OF EASTERN TURKESTAN. 161 
conspicuously. The birds were usually observed coming down to 
the path along which the horses had gone, to feed on ine dung ; 
they were in such a hurry over this business that they had not 
time to pick the grain out only, but swallowed the stuff’ whole- 
sale with which their stomachs were found to be filled. When 
there are no horses passing their way I suppose they must sub- 
sist on insects of some sort. The shooting of these birds affords 
capital exercise, for as they generally begin to run before one 
can get within shot the only plan is to run also—not exactly 
after them—but so as to cut them off at a point within shooting 
distance ; after that it is very much like hare shooting. 
The Yarkandis do not consider the Podoces good eating in the 
ordinary acceptation of the term, but believe that the flesh of the 
bird has wonderful tonic properties in a certain direction. 
These birds were never heard to utter any cry nor did I observe 
them laving their feathers in the sand. The Turki name for 
this Podoces is Kil yurgha, which has reference to the bird 
running in the trail of horses; it is also, though rarely, called 
Kum saghizghani or ‘Sand Magpie,’ but Kum tokhi (t.e., sand 
fowl) is the name applied to the Little Bustard ( Otis tetraa) and 
not to this species. Our bird is a permanent resident in Eastern 
Turkestan ; it is said to breed in May and June, making its 
nest on the ground under the shelter of the little bushes; the 
eggs are said to be a little larger than those of a starling. 
T don’t think that the plate in Lahore to Yarkand gives a good 
idea of the bird; a characteristic picture should represent the 
Podoces running on a sandy waste, with head erect; and I am 
sure no better trivial name could be proposed for the bird than 
“ Swiftfoot.”” Apropos of this species Mr. Shaw tells me of a 
Turki proverb which he has heard: “ Run not like the &A7l- 
yurgha, nor let thy tongue run like that of a woman.” 
679 ter.—Podoces humilis, Hume. 
G. Kichik Yailak, 19th ee ee oes 71; expanse, 
12:0; wing, 3°82; tail, 2°8 tarsus, 1:2 ; bill, from gape, 1:08 ; 
pised wings fall aioe a tanl,, L2s euch 1:63. oz: 
Bill black, with a greyish bloom at base ; ; ‘irides, dark brown ; 
legs and feet, black, greyish at the joints; soles of feet, ashy. 
grey ; claws, black. 
3. Kichik Yailak, 19th August.—Length, 6°85; expanse, 
119°; wing, 3°85; tail, 2°8; tarsus, 1:3; Dill, from gape, 1:0; 
pipaed wings fall viet of tail, iis 15; : weight 1: Doz. 
Bill, black towards tip ; oreenish brown at base, especially at 
‘sides, fad below; irides, blackish brown ; legs and feet, black, 
with a brownish tinge; claws, black. 
3. Juv. Kichik Yailak, 19th August.—Length, 6°55 ; expanse, 
11°25 wing, 3°7; tail, 2°65; tarsus, 1:2; bill, from gape, 0°95 ; 
W 
