n Mr. H. T. Ussher on the 



154. Francohnus bicalcaratus (L.) : Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, 

 p. 73. 



Common all over the Gold Coast. On the plains of Accra 

 especially they abound, and are found in coveys of from four 

 or five to a dozen. They frequent cassava-plantations, and 

 do much damage to the young plants, as also to ground-nuts 

 and maize. 



Towards sunset the loud cry of the male bird is heard, and 

 he can be observed, generally stationed in a commanding po- 

 sition on the top of an ant-hill or low tree, calling together his 

 family. 



They are fine birds, and afford good sport, as well as ex- 

 cellent food for the table. Unless killed dead, they generally 

 manage to drag themselves through the grass, and are almost 

 impossible to find ; and as they are very strong on the wing, 

 not more than fifty per cent, of those killed can generally be 

 brought to bag. 



155. EupoDOTis MELANOGASTRA (Riipp.): Sharpc, Ibis, 1872, 

 p. 73. 



This Bustard is distributed widely over the eastern districts 

 and plains of Accra. It is, like most of its race, an exceed- 

 ingly shy bird, and when once aware of the sportsman is im- 

 possible to approach. I have marked them down in low short 

 grass, where it has appeared impossible for them to pitch 

 without being seen, but have never yet succeeded in getting 

 the bird to rise, as it will either crouch or run with its head 

 down with incredible speed, and perhaps regain its original 

 place of rest. They are frequently surprised, however, in 

 long grass by approaching them up wind, and when on the 

 wing present a very easy shot. 



They are a most excellent bird for the table, and conse- 

 quently much prized ; and the " Bush-Turkey," as it is called 

 by the settlers, is always a welcome present. The meat pos- 

 sesses a peculiarity in common, 1 believe, with some other 

 game birds, viz. that it is brown on the breast, while the flesh 

 of the thighs is white, like that of a chicken. 



