from Mesulonghi and Southern zEiolia. 201 



In the same way Siita syriaca hopes that its own bit of plaster 

 sticking to a rock may pass muster amongst the many structures 

 of a species of Aut. 



We had long known that these cliffs were frequented by a 

 pair of Bonelli's Eagles {Aquila bonellii), as also by a pair of 

 Sea Eagles {A. albicilla), besides Eagle Owls, Griffon Vultures, 

 Ravens, and Kestrels. Bonelli's Eagle we were sure must be a 

 very early breeder, as Dr. Kriiper had found a nest hatched off 

 in the beginning of April 1859 in the same line of cliffs some 

 miles to the southward, and although this was only the 26th of 

 February, it was clear we could afford to lose no time. As we 

 scrambled up towards the foot of the precipice the male Bonelli 

 was caught sight of, evidently on the look-out for us, as we had 

 been on the look-out for him. He had seen us long before, and 

 now flew away to give notice of our arrival. After examining 

 several likely places, Dr. Kriiper at length pointed out a nest in 

 one of the smaller holes which was plainly visible from the base 

 of the precipice. We then stationed ourselves at separate points ; 

 but when the gun was fired, out started the female Bonelli from 

 another nest which had escaped our observation. A few sticks 

 only projected from the deep longitudinal fissure in which it was 

 placed. This Eagle when flying shows a whitish band on the 

 back, just above the base of the tail, which was easily seen 

 on this occasion as she turned on her side in the air and thus 

 presented her back towards us. In colour the whole plumage 

 was very light. On finding that we did not stir, she came back 

 very boldly after an absence of two or three minutes, and entered 

 her nest, where, as she settled down, we again lost sight of her. 

 It was agreed to defer the " assault " until the following day, as 

 ropes would be necessary. The cliff was carefully examined both 

 below and above, that we might lose no time during operations. 



Early on the morning of February 37th, the besieging force 

 marched through the town of iEtolico, where it created consider- 

 able excitement on account of the accident to Kriipcr's German 

 servant a few days before. Some of the " loafers " accompanied 

 us to witness the proceedings ; but all but two dropped off during 

 the ascent, and these two would never come near enough the edge 

 of the precipice to be of any use. My ItaUan servant carried one 



