POItPHYRIO POLIOCEPHALUS. 
799 
well-incubated ones . . , When fresh the ground-colour varies from a pale pinkish stone-colour to a beautiful 
pure salmon-pink; but the rosy tint* disappears rapidly The markings are described as being “rich 
almost lake-red,” mingled with pale purple blotches and clouds. The average of a large number of eggs 
is T93 by T39 inch. 
* My specimens had been prepared for some considerable time. 
G R A L L 2E. 
Fain. SCOLOPACnAE*. 
Bill lengthened and slender, flexible and more or less soft ; the terminal portion in one 
group pittuled. leitials elongated, bail short. .Libia in all but one genus bare above the knee. 
Toes usually webbed slightly at the base. 
Sternum with a high keel ; variable as regards the notches. 
Genus ElIYNCILEA. 
Bill long, slender, the tip slightly swollen and curved, a long groove in the upper mandible 
and a shorter one in the lower ; nostrils linear, placed near the base and closer to the margin 
than the culmen. Wings moderate, ample, the 1st and 2nd quills equal and longest ; tertials not 
quite equal to the primaries. Tail short, rather square at the tip ; of 14 feathers. Legs mode- 
rately long, laisus equal to the middle toe with its claw, and shielded with rectangular scales 
in front. Toes free to the base ; outer toe longer than the inner by the length of the claw ; hind 
toe considerably above the rest. 
Sexes differing in plumage. 
* N.B.— The Snipes, including the genus Bhynchma, are usually grouped in the subfamily Scolopacince. It is a 
question, however, whether the Painted Snipe strictly belongs to this group, as the structure of its bill and wing differs 
Irom the Snipes ; and, in fact, it belongs more to the last family than the present. 
