drymoicin^e. 177 



generic rank. Many of the so-called African Drymoiccs, figured by 

 Riippell, appear to approximate it very closely, and are probably 

 co-generic with it. Such are D, robusta, D. lugubris, and D. ery- 

 ihrogenys, Riippell; also A. Smith's D. natalensis, and perhaps 

 others from the same country, and also from Australia. 



Gen. Graminicola, Jerdon. 



Char, — Bill moderate, rather stout, compressed : culm en curved ; 

 some rather stout rictal bristles curving outwards ; wings very 

 short and much rounded ; tail of tAvelve feathers, much graduated 

 and broad ; tarsi stout, of moderate length ; hind toe not length- 

 ened ; claws long, slender, very slightly curved. 



This form differs from Cisticola in the less elongated hind toe, and 

 the more strongly curved beak, with prominent rictal bristles. 



542. Graminicola Bengalensis, Jerdon. 



The large Grass-Warbler. 



Descr. — Above, the head and back deep brown, the feathers 

 edged with tawny fulvous ; rump dark fulvous ; wings with 

 bright fulvous edgings to the feathers of the wing-coverts ; the 

 quills edged with yellowish brown ; tail deep brown, with indis- 

 tinct brown edging, obsoletely barred and broadly white-tipped, 

 this being continued a short distance along the outer edge of the 

 outermost feathers ; beneath white, tinged with fulvous on the 

 neck, breast, and flanks ; under-tail-coverts slightly olivaceous. 



Bill reddish horny ; irides yellow brown ; legs fleshy 

 yellow. Length 6£ inches ; wing 2^ ; tail 3 ; bill at front ^ ; 

 tarsus 1. 



Some specimens have the upper parts almost black, mixed with 

 white over the eye and on the nape, but whether this is seasonal, 

 or the effects of age, I am not aware. I first observed this bird 

 in high grass on the banks of the Ganges, but did not procure 

 specimens. I shot several, however, in Cachar, where it appeared 

 to be tolerably abundant. It frequents high grass, in pairs, occa- 

 sionally three or four together ; now and then taking a short flight, 

 and rapidly concealing itself when it alights. 



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