46 Mr. R. Swinhoe on the Ornithology of Amoxj (China). 



land of China may be ascertained from any ordinary map ; a 

 few words will therefore suffice to explain the nature of the 

 country in which I have followed my loved pursuit. This island, 

 the neighbouring shores of the mainland, and the banks of both 

 the rivers (the larger one leading to Changchow Foo and the 

 smaller to Tunggan Hien),are all densely populated, and have re- 

 markably little wood, except occasional Banyan -trees interspersed 

 amidst the villages. Tbe plains are well cultivated with rice, 

 maize, sugar-cane, Cucurhitacece, and hemp, during summer, and 

 during winter with bearded wheat, spinach {Basella rubra), taro, 

 cabbage, &c. The hills are either composed chiefly of granite 

 debris, studded with huge black blocks of granite, and extremely 

 barren ; or of clay, and covered with small stones and scanty 

 herbage. This character of the country will probably account 

 for the paucity of our resident species among Land-hirds as 

 compared with the occasional visitants or stragglers in the same 

 group. The Wat ei- -birds, however, show a finer list, no doubt, 

 owing to the suitable feeding- ground afforded them by the large 

 mud-flat of the Amoy Creek, those of several other inlets and 

 creeks into the mainland, and the marshes at the mouths of the 

 rivers. 



In identifying the following birds, Mr. Blyth of Calcutta has 

 rendered me infinite service; indeed, without his valued aid, 

 I could have done little among the non-European forms. I have 

 also to thank Mr. Stevenson of Norwich for the help he has 

 kindly afforded me. 



1. BUTEG JAPONICUS, Bp. 



A regular winter visitant, and often seen in pairs. 



2. Pandion haliaetus (L.) ? 



Lives on the rocks at the mouth of the harbour, and comes 

 occasionally to Amoy ; very shy and unapproachable. I have 

 never been able to procure a specimen. 



3. Falco peregrinus, Linn. 



Breeds in the neighbourhood, on the high hill of Lamtaiboo, 

 and is not unfrequently seen. 



4. Hypotriorchis subbuteo (L.). 

 Occasionally seen during winter ; rare. 



