262 Mr. T. Ayres on Trans- Vaal Ornitholorjy. 



brown on a rather dark tawny ground. It is rather a short egg, 

 abruptly pointed at the small end. Size 1^ by 1^ inch. 



[Mr. Ayres did not forward a skin of this Francolin, but 

 transmitted its eggs to the Rev. H. B. Tristram, who informs 

 me that they agree exactly with some which he had previously 

 received from Mr. Layard. — J. H. G.] 



138. (L. 53.2.) CoTURNix histrionica, Hartl. Harlequin 

 Quail. 



Total length 6^ inches, bill f^j-j tarsus 1^, wing 3|, tail 1^ ; 

 iris dark hazel. 



The two specimens sent were shot by me in the open glades 

 along the banks of the Mariqua river, the only place where I 

 have met with them. Their flight resembled that of C dady- 

 lisonans. 



139. (L. 538.) Pterocles variegatus, Burch. Variegated 

 Sand-Grouse. 



Female : — Total length lOj inches, bill j\, wing 6| ; bare 

 skin round the eye ashy, bill black. 



I found these birds tolerably plentiful in June and July along 

 the Limpopo and Mariqua ; but though they were often in pairs I 

 did not succeed in finding their eggs. These and the other Sand- 

 Grouse of this district arc dry and very tough if cooked fresh, but 

 if kept for nearly a week become tender and well flavoured. 



140. (L. 535.) Pterocles tachypetes, Temra. Namaqua 

 Sand-Grouse. 



Female: — Length lOg inches, bill f^;, tarsus 1, wing 7^, 

 tail 3|; iris dusky, eyelid yellow, bill ash-colour, feet light 

 ash-colour. 



I shot the first of these birds on 10th May, on bare open 

 country between Potchefstroom and Marico, and subsequently 

 found them, though not very plentifully, throughout the whole 

 of my journey along the river Limpopo. When approached 

 they do not run, but squat close to the ground until they think 

 it prudent to be off", when they rise with a noisy rapid beat of 

 their wings. Their flight, like that of other Sand-Grouse, is 

 extremely rapid. 



