42 MR. G. R. GRAY ON A NEW MEGAPODE. [Feb. 9, 
large lagoon of brackish water, which has the appearance of having 
been an extinct crater; the birds lay their eggs on one side only of 
the lagoon, where the soil is composed of a sulphur-looking sand ; 
the eggs are deposited from 1 to 2 feet beneath the surface. 
This latter account is in accordance with the known habits of 
several of the species of this genus, and Mr. Pritchard was right in 
doubting the correctness of the marvellous and most improbable story 
related to him by the natives. It is only by the permission of the 
king or chief that the eggs or birds can be procured, which is also 
the case in other localities. 
The natives of the Tonga Islands informed Mr. Pritchard that the 
bird was ‘‘no¢ found on any of their islands, except Nina Fou.” 
There is, however, in the British Museum an egg, with the provi- 
sional name of Megapodius burnabyi, which agrees with the de- 
scription of the Nina Fou egg. _ It was obtained by Lieut. Burnaby, 
R.N., at the Hapace Islands, which is the centre cluster of the three 
groups usually considered to fourm the Friendly or Tonga Islands. 
The bird of the Hapace Islands may, when made known, prove to 
be a species closely allied to the Megapodius pritchardii, if not the 
same. 
The subjoined list of species of the Megapodide is given to show 
which of them are contained in the British Museum. This is de- 
noted by (B.M.) being placed after the localities whence the spe- 
cimens have been received. 
1. TALEGALLUS CUVIERI, Less. 
New Guinea, Dorey (B.M.); Aru Islands. 
2. TALEGALLUS LATHAMI (Gray). 
Australia, North, West, and South (B.M.). 
3. MEGACEPHALON RUBRIPES (Quoy & Gaim.). 
Celebes, Menado (B.M.). 
M. Teysmann, in his “‘ Reise nach den Molukken,”’ published in 
vol. x. of ‘ Bonplandia,’ makes a remark which seems to imply that 
there are two species bearing a horn-like projection. 
4, LEIPOA OCELLATA, Gould. 
Australia, South (B.M.) and West. 
* 
5. MEGAPODIUS FREYCINETI, Quoy & Gaim. 
Tetrao nove guinee, Gm., juv.? 
Oriolus coturnix, Scop. 
Coturnix nove guinea, G. R. Gr. 
Megapodius, juv., G. R. Gr. 
Alecthelia urvilii, Less. 
New Guinea; Island of Waigiou; Mysol; Kaioa; Batchian 
(B.M.); and Morty Islands. 
