101 Kov, J. Sihrcc, Jr., on the 



ultlii)iii;h ;i l;iri;o i)()rtiou of ^ladagasciir is, geologically 

 ^il)i'aking, mm-v ancient land, ami is thcretbrc rather tlciicient 

 in lakes, as compared witli more recently formed countries, 

 its plentiful marshes, its nnmerous rivers, and its large ex- 

 tent of sea-coast, with the numberless bays and inlets of the 

 north-western portion, provide abnndant nutriment and suit- 

 al)le feed ing-grouuds for this large class of birds. 



The first family, that of the Jacauas, is represented 

 here by two species, the tirst of which, the White-necked 

 Jaeana, appears to be peculiar to Madagascar and the neigh- 

 bouring ish\uds. With its extremely long toes it walks easily 

 uj)ou the large leaves of aquatic plants, searching for tlie 

 water-insects which form its food. It dives with great case, 

 and is therefore very dilHcult to shoot ; in its habits iind 

 flight it resembles the European Water-hen. It is a some- 

 what rare bird. 



The other species of this fannly, the African Jacaua, is 

 identical with that found all over Southern Africa from the 

 tropics to the Cape : it frcqiicnts the sauic localities as the 

 White-necked species, being often found together with its 

 cousin. Tlie native names of this bird, as well as one of 

 those by which the other Jacana is known, are long and 

 rather obscure. Possibly they contain the root /t'/y, *' passed 

 through/' "walked on," and, if so, would tlien refer to the 

 habits of these birds in stepping from leaf to leaf of the 

 water-plants. The Whitc-nceked Jacana is also called Vo- 

 rontsaranwny , " Ilandsome-bird-of-the-river," and Tolblio- 

 rano, " Water-Cuckoo." 



The family of the Rails comprises ten bii'ds, of wliich the 

 Rulhtit gular'is has been best observed. According to M. Pol- 

 len's account, this Kail is regarded with great respect by the 

 north-western Sakalava, as they believe it brings them rain 

 in very dry weather, so they will not kill it. It frequents the 

 marshy parts of forests, and in habits resembles the European 

 species. It is very shy, retiring into the bushes on the least 

 alarm, and its loud whistling and tremulous cry is chiefly 

 heard towards evening. These birds are said to be so care- 

 ful of their eggs and vouug that, when sitting, they may easily 



