287 



small lump forming a diminutive island, and almost always amongst the densest growth of reeds. 

 The eggs, from three to four (seldom as many as five) in number, are uniform brownish olive, 

 more olive-green in tinge when fresh, and becoming much browner when blown and kept for a 

 time. I possess eggs from Holland which in size average 2- 4 % by 1J inch. 



The specimen figured is a fine adult male from Holland, purchased in the flesh in Leaden- 

 hall Market, and is in my own collection. 



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



E Mus. H. E. Dresser. 



a, tj . Holland, purchased in Leadenhall Market {H.E.D.). b, 6 ad., c,juv. Albania {Hanbury Barclay), 

 d. Seville, Spain {Llanos), e, $>. Smyrna, January 15th, 1872 (Dr. Kriiper). 



E Mus. J. H. Gurney. 



a, c?, b, 2 . Transvaal, South Africa, May 30th, 1872 (Ayres). 



E Mus. C. A. Wright, 

 a. Malta, December 1871 (C. A. W.). 



E Mus. Howard Saunders, 

 a, ? . Near Seville, April 10th, 1869. 



