1 86 MEDITERRANEAN NOTES 



of them was struck deep by Tait with the harpoon, but 

 wrenched it out. Saw three or four stormy petrels." 



" 'June <^th. Started in the cutter about 4.30 a.m. 

 for the Dehesa ; cloudy morning. We landed on the beach 

 near where the pines begin, and wandered about amongst 

 them with no result ; took boat and went down some 

 three miles farther on. No sport. It came out very hot 

 and we took a long siesta in the shade. 



" The paucity of bird life in the Dehesa is remark- 

 able. We only saw about half a dozen rabbits, two or 

 three kites, several woodchats, many buntings, crested 

 larks, greenfinches, black-headed, passerine and fantail 

 warblers, two or three kingfishers, and a ringed-plover. 



M saw some lizards, but could not secure any. 



Many sweet plants, myrtle, thyme, rosemary, lentiscus — 

 and wild flowers in abundance, quantities of butterflies, 

 and insects of all kinds. Not many lizards. Saw one 

 large snake, I think Calopetta lacertina. I found a nest 

 of common bunting with six, and a nest of black-headed 

 warbler with four eggs. Quantities of shells." 



At Sea 



'•'■June \ith. Beautiful day. We had light airs of 

 wind and calm all day, and made but little way. Passed 

 the Columbretes island, which rather made my mouth 

 water, as there are reported to be many snakes and no 

 doubt many birds there. 



