250 LETTER FROM SIR R. SCHOMBURGK. [Noy. 25, 
drawing of the bird, and told him the subsequent history of the 
specimen he sent to Sydney. 
«The power of wing of most of the pigeon tribe is very great, and 
it also obtains in this bird. It flies through the air with a loud 
noise, like our Top-knot Pigeon (Lopholemus antarcticus), found in 
the Illawarra district, and many other of our Australian Pigeons ; 
and Mr. Stair describes it when rising as making so great a noise 
with its wings, that, when heard at a distance, it resembles a rumbling 
of distant thunder, for which it may be mistaken. Mr. Stair con- 
cludes his remarks by observing that, when on the eve of departing 
for England in 1845, although he made every effort to procure more 
specimens of the bird, and offered what was then considered large 
rewards, he could not succeed in obtaining any more specimens. 
He considers they may perhaps yet be found at Savaii, the largest 
and most mountainous island of the group ; but he does not think 
they at present exist on the island of Upolu.” 
A communication was also read from Sir Robert Schomburgk, 
H.M. Consul-General for Siam, dated Bangkok, August 15th, stating 
that a male of the splendid Pheasant Diardigallus crawfurdi was 
still alive in his possession, and in excellent health; and giving the 
following description of the female bird, of which he also sent a 
Chinese drawing and some feathers :— 
** Cere oblong, of a bright-red colour, such as it is in the male, set 
with short hair-like feathers of a blackish colour, disposed in rows 
following the cere in its outline; eye black, with a golden-coloured 
iris; bill horn-coloured. ‘The crown of the head, and the short 
feathers under the chin, of a slate-colour, but otherwise a reddish 
brown is the prevailing colour; of such a tint is likewise the mantle, 
only somewhat darker, and the feathers are speckled with black ; 
those of the throat and breast are lighter in tint, and frequently 
margined at their ends with white to the extent of 2 lines. 
** Primaries and scapulars of a dark slate-colour, almost black, 
barred transversely at intervals with bands of white speckled with 
black. These bars do not possess regular outlines. ‘The large or 
middle tail-feathers are marked in a similar manner; the lower or 
side tail-feathers are of a reddish brown. 
“The thighs are clothed with dark-brown feathers; below the 
knee the feet are naked and of a bright red colour, similar to the 
cere. ‘There is no trace of spurs upon the leg. 
“I give the measurements taken from what I believe to be the 
oldest of the two hens in my possession :— 
ft. in. tenths. 
Length from tip of bill to end of middle tail- 
Teather ic< alvses daitle wis S¥p ie sigs hacciet was 1 6 0 
Height sie je 1: Shia. o ie aaeeats Wwe 03.5 x02 a9: daieed, 08 1D oe 
Lanethh of taal icy. ois Rais Sal. sae ak eS 
Ae ee ae av ih A) A 
from the foot or tarsus to thigh...... 0 4 0 
