1 IG iNlr. B. Alexander — An Ornitholofjical 



Description of the egc/s. — Average measurement To x r2 

 ineh. Colour pale, dirty green. 



In December, when the marpela-grain is sown by the 

 natives, these Franeolins do a considerable amount of damage. 

 Land-beetles of all kinds also form one of the principal diets 

 of this species. 



Adult. Iris bluish black, soft parts brick-red; upper man- 

 dible black, lower brick-red, light horn-colour at tip; legs 

 and feet chocolate-brown. In all our freshly-moulted female 

 specimens, killed in November, the feathers of the chest and 

 belly are very distinctly margined with chestnut. See above. 



238. Fkancolixus seph.exa (Smith). 



Not common. Of a shy nature, keeping much to the 

 undergrowth of thick woods. 



Adult S (Matacania, Nov. 30, 1898). Total length 

 (measured in the flesh) 12*6 inches, wing 6"2. Iris hazel; bill 

 dark brown ; legs and feet red. In this specimen the whole 

 of the underparts, together with the lores and superciliary 

 stripe, are shaded with warm buff, becoming stronger on the 

 belly and vent. 



Another adult male, with same measurements, obtained at 

 Mesanangue, Aug. 23, 1898, has the superciliary stripe, chin, 

 and throat pure white, the rest of the underparts being only 

 slightly washed with buff. 



239. Fkancolixus xatalensis Smith. 



Not common. Found in company with P. sivainsoni. 

 They keep much to one locality, but if disturbed they Avill 

 not return to it for several days. 



Adult ? (Matacania, Nov. 29, 1898), Total length 

 (measured in flesh) 11*6 inches, wing 6. Iris brown; bill 

 coral, soft parts lemon-yellow ; legs and feet coral. This 

 bird has a well-developed spur on the left tarsus. 



On Aug. 30 w^e obtained an immature female out of a flock 

 of six birds. Iris hazel ; upper mandible dark brown, lower 

 light horn-colour; legs and feet light orange. 



