1112 Avatars of Vishnoo. [No. 131. 



the same particular instinct, is that the young Cuckoo could not well 

 in them eject its nest-mates, as described by Jenner and Montagu. 

 What other parasitic species do this is also desirable to ascertain. 



In physical connexion with the tardy development of the eggs of 

 the European Cuckoo, and it may be presumed the North American 

 Piayas, the remarkably small size of the parts subservient to genera- 

 tion in both sexes has been remarked, whence also the diminutive 

 size of the egg (of at least Cuculus canorus, adapting it to that of 

 the nests into which it is laid). Whether aught analogous occurs 

 in the anatomy of the Molothrahs, I have not seen stated ; and ob- 

 servations of the kind are needed as regards other Cuculidce. 



In fine, I may here remark that what knowledge we now possess 

 of the general Ornithology of India, is particularly deficient in infor- 

 mation concerning the nests and eggs of species, a knowledge of which 

 is often of essential assistance in tracing the affinities of genera : and 

 I would particularly recommend our few observers to bestow especial 

 attention upon this department of Ornithology, and hint to them that 

 a collection of eggs, with the species to which they belong very care- 

 fully ascertained, and of such nests as are conveniently transmissible, 

 would be regarded as a valuable acquisition to the Museum which 

 I have the honour to superintend. 



THE AVATARS OF VISHNOO. 

 An abstract Translation from the Pudma Pooran. By E. C. 

 Ravenshaw, Esq. C. S. 

 1st Incarnation of Vishnoo, or Mutch Avatar. 



It came to pass in the Kreta Yug, (or Golden Age,) that Bramah sprang 

 from the navel of Vishnoo, and was placed by the deity in Suttya-locum. 

 Brahma being instructed in all things by Vishnoo, began the work of 

 creation. He first called into existence the five elements : earth, air, fire, 

 water, and ether (akash.) 



2nd. The "nine Praja-puttee," (or nine Lords of the creation); viz. 

 Broogoo, Mareechee, Uttre, Duksha, Kurdama, Poolastea, Poolaha, Un- 

 gerasa, (Ungeyra ?) and Kruttoo. 



