meet from all directions, and thus form a sufficient support for the nest, which is a very rough 

 structure, composed of dead sticks and pieces of reeds ; it is two or three feet in diameter, with 

 a very slight concavity. These Herons lay three or four eggs ; and frequently five or six pairs 

 breed in company, placing their nests within a few yards of each other." I possess eggs of the 

 Purple Heron obtained in Hungary by Herr Zelebor, which closely resemble those of Ardea 

 cinerea, except in size, being smaller, measuring only from 2-^ 6 by Iff inch to 2f$ by If $ inch. 



The specimens figured are an adult male and young bird in its first autumn plumage, these 

 being those above described. 



'b 



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



E Mus. H. E. Dresser. 



a, 6 ad. Seville {Llanos), b, ad. Butrinto, Albania, 1869. c,jun. Albania. d,juv. Butrinto, October 1871 

 (H. Barclay). 



223 



