8 Mv. Austin Eoberts on 



markings are move thinly distributed in spots rather than 

 blotches, which may be lighter coloured and with a greater 

 amount of slate-colour than in the redder-coloured ones. 

 The usual size o£ the eggs is 19"5-21-5x 14:-5-15"5 mm. 



The Cape Longclaw [Macronyx capensis) is found in moist 

 situations in the valleys. Its nest is usually placed in the 

 middle of a patch of grass, and the clutch consists of three or 

 four eggs. The eggs are variable in size^ specimens from 

 different localities measuring : — 



Albany District . . . 26-7x19 



Howick, Natal . . . 25-5-26-3 x 18-2-18-7 



Transvaal high veld . . 22-3-25 x 17-3-18-3 



In an abnormally small clutch taken by F. 0. Noome at 

 Pretoi-ia in August, the two eggs measure respectively 

 22'3 X 16 7 and 20 x 16-7. In colour the eof>s are also 

 somewhat variable, some being heavilv blotched and others 

 more clearly spotted ; in this respect there would seem to be 

 an analogy in the ('ommon Pipit (.1. r. raalteni), which 

 occurs in the same places, so that very likely the food or 

 food-supply has some effect upon the eggs. 



The Quail-Finch (Orft/gosjnza polyzomi) is nearly always 

 to be found in damp spots on the nuirgin of marshes or in 

 hollows where rain-water has formed pools. It breeds rather 

 late in the summer months, during that period being seldom 

 found in parties as at other times. Its nest is a domed struc- 

 ture of grass cosilj^ lined with feathers and sott flowery tops 

 of grass, kept in place with a few rootlets, and is placed in a 

 hollow scratched in the ground ; it is cleverly hidden, even 

 Avhen placed amongst thin growths of grass, and though the 

 l)ird may fly out at one's feet, it is necessary to search very 

 carefully before locating it, and it is not an uncommon occur- 

 rence for one to tread on a n(>st, so innocent does its concealino: 

 tuft look. The eggs are pui-e white, four or five forming a 

 clutch, and nieasure about 14 x 11 mm. 



Having passed some distance along (he road through ojien 

 veld and a large native village, we leach the higher part of 



