in the Eastern Atlas. 303 



In these districts it breeds in the month of May, choosing for 

 the position of its nest a hollow in a tree, and usually preferring 

 one that has a side entrance. In this the eggs are deposited on 

 no softer nest than that which the chips of dead wood at the 

 bottom afford. The Arabs used frequently to catch the birds 

 in their holes and bring them, eggs and all, to us. Their local 

 name is " Shrugwrug," derived from one of the cries of the bird, 

 which it well expresses. 



28. Merops apiaster. (Bee-Eater.) 



The first time 1 observed this species was towards the end of 

 April, at Kef Laks, where a flock, apparently just arrived, passed 

 over my head. It is plentiful about Djendeli, and breeds, boring 

 the hole for its nest, in banks of the river Chemora and the ditches 

 that drain the low land near the lake. There the soil is alluvial 

 and soft, and the bird finds little difficulty in making its exca- 

 vation. During our stay, I took several nests, and latterly be- 

 came an adept at knowing at once which holes were tenanted, 

 and where and when to dig. A little circumspection is neces- 

 sary at first ; for not unfrequently the occupant of the hole is 

 not a Bee-eater, but a toad or snake. The scratchings made by 

 the bird's feet in passing in and out, and the absence of fresh 

 earth beneath the orifice are generally sure indications of the 

 excavation having been completed, and consequently of a strong 

 probability that there are eggs within. The holes pierced by this 

 bird usually consist of a horizontal passage about three or four 

 feet long, the entrance being at various heights from the level 

 ground. This passage, from a circular opening, is gradually 

 enlarged horizontally till it arrives at a chamber of about a foot 

 in diameter, and domed over. In this chamber the eggs are 

 frequently deposited. Should, however, none be found, it is 

 necessary to feel all round the chamber ; and in many instances 

 another passage of about a foot long will be found communicating 

 with a second chamber in all respects similar to the first, in 

 which, if it exist, the eggs are placed. The bird makes no nest ; 

 but the floor of the chamber is strewn with the legs and wing- 

 cases of Coleoptera in such abundance that a handful may be 

 taken up at once. In most instances, I caught one of the old 



