504 ORNITHOLOGICAL SKETCHES 
Precise measurements were taken of all the specimens 
obtained, but these I will, with a view to economy of space, 
omit. 
1. CoccysTES GLANDARIUS. Great Spotted Cuckoo. 
Only twice observed: first at the village of Ermaut in 
Upper Egypt, flitting to and fro among the high leafy trees; 
the second time also in Upper Egypt, at Sohag, where it was 
sitting on the mud wall of a garden close to the town. 
2. CERYLE RUDIS. Pied Kingfisher. 
First seen between Alexandria and Cairo. In many places 
these Kingfishers were flying over the canals and water- 
courses close to the line, or were perched on the telegraph- 
wires. Near Cairo it was less common, but further south we 
found it in all favourable situations, such as the reedy and 
rocky shores of Lake Birket-el-Karfin, in the province of 
Fayaim, and everywhere on the Nile, the canals, and the 
sluggish streams, even within the towns of Upper Egypt ; 
most common where both shallow water and suitable perches 
were to be found. In such places as many as ten were often 
congregated within a small area, Also sometimes noticed on 
the ireshwater streams in the neighbourhood of the Suez 
Uanal and Lake Menzaleh, but not so common there as else- 
where. Only once seen in Palestine, in the valley of the 
Jordan, where it was fishing and hovering in its usual way 
over a marsh covered with thick bushes. 
3. Mrrops aayptius. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater. 
This strikingly beautiful bird was never seen in Lower 
Egypt or anywhere near Cairo. The first and most northerly 
specimens were observed in the garden of the railway-station 
of Abouksor-Fayaim, where they were, as usual, collected 
together in a small flock. . Everywhere found along the Nile, 
