480 The Naturalist Brazilian Expedition. [May, 
THE NATURALIST BRAZILIAN EXPEDITION. 
Paper I.—From RIO DE JANEIRO TO PORTO ALEGRE, 
BY HERBERT H. SMITH. 
(Continued from page 358.) 
TER the hills in the immediate vicinity of Porto Alegre appear 
to be formed of granite or porphyry, but I had no opportu: — 
nity to note the geological features closely. The strips of wood- 
land which remain are less matted than the forests of Rio de 
Janeiro, and there are fewer vines and palm-trees ; ferns are abun- 
dant, and we collected a score of species. One of the commonest 
birds here was a brown species allied to the thrushes, and called, 
Joao de barro—literally, clay-John. It owes this name to its 
singular nest, which is composed entirely of clay, and roofed over 
above ; it is frequently placed in the most exposed situations, such 
as the tops of fence-posts, or the dead branches of trees. They 
are very tame, and I have frequently watched a pair of them at 
work. They bring the material, soft, unctuous clay, in g 
sized lumps, which they obtain near some water-course, these _ 
lumps, previously well kneaded, are laid first on the post of 
branch on which the nest is to be built, so as to for 
each portion is well packed in with the bill, which is subsequently 
used like a trowel to smooth the surface. 
in the same way, the two birds working incessantly for several ; 
hen the we 
g is not hindered | 
days ; they seem to prefer rainy or foggy weather, W 
clay can readily be found, and when the buildin 
inches in diameter, and with walls an inch anda half thick; 
avity maybe compared to a mold of a very crooke 
the entrance. The clay soon becomes nearly as hard as 
and the nests may last for many years, though I do n 
y yy je T found E 
birds breeding in June; three dirty white eggs 
a closely allied species is found throughout Sou 
the birds use them more than once. In Rio G 
are laid. This, 0 | 
thern and 
The sides are built up : 
d squash, : : 
ot know that 
| 
| 
| 
l 
f 
d 
4 
m a foundation; — 
: 
vi 
` by the too rapid drying of the parts which are already ae - 
The nest, when completed, is nearly globular, seven OF TB 
larger end forming the nest, and the smaller, turned down ae 
‘ : z (partridge) was al 
A gallinaceous bird called perdiz (partridg ) ttled with brows 
is one of the best examples of protective coloratio 
on the grassy hillsides. Its plumage, prettily mo! n that I havë 
