6 A. H. MeM{iiion^^"o/t'5 on Fauna of CJutral. [No. 1, 



~ M3nias (the common Acridotheres tristis f) Sire very plentiful in 

 lower Cbitral. Eagles, Hawks and Vultures of various kinds are, as 

 might be expected in such a mountainous country, very common in the 

 winter months. 



Chitral is famed for its Goshawks (Anturpalumharius) which are 

 caught in large numbers every winter, or more correctly speaking at the 

 commencement of each winter, as they pass over the country on their 

 way to India. As many as 60 birds were caught in tbe winter of 1899. 

 The method adopted is as follows ; an open space of level ground, as 

 high up a mountain side as possible, is selected. In the middle of this 

 a hole large enough for a man to sit in is made, and then roofed over 

 flush witb the ground leaving a small concealed entrance at the side 

 for entrance and exit. In the centre of the roof is a small hole through 

 which a tame chickor is put out to walk about on the roof, attached by 

 its leg to a string held by the man inside the chamber. The passing 

 goshawk attracted by the chickor swoops down and seizes it, where- 

 upon it is caught by the legs and pulled down by the man into the 

 chamber below. These goshawks in travelling over Chitral fly very 

 high, and in fine clear weather fly too high to be attracted by this 

 method. It is in threatening, cloudy weather wdien they fly lower that- 

 captures are made. The females are by far the most valued, and all 

 those caught are, by time-honoured custom, the property of the Mehtar 

 to whom they have to be presented. They are sometimes returned to/ 

 the captor, but more frequently a suitable present is given in return. 

 The Ohitralis are famed for their skill in training hawks. A passage 

 goshawk has been known to be flown with success at game within 5 days 

 of its capture. A female goshawk flown at game, after a male bird has 

 been released, will make straight for the male and kill it. 



Fisces. — The fishes of Chitral have never been studied. The rivers 

 contain fish in considerable numbers, though none reach any great 

 size. A fish of 5 lbs. is said to have been caught in the; lower Chitral 

 river, but few reach 8 lbs. The majority appear to be of the kind known 

 commonly as " Snow Trout," and is I presume a species of Gyprininse. A 

 species of catfish (Siluroid) is also to be found in the lower waters of 

 the Chitral River. 



The Mahaseer, Barhus tor, is unknown in Chiiral. 



Lepidoptera. — The butterflies of Chitral include many rare and 

 interesting kinds. Major G. A. Leslie, R.E , and Lt. W. H. Evans, R.E., 

 arc now engaged in making a collection which is likely to prove of great 

 value. 



