52 
Mr. H. T. Ussher on the 
never shot but one myself; and that was in the vicinity of 
Accra, when returning from shooting one evening. I have 
received it from Denkera and Assim, and it is by no means 
rare. It is said to be good food, and is eaten by the natives. 
39. Musophaga violacea (Isert) : Hartl. Orn. Westafr. 
p. 159. 
This magnificent Plantain-eater exists in all the forests of 
the Gold Coast, but is very rare and difficult to obtain. I 
have occasionally had them brought to me in confinement for 
sale ; but they seem to pine, and do not take so kindly to cap¬ 
tivity as the commoner Green Touraco [Corythaix persa). 
I once had a fine opportunity of shooting at a small flock of 
them, about eight in number, near Cape Coast, but, most un¬ 
fortunately, had only a small pea-rifle with me at the time, 
which was useless. From the above circumstance I am dis¬ 
posed to think that they are sociable, although perhaps not 
strictly gregarious. Their appearance in the forest is very 
fine, their gorgeous colouring contrasting powerfully with 
the-deep-toned monotonous green of the tropical vegetation. 
40. Schizorhis africana (Lath.): Sharpe, p. 11. 
I have not observed this Plantain-eater in Fantee or the 
western portions of the Gold Coast; but in the open plains of 
Accra and the eastern Yolta-district it seems to be very com¬ 
mon. In fact the sportsman or collector cannot fail to be 
attracted by it as it flies from bush to bush, though generally 
keeping at a respectful distance from the gun. As the natives 
assert that it is palatable food, and seem glad to obtain it, 
the bird has doubtless become more wary than most other 
birds. 
41. Cuculus canorus, L.: Sharpe, p. 12. 
The only specimen of the common Cuckoo obtained by me 
in Fantee was shot on the 2nd of November, 1870, on Con¬ 
nor's Hill. 
42. Coccystes glandarius (L.): Sharpe, p. 12. 
I have never observed this bird elsewhere than on Connor's 
Hill, near Cape Coast. I have met with three specimens 
