52 NATURAL HISTORY. 



685. — Acridotheres ginginianus : Lath. 



The Bank Myna breeds in holes, made by themselves, in river 

 banks, about May. The eggs, four in number, are counterparts 

 of those of the Common Myna, but are smaller. They measure 

 1*05 inches in length by about 0'87 in breadth. 



687. — Sturnia pagodarum : Gm. 



The only nest of the Brahminy Myna that I found was in June ; 

 it was in a hole in a tree, and contained three fresh eggs. They aro 

 longish ovals in shape, and are of a pale greenish-blue colour, and 

 measure 0'97 inches in length by about 0*73 in breadth. 



694. — Ploceus philippinus : Lin. 



The Baya or Weaver Bird commences to breed about the latter 

 end of July, that is, when the rains have set in ; it is a gregarious 

 builder, as many as forty nests being frequently counted upon 

 one tree, which is usually a thorny babool, growing over water, 

 river, tank or well, it does not matter which, thus obtaining greater 

 protection. The nests are retort-shaped, and are composed of 

 strips of grass, ingeniously interwoven ; the grass is always used 

 green. They commence operations at the extreme end of a slender 

 twig, and for the first few inches the nest is solid, gradually increas- 

 ing in size. After about a foot of the nest is made, they commence to 

 form a receptacle for the eggs on one side and a tubular entrance 

 opposite, a strong loop being made across the nest to form the 

 division. The egg compartment is about seven inches in length by 

 six in breadth and four and-a-half in width, but they vary much. 

 The above dimensions are of a very fine nest. The tubular 

 entrance is generally five or six inches in length, but as the male 

 bird goes on increasing the length during the time the female 

 is sitting, it often reaches an almost incredible length. I have 

 seen one measuring sixteen inches. I am puzzled as to what the 

 ordinary number of eggs is. I have often found two eggs, much 

 incubated ; many times I have met with four, and on one occasion 

 I took seven from the same nest. The eggs are moderately long 

 ovals, pointed at one end, and are dull white in colour. They measure 

 0*82 inches in length by about 059 in breadth. 



695. — Ploceus mangar : Hors. 



The Striated Weaver Bird breeds about the same time as its 

 relative P. Philippimis. The nest is very similar, but instead of 

 being affixed to the end of a bough, it is fastened to the top of a 



