1060 NOTES AND EXHIBITS. 



then however, I have received two well authenticated sets, which 



show that the eggs previously described were not of the normal 



form, hence the necessity for describing the most common variety, 



in which irregular blotches and spots form the characteristic 



markings. The eggs vary in proportionate length, but are usually 



long ovals, seldom even slightly swollen towards the thicker end ; 



the ground colour is of a rich cream or light stone-colour, spotted and 



blotched with irregular patchy markings, and a few dots of umber 



and sienna brown of different tints, in some almost approaching 



blackish brown, in others of a yellowish colour ; the larger markings 



are as usual on the thicker end, but a few appear with the small dots 



on the thin end. In this, the usual form, the irregular short wavy 



lines previously mentioned seldom appear except where the larger 



spots or blotches are confluent ; as if beneath the surface of the 



shell are a few irregularly shaped faint markings of slaty grey or 



pale lilac. The following are the measurements of two normal 



sets : — 



, J A. length 1*75 inch, breadth 1*15 inch, 



IB. „ 1-7 „ „ 1-16 „ 



„ 1*82 „ „ 1*18 „ 



„ 1-76 „ „ 115 „ 



(2) Rhynchcea australis (Gould). I have always had grave doubts 

 as to the specific distinction of the Australian painted snipe from 

 the Rhynchcea of India, and a study of the eggs of the Australian 

 birds, compared with those from India, does not weaken my con- 

 viction. A few weeks ago Mr. George Masters drew my attention 

 to the fact that the egg I had described and figured as that of 

 Gallinago (Scolopax) australis from Mr. Whittell's collection (see 

 P. Linn. Soc. of N.S.W., 1882, Vol. VII., p. 57, pi. III., fig. 15), 

 was not sufficiently authentic. After examining large collections 

 of eggs in England during 1883-84, and comparing those of the 

 European, American, and Indian specimens of Gallinago with 

 Australian specimens, I had come to the same conclusion, but was 

 not then in a position to give a definite opinion on the subject ; 

 quite lately however on communicating with Mr. K. H. Bennett 

 of Mossgiel, that gentleman was good enough to send me the set 



2 (C. 



