932 Journal of a Trip to the Burenda Pass in 1836. [Nov. 



In addition to these three pheasants, are found the " Cheer 1 * and " Jahgee" 

 or horned pheasant. The latter is only procurable during the winter season, and 

 that only in the interior, near the snow. The shikaris who bring them stuffed to 

 Simla, say that, as the winter becomes more rigorous above, these birds descend 

 before the snow ; they are inhabitants of the higher and colder regions of Kulti 

 and Bhoian. They live in pairs, it is said. 



The only species brought to Simla is the " golden -breasted Tragopan" 

 {Tragopan Hastingii). It is known here as the Argus pheasant. The young 

 males have the plumage of the female, with a rufous throat. 



The " Cheer" is a beautiful bird and has more of the character of the true 

 pheasants, than any of the others ; it is found in the neighbourhood of Simla 

 during winter and is not scarce. Their food consists of acorns and other seeds, 

 as also insects. The largest bird in my collection (and I believe in Simla) mea- 

 sures in length from the tip of the beak to the end of the central tail feathers, 

 forty-four and a half inches. 



Another bird called the Bhyre or Bhair is found on the verge of the snows 

 during winter but the shikdris say, they know not where it comes from. They 

 live in covies like the chicore (Perdix Chukar), but are much larger birds. The 

 plumage somewhat resembles that of the Ptarmigan in its summer plumage. 

 By some it is called the " Ladak partridge." 



Chicore; " Perdrix Chukar." These well known birds are numerous on the sides 

 of bare hills near cultivation. They are easily detected by the noise they make 

 in calling to each other. They are good eating and are sold during the winter 

 at two anas a piece. 



Black partridge ; " Perdix Francolinus." These birds are by no means scarce 

 in the hills, but they confine themselves to khads near cultivation. 



Woodcock ; " Scolopax rusticola." Is found at Simla, Mah&ssii and F&gti in 

 khads near water-courses. It is probably also to be met with farther into 

 the interior. The time of arriving at or leaving these places is unknown, 

 but I have seen them at Mahossii in the beginning of August, and have had 

 them brought to me from F/igti in April. It is therefore not improbable that 

 they remain throughout the year and breed in the last mentioned places, that is 

 in the forests of Mahassu and F&gu, where, ascending to the heights or descending 

 into the depths of the khads, they can very sensibly change the temperature. 



At Simla they have been found in November. 



Three species of the Scolopacidce mentioned by Mr. Hodgson in the Gleanings 

 in Science as inhabiting Nepal, are found here and in the interior ; viz. the 

 woodcock, (Scolopax rusticola ;) woodcock snipe, (Scolopax gallinago,) and the 

 solitary snipe (Gallingo solitaria) . 



I have not been able to learn as yet that the common snipe (Gallinago media) 

 is found here. 



Chough or red-legged crow ; " Phyrrocorax graculus." These do not appear to 

 differ from the European birds. They are numerous among the rocky heights of 

 the interior, from Carrag to the Burenda Pass. 



Bearded vulture or vulture-eagle; " Gypaetos barbatus ?" These birds are 

 common at Simla. I do not think they are identical with the European bird, and 

 shall shortly have occasion to mention them in a separate paper. 



