66 Mr. H. T. Ussher on the 



of Lagos (on the Slave Coast) tenanted by them in large 

 quantities, the brilliant plumage of the male contrasting 

 markedly M'itli the sober colouring of the female and the pied 

 tints of the immature birds. They were feeding eagerly on 

 the berries of a description of " wait-a-bit " thorn, very abun- 

 dant in some localities of the Guinea Coast. 



The male, in full plumage, seen flying low in the bright 

 sunlight, is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite birds in 

 Africa ; and a marked difference in colour is observable among 

 even full-plumaged males, some having coppery or golden re- 

 flections on the rich puce colour of the feathers, whilst others 

 decidedly incline to a deep violet-blue of equal beauty. 



Their habits appear to be similar to the Shining Grackles^ 

 in general, and did not present any thing noteworthy to my 

 observation. 



121. Lamprocolius cupreocaudus (Temm.): Sharpe, p. 55. 

 Common in most districts of the Gold Coast, but especially 



on the plains of Accra. It associates in flocks with L. aura- 

 tus, and much resembles iu its flight and habits our English 

 Starling. 



122. Lamprocolius porphyrurus, Hartl.^ 



Tolerably common up the Volta, where it is to be observed 

 in small flocks. I have also received it from Fantee and the 

 Accra districts. 



123. Lamprocolius auratus (Gm.) : Sharpe, p. 55. 

 Large flocks of this brilliantly feathered Grackle are to be 



observed on the plains of Accra, especially at certain seasons, 

 when they assemble to feed on berries and seeds, which are 

 found in abundance in such localities. They are frequently 

 in company with a smaller kind, and are generally difficult of 

 approach. 



They are annoying to the sportsman, as they appear to 

 warn other game ; and I have not unfrequently been dis- 

 appointed of a shot at a covey of Francolins by the general 

 uprising of the noisy Grackles. They appear to resemble 



[* This new species wUl be described by Dr. Hartlaub from specimens 

 brought by Mr. Ussher.— R. B. S.] 



