1855.] Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. 279 



The Psiloehinus sinensis, (L.), var., is of the same race which we 

 formerly termed Ps. magnirostris in J. A. S. XV, 27 ; the great size of 

 the bill proving merely to be an individual peculiarity ; but the colouring 

 is considerably finer and more intense than in Himalayan specimens, 

 which latter (as we are assured) are perfectly similar to examples from 

 China. 



The Alcippe nipalensis (v. Siva nipalensis, Hodgson,) was " common, 

 but local, in hilly jungles up to 4,000 ft. I found," adds Capt. Tiekell, 

 "Leiotheix aegentaueis and Siva steigula, about the sides of Moole- 

 it. Stachyris nigeiceps, in hilly forests, 3000 ft. Corydon suma.- 

 teanus is a singular and rare bird. Of its habits little or nothing 

 is known. I can only say that it is crepuscular (very likely diurnal as 

 well), and so stupid and tame as to allow itself to be pelted without 

 moving. Eueylaimus javanicus is not common : at least it is not often 

 seen ; being very quiet and secluded, though excessively tame, and not 

 crepuscular like Coeydon. Seeilophus lunatus. These birds are much 

 freer flyers than Eurylaimus. I found them once, in a flock, hurrying 

 about like Titmice, but very high up. Calyptomena vieidis. These 

 birds resort to dense thickets when alarmed, but will sally out to feed 

 on fruit (wild figs, &c), and they mingle with Barbets and other birds in 

 so doing. The note is low and sweet — a mellow whistle. Like the Euey- 

 laimi, they are tame and stupid.* 



" I obtained," continues Capt. Tiekell, " the egg of Buceeos cavatus ; 

 and " have seen with my own eyes that the male builds the female in, by 

 covering the hole in the tree, where she incubates, with mud, leaving only 

 room for her bill to protrude and receive food from his ! I thought that 

 this was a fable." (The same is stated in the Hev. J. Mason's ' Tenas* 

 serim,' &c, p. 274.) Of mammalia, Capt. Tiekell " got nothing particular. 

 Indeed, I never saw a country so utterly void of large game" 



Finally, he obtained the young, about a month old, of the large pouched 

 Hargila (Leptoptilos aegala). The fact of this bird breeding in the 

 Provinces was long ago announced to us by Capt. Sparkes ; who stated — • 

 "With regard to the 'Adjutant's' nest, I was out surveying in December, 

 1848, in the district of Moulmein, at a place about five miles to the east 

 of the town ; and having occasion to ascend some eminence to obtain a 



* Of Psakisomus Dalhousol, Mr. Frith informs us, that flocks often ascend 

 to the table-land of Cherra Punji ; where, as they fly across the open ground from 

 garden to garden, the native boys hunt them by intercepting and turning their 

 flight away from the gardens, when they are soon fatigued and easily caught by 

 the hand. 



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