446 Mr. B. Alexander —An Ornithological 
Description of the eggs .—Average measurement 1*5 x 1*2 
inch. Colour pale, dirty green. 
In December, when the marpela-grain is sown by the 
natives, these Francolins do a considerable amount of damage. 
Land-beetles of all kinds also form one of the principal diets 
of this species. 
Adult. Iris bluish black, soft parts brick-red; upper man¬ 
dible black, lower brick-red, light horn-colour at tip; legs 
and feet chocolate-brown. In all our freshly-moulted female 
specimens, killed in November, the feathers of the chest and 
belly are very distinctly margined with chestnut. See above. 
238. Francolinus seph^ena (Smith). 
Not common. Of a shy nature, keeping much to the 
undergrowth of thick woods. 
Adult (Matacania, Nov. 30, 1898). Total length 
(measured in the flesh) 12*6 inches, wing 6'2. Iris hazel; bill 
dark brown : legs and feet red. In this specimen the whole 
of the underparts, together with the lores and superciliary 
stripe, are shaded with warm buff, becoming stronger on the 
belly and vent. 
Another adult male, with same measurements, obtained at 
Mesanangue, Aug. 23, 1898, has the superciliary stripe, chin, 
and throat pure white, the rest of the underparts being only 
slightly washed with buff. 
239. Francolinus natalensis Smith. 
Not common. Found in company with P. swainsoni. 
They keep much to one locality, but if disturbed they will 
not return to it for several days. 
Adult $ (Matacania, Nov. 29, 1898). Total length 
(measured in flesh) 11*6 inches, wing 6. Iris brown; bill 
coral, soft parts lemon-yellow ; legs and feet coral. This 
bird has a well-developed spur on the left tarsus. 
On Aug. 30 we obtained an immature female out of a flock 
of six birds. Iris hazel; upper mandible dark brown, lower 
light horn-colour; legs and feet light orange. 
