304 
ORNITHOLOQY. 
one end. There is a regular gradation in size and shape 
in the eggs of T. aurantia, S. melanog aster, and our Indian 
S. minuia. The first are much the largest and roundest, 
the next are smaller and more oval, the last are the smallest 
and most elongated of all. 
Whether our Indian Lesser Tern be really identical 
with that of Europe or not (and on this point I am com- 
pelled to suspend my opinion) it is certain that not one 
single egg of the large series that I possess, equals in size 
the specimen of the European bird egg figured by Mr. 
Hewitson, whilst the vast majority are considerably smaller. 
His egg measures 1*33 x 0*96. The largest of more than 
an hundred Indian specimens measure 1"3 x 0*95. Many 
of our eggs do not measure more than 1"13 x 0 88, and 
the average is something less than 1*2 x 0*93. His figure 
too by no means gives a good idea of our egg ; the ground 
colour varies much, but the two commonest shades are a 
very pale drab colour (with, when fresh, a faint greenish 
tinge), and a warm cafe-au-lait colour. All kinds of inter- 
mediate shades, creamy, buffy, and greyish stone-colour 
occur, but the commonest are those first described. The 
markings, as is usual on these Terns, consist of streaks, 
blotches, and spots of different shades of deep brown, with 
underlying clouds and spots of faint inky purple. As a rule 
the markings in this species are, I think, bolder, larger, and 
more streaky than those of the eggs of S. melanog aster , 
which though the egg itself is larger, are smaller and more 
niggling. The eggs as a rule are entirely destitute of 
gloss. 
