1837.] Journal of a Trip to the Burenda Pass in 1836. 931 



I have been fortunate enough to discover since my arrival at Simla in 1836, 

 there is perhaps only one species identical with those of the plains, all the others 

 I believe, being new to science. It is not very surprising, however that Dr. 

 Royle should have committed this error, because the shells I allude to, being of 

 retired habits and only found in situations, to which his pursuits would scarcely 

 lead him, would of course escape observation, whereas the species which pro- 

 bably led him into error, is found, during the rains creeping up every plant 

 and shrub, and is the most numerous of any species. It is the "Nanina 

 vesicula," of Mr. Benson, found by him at Rajmahal, and by myself at 

 Neemuch. It is abundant from Monee majrah, at the foot of the hills, to Simla 

 and Hattii mountain (10,656) and probably farther into the interior. 



I found a reversed species of Bulimus at the Burenda Pass at an elevation 

 little short of 14,000 feet, which I imagine is higher than the living species have 

 ever yet been found. 



5 Birds. — Plass or Pucras pheasant; " Euplocomus pucrasia." This bird is 

 called by the hill people in different parts, plass, pokrass, koklass and kokrass. 

 They are usually found in pairs and are rather shy birds. They do not bear 

 confinement well, but pine and die in a short time. A very indifferent plate of 

 this beautiful species occurs in the Naturalist's Library. 



The breeding season is the latter end of April and all May. 



College or khallidge pheasant, "Euplocomus albocristatus. ,y 



This is called the college pheasant, but oftener " MargM " or fowl, by the 

 hill people. They thrive well in confinement and might with a little attention 

 be added to the poultry yard. Their flesh is white and delicate. The tail fea- 

 thers of the male bird are somewhat arched and approach in this respect the 

 genus " Gallus." The tail is generally elevated when the bird is in motion. 



These are the most abundant of the pheasant tribe in the hills and are often 

 seen in small parties. They seem to frequent moist and wooded khads, whereas 

 the plass prefers the heights. In the winter numbers are brought to Simla for 

 sale at three or four anas a piece. 



They breed, as the last species. 



Monaul, or Bunaul ; " Lophophorus Impeyanus." This and the two foregoing 

 are common from Ndgkunda to the Burenda Pass. In the winter they come 

 down close to Simla. They prefer forests on the hill side, in which is plenty 

 of brushwood. They are not difficult to tame but do not live long in close con- 

 finement owing to the want of proper roots, &c. which in a wild state they are 

 very fond of. 



They breed in May. 



As specimens, these and the above birds, are not worth shooting from the 

 month of June until October, during which time they are in moult. The note 

 of the male is a loud and musical whistle which he repeats quickly when 

 alarmed. 



They may be ascertained to be in the neighbourhood, by the holes they dig 

 with their bills in the ground, in search of roots and insects. 



