RHYNC1LEA CAPENSIS. 805 



evenly distributed. But the character of the egg consists in the proportionately large size of the markings ; it 

 is pyriform in shape and very small, compared with those of most Waders. An example in my collection 

 measures 1"36 inch in length by 0'98 in breadth. 



In India it has been found breeding in September and also in December. In the former month its eggs 

 have been taken in Jessore and in Raipur, and in the latter at Chamraj nugger, in the Mysore district. 

 Mr. Hume remarks that the markings often cover half the egg ; the average size of ten he gives as 14 by 

 1-01 inch. 



Genus SCOLOPAX. 



Bill long, straight, slender, soft; extreme tip decurved, and the extremity of the lower 

 mandible fitting against this portion ; both mandibles channelled, the lower only to the middle ; 

 nostrils linear, placed near the base ; gape in advance of the base of the culmen. Wings long ; 

 the quills curved, the 1st the longest, Tertials rounded at the tip. Tail short, of 12 feathers, 

 cuneate at the tip. Legs short. Tibia feathered to the knee. Tarsus equal to the middle toe, 

 covered with transverse scales in front. Toes free to the base, the lateral ones equal ; claws very 

 short ; hind claw not projecting beyond the toe. 



Eye very large and placed far back. Ear-conch enormous. 



5l2 



