Reminiscences of a Field Collector.



253



and black stripes about breast. It flew away, retracting its long

neck while the long legs trailed beyond the tail.


As all know at home, things have been quiet for the Allied

Forces in Macedonia, so I have taken advantage of this to form a

small Society for the study of Natural History, and visitors come to

us from other units. We have held seven very successful meetings,

as, among so many, specialists in different branches turn up in sur¬

prising fashion. Last meeting we discussed snakes, of which I can

identify seven varieties—the only poisonous one I have seen is

viper rasicornus, with wart-like tip to the nose, up to two feet in

length,—and also various insects, reptiles, etc. But reliable infor¬

mation about birds is, I regret to say, very difficult to obtain.


Not the least deterrent to the solitary explorer in this little

visited and almost barbaric land is the formidable Macedonian dog.

Roaming flocks of sheep and goats are watched by the gaily dressed

goatherd or shepherd, with his scarlet cummer-band. He is assisted

by these massive wolf-like animals who keep to the outskirts of the

flock. They are a terror to rider and horse as they come hounding

along with no doubt of their intent. Escape is best attained by 1

calling to the shepherd and using such words as one has picked up:

skili (dogs), parakals (if you please), efcharisto (thank you), kalimera

(good day or evening). Recourse to stones or revolvers is not

recommended.



REMINISCENCES OF A FIELD

COLLECTOR.


By A. J. Campbell, C.M.B.O.U., Melbourne (Vic.)


[Froyn “ The Emu."]


[These notes were read at a meeting of ornithologists, held in Melbourne, on

the occasion when Mr. Campbell presented his collection of Australian birds’

eggs to the National Museum, Victoria.]


Once, when I was going afield, I met an enthusiastic friend,

who was preceding to a land sale. Patting me on the shoulder, he



A heron. Storks extend their necks when in flight. Perhaps some member

would name many of the birds mentioned.—ED.



