on Spanish Ornithology. 93 



Sand-Martins. During April and May these birds frequented 

 the plantations in tlie garden at Jerez in large flocks^ and 

 we noticed that their appearance among the trees was gene- 

 rally the precursor of heavy rains. I also obtained a nest of 

 the Yellow Wagtail with four eggs. 



During May Andalucia swarms with locusts^ and over the 

 fields of " garbauzos "" or chick-pea, which they frequent, 

 dozens of Black Kites are always hovering, while others are 

 dotted about on the ground devouring these destructive 

 insects. 



In 1872 a considerable passage of Waders occurred on 

 May 8th. The banks of the Guadalete river near Jerez 

 swarmed with bird-life. A large ''mixed bag^" included 

 Whimbrels, Grey Plovers, Curlew Sandpipers, Ring-Dotterels, 

 and Sand-Grouse. Many of the Grey Plovers were superb 

 specimens, in their beautiful black-and-white plumage, and 

 the Curlew Sandpipers were in full rufous summer dress. 

 Unfortunately the attractions of the Great Bustard, several of 

 which were also in sight, proved irresistible ; but I had the 

 satisfaction of riding home that evening with my first Bustard 

 slung to the " alforjas.''^ I also observed that day a single 

 Crane. 



A visit to the sierra in the middle of May was not very 

 productive. The Guadalete was in heavy flood : two men, 

 together with their nine mules, were drowned in attempting 

 the passage just as I rode up to the Barca Florida. Conse- 

 quently, having to make a long detour, it was impossible to 

 reach the sierra before nightfall. While improvising a 

 camp among the palmetto-scrub at dark, an alarming sound 

 attracted my attention. It resembled the distant bellowing 

 of an enraged bull — a formidable beast in this land of the 

 toreador ; but Felipe assured me it only arose from the An- 

 dalusian Quail {Turnix sylvatica), a tiny game-bird which 

 frequents the palmetto. In reference to its extraordinary 

 lung-power, this little bird is called in Spanish ''Torillo" = 

 little bull. I only met with the species on one other occa- 

 sion ; but have two eggs which were laid in confinement at 

 Jerez. 



