EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxix 



The following memorandum from the pen of Mr. Andersson is 

 here inserted as giving some interesting information relating 

 to the nidification and migration of the birds of Damara Land 

 and the neighbouring countries : — 



" The pairing-and-breeding season of birds in Damara, Nama- 

 qua, and parts adjacent depends much, if not entirely, on the 

 falling of the rains ; that is, the breeding-season is late or early 

 according to late or early rains. From November to May is 

 probably the chief period of incubation ; but very many birds 

 pair as early as September : Owls, Bee-eaters, and Grouse are 

 amongst the earliest breeders. 



" Near the sea-coast, or rather those portions of it where the 

 periodical rivers have their embouchures, the breeding-season is 

 somewhat different, or, perhaps it would be more correct to say, 

 occurs later in the year. The cause is simple : rain rarely or 

 never falls in those parts ; and it is not until long after the rivers 

 (having their sources and origin in the distant interior) have 

 subsided that the scanty vegetation recovers from its 'torpor;' 

 and with it returns the insect-life which enables the parent 

 birds to seek and obtain suitable sustenance for their tender 

 broods. 



"The moulting-season begins with the return of the wet 

 season. 



" It is during the rainy time of the year that the greatest 

 variety of birds is to be observed ; for, though all but deserts 

 during the dry season, Damara and Namaqua Land, from their 

 peculiar positions &c., are then a regular paradise to the 

 feathered tribes, the insect- and reptile-life being at that period 

 exceedingly prolific. Swarms of migratory Hawks and Kites 

 may then be observed in pursuit of the myriads of Termites 

 which at this season infest the air, but at the same time brighten 

 it, as it were, with innumerable silvery dots and streaks as their 

 gorgeous wings and white bodies encounter the fiery sunlight. 

 Here and there a flock of Storks may be observed busily 



