50 Mr. D. A. Bannennan on an Ornithological 



on the high ground of Gran Caiiaria, while P. savii was found 

 in the neighbourhood of Las Palmas on the coast. 



We left this delightful spot on May the 14th to cross the 

 range of mountains to Autigua, which is situated on the 

 huge plain in the centre of the island. 



The path led over the spur and for some distance ran 

 along a dried-up water-course between undulating barren 

 hills which rose from three to four hundred feet on either 

 side. As we advanced^ the bed of the water-course rose 

 steadily and the sides of the barranco became steeper and 

 more rocky. Many roosting-places of Vultures were to be 

 seen here, and I noticed a Buzzard hovering above our heads, 

 almost the only one I saw while in Fuerteventura. The 

 camels plodded on bravely, making very good progress until 

 we had ascended 900 feet, when the country became much 

 greener and the hillsides w^ere covered with plants and 

 grasses. A Shrike was seen here and several flocks of 

 Trumpeter Bullfinches, but these were practically the only 

 species met with. At 1350 feet we passed over a plateau 

 sown with wheat, where Short-toed Larks became abundant. 

 Wherever corn is cultivated on high ground, these little 

 Larks are to be found. Having crossed this plateau we 

 began quickly to descend to Santa Maria de Betancuria — a 

 tiny old-world Spanish village hidden away in the mountains, 

 a place of great historical interest, the original capital of the 

 island in the 12th century and celebrated for its ancient 

 monastery. Hoopoes, Sparrows, and Kestrels were noticed 

 here. 



After resting our camels for half an hour we left the 

 village for the last part of the journey, climbing steadily 

 upwards until we reached the summit of the range separating 

 the eastern from the western side of the island. We passed 

 over this ridge at 1900 feet, and from here obtained the 

 most extensive views in every direction. The sea was visible 

 to the east and west, and far down below was spread an 

 immense plain bounded by hills on all sides. 



In this expanse the villages of Casillas de Morales, Antigua, 

 Triquibijate, and Casillas del Angel, with their scattered 



