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Show 112 MR. E. P. RAMSAY ON AUSTRALIAN BIRDS. [Mar. 2, March 2, 1875. Osbert Salvin, Esq., F.R.S., in the Chair. The following extract was read from a letter addressed to the Secretary by Dr. W . Peters, F.M.Z.S. " Dr. Gray has figured, in the 'Proceedings' for 1873 (p. 393), a skull of a species of Tortoise of the genus Sternotheerus, but does not give a name to the species. " It will interest you to know that the skull in question belongs to Sternotheerus niger, Dum. et Bibr., the habitat of which was not previously known. M M . Dumeril and Bibron supposed that it might be from Madagascar; but no traveller has found it there, and I have now received the species from the Cameroons, West Africa, where it was found by Dr. Reichenow and Prof. Buchholtz." The following papers were read :- 1. Descriptions of some rare Eggs of Australian Birds. By EDWARD P. RAMSAY, C.M.Z.S. [Eeceived February 22, 1875.] 1. PTILONORYNCHUS HOLOSERICEUS, Kuhl; Gould, B. of Austr. vol. iv. pl. 10. The eggs of this species bear a close resemblance to those of the Spotted Bower-bird (Chlamydodera maculata) both in form and colour; and when those of the Cat bird (AVlurcedus smithii) and of the Regent bird (Sericulus melinus) are made known to us, I have no doubt that they also will be found to have similar peculiar and characteristic markings. The eggs of the Satin bird are slightly larger than those of the Spotted Bower-bird, more strongly marked if any thing, have the same thin delicate shell and elongated form ; in length they average 1*6 inch, in breadth 1*1 inch, are of a light rich cream-colour, and are marbled all over, more closely at the thicker end, with short wavy irregular lines of deep olive-brown, umber, and sienna. These markings are peculiar in form, some resembling ill-shaped figures of fives, eights, and sevens, others being long and wavy, but few if any encircling the shell altogether. These lines are thick in proportion to their length, and in places are looped, curled, and twisted in various directions, often crossing each other at right angles. |
