169 



of the species in Turkey laying six eggs differs from the number given by Hewitson and other 

 observers ; Mr. Benzon writes that the eggs are " generally four or five in number." Our friend 

 Dr. E. Eey states, in a letter to us, that the average size of one hundred eggs in his possession, all 

 taken in Germany, is 24'3 by 17"6, the largest measuring 28 by 19, and the smallest 21 by 

 17 millimetres respectively. In Germany the breeding-season is between the 10th of May and 

 the 20th of July. In Southern Portugal he found five eggs incubated on the 5th of April, on 

 the 10th of April five much incubated, and on the 30th of April and 4th of May five nearly fresh 

 eggs. We mention these facts because the only two examples sent by Mr. Robson, which we 

 have seen in Lord Walden's collection, belong to the pale-coloured form which we have already 

 noticed as occurring in Eastern Europe, and which may not be thoroughly the same species as 

 the western bird. 



The Common Bunting is apparently subject to great variation. Mr. Sterland mentions the 

 fact of his having seen several which had an admixture of white in the plumage, giving the birds 

 a dappled appearance. He adds, "I met with one in December 1859, at Clipstone, which was 

 entirely white, with the exception of two or three slight markings of brown on the back." Such 

 a bird is also in Mr. J. H. Gurney's collection. This gentleman likewise possesses one of a 

 creamy-white colour, as also does Canon Tristram, who obtained his in Algeria. Mr. Benzon tells 

 us that he has similar examples in his collection. A dusky-white variety was brought home from 

 Spain by Major Irby, who informs us that in that country similar birds are not uncommonly 

 met with. 



In the preparation of the above article we have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. Sharpe and Dresser. 



a, b. Leadenhall Market, November 10th, 1871 (R. B. S.). c. Near London (R. B. S.). d, 6- Pagham, 

 Sussex, June 20th, 1870 (R. B. S.). e,f. Oxfordshire, October 1846 (P. L. Sclater). g, h. Cambridge- 

 shire (H. E. Fox), i. France (E. Fairmaire). j. Hanover (W. Schliiter). k, $ . Piedmont, May 25th, 

 1870 (T. Salvadori). I, 6 . Smyrna, May 14th, 1871 {Dr. Kruper). m. Crimea (H. Whitely). n, j . Tur- 

 kestan, May 18th, 1866 (Dode). 



E Mus. Lord Walden. 

 a,b,6. Asia Minor, April 17th and 18th, 1866 (T. Robson). 



E Mus. Howard Saunders, 

 a. Granada (H. S.). 



E Mus. G. E. Shelley. 



a. Egypt, February 20th, 1871 (G. E. S.). b, ?. Egypt, March 25th, 1871 (G. E. S.). c. Fayoom, Egypt, 

 March 4th, 1871 (G. E. S.). 



E Mus. L. H. Irby. 



a, 2 ■ Seville, February 14th, 1871 (Ruiz) . 



