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pair, which built their nest in our bough shade, were frequently 

 handled by our Afghans at the camel depot, they remained there, 

 laid the full clutch of bluish-white eggs, and reared their brood. 

 Mr. Wells found a Wedgebill's nest near our camp which had 

 been appropriated by a pair of these Finches. It contained one 

 egg when first discovered, but before the clutch was completed 

 the birds had finished roofing it over. 



No. 70. CiNCLOSOMA CASTANEONOTUxM (Chesnut-backed Thrush). 



About 40 miles south of Separation Well several of these 

 birds were shot. They were very shy, and when disturbed from 

 one bush soon sought shelter under another. The specimens 

 secured were moulting at the time (September). 



'No. 71. CiNCLOSOMA ciNNAMOMEUM (Cinnamon-colored Thrush). 



These birds delight in rough stony country, and were numerous 

 around our camp at the camel depot. They lie concealed under 

 low bushes until approached within a few yards, when they fly oflf 

 to other shelter. They were never seen to perch. Several of 

 their nests were found on the ground under low bushes. In each 

 case the bird had scraped a slight hollow, and lined it with a few 

 acacia leaves. The nest was so loosely made that it fell to pieces 

 on being lifted. The clutch consisted of two eggs of a dirty- 

 white ground colour, heavily blotched with umber-brown and 

 slatey-grey. 



No. 72. CoRVUS CORONOIDES (Bazel-eyed Crow). 



During the early part of our journey these birds were 

 frequently observed, but as the hot weather set in in October 

 they became scarce, and were afterwards found only in the 

 vicinity of water, so that, to us at least, they ceased to be birds 

 of evil omen. In December and the first week of January they 

 were very numerous around our camp, and united with the Kites 

 ( Milvus affiiiis ) in performing the duty of scavengers. During 

 the heat of the day they might be seen either perched or flying 

 with their bills wide open, showing that they too suffered from 

 the scorching sun. As the rain-time approached, and the 

 Channelbill (Scythrofs) made his appearance, we often witnessed 

 twenty or thirty Crows indulging in an attack on the latter, until 

 they had chased him for over a mile. Two birds generally 

 approached the Scythrops simultaneously, as they appeared to 

 have a wholesome dread of his formidable bill. As soon as the 

 rain came the Crows all cleared off, and were not seen again 

 before we left, on 16th March. 



