164 LetterSj Extracts, Notices, ^c. 
To attract the female^ the Baer^s Duck [Fuligula baeri) 
half raises himself in the water by a sudden movement, while 
at the same time the chest is thrust forward and the head 
and neck are depressed to the scapulars. Whilst this quick 
movement is being performed, the wind-pipe is blown out 
to the fullest extent, and then the air is released, forming 
at once a singular distension of the neck. This some- 
what curious display is manifested amongst the Anatidce 
by the Pochard and the Scaup only^ but even these birds 
have somewhat dissimilar methods of courtship. Throat- 
and crop-distensions are^ however, common amongst the 
Gallinaceous birds at the period of love-making. When 
much excited, Baer^s Duck also contracts the black pupil of 
the eye till it is almost lost to the view of the spectator. 
Yours &c., 
Jime 9tb, 1901. J. G. MiLLAls. 
Sirs, — I have lately received, through my native collector, 
two specimens of the handsome Night- Heron discovered by 
the late Mr. Whitehead in Hainan, Nycticorax magnifica 
(Grant, Ibis, 1899, p. 585; P. Z. S. 1900, p. 493, pl.xxxiii.). 
They were shot near Chinteh, in Anhwei Province, on the 
south bank of the Yangtse, a distance of about 900 miles 
N. by E. of the locality where the type was procured. 
It is probable, therefore, that this species is distributed, 
in summer at least, throughout the hill-districts of Fokien, 
Chekiang, and Anhwei, which provinces are very similar in 
general character and natural productions. Pokien has been 
thoroughly worked by Messrs. Rickett and La Touche,and my 
collector has made frequent trips in Chekiang and Anhwei, 
the neighbourhood of Chinteh being favourite ground with 
him. It is therefore extraordinary that so conspicuous a 
bird should have remained so long undiscovered. The two 
specimens obtained were shot on different evenings when 
coming to roost in high trees ; by day they could not be seen. 
Two others were seen, but not secured. 
Yours &c., 
Shanghai, F. W. Sxi'AN. 
26th August, 1901. 
