246 J. L. Bonhote: 



resemble roughly birds of* the first generation in their 

 eclipse plumage. 

 (e) During the course of this general lightening of colour, 

 we find a general resemblance to a Gadwall shown 

 by the ? P.M.S. of the dark form. The eclipse- 

 feathers on the chest of the light <$ are barely 

 distinguishable from those' of a Shoveler in the 

 latter stages of its eclipse plumage. Rufous flank- 

 feathers are found resembling those on a Wigeon 

 (see PI. xii., figs. 9 and 10), and finally the head of the 

 $ of the second generation is a combination of 

 Pintail, Teal, and Shoveler r in eclipse. 



With regard to the rufous feathers on the flanks of 

 these trigens — 



In the first generation it is merely a rufous-tinge not 

 affecting the general vermiculatioii. 



In the second generation we find the rufous-tinge has in 

 some feathers entirely supplanted the vermiculatioii 

 over a portion of the feather and in this stage closely 

 resembles the flank-feathers of a Wigeon. On some 

 feathers a small subterminal spot is found. 



In the third generation the subterminal spot has become 

 a large broad horseshoe-shaped bar with further 

 vermiculations tending to coalesce and form a second 

 bar, while the ground-colour has become rather 

 brown than rufous. 

 (£) The third generation were undoubtedly weak, only 

 small broods being reared. Both sexes are fertile, 

 but so far I have not succeeded in hatching any 

 young from them. 



Mallard — Spotbill — New Zealand. 



Z ^ [(M c, S) <-= M]. 



In this cross we again find two types, but so far among the 

 Drakes only. These types really differ chiefly in the amount 



1 So far as I am aware, it Las not yet been noted that the Shoveler Drake has 

 an intermediate plumage between the eclipse and his full plumage. I merely 

 mention it here, since it is to this "intermediate plumage" that I refer. Since 

 the above was written I have described this plumage — Bull. B.O.C., Vol. XVI., 

 p. 64, Feb. (190G). 



