L8G DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW BIRDS FROM WESTERN A ERICA. 



on the sides, as may be seen in some species of Euplectes, (for instance, E. rnelano- 

 gaster, Vieill., Ois. Chant., pi. 27.) On the neck the rich orange red is most distinct 

 immediately next to and below the black of the throat, and rather abruptly fades 

 into bright and clear yellow on the sides of the breast. Two specimens only were 

 in Duchaillu's collections, and were represented by him as having been obtained on 

 the River Muni, as above stated. 



This curious and interesting species properly belongs to a subgroup or subgenus 

 more analogous to Euplectes than is typical Sycobius, and of which, perhaps, the 

 old Ploceus nigerrimus is also a member. The last named bird was received abun- 

 dantly in the various collections made by Duchaillu, and is undoubtedly a common 

 species in Equatorial Africa, though formerly rare in collections. All of the known 

 species of Sycobius are in the Academy Museum, including Sycobius Cassinii, Elliot, 

 which is an interesting and entirely substantial addition to this handsome group, 

 made by one of our most talented and promising young ornithologists. 



