PORPHYRIO C^RULEtrS 267 



fortnight's incubation, however, for some reason or other unknown to 

 me, this nest was deserted, and I found but one of the eggs remaining, 

 the other two having probably been destroyed by the birds themselves. 



"A second attempt at nesting occurred in the early summer of last 

 year, during my absence from Sicily, and this time with a satisfactory 

 result, three young birds being hatched and successfully brought up. 

 According to my gardener, who had the charge of these birds, incuba- 

 tion in this instance commenced about the beginning of July, and 

 lasted between three and four weeks. The young birds, which are 

 now about eight months old, are scarcely distinguishable from the 

 adults. 



"A third case of nidification has but recently occurred in my little 

 colony of Purple Galliuules, and having taken place in midwinter, is 

 for that reason all the more remarkable. As I have myself been able 

 personally to observe and follow the different phases of this case from 

 beginning to end, I think it worth while to describe them in detail, 

 hoping that the interest attaching to the facts may be sufficient 

 justification for my prolixity. Before proceeding further, however, I 

 may mention that the enclosure in which the Porphyries are kept 

 covers an area of about 40 square yards, and is surrounded and covered 

 in with wire-netting. It adjoins a little lake, and has clumps of 

 bamboo {Bamhusa initis) growing in it, which aflford ample shade and 

 shelter, and aid in rendering the environment somewhat similar to 

 that of the birds' natural habitat. 



" Eeturning to my starting point, I may say that I first noticed one 

 of the birds sitting on a nest about December 25th last, and a day 

 or two afterwards, availing myself of a moment when the nest was 

 uncovered, I was able to peep into it and saw that it contained two 

 eggs, a number which was increased to three on the following day. 

 Three eggs are undoubtedly the full complement of tbis species. 

 Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, incubation proceeded 

 regularly and uninterruptedly, until January 18th, when the three 

 eggs were hatched, the chicks beginning to run about a little the same 

 day, although the old hen endeavoured to keep them under her wings 

 as much as possible, instinctively fearing, no doubt, that the cold 

 might be too severe for them. The old male bird also was most 

 assiduous in his care of the brood, and both parents would rush at 

 any one approaching the enclosure, clamorously protesting at the 

 intrusion. I would here say that I thought at first that the male 



