SGOLOPAOID^J. 313 



to the distant interior, I frequently obtained a meal by invading 

 the marsh in pursuit of Ducks and Snipes, which were tolerably 

 abundant, especially the latter ; but, singularly enough, I never 

 saw these birds again in Damara Land, and, unfortunately, at 

 Omanbonde I neglected to preserve specimens. At this distant 

 day it is impossible for me to identify the species with any cer- 

 tainty. I simply took these birds to be the common Snipe 

 (Gallinago scolopacina) ; but, on reflection, I think it equally 

 possible that they were examples of the South- African Gallinago 

 nigripennis." ED .] 



367. Rhynchsea capensis (Linn.). African Painted Snipe. 



Ithynchcea capensis, Layard's Cat. No. 625. 



Finsch & Hartlaub's Vb'gel Ost-Afrika's, p. 774. 



Shelley's Birds of Egypt, pi. 11 (male & female). 



The Painted Snipe is sparingly found in Great 

 Namaqua Land ; but in Damara Land it is very common, 

 a pair or two being almost always to be found wherever 

 the ground is swampy. It is also common on all the 

 watersheds north and east of Damara Land ; and it is 

 pretty common in Ondonga, where it breeds, making no 

 nest, but usually laying its eggs near the water ; these 

 are from three to four in number, of a very dark colour, 

 freely blotched with black. 



Though partial to marshy ground, this species is also 

 found on the sides of little rills and running springs. It 

 lies close, like a Snipe, but is very different on the wing, 

 its flight being heavy and comparatively slow ; moreover 

 it flies but a short distance before it alights. It lives 

 singly or in pairs ; but a dozen birds may sometimes be 

 found scattered over a small marsh within a short distance 



