OOLOGY. 47 



equally distributed over the surface of the shell, which although not thickly- 

 disposed, yet, are in some places confluent, and more indistinct than usually 

 found on other Terns eggs. There is very little variation in their size and 

 shape, two average specimens measure as follows: — Length, (A) 1-63 x 1'16 

 inch ; (B) 1-67 x 1*2 inch. 



PUFFI^'US SPHENUEUS, Gould. 



During the months of November and December, this bird was found 

 breeding in great numbers, and like most of the Procellariidcc, they dig a 

 long tunnel or burrow in the sand or the soft earth, many of these lourrows 

 are several feet in length, and a single egg is deposited at the extremity, which 

 when fresh, is snow-white, but soon becomes stained and soiled. There is 

 great variation in the shape and size, true ovals, lengthened and swollen ovals 

 predominating, some terminating abruptly at one end, otliers being sharply 

 pointed. 



Length, (A) 2 '35 inches x l'G7 inch. 

 (B)2-45 „ xl-G „ 

 .(C)2-45 „ xl-68 „ 

 (D)2-57 „ xl-64 „ 



Nectris brevicaudus, Brandt. 



This bird was likewise found breeding in great numbers, during the months 

 of November and December. The mode of nidification is so precisely 

 similar to that of the preceding species, that a separate description is not 

 necessaiy. Like all Petrel's eggs they have a peculiar musky odour, which 

 they always retain, even when emptied of their contents and kept for many 

 years. Only one egg is laid for a sitting. Six specimens measure as follows : — 



(A) 2-63 inches x 1-78 inch. 



(B) 2-8 „ X 1-73 



(C) 2-78 „ X 1-8 

 (D)2-65 „ X 1-81 



(E) 2-82 „ xl-72 



(F) 2-87 „ xl-81 



Phaeton rubricauda, Bodd. 



This bird is found breeding during November and December, its single 

 egg is laid under the shelter of projecting ledges, of almost inaccessible rocks, 

 on the face of cliffs, and are consequently very difficult to procure. The eggs 

 are oval in form, being thickest at the centre, and tapering slightly at one end, 

 of a dull reddish-brown colour, which is nearly obscured by minute freckles and 

 spots of purplish-brown and grey, in some instances they are blotched and 

 smeared, not unfrequently on the smaller end. Two specimens obtained are 

 nearly white, and entii'ely devoid of markings. 



Length, (A) 2-6 inches x 1-85 inch. 

 (B)2-65 „ xl-9 „ 

 (C)2-78 „ xl-95 „ 



