On some Game Birds of South Africa. 1 9 



one efjg examined, slightly incubated. 25th July: one egg 

 examined, considerably incubated. 



5th August : nest appeared to be deserted. 



Gth August : nest had certainly not been visited by the bird 

 since the day before ; eggs much incubated, but not ready to 

 hatch by several days. All these five remaining eggs were 

 much stained and even had mud sticking to them ; one showed 

 signs of the bird having pecked at it, and two were slightly 

 cracked. I conclude incubation would take at least 21 days. 

 These are the only dirty eggs I have met with of this species 

 except a few very old ones. 



Average length of nine eggs 1'92 inches ; average breadth 

 r4G inches. 



Colour deep cream, smooth but not glossy. Shape 

 rather variable, but all pointed more at one end than at the 

 other ; in some this is rather more marked. 



It will be seen that clutches vary in colour, size, and shape. 

 But eggs of the clutch match each other fairly well. 



The above measurements were made carefully, but it was 

 difficult to be accurate without calipers. They may prove 

 slightly inaccurate. 



The Widgeon is very good eating, but not to bo compared 

 with the Saiee Eendje (Ked-bill), 



Nest and seven eggs of Nettion capense, Cape Widgeon. 



This photograph was taken at a distance of 8 feet. The 

 nest was undisturbed by me and only one small bush 

 was removed so as to afford a clear view. Three eggs only 

 are visible, the remaining four being hidden by the near 

 edge of the nest. This photo shows the nest as the bird left 

 it on my approach. The dark ring round the eggs is all 

 down. (Van Wijks Vlei, Carnarvon, Cape Colony.) 



III. — JS^otes on some Gime Birds of South Africa. 



By D. F. GiLFILLAN. 



I MrsT preface my paper on Game Birds by remarking that 

 my knowledge of their jippearance and habits is derived 



