56 Mr. II. T. Usshcr on the 



62. PsiTTAcus SENEGALUS, L. : Sliarpc, p. 19. 



Common on the Volta and in the eastern districts generally. 

 It is distinctly gregarious, although I have sometimes seen 

 solitary specimens. It is a shy bird and not easy of approach. 



03. PsiTTACus ERYTHAcus, L. : Sharpc, p. 19. 



The finest specimens of the Grey Parrot are brought down 

 from the distant forests of Akim in Fantec to the towns of 

 Cape Coast and Accra, where they meet with a ready sale, 

 and are purchased in considerable numbers at prices varying 

 from half a dollar to one dollar a piece by tlie sailors in mer- 

 chant-vessels and mail-steamers. This price only applies to 

 wild birds (generally young ones), mature and accomplished 

 Pari'ots fetching large sums. I have seen them, whilst up 

 the river Addo, near Lagos, crossing at sunset from their 

 feeding-grounds to their roosting-places. They present the 

 appearance of one continuous flock, passing at a great distance 

 overhead, their screams and chattering being heard long after 

 darkness has set in. They do terrible mischief to the maize- 

 crops, as they waste much more than they consume. .They 

 are occasionally eaten when young, and are considered not 

 unpalatable food. 



64. Agapornis pullaria (L.) : Sharpe, p. 19. 



This little bird existed some years since in considerable 

 numbers near Accra and Cape Coast, and might have been 

 seen at any time in little flocks of from eight to ten in the 

 bushes and low vegetation. Now, however, in consequence 

 of the persecution it suffers for the sake of profit by sale to 

 the mail-steamers, it is becoming scarcer in the vicinity of the 

 settlements. 



65. Pitta angolensis, V. : Sharpe, p. 20. 



The habits of this rather scarce species are difficult to trace. 

 It fi'equents grassy and rocky jungle, and, I am informed, 

 seldom rises on the wing. I never had an opportunity of 

 seeing one clearly, although once I caught a glimpse of one 

 as he ran into some thick stuff, with his head doM'n, like a 

 Quail. 



They arc invariably trapped by the natives ; and I have had 



