280 Mr. W. H. Simpsou's Ornithological Notes 



qucntly be seen running about close to the parade-ground, which, 

 however, is generally under water during the winter months. 

 North of Mesolonghi is a narrow fringe of level ground squeezed 

 in between the lagoon and the steep slope of Mount Aracynthus. 

 Wherever the springs from the subterranean channels of this 

 mountain burst out, a marsh is formed, generally extending to 

 the lagoon itself; and, as neither these waters nor those of the 

 lagoon are ever frozen, the number of wild-fowl to be found hei'e 

 in winter is very great. 



The delta of the Aspro-potarao is much more extensive and 

 varied in its character than that of the Phidaris, as it comprises 

 within itself a number of small rocky hills, exactly resembling 

 the islets so numerous on the west coast of Acarnania (the an- 

 cient Echinades), which may some day be joined to the Conti- 

 nent, as these have been. AVithin the historic period a great 

 lake has here been converted into a swamp, more or less acces- 

 sible according to the state of the water, and there are vast tracts 

 of reeds and sedges intermingled with watery meadows and 

 slippery maize-fields occurring at intervals throughout its whole 

 extent. 



It may readily be understood that such a district as this be- 

 tween the two great rivers, including of course the outlying- 

 portions of their respective deltas, is eminently favourable to 

 water-fowl, both those species which frequent the salt and those 

 which like the fresh water best. Waders, Geese, Ducks, Gulls, 

 and Terns of many species are here to be met with at different 

 seasons of the year, and when a hard winter drives them down 

 from the marshes of Dalmatia and Albania, their numbers are 

 immense. A sportsman will meet with all sorts of wild-fowl, 

 from a Jack Snipe to a Pelican ; and an ornithologist will take 

 still further delight in observing the numerous Harriers, Eagles, 

 and other birds of prey, which are sure to congregate where 

 their natural food is so plentiful. The thickets on the alluvial 

 plains are equally favourable to many of the smaller birds, espe- 

 cially to numerous species of Si/lviadtx. The gardens and vine- 

 yards arc full of that most beautiful bird, Emberiza melano- 

 cephala ; and the stony slopes of the lower hills are enlivened by 

 the gay colours of the Blue Thrush {Monticola cyaneus) and the 



