NATURALIST IN INDIA. 67 



its sweet and melodious note is ringing througli the dell. 

 The paradise flycatcher is darting, fairy-like, from tree to 

 tree. "What is that wagtail-looking bird that flutters along 

 the water's edge, and seems to delight in frisking about where 

 the stream runs fastest, or -where the rushing cataract sweeps 

 and dashes on ? That is the beautiful spotted'fdrktail {Eni- 

 cv/rus maculatus). The plum-headed and rose-ringed parra- 

 keets (Falceornis cyanocephalus and torguatus) are chattering 

 among the leaves oyerhead. He may look long ere he ob- 

 serves them, for their green dress suits well with the.sur- 

 rounding foliage. A harsh scream, and they are away, darting 

 like arrows down the ravine. 



See ! that is the gaudy red-biUed pie with its long tail, 

 which it jerks so gracefully, and chattering like a magpie, 

 as it hops along the branch of yonder walnut-tree. The yellow 

 and red vented bulbuls are chirruping in bush and brake. 

 The kalij pheasant (JEuplocomios albocristatus) and peafowl 

 start up before him and seek the denser parts of the jungle, 

 while the barking-deer (Gervus numtjao) is seen but for a 

 moment as he disappears in the thick cover. 



Objects of interest such as these the admirer of nature 

 contemplates in his soKtary rambles through the valleys of 

 this region of the Western Himalayas. 



One of the first ornithological objects to be met with on 

 ascending the grassy sides of the mountains is the graceful 

 pipit, VThich I have taken the liberty of naming the Hima- 

 layan pipit (ffeterura sylvana). It frequents verdant spots, 

 usually at high elevations, and in appearance, as in habits, 

 is a true pipit. This active little creature may be seen shoot- 

 ing upwards from the MU-side, uttering its rasping call-note 

 " He, hoe," then downwards it darts, and is lost to view among 

 the tall grass. 



