Dr. A. L. Adams on the Birds of Egypt and Nubia. 35 



querquedula crecca. 



Anas boschas. 



Nyroca leucophthalma. 



The Wigeon was identified on two occasions from specimens 

 shot above Cairo, and seen on wing. The Pintail is not uncom- 

 mon in the shallows of the low country. The Shoveller, Mal- 

 lard, and Teal are met with in Nubia. The Ferruginous Duck 

 seems to be the most common species ; I noticed it among the 

 rapids of the Second Cataract. A Garganey Teal was shot. The 

 ancient Egyptians were evidently in a measure dependent on the 

 wild-fowl of the river. Bird-catching scenes are constantly re- 

 presented on the temples and tombs. On the walls of the lately 

 excavated temple at Edfoo is observed a scene where a net is 

 being closed over numbers of wild Geese, Ducks, Waders, &c. 

 The Coot is seen running across the meshes, whilst fish are 

 swimming below. Strange to say, along with these are several 

 Oryxes, Gazelles, and a Stag with antlers. The latter idea is de- 

 cidedly Homan, of which age are both the temple and sculptures. 

 The bird part of the scene is evidently copied from what took 

 place constantly in the Edfoo marsh in the neighbourhood, which 

 has been famous from time immemorial for the quantities of its 

 water-fowl. There are several other strange scenes on the walls 

 of the above temple, representing the hunting of the Hippopo- 

 tamus. 



Phalacrocorax carbo. 



Is plentiful below Thebes northwards. Flocks roost in the 

 date-trees. It breeds at Manfloot. I have frequently noticed 

 a small Cormorant, possibly P. pygmcEUS. 



Pelecanus onocrotalus. 



Is usually seen singly or in large flocks. It is not common 

 in Nubia. According to Horapollo, the Pelican was the symbol 

 of a "fool," from its inattention to its young. There is no 

 more characteristic scene on the river than, when the sun is 

 setting in all his fiery beauty, to witness Pelicans, one after 

 another, gliding along so close to the surface of the glassy Nile 

 that they appear as if propelled over a lake of ice. 



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