1838.] of the Tenasserim Provinces. 361 



sis, dubius et nigerj, are possibly there, if any where ; as is also the 

 Oxypterus Rhinoceros, a species, like them, not well authenticated. 



The Birds of Tenasserim appear in some respects to resemble those 

 of the Islands, and of the continent of India. But the Dodo, called 

 by Swainson the rasorial type of the Vulture family, and supposed 

 by him to belong to the African races, may possibly be found there : and, 

 if so, I need not point out the honour which will belong to the dis- 

 coverer of this long contested species. The Vultures and Eagles of 

 that country are but little known so that researches after them must be 

 rewarded by the discovery of new or rare species. Birds of the genus 

 Buceros are there in perfection : the Rhinoceros Hornbill the most 

 striking; and the Concave Hornbill (Buceros Homrai of Hodgson) 

 the largest, being natives of the country. The Cassowary (Casuarius 

 Emu, of some authors, the Struthio Casuarius of Linnjlus) may per- 

 haps be met with. Among the Psitthacidce are many species ; some 

 perhaps, intermediate between those of New Holland and India. Gal- 

 linaceous birds abound in southern Asia, and in the Islands, and many 

 rare, and no doubt some new species will be brought to light by a dili- 

 gent inquiry after them. Among these the beautiful Columba Zoce, an 

 inhabitant of New Guinea, may extend to the coast of Tenasserim ; the 

 magnificent Argus Pheasant is supposed to be found there ; and the 

 same may be expected of many other species in this, the most impor- 

 tant to us of all the families of the feathered race. Wild poultry should 

 be particularly sought after, and living specimens of them and of the 

 various species of Pheasants procured. 



As objects of curiosity the Esculent swallow, its nest, eggs, and 

 young should be sought after. Mr. Phayre presented to the Asiatic 

 Society, nests which he brought from Tenasserim. He also heard that 

 the breeding of adjutants takes place there : a fact it would be well to 

 ascertain as well as its manner : and various species of that beautiful 

 family the Crimyrides the humming birds of the east, are there to be 

 met with. 



The other Vertebrata, reptiles, and fishes, of that country are so little 

 known as to give a fair promise of almost all that are caught being new 

 species. Of the Saurian Reptiles ihejlying lizard (Draco volans of 

 Linnaeus) was brought from thence by Mr. Phayre, and presented to 

 the Asiatic Society, and Col. Burney, Political Resident in Ava, pre- 

 sented me with several specimens he brought from Pegue. To the 

 latter gentleman I am also indebted for a curious species of Chelonian 

 reptile, a tortoise with a tail, as long, or longer than the body, which 

 2 z 2 



