100 



The Naturalist. 



slow and flapping. Their appearance upon the scene usually called 

 for unmerciful bullying on the part of the curlews and peewits^ and a 

 single bird of either species seemed quite able to cause them anxiety, 

 no resistance being offered. This species is a late breeder, con- 

 sequently no eggs were obtained. A last year's nest from which 

 three young in down had been taken in July, 1878, was shown us 

 by Adrian MoUen, junr. ; it was a small structure among bog- myrtle 

 on the heath, and composed of heather stems. The light ashy 

 plumage and black primaries of the old male make him both 

 beautiful and conspicuous. 



Little Owl {Steenuil, Kleinuil). — Three nests with eggs were obtained 

 by us. The first was taken on the 11th, the situation being a 

 rabbit's burrow in a pine plantation, where the trees were thinly 

 scattered. The eggs, three in number, were about four feet from 

 the entrance, and laid upon dead needles from the pines. Atten- 

 tion was attracted to the burrow by the fact of a dead mouse lying 

 at the entrance. A second was found as some woodmen were 

 removing a pile of felled timber, under which, on the bare ground, 

 was an old bird sitting on her four eggs. The former allowed her- 

 self to be taken off the eggs, and both are now in my collection. 

 The third lot of eggs, two in number, were simply laid in a hole in 

 an old birch stump ; castings consisting of the elytra, &c., of 

 beetles being found on the tree. The bird was occasionally 

 observed on the wing at dusk. 



Barn Owl. — Only one observed. It was sitting in a pine -tree. 



Great Grey Shrike [Klaanwier, Klapekster). — This species frequents 

 the heaths, where it preys upon the numerous crickets, and nests in 

 the small detached pines. Each pair has its own limited district, 

 and does not allow others of its species to trespass upon it. During 

 our stay we obtained several nests, all in such situations. The 

 nest, placed about five feet from the ground, is a considerable 

 structure of grass and a profusion of feathers. One nest had a 

 quantity of fine heather, rag, string, and worsted in its composi- 

 tion. The usual number of eggs was seven. This bird is shy, and, 

 with the exception of once or twice observing it hawking for 

 crickets and on the nest, was not to be seen. 



Eed-backed Shrike {Graauwe Klaauwier). — The first bird seen after 

 leaving England. On going on deck on the morning of the 6 th, 

 at 4-30 a.m., the first object I saw was a splendid male, which 

 seemed very tired, and allowed me to approach within a few feet 



