Ornithology of Asia Minor. 89 
nests by thousands in the ramparts” of Racca, nearly in the 
latitude of Aleppo. Another bird whose acquaintance we 
here made was that charming little Partridge Ammoperdix 
bonhami, whose delicately tinted plumage is such an exact 
reflection of the grey and pearly tones of the surrounding 
landscape. The Tchil Keklik, as it is called, is rather local, 
and frequents the stony places near cultivated ground up to 
a considerable elevation. Its note is very distinct, its flight 
quick, strong, and short, and its habits much the same as 
those of the Chukar, in whose company it 1s sometimes found. 
The coveys, however, seem to be smaller, seven being the 
largest seen ; but perhaps they may be more easily thimned 
by Hawks than those of their stronger relations. The 
great desideratum at Biledjik is a boat, without which one 
cannot get at the waterfowl, who take good care to keep to 
the islands; but given that article and the proper time of 
year, it ought to prove a good station for the ornithologist. 
We left Biledjik February 19th, our host’s (Sheik Mus- 
tapha) parting gift being the skin of a cheetah (Felis 
jubata) killed near here, and looked upon as a great rarity. 
The road at first follows the river under the cliffs, but soon 
strikes across cultivated ground, bordered by almond-hedges 
in full bloom, and passing over hills and valleys, drops down 
again to the water-side near the large village of Khalfetin. 
The upper levels of this region are chiefly desolate wastes of 
stones and grass ; but parts of the river-bank and the bottoms 
of the valleys are clothed with fruit-trees, especially with 
walnut and fig, which grow to a great size. Pistachio-trees 
are also common, though the “ Pistazien-Wald ”’ of Kiepert’s 
map has no actual existence, being, in fact, an oak-wood, the 
mistake doubtless having originated in the great resemblance 
which the stumpy oaks have when leafless to the pistachio, a 
few of which are also to be seen wherever there is a little 
cultivation. | 
We spent a few days with the governor of Khalfetin and 
Room Kaleh, a Kurd of high family, with a long emblazoned 
pedigree. In spite of his heing more than eighty years old, 
he insisted upon going out shooting over the roughest of 
