observed in Madagascar. 167 



almost perpendicularly, as it were by a jump, to a great height, 

 and descending again in a curve nearly to the top of the trees, 

 by almost closing its wings, at the same time uttering a whistle 

 so like an Eagle's that it was for a long time doubted by us 

 whether the bird that performed this wonderful freak was not a 

 Raptorial. However, after having several times watched it with 

 our glasses, we satisfied ourselves that it was this species. Whilst 

 one bird was thus playing, another would frequently answer its 

 cry from a tree hard by. 



44. FuNiNGUS MADAGASCARiENsis (Liuu.), Hartl. p. 64. 

 " Feningo." 



"I shot the first specimen of this species between Ranoma- 

 fana and Ambatoheranana, on the 8th of October. The outer 

 iris red, middle black, inner yellow ; lore red ; beak greenish at 

 base, yellowish at tip.'' — S. E,. 



We met with them from the above-mentioned place until we 

 reached Ambohitroni, on the opposite side of the plain of Ankay. 

 In the forest they inhabited the tallest trees, sitting on the top- 

 most boughs. Their flesh was inferior in flavour to that of the 

 next species. 



45. ViNAGO AUSTRALis (Linn.), Hartl. p. 65. 



" I shot one at Mamorack, on the coast, on the 3rd of October : 

 it was exceedingly tame. Others were killed at Ranomafana on 

 our return journey." — E. N. 



"I generally found them in thick green trees with large 

 leaves, under which they were wont to hide themselves. They 

 were very common in the belt of forest along the coast, about 

 three miles to the south of Foule Point, increasing in numbers 

 as I proceeded northward. They live almost exclusively on fruit, 

 and are deservedly prized by the French residents as an addition 

 to their cuisine." — S. R. 



46. TuRTUR picTURATUs (Temm.), Hartl. p. 66. 



" I shot a pair on the coast between Mamorack and Vavone 

 on the 5th of October. I have no hesitation in saying that it is 

 specifically identical with the Turtle Dove found in Mauritius.'^ 

 — S.R. 



