LANIID^E. 145 



their larvae, and, whilst thus occupied, occasionally utters 

 pleasant, clear, ringing notes, but with the prelude of a 

 harsh guttural sound. 



This species builds its nest in the fork of a tree, con- 

 structing it roughly of the inner bark of trees, with a 

 few grasses interlaced, but without any softer lining. 



I have found the nest in the more northern portion of 

 Damara Land as early as November ; but one which I 

 met with at Omapju contained two fresh eggs on the 8th 

 of January. The eggs are white, spotted with light 

 brown, and sometimes tinged with green. 



The iris is very dark, the bill black, the legs and toes 

 brown. 



Measurements of a male and a female : 



Male. Female, 



in. lin. in. lin. 



Entire length 91 89 



Length of folded wing ... 3 11 3 10 



tarsus 14 13 



middle toe .... 7 06 



tail 41 42 



bill . 10, 10 



181. Laniarius major, Hartl. Greater White-breasted Shrike. 



Laniarius major, Hartlaub's Beitr. z. Orn. West-Afr. pi. 5. 

 Dryoscopus major, ejusd., Orn. West-Afr. No. 338. 

 Laniarius major, Finsch & Hartlaub's Vo'gel Ost-Afrika's, p. 344. 

 Tchagra major, Gray's Hand-list of Birds, No. 6041. 

 Dryoscopus major, Sharpe's Cat. No. 450. 



I have received several specimens of this Shrike from 

 the Lake-country. Its habits have not come under my 

 personal observation ; but I am told that it frequents 

 secluded, dense, tangled brakes, and, though not par- 



