670 
Staff-Surgeon K. H. Jones on Birds 
Dresser in the 4 Manual of Palsearctic Birds 9 is present in 
about half the specimens. In addition to the sepia-coloured 
hair-like markings, dark-coloured streaks occur on most eggs. 
Dark sepia-coloured spots of rounded shape, well defined in 
outline, occur also in many specimens. In nearly all eggs 
there are the yellowish blotches described by La Touche, but 
blotches of a reddish-brown and violet colour also occur in 
some specimens. 
Eggs vary from *80 to *70 inch in length and from *63 to 
*57 in breadth. The average of forty-one eggs is *76 x *60 
inch. 
Emberiza passerina. 
This form of the Reed-Bunting was found on one occasion 
breeding at Shi Tao, by Mr. Schwilf. 
The nest was in precisely the same situation as that of 
its ally in Europe, and the one egg obtained was precisely 
similar. The date of the taking of this nest was June 20tli. 
Melanocorypha mongolica. 
It is doubtful whether the Calandra Lark should be 
included, as it was only observed in cages. The Chinese 
assert, however, that the specimens which they have caged are 
taken near Chefoo, and as many of the birds are very young 
this is possible. It is also possible that the birds are brought 
from further north or from inland, but it is significant that 
in South China this species is called the Shantung Lark. 
Alauda arvensis. 
Skylarks are met with about Wei Hai Wei only on 
migration, during August and September, when they are 
plentiful enough. Whilst sheltering from a gale off Taku, 
in H.M.S. ‘ Waterwitch/ a good many Skylarks came on 
board and ably assisted in demolishing the blue-bottle flies : 
this was early in September. 
Galerita cristata. 
Crested Larks are common birds about Wei Hai Wei 
during the summer months ; and probably some are resident. 
The usual form met with in Shantung is very sandy-coloured 
