108 Kev. J. Sibrec, Jr., on. lite 



to both the Snipes probably refers to tlieir handsome markings ; 

 and perhaps Fejo (or Feja), a name of the Painted Snipe, has a 

 similar meaning ; while that of SSalaly may come either from 

 a root lady { = laly), meaning ''quick of hearing/' or from 

 an exactly similar one meaning " creeping," " skulking." 

 Another name of Bernicr's Snipe, Voronkahaky, is doubtless 

 (at least the latter part of it) imitative of its cry, hke Kl'ka- 

 keka, just noticed. I will not venture upon an explanation 

 of Kitanotuno, the Hova name of both the Madagascar 

 Snipes"^, 



Seven species of the Plover family complete (excepting the 

 peculiar Mesitidse) the number of wading and shore-loving 

 birds found in Madagascar. Four of the Plovers belong to 

 one genus, jEyialitis, or Shore-Plover. 



The Turnstone is very common on the shores, and is often 

 seen in companies of from twelve to tliirty individuals. Like 

 the Curlews, it immediately warns all the other birds of any 

 approaching danger; and probably its name of Kitury, i. e. 

 " Proclaimer " or '' Accuser/' refers to this habit. 



Of Geoffroy's Plover, M. Pollen says that these birds come 

 together in the evening, just at dusk, in considerable numbers 

 to seek for food. They run excessively quickly^ from Avliich 

 habit comes one of their names^ ICibonmto, '' Far-running 

 Quail," and they fly along the surface of the water one after 

 another. All four species of these birds are called Vikivlky, 

 no doubt from a root identical in form, and meaning '' to 

 run," " to leap." Probably Vekoveko, a name of the Pratin- 

 cole, is of similar origin. Other names of these Plovers^ as 

 Vbrombato, '^ Stone-bird," H^tsik^dsidrano, " Water Kestrel/' 

 Vbrondriaka, ''Ocean-bird/' and Vbronjm, "■ Shore-bird" (or 

 possibly "Roving-bird"), are all plain enough in their 

 meaning and origin. 



The last birds to be noticed in this Order are two species 

 whicli^ so far, can only be spoken of by their scientific name 

 of Mesite {Mesites) . These birds are considered by M. Gran- 

 didier to be sufficiently distinct from all the other Waders 



* Is it fre)m tanontano)ia, or an allied word, meaning ^' sitting unem- 

 ployed," '' resting idly " P 



