SYLVIIDAE. 



oides and C. schoenobaenus; I have, however, after as careful as 

 possible an examination of the shells failed to ascertain the existence 

 of such a relationship. What I do find is a resemblance, and a fairly 

 considerable one too, in texture to Motacilla alba, and in a stronger 

 measure even to Lulliila arborea; the character of the marking of 

 the two Locustella-speciQS corresponds, moreover, in a striking 

 manner to that of certain alba- and arborea-types. 



In conclusion a few remarks are subjoined respecting certain 

 species, which should be inserted here rather than in the concise 

 text facing each plate. 



SYLVIA SYLVIA (L). 



One of the types is characterized by the peculiarity that after the 

 last deposit of pigment the whole eggshell is finally covered again 

 with a thin layer of carbonate of lime which gives to it the ap- 

 pearance of being coloured more or less plain ; apart from their 

 size, the eggs of Sylvia nisoria Bechst. correspond fairly well on 

 the whole to this type. 



In Naumann ') it is wrongly stated that eggs spotted reddish 

 brown do not occur ; they certainly do occur. 



It is noteworthy that Hewitson 2 ) mentions in respect of sylvia- 

 eggs wich — as he himself says — he saw in large numbers : - 

 „neither do they present any remarkable varieties". Judging from 

 the two drawings which he gives, he seems only to have known 

 the greenish yellow type. The question suggests itself in this con- 

 nection : Did at that time perhaps only one of the egg-types occur 

 in England ? 



') Naturgeschichte der Vogel Mitteleuropas (neu bearb.). Band II, p. 179. 

 : ) W. C. Hewitson, British Oology, 1st ed. (1838). Vol. I, pi. CXVI. 



