Wanderings of a Naturalist in India. The Western Himalayas, and Cashmere

Front matter

WANDERINGS OF A NATURALIST IN INDIA Printed by R. Clark, FOR EDMONSTON & DOUGLAS, EDINBURGH. LONDON . . HAMILTON, ADAMS, AND CO. CAMBRIDGE . . MACMILLAN AND CO. DUBLIN . . . M'GLASHAN AND GILL. GLASGOW . . . JAMES MACLEHOSE. WANDERINGS OF A NATURALIST IN INDIA THE WESTERN HIMALAYAS, AND CASHMERE BY ANDREW LEITH ADAMS, M.D. SURGEON 22D REGIMENT. EDINBURGH EDMONSTON AND DOUGLAS I DEDICATE THIS VOLUME TO THE MEMORY OF FRANCIS ADAMS, A.M. M.D. LL.D. AS A SMALL TOKEN OF FILIAL DEVOTION, AND IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE OF THAT TRAINING IN EARLY LIFE BY WHICH HE DIRECTED MY MIND TO AN APPRECIATION OF THE WORKS OF NATURE, AND A LOVE FOR ALL INTELLECTUAL AND IMPROVING STUDIES. CONTENTS.

Chapter I

Page Introductory — Departure — Ocean-life — Accidents at Sea from falling Overboard — Birds — Albatross — A Gale — Tropical Sunsets — Seychelle Islands — Becalmed — Arrival at Bombay — Caves of Carlee — Advice to Indian Residents from a Sanitary point of view ..... .... 1

Chapter II

Familiar Birds about Poonah— Hindoo Temple of Parbuttali — Scenery — Vultures — Large Bats — Habits of Parrakeet — Frogs — Sunbird and Frog — Flycatcher — Insects — Snakes — Cobra — Hog-Rat — Tiger and Bullock — Kingfishers — Indian Roller — Pigeons — Warblers — Tailor-bird — Govind Kite a Public Scavenger — Hoopoe — Dial-bird — Weaver-bird's Nest— Egyptian Vulture — Common Trees — The Mango — Paradise Flycatcher — Ants — Coming of the Monsoon . . . .11

Chapter III

Departure for Scinde — Western Ghauts again — Kandala — A Man drowned — Discomforts of the Sea Voyage — Cholera— Kurrachee — Scenery — Familiar Birds — Climate — Flora — Pearl- Oyster — Caucasian Ibex — Pelicans — Game Birds — Woodpecker — Bush Thrushes — Bulbul — Serpent Eagle — Insects — Crocodile-pond — Indus — Scenery — Alligators — Audacity of the Govind Kite — Sutluj — Ferozepoor to the Himalayas CONTENTS. Paoe

Chapter IV

Division of the Himalayas into Regions — Scenery of the Lower Ranges — Climate — Magnificent View — Productions — Strange way of putting Children asleep — Familiar Birds — Cuckoo — Black Partridge : its Habits and Haunts — Barking Deer — Gray P_.rt.idge — Hill Wagtails — Storms — Woodcock — Snipe — Spotted Eagle — Bulbul — Bearded Vulture — Bare-headed Vultures 62

Chapter V

Excursion to the Chor Mountain — Scenery — Geology — River Gerrie — Fish — Peafowl — Jungle-fowl — Bush-quail — Hares — Magpies — Jay — Leeches — Rhododendron in Flower — Bees — Habits and Haunts of the Monal, Cheer, Plach, and Kalij Pheasants — Red-legged Partridge — Spring Flowers — Musk-deer — White-cheeked Weasel — Pine-marten — Skylark — Birds — Red Fox — Hyena and Leopards — A Himalayan Trapper — Red Honeysucker — Parrakeets of the Region — Wounded Vulture x 81 CHAPTEE VI. Second Excursion to the Chor Mountains — Leopards and Tiger-cats — Monkeys — Royal Falcon — Daurian Swallow — Himalayan Siskin and Goldfinch — Monal-pheasant Shooting — Wood-partridge — Small Birds — Nut-cracker — Black Bears — Green Woodpecker — Golden Eagle — Climatic Influence on Size of Birds — Sporting-bag — Red-headed Bullfinch — Flame-coloured Flycatchers — Paradise Flycatcher — Thrushes — Fish-owl — Redstarts — Lark-finch — Brown Water-ousel . . .106

Chapter VII

Hill-stations as Sanitaria — Departure for the Plains — Indian Encampment and Marching — Sand-grouse — Antelope — Birds of Passage — Wild Animals — Sediment carried down by the Indian Rivers — Chenaub — Great White Heron — Little Cormorant — Quail, Snipes : their Migrations — Black-winged Falcon — Jhelum Page 158 CONTENTS. — Battle-field of Chillianwallah — Rawul Pindee — Munikyala Tope and Coins — Scenery — The Goral, or Himalayan Chamois — Climate — Flora — Geology— European Birds — Hot Months — Raven — Black Ibis — Bald-headed Eagle . . . .117 CHAPTEE VIII. Excursion to the Salt Mountains of the Punjaub — Wild Sheep — Ravine Deer — Geology — Ornithology — Scenery . . .131

Chapter IX

Start for Cashmere and Ladakh — Incidents on the way to Murree — Black Bear, Variety of — Changes of Temperature — Beauty of Scenery — Native Surgery — Discovery of a New Species of Bullfinch — Native Tyranny andExtortion — Birds — Scenery — Traces of Glacial Phenomena — Dogs — Scenery at Uri — Magnificent View — Birds — Antiquities— Deodar Cedar — Noushera — First Peep at the Happy Valley — Ornithology of the Jhelum — Serinuggur — Goulab Singh : his mode of governing — Wretchedness of the Inhabitants — Shawl Manufactures — City Lake — Turkish Bath — Boatmen — Heronry — Chinese Jacana

Chapter X

Excursion to the Northern Pinjal — Ancient Temples — Earthquakes — Geology — Bear and Deer Shooting — Adaptation of Sight to Long Distances — Snow Pheasants — The last of a Royal Line — The Isabella or Brown Himalayan Bear — Shooting — Shikaree turns an Æsthetic — Splendid View— Scenery of the Valleys — Cashmere Stag — Large Deer in general— Hunting Bears and Deer — Beauty and Grandeur of the Northern Pinjal — Climate of the Ranges — Judging Distances — Pilgam : its Neighbourhood — Rapid Changes of Climate and Vegetation — European Water-ousel — Flora and Fauna — Return to the Valley — Silkworm — Sylvan Scenery — Birds — Ruins of Martund — Islamabad — Atsibul and its Beauties — European Plants — Southern Pinjal — Native Misery — Scenery — The Redweasel — Ring-dove — Thunderstorm . . . . .176 CONTENTS. X Paoe 208

CHAPTER XL

Magnificent View of the Valley of Cashmere — Traces of an Ancient Lake — An Excursion to the Interior of the Futi Pinjal — Fauna of tbe Northern and Southern Cashmere Ranges — Bears, Deer, Ibex, and Wild Goats, partial to Localities — Mode of fighting pursued by the Wild Goats and Sheep — A Noble Specimen of the Great Goat or Serpent-eater — Bear — Wild Grandeur of the Scenery — Natural History of the Markhore — The Tare-goat — Wild Dog — Black-headed Pheasant — Silver Fox — Weather — Monsoon — Ornithology of the Valley — Cashmerian Valley Scenery — Goat-antelope — Snakes — Small Venomous Viper — Water-snake — Birds — Cross Wurdwun Pass — Snowstorm — Servant lost — Inhospitable Region — Bear-shooting — Misery of the Natives — Habits of the Isabella Bear — Herd of Ibex — Frightful Accident by an Avalanche — Flying Squirrel — Ibex-hunting — Hermit Bears — Lost in the Forest — Himalayan Ibex — Dangerous Travelling — Steep Mountains — Imperial Rock-pigeon — Distribution of the Brown Bear of the Himalayas, and its Habits — The Black Bear : its Natural History — Return to the Valley — Red Marmot — Scenery and Fauna of the Valley — Serinuggur and Ruler of Cashmere — View from the Temple of Solomon . . . . .

Chapter XII

Return to Punjaub — River Scenery and its Ornithology — Day Haze or Mist — Lakes of Cashmere — Visit to the Heir-apparent — A frightful Accident — Maury's Theory of Monsoons — Return to the Valley — Start for Ladakh — Scenery — Bultul Pass — Marmots — Tartars — Birds — Plants — Scenery — rBuddhist Temples — Birds — Tibetan Magpie : its Allies — Redstarts — Familiar Birds — Discovery of a New Species of Mountain-finch — Lameru —Jolly Lama Priests — Wild Sheep — Natives — Leh — Birds — Yak and Wild Quadrupeds of the Region — Tame Animals — Tang-Lang Pass — Plains of Rupshoo — Nomadic Life — Oppressive Sensations at High Elevations — The Dog of Tibet — Salt Lakes and Wild Fowl — Wild Ass — Burrel or Wild Sheep — Page 287 CONTENTS. The Ovis Ammon — Chaits — Tibetan Antelope — Sudden Varia tions of Temperature — Tibetan Sand-grouse— Tailless Rat or Lagomys — Alpine Hare — Tibet Ravine Deer — Hotch-Potch — Sulphur-mines — Chumouraree Lake — Wilderness — Birds — Tibet Partridge — Ibex . . . . . . .248

Chapter XIII

Foxes ofthe Tibetan Plateau — Leopards — Discomforts ofthe Region — Return — White Marmot — Old Acquaintances — Degradation going on in the Ladakh Gorges — Scenery, and Change in Fauna and Flora — Suru Valley and its Enormous Glacier — Glacier-action — Scenery in the Northern Ranges of Cashmere — Wurdwun Valley again — Snowstorm — Snow Partridge — Varied and Beautiful Scenery— Start from Pilgam after Deer — Unsuccessful Expedition — Birds — Flora — Rain — Bears and their Habits — Wretchedness of the Natives — The Sporting-bag— Return to Serinuggur — Departure for Rawid Pindee .

Chapter XIV

Scavenger Animals : their Utility — Hyena and Jackal Grave-diggers — Swine — Dogs — Sheep : their Disgusting Mode of Feeding — Measled Pork — Tapeworm — Antiquity of the Dog — Climate of Rawul Pindee — Degradation of Alluvium — Storms — Heats of Midsummer : Effects on Europeans — Agency of Storms and Removal of Organic Remains : their Relation to Fossil Remains — Moonrise on the Himalayas — Death of Captain Colby by Tiger — Departure for Peshawur — Elephant : Traits of Character — Peshawur — Lawless Natives — Murders — Khyber Pass — Scenery — Dangers of Travelling — Mammals and Bhds — British Birds — Migrations — Conclusion . . .307

Chapter I

Introductory — Departure — Ocean-life — Accidents at Sea from falling overboard — Birds — Albatross — A Gale — Tropical Sunsets — Seychelle Islands — Becalmed — Arrival at Bombay — Caves of Carlee — Advice to Indian Residents from a Sanitary point of view. During a sojourn in the East of nearly seven years, with frequent change of place, 1 had many opportunities afforded me of making a lasting acquaintance with various objects of natural history, the local scenery of Northern India, and the "Western Himalayan mountains. My leisure hours were also not unfrequent, and leave of absence was always most will ingly granted me whenever my professional services could be dispensed with ; for which I shall ever retain a grateful re membrance to the highly-esteemed commanding and medical officers under whom I then served.

In the following reminiscences I have aimed at pre serving the objects in the order they appeared to me, and attempted to describe the scenes ancl circumstances with which I was brought in contact as minutely as the incidents of travel woidd allow, and in a belief that my jottings by the way would add zest to the drier descriptions of animals. To a few such a proceeding may seem a work of supererogation, but it must be borne in mind that it is not to the professors of natural science that these pages B are devoted, but to the young and ardent, who may enjoy such opportunities for enlarging their ideas and improving their minds ; therefore, shoidd I weary the reader, I must confess that my best endeavours have been directed to the opposite, for I have too lively a recollection of my own difficulties when I began inquiries into the natural history of India, and the perplexity and confusion occasioned by dry details, catalogues, and detached papers, devoid of lively in cidents to excite my ardour or increase my interest in the study.

It would be useless to dilate on the advantages India offers to the naturalist ; and with respect to the Himalayas, perhaps few regions afford like inducements for study. Their vast ranges are often clothed with verdure to the summits, and on the highest to the confines of perpetual snow. In the rich and fertile valleys animated nature appears in all its loveliness and beauty. The mineralogist and geologist will find ample materials of the greatest interest on their moun tains and the lesser ranges. In the latter especially — what is called the Sewalik range — are to be found remains made known to us by the labours of Falconer and Cautley. But although we are in possession of much interesting and valu able data regarding the palæontology of the Himalayas, great mines are yet undiscovered. The zoologist may ramble over hill and dale, mountain and plain, and after a lifetime of constant observation find his delightful pursuit more attrac tive than ever.

It is on these noble mountains that the sportsman can enjoy his favourite pastime unscathed by the burning Indian sun ; in their lovely glens bears stalk un disturbed, whilst various species of deer, wild sheep, goats and the ibex, feed unmolested on the craggy steeps. In the forests and valleys along the sub-Himalayan range tigers and leopards prowl, and the wild dog and various foxes seek subsistence wherever their peculiar prey is plentiful. Add to these the numerous pheasants and partridges, whose elegance and beauty are unsurpassed by the allied birds of any other country. The endless variety of plants, from the lichen on the mountain-top to the deodar and Himalayan oaks in their native forests, present one of the choicest fields to the botanist. There can be no doubt that he who constantly keeps his mind and body in healthy exercise is accumulating stores which, if they do not produce intense happiness at the time, will be the source of many pleasant after-reflections.

If a journal registers only the leading events of every-day life, and describes the most prominent occupations of its author, it does a great deal ; for if these occupations had not been recorded, where is the intellect however clear — the memory however good — that could have retained them with any degree of accuracy ? I therefore present them as they were registered years ago among the busy and changing scenes of an active life. If I fail in benefiting others with the information obtained, I have at least the consolation of knowing that my exertions, as re gards myself, have borne good fruits ; insamuch as they have kept mind and body in pleasant and improving occupation ; or rather, as the author of the Rambler has exquisitely expressed it, " He that enlarges his curiosity after the works of nature, demonstrably multiplies the inlets to happiness ; and therefore the younger part of my readers, to whom I dedicate this vernal speculation, must excuse me for calling upon them to make use at once of the spring of the year, and the spring of life ; to acquire, while their minds may be yet impressed with new images, a love of innocent pleasures and an ardour for useful knowledge ; ancl to remember that a blighted spring makes a barren year, and that the vernal flowers, however beautiful and gay, are only intended by nature as pre paratives to autumnal fruits." * However invaluable are the labours of him whose field of observation is entirely confined to the naming and arranging of objects in the cabinet or in the museum, it will, I think, be conceded, that a proper acquaintance with the subject means something more than a mere knowledge of the appearances and classification of species ; in fact, that nature is best studied in her own wide chamber.

This it is that gives the intense zest to the writings of such original observers as Humboldt, Darwin, Audubon, and a host of distinguished names, wHose labours are not only valued for their depth of learning and acumen, but also for the homely lessons they con vey to the youthful mind. Were the lives of the most eminent students of science carefully inquired into, it would no doubt be found that then tastes for the study of natural phenomena were first aroused and developed by having their attention early directed to the subject. It is not often that a member of the medical profession in active employment can devote the necessary time and attention to enable him to form a close acquaintance with the collateral sciences ; at the same time, by husbanding one's leisure hours, it is wonderful how much may be done in in tervals of rest even in the most engrossing avocations of Ese.

In the army especially, where the calls of duty are not always onerous or frequent, together with the advantages offered by constant change of scene, opportunities present themselves to military officers very rarely enjoyed in civil life. It has been my good fortune to participate largely in these respects, and whilst I am sensible of having made a fair use of my hours of freedom, at the same time I cannot conscientiously re- * Rambler for April 1750. proach myself with having done so at the expense of the re quirements of my profession, or the service to which I belong. As a mental and bodily gymnastic during the long tedious hours of idleness that frequently fall to the lot of officers in the army ancl navy, more particularly on foreign stations, there is perhaps nothing equal to the outdoor pursuit of natural science, — whether in setting to work with head and hands to study the natural objects which everywhere surround them, or even simply collecting specimens without evincing any particular desire to become better acquainted with their characters — which, however, I must allow, is a faint-hearted essay at gaining information.

In thus attempting to suggest a remedy for idleness, I trust my readers will not accuse me of the narrow-mindedness that excludes all rational and manly pastimes, inasmuch as, if he will take the trouble to peruse the contents of this volume, he will find that both admit of wholesome combination. Voyages by the Cape of Good Hope to India have been so frequently narrated, and present in general the same monotonous uniformity, that I shall content myself with transcrib ing only a few of the chief and most interesting incidents in that portion of my journal. I left Queenstown (then better known as the Cove of Cork) on the 29th of January 1849, with a detachment of the 64th Regiment bound for India. The first few days were marked by very rough weather, ancl the never-failing accompaniment, sea-sickness, until about the latitude of Madeira, when a change for the better took place, and we began to get our sea-legs, and observe the novelties of the deep, such as flying-fish and shoals of porpoises, whilst an occasional shark would show its great fin and tail above water.

As we neared the Line, sudden squalls and heavy rains were of frequent occurrence, and now aL,d then vast numbers of that beautiful tunny-fish, the bonito, were seen charging past us at great speed. Thus sped the even tenor of our ways. No troop-ship at sea should be without a netting around the forecastle. It is notorious that more soldiers are drowned by falling from the fore-chains than any other part of the vessel. A sudden lurch will suffice to throw a landsman off his balance ; and if the forecastle is on a level with the bulwarks, there is every chance of his failing overboard. In this way we lost a soldier, who was washing his clothes, when a wave struck the vessel, and he missed his footing and fell into the sea. I have moreover records of several cases of a similar nature, all showing that many lives might be saved if more attention were paid to prevent that and such-like accidents.

Lifeboats ought to be always in immediate readiness, and supplied with buoys, and all the requisite contrivances to secure the quickest and most efficient assistance. On the 5th of March we sighted the island of Trinidad, and having gained a strong westerly breeze, our good bark scudded along, our almost constant companion being the little petrel ; a few of a square-tailed species were also observed, and now and then a solitary individual of the great black petrel. In lat. 30° 52' S, and long. 27° 12' W., an albatross made its appearance for the first time, and as we approached the Cape, they became more numerous. The brown booby and Cape pigeons were plentiful off the African coast, where we encountered a heavy gale of three clays' duration. At length the hurricane abated, and was succeeded by a dead calm, during which several land birds were seen hovering around the rigging.

In lat. 36° 37' S., long. 33° 9' E, a little gray fly-catcher flew on board exhausted. Elocks of greedy albatrosses, pet rels and Cape pigeons crowded around the ship's stern. A hook was baited 'with fat, when upwards of a dozen albatrosses instantly rushed at it, and as one after another was being hauled on deck, the remainder, regardless of the struggles of the captured, and the vociferations of the crew, kept swim ming about the stern. Not even did those birds which were indifferently hooked, and made their escape, desist from seizing the bait a second time ! The poor animals seemed half-starved. The wing-bones of the albatross are much in request for pipe-stalks, and purses are made of the skin of the feet. Our sailors prognosticated that the unusual familiarity and sameness ofthe albatross were certain harbingers of another storm ; and assuredly, towards evening, a mass of dark clouds was seen lowering in the east, and by sunset we had again " hove-to," under close-reefed sail, and were weathering one of the most fearful tropical hurricanes our gray-headed cap tain had ever witnessed.

We saw no more albatrosses or petrels after passing lat. 25° S. Elying-fish began to reappear in great numbers, and seldom a day passed without a tropic bird (Phaeton) to keep us company. The weather, as we again drew near the Line, became more settled ; and we had frequent opportunities of beholding the splendid sunsets of these latitudes — such pic tures as a Turner never could have painted, or, had he done so, none but those who had witnessed them in nature would credit. . WANDERINGS OF A At daybreak ou the 19th of April we sighted the Seychelle Islands, and were soon at anchor in the little harbour of Mahe. After a long imprisonment on board ship, one feels a schoolboy's longing to take a run on shore, and when the foot touches terra firma for the first time, especially in a new country, how eager are we to be off and see the lions of the place !

The desolate and barren appearance of the Seychelles, when viewed from a distance, dies away as you approach. Their mountains rise as high as 2000 feet above the level of the sea, and are clothed with verdure to their summits. For the first time we observed the bamboo, cocoa-nut, tamarind, plantain, orange, coffee-plant, mango, date, and sugar-cane, growing in all their tropical luxuriance. A coral reef sur rounds the island of Mahe, which is said to be composed of granite, and consequently forms an interesting geological feature compared with other oceanic islands. The Seychelles are likewise famous from being the only locality where the celebrated coco-de-mer (Lodoicea Sechel larum) is found. This graceful palm attracts the stranger's attention on landing at Mahe, where several may be seen in the centre of the town.

It has been introduced into the island of Mauritius, but is said not to produce fruit anywhere except in its native islands. During our short stay we were much indebted to our excellent friend M G., whose delightful retreat on the sea coast we had the pleasure of visiting. On the following morning, after a refreshing bathe in a mountain-stream, and a ramble through our friend's plantain groves, among the clustering fruit of which I found a turtle dove (Turtur rostratus) sitting on its nest and eggs, we bade farewell to our kind host, and left in his canoe, loaded with fruit and sugar-cane. Turtles are plentiful, but the particular species I could not determine. The frigate, or man-of-war bird (Tachypetes), was often seen soaring at great heights. Its deeply-forked tail and aquiline flight are distinctive.

After passing the Line we were becalmed for several days, during which there was not a ruffle on the wide expanse, and our vessel lay like unto "a painted ship upon a painted ocean." Every one was tired out by the monotony of a long voyage ; and irrespective of that, and the failure of the winds, the heat was great, and seldom under 86° and 90° in our cabins. At length uncertain breezes came and went, and after days of suffocating heat and much discomfort we cast anchor in Bombay harbour on the 18th May, when the troops were disembarked into small boats, and sailed for Panwell, on the coast. The weather was intensely hot at the time : in conse quence we were obliged always to march at night, so as to arrive in camp before the burning sun of the Deccan made its appearance. A hurried visit was paid to the celebrated Caves of Carlee, and we admired their wonderful galleries and colossal ele phants, dug out of solid trap ; but there was no time to examine anything minutely, for the short-lived evenings of these latitudes afford but scanty opportunities for a passing traveller to feast his fancy.

Soon after our arrival at Poonah we were joined by the other detachments of the regiment, which had arrived at Bombay after us ; and then, once fairly settled down to habits of Eastern life, I found that even active or onerous prosessional toil and study may find an occasional leisure hour, which will be best employed in whatever tends to improve the mind and keep the body healthy. Accordingly, by rising early and going soon to bed, I had always a few hours at my disposal for outdoor amusements and recreations ; and when the heat of the day kept me within the shade of my bungalow, I could still find occupation and study among the collection of natural objects I had gathered during my morning and evening rambles. A physician of great Indian experience says : " Nothing is so destructive of energy of mind and body as habitual in dolence and inactivity in a tropical climate.

Those persons are undoubtedly the most happy who have sufficient oppor tunities and inducements to keep themselves always employed in useful occupations, and they alone preserve their vigour of body and mind unimpaired during a long residence in India."* Such, I will confess, has been my experience, and I appeal to those who have made themselves conversant with the habits and mode of life of Englishmen in India whether or not the most part of the so-called insalubrity of the climate is not attributable to the neglect of the simplest of hygienic rules ? It might be no unprofitable study for the political historian to trace how far the habits and modes of Use of Englishmen in India may have influenced their characters as rulers, and whether the great mutiny was in any way the result of our selfish regard for personal comfort, to the neglect of the in terests and welfare of the people we attempt to govern. * Twining on Diseases cf Bengal.

Chapter II

Familiar Birds about Poonah — Hindoo Temple of Parbuttah — Scenery — Vultures — Large Bats — Habits of Parrakeet — Frogs — Sunbird and Frog — Flycatcher — Insects — Snakes — Cobra — Hog Rat — Tiger and Bullock — Kingfishers — Indian Roller — Pigeons — Warblers — Tailor-Bird — Govind- Kite a Public Scavenger — Hoopoe — Dial-Bird— Weaver-Bird's Nest — Egyptian Vulture — Common Trees — The Mango — Paradise Flycatcher — Ants — Coming of the Monsoon. Among the chief ornithological denizens of the highlands of the Deccan, the following may be easily distinguished : — The wire-tailed swallow (Hirundo filifera) is plentiful at Poonah during the summer months. It is on wing soon after daybreak, and may be observed skimming over the Great Parade, or around our bungalows, all day long, hunting its winged prey.

In the calm and delightful evenings pecu liar to Poonah they may be seen in hundreds, perched on stones and tufts of grass upon the plains and the river-banks, and just as night is closing in they rise and seek a roost on the tallest spires and mosques. It is seldom that the males have their delicate tail appendages perfect, and often, they are entirely wanting. The allied swift (Cypselus affinis) is common, and builds in societies among the ruined palaces and domes : its nest is made of clay, intermingled with feathers and grass. In haunts and habits it much resembles the European black swift, which, it would appear, has not hitherto been found in Hindostan. the Corvidæ we have only the Indian crow (Corvus culminatus) and Indian jackdaw (C. splendens) about Poonah. Both are plentifully distributed.

The latter is a bold marauder, and fearlessly disputes his rights with the govind-kite (Milvus migrans, Bodd.) ancl the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) ; like the rook, the Indian crow breeds in societies. In plumage and habits the Indian sparrow is very similar to the British species ; the manner in which his nest is formed, and the materials of which it is composed, bear likewise a close resemblance to that of its brother in England. In the walls of the natives' huts, among the thatch of our bungalows, in every tree, it builds its nest. It is the same dirty little fellow amidst the mud and mire of an Indian city as on the house-tops of St. Giles. — Among the most common birds, I noted the Indian robin (Thamnobia fulicatd). In manner and habits it is the Oriental representative of redbreast, just as the migratory thrush takes the place of the former with the Canadian emigrants. — The gray titmouse (Parus cinereus) represents the great ox-eye of Europe ; it is, however, a poor rival in point of brilliancy of feather, nor is his call-note so clear and joyous ; it is, however, more familiar, and may be constantly seen in our gardens. — The intensity of the red on the sides of the bay-backed shrike (Lanius hardwickii) is peculiar to the breeding-season.