THE BEE-EATER. 9 



downwards in the earth, just as Mr. Layard 

 has described in his notes on the species in South 

 Africa. The eggs, when first laid, are of a 

 beautiful pure white, but become discoloured in 

 time from contact with the surroundings of the 

 nest-chamber. In our illustration the egg is given 

 of the natural size. Specimens vary a little in 

 depth and breadth, but the average measurements 

 of the series in the British Museum varies from 

 about o"95 inch to i"i inch. 



