50 Mr. E. Gibson on the Ornrthology of [Ibis, 



have only twice taken even as many as eight. Clutches 

 of five or six were generally considerably incubated. The 

 ground-colour is of a greyish brown, Avith specks and small 

 spots of very dark (almost black) reddish brown, which are 

 evenly distributed over the whole surface. There is much and 

 considerable variation in the size and shape, particularly as 

 regards eggs of the same clutch. The average measurement 

 of a large number is 48 x 33 mm. 



I have alluded to the confusion produced by the great 

 similarity (in the flesh) of the American Waterhen and the 

 three species of Coot ; and have in the preceding notes 

 detailed, to a wearisome extent^ the description of their 

 respective nests and eggs. But there seems to be no infallible 

 standard for the situation and structure of the former; and 

 the latter vary so much in size and coloration as lo run all 

 the species into each other. Were all my specimens mixed 

 together, I should be unable to identify them except by their 

 reference-numbers ; and it is only by laying the component 

 clutches of the four species in juxtaposition that I am able 

 to deduce general considerations as follows : — 



Those of FuLicA araiillata (av. 55x38 mm.) are the 



largest. Warm in colour and boldly marked. 

 Those of FuLicA leucopyga (av, 53 x 38 mm.) are so 



similar to the preceding as only to be distinguished 



by their smaller size. 

 Tliose of FuLiCA leucoptera (av. 48x33 mm.) are 



cold in the ground-colour and darkly speckled. 



Typically Coot-like, and much smaller than the 



other two. 

 Those of Gallinula galeata (av. 47 x 32 mm.) closely 



resemble the first two, but are more richly warm 



in the ground-colour; the markings are of a more 



vivid red-brown, with a greater tendency towards 



the blunt end. 



382. Aranms scolopaceus Gm. Southern Courlan. 

 The " Viuda loca" or "Mad Widow ^^ I described in my 

 former paper ('Ibis/ 1880, p. 161). 



