of certain South-Indian Birds. 319 



hoor Ghaut of tlie Neilgherries. Mr, Davison found another, 

 prior to the one I discovered, on an apple-tree in Ootacamund. 

 I am indebted to him for the only egg I possess, and the 

 dimensions of which are as follows — length '65 inch, by '51 in 

 breadth. 



22. Myiophonus horsfieldi. Vigors. 



I found the nest of this Thrush on the Seeghoor Ghaut of 

 the Neilgherries. Mr. Davison was with me at the time ; and 

 the nest being built on an open ledge of rock, we both sighted 

 it at the same moment ; and I, having managed to make better 

 use of my legs than my friend, w as fortunate enough to secure 

 it, and one egg, which was of a pale flesh-colour, with a few 

 faint spots and blotches of claret towards the larger end. The 

 nest was made of leaves and moss mixed with clay, and lined 

 with fine roots. The dimensions of the egg are 1*3 inch in 

 length and "85 in breadth. It was in May that I found this 

 egg ; but the nest had evidently been deserted for some time ; 

 for the egg had a hole in its side, through which the contents 

 had escaped or been sucked by a snake or some animal. 



23. Geocichla cyanotus (Jard. & Selb.). 



Breeds in the forests of the western coast in August and 

 September, building in small trees. The nest is composed of 

 grass, leaves, twigs, &c., with the usual clay foundation which 

 is found in almost all Thrush's nests, and is lined with fine 

 roots and hairs. The eggs are from three to four in number, 

 of a pale greyish blue colour, thickly speckled with minute 

 reddish brown spots. The average dimensions are "95 inch in 

 length by '77 in breadth. 



24. Merula siMiLLiMA (Jcrdou) . 



Breeds on the Neilgherries from March to May, building 

 a large nest of moss, twigs, wool, &c., with a clay cup in it, 

 which is neatly lined with bent-grass and roots. The eggs 

 are three in number, irregularly blotched with reddish brown, 

 the blotches being more numerous towards the larger end, on 

 a pale greenish blue ground. This Blackbird sings most 

 beautifully in the breeding-season; and they may then be 

 heard at all hours, but especially towards evening, answering 



