wing-coverts, mostly white; tail-feathers, tipped with white ;

top of head, splashed with white ; throat, very light, almost

white. This variation (for it seemed more or less merged into

the plumage generally) imparted to it a somewhat silvery

appearance. I shall certainly note it particularly during my

fortnightly visits there, while the summery weather lasts.


I also noted four very handsome birds there, which have

been presented to the Society by our member, Mr. E. W. Harper,

F.Z.S., viz., Great Barbet, Indian Green Barbet, Silver-eared

Mesia, and Blue-winged Siva. All of them were new to me,

and of the four named, I do not retain a very clear recollection

of the Great Barbet, save that it was more soberly clad than its

compatriot, the Indian Green Barbet; but it was a bold hand¬

some bird, of large build yet elegant form, having large and

beautiful dark eyes.


The Indian Green Barbet was clad in several shades of

rich mossy green, and was also of large build, elegant form and

bold demeanour, large dark lustrous eyes. It is about two inches

longer than our Blackbird, and stouter, yet quite as active in its

movements, which are similar. It was hopping from perch to

perch, unmoved and unscared by the many visitors who braved

the screeching Parrots on the occasion of my visit. It would be

a handsome and most desirable addition to the bird-room.


The Blue-winged Siva (Siva cyanuroptera). This bird is

exquisitely beautiful, about the size of our Chaffinch though not

quite so thick in body, seems to be as pert and active in its

movements, while lacking the wildness of Fringilla. Its

plumage is light brown above, greyish white below, top of head

blue with dark lines, the flights and tail are rich cobalt tipped

with white ; it has brown eyes, flesh-coloured feet ; the upper

mandible is blackish and the lower yellow. The colours are so

beautifully harmonised, with an entire absence of harshness—in

fact I consider it more beautiful than even the Violet - eared

Waxbill.


Silver-eared Mesia (Mesia argentauris). This bird reminds

one at once of the Yellow-bellied Eiothrix (Liothrix luteus )

though it is a little longer, and lacks the forked tail of the

Eiothrix. The plumage is also similar, perhaps a little coarser ;

the reds and yellows are more showy, it has a black cap and

lovely silvery-grey ear-coverts ; this beautiful tint also extends

somewhat over the cheeks : (hence its name, Silver-eared Mesia,

is at once appropriate and descriptive) ; eyes dark brown, bill

and feet yellow.



