224 
4200 feet above the sea. The first, which I found on the 3rd 
of April, contained one semi-incubated egg, and was placed on 
a Mangoe tree, one of a clump of four, situated on the banks of 
a stream in tolerably well-wooded country. The second, found 
April 8th, contained one hard set egg, and was also in a Man- 
goe tree, one belonging to a small grove, overhanging a tiny 
stream, in a dark, well-shaded situation. 
“ The third, found April 11th, contained a perfectly fresh egg, 
it was in a thick grove, beside which a stream runs, and in which 
two old nests of this same species were also found. 
“The fourth contained no egg, but on the 19th of April was 
complete and ready to lay in ; this too was in a grove, overhang- 
ing a stream. 
“The nest is about half way up the tree, not on the top, but 
placed more like the nest of the common Kite, on some fork. 
“Tt builds a peculiar and not very large nest. The nests are 
always made of the twigs of the tree on which it is placed, fresh 
twigs broken off by the bird, and the lining of the nest is of 
leaves of the same tree. No feathers, mud or other material 
are used in the construction of the nest, which is about 1°5 feet 
across ; the hollow in which the eggs are laid, is rather deeper 
than is usual with birds of this class. 
Capt. Hutton sends the following note : 
“ Snilornis Cheela. 'The nest was found on the 10th of March 
at 5500 feet of elevation; it was composed of dry sticks and 
small branches interlaced on a tall tree; on visiting it again, we 
found that some mischievous urchin had pulled it to pieces, which 
they are constantly in the habit of doing. This bird is common 
both in the Dhoon and hills, and where a pair take up their 
quarters, no Fowl or Pigeon can escape; I have had a Dove cot 
cleaned out over and over again by them. They are cunning 
hunters, one sweeping over the hill side at no great elevation, 
while the other takes a higher line, so that let the Pigeon as- 
cend or descend, he always finds himself between two fires, and 
unless he can find shelter in a tree, he is sure to be caught, as 
the pursuers decrease the distance between their lmes and meet 
their victim at the point.” 
Mr. Thompson says— 
“This species breeds from April to June, building a coarse 
circular nest some two feet in diameter, composed of thick roots 
and stems, and lined with finer twigs and grassroots. ‘The nest 
is usually placed on lofty trees, in well wooded, shady and wa- 
tered ravines, or in the low Himalayan rice-lands and warmer 
valleys. 
