56 
Mr. H. T. Ussher on the 
62. Psittacus senegalus, L.: Sharpe, p. 19. 
Common on the Yolta and in the eastern districts generally. 
It is distinctly gregarious, although I have sometimes seen 
solitary specimens. It is a shy bird and not easy of approach. 
63. Pstttacus ERYTHAcus, L.: Sharpe, p. 19. 
The finest specimens of the Grey Parrot are brought down 
from the distant forests of Akim in Fantee to the towns of 
Cape Coast and Accra, where they meet with a ready sale, 
and are purchased in considerable numbers at prices varying 
from half a dollar to one dollar a piece by the sailors in mer¬ 
chant-vessels and mail-steamers. This price only applies to 
wild birds (generally young ones), mature and accomplished 
Parrots fetching large sums. I have seen them, whilst up 
the river Addo, near Lagos, crossing at sunset from their 
feeding-grounds to their roosting-places. They present the 
appearance of one continuous flock, passing at a great distance 
overhead, their screams and chattering being heard long after 
darkness has set in. They do terrible mischief to the maize- 
crops, as they waste much more than they consume. They 
are occasionally eaten when young, and are considered not 
unpalatable food. 
64. Agapornis pullaria (L.): Sharpe, p. 19. 
This little bird existed some years since in considerable 
numbers near Accra and Cape Coast, and might have been 
seen at any time in little flocks of from eight to ten in the 
bushes and low vegetation. Now, however, in consequence 
of the persecution it suffers for the sake of profit by sale to 
the mail-steamers, it is becoming scarcer in the vicinity of the 
settlements. 
65. Pitta angolensis, V.: Sharpe, p. 20. 
The habits of this rather scarce species are difficult to trace. 
It frequents grassy and rocky jungle, and, I am informed, 
seldom rises on the wing. I never had an opportunity of 
seeing one clearly, although once I caught a , glimpse of one 
as he ran into some thick stuff, with his head down, like a 
Quail. 
They are invariably trapped by the natives; and I have had 
