretary and Treasurer (Mr. H. F. Witherby) had both found it necessary, through stress of other business, to resign their office. The Cuarrman announced that at the Meeting of the J Committee held on the 23rd of July the following Officers: and Committee had been elected :— The Hon. Watrer Rorsscaitp, Ph.D., F.R.S.,— Chairman. . Davin A. Bannerman, Editor of the ‘ Bulletin? — Percy R. Lown, Secretary and Treasurer. E. G. B. Mzapge-Waxpo, Vice-Chairman. | W.L. Scrattr, Editor of ‘ The Ibis, | Mend of the | Commitiee. Vice-Chairman. C. B. Rickert. E. Bipwett (in place of N. F. Tice- HURST, retiring by seniority). 3 The Cuairman asked the Members of the B. O. C. to join with him in passing a very hearty vote of thanks to the retiring Editor and Secretary, both of whom had done so much to further the interests of the Club. He said that the excellence of the ‘Bulletin’? was owing to the untiring efforts of Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, and that the duties of Hon. Secretary and Treasurer had been most ably carried out by Mr. Witherby. He was sure that the Members of the Club would like to express their appreciation of the services rendered by these two gentlemen. The retiring Secretary and Treasurer read a statement of the accounts which had been duly audited by Mr. Seth-Smith. The CuarrMan gave the following Address :— ‘‘ BroruerR Members or rue B. O. C.,— ‘In my Address delivered last November, owing to there having been no Address in the previous session, I had the results of two years ornithological activity to draw upon, 3 [ Vol. XXXY. This year I am not so fortunate, and I trust therefore you will excuse the brevity and poverty of my effort. “As I began last year with Africa, I will do so again. Dr. Hartert and I paid our sixth visit to Algeria and the ‘Térritoires du Sud’ and were again able to collect much interesting material; the collection of eggs which we pro- eured was very extensive, and we obtained also a good series of skins. The most important results of our trip were the rediscovery, in its type locality, after 57 years, of the true Garrulus minor and also of Alauda cristata randoni. “The Rey. F. C. R. Jourdain also made a very successful oological expedition to Algeria. “ Herr Spatz, this time accompanied by Herr Geyer von Schweppenburg, continued his exploration of the vast regions of the Western Sahara. He reached Ideles, at the foot of the great Hoggar Mountains, and brought home four or five most interesting new birds. The insects collected on this trip go far to. show that the Hoggar Mountains are the southern boundary of the Western Palearctic Region, several of the species represented being purely tropical forms. «A very successful expedition to the Egyptian Soudan was carried out by Captain Lynes, R.N., Mr. Abel Chapman, and Mr. Willoughby P. Lowe; several new species were obtained. “In South Africa there is continued activity amongst our colleagues, and their Journal contains much of interest both in new species and biological notes. “Major Kelsall’s paper on his fine collection of birds from Sierra Leone, which appeared in ‘The Ibis,’ advances our knowledge considerably. “As regards Great Britain, Miss E. V. Baxter, Miss _ Rintoul, and Mr. Eagle Clarke have continued their valuable migration and faunistic studies on the islands and the main- land of Scotland, and the eighth Migration Report published by the B.O.C. records a mass of information concerning the movements of birds in Spring and Autumn throughout England. a2, Vol. xxxv. | 4, “The ‘ British Bird Book,’ edited by Mr. Kirkman, has been completed. “The new ‘B. O. U. List of British Birds’ is about to appear. : “The marking and ringing of birds has been actively carried on. “ Mr. Witherby’s magazine ‘ British Birds’ contains much of interest. “Mr. Gurney’s book on the Gannet is a most useful monograph on this interesting species. “On the Continent a good deal of activity has been shown. In France, ‘La Revue Francaise d’Ornithologie’ contains many articles of interest on the Ornis of the French Colonies and of other parts of the world ; I trust I may be forgiven if I say that occasionally some of the articles might be more carefully censored. “Professor Ménégaux has earned our gratitude by his reprints of Lesson’s articles in the ‘ Echo du Monde Savant.’ ‘Tn Germany much is being done in local ornithology and several very useful lists have appeared, especially the one on the ‘Birds of East Prussia.2 Dr. Hellmayr’s ‘ Avifauna of Timor’ is a very important addition to our knowledge ; as is Herr A. Laubmann’s article on Professcr Merzbacher’s collection of Thian Shan birds. _ “Herr Laubmann’s paper on Corsican birds is also a useful contribution. “Professor Reichenow’s handbook ‘ Die Végel’ is a most serviceable epitome and provides a handy book of reference. ‘‘Friiulein Snethlage’s article on the distribution of birds in the Lower Amazons is a most important work, which adds considerably to our knowledge of this region. “Both at Rossitten and on Heligoland the observations on migration, the marking and ringing of birds and other general observations have been actively carried on. “In Holland, the Netherlands Ornithological Society continues to publish much of interest in its various issues. “‘ My collector, A.S. Meek, has been steadily at work, and fine collections, containing a considerable number of novelties, 7 5 [Vol. xxxv. have been sent from the Admiralty Islands, Dampier and Vulcan Islands. “Major Harington has been hard at work on the Indian Timeliidz, and Captain Bailey has sent fine collections from the Mishmi-Abor Hills. “The exploration of the high mountains of Sumatra by ’ Messrs. Robinson and Kloss has yielded fine results. = “* Mr. Mathews has continued his work in the Australian region, and both his book and his collections have made great progress. He has also published a new List of the Birds of Australia. “Mr. Walter Goodfellow has been exploring the interior of Ecuador, etc., and is- bringing back very fine collections of living birds and skins of many rare species. “In America our friends in the United States continue with unflagging industry to explore the ornithological fauna of their own country, as well as that of South America and the rest of the world. Mr. Phillips has explored the Eastern Soudan and described a new Goat-sucker, while in the Santa Marta, Venezuela, and other South American localities vigorous work is being carried on by American collectors. “Mr. Beebe is now bringing his book on the Pheasants to a successful completion—the results of his great expedition to the Hast (India, China, Malacca, etc.). “The Russians have been very prolific in their writings, but unfortunately these writings are quite inaccessible to the rest of the ornithological world. “T think, in conclusion, I may say that undiminished activity continues in our favourite science.” The Hon. Watter Roruscuixp, Ph.D., F.R.S., described a new subspecies of Cassowary from Jobi Island, and made the following remarks on Westerman’s Cassowary :— “In 1871 the Zoological Society purchased from the Amsterdam Gardens a young Cassowary said to have been caught in 1869 at Munsinam. It was identified and figured Vol. xxxv. | 6 by Dr. Sclater as Casuarius kaupi in the ‘ Proceedings’ of the Zoological Society for 1872. In 1874 Dr. Sclater discovered that the name ‘ kaupi’ was founded on the young of Casuarius unappendiculatus; he therefore proposed the name C. wester- manni for the bird then living in London. Count Salvadori and many others, myself included, have considered C. wester- mann to be a synonym of Casuarius papuanus. There is, however, now living in the Zoological Gardens of London a Cassowary of the papuanus type, brought by Mr. Goodfellow from the Island of Jobi: this bird shows great differences both from C. p. papuanus and C, p. edwardsi. “‘The late Professor Oustalet described two Cassowaries — which had been brought home by Laglaize from Jobi as C. laglaizei and C. occipitalis, but these both have the distinct neck-wattle of the C. wnappendiculatus group. It therefore remains to prove whether the name C. westermanni refers to the Jobi Island Mooruk or not. Living Cassowaries come into the hands of European dealers in so many round- about ways, that unless they are brought over by a competent ornithologist hke Mr. Goodfellow, the alleged localities may be ignored. It therefore behoves us to con- sider the birds themselves. “At first sight the most striking difference between C. p. papuanus and Mr. Goodfellow’s bird is that, instead of the entire occiput being white as well as the sides of the head, the occiput is black and only the sides of the head ~ behind the eye are white. Again, the frontal half of the lower sides of the neck is dark purplish-violet, not pale reddish-mauve; lastly, beneath the ear there is a large purple patch as in C, claudet. “On looking at the drawing of C. westermanni one is at once struck by the black occiput, but the sides of the head are whiter than in the Jobi bird, and on close inspection the occiput proves to be covered with feathers. As no drawing is extant of the type of C. westermanni when adult, it is impossible to say if it really had a black occiput. The drawing of the young bird, however, shows no trace 7 [ Vol. xxxv. of either the purple patch below the ear, or of the violet on the lower neck. C. westermanni was said to have come from the mainland of New Guinea, and as no pictorial or even written record exists of the colours of the naked parts of the head and neck, when the bird, as stated, was com- pletely adult in 1874, I consider that the name can only be considered as a doubtful synonym of C. p. papuanus. I have therefore much pleasure in naming the Jobi Island Mooruk ““ Casuarius papuanus goodfellowi, subsp. n.”’ Messrs. Rotuscnitp and Harrtert described a new species of Goshawk from New Guinea, and made the following remarks :— “In 1875 Count Salvadori and D’Albertis described a new genus and species of Goshawk from British New Guinea which they named Megatriorchis dorie. In 1886 Sharpe placed the very remarkable Megatriorchis dorie in the genus Hrythrotriorchis, on the strength of a bird which he wrongly believed to be an adult M. dorie. The bird which led him to this erroneous conclusion was a specimen collected by Goldie in the Astrolabe Mountains. It is certainly quite distinct from M. dorieg, having a very differently shaped wing, in which the distance from the end of the secondaries to the tip of the wing is much greater than the length of the tarsus (about 95 mm.), while in M. dorie it is consider- ably less (80-45 mm); moreover, the type and other specimens in the Tring and British Museums of M. dorie are not young but adult. The specimen of the new Hawk collected by Goldie, and erroneously figured by Sharpe (Gould’s ‘Birds of New Guinea,’ i. pl. 2) as the adult M. dorig, and one which we bought from Mr. H. C. Pratt, who collected it at an elevation of 3000 feet in the Babooni district in the interior of British New Guinea, in September 1903, are undoubtedly adult birds; they cannot either be included in the genus Erythriorchis, which is characterised by having much longer wings, but are, in our opinion, true Vol. xxxv. ] 8 members of the genus Astur in a restricted sense, which we unite with Accipiter. We therefore name the new bird “ Accipiter (Astur) eudiabolus, sp. n. * Adult male. Upperside black, with a slaty tinge ; upper wing-coverts widely margined with chestnut-rufous ; some obsolete rufous margins to the scapulars and to some of the feathers of the rump; bases to the feathers brownish-grey, pure white on the nape, which is not crested ; primaries black, barred with smoky-brown, the bars becoming white at the base. Underside white, broadly streaked with black, cross-barred on the flanks; thighs and under tail-coverts barred with black and chestnut-rufous. “« Hab. Mountains of British New Guinea. “Type in the Tring Museum: ¢ ad. Babooni, British New Guinea, September 1903. H.C. Pratt coll. “ Obs. One specimen in the British Museum is like ours, except that the whole underside is somewhat suffused and spotted with rusty-chestnut. A second specimen in the British Museum is exactly similar to ours. The chief measurements are as follows :— , “Two adults (apparently males): wing 295 and 295 mm. ; tail 215 and 212. “One adult (apparently female): wing 325 mm.; tail 250.” Messrs. Roruscuitp and Harrert also communicated the following note :— We have in the Tring Museum another undescribed Goshawk, a young female shot by John Waterstradt on Halmahera in September 1902. The colour of the upper- side is brownish-black, each feather margined with rufous, these margins being wider on the head and neck, so that these parts look much more rufous. The underside is bright tawny-ochraceous, each feather with a black shaft- stripe. Wing-quills barred as in A. eudiabolus. Tail black, with whitish-buff tip and fine brownish-grey bars. Wing 299 mm., tail 225. There is no known species to which this bird could be referred, but we think it 1s better to await 9 [Voll xxxv. the discovery of the adult bird before giving a name to it. The specimen now in the Tring Museum looks much like a very deeply coloured and small example of a young European Goshawk. _ Dr. Ernst Harterr gave a short account of his journey from Touggourt to Ghardaia, his sojourn in the Mazab- country, and visit to Djelfa and the ‘“‘ Hauts Plateaux” of Central Algeria. He exhibited series of eggs of the various Alaudidz breeding in these districts, and made the following remarks :— “‘Eremophila alpestris bilopha. The Desert Horned Lark. “The chief breeding-season is undoubtedly the second half of April. The nest is usually placed under small desert-bushes, nearly always on the east or south-east side, exceptionally by the side of a stone. The clutches consist of two or three eggs. These are remarkable for their elongate shape, one end being more pointed than the other. The colour is variable, but eggs which are finely spotted all over are the rule; stone-grey ones occur, while in some a slight greenish tinge is sometimes apparent. The shell is rather harder than that of eggs of Ammomanes. The eggs are thus distinguished from those of Ammomanes deserti algeriensis by their smaller size, more elongated shape, and more frequent fine spotting. The thicker shell results in heavier weight in comparison, so that an ege of the Morned Lark of smaller dimensions will weigh as much as a larger egg of Ammomanes d. algeriensis. Single eggs and even single clutches are, however, not always separable with absolute certainty. “ Ammomanes deserti algeriensis. The Algerian Desert- Lark. “Eggs may be found from the end of March to the middle of May, but chiefly in April. The nests are similarly placed and similar to those of Hremophila, being in most cases surrounded by small stones, The eggs are, as a rule, much ad Vol. xxxv. | 10 thicker than those of the Eremophila, and the ground-colour is either pale buff with a reddish hue, slightly brownish, or white; the markings are often large, and a ring round the thick end is frequent ; finely spotted eggs are also not rare, and may have a white ground-colour. “ Ammomanes phenicurus arenicolor. The North-African Bar-tailed Desert-Lark. “The middle of April is obviously the best season in which to find clutches, though some birds nest much earlier, as we have found young birds flying about at that time. The clutches consist of two or three eggs. These are nearly always pure white and have fine spots and dots; larger markings are rare, and eggs with a buff ground-colour and — more rufescent patches are uncommon; in fact, I should have doubted the identity of the few specimens of that description which we collected, if I had not on several occa- sions seen the parent-bird building and sitting on the nest; moreover, one egg in each clutch was white. The eggs are of the same shape as those of A. d. algeriensis, but con- siderably smaller and nearly always white. Large eggs of A. p. arenicolor and small ones of A. d. algeriensis might be mistaken if the latter are of the white variety, but generally the two are easily distinguishable. *Calandrella brachydactyla rubiginosa. The Desert Short- toed Lark. “This species is generally rare in the Western Sahara during the breeding-season, but on the plateau between the © Oued Nea and Guerrara a good many pairs are to be found nesting. The eggs are easily distinguished from those of the two Algerian Ammomanes, but exceptionally elongated specimens may sometimes be mistaken for small eggs of Eremophila bilopha; as a rule, however, the latter are larger, — more elongated, and very seldom have a greenish tinge, which is not rare in the eggs of Calandrelia. The nests do not seem ever to have a ring of stones around them. The principal breeding-season.in Algeria seems to be the ~ latter part of April and the early part of May.” 11 [ Vol. xxxv. Among the other eggs exhibited, special attention may be called to the following :— Chersophilus duponti. The eggs are larger than any of even Ammomanes deserti algeriensis, and closely resemble certain eggs of Alauda arvensis. ‘The clutch taken on the 13th of May was fresh, but at the same time young birds of the year were already flying about. nanthe lugens halophila. The eges are smaller than those of G¥. leucura syenitica, but would probably not be distinguishable from exceptionally small clutches of the latter. Rhamphocorys clot-bey. _ A number of eggs were taken during the second half of April; all were nearly fresh, so that it is not possible to say whether every clutch had its full complement of eggs or not. Dr. Hartert believed that those containing three and four eges respectively, were full clutches, while those of two were not so. Great variation in the number of eggs laid by other desert birds was remarked, notably in the case of Passer simplex. Sylvia nana deserti. Nests with four and five eggs were found east of Guerrara on the 18th of April. These were placed in the high bunches of the “Drin” (Aristida pungens). Clutches of four and one of five eggs were obtained. Mr. W. R. Ocitvie-Grant sent descriptions of three new subspecies of Parrots, obtained during the expedition of Mr. Wollaston and Mr. Kloss to the Snow Mountains of Dutch New Guinea. He proposed to describe them as follows :— Oreopsittacus arfaki major, subsp. n. Adult male. Similar to the male of O. arfaki, but larger ; the scarlet crown extending further back behind the eye Vol. xxxy.] 12 nearly to the occiput; and the middle pair of tail-feathers tipped with scarlet instead of pink, as in O. arfaki. Adult female. Similar to the female of O. arfaki, but larger, and with the middle pair of tail-feathers tipped with scarlet instead of pink. The comparative measurements are as follows :— O. arfaki. O. a. major. Males: wing 73-76 mm. Males: wing 85-87 mm. Female: wing 73 mm. Females: wing 80-83 mm. Hab. Utakwa River. Types in the British Museum: ¢ 9. Camp 11, 8000 ft., 7-9.1.13. C. B. Kloss. Neopsittacus muschenbrocki alpinus, subsp. n. Adult male and female. Similar to N. muschenbrocki but much smaller, and with a conspicuously smaller bill. They are also distinguished by having the crown of the head and nape dark green like the rest of the upperparts, with scarcely a trace of lighter green or yellowish shaft-streaks ; the throat and sides of the body dark green instead of yellowish-green ; the chest and upper breast orange-red, the lower breast and belly scarlet, while in N. muschenbrocki all these parts are uniform scarlet ; the tail-feathers dark green to the tip, the outer pairs with the greater part of the inner web red, instead of being widely tipped with orange-yellow; the under surface of the tail dark olive-green instead of yellow or orange-yellow. Upper mandible blood-red, tip yellow ; lower mandible yellow; feet black. Male. Tota) length 190 mm.; wing 105; tail 89 (in moult). Female. Total length 188 mm.; wing 103; tail 84 (in moult). Hab. Utakwa River. Types in the British Museum: ¢ ?. Camp 11, 8000 ft., 293: “©. B; Kilbes: : Obs. This is an alpine representative of N. muschenbrocki. 13 [ Vol. XNXV. Mr. Ogilvie-Grant sent for comparison a specimen of N. m. pullicauda Hartert which inhabits the highlands of British New Guinea at a corresponding elevation of about 8000 feet. The typical form of N. muschenbrocki is found from the Mimika River eastwards to British New Guinea, but is confined to lower elevations not exceeding about 5500 feet. Psittacella modesta collaris, subsp. n. Adult male. Differs from the male of P. modesta (Schleg.), in having a pale yellow nuchal collar dividing the brown feathers of the head, which have dull orange middles, from the green back. In P. modesta the head and hind neck are brown washed with yellowish-olive on the occiput and nape. Upper mandible plumbeous, edge whitish, lower mandible brown, tip whitish ; feet plumbeous black. Wing 94 mm. Adult female. Very similar to the female of P. modesta, but with the head and nape coloured almost as in the male, though the yellow collar is less defined. Bill horny-brown, tip yellow ; feet black. Wing 95 mm. Hab. Utakwa River. Type ¢. Camp 6°, 5500 ft., 19.11.13. C. B. Kloss. Mr. W. R. Ocitviz-Grant also described two new sub- species of Kingfishers from the Solomon Islands, which he proposed to name é Alcyone richardsi aole, subsp. n. Adult. Differs from A. richardsi Tristram, from Rendova Island, Solomons, in its larger size; the blue on the sides of the breast is not extended to form a pectoral band, and the under tail-coverts are white tipped with blue, instead of being blue with a little white at the base. Wing (in moult) 59 mm. as compared with 52 mm. in 4. richardsi. Hab. Guadalcanar, Solomon Islands. Type in the British Museum: Adult. Aola, 6. xii. 88. C. M. Woodford coll. Alcyone richardsi bougainvillei, subsp. n. Adult male. Differs from d. richardsi Tristram, in having the pectoral band more or less interrupted in the middle Vol. xxxv.]_ 14 and all the white feathers of the upper breast edged with purplish-blue, giving the plumage of these parts a scaled appearance. As in 4. r. aole, the under tail-coverts are white tipped with blue. Wing 55, tail 23mm. Iris brown; bill black ; feet smoky-brown. Hab. Bougainville and Kulambangra, Solomon Islands. Type in the British Museum. Dr. Ernst Harrert described two Herons as follows:— ‘In the ‘Catalogue of Birds’ (vol. xxvi. 1898, p. 116), under Lepterodius gularis, Sharpe included some specimens from Madagascar; of this same form the Tring Museum possesses quite a series from Madagascar and Aldabra. These birds have a superficial resemblance to Lepterodius gularis, but are quite different. They do not even belong to the same genus and cannot, in my opinion, be satis- factorily separated from LEgretta (Herodias auct.). The name of Lepterodius (originally spelt Lepterodas) cannot be accepted at all for the African Reef-Herons, as it was proposed as a new name for the Grey Heron, Ardea cinerea being expressly mentioned as the type; Sharpe’s “ Lepte- rodius”’ is,in my opinion, best united with Demuigretta, as- has been done by Blanford, Sharpe in 1886, Hume, Oates, and others. “From the various species of Demigretia, the Madagascar Heron, which I propose to call Egretta dimorpha, sp. n., differs in the more slender and more pointed beak, the two mandibles of which meet for their whole length; by haying longer and more slender tarsi and by having two long tape- like plumes at the occiput, at least in the breeding-season ; the dorsal “train” of ornamental feathers is well developed and in adult males reaches beyond the tail. ‘The colour is slate-black, darker than in most of the other species of Demigretia, the primary coverts are, for the most part, partially or entirely white, and there is usually more or less white on the throat. Other specimens are entirely white, others again are intermediate between the two “a “a 15 [Vol. xxxv extremes, being slate-coloured with a lot of white in various parts of their plumage. Iris yellow (or white according to some labels), bill and tarsi black, toes more or less yellow. Culmen (from the feathering on the forehead) 94-103 mm., wings 281-309, tail 105-118, tarsus 100-117, middle toe with claw 67-74; the females are smaller than the males. *< Hab. Madagascar and Aldabra. «Type in the Tring Museum: 9. West Madagascar. “In the ‘Catalogue of Birds, vol. xxvi. pp. 155, 156, Sharpe correctly separated two Night-Herons, one generally darker, especially so on the sides of the face, neck, and entire under-surface ; the other paler, though much darker and greyer than N. n. nycticorax and N. nevius. Sharpe’s nomenclature, however, is wrong, and in my opinion also the distribution which he ascribed to the two forms. The darker form Sharpe called correctly N. cyanocephalus, and the paler one N. tayazu-guira ; this is not correct. Vieillot’s Ardea tayazu-guira was taken from Azara, who described the bird from Paraguay. The bird from Paraguay is in- separable from that spread over the whole of North and northern South America to the Argentine ; moreover, Azara and Vieillot specially mention the white underside, which could only apply to the northern bird. Azara’s name, therefore, could not apply to a bird with a grey underside which is not found in Paraguay. “Further, I cannot agree to the distribution accepted by Sharpe. In spite of great individual variation, and although -single specimens can hardly be distinguished from the Falkland Islands form, I consider that all the dark Night- Herons from Southern Peru and Chile to the Straits of Magellan, belong to the same race, and that only the paler form from the Falkland Islands should be separated. As it has no name [ propose to call it ** Nycticorax cyanocephalus falklandicus, subsp. n. © Hab. Falkland Islands. “Type in the Tring Museum, ex Rowland Ward. ** Obs. The wing of N. c. cganocephalus measures 330- 340 mm., that of N. ¢. falklandicus 317-326 mm.” Vol. xxxv. | 16 The Rev. F. C. R. Jourpain exhibited a series of clutches of eggs of forty species taken by himself in Algeria during the spring of 1913 and 1914. Altogether about fifty species were found breeding. Possibly the most interesting was Pterocies senegallus, of which a single egg was exhibited. Although common in some districts of North Africa, Mr. Jourdain believed that this was the first occasion on which a nest of this Sandgrouse had been found in Africa, though a few eggs had been obtained in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Sind—perhaps ten or twelve in all. Mr. Jourdain also obtained a fine series of 37 eggs (of the rare white type) of Diplootocus moussiert, and made some remarks on the breeding-habits of Cinanthe lugens halophila and i. leucurus syenitica as observed by him. Pica p. mauritanica was found breeding in tolerable numbers in Jlex scrub in the Lambése district in both seasons. All the eggs shown were obtained in Eastern Algeria between Philippeville and Bone in the north and Biskra and Bordj Saada in the south. Dr. Hartert noted that all the nests of the Magpie (Pica p. mauritanica) which he had seen were placed in bushes, so that one could reach them from the ground. Referring to Mr. Jourdain’s interesting exhibit the Chairman remarked that during his visits to the Sahara he had found Ctnanthe lugens to be remarkably tame. A clutch of eggs of this species was found in a mud-bank and while digging it out the female sat close by. The Chairman further remarked that he had found only two clutches of Diplootocus moussiert ; the first nest was discovered in a small bush and the second was placed under some boulders. Mr. Jourdain stated that out of the 27 nests of D. mous- sieri examined by him, most were built in juniper bushes from one to three feet from the ground ; some were actually — on the ground, while one was placed in a hole of some old matting which sheltered a row of beehives. ee ae Aly [Vol. xxxv, Mr. EH. C. Sruart Baxer described the following new birds from the north-east frontier of India :— Trichalopterum erathrolema woodi, subsp. n. This form of Laughing Thrush is most nearly allied to T. e. godwini from Manipur, recently described by Major Harington. It differs principally in having the upper back unmarked with black ; in having the chin and the sides of the throat blackish instead of rufous, and in having the ear-coverts grey. It differs from 7. e. erythrolema in having the ear-coverts and a broad supercilium grey and a black chin. From T. e. chrysopterum it differs in having the breast feathers centred with black instead of being edged with rufous-brown. Moreover, the upperparts are rufous- brown rather than olive-brown, as in the other subspecies. Obs. This new subspecies is described from a bird pro- cured by Mr. Wood at Loi Sing, Northern Shan States, on the 7th of January, and named at the request of Major Harington after the discoverer. The following is a key to the subspecies of 1’. erythro- lema :— Pe NOVETCY SUPCLCUIUM. ....5.ceecces sens KOO abod bbe erythrolema, B. A broad grey supercilium. PaO AU-COVOLtE THLOUS) sixes celednce Qecereeaccivee vs godwint. b, Har-coverts grey. a’. Breast feathers heavily centred with black .... woodt. b'. Breast feathers edged with darker, but no black BSUS, 2Oeo me cone SodooUD oOo BODOG DAGOOUS chrysopterum. Ixulus fiavicollis baileyi, subsp. n. Adult. General plumage paler than in J. f. flavicollis and the white shaft-lines extending over the whole of the upper- parts instead of being confined to the scapulars and upper back ; the ear-coverts pale grey instead of pale bronze- brown as in J. f. flavicollis and the brown of the crown and crest much paler and duller, with pronounced pale shafts to the feathers. Hab. Mishmi Hills. Type in the Collection of Captain F. M. Bailey. Vol. xxxv.] 18 Obs. The bird was obtained by Capt. F. M. Bailey in the Mishmi Hills at an elevation of 7000 ft., 10.x.13, and I propose to name this subspecies in his honour. Ithagenes tibetanus, sp. n. Adult male. Differs from JI. eruentus in having the lores and supercilium crimson instead of black and in having no black line under the eye; the posterior ear-coverts are grey and white rather than black and white. The crimson on the breast is far greater in extent and the flanks and lower breast are almost entirely grey, the green only showing in narrow stripes; the green on the wings also is less developed. The feathers of the throat, if carefully examined, will be found to be crimson practically throughout, whereas in I. cruentus they are black on their basal halves. From J. kusert it differs in being much paler below, the crimson being confined to the breast instead of reaching to the throat and foreneck. The lores are crimson instead of —— =" black and the supercilium is pure crimson instead of black — and crimson; finally, the broad black gorget, which in I. kuseri extends from the top of the ear-coverts and round the throat, shows only to the extent of a few dark grey markings on the latter. In size the bird agrees with both I. cruentus and I. kuseri. Hab. Sela Range, above Tavanz, 13,000 ft., Tibet. Type in the Museum of the Bombay Natural History Society. Obs. The bird was obtained by Capt. Molesworth, who reports that a large number were seen. Tragopan blythi molesworthi, subsp. n. Adult male. Differs from 7. b. blythi in having the whole upper parts much darker in general tint, the rufous spots much browner, and the buff vermiculations narrower and less distinct ; the white spots are smaller though equally numerous. Below, the red of the breast is confined to a comparatively narrow gorget, descending only a°short way below the neck on to the breast, and the whole of the rest 19 [ Vol. ee of the lower parts are much paler than in 7. 4. dlythi, the pale centres scarcely showing at all in contrast to the surrounding parts of the feather. Both legs show powerful but short blunt spurs about 4 inches in length. Total length about 21 inches; bill, from front 75 ; wing 10; tail 7°7; tarsus 3; middle toe and claws 3. Hab. Tibet. Type in the Museum of the Bombay Natural History Society. of. Dengan la, 8000 ft., Tibet, 80. iii. 14. Capt. Molesworth coll. Obs. I have named this bird in honour of the collector, Captain Molesworth. Mr. Craupe Grant exhibited and described three new subspecies from Africa which he proposed to name :— Pterocles quadricinctus lowei, subsp. n. Adult male. Differs from Pterocles q. quadricinctus in its larger size, generally darker and broader markings of the upper surface and by having, on an average, a richer tone of colouring throughout. On the crown of the head the streaks are more clearly defined, and the white markings on the forehead are perhaps slightly broader. Culmen 14 mm.; wing 201; tail 90; tarsus 28. Type in the British Museum: ¢ ad. Renk, White Nile, 12.v.01. R. M. Hawker coll. The above subspecies is named in honour of Mr. Wil- loughby P. Lowe. Streptopelia senegalensis sokotre, subsp. n. Adulét male. Differs from Streptopelia s. senegalensis in being smaller in size and somewhat paler in colour. Culmen 13 mm. ; wing 129; tail 110; tarsus 19°5. Type in the British Museum: ¢ ad. MHadibu Plain, N. Sokotra, 12.x11.98. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant and H. O. Forbes coll. Poicephalus meyeri neavei, subsp. n. Adult female. Most nearly allied to P. m. saturatus Sharpe, but generally darker throughout. It differs from that race Vol. xxxv. | 20 in having the rump blue, as in P. m. damarensis Neum. The feathers on the breast and belly are, on the average, bluer than in P. m. saturatus. Culmen from cere 19 mm.; wing 155; tail 57; tarsus 12. Type in the British Museum: 9 ad. Kaluli Valley, Belgian Congo, 27.iv.07. S.A. Neave coll. This race is named in honour of the collector. Lord Brasourne and Mr. C. Cuuss exhibited and de- scribed the following two new species from South America :— Buarremon matucanensis, sp. n. Adult female. Entire back and upper wing-coverts dark slate-grey; bastard-wing, primary-coverts, and quills blackish, the outer edges of the latter narrowly edged with slate-grey ; tail-feathers similar; forehead and lores black with minute hair-like points to the feathers ; hinder crown and occiput dark chestnut-brown; a few white or white- tipped feathers, on the sides of the hinder crown and hinder portion of the face; throat white, tinged with buff; fore part of cheeks and a V-shaped mark on the chin black ; hinder cheeks and ear-coverts dark slate-colour; breast and — sides of the body slate-grey, paler than the back ; abdomen and under tail-coverts pale rust-colour ; under wing-coverts and inner margins of the quills below whitish. Bill very dark horn-colour ; feet dark slaty-black ; iris brown. Total length 175 mm.; culmen 16; wing 81; tail 78; tarsus 31. Hab. Matucana, Peru. Type in the British Museum: Adult. Matucana, Peru, 15. vi. 14. Lord Brabourne coll. Obs. There is no near ally of this species in the collection at the British Museum, nor have we been able to trace one in any literature. Upucerthia juninensis, sp. n. Adult. Eutire back, scapulars, and inner lesser upper wing- coverts dark earth-brown with: slightly paler edges giving 21 [ Vol. xxxv. a scalloped appearance, slightly paler and more uniform on the upper tail-coverts ; outer lesser upper wing-coverts blackish, with pale brown margins; median, greater coverts, and tertials similar but fringed with rufous; bastard-wing and primary-coverts dark brown fringed with dull rufous on the outer webs ; two outer primary quills blackish, the second quill rufous at the base, remainder of quiils bright rufous with black tips, the third, fourth, and fifth having black along the outer webs, decreasing on the secondaries where there is only a dark patch at the tips; tail bright rufous with twin dark spots at the tip of the penultimate feathers, the dark pattern increasing in extent towards the middle feathers which are, for the most part, dark brown; head like the back with dark centres to the feathers; lores and superciliary streak buffy-white like the sides of the face, becoming mixed with earth-brown on the ear-coverts ; chin white; fore-neck buff, the feathers margined with pale brown; breast, abdo- men, and under tail-coverts sandy-buff ; axillaries and under wing-coverts bright rufous. JBuill-horn-colour ; feet black ; iris brown. Total length 180 mm.; culmen 28; wing 110; tail 61; tarsus 23. Hab. Junin, Peru. Type in the British Museum: Adult. Junin, Peru, 20.u.14. Lord Brabourne coll. Obs. There is no near ally in the collection at the British Museum, and the only one that we have found in literature to approach it, is U. pallida Taczanowski, but that species is described as having a uniform back, and the measurements are altogether different, 7. e. culmen 384 mm.; wing 92; tail 75 ; tarsus 27. Mr. D. A. Bannerman asked that members sending communications to the Editor should do so to his private address :—6 More’s Garden, Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, S.W. Vol. xxxy. | 22 The Editor urgently requests Members who have MSS. for publication to place it in his hands not later than the Meeting at which their communication is to be made. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednes- day, the 11th of November, 1914, at PAGANI'S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W.; the Dinner at 6.45 p.m. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to inform Dr. P. R. Lowe, at 27 Ormonde Gate, Chelsea, S.W. [ N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor, also to supply him with a written account of anything intended for publication. ] (Signed) W. Roruscuinp, D. A. BANnNERMAN, P. R. Lows, Chairman. Editor. Sec. § Treas. BULLETIN OF THE PaITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS CLUB. Wo. CCI. Tue hundred and ninety-eighth Meeting ofthe’! Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, the 11th of November, 1914. Chairman: Hon. Watter Roruscuitp, Ph.D., F.R.S. Members present :—H. G. Avexanper, E. C. Sruart Baker, D. A. Bannerman, B.A. (Editor), EH. Bivwe11, S. Boorman, C. D. Borrer, P. F. Bunyarn, Col. 8S. R. Crarnsu, E. Grisson, E. Harrert, Ph.D., C. Ineram, Rev. F. C. R. Jourpatn, M.A., P. R. Lows, M.B. (Sec. & Treas.), G. M. Maruews, M. Murray, T. H. Newman, W. R. Ocinvin-Grant, C. Orpuam, C. E. Pearson, F. R. Rarcurrr, C. B. Rickert, D. Seru-Smiru, C. G. Tarsot-Ponsonsy, H. M. Wautis, H. F. Wirnersy. Visitor :—J. L. ALEXANDER. The Hon. Wattzer Roruscuitp and Dr. Ernst Harterr described a new form of Kingfisher, and made the following _ remarks :— “Tn 1901 (Nov. Zool. vii. p. 145) we called attention to the large size of a specimen of Ceyx solitaria from New Hanover, but considered that it would be unwise to [November 24th, 1914.) VOL SOX Vis Vol. xxxv.]| 24 bestow a name on this apparently larger subspecies on the evidence of a single example. We have now found two more specimens in a bottle of spirits, which confirm our former supposition. “Ceyx solitaria was described by Temminck from a specimen obtained at Lobo in New Gninea. In more than thirty specimens from New Guinea the wing mea- sures from 51'5 to 56 mm., the latter measurement being rarely attained. On the other hand, the wings of birds from New Hanover measure 60, 60°5, and 61 mm. respec- tively, and their bills are much more robust. The back seems to have a lighter line along the middle, but this is uncertain, as our examples have been in spirits ; we have, however, a skin made from a spirit-specimen from Triton Bay, New Guinea, which does not show this lighter colour on the back. We propose to name the New Hanover King- fisher “ Ceyx solitaria mulcata, subsp. n. “Type in the Tring Museum: Ad. New Hanover, 18.11.97. C. Webster coll. ‘‘In 1901 we also called attention to a very large female from Salwatti collected by Dr. Powell, with the wing 59 mm, in length. We are convinced that a slightly larger form also inhabits the Western Papuan Islands, but it is necessary to compare a larger series before bestowing a name on this race. We possess four skins from Waigiu having wing-measurements of 58, 57°5, 55, 56°2 mm. respectively, One example from Misol has the wing 54-5 mm., while Stresemann mentions specimens from the same island with wings of 53:5 and 55 mm,”’ The Rev. F. C. R. Jourparn exhibited clutches of three and two eggs of Gorsachius goisagi (Temm.), taken near Fuji, Hondo, Japan, by Mr, A. Owston’s collectors in June. In appearance these eggs are white, almost devoid of gloss, obtuse-oval ia shape, and average 47°8 x 37'9 mm. in size, The largest eggs of a series of seven measure 49°7 x 39°2 25 [ Vol. xxxv. and 49°2x389°9 mm., and the smallest 46°3x37°3 and 47°-4x 365mm. Eggs of this species are not represented in the collection of the British Museum nor in that of Herr Nehrkorn. The allied G. melanolophus lays very similar, but rather narrower eggs, of which the British Museum possesses three sent by John Whitehead from the Philippines. Mr. D. A. Bannerman exhibited a number of rare birds from islands in the Gulf of Guinea, and made the following remarks :— “‘T have recently been engaged in working upon the valuable collection of birds formed by the late Mr. boyd Alexander during his last expedition to Africa, which unhappily ended so disastrously. “On that expedition Alexander paid special attention to three of the islands in the Gulf of Guinea—namely, Prince’s Island, St. Thomas, and Annobon, and sent large collections to the Natural History Museum from each. ‘ ‘ “en Shit = ae “eyes ; : § 49 [ Vol. xxxv. the so-called female in Osbeck’s description and to Brisson’s Sula candida, which is also undoubtedly the same species. “With regard to Linneus’ Pelecanus sula, it does not seem possible to identify it with the Brown Booby, as the face and legs are described as red. And although there is a reference to Brisson’s ‘ Sula sula,’ one must go by the diagnosis and not by the reference, and this name must be regarded as a doubtful synonym of Sula piscator. ‘ ce! convolutions or the deep plantar tendons. Even the maxillo-palatal bones, whose characters were so ably eluci- ? dated by Huxley, form only a part (although an important ; one) of the enormous mass of material from which the final 6 ry i 13 [Vol. xxxvi. judgment must be made. Fiirbringer, in his monumental work, selects some forty-eight taxonomic characters for consideration, and shows that what seem at first to be structural characters of the greatest importance, such as the structure of the bill and feet, often fail to elucidate the true affinities of birds. But what attempt has been made in the past to put the ease for Oology before the public? I believe that Prof. Newton, and perhaps I may add Dr. Hartert, began their careers with a high conception of the value of oological characters, but later in life came to modify their views. The literature of the subject is scanty, partly because the subject presupposes an acquaintance with the eggs of the whole bird-world, and not of the British Isles or even Europe only, while few men have the opportunity to study so vast a subject, and those who have the chance, neglect it. Des Murs, in the “‘ Premiére Partie” of his ‘ Traité général — d’Oologie ornithologique’ (pp. 1-37), gives an excellent sketch of the chief publications on the subject from the days of Marsigli aud Zinnani to 1860, and discusses the various theories propounded in them, which are for the greater part too erude to detain us. It is enough to mention that Zinnani suggests their merits as articles of food as a basis for classification ; Giinther arranges them according to size, and Buffon, in support of his theory that the colours of eggs vary according to the plumage of the parent, quotes the eges of the Woodpeckers as being similarly marked and spotted with red! Des Murs’s own work is, however, a serious contribution to science. Somewhat diffuse, and as regards material in many cases altogether lacking or entirely in error, yet there is much of interest and value. It is somewhat startling to find the writer seriously discussing the possibility of the eggs of the Great Northern Diver being hatched in hollows under the parents’ wings, as suggested by Pontoppidan, and his suggestion that the eggs of the Californian Vulture may really belong to some tree- nesting species of Pelican is amusing ; but, after making ail allowances for defective material, we find that his general conclusions are, at any rate, partly sound. ra aa Vol. xxxvi. | 14 for example: (1) While the usual shape of the egg is oval, there are exceptions in some groups, such as the “ovalaire’’ shape of the Tinamous, the “elliptique” shape of the Grebes, Cormorants, and Pelicans, the ‘‘ ovdiconique ”* with the Penguins and Guillemots, and the ‘ cylindrique ” with the Megapodes and Sand-Grouse; or, to take examples from the British list, the Accipitres, Meropes, and Halcyones may he cited as orders in which the shape is spherical, the Limicole as oviconical, and the Caprimulgi as cylindrical. (2) That not a single aquatic bird has a glossy-shelled ege : this character is confined in varying degrees to land- birds. (3) Eggs of any given species do not vary according to climate. (4) The type of coloration, though varying in different species indefinitely, is, nevertheless, constant in certain families—e. g., white in the Pigeons, unicoloured and without markings in the Pheasants and Tinamous. / (5) The shape and style of markings, apart from colour, are also characteristic of certain groups, such as the Buntings, the Grackles, and most of the American Orioles (Icteridz). In the classification which follows great stress is laid on the shape of the egg, while the texture of the shell and the colour and markings are also taken into consideration. The author then proceeds to take thé various suborders, tribes, and families separately, and shows how wonderfully, on the whole, the oological characters follow the natural groups, though not equally clearly inevery case. Thus, in the first suborder, the Accipitres, there are striking oological differences between the Vulturidz, the Aquilidz (under which head are included such forms as Haliaétus, Pandion, and Circaétus), and the Falconidz (including, besides the true Falcons, the Goshawks (Asturine), and Harriers (Circine), as well as the Secretary Birds (Gypogeranus)). On the other hand, all the birds of the order Ptilopteri, comprising two tribes, the Aptenodytez and the Eudyptide, although varying in shape from spheroidal — to oviconic, agree in absence of colouring-matter. It is unnecessary here to analyse his results in detail, especially — as in most cases he reserves his oological characters for 15 [ Vol. xxxvi. suborders or, more usually, for each “‘ Tribus” and “ Familie.” Evidently, therefore, he values them chiefly for generic or family distinctions rather than for the main divisions. Yet it is surprising to find how frequently common characteristics are found throughout a whole order in more recent schemes of classification. From 1860 up to the present time little has been written on the subject. Dr. Kutter’s early death prevented him from giving us more than a couple of interesting papers in the ‘Journal fiir Ornithologie’ (1877-78) and another in 1889*. Dr. Hartert also addressed the Senckenberg Society at Frankfort on the same subject in 1890, but this paper I have been unable to see. In 1905 the late Dr. E. Rey published a work on the eggs of mid-European birds +, classified according to oological characters. A very notice- able point about this work is that he does not confine himself to the egg as Des Murs did, but utilizes nesting-sites, number of eggs in the clutch, and even nesting materials as _ characteristics. Without going so far as this, except as forming a rough key for practical use, I think that he indicates a weak spot in Des Murs’s work. The number of eggs in the clutch of any species varies within certain limits, but the consistency with which every known bird in the order Procellariiformes lays only a single egg, while most of the Cclumbe, Caprimulgid, and all the Colymbide lay normally two, and the Laridz, as a rule, lay three (with the exception of the Stercorariide, which only lay two), the Limicolz rising to three and in most cases four, the Passeres generally four or five to six, and the Galliformes generally still more, indicates that here is a most valuable character which has been much neglected. As Dr. Rey confined his scheme to European birds, he avoided many of the problems which face the student of the wider subject. To these we will return later. | And now as to the eggs themselves. When we come to consider that the shell is merely a temporary protective covering of calcium carbonate, necessarily formed in a * “Ueber d. wissenschaftl. Bedeutung der Oologie.” + ‘Die Hier d, Vogel Mittel-Europas.’ Vol. xxxvi. | . 16 spheroidal or ovoid shape by the exigences of its position in the oviduct and the necessity of passing along it, there are few facts in nature more remarkable, I may say astounding, than the infinite variety in shape, size, colour, texture, and markings. Is this all meaningless? To take the question of shape first; it is clear that it must be regulated by pres- sure of the upper part of the oviduct walls acting on the resistance of the egg itself while the calcareous covering is stillsoft. M. Hardy first suggested that the normal position of the parent would affect the shape of the egg. For example, the Caprimulgus spends most of its time in a prone attitude, and so lays a cylindrical egg, because it lies m the oviduct horizontally ; while a Kingfisher or Bee-eater, adopting an upright position, lays a spherical egg, because the downward pressure and weight of the egg operate against the long axis. This theory, propounded in 1857, was rediscovered in 1891 by Dr. Nicolsky, and introduced as a novelty to the notice of the B.O.U. in the ‘Ibis’ for 1893. Pyriform eggs are supposed to be laid by birds which adopt both positions, such as Guillemots. Seebohm, in the paper referred to, suggested that long-legged birds hatched in an advanced stage of development, required elongated or pyriform eggs, while short-legged ‘ praecoces ”’ and even long-legged *‘altrices”’ laid rounder eggs. There is probably more than a fraction of truth in both theories, which connect the structure of the bird and that of the egg, but neither will explain every case. Then, when we come to consider size, we find that the egg is by no means always proportioned to that of the parent. The Cuckoo lays an .egg sometimes smaller than a Sparrow’s; the Apteryx lays a huge egg, which is a quarter of its own weight. Roughly speaking, size depends on the stage of development in the — chick when hatched, In some groups, where the eggs are laid on the ground, the chicks are necessarily much more advanced than when they have the protection of a nest, where they are out of the way of many dangers. The length of the incubation period must also be taken into considera- tion, so that here we see a direct connection between the habits of a bird and the size of its egg. 17 [Vol. xxxvi. Now we come to the question of colour. Here, at first, we are bewildered by the variation, but at last certain rules begin to dawn on us. Thus, colour tends to disappear when breeding is carried on in the dark, and colour is accompanied by light. Many eggs are more or less protectively coloured ; in others the necessary protection is obtained by means of down or nesting material. Here again, then, we find struc- ture and habits directly connected with colour in some cases. A bird whose eyes are constructed for night-work will natu- rally tend to nest in a dark hole, and its eggs will probably be white. The extraordinary range of variation in Cuckoos’ eggs is the inevitable result of their parasitic habits on different species. But I have said enough to show that it is impossible to regard the variation in these respects as acci- dental, and therefore negligible. We may not understand the working of these laws, and at times one may be in oppo- sition to another,in which case that of the greater importance to the preservation of the species will prevail ; and this will, I think, explain the apparent anomalies which undoubtedly do exist. If you took a representative collection of eggs of S. African birds, and showed them to a man who was well acquainted with British birds’ eggs alone, he would be able to select with some certainty the eggs of the Birds of Prey, Owls, Pigeons, Herons, Ducks, Waders, Goatsuckers, Grebes, Cormorants, and many of the Passeres, such as Sparrows, Shrikes, Chats, _ Swallows, etc., but with the eggs of species which have no near allies on our list, such as the Fin-foot, the Hammer-kop, and the Weavers, he would naturally be at a loss. But the fact remains that he would be able to tell almost as much about the birds from a study of the eggs as from seeing the skins! _ ‘he fact is that in many orders the eggs are so constant to type as to be recognizable at a glance. It is almost impossible to mistake a Petrel’s egg. Those of the Owls and Pigeons are almost equally characteristic. Among the the Accipitres we find two main types, but all conform more or less to one or the other. Asa rule the Limicoline egg is unmistakable. On the other hand, among the Passeres, and even ina family like the Muscicapide of Dr. Hartert (or Vol. xxxvi. | 18 Sylvidee and Turdidz combined in the B.O.U. List), we get almost every type of colour and marking. Sometimes in a single species there is the most extraordinary variation, as in the case of Cisticola, Anthus trivialis, and Sylvia melanocephala. We cannot, therefore, attach equal value to colour in all cases. In some genera and families it runs riot, in others it is rigorously confined to one type; but this furnishes no reason for ignoring it. Anyone who takes the trouble to study the structural characters by which the orders and families of birds are differentiated, will see that they cannot be used rigidly: what is crucial in one case is valueless in another. In the Accipitres the beaks are all of one type, but the bill of the Curlew is more like that of the Ibis than the Avocet. In order to appreciate the value of oological charac- ters let us see what they have taught us in the past. Look back at the older works on ornithology, even as receutly as Yarrell’s day, and see the wide gap between the Laridz and the Limicolz: the close association of the Procellariidz with the Laride, with which they were grouped under one heading, the separation of the Charadriidz from the Scolopacide by the Gruide and Ardeidz ! Since Fiirbringer’s day there has been a distinct tendency to separate the Striges and Accipitres: the former being classed with the Coraciiformes, and their apparent likeness to the Accipitres being ascribed to parallel development only. Certainly this derives some support from Oology. The wide gap between the Ardeidz and the Gruide is also amply confirmed by the study of the eggs. That we have still much to learn has been shown quite recently by Dr. P. R. Lowe in his study of the Chatham Island Snipe, formerly ascribed to the genus Gallinago and now shown to bea “ living fossil,” a survival from a far more ancient stock. The difference between the eggs is so striking that it arrests the eye at once. The eggs of G. gigantea and G. stricklandi are Scolopacine, and it will be interesting to see whether further studies ‘of their anatomy will show that they differ radically from Gallinago. In the B.O.U. List the orders Podicipediformes atid RP = Vay 19 b Viol xxocyne Colymbi are separated. Mr. Ridgway unites them in a single order with two families. I think that if there is any significance in Oology they should be separated ; not merely because their eggs differ, but because, while the Grebes lay four to six chalky-white eggs, the Divers lay only two dark brown, hard and smooth-shelled eggs with black markings. It is true that among the Steganopodes we find the Gannets laying one or two and the Cormorants and Shags three to five, but the eggs are all of the same character, and only differ in number. I admit there are cases which present difficulty : some of the Passeres lay white eggs, e. g. the Montifringilla genus and the Cinclidz ; but perhaps this may be accounted for by the gradual atrophy of the colour-producing ducts through Natural Selection, owing to their nesting in covered sites, and perhaps the same may be the case with Podoces humilis. But when we find Dromas, a Limicoline bird, laying a single large, white, dull-shelled egg, oval in shape, at the end of a burrow, I confess that all explanations seem inadequate. Professor Newton always maintained that definite proof of identification was lacking, and certainly we should like to know much more about such an extraordinarily aberrant form. We do not know enough about Dromas to define its position with exactitude, and I should like some of our anatomists at home and some of our field-workers abroad to concentrate their efforts on this species*. These are not the only problems presented by the study of Oology, but merely a selection, and it must be remembered that even in cases where the range of colour-variation is extreme, there are other characteristics which are unaltered. The shape, texture, and clutch of one egg only, are practically constant in the case of the Guillemot, although the colour and markings differ to an extraordinary degree. What we want to foster is a broader outlook among all branches of ornithologists: the recognition of the value of every branch of ornitho- logical research, and the abandonment of the attitude that _* Dr. P. R. Lowe informs me that he has been investigating the osteology and life-history of this species, and hopes shortly to publish the results in a paper in the ‘ Ibis.’—F. C. R. J. Vol. xxxvi. | 20 scientific ornithology consists solely of the structure and classification of birds and their synonymy, and that it is apart from the 'study of the life-history of the bird, and that this can be ignored in scientific study and should be relegated to ‘ popular” ornithology. And among egg- collectors we want to do away with the idea that the collection exists solely for the pleasure of the owner : that the justification of its existence les in the use made of it and of—what is equally valuable—the knowledge gained in acquiring it by one’s own exertions. The Cuarrman: I think we are all very much interested in Mr. Jourdain’s paper, but before I call upon Dr. Hartert to answer it, as I do not intend to take any large part in the discussion, I must make three points which struck me during Mr. Jourdain’s lecture. He laid some stress upon the fact that the size of the egg depended, in his opinion, considerably on the state of development of the young bird at the hatching period and also on the time of incubation. Well, I should like to draw the attention of the Club to this fact, that two most extraordinary examples of very large eggs are the Guillemots and Apteryx, eggs which were both cited by Mr. Jourdain. The Apteryx is hatched in such an advanced state of development that it can gain its own livelihood when it is hatched, while the Guillemot is in a very low state of development. On the other hand, quoting from one author, he remarked that with regard to the large pyriform eggs of the Limicoline and allied birds, the birds were so highly developed that they required a large egg to develop in before hatching. Well, the most advanced birds of the whole ornithological world are the Megapodes, which are hatched by the heat of decaying vegetable matter, and when they are hatched are able to fly, and they have not pyriform but semicylindrical eggs, somewhat similar to those of the Goat-suckers, although I quite admit that they are large for the size of the bird. Dr. E. Hartert: History repeats itself, but with changes. Twenty-five years ago I was asked to give a lecture about Oology before the Senckenbergische Gesellschaft in Frankfurt, and I called it “On Oology and its Importance for Science.” To-day Iam asked to “ oppose”’ a lecture on pas: 21 [Vol. xxxvi. the same subject in the B.O.C. I am afraid I must disappoint you very much, because I agree with my “opponent ” in almost every case. It is true that twenty- five years ago I was more enthusiastic about the services which the study of eggs would render to classification. I never went so far as to attempt an ornithological system based on oological characters, but I thought that eggs would in many difficult questions finally decide the system- atic position of birds difficult to place. I do not now hold this view, because there are so many cases where eggs, if I may say so, leap out of the line, 2. e. where certain genera or species have eggs that differ materially from those of all their allies. One of the most striking cases, already mentioned by Mr. Jourdain, is that of Podoces humilis, a member of the family Corvide, which lays a snow-white egg. Another is that of Dromas—also mentioned before by Mr. Jourdain—which certainly lays an un-Wader-like, single, large, white egg. Again, the eggs of Montifringillu are white, a character only found in this genus among the Fringillide. Opisthocomus, the “‘ Hoazin,” lays a typically Rallme egg, yet its anatomy is thus singular, that it has been placed in a special order—but close to the Rails, and in this case I believe that the Ralline egg is really an ancient character of significance. I have no doubt that eggs preserve ancestral characters very long, because they are less apt to be modified by external influences: the duration of their existence is extremely short, as compared with that of the birds ; during this period they perform no active functions and come only into passive contaet with their surroundings. But striking exceptions from the rule are not confined to coloration. ‘The shape of the eggs is generally characteristic of larger groups, such as orders or families, but there are some exceptions: we find, for instance, that the Chatham Island Snipe lays eggs that are not in the least pyriform, and the same is the case with the Woodcock, yet both genera are closely related to that of the Snipes, Gallinago, with its pyriform eggs. ‘The number of eggs in clutches is, in some Cases, very constant. Humming-birds lay always two eggs, and I do not know Vol. xxxvi. | | 22 of exceptions ; most Swifts lay two eggs, yet among our Common Swift and other species three are not very rare, while some species lay mostly three eggs, so that this rule also is not without exceptions. In some cases, as in the Rough-legged Buzzard, the number of eggs in the clutch varies according to the abundance of food in different years ; in Passer simplex the clutch varies from one to five eggs! The texture of the shell is much neglected by collectors, and so is the comparative thickness, though both characters are generally fairly constant, and in some cases important— I will mention only the comparative great thickness of the egg-shell ‘of Cuculus canorus—but, on the other hand, the same texture occurs in eggs of widely different families ! I therefore conclude that characters of the egg-shell cannot decide the systematic position of any bird against other factors, but that they can give very useful hints and can corroborate views gained from anatomy, osteology, pterylography, structure of bills, feet, etc. I might here repeat what I said twenty-five years ago: Nowadays the words oology and oologists sometimes pro- — duce unkind thoughts and words, suggesting the plunder of nests and extinction of rare birds, or, what is still worse, of work without any scientific value. This happens because . the public does not differentiate between an egg-collector and an oologist. Of course the collector likes to be called an oologist, while this name should only be applied to those who study their eggs and make their studies known to the scientific world. The fact, however, is that the number of real oologists is very small, while that of egg-collectors is very large. On the other hand, if one wishes to study Oology, one is, in most cases, obliged to make a collection, because very few museums possess a really large collection, containing many reliable eggs of foreign birds as well. But the study of eggs is indispensable, quite as indis- pensable as that of the caterpillars is for a lepidopterist, or ~ that of the seeds for a botanist. We cannot say that we ~ know birds if we are only acquainted with their structure ~ and feathers. Moreover, it often opens wide vistas and assists us sometimes in classification. 2a [ Vol. xxxvi. Much harm is done by eggs bought from unreliable dealers, or eggs collected by unreliable persons in the field. 'Wrongly identified eggs do more harm than good, but un- fortunately there are many in the hands of collectors who buy them from dealers, and many in the collections of the British Museum and of Adolph Nehrkorn—the two largest general collections of eggs. It is important with unknown eggs that the parent bird should be collected, and in order that these birds may later on be available as proofs of the identity of eggs, this should be clearly indicated on the labels. We fix, in the Museum at Tring, a blue label to the skin of a parent bird of which we have the eggs, so that it can easily be found afterwards. This is in many cases as important as the red type-labels, which, unfortunately, so far as I know, only the U.S. National and the Tring Museums have introduced, an example which, however, should be followed by every museum in the world. Mr. Pycrarr: In the first place I cannot help feeling that Mr. Jourdain’s notions of classification, and the generally accepted notions of classification, are not quite. on all fours. I gather from his remarks that classification, to him, is but a mechanical] process of “ sorting out.” But if classification is to be of any permanent value it must express the genetic relationship, not only of species, but of the larger groups, one to another, so far as this is possible. I fail, therefore, to see that eggs can be of any great value from this larger point of view. Nothing he has said to-night tends to show that they are. In certain cases it may be established that the characters of the eggs are correlated with somatological characters, but in themselves the shells of eggs can afford but a very indifferent guide to the systematist. It is not quite correct to say that Garrod founded a classification on the ambiens muscle, because he used this in conjunction with a number of other thigh- muscles, and characters furnished by the feet. If we are to make areally scientific classification we must— and this is now generally admitted—take a large number of “factors ”’ into consideration. Some, such as the condition of the young at birth, the shape of the wings and beak, the Vol. xxxvi. | 24 characters furnished by the eggs, are “ adaptive ” characters, and must be used with caution. Much more reliable are the data furnished by the muscles, skeleton, and embryo. In the case of the Grebes and Divers, to which reference has been made, it is to be noted that, according to the evidence derived from the eggs, these two belong to widely different orders. Yet the evidence furnished by their anatomy seems to show, fairly conclusively, that they are derivatives of a common stock, and not that their close likeness is due to parallel development, such as obtains between the Owls and the Accipitres. There can be no doubt but that the Owls are Coraciiform birds, while the Accipitres are of a Ciconiiform stock. With regard to the coloration of white eggs, Mr. Jourdain holds that eggs are white because of the atrophy of the pigment-glands of the oviduct. That is true, but it does not go far enough. I think the whiteness of such shells— which are usually laid in holes—is to be attributed to the action of Natural Selection which has eliminated those birds which, breeding in holes, laid coloured eggs. I fail to see otherwise why Thrushes’ eggs are coloured, for so far as I know, this coloration confers no benefit on the species. Without doubt Mr. Jourdain has raised some interesting points in his endeavour to demonstrate a direct relationship between the coloration of the egg and the life-history of the bird. Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker: I would preface what I have to say to-night by stating that I am firmly of opinion that Oology can be of the greatest use as an aid to classification, but I think that it must be worked in moderation, as should be every other method by which we differentiate between species, genera, and families. What may be a characteristic of the greatest importance in one case may be of no use whatsoever in another. Oology, I consider, is of less use in determining differences than as a guide which shall lead us to examine more carefully species, genera, or families which show striking anomalies in-the eggs they lay. Colour is, of course, only one of the many characteristics. of eggs which have to be taken into consideration ; texture, 20 [Vol. xxxvi. shape, weight, and even the colour ‘of the inner lining of eggs are all characters of importance, though varying in degree in different families or orders. ! Oology, as an aid to classification, is still in its infaney— indeed, it is still altogether ignored by some of our cleverest ornithologists ; but many years agoI was convinced of its utility, and in 1895 I wrote an article (a very crude one) on the subject in ‘The Asian,’ which was afterwards rewritten for the ‘Ibis.2 Another twenty years’ experience has con- firmed me in wy opinions whilst warning me that no deductions drawn with its aid can be universally applied. To-night we have had many of the pros and cons very ably laid before us, but I fancy that the net result of our discussion is that we stand much as we did before, with a verdict of ‘‘not proven.” The mass of evidence I have collected, both in favour of and against my own opinions on the subject, are enough to convince me that it is impossible in a discussion of this nature to touch even the outermost edge of the argument which could be brought forward by either side. I do not, therefore, propose to place before you any arguments in speech one way or the other ; but I should like you to see a few typical exhibits which may serve to demon= strate how, in many cases, the assistance to classification given by eggs is self-evident, whilst in others the very contrary is the case. There are, of course, a very large number of eggs of which one can at once say, this is laid by such or sucha genus or family. Thus, one cannot fail to identify the eggs of an Ant Thrush (Pittide), of a Trogon (Harpactes), or of an Oriole (Oriolidz), and if other types of eggs are found and the bird which lays it is declared to be one of these genera, we at once feel there is a mistake somewhere and havea hunt round for it. Again, there are certain genera and families whose eggs cannot be separated from many others, such as the blue eggs of the Hedge-Sparrows, yet if we find a pink or a brown egg we at once know that the layer thereof is not an Accentor, however much she may look like it. Vol. xxxvi. | 26 I have not troubled to bring to-night exhibits of this nature ; but those I do produce will, I think, show the difficulties under which the systematic oologist labours. I exhibit eggs of a number of species of Warblers (Sylviidz) selected from nine genera and thirteen species. Now the merest glance at this box suffices to show how impossible it would be to lay down any laws which shall say what is the definition of a Warbler’s egg. Further than this it shows not only that we cannot lay down limits for the family, but that in many cases we cannot give a general description even of the eggs of the genus or species. Amongst other eggs shown are those of Horornis, Acro- cephalus, and Chetornis, which may be said each to be typical for the genus; then there are other genera such as Prinia, which show the most striking variations in colour ; and again, Franklinia, which cannot, however, be said to be a-typical, as each species of this genus lays eggs of all the varieties shown, as well as many more. Then there are other species in this family which lay eggs of many types and colours; and I show here two boxes which contain series of eggs of two of our most common Indian birds, the Tailor-bird (Orthotomus sutorius), and the Brown Hill- Warbler (Suya crinigera). I also exhibit three other boxes to show that similar variations are to be found in other families. These shown here are the eggs of two small Babblers, Pyctorhis sinensis and Alcippe, and of the Broad. bill, Psarisomus dalhousie. The next difficulty the oological systematist has to meet is the frequent close resemblance between the eggs of widely divided species and families. Titmice are common birds with eggs of most species very much alike, I here show clutches of eggs of three common forms of Titmice, and below these I give clutches of six other genera which have, nothing whatsoever to do with the Paride. The Rose-Finches are also birds which lay boldly-coloured and well-marked eggs, and I exhibit a clutch of eggs of the Beautiful Rose-Finch (Propasser pulcherrimus), with a clutch of Babblers’ eggs on either side of it, and I am sure you would find it hard to say a0 [ Vol. xxxvi. which was which, yet there is no connection between the three genera Propasser, Minla, and Siva. The next box to which I would draw your attention is one containing unicoloured eggs, and is only shown because I once had my attention drawn to the fact that so many of the small Thrushes (Chats, Nightingales, etc.) laid eggs of this description. The box exhibited shows that these birds hold no monopoly of unicoloured eggs: the eggs in it are taken from the families of Thrushes, Chats, Babblers, Shortwings, Weaver-birds, Sunbirds, etc. Having said so much and produced so many boxes which all go to show how difficult it is to prove my own opinion, I will now ask you to inspect the other boxes of my exhibit, each of which contains a series of different genera of Thrushes, a family which I have selected as being one of the most wide-spread and best known. At the same time the eggs exhibited are mostly of the rarer genera, not only because they may be more interesting, but because so many of those present will be able to fill up the gaps from their own personal knowledge of Thrushes’ eggs. For instance, it would be easy, I am sure, for Messrs. Jourdain, Bunyard, and others to produce series of the Common Song-Thrush and Common Blackbird which would completely fill the gap between the genera Monzicola and Geocichla as shown here. The series of true Thrushes’ eggs runs from the blue eggs of Monticola to the extremely erythistic eggs of Petrophila, and it is remarkable that these two genera which lay eggs composing the extremities of the series are, by many ornithologists, combined under one and the same genus. The Rev. F. C. R. Jourparn, replying, said that it was erroneous to state, as Mr. Pycraft had done, that Garrod’s classification was not founded upon the presence or absence - of the ambiens muscle, as Garrod had divided all birds into two subclasses according to this character. The value of oological characters, .as regards the larger group of birds, was shown by the fact that the results achieved by the labours of anatomists during the last fifty years were Vol: xxxviv'| 28 clearly demonstrable hy the study of eggs : the union of the Charadriidee and Scolopacide, the separation of the Lariide and Procellariidee, and so forth. In explanation of the anomaly of Montifringilla, Crack and Podoces laying white eggs, Mr. Jourdain called attention to an exhibit kindly prepared for the purpose by Mr, P. F. Bunyard, showing that many Passeres which normally laid — coloured eggs occasionally produced white eggs or eggs with — a white ground. If advantageous to the species when ~ breeding in covered sites, these eggs would be perpetuated by Natural Selection. Replying to Mr. Stuart Baker, Mr. Jourdain said that all his arguments and examples were drawn from a single order, the most highly developed one, in which colour variation — might almost be said to be normal, and left untouched the important fact of the comparative fixity of type in the older and less highly developed orders. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednes- — day, the 8th of December, 1915,at PAGANI’S RESTAURANT, © 42-48 Great Portland Street, W.; the Dinner at 6.45 p.m. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to inform Dr. P. R. Lowe, at 27 Ormonde Gate, Chelsea, §.W. [| N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication — at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor at 34 Elsworthy Road, South Hampstead, N.W., and to place in his hands not later than at the meeting, MSS. for publica- tion in the Bulletin. ] (Signed) RorHscHILD, D. Seru-Smira, Percy R. Lows, Chairman. Editor. Sec. § Treas.” —— BULLETIN Polo ORNIVHOLOGISTS’ CLUB. No. CCXT. (* at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, December 8th, 1915. Chairman: The Lord Roruscuitp, Ph.D., F.R.S. Members present :—Capt. J. P. AtpwortH ; E. C. Sruarr Baker; HE. Birwwett; 8. Boorman; A. D. Braprorp ; Pp. F. Bunyarp; C. Couns; H. O. Forses; F. H. C. Goutp; W. R. Ocitviz-Grant ; Rev. J. R. Harz, C.F. ; H. Hartert, Ph.D.; Rev. F. C. R. Jourpain, M.A.; P. R. Lows (Hon. Sec. & Treasurer) ; G. M. Marurews; H. Munr; T. H. Newman; C. E. Pearson; F. R. Ratcrirr; W. E. Renaut; C. B. Ricxerr; A. D. Sarswortn; D. Seru- Smit (Editor); H. M. Wats; H. F. Wirnersy. Guests :—H. E. Anams; C.E. Facan; HE. H. Hickman. .The Cuairman delivered his Annual Address :— “ BrorHer Mempers oF tHe B. O. C.,— “Hourteen months ago, when I last addressed you, we were in the throes of the greatest war and, incidentally, the greatest and most tragic catastrophe the world has ever known; unfortunately, when I now come to address you [December 29th, 1915. ] a VOL. XXXVI. wt >\A Natio 2) nyse Tue two-hundred-and-eighth Meeting of the Club was léld—— Vol. xxxvi. | 30 once more, we are still far from seeing peace—in fact, I might almost say as far off as then. This terrible war has — not spared our Club, and we all have to regret the personal — less of many friends and also an irreparable loss to our favourite science. “We have to mourn the deaths of Lieutenant R. B. — Woosnam, Captain The Hon. Gerald Legge, Major C. H. ~ "J. Whitehead, Lord Brabourne, Lieutenant K. J. Meiklejohn, — Lieutenant C. M. Dyer, and Lieutenant Lewis N. G. Ramsay. Although not all members of our Club, they were — one and all most ardent and indefatigable ornithologists, and their loss is, indeed, a hard one to bear. “« Among our allies in France, we have to regret the death from wounds of Prince E. d’Arenberg. On the side of our enemies Herr Geyr von Schweppexburg has lost a leg and Count Zedlitz has also been wounded, while Hermann Lons has been killed. We have also to regret the loss, previously announced, of Mr. R. M. Barrington. In Germany, Ornithological Science has lost through death Count Berlepsch, Professor Bernard Borggreve of Wiesbaden, Herr G. J. von Wangelin, and Dr. Gottlieb von Koch; also the author and artist of the ‘Oologia Palearctica Univer- salis, Herr Georg Krause. In Hungary, the death of Herr Otto Herman removes the pioneer of bird- -protection i and of bird-migration studies in the Austrian Empire. Austria has sustained another loss in the death of Professor Augustin Bonomi of Rovereto. Sh ae a “The beginning of the present month has added to our many losses one which will more than arouse the sympathies — of ornithologists throughout the world. On Dec. 2nd, Henry — Eeles Dresser passed away in Cannes at the age of 77. Eo ornithological activity extended over half a century, and his more important writings cover 45 years, beginning with his paper in ‘The Ibis’ for 1865, ‘On the Birds of Southern — Texas,’ and ending with the completion of his ‘ Eges of the Birds of Europe’ in 1910. His fame for all time will, however, rest on his monumental work ‘The Birds of Europe,’ which he commenced in collaboration with the late — 31 [ Vol. xxxvi. Dr. Bowdler Sharpe, but completed alone. Besides numerous articles, he also wrote several monographs, the most im- portant being the ‘Monographs of the Rollers and of the Bee-eaters.’ A further very valuable publication by H. E. Dresser is his ‘ Manual of Palearctic Birds.’ “The continuance of the war has undoubtedly much interfered with the prosecution of Ornithology and ornitho- logical exploration ; but, considering the almost worldwide upheaval, I consider that our science has remained remark- ably alive and a lot of good work has been done. “Mr. Hagle Clarke and the Misses Rintoul and Baxter have continued their highly valuable studies on migration, and Mr. Witherby and Miss Jackson have done much to further our knowledge in connection with moults and plumages connected with British Birds, and _ Riippell’s Warbler and Dusky Warbler have been added to the British List. The new edition of the ‘B.O.U. List of British Birds’ has appeared, which gave rise to several articles uf comment by Messrs. Iredale, Hartert, Bannerman, Ticehurst, and the authors of the Hand-list. Mr. Howard’s very exhaustive life-history of the ‘ British Warblers’ has been brought to a successful finish. “Jn Germany and France a number of very interesting notes on the birds in and around the fighting area have been published by Count Zedlitz (Poland), Hans Boker (N. France), Dr. Gengler (who even found time to make a collection of Belgian Birds, about which we may hear later), Lieutenant Schalow, and Captain Bacmeister; while on the French side Messieurs Albert Hugues, L’Hermite, Février, and de la Fuye have published short articles, and the Comte de Tristan a very interesting and extensive one on the ‘ Birds of the Dunes of Nieuport’ during the war. “In France the following articles of special interest have appeared :—‘ A List of the Raptores of the Peninsula of Dakar, by Dr. Millet-Horsin ; ‘ Notes on the Song-birds of Vendome,’ by M. Coursimoult; ‘ A List of Birds observed in Morocco between the Years 1884 and 1914,’ by H. and A. Vaucher; and ‘Observations on the Birds of the a2 Vol. xxxvi. ] 52 Neighbourhood of Sfax’ (Tunis), by P. Bédé. A little book called ‘La Protection des Oiseaux,’ Guide pratique by Monsieur Magaud d’ Aubusson, will please those interested in ‘ Bird-Protection,’ though I fear the introduction and great spread of the Mongoose and the Mynah (Acridotheres tristis) will render null and void much of the protective work in the French Colonies, and incidentally also all over the world. “‘In Germany no important works on the birds of the country have appeared during the year, but many local lists and observations have been published. “The most important papers on African birds have been those of Mr. Claude Grant on the East African collections of Captam G. P. Cosens, made by Mr. Willoughby Lowe, aud Mr. Bannerman on the birds collected by the late Captain Boyd Alexander. I should, however, like to point out that Mr. Claude Grant assigns the Ostrich egg obtained at Loita to Struthio massaicus, while in reality the Ostrich of the Gwasso Nyiro and Loita Uplands is the blue-necked and blue-thighed Struthio molybdophanes and nor the red necked and thighed S. massaicus. “Tn Italy a most mteresting history of the Turm Museum collections has been published by our veteran friend Count Salvadori. “In Holland and Denmark the respective Ornithological Societies have been very active, and much of interest has been published. “ Our Russian confréres have been very active, and much has been written on the Ornis both of their Asiatic and European possessions. We are specially glad to have at last a German translation of Professor Suschkin’s most important work in Russian on the ‘ Birds of the Middle — Kirghize Steppes.’ Two articles—or, rather, works—on- Oceanic birds, though not published in the last 14 months, must be mentioned, viz. Dr. Sarasin’s ‘Birds of New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands’ and Mr. Bryan’s ‘Some Birds of Molokai.’ In both these highly interesting accounts the authors deplore the ravages in the Avifauna carried out by the Mynahs and Mongoose. 33 [ Vol. xxxvi. “Yn India and Siam active work is being carried out by Colonel Harington and Mr. Williamson, while large collections have been made in Siam and Sumatra by Count Gyldenstolpe, and Messrs. Robinson and Kloss, which have been and are being worked out by them. “In America the most important fact of the year was the death at a great age of the last living individual of the Passenger-Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius). “ Numerous articles have appeared on fossil and recent birds of the United States, as well as numerous notes. Among German articles of note are the ‘ Fauna Faeroéusis’ by Laubmann, ‘ Bernard Hantzsch’s Ornithological Collec- tions in Baffinsland’ by Dr. Erich Hesse, and several articles on the ‘Ornithology of the Caucasus’ by Laubmann. “ Among miscellaneous articles may be mentioned one on ‘Mortality among Waterfowl around Great Salt Lake, Utah’ by A. Wetmore, ‘ The Penguins of South Georgia ’ by R. C. Murphy, and ‘The Wren of St. Kilda, its Status, Plumages, and Habits’ by Mr. Eagle Clarke. “Many large collections have been made in Mexico, Central America, and South America, among others, by Messrs. 8. M. Klages and Walter Goodfellow. “Mr. Fleming describes a new subspecies of Turnagra capensis (=crassirostris auct.) from Stephen’s Island, New Zealand, and incidentally again raises the question of the extermination on that island of the little, Traversia lyalli. It has been said that it was exterminated by collectors ; while I wish to emphasize once more that it was exterminated by the lighthouse-keeper’s cat, and the eleven specimens known to science were rescued by the Lighthouse-keeper Lyall from between the claws of the cat. “The stupendous work by Mr. Gregory Mathews on ‘The Birds of Australia’ is progressing steadily, volume iv. parts 2 & 3, and volume v. part 1, having appeared in 1915. ‘The Austral Avian Record,’ ‘The Emu,’ and ‘The Journal of the S. African Ornithologists’ Union’ continue to flourish and bring much of interest. At the Tring Museum work is progressing, though little of importance has come Vol. xxxvi. | 34 to hand, the expected collections from the Louisiade Islands having not yet reached us. The principal collections which have arrived at the British Museum lately are the Siamese collections of Mr. Kloss and the very important one made by Mr. Butler south of Khartoum. It is of importance to mention here the exploring expedition of Stoétzner to the interior of China, the Ornithologist accompanying which is Dr. Weigold. ““In apologising for the shortness of this report of the last fourteen months’ ornithological progress, I hope, if we live to enjoy another Session, we shall meet under happier couditions and in a restored peace.” Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker exhibited two specimens of a new subspecies of Mirafra, for which he proposed the name Mirafra assamica marion, subsp. nov. He made the following observations :— - “The interesting specimens shown form a link between Mirafra assamica and Mirafra microptera, resembling the former most nearly in coloration and the latter in size. “From M. assamica it also differs in being more brown — and less grey above and paler below, whilst from M. miero- ptera it differs in being grey-brown rather than rufous- brown or sandy brown and, generally, much darker. It has the same ill-defined nuchal markings as are to be found in M. microptera, but these are whitish instead of rufescent. The wing averages about 75:0 mm. or about the same as in < M. microptera as against a full 84 mm. in M. assamica. “T name this new Lark after Mrs. Marion Williamson, who obtained the specimens. ce ‘ + he types are : . i 6. Ayuthia, Central Siam, 8.7.14. f 9 ~ ” 22 a3 2? “These two skins, which are those of a pair killed by ¢ the same shot, have been presented to the Museum by Mr. Williamson.” . 3D [ Vol. xxxvi. Dr. Ernst Harrerr exhibited and described some new subspecies of birds from the Indo-Malayan countries, which he characterized as follows :— Malacocincla sepiaria tardinata, subsp. nov. Differs from M. s. sepiaria of Java and Bali by the brighter ochraceous colour on the flanks and under tail-coverts, this colour spreading nearly over the whole abdomen, which is broadly white in the middle in M. s. sepiaria. Wing: em. Oe 1. ee Hab. Eastern Malay Peninsula. Type: ¢. Gunong Tahan, 1000: feet, collected by John Waterstradt in Nov. 1901. In the Tring Museum. Obs. This bird agrees in coloration of the underside exactly with Malacocincla (Turdinus auct.) abbotti olivacea, while it has the beak and. grey superciliary line, as well as the dark feet, of M. sep. sepiaria. It has, consequently, in collections been mistaken for either of them. In Nov. Zool. 1902, p. 563, I called attention to the differences, but at the same time enumerated the specimen from Gunong Tahan under M. a. olivacea (p. 562). Pomatorhinus schisticeps cryptanthus, subsp. nov. Colonel Harington, in his ‘‘ Notes on Indian Zimelicde,”’ Journ. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. of Nov. 1914, p. 330, has already called attention to this form, in saying that speci- mens from Nepal to Sikkim and Bhutan “ are noticeable for the dark colour of the chestnut band, whilst those to the east gradually get paler, until they merge into P. s. mearsi O.-Grant.”’ As it- is, most of these Pomatorhini are somewhat variable in coloration, but all specimens from the Cachar Hills and from Margherita in Assam agree fairly well with each other, and differ at a glance from a series of P. schisticeps schisticeps from Sikkim and Nepal by being less dark and less olivaceous on the upperside, and by the chestnut on the sides being brighter and richer, and extending farther down along the fianks. They are, indeed, very closely allied to P.s. mearsi, but the upperside and edges to the Vol. xxxvi. | 36 primaries are not so pale, but distinctly darker, and the sides are of a deeper chestnut. Wings, 94-102 mm. Hab. Hills south of Brahmaputra, Cachar to Patkoi Hills (series collected by E. C. Stuart Baker and H. N. Coltart). 4 Type: ¢ ad. Margherita, Upper Assam, 22. 11. 1902, col- lected by Dr. H. N. Coltart. In the Tring Museum. Erythrocichla bicolor whiteheadi, subsp. nov. Similar to E. bicolor bicolor from Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, but the forehead much less rufescent, almost uniform with the interscapulium. Hab. Borneo. Type: ¢ ad. No. 389 Whitehead Coll., Benkoker, 11.x. 1885. In the Tring Museum. Macronus ptilosus reclusus, subsp. nov. Differs from M. p. ptilosus of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra in having the whole breast and abdomen fulvous- brown, without a slaty-grey patch in the middle of the breast and abdomen, and the crown of the head is of a lighter rufous; the back and flanks of a slightly lighter brown. Hab. Borneo. Type: ¢ ad. Kina Balu, 1000 feet. Collected by John — Whitehead, 17.1.1888. In the Tring Museum. Obs. The name trichorrhos of Temminck cannot be accepted for this new form, because the grey middle of the abdomen is clearly mentioned in the original description, although the species was said to have come from ‘‘ Borneo ~ and Sumatra.” Salomon Miiller discovered it first on Sumatra, but says that he later on also found it on Borneo, — As the type-locality for Temminck must be designated the — lowlands of Sumatra. Mr. P. F. Bunyarp exhibited a clutch of nine eggs with down and feathers of the Ring-necked Duck (Nyroca collaris) — from Alberta, Canada, from the collection of Francis M. Blackwood, taken on May 81st, 1902; also a clutch of seven j “ 37 | Vol. xxxvi. from the collection of Walter Raine, taken by F. Baines at Crescent Lake, Assimbora ?, N.W. Canada, and made the following remarks :— “he claim of this comparatively widely distributed American species to a place on the British list rests on the evidence of a single specimen found in Leadenhall Market (see B. O. U. List, 2nd ed. p. 177), and, as far as I am aware, the eggs, down, and feathers have not yet been described by any British Ornithologist, neither are they represented in the National Collection. “ Description.—Eggs. There are apparently two types: those of the first type are pale olive-green, very much like the eggs of the Pochard (Nyroca ferina) ; those of the second type are pale olive-green tinged with brown, like eggs of the Tufted Duck (N. fuligu/a). Shape closely resembling those of the Tufted Duck. Size intermediate between those of the Tufted Duck and Scaup. Texture of shell finely grained, but rather coarser than in those two species. Inner membrane distinctly reddish brown when held to the light. ‘“* Feathers. Three distinct patterns occur, as is also the case with the nest-feathers of the Tufted. Duck and Scaup: no. | white, pale brownish at the base ; no. 2 a self-coloured feather of pale chocolate-brown with paler centres, darker towards the tip; no. 3 same colour as no. 2, the tip, how- ever, is slightly speckled, as with those of the Pochard and, according to Mr. Heatly:Noble, those of the Scaup. Though I have not found this feather in the nests I have examined, the feathers of the Ring-necked Duck would, however, appear to have one distinguishing characteristic—the extreme tips of the speckled feathers are not white, as in those of the Pochard and Scaup. It remains, however, to be proved as to whether this is constant. ““ Size. The same as those of the Pochard, smaller and narrower than Scaups, and much larger than those of the Tufted Duck. “ Down. Slightly paler than that of the Scaup; inter- mediate in colour between that of the Scaup and Pochard ; Vol. xxxvi. | 38 much paler than that of the Tufted Duck. General appear- ance pale chocolate-brown, with conspicuous white centres. Size the same as that of the Scaup and Tufted Duck. “ With more material to work upon it may be possible to detect certain characteristics by which the eggs, down, and feathers of the Ring-necked Duck may be separated from those of the other members of the genus Nyroca mentioned, From the material I have very carefully examined, I am at present unable to distinguish any marked characteristics by which they could be safely indentified. “ Weight, average of 16 eggs, 4916 g. Scaup (35 eggs), 5°795 g. Pochard (83 eggs) ), 6 30g. Tufted Duck (31 eggs), _ Mr. Bunyarp also exhibited a clutch of three eggs of the Sanderling (Calidris grenaria) from Viking Vatyn, N.E. Iceland, and made the following observations :— “These eggs were imported by Mr. R. Plumb, of Preston, and were taken by one of his collectors, Jon Sigitha, on June 10th, 1900, who called special attention to them at the time the consignment was made, and asking Mr. Plumb to what bird they belonged. ‘They were originally a clutch of four, one being broken by the collector when blowing ;_ he knew they were not Dunlin’s, because they were taken in an altogether different place to that in which Dunlins bred. They were shown by Mr. Plumb to Standen of Owen College Museum, who thought they were Sanderling’s. He also made a comparison with the four eggs in the British Museum, and was at once struck by theisimilarity of his eggs—one of them, in particular, as he says, would have made up a very nice clutch of four. They were also sent to Marsden of Bristol, who was sufficiently satisfied to offer £5 for them. They, however, remainen in Mr. Plumb’s coilection for some time, but were eventually sold to Mr. Wm. Westhead of Preston, from whose collection they came into my possession, when the collection was sold at Stevens’s Rooms on Oct. 15th, 1915—* Whitehead,’ as printed in the catalogue, being amisprint. Mr. Plumb mentions these eggs to me in ~ ay oe 39 [Wolk xaxvr a communication dated Mar. 14th, 1903, in which he says: “I had a set of three Sanderlings myself some years ago, “The only eggs with which these might possibly be confused by an unpractised eye are those of the Dunlin. Mr. Plumb has handled many clutches of this species from Iceland, but he says that he never saw any like these. I have myself very carefully compared them with my own series of 30 clutches, and I can say without the slightest hesitation that they are certainly not Dunlin’s. Iam also showing them this evening in a drawer with sixteen clutches of Dunlins’ eggs, aseries which embraces the three distinct forms and every variety to which these eggs are subject. I have also carefully compared them with the four specimens in the National Museum. They are exactly the same in every way as three of them, one or two of which are from Tceland and about which there is apparently some doubt ; and they also compare favourably with tre well-authenticated eggs figured by Dresser in his ‘Eggs of the Birds of Europe’ (plate 84). In my opinion, my eggs finally identify those in the Museum from Iceland and vice versdé, and should, I think, finally settle the question as to whether the Sanderling breeds in Iceland. There are, I find, many authorities who are of the opinion that they do so. I also believe there are clutches from Iceland in Continental collections. “ Description. Ground-colour greenish yellow. Surface- markings pale vandyke-brown. Underlying markings few, inconspicuous, pale greyish brown. Size of markings small, evenly distributed, slightly heavier at the large ends, slight scrolls of black-brown on the extreme large ends (one of the characteristics of the Sanderling). Shape sharply pyritorm. ou “Weight: (1) 0°496 g., (2) G-475 g., (3) 0482 ¢. Average, 3.eggs, 0°484 grs.” Mr. Octivre-Grant remarked that in the British Museum Collection there were four single eggs, said to be those of the Sanderling. Of these one only was authentic, that taken by Col. H. W. Feilden on Grinnell Land, lat. 82° Vol. xxxvi.] 40 33’ N., on the 24th of June, 1896, voyage of H.M.S. ‘Alert.’ In that instance the female had been shot from the nest. The other egg recorded in the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ Eggs,’ 11. p- 52 (1902), as “Iceland (W. Proctor), Seebohm Coll.,” was without any certain data, and, even if the identification was correct, the locality was probably erroneous. The two other eggs received from the Crowley Bequest, after the second volume of the ‘ Catalogue of Birds’ Eggs’ had been issued, were equally open to doubt—one being of unknown origin, while the other was said to have been taken at “ Lancaster Sound, Wollaston Land, by Singleton Stewart of Enter- prise.” Lancaster Sound is not near Wollaston Land, and ‘«‘Enterprise”’ might refer to H.M.S. ‘Enterprise’ or a town in Canada. The eggs shown by Mr. Bunyard were evidently quite unauthentic, and therefore of little value. Mr. D. Sera-Smirn said that he had received a letter from Sir William Ingram, stating that he had just received a report on the Birds of Paradise (Paradisea apoda) which he liberated on the Island of Little Tobago in the West Indies in 1909. There was no doubt that some of the birds had bred, and this year four young birds had been reared. The male birds were this year (1915) showing their side-plumes for the first time, which appeared to prove that they did not attain their adult plumage until the seventh year at least. Sir William Ingram believed that he had now on the island ten or twelve adult males, five or six adult females, and at least five young birds, four of which had been hatched this year. It was interesting to observe that the birds had bred while still in immature plumage. The Cuarrman said that it was very interesting to hear that the Paradisea apoda on Little Tobago had bred in immature plumage, and that they were only now in their — eighth year assuming their fully adult dress. It was, how- Al [ Vol. XXXVi. ever, known that many birds, which required more than one year to assume their adult plumage, bred in their immature dress. This was especially the case with the larger Raptores such as the Imperial and Spanish Imperial Eagles, Aquila mogilnik and 10 [ Vol. xxxvi. Mr. Grecory M. Maruews sent the following description of a new subspecies of Collocalia :— Collocalia francica yorki, subsp. n. Differs from C. f. terreregine (Ramsay) in lacking the whitish rump, in being darker below, and in having the bill bigger and broader. Type: Peak Point, Cape York, Queensland. Collected on 10th September, 1913, by Mr. Robin Kemp (No. 18188 in my collection). (To be added to p. 152 of my ‘List of the Birds of Australia.’) Capt. C. Ingram exhibited three eggs of the Cocoa Thrush (Turdus fumigatus Licht) from Trinidad, and communicated the following remarks :— Comparatively little is known of the breeding-habits of the majority of Trinidad birds, and well-authenticated eggs from this island are rare. This is partly explained by the dearth of competent collectors, but also by the density of the vegetation and the extreme variability and uncertainty of the breeding-season, which appears to extend over a large portion of the year. For instance, on December 27th I was shown the nesting-hole of a Dendro- colaptine species containing young about ten or twelve days old, although (as I was locally informed) the nesting-season would not be at its height until about March. It was only by chance that I discovered the nest of that comparatively rare bird the Cocoa Thrush. I was hunting deer in the early morning of December 29th and had just pulled my horse up at the corner of a forest-track when I noticed a reddish-brown bird settle in front of me. It hurriedly gathered a beak-full of clay from the wet bank and then disappeared again into the bush. This performance was repeated several times, so that I was finally able to follow the bird to a mango-tree growing at the edge of a cocoa-plantation under a very steep, forest-covered slope. On January 8th I re-visited this tree and was pleased to find that the nest now contained three handsomely-marked | Vol. xxxvi. | 78 eggs. It was built in a thick tuft of branches sprouting from a recently amputated limb and was so completely hidden from view that, had I not been guided in the first place by the owner, it would have been quite impossible to have found it. The nest was typical of the genus—a mass of moss, leaves, and rootlets welded together with soft clayey mud (which was still wet) and lined with rather coarse roots, tendrils, and dried plant-stems. Wishing to place the identity of the eggs beyond dispute I reluctantly secured the female, which is now preserved in the Natural History Museum. The eggs are not altogether unlike small, but very richly marked, examples of the Ring-Ouzel (Turdus torquatus torquatus L.). The ground-colour is of a clear bluish-green, somewhat heavily splashed and blotched with rusty-brown, especially about the larger end. In one example the blotches are more uniform in size, rather larger, and more evenly distributed over the shell. In this. specimen underlying marks of a lilac or purplish-grey hue are also clearly visible. In size the eggs measure 27°2 by 21:4 mm. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednes- day, the 10th of May, 1916, at PAGANI’S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W.; the Dinner at 6.45 p.m. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Talbot-Ponsonby, at 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. {| N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor at 34 Elsworthy — Road, South Hampstead, N.W., and to place in his hands not later than at the meeting MSS. for publica- tion in the Bulletin. ] (Signed) Roruscuitp, D.Serru-Smirnu, C. G. Tarsot-Ponsonsy, . Chairman. Editor. Sec. § Treas. wee an nstituge, JUN 17 1916 BULLETIN Netional Muse™™ OF THE mimi tish ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB: No. CCAVI. Tre two-hundred-and-thirteenth Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, May 10th, 1916. Chairman: Dr. F. G. PENRosxE. _ Members present:—H. E. Apams; E. C. Sruart Baker ; _E. Bipwett; P.F. Bunyarp; P.A. Buxton ; R. W. Cuase; Pe N: Conrarr; Rev. J. R. Harz; E. Harrert; G. C. Lampert; H. Munt; F. Nicnotson; C. OtpHam; W. P. Pycrarr; R. H. Reap; C. B. Rickerr; D. Surx-Smitu (Editor); C.G. Tausot-Ponsonsy (Sec. & Treas.) ; H. F. _ WirHERBY. . Guests :—E. Kent; J. K. Stanrorp; T. Tarr; T. M. eLiLi. The Rev. James Hate exhibited an abnormal clutch of Nightingale’s eggs, and made the following observations :— The eggs that I am exhibiting this evening are the property of Colonel R. H. Rattray, and were taken by him at Tonbridge on May 31st, 1908. On May 5th Colonel Rattray found a nest containing two eggs, bright blue in colour, at first sight Hedge Sparrow’s eges, but broader and more blunt at the end. But the nest was a typical nest of a Nightingale, both in situation and in [May 25th, 1916. ] VOL, XXXVI, Vol. xxxvi.] 80 material. Unfortunately, this nest was destroyed and no conclusive evidence obtained that these were genuine eggs of the Nightingale. Colonel Rattray set to work to find the second clutch, and on May 30th he found it close by the old nest containing three eggs (two blue eggs and one olive egg), which at once showed him that it was a Nightingale’s nest and eggs. But to make it absolutely certain, Colonel Rattray, on May 31st, went to the nest as soon as it was light and found it con- tained the three eggs, as on the day before. He watched the Nightingale go into the nest, and at 12.45 p.m. she left her nest and it contained a fourth egg and this time bright blue, establishing beyond any doubt whatsoever that the blue eggs are genuine eggs of the Nightingale. That a Nightingale should sometimes lay blue eggs is what one would expect, though, so far as I know, it is of rare occurrence. We find in the eggs of the Pheasant—where the normal eges are very much like Nightingale’s eggs in colour—blue eggs frequently occurring, especially in the eggs laid in captivity. Messrs. Bunyarp, Cuasz, and Bipwet mentioned other instances of blue eggs of the Nightingale, and a discussion on the coloration of birds’ eggs in general ensued, the consensus of opinion being that our knowledge of this subject was very limited, and that it offered a promising field — for investigation. | Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker exhibited a pair of very rare — Cuckoos (Carpococcyx renauldi), collected by Mr. E. G. Herbert in Siam. The only other specimens hitherto known of this fine bird are those in the Paris Museum, named by Oustalet from specimens obtained from Annam., My. E. C. Sruarr Baxer also made the following state-_ ment :— | _ My attention has been drawn by Mr. T. Iredale to the fact that my name of Rhipidura albicollis kempi, published we é ~ JUN 17 1916 Nay onal Musev™: [Vol. xxxvi. in the ‘Records of the Indian Museum’ (vol. viii. p. 275), is preoccupied by Messrs. Mathews and Iredale’s name R. jlabellifera kempt (‘ Ibis,” 1913, p. 441). I therefore propose to rename the dark form of the White-throated Fantail Flycatcher found in the Mishmi Hills Rhipidura albicollis stanleyi, nom. n., after Mr. Stanley Kemp, in whose honour it was originally named. Mr. Goprrey Lampzrt exhibited a small series of Sparrow- Hawks (decipiter nisus) to show the variation of plumage— especially in the males. The series included :— (1) A male and female in similar plumage. (2) A male in the first plumage with the general colouring of underparts very pronounced rufous. (3) A male with colourless underparts. (4) Specimens intergrading between Nos. 2 and 3. Mr. Tatsor-Ponsonsy exhibited a female Sparrow-Hawk in plumage closely resembling that of an adult male. Dr. Ernst Hartert described another new form of Pomatorhinus as follows :— For some time we had in the Tring Museum a specimen of Pomatorhinus from Trang, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, which is very closely allied to P. schisticeps olivaceus trom Tenasserim, but differs in having the thighs, under wing- and under tail-coverts, vent, and flanks less rusty, more pale olivaceous, the thighs almost ashy grey, and the crown of the head a shade more greyish. Having now received, in exchange from Mr. Herbert C. Robinson, a second specimen from Kao Nong, Bandon, which is entirely similar, I do not hesitate to name this form, calling it Pomatorhinus schisticeps dapiidiosus, subsp. nov. non / Bon ivpe: a. gf ad. Ko han, Trang, Malay Peninsula, 8.1.1910, in the Tring Museum. Vol. xxxvi.] 82 From the dried skins it appears as if the legs had been of a less brownish, more greyish colour, but, as the colours of the unfeathered parts are not marked, we cannot be sure about this. Possibly the bill is larger, but a series would be necessary to prove this. Mr. Grecory M. Maruews sent the following notes and additions to his ‘ List of the Birds of Australia,’ 1913 :— Page 34: Neonectris tenuirostris hulli, subsp. n. Differs from N. t. brevicaudus (Gould) in having a whitish throat. Wing 278 mm. Type ¢: Collected on the Barrier Reef, Queensland, in November 1882. Page 66: Heteroscelus incanus porteri, nom. n. for the bird figured and described in my ‘ Birds of Australia,’ vol. iii. pl. 152, p. 212. Type: Cape York, Queensland. I have now two other records to add, one from Five Islands, off the New South Wales coast, and one from Lord Howe Island. Page 68: Rhyacophilus glareola picturata, nom. n. for the bird figured and described in my ‘Birds of Australia,’ vol. i111. pl. 156, p. 231. Type : North-west Australia. Page 70: Limnocinclus acuminatus rufescens, 10m. n. for the bird figured and described in my ‘ Birds of Australia,’ vol. ui. pl. 161, p. 256. Type: North-west Australia. a 83 [ Vol. xxxvi. ~ Page 154: | Cuculus optatus belli, subsp. n. _ Differs from C. 0. optatus Gould, in being lighter in colour and larger in size. Wing 216 mm. Type: Lord Howe Island. Typical birds measure in the wing 198 to 208 mm. Page 157: Lamprococcyx lucidus australis, subsp. n. Differs from L. /. lucidus (Gmelin) in having more bronze on the upper surface and on the bars on the under-surface. Wing 107 mm. Type: Queensland, November 1893. Page 162: Atrichornis clamosus campbelli, subsp. n. Differs from A. c. clamosus (Gould) in having the black patch on the lower throat only faintly indicated. Type: South-west Australia (King George’s Sound). Page Py : Pecilodryas superciliosa yorki, subsp. n. Differs from P. s. superciliosa (Gould) in being darker and smaller. Wing 68 mm.; typical birds measure, wing 80 to 85 mm. Type: Cape York, Queensland. Page 238 : Alphacincla woodwardi didimus, subsp. n. Differs from A. w. woodwardi (Hartert) in being much more rufous on the under-surface, the throat only being grey, the eye-stripe rufous and much more pronounced, and in being much darker above. It is aiso smaller. Male wing 114 mm.; wing of type of woodwardi being 145 mm. Type: McArthur River, Northern Territory, 5th September, 1918. Vol. xxxvi. ] 84. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednes- day, the 14th of June, 1916, at PAGANI’S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W.; the Dinner at 6.45 p.m. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Talbot-Ponsonby, at 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. [ N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor at 34 Elsworthy Road, South Hampstead, N.W., and to place in his hands not later than at the meeting MSS. for publica- tion in the Bulletin. ] (Signed) F. G. Penrosz, D. Seta-Smita, C,. G. Tarsot-Ponsonsy, Chairman, Editor. Sec. § Treas. BULLETIN OF THE Pettis ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB. No. CCXVII. Tur two-hundred-and-fourteenth Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, June 14th, 1916. Chairman: The Lord Rotuscuitp, Ph.D., F.R.S. Members present :—H. EK. Apams; E. C. Stuarr Baker ; E. Browett; C. D. Borrer; A. D. Braprorp; P. F. Bunyarp ; P. A. Buxton; Ernest Gisson; E. Harrerr; C. Ineram; H. Laneton; H. Munt; F. Nicnonson; R. H. Reap; W. HE. Renavt; C. B. Ricxerr; H. F. WITHERBY. Guests :—J.C. Hartert ; E.G. Herpert; R. Puivipson. Mr. Laneton exhibited two nests and eggs for identi- fication. The first was supposed to be that of a Blackcap, the other that of a Redpoll. A discussion took place, and the consensus of opinion was that the supposed Blackcap’s eges were those of a Yellowhammer, and the eggs attributed to the Redpoll really belonged to a Linnet. Mr. Wirnersy exhibited a Great Tit?s egg which was completely covered with some black substance. The egg had been sent to him by Mr. J. H. Gurney with the {July 7th, 1916. | VOL, XXXVI. Vol. xxxvi.| 86 following remarks :—“I am sending you an egg from a Great Tit’s nest at Great Malton Rectory stained black. The Rev. N. W. Paine informs me that there were eight in the nest, all covered over like this one ; the nest was in a fork of a tree and open to the sky, which may account for some exudations having got into it.” Lord Roruscuitp read the following note on Scolopax saturata Horsf., and its subspecies rosenbergi Schleg. :— When earlier in the Session I laid some notes on this subject before the Club, I most unfortunately entirely over- looked Count Salvadori’s explicit paper on the same subject in the ‘Ibis’ for 1889, pp. 107-112. He there fully and accurately states the differences between saturata and rosen- bergi and enumerates all the known examples, viz., five specimens and the almost destroyed type of saturata, and three specimens of rosenbergi. Count Salvadori emphasizes the point that all the three rosenbergi came from Arfak. Between 1889 and 1916 a large number (some fourteen specimens) of rosenbergi have been procured in various parts of the Owen Stanley Range in S.E. New Guinea, but only a very few saturata have been obtained in Java and Sumatra. Count Salvadori, being one of the earlier school of ornitho- logists, does not recognize subspecies and, accordingly, in the article referred to, treats saturata and rosenbergi as two valid species. In view of the recent discovery of satwrata in Sumatra, it is more than likely it will be found in one form or another on most of the intervening islands between Java and New Guinea, providing the mountains on these islands reach a sufficient altitude. The fact that on Obi and Halmaheira in the Moluccas a totally different Woodcock, — N. rochusseni Schleg., has been obtained, is no obstacle to the eventual discovery on some of the other islands of a saturata form, as would appear to be Count Salvadori’s view, judging by his note on p. 108. Whether, however, we do receive our Woodcock from any of these islands or not, there can be no doubt that rosenbergi is the representative of saturata in New Guinea ; therefore I consider we are justified a 87 [ Vol. xxxvi. in treating them as two subspecies of a single species. They will, in future, have to stand as Scolopax saturata saturata Horsf. and Scolopax saturata rosenbergi Schleg. Dr. Ernst Hartert described a new Shortwing as follows :-— Brachypteryx poliogyna mindorensis, subsp. n. 6. Colour exactly as in B. p. poliogyna, but smaller ; wing 63-66 mm. (as against 69-71 in the Luzon form), tail 45-47 (against 51 in the latter). 2. Forehead, crown, nape, and cheeks more rufous, throat brighter ferruginous than in B. p. poliogyna, the blue of the back slightly paler, tail 46 (against 48-49 mm. in B. p. poliogyna). Hab. Mountains of Mindoro, Philippine Islands. Type. 2. Mt. Dulangan, 4500 feet, Mindoro, 25. 1. 1896. Collected by John Whitehead. (In the Tring Museum.) Obs. In the ‘Ibis,’ 1896, p. 467, Mr. Ogilvie-Grant has already noticed the differences of the female, but he attributes them to immaturity, a conclusion which cannot be upheld. It is, of course, quite right, as Mr. Ogilvie-Grant said, that the female has some of the wing-coverts edged with rust- colour, and this may be due to immaturity, but the rest of the plumage appears to be perfectly mature, and there is no reason to suppose that the uniform more rufous colour of the head or the lighter back is due to immaturity, as it does not appear in the form of edges or spots, nor can the smaller size, especially of the males, which was not mentioned by Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, be due to immaturity. Moreover, every island of the Philippines from which a Brachypteryx is known has a specialized form, and the same must be expected on Mindoro, which has so many species and sub- species of its own. The following Shortwings are now known on the Philippines :— Brachypteryx poliogyna poliogyna Ogilvie-Grant. Highlands of Luzon. Vol. xxxvi. | 88 Brachypteryx poliogyna mindorensis Hart. Highlands of Mindoro. B. poliogyna brunneiceps Ogilvie-Grant. Negros. B. poliogyna mindanensis Mearns. Mountains of Mindanao (Mount Apo). B. poliogyna malindangensis Mearns. Mindanao (Mount Malindang). I only know this form from the description, but, judging from the latter, it would only be the representative from the mountain of Malindang, in North-western Mindanao. Mr. R. H. Reap exhibited a series of eggs of British Thrushes, mostly Song-Thrush, Missel-Thrush, and Black- bird——-among which were many handsomely marked sets which were much admired. Interesting eggs of the Song-Thrush were a pure white egg with rust-red and dark red spots which Mr. Read had obtained this year in Sussex, a set of seven spotless blue eggs, a set of three deserted eggs with Cuckoo’s egg, and set of two with three Hedge-Sparrow’s eggs in the same nest. Among the Missel-Thrushes’ eggs were some heavily blotched and others spotted with bright red from the apple orchards of Somerset. Among the Blackbirds’ eggs were a set of five—four of which were a pure, bright, spotless blue, the fifth being faintly spotted—_taken on the ground in Hssex, and another set in which the ground-colour was entirely hidden by the red- — brown markings. These latter were taken in Scotland close to where Mr. Read found, on the same day, a set of © red eggs of the Sedge- Warbler. Although, generally speaking, the eggs of these three — Fs species were readily distinguishable in clutches, yet from ~ each species individual eggs could be selected, both spotless iy and spotted or blotched, with rust-red markings of which it® ; 89 [ Vol. xxxvi. would be very difficult, and in some cases impossible, to say to which of the three species they belonged. Mr. Grecory M. Maruews sent the following notes and additions to his ‘ List of the Birds of Australia,’ 1913 :— Page 33: The type-locality of Reinholdia reinholdi byroni Mathews, and Page 38: Cookilaria cookii byroni Mathews is given as Byron Bay, Northern New South Wales. Both these I now consider to be wrong: the first-named comes from Five Isiands, south of Woollongong, New South Wales, where I believe it breeds ; the other from Cabbage Tree Island, and, if so, is a synonym of C. c. leucoptera (Gould). Reinholdia reinholdi melanotis, subsp. n. Differs from R. r. reinholdi (Mathews) in being blackish above and in being smaller. The axillaries are blackish- brown, some with white tips. Wing 189 mm.; tail 60; tarsus 39; culmen 31. Feet with the inner toe, first joint of middle, and webs pink, outer toe and rest of middle black ; inside and the front three-quarters of the outside of the tarsus pink ; the back edge and lower quarter black ; bill blackish. Type: Kaipara Beach, near Helensville, Waitemata County, North Island, New Zealand. Collected by Robin Kemp on the 10th January, 1915. The species appears to vary from brown to blackish with a bloom. Page 152: Collocalia francica zoonava, subsp. n. Differs from C. f. terreregine (Ramsay) in being much darker on the under surface, and in having the light band on the rump brownish white. Wing, ¢, 110 mm. Type: Johnstone River, North Queensland, 2lst June, 1900. Vol. xxxvi. ] 90 Page 186: Setosura setosa macgillivrayi, subsp. n. Differs from S. s. superciliosa (Ramsay) in being lighter above, not so spotted on the chest ; abdomen lighter buff, and in having a narrower bill. Type: Leichhardt River, Queensland, 19th July, 1910. Page 208: Ashbyia lovensis whitei, subsp. n. Differs from the type of A. 1. lovensis (Ashby) in being paler above and not so yellow below. Type: Mary’s Well, 12 miles east of Todmoreden, Central Australia. Page 217: Milligania robustirostris moorilyanna, subsp. n. Differs from M. 7. robustirostris (Milligan) in being more decidedly buff on the sides of the body, and the buff rump much darker. Type: Moorilyanna Well, Everard Ranges, Central Aus- tralia. Page 218: Geobasileus chrysorrhous ferdinandi, subsp. n. Differs from G. c. addendus (Mathews) in being paler — above and below, and the yellow rump more pronounced, Type: Glen Ferdinand, Musgrave Ranges, Central Aus- — tralia. Page 232 : Diaphorillas textilis indulkanna, subsp. n. Differs from D. ¢. modesta (North) in being darker above with a shorter tail and bill. Type: Indulkanna, Central Australia, 11th July, 1914. Diaphorillas textilis myall, subsp. n. Differs from D. t. modesta (North) in having the under surface brown (not white) with the shafts white. a ran Ya 2 91 ; [ Vol. xxxvi. Type: Myall Creek, Cariewerels, Gawler Ranges, Central Australia. Page 245 : Falcunculus frontatus territori, subsp. n. Differs from F. f. lumholtzi Mathews in its smaller size. The tail is blacker with some of the outer webs fringed with yellow. Male wing 85 mm., tail 55 ; in dumholtzi the male measures : wing 95 mm., tail 80. Type: McArthur River, Northern Territory, 16th June, 1913. Page 250: Climacteris erythrops olinda, subsp. n. Differs from C.e. erythrops Gould in having a darker head and back. Type: Olinda, Victoria, 24th December, 1910. Page 256: Pardalotus rubricatus musgravi, subsp. n. Differs from P. 71. leichhardii Mathews in having white (not yellow) under tail-coverts, smaller bill, and the yellow rump not so pronounced. Type: Musgrave Ranges, Central Australia. Page 274: Dorothina virescens everardi, subsp. u. Differs from D. v. virescens (Vieillot) in being paler and smaller (Meliphaga virescens everardi). Type: Everard Ranges, Central Australia, 11th August, 1914. Page 286: Myzantha flavigula pallida, subsp. n. Differs from M. f. flavigula Gould in being much paler. Type: Tietkens Creek, Central Australia. Vol. xxxvi. | 92 Page 316: Neostrepera versicolor centralia, subsp. n. Differs from N. v. intermedea (Sharpe) in being lighter, and in having a bigger bill. Type: Everard Ranges, Central Australia. Mr. Mathews also added :-— A Swiftlet new to Australia [Collocalia fuciphaga (Thurnberg) }. Collocalia fuciphaga yorki. Collocalia francica yorki Mathews, Bull. B.O.C. vol. xxxvi. p. 77, 27th April, 1916, Cape York, North Australia. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednes- day, the 11th of October, 1916, at PAGANI’S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W.; the Dinner at 6.45 p.m. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Talbot-Ponsonby, at 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. | N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor at 34 Elsworthy Road, South Hampstead, N.W., and to place in his hands not later than at the wieating MSS. for publica- tion in the Bulletin. ] (Signed) Rotuscuitp, D.Setx-Smira, C. G. Tarsot-Ponsonsy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. & Treas. ~~ I @ ¥ : a ba Ry hh INDEX, [ Names of new species and subspecies are indicated by clarendon type under the generic entry only. | Accentor, Hedge, 72. Accipiter nisus, 81. Acridotheres tristis, 32. Acrocephalus, 26. acuminatus rufescens, Limnocinclus, 82. adalberti, Aquila, 41. fGzgialitis hiaticola tundre, subsp. n., 7. Aigithalus caudatus, 76. equatorialis, Asio galapagoensis, 46. affinis, Tchitrea paradisi, 75. Alauda arvensis arvensis, 75. albicollis kempi, Rhipidura, 80. stanleyt, Rhipidura, 81. albina, Rhipidura, 73. cockerelli, 73. albitarse goodfellow?t, Ciccaba, 46. albogularis, Smithornis capensis, 60. Alcippe, 26. alpestris, Hremophila, 76. Alphacincla woodwardi didi- Mus, subsp. n., 83. amboinense, Hdoltisoma, 58. Anthus trivialis, 18. apoda, Paradisea, 40. nove-quinee, Paradisea, 41. Aquila adalberti, 41. mogilnik, 41. arborea, Lullula, 6. arenaria, Calidris, 38, 48. arvensis, Alauda arvensis, 75. Ashbyia lovensis whitei, subsp. n., 90. Asio galapagoensis zequatori- alis, subsp. n., 46. assamica marione, Mirafra, 34. Atrichornis clamosus camp- belli, subsp. n., 83. australis, Lamprococcyx lucidus, 83. Automolus brooki, sp. n., 47. VOL. XXXVI. baliensis, Cyanoderma melanothorax, 2. Barn-Owl, Central Huropean, 43. belli, Cuculus optatus, 83. biarmicus. Panurus, 76. bicolor whiteheadi, Erythrocichla, 36. borneensis, Tchitrea paradisi, 79. brachyductyla, Calandrella, 76. Brachypteryx poliogyna brunneiceps, malindangensis, 88. mindanensis, 88. —— mindorensis, subsp. n., poltogyna, 87. brooki, Automolus, 47. brunneiceps, Brachypteryx poliogyna, 88. byront, Cookilaria cookii, 48, 89. , Reinholdia reinholdi, 89. calandra, Emheriza, 76. Calandrella brachydactyla, 76. Calidris arendria, 38, 46. campbelli, Atrichornis clamosus, 83. cannabina, Carduelis cannabina, 4. canorus, Cuculus, 22. cantillans williamsont, Mirafra, 9. capensis albogularis, Simithornis, 60. medianus, Smithornis, 59. , Lurnagra, 33. Carduzlis cannabina cannabina x Chloris chloris chloris, 4. Carpococeyx renauldi, 80. castanopterus, Pyriglena, 47. caudatus, Aigithalus, 76. centralia, Neostrepera versicolor, 92. ceramense, Edoliisoma, 58. Cettia sumatrana, sp. n., 66. ceylonensis, Tchitrea paradisi, 75. Vol. xxxvi.] Chetornis, 26. Chasiempits, 41. Chloris chloris chloris x Carduelis cannabina cannabina, 4. chrysorrhous ferdinandi, Geobasileus, yO. Ciccaba albitarse goodfellowi, subsp. n., 46. cioides, Emberiza, 76. Cisticola, 18. clamosus campbelli, Atrichornis, 83. Claudia, 7. Climacteris erythrops olinda, subsp. n., 91. cockerelli albina, Rhipidura, '73. cockerelli, Rhipidura, 73. interposita, Rhipidura, 73. — lavelle, Rhipidura, 74. septentrionalis, Rhipidura, 73. colcloughi, Sauropatis sordida, 61. collaris, Nyroca, 36. Collocalia francica yorki, subsp. We ily SER zoonava, subsp. n., 89. — fuciphaga, 92. yorki, 92. Colymbus nigricollis nigricollis, 3. cookii byroni, Cookilaria, 48, 89. Cookilaria cookii byroni, subsp. n., 48, 89. Coracina novehollandize kuehni, subsp. n., 65 crassirostris, Turnagra, 33. crinigera, Suya, 26. cristata, Galerida, 76. cristutus mitratus, Parus, 42. scoticus, Parus, 10. eryptanthus, Pomatorhinus schisticeps, Cuckoo, 80. Cuculus canorus, 22. optatus belli, subsp. n., 83. Cyanoderma melanothorax baliensis, subsp. n., 2. melanothorax, 3. dalhousie, Psarisomus, 26. Diaphorillas textilis kanna, subsp. n., 90. myall, subsp. n., 90. didimus, Alphacinela woodwardi, 83. domesticus, Passer, 76. Dorothina virescens everardi, subsp. n., 91. Dromas, 19. Duck, Ring-necked, 36. indul- Ectopistes migratorius, 33. Edoliisoma amboinense, 58. ceramense, 58. incertum, 58. 94. Edoliisoma meyeri, 58. Emberiza calandra, 76. —— cioides, 76. —— melanocephala, 76. Eremophila alpestris, 76. Erythrocichla bicolor white- headi, subsp. n., 36. erythrops olinda, Climacteris, 91. everardi, Dorothina virescens, 91. , Meliphaga virescens, 91. Falcunculus frontatus terri- tori, subsp. n., 91. fastidiosus, Pomatorhinus schisticeps, Jerdinandi, Geobasileus chrysorrhous, 90. Flammea flammea guttata, 43. flavigula pallida, Myzantha, 91. Flycatcher, 72. -—, Paradise, 74. francica yorki, Collocalia, 77, 92. zoonava, Collocalia, 89. Franklinia, 26. frontatus territori, Falceunculus, 91. fuciphaga, Collocalia, 92. yorki, Collocalia, 92. fuliginiventris, Lusciniola, 66. Sumigatus, Turdus, 77. galapagoensis equatorialis, Asio, 46. Galerida cristata, 76. Geobasileus chrysorrhous ferdinandi, subsp. n., 90. glareola picturata, Rhyacophilus, 82. good fellowi, Ciccaba albitarse, 46. goodsoni, Stachyris leucotis, 7. Grallaria nuchalis obsoleta, subsp. n., 47. Grebe, Black-necked, 3. Greenfinch x Linnet, 4. guttata, Flammea flammea, 43. Harpactes, 25. Hawk, Sparrow-, 81. ; Heteroscelus incanus porter, nom. n., 82. hiaticola tundre, Aigialitis, 7. hirundo, Sterna, 68. Horornis, 26. hulli, Neonectris tenwirostris, 82. humilis, Podoces, \9. Hypsipetes philippensis, ‘5y5) incanus porteri, Heteroscelus, 82. incertum, Edoliisoma, 58. indulkanna, Diaphorillas textilis, 90. interposita, Rhipidura cockerelli, 73. Iole philippensis saturatior, subsp. n., 58. 95 — [Vol. ot johnstoni, Rubigula, 11. _kempi, Rhipidura albicollis, 80. Knot, 72. kuehni, Coracina novehollandie, 65. Lamprococcyx lucidus aus- tralis, subsp. n., 83. Larks, 75. lavelle, Rhipidwra cockerelli, 74. leucotis goodsoni, Stachyris, 7. leucura leucura, (nanthe, 46. syenitica, (Hnanthe, 46. Limicolz, 60, 76. Limnocinelus acuminatus rufescens, nom. n., 82. Linnet X Greenfineh, 4. lovensis whitei, Ashbyia, 90. lucidus australis, Lamprococcyx, 83. Lullula arborea, 76. Lusciniola fuliginiventris, 66. lyalli, Traversia, 33. macgulivrayt, Setosura setosa, 90. Macronus ptilosus reclusus, subsp. n., 36. Malacocincla sepiaria tardi- nata, subsp. n., 35. malindangensis, Lrachypteryx spolto- gyna, 88. marione, Mirafra assamica, 34. massaicus, Struthio, 32. medianus, Smithornis capensis, 59. melanocephala, Lmberiza, 76. , Sylvia, 18. Melanocorypha sibirica, 76. yeltoniensis, 76. melanothorax baliensis, Cyanoderma, melanothorax, Cyanoderma, 3. melanotis, Reinholdia reinholdi, 89. Meliphaga virescens everardi, 91. meyert, Kdolitsoma, 58. migratorius, Hetopistes, 33. Milligania robustirostris moorilyanna, subsp. n., 90. mindanensis, Brachypteryx poliogyna, 388. mindorensis, Brachypteryx poliogyna, minuta, Sterna, 68. mira, Scolopax rusticola, 64. Mirafra assamica marione, subsp. n., 34. cantilans williamsoni, subsp. n., 9. mitratus, Parus cristatus, 42, _ mogilnik, Aquila, 41. — molybdophanes, Struthio, 32, montanus, Passer, 76. Monticola, 27. Montifringilla, 19. nivalis, 76. Moorhen, 72. moorilyanna, Milligania robustirostris, 90 musgravi, Pardalotus rubricatus, 91. myall, Diaphorillas textilis, 90. Myzantha flavigula pallida, subsp. n., 91. Neonectris tenuirostris hulli, subsp. n., 82. Neostrepera versicolor cen- tralia, subsp. n., 92. nicobarica, Tchitrea paradist, 75. Nightingale, 79. nigricollis, Colymbus nigricollis, 3. nisus, Accipiter, 81. nivalis, Montifringilla, 76. nove-guinee, Paradisea apoda, 41. novehollandie kuehni, Coracina, 65. nuchalis obsoieta, Grallaria, 47. Nyroca collaris, 36. obsoleta, Grallaria nuchalis, 47. (Enanthe leuewra leucura, 46. syenttica, 46. olinda, Climacteris erythrops, 91. Opisthocomus, 21. optatus belli, Cuculus, 83. Orthotomus sutorius, 26. Owl, Central European Barn-, 43. Oystercatcher, 60. pallida, Myzantha flavigula, 91. Panurus biarmicus, 76. Paradisea apoda, 40. nove-guinee, 41, paradist affinis, Tchitrea, 75. borneensis, Tchitrea, 75. ceylonensis, Tchitrea, 75. nicobarica, Tchitrea, 70d. Pardalotus rubricatus gravi, subsp. n., 91. Parus cristatus mitratus, 42. scoticus, 10. Passer domesticus, 76. montanus, 70. simplex, 22. Pastor roseus, 76. Peewit, 61. Petrophila, 27. philippensis, Hypsipetes, 59. —— saturatior, Lole, 58. picturata, Rhyacophilus glareola, 82. Plover, Golden, 60. mus- Vol. xxxvi. | Plover, Ringed, 7. Podoces humilis, 19. Poecilodryas superciliosa yorki, subsp. n., 83. ‘ poliogyna brunneiceps, Brachypteryx, 88. malindangensis, Brachypteryzx, 88. mindanensis, Brachypteryx, 88. mindorensis, Brachypteryx, 87. poliogyna, Brachypteryx, 87. Pomatorhinus schisticeps cryptanthus, subsp. n., 35. —— —— fastidiosus, subsp. n., 8l. porteri, Heteroscelus incanus, 82. Prinia, 26. procera, Tchitrea, '75. Propasser pulcherrimus, 26. Psarisomus dalhousie, 26. ptilosus reclusus, Macronus, 36. pulcherrimus, Propasser, 26. Pyctorhis sinensis, 26. Pyriglena castanopterus, sp. n., ai. reclusus, Macronus ptilosus, 36. Reinarda, nom. n., 7. reinholdi byront, Reinholdia, 89. melanotis, Reinholdia, 89. Reinholdia reinholdi byroni, 89. melanotis, subsp. n., 89. renauldi, Carpococcyx, 80. Rhipidura albicollis kenpi, 80. stanleyi, nom. n., 81. —— aibina, 73. — cockerelli albina, 73. = — — cockerella, Ta: ——interposita, subsp. n., 73. — lavelle, subsp. n., 74. septentrionalis, subsp. ie, hes Rhyacophilus glareola pictu- Tata, nom. n., 82. ; robustirostris moorilyanna, Milligania, 90. rosenbergt, Scolopax saturata, 66, 86. roseus, Pastor, 76. Rubigula johnstoni, 11. vubricatus musgravi, Pardalotus, 91. rufescens, Limnocinclus acuminatus, 82. vusticola mira, Scolopax, 64. Sanderling, 38, 48. Sandpiper, Common, 60. saturata rosenbergi, Scolopax, 66, 86. saturata, Scolopax, 66, 86, ‘territori, Kalcunculus frontatus, 91. saturata, Scolopax, 66, 86. saturatior, Lole philippensis, 58. Sauloprocta cockerelli, 73. Sauropatis sordida colcloughi, subsp. n., 61. schisticeps cryptanthus, Pomatorhinus, 35. — sastidiosus, Pomatorhinus, 81. Scolopax rusticola mira, subsp. n., 64. saturata, 66, 86. rosenberg?, 66, 86. saturata, 66, 86. scoticus, Parus cristatus, 10. sepiaria tardinata, Malacoecincla, 35. septentrionalis, Rhipidura cockerelli, 73. setosa macgillivrayi, Setosura, 90. Setosura setosa macgillivrayi, subsp. n., 90. sharpet, Edoliisoma meyeri, 58, Shortwings, 87. sibirica, Melanocorypha, 76. sinuplex, Passer, 22. sinensis, Pyctorhis, 26. Skylark, 72, 75. Smithornis capensis albogularis, 60. medianus, subsp. n., 59. Snipe, 72. sordida colcloughi, Sauropatis, 61. Sparrow-Hawk, 81. Stachyris leucotis goodsoni, subsp. n., 7. stanleyi, Rhipidura albicollis, 81. Starling, 72. Sterna hirundo, 68. minuta, 68. Struthio massaicus, 32. molyhdophanes, 32. Siurnus vulgaris, 76. sumatrana, Cettia, 66. superciliosa yorki, Pecilodryas, 83. sutorius, Orthotomus, 26. Suya crinigera, 26. syenitica, (Enanthe leucura, 46. Sylvia melanocephala, 18. tardinata, Malacocinela sepiaria, 35. Tchitrea paradisi affinis, 75. —— borneensis, subsp. n., t Vf —) vw. ceylonensis, 75. nicobarica, Vd. procera, 75. tenuirostris hulli, Neonectris, 82. Terns, Comiion, 68, , Lesser, 68. textilis indulkanna, Diaphorillas, 90. —- myall, Diaphorillas, 90. Thrush, Cocoa, 77. vulgaris, Sturnus, 76. ‘Thrushes, 88. ‘Titmouse, Great, 85. , Scottish Cr ested, 10. <2) “I [Vol. xxxvi_ Wheatears, Black, 46. - whiteheadi, Hr ythrovichla bicolor, 36. Traversia lyalli, 33. whitei, Ashbyia lovensis, 90. tristis, Acridotheres, 32. williamsoni. Mirafra cantillans, 9. trivialis, Anthus, 18. Woodcock. 60 64 tundre, Higialitis hiaticola, 7. MOOUGTIG OCS a8 Ridius fonigatus, 77 dwardi didimus, Alphacinela, 83. a yeltoniensis, Melanocorypha, 76. ae hae yorki, Collocalia francica, 77, 92. fuciphaga, 92. Rie. Goes cane ee alan & versicolor centralia, Neostrepera, 92. : Pacitods yas superciliosa, 83. virescens everardi, Dorothina, 91. , Meliphaga, 91. zoonava, Collocalia francica, 89. 3 - Printed by Taynor and Francis, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. BULLETIN pth ay 1S , ~~ wWagiiall 117s) PN > & | | Wa PAP “Hh e AN $ % NOV 21 1917 ee af; RS “onal Mus?” 2 RITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB OF THE EDITED BY DAVID SETH-SMITH, F.Z.S. a VOLUME XXXVII. SESSION 1916-1917. See ae LONDON: WITHERBY & CO., 326 HIGH HOLBORN. JULY 1917. ALERE @ FLAMMAM. PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET, PREFACE, Tur number of attendances at the meetings of the British Ornithologists’ Club during the past Session, 1916-1917, - was 252, of which 214 were Members and 88 Visitors, an average of 28 per meeting. This shows a considerable falling off from the attendances of previous years, but taking into consideration the number of Members who are either serving in the Army or otherwise engaged in war work of one kind or another, and the fact that very little ornithological work is being done at the present time, it is a matter of considerable satisfaction that it has been possible to hold the meetings at all. The value and interest of the meetings has been main- tained, largely owing to the exhibition of several new forms of birds by our Chairman Lord Rothschild and Dr. Hartert, and to the excellent series of rare eggs shown by Messrs. Stuart Baker, Jourdain, and Bunyard. The March meeting was, as usual, devoted to an exhi- bition of lantern-slides of birds and their nests and eggs. There was a good attendance, and the photographs shown ' were well up to the average in quality and interest. Se ae Se eee Se ee ee. The paper read by Lord Rothschild at the May meeting on the status of Lophophorus impejanus Lath. and L. re- : fulgens Temm. is of particular interest and importance. a2 IV We have to deplore the death of the following Members since the end of last Session :— Dr. J. A. Harvie-Brown, well known to the older naturalists amongst us, died on July 26th, 1916, at the age of 72. Captain Lord Lucas, an excellent naturalist and sports- man, lost his life while flying over the enemy’s lines on November 4th, 1916. T. H. Nelson, a well-known Yorkshire ornithologist and author of ‘ The Birds of Yorkshire,’ died on November 5th, 1916. Captain F. C. Selous, D.S.O., one of the very best sportsmen and naturalists that ever lived, and a regular attendant at our meetings when at home, was killed in action in German East Africa on January 4th, 1917. (Signed) | D. SETH-SMITH, Editor. London, July 1917. oe Pee ae ee RULES OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB, (As amended, July 12th, 1916.) $< I. This Club was founded for the purpose of facilitating the social intercourse of Members of the British Ornithologists’ Union. Any Ordinary Member of that Union can become a Member of this Club on payment (to the Treasurer) of an entrance fee of One Pound and a subscription of Seven Shillings and Sixpence tor the current Session. Resignation of the Union involves resignation of the Club. II. Members who have not paid their subscriptions before the last Meeting of the Session, shal! cease, ipso facto, to be Members of the Club, but may be reinstated on payment of arrears and a new entrance fee. III. Ordinary Members of the British Ornithologists’ Union may be introduced as Visitors at the Meetings of the Club, but every Member of the Club who introduces a Member of the B. O. U. as a Visitor (to the dmner or to the Meeting afterwards) shall pay One Shilling to the Treasurer on each occasion. IV. No gentleman shall be allowed to attend the Meetings of the Club as a guest on more than three occasions during any single Session. V. The Club shall meet, as a rule, on the Second Wednesday in every Month, from October to June inclusive, at such hour and place as may be arranged by the Committee. At these Meetings papers upon ornithological subjects shall be read, specimens exhibited, and discussion invited. VI. An Abstract of the Proceedings of the B.O.C. shall be printed as scon as possible after each Meeting, under the title of the ‘Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club,’ and distributed gratis to every Member who has paid his subscription. Copies of this Bulletin shall be published and sold at One Shilling each. Descriptions of new species may be added to the last page of the ‘ Bulletin,’ although such were not communi- eated at the Meeting of the Club. This shall be done at vali the discretion of the Editor and so long as the publication of the ‘ Bulletin’ is not unduly delayed thereby. Any person speaking at a Meeting of the Club shall be allowed subsequently to amplify his remarks in the ‘ Bulletin’; but no fresh matter shall be incorporated with such remarks. VII. The affairs of this Club shall be managed by a Committee, to consist of the Chairman, who shall be elected for five years, at the end of which period he shall not be eligible for re-election for the next term, the Editor of the ‘ Bulletin, the Secretary and Treasurer, and the Editor of ‘The Ibis, ew officio, with three other Members, one of whom shall be changed every year. Officers and Members of the Committee shall be elected by the Members of the Club at a General Meeting, and the names of such Officers and Members of Committee, nominated for the ensuing year, shall be circulated with the preliminary notice con- vening the General Meeting at least two weeks before the Meeting. Should any Member wish to substitute another candidate, the nomination of such, signed by at least two Members, must reach the Secretary at least one clear week before the Annual General Meeting. Amendments to the Standing Rules of the Club, as well as very important or urgent matters, shall be submitted to Members, to be voted upon at a General Meeting. VIII. A General Meeting of the B. O.C. shall be held on the day of the October Meeting of each Session, and the Treasurer shall present thereat the Balance-sheet and Report ; and the election of Officers and Committee, in so far as their election is required, shall be held at such Meeting. IX. Any Member desiring to make a complaint of the manner in which the affairs of the Club are conducted must communicate in writing with the Chairman, who will call a Committee Meeting to deal with the matter. COMMITTEE 1o16-10917. The Lord Roruscuitp, Ph.D., F.R.S., Chairman. Davin Seru-Smitu, Editor of the ‘ Bulletin’ C. G. Tatsor-Ponsonsy, Secretary and Treasurer. EK. G. B. Meaps-Watpo (Vice-Chairman). W. L. Scuater, M.A., Editor of ‘The [bis ’ (Vice haa C. B. Rickert. E. C. Stuart Baker. LIST OF MEMBERS. JUNE 1917. — > == Apams, Ernest E.; Lloyd’s, Royal Exchange, E.C. 3. AtpwortTH, Capt. T. P. Arzexanper, H. G.; King’s College, Cambridge. Artin, Ottver Vernon; Bloxham, Banbury, Oxon. ArunveEL, Major W. B.; High Ackworth, Pontefract. Baur, P. H.; 12 Vicarage Gardens, Kensington, W. 8. Baxer, E. C. Stuart; 6 Harold Road, Upper Norwood, 8.E. 19. Baxer, Dr. J. C.; Ceely House, Aylesbury. Bannerman, Davin A., B.A.; 6 Palace Gardens Terrace, W. 8. Barctay, Hue Gurney; Colney Hall, Norwich. Baynes, Guoren K.; 1 Fleet Street, E.C. 4. Bickrrron, W.; The Firs, Farraline Road, Watford. Brpwett, Epwarp; 1 Trig Lane, Upper Thames Street, E.C. 4. Braauw, F. E., C.M.Z.S. ; Gooilust, s;Graveland, Noord-Holland. Bonnore, Joun Lewis, M.A.; Zoological Gardens, Giza, Egypt. Boorman, 8.; Heath Farm, Send, Woking, Surrey. Boorn, H. B.; “ Ryhill,” Ben Rhydding. Borrer, C. D.; 20 Pelham Crescent, South Kensington, 8.W. 7. BrapForp, A. D.; Upton Lodge, Watford. BrapForD, Sir J. Rosz, F.R.S.; 8 Manchester Square, W.1. Briees, T. H.; Rock House, Lynmouth, R.S.O., Devon. Bristowz, B, A.; Ashford Farm, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey. Bucxuey, C. M.; 4 Hans Crescent, 8.W. 1. Bunyarp, P. F.; 57 Kidderminster Road, Croydon. Buxton, AntHony ; Knighton, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. Buxron, P. A.; Fairhill, Tonbridge. Carrott, Crement JosupH; Rocklow, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Treland, Crapiin, Nugent; The Lodge, Bourne End, Bucks. VIII Cuapman, ABEL, J.P.; Houxty, Wark-on-Tyne. Cuasr, R. W.; Herne’s Nest, Bewdley, Worcestershire. Cuvss, Cuartes; British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, 8.W. 7. Crarke, Major Goranp van Hott, D.S.0.; Brook House, Hayward’s Heath, Sussex. Cuarke, Joun P. Srepnunson; Borde Hill, Cuckfield, Sussex. Crarxe, Col. SrepHmnson Rozsertr, C.B.; Borde Hill, Cuckfield, Sussex. Crarke, Witttam Eaate, LL.D., F.R.S.E.; Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, Cores, Ricuarp Epwarp; Rosebank, New Milton 8. O., Hants. Cotnerr, A. K.; 5 Stone Buildings, Lincoln’s Inn, W.C. 2. Cottier, Cuartes; Bridge House, Culmstock, Devon. Covrt-Treart, C.; 29 Fulham Park Gardens, 8.W. 6. Curtis, Freprerice, F.R.C.S.; Alton House, Redhill, Surrey. Davinson, J.; 32 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh. Davis, K. J. Acton, F.R.C.S.; 24 Upper Berkeley Street, W. 1. Dawson, G. H.; 21 Great St. Helens, E.C. 3. Ds Winton, W. E.; Southover Hall, Burwash, Sussex. Dossiz, James B.; 12 South Inverleith Avenue, Edinburgh. Dosiz, Wittiam Henry, M.R.C.S.; 2 Hunter Street, Chester. Farin, Epwarp V.; 47 Lancaster Gate, W. 2. Exxior, Epmunp A. 8., M.R.C.S.; Slade, Mounts, 8. Devon. Extison, Rey. Attan; Althorpe Rectory, Doncaster. E.wes, Henry Jonny, F.R.S.; Colesborne Park, Cheltenham. Evans, AntHuR Humstz, M.A.; 9 Harvey Road, Cambridge. Ezra, A.; 110 Mount Street, W. 1. Fansnawe, Captain R. D.; Broxmore, Cavendish Road, Bourne- mouth. Frntrson, Horace W.; Lancing College, Shoreham-on-Sea, Sussex. Frrzuersert-Brocknotrs, W. J.; Claughton-on-Brock, Garstang, Lancashire. Frowrr, Major 8. 8.; Kedah House, Zoological Gardens, Giza, Egypt. Forses, Henry Oce, LL.D.; Redcliffe, Beaconsfield, Bucks. Fosrer, Nevin H.; Hillsborough, Co. Down, Ireland. Fronawk, F. W.; Stanley House, Park Road, Wallington, Surrey. Garnsporoucn, The Earl of; Exton Park, Oakham. Garnett, Cuartes; 97 Whitehall Court, 8.W. 1. GERRARD, Jonny; Silverdale, Worsley, Manchester. Ix Gipson, Ernust; 25 Cadogan Place, S.W. 1. Gopman, Captain H.8.; Hampsteel, Cowfold, Horsham, Sussex. Gopman, Frepprick DuCane, D.C.L., F.R.S.; 45 Pont Street, S.W. 1. Goopatt, J. M.; The Nest, Bembridge, Isle of Wight. GoopFELLow, Water; The Poplars, Kettering. Goss, Capt. Paitir, M.R.C.S.; Curtlemead, Beaulieu, Hants. Gout, F. H. CarruruEers; Matham Manor House, Kast Molesey. Grant, O. H. B.; Hedingham Cottage, Hampton Road, Twicken- ham, W. Gry or Fatropen, The Rt. Hon. Epwarp, Viscount, K.G., P.C.; Falloden, Christon Bank, Northumberland. . Grirriva, ArruuR F.; 59 Montpelier Road, Brighton. Gurney, G. H.; Keswick Hall, Norwich. Guryey, Joan Henry; Keswick Hall, Norwich. Haitcu, Guorez Henry Caron; Grainsby Hall, Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire. Hatin, Rev. James R., M.A.; Boxley Vicarage, Maidstone, Kent. Harrerr, Ernst, Ph.D.; The Museum, Tring, Herts. * Hawker, R. M.; Bath Club, Dover Street, W.1. Heaptsy, F. W.; Haileybury College, Hertford. Hetimayr, C. E.; Zoologische Sammlung des Staats, Alte Akademie, Miinchen, Germany. Herr, G. Seccomsz; 8 Wimpole Street, W. 1. Hony, G. Barnurst ; 4 Beaufort Road, Clifton, Bristol. Horsrietp, Herserr Kyicut; Crescent Hill, Filey, Yorkshire. Howarp, H. Extor; Clarelands, near Stourport. Howarp, Roprrt James; Shearbank, Blackburn, Lancashire. Ineram, Capt. Cortivewoop; Forrest House, Westgate-on-Sea. Irepate, Tom; 39 Northcote Avenue, Ealing, W. 5. Jackson, Sir Frepertck J., C.B., K.C.M.G.; The Red House, Aldeburgh, Suffolk. Jones, Major H.; 41 Vineyard Hill Road, Wimbledon Park, SAW 19) Jonss, Fleet-Surgeon Knnnera H., R.N.; Manor House, St. Stephens, Canterbury. - Jourpatn, Rev. F. C. R., M.A.; Appleton Rectory, near Abingdon, Berks. Joy, Norman H.; Thurlestone, Bradfield, near Reading. Ketso, J. E. H., M.D.; Edgewood, Arrow Lakes, British Columbia. Kinnear, Norman B.; Bombay Natural History Society. x Kuoss, C. Boppy; Kuala Lumpur, Federated Malay States. La Tovcue, J. D.; Chinese Customs, Chinwangtao, N. China. Larptaw, Tuomas Gepprs; Bank of Scotland Branch, Duns, N.B. Lampert, Goprrey C.; Woodcote, Esher, Surrey. Laneton, Hersert; St. Moritz, 61 Dyke Road, Brighton. LascettEs, Hon. Geratp; Tillington House, Petworth. Le Soviir, D.; Zoological Society, Melbourne, Australia. Lives, G. H.; Richmond Hill, Cheadle, Cheshire. Lopen, G. E.; 5 Thurloe Studios, Thurloe Square, 8. Kensington, BW eve Lone, Sypney H., M.D.; 31 Surrey Street, Norwich. Lows, P. R., B.A., M.B., B.C.; The Nuns, Stamford. Lynzs, Captain Husert, R.N.; H.M.S. ‘Penelope,’ c/o G.P.O., London. Macxworra-Prarp, C. W.; Orielton, Pembroke, S. Wales. Macmiuuan, G. A.; 27 Queen’s Gate Gardens, 8.W. 7. Macmuiuuan, W. E. F.; 42 Onslow Square, 8.W. 7. ’ Macenerson, Artaur Horrer; 21 Campden Hill Square, Ken- sington, W. 8. Maeratu, Lieut.-Colonel H. A. F.; c/o Messrs. King, King & Co.,* P.O. Box 110, Bombay. Marsuatt, A. McLuan; Great Chitcombe, Brede, Sussex. Marsuatt, James McLean; Bleaton Hallet, Blairgowrie, N.B. Mason, Col. E. 8.; 10 Lindum Terrace, Lincoln. Massey, Hersert; Ivy Lea, Burnage, Didsbury, Manchester. Martuews, G. M.; Foulis Court, Fair Oak, Hants. May, W. Norman, M.D.; The White House, Sonning, Berks. Mrapr-Watpo, Epmonp Gustavus Broomrietp (Vice-Chairman) ; Hever Warren, Hever, Kent. Mitts, Rev. H. Hotroyp; The Rectory, St. Stephen-in-Brannell, Grampound Road, Cornwall. Mony, P. W.; Stourwood Cottage, Stourwood Avenue, Southbourne, Hants. Mount, Henry; 10 Ashburn Place, South Kensington, S.W. 7. Murray, Capt. E. Macxenzre; Woodside, Coupar Angus, Perthshire. NesHam, Ropert; Utrecht House, Poynder’s Road, Clapham Park, S.W. 4. Newman, T. H.; Newlands, Harrowdene Road, Wembley, Middlesex. : Nicnors, J. B.; Parliament Mansions, Victoria Street, 8. W. 1. Nicuotson, F.; Ravenseroft, Windermere. XT Nicort, Micnart J.; Valhalla House, Zoological Gardens, Giza, Egypt. Oeitviz, Frrevs Mentrrra ; The Shrubbery, 72 Woodstock Road, Oxford. Ocitvie-Grant, W. R.; British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, 8.W. 7. Oupuam, Cuas. ; The Bollin, Shrublands Road, Berkhamsted, Herts. Parxrn, Tuomas; Fairseat, High Wickham, Hastings. Parrerson, Witt1am H.; 25 Queen’s Gate Gardens, S.W. 7. PrarsE, THEED; Courtenay, British Columbia. Pearson, Cuartes Epwarp; Hillcrest, Lowdham, Nottingham. Penrose, Francis G., M.D.; Rathkeale, 51 Surrey Road, Bourne- mouth, Prrsnouse, Major §.; Cail Park, Bridge of Dee, Castle Douglas, INES. Preorr, Sir THomas Diesy, C.B.; The Lodge, Lower Sheringham. Prayer, W. J. P.; Wernfadog, Clydach, R.S.0., Glamorganshire. Poruam, Hueu Lryzsornn, M.A.; Houndstreet House, Pensford, Somerset. Pricr, A. E.; 4 Mincing Lane, E.C. 3. Pycrart, W. P.; British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, 8.W. 7. Rarciirr, F. R.; 29 Connaught Square, W. 2. Rawson, Hurpert HKvetyn; Comyn Hill, Ilfracombe. Reap, Roprerr H.; Camelot, South Parade, Bedford Park, W. 4. Renavt, W. E.; 1 Sydney Place, South Kensington, S.W. 7. Ricumonp, H. W., F.R.S.; King’s College, Cambridge. Rrexert, C. B.; 27 Kendrick Road, Reading, Berks. Rippon, Colonel G.; United Service Club, Pall Mall, S.W. 1. Riviére, B. B., F.R.C.8.; St. Giles’ Plain, Norwich. Roxzinson, H. C.; State Museum, Kuala Lumpur, F. M. States. Roruscartp, The Lord, Ph.D., F.R.S. (Chairman); The Museum, Tring, Herts. Roruscaitp, Hon. N. Cuartzs; Arunde] House, Kensington Palace Gardens, W. 8. Russext, Capt. Conran; 2 Audley Square, W. 1. SapswortH, Arnotp Durer; 30 Sussex Place, Regent's Park, NEW ole Sarezaunt, ArtHur Sr. Grorcze; Exbury, Padstow, Cornwall. Sarcent, Jamus; 76 Jermyn Street, St. James's, 8.W. 1. Scrater, Witiiam Lutiry, M.A. (Vice-Chairman) ; 10 Sloane Court, Son Ls XIt Srra-Saurru, Davip (Aiditor of the ‘ Bulletin’); 34 Elsworthy Road, South Hampstead, N.W. 3. Seru-Smiru, Lusiiz Morrat, B.A.; Tangley, Caterham Valley, Surrey; and Kampala, Uganda. Seron, M. C. C.; 13 Clarendon Road, Holland Park, W. 11. SHarMan, Frepertc; 47 Goldington Road, Bedford. SwatLey, Freperic W.; Cove Hall, North Cove, nr. Beccles, Suffolk. Sparrow, Lt.-Col. R: ; Rookwoods, Sible Hedingham, Essex. Sranrorp, E. Fraser; 9 Cumberland House, Kensington Court, W. 8. Sraptes-Browne, Capt. R. C.; Bampton, Oxon. Srares, J. W. C.; Portchester, Hants. Srennousp, J. H., M.B., R.N.; Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth. Sruppy, Colonel Rosmrr Wrieur; Waddeton Court, Brixham, Devon. Sryan, F. W.; Ben Craig, Bayham Road, Sevenoaks. Swann, Georrrey; 11 Onslow Crescent, S.W. 7. Swann, Harorp; 9 Evelyn Gardens, 8.W. 7. Swinnor, Colonel C.; 4 Gunterstone Road, W. Kensington, W. 14. Swynverton, C. F. Massy; Gungunyana, Melsetter District, S. Rhodesia. Tatpor-Ponsonsy, C. G. (Secretary § Treasurer); 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. 4. Trrry, Major Horace A.; Compton Grange, Compal Guildford. TricrHurst, Craup B., M. Ke ., M.D.; Grove House, Lowestoft, Suffolk. Ticrnurst, N. F., F.R.C.S.; 24 Butoasey Road, St. Leonards-on- Sea. Townsrnp, R. G.; Buckholt, Dean, Salisbury. Trevor-Barrye, Ausyn B. R.; Ashford Chace, Petersfield, Hants. Tyrwuitt-Draxe, Hues G.; Cobtree, Sandling, Maidstone. Urcupr, Henry Morris; Sheringham Hall, Sheringham, R.8.0. Vaueuan, Marrarw; The Limes, Marlborough, Wilts. VaucHan, Commdr. Rozpert E.; 6 Chalfont Court, Upper Baker Street, N.W. 1. Wats, H. M.; Ashton Lodge, Christchurch Road, Reading. W a yeaa Colonel R. G. os resident B.O, U.); Whitehill, Rosewell, Midlothian. Waurrarer, Josren I. §.; Malfitano, Palermo, Sicily. Wuire, S. J.; Merok, Chiltern Road, Chesham Bois, Bucks. a XIII Warmer, Samurt Lerten; Oriental Club, Hanover Square, W. 1. Wi, Ortver H.; 29 Viewforth, Kdinburgh. Witxinson, Jounson ; Vermont, Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Witttamson, W. J. F.; Kingsdon, Bangkok, Siam. Wutson, CHartes JosppH; 34 York Terrace, Regent’s Park, NEW. Wrruersy, Harry F.; 326 High Holborn, W.C. 1. Wiruerineton, G.; 19 Sumner Place, 8. Kensington, S.W. 7. Wortaston, A. F. R.; 15 Montpelier Square, S.W. 7. Woopuouss, Cxcrt, M.D.; Chetnole House, Sherborne, Dorset. Workman, Wittiam Hueuss; Lismore, Windsor, Belfast. Wynnz, R. O.; Foulis Court, Fair Oak, Hants. [Members are requested to keep the Secretary informed of any changes in their addresses. | LIST OF AUTHORS AND OTHER PERSONS REFERRED TO. Baker, EK. C. Stuart. Election as Member of the Committee of the B.O. Club. . Exhibition of, and remarks upon, the eggs of Propasser edwards: and Carpodacus erythrinus roseatus .....0..20005 Exhibition of, and remarks upon, a series of Caprimulgus GEER © os sti Cee EEE eel CDE UI ante a nearer n ree Exhibition of some interesting series of Cuckoos’ eggs.... Exhibition of lantern-slides illustrating the nests, eggs, and nesting-sites of a number of Indian birds ............ Baker, E.C. Stuart, and JourDAtn, The Rev. Francis C. R. Exhibition of, and discussion on, some clutches of eggs of the Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleuca) ....+0..++..4.: Boots, H. B. Remarks on the effect of the severe frost on bird-life .... BorrRER, CiirrorD D. Alteration in the Rules of the B.O. Club .............. Exhibition of a clutch of four eggs of the Nightjar (Caprimulgus e. europeus) from Norfolk ..............+. Exhibition of an unusually small immature Dusky Red- clhemlk OWING RICK Ine he pb EA oeROmBoEperte cpnDe oo CooL Exhibition of the skins of two Blackbirds shot on the Noro COMS bie tera tekel iene arcs et are. Wa, cara suanetatel snolat cfecwaavs é Exhibition, on behalf of Mr. W. Rowan, of a clutch of eggs of the Oystercatcher, from Norfolk .......+..++5+5> 10-11 24-28 34-36 10 19 19 19 xvi Bunyarb, Percy F. Exhibition of, and remarks on, a series of eggs and nests of the Linnet (Acanthis cannabina), Lesser Redpoll (Acanthis linaria carbaret), and Yellow Hammer (Emberiza CUP NCA) os oe wre seas sd OE eles + 00h SN ee Exhibition of, and remarks upon, a remarkable series of epgsof the Nightjar’... . cc cen sss «se oe os oy aa Exhibition of a series of eggs of the Stone-Curlew (Gdi- CHETUUS CEGUCNENUUB) seis ore ete nicl apne as ©» «+c ove le ones elena Exhibition and description of clutches cf eggs, with nest-feathers and down, of the Pacific Hider (Somateria v-nigra), the King Eider (S. spectabilis), and Steller’s Eider (Heniconetia stallerz) . sa Neiisviisteeak Vis ste. sieetoehae ae Exhibition and description of some varieties of eggs of the Lesser Whitethroat and Goldcrest ...... a2 eee Remarks on the effect of the severe frost on bird-life . Exhibition of, and remarks upon, a clutch of six and a single ege of the Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus), from Michigan and Iowa, N.A. .......... 000 sce CarTER, Tom. See MatuEws, G. M. Cuasz, R. W. Exhibition of a clutch of three Golden Eagle’s eggs from: Sutherlandshires 2. e ssc ese ese as + os oe Exhibition of a clutch of three eggs of the Black-headed Gull framoC tmiberland a cn isatnes ele sie ooh he rsh 90 8p ante Remarks on the rarity of some birds since the winter, and the unusual number of summer migrants ..........00000. GouLp, CARRUTHERS. Remarks on the effect of the severe frost on bird-life .... Hartert, Dr. Ernst. Exhibition and descriptions of two new subspecies of birds— Corydon sumatranus brunnescens, from Borneo, and Dioptrornis semicinctus, from E,. Congo Free State ........ Page 22 83 46 55 55-56 58 34 XVII Harrert, Dr. Ernst (cont.). Exhibition and descriptions of two new subspecies of Venezuelan birds—Synallaxis terrestris bolivari and Vireo JUSGCE (OUR CHE AP CO A PR Rarer rs ‘ira encores Remarks on the effect of the severe frost on bird-life .... Remarks on, and exhibition of, the genera Myrmecocichla and Phylloscopus, with description of a new subspecies— JP, URC CUTICUELESS AO STATISTI eR ee Exhibition of, and remarks upon, specimens of Tévtor Description of a new subspecies of Desert-Lark—Alemon ENG GROOS. MUCOUS EpMileelcis OC HOES On Ae EEE EEO temark on the striking increase in the number of Lesser PiPinenhncato ave MRING Ope sh sais dachy ass ss new sees sc nes c Remark on the practical extinction of the Gold-crest and Meroe ten lee iem ete g TAOS arcs a eal sReiaps sébe esa: e\eyeie said aae’e See RorHscHiILp, Lord. _ Jourpain, The Rev. Francis C. R. Remarks upon the eggs of Caprimulgus..........0.005. Exhibition of a clutch of eges of Porzana cinerea brevipes mcommce Mronisio, Vulcan Uslanid) .. 0. fic. cise eke e ee cies s Exhibition of a typical egg of the European Guillemot (Uria troille troille) compared with one of the Californian MeMCEMQURIEROUNLG COLUPOTIEH) Go .c- seine oss overdececssaneee Exhibition of, and remarks upon, a series of eggs of Mepamese-precding CUGKOOS ajc seein cs te se vee ee cee See Stuart-BakeEr, E. C. LAMBERT, GopFREy C. Exhibition of a Song-Thrush’s nest containing five eggs of the Thrush and one of the Cuckoo, from Bookham in SMIRTE YY sonic, Clete gene NONeT ENE RCRE CECA ae ec ETC rte Nat Laneton, Dr. HERBERT. Exhibition of a curious variety of the Common Bullfinch. VOL. XXXVII. : b 31-32 33 43 51-83 58 45 47 XVIII Matuews, Gregory M. Page Description, on behalf of Mr. Tom Carter, of new sub- species of Australian birds—Calamanthus campestris hartogi, Sericornis maculatus hartogi, and Stipiturus malachurus RUYEOG! wes onal Chee On oe PRC EEREE Eo 02 hee Ee : 6-7 Nicou., Micuagkt J. Exhibition and descriptions of two new birds from Egypt— Sylvia norwise and Prinia gracilis natronensis ........00+s 28-30 Owen, J. H. Exhibition of lantern-slides illustrating the nest, eggs, and young, of the Sparrow-Hawk 2). ..000 65). «0-00 > One 39-40 Pearson, C. E. Exhibition of a clutch of eggs of the Common Moorhen, taken from the old nest of a Magpie ...... Me 20 Ponsonsy, C. G. Tatpor-. See TaLBot-Ponsonsy, C. G. READ, Ropert H. Exhibition of a series of Chaffinches’ eggs.....-....+++- 12-13 Remark on the scarcity of Song-Thrushes this year....... 58 RotuscuivpD, The Lord, Chairman’s Address to the Members of the B.O. Club... 2 Exhibition of a specimen of the Caroline Crake ........ 3 Description of a new Flycatcher from Australia—Micreca flavigaster LALissUINE so sets inn ens ooo soe 4 Remarks on Tyto arfaki, in reply to criticisms by Mr, Mathews <. 0.2.00. - Yaeithicne vslt>-, » +511 en 17-19 Announcement of death of Capt. F.C. Selous .......... 23-24 Letter read from Sir T. Digby Piggott on the subject of abnormal clutches of egg8.......0ceesaeeeereic » arden 32-33 XIX RoruscuHitD, The Lord (cont.). Exhibition of a water-colour picture showing the varieties of the Monaul, and paper read: ‘On the Status of Lopho- PIO RUSOM DC ANUS GAD MG co8 o soe el uiele baie enact ain aes auteelapene RotTuscuitD, The Lord, and Hartert, Dr. Ernsv. Review of the forms of Lalage karu inhabiting the Papuan subregion, and description of the following new subspecies— Lalage karu obscurior, L. k. keyensis, and L. k. pallescens .. Description of a new subspecies of Myzomela—M. eich- horni interposita-—from the Solomon Islands.............. Rowan, W. Remarks upon the eggs of the Nightjar ................ SciaTer, W. L. Exhibition of a very remarkable variety of a Parrot from KG emptiMME AS UAC: Ute eess scare « aan evres suerte, coal crt ale sole) sie 9 a Acting Chairman at Anniversary Meeting of the B. O. Union, and at first occupied Chair at the conjoint dinner of in® 15. O), WaeinclneON Coy h onic checks mbeasr oh eeenoneanae Exhibition, on behalf of Lieut. C. G. Finch-Davies, of a pair of Francolins from South-West Africa ............. . SELovS, Capt. F. C. Announcement of death .............cccesccececcees SerH-SmirH, Davin. Exhibition of lantern-slides of nestling-birds, from photo- graphs taken in the London Zoological Gardens .......... Exhibition of a freshly-laid ege of Apteryx mantel, from therZoolocieal Societys Gardens... . ccs. sees ene es TaLBOoT-PoNnsonBY, CHARLES G. Election as Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of the B.O. Page 49-61 15-17 38 46-47 40 53 xx TuRNER, Miss E. L. Exhibition of lantern-slides of various birds and eggs... . Wuynperr, S. L. Exhibition of two mounted specimens of the Red Grouse from Perthehire’.nci ot. fb teste ase ven pei BULLE TEN: \e eheoee ' NV, a , OF THE “tone Muse Sa BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB. No. COXIX. Tun two-hundred-and-sixteenth Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, November 8th, 1916. Chairman: Mr. Tuomas ParxiIn. Se — —_—. © Members present:—E. C. Stuart Baker; HE. Binwett; C. D. Borrzr; P. F. Bunyarp; A. Ezra; J. Gerrarp; G. Gurney ; C. Ineram; Rev. F. C. R. Jourparn; G. C. Lampert; H. Lanetron; H. Munt; C. E. Pearson ; F. R. Rarcuirr; R. H. Reap; C. B. Ricxerr; D. Setu- SmituH (/ditor); C. G. Tatzpot-Ponsonsy (Hon. Sec. & _ Treasurer); H. F. Wrruursy. | Guests :—W. Rzynotps; W. Rowan; G. V. Woassrer; H. Wistier. Mr. E. C. Sruarr Baxsr exhibited the eggs of Propasser _ edwardsi and Carpodacus erythrinus roseatus, and made the _ following remarks :— _ “The eggs of Propasser edwardsi which I now exhibit ' are the first of this species, I believe, which have ever _ reached England in a perfect state. In 1915 I received ' fragments of eggs of this beautiful Finch, together with "some rough skins of the parent-birds, which, though too _ fragmentary to be worth keeping, were quite sufficient to : enable me to identify the species. Four clutches. were [ November 27th, 1916.] VOL, XXXVII. Vol, xxxvii. | 10 received this year—one completely smashed en route, one with but one egg whole, and the two now shown. These two clutches differ considerably, one being almost pure blue and the other well spotted. They agree well with the eggs of P.rhodopeplus exhibited by Mr.S8. L. Whymper last year. They were taken between Gyantse and Yatung at a height of 12,000 to 14,000 feet. “Of the clutches of P. e. roseatus which I show, one is interesting from the fact that all the eggs are absolutely pure white. The two clutches were taken by Capt. C. H. T. Whitehead in the Kunam Valley, and in each case the parent-bird was shot off the nest, and the skin is now in the British Museum.” Mr. Cuirrorp Borrer exhibited a clutch of four eggs of the Nightjar (Caprimulgus e. europeus), taken in Norfolk in June 1916. These eggs were found in one nest, and in the opinion of the exhibitor were undoubtedly the product of one female. The eggs had been previously shown at the recent Oological Dinner, and commented on in ‘ British Birds’ for the current month*. Mr. Borrer contended that, apart from the extreme unlikelihood of two females laying in one nest, sufficient evidence could be found from a scientific examination of the eggs themselves to justify his opinion. At Mr. Borrer’s request, Mr. Bunyard had bronght up his unique series of Nightjars’ eggs, in order that members might have an opportunity of comparing this reputed “ four” with almost all the known types of normal sets. Mr. Stuart Baker exhibited a series of Caprimulgus eggs, © and drew attention to two clutches of four, taken by himself, and which were interesting when considered in ~ connection with the clutch of four shown by Mr. Clifford Borrer, and which he (Mr. Baker) believed to be the product of two birds. One of Mr. Baker’s clutches was found in one nest-hollow, but they were palpably the eggs * € British Birds,’ vol. x. pp. 189-141. OO — a a 11 [Vol. xxxvil. of two birds. The other four, which were shown as two ‘pairs close together, were found in two nest-hollows separated by a few inches only, and these two pairs were being incubated by two hens, both of which were flushed within a couple of yards of the exhibitor’s feet. Mr. Baker referred to some notes he made nearly thirty years ago in the ‘Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society,’ in which he commented on the curious fact that both sexes of Caprimulgus albonotatus would accept the attentions of more than one of the opposite sex, and suggested that possibly Mr. Borrer’s Nightjars’ eggs were the result of two females paired to one male. Mr. P. F. Bunyarp exhibited a remarkable series of eggs of the Nightjar, including a first and second laying from the same bird, to prove his identification in regard to the clutch of four exhibited by Mr. Clifford Borrer. Mr. Bunyard said that after very carefully comparing them with his series, he had not the slightest hesitation in saying that they were from the same bird. Numbering the eggs 1, 2, 3, and 4, numbers 1, 2, and 3 were of exactly the same type. Number 3 was perceptibly different in shape from numbers 1 and 2; the ground-colour, however, was identical, as was also the colour of the surface and underlying pigment. Number 4 was somewhat smaller, and probably the last egg laid, as the pigment was also less dense and there was less gloss. As regards the state of incubation, though the eggs arrived partly blown, there was sufficient evidence left to enable Mr. Bunyard to form the opinion that the four eggs were in two stages of incubation, numbers 1 and 2 being four or five days in advance of the others. In the series exhibited by Mr. Bunyard all forms wer _ well represented and the collection contained many unique varieties, some of which had already been described in ‘The Ibis’ and ‘ Bulletin.’ The rare greenish-ground form, the one to which Mr. Borrer’s clutch belonged, was described by him in the ‘Bulletin, No. cxly. p. 24. The fact of Vol. xxxvii. | 12 Mr. Borrer’s eggs belonging to this form helped considerably in their identification. Mr. Bunyard also exhibited a series of eggs of the Stone- Curlew (Cidicnemus edicnemus) for comparison with those of the Nightjar, and called attention to the similarity existing between the two species in regard to the variation and arrangement of markings. The Rev. F. C. R. Jourpain suggested that the four eggs of Caprimulgus might be two clutches, laid by the same bird after an interval. He had known of eight and six Wood- cocks’ eggs in two nests and also fourteen eggs in one nest of the Nuthatch, and in each case internal evidence showed that the first-laid clutch had been affected by frost and that the hen had laid again in the same nest. Mr. W. Rowan considered that the four eggs of the Nightjar were the product of the same female, arguing from an embryological standpoint. He pointed out that amongst mammals it frequently happened that one or two extra ova above the normal number were shed from the ovary and fertilized, and that, as far as he knew, there was no reason why the ovaries of birds should not be subject to the same phenomenon. Mr. Rosrrt H. Reap exhibited a fine series of Chaffinches’ — eggs. The central set consisted of eight eggs from an — orchard in Kent, although the nest contained nine when Mr. Read found it. The first two eggs had been laid and then buried by a further lining of the nest. Then three more had been laid and the nest deserted for some time, as — all these five eggs were quite stale. Then four more eggs were laid, which were quite fresh when found. All nine eggs were evidently laid by the same bird. Among the others were the only two sets of six ever found by the exhibitor, a very handsome, heavily blotched set found by him near London, a set of small eggs taken by him in ee as 1 13 [ Vol. xxxvil. Sweden, and several sets of pure spotless blue and blue with cloudy lilac blotches and fine black spots. In the same tray were five sets of Bullfinches’ eggs, including a set with pure white ground and bright rust-red markings resembling some varieties of Great Tits’ eggs taken by Mr. Read in Somerset. Another set were white with only faint markings, whilst a third set were pure white without any markings. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednes- day, the 13th of Decemher, 1916, at PAGANIT’S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W.; the Dinner at 6.45 p.m. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Talbot-Ponsonby, at 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. EN: B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor at 34 Hlsworthy Road, South Hampstead, N.W., and to place in his hands not later than at the meeting MSS. for publica- tion in the Bulletin. | (Signed) Tuomas Parkin, D. Seru-Smiru, C.G. Tatsot-Ponsonsy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. & Treas. eueonian Tas 1 fr 1 % (x “JAN 293 1917 2 Us Eek NS, Re ar Ay Sk oS OF THE Tae preeist ORNITHOLOGISTS’ (CLUB: No. CCX. THe two-hundred-and-seventeenth Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, December 13th, 1916. Chairman: The Lord Rotuscuitp, Ph.D., F.R.S. ~ Members present :—H. C. Apams ; E. C. Stuart Baker ; _E. Brpwett; C. D. Borrer; A. D. Braprorn; P. F. Bun- exArp; H. V. Harte; A. Kara; HE. Harrerr; Sir H. J. JoHnson; Rev. F. C. R. Jourpain; G. C. Lampert; | H. Munt; C. EH. Pearson; A. E. Price; C. B. Rickert ; M. C. Seton; D. Seru-Smitu (/ditor); C. G. Tarsor- Ponsonsy (Hon. Sec. & Treasurer); H. M. Watuis; H. F. ~ WiIrHERBY. Guests :—Hucu Apams; A. H. Borrer; Lt. F. W. _ Dewnurst; Bertram Jones; W. Rowan. Lord Rorascuitp, F.R.S., and Dr. Ernst Hartert gave a short review of the ane of Lalage karu inhabiting the Papuan subregion, as follows :— 1. Lalage karu karu (Less.). Lalage karu Lesson & Garnot, Voy. ‘ Coquille,’ Ois., Atlas, pl. 12, livr. 3 (1827), text p. 633 (1830, New Ireland). gd Ad. Upperside black with a greenish steel-blue gloss (as “in all the other subspecies). Throat uniform, breast whitish, | | ; ¢. [January 2nd, 1917.] VOL. XXXVIL. . Vol. xxxvii. ] 16 narrowly barred with dark grey; abdomen mostly ochra- ceous buff; more or less widely unbarred along the middle ; under tail-coverts similar, but generally deeper in colour. Wings (seven specimens) 95-103 mm. ¢. Upperside brown. Throat with indications of bars; breast and sides of abdomen with black bars. Wings (four) 95-100 mm. Hab. New Ireland, New Britain, Duke of York and Rook Tslands. 2. Lalage karu obscurior, subsp. nov. Bill larger than in LZ. k. karu. & with the throat more or less distinctly barred, breast slightly more greyish, the ochraceons-buff colour of abdomen and under tail-coverts darker. Wings (two) 95and96mm. 2. Upperside darker brown, bars on underside somewhat wider; abdomen darker — ochraceous than in LZ. k. karu. Wing 95 mm. H«b. Fergusson and Goodenough Islands. Type (Tring Museum) : ?. Fergusson Island, 20. ix. 1894. A. 8S. Meek coll. 3. Lalage karu polygrammica (Gray). ; Campephaga polygrammica Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1858, p. 179 (Aru). : F Bill even smaller than in L. k. karu.§ @. Throat barred or unbarred. Breast still more greyish than in ZL. k. ob- scurior; abdomen barred right across, the ochraceous of the same dark tint as in Z. hk. baicurecr: Wings (nine) 91—— 98 mm. ¢. Upperside darker than in ZL. k. karu, but® ‘apparently not so brown as in L. k. obscurior (of which, however, only one 2? could be compared). Wings (eight) 88-96 mm. Hab. Aru Islands and British New Guinea to the Kumusi River and Milne Bay. . 4, Lalage karu microrhyncha Ogilvie-Grant. Lalage karu microrhyncha Ogilvie-Grant, Ibis, Suppl 1915, p. 118 (Mimika River). (a Wy [ Vol. xxxvil. Mr. Ogilvie-Grant separated specimens collected by the B.O. U. Expedition on the Mimika River on account of their bills being still smaller than in Z. k. polygrammica. 5. Lalage karu keyensis, subsp. nov. Bill slightly larger than in L. k. polygrammica. @ ad. Barring on breast somewhat duller, as a rule not so well defined ; abdomen and under tail-coverts not so deep ochra- ceous as in L. k. polygrammica. Wings (three) 95-99 mm. ?. Abdomen decidedly paler than in L. k. polygrammica ; upperside not so dark, more slaty. Wings (three) 89- 94 mm. : Hab. Add, Great and Little Key, Key Islands. Type (Tring Museum): 2. Tual, Little Key, 14. ix. 1897. Heinrich Kiihn coll. 6. Lalage karu pallescens, subsp. nov. Bill about as large asin L. hk. obscurior. . Throat un- barred, abdomen widely unbarred along the middle, the ochraceous buff very pale; under tail-coverts very pale. Wings (twelve) 98-106 mm. 92. Like the male easily dis- tinguishable by the very pale abdomen and uuder tail- coverts. Wings (thirteen) 97-102 mm. flab. St. Aignan and Sudest Islands in the Louisiade group. (None received from Rossel Island.) Type (Tring Museum): gad. Sudest, 26.11.1916. No. 7269. Meek collection. Collected by Kichhorn Bros. Lorp Roruscuitp made the following remarks on 7yto _ arfaki, Schleg. :— A great deal of Part 4 of vol. v. of Mr. Mathews’s ‘ Birds of Australia’ contains criticisms and repudiations of the criticisms of Mr. Hartert and myself of the supposed sub- _ species of Owls described by Mr. Mathews. While in many BANE _ other cases Mr. Mathews recently relegates most, or all, of his formerly created new names to the rank of synonyms, he believes that all his subspecies of Tyto nove-hollandie are Vol. xxxvii. | 18 tenable. Ido not wish to criticize Mr. Mathews’s recent remarks, but leave it to others to decide which of us has better understood these forms, especially as it is very difficult to discuss these questions, because Mr. Mathews does not exp!ain on what material he based his ideas, while we have clearly stated on what we worked. There is, how- ever, one point I wish to remark upon. In his No. 323, under the heading called Megastrix tenebricosa (under the plate it is M. multipunctata) *, the author declares that we did not know Schlegel’s ‘‘ Striz arfaki,’ and that our birds from 8.E. New Guinea must be separated from the latter because they do not agree with the description and are therefore “ atypical,” and because they were collected over a thousand miles from Arfak. He calls the bird from British New Guinea “ perconfusa,” evidently meaning to imply that we had thoroughly confounded it. In my opinion this name must be added to the synonyms, and is, therefore, quite appropriate, though in another sense. There is, in my opinion, nothing in Schlegel’s description that need be objected to as not fitting the south-eastern birds. He separated his single specimen because he found it to be smaller than some Australian examples, the white spots “larger and more regular orbicular,’’ and “the lhght sooty-brown colour of the face strongly inclined to white.” The first supposed difference is evidently due to the type being a male, while the Australian ones appear to have been females. The wing of the type-specimen is said to measure 243 mm., 7. e. only 12 mm. less than in our south-eastern males ; the size of the white spots and the amount of white in the face are quite variable. Salvadori measures the wing of au Arfak specimen with 280 mm. Last, but not least, — we have two skins of the typical Arfak preparation, bought . irom Mr. van Duivenbode, unfortunately, by an oversight, not mentioned in our list of Papuan birds. These agree * There is in that number, it seems, only one plate on which the name agrees with that used in the text, and a similar confusion preyails in many other portions of this, in many- ways, admirable work. 19 [ Vol. xxxvil. perfectly with south-eastern specimens, and their wings measure 250 and 255 mm., thus comparing weil with the latter. That those from S.E. New Guinea were found over a thousand miles from Arfak is no argument. We in Tring have probably done more than most other ornithologists to show that the different parts of New Guinea have many different subspecies, aud that especially most of those from S.E. New Guinea differ from those of Arfak. On the other hand, we also know that many are absolutely indistinguish- able. It is therefore impossible to say that a bird from S.E. Papua must be different from one of Arfak, but what we have to do is to compare them, and then say whetber they are distinguishable or not. Mr. Cuirroxp Borrer exinbited :— (a) An unusually small immature Dusky Redshank, shot at Blakeney in Norfolk, Ist Sept. 1916. (6) Skins of two Blackbirds shot on the Norfolk coast in the month of November. Mr. Borrer drew attention to certain alleged differences between these migratory Black- birds and the ordinary resident birds. The Chairman, however, and some of the members present considered that the specimens were merely backward birds of the year, which were assuming adult plumage. (c) On behalf of Mr. W. Rowan, Mr. Borrer also exhi- bited a clutch of five (originally six) eggs of the Oyster- eateher, taken in Norfolk in 1916. ‘These eggs were of a rather uncommon dark brown grounded type, and almost undoubtedly laid by the same female. Mr. Rowan stated that he had watched the nest for six weeks (the eggs were inf. rtile), and was quite clear in his own mind as to this point. The Rey. F. C. R. Jourpary, M.A., exhibited a clutch of eggs of PorzANA CINEREA BREVIPES Ingram, Bull. B.O.C. xxix. pe el. Vol. xxxvii. | 20 These were taken on May 20,1904, at 8. Dionisio, Vulcan Island, Bonin Group, 24° N. and 141° E. Ground-colour creamy, very numerous fine freckles and spots of two shades of sienna-brown, also purple-grey shell-marks. Measure- ments: (1) 29°2 x 22-5 mm.; (2) 80°9x 23°0 mm. Mr. Jourpatn also exhibited a typical egg of the European Guillemot (Uria troille troille), side by side with a typical specimen of the Californian race (U. trotlle californica), in order to show the much larger size of the eggs of the latter race. The egg was selected from a series of ten, all of which were much larger than normal eggs. The exhibitor rewarked that this was another case in which subspecific — characters are as apparent in the eggs as in the birds themselves. Mr. C, E. Pearson exhibited a clutch of four eggs of the Common Moorkhen, two of which were quite unspotted, one intermediate, and one normal. ‘They were taken from the old nest of a Magpie, 20 feet from the ground, and tlie parent Moorhen was seen to leave the uest. Mr. P. F. Bunyarp exhibited clutches of eggs, with nest- feathers and down, of the Pacitic Eider (Somateria v-nigra), the King Eider (S. spectadilis), and Steller’s Hider (Henico- netta stelleri) :— SomaTERIA V-NIGRA: a clutch of five from the mainland near Herschel Island, taken by the Rev. C. Whittaker, June 10, 1905. Description. Pale olive-green, much paler than those of either S. mollissima or S. spectabilis, and slightly smaller than the former. Texture of shell more finely grained and without the deep pittings found on those of S. mollissima., The soapy-like deposit *, characteristic of the eggs of the — Common Eider, is also absent. Feathers in nest, self-coloured, pale sooty-brown, paler at * “QOologia Neerlandica,’ A. A. Van Pelt Lechner. ee ee ee = eS a 21 [ Vol. xxxvii. the base, resemble those of S. mollissima, but slightly darker, and on an average smaller and narrower. No barred feather present as, usually, in the nest of Heniconetta. Down. Same colour as the feathers; some pieces, however, are greyish white immediately above the quill, as is the case with that of S. mollissima, but in size that of S. besMaraa is much smaller. Weight. Average five eggs, 8892 g.; S. mollissima, average 19 eggs, 10'343 g. Mr. Bunyard remarked that the above material led him to consider that the evidence was sufficient to prove that S. v-nigra was at least entitled to subspecific rank, the two forms differing in their eggs, down, and nest-feathers to nearly the same extent as in the case of the White-fronted and Lesser White-fronted Geese. SoMATERIA SPECTABILIS : clutch of five with down and feathers from Admiralty Bay, Alaska, June 15, 1898. Feathers. Self-coloured, reddish brown, darker at the terminal and lighter at the basal portions, longer and nar- rower than those of S. mollissima and S. v-nigra. Down. Same colour as feathers, darker and smaller than that of S. mollissima and S. v-nigra. HENICONETTA STELLERI : aclutch of seven eggs with down and feathers taken by A. G. Buxton in Alaska, June 26, 1898. Description. Feathers pale brown with two distinct bars _ of blackish brown on the terminal portion. Down blackish brown, smaller and darker than that of the other species. The exhibitor remarked that Dresser, in his ‘ Eggs of the Birds of Europe,’ had not mentioned the barred feathers, which in the nest he (Mr. Bunyard) had examined pre- dominate. Mr. Bunyard’s remarks were illustrated by mounted specimens of the down and feathers of the above- mentioned species, and he believed that that of S. v-nigra had not been previously described, nor the feathers of S. spectabilis. Vol. xxxvii.] 22 Mr. Bunyarp also exhibited some interesting varieties of eges of the Lesser Whitethroat and Goldcrest, which he described as follows :— Moracitta curruca: a clutch of five from Banham, Norfolk, taken by Mr. L. W. Leader on June 25, 1909, who flushed the bird from the nest. Description. Ground-colour pinkish white, surface-pigment rufous, underlying markings lead-grey, markings evenly distributed. These eggs do not bear any of the charac- teristics of the type-eggs, but resemble the erythristic form of the Common Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) but are smaller. I believe this to be the first record of erythrism occurring in the eggs of this species. RecuLus recutus: a clutch of nine eggs from Harfham, Norfolk, taken by Mr. L. W. Leader. Description. Ground-colour pure white, surface-pigment dark reddish brown, the markings being mostly confined to the large ends in the form of minute specks. I have not seen, or heard of this variety having previously occurred. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednes- day, the 10th of January, 1917, at PAGANI’S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W.; the Dinner at 6.45 p.m. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Talbot-Ponsonby, at 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. | N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor at 34 Elsworthy Road, South Hampstead, N.W., and to place in his hands not later than at the meeting MSS. for publica- tion in the Bulletin.] (Signed) Rotuscnitp, D.Seru-Smira, C.G.Tarsot-Ponsonsy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. § Treas. wa ae) a 2 oe Cu iam aN BULLETINS ie pre 1917 % OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS™~€ No. CCXXI. Tue two-hundred-and-eighteenth Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, January 10th, 1917. Chairman: Mr. Henry J. Ewes, F.R.S. Members present:—H. C. Stuarr Baker; HE. Bipwet; H. B. Bootu; C. Borrer; A. D. Braprorp; P. F. Bun- yarD; P. Buxton; E.V. Harte; A. Ezra; F.H.C. Gout; Rev. J. R. Hatz, C.F. ; Sir H. J. Jonnson ; Rev. F.C. R. Jourpain; G. C. Lampert; H. Mun; C. B. Rickert; A.D. Sarswortn; W.L.Scrater; D. Sera-Smitru (/iditor) ; C. G. Tarsot-Ponsonpy (Hon. Sec. & Treasurer); S. L. Wauymnerer ; H. F. Wirnersy. Guests :—H. R. Munt; W. Rowan. The Cuairman referred to the great loss which the Club _ and the Union had suffered by the death of Capt. F. C. _ Selous, D.S.O., killed in action in German East Africa at an age when very few men were physically capable of active military service in a tropical climate. He personally had never known any man who so well combined the character of the best type of Englishman with the highest qualities of an explorer, big game-huuter, field naturalist, and author. His private character as a man endeared him to all who knew him, Boers as well as British. His unrivalled strength of constitution and physique and [February 2nd, 1917.) VOL, XXXVU. = x a eg pn ek Mi Te ae OT eae ae el ee ie D x , i Vol. xxxvii. | 24 his indomitable courage and determination had enabled him to survive dangers and hardships such as few men had endured, and his absence at their meetings would be regretted for many years to come. He thought that his memory should be perpetuated by some permanent memo- rial, in which he believed many members of the Union would desire to take part, in conjunction with other Societies to which Capt. Selous belonged. Two forms suggested themselves for such a memorial. First, the erection of a mural tablet with a portrait in bas-relief, to be erected in the Hall of the British Museum of Natural History, should the Trustees give permission. Secondly, the foundation of a Selous Memorial Medal, to be awarded annually, or at such periods as might be decided, to men who had distinguished themselves in the same fields of activity as Selous himself. This proposal was unanimously agreed to by the members present. Mr. 8. L. Wuymrer exhibited two mounted specimens of — the Red Grouse which were of a pale cinnamon-brown colour. — They were shot by Col. A. E. Whitaker on his moor at — Auchnafree, Perthshire, a few years ago, and were at first — believed to be a cross between Partridge and Grouse, but close examination does not confirm this view. There was a — covey of these curiously marked birds about, but only these — two were secured. The partial absence of feathers on the — legs of one of the birds was noticeable, and both were rather — small, The exhibitor remarked that Grouse, when even — slightly affected by disease, were inclined to lose the feathering ; to some extent. 4 § Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker exhibited some clutches of eggs : of the Common Sandpiper, 7’ringa hypoleuca, containing an abnormal number of eggs—in two clutches six and in two | others five. ‘Together with these the Rev. F.C. R. Jourpain © ; exhibited two other clutches containing five eggs. 3 In a discussion which arose upon this exhibition, in which ] several members took part, the exhibitor stated that all six £ 5 yy Serene a Sate ee 25 [ Vol. xxxvii. of the clutches shown, together with two others which had passed through his hands, had been collected in Kashmir, either in the vicinity of Gulmurg and Gandarbal or close to Srinagar, the chief town of that State. In many parts of Kashmir the Common Sandpiper bred in great numbers, and these abnormally large clutches probably only repre- sented about one per cent. of those taken or seen in situ during the last twenty-five years. He went on to remark: “The causes which govern the variations which occur in the number of eggs normally laid in a single clutch by species, genera, and families of birds are very complex, and no less complex are the laws which cause abnormal increases or decreases. “Underlying the whole we have, of course, Nature’s dominant law that reproduction must be on a scale sufti- ciently large to ensure continuation of the species, and counterbalancing this the never-ending competition between individuals, between species, and between families. “But Nature’s motive power to all this is food, and — undoubtedly food decides what number of eggs a bird shall lay, though food is itself dependent on many conflicting conditions—both climatic and geographical. In some cases these conditions are more or less permanent, in others they are temporary only; in some cases they obtain over vast areas and in many they are purely local. “To touch even the outskirts of this vast question is not possible in the time at our disposal, but there are perhaps one or two rules, well known to those who study oology in its wider branches, which are fairly consistent in their working and to which I would briefly refer. The first of these rules is the very constant one, that birds in high temperate latitudes lay more eggs in a clutch than they do in tropical countries. At first sight one might urge that this appears to be a direct contradiction of the theory that food is the principal factor governing the production of eggs, for food is surely more plentiful on the average in tropical than in temperate climates. A little thought, however, shows that the contrary is obvious. “It is true that food is more plentiful on an average Vol. xxxvii.] 26 throughout the year in tropical and semitropical countries, but this plenty is found more or less at all times and seasons, and the energy which impels procreation is never in danger of complete exhaustion, whilst at the same time it never reaches the concentrated height it does in countries in which, for a great part of the year, continued effort is needed for self-support, so that there is no surplus energy available for the production and bringing up of a family. “In the Arctic Circle and countries adjacent we have a short, hot summer, during which insect and certain forms of veyetable life are most extraordinarily abundant; birds feed freely and with little exertion, and attain a super- vitalized condition, with the contingent result that we have bigger clutches of eggs laid by them than are laid by indi- duals of the same species in more temperate countries. But we must remember this also: if we have larger clutches, due to the short fevered summer, we also have fewer clutches laid by the same female, for, once the season is fairly advanced, there is not much chance of her finding time to lay a second. First clutches which are destroyed can often never be replaced ; therefore Nature demands larger clutches to balance the limitation in the breeding-season. “ When we get into tropical countries we find the reverse process is in existence. The breeding-season is of much greater length, and many birds breed off and on practically — throughout the year. Numerically large clutches are unnecessary, for if they are destroyed they can be replaced, and even if the second is lost, yet a third is possible, for food in plenty is obtainable and no excessive exhaustion is entailed in procuring it. “But though in the Tropics this rule of small clutches holds good, yet in such countries local conditions cause local and temporary variations far more marked than in the higher latitudes. Thus a long drought may dry up marshes and rivers in the vicinity of which water-birds normally breed in thousands. With no water there are no tish, the birds are underfed, poor in vitality, and with — no surplus energy. In consequence, they either do not breed at all or make a short migration to some adjacent Se |. ‘ 4 7 “ . Qh [ Vol. xxxvil. locality in which an abundance of food shall once more create an excess vitality with the corresponding desire for procreation. “So, too, in some tropical countries elevation is a very potential factor in determining how many eggs shall be laid. Indeed high elevation takes the place of high latitudes, and similarity of climatic conditions prodnce similar effects. Thus in the higher elevations of the Himalayas we find Thrushes, Flycatchers, Accentors, etc., laying nearly as many eggs as they do in northern Europe, though not nearly as many as they do in the extreme north. On the other hand, in southern India the representatives of these same birds frequently lay only two eggs instead of four or five, as in other parts of the world. “Then, too, other factors which are connected with food create temporary and local disturbances which may cause an increase in the number of eggs laid by one species and yet have the contrary effect in others. ‘Thus in north-west India a plague of locusts will mean that all the Raptores which prey thereon will breed with great freedom, whilst those birds whose food is destroyed by these same locusts will be weak and anemic, and breed less freely and successfully than in normal years. So, too, an unusual flood will bring water-birds an abuudance of food and will entice birds to breed which never normally did so in the district so flooded, whilst those birds which breed in the grass-lauds of ordinary years are prevented from breeding at all.’ The Rev. F. C. R. Jourpatn mentioned that though he had been resident for twenty years in a district where the Common Sandpiper bred freely, and at least eighty nests must have come to his knowledge during that period, not one contained more than four eggs. It was a remarkable fact that in such a limited area in Kashmir, and in such a comparatively short time, Colonel Buchanan should have taken two sets of six and four of five eggs each. Mr. Jourdain remarked that while the food supply was apparently the dominant factor governing the number of eggs laid in some cases, other factors, such as the shortness Vol. xxxvii. | 28 of the breeding-season in high latitudes and the length of the Arctic days, also entered into the question. As an example of the former he quoted the case of the Short- eared Owl, Asio flammeus, which normally lays five to seven, and exceptionally eight eggs, but, during vole plagues, has been known to lay from ten to thirteen eggs. The consensus of opinion among Scandinavian ornithologists is that the Rough-legged Buzzard, Buteo lagopus, also lays up to six and even seven eggs in Lemming years, and at other times three or four eggs only. On the other hand, such birds as the Wheatear, Meadow-Pipit, and Reed-Bunting lay larger clutches in Iceland and north Norway than in England, and purely nortbern species, such as the Brambling, Fieldfare, Suow-Bunting, and Lapland Bunting, lay larger clutches than their southern representatives. In these cases climatic and geographical conditions must be the dominant factors. Mr. E. C. Sruart Baker also exhibited some interesting series of Cuckoos’ eggs to show the evolution which was in course of determining the colour of their eggs. To demon- strate this, eggs of Cuculus micropterus, Cuculus optatus, and Cuculus intermedius were exhibited in boxes so arranged that it was easy to see that each Cuckoo had certain birds which it regularly selected as foster-parents for its eggs and with whose eggs its own agreed more or less pertectly. Other boxes showed eggs placed with those of foster-parents with which they were in striking contrast, aud which the — exhibitor believed were those of birds not selected as foster-— parents except under compulsion. Mr. Micuaert J. Nicout sent for exhibition two new birds ~ from Egypt which had been presented to the National Col-_ lection by the Egyptian Government, Zoological Service, and which he described as follows (communicated by Mr. W. — L. Sclater) :— Sylvia norrise, sp. nov. Adult male in breeding-plumage. Crown, ear-coverts, and lores deep glossy black, the rest of the upper parts hair ‘ 9 be . i" ti q 4 v i E ¥ brown ; quills brown, edged on the outer webs with pale “ i & 29 [Vol. xxxvii. brown; tail greyish black, outer pair of rectrices white on the terminal half, as is also the entire outer web; second pair broadly, and third pair slightly, tipped with white. ~ Chin and throat white ; the rest of the underparts white, washed on the breast and flanks with pinkish brown. Under wing-coverts white, washed with pink. Tarsi and toes yellowish brown ; eyelid orange-red. Juvenile. Ochreous brown above ; underparts white, washed on the breast and flanks with buff. Female. Unknown. Measurements of type. Wing 55 mm.; tail 52; tarsus 20; bill 9. Five adult males examined, including the type. In the formation of the wing this species comes nearest to Sylvia m. melanocephala, the second primary being inter- mediate between the seventh and eighth. It differs markedly in coloration from all forms of S. melanocephala, being brown on the back instead of slate-grey. The eggs are greenish white, spotted all over with pale olive-brown and with underlying blotches of pale lilac. Measurements, 17X13 mm. Habitat. As far as is at present known, this species is only found on a small islet on the north side of Lake Birket Karin in the Fayoum, Middle Egypt. It is resident there and nests in the tamarisk bushes. In March 1912 I heard as many as ten males singing on this islet and found a nest containing four eggs. It was equally abundant there in November 1909 and in 1913. I propose the above name for this new bird, after my wife. Type im the British Museum: ad. g. “23rd March, _ 1912, north side of Lake Karan, Fayoum.’’ No 2227. «Coll. M. J. Nicoll. Prinia gracilis natronensis, subsp. nov. _ Upper parts grey-brown, paler on forehead and rump, ~ - crown and mantle streaked with dark brown. Wings brown _ with paler edges to the flight-feathers. Tail brown barred subterminally with blackish brown and tipped with white, Vol. xxxvii. | 30 with the exception of the central pair, which are wholly brown. Chin and throat white; rest of underparts white, washed on flanks and abdomen with pale buff. Bill black ; tarsi and toes horn-brown. Wing 46 mm.; bill 12; tarsus 18. Habitat. Wadi el Natron, Lower Egypt, where it is resident. (The Wadi el Natron is a small oasis about 30 miles west of the Nile.) Type in British Museum: No. 1253. Coll. M. J. Nicoll, 22. 111.1910. Wadi el Natron, Lower Egypt. This new subspecies comes nearest to Prinia gracilis gracilis (Licht.), but has a much larger bill and longer wings. The typical form was described from Nubia, and is also found in Dongola and at Shendi, while of recent years I have found it in the Fayoum, Middle Egypt, where it is resident. The whole of the Delta is inhabited by P. g. delte Reichenow, a more olive-coloured form which also inhabits Palestine and southern Asia Minor. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednes- day, the 14th of February, 1917, at PAGANI’S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W.; the Dinner at 6.45 p.m. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Talbot-Ponsonby, at 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. | N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to ~~. aaa give notice beforehand to the Editor at 34 Elsworthy — Road, South Hampstead, N.W., and to place in his — hands not later than at the meeting MSS. for publica- tion in the Bulletin. ] (Signed) H.J.Enwes, D.Sera-Smiru, C.G.Tarsor-Ponsonsy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. & Treas, . E eansouan Institg 44s aS BULLETI APR 1 4 1917 Wy OF THE EeISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB. No. CCXXII. Tre two-hundred-and-nineteenth Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, February 14th, 1917. Chairman: The Lord Roruscuitp, Ph.D., F.R.S. Members present:—E. EK. Anam: E. C. Stuart Baker ; G. Baynes; E. Browett; S. Boorman; H. B. Booru; A. D. Braprorp; P. F. Bunyarp; A. Ezra; F. H. C. Goutp; EH. Hartert; G. C. Lampert; EK. G. B. Meane- Waxpo; C. i. Pearson ; C. B. Rickxerr; A. D. Sarswortn; W. i: Scuarzr; D. Sere Smith (/iditor); C. G. Taxsor- Ponsonpy (Hon. Sec. & Treasurer); S. L. Wuymrer ; H. F. Wiruersy. Guest :—W. R. Lyon. Dr. Ernst Harrerr exhibited two new subspecies of Venezuelan birds, which he described as follows :— Synallaxis terrestris bolivari, subsp. nov. Differs from §S. terrestris striatipectus Chapm., from Quebrada Secca, Caripé, Los Palmales, and La Tigrera, (eight specimens compared) in the State of Bermudez, 7. e., much further east than Caracas and Valencia, by having the whole upperside more olivaceous, less rusty. (March 6th, 1917.) VOL, XXXVII. “a Ona] muse’ o. X ie Vol. xxxvii. | 32 Apparently also slightly smaller: wings 55 ( ? ) to 58 ( @) mm., whilein S. ¢errestris striatipectus | measure 56-62 mm. Hab. Silla de Caracas and Cumbre de Valencia in Northern Venezuela (2 3,3 2). Type: gad. Silla de Caracas, near Caracas, 19.1. 1914. No. 2090. S. M. Klages coll. (in the Tring Museum). Vireo josephe mirandz, subsp. nov. Distmguished at first glance from V. josephe josephe (18 specimens compared, two of which from the Cumbre de ~ Valencia—cf. Hellmayr, Archiv f. Naturg. vol. Ixxviii. 1912, p. 49) by its paler back, ramp, and upper tail-coyerts, and especially the paler, more sulphur-yellow breast, abdo- men, and under tail-coverts. Wings 645-68 mm. Hab. Cerro del Avila, north of Caracas, 2000 m. (24, See Type: ¢ ad. Galiparo, Cerro del Avila, 15. xi.1913. No. 1178. S. M. Klages coll. (in the Tring Museum). These two birds are named in memory of the two national Venezuelan heroes, Simon Bolivar and Miranda. Mr. W. L. Scuarer exhibited a very remarkable variety of a Parrot, apparently Paocephalus meyert, which had been collected by Lieutenant Angus Buchanan at Longidd, German East Africa. It was almost entirely of a canary- ‘yellow, washed with rosy pink, exhibiting a few normal dusky grey feathers on the head and back. ‘The collector had shown it to the late Captain F. C. Selous, who was much interested in it. Regarding the subject of abnormal clutches of eggs dis- cussed at the last meeting, the Cuarrmawn read the follow- ing extract from a letter from Sir T. Digby Piggott :— “T read with much interest the remarks of Mr. Stuart Baker on the abnormally large ¢lutches of Sandpipers’ eggs he exhibited. In confirmation of his conclusions that great abundance of focd is the cause of imerease in number of \ ’ K ‘, . t. i \: 33 [ Vol. xxxvil. eggs in the clutch, I think it may interest the members of the B. O. C. to be reminded that during the plague of voles in 1891—92 the Short-eared Owls which congregated in large numbers in the plague centres laid very largely increased clutches of eggs. If I recollect rightly, the normal clutch consists of from 4 to 6 eggs, while during the plague 8 to 10 eggs were common in Dumfriesshire, and many con- siderably larger were reported. ‘The following questions, put at Sir Herbert Maxwell’s committee, go to prove this :— * Question 225 put to a shepherd: ‘ How many eggs does each Owl lay’? Answer: ‘From 9to13. There were 5 pairs of Owls with me (7.e., on my beat), and they have reared about 50 young ones. These 5 had from 8 to 13 eggs, and 2 are sitting for the second time.’ “The same question to another witness. Answer: ‘ As many as 10 to 12 were frequently reported, and in most instances the birds are now sitting or rearing a second brood.’ ” Two or three Members present stated that they had known of clutches of from 8 to 10 eggs in normal years in the Orkneys. Dr. Ernst Harter asked if any members present had made observations about the effect of the severe frost on bird-life. Near Tring many birds had suffered considerably when the ground became frozen and they could not get their natural food. The Redwings seemed to have all perished, and- many Song-Thrushes, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, and Mistle- Thrushes had been found dead. Also a number of Star- lings had been picked up, though the majority of the latter seemed to have survived. In all cases it was, of course, not the cold (as the public seemed to believe very often), but the want of food that killed these birds. They were nearly all emaciated. Mr. P. F. Bunyarp said that he had heard of several Kingfishers being captured by hand in Surrey as a result of balls of ice being forvaed on their feet. Vol. xxxvii. | 34 Mr. Carrututrs Goutp said that during the great frost he walked over the fields between East Molesey and Hsher in order to observe the effect of the cold upon bird-life. He picked up a dead Heron, which appeared to have been starved and showed no sign of injury. In a ditch overhung by bushes and not quite frozen over he flushed a Greater Spotted Woodpecker and Kingfisher. The Redwings and Fieldfares had come in close to the enttages and fed upon the scraps thrown out by the cottagers, and picked over the horse-droppings in the road. The same Member stated that, as a result of the abnormally cold weather, Lapwings were offered in Leadenhall Market at 3d. each, but they were all in very poor condition, and he had never seen so many Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares offered for sale in the market. Mr. H. B. Boorn said that in his opinion many birds had some fore-knowledge of approaching severe weather. In the dales of West Yorkshire this was most noticeable imme- diately before a sudden and sharp spell of frost and snow, particularly towards the end of the year when the majority of certain species hurriedly left the neighbourhood, pre- sumably for the coast. The species affected were chiefly Song-Thrushes, Skylarks, and Meadow-Pipits, but a sudden decrease was noticeable in several other species. These were facts proved by actual observation and not merely super- stitious myths of the country people, though it was noticeable that such superstition at times seemed to be founded on fact, Thus on December 18th last a flock of about twenty Wild Geese, probably Pink-footed, settled in a certain large field in broad daylight, a very rare occurrence, although it is not unusual for Geese to fly over this particular district. The local farmers shook their heads and prophesied very bad weather, a foreeast which proved to be only too true, the recent severe weather having been the worst for twenty-two years. . The birds had had a very bad time in West Yorkshire, more especially the Redwings. Red Grouse had been driven from the moors and were in large flocks quite close to the ———— 35 [Vol. xxxvii. villages in the dales. Lapwings and Golden Plovers had disappeared from the low-lying fields near the river, where large flocks usually spend the winter ; Wood-Pigeons and Stock-Doves had largely, though not entirely, left the district. On February 11th, which might be considered as the climax of the frost, and just before the thaw commenced, about sixty frozen-out Mailard were seen in the middle of a large field, and all the Snipe and most of the small birds in the neighbourhood appeared to have congregated on the Ilkley sewage-works, regaling themselves on the offal in the sewage and on the still unfrozen sludge. The next Meeting of the Club will be held conjointly - with the Annual Dinner of the B. 0 U. on Wednesday, March 14th, 1917, at PAGANT’S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., at 6.45 p.m. The Meeting will be devoted to an exhibition of Lantern Slides by Members, and the Editor especially requests that those who wish to show slides will kindly send him particulars as early as possible, so that their names may be included in ‘the Agenda. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Talbot-Ponsonby, at 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. (Signed) Rotuscnitp, D.Srrxu-Ssira, C.G. Tarsor-Ponxsonsy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. § Treas. | aeons Bi : ‘ APR 2¢ 191/ ‘« N, BULLETIN OF THE “onal must BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB. No. CCAXTITTI. Tur two-hundred-and-twentieth Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-43 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, March 14th, 1917. Chairman: The Lord Roruscuitp, Ph.D., F.R.S. ~ Members present :—K. KE. Apams; E. C. Stuarr Baker ; ‘E. Biwwett; S. Boorman; A. D. Braprorp; P. F. Bun- “YARD ; R. W.Cuase; Col. 8. R. Cuargxe; H. J. Exwes; ‘A. Ezra; The Eart or Gainsporouen ; E. Harrerr; G. B. Hony; T. Irepare; Rev. F. C. R. Jourparn ; i. Laneron; G. H. Lines; H. Massny; G. M. Marnews ; E. G. B. Meapr-Watpo; H. Munt; G.R. Paron; C. BE ‘Pearson; A. H. Price; F. R. Ratcuirr; R. H. Rin C. B. Ricxurr; W. L. Scuater; M.C.Ssron; D. Sera- ‘Suiru (/ditor); F. W. Smatzey ; J. Starnes; C. G. ‘Tarsot-PonsonBy (Hon. Sec. & Treasurer); H. M. Watts; ‘AL Wuistter; H. F. Wiruersy; G. WIrTHERINGTON ; S. L. WuyMrer. : Guests :—J. Coop—e Apams; G. 8. Cuarke; C. E. G. Crocar; G. Evans; C. E. Facan; J. Forses; C. Hampton “Hate; C. M. Ticeeina Sir H. H. Howortu; A. Turner; ¥. M. Warre. [April 2nd, 1917.] VOL, XXXVII. Vol. xxxvii. ] | 38 Hon. Lady Members of the B. O. U.:—Miss Dorora .Bate ; Miss Mauv Havitann ; Miss A. C. Jackson) Miss E. L. Turner. Mr. W. L. Scrarer, who, in the absence of the President had acted as Chairman of the Anniversary Meeting of th British Ornithologists? Union, occupied the Chair at the conjoint dinner. of the B.O.U. and B.O.C. Having proposed the Health of His Majesty The King and that of “ Absent Ibises,” Mr. Sclater vacated the Chair im favour of Lord Roruscuixp, President of the Club. Lord Rotuscuritp and Dr. Ernst Harrert described a a new subspecies of Myzomela as follows :— Myzomela eichhorni interposita, subsp. nov. Differs from M, eichhorni eichhorni from Kulambangra and Gizo in the shape of the glossy red patch on the throat, which is much more elongated in both sexes, at least 5 mm. longer in the male. Otherwise there is no difference either in coloration or size. Hab. Rendova and New Georgia in the Solomon Islands. Type: ¢ ad. New Georgia, 15. ii. 1904. No. A 1465; A. 8. Meek collection. 8 6, 492 compared with 15 of M. e. eichhorni. In our articles on the Solomon {Islands collections im ‘Novitates Zoologice’ we had united this form with M. eichhorni eichhorni, thinking that the shape of -the spot might be altered through the preparation of the skins, but a close examination shows that this is not the case. In the sbape of the red patch 2. eichhorni interposita agrees with M. eichhorni atrata from Vella Lavella. It is curious that Kulambangra and Gizo should have different forms from New Georgia and Rendova, but there are a number of instances. 39 [ Vol. xxxvit. Miss E. L. Turner exhibited some very fine lantern-slides illustrating the following subjects :— Series showing the growth of a nestling Buus Tir from one to sixteen days old. Series showing various attitudes of the Pracocr. SHORT-EARED Ow sunning. Dirrer, various attitudes. Rinerp Piover. Great Buacw-Bpackep GULL nesting. Lesser Brack-BackED GULL. Herrine-Gutts. KIvTriwakeEs. Common GULLS. Nest of SHovetter Duck showing eggs covered, eggs exposed, and the duck sitting. Srporrep Frycarcuer. Gruy Wactalt. Troen-CREEPER. Rosin. CrossBILu. Ducks in the snow. GoosanpbeEr, drake and duck. Mr. E. C. Sruart Baer showed a large series of very beautiful slides illustrating the nests, eggs, and nesting- sites of a number of Indian birds. Many of the photo- graphs had been taken by Colonel Rattray and the others by himself. Mr. J. H. Owen, who was unfortunately unable to be present, kindly sent for exhibition a remarkable series ot some fifty slides illustrating the nest, eggs, and young of the Sparrow-Hawk which had been taken by himself with the help of some of the boys at Felsted School. The various stages of growth of the young birds, the parent birds bringing food and sheltering the nestlings during Vol. xxxvii. | 40 storms, and different attitudes of both adults and young were very clearly illustrated, and the exhibition was much appreciated by the members present. Mr. D. Srru-Smita showed a series of slides from photographs taken in the London Zoological Gardens of nestling-birds, notably Cygnus melanocoryphus, Rhea americana, Chloephaga melunoptera, Larus hemprichi, Rhyn- — chotus rufescens, Nothura maculosa, and Calopezus elegans. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednes- © day, the 11th of April, 1917, at PAGANI’S RESTAURANT, ~ 42-48 Great Portland Street, W.; the Dinner at 6.45 p.m. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Talbot-Ponsonby, at 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. | N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to — give notice beforehand to the Editor at 34 Elsworthy Road, South Hampstead, N.W., and to place in his hands not later than at the meeting MSS. for publica- tion in the Bulletin. | (Signed) Rotuscuitp, D.Sxrta-Smitru, C.G.Tatsot-Ponsonsy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. & Treas. BULLETIN OF THE No. CCAXIV. THe two-hundred-and-twenty-first Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, April 11th, 1917. Chairman: The Lord Roruscurp, Jen Deal te leasis Members present:—H. C. Stuart Baker; HE. Binwett; S. Boorman; P. F. Bunyarp; H. N. Cottart; A. Ezra ; EK. Gisson; HE. Harrerr; Rev. F.C. R. Jourpain; G. C. Lampert; H. Lanetron; H. Munr; C. E. Pearson ; C. B. Rickcerr; W. L. Scrarer; D. Sura-Smira (/ditor) ; H. FB, Wiruersy. Guest :—C. W. Praep. Dr. Ernst Hartert made the following remarks on the genera Myrmecocichla and Phylloscopus, which he illustrated by the exhibition of specimens in the Tring Museum :— Reichenow, in his great work on the ‘ Birds of Africa,’ 111. p. 706, united Myrmecocichla nigra and arnotti as individual aberrations of one form. That this is wrong was long known to me, and it bas been clearly pomted out by Ogilvie-Grant, ‘Ibis,’ 1908, p. 299. The chief difference is, that the adult female (and the young) of M. nigra is uniform brown (not black), and that the male is not known to haye a white [April 24th, 1917.] VOL. XKXVIE, Vol. xxxvii. | 42 - crown. In M. arnotti the crown of the ¢ varies from quite black to quite white, while very often the forehead and a superciliary only are white ; the 2 of arnotti is blae and has the throat more or less white, often also the chest. ~ The distribution of MW. nigra may be said to extend from the Congo to Benguela and eastwards to Uganda and Lakes Albert and Tanganyika, also the country between Kagera and Kivu. The typical M. arnotti inhabits Benguela and South-West. Africa, and extends thence along the Zambesi to the Zout pansberge and Griqualand East. The form from Eastern Africa, where it inhabits the southern portion of the Central African lake districts, z.é€. Bukoba, the districts between Kageru and Kivu, east to Nguru, is easily distinguished by its smaller bill and~ feet; generally the wings are also shorter, and the females seem to have the ear-coverts nearly always white, often tinged with buff or brown; while the ear-coverts are often, nay, mostly, black in M. arnotti arnotti. The young of both forms of M. arnotti are dull, not glossy, but brownish black, though not brown as the adult female and young of M. nigra. Wings of males of the East African form 94-100 mm. (against 100-111 in Damara Land, 99-112 in Angolan males), females 93-99 (against 100-105 in Damara Land and Angolan specimens). The East African form must bear the name MyYRMECOCICHLA ARNOTTI LEUCOLZMA Rechw. It was described in Orn. Centralbl. 1880, p. 181, from ar adult female from Nguru. At that time the author believed it to be a distinct species, while later on he considered it to be the same as M. nigra and arnotii. It is clearly neither the one nor the other, but a subspecies of arnolti. Possibly the Angolan form can again be separated, but, considering the great individual variation in the extent of the white markings as well as in size, 1 am not quite sure about this question. : 43 [ Vol. xxxvii. In the Vég. pal. Fauna, i. p. 522 (Feb. 1909), I gave the distribution of Phylloscopus trochiloides as Himalaya and Kuatun in Fokien (China), in winter Bengal to Assam, Burmah, Tenasserim, and South China. Since then Mr. E. C. Stuart Baker found the species breeding in the Khasia Hills, south of the Brahmaputra, and separated the race of that region as Ph. trochiloides harterti (Bull. B. O. C. xxxi. p- 86, 1913). The principal difference of this subspecies is the smaller size, the other characters described by its author being rather variable and not constant. With a series of specimens to hand, I come now to the conclusion that the birds from Fokien are also rather different from Ph. trochiloides trochiloides. I therefore call them Phylloscopus trochiloides fokiensis, subsp. n. They differ from both Ph. tr. trochiloides and harterti by the brighter and more yellow forehead, sincipital and super- ciliary lines, also of the edges of the rectrices, and, generally, the underside. The yellow wing-bars are narrow, but about as bright as in harterti (where they vary a good deal), the white edges to the inner webs of the two outer rectrices are very narrow, but distinct. Wings: ¢ 59-60, ? 56-58 mm. Type: g ad. Kuatun, Fokien, 15.iv.1897. J. De La Touche coll. (in the Tring Museum). These forms have their closest ally in PA. davisoni, from Manipur and Burmah, which is still smailer than hartertz. In Fokien breeds another species with quite bright yellow underside, Ph. ricketti (described as Cryptolopha!), and a paler form on the mountains of Hainan, the ?h. goodsone. Mr. H. F. Wirnersy exhibited a Tree-Pipit collected by the late Colonel H. H. Harington in the summer of 1914, in the Kaghan Valley, Hazara, North-west India. Mr. Witherby remarked that this bird, as well as other skins in the British Museum Collection from high ground in Kashmir in summer, differed from the typical Anthus Vol. xxxvii. | 4.4, trivialis, and he proposed to separate this local breeding- — form as Anthus trivialis haringtoni, subsp. n. d and @ ad. differing from Anthus trivialis trivialis and — A. t. maculatus by the bill being much broader, especially at the base, and altogether coarser and less fine ; in summer- plumage the black streaks on the breast are wider and much more pronounced and extend further down the flanks than is usual in A. /. ¢rivialis, though occasionally examples of — the typical form have equally broad streaks ; the under- parts of A. ¢. haringtoni are thus much like those of A. ¢. maculatus; the upper-parts in summer-plumage are broadly streaked with black-brown, as in A. ¢. trivialis, and have no tinge of green. Bill-length from the skull to the tip, 6,14-16 mm. ; width at the base of nostrils 5°5-6. Hab. Breeding in high ground (9,000-12,500 ft.) from Hazara to Gilghit and apparently south to Dhurmsalah. Type. Gad. Gittidas, Kaghan Valley, 11,000ft., 2. vii.1914, In H. F. Witherby coll. Collected by the late Col. H. H. Harington. Obs. “ The typical Anthus trivialis trivialis passes through the Punjab at the migration periods, and possibly passes through, or very near, the breeding-grounds of A. ¢. haringtoni. The specimens in the British Museum ob- tained by the late Capt. C. H. T. Whitehead in the Kaghan Valley in July 1908 at 12,000 ft., and others from Gilghit, Aliabad Serai, and Dhurmsalah are referable to the new form, An example in juvenile plumage from Gilghit (22. vii. 1879, 9500 ft.) has the wide bill of A. ¢. haringtoni, The type of Anthus agilis Sykes from the Deccan, in the British Museum collection, has the fine bill and fine breast- — streaks typical of Anthus trivialis trivialis. Seven specimens in the same collection, taken by Severtzoff in Turkestan and labelled by him Anthus microrhynchus (cf. ‘Ibis, 1876, p. 180, and 1883, p. 63), are also typical A. trivialis.” Mr. E. C. Stuarr Barer observed that Mr. Witherby’s 45 [Vol. xxxvii. discovery of this new subspecies was particularly interesting, because it practically showed that Anthus trivialis and A, maculatus were not subspecies of the same bird, but were good species; for the new subspecies haringtoni had been found breeding together with maculatus in Kashmir and Garhwal. He remarked that he had received eggs together with the parents collected both by Jowalla and by Crump for Col. A. E. Ward. Other collectors who had taken eggs of this subspecies were Cols. Buchanan and Rattray. The Rev. F. C. R. Jourparn exhibited a series of eggs of Japanese-breeding Cuckoos, and remarked that special diffi- culties attended the identification of the eggs of these birds, and that it was only by the accumulation of evidence derived from oviduct eggs and field-observations that any certainty could be reached as to their origin. Of the eggs of the species exhibited, those of Cuculus intermedius intermedius, ranging from deep red to pale brick-red, were undoubtedly correctly assigned ; and the same may be said of the large pale blue eggs of C. fugax nisicolor, usually laid in the nests of Hrithacus cyaneus, which has similarly coloured eggs. With regard to the others, there was still some uncertainty. Eggs sent as C. canorus (i.e., C. canorus telephonus) showed an extraordinary assimilation to the markings of the Buntings and Chats in whose nests they were laid, but similarly marked egos were sent to Mr. Stuart Baker as the eggs of C. micro- pterus. There seems to be considerable doubt as to whether the latter species has ever occurred in Japan, so that probably these eggs are rightly ascribed to C. ¢. telephonus. A blue egg found in the nest of Uragus sanguinolentus was ascribed to C. saturatus (C. optatus) by the sender, but differs widely from authentic eggs of this species. Mr. Stuart Baker suggested that it might be the blue type of C. c. telephonus. The eggs of the fosterer are in this case of extreme interest, as they are believed not to have been received in England before. Vol. xxxvii.] 46 Mr. P. F. Bunyarp exhibited a clutch of six and a single egg of the Hooded Merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus, from Michigan and Iowa, N.A., and made the following remarks :— “ Sufficient attention does not appear to have been drawn to the remarkable eggs cf this species, and no one seems to have taken the trouble to weigh them. From an oological point of view, they are, I believe, distinct and quite unlike the eggs of any other species, and widely separated from those of closely allied forms both in the thickness of the shell and the arrangement of the pores or pittings. The thickness and general appearance remind one of china; the pittings are widely separated, coarse and deep, not unlike - those of the eggs of the Ostrich. “For their size (53:95 x 43°73 mm., Jourdain), the weight is perhaps even more remarkable, as the following will show:—Maximum, 10°147 gr.; minimum, 8°359 gr. ; average of seven eggs, 9°22] er. ““T also exhibit an egg of the White-fronted Goose, Anser albifrons, for comparison in size, and which weighs 10°040 gr., and though very much larger than the heaviest egg of L. cucullatus weighs 0°107 gr. less. ‘« Howard Saunders states that the down is dark-coloured and not white—obviously an error, as all the down J have examined is greyish white” *. Mr. W. L. Scuarer exhibited, on behalf of Lieut. C. G. Finch-Davies of the Ist S.A.M.R., a pair of Francolins obtained by him at Tsumeb in the South-West African Protectorate (formerly German South-West Africa). These birds were interesting, as they were intermediate in plumage between Francolinus gariepensis jugularis Buttikofer (Notes Leyden Mus. xi. 1889, p. 76: Gambos, in the upper * [The paragraph in Saunders’ Manual, p. 478, is as follows :—“ As far as our present knowledge goes, the Hooded Merganser invariably makes its nest in the hollows of trees; and lines it with down, which, according to Mr. G. A. Boardman, is dark-coloured and not white, as the down of birds which nest in holes usually is,”"—Ep., | 47 [ Vol. xxxvit. Cunene region of Southern Angola) and F. g. pallidior Neumann (Bull. B. O.C. xxi. 1908, p, 45: German South-: West Africa). Moreover, although in this group of Francolins the sexes are usually alike in plumage, the male in this case is more’ richly coloured and nearer to the more northern F. g.jugularis, while the female is paler and more like the southern F. g. pallidior. Whether this is a constant sexual distinction in this form, or whether it is accidental, remains to be seen. Tsumeb, where the birds were obtained by Mr. Finch- Davies, is quite in the north of the Protectorate, not very far south of the Cunene river. Dr. Laneton exhibited a curious variety of the Common Bullfinch, proved to be a female by dissection, in which the uuderparts were strongly tinged with pink. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednes- day, the 9th of May, 1917, at PAGANI’S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W.; the Dinner at 6.45 p.m. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Talbot-Ponsonby, at 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. 4. | N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Hditor at 34 Elsworthy Road, N.W.3, and to place in his hands not later than at the meeting MSS. for publication in the Bulletin. | (Signed) Roruscuitp, D.Sretu-Smira, C.G.'Tarsot-Ponsonsy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. & Treas. J . - fp - ' > ‘af y f a io + 4 t . \ - 4 . / ) of nee { u ; - 5 is 4 S tard DHS | elimaveld: w® goa) rs | \ fan 44: : he tual aS BULLETIN OF THE 4 Som PiSH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB. No. CCXXV. Tne two-hundred-and-twenty-second Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, May 9th, 1917. Chairman: The Lord Roruscuitp, Ph.D., F.R.S. Members present :—H. C. Stuarr Baker; P. F. Bun- yarD; A. Ezra; Ernest Gisson; E. Harrerr; G. C. Lampert; E. G. B. Mreapr-Watpo; H. Mount; A. E. Price ; C. B. Ricxerr; D. Seta-Smiru (/ditor) ; C. G. TatgBot-Ponsonsy (Hon. Sec. & Treasurer); H. M. Watts ; H. F. Wituersy. Guests :—Dr. E. Horxinson; Dr. Percy Renpatr; H. R. Mont. The CuHarrman exhibited a large water-colour picture showing the varieties of the Monaul, and read the follow- ing paper :— On the Status of Lophophorus impejanus Lath. and ZL. refulgens Temm. By Lord Roruscuixp, F.R.S. Up to the year 1884 three species of Monaul Pheasant were recognised—The “‘Common Monaul” of India, with a rufous tail, fiery neck, and metallic bronze-green interscapulium and [May 25th, 1917.] VOL. XXXVII. CASON lan lustig * JUN 18 1977 Phe 4 “onal Muse8 ie %\ $f Vol, xxxvii. | 50 large white patch on the rump, identified as Lophophorus impeyanus Bonn. ; L’Huys’? Monaul from Thibet and West China, with a metallic green-blue tail, coppery bronze neck and interscapulium, and a white rump the lower feathers of | which are tipped with blue, L. Phuysiit Verr. & G. St.-Hil. ; and, lastly, Sclater’s Monaul from the Mishmi Hills, Assam, which has a fiery neck, green-blue interscapulium, a rufous tail broadly tipped with white, and a white rump, L. sclateri Jerd. In 1884 Colonel Marshall described as new a Monaul from the Chamba Valley, Kashmir, under the name of Lophophorus chambanus. The chief differences from L. im- peyanus auct. were the metallic blue-green, not black, breast, and the total absence of white on the rump. As, however, the amount of green on the breast of the three specimens varied much, and moreover Colonel Marshall procured true black-breasted, white-rumped Monauls in the Chamba Valley, he ought to have hesitated before describing it. In 1893 Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, in the twenty-second volume of the ‘Catalogue of Birds,’ expresses the opinion that Marshall’s Lophophorus chambanus is the true L. impejanus of Latham, and the common white-rumped bird must stand as L. refulgens Temm. In the same year, Mr. E. Oustalet described two skins of Monauls presented to the Paris Museum by the feather-dealer Mantou under the names of Lophophorus impeyanus var. mantoui and L. impeyanus var. obscurus, stating (Bull. Soc. Zool. France, 1893, p. 19) that he considered them “local races,” i. e. “ subspecies.” Oustalet’s L. 7. var. mantoui differs from L. impeyanus auct. =refulgens Temm. by the interscapulium being of a beautiful metallic purplish blue, while his var. obscurus has all the metallic parts of the plumage sooty-black strongly washed with steel-green. ‘These two birds were obtained by Mr. Mantou in London, and I at once caused all the consignments of Monaul skins sent to London during the next few years to be regularly searched for abnormal speci- mens. In this manner I have collected a large series (some 18-20 specimens) of abnormal Monaul skins, and these fr 51 [ Vol. xxxvil. prove what I have already pointed at, that L. impejanus Lath. =chambanus Marsh., and L. refulgens Temm.=impey- anus auct. are one and the same bird. My series, as depicted on the picture before the meeting, apart from the two melanistic aberrations, shows two distinct lines of variation. ‘The one varies by the black of the breast being gradually overspread and swamped with intense metallic blue-green, while the white on the rump is reduced in proportion till the extreme forms show an entire absence of black on the breast and white on the rump. The second line of variation only affects the colours of the neck and interscapulium. Here we find a complete transition from the normal fiery neck and bronze- green interscapulium through every shade of metallic green- bronze, coppery-bronze, metallic maroon-red, and coppery- purple, to the metallic purplish blue of Oustalet’s var. mantout. The two melanistic varieties are very striking, and have arisen in quite different ways. The one called by Oustalet var. obscurus is an ordinary melanism, and has been produced by the saturation of the whole of the metallic plumage with sooty-black pigment. ‘The second one appears, however, to have been produced somewhat differently, the only part of the metallic plumage which has been changed by suffusion is the interscapulium, which is velvety-black ; the rest of the metallic plumage is deep purple, evidently the result of the elimination of the green and green-blue pigments. The rufous in the tail has been eliminated and replaced by metallic steel-green. I think this series of aberrations proves that we must go back to our standpoint before 1884, and that there are only three species of Monaul known, viz., Lophophorus sclateri, L. Vhuysii, and L. impejanus, the latter being a very variable species. I exhibit normal males of these three species. Dr. Ernst Harrerr exhibited specimens of Textor niger, and made the following remarks :— At a meeting of this Club, in June 1902 (Bull. B.O.C. Vol. xxxvii. } 52 xi. p. 77), I called attention to the peculiar penis-like appendage in the males of the African genus Teztor, and pointed out the desirability of obtaining specimens in * spirit. Nobody seems, however, to have taken an interest: in the subject, but the late W. J. Ansorge made some inter- esting remarks on labels of specimens. When I showed this supposed penis in 1902, I thought it really was a penis, but I am now convinced that it is not. First of all, the organ in question is not—like the penis of the Ostrich, Swans, and Ducks—a protuberance of the anus, but an independent appendage in front of the anus. Moreover, it is evidently not perforated, and a supposed penis that is not perforated cannot very well be a penis. A careful examination of a good many skins reveals no apparent perforation, and’ Dr. Ansorge, who was an observant collector and a doctor, made the following remarks on labels : “* Notice the peculiar hard, stiff, flesh-coloured projection with black tip in front of the anus, It is 23 to 25 mm. long, but has apparently no perforation.” On another label: ‘“‘ Notice the curious penis-like projection in front of the anus. It measures 23 mm., but has no perforation.” Though in its full length of 20 mm. and more it is only found in males, the organ is not quite absent in females. The female, to use Ansorge’s words, “‘ has only a tiny clitoris-like projection before the anus.” The question naturally arises, since this supposed penis is not a penis, what is it and what may be its use? It is an extraordinary thing that there should grow on the belly of a bird a hard and stiff’ projection without any real object. Lesson, in 1831, said that the male introduced its penis “dans le cloaque de la femelle,” but this was most likely only imagination. The Kafirs of the Transvaal say that the appendage is used for carrying sticks to the nest and to hang on to the latter. Both assertions are most likely fairy — tales, as the powerful beaks and very strong feet are better instruments for these purposes. It is a pity that Transvaal ornithologists are not, so far as I am aware, investigating the peculiarity of the so-called penis of Textor. The latter 53 [ Vol. xxxvii. is altogether a peculiar bird, buildmg huge collective nests in which a number of pairs have their separate nests. Mr. ‘D. Seru-Smita exhibited a freshly-laid egg of Apteryx mantelli weighing 114 ounces, from the Zoological Society’s Gardens. The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wedunes- day, the 13th of June, 1917, at PAGANI’S RESTAURANT, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W.; the Dinner at 6.45 p.m. Members of the Club intending to dine are requested to - inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Talbot-Ponsonby, at 5 Crown Office Row, Temple, E.C. 4. [ N.B.—Members who intend to make any communication at the next Meeting of the Club are requested to give notice beforehand to the Editor at 34 Elsworthy Road, N.W.3, and to place in his hands not later than at the meeting MSS. for publication in the Bulletin. | (Signed) Roruscuitp, D.Srtu-Smiru, C.G.Tarsor-Ponsonsy, Chairman. Editor. Sec. &§ Treas. a nam, ie, ek int als gael eu tah bea BULLETIN. OF THE No. CCAXVI. Ay A ae Ch / 5 ict iahe pe Ont ~~ Onal Mus? cs OS eroergapcrnpeer ene Tue two-hundred-and-twenty-third Meeting of the Club was held at Pagani’s Restaurant, 42-48 Great Portland Street, W., on Wednesday, June 13th, 1917. Chairman: The Lord Roruscuttp, Ph.D., F.R.S. Members present :—K. EK. Anams ; 3. Bipweiz ; S. Boor- MAN; P. F. Bunyarp; R. W. Cuasz; Col. S. Cuarxe; A. Ezra; J. Gerrarp; EH. Gisson; E. Harrerr; C. Ineram; G. C. Lampert; H. Munr; F. G. Penrose; C. W. M. Prazp; R. H. Reap; C. B. Rickxerr; W. L. Scrarer; D. Sera-Smira (/iditor) ; C. G. Tarsor-Ponsonsy (Hon. Sec. & Treasurer); H.M. Wau; H. F. Wirnersy. Guests :—W. Rowan; R. W. Royiance. Mr. R. W. Cuase exhibited a clutch of three Golden Eagle’s Eggs taken in Sutherlandshire, of abnormal shape, being very elongated and narrow, the measurements were as follows :—(1) 88°3x52°8 mm.; (2) 805x525 mm. ; (3) 815x548 mm. Two of the eggs were of a dirty- white colour without markings, the other streaked and -mottled with reddish brown; also two had a number of nodules on the shells at one end, the other showing a curious corrugation in the smaller end. Mr. Cuase also showed a clutch of three eggs of the Black-headed Gull taken in Cumberland, of the rich dark _ brown type, but unusually small, the measurements being [June 26th, 1917.} VOL, XXXVII. Vol. xxxvii. | 56 as follows:—(1) 34268 mm.; (2) 345% 25-7 mm.; (3) 35°3x 265 mm. ‘These eggs contained no yolk. The exhibitor said that he had taken many small eggs of this species, but it was unusual to find a pigmy clutch so regular in size and markings. Dr. Ernst Harter read the description of the following new subspecies of Desert-Lark :— Alemon alaudipes boavistz, subsp. n. 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