ABOO AND NORTH GUZERAT. 211 



that the birds I found breeding at Milana were P. manyar, 

 skins of which I have since examined in the Frere Hall 

 Museum at Kurrachee, and that it is better therefore to retain 

 that species also for the present in our list. 



819 bis.— Francolinus pictus, Var. 



I have lately met with a variety of painted partridge near 

 Deesa, which, if not entitled to specific distinction, must be ad- 

 mitted as a most interesting 1 link between F, vulgaris and F. 

 pictus. It is a larger and stouter bird than pictus, with the black 

 on the neck, throat, and breast much more developed, and 

 lastly has an indistinct, but at the same time very unmistake- 

 able, rufous collar. These are the chief characteristics, but 

 as Mr. Hume has a skin which I sent him last December, he 

 will doubtless be able, if necessary, to add further particulars. 



Measurements taken in the flesh as follows : — 



Sex. Locality. 

 | ) Deesa, 2-8-76. 



Irides, very dark brown ; bill, black ; legs and feet, yellowish 

 salmon. 



Measurements of F. pictus, killed in the same neighbourhood, 

 are subjoined for J comparison : — 



Length. Wing. Tail. Bill at F. Bill at Gh Expanse. Sex. Locality 

 1225. 55. 3 5. "93. 1. 19. $ Deesa,8-8 76. 



I shot and examined altogether about six or seven specimens, 

 but regret to say only preserved one skin. They were all 

 exactly alike and gave me the idea of being a cross between 

 pictus and vulgaris both of which species occur in the Beerh 

 from which my specimens were procured. A nest was brouo-ht 

 to me at the beginning of the rains, taken in the same 

 neighbourhood, which, from the size and color of the eo-o-s, I 

 should say, in all probability, belonged also to this variety. 

 If considered distinct, I should suggest intermedins as an 

 appropriate specific title. The eggs referred to above answer 

 exactly to Mr. Hume's description of the Black Partridge's 

 eggs, " Nests and Eggs," Vol. III., p. 537, but were taken on 

 the 5th August, which is late for vulgaris. 



[I should take this bird to be a hybrid. 



It differs from every specimen of pictus that I have seen, in 

 having (1) a marked black line from the nostrils to the anterior 

 angle of the eye, and again from the posterior angle backwards 

 over the ear-coverts ; (2) in having a large black patch on the 

 breast; (3) in having distinct traces, all round the neck, of a 

 broad chestnut collar ring; (4) in its larger size generally and 

 larger bill in particular ; and (5) in having the throa* densely 



