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Show 498 MR. P. L. SCLATER O N BIRDS F R O M [June 14, Fig. 2A. Transverse section of same embryo, through anterior part of liver (Xl4). Fig. 3A. Transverse section of same embryo, through the gall-bladder (X 14). Fig. 2B. Transverse section of embryo of same stage as fig. B, through a region as nearly as may be corresponding to that in fig. 2 A (X 14). Fig. 3B. Transverse section of same embryo, through a region as nearly as may be corresponding to that in fig. 3 A (X14). 2. On a Collection of Birds from the Island of Anguilla, West Indies. By P. L. SCLATER, M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S., Secretary to the Society. [Eeceived May 18,1892.] Mr. W . R. Elliott, one of the Collectors employed by the Committee of the Royal Society and British Association for the exploration of the Lesser Antilles, paid a short visit to Anguilla x in March last, and made a small collection of birds, which I have now the pleasure of exhibiting. It contains 27 skins, which are referable to 16 species. There is nothing new or even rare amongst them, but as, so far as I know, no ornithological collector has previously been in Anguilla, and its Ornis is entirely unknown, it will be of interest to record the names of the species represented in the Collection and to add a few remarks. Besides the species now mentioned Mr. Elliott writes that two other birds were seen-a " Chicken-hawk " (perhaps Falco colum-barius) and a Bittern (probably Butorides virescens). The former was common, but the latter " rather scarce at this time of year." Mr. Elliott was told that during the wet season a large number of other birds visit the island. When he was there in March, every thing was burned up by a three months' drought. The birds obtained are therefore " undoubtedly permanent inhabitants." Amongst the visitors during rainy season he hears of " plovers, ducks, and snipes in large flocks." In the following list I have given references to Mr. Cory's most useful 'Birds of the West Indies' (Boston, 1889), in which all the species are mentioned. 1. MARGAROPS FUSCATUS (Vieill.). Cichlerminia fuscata, Sharpe, Cat. B. vi. p. 329. Margarops fuscatus, Cory, B. of W . I. p. 28. A single male specimen. " Thrush, scarce now, but as a rule common ; seems to have left the island in search of food."-W. R. E. 1 " Anguilla, or Snake Island, the most northerly of the British Caribbee Islands, lies north of St. Martin's, from which it is distant about 5 miles. It is about 20 miles long and 6 broad, but is so low and flat that it cannot be seen from a greater distance than 10 or 12 miles. The soil is calcareous and not very productive. A little sugar, cotton, tobacco, and maize are grown on it, but it is deficient both in wood and water. In the centre of the island is a saline lake which yields a large quantity of salt, the greater part of which is exported to America. The climate is healthy. The chief occupations of the inhabitants are breeding cattle and gathering salt."-Imp. Gazetteer, i. p. 158. |