from the colony of Natal in South-eastern Africa. 251 
The throat, sides of the neck, cheeks, and chin, which at other 
seasons are white, then assume a dark lead-colour, which is sepa¬ 
rated from the darker metallic tint on the back of the neck by a 
narrow and somewhat irregular white line running backwards 
from the eye down the whole length of the side of the neck.— 
J. H. G.] 
60. Nettapus madagascariensis (6m.). Madagascar Dwarf- 
Goose. 
These birds are gregarious, frequenting the lakes and rivers 
near the coast. 
61. Anas sparsa (Smith). White-spotted Duck. (Eyton, 
Anatidse, p. 142; Ill. S. Afr. Zool. pi. 97. Anas leucostiyma, 
Ruppell, Syst. Ueb. tab. 48.) 
Eye very dark brown. We seldom find more than two of 
these birds together ; they frequent the rocky streams in the in¬ 
terior of the country, and are by no means plentiful; they are 
exceedingly shy and wary. In the moulting-season we have shot 
them so denuded of feathers that they could not fiy a yard, and 
depended for their safety on diving and hiding under the banks, 
at which they are very expert, and it is difficult to frighten them 
from their hiding-place. 
[The sexes in this Duck appear, from the skins sent by Mr. 
Ayres, to be similar in plumage; but the male bird considerably 
exceeds the female in size.—J. H. G.] 
62. Pcecilonetta erythrorhyncha (Gm.). Crimson-billed 
Duck. 
[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres.—J. H. G.] 
63. Dendrocygna vidxjata (Linn.). White-masked Duck. 
Gregarious, frequenting the lakes and rivers near the coast. 
[It is well known that this Duck is found in the north¬ 
eastern parts of South America, as well as in Africa. Specimens 
from the two continents appear to me, on examination, to be 
identical.—J. H. G.] 
64. Plotus levaillantii (Temm.). Le VaillanPs Darter. 
[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres.—J. H. G.] 
