56 Mr. R. Swinhoe on the Ornithology of Hongkong , fyc. 
Besides the colony of Night-Herons at Honam, there is 
another at the Old Man’s Home, where a large pond is enclosed 
by a hedge of tall bushes and shrubs, and beyond this is a high 
wall all round. Among these bushes the Night-Herons muster in 
countless numbers, placing their nests on every suitable branch, 
though often only a few feet from the ground. They are held 
sacred by the priests in the adjoining temple, and no one is 
allowed to kill or disturb them. 
116. Scolopax rusticola, Linn. 
Abundant during winter. 
117. Gallinago uniclava, Hodgs. IMS 
Perhaps commoner than the succeeding species in winter, but 
in summer nearly all retire. Among a number of Snipe's shot in 
May, only one of this species occurred. 
118. Gallinago stenura (Temm.). Cantonese, “ Sha-chuy.” 
Great numbers stay and breed in the neighbourhood of 
Canton. 
119. Gallinula chloropus (Linn.). 
Abounds in some places. 
120. Gallicrex cristata (Lath.). Cantonese, “ Can-tum” 
A male specimen procured at Canton, which I forward for 
Mr. Sclater’s examination*. Some years ago I procured one at 
Foochow. 
Length 14| in., wing 8f, tail 3|-. Bill 2^ in., to angle If; 
bare tibia If, tarsus 3; mid-toe 3f, its claw -§. Bill greenish yel¬ 
low, gradually yielding to vermilion as it approaches the basal 
crest , which mounts high on the forehead, and is bounded by a 
flesh-coloured line. Legs lead-colour, with a yellowish tinge, 
especially on the tarsus; claws brown. Tail consisting of ten 
feathers. 
Gizzard oval, shaped like two shallow cups placed mouth to 
mouth, very muscular. If in. long, lined inside with a thick, 
broadly furrowed, moveable cuticle, and containing small shells, 
mussels, Helices , &e., many of which were in a pulverized state. 
Intestines 27 in. long: cseca situate 2f in. from anus ; right one 
* It is certainly Gallicrex cristata .—P. L. S. 
