141 



GREAT BUSTARD. 



PLATE CXLVI. 



Otis farda, PEiryAJfT. MONTAGU. 



THE bare earth is laid upon by this species. 'It is said that the 

 Great Bustard will forsake her nest, if only once driven from it by 

 apprehension of danger; but when the eggs are laid, and still more 

 when the young are produced, it is only repeated meddling with them 

 that will induce the parents to forsake them/ 



The eggs, two in number, are of an olive brown colour, blotted with 

 pale ferruginous and ash-coloured spots. 



One variety is of a greyish green, with blots of brownish red and 

 darker grey. 



A second is of a light dull greyish green, with some dull spots of 

 the same, and faint streaks and marks. 



A third is of a darkish grey brown, with some large blots of a 

 darker brown. 



