of the Lydenburg District. 213 



110. TOTANUS CANESCENS. 



Shot this oil a vley near the Modder river^ also near Kron- 

 stadt and near Potchefstroom, They are often seen with 

 Totanus ochropus flying about the farmers^ dams. 



111. NUMENIUS ARQUATUS. 



I have observed these birds near the vleys and in the 

 swamps near Potchefstroom^ curling round and uttering loud 

 cries ; but I have never observed it further north. They are 

 rather shy^ and I only succeeded in procuring a single spe- 

 cimen. 



112. Ortygometra crex. 



I received one specimen from the district of Lydenburg, 

 where, I am told, they are rather rare and not easily killed, 

 being shy in their habits. 



113. Rallus c.eruleus. 



This species is considerably abundant in the Transvaal; 

 and I have shot them as they flew among the rushes and reeds 

 bordering the Mooi river, but have often lost them in the 

 reeds. 



114. LiMNOCORAX NIGER. 



Not uncommon in the vleys and reeds about the Mooi river, 

 Potchefstroom ; and I have seen it a few miles south of Pre- 

 toria. They are rather shy, and are very quick in their 

 movements. 



115. Gallinula chloropus. 



I have shot this species near the Orange river in vleys and 

 swamps, and in the Transvaal as far as Lydenburg. I have 

 also received specimens shot in December near Pretoria. 



116. FULICA cristata. 



The Crested Coot is by no means rare, frequenting the 

 same places as G. chloropus. It is very quick in its move- 

 ments, and can run very rapidly on its feet as well as being 

 a swift swimmer. I have seen the young ones swimming 

 with the egg-shell still attached to them ; and it is curious to 

 see the manner in which they disappear when alarmed. To- 

 wards the mouth of the Mooi river, near the Vaal, I found 



