CrO Staff-Surgeon K. II. Jones on Birds 



Dresser in the ' Manual of Palsearctic Birds ' is present in 

 about half the specimens. In addition to the sepia-coloured 

 hair-like markings, dark -coloured streaks occur on most eggs. 

 Dark sepia-coloured spots of rounded shape, well defined in 

 ontline, occur also in many specimens. In nearly all eggs 

 there are the yellowish blotches described by La Touche, but 

 blotches of a reddish-brown and violet colour also occur in 

 some specimens. 



Eggs vary from "80 to '70 inch in length and from '63 to 

 '57 in breadth. The average of forty-one eggs is '7Q x "GO 

 inch. 



Emberiza passerina. 



This form of the Reed-Bunting was found on one occasion 

 breeding at Shi Tao, by Mr. Schwilf. 



The nest was in precisely the same situation as tliat of 

 its ally in Europe, and the one egg obtained was precisely 

 similar. The date of the taking of this nest was June 20th. 



Melanocorypha mongolica. 



It is doubtful whether the Calandra Lark should be 

 included, as it w^as only observed in cages. The Chinese 

 assert, however, that the specimens which they have caged are 

 taken near Chefoo, and as many of the birds are very young 

 this is possible. It is also possible that the birds are brought 

 from further north or from inland, but it is significant that 

 in South China this species is called the Shantung Lark. 



Alauda arvensis. 



Skylarks are met with about Wei Hai Wei only on 

 migration, during August and September, when they are 

 plentiful enough. Whilst sheltering from a gale off' Taku, 

 in n.M.S. * Waterwitch,' a good many Skylarks came on 

 board and ably assisted in demolishing the blue-bottle flies : 

 this was early in September. 



Galerita cristata. 



Crested Larks are common birds about Wei Hai Wei 

 during the summer months ; and probably some are resident. 

 The usual form met with in Shantung is very sandy-coloured 



