Description of Heniipodius nivosus. 353 



the rows; the result proved highly in favour of the consoli- 

 dating system ; that part which had been trodden was not in 

 the least mildewed ; the untrodden was very much so. 



The species of smut called in this county jwwderbrand or 

 blind ears, diough certainly unsightly, is not so injurious as it 

 appears: I do not think it infectious: though I have taken 

 some pains to inoculate good seed with the powder. The first 

 heavy rain generally washes it off' the stem on which it was 

 produced. It is more prevalent in white than in red wheat ; 

 but it is likewise frequently found both in barley and oats : 

 careful washing in two or three waters v,'ill prevent the spread 

 of the disease. 



I have been induced to send you the above, in the hope, as 

 before observed, that it may lead to discussion and practical 

 observation amongst such of your readers as may have a taste 

 for agricultural pursuits ; and believe me to remain. 

 Gentlemen, 



Your most obedient humble servant, 

 Bungay, Oct. 22, 1822. S. Taylor, 



LXX. Description of \lem\])0(\m?. nivosus; a new Bird f rem 

 Africa. Bij William Swainson, Esq. F.R.S. and L.S. 

 M.W.S.Sfc.* 



The singular birds forming the genus Heniipodius, are inha- 

 bitants of the African and Asiatic continent. Their usual size 

 is so remarkably small, that they may be considered the pyg- 

 mies of the gallinaceous tribe; between which, and the Gralla; 

 they ajipear to hold an intermediate situation. Like the 

 Couriers {Cursor ins) they are destitute of the hind toe, and 

 have the same lengthened legs ; but the bill is straight instead 

 of curved, and the nostrils furnished with a convex horny 

 membrane, instead of a depressed naked furi'ow. Little is 

 known of their manners or oeconomy. They inhabit (ac- 

 cording to Temminck) the confines of sandy deserts, and the 

 arid tracts of Africa and India, appearing to migrate, two species 

 being known to visit the southern jiarts of Spain. Their fiight 

 is said to be amazingly rapid. Nine species have been de- 

 scribed with much accuracy by Professor Temminck in his 

 valuable work on the Gallinacecv. 



Res]KCting tlie generic ai)i)eilation of these birds, much 

 opposition has been evinced by those authors who have no- 

 ticed them ; for no less tiian eight different generic names have 

 been proposed; among these the priority, I believe, belongs 

 to Brisson, who distinguished them by the name of Culitrnix 

 * Comiminicatcil hv tlic Author. 



Vol. GO. No. 295. .Vw. 1822. ' Vy in 



