1917-] Ornithology of Malta. 283 



some Gulls, Shearwaters, Blue Rock-Thrushes, and a few 

 Jackdaws and Rock-Pigeons, and every now and then a 

 pair of Barn-Owls manage to lay in one of the thousand 

 crannies of these cliffs ; but the poor birds are very seldom 

 fortunate enough to see their progeny fly. 



There is some marshy ground at the head of the bays 

 of St. Paul and Melleha — it is, however, under cultivation ; 

 this tract, known locally by the name " II Ghadira/' is still 

 frequented by Waders and other migratory water-birds. 

 A good extent of such ground existed at the head of the 

 Grand harbour, but this has long been drained, and where 

 once Waders abounded, the members of the military and 

 naval forces now flock to play football, cricket, polo, and 

 other games. 



The fish-ponds of Marsascirocco and Marsascala, and the 

 salt-pans at the Salina are also favourable resorts of Waders 

 and water-loving species ; here, however, the sportsman is 

 always posted and ever on the alert. 



Considering the war waged against the feathered creatures, 

 it will be seen, that the list of the birds recorded is 

 relatively rich. 



The study of our ornithology has not been neglected, and 

 this will also be subsequently seen. 



Of local collections we have a pretty good number, and 

 although some may have little or no scientific merit, a list 

 of them may be interesting. The best are the following : — 



(1) The University's, at Valletta. This contains a good 

 number of species ; the older specimens are, however, not 

 very well preserved, and the most interesting ones generally 

 bear no date or locality. 



(2) Col. Francia's, at Casal Lia. This collection con- 

 tains a fairly good number of specimens, including several 

 interesting and rare species, which are accompanied by the 

 necessary data. 



(3) Schembri's, at San Giorgio a Mare. This most 

 interesting collection, made by the man whom we may call 

 the father of Maltese ornithology, is unfortunately in a very 



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