336 On the Variations of Saxicola monticola. 



conspicuous as in the next stages. The whole of the lower 

 parts black or blackish brown. 



3rd stage. Shoulders white. Traces of white on the ab- 

 domen. 



4:th stage. Shoulders white. Head not so black as in the 

 2nd and 3rd stages, but a few shades lighter, indicating the 

 commencement of the change to grey. Below, from breast 

 to vent, white. 



bth stage. Head grey or greyish white. Below white from 

 breast to vent. 



Qth stage. Head grey or greyish white. Below black from 

 belly to vent, with, in some cases, traces of white on the 

 lower abdomen. We consider stages 6 and 7 to be of about 

 the same period of the bird^s life, but that in some the white 

 head is gained before the white belly, while in others the 

 white belly is assumed before the head changes. 



7th stage. Grey, with greyish-white shoulders. 



Sth stage. Grey, shoulders white. 



Qth stage. Paler than 7th stage, becoming whitish grey; 

 shoulders white. 



In the first four stages it must be noted that the bead, 

 neck, and back are black or blackish, the head and neck 

 getting gradually paler in the 4th stage, and becoming grey 

 or greyish white in the 5th stage. In these five stages, too, 

 the lower parts from breast to vent gradually change colour 

 from black or blackish brown to pure white. In the 6th, 

 7th, and any succeeding changes the black of the back and 

 breast changes into grey, in which plumage the bird is far 

 less common, presumably on account of its greater age. 

 We must also mention that we found males in ever}'^ one of 

 these stages, except the first, paired with the ordinary type 

 of female, and developed for breeding. Under these circum- 

 stances we think we may be considered justified in asserting 

 our opinion that the whole of the supposed species or sub- 

 species previously alluded to are referable to >S^. monticola, 

 and that it is not improbable that further research may 

 reduce several others to the same common level. 



In conclusion we beg to call attention to the carefully pre- 



