268 :Sh\ VI. L. Sclater an Birds collected 



155. PrOMEROPS CAFER. 



CC. Knysna, Apl. (1). 



[" Groot-zuiker vogel '' o£ Colonists. 



This species was only observed in the Cape Peninsula and 

 the Knysna district, in both of which localities it was not 

 uncommon, but was wild and difficult to shoot. It frequents 

 the more open hill-sides and mountain tops, where Proteas 

 abound, and on the nectar of these plants it principally 

 fi'cds. Its general habits are well described by Stark and 

 Sclater, and need no further repetition. 



The soft parts are : — Iridcs hazel ; bill, legs and toes 

 black.] 



156. Promerops gurneyi. 

 Tv. Zuurbron, May (1). 



[I have only observed this species among the " Zuiker- 

 bosch " (Proiea) clad mountains which divide the eastern 

 side of the Wakkerstroom district from Swaziland. There 

 it was not uncommon, but like P. cafer was very wild, and 

 I only succeeded in getting within shot of one specimen. In 

 liabits it resembles P. cafer. 



The soft parts are: — 'Irides dark brown; bill, legs and 

 toes black.] 



157. Nectarinia famosa. 



CC. Klipfontein, May, June, July (14) ; Anemous, jNIay 

 (:3; ; Durban Road, Mch., Sept. (2) ; Plettenberg Bay, Mch. 

 (2) ; Z. Sibudeni, Sept., Oct. (2); Umfolosi Station, July, 

 Aug. (2) ; Tv. Wakkerstroom, Feb., Mch. (5); Woodbusli, 

 Nov., Dee., May, June (5). 



Mr. Grant, if I rightly understand his argument, believes 

 that tliere is no true winter plumage to the males of the 

 Malachite Sun-bird. This certainly seems to be borne out 

 by the Namaqualand series ; there are males in full plumage 

 dated May 8, 23, 24, 27, June 4, and July 17, 18, that is all 

 through the winter months. 



On tlie other hand, I can find no other adult males in 

 breeding-dress taken in the three winter months either in 

 the present collection or in the British Museum series. All 



