9 
one nest are more marked at the large end; and on these there are some blue-grey spots between. 
On the other there are so few spots that they can easily be counted. Some dark yellow spots 
which are rather numerous on them are not real spots, but are caused, I should say, by some 
parasitical insect. ‘The very fine texture of the shell much resembles that of the eggs of the 
Common Creeper. Irregular indentations surround numerous deep pores which are visible to 
the naked eye. In two the small end is especially marked; and in three several fine furrows run 
along the egg. Three measure 7!" by 5!", one 7!” by 42”, the fifth 62!” by 43"; thus they do not 
differ greatly. The average weight of the blown egg is z+, loth, whereas the average weight of 
sixty Wryneck’s eggs is 9/5 loth.” 
Dr. E. Rey writes to us that the egg of this bird measures 22°75 by 15 millims. In 
Dresser’s collection are two undoubtedly authentic eggs of this bird from St. Gothard, which in 
shape are, like those described by Baron R. von Konig Warthausen, oval pear-shaped, and 
measure 23 by 7%, and 32 by %¢ inch respectively. In colour they are pure white, slightly 
spotted, chiefly at the larger end, with dark red. 
The figures and descriptions are taken from specimens in our own collection. 
In the preparation of the above article we have examined the following specimens :— 
E Mus. Sharpe and Dresser. 
a, b, c. Alps (Fairmaire). d. Switzerland (W. Schliiter). e, ¢. Kokand, October 28th, 1868 (Dode). 
E Mus. H. J. Elwes. 
a, 6. Darjeeling, Sikim (H. J. E.). 
E Mus. Lord Lilford. 
a, d. Nice, 1858 (L.). 
E Mus. H. B. Tristram. 
a. Chamouni, Switzerland, Angust 1866 (H.E. For). 6. Devil’s Bridge, Switzerland (H. B.T.). c, 3. Geneva, 
1845 (H. B.T.). d, 2. Gennesaret, March 8rd, 1864 (H. B. T.). 
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oa 
