FROM THE EAST. 517 



are fond of the sea-shore on account of the mussels. In Egypt 

 this bird is much less shy than with us, but still not nearly 

 so tame as in Asia. I saw it everywhere in Palestine, on the 

 mountains, the steppes, and in the valley of the Jordan. A 

 pair were nesting on the ancient city-wall of Jerusalem near 

 our camp, and the impudent birds stole the kitchen-scraps 

 from among the tents. On the Greek islands and in Dalmatia 

 it is everywhere common. The African bird is somewhat 

 smaller than the European, and its plumage, which is deci- 

 dedly bluer, has a beautiful sheen. The Asiatic is like our 

 own in all respects. 



55. CORVUS CORNIX. Hooded Crow. 



In Egypt everywhere common in the cultivated country 

 from Alexandria to Assuan. Fledged birds of the year were 

 seen in Upper Egypt on the 1st of March. In appearance 

 and habits the Hooded Crow of Africa resembles our own 

 bird, but lacks its extreme shyness and cautiousness ; near 

 the towns it is almost domesticated. In Palestine I observed 

 it in the cultivated country between Jaffa and the mountains, 

 and also near Jerusalem. 



56. GARRULUS MELANOCEPHALUS. Syrian Jay. 



This species, which is almost identical with our Jay, was 

 only observed twice ; on both occasions in the olive-gardens 

 of Latrun and Jerusalem. It is still more shy and active 

 than our bird, and only differs from it in its note and the 

 blackness of its head, the rest of its plumage being very 

 nearly the same. 



57. LANIUS MERIDIONALIS. Southern Grey Shrike. 



Only seen in Palestine in the Jordan valley, but there in 

 astonishing numbers on tracts covered with low trees and 

 dense thickets. In the beginning of April the young of the 



