250 LETTER FROM SIR R. SCHOMBURGK. [NoV, 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 {LopholcBinus 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 loth, stating 

 that a male of the splendid Pheasant Biardigallus 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, Avith 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- 

 feather 1 6 



Height " 10 5 



Length of tail .,.. d 



of legs 7 4 



— ■■ from the foot or tarsus to thiarh 4 



