IN CAPTIVITY IN LOWER BENGAL. 211 



under observation, one terminated fatally, the other recovered. The 

 proper course in such a case is to feed the patient on satoo prepared with 

 egg, and put in a few drops of syrup of lactate of iron in its drinking- 

 water. 



Bad moulting is not unfrequent in shamas in captivity, and it is 

 therefore advisable to pay extra attention when the process is going on ; 

 besides the usual satoo and insects, it should have every now and then, 

 while moulting, a little boiled egg mixed with the satoo. Cold and 

 draughts should also be carefully guarded against. 



Shamas have also been found to suffer from a kind of warty growth 

 in their legs and feet. When in this condition they can hardly sit on their 

 perch. Before any treatment is attempted the perch should be covered 

 with lint or flannel to make it soft, and enable the bird to sit with 

 tolerable comfort. The warts should be lightly painted with tincture of 

 iodine. 



Observations on the habits of the Sham a. 



The shama is remarkable for its charming song. Commencing from 

 the spring until the beginning of the moulting season, it sings almost 

 incessantly every day, especially before sunset. Every bird, however, 

 does not possess the same power or melody. 



(60) THE GREY-WINGED OUZEL. 



(MERULA BOULBOUL— {Lath.) ) 



Hindi and Bengali — Kastura. 



Description. — Dark ashy-black in colour, with a large pale silvery 

 ashy-grey wing spot ; the female is much paler with ruf escent-whitish 

 wing spot ; bill, orbits, and legs deep yellow ; the total length of the 

 bird is about 10 inches. 



j£ a b. — It is found almost throughout the whole range of the 

 Himalayas from 5,000 to 8,000 feet. 



Length or life in captivity. 

 About three years. 



(61) GOULD'S OUZEL. 

 (MEKULA GOULDI- Verr.) 



It resembles the grey- winged ouzel in shape and size ; the colour of 

 the head and neck dull black ; throat pale black ; wings and tail also dull 

 black ; the rest of the body bright rufous-brown ; bill pale yellow; legs 

 and feet yellowish. 



Hab. — China. 



Length of life in captivity. 



About thirteen months. 



o 2 



