64 ^Ir. E, r;iI)soii on the OrmthoJoyn of [Ibis, 



darker, and tlie l)lack blotclics larger, in ray specimens ; 

 bnt it would be necessary to liave a large series in order 

 to be sure that this difference is really always existent." 

 The large series is now forthcoming, and I find that, taken 

 as a whole, the conclusion above arrived at is correct ; 

 whilst, curiously enough, iiulividual clutches of both species 

 occasionally present the opposite characteristics. Even in 

 shape I have found the well-known thongli abnormal pear- 

 form of the Lapwing repeated in a very beautiful clutch 

 belonging to the Stilt. Size also is no criterion, the general 

 average presenting but an infinitesimal difference. The 

 Stilt's eggs average 45 x 33 mm., the largest clutch being 

 47 X 33 mm., and the smallest 44 x 32 mm. The Lapwing^s 

 average is fG x 33 mm., the largest clutch being 47 x 34 mm., 

 and the smallest 45 x 32 mm, 



397. Gallinago paraguaiae Vieill. Paraguay Snipe. 



The Paraguay Snipe is certainly rare with us. In bygone 

 years I have occasionally seen a small wisp or flock on 

 perhaps three occasions, if 1 recollect rightly; and my 

 skin-book records four individual specimens collected, 

 whilst the last entry in my diary goes back to 1899, 

 when I saw a single bird. These occurrences took place in 

 winter, in the months of May and June. Mr. Claude Grant 

 got one specimen here in May of 1909, and 1 have a couple 

 of eggs which weie collected for me on 21 October of the 

 same year. These latter are pear-shaped, spotted and 

 blotched with dark brown on an olive-coloured ground, the 

 markings increasing and becoming heavier towards the 

 blunt end. They each measure 41 x 30 mm. 



The adult biid has the iris dark brown ; bill greyish 

 yellow at base, deepening into black at tip; legs and feet 

 greenish yellow. 



It is with envy and regret that I compare the above 

 meagre notes — the outcome of so many years — with 

 Mr. Hudson's full and interesting account of the species 

 and its habits. 



