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Show 832 MR.W.T. BLANFORD ON A NEW CALLENE. [Nov. 14, 21. GYGIS ALBA (L.), Pall. Pelew Islands. Von Kittlitz describes the very young bird (Reise, ii. p. 158). 22. ANAS SUPERCILIOSA, L. Two pullets in spirits from an uncertain locality. 23. PUFFINUS OPISTHOMELAS, Coues. Four specimens from the Pelew Islands. " Kokeio" incol. Var. minor : subcaudalibus totis nigro-fuliginosis. The type of Coues's description from Cape St. Lucas is a somewhat larger bird; but, there being no other difference between it and our Pelew bird, I prefer considering this latter a smaller race. The dimensions of our specimens are:-Long, tota 11-lig", rectr. 12-12!"', alse 3" 4-7'", tars. 17". 3. O n a N e w Species of Callene from the Pulney Hills in Southern India. By W I L L I A M T. B L A N F O R D , ASSOC. Roy. School of Mines, C.M.Z.S. & c * (Plate XXXIX.) The Rev. S. Fairbank has sent to me for description a very interesting new species of bird which he has recently shot upon the Pulney Hills, a lofty portion of the great range which stretches along the southern parts of the western coast of India, from the remarkable gap of Paulghatcherry, which divides the range from the Nilghiri hills, to Cape Comorin. This fine tract of hill country, about 150 miles in length and, in its northern portion, 60 to 70 miles broad, contains a very interesting fauna having, as might be expected, close affinities with that of Ceylon, and also with that of the Nilghiris, but still containing many peculiar forms. It has, however, hitherto been neglected in the most remarkable manner, and there is no portion of the Indian peninsula concerning the zoology of which so little is known. This may appear opposed to Dr. Giinther's statement in the ' Reptiles of British India,' in which he asserts that the southern corner of India with Ceylon, including Travancore, the Nilghiris, Mysore, &c, is one of the best-explored parts of the country. Most Indian naturalists will probably he inclined to think that "best-explored" is a misprint for "worst-explored;" but, in fact, the mistake is one which few naturalists who had no personal knowledge of India would have avoided. The fauna of Ceylon, thanks * Along with the present communication Mr. Blanford sent specimens of the bird described and its eggs for exhibition to tbe Meeting,-also skins of Salpornis xpilonota, Franklin, Emberiza huttoni, Blyth, and Hirundo ftuminicola, Jerdon. -P. L. S. |
