FROM THE EAST, 517 
are fond of the sea-shore on account of the mussels. In Egypt 
this bird is much less shy than with us, but still not nearly 
so tame as in Asia. I saw it everywhere in Palestine, on the 
mountains, the steppes, and in the valley of the Jordan. A 
pair were nesting on the ancient city-wall of Jerusalem near 
our camp, and the impudent birds stole the kitchen-scraps 
from among the tents. On the Greek islands and in Dalmatia 
it is everywhere common. The African bird is somewhat 
smaller than the European, and its plumage, which is deci- 
dedly bluer, has a beautiful sheen. The Asiatic is like our 
own in all respects. 
55. Corvus cornix. Hooded Crow. 
In Egypt everywhere common in the cultivated country 
from Alexandria to Assuan. Fledged birds of the year were 
seen in Upper Egypt on the Ist of March. In appearance 
and habits the Hooded Crow of Africa resembles our own 
bird, but lacks its extreme shyness and cautiousness; near 
the towns it is almost domesticated. In Palestine I observed 
it in the cultivated country between Jaffa and the mountains, 
and also near Jerusalem. 
56. GARRULUS MELANOCEPHALUS. Syrian Jay. 
This species, which is almost identical with our Jay, was 
only observed twice; on both occasions in the olive-gardens 
of Latrun and Jerusalem. It is still more shy and active 
than our bird, and only differs from it in its note and the 
blackness of its head, the rest of its plumage being very 
nearly the same. 
57. LANIUS MERIDIONALIS. - Southern Grey Shrike. 
Only seen in Palestine in the Jordan valley, but there in 
astonishing numbers on tracts covered with low trees. and 
dense thickets. In the beginning of April the young of the 
