394 Mr. H. Saunders on the 



custom, as I have not seen the specimen in question j but Seiior 

 Seoane gives such an accurate description and measurements, that 

 it is impossible to doubt the authenticity of its occurrence. An 

 interesting account of the breeding of this Stork is to be found 

 in ' The Ibis,^ 1868, p. 257. 



257. Ibis FALCiNELLUs. " Morito," " Garza diablo." 

 Abundant in the " marisma," where it undoubtedly breeds. 



258. PlatxILEA leucorodia. "Espatula," " Cuchareta," 

 " Paleto." 



Breeds in the wooded " pajareras," but is not very numerous. 



259. Phcenicopterus roseus. " Flamenco." 



My principal aim during the past season has been the dis- 

 covery of the breeding-places of this bird ; but, owing to the 

 drought, all the efforts of my cazadores have been unavailing ; 

 and I do not think any have nested within thirty miles of 

 Seville for several years. Failing personal observation, I trans- 

 late part of a letter from Manuel, in reply to a severe cross- 

 examination, the composition of which must have caused the 

 notary no small amusement ; for my worthy friend is unac- 

 quainted with the arts of reading and writing, though quick 

 enough at his arithmetic : — 



" The Flamingo always makes its next in the flattest part of 

 the marsh, in places where there is from three to four inches of 

 water. The nest, which rises to about half a yard above the 

 surface of the water, is made of mud, like that of a Swallow ; its 

 shape is almost cylindrical, but somewhat wider at the base. 

 There is a slight concavity for the eggs, oval in shape, like the 

 shape of the inside of a hat. 



" When the bird is sitting, she has her legs stretched out 

 behind, hanging in the air (that is to say, unsupported), like 

 the arms of a man when he puts them behind his back, and 

 throws his shoulders forward. The complement of eggs is five; 

 and the birds, when once frightened from their nests, do not 

 return. To raise itself, the bird ' scrambles' with its feet on 

 the side of the nest till it lifts its body clear, and then it takes 

 wing." 



This account talUes with the oral mformation I have already 



