248 Letters, Announcements, ^c. 



My observations have convinced me that it is a permanent 

 resident in this neighbourhood. I have now a hving example 

 of this species, taken from the nest more than two years ago. 

 In 1865 several were noticed soaring over a large ravine in a 

 locality some twenty miles distant from the scene of the former 

 capture ; and though an egg was found which agreed exactly 

 with Dr. Bree's figure, it could not be authenticated and was 

 left. In April last we were fortunate enough to secure three 

 eggs in this same locality, the bird being shot. Some ten or 

 twelve more were seen ; but time did not allow of a longer 

 search. 



On the 5th of June, 1866, an example of Larus minutus was 

 shot here as it was rising from the nest ; and under it was found 

 an egg, which I am forwarding to you. This I believe to be a 

 most interesting specimen. 



I am, &c., 



W. H. CULLEN. 



Atichnaba House, Lochgilphead, 

 18th December, 1866. 

 Sib, — When corresponding with Mr. A. G. More as to the 

 occurrence of different birds in Argyleshire, I believe that I 

 mentioned the Turtle-Dove [Turtur auritus) as one which I had 

 little doubt I had seen, though not obtained. This belief is 

 now strengthened by the fact that my father's keeper shot one 

 last October, not far from the same locality. This may be in- 

 teresting to some readers of 'The Ibis.' 



I am, &c., 



J. W. P. Orde. 



Cape Town, 10th January, 1867. 

 Sir, — On my leaving England in November last I promised 

 you that I would do all in my power to clear up the mystery of 

 the St. Helena " Wire-bird," and I have now the pleasure of 

 sending you a male and female shot by myself, with such an 

 account of their habits as I could glean either by personal ob- 

 servation or by report from the residents on the island. 



