Mr. T. Ayi'es on the Ornitholoyy of Trausvaal. 345 



Hyphantornis velatus (Vieill.). Black-veiled Weaver- 

 bird. 



In December 1882 I took a ne^t of this species from the 

 twigs of a bush overhanging a stream at Sterkstroom_, in the 

 Rustenburg district. The eggs of this species arc consider- 

 ably smaller than those of H. mariquensis, but do not other- 

 wise differ^ and are equally variable in coloration, assuming 

 various shades of verditer-speckled, pink-speckled, greenish 

 speckled white, &c. The nest above mentioned contained 

 two blue eggs. 



Pyromelana oryx (Linn.) . Larger Southern Red Bishop- 

 bird. 



Pyromelana TAHA (Smith). Taha Bishop-bird. 



The males of both these species are this year losing their 

 breeding-plumage much earlier than usual ; there is now 

 (1st March, 1885) not a red specimen of the first to be seen, 

 and the males of the second are rapidly losing their gaudy 

 coats and assuming their brown winter dress. Both these 

 species, and also CAer« J9ro^/^e, are less numerous this year 

 than usual. 



371. Vidua verreauxi, Cass. Verreaux^s Widow-bird. 



This handsome Vidua is becoming much more plentiful 

 amongst the Magaliesbergen than it used to be years back. 

 Then it was scarcely known in the Rustenburg district, where 

 it is now by no means uncommon. This species assumes its 

 nuptial plumage later in the season than most of the family, 

 not being in full dress till the latter end of December, or 

 even January, and on into February. 



Treron DELALANDii, Bou. Dclalaudc^s Pigeon. 



I found a nest of this species amongst the Magaliesbergen 

 towards the end of November 1882 ; the nest was composed 

 of the usual layer of sticks and was not more than ten feet 

 from the ground ; it contained a well-fiedged young bird and 

 an addled white e^^. 



CoLUMBA ARQUATRix, Tcmm. Ramcrou Pigeon. 



In the summer of 1882 these Pigeons appeared in con- 



