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Show 1871.] PROF. A. NEWTON ON NEW OR RARE BIRDS' EGGS. 57 6. NUMENIUS HUDSONICUS. (Plate IV. fig. 3.) This egg has more of the normal appearance of Numenius. It measures 2*38 in. x 1*47 in., and was obtained by Mr. M'Farlane from an Esquimaux at Anderson Lower Fort. 7. ACTODROMAS BAIRDI. The egg of this lately distinguished species, which in its wanderings is not confined to the Old World (cf. Ibis. 1870, p. 151), is unfortunately broken, and I cannot give its dimensions. Enough, however, is left to show the style of colouring-pale yellowish-white ground with markings of brownish red and dull reddish violet. It was procured by Mr. M'Farlane, and the parent shot near the nest. 8. CHIONIS MINOR. (Plate IV. fig. 7.) This was sent to m e by Mr. Layard, who received it from the Crozette Islands. No egg of either species of the genus has been before known ; and this confirms, by its appearance, the systematic position of the form shown by osteology, its affinity, namely, to the Plovers. It measures 2*23 in. X 1*48 in. 9. XEMA SABINII. (Plate IV. fig. 5.) In 1861 I had the pleasure of showing a much damaged specimen of this egg, obtained in Siberia by Dr. von Middendorff. The present, received with two others from the Smithsonian Institution, possesses precisely the same general characters. They measure respectively 178 X 1*23, 1*72 X 1*26, and 1*74 X 1*24, and were procured by Mr. M'Farlane at Franklin Bay, on the Arctic coast of America, east of the Anderson River. The hen bird was shot. 10. CHROICOCEPHALUS PHILADELPHIA. (Plate IV. fig. 6.) Though this egg has before been received in this country from the Smithsonian Institution, it has never been figured or described ; and this is the first I have possessed. It is very normal in appearance, and measures 1*8 in. X 1*29 in. It was also obtained by Mr. M'Farlane at Anderson-River Fort. 11. LARUS FRANKLINI. (Plate IV. fig. 4.) I am not aware that the egg of this bird has been hitherto known. It is also normal in character, and measures 2*13 in. x 1*43 in. It was transmitted from Manitoba to the Smithsonian Institution by Mr. L. D. Gunn. 12. CLANGULA ALBEOLA. This is one of a nest of nine eggs sent to the Smithsonian Institution by Mr. M'Dougal, who procured it on the Youkon. It measures 1*63 in. X 1*23 in., and is of a yellowish-white colour, and smooth in grain, like a Teal's. |