198 UPUPA EPOPS. 



others of tlieir number were settled on the ground. On a closer examina- 

 tion, a large number of holes were seen in a piece of ground between the 

 river and a field of young wheat, which very slightly shelved down towards 

 the water, in and out of which holes Bee-eaters were constantly passing. 

 After digging out a passage of nearly 4 feet in length, which went in at an 

 angle of 10° or 15°, we found a slightly enlarged chamber, which formed the 

 nest. The bottom of this chamber was covered with the remains of dragon- 

 flies, &c. (mostly wings), upon which the eggs were deposited. These were 

 of a piu-e white, nearly round, and about 10 lines in length. The greatest 

 number found in any one nest was three ; but the birds had evidently only 

 just begun to lay (many of the holes being unfinished), so that we were unable 

 to ascertain what is the usual number deposited. More than forty holes were 

 opened, but only eleven eggs obtained. In the vicinity of every hole vrere 

 numbers of pellets, formed of the wings and other indigestible parts of dragon- 

 flies, butterflies, beetles, &c., which had been cast up by the Bee-eaters in the 

 same manner as Hawks and Owls."] 



UPUPA EPOPS, Linn^us. 

 HOOPOE. 

 § 690. One.—From Mr. Tucker, 1844. 

 ^ 691. One.—From Mr. Reid, 1844. 

 ^ 69£. One.—From M. Nager-Donazain, 1847. 

 [§ 693. Two.— RoWmd. From Mr. Newcome, 1848.] 



[§ 694. 7?w.— Maaheere, Holland, 9 May, 1856. From Mr. J. 

 Baker.] 



[§695. i^o^^r.— Valkens waard,Holland, 1858. From Mr. J. Baker.] 

 [§ 696. i^oz^r.— Holland, 1860. From Mr. J. Baker.] 



[§ 697. One. — " South Russia." From Herr Heinke, of 

 Kamusclnn, through Dr. Albert Giinther, 1863.] 



[§ 69R. r?/jo.— Turkey. From Mr. T. Robson of Ortakeuey. 

 Constantino[)le, 1 867.] 



