in the Dobrudscha. 
371 
as in the uplands, which probably do not differ much in their 
ornithological character from the district nearer the Black Sea. 
The change is principally to be noticed in the bottoms of the 
valleys communicating with the great valley itself, which, being 
below the level of high-water mark of summer floods, are con¬ 
verted into chains of small lakes and marshes stretching some 
way back from the rivers. Here also there are trees, mostly 
willows, few in number, and small in size compared to the mag¬ 
nificent trees which fill the islands of the Danube on the Wal- 
lachian side, where an immense territory of alluvial forest-clad 
plains presents a marked contrast to the open and undulating 
Dobrudscha. Throughout this region, including also the lateral 
valleys, Herons, Storks, and allied genera are especially nume¬ 
rous. The Common Stork ( Ciconia alba) abounds, and may be 
seen wading deliberately on the edge of every pool. All the 
villages, particularly in the Turkish quarters, are full of their 
nests, from which they keep up a perpetual clapping with their 
mandibles, the only sound they seem capable of producing. On 
the 1st of May, passing through a village inhabited by Walla- 
chians, I saw several very tempting nests, and being desirous of 
securing a sitting, mentioned my wish to a wily Greek, whose 
services had been engaged for the day. We called at a house to 
obtain a boat upon the adjoining lake, and whilst Demetri drew 
off the attention of the owner, 1 placed a ladder against the wall, 
ascended, and, before the man had time to turn round, was down 
again, with the Stork’s eggs in my pocket. There were four of 
them slightly incubated. This was the only nest ever taken by 
me, out of scores in that neighbourhood. The reeds on the lake 
were much frequented by Herons. A nest of the Purple Heron 
had been taken the day before, and the eggs of course eaten, 
much to my annoyance. The Little Egret ( Herodias garzetta ) 
was also numerous, but had only arrived lately, as I should 
imagine from their being there in small flocks moving about 
from one place to another. Later in the season the Glossy 
Ibis ( Falcinellus igneus ) is here to be met with; but there was 
no account of the Great White Egret ( Herodias alba) breeding- 
in these parts, though doubtless they are to be met with on some 
of the swampy wood-covered islands of the Danube. 
