ALPINE GHOUan. 15 



caverns are filled with cojjsewood. If a stone were thrown in, the 

 birds would rise by degrees and fly quickly away. One day a 

 friend and I threw down a piece of rock, and no words can des- 

 cribe the astounding cries which rent the air." 



Latham gave the following concise description of this bird: — 'SSize 

 of a Jackdaw. Bill rather more elongated and yellow. Plumage 

 wholly black; legs and claws black or yellow. Inhabits the Alps; 

 has a sharp and disagreeable voice. Lives upon grain, and does 

 much damage to the harvest. Flesh pretty good eating." 



My illustration of the egg of this species is from one in my own 

 collection, sent to me by the late Herr Seidensacher, of Cilli, in 

 Styria. It was taken in the Pyrenees. 



