96 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
we noticed its arrival in 1868, on the 2nd of August, and in 1870. 
on the 10th of the same month. We have seen it at the Knysna, 
and have received it from a valued correspondent at Swellendam, 
Mr. Wm. Cairncross, who has sent it with several other Swifts and 
Swallows killed in that neighbourhood. 
Victorin procured it in the Karroo, and also in the Knysna in 
May: here also Mr. Andersson shot it. Mr. Rickard says that it 
occurs at Port Elizabeth, where it is generally seen about Christmas, 
but does not stay. At East London the same gentleman has noticed — 
it on the 3lst of July. Captain Shelley writes:—“ Although I 
found this species plentiful in the Cape Colony, I did not observe it 
near Durban.” Mr. Ayres has, however, procured it in Natal. Mr. 
Andersson says :—“ On July 8th, 1866, I observed at Objimbinque 
a large flight of these Swifts, which to the best of my recollection 
were the first I ever saw in Damara Land, and particularly noted 
them as very numerous on the Omaru River on November 2nd.” 
Senor Anchieta has likewise met with the species at Huilla in Mos- 
samedes. 
C. melba appears’ to reside principally in the mountains, only 
occasionally descending into the plains when some particular food 
is to be found. On the top of Table Mountain we have seen it in 
great abundance. Once, after lighting a fire there, we found our- 
selves surrounded by hundreds of them, hawking after the flies 
which the fire drove up. ‘They dashed through the dense smoke 
and skimmed along the burning ground at the risk of singeing their 
wings. 
The large size of the Alpine Swift prevents its being mistaken 
for any other species known from South Africa, measuring, as it 
does, 8 inches in length, with a wing of 8 inches also. In addition 
to this it can always be told by its white belly. 
Fig. Dresser, B. Eur. part xxxi. 
Fam. MEROPIDZ. 
92. Muerops APIASTER. European Bee-eater. 
The European Bee-eater, during its period of visitation, extends 
all over the Cape Colony, and we have generally noticed its arrival 
about August in company with the Quail. All the instances which 
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