Birds. 5349 



fore must not be considered as referring to the Crimea generally, nor 

 must the list be taken as including anything near the whole of the birds 

 which inhabit that country ; for, in the summer, living in a single bell- 

 tent in very hot weather, ever expecting to be on the move, and in the 

 winter with plenty of other work, and few conveniences or books of 

 reference, little could be expected. 



It is needless to say much concerning the country ; suffice that, 

 taken generally, the peninsula may be considered a continuation of the 

 plains or " steppes" of Southern Russia, the only mountainous or even 

 hilly parts being the south and south-east. The climate appears to be 

 very variable in different years. 



BIRDS OF PREY. 



Of the vultures I have never observed but the one species, the 

 griffon vulture (Vultur fulvus) , which was numerous during the year, 

 and my friend Dr. William Carte considers that their numbers are 

 greatest during the summer, and he also remarks that they seldom 

 occurred in cloudy or foggy weather : he was lucky enough to kill and 

 preserve a specimen, which, together with many others from the same 

 country, he has liberally presented to the Royal Dublin Society. Any 

 one who would wish to inspect living speciments, can do so at the 

 Gardens of the Zoological Society, where are two fine birds, presented 

 by the Commandant of Balaclava, which were taken near the Monastery 

 of St. George. There were numerous opportunities of observing these 

 birds feeding on carrion, of which there was little want, in the shape of 

 dead horses, mules, cattle and sheep : I have seen as many as fifty 

 together at a time. Many a time have 1 waited in the high cliffs over- 

 hanging the Euxine for a close shot at them without success, and their 

 appearance, when ftying below one, is of a uniform light ash-brown, 

 except the wing feathers, which appear nearly black. I note this, be- 

 cause I consider with Bewick that it is a great point in Natural History 

 to know the appearance of animals at a distance or in motion, as such 

 knowledge often saves valuable time. 



The falcons, including eagles, hawks, kites, buzzards and harriers, 

 being such an interesting family of birds, I regret that, although they 

 were numerous, I am unable to furnish much information concerning 

 them ; but I have no doubt that a resident naturalist in the country 

 would have opportunities of observing their habits very closely, which 

 would tend to clear up many doubtful points. 



To commence with the eagles : the white-tailed sea eagle (Falco 

 albicilla), I think, inhabits the Crimea during the year, is by no means 



