erica mile g St aia eer + oe = eNotes en nae oe aes LOL AT 9 gba rae ve i Taal Es o ee afro ~<- Sp gy oo, gt Oe al eth “wren - See COTS, Be eg OU oye < ; z bait - rahe. es ceire é Fon eet Sw ee we 3 pees a Se Seater we ~ NG SON Sh NES ONS - Tr NY ~~ en . oa, e .¢ = a — La f a Ae Z f g Cas ————_ ‘Ss BSS a g —< : 4 ‘ | | | : = | Z ; c~ C Soe are aN acs 2 Gs | eS = j : / te \ v af = CSd5 y » — “ w = > . S id 7 | SS 2 se . q eC € : 3 sss ~ ~ N ——— a, 4 Pe ~ Ne \' oo ~ CS SKE ” SSN ‘ \ . a 2 < “= cK Fa ~S aS <<< Sy ire a ff“ ae . SS < Scat ; & NS « Ne | : es x ~ ‘7 =~ ee « & = ~ \ ~ g =o ON WN id OF Pape aN - ff 7 ar _ oN { ( fa = E Se SN \ y ; = , N - SS ~ 7 oh A, = ~ SS { vs / e SAR Sy, AS a fap me SN G e ; G | Gy Ww Or / . SY : {SAG Gill \ N c : x < i Me ‘ S Ni | 3 | Z kf NN ZC BA eat Wit, ; j | | — \ , : 7 | ‘ AX SSI 7 0 \ SAN ese Cy } ( Terie N SS = ST ee, RS SSS Cr fy RAN tg . ~ . ‘Md \ AN | a \. Wi of 1 Z ; ‘ WAG . See A 4 f : \n ae se 7 g 4) es Ae Ss ae irc : é Y Ay;; a - ; é Ss St hier LAE a ... lie se a \ Ss / o tqre / “ : 3 ra E SS " i. : (ea < 2 SOs Oe : f é SN Cae Evi SS RNA i 5 A /, 1 2 ~~ | . : 0; YW? vg F / / he, i sg) a Ce i) L; Ga : | ¢ f I , Z If Wee Ee ; | C J Ue Fi | J A= ; A oll BY sd , /, Z Z RAIMA Zee ! / thin NAS ZG . fz \if 4 WL, Kar S= LG 7 a y ; | ; = <—; = « s ~ NOVITATES ZOOLOGICAL. Vou. XX., 1913. NOVITATES ZOOLOGICAE. EF Fournal of Zoology IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRING MUSEUM. EDITED BY Tort Hon. WALTER ROTHSCHILD, F.R.S., Px.D., Dr. ERNST HARTERT, anp Dr. K. JORDAN. Woe. 1913. (WITH FIFTEEN PLATES.) IssuED At THE ZooLtocicaL Museum, Trine. PRINTED BY HAZELL, WATSON & VINEY, Lpv., LONDON AND AYLESBURY, 1913—1914, ieee. 4 i to CONTENTS OF VOLUME XX. (191 GENERAL SUBJECTS. Expedition to the Central Western Sahara by Ernst Hartert (Plates I.-XII. and XV.): I. Narrative 2 2 : OLDFIELD ‘THOMAS II. Mammals. TI. Ruminants. Ernst Harterr . IV. Birds. Ernst Harrerr . : : V. Reptiles and Batrachians. Ernsr Harrert VI. Coleoptera. L. von Heypen . VII. Lepidoptera. WaAtrer Roruscuiip VIII. Siphonaptera, Kart Jorpan and N, Crarues eee HILD TX. Pflanzen. G. SCHWEINFURTH . X. Névroptéres. Lonorn Navas . ; XI. On Ovis lervia Pallas. Watrer Rorascuiip XII. Diptera. Ernest E. Austen (Part 1) XII. Rhynchota—Homoptera. W. L. Distanr XIV. Odonata. F, Ris ‘ : . : ; XIVa. Corrections to No. VIL fie pinion’): WaALrerR KornscHiLp .« XV. Rhynchota—Heteroptera. G. Hory ATH . XVI. Hymenoptera (PI. XV.) F. D. Morice . XVII. Orthoptéres. Ianacto Borivar . MAMMALIA. Some Notes on the Genera Zaglossus and Tachyglossus. List of Mammals obtained by the Hon. Walter Rothschild, Ernst Hartert and Carl mere in Western Algeria during 1913, OLpriELp THOMAS See subject ‘‘ General,” Nos, IT., IIf. and XI. WALTER RoTHSCHILD AVES. Ornithologische Ergebnisse der Reise von Paul Spatz in die Algerische Sahara im Sommer 1912 (mit einer Routenskizze), O.Grar Zepiirz Critical Notes on the types of little-known species of Neotropical Birds. Part II. C, E, Hetimayr On some Australian forms of Zyto. Watrer Roruscuitp and Ernst HARTER? . Der Wanderfalke und die Peas ctias, Benet Brera . Ornithologische Miszellen aus dem Indo-Australischen Gebiet. II. Teil. ERwin SPRESEMANN . 3). PAGES 97 28—33 33-30 37—16 76—84 85—108 109—143 143—144 145—163 444458 459— 460 460—465 465—467 468—469 469 592—597 598—602 603—615 188—191 586—591 98 — 37 164—186 227—256 280—284 284—288 289—324 ec) 6. Die Végel von Bali, Erwin StreseMANN : ; ? 7. List of the Collections of Birds made by Albert 8. Meek in the lower ranges of the Snow Mountains, on the Hilanden River, and on Mount Goliath, during the years 1910 and 1911, Watrer Roruscntip and Ernst Harrerr 8. See subject “General,” No. IV . REPTILIA AND BATRACHIA. 1. See subject “General,” No. V. COLEOPTERA. 1, The Oriental Anthribidae of the Van de Poll Collection. K. Jorpan. 2. Some New Anthribidae from Africa. K, Jorpan See subject “General,” No. VI. . LEPIDOPTERA. 1. Descriptions of two new Colias and some African Syntomidae. WALTER RoruscHiLp 5 2. New Lithosianae (continuation from Vol, XIX.) Watrer Rorascui.p 3. Some New Lepidoptera from German New Guinea. Water Roruscainp , 4, Notes on Jxias undatus Butler, with the description of the unknown female. Warrer Rorascnitp 5. Contributions to a Knowledge of the Sub-families Oenochrominae and Hemitheinae of Geometridae. Louis B. Provr 6. Notes on Palaearctic Zygaenidae. K. JorpAN ; : . 7. Some unfigured Syntomidae (Plates XIII. and XIV.) Wauvrer Rornscump 8. Description of Two New Syntomids, Wa.rer Rorascninp. 9, See subject “General,” Nos, VII. and X1Va. SIPHONAPTERA. 1 Stphonaptera collected by Mr. Robin Kemp in Tropical Afriea, K. Jorpan and N. Cartes Roruscuiip 2, See subject “General,” No, VIII. Diptera, Hymenoptera, Newroptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Rhynchota. See subject “General,” Nos. X. and XII.—_XVII.__, INDEX , PAGES 325—387 473—5b27 37—76 76—84 257—377 582—585 85—108 187—188 192—226 278—279 279 388— 442 442443 470—472 591 109—143 and 469 528—581 143—144 444—615 617—656 LIST OF PLATES IN VOLUME XxX. I.—XI. Photographs from the Sahara, taken by E. Hartert, XII. Map of the Algerian Sahara, By E. and Cl. Hartert. XIII. - Syntomidae. By Horace Knight. | xiv.J XV. Hymenoptera, from photographs by F. D. Morice. The Parts of this Volume were issued as follows : a 3: 4, . 1, containing pages 1—256 and Plates I.—XII., issued February 24th, 1913. containing pages 257—472, issued June 17th, 1913. containing pages 473—615 and Plates XIIT.—XV., issued October 21st, 1913, containing pages 617—656, issued February 1914. ERRATA. Page 15, line 12 from top, read 106 instead of 102. 29, No. 8, the subspecific name is misspelt and should be rozsikae ; see footnote on p, 589. 75, line 18 from bottom, add “nearly” between the last two words “and all.” 143, top line, the generic name should be Phthorimaea. 237, line 11 from bottom, should read: Fringilla fuliginosa, Wied, Beitr. Naturg. Bras. ete. 350, line 20 from top, the generic name should be Lucichla. 475, line 10 from bottom, read: Clytomyias, not Clytomyia. 485, lines 19 and 20 from top, read musschenbroekii instead of muschenbrocki. » 522, No, 212, read magnifica magnifica instead of magnificus. ,, 936, line 2 from top, read felis instead of felix. » 542, No. 19, specifie name should read: Ayparetes not hyperetes. 3, I XO, NOVITATES ZOOLOGICAE, A Fournal of Zoology. EDITED BY Tae Hoy. WALTER ROTHSCHILD, F.R.S., Pu.D., Dr. ERNST HARTERT, ann Dr. K. JORDAN. VOL. XX. No. 1. Paces 1—256. Prates I.—XII. Issuep Frsruary 240, av vHE ZoonocicaL Museum, Trina. PRINTED BY HAZELL, WATSON & VINEY, Lp, LONDON AND AYLESBURY, 1913. Ls bo . CRITICAL Vou. XX. NOVITATES ZOOLOGICAL EDITED BY WALTER ROTHSCHILD, ERNST HARTERT, and KARL JORDAN. CONTENTS OF NO. J. EXPEDITION TO THE CENTRAL WESTERN SAHARA BY ERNST HARTERT (Puates I.— XI. anp Map, Piare XIT.) TI, Narrative . Mammars . Roumiants . Birps V. Reprites and Barracutans . COLEOPTERA . Leprpoprrera . SIPHONAPTERA . . PFLANZEN ORNITHOLOGISCHE ERGEBNISSE DER REISE VON PAUL SPATZ IN DIE ALGERISCHE SAHARA IM SOMMER 1912 (Ahit einer Routenskizze) DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW COLIAS AND SOME AFRICAN SYNZOMIDAE , . SOME NOTES ON THE GENERA ZAGLOSSUS AND TACHYGLOSSUS NEW ‘LITHOSIANAE (Continuation FROM Vor, XIX.) . NOTES ON THE TYPES OF LITTLE-KNOWN SPECIES OF WNEO- TROPICAL BIRDS.—Parr IT. . Oldfield Thomas Ernst Hartert Ernst Hartert Ernst Hartert L. von Heyden Walter Rothschild . Karl Jordan and N. Charles Rothschild G@, Schweinfurth O. Graf Zedlitz Walter Rothschild . Walter Rothschild . Walter Rothschild . CO, E. Hellmayr Paars 197) 28—33 33—37 37—76 76—84 85—108. 109—143 143—144 145—163 164—186 187—188 188—191 192—226 to wo =~ — 256 Lis] - : ad = v g Vol. XX. FEBRUARY 1913. No. 1. ‘EXPEDITION TO THE CENTRAL WESTERN SAHARA. By ERNSI HARTERT, Pu.D. [Pintes I.—XI. and Map (Pl. XII). EXPLANATION OF SOME ARAB AND OTHER WORDS USED IN THE NARRATIVE. Ain = source. (Water rising from the ground, artesian wells and others.) Berber = the original inhabitants of Africa Minor, to which the Kabyles, Shauia, Zenata, Chaamba, Touareg and others belong. Bir, plural Biar = artificial wells, generally with artificial walls. Bordj = vest-houses; generally used for the rest-houses built by the French military authorities, intended for officers or men, but also permitted to other Europeans, Chaambi, plural Chaamba = a desert tribe of Berber origin. Formerly dreaded robbers, like the Touareg, now generally peaceful. Excellent camel-men and travellers, Chott = salt lake, but mostly dry ; depression with salt, where sometimes water stands after rain, Dhomran = Traganum nudatum. Plant which is very good food for camels, Erg (also Areq) = Region of the Sand-dunes. Foggara, plural Feqgaquir = subterranean aqueduct, in galleries, in the central Sahara, Gara, plural Gour = “ witnesses,” or remains of higher plateaus, in form of flat- topped hills or mountains. Gmira = larger or smaller pyramid-shaped stoneheaps serving as landmarks, by which to find the way. Hammada = stony desert, rocky plateau. Hassi = wells due in sandy soil or in rocks; generally used for wells without artificial walls, but in the farther south used for almost all wells built by men. (Apparently not Arab, but Berber). Mehari = riding camel—a special breed. Oucd = river, or in the Sahara more generally river-bed, as rivers there very seldom have water. Sehcha or Sebkha = depression with salt and salsolaceous plants ; dry portions of Cott, generally with some vegetation, sometimes under water, Talha = acacias, Tilmas = depression in an oued with water-holes ; water-holes. The spelling of the geographical names is generally that of the French maps by Prudhomme, Niox, and Nardin, I. NARRATIVE. A ma having made three lengthy visits to Algeria, the ornithological results : of which have been published in Novitutes Zoologicae, vol. xviii. pp. 456-950, aud having become well acquainted with the birds of the Northern Algerian Sahara, Mr. Walter Rothschild wished to extend our knowledge of the fauna of the Western Sahara farther southwards. He therefore asked me to make an expedition to In-Salah, the principal oasis of ‘idikelt, in the centre of the 1 (2) Western Sahara, in order to explore the ornis of those parts of the desert, and to collect other animals and birds as well, as far as time and opportunities permitted. We obtained, with the kind help of our friend Dr. H. C. Nissen, in Alger, the kindest possible letters of recommendation from the Governor-General of Algeria, his brother, the chief of his cabinet, and from the military authorities to the commanding officers in the south, and completed our ontfit in Alger and Biskra, which we left on February 20, 1912. I was fortunate to be accompanied by Mr. Carl Hilgert, who had been with us to El-Oued in 1909 and to Ghardaia in 1911. The camels in Biskra have not a good name, and I was warned not to buy any, because they were not accustomed to arduous travels, and therefore not to be recommended for a journey-to In-Salah and back. Thus I only hired the necessary animals and men as far as Touggourt, and I believe this was the right course, although more expensive. The weather was glorious, no more magnificent day being possible: a cloudless sky, calm and warm, and the desert greener than we had ever seen it before. It had rained much, I believe chiefly in November and December, and a great amount of small vegetation and countless flowers were seen almost everywhere. From Biskra one passes first through fields, and then through a clayey and partially sandy plain with numerous low tamarisk bushes. Then one crosses the Oued Djeddi, here very small, coming from the mountains of Aflou and Laghonat and disappearing in the great Chott Melrhir, Here, a few hundred yards from the river, lies Bordj Saada, a large caravanserai, near which we pitched onr tent for the first time. It was a beautiful, though cold, night; cranes flew overhead in the evening, calling loudly. The rich verdure of this winter was not so much noticed in the low-lying plain near Biskra as here. Immediately south of Bordj Saada begins a slightly elevated stony plain, and there it was that the great difference between a fertile year, like the present one, and a dry one, like that of 1909,.was obvious. Not only were there many more plants, but butterflies were seen in numbers: the common and widespread Pyrameis cardui and Pieris daplidice (subsp.), the pretty yellow Luchloé charlonia, and on the plain south of Bordj Saada, where it becomes less stony, less bare, aud where—near Bordj Chegga—Zizyphus bushes are numerous, Melitaea didyma deserticola was far from rare, though mostly more or less worn, /uchloi charlonia was observed as far south as Tamerna, though rare there. Farther southwards the country becomes more sandy, and there it is that, a little northwards of Kef-el-Dor, birds peculiar to the sandy desert, such as Gralerida theklae deichleri and Sylvia nana deserti, ave found, South of Kef-el- Dor we descend into the great Chott Melrhir, now to a large extent actually full of water, where three years ago only the “ mirage ” or “ fata morgana ” made us believe that we saw lakes and trees; great masses of Sandgrouse, apparently all Pterocles senegalus, were passing high overhead, coming from the water. We were, however, greatly disappointed that we saw no water-birds whatever, though quite recently many ducks had been seen, and near Bordj Saada we had found three dead Flamingoes, which had killed themselves by striking the telegraph wires, and hundreds of Flamingoes were observed some weeks afterwards near Mraier by Frenchmen and Arabs. At Noa-ben-Rzig we camped in the same place as in 1909, near the little oasis of palm-trees (see Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 460). We were troubled by small (3 flies, but not so much so as in the oasis of Ourir, where they were an almost, unsupportable plague, and a perfect torture to the mules, whose ears became swollen and stiff for a couple of days. The same pests occurred in Touggourt and Ouargla, but we did not see them farther southwards, and it is remarkable that in June they were quite absent.* We saw several times Pterocles alchata flying overhead in greater and smaller troops, and obtained a few. Our last ‘samp before Touggourt was at Tamerna, on an open space between two large oases. From Tamerna we made our last march to Touggourt—42 kilometres, This march leads partly throngh very dreary and uninteresting sebcha, mostly covered with nothing but one kind of plant, a Sad/cornia, forming thick bolster-like bushes, partly through sand with very little vegetation and no dunes. Hardly a bird was noticed except the “muka” (Alaemon alaudipes), and once a pair of Sylvia deserticola, of which we shot one. From February 26 to March 2 we remained in Tonggourt. Most of the time was spent in buying camels and engaging men, and all this wouid have taken longer had it not been for the kind help of Mr. Henry Chazelles. We made also some excursions into the gardens. Of butterflies we saw frequently one species of Lycaena (L. lysimon), Colias croceus (= edusa auct.), Pyrameis cardui, the common Pieris rapae, and once a Pyrameis atalanta. Of birds, Lanius excubitor elegans, Turtur senegalensis aegyptiacus, and Sparrows were common ; while of migrants only Motacilla alba alba and Phylloscopus collybita, the latter sometimes singing, were observed. The little Scops-owls (Otus scops scops), which were common in April 1909, were absent, but Zyto albu (Barn-owls) were noisy on a tower in the fort—where, however, we could not shoot them. At last, on March 2, I had bought sixteen camels and hired two mehari (riding- camels), as I could not buy any of the latter. In addition to Ahmed, our cook, translator, and headman and his assistant, both from Biskra, I engaged a guide and eight Arabs, all nomads, some of whom had travelled far and wide in the Sahara. The guide, Abd-el-Kader ben-Lakhdar, and two others were former soldiers and had seen service in Morocco and Tidikelt. These three were granted military rifles and ammunition by the authorities, and I had all the men inscribed at the Bureau Arabe, where my wishes were attended to with the greatest kindness. On March 3 we left Touggourt for the south. We passed the rich and exten- sive oases and towns of Temacin and Zaouia Tamellath, where a great marabu resides, and marched about 24 km., as far as Bled-el-Ahmar, Bledet-Ahmar or Bledet-Tamar, a large village, beyond which we camped. All the way from Tonggourt leads through monotonous sebcha, in places rather slippery, and intervening belts of sand with very scanty vegetation. No interesting birds were seen, except at Bledet-Ahmar some Crested Larks ((ralerida cristata arenicolor), and Grey Shrikes, and it is remarkable that this is the southernmost place on this route where the long-billed Crested Lark is found, At this place we saw, ou the edge of the gardens, two white butterflies, one of which we caught: a fresh Euchloé belemia’ This is the southernmost place where it is known to oceur, The fall moon rose with the wonderful brilliancy of the desert, and the evening delivered us from the irritating, tiny sand-flies and a kind of yellowish guat that bit in the daytime and which we encountered only in this place. * According to Mr. E. E. Austen these flies are Leptoconops hertészi Kieffer, only described as late as 1908 in Ann. Mus, Nat. Hung, vi. from Cairo, (4) From Bledet-Ahmar we made a long march and pitched camp in a sandy plain. All the way led through low, rolling sand-hills, like the frozen waves of the sea in a quiet “swell,” intermixed with stones and pebbles, but there were hardly any dunes. The sand was, for desert sand, fairly rich in vegetation, the bushes of Refama raetam reaching a height of two metres; Limoniastrum quyonianum was flourishing, but not yet in flower, the “ Drin” (Aristida pungens) being frequent, Euphorbia guyoniana and many little flowering plants of which I do not know the names. The birds peculiar to such districts, Alaemon alaudipes with its melancholy song, the pretty Sylvia nana deserti hopping in and out the bushes, here and there Ammomanes phoenicurus arenicolor running along the ground and almost invisible at even a short distance, because it so perfectly matches the colour of the sand and stones. Twice the somewhat rare desert- sparrow, Passer simplex saharae, was seen and shot, once Galerida thehklae deichleri, and a Raven, which, however, was too shy for us. We passed a very poor village, half engulfed in sand, many honses forsaken, the palms of a poor appearance, the water rather bad and not very clean. In the palm-trees Lanius excubitor elegans was seen. The night had been cold, but the day was warm. Insects and reptiles were rather scarce, while later on in the year many more are obvious. We saw here and there a Pyrameis cardui sailing wildly across the path, and once a Pieris daplidice (subsp.). The camp, in the clean sandy plain, was very peaceful and picturesque. A LRhizotrogus-like beetle flew round the fires at night, but the low temperature with a bright moon spoiled the catch of lepidoptera, On March 5 we left the sandy tract and encountered a bare gravel-plain with very scanty vegetation. No birds enlivened it except Ammomancs phoenicurus arenicolor, here and there a forlorn Alaemon alaudipes and the Cream-coloured Jursor. In spite of the short time before moonrise and the bare surroundings, some Noctuidae and Pyralidae came to the light at our camp at the Hassi Mahmar. The country from Hassi Mahmar onwards remains the same, only still barer, and interspersed with stony patches and low flat-topped table-hills, where Lvythrospiza githaginea occurs. Av hour before the Hassi Avefidji sand-waves with huge Retam-bushes, Drin and Euphorbia set in. Here Grey Shrikes were common, and their eggs taken; Crateropus fulcus and Sylvia nana deserti, also Galerida theklae deichleri became quite numerous. A female of Oenanthe (Saxicola) deserti and a flight of about 30 Calandrella brachydactyla on passage were seen. It was again a grand night, and we hoped fora good collecting day along the sands, but unfortunately next morning the wind began to blow and made collecting very difficult; moreover about 10 km. farther we got out of the beautiful sand-wavyes and had to cross a tiresome sebcha with Salsolaceae only ; towards midday sand-dunes appeared, but at the same time the wind became stronger and so boisterous that we sometimes thought it would blow us over with our camels, and that one could not see a hundred yards ahead. Thus we reached the miserable village of Ngoussa, or Bour-Ngoussa, which reminded us strongly of El-Oued, surrounded as it was by sand-dunes and the palm-gardens half hidden from sight by depressions among the hills. In the morning we had found a negt, with four eggs of Scotocerca inquieta saharae and shot a Galerida theklae deichleri which had, apparently, already laid eggs. It must here be emphasized that south of Hassi Arefidji Crested Larks were seen for the last time, and that in all the country south from there no Crested (5) Larks of any kind occur! From Koenig’s work it was left uncertain whether any were found near Onargla, but there are evidently none. We have in vain searched for them around Ouargla, and from inquiries made too, it is evident that no Gulerida is found there. As I have said before, the last Galerida cristata were seen at Bled- el-Ahmar, south of Touggourt. This was the first of our feathered friends from the northern desert to disappear, but many others were soon to follow. Having at last arrived at the village, we found the Bordj had collapsed, only an open verandah and one room remaining standing. This welcome shelter we occupied, and praised our luck that we had not encountered this weather yesterday among the open sand-dunes of Arefidji; for the gale came in heavy gusts, and the air was thick. We were just skinning our birds when a military doctor from Onargla arrived on his way to Morocco, rid Biskra and Alger, with whom we had to share the room, which was just big enough for three. The gale diminished after midnight, and when we awoke in the morning it was quite calm. Yesterday we had practically seen the first migratory birds, and from now not many days passed without migrants being observed. To-day, March 8, we noticed Calandrella brachydactyla, numerous Phylloscopus (apparently all collybita), and Motacilla alba. We rode as far as Ouargla, all the way through sand and sebcha recently covered with sand, and before Ouargla we had to cross very high dunes of a warm rufous colour, thongh this reddish hue was only due to a layer of red sand covering the usual whitish yellow dunes. Passer simplex saharae was again met with. Arriving at eleven o’clock on the crest of the dunes, we saw Ouargla before us in the distance, with a wide sheet of water to the left of the town; but it was still a long and weary ride over a lifeless and absolutely uninteresting sebcha before we reached the town, where we found primitive but tolerable accommodation in Monsieur Irisson’s hotel. Onargla (or Wargla) is an old town with an interesting history, but not a good place for a zoologist, especially when he has to stay in the middle of the place, as we were obliged to do, our chief object here being to complete our caravan and to begin the march southwards. Down to Ouargla some zoological collecting had been donie, south of it next to nothing. Koenig had visited Ouargla, and with him Dr. Krauss, who collected some insects; Lataste had done good work here, with his usual energy and success; and others had no doubt been there, since it is not very difficult to reach the place. No zoologist had, to my knowledge, ever been south of Ouargla. Ouargla was founded many centuries ago by Berbers and Jews, and it is now chiefly inhabited by Arabs of various tribes—Chaamba (an ancient Berber tribe), and “hartani” (descendants of liberated slaves from the Western Sudan), with an admixture of Jews converted to Islam in ancient times. All these races are more or less mixed, and not easily recognised by a stranger, especially as most of the Berbers are very black, resulting from the numerous negro women they used to marry in the times of their raids on the Sudan tribes, and the darkening of their skin is also favoured by the climate. There are also some M’zabites, who keep shops ; and to the latter belong many of the date-palms, though others are claimed by the Chaamba, who come here in great numbers in the autumn for the date-crop. Thus only a fifth or so remains for the actual cultivators of the gardens, the “haratins,” who yery seldom are owners of any property at all. In former times (6) Onargla has been a great centre of commerce, especially when the M’zabites lived there, who are now concentrated in the valley of the Oued M’zab, and when, apparently, the caravan-route from Algeria vid Biskra—Touggourt—Onargla—In Salah—Soudan was more frequented, slaves, ivory, and ostrich-feathers forming the fortune of such caravans; while now the slave-trade is prohibited, ivory finds its way direct to the west coast down the Niger and Senegal, and ostrich-feathers are only brought in small quantities. Nevertheless, even now Onargla is an important centre and much thought of by the Arabs. ~The old streets of Ouargla are narrow, many arched and half dark ; the soldiers’ barracks and houses of the officers are outside the town, in large new buildings. The town is surrounded by an ancient crenellated wall, with loopholes and a rampart-walk ; and a feature of the place are the two white minarets, 25 metres high and close together. The old kasbah is no longer in existence, thongh its ruins can be traced, The palm-groves, or “ gardens ’ * as they are always called by the natives, are bare and generally in faiely: deep depressions, though watered by wells as well as from the water of the sebcha. Every property being ‘enenoniled by high mud-walls, progress and collecting in the gardens are difficult and tiresome. Flies and the irritating little “sandflies” (Leptoconops hertésxi Wieffer, 1908) were frequent, and later in the season Ouargla is very unhealthy; malarial fever abounds, and it seems indeed as if Onargla is the most unhealthy of all the Algerian oases. We collected a large series of Sparrows, which are all red-headed! The only other sedentary bird we found in the palm-groves was 7'vrtur senegalensis aegyp- tiacus. No owls were seen, and we were assnred that the Scops-Owls were not known; but this statement may be erroneous, since, possibly, they had not yet arrived from the south. Of migrants we noticed Calandrella brachydactyla, Phylloscopi, Motacilla alba alba, Anas crecea, Anas querquedula, Machetes pugnax, some very shy males of Oenanthe oenanthe, three Totanus (rectius Tringa !) stagnatilis, Totanus (Tringa) glottis, and, on March 9, the first few Chelidon rustica. Our interest was aroused in the Gara-Klima (or Gara-Krima), a flat-topped mountain about 12 kilometres from the town, throngh Professor Koenig’s visit to that place in 1893. We therefore hired donkeys (mules or horses not being obtainable) and devoted a day to it. It is a most uninteresting hill, consisting of hardened earth with a top of rock and stones, the way to it leading through a sandy plain with a few palms and miserable nomad huts. There are here also the ruins of the M’zabite town Sedrata, which was destroyed by the Arabs. Koenig had the great Inck to shoot a pale Eagle-Owl (Bubo ascalaphus an xectins Bubo bubo desertorum Eri.) and to find Buzzards’ nests here; but we tried in vain to find the Bubo, and Buzzards were absent, though old nests, as yet empty, evidently belonging to the latter, were found. On the top of the mountain we shot a single Ocenanthe leucopyga ; and this is the first place, coming from Touggourt, where this species appears! I was greatly interested in the ruins found on top\of the Gara- Klima. Koenig (Reisen und Forsch. in Algerien, p. 84) advanced the idea that they were Roman ruins, strengthening his theory with the fact that, according to Barth and Roblfs, Roe remains had been found as far south as 27° north latitude, Koenig’s Biencary, however, is erroneous. The end of the road leading to the top is crowned by a ruined arenes and one can trace houses and roads on the summit, built of crude bricks of exactly the same nature as those used for the wall sur- Ca) rounding Ouargla ; and the bases of the houses on top are partly built of stones, roughly shaped for the purpose. These stones induced Koenig to think they were made by Romans, but where Arabs or Berbers find stones lying about by thousands they always use them more or less when building, as one can see in hundreds of places. Moreover it is well known that the forsaken town on the top of Gara-Klima was a M’zabite town, It was the M’zabites who built the well which pierced the whole Gara to a depth of 85 metres, 7.e. 830 metres beyond the bottom of the hill. It is now dry and probably not more than 30 metres deep; in 1890 it was still 45 metres deep, the rest being filled up with sand. Similarly constructed wells and ruins on the tops of hills are found on the hillock of Ba-Mendil, north-west of Ouargla, and near Ghardaia. Pieces of pottery among the ruins on the top of the Gara-Klima are also of typical Berber origin. There is thus nothing whatever in favour of Koenig’s theory. [f, according to Rohlfs and Barth, Roman remains occur as far south as 27° N. latitude, they are certainly not found there in the Algerian Sahara. It is trne that in an old Arab manuscript a statement occurs that Romans reached Onargla; if this should be true it would probably have been some adventurers only and not a Roman force, but they have certainly not left any traces behind. The view from Gara-Klima is magnificent, and one sees westwards many other “cour” with more rugged sides, where probably more owls and hawks occur than on Klima. At last, on March 13, we left Ouargla, having bought with great difficulty two mehari and two more camels, and also taken another native, a Chaambi clad in a beautiful purple gown who had an old gun and his own very hardy though old and sore riding-camel; he was a very useful man, well versed in travelling, shooting and hunting, and full of fun, improvising a concert almost every night, not to the benefit of our cooking-pots, one of which formed the solitary musical instrument, the rest of the din being singing, yelling and clapping of hands. For 20 kilometres our way led over an absolutely bare sebcha, resembling an endless harrowed field; then it became gravelly, afterwards more stony, and at a distance of about 22 km. there commenced almost bare clay hills with low cliffs (P]. [X., lower photo), and broken up by numerous dry ancient water courses. These hills were inhabited by a few pairs of Oenanthe (Saxicola anct.) leucopyga and a pair of Oenanthe lugens halophila. A pair of Ravens (doubtless wmbrinus) were seen, and some old nests, perhaps of Buzzards, were found. After a short ascent we had to descend again, and entered a bare rolling stony plateau where only a few Ammomanes phoenicurus arenicolor occurred. <A solitary swallow flitted across the ground. On the 14th we continued the march over the hammada, descending somewhat, though the plain remained the same, only here and there interspersed with pans of fine mealy soil, absolutely bare and tiresome to cross ; two or three times a Muka (Alaemon alaudipes) was heard and seen, once an Ocenanthe deserti, once a Cream-coloured Cursor, twice a solitary Kestrel and three single Swallows. Moreover, this dreary day was cold, dull and windy, and we rode all day in our overcoats. In the evening some few moths came to the light. Our Chaambi tried target-shooting with his gan, one barrel of which was burst open ; as his shots went too low, he bent the barrel slightly with his foot. Needless to say, J always kept at a safe distance when he was shooting, but the gun never burst any more, at least not as long as he was with us. On the Ldth the journey was continued for a long time over the same monotonous flat plain, which changed to (8) a gravelly stretch and at last to a vast plain of a glittering white like snow, being covered with dust like plaster of Paris, and interspersed with hillocks of erystallised eypsum, while a few kilometres to the east enormous bare sand-dunes, about a hundred metres high, bordered the view, and near the dunes were some “ gour” of hard sandy clay. On the steep cliffs of these “ gour” nested a pair of Ocenanthe lugens, and we saw Ravens, Egyptian Vultures (Neophron), a single Faleo biarmicus erlangeri, some Calandrella brachydactyla on passage, and one Sylria nana deserti on the other side of the sand-mountains. It was very windy, but in the evening it calmed down and we had a very nice eatch of insects on the lamp, and were greatly amused by the large quantities of a small sand-coloured Blattid, which flew to the light and ran about with enormous swiftness, trying most eagerly to enter the gauze cage in which the lamp was placed. We stopped two nights at Hassi el-Hadjar, as the camels required a rest-day, and continued our journey on the 17th through dreadfully monotonous, uninteresting bare stony desert (“hammada”), interspersed with stretches resembling an ill-kept gravel path in a neglected garden, and here and there with a flat-topped clay hill. We saw a solitary Raven, one Veophron, three Milrus korschun, Alaemon alaudipes, Calandrella brachydactyla, and a single Anthus campestris. Three Gazelles were sighted, but too shy to approach : they had enrved horns and appeared to be of the dorcas group. Our Arabs took a clutch of three eggs of Mileus horschun on one of the “gour.” On the 18th we rode one hour throngh reddish sand with seanty vegetation, where Certhilauda and Cursorius were seen, then again the endless dreary “ gravel-path.” Hilgert saw at a great distance what seemed to him to be a cream-coloured jackal (?) with some rufous on head and tail; I saw several very shy Gazelles. In the evening we had a strong but very short rain. On the 19th hammada became more frequent, Ammomanes phoenicurus arenicolor was occasionally seen, a mammal, Meriones schoushor?, was not very rare, though quite local. A /uchloé was distinetly seen, but not obtained. Traces and dung of Gazelles were found in quantities. About 184 kilometres south of Onuargla some rocks of a white colour appeared, and at once O¢enanthe leucopyga was in evidence; Phoenicurus phoenicurus and Anthus campestris were observed on migration. In the evening of the 20th a fairly heavy rain took place, lasting two hours or so. A very deep well without water was found in a depression, evidently an old lake-bed, and a new well was being dug not far away, but so far water had not been struck. Near the camp, in the “Oued Djafou,” Phylloscopus trochilus, Oenanthe oenanthe, and a Brown Kite were seen. On the 22nd it was only + 7° C. in the morning, but beautifully warm afterwards. The day, however, was a day of ill luck, We saw two Ammomanes deserti but did not get them; I missed a Raven ; our men caught a young gazelle, but we got no shot at an old one. We found several nests both of Oenanthe leucopyga and Sylvia nana deserti, but all were empty. It was five o’clock before we reached camp, and thus we went through a day of hard work—hayving been in the saddle and on foot for ten hours—without any valuable results at all. We caught a Cerastes cerastes (Horned viper), and found a pretty Convolvulus which was new to us (Conv. supinus, var. leucotrichus Kral., teste Schweinfurth). In the afternoon we came into sandy, country with high Retama raetam and other typical forms of the sand-flora, though the sand, which had a warm reddish yellow colour, formed only a thin layer on top of whitish rock. On the following day we soon (9) abandoned the sand and came upon a stony platean, only here and there with a thin layer of sand, and flat-topped rocks of a white and red colour; Passer simplex saharae was not rare in the sandy stretches. Towards midday Hassi Iniquel was reached, near the ‘rocks called Safet- Iniquel. It was interesting to see the camels drink after a week without water. Although they greatly enjoyed the drink, and drank a good quantity, they got hardly excited, and kept up their slow, measured, dignified walk, and only a few tried to push off and bite others in order to get quicker to the water; the quantity consumed by each camel was not greater than that drank by a thirsty horse. On March 24 we crossed some very fine high sand-dunes, and then a stony plain, until at last we came to the edge of the plateau, and saw before us El- Golea, with its old fortress, isolated “ gour,” palm groves, gardens, villages, and military buildings, in a belt of sebcha, extending from north to south, between the plateau on which we were in the east, and the immense sand-danes of the Great Western Erg in the west. (PI. L) In El-Golea we were most heartily welcomed by the French officers, who invited us to be their guests during our stay there. The commandant, Lieutenant Maire-S¢ébille, gave us comfortable rooms in his house. El-Golea had formerly a large garrison, with a general in command, but now, since the stations are pushed southwards to Adrar, In-Salah, and the Hoggar mountains, it has lost much of its importance as a military centre, and there are now only a small number of men with two to three officers, in addition to the commandant or chief of the “Bureau Arabe,’ whose duties are entirely administrative. This military administration of the French Sahara is well adapted to the native character, and is generally carried out admirably well by specially instructed officers. El-Golea is a charming place, a real little paradise in the middle of a vast and wide desert. The gardens of the officers are very large, being made for a great number who formerly were garrisoned here, and under the palm-trees, euca- lyptus, apricots and peaches grow roses, violets, and many kinds of vegetables, there being a number of artesian wells emitting an enormous supply of water of a warm temperature, pure as crystal and good and healthy to drink. But what is the most surprising thing is a real lake of fresh water, formed by a very prolific artesian well, and with enormously high and thickly grown reeds (Arundo donax), surrounded by trees and bushes. Needless to say this lake is a winter resort of many kinds of ducks and water-fowl, as well as numerous small birds; but for the water-birds we were a bit too late. Bird-migration, however, began in grand style during our stay at El-Golea, from March 24 to 30. Scops-Owls (Otus scops scops) were very numerous in the gardens, calling frequently at night. Motacilla flava flava was common, a few M. f/f. cinereocapilla were seen, Oenanthe oenanthe oenanthe was quite the commonest bird, and hundreds were caught by the boys for food. Phoenicurus phoenicurus was numerous, likewise both species of Phylloscopus, Lanius senator, Oenanthe (Saxicola) hispanica, Anthus campestris, afew Anthus pratensis, Chelidon rustica, Hirundo urbica urbica, Riparia riparia, Jynx torquilla torquilla, Calandrella brachydactyla, Sylvia curruca, Muscicapa atricapilla (or rather hypoleuca), Upupa epops not rare. On the lake Circus rufus, Ardea ralloides, Tringa (Totanus) stagnatilis, ocrophus, glareola, hypoleuca, Gallinago gallinago and gallinula, Ibis faleinellus and Fulica atra were observed, aud mostly obtained. (10 ) The Coot (/. atra, and not cristata /) were seen in a few pairs only, and we were told they nested on the lake, where they stayed all the year round. In the oasis and gardens no bird was observed of which we could already say with absolute certainty that it nested there, except the Grey-headed Honse- Sparrow, which is exceedingly numerons, nesting in trees and on honses, and having eggs and young already. There is a high and steep descent from the plateau downwards, and millions of fossil shells are seen in many places. Some detached rocks are entirely covered with fossils, and specimens are lying about in many places, According to Rolland (Giéologie du Sahara, 1890, p. 55) they belong mostly to the genera Ostrea (about half a dozen species), Plicatula, Rhabdocidaris, Strombus, Cardium, Janira, HTolecty pus. On an isolated rock above E1-Golea stands the forsaken and now partly ruined old fortress and town of the Berbers (PI. I.). It is apparently 500 or 600 years old, and was built by the Zenata, a people of the great Berber tribe, and of doubtful limits. Evidently the Zenates are nothing clse than a southern portion of the Berbers, living in the Saharan oases, who, about 600 years ago, settled among the Jews, who at that time oceupied—and had partly founded—a number of oases from the Oued Rirh (south of Biskra) to Tonat and Tidikelt. These Zenates had probably been shifted to and fro by the various Arab invasions, and at last settled down, founding the oasis of El-Golea, as it is now called by the French, under the name of Hl-Menida, and under the latter it is still universally known to the Arabs. More or less nomadic, the Zenata for a time left their “ El-Meniia” during the summer months, going to the Oued Megiden and other places, to feed their herds, but by-and-by they became more sedentary, and have now settled down entirely, Though for native arms formidable and almost impregnable, the fortress was occupied by the French for a time, and is now, as I said above, quite forsaken. I ascended the old fortress (PI. I.) with some of the French officers, and obtained a beautiful view over the oasis and beyond into the wide Western Erg, an ocean of 5) sand-dunes. In an empty half-sabterranean dwelling thousands of Bats, Ased/ia tridens, were found. In the lake and ditches are millions of a water-shell, Melanopsis dufourii, a frog (Rana esculenta var. saharica Blgr.), and the European Tench (7inea) has been introduced from France and thrives well. On March 30 we left the hospitable oasis, with its flowers and comfort, accompanied by our kind host for an hour or so, As usual in all oases, it was time for our men to leave, who were satisfactory enough in the field, but in the “ towns ” became debanched and lazy, with a few exceptions. The first part of our way led through dreary sebcha, resembling an absolutely bare freshly ploughed field, covered with salt, glittering silvery white in the sun. On our right was the Great Western Erg, its high sand-dunes sharply silhouetted against the unbroken blue sky. Limoniastrwm bushes stood at the edge of the sebcha, where the sand began, in great Inxuriance and often eight or nine feet high, now covered with reddish violet flowers. Alaemon alaudipes and Cursorius were the ouly resident birds seen; Hoopoes were observed in great numbers in the oasis. Towards midday we traversed for about seven kilometres a rongh hammada with a little sand, blown over from the Erg, and then descended into a depression where reeds stood in quantities, proving that water must from time to time ran into the place (Pl. IL). Here was also a Cal) bush which in the south we saw only here: Nitraria tridentata. After some search we found the Hassi Okseibat. The water was only 3 metres from the surface, but an old dry well was near by. This place is probably—like many others—an ancient resting-place of caravans. Here, as in many other similar places, we found many eggshells of extinct ostriches, probably Psammornis rothschildi Andrews. The camp was most picturesque, but there was little life, only the Fennek (the little creamy white desert-fox), Alaemon, and of migrant birds Anthus campestris being noticed. On the 31st we marched over a stony platean with a good deal of small vegetation, to the Hassi Marroket, or Marrokat as the Arabs call it, where excellent water was found about 7 or 8 metres from the surface. In the well, 24 metres deep, Saxicola leucopyga had hard-set eggs, and on the stone wall protecting the well Passer simplex had a nest, unfortunately as yet without eves, On April 1 we ascended again the stony plateau, then crossed a number of high dunes, among which we lost the way for some time because our guide attempted to take a short cut, and thus subjected the camels to a very tiresome and partly unnecessary toiling over steep sandhills. Gazella leptoceros loderi was seen ; but a heavy gale began to blow as soon as we entered the dunes and raged with increased force until we reached a depression called “ daya-bou-Ziane,” where it reached its height. With great difficulty, making use of occasional lulls, the tent was erected. The gale then came in blasts with tremendous roar, and hot, as if coming from a big furnace, and no collecting of any kind could be done, but I obtained photographs of the moving sand-dunes (PI. III.). The so-called “daya” contained very large tamarix-bushes—some 3 and even 4 metres high—but no other bushes of any kind. The dunes covered solid rocks of red and white colours. Many of these dunes have a nucleus of rock, and I suspect even the highest dunes have bases of stone, covered with sand. Here the rocks that were visible here and there were smooth as if polished, probably by the action of the sand. Few birds were seen : a Milvus horschun, a single Wryneck and a single Oenanthe (Saxicola) deserti, Since El-Golea we were on the track of the French colamn which marched down to Tidikelt in 1900, Even the ruts of the cannon were still visible in.some places, and in one place we found the ruins of a stone house with numerous empty provision-tins, showing that French soldiers had camped there. In the stone walls were nests of Passer simplex, but still empty. Much of the tinned meat for the French army comes from New Caledonia and Madagascar. The stay in camp was not pleasant : the sand penetrated everything, the heat was great and almost suffocating, and we had work—birds to skin, reptiles to prepare, etc. Moreover the spirit-boxes from the British Museam would not unlock, the locks being too fine and complicated, and had to be taken to pieces. Next day we passed through a stony plain almost without any vegetation and, for a change, two high dune-belts ; but, about two in the afternoon, we reached the beautiful valley of El-Meksa, surrounded by rocky hills covered with sand and high dunes; the valley was full of flowering plants (especially Henophytum desert?) on which huge flies were numerous. These flies were hawking about in such a manner that we at first thought they were a kind of Macroglossum or other Hawkmoth. Corvus corax umbrinus and Falco biarmicus erlangert were seen, Passer simplex saharae and Ammomanes phoenicurus arenicolor ; of migrants only Chelidon rustica. Ascending the surrounding hammada to the south, we came upon a wide plain with hard brown soil covered with innumerable stones and without ( 12 ) vegetation, without life, of a bareness surpassing everything we had seen, Camel- skeletons began to be frequent, and we counted 24 in three hours. A hundred kilometres south of El-Golea, near a small gorge, we came npon three stone-heaps, the graves of Lieutenant V. M, A. Collot and two native soldiers, who were here shot by some Chaamba, lying in ambush in the little gorge, on October 31, 1896, A stone plate states in simple words the tragedy (Pl. IV.). These silent graves in the vast and lifeless desert make a great impression on the traveller who passes them. ‘Towards eleven o’clock (April 3), we descended into the wide bed of the Oned Saret. Here we found a very rich vegetation, and I preserved as many species of plants as I could find, Besides a kind of grass (Pennisetum ciliare), the strong-smelling Deverra scoparia was the most namerons flowering plant, and a few kilometres farther upwards huge bushes of Zizyphus were found. We camped near a well without water. Calandrella brachydactyla was about in flocks, Oenanthe (Saxicola) hispanica was noticed, a female Circus macrourus shot, Falco biarmicus erlangeri observed, and here was obtained for the first time Ammomanes deserti mya, the new lark so common in the region of the Sonthern Oned Mya. Swallows were seen flitting to and fro. Unfortunately a heavy wind troubled us all day long, frustrating any close observations, giving much trouble in mounting the tent, and disturbing our rest during the night. On the next morning we marched for some distance along the bed of the Oued Saret, seeing many spoor of Gazelles, observing Sylvia cantillans, Chelidon rustica, Oenanthe oenanthe, Motacilla flava flava and Monticola saxatilis saxatilis. Then followed again a bare hammada, with black stones, as if burned by the heat of the sun, and mostly not the least vegetation, sometimes not one green leaf or a blade of grass for hours, but plenty of camel-skeletons. According to our Arabs, most of these skeletons are from the military expedition of 1900 to In-Salah, when nearly a thousand (?) camels are said to have been lost; but at all times camels occasionally break down and die on the roadside, where food and water are scarce. ‘Traces were seen of gazelles and of a jackal or fox ; a snake was caught and a solitary Yellow Wagtail observed. Here, where stones are frequent, the road is marked with stone- heaps and erect flat stones, bearing the numbers of the kilometres, so that nobody can lose the way. At midday we reached “ Mort Miribel,” or as the natives say ‘Hassi Chebaba” or ‘‘Chebbebba,” situated on the height above the river-bed of the “Oued Chebaba,” amidst the most dreary and lifeless country one can imagine, though the river-bed has a certain amouut of vegetation. Fort Miribel is a fortress with many rooms round a big courtyard, and rather well built of mud-bricks; in the oued below are the ruins of the buildings, where the Spahis (native cavalry) were quartered, round the old well, and near several new oues, some of which are now dry and gradually filling up with sand. For some years a fairly strong garrison was stationed at Fort Miribel, but now it has been abandoned as useless, because of the southern garrisons at In-Salah, Touat, and in the Hoggar mountains, and the peaceful state of the country, An irresponsible Arab is supposed to watch the place, but the sand is encroaching on the fort, piling up hills along the surrounding walls, filling the rooms throngh the broken windows or the doors carelessly left open, the courtyard and the cellars; locks are being taken away by anyone who fancies them, walls are beginning to tumble down, and in a few years the place will be in rains, a haunt of the Black Ohats and Ammomanes deserti mya. We ascended the hill and occupied two of the best rooms, where we prepared (13 ) our birds and other things; but it was cold, and a heavy gale blew sand in masses over the place, so that we were glad of our comfortable quarters. Near the wells in the valley stands a broken column in memory of the murdered lientenant Collot : an inscription in French and one in Arabie were on the sides of this dignified monument, but the French one was already broken away when we passed the same way in May. On April 5 a cold gale blew from the north, and though we had + 8° C. in the morning at seven o’clock, and as much as a maximum of + 14° in the afternoon, ~we felt cold all day, the sun not shining, the wind blowing incessantly. On the lifeless platean we came here and there across a clayey stretch, showing traces of Gazelles, little rodents, and Bustards. In the afternoon we reached the “ mouse- river,” Oued Far, where we erected the tent with the greatest difficulty. Near this river-bed we saw two Chaamba with Mehari and many sheep grazing in some depressions with a few Zizyphus bushes. The map calls these wretched places “dayas” ; but they have, of course, nothing to do with the wonderful dayas of the district of Tilrhempt, between Ghardaia and Laghonat. Several times we were able to hand postcards to the post-rider, called boshaat. Mails are conveyed by single natives ou camels, who ride day and night. They have a rifle, generally well wrapped in, so as to keep the sand off, and have no fear whatever, and nobody molests them (Pl. V.). On April 6, after a long march over undulating, bare, stony plateaus, we came to the first tributary of the great Oued Mya system. It was a surprising sight which gladdened our hearts when we suddenly saw before us, from the barest hammada, a wide river-bed with tufts of grass, flowering plants, and huge, thiek- stemmed tamarisks, affording shade enough for us to sit down and eat our luncheon of sardines, Arab bread, and dates, with water from El-Golea. After a short rest we crossed again some stony plateaus, descending first into the “ Oued Tinbourbar,” then into the “ Oued Sidi-Djilali-Lakhdar,” and once more, down a steep ravine, toilsome and dangerous for camels, to the “Oued Tindjamat,” where enormous cliffs, reminding us of El-Kantara on a lesser scale, walled in the wide river-bed. Through these and other tributaries of the Southern Oued Mya, and at last in the bed of the southernmost bend of the real Mya river, we marched five days. These days were delightful, and gave us plenty of work—though, unfortunately, several days were very windy, making impossible any moth-collecting, and often spoiling the day’s work. The river-beds (Pl. VI., upper photo, Pl. VIL.) are generally full of bushes of Retama, many huge tamarisks, and here and there enormous Zizyphus, and the banks are, especially along the southernmost bend of the real Oued Mya, full of flowers, mostly yellow and pale lilac. We had not seen a butterfly since El-Golea, aud here we were greeted by numerous Pieris daplidice albidice and Luchloi JSalloui obsolescens, and twice we saw a Papilio machaon hospitonides, ouce also a Danais chrysippus, many Pyrameis cardui, and Colias croceus. On the 11th hundreds of Celerio lineata Uvornica were seen hawking about in the sun, and we secured a number of them. Of reptiles a black form of Uromastiv acanthinurus was found to be not rare, but difficult to catch among the rocks, and a few lizards and snakes were caught. All the surrounding heights are as bare as possible, without the slightest sign of vegetation, and all the game has to come down to the river-beds for food, There are only a few water-places, and they are not wells, but only “ tilmas,” /e. (14) water-holes in the sand of the river-bed, generally open, but sometimes covered up with 2 flat stone, or filled up with sand; when the sand is dug away for a foot or two the water soon fills up the hole, and thus, by and by, some amount of liquid is gained, and it is quite drinkable, being well filtered through the sand. During the six days in the Oued Mya region we camped twice on a “ tilmas ” with water, and we passed another on the way; but it would probably not be difficult to sink wells in other places along the river-beds. Now, during the second week of April, migrants passed through in great quantities. We observed and partly collected: Luscinia megarhyncha megarhyncha (once), several Oenanthe oenanthe oenanthe and oue O. 0. leucorrhoa, O. hispanica, Saxicola (Pratincola auct.) rubetra and rubicola, Phylloscopus collybita and trochilus, Phoenicurus phoenicurus, Sylvia curruca and cantillans, S. conspicillata (rare), Motacilla flava flava, Anthus trivialis and campestris, Calandrella brachy- dactyla (two flocks), Lanius senator (common), Chelidon rustica, Hirundo urbica, Riparia riparia, Upupa epops (a few), a flock of Merops apiaster, a single Quail. We also found numerous pellets and the remains of a Seops-owl (Ofus scops), showing that these birds must have passed through quite recently. Of mammals we caught a few smaller rodents, shot a new “ gundi” (Massoutiera harterti), and saw many traces of gazelles, Barbary-sheep, jackals, and—apparently—foxes, Hares were common, and we shot several. We also found the remains of a hedgehog-skin. Of resident birds only Ammomanes deserti mya and Ocenanthe (Savicola) leucopyga were more or less common and widespread, and two or three times single specimens or paiis of Mrythrospiza githaginea were observed. Falco biarmicus erlangeri nested on the cliffs, and eggs were taken; Buteo ferox cirtensis Was observed twice, a young Neophron, Ravens, and a single Milvus horschun were noticed, and on the way back a single Athene noctua saharae was shot. Very interesting moths were collected at night, bat some evenings were cold aud stormy, and once it rained for five minutes—hnge drops, not enough to refresh even the plants. The amount of verdure and flowers in the river-beds was due to heavy rains having fallen in December or Jannary, flooding the rivers to a great height, and making them impassable for caravans and post-riders. This state, however, lasted only a few days, and the water had not even reached the neigh- bourhood of Hassi Inifel (north-east of El-Golea), where Lieut. Maire-Sébille found no trace of rain and not a green leaf or blade in May, while in former times the waters must sometimes have rolled on northwards at least to south of Ouargla, where they were lost in the sand. Rolland (cf. his admirable works on the “ Hydrologie” and “Géologie du Sahara Algérien”) was probably the first to regard the Oued Rhir (extending from Tonggourt to the Chott Melrhir) as a continuation of the Oued Mya, which would then have been united with the Chott Melrhir by way of the Sebcha of Ouargla, the Sebcha Safroun, north of Ngoussa, the Chott Bardad, and the Chotts of Bledet-Ahmar, and Temassin. This theory has generally been accepted ; but it is, to me, difficult to imagine that enongh rain used to fall on the plateau of Tademait to send the waters up to Touggourt and farther, and the Oued Mya certainly drains only the Tademait. On the other hand, the Oued Igharghar comes from the massive of the Hoggar Mountains, and its waters were, | should think, rauch greater and more likely to extend to the Chott Melrhir, so that the Oued Rhir appears to be more likely a continuation of the Oued Igharghar than of the Oued Mya, which only drains the plateau of Tademait. (15) On the other hand, it must be remembered that the Tademait is an absolutely bare rocky plateau, the rain-water running off as from a table, and filling the aftluents of the Mya without much loss, so that one single torrential rain would send down incredible volumes of water to the Oued Mya. It is, of course, known that the alluvial and diluvial deposits of the northern Sahara have been transported there from the south, and not from the north.* The Atlas Mountains send their waters to the Mediterranean and not to the Sahara. What small rivers there are (like the Oued El-Kantara, later on called Oued Biskra and the Oued Djeddi) do not extend far to the south, On April 11 we left the last bend of the beautiful Oued Mya and ascended again a dry and bare hammada. After a loug and tedious march, during which we saw many camel skeletons (on this day we counted 102), we came to the end of the great platean of Tademait and descended into the gorge of Ain Guettara (Pl. VIIL). It was time that we came to a halt, as some of our camels had cut their feet on the sharp stones and were bleeding freely. This ravine is very picturesque, the cliffs are steep and rugged, the river-bed deep and full of boulders of various sizes. Generally it is very bare, but here and there some small flowering plants are seen, and small acacias grow sparingly along the valley. The famous well (Ain) is a smal] dribbling source, the water of which is collected in a basin, and a similar source is about a hundred yards away. A group of date-palms (Plate VII.) stands near the source—a welcome sight, for, with the exception of a solitary tree of its kind below Fort Miribel, we had not seen a palm since El-Golea. The French have made a fairly good road through the gorge, well marked with kilometre stones. Formerly the passage through it must have been formidable, and numerous skeletons of camels show that it was no child’s play. We camped two days in the gorge, but without much success. The first evening some moths and beetles were caught, but a heavy wind spoiled the second night. It came from the south, in gusts, hot as if out of an oven, and carried with it brown dust like powdered chocolate, which pervaded every- thing, and was, to my mind, worse than sand. A new form of “ eundi,” called Massoutiera harterti by Mr. Oldfield Thomas, is found in small numbers, and a huge Barbary-sheep looked down upon our camp from the highest rock on the first evening. Birds are scarce; of Passeres only Ammomanes deserti mya and Ocenanthe leucopyga breed in small numbers. We found several huge nests, but all were empty. No large birds were seen, but on our way home a pair of Buzzards (Buteo ferox cirtensis) were observed, and also a pair of Falco hiarmicus erlangeri—all, however, so shy that we could not shoot them. Traces of jackals were noticed, but traps were put out in vain. Of migrants, Swallows, Pipit, a Hoopoe, Sylvia conspicillata, Sylvia curruca, S. melanocephala (once), Lanius senator, and Phylloscopus collybita were noticed. On the 13th we left Ain Guettara, and after passing a long dreary hammada, entered a river-bed with numerous large acacias (“ talhas ”), reminding us of tropical African landscape (Pl. X.). A Wryneck was seen in one of the acacias. A Gazelle was viewed, but not obtained. Soon we were out of this valley again, and crossed a gravel-range with countless small spherical stones, like so many ancient gun-balls, but without vegetation, after which followed a river-bed of a new character: the “Oued el-Abiod” or “ White River,’ a frequent name in the Sahara. There is " A. Pomel, Le Sahara, 1872, Cf. Rolland, Gévlogie du Sahara, p. 08. ( 16 ) much sand in the Oued el-Abiod, but it appears to be recently blown over, and to rest on a basis of rock and gravel. The vegetation is peculiar: thick tufts of a large grass (probably an Andropogon), and here and there a Zizyphus. Here and everywhere in the south Grey Shrikes were absent, while Lanius excubitor elegans oceurs everywhere in the north where Zizyphus abounds. We found, however, an old nest in one of the bushes here, which might have been a Shrike’s nest. Here, on the sand of the river-bed, however, Alaemon alaudipes and Ammomanes phoenicurus arenicolor were seen and promptly shot. The night was once more a wild and unpleasant one ; a heavy gale was blowing, and we were covered with sand. Never- theless we caught a few moths in a sheltered depression, and among them a new species: Chilena hilgerti, of which a second specimen was caught in exactly the same spot a fortnight later. On April 14 we made the longest march of our journey: over 50 km., to Foggaret-es-Zona, the first of the Tidikelt oases. After leaving the river-bed we came upon a gravelly plain with many round stone-balls. At first we had to our right and Jeft many grotesquely shaped rocks and “ gour” (flat-topped hills), but they were soon left behind, and we came upon the barest and most hopelessly lifeless stretch ever seen. The plain appeared to be endless; far in the distance we saw the palms of Foggaret-es-Zoua, but they seemed to be as far after hours and hours as when we had first sighted them at eleven o’clock, and it was past five o’clock when we reached the houses. The village is not large, but the houses are peculiar, low, many of the better ones crenellated quite ornamentally; and the inhabitants wear mostly garments like the Touareg, though they are Arabs and other Berbers. The surroundings are very dreary, as rain has—apparently—not fallen to any extent for many years, the last twenty years having been exceedingly dry. Where Rohlfs, in 1864, saw much verdure and food for camels, and extensive thickets of “ Dhomran ” (Lraganum nudatum), we found no trace of green, but dead roots and twigs of bushes, said to have been “ Dhomran” by our Arabs. I dug several of these out, and found them dead to the roots. The evening was cool, but we were troubled by gnats, and could not sleep in the stuffy house which we had entered in order to save the mounting of our tent. At six o'clock the next morning we left Foggaret-es-Zona, and at eleven we reached the pretty little oasis of Igosten. To our left we saw almost all the time the palm-groves and houses of Foggaret-el-Arab, as it is now called. Roblfs was the first European who saw the oases of Tidikelt. He called the “ Fooearet-el-Arab” of to-day “ Fogura el-Arb” ; our Igosten of to-day he called Gusten or Igesten, and our Arabs also said generally “ Gosten,” never “ Igosten.” We found Igosten very interesting. According to Deporter (1890) the districts of Foggaret-es-Zoua and Igosten had 2,300 inhabitants, of whom 60 were Zenata (2.e. Berbers), 1,362 Arabs (of the tribes Onlad-Sidi-Bl-Hadj-Mohamed, Oulad-Sidi- Cheikh, Oulad-Yaich, Oulad-Zoummit, Oulad-Taleb-Ali, and Kel-Ahmellen *), 594 Harratin (descendants of freed slaves), 270 Negroes and 20 Touaregs. The Touareg, however, are not, as a rule, sedentary in Tidikelt, but come in great numbers in the autumn to buy dates and other necessaries ; the inhabitants are mostly clad like Touareg, veiled in dark blue-black robes, so that only the eyes and hands are visible, and many understand the language of the Touareg, the interesting ‘“ Tomashek.” * The latter said to be Touareg by Rohlfs, though they call themselves Arabs. (2) (17) We found a fairly comfortable, but stuffy, airless “ Bordj,” which we occupied. The keeper brought food for the camels, eggs, and dates. The village is half buried in sand, though on the crests of the dunes hedges of palm-leaves are erected, in order to stop the inroad of the sand. The palm-gardens are fairly extensive, and onions and gourds are grown in great numbers, also wheat, barley, cabbage, turnips, red pepper, and cotton, in small quantities. Phylloscopi, Muscicapa hypoleuca (atricapilla anct.), Oenanthe oenanthe, Hirundo urbica and rustica were common on passage ; a single female Tinnunculus was seen, and a White Stork which was very dirty and evidently ill. Only one bird was breeding freely: the grey-headed Sparrow. The nests were numerous in palm-trees. Of insects a common Cicindela was caught, some Lycaena, and a single Danais. - The inhabitants were kind, though some of them rather shy. A number of boys accompanied us, when we went out to collect, among them one of great beauty and noble figure; he was of a lighter colour than most of the others, who were mostly as black as negroes, and partly real Sudanese blacks. On April 16 we rode to In-Salah, where we were welcomed with the greatest cordiality and kindness by the Commandant, Captain Payn, and his officers. Two large rooms were given us in the fort, and we were happy to find letters from Europe and from Alger, from our wives, friends, and relations. The little fortress, “ Fort Bugeaud,” is picturesquely built of baked clay with roofs and rafters of palm-stems, and some distance from the villages. Only the French officers and “ sous-officiers,” and the native Saharians are stationed within the fort, and a sentry watches day and night from the watch-tower. The mess- rooms (the “ popotte”) with a library are situated outside, and in them we found a photo of Captain Haywood, who passed through In-Salah two years ago, on his journey from Timbuktu to Biskra, Most of the Arabs in In-Salah belong to the tribe of the Oulad-bu-Hama (Ouled-bu-Homo of Rohlfs); many are Mrabtin (Marabutin of Rohlfs), and a great number Hartani (descendants of slaves), and Negroes. A few Chaamba live also in the villages (Pl. X.). The houses are built as in Igosten, and the natives have a very wholesome respect of the Europeans ; sometimes even fear, and we found them always decent and willing to do little things for us, such as bringing in specimens, climbing trees, carrying cartridges, birds, ete. The gardens (PI. XI.) have no walls, but are separated by hedges of palm-leaves. Under the palms were grown many onions, very few figs and pomegranates, which are said to be small and often to dry up before they ripen, on account of the heat ; in the summer some Sorghum (millet), and in the winter wheat or barley are grown. Onions and red pepper are cultivated.* Here, as in Igosten, the Grey-headed Sparrow was numerous, nesting in the palms, and here and there on houses. Possibly Hippolais reiseri may breed here ; the males were singing freely, but their testicles were not yet much developed. A female Kestrel and a Stork were observed, but both were apparently remnants from the migration period. Of migrants many Phylloscopus trochilus, collybita and bonelli were seen, but they became strikingly rarer on the 19th, Turtur turtur arenicola, Jynx torquilla, Hirundo urbica and rustica, Merops apiaster, Lanius senator, Motacilla flava cinereocapilla, Oenanthe oenanthe oenanthe, Saxicola * Henna (Lawnsonia imermis) is apparently only grown in South Tonat, in the district of the Oued-el-Henna (Martin's Oasis Sahar, p. 308), 2 (18 ) (Pratincola auct.) rubetra, Muscicapa hypoleuca (atricapilla anct.), Luscinia megarhyncha. No butterflies were noticed, but a dragonfly was not uncommon in the officers’ gardens. During our stay in In-Salah the nights were mostly cool; once a heavy gale was blowing, and very few moths were noticed. Of beetles the common Anthia sexmaculata and many Tenebrionidae were frequent, and a number of rodents and reptiles were brought in. The water-ditches in the oasis were choke- full of a water-plant (Chara foetida var.) and two species of water-shells, Melania tuberculata Moller and Melanopsis dufourii Férussac, were common. A frog, a new form of Rana esculenta, the same as in El-Golea, was very numerous ; it had, at that time, half-grown tadpoles. Although very little rain had fallen for a long time in the neighbourhood, the sebcha of In-Salah still contained some water. Nearly all the water, at least all the drinkable water, is got from the “ Foggaras.” The palm groves are always on or near some sebcha—except where, as in El-Oued, the roots of the palms, which are planted in holes, reach to the moist layer under the sand, and grow without irrigation. The sebcha-water, however, is not drinkable, and it became therefore necessary to get other water, There either being no wholesome water, or the latter too deep, water found four to six metres deep is tapped, and brought to where it is required by long subterranean aqueducts, the “Foggaras.” They are often many miles long, and their way is shown by numerous covered openings and wells. These galleries drain the water throughout their courses, and end generally in the palm groves, which they irrigate. Sometimes huge subterranean chambers are excavated, where numbers of people can assemble, The Foggaras are a cause of constant anxiety, being watched, repaired and enlarged ; but, what is rather disquieting, the volumes of water obtained from them have considerably diminished of late. The Arabs claim to be the originators of this unique system of irrigation, but it is more likely that Berbers or Jews are the inventors, as the Arab, noble and gentlemanlike as he may be, has never been much of an inventor, and Berbers and Jews, with the help of Negroes, have been and are now the workmen of the Sahara. It is impossible to say how much influence the early Jewish immigration into the West Saharan oases has had on the country. It appears, however, to be certain that in olden times, apparently after the destruction of the Temple by Titus, Jews poured into the Cyrenaica, and thence penetrated into the Sahara, where they founded colonies, making the Negroes (and probably Berbers) work for them. They seem to have even converted (in the northern Sahara) some Berbers to their religion; but later on, in 1492—/7.e. long after the Arab immigration and the islamisation of the Sahara—the synagogue in Tamentit (Touat) was destroyed and nearly all the Jews were killed, unless they embraced the Mohammedan religion, which was done by many; these latter, the islamised Jews, are the present “ Mehadjeria.” They are still found in small numbers in Touat and Gonrara, and even in the north in Touggourt and the Oued R’hir, but there are said to be none in Tidikelt. (See A. G. P. Martin, Les Oasis Sahariennes, 1908.) The principal food of the inhabitants is the date ; in the summer, when dates become rare, wheat and barley, and in the winter millet (Sorghum) is grown. Meat is not eaten regularly, but only on festivals. It may be imagined what a failure of the date crop may mean, when it happens, as it has happened this year, that the dates ( 19) fell off before they were ripe, on account of the exceptional summer heat. ‘Two meals are eaten, one in the morning, mostly consisting of dates, one in the evening, consisting of “ couscous” and bread. The houses are small and dark, but in the summer they are hardly inhabited at all, all life being spent in the open and on the flat housetops. It is said that probably more than half the houses would tumble down if a heavy rainfall, as in olden times, took place, and therefore the Tidikeltians hate the idea of a heavy rain. Of domestic animals the only one of the greatest importance and necessity is the camel. Tidikelt camels are excellent, and especially their mehari (riding- camels) are famous. Sheep and goats are kept, and a very few donkeys. Horses are not reared now, and the few in the hands of French officers and Kaids have been bronght there with great cost from the north, and do not seem to propagate.* Fowls are kept in some numbers, but are very small, their eggs hardly larger than pigeons’ eggs. I was surprised to notice no dogs, while in the northern desert every household has a dog. The question arose for us: Where to go from In-Salah—which way to return northwards? I had hoped to make a trip into the mountains of Monidir, outlying hills of the great zoologically unknown mountain-ranges of the Hoggar or Ahaggar, the stronghold of the Touaregs. There would have been no difficulty from the point of safety, but we decided not to do it. All round In-Salah everything was dry and dead. Where Roblfs, in 1864, found everything green, and constantly talks of ‘‘ Dhomran-forests” (a most misleading expression, as Dhomran grows only to a height of two or three feet at the very utmost!), all around and far eastwards of Tidikelt not a single green plant is seen at present. It is certain (from informations of Arabs and French officers) that at present 100 kilometres south and east of In-Salah not a green leaf exists outside the oasis, and that to the south no pasturage to speak of can be found nearer than 150 kilometres. Mouidir itself is very dry, and it cannot be expected that the animal life there differs appreciably from that of the mountains near Ain Guettara, etc. Therefore a hurried trip to Mouidir, at that time, which might have endangered the lives of our camels, seemed to be of very little use at all. It would have been different if we could have gone into the great Hoggar mountains ; but this was not possible, as neither Mr. Hilgert nor I could stay away so long. Also the journey to Timbuktu was out of the question, because from Timbuktu it would have taken us a long time to reach Europe again, and the expenses (the return of our men) would not have been in proportion to the undertaking. The country south of Tidikelt, especially the Tanezrouft, is exceedingly bare and lifeless, and at Timbuktu itself, which must be very interesting, we could not have stayed long enough to do any proper work. We therefore decided, after some excursions in the near neighbourhood and oases, to return to El-Golea, and to go thence to Ghardaia. Thus we avoided the uninviting, toilsome way from El-Golea to Ouargla, and the (in summer) very unhealthy oasis of Ouargla. While at In-Salah we had a pleasant surprise through the return of Captain Charlet from Rhat, on the frontier of Tripolitania. Captain Charlet had made the journey to Rhat and back, on mehari, and was received by the kaids and people of In-Salah, and the soldiery. In the evening Camp Bugeand was en /éte. * Formerly horses were numerous, and their disappearance has probably two causes: the shifting of the commerce since the French occupation, and the drought of the last twenty years, ( 20 ) There were theatricals (the sous-officiers being the actors), tombola, music, and refreshments in the house of the Commandant, Monsicur Payn. Such a night, in the middle of the Sahara, will never be forgotten by any one who was present. Besides the French officers and sous-officiers there is a white trader, or rather a firm of three partners, in In-Salah. One of them, Monsieur Brand, is a great traveller, having visited Air (Asben) and Kano. It was most interesting to me to hear of Kano of to-day. When IJ was there, in 1885, few Europeans had ever seen it, and the journey there was a dangerous undertaking ; but now a railway goes to Kano from Lagos on the coast, and at Air is a French post! No tropical animals occur in Tidikelt; the Hoggar Monntains, from all informations received, are palaearctic, the plateau of Tanezronft and Afelele bare and lifeless; therefore the tropical fauna can only begin south of the 20th degree, near Air and the northern bend of the Niger. That Air is quite tropical is beyond doubt. Barth described northern Air (Tidik) as rich in tropical plants, the valley of Unin full of luxuriant vegetation, with palms and Talhas (acacias) covered with parasites; the inhabitants kept numerous camels, horses, donkeys, goats, and also cattle ; while ostriches, lions, and giraffes were found, and numerous birds, herds of monkeys, and masses of butterflies were observed near Agades (southern Air). Mr. Brand assured me that Air abounded in brilliantly coloured and glossy birds, in lions and gazelles. Ostriches, he said, were not found nowadays nearer than Damerghu, half-way between Air and Kano. Touaregs, as I have said before, visit Tidikelt in the autumn and winter in numbers. A fine Touareg, with a huge shield and spear, came on a mehari while we were in In-Salah, but left again the same day. On April 23 we left our hospitable friends, accompanied by some of the officers on horseback, and went as far as Igosten, The way is over hard gravel- soil, with a thin layer of sand recently blown over, and grotesquely shaped hills of hardened soil as ‘ witnesses,” as the Arabs call them (chehood), of former times; evidently the harder portions have remained as hills and heaps, while the softer soil and sand has been blown (and perhaps partly washed) away (PI. LX. upper photo), In Igosten we caught some Lycaenidae (Zizera lysimon) and a Cicindela in numbers. No other butterflies were seen, and of beetles, besides the Cicindela, almost only Tenebrionidae. Frogs were as common as in In-Salah. Migrants were still numerous, and we noticed three Turtur turtur arenicola, one Caprimulgus europaeus, a number of Phylloscopus trochilus, Hirundo urbica and rustica (the latter very numerous), Sylvia curruca, Anthus trivialis. The next day we travelled 35 km., leaving Foggaret-es-Zoua to our right, and camped in the barest possible spot, where no live plant was seen, thongh dead Dhomran abounded. In the dead branches of the Dhomran (though I doubt if all had been “ Dhomran”) a peculiar beetle was collected, and in the evening two Pyralids came to the lamp. The night was cool, the temperature in the early morning only 6° C. Next day we marched to our old camp in the bed of the Oued el-Abiodh, where “ Drin” and other grasses abounded. Chelidon rustica, Turtur turtur arenicola, a Phylloscopus, and Phoenicurus phoenicurus were observed. On April 27 we reached Ain Guettara again, where we camped two days. Here we came once more across two rare birds: Ammmomanes deserti mya and ( 21 ) Oenanthe leucopyga. There were signs of slight rain having fallen during our absence. We both went out, in various directions, for long hours, to stalk gazelles or Barbary-sheep, but only Hilgert saw game, and shot a buck of Gazella isabella. The 27th was a dull day, the sun not coming through before late in the afternoon, and next morning we had some short, rain-showers, though only a few large drops each time, not enough to moisten the surface of the ground; but towards the evening a heavy gale set in. The long stalk was, in spite of the negative results, very interesting. I ascended the highest peaks, and found the wildest possible landscape to the south-west, enormous cliffs and deep gorges, and one might have fancied oneself in a big mountain range, above the forest belt, when a thick mist hung over the country in the early morning. The stones are so sharp that one day’s walk may hopelessly spoil a pair of boots. The river-beds at the foot of the cliffs on the eastern side contained Zizyphus-bushes, those on the western side acacias. No resident Passerine birds were seen in these silent, beautiful oueds, except the Ammomanes and rarely a pair of the O¢enanthe, but of migrants Motacilla flava thunbergi, Muscicapa hypoleuca hypoleuca (atricapilla auct.), Phylloscopus collybita, Chelidon rustica, and Turtur turtur (probably arenicola) were observed. On the following day we entered once more the interesting Southern Oued Mya region. There were, however, now Jess flowers and verdure, as many plants had ripe seeds and were dried up. Besides, unfortunately, nomads with goats and camels had been there, and much of the small vegetation had been destroyed by them. The Celerio lineata livornica as well as its caterpillars had disappeared, and Pieridae were less numerous, though a species new to us, Pieris glauconome, was caught, and a new Melitaea, which we at once recognised as being smaller and paler than Jf. didyma deserticola from the northern Sahara. The first example was seen and caught on April 30th. What surprised us was the number of migratory birds that were still about, such as [Hippolais pallida opaca, reiseri and polyglotta, Phylloscopus bonelli and trochilus, Phenicurus phenicurus, Motacilla flava thunbergi, Chelidon rustica, Riparia, Anthus, Lanius senator and others, and more about this will be said in the ornithological chapter. The nights were as cold as two months ago, and on May 1 we had a minimum of +-4°C., while at midday the shade temperature rose to 33°. The following night, however, was the last cold night, and after this the temperature never fell below 12° to 15°. In the Oued Mya region the Barbary-sheep is common. We saw many traces, and succeeded in shooting a good adult male, not far from Tilmas Djilrhempt. On May 7 we reached Fort Miribel, passing over the barest stony stretches imaginable. Terrible and bad for the camels’ feet as the hammada may be, there is, after all, sometimes a little vegetation in certain deep ravines off the caravan routes. I have no doubt that even the worst hammada would bring forth a bit of verdure here and there if mild rains existed; but rain is exceedingly scarce, and when it comes it falls in torrents and for a short time, so that the water rushes over the rocks down to the river-beds in an incredibly short time. We were disappointed with our results on the lamps. Besides a few species of Pyrals which occurred in great numbers, we caught rather few Macrolepidoptera, and a good many of those were much worn, Beetles were, however, much more numerous than a month ago. Rather disquieting was the great number of the poisonous Horned Viper, ( 22 Cerastes cornutus, which at that time seemed to live entirely on birds—viz. Motacilla flava thunbergi and Phylloscopi. On May 12 we camped again in the pretty valley of Okseibat, near El-Golea, Here, as elsewhere, we were struck with the great number of migrants. We still observed: Caprimulgus ruficollis desertorum, Sylria hortensis hortensis (orphea auct.!), Hippolais polyglotta, Muscicapa striata, Saxicola (Pratincola auct.) rubetra, Phylloscopus, Oriolus oriolus, Chelidon rustica, Hirundo urbica, Riparia riparia, and Motacilla flava thunbergi. All these birds were undoubtedly still on migration. Ina bush of Nitraria tridentata we found a nest with young of Passer simplex. On May 14 we entered once more the little Paradise of El-Golea, and took up our old quarters in the house of our friend Lieut. Maire-Sébille. The gardens were full of apricots and mulberries, and a few figs (rather dry) and peaches were also ripe. Needless to say, we enjoyed them more than was good for us, and still more, perhaps, the lovely swimming-bath under the fruit-laden trees in the officers’ gardens. The gardens were still full of birds of passage. The Scops-owls had left, though a single pair or two had remained, evidently to breed. Turtledoves, Flycatchers, Whinchats, [ippolais opaca, Sylvia hortensis (orphea anct.), Lanius collurio and senator, Orioles, Phoenicurus phoenicurus, Sylvia communis (cinerea auct.), Sylvia borin, all three Swallows, Phylloscopus sibilatrix, Muscicapa collaris, Motacilla flava thunbergi, Caprimulgqus ruficollis desertorum, C. europaeus meridio- nalis, Tringa (Totanus anct.) hypoleuca, stagnatilis, ocrophus, Ardetta minuta, Nycticorax nycticorax, Glareola pratincola, Hydrochelidon leucoptera, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. All these birds were certainly on migration, but the following species might have been breeding : Agrobates galactotes—not rare, lustily singing, but no nest found ; //ippolais reiseri—behaved as if they were at home, and as they certainly breed in Tonggourt might have been breeding here as well; Fulica atra—seen on the lake, according to the officers staying all the year round; Cireus aeruginosus—a pair seen on the lake; Acrocephalus streperus—common in the reeds ; undoubtedly too early for eggs, testicles and ovaries not very much developed ; possibly breeding, but we are inclined to doubt whether any of these birds nest at Hl-Golea, except Fulica atra—and of that we have no proof. Even in the case of Agrobates and FHippolais reser? it is doubtful, and in spite of all our searching we never saw an old nest, except of Sparrows, which are exceedingly numerons. On May 18 we left El-Golea for Ghardaia, accompanied for some distance by our kind host and the garrison doctor. It was hot, the thermometer showing a maximum of at least 45° in the shade. We camped in a sandy plain, with stones and patches of bare rock, the vegetation being fairly rich and of the type peculiar to the sandy districts, but without bushes. The “ Muka” (Alaemon alaudipes) was common, and we found a nest with two fresh eggs. On the following day we marched to the well-kept Bordj of El-Khona, where we had a great pleasure. Under the roof nested a pair of Passer simplex saharae, and we took from the nest five almost fresh eggs. Here began Euphorbia guyoniuna, and on the first plants seen were caterpillars of Celerio euphorbiae deserticola. Some twenty kilometres after El-Golea the country began to look pleasanter ; smooth, almost glossy white rocky ground was covered with sand, generally thinly, but sometimes as thick as four metres, and Graminaceae as well as Retama raetam abounded, In places the country reminded me of the “Hauts Plateaux,” though ( 28 ) Halfa was of cdarse absent. Traces of Bustards and Fennecs were seen, but we searched for them in vain. It seems to me that the original inhabitants of the hammada have been driven away by the sand, while the real fauna of the “ Ere” (sand-dunes) has not yet settled here, and that this is the reason for the scarcity of life in this, apparently, charming district. According to our guide, Abd-el-Kader, there was hardly any sand here some eleven years ago, and the state of the tele- graph, which connects Ghardaia with El Golea, where it ends (some posts being buried in sand almost to the top, so that in one place the wire was enveloped), and the obvious recent alteration of the road in some places, speak for Abd-el-Kader’s statement, who was several times at his wit’s end and did not know where to go ; but there was, of course, no possibility of losing our way long, as there was generally a visible road with kilometre stones and we had the telegraph to go by. The latter is a fine piece of engineering, the wire sometimes being spanned over valleys, hanging in the air in great bends, I believe sometimes 300 to 400 metres in one line. Passer simplex saharae is not rare, and it mostly nests in the “ Giniras” (7.e. stone-heaps like little pyramids, erected as landmarks by which to find the wity), though in other places it nests in bushes. We had to cross some high dunes, but all had a base of solid rock. Here and there high cliffs were passed, and Buteo ferox cirtensis as well as Falco biarmicus erlangeri had nests with young on these rocks. Almost all the way to Ghardaia well-built Bordjs are found every 25 to 30 kilo- metres—well kept, clean, and new. They are a great comfort in the winter and when a sandstorm blows, and in most of them simple Arab food can be obtained from the keeper ; in the summer, however, they become so hot that one generally prefers to sleep outside, as the walls, on which the sun has been shining for more than twelve hours, emit such a heat that one cannot sleep, while the air outside is lovely, and gnats do not exist. Good water is found in most, though not all, of these stations. On May 22, between Hassi Zirara and Oued Saadana, Sylra deserti was found in full song, and a nest with eggs, covered with sand, was found. Ocnanthe (Saxicola) lugens halophila, our old friend from the northern desert, appeared again; Mrythrospiza githaginea, Ammomanes phoenicurus arenicolor, and A. deserts algeriensis occurred ; Alaemon alaudipes was not rare. Vegetation in most places was rich and interesting, but now and then stretches of bare hammada were crossed and quite bare valleys with fine mealy sand, where marching was very toilsome. We had now unbroken sunshine from morning till evening, but we did not find it too hot in the open, while during the last two days in El-Golea, and the first days after that place, the sky was overcast and the air close and very unpleasant. Before Oued Saadana Gazella leptoceros lodert was frequently seen; Passer simplex saharae had nests in most of the “Gmiras.” Between Oued Saadana and Bl-Hadadra oueds with much vegetation and large Zizyphus bushes occur, and in the latter Lanins excubitor elegans reappeared, Vegetation became still richer: in crevices in the rocks grew Capparis spinosa, var. ovata, with its fragrant flowers, and /aemia cordata; coloquints were common on the sand and now had numerous yellow blossoms ; and close to El-Hadadra a large and very thick bush, which we had never seen before, appeared in great numbers : Periploea laevigata, which reaches here probably its southernmost limit, (24) Butterflies became numerous in suitable river-beds: Melitaea didyma harterti, Utetheisa pulchella (a moth), and Tarucus theophrastus were common on the spiny bushes of the Zizyphus, which were now covered with their yellow, sticky little flowers, and a “ White” (Pieris daplidice albidice) was quite plentiful. On the 24th we caught 70 butterflies, all of four species: the Pieris, Tarucus, Melitaea, and Papilio machaon hospitonides. Migratory birds were still about: on May 24th Chelidon rustica, Muscicapa striata, and two yellow Wagtails were seen. One after the other of the birds inhabiting the northern Sahara turned up again: Crateropus fuleous Sulcus and Cursorius, north of El-Hadadra, on the 24th ; Galerida theklae carolinae, Caccabis petrosa spatzi, between Oued el-Abiodh and Bordj Gaa, on the 25th; Columba livia and Circaetus gallicus, near Sebseb, on the 26th; Turtur senegalensis aegyptiacus, at Metlili, on the 27th. On Whit Sunday (26th) we camped in the Bordj of Sebseb, a small oasis, founded by Chaamba about a generation ago. Of migrants, Chelidon rustica, Muscicapa striata, Sylvia communis, Lanius senator, and Motacilla flava thunbergi were observed, Sylvia nana deserti was common, and sang lustily in the bushes on the sand-dunes near by, but no nest could be found. On the 27th we passed the extensive and rich oasis of Metlili, and camped in an oned 244 km. from Ghardaia. Round the camp dead /elix candidissima were found. Metlili was originally founded by the Beni Mzab, but it is now chiefly inhabited by Chaamba. Here and in Sebseb the wells are built and worked as in Ghardaia, and there are as many old dry wells as new ones in use. On the 28th we entered Ghardaia, coming over a rather bare stony plateau. Wonderful is the view of Beni Isguen and the whole Mzab valley from those heights. We stopped in Ghardaia until June 2. In the little hotel—very good, except for certain sanitary arrangements—it was sometimes quite gay, A Dutch painter was staying there, Professor Surcouf from the Paris Museum with his wife and a friend came for a couple of days by automobile, and another auto visited the place. Nearly every day a diligence left for Laghonat ; we received and wrote letters, Of birds we observed: One single Milvus horschun, one single Neophron, Faleo tinnunculus, with eggs and young, in the ruins of the old Berber fortress above the slaughterhouses, Turtur senegalensis aegyptiacus, and Turtur turtur arenicola in plenty; a few Corvus corax umbrinus, Lanius excubitor elegans, Crateropus, Grey-headed Sparrows, Ammomanes deserti algeriensis, Oenanthe (Saxri- cola) leucopyga, Emberiza striolata sahari, Athene, all undoubtedly nesting. Koenig's statement of the (common) occurrence of Goldfinches must be erroneous ; anyhow, it is not found at Ghardaia at the nesting season. Of butterflies Teracolus nouna was common, but many were already much worn; Papilio machaon hospitonides, Pieris daplidice albidice, Tarucus, and Melituea were caught, but we searched in vain for Luchlod. On June 2 we left Ghardaia, marching on the route of Professor Koenig, of 1893, towards Touggourt. Ghardaia had been very hot, and we quite enjoyed the first night in camp, 26 km. east of Ghardaia, with a minimum of 16° 0. We had a few large drops of rain in the evening, and saw lightning over Ghardaia, where we had had very little sun—a rather unusual thing at that time of the year, when the sunshine is mostly unbroken throughout the day. ( 25 ) On the march we saw Evremophila (Otocorys auct.) bilopha, both the common Ammomanes, Caccabis petrosa spatzi, one Gyps fulcus, and a solitary Swallow. On the 3rd we reached the Hassi Rebib, on the Oued Nea. The valley of that river is very beautiful, full of Zizyphus, Retam, and gigantic Terebinth-trees, Pistacia atlantica, the “ Betoum” of the Arabs, At Hassi Rebib is a cistern and a well, nearly a hundred metres deep, with drinkable water. A rich ornis is found here, as described by Koenig nearly twenty years ago. (ralerida theklae carolinae, Cursorius, Caccabis, Merops persicus chrysocercus, aud apiaster, Agrobates galactotes, Crateropus and Lanius were common ; Corvus corax umbrinus, Falco biarmicus erlangeri, Circaetus gallicus, Caprimulgus aegyptius saharae, Otus scops scops, and Athene were shot. The commonest bird was certainly the Crateropus. Hares were quite common in the river-bed. Here, on June 4 and 5, and at Guerrara on the 6th, migrants were still observed in some numbers, and for the last time; the reason for this, however, may be the eminently suitable place—viz. a fertile plain with water, trees, and many insects, and very few enemies. It is, therefore, by no means probable that June 5 and 6 were the last days when migrants stayed here; on the contrary, I believe that some of them lingered here still longer, and most likely some of them did not breed this year and stayed behind in Africa altogether. The following undoubted migrants were observed : Muscicapa striata several times ; Phoenicurus phoenicurus, a single female, probably not quite fit; Lanius senator, a single male; Motacilla flava thunbergi, a single female, quite tame ; Hirundo urbica and Chelidon rustica, several of each round the wells. In Guerrara, on the 6th, Swallows, Martins, and the northern Yellow Wagtail (Jf f. thunbergi) were noticed. : We saw no butterflies except the Twrucus theophrastus, and, though we caught a fair number on our lamp, we were rather disappointed in the Heterocera. Small beetles came in masses to the light. The smaller vegetation was mostly “ passée,” hardly any small flowers being found, though Pistacia, Retama and Zizyphus were in bloom. Probably the Oued Nea would be a remarkable place for moths a little earlier in the year, and again in the autumn, supposing the year to be a normal one. On the 6th we travelled as far as Guerrara, the last M’zabite town, all of which we had now seen. We got fairly comfortable quarters at a house belonging to the Kaid, though they were not free from Pediculus vestimenti. In the evening we were invited by the Khalifa of Guerrara, who entertained us in the absence of the Kaid. We ate the best Arab dinner I have ever tasted—soup, “ couscous,” vegetables, sweets—and I enjoyed very much the company of the noble-looking, courteous, and tactful Khalifa and the “instituteur” (schoolmaster), a typical M’zabite, but highly educated, talking very good French, and being full of advanced and tolerant views. Guerrara is a very picturesque town on a hill, surrounded by a wall, and with extensive palm groves. West of it is a large sebcha, which was now quite dry. The inhabitants are mostly Beni Mzab. The water is not very good. I found the gardens rather uninteresting—mostly nothing but palms, some pome- granates and figs, very few vines. here were in the gardeus—doubtless all nesting—Turtur turtur arenicola, Turtur senegalensis aegyptivcus, Upupa epops, Kestrels, Grey-headed Sparrows, Lanius excubitor elegans. Over the town, in the evening, two Swifts were seen, and on a house Oenanthe leucopyga. ( 26 ) Next morning Apus murinus brehmorum was shot among the rocks east of the town, where they nested, together with Oenanthe leucopyga. We travelled to the well of Sidi-Mahmond, which, however, has very bad, brackish water, hardly drinkable, and better avoided. On a sort of platean, near some stony hills, where the soil was sandy but covered with many flat stones, Hremophila (Otocorys) bilopha and Rhamphocorys clot-bey were encountered, and we were able to collect: young in first plumage of both. On the 8th we reached the great sand-plain of El-Arich, where we camped in a lovely place, without water. It is all sand (but no dunes), with large bushes of Retama raetam, Drin (Aristida pungens), Dhomran (Traganum nudatum), and many other plants. This place is a real El-Dorado for an ornithologist, Sylvia nana deserti, Scotocerca inquieta saharae, Alaemon alaudipes, Ammomanes phoenicurus arenicolor, Galerida theklae deichleri, Caprimulqus aegyptius saharae, Cursorius being common. Unfortunately, however, it was too late for us: they all had young, and the old birds had such a worn plumage that they were of little use for comparison. We found many nests of Sylvia nana deserti, bat all empty, the young flown out, or with naked young ; in one nest, however, two addled eggs were found with two young birds. The number of eggs is three to four. A rare lizard, Agama tournevillei, was common, and replaced the ordinary Agama inermis of the hammada. A large Buprestid beetle, Julodis deserticola, was common on the Retam, and so were cases with nearly full-grown cater- pillars of Amycto murina mauretanica. Under the circumstances we did not stay more than a night, and proceeded to El-Alia, a little oasis among low sand- dunes, at the foot of some stony hills. It reminded us a good deal of El-Oned, with its palm groves and village, half buried in the sand, but some large, fine buildings were visible in the distance, the seat of a rich “ Marabu,” the successor of the hundred-year-old Marabu who died some fifteen years ago. A hot and strong south wind was blowing, and we had an anxious night, our tent hardly ~ withstanding the force of the gale. Apus murinus brehmorum and Passer simplex saharae were observed. The palms are here grown in a peculiar manner, being planted each in its own deep hole, so as to reach down to moist soil. In the morning the Marabu sent us coffee, milk, and little cakes, with kind wishes for the journey. After crossing some dunes we came into a long and uninteresting sebcha, then again into sand with enormous bushes of Limoniastrum ; and here, in the middle of sand and nothing but sand, Ammomanes phoenicurus arenicolor, which is generally a bird of the hammada if not too barren, was common, side by side with Galerida thehklae deichleri and Caprimulqus aegyptius saharae. We camped at a well called “Hassi Dinar,” with a small quantity of very bad, brackish water, and had another night of sirocco, the sand, of course, blowing thickly through the air. On the 11th we reached Bledet-Ahmar, but we came from the west and did not see our former camping-place. We occupied some forsaken buildings on top of a hill, said to be the property of a Sheikh. Near the village was still a large sheet of water where Charadrius alexandrinus were common, old with full-grown young. On the 12th we entered Touggourt, passing through slippery sebcha and through the town of Temacin, where we saw, for the first time since leaving Ouargla, Red-headed Sparrows, (27) In Tonggourt we stopped only two days. We found that nobody wanted camels, so we left them in charge of Monsieur Henry Chazelles, to be sold in December, and we took the diligence to Biskra, sending the caravan on in charge of the trustworthy Ahmed-ben-Naili. While at Touggourt it struck me as remarkable that there were hardly more flies than four months ago, and certainly much fewer than in April 1909, when we were told, that what we saw was nothing compared with the plague of flies in autumn. We were now informed that the flies diminish greatly in the summer, but only to come out in renewed force in September and October. This seems to be a parallel case to that of the irritating sand-flies, Leptoconops hert’sxi, which were a serious plague in Ourir in February, while not a single one was noticed there in June. Flies are, of course, numerous in the Sahara, to such an extent that in many oases, at certain times, one cannot live in peace during the daytime, except in perfectly darkened rooms. They are, naturally, most plentiful in the oases, but there are also plenty near wells and old resting-places, and they travel with the caravans in great swarms, many perishing and being blown away by the wind on the march, until new ones are picked up in another oasis. While I was occupied with paying off most of our men, and other business matters, I sent Hilgert to explore the oasis, and he observed the following birds breeding among the palms, and no others: Turtur turtur arenicola, Turtur senegalensis aegyptius, Falco tinnunculus, Lanius excubitor elegans, Hippolais reiseri, Sparrows, and, on houses, Chelidon rustica in small numbers. The diligence took us to Mraier, where we stayed most of the day, observing in the oasis both species of Turtledoves, Hippolais reiseri, and Sparrows. During the second night we drove to Biskra, seeing a number of Caprimulgus aegyptius in the dusk and early morning. It began to dawn when we changed horses, for the last time, at Bordj Saada, and the most glorious sunrise ever seen— the sun coming up over the Djebel Amarkhaddou in the east and colouring with ever-changing tints the sky and the range of the Djebel bou-Ghezal in the west— ushered us into dear old Biskra, where we found comfortable quarters in the “ Hotel des Zibans,” most of the other hotels being closed in June. We took pains to find out which birds actually remained to breed in Biskra, and for this purpose we made several excursions into the oasis and gardens, as formerly we had never stayed late enough to be quite sure. We found the following species only nesting in Biskra: both species of Turtledoves ; Kestrels ; Otus scops, and (on the river-banks) Athene noctua saharae ; Apus murinus brehmorum—sometimes seen in great numbers, though we did not find a breeding- place; Sparrows in very great numbers; Carduelis carduclis africana fairly ‘ommon, but not in very great numbers ; Zurdus merula mauretanicus ; Parus caeruleus ultramarinus, not rare; [Hippolais reiser, by no means rare. Serdnus was absent, though we saw it commonly in winter. It is evidently only a winter yisitor, and breeds farther north. On the 20th we bade adieu to Biskra, on the next morning arrived in Alger, and on June 27 I reached Old England and Tring, my home. AHI MAMMALS. By OLDFIELD THOMAS. (Published by permission of the Trustees of the British Museum.) Tus collection was made by Dr. Hartert and Mr. Hilgert during an expedition southwards to Tidikelt, in the centre of the Western Sahara, a region hitherto entirely uncollected, at least so far as Mammals are concerned. Considering the difficulties of the country and the fact that Birds and Insects were their chief object, the collection of mammals is of remarkable extent, and gives a good idea of the Fauna of the country. This proves, however, to be disappointingly similar to that of the Northern Sahara, only one mammal, the Gundi, being distinct enough to need description as new. ‘The others are all known desert animals, some described by Lataste from the region between Biskra and Ghardaia, and others wide-ranging forms extending even into Egypt. No sign of av admixture of Ethiopian forms occurs in the collection, the animals being all typical N. African species, only differing—when they differ at all —from their Algerian relatives by their greater adaptation to a desert life—this adaptation being generally in paler colour and larger ears. Mention has here also been made of a few species collected in former years by the Hon. Walter Rothschild and Dr. Hartert in Algeria. Mr. Rothschild has been good enough to present to the National Museum most of the animals collected, and these form a most valuable accession to the Museum, which had not previously possessed any mammals from the Sahara south of Biskra, 1. Asellia tridens Geoff. 3 41, 2 42; El-Golea. (Also some in spirits.) Paler than ordinary Egyptian specimens of A. tridens, but equalled in this respect, by a few exceptional individuals from that country. [Many hundreds of this bat were found in one of the semi-subterranean for- saken houses among the ruins of the ancient Zenata fortress on the hill above El- Golea. This was the only place where we met with the species.—H. H. | 2. Plecotus christiei (ray. ? 22; Oumash, near Biskra. (W. Rothschild and E. Hartert.) Agrees with Egyptian specimens in the size of the bullae, which are far larger than in the European P. auritus. 3. Pipistrellus kuhli Kuhl. 34; El-Golea. 6 45, 46, 47; 50 km. south of Ghardaia, Specimens of this common bat were also obtained at El-Kantara and Biskra. [These Bats sleep in houses, and begin to fly about fairly early. We found them very common at El-Kantara and Biskra as well as in #l-Golea, also in the Bord] of the little oasis of Sebseb, 5U km. south of Ghardaia.—E. H.] (29 ) 4, Myotis oxygnathus Monticelli. 37,28; Djebel Taya, N. Algeria. February 1911. (Also some in spirits.) (W. Rothschild and E. Hartert.) It is probable that all specimens from N. Africa hitherto referred to M. myotis (Vespertilio murinus of Dobson and earlier authors) are really referable to the smaller species described from 8. Italy by Monticelli, [This Bat inhabits a side-chamber of the great cave on Mount Taya, east of Constantine. This is the Bat mentioned by Kobelt, Reiseerinnerungen aus Algerien und Tunis, p. 285, which Herr you Berlepsch “had recognised as a new species, but not yet—in 1885—described.” Doubtless this was an erroneous statement, for “ Herr von Berlepsch” (¢.e. Freiherr Hans von Berlepsch, who was at that time staying at Hammam Meskontine), had no knowledge of Bats, and conld never have intended to describe it.—H. H. | 5. Fennecus zerda Zimm. 25; 27 km. south of El-Golea. Agrees closely with a specimen from the Natron Valley, N. Egypt, except that the bullae are smaller. Another specimen from Algeria in the Musenm collection, however, has the same large bullae as Egyptian examples, so that this character would seem to be variable. [The Fennec is entirely restricted to the sandy desert, and especially to the dunes, where they are not entirely without vegetation. It does uot seem to occur near Biskra, or anywhere north of Touggourt. We have seen the traces as far south as the Ere between Hassi Meksa and Oued Saret. Near In-Salah it does not seem to exist, although there is plenty of sand. It seems to be fond of beetles.—E. H.] 6. Gerbillus pyramidum F. Cuy. ? 14; Igosten, near In-Salah. 3 19, 21, 2 20, 22, 23, 28, 29; In Salah. Very much like the brighter coloured of the Egyptian specimens in the Museum, but not so bright as those from Tripoli which formed the basis of my G. pyramidium tarabuli. [These little beasts were brought in in numbers by boys, who obtained them in the “ gardens,” or better palm-groves of the oasis.—K. H. ] 7, Gerbillus gerbillus Oliv. % 6; 27 km, south of El-Golea. 3 16; In-Salah. 3 32, ? 31; Oued el-Abiodh, near In-Salah. 3 38; 30 km. south of Fort Miribel. Quite like typical Egyptian G. gerbillus. 8. Dipodillus campestris roszikae Thos. 3 15, 16, 24; Chetma, near Biskra. (W. Rothschild and E, Hartert.) 3 3, % 43; El-Golea. 3 8,9; Fort Miribel, 138 km. south of El-Golea. 3 15; Igosten, near In-Salah. 3 17, 18, $ 24, 25, 26, 27; In-Salah. ( 30 ) The specimens of this group from the Algerian Sahara are less vividly buffy than those from Tripoli which I named D. dodsoni, but I think that they will be fonnd to grade into each other. The majority are also smaller than D. dodsoni, but No. 8 from Fort Miribel is as large as most Tripolitan specimens. [This form was first described from specimens brought in by Arabs at Biskra in 1908, where at that time Mr. W. Rothschild, myself, and Mr. Steinbach collected mammals, chiefly for the sake of fleas, for the Hon. N. Charles Roth- schild.—E. H.] 9. Dipodillus garamantis Lat. 313; Chetma, near Biskra. (W. Rothschild and E. Hartert.) 3 37; 60 km. south of Fort Miribel. Type locality, Ouargla. 10. Meriones schousboei Loche. 2; half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea, 3 34 (young); 50 km. north of Ain Guettara. [The Arabs called it “ farr” or “ djerd.”—E. H.] 11. Psammomys algiricus Thos. 28-29; Tilrhempt, between Laghonat and Ghardaia. (W. Rothschild and Ki. Hartert, 1911). [This species is very common near Biskra, where the Arabs call it “ djerd.” —T. H.] 12. Jaculus jaculus L. (a) 251; plateau 46 km. east of Ghardaia. (6) % 30; Oued el-Abiodh, north of In-Salah. ? 40; 85 km. south of El-Golea, 9 44; 160 km. south of Ghardaia. The three southern specimens (4) differ from a, and from examples from Biskra—with which the latter agrees—in their paler and more yellowish colour, and by the presence of a distinct whitish ring round the tail proximal to the broad black subterminal band. They agree, however, in both respects so closely with examples from Cairo, the type locality of J. jaculus, that it would not be advisable to distinguish them. Whether Loche’s Dipus deserti from Onargla is « or 4 does not appear from his description, and ean only be settled by the examination of topoty pes. 13. Massoutiera mzabi Lataste. 3 48, 2? 49-50; Ghardaia. This striking form of Gundi, discovered by Lataste in 1881, was not repre- sented at all in the British Museum collection until the beginning of this year, when Mr. F. R. Ratcliff presented a skin with a broken skull. The specimens with perfect skulls now obtained by Dr. Hartert at the typical locality are therefore of much general interest, besides having been of particular valte in the working out of the Oued Mya species next following. They are entirely confirmatory, if confirmation be needed, of the generic distinctness of Massoutiera from Ctenodactylus, the ordinary Gundi of Algeria. In colour and general external appearance the two are remarkably alike, the (31) smaller hands and longer tail of Massoutiera being the most obvious distinctions ; but the different shape of the feet, as described by Lataste, affords ample reason for considering Massoutiera as distinct from Ctenodactylus. Felovia again, founded by Lataste * as a subgenus of Massoutiera to contain his J/. eae, I should consider sufficiently distinct from either Muassoutiera or Ctenodactylus to stand as a separate genus. Besides its grooved incisors it is distinguished by yet another shape of the molar teeth, its skull is peculiarly flat, and its bullae are even smaller than those of Ctenodactyius gundi, the bullae being immensely swollen in Ct. vali, Massoutiera mzabi, and the new species of Massouticra now to be described. [In habits “ Massoutiera” does not differ from Ctenodactylus gundi. They inhabit rocks with caves and hollows, and are fond of running along ledges and under overhanging cliffs. They come out in the full sunshine, but one sees most of them in the morning and towards evening. We found them generally fairly shy, and they often have the habit of stopping motionless on a rock, and then they are almost invisible, having the same colour as the rocks. One hears some- times a short squeak, and an apparently excited or angry clicking sound. The tail is frequently jerked up and down, and they frequently sit up like a hamster, holding food between their fore-feet, when eating. We found Massoutiera mzabi only in the Mzab country, in the neighbourhood of Ghardaia, and saw it once abont 50 km. south of the latter town. The Arabs call it “ gundi,” and do not distinguish between it and Ctenodactylus gundi. The latter is common on the rocks near Biskra and El-Kantara, and we saw young ones of various sizes in April.—H. H.] 14. Massoutiera harterti sp. n. 3 13, $12; Oued Mya, south of Fort Miribel, about 28° 30’ N., 3° E. Alt 400 m. Like M/. mzabi, but with larger bullae. External characters as in 1/. mzabi, the pelage equally fine and silky, and the colour of the same pinkish buff. ‘ail-hairs longer, though this may be an accidental condition, and the tail itself longer according to the collector’s measurements, Skull very similar to that of If mzadi, but the bullae distinctly larger, the size of the bullae being a characteristic feature of the different species of the group. In the new form the greatest breadth on the bullae is slightly greater than the zygomatic breadth, slightly less in IJ. mzabi; the inflation of the bullae is greater throughout, and their lineal diameter longer (see measurements below). Incisors smooth, without any trace of the groove present in Fedovia. Molars quite as in MM. meabi. Dimensions of the type, measured in the flesh :— Head and body 230 mm.; tail “47” (?37, the other specimen 38); hind foot. 37; ear 18, Skull, greatest median length 48°5, greatest diagonal length 51, condylo- incisive length 43:2; zygomatic breadth 30; length of nasals 17:8, interorbital breadth 13; greatest breadth on bullae 31°5; interparietal 8-7 x 11:5; palatilar length 37°8, palatal foramina 7-6; upper molar series (crowns) 8°7; bulla, greatest * Le Nat, iii, p. 287, 1886, ( 32 ) diagonal horizontal diameter, as seen from above, 184; ditto below 198; height 17°8. Hab. As above. Type: Adult female. B.M. No. 12.11, 14.57. Original number 12. Collected April 8, 1912. Although the differences between this animal and J. mzabi are not very great, they are of importance because of the complete geographical isolation of the two forms. Gundis are inhabitants of rocky ground only, and, unlike Jerboas, Gerbils, and other desert animals, they are unable to pass the barriers presented by the rolling sand-dunes and stoneless areas of the Sahara. The rocky area of the Oned Mya inhabited by I. /arterti is about 300 miles south of Ghardaia, where MV. mazabi occurs, and intergrading specimens are therefore not likely to be found. With regard to the sizes of the bullae, so important among the Gundis, 1 may note the following dimensions as oceurring in the different forms ; the measurement given being the greatest diagonal horizontal diameter as viewed from above :— Felovia vae . 3 ' ‘ i : - 2mm, Ctenodactylus gundi ‘ ; “ Beeb iss % cali 4 , ‘ ; Lae ee Massoutiera mzabi ‘ y ; : ei 5 m harterti : : 1345, [It was only in the Southern Oued Mya region, and the wild rocks of Ain Gnettara, that we saw this animal, and besides the two examined by Mr. O, Thomas we shot one at Ain Guettara, which was put into spirits —E. H.] 15, Lepus kabylicus de Winton. $3; Hammam Meskoutine, east of Constantine. (W. Rothschild and BE. Hartert.) The comparatively dark hare of the northern zone of Algeria. [This is probably the common hare of the whole “Tell.” It was not at all rare near Hammam Meskontine, but as we were there during the close time we could not very well go out for hare-shooting.—E. H.] 16. Lepus pallidior B.-Ham. 3 23; 20 km. north-east of Biskra. (W. Rothschild and E. Hartert.) 91; Kef-el-Dor, Algerian Sahara. (EH. Hartert and C. Hilgert.) The series of hares obtained in Algeria illustrates the gradual modification of the species as the country becomes more and more desert southwards, The hare of the “Tell,” or northern fertile region, L. Aabylicus, is comparatively dark, then follows the present paler and more greyish species in the Biskra region, to be succeeded farther south by the pinkish buff L. whitakeri of the Sahara. Widely different as they look from each other, all would appear to be modifications of one animal, as no essential differences in skull or teeth are to be found. 17. Lepus whitakeri Thos. 3 53, 2 52; Oned Nea, east of Ghardaia. 3 7 (young); near Hassi Marroket, 40 km. south of El-Golea. ? 10; Sidi-Djilali-Lakhdar (Oued Mya), 180 km. sonth of El-Golea, 311, ? 36; Oued Mya, north of Ain Guettara. a ( 33 ) There is some temptation to think the more southern specimens 10, 11, and 36 different from those from Oued Nea, their ears being a little longer and their colouring more orange. But a comparison with them of the original skins from Tripoli renders it evident that they cannot be satisfactorily divided on the material at present available. For the Tripoli specimens have the ears of more or less intermediate length, their general colour is more like that of the Oued Nea specimens, while in the detailed colour of the hair-rings (always a doubtful character to use) they more resemble the Oued Mya skins. The whole series agree in the practical absence of cement from the incisive grooves, by which character they are distinguishable from the otherwise similar L. isabellinus Cretzschm. of Egypt. [These very fine reddish sand-coloured hares with their enormous ears were not rare in the Oued Mya and its tributaries, and quite numerous in the wide, ancient river-bed of the Oued Nea, between Ghardaia and Guerrara. It was, however, not very easy to shoot hares in the Oued Mya, as they seemed to rest, in the daytime, more among the rocks and stones bordering the river-bed, where one could not easily walk noiselessly, and they were quite shy; during the night-time they came to the Oued, and pulled down the branches of the Retam (Retama raetam), of which they seemed to be rather fond. In the Oued Nga hares were so frequent that one often cume across them, and could shoot them without difficulty,—E. H. ] IIL. NOTES ON RUMINANTS AND OTHER LARGE MAMMALS, By ERNST HARTERT. 1. Gazella cuvieri Og. —This Gazelle, the “Edmi” of the Algerian Arabs, is common enough in the southern ranges of the Atlas, especially in the more or less bare rocks near Hl-Kantara, and it never leaves the mountains or their close neighbourhood. It appears to be generally found in the same districts as the Barbary Sheep, but to be absent from the real Sahara, and we never saw or heard of it south of Biskra, Edmi are shy and somewhat difficult to shoot, but can often be approached under cover. (Edmi seems to be a Berber word ?) 2, Gazella leptoceros loderi Thos.—The “ Reem” (Rim) of the Arabs, or “ White Gazelle,” is essentially a desert animal, being entirely restricted to the Erg or rolling sand-dunes. It is found in the Erg between Biskra and Hl-Oued, and is common in the Great Western Erg between Ouargla and Rhadames. We found it also among the dunes south of El-Golea, and between El-Golea and Ghardaia. It is probably found in every Erg of any great extent. Owing to the hilly nature of the dunes and the noiseless walking on the sand, the Reem is easily stalked, and generally killed with shot by the Arabs, who have no idea ot sportsmanlike shooting: they often catch the young (with or without the help of dogs), then make it squeak, and kill the mother when coming to the help of her young. In this way, and by waiting patiently for days and nights in ambush, these and other Gazelles are decimated, and they will soon be rare or disappear from all the more or less frequented districts of the northern. Sahara. ° Vv ( 34 ) There can be no doubt that G. doderi is the same species as G. leptoceros, but it is probably a slightly different geographical race, and I have therefore called it here G. leptoceros loderi. 3. Gazella dorcas (L.) (or subspecies ?)—A Gazelle inhabits the plains immediately south of the sonthern Atlas (Aurés mountains), also the great plains between Laghouat and Ghardaia, and extends, apparently, into the Chott region. This Gazelle has always been called G. dorcas, and no doubt it belongs to the same species as the animal now called G. dorcas in the Nile districts; whether it will be found to differ slightly, and form a geographical race, cannot at present be settled, as sufficient material is not available to decide about this question. Mr. Alfred HB. Pease (Proc. Zool. Soc., London, 1896) thinks that G. dorcas is confined to a belt of 120 or 150 miles wide, south of the Aurés mountains, and that in the more southern Sahara it is replaced by the Reem; the latter, however, a totally different species, is restricted to the sand-dunes, and never oceurs in the hammada or clayey desert. Gazelles with curved horns, however, are found far down into the desert, and probably farther south than any Reem, in the hammada and mountains. ‘hese Gazelles are very much like G. dorcas, but the specimens I brought home appear to be : 4, Gazella isabella Gray—We shot a middle-aged, not very old male near Ain Guettara, on the southern escarpment of the platean of Tademait. Its length, without tail, was 88, the tail 13, height at shonlders 57, at rump 65 cm. An old female with very long horns was obtained in the bed of the Oued Saret. We measured its length as 88, tail 14, height at shoulders 55, at ramp 62 ecm, These specimens are rather brighter, more reddish in colour, than most G. dorcas, and the tips of the horns of the male are strongly bent inwards. Mr. Oldfield Thomas said at once that they appeared to be G. zsabella, and Mr, Rothschild, who kindly compared the specimens with me in the British Museum, came to the same conclusion. I have no doubt that this is right, buat I must confess that the two Gazelles, G. dorcas and isabella, are very much alike, aud that it is very desirable to have series of each for comparison, not only horns! Horns of Gazelles can be bought in quantities in Biskra and elsewhere, and I have seen among them many varieties and some specimens of which it would be difficult to say if they were dorcas or isabella. Horns which we picked up (on the skulls) north of El-Golea are apparently also ‘sabed/a. Horns of G. leptoceros (loder?) are also common on the markets of Biskra and Touggourt. Gazella isabella is not rare along the oneds and among the hills south of Ouargla to Ain Guettara, and apparently to the Oued El-Abiodh, north of In-Salah. It goes about in small flocks or singly, and is in every case very shy. As food is scarce in the hammada, it feeds, as a rule, in the river-beds, where its spoor is often seen very plentifully, but it retires, partially or mostly, to the hammada to rest during the daytime. It is very fond of certain grasses, such as Aristida plumosa and Stipa tortilis. For the differences between G. dorcas and isabella may be consulted: Sclater & Thomas, The Book of Antelopes, iv. pp. 99-108 and 151-154, plates LVII, and LXIY,, also G, 8, Miller, Proc, U.S. Nat. Mus. 42, pp. 171-172, pl. 15, (35) where a number of skulls and horns from Jebel Bawati in Nubia are figured and described. About Gazella rufina Thos, (P.Z.S, 1894, p. 467, fig, skull), described from a specimen bought in a shop in Algiers, we have no further information, and its habitat is still unknown. In the Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1911, p. 961, Mr. R. Lydekker described as a new species of Gazelle an animal said to have come from “ Algeria, between Constantine and Biskra,” under the name of Gazella hayi. At a meeting of the Zoological Society on October 29, 1912, Mr, Lydekker pointed out that, “ owing to an unfortunate mistake in labelling, the Gazelle described in 1911 as a new species, Gazella hayi, was really G. fuscifrons” (see Abstract Proc. No, 112, p. 1). The latter is the Persian and Baluchistan form of Gazella bennetti, and it is curious that the error had not been detected at once, 5. Gazella mhorr (Benn.).—This species is, according to statements from French officers, and to our Arabs, common in the Hoggar mountains, and even found in small numbers in the hills of Muidir, belonging to the Hoggar system. We saw a number of horns in In-Salah, and a pair was given me by Com- mandant Pein. This would doubtless be the typical mhorr, described from Maroceo, while Gazella dama replaces it in Senegambia and G. ruficollis in Dongola and Sennaar. The Arabs call it “‘ Mhor.” 6. Addax nasomaculatus (Blainv.).—The Arabs now call this species variously Meha and Begra-el-Onach. The latter name has been said to be that of Budalis buselaphus (bubalis) by Lataste and others, but it is in Algeria nowadays one of the names of Addax nasomaculatus. The Addax is even now not very rare in the Great Eastern Ere between Bir er-Resof (“ Bir Beresof”) and Rhadames, but it seems to be shifting its quarters according to the pasturage, which entirely depends on the rain; this is from reports of Arabs and French officers, and it must be true, for fresh horns are not rarely brought to Ouargla and thence to Biskra, In 1893 a freshly killed animal was brought in to Onargla, according to Professor Koenig. During our journey we did not come across any sign of Addax, nor did Mr. Spatz last summer, when he travelled far into the Western Erg to Ain Taiba and Hassi Melah. Fifty-five years ago Tristram saw an Addax on the Oued Nea. 7. Bubalis buselaphus (Pall.) (= bubalis Pall. 1767)—We were unable to find any proof whatever of the existence of the Bubal in Algeria. Nobody knew it ; not even a horn could be found, nor could we find any Arab who would profess that he had seenit. ‘I'he name “ Begra-el-Ouach ” (= Wild Cow), which, according to former authors, used to be the name of the Bubal, is now used for the Addax, as well as “‘ Meha,” though the former appears to be inappropriate, and much better suited for the Bubal. Shaw (Vravels in Barbary and the Levant, second edition, 1757, p. 170) described the “ Bekker el Wash” as a wild species of cow, which lived in large herds, was of the size and colour of Red Deer, and was apparently then common north of the Atlas, as the south was at that time unknown! Loche described it as being confined to the mountainous districts of the south; and Tristram (The Great Suhara, ( 36 ) p. 387) relates that the hunters of the Souf (El-Oued) frequently obtained it, In the British Museum is a young animal obtained by Fraser in the Chott Djerid in Tunisia, in 1846. All these statements are probably correct and true, but it is to be feared that the: Bubal no longer exists in Algeria nor in the Sahara south of Algeria—at least as far as Tidikelt. It is, perhaps, not astonishing that so large a beast has disappeared, when it is considered that the Lion has been exterminated ; in olden times a wild Ass (according to Tristram) inhabited South Algeria ; the Deer is restricted to a small portion of the Northern Atlas forests, the Panther and other wild cats have become rare; the Ostrich has disappeared from the confines of Algeria. All this is partly due to the ruthless hunting of Europeans, unchecked by any game-laws, as they used to be; but more so to the persevering and ansportsmanlike killing and catching by the Arabs at all seasons of the year. 8. Ovis lervia Pall. (= Ovis tragelaphus Desm.).—The “ Barbary Sheep” appears to inhabit the mountains of the Southern Atlas ranges, especially south of the “Hants Plateaux,” bat it also extends into the Sahara, at least as far as Ain Guettara, and, according to hearsay, even to the Hoggar mountains. It is, naturally, absent, from the regions of the sand-dunes, from the Chotts and the flat hammada, and is only found among rocks and cliffs, which, however, need not be very high. We sawa very old male at Ain Guettara, and picked up a skull and horns close by ; but we found many traces and droppings in the little affluents and side-valleys of the Southern Oued Mya, and in the latter itself. They come to the river-bed to feed in the evening and during the night, but retire to the rocks for the day. As their colour harmonises so closely with the brown rocks, they are invisible while resting, even to most Arabs. A fine male was shot in the Oued Mya at dusk; its meat was excellent. Our Arabs called this animal always ‘ Laroui,” which appears to be a contraction of ‘ El-Aroui,” and the name “ Aoudad ” was unknown to them. 9. Foxes —There are at least—apart from the Fennec—two Foxes in Algeria, a larger form living in the Atlas mountains, probably Vulpes nilotica, and a smaller one in the northern parts of the Sahara, which is Vulpes famelica Cretzschm., or perhaps a subspecies of the latter. Unfortunately we have not shot any of these (cf. also Lataste, Actes Soc. Linn. Bordeaux, xxxix. pp. 212-19). Foxes are said to occur also in the Southern Oned Mya, but we have no proof of it. Vulpes famelica occurs also in South Tunisia. 10. Canis aureus L.—The jackal is not rare in North Algeria, and even found close to the town of Algiers, and extends as far south, at least, as Ain Guettara, where we saw its undoubted spoor, and the dang, dropped on top of stones and camel-skeletons, more especially on the stomachs of the dead camels, which were generally full of half-digested food. Lataste (/.c. p. 212) says that the jackal never goes south of the Tell and Hants Plateaux, but this is an error, though it is, naturally, absent from the Erg and Chotts. 11. Hyaena hyaena (1.).—Still found, though in small numbers, from the Northern Atlas ranges to Biskra, and, according to statements from Arabs and ( 87 ) officers, near El-Golea. We have not been able to find traces or reports of its occurrence farther south. 12. Sus serofa (? subsp.).—Wild pigs are common in Northern Algeria, but absent from the Sahara. Mr. Rothschild and I took part in a “chasse” near Hammam Meskontine, in February 1911, when twelve “ haluf” were shot, three of which were very old specimens. A pair of them are now mounted in the Tring Museum. Ye BIRDS. By ERNST HARTERT, Pu.D. Birps were, of course, the principal object of the expedition, and therefore most of our time and energy was spent on the collecting and observation of birds. With more time and luck one will doubtless, at least near Ouargla, find Budo 4. ascalaphus nesting in the regions we traversed, but otherwise we do not believe that any resident desert birds have escaped us. The number of migrants can of course be in- creased, and the best places for them would undoubtedly be El-Golea and In-Salah. The species which do not breed in the Sahara south of Biskra as far as we passed through it are marked with an asterisk. Conclusions see at the end of the list of species and subspecies which we observed. [Corvus corax tingitanus Irby. This form is not an inhabitant of the desert, except on its northern edge. In 1912 we saw Ravens near Biskra and a stray bird near Chegga, which must have been C. ¢. tingitanus. We are still uncertain to which form the Ravens of the dayats near Tilrhempt (ef. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 471) belong. | 1. Corvus corax ruficollis Less. (Corvus umbrinus auct.) Corvus ruficollis Lesson, Traité d’ Orn. p. 329 (183.—No locality ; Pucheran, Rev. & Mag. Zool. 1853. p. 548, says that the type came from the “Cape,” but it more probably came from the Cape Verde Islands ; in any case the description can only apply to the present species, and the name must therefore be used). Corvus umbrinus Sundevall, Oef. k. Vet. Akad. Firh, Stockholm, 1838. p. 199 (Sennaar). Corvus infumatus Wagner, Miinchener gel. Anz. viii. p. 301 (June 1839.—Egypt, Nile-Delta). This form of Raven is the Raven of the desert from Egypt to Algeria, and doubtless also of the unexplored south of Marocco, as it is found on the Cape Verde Islands, At a distance the desert Raven cannot be distinguished from C. corax tingitanus, but we have no doubt that all the Ravens seen between Touggourt and Hl-Golea, south to the platean of Tademait, those at Ghardaia, and all the Ravens nesting on the Terebinth-trees in the Oued Nea, are C, ¢, ruficollis (= umbrinus). In fresh (38 ) plumage these Ravens are nearly as blackish as C. ¢. t/ngitanus, but they can always be distinguished by the slenderer, less arched beak, and the much greater distance from the nostril to the tip of the culmen, and from the end of the nasal bristles to the tip. By this character even young birds might be distinguished ; in the specimens in the Tring Museum the outer aspect of the wings is also much more bluish in young tingitanus, more greenish in ryficollis, but I am not sure if this will hold good. Like other Ravens, these birds nest partly on cliffs, partly on trees. As I have said above, all desert Ravens from the Cape Verde Islands to Nubia, and also those from Arabia, are the same; they extend even farther eastwards, but about the eastern limits and allied eastern forms we are as yet somewhat uncertain. The following measurements might be interesting : 5 Cape Verde specimens have wings of 370—390 mm. 3 south of Onargla (Graf Zedlitz in litt.): 394 mm. 222ad. south of El-Golea: 367, 368 mm. (all males either young or very much worn, so as not to be measurable). 3 22S. Tunisia (Erlanger coll.) : 370—377 mm. 8 Nubian and Egyptian birds : 380—420 mm. 336 ad. Lahadj, 8. Arabia (Erlanger coll.): 392—393 mm. ? Lahadj, 8S. Arabia (Tring coll.) : 857 mm. & Aden, British Museum: 396 mm, BE. Persia (Saraduy coll.): “dd ” 384, 395, 411 ; “ ¢ 2” 400, 401 mm, But in Persia other gigantic birds oceur, which I have united with C. corax laurencei; more material is, however, required to fix the latter form and its distribution. [Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax (1.). None of the cliffs and mountains we came across in the desert are inhabited by the Chough, and it seems not to occur south of El-Kantara, Djebel Amark- haddou, and the Bou-Ghezal range.] 2. *Oriolus oriolus oriolus (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii, p. 474. A very late migrant; females noticed in the bed of one of the affluents of the Oued Mya on May 6, in the bed of the Oued Saret on May 8, and in the gardens of El-Golea from May 14 to 16. Strange to say, however, we did uot see a single fully adult male. [Carduelis carduelis africanus (Hart.). We never saw a Goldfinch in the desert. Neither in April 1911, nor this year, in June, was a single specimen seen, in spite of special observation in or near Ghardaia. Koenig (Reisen u. Forsch. Algerien, p. 127) says that on April 19th Goldfinches were common in the oasis of Ghardaia, but I am afraid this must be a lapsus calami, as we did not see any there, and at that time they must have been breeding ; moreover, in the ornithological detailed part, p. 316, the author mentions only the Ziban oases (/.e. the oases near Biskra) as the southernmost places where he found these birds. In Biskra they are a breeding species, and we saw young birds late in June. | (39 ) (Carduelis cannabina (L.). Though common in winter as far south as Biskra, it does not breed there, or we should have seen specimens in the oasis in June. The birds visit Biskra in winter only, and they belong probably partially to C. cannabina cannabina and partially to C. cannabina nana. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 476.) {Serinus canarius serinus (1.). The Serin-finch does not extend into the Sahara, though it is common in winter in the oases along the foot of the southernmost Atlas ranges, as for example in Biskra and the other Ziban oases, and in Laghonat. Koenig and ourselves thought it was breeding at Biskra, but this year we searched in vain for a sign of the species in June; if it had been there, we should undoubtedly have heard and seen it. In 1911, at Laghouat, we noticed flocks on April 10, but none were noticed in the gardens eighteen days later. We are therefore now convinced that Serins are only winter visitors and do not breed in Biskra (nor in Laghouat).] 3. Erythrospiza githaginea zedlitzi Neum. Erythrospiza githaginea zedlitzi Neumann, Orn. Monatsher, 1907, p. 145 (Algeria and Tunisia, type Biskra) ; Rothschild and Hartert, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 477. The “ Trumpeter ” extends in small numbers far south into the Sahara. For the first time we saw a small flock and shot a male on some stony, rocky ‘“ gour,” about half-way between Touggourt and Ouargla, on March 6, north of Arefidji. In the rocks along the banks of the Southern Oued Mya we saw twice one or two specimens, but only succeeded in shooting a single male with very little red, looking almost like a female, on April 30. Also among the rocks of the Mzab country, between Ghardaia and El-Golea, we once saw this bird, but it was always very shy and difficult to obtain. The old male shot on March 6 is a typical zedlitz/, wing 89 mm., while the other, apparently younger one, with a wing of only 86 mm., resembles more eastern githaginea. Ct. Nov. Zool. xviii. p- 477. 4. The Sparrows. C£. Nov. Zool. xviii. pp. 479-82. One of the questions in which we were particularly interested was, how far to the south Sparrows might be found, and to which form they belonged. While at Touggourt we collected nineteen males ; fifteen of these are of the bastard race called “ Passer fliichigeri,’ which resembles the Italian Sparrow, Passer italiae, having an entirely chestnut crown and no lateral black stripes ; three have the same chestnut crown and lateral stripes, so that they must be called hispaniolensis, and one has the feathers of the crown black with wide brownish mouse-grey edges, and might thus be named Passer domesticus tingitanus, with a great amount of black to the crown-feathers. In passing through Temacin only chestnut-headed males were observed. In Ouargla Sparrows were common. Of the fourteen males we collected nine have entirely chestnut crowns, four a slight admixture of black or dark grey, one a quite grey crown ; not one has lateral stripes. The Sparrows nest here on houses and in date-palms and other trees. No Sparrows were observed until we came to El-Golea, where they were exceedingly common, breeding in palms in the oases, and especially numerous in ( 40 ) the huge encalyptus-trees in the officers’ gardens, but also on buildings. All the twenty-seven adult males we brought home are grey-headed, with the black bases to the feathers well developed, and only three of them show a slight admixture of chestnut in the grey crown. Sparrows were of course absent from the uninhabited desert, but in the Tidikelt oases they were common again, though not so numerons, it would seem, as in El-Golea. We skinned twenty-five adult males in Igosten and In-Salah, and all these were grey-headed, mostly with very distinct black bases to the crown- feathers, sometimes with much black, so that in two specimens nearly the whole crown is black. No hybrids or Passer hispaniolensis were found. Comparing the series from In-Salah and Igosten with that from El-Golea, it is evident that the feathers of the back are more edged with chestnut than with brownish buff, as in the El-Golea series and in other southern Algerian Sparrows generally. The paler, more brownish buff edges to the feathers of the back, are apparently due to the mixture with Passer hispaniolensis, which has cream-coloured streaks on the back, while they are generally more chestnut in P. domesticus domesticus and northern P. domesticus tingitanus. These differences between the various grey-headed Saharan Sparrows are, however, not constant, and we can, at present, only call them Passer domesticus tingitanus. The hybridisation of P. domesticus (tingitanus) with P. hispaniolensis, which is so complete in many places in Algeria, is apparently not so advanced in Marocco; we have received series of Sparrows, collected by Riggenbach, from Mazagan, Mogador, and Shishawa, ten hours from Marrakesh, and only a few specimens (Mogador : like “ fliichigeri,” Shishawa) show the mixture with //spaniolensis, yet from Marrakesh came the type of “ Passer ahasver.” In El-Golea (March and May), and in In-Salah (April) numerous eggs and young were found at the same time. The eggs vary exactly like those of P. domesticus domesticus, and the clutches range from three to five, those of only two eggs being apparently incomplete. 5. Passer simplex saharae rl. (With regard to the distinctions between P. s. saharae and P. s. simplex we are as yet no more advanced than last year, as no fresh Nubian specimens are available, but it seems that ‘slight differences exist between the two supposed races. Cf, Nov, Zool. xviii. p, 482.) Coming from Touggourt we first came across the desert Sparrow south of Bled-el-Ahmar, about 40 km. south of Touggourt, and afterwards we found it in almost every suitable locality. Such places are sand-dunes or sandy plains with the vegetation typical for the sand-dunes, provided that there are nesting-places, which are of the most varied description. Specimens were shot at Safet Iniquel, about 26 km. north of El-Golea, at Hassi Okseibat, Hassi Marroket, and south of El-Meksa, in the great Erg-bent-Chaouli. Farther south we did not see these birds, and at In-Salah—where we should have expected some—and in the Southern Oued Mya we found no trace of Passer simplex. These sparrows were most common in the Ergs north of El-Golea. In the latter district nearly all the nests were found in “ Gmiras,” ¢.e. smaller or larger stone pyramids, erected as landmarks. Other nests were built in the stone walls of deserted temporary buildings, in the stone walls protecting the entrance of a well, on a rafter under the roof of a “Bordj,” in a bush of Retama raetam (once), and in thick bushes of Nitraria a“ ( 41) tridentata (twice—see plate). In 1909 I found a nest in a low date-palm, while Koenig discovered several in the stone walls of wells. On March 28 Ahmed ben-Saya found a nest with five fairly hard-set eggs, of which he broke one. The four remaining eggs are rather light, three being of a pale cream colour with pale brownish grey patches and spots of varying sizes, the fourth white with similar but more pronounced and more compact patches, and underlying paler ones. They measnre 19:2 x 13:9, 19:2 x 13:6, 19°4 x 13°9 and 19°6 x 13:9 mm. On May 19 I found a nest under the roof, on a rafter, of the Bordj El-Khoua, north of El-Golea. It contained five dark-coloured eggs, only one being lighter, with the whitish ground-colour visible between the numerous large dark brown blotches ; the other four are pale chocolate with chocolate patches and spots. They were about half incubated, and measure 19°8 x 13°9, 19°90 x 13°9, 195 x 13:5, 19°8 x 13:9, and 20 x 13°8 mm. On May 12 and 13 one addled egg each was found with half-grown young, in “Gmiras”; one is chocolate, the other whitish with pale ashy markings; they measure 18°3 x 14:1, and 18°5 x 13°75 mm. On May 12, 22 and 23 young desert Sparrows, some quite young and naked, some ready to leave the nest, which flew away when one opened the nest up, were found. ‘They are of the colour of the old female, on the upper side sand-coloured, and without the black throat of the adult male, both sexes being alike. The number of eggs and young varies very much, as we found twice only one single naked young bird in the nests, once two, but mostly three to five eggs or young. [Emberiza palustris palustris Savi A specimen of this bird (perhaps not subspecies of pyrrhuloides !) which I examined was shot among the reeds of the Oued Biskra, near Biskra, 22. ii. 1905, by Mr. Ussher, and is now in the Dublin Museum. | 6. *Emberiza hortulana L. C£. Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 483. An adult male was shot—evidently on migration—on April 10, 30 km. north of Ain Guettara, and another bird apparently of this species was seen near that place. 7. Emberiza striolata sahari Ley. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p- 484, We did not find this bird in the Southern oases, but it was very common round about Ghardaia. According to Rohlfs (Reise durch Marokko, 1869) this bird is common in Tafilet and other oases south of the Maroccan Atlas, where it is called “ Bou-Shamm,” 7.e. “father of fat,’ but it is not found in Tuat and Tidikelt. 8. Rhamphocorys clot-bey Bp. Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 484. We had hoped to find this interesting Lark in many places of the Hammada, but we only came across it twice, near Bordj Chegga, where a small flock was seen in February, and again on June 7, east of Guerrara, in the Mzab country. It was on a sandy plain with numerous flat stones, and a few stony hills near by. There were two flocks of young birds, being led by their parents, and one or two ( 42) single old birds. The young were nearly as large as their parents, but the bill much smaller, with the cutting edges nearly smooth ; the feathers of the back had very indistinct ashy tips, the sides of the head had no black and were of a reddish sand-colour, throat and abdomen creamy white, breast and sides sandy buff ; instead of the black markings of the adult bird on the underside there are only indications of two dark patches on the throat, the slaty bases showing through, and a few indistinct slaty spots on the sides of the throat; the secondaries are pale cinnamon rufous; the primaries have wide and sharply defined cinnamon-bnff tips, the ends of the secondaries are pale cinnamon-buff, not pure white and less wide; rectrices less sharply marked. Old and young were heard to eall “djiip, djiip, djiip, djiip, djitp,” somewhat plaintively ; and an old bird, while searching for its young, called loudly hitiht and tirrrrrrrrrr, only a few yards from me. 9, *Calandrella brachydactyla brachydactyla (Leisl.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii, p. 485, The first specimens were seen on March 7 and 8, north and south of Neoussa, north of Ouargla. Henceforth flocks of five or six to twenty or thirty were seen to March 28 (El-Golea), After that we saw them only sporadically. A number were ronning about in the Oued Saret, 108 km, south of El- Golea, on April 3; small flocks were observed on April 9 and 11; one being shot was so damaged that we did not preserve it, but a note was made that it belonged to the rufous-headed, sandy Algerian form. Koenig mentions this species from west of Guerrara, where he saw it singly aud in pairs on April 24. We believe that we saw examples east of Guerrara in June, This would be the southernmost breeding-place in this part of Algeria, 10, *Calandrella brachydactyla longipennis (Eversm.), Hartert, Vig. pal. Fauna i. p. 216; Nov. Zool. xviii, p. 486. In the Oued Saret, on April 3, two short-toed Larks, both females, were shot ; one of these is a typical sandy rufous-headed Algerian bird, while the other is greyish, and agrees with the eastern form, C. 4. longipennis. The wings (right and left) measure 88 and 89 mm., ze. just as long as in the specimen of Calandrella brachydactyla brachydactyla shot in the same place. The wings of C. b. longi- pennis are, as a rule, not 3 to 5 mm. shorter (as stated in Vog. pal. Fauna i. p. 216), but equally as long, or a few millimetres longer. This is the third specimen of the eastern form known to us from Algeria. (Calandrella minor was not found in the Sahara, though possibly it might be in or near the Oued Nea.) 11. Ammomanes deserti algeriensis Sharpe. Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii, p. 487. The typical algeriensis inhabits the northern hammada (stony desert) and the southern slopes of the Atlas Mountains. In former years Mr. Rothschild and I found it south to Kef-el-Dor, between Biskra and Touggourt, and common at Ghardaia. The wings of males measure generally from 97 to 100, exceptionally (Biskra, where others are smaller) to 104 mm, (43) Ammomanes deserti algeriensis > mya. A pair from Safet-Iniquel, 30 km. north of El-Golea, shot on March 23, measure: ¢ 102, 295 mm. Their bills are larger than in regular algeriensis from Biskra, El-Kantara, Ghardaia, Tunisia. A male from Kef-el-Dor, 18. iv. 1909, has the bill as long and almost as strong as in A. d. mya, while the wing measures 99 mm. or a little more, being somewhat worn. Three specimens from the hammada between Ghardaia and El-Golea (¢ 20 km. south of Ghardaia, 28. v., 95 km. south of Ghardaia, 27.v., d 55 km. north of El-Golea, 20. v.) have bills larger, especially thicker, than usually seen in A. d. algeriensis, 17—18°5 mm. in length, and wings of 98 to 100 mm. It is therefore reasonable to suppose that Ammomanes deserti algeriensis, in its southernmost localities, leans towards the southern Ammomanes deserti mya, at least in the form of the bill, and this is best expressed by the usual formula, A, d. algeriensis > myt. 12. Ammomanes deserti mya Hart. Ammomanes deserti mya Hartert, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. 8. vol. x. p. 230 (August 1912— Oued Mya). After leaving the rocks called Safet-Iniquel, about 30 km, north of El-Golea, on March 23, no Ammomanes were met with until we came to the Oued Saret, a sandy river-bed separated in some places from the surrounding hammada by low cliffs, ‘This is a distance of 138 km. from Safet-Iniqnel, and the latter is an isolated outpost for A. d. algeriensis, while north of the Oued Saret there was no sign of A, d. mya. Naturally, as soon as a desert-lark so far south, in a new locality, was seen, a few were procured, and we were at once struck by the size of the beaks. Afterwards this same form was again found at Fort Miribel and in all the affluents of the southernmost Oued Mya and in the latter itself; also in the gorge of the Ain Guettara, and on the slopes of the Tademait, 2 or 3 km. south of Ain Guettara. In the Oued Mya region this lark was quite common. What struck me most was the different, louder and deeper call-note (dyiip, dyiip), and the different song. Instead of the monotonous “ djirreii, djirreit, djirreii” of A. d. algeriensis, it sang like “tirrhuit, tirrriir, tirrriir, djiarriir, djiarriir,” the various notes not all alike, but different and variously modulated. In colour the two allied forms vary very little, but generally A. d. myc is less reddish, especially on the ramp and upper wing-coverts, and there is more black on the inner webs of the rectrices ; in size, however, the differences are striking, A. d. mya being much larger: wings of males 107—111, females 97—101, tail about 74—76°5, bill much thicker and longer, 18—20, once 20°9 mm. We found a number of nests of this Lark. They were placed in shallow holes on the rocks along the banks of the river-beds, and had a long wall of stones, like the nests of Oenanthe leucura syenitica and leucopyga. Unfortunately, in spite of the greatest efforts, we found no eggs; most of the females seemed to lay later, but others must have had eggs. 13. Ammomanes phoenicurus arenicolor (Sund.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 487. Like Koenig years ago, and Mr. Rothschild and myself in 1909, we found this graceful little Lark soon after Bordj Chegga on the stony plain intermixed ( 44 ) with sand; and such country, viz. sandy plains or plateaux with stones and rocks, are. the principal localities where this species is found. According to my experience it does not inhabit the very barest hammada nor the rocky mountains, which are so often the home of A. deserti algeriensis. We found it not rare on the platean east of Ghardaia, but generally in sandy oueds, About six or eight specimens were observed, and three of them shot, about half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea, on March 19, on a gravelly plain, where stones appeared in quantities, On April 2 a pair was observed on stony ground near the sand-dunes of the Erg-bent-Chaouli; then again on April 5, in a sandy river-bed (Oued el- Far), in the middle of an endless hammada, 25 km. south of Fort Miribel. Farther sonth four specimens were seen together in the sandy river-bed of the Oued el-Abiodh, north of In-Salah, on April 14, two of which were shot; they had ovary and testicles very small, being evidently some time before their nesting season. None were observed in the same neighbourhood on April 25. On our return journey quite a number were seen in the entirely sandy plain between Hl-Alia and Bledet-Ahmar. All the specimens from these various localities were the same, though varying individually a good deal, especially on the crown, hind-neck, and back, No eggs were found, but a nest with naked young was discovered ou June 2, 26 km. east of Ghardaia (Pl. VI). 14. Galerida theklae deichleri Hrl. Cf, Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 495. As in 1909, we found this very pale form on the sands north of Kef-el-Dor, but it was not very numerous there by the end of February. One of the specimens had some feathers on the back moulting, and the testicles of the males were swollen, South of Touggourt this Lark was common near Hassi Arefidji and to the north of it, as well as southwards to near Ngoussa, This was the southernmost place where any Crested Larks were found during our journey, and Spatz’s observations agree with ours. No Crested Larks are found near Onargla. On June 6 these Larks were common at Dinar, 50 km. south of Touggourt, but the old birds were in such horribly worn plumage that we refrained from collecting more than one. A young bird shot there on that date is rather interesting, as even in this juvenile age it can be distinguished from the young of Galerida theklae carolinae (and from those of the various forms of G. cristata) by its paler colour, the blackish spots before the whitish tips of the feathers being more restricted and paler brown. These Larks only inhabit sandy plains, generally, though not always, places where a few flat stones appear among the sands. They do not frequent dunes or hammada. We collected this year thirteen specimens. There is very little variation in this series. On June 11, near El-Alia, we found a nest with two naked young and two addled eggs. They are spotted with pale brown and grey, typical for thehklae eggs, and measure 23 x 18°83 and 23 x 18°09 mm, ( 45 ) 15. Galerida theklae carolinae Hrl. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 494. On the outward journey down to Tidikelt we never saw this subspecies, but returning northwards to Ghardaia we came across it for the first time on May 25, 90 km. south of Ghardaia, on the side of an oned with rich vegetation, on rocky slopes. In the evening, 75 km. south of Ghardaia, young ones were flying about. On the 26th and 27th none were observed, but on the 28th, about 20 km. south of Ghardaia, a few were met with, but they were in such bad plumage that only one was preserved. After that a few were found on the plateau east of Ghardaia, about 25 km. from that town, and around the Bordj and Hassi Rebib, in the river-bed of the Oued Nea, 538 km. from Ghardaia. Some young birds in first plumage were collected, which are distinctly more rufescent than those of G. t. deichleri, with more prominent markings. Our series of this year (only six adult specimens) varies not very much, and shows clearly, even in the most. worn specimens, the reddish tinge of the upperside which characterises this subspecies. 16. Galerida cristata arenicola Tristr. Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 493. While going from Biskra to Bordj Saada these Larks were common, and to our astonishment we saw two of them soaring skywards and singing. I said to Hilgert, this must be a G. theklae, probably deichler?, as we had never seen any G. cristata doing this ; so we watched one of the males and shot it when it descended to the ground, but it was none other than a typical G. cristata arenicola. This fact shows that our observation of 1909 and 1911 (cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p- 489) that only G. thehlae sings soaring skywards is not without exceptions. We saw G. cristata arenicola several times along the road to Touggourt, and from Touggourt to Bledet-Ahmar, where it was not rare close to the oasis. Farther southwards it did not occur. Worn summer specimens are of course very dark when the pale borders of the feathers are half gone. 17. Galerida cristata macrorhyncha [ristr. Cf. Nov, Zool. xviii, pp. 489 and 492, The only place where we came across long-billed Crested Larks, which we believe to belong to this closely allied race, was a few kilometres east of Guerrara and close to that town. We shot two adult and one young specimens, but the old birds are in such worn plumage that little can be said about them, and exact, measurements cannot be taken. Nevertheless we believe them to be macrorhyncha, and not arenicola; the male has the wing about 112 (at least), the female 102 mm. It is strange to find two subspecies as close together as Guerrara and Touggourt to Bledet-Ahmar, but both places are outposts from the principal strongholds, and Guerrara is more or less stony ground, while at Touggourt and Bledet-Ahmar these Larks live on sand. The male from Bledet-Ahmar has the wing of nearly 110, the female one of 104 mm., but we consider them nevertheless to belong to arenicola. [No Skylarks were seen south of Biskra; it seems therefore that they do not range to the real Sahara, Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 497. | ( 46 ) 18. Alaemon alaudipes alaudipes (Desf.). Cf. Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 497. The Muka of the Arabs is the delight of every traveller in the desert, and often have I listened to its plaintive, enchanting, flute-like notes. It is chiefly found in sand districts, if there is sufficient vegetation, but it adapts itself also to the oueds in the hammada, far away from the sands. It is very common between Biskra and Touggourt, and from Touggourt to Ouargla. South of Ouargla it is rarer and more local, but extends sparingly down to El-Golea, and near that place, as well as around Hassi Okseibat, sonth of El-Golea, it is not rare. Farther southwards, and even in the Southern Oned-Mya region, it is almost absent, but it was heard in the latter place on April 30 ; and south of Ain Guettara, in the bed of the Oued el-Abiodh, on April 14, one pair was seen and obtained ; others could not be found. The male of these southernmost specimens is exceptionally rusty on the upperside, almost as brown as one from the Cape Verde Islands, while the female is very pale. Mnkas were not rare generally between El-Golea and Ghardaia, and from Ghardaia to Touggourt. The first young ones, tiny creatures unable to fly, rnnning swiftly across the sebcha, were seen on March 30, near Kl-Golea. Afterwards many young were seen flying about on the plateau east of Ghardaia, They had begun already to moult into the first antumn plumage on June 2 and 3. While the blackish anteapical cross-markings on the upperside are strongly marked in some, they are rather faint in others, and also the dark spots on the throat are sometimes much more distinct than in others. On May 18 and 22 nests with two eggs each were found north of El-Golea, The first stood in the usual way on top of a bush, the other on the ground, near a stone, a somewhat unusual position. The nests were composed of dry grass and thin twigs, interwoven with spider-webs. The eggs measure 24 x 16, 23-7 x 161 and 20 x 16, 20°1 x 15°9 mm., the latter clutch being unasnally small. 19. Eremophila (Otocorys) alpestris bilopha (Temm.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 498. Only seen in two places: Kef-el-Dor, between Biskra and Touggourt, and in the Mzab country east of Ghardaia as far as abont 25 km. east of Guerrara, From June 2 to 7 young birds were seen, some beginning already to moult into the first autamn plumage. The young before the first moult are on the upperside of a reddish isabelline, each feather with a tiny pale cream (not white) tip; the underside is white with a creamy buff band across the chest and a similar tinge on the flanks: there is no black on the jugulum and forehead, so that such birds, if seen running on the ground, do not give the idea of an Lremophila to a casual observer. 20. *“Anthus trivialis trivialis (L.). C£. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 498. The Tree Pipit was observed in the Southern Oued Mya during the second week of April, and at In-Salah on April 30, also a single specimen on May 10, south of El-Golea, (47) 21. *Anthus pratensis (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 498. A few were noticed in El-Golea during the last week of March. 22. *Anthus campestris (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 499. A single specimen was shot at Arefidji, out of a small flock, on March 7, one was observed in the most monotonous hammada south of Hassi el-Hadjar on March 17, and again on the 18th and 20th, and it was not rare at El-Golea about March 26; a few were seen in the Southern Oued Mya during the second week of April, and at In-Salah on April 30. 23. *Motacilla flava flava (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 499. From March 26 to 28 typical 1 flava was common at El-Golea; we observed it in the bed of the Oued Saret on April 4, and in the Southern Oued Mya during the second week of April. 24. *Motacilla flava cinereocapilla Savi. Cf. Whitaker, Birds of Tunisia i. p. 151. On March 24 I shot a male from a small flock at Safet-Iniqnel, with a white throat, and another at In-Salah, on April 21. Both are typical ecnereocapilla. As this Wagtail is a regular migrant in Tunisia, it will doubtless be so in some parts of Algeria. As we never saw it in the eminently suitable country near Tac Fetzara, we doubted whether Yellow Wagtails nested in Algeria, but in 1857 Tristram took eggs on June 9 and 18 in the “ Province of Constantine ” ; these were probably those of c/nereocapilla. 25. *Motacilla flava thunbergi Billberg. Motacilla borealis Whitaker, B, Tunisia i. p. 152. We first met with this form at Ain Guettara, on April 28, where a pair were running about fearlessly round our tent; as the dark head was at once noticed I shot the pair, which proved to be typical thunbergi. After that date these birds were observed on April 30 (three specimens), May 2 to 7 daily (in the Oued Mya and affluents), May 12 at the Hassi Marroket, May 13 and 18 single specimens at El-Golea, and afterwards single examples on May 25 and 27, and even on June 5 a single female, apparently ill, and another at Guerrara, June 6, In the Southern Oued Mya many were eaten by the Horned Vipers, Cerastes cerastes (= cornutus). 26. *Motacilla alba alba L. Cf, Nov. Zool, xviii, p. 499. White Wagtails were common at Touggourt on February 27 to 29, and a few were seen in the Mouleina, just south of Biskra, on February 20, also on March 8, near Ouargla. [Parus caeruleus ultramarinus is not rare in Biskra, where we saw it feeding its young in June, but it does not occur in any of the southern oases, Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 500. | ( 48 ) 27. Lanius excubitor elegans Swains. Cf. Nov, Zool. xviii. p. 500. Common from south of Biskra to Touggourt, and thence south to Ngoussa, north of Ouargla. We do not remember having seen Grey Shrikes at Ouargla, and none are found southwards, not even in the Southern Oned Mya region. In the bed of Oued el-Abiodh, north of In-Salah, an old nest was found which looked like a Shrike’s nest, but there were no Shrikes near there this year. North of El-Golea bushes of Zizyphus lotus appeared again for the first time in great luxuriance on May 23 between Oued Saadana and Hassi el-Hadadra, 145 km. south of Ghardaia, and with the Zizyphus began at once Lanius eaxcubitor elegans. These Shrikes had here partly half-grown young in the nest, partly young flying about and taking care of themselves. They might make two broods here, but maybe that the late broods are only due to loss of the first ones. These Shrikes were very common at Sebseb, 51 km. south of Ghardaia, in Metlili, Ghardaia, Gnerrara, and very numerous in the bed of the Oued Nea. The first clutches of eggs (five each) were found near Bordj Chegga, February 22, in Zizyphus bushes. An egg was cut ont of a female at Tong- gourt on February 27. A clutch of five was found in a Retam at Arefidji, March 6, This Grey Shrike, when singing, is often a very good imitator of other birds’ calls and songs. 28. *Lanius senator senator L. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 501. This bird breeds in Northern Algeria, and we did not find it nesting in the Sahara. We first observed it in El-Golea, March 27, and henceforth it was a common migrant wherever bushes and trees were found. On the return journey these Shrikes were observed in smaller numbers, generally only oue or two, here and there, as late as May 16, at El-Golea. A single male was seen on June 5 in the Oued Nea, and after that none were observed. In Biskra we did not come across the Red-headed Shrike in June, and we therefore doubt if it breeds there—at least in the oasis itself. The outer tail-feather is sometimes quite white. The Tring Museum has such a male shot at Lambése on June 3 by Mr. Fliickiger, and I shot another at Fort Miribel on April 4. Sometimes the black anteapical patch occupies at least half the feather, sometimes it is reduced to a small spot. 29. *Muscicapa collaris Bechst. Museicapa collaris Bechstein, Gemeinn. Naturg. Deutschl. iv. p, 495 (1795—“ Europa und Deutsch- land; in den tiefen Gebirgen des Thiiringerwaldes noch am hiiufigsten,” Terra typica : Thiiringerwald), dad, Hassi Marroket, south of El-Golea, 11. y. 1912. dad. El-Golea, 13. vy. 1912. This bird has not been met with by recent explorers, though Loche stated that it was widely distributed in Algeria, and Whitaker records it as a regular “ summer migrant” in Tunisia, It is doubtless only a bird of passage in N.W. Africa, but probably as regular a migrant in Algeria as in Tunisia, (49°) 30. “Muscicapa hypoleuca hypoleuca (Pall.). (= MW. atricapilla atricapilla auct.) Cf. Nov, Zool. xviii, p. 503. Mr. Hilgert saw one at Hl-Golea on March 27. Not rare on passage in the oases of Tidikelt from April 15 to 24, and again in the Southern Oued Mya region, in the Oued Tinbourbar, on May 5. 31. *Muscicapa striata striata (Pall.). (= JM. grisola anct.) Cf£. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 503. The Spotted Flycatcher passed through the Sahara from May 5 to the beginning of June, the last being seen on June 5. Specimens which we shot agreed in every detail with Swedish and German ones, not with the dull Corsican J. striata tyrrhenica. In 1909 we were convinced that these birds would nest at Hammam Meskoutine, but now we doubt it very much, after seeing how late they pass through South Algeria, No bird should henceforth be regarded as breeding in Algeria, unless nest and eggs have been discovered. 32. *Phylloscopus trochilus (1.). C£, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 504, From March 26 (HI-Golea) a more or less common migrant, especially at In-Salah, from the middle of April to the 22nd. On May 1, in the southernmost Oued Mya, about 60 km. north of Ain Guettara, this species was not rare—though more so than dJonelli—in the large Tamarix trees, and those seen appeared to be very pale. They belonged perhaps to P. trochilus eversmanni. A female which we skinned has a wing of 64 mm. It is whiter on the abdomen than one shot at In-Salah on April 17. It is, however, not easy to distinguish P. ¢. eversmanni. 33. *Phylloscopus collybita collybita (Vieill.). Gf. Nov, Zool. xviii. p. 503. Common migrant from March 8 to the end of April. 34. *Phylloscopus sibilatrix (Bechst.). Cf. Vig. pal. Fauna i. pp. 515, 516 ; Nov, Zool. xviii. p. 503. We observed and shot this species in the gardens of El-Golea on May 15 and 16, and as late as May 23, 145 km. south of Ghardaia. These specimens are not particularly bright, and agree better with PA. s. sibilatriz than with the Mediterranean P. s. erlanger?; the latter is, perhaps, a doubtful race. In the first instance the late Carlo von Hrlanger described it as P. 8. flavescens, a preoccupied name, chiefly on the strength of an aberrant specimen, and I recognised it partly on account of the different song which it is sapposed to have; I am, however, now very doubtful if that observation is convincing, as probably the whirring song is not uttered except in the breeding season, and we have still no proof of the breeding in N.W. Africa. Could not all the late birds observed in Manretania be still migrants ? With regard to the brighter coloration of North Mediterranean specimens, more material should perhaps be compared in order to establish the race erlangert for good. 4 (50) 35. *“Phylloscopus bonelli bonelli (Vieill.). Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 504. Bonelli’s Warbler was common at In-Salah (April 18 to 22), and in the river- beds of the southern Oued Mya region during the end of April and beginning of May. 36. *Acrocephalus streperus streperus (Vieill.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 504. On May 14 to 16 these Reed-Warblers were common and lustily singing in the reeds of the Lake of El-Golea. In the very thick Arundo donax it was, however, very difficult to retrieve any specimen we shot, and so we secured only two, both adult males. These had the testicles quite small, not in the least swollen, and were, probably, not breeding there, but still on migration, notwithstanding the late date. 37. “Acrocephalus schoenobaenus (L.). Cf. Nov, Zool. xviii. p. 504. This species too was very common round the Lake of El-Golea in the middle of May. They were singing, but the sexual organs of the specimens we shot were not in the least enlarged, and I doubt, therefore, if they were breeding in the Sahara, In 1909 Mr. Rothschild and I were convinced that this bird was breeding at Lake Fetzara, but so far the eggs have not been procured, and thus proof is still wanting. [Acrocephalus arundinaceus (1), the Great Reed-Warbler, was not met with this year. Tristram (see Sale-catalogue of Eggs collected in Algeria, 1858, p. 9) says that it is found in Algeria wherever there are tall reeds and swamps, and he took eggs in the “ province of Constantine ” on June 15 and 22.] 38. “Hippolais icterina (Vicill.). C£. Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 504. A male and female were shotin the gardens of El-Golea on May 13 and 14, evidently on passage. 39. *Hippolais polyglotta (Vieill.). Cf, Nov, Zool. xviii. p. 505. A male was obtained on May 1, in the southernmost Oned Mya, 60 km. north of Ain Guettara, doubtless on passage. 40. “Hippolais pallida opaca Cab. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 505. A female shot in the southerumost Oued Mya, 60 km, north of Ain Guettara, May 1, doubtless on migration. Larger than H. p. reiser? (2 wing 69°), slightly darker, and with the same, but a more powerful song. 41. Hippolais pallida reiseri Hilgert. Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii, p, 505. This bird, which is still scarce in collections, was not rare during the last days of our stay in In-Salah, singing merrily in the date-palms aud pomegranates, A few (1) were observed early in May in the Southern Oued Mya region, and a great number in the gardens of El-Golea in the middle of May. They were further observed in the oases of Touggourt, Mraier, and Biskra. In the latter two these birds were undoubtedly nesting, and in Touggourt and Biskra, June 17 and 18, we saw young birds being fed by their parents. In Mraier and Biskra we tried hard to find nests, but did not succeed. We did not even see an old nest, and as all our search was in vain, we suspect that these birds nest in palms and other high trees, though this is not the habit of other Hippolais. We are not sure that HZ. p. reéser? nests in In-Salah and El-Golea, but we have little doubt it breeds in the gardens of El-Golea, though no nest could be found— not even an old one; they may, perhaps, also nest in In-Salah, as the sexual organs of the birds shot there were already swollen; it was, however, certainly too early for nests in April, and in the oueds of the desert these birds were doubtless only migrants. The ten males we collected this year have wings of 63°5 to 67, one 68°5 mm., the two females 62°5 to 64 mm. 42. *Sylvia hortensis hortensis (Gm.). (Sylvia orphea olim.) Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p, 506. Ou May 5a female was shot 27 km. south of El-Golea, and one or two were noticed a few days afterwards in the gardens of El-Golea. 43. *Sylvia borin borin (Bodd.). (Sylvia hortensis auct. mult. errore.) Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii, p- 506. Not rare in the gardens of El-Golea on May 13 and 14. 44. *Sylvia communis communis Lath. (Sylvia cinerea auct.) Cf£, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 506. Shot May 1, 60 km. north of Ain Guettara, in the southernmost bend of the Oued Mya, when several were seen ; observed in the middle of May in El-Golea, and several times seen between El-Golea and Ghardaia up to May 26. 45. Sylvia nana deserti (Loche). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 507. Travelling southwards, we found this lovely sand-coloured little bird here and there between Biskra and Touggourt, and for the last time between Safet-Iniquel and Oued Djafou, north of El-Golea. We never saw it south of Hl-Golea, though the country appeared, in certain places, to be quite suitable for it. On the return journey the Desert Warbler was encountered again about 40 and 50 km. north of El-Golea. It was common near Sebseb, south of Metlili, but. still more so in the sand-region of El-Arich, south-west of Touggourt. Specimens shot on March 4 and 5, about 60 and 75 km. south of Tonggourt, had ovaries and testicles already more or less strongly enlarged. One shot on May 20 north of El-Golea had the plumage so much worn that we resolved not to shoot any (52 ) more, At Sebseb these birds were singing lustily on May 26, apparently about to make a second brood. On June 6, at El-Arich, about half a dozen nests were found with naked or half-feathered young, either three or four in number. One nest con- tained two naked nestlings and two eggs; and a nest with four rotten eggs, covered with sand, was found north of El-Golea. Five of the eggs could be blown and saved, They were rather finely spotted, and not so greenish as those found in 1909 (1. ¢.), and measure 16°2 x 12°3, 16 x 12:6, 15-4 x 12°3, 16 x 125, and 15°71 x 125 mm. 46. *Sylvia cantillans inornata ‘I'sch. Cf, Nov, Zool. xviii. p. 508. Migrating through the central Sahara in April, in small numbers. Males were collected in the Oned Mya on April 8 and as late as May 1, also at In-Salah on April 18. 47. *Sylvia cantillans albistriata (Drelm), C£, Nov. Zool, xviii. p, 509. « Migrating through the Sahara in March and early April: near Ouargla 10. iii., El-Golea 24. iii, 60 km. south of Hl-Golea, l.iv., and a female, which I believe to belong to this form, in the Oued Saret, 4.iv., 1012. 48, "Sylvia deserticola Tristr. Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii, p. 509. One male Tamerna (north of Touggourt), 26. ii, oue male Arefidji, north of Ouargla, 7.iii. The one from Tamerna had wings, tail and body plumage in full moult. ‘The other had only a few of the body-plumes still moulting. 49. Sylvia conspicillata conspicillata Temm. C£, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 509. d ad. Kef-el-Dor, south of Biskra, 23. ii. The testicles were already swollen, and the bird would probably have nested on the spot. 50. Agrobates galactotes galactotes (‘l'emm.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 510. End of April several times in the southernmost bend of the Oued Mya, apparently still on passage. Middle of May common in the gardens of El-Golea, lustily singing and possibly nesting, though we could not find a nest, not even an old one. Very common near the Hassi Rebib in the Oued Nea, east of Ghardaia. The song is very powerful and pleasant. Nesting in the thick, almost impenetrable Zizyphus-bushes, where several empty nests and one with naked young were found on June 3. 51. Scotocerca inquieta saharae (Loche). Of. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 510. Noticed near Kef-el-Dor, south of Biskra, between Touggourt and Ouargla, and from El-Arich to Bledet-Ahmar, in sandy and clayey steppe with Limoniastrum and other thick bushes. A nest with four fresh eggs was found at Arefidji, March 7, in a bush of ——— Se ae eee (58) Limoniastrum. These eges are rather small, the rufous spots small, but covering nearly the whole egg, thongh more frequent round the larger pole, and measure 14:9 x 11:6, 14:2 x 11°6, 14-4 x 11°3, and 145 x 11:4 mm. Another nest with three naked young and an addled egg was discovered on June 11, also in a Limoniastrum, near El-Alia, The egg is larger and has larger but fewer spots and patches round the thick end. It measnres 16 x 12 mm. 52. Crateropus fulvus fulvus (Desf.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p- 511. Seen near Chegga, and in the Mzab country ; coming from the south, first met with on May 24 near El-Hadadra, and common on the 25th between Oued el-Abiodh and Bordj Gia. Adult birds shot on the 25th had their wings, tails and body plumage already monulting. In Ghardaia young birds were seen early in June. Plentiful in the Oued Nea, but perhaps most numerons in the oasis of Ghardaia. We never saw one south of Touggourt. [ Turdus merula mauritanicus breeds in the oases of Biskra, but has not been met with farther to the south. | 53. *“Monticola saxatilis (L.). Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 513. A single male was seen and shot in the Oued Saret, 109 km, south of El-Golea, on April 4, Wing 126°5 mm. 54. *Oenanthe oenanthe oenanthe (L.). (Saxicola oenanthe anct.) Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 513. These birds migrate through the Sahara in great quantities. The first seen were some awfully shy males near Ouargla. While at El-Golea, from March 27 to 30, Wheatears were extremely common. Hundreds were caught by the boys for pleasure and food in American penny-traps, the same which one buys in the ironmongers’ shops in England. Apparently it has been the habit to catch little birds since times immemorial, but the original crude traps of palm-fibres or horse- hair have been transplanted by the modern traps. I heard it said by a Frenchman, that bird-catching should not be suppressed, because the sparrows did so much damage to the crops, which is perfectly true ; but the sparrows are much too clever to enter the traps often ; during our stay in El-Golea one single sparrow got caught in a trap, and was promptly brought to me, as it was known that we were in want of Sparrows, but all the birds caught in great numbers were Wheatears, Pipits, and Yellow Wagtails, and occasionally a Red-headed Shrike and a Swallow, the latter probably knocked down with a stick or stone. The specimens we examined and skinned all belonged to the typical oenanthe. After El-Golea 0. 0. oenanthe was several times observed along the Sonthern Oued Mya, at In-Salah (April 17), and as late as May 5 in the Oued Mya, ( 54 ) [Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa ((m.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p, 513. Once, on April 10, when out with a butterfly-net to catch Preris and Euchloé, 1 saw a strikingly bright-coloured male with an almost pink chest and of great. size ; close by were two O. o. oenanthe, and the bird was quite tame. I returned soon after with a gun, but could not find the bird again. Ido not hesitate to say that the bird must have been a specimen of 0. 0. leucorrhoa.] 55. Oenanthe deserti homochroa (Tristr.). (Saxicola deserti auct.) Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 515. In Eastern Algeria we found the Desert Wheatear not rare as far sonth as Ngonssa, north of Onargla; a few were seen south of Onargla, March 14, and in the “daya bou-Ziane,” April 1; in the Mzab country it was observed 50 to 60 km. south of Ghardaia and east of that town, but it was commoner in the plain of El-Arich and from El-Alia to Touggourt. On June 11 some old birds were already monlting, while others had not yet begun their moult. 56. “Oenanthe hispanica xanthomelaena (Hempr. & Ehr.). (Saxicola “amphileuca” anct.) Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 516. On March 26 and 27 common at El-Golea. A great many were seen on the 28th, but we were then already busy with arrangements for our departure sonth- wards, and shot none. The number of migrants seen during these days was so enormous that if was impossible to get series of each species, and we had to be content with samples of each ; thus it came about that only three males were shot and skinned, which are all three zanthomelaena, but two or three seen in the hands of boys, with throats cut or quills pulled out, were of the same form. Several O. hispunica were seen, but not collected, in the Southern Oued Mya dnring the second week of April, and one in the Oued Saret on April 3; whether they belonged to the eastern or western form (. 4. canthomelaena or O. h, hispanica) T could not say. 57, Oenanthe moesta (Licht.). (Saxicola moesta auct.) Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii, p. 516. Again, as in 1909, we found this species by no means rare south of Biskra, from north of Chegga to Tamerna, north of Touggourt, but we never saw one south of that town, On our journey from Ghardaia to Touggourt we came across a pair with young ‘on June 2, 25 km, east of Ghardaia. 58. Oenanthe lugens halophila (Tristr.). Saxicola lugens halophita. C£, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 517, Sia: : ae Though occasionally seen along the edges of the sebchas and chotts, the chief haunting-places of this Chat are bare hills with clayey slopes, but not rocks, though we have also seen it in the hammada south of Ghardaia, Ca) Several pairs were observed, and one shot, on the clayey hills 23 km. south of Onargla, side by side with Oe. leucopyga aegra, and again on the hills near the Hassi el-Hadjar, on March 16. 59. Oenanthe leucopyga aegra subsp. nov. (Saxicola leucopyga anct, part.) Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p- 518. A renewed examination of our now good series of thirteen Algerian adult males and seven adult females has altered my view, as expressed in Voy. pal. Fauna i. p. 700. I find that the Western (Algerian) birds are distinctly smaller, the wings of the males measuring 101—106, and once 107-5 mm., as compared with 106—109 in thirteen Heyptian and Palestine birds in the Tring Mnsenm. Connt Zedlitz (Journ. f. Orn. 1912, p. 560) gives even 105—113 for thirteen specimens (¢ and ? !) from Palestine, Sinai, and Arabia, though only 97—103 for four (¢ $) Egyptian ones. Besides the thirteen skins with wings from 106—109 we have also one female from Abu Hamed in Nubia with a wing of barely 96, but against this stands an Algerian female with a wing of only 92 mm. ; hoth these birds are apparently young individuals, The other females from Algeria have wings of 94-—100, once 100-5, against 101—102*5 mm. in five examples from Egypt and Palestine.* There is thus a marked difference in size, and, considering that 4 or 5 mm. is a lot in small birds, and that their wings can be measured to a nicety, it is worth while to distinguish the form found in Africa Minor by a special name, as above, Type of O. leucopyga aegra: 3 peradultus Gara Klima, 10. ili, 1912, No. 206. In Vig. d. pal. Fauna i. p. 700, footnote, I said that the wings of Egyptian males reach a length upwards to 112 mm., but [ cannot now find such a large one, and I am afraid that it was a mistake and should read 109; on the other hand Zedlitz quotes 105—113 for Palestine and Sinai. In Vog. pal. Fauna i. p. 700 I spoke of possible differences between the birds from Egypt (Nubia) and those from Palestine. Count Zedlitz (l.c.) believes apparently too that the latter form is larger. From the material now before me [| cannot say if these forms are separable or not, but that does not, of course, affect the status of O. 7. aegra. It strikes me that our Palestine series shows a fine glossy blue-black plumage, while those from Nubia and Africa Minor are more pure black, without a bluish sheen ; as, however, the Palestine birds are all shot in November and on December 4, and our series from Egypt and Africa Minor consists of birds collected from March 3 to June, I would like to see a series of Palestine spring birds and Western autumn specimens before separating a third, Syrian race. The extent of black on the rectrices varies, but females and young have generally more. O. leucopyga aegra was met with for the first time—one specimen only—on the top of Gara Klima, on March 10. From the clay hills south of Ouargla (see Plate IX. lower photograph) southwards these birds were seen in most suitable localities ; they were very rare—in fact only one was seen once—in the immediate neighbourhood of El-Golea, but they were common in the Southern Oued Mya * Count Zedlitz (Journ. f. Orn. 1912, p. 359) accuses me of a clerical error in giving the measure- ments of the bills as 20-24 mm., but my statements are perfectly correct, as I measured from the base of the skull, as explained elsewhere, (56 ) region. They are absent from the Erg and sandy plains, as well as from the Chotts and Sebchas, as they require rocks, clay hills, steep banks of river-beds, or at least a well for nesting. We saw the last specimens on the southern escarpment of the plateau of Tademait, two kilometres south of Ain Guettara. Though a single bird would occasionally be shy, as a rule, in spring and summer at least, these birds are very tame and confiding, and I have seen them coming up within three or four yards (south of Ouargla and in the Oued Mya), near the tent, or amusing themselves with a date-stone or picking off flies from an empty sardine-tin. In the south they were, with the exception of the quieter and less confiding Ammomanes deserti mya, the only singing birds; they surpassed in beauty many gaily coloured birds, and one did not like to shoot them, though they were common enough. I cannot quite understand how Mr. Spatz can describe these birds as rather shy. It was of course our great desire to find the eggs of these birds, It is most extraordinary that the nests are so difficult to find. Zedlitz describes this (Journ. SF. Orn. 1912, pp. 560, 561), and we too have several times searched in yain for hours for nests that we knew must be there. We have, however, found many old nests, and others with young birds, as well as some eggs, at last. A ready- made nest without eggs was found on March 10, another on the 20th, on the rocks called ‘ Djorf-el-Bagra.” On March 31 our luck seemed to have come. In the well called Hassi Marroket I located, after some quiet waiting—the old birds having been made shy by the noisy taking of water for men and camels—a nest in one of the crevices between the stones of the wall, about 24 m. from the edge; before the hole had been located, Hilgert was let down and unintentionally dipped in the water, but he operated on a wrong cleft; afterwards Ahmed-ben-Naili descended on a rope, and he brought out the two eggs with great difficulty, bat to our disgust he cracked one, and they were so near being hatched ont and so brittle, that only one could be half-way saved. It was surprising to me that we found no nest at Fort Miribel. An old nest was discovered in a loophole of one of the houses; but in spite of honrs spent in search, no nest was found in the valley, where a pair was observed coming and going. Empty nests, mostly last year’s, were several times seen among the rocks on the banks of the Southern Oued Mya, but not until April 30 was another clatch found. It consisted of three eggs ; but they were so hard-set that only two could be saved, and those with huge holes, the embryos being cut out. The next day our efforts were at last rewarded, as we found a nest with three nearly fresh eggs. The eggs are not blue, but of a glossless white with or without the faintest bluish hue, not so blue even as the palest eggs of Oenanthe leucura. The six eggs which I can measure are 22 x 16:1, 22 x 15:9, 22 x 16, 23 x 16-7, 22°5 x 162, and 22 x 164mm. Small rusty red spots are more or less confined to a zone around the large end, while some show distinctly underlying pale bluish- grey spots. Two faded eggs from an old nest found by Hilgert are smaller, and have much larger spots, but their identity could of course not be proved. The nest is always placed in holes or crevices of rocks, steep banks, or in walls of wells, round gardens, or of buildings. There is mostly a long and often wide path of flat stones laid out in front, if the nest stands far in, but this is entirely absent if the hole is not deep, as in the case of the one with three eggs found on May 1, (57) and the one down the well of Marroket. The nest consists of fine stems of various small plants, pieces of wool and hair, outside some thicker stems and fibres, and is laid out with hair and wool of sheep and hares. The number of eggs is usually three, but sometimes two only. The young bird appears to have always a black crown, at least we have never seen one with even one white feather on the head ; the central rectrices have white ends, the lateral ones apparently always black spots ; the plumage is dull sooty blackish, with brownish-white tips to the feathers of the abdomen and whitish tips to the larger upper wing-coverts. Our recent observations have convinced us that, in fact, the majority of old birds put on a white cap. Most of the entirely black-headed birds we shot have brownish quills, showing that they are only birds of last year; south of El-Golea we have only once seen black-crowned birds — 7.¢. a pair not far from Hassi Marroket. Near Ghardaia, however, such specimens were not rarely observed, but very few seem to breed in that plumage and to be really quite old birds; in the few cases where black-headed birds had paired and bred the male as well as the female had black heads, as observed by Koenig long before us. 60. *Saxicola torquatus rubicola (1.). (Pratincola rubicola auct.) Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 519. We only recognised a single individual on April 12, in the Southern Oued Mya region, which was uot shot. Evidently the Stonechat is not a common, and perhaps not even regular, migrant through the Sahara, but appears to winter principally in the northern parts of Algeria, and in Africa Minor generally, also in Egypt. Reichenow, Vig. A/r. iii. p. 732, records only the following localities in tropical Africa: Beni-Amer, teste Heuglin, Kikuju and Nandi (specimens collected by Dr. Ansorge in Tring), Naiwasha Lake, collected by Fischer, Senegal, according to statement of Swainson, and Fernand Vaz (Gaboon), teste Marche and Comp. 61. *Saxicola rubetra spatai Eri. (Pratincola rubetra spate auct.) Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 519. Was observed frequently passing through the Sahara from April 12 to the end of that month, and even as late as May 12 and 16 several specimens were observed and two females shot on the 12th, no male being seen that day. The four specimens which we collected (15. iv., 30. iv., 12. vy.) are all of the pale form called S, 7. spatz/, like all those shot in Algeria in former years. 62. *Phoenicurus phoenicurus phoenicurus (L.). Cf. Nor. Zool, xviii, p- 519. On March 20, about 184 km. south of Onargla, an old male was observed, and a fair number were frequenting the gardens of El-Golea from March 27 to 30, After that a few were seen on April 30 in the Southern Mya, on May 1 in the same region, on May 14 and 17 in the gardens of El-Golea, and on June 4 in the bushes of the Oned Nea. The specimens collected at El-Golea are typical ?. p. phoenicurus. (58 ) 63. "Diplootocus moussieri (Olphe-Galliard), Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 520, This beautiful bird is not a real Saharan species, though it winters in the northern desert. We saw a few between Biskra and Touggourt, and shot an adult male at Kef-el-Dor February 22. 64. “Luscinia megarhyncha Brehm. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 520. Three single specimens were recognised : Southern Oued Mya April 7, Igosten April 15, In-Salah April 17. 65. Chelidon rustica rustica (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 521, The Common Swallow passes through the Sahara in considerable numbers, though we have never seen a great many together. The first Swallows, which also in the Northern Sahara are harbingers of spring, were hailed on March 9 in Onargla, and after that again on the 14th. A number were seen in El-Golea from March 26 to 30, and a few, here and there, all the way down to In-Salah, where they flitted ronnd the villages as long as we were there. On the return journey a few were observed almost every day, and they were common in El-Golea May 14 to 17. After that a few were seen almost daily up to June 5, and on the 6th in Guerrara. In Temacin and Touggourt Swallows are nesting, as well as in Biskra, but not in very great numbers. 66. "Hirundo urbica urbica L. Cf. Vog. pal. Fauna i. p. 807. Our common House-Martin passed through the Sahara in great numbers. They were numerous in the gardens of El-Golea during the last week in March, and also about the middle of May, though not nesting there. A few were seen at various times in the Southern Oued Mya region and at In-Salah, April 17 to 22. : North of El-Golea, towards the end of May and in June, a few were observed here and there—the last on June 6, in Guerrara—where, however, no nests conld be traced. Apparently the majority of all these birds were typical wrdiea, as shown by a few which we shot. 66a. “Hirundo urbica meridionalis Hart. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 522. A dead bird was picked np on April 12, north of Ain Gnettara, which by the shortness of its wing (barely 104 mm.) appeared to be of this race. 67. *Riparia riparia riparia (1.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 522. Sand-Martins were observed during our first stay in El-Golea, March 26 to 28, and again as quite common from May 13 to 17. A few were seen during the second week of April in the southernmost Oued Mya region. (59 ) We were anxiously looking ont for any resident Swallows in the south. Rohlfs, who—though without any knowledge of zoology—was a most trustworthy explorer, says in his work, Reise durch Marokko, etc., 1868, p. 143, and 2nd edition, 1869, p. 164, that in the oases of Tuat a kind of House Swallow was sedentary, winter and summer, which had a square tail and grey plumage. There was no sign of such a bird in Tidikelt, and I was assured that all kinds of Swallows were only known as migrants in autumn and spring. I suppose Rohlfs saw Sand-Martins, and was wrongly informed that they bred in the oases. 68. Apus murinus brehmorum Hart. (?) Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 523. We saw a few Swifts only, in two places: at Guerrara and at El-Alia, 80 km, south of Touggourt. In the first place three or four were seen just before dusk over the town, and a pair next day on some rocks east of the place, of which we succeeded in shooting one, on June 7, Half a dozen or so caught insects at Hl-Alia, 80 km. south of Tonggourt, on June 9, in the late afternoon, and of these too we were able to get one. We cannot doubt that the latter were nesting near by, and we are sure that the pair of June 7 nested somewhere on the rocks. None were seen afterwards, except at Biskra, where dozens came on certain evenings and flew round the huge chimney of the electric works, near the station. The two we skinned are so pale that they could be taken for A. m. murinis, and the one from El-Alia is lighter than the Guerrara specimen. One from Cape Blanco (south of Rio de Oro) and three from the plain south of Biskra are equally pale, while one from Alger is much darker! Perhaps more material will prove that the birds breeding south of the Atlas are all paler, and either A. m. murinus or an intermediate form ? 69. *Caprimulgus europaeus meridionalis Hart. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 523. A single male was found in the gardens of Hl-Golea on May 14. It belongs to the pale Mediterranean form, though the wing measures 18!) mm. A male was seen at Igosten on April 23, which looked very black and large, and of which I have no doubt that it was C. e. ewropaeus. [saw it on a palm-leaf close to me, but it was afterwards so shy that I could not get near enough to shoot it with the small walking-stick gun, which was generally sufficient for collecting in the gardens, where firing with a twelve-bore was not desirable, because the shot damaged the dates and the noise frightened young and old. 70. *Caprimulgus ruficollis desertorum [rl. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 523. There must have been quite a migration through the Sahara towards the middle of May. A female was found in the open stony desert on May 11, 48 km. south of El-Golea, a male flew round the camp on the 12th, 29 km. south of Hl-Golea, and another male was shot in the gardens of that oasis on the 14th. None were seen in the Oned Nea, and there can be little doubt that this species does not breed in the desert. ( 60 ) 71. Caprimulgus aegyptius saharae Erl. Cf, Nov, Zool. xviii. p. 524. Although a typical Saharan form, this bird does not, during breeding-time, reach very far south into the desert. The southernmost places where it was found were the Oued Nea, between Ghardaia and Guerrara, and the sand district of El-Arich, where it appeared to be common, as we saw a number of young birds, though, by ill luck, no adult bird was there procured. A fine adult male, however, was shot on June 11, 40 km. south of Touggourt, between Hassi Dinar and Bledet-Ahmar; this bird was still in beautiful plumage, though the body- feathers were already in moult. Near Bledet-Ahmar is also the southernmost place where this Goatsucker had hitherto been found, by Koenig. The young birds—fully fledged Jane 4, Oued Nea—so closely resemble the adult birds that they cannot be distinguished when flashed ont of the desert erass; the blackish markings are everywhere finer, less sharply defined, the white patches on the sides of the throat only indicated, otherwise there are no differences in coloration. Quite a number of Goatsuckers got up before the diligence during our night drive from Tongyourt to Biskra, especially north of Mraier, which could not have been anything else than C. ae. saharae, their pale sandy plumage being very noticeable in the faint moonlight. On June 17, when coming up from Touggourt with the camels, Ahmed-ben-Naili found a clutch of two eggs, of which he un- fortunately broke one. The remaining one closely resembles the two I found in 1909, and measures 32°1 x 22°5 mm. 72. *Coracias garrulus garrulus L. Of. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 525, Only single specimens observed in the Oned Nea on June 4, at El-Golea on May 16, and near the oasis of Sebseb on May 27, but always so shy that we were not able to shoot one. 75. Merops apiaster L. Cf. Nov, Zool. xviii, p. 524. Only a few times did we observe Bee-eaters in the sonth: on April 8 in the Southern Oued Mya, and on April 17 and 18 at In-Salah. Neither here nor there were they nesting, but in the Oned Nea a few were seen which seemed to have their nests on the steep banks. 74. Merops persicus chrysocercus Cab. & Heine. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 524, pl. ix. Nesting on the steep banks of the Oued Nea. On June 5 a clutch of five eggs was taken, but they were so much incubated that only three could be saved. On June 6a full clutch of five, almost fresh, was dug ont, while in another hole young birds were already found. The holes were about a metre deep, One old bird was shot for identification of the eggs. The latter measure 26 x 21:1, 25 x 21, 25 x 21°4; 23:5 x 21:7, 23:2 x 22, 23:7 xX 22, 208 & 22, and 23° x 21:6 mm. ee ee a ae an (61 ) 75. Upupa epops epops L. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 525. During our first stay in El-Golea a few Hoopoes were seen in the gardens, and ov March 30 a great number were observed, flocks of five and six, and once twenty- five or thirty together—altogether we must have seen fifty or sixty within half an hour, in and about the outskirts of El-Golea. A few were seen on April 12 (Oued Mya), doubtless on migration. On June 6 I observed a pair (or at least two) in the gardens of Guerrara, and I have little doubt that they were nesting there. 76. *Jynx torquilla torquilla L. Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 526. March 27 at El-Golea; April 13, Southern Oued-Mya; April 17, In-Salah—the latter not shot. [We searched in vain for Bubo ascalaphus ou Gara Klima, where Koenig’s brother-in-law shot one. Several crevices and small caves were investigated and possible castings found, but neither here uor elsewhere, in spite of much search, did we come across any Hagle-owls. | 77. Tyto alba alba (Scop.). Only heard and seen on the mosque in Touggourt, where we could not shoot it. 78. Athene noctua saharae Kleinschm. Since writing about these Little Owls in Nor. Zool. xviii. p. 529, with Mr. Rothschild, I have reconsidered their status with the help of a very rich material, and come to the conclusion that the southern form, from south of the Atlas, must be separated from that inhabiting the northern portions of Africa Minor. These Owls, so common in some parts of Algeria, are rare and local in the actual Sahara. They were, however, not rare in the Oued Nea, where independent young birds flew about already at the beginning of June. We were especially interested in these and all other Owls, and did not often go to sleep with the fowls, as we generally watched the lamp to catch moths long after dusk. We saw, however, none of these Owls farther southwards, except once in the Oned Mya, near Tilmas Djilrhempt, on May 2; even there only this one bird was observed and shot, which was evidently a last year’s bird, and has a very short wing of 150 mm. The unmistakable note was also heard on May 24, at the Oued-el-Abiodh. 79. *“Asio flammeus flammeus (Pontopp.). (Asio accipitrinus act.) A single bird was seen sitting high up on a tamarisk bush in the desert, 80 km. south of El-Golea, April 2. It is in a peculiar plumage, the tail and secondaries being strongly worn, while the primaries, scapulars, and body plumage are very fresh. ( 62 ) 80. Otus scops scops (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii, p. 530. When we came to Touggourt, where these Owls were common in April 1909, we looked ont in vain for them, and we saw none in Ouargla, where we were told that they did not occur. In El-Golea, however, they were exceedingly common during our stay in March. On some days there must have been dozens in the officers’ gardens alone, sometimes four and five were found in one tree, and they sat even on small trees in the courtyard of the fort. At night they were very noisy; in addition to its single-noted melancholy call, which resembles that of Bombinator igneus and Alytes, one heard a louder, gayer one, and sometimes one or two syllables, reminding one of the note of an Athene. In the Southern Oned Mya the remains of a Scops Owl which had evidently been eaten by a bird of prey were found. When we came back to El-Golea, late in May, our friends had gone, though a single pair was at last heard in the oasis, where it nested, no doubt. We are not sure if these Owls nest in Ghardaia, as we did not visit the far-off oasis by night, but none were heard near the hotel and fortress. In the Oued Nea they were rare, but a nest was found with three hard-set eggs in a hole of a huge Terebinth-tree on June 4. 81. Gyps fulvus (Gm.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 530. We saw a single specimen sailing along the mountain range east of Ghardaia on June 2. Both Hilgert and I had a good look at it through our glasses, so that our identification was absolutely certain. [We were very disappointed not to see a sign of any other large Vultures in the Sahara. Paul Spatz, however, brought home four eggs taken in Mareh 1898 at a place called Hl-Anagied, said to be about a hundred miles 8.8.B. of Bir Aouine in the Tunisian desert. He was not allowed to proceed farther than Bir Aouine, but he sent his shikari Ali there, who brought the four eggs, but unfortunately no remains of the parent birds. The eggs are in the Erlanger Collection in Ingelheim. They are spotted, and agree with many eggs of Aegypius monachus* (L.), though they are not as thick and as richly marked as some of the eggs of the latter species. They measure 88 x 71, 91 x 69, 96° x 65, and 96 x 65°5 mm. There is therefore no reason why they should not be the eggs of Aegypius monachus (1i.), though those of Ofogyps auricularis are apparently very similar in size and markings. In no case can they be anything else than Aegypius, or possibly Otogyps. | 82. Neophron percnopterus percnopterus (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 531. Scarce in the Sahara, bat single specimens seen at intervals as far south as the southernmost Oued Mya, where, however, one or two young birds only were observed, one of which was at last shot. * Hitherto called Vultwr monachus, but in no case can this species be looked upon as the type of “ Vultur,” as it was not included in the genus when that was first established, in 1758, ( 63 ) [Gypactus barbatus atlantis was not observed south of El-Kantara and Biskra, and cannot be called an inhabitant of the real Sahara. The same is to be said of Aguila chrysactus. | 83. Buteo ferox cirtensis (Lev.). Cf. Nov. Zool. XViil. p. 535. Observed as far south as Ain Guettara, where also old nests were found. Entirely restricted to mountainous places with high and steep cliffs. Young birds about half-grown were brought to El-Golea on May 17. A nest with young was discovered on the 20th, which was easily accessible. It contained two young, almost ready to leave the nest. An old bird, which to our great surprise was found to be a male, was shot while bringing food. Though Hilgert sat well concealed in 2 hut built of stones and Retam branches until dusk, no other bird appeared; we therefore supposed that the female had perished, as it could not have been such a bad mother as to leave the young alone from 11 a.m. till 8 o'clock at night. Of the young ones, we skinned one, the largest, and kept the smaller one alive. Together with a young Falcon and another Buzzard which we had brought with us from El-Golea, it gave us much amusement. The Buzzards were fierce and obstinate; they refused food for a few days, threw themselves on the back and fought with their claws when one approached them ; they were wide-awake and active, running away in the open desert and climbing rocks when near the tent; they also tried to rob the Falcon of its food, but they were generally silent. The Falcon, on the other hand, was gentle and tame, fed the first day we had him, and kept up a loud cry often for hours. As a rale they did not drink, but during the broiling hot days of the second half of May they began eagerly to drink and to bathe, like the Falcon, when opportunity was given. We shot two old males, one with the uniform reddish tail of an adult bird, though there is a greyish tinge at the base; the other with a faint subterminal blackish bar and traces of bars on the outer pair of rectrices. The young birds resemble the adalt ones in the blackish brown upperside with wide rufous edges to the feathers; the underside is cinnamon-buff, with wide brown streaks on the sides of the breast; tail rufous, widely barred with blackish brown. 84. Milvus korschun korschun (Gm.). Of, Nov. Zool. xvii. p. 536. Found in the desert wherever hills and rocks are near, as far south as the southernmost Oued Mya, but everywhere very scarce, and generally seen singly or in pairs. Three eggs were taken on a clay hill with a steep escarpment near the Hassi el-Hadjar, between Ouargla and El-Golea, already hard-set, on March 17. An adult male was shot in the southernmost bend of the Oued Mya. 85. *Circus macrourus (Gin.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii, p. 536. I do not remember having seen this Harrier more than once—?e. April 3, 1912, when one or two were seen hunting Short-toed Larks in the Oued Saret. I shot one, which, though cinnamon underneath and earth-brown above, proved to be a male, with very small, narrow, elongated testicles, ( 64 ) 86. (?") Circus aeruginosus (L.). C£. Nov. Zool. xviii. p, 536. Several specimens were seen on the lake at El-Golea on March 26, and again, apparently a pair, on May 16, which might have had their nest in the impenetrable reeds. 87. Circaétus gallicus (Gm.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 537, On June 4 I found a hnge nest on an old Terebinth-tree, close to another big empty nest, on which a Short-toed Eagle was sitting very close, -hatching an addled egg. The bird proved to be a male. A single bird was clearly observed at Sebseb, 51 km. south of Ghardaia. 88. Falco tinnunculus L. C£. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 538, Two Kestrels, evidently migrating, were seen on March 14. A single female was observed at Igosten on April 15, aud again—possibly the same bird—at In-Salah, where also the remains of a dead specimen were found. A nest with four eggs (hard-set) was found in the wall of the ruined old Berber town above the abattoirs of Ghardaia on May 30, and another with half-grown young the following day. On the latter the female was caught with the hand. Evidently nesting also in Guerrara (seen 6. vi. 1912), Touggourt (12. vi.), Mraier and Biskra. 89. Falco biarmicus erlangeri Kleinschm, Cf, Nov. Zool, Xviil. p- 538. This beautiful Falcon ranges from El-Kantara, where it nests, south to Ain Guettara, where a pair was observed on April 27. It occurs, naturally, only where rocks afford opportunity for nesting. It does not, however, cling to inaccessible, huge cliffs, but most of the nests we found were accessible without ropes, some easily, others not without difficulty. On May 21 Hilgert discovered a nest with half-grown young on a cliff not more than four metres in height, and barely three above the ground. Throngh a mishap the old bird escaped us, but a female, off eggs, was shot on April 9 in the southernmost Oued Mya, and an adult male in the same region on May 4. A young bird was killed in the Oued Nea, June 4. A clutch of two, one hard-set, the other damaged, was taken, 9. iv.; another of two, almost fresh, on April 11. The eggs are placed in small caves, always protected from above, on the bare rock, and the nest is visible by the white excrements. These birds are very shy, and so are the Buzzards even there in those solitudes, where they are rarely molested. The plumage and eggs will be described in my forthcoming part of the Vog. d. pal. Fauna. 90, *Ardeola ralloides ralloides (Scop.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 539. Observed, but not obtained, at El-Golea, March 26. ( 65 ) 91. Ixobrychus minutus (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 539. (Sub nomine: Ardetia minuta.) A female shot, and another specimen seen, Hl-Golea, May 15. 92. *Kgretta garzetta garzetta (L.). Cf. Loche, Expl, Scient. Algérie, Ois. ii, p. 183: Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 119. Captain Charlet sent me a specimen from In-Salah, obtained in the autumn of 1912. 93. (*?) Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 539. Twice seen on May 16, at El-Golea. 94. *Ciconia ciconia ciconia (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 539. On February 9 we witnessed the arrival of the first Stork, in the early morning; on the same day a flock of probably sixty or eighty was seen from the train in the plain of El]-Outaya, near Biskra. A single stork, dirty and dishevelled, was observed at Igosten, April 15, and another—perhaps the same—at In-Salah on the 22nd. The most interesting and almost incredible information about a flight of storks is contained in a letter by Capitaine Charlet, dated In-Salah, 19. viii. 1912. The Captain writes: “The heat this year has been quite uncommon. The natives whom I saw the other day at Aoulef told me that they never witnessed it like that before; the dates are quite hardened, which means a great loss to them. “ The natives have succeeded in catching at Inrhar, 60 km. from here, in one week over 500 Storks, which descended half-dead from thirst near the water- basins in the gardens! They reckon that it is a gift of heaven to compensate them for the loss of their date-crop, and eat greedily this game of a novel description.” I need not emphasize the interest attached to this communication. I gather from it, that such quantities of storks do not, as a rule, visit Tidikelt ; why they should have been half-starved or weakened from thirst is difficult to understand, as the exceptional heat of last summer did not extend north of the Atlas, and I doubt if it takes a stork longer than a day to fly from the Atlas to Inrhar. What astonishes me most is the early date of this ‘invasion of storks—in August, as the letter was written August 19! I wrote at once, asking if any rings had been found on the legs, as it would be of great interest to know whence these storks had come, and if any were “ marked,” but so far the answer has not arrived. 95. *Plegadis falcinellus (1..). of. Nov. Zool, XViil. p. 541. An adult male, with testicles of the size of a small hazel-nut (17 mm, long), shot at El-Golea, 28, ili, 1912, 5 ( 66 ) 96. *Phoenicopterus roseus Pall. Cf. Nov, Zool. xviii, p. 541. On February 20 we found three dead Flamingoes near Bordj Saada, which had struck the telegraph-wires a few days before. According to information of some Frenchmen and Arabs hundreds of Flamingoes were observed in March on the Chott near Mraier. 97. “Anas crecca crecca L. Cf, Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 542. One examined while it was being plucked for the kitchen, at Ouargla on March 8. Said to be common at times at Ouargla and Hl-Golea, on passage. 98. “Anas querquedula L. Cf. Cat. B. Brit, Mus. xxvii. p. 293 (* Querquedula circia”) ; Loche, Expl, Scient. Algérie, Ois. ii. p. 376 (Pterocyanea circia). One shot at Ouargla, March 9, when three or four others were seen, and another examined there a day or two after, which was shot by the hotel- keeper. Many Ducks of various kinds visit the Chotts near Onargla and elsewhere, and still more, apparently, the lake at El-Golea, but we were too late in the latter place for them ; their shooting requires time, as they are generally very wild and every sportsman is after them. Some ducks seen at a distance at Hl-Golea in March appeared to be Anas penelope. 99. Columba livia livia L. Cf, Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 543, Not found among the mountains of the central Sahara, where we visited them. The southernmost place where we saw any was at Sebseb, May 26, where there were a good many, of which a young bird was obtained. Also seen at Ghardaia. 100, Streptopelia turtur arenicola (Hurt. L.). (? Partim !) Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 543. ; Turtle-doves were once seen at In-Salah and at Igosten, where a male was shot, which is so dark that I cannot say that it differs from S. ¢. turtwr of Central Europe; it is, however, a bit greasy, and fat darkens the colours very much; it was shot from a flock of five or six; and its testicles were 2 cm. long and 6 mm. thick. A number of Turtle-doves were seen at El-Golea in May, and a few single ones on passage north of In-Salah and in the Southern Oued Mya, on April 25 and 28, and May 5, also on May 8, but none could be shot. A single adult male, with enlarged testicles, was killed 76 km. south of Ghardaia. Many breed at Ghardaia, Touggourt, Mraier and Biskra, evidently also at Guerrara, where a ? was shot on June 7, which is somewhat dark for arenicola, but not quite dark enough for S. 4, turtur. CSF) 101. Streptopelia senegalensis aegyptiacus (Luth.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 543, Great numbers nest in the oases of Ghardaia, and they are by no means rare in Guerrara and Ouargla, nor yet in Touggourt, Mraier and Biskra, They are, however, absent from El-Golea and In-Salah. This is very interesting, as it proves that the distribution of this tropical Dove has not taken place through the Sahara, but by way of the coast, #7 Marocco. 102. Pterocles alchata alchata (L.). C£. Nov, Zool. xviii. p. 544. Hundreds passed over the desert in the morning and evening south of Biskra, and especially near Nca ben Rzig, where we shot several on February 25. Apparently confined to the northern desert. 103. Pterocles senegallus (L.). C£. Nov. Zool, xviii, p. 544. This species goes evidently farthest south in the Sahara. We saw thousands coming from the Chott near Ket-el-Dor, south of Biskra, and they were common near Ouargla, in March. A few were seen near El-Golea, and a female shot on May 16. At certain times they are said to appear in great numbers near El-Golea. We were disappointed not to come across a breeding-place between Ghardaia and Touggourt, where none were observed. (There can be little doubt that Daubenton’s “ Gélinote du Sénégal,” on which the name “ senegallus” is based, never come from the Senegal,| though a closer exploration of the Senegal is still a desideratum.) 104. Caccabis petrosa spatzi Rchw. Cf. Nov. Zool, xviii. p, 544. Very common in the Oued Nea, where they had half-grown and two-thirds- grown young during the first week of June. It is also found in the river-beds south of Ghardaia, as far south as the Oued el-Abiodh, where we came across it for the first time on June 25, coming from El-Golea. They had there already about half- grown young. Also found in small numbers near El-Kantara, where one was obtained this year; this specimen is a shade more greyish than the others, but this is probably due to the wonderful freshness of its plumage, as it was shot three aud a half months earlier. 105. *Coturnix coturnix coturnix (L.). C£. Nov, Zool. xviii. p. 545. We had expected to see much of the migration of (Juails, but this was not the case. There were Quails about Hl-Golea in March, but as they were hidden in the fresh fields, which we did not like to enter, we did not shoot any. A single one was met with in the Southern Oued Mya region, on April 9, ( 68 ) 106. (?*) Fulica atra (1.). Cf. Nov, Zool. xviii, p. 545. Several Coots were seen on the lake of El-Golea, where they are said to be resident and breeding, since some years. 107. *Megalornis grus grus (1.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii, p, 546. Cranes flew overhead, londly calling, on February 20, in the evening at 7.30 and at 8 o'clock. 108. Houbara undulata undulata (Jacquin). CE, Nov, Zool, xviii. p. 546. Ranges from Biskra south to the valley of El-Meksa in the Erg-bent-Chaouli, south of El-Golea, and perhaps even farther southwards, On March 31 some adult birds were shot, and four nestlings canght 46 km. south of El-Golea, near the Hassi Okseibat, on a sandy plain with many stones and a good deal of fine vegetation. The first down is above of a pale cream-colour, more white on neck, head and rump, with rufons-brown patches and black lines, under- neath white with rusty rufous markings and a few blackish lines on the throat. The iris is dull pale orange-brown, feet yellowish green, bill horn-black with white point on tip of culmen. The next moult brings forth, on the upperside, cinnamon-buff with black fringes and slate-coloured bases. 109. Burhinus (Oedicnemus) oedicnemus saharae Rchw. (?). Cf, Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 547; Mandl. Brit. B. p. 163. We only came across this species on two occasions. <A single bird was seen on April 29 in a small oued just north of Ain Guettara, and promptly shot. Two birds were seen at sunset on June 4 near the Hassi Rebib in the Oued Nea, east of Ghardaia, of which one was secured. These two birds, together with one from Tilrhempt (between Ghardaia and Laghonat), shot April 14, 1911, are more reddish cinnamon and not quite so pale as our series from Tunisia, Biskra, and Marocco north of the Atlas. It is, therefore, quite possible that another more central Saharan form is separable again from 0. 0. sakarae, but I cannot venture to make this separation on the present scanty series of only three examples. ‘Traces of these birds were seen near El-Meksa, south of El-Golea. 110, *Glareola pratincola pratincola (L.). C£. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 548. A flock of five was seen on the edge of the lake at El-Golea, of which I was able to shoot a female, 111. Cursorius gallicus gallicus (Gm.). Cf. Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 548. Often seen between Biskra, Touggourt and Onargla, also half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea. On May 24, between Hl-Hadadra and the Oued el-Abiodh, we again came across this beautiful bird, and afterwards saw it east of Guerrara, at Kl-Arich and El-Alia, (699) 112. *Charadrius dubius Scop. CE. Nov. Zool. Xviii. p. 548. March 3 near Temacin ; 9th aud 11th, Ouargla. 113. Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus L. GE; Nov. Zool. XViii. p- 548, We found this bird both times common near Temacin, and on June 11, at Bledet-Ahmar, young birds were flying about together with old ones. 114. *Gallinago gallinago gallinago (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii, p. 548. Near E]-Golea, March 27 and 28. 115. *Limnocryptes gallinula (1.). Cf. Loche, Expl. Scient. Algérie, Ois. ii. p, 298. Distinctly recognised at Hl-Golea 27. iii. 1912. 116. *Machetes pugnax (L.). Cf. Nov. Zool, xviii. p. 549. In small flocks on the Chott near Ouargla on March 9, 1912. 117. *Tringa (Totanus or Actitis anct.) hypoleuca L. Cf, Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 549. Not rare at El-Golea towards the end of March, and two or three on May 15. 118. *Tringa (Totanus auct.) glareola L. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p, 549. El-Golea, March 28. 119. *Tringa (Totanus auct.) stagnatilis (Bechst.). Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 549. Ouargla, March 11; El-Golea, March 28 and May 15, 120. *Tringa (Totanus auct.) ocrophus L. Cf. Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 549. El-Golea, March 28 and May 15. 121. *Tringa (Totanus auct.) nebularia (Gunner). Cf. Loche, Expl. Scient. Algérie, Ois. ii. p. 316, sub nomine Glottis canescens. Onargla, March 11. 122. *Hydrochelidon leucoptera (T'emm.). Cf. Loche, Expl. Scient, Algérie, Ois. ii, p. 207, sub nomine Wydrochelidon nigra. One female, El-Golea, May 15, ( 70 ) 123. *Colymbus ruficollis ruficollis Pall. Of, Nor, Zool. xviii. p. 550, no. 230; Mandl. Brit. B. p. 158, no, 340. Hilgert saw one or two on the Lake of E1-Golea on May 15, [Alcatorda L. Cf. Loche, Hwpl. Scient, Algérie, Ois. ii. p. 210. The Razorbill is rare on the Algerian coast, but M. André Théry shot two specimens off Sidi Ferruch, near Alger, in January 1911, which his son kindly presented to us. | 124. Struthio camelus L. The Ostrich has entirely disappeared from Algeria, The dates of its extinction do not appear to be known, I have been told that a book by the late General Marguerite, entitled Mes Chasses en Algérie, contains interesting notes on the destruction of the Ostriches on the “ Hants Plateaux,” but so far I have not been able to see this book. In Tristram’s time (é.e. 54 years ago) the Ostrich was still common near Tilrhempt, which appears to have been one of its principal and last strongholds in Algeria ; and on the Oned Nea, east of Ghardaia, where—apparently at the present Hassi Rebib—the Addax nasomaculata was also seen at that time. At that time if seems also to have lived between Ouargla and Touggourt. At the present day only pieces of egg-shells may be found in Algeria and in all the desert, as far as we have visited it. It is quite certain that no ostrich has lived for some time back even as far south as Tidikelt ; and, according to information from M. Brand at In-Salah, it is now even absent from Air (Asben), and not found north of Damerghu, about half-way between Air and Kano, where it still abounds. While we were at El-Golea, two ostriches were brought there and taken to Ghardaia ; they came from Timbuetu, I was told. Another question is: were ostriches ever found in the bare Erg or in all the country south of Ouargla, where vegetation is absent, scarce, or intermittent, as in the Oued Mya? Can the pieces of egg-shells that we find at present be taken as an indication of their former occurrence ? We have found egg-shells from the sands between Oumach and Mouleina (near Biskra) and the sands between El-Oued and Tonggourt to El-Meksa and the Brg- bent-Chaonli, and also some at Foggaret-es-Zoua, the northernmost of the Tidikelt oases. What struck us, however, was the fact that they were nearly always found in the depressions, which contained wells, and which are probably very ancient resting- places of caravans. I do not doubt that wells have been in much the same places, and caravans have rested there 2000 years ago, as they do nowadays, becanse the nature of the country demands it ; and together with eggs of the present Ostrich are found those of Psammornis rothschildi, the extinct Giant Ostrich, and also, sometimes, pierced pieces of shells used for necklaces and pieces of flint-implements, mostly little spear-heads, There is little indication of the age of these egg-fragments, and whether those found together with flint implements are of a similar age to the latter ; bat probably (71) they are more recent, though the end of the stone age in the Central Sahara would probably have been much more recent than in Europe. Ostrich-eggs have doubtless always been objects of a certain value and of barter. They could and can be carried for weeks fresh to eat, and would be taken to the camp to be cooked. The empty shells are useful for ornament, and used to be placed on houses, graves and mosques (see Tristram, Jdis, 1860, p. 75), and necklaces are made from small pieces. Most of the pieces of necklaces are more or less round (fig. 1): others square (fig. 2). Go OS Fie. 2. Similar necklaces of ostrich egg-shells are nowadays worn by the native women in German South-West Africa. The most recent egg-pieces we found were those which Mr. Rothschild and I picked up between El-Oned and Tonggourt, in 1909; in fact, these are so fresh and well-preserved, even in colour, that they might be only a few years old. Somewhat older and more coffee-brown on both sides are those found by Carlo von Erlanger in 8.E. Tunisia; and still older, more or less brown and half-fossilised, the upper surface deeply pitted, are those we collected in the Erg-bent-Chaonli, near El- Meksa. Hilgert found some south of Biskra, which appear to be of various ages ; they were partly put together in little heaps, apparently by children, and left or forgotten. Fragments from Foggaret-es-Zoua (Tidikelt) are very different : they are worn quite thin, and the edges rounded off; the different appearance is probably due to the very different, much coarser sand of Tidikelt. That the colour is due to the influence of the atmosphere is shown by some pieces in which the underside, which was turned upwards, is brown, while the upperside had remained light, others being brown above and light below, or brown or light above and below. 125. Psammornis rothschildi Andrews. Andrews, Verh. V. Int. Orn.-Kongr. pp. 169-173; Nov. Zool. xviii. 550. Fragments of egg-shells perfectly similar to the types of Psammornis roth- schildi were collected by Hilgert near Biskra, together with Ostrich-egg-shells, and this year in various places between Onargla and El-Golea. Some of these are less thick than the rest, but otherwise alike. The thinner ones may perhaps haye been produced by some last degenerated individuals of the lost race, or be otherwise abnormal. Some are so much in the same state of preservation as some of Struthio camelus that they (together with the fact that they are found every- where with fragments of shells of recent ostriches) disprove the theory, alluded to by Dr. Andrews, that they might be brought up from a considerable depth during the digging of the well. All are brown of various shades, but the majority are of a very deep brown, darker than most of the darkest ostrich-egg fragments, It is to be hoped that some day bone of Psammornis rothschildi will be discovered, to show what, this bird was like. ( 72) . CONCLUSIONS. Le The number of species diminishes from the foot of the Atlas southwards. Some of the birds which enliven the northern Sahara, as for example near Biskra and even Ghardaia, especially the Crested Larks, Rhamphocorys, Mremophila, Ocenanthe (Saxicola) moesta, Calandrella minor, Lanius excubitor elegans, Argya fulva, Caccabis and others—disappear entirely, mostly between El-Golea and Ghardaia on the one, and El-Golea and Touggourt on the other side. Some of the species, such as Mrythrospiza githaginea, Athene, and others, though extending far southwards, become very local and very scarce. dug A few of the species are represented by different subspecies in the central and in the northern Sahara: Corvus corax tingitanus by C. c. ruficollis, Ammomanes deserti algeriensis by A. d. mya. WHET Some of the birds, and still more so the lepidoptera, coleoptera, mammalia, and plants, are very widely distributed, especially many insects and plants range at least from Arabia and Syria to Marocco, and from Spain to the central Sahara, This is no doubt due to the similarity of desert-country and desert-climate in the various countries and the unbroken desert belt extending from Syria and Arabia to the Atlantic Ocean. ive The breeding season varies more than in Europe. Ido not agree with Count Zedlitz, who concludes that Passer simplex saharae breeds twice in one year; but, since we found fully fledged and naked tiny young birds as well as nearly fresh eggs almost at the same time, I must believe that this bird breeds more irregularly than most birds in our country. The same is to be said about Oenanthe leucopyga aegra, Alaemon, and others. I am, of course, well aware of Count Zedlitz’ most interesting articles in Journ. f. Orn. 1908 p. 480 and Verh. V. Intern. Orn.-Kongr. p. 323. I have also experienced myself the great influence of rain in the Sahara, In 1908 and 1909 Mr. Rothschild and I, ‘at various times from Febraary to the end of April, collected in the streteh of country between Biskra and Bordj Saada, and in 1909 we rode from Biskra to Touggourt and back. Very seldom did we see a single white butterfly between Biskra and Bordj Saada, and not one all the way from that Bord) down to Touggourt. In 1912 I saw dozens of white butterflies between Biskra and Bordj Saada, and hundreds of Melitaea and yellow-and-white Luchloé between Biskra and Touggourt—evidently because there had been more rain in the winter and any amount of vegetation. Whether this could affect the breeding-time of a Passer simplex saharae I cannot say, but I doubt it very much. To seek an undoubted explanation one would haye to remain longer in the central Sahara, or visit it more often, and in years with and without considerable winter rains. i (73 ) VY. Bird Migration. It will be seen from the narrative of my journey, and from the special part on the birds collected and observed, that innumerable migrants pass through the Western Sahara. For every ornithologist, bird-migration is a most interesting and fascinating subject ; and next to egg-collecting, my earliest occupation with orni- thology took the form of observing migration on the Baltic shores. Since then this subject has become one of the foremost in ornithology, chiefly through Giitke’s Vogelwarte Helgoland, the activity of the Royal Hungarian Central Bureau of Ornithology under its gifted chief, Otto Herman, and, more recently, the Vogelwarte Rossitten, and the “ringing” in Germany, England (Witherby’s activity), and other countries, and last, but not least, Hagle Clarke’s Studies in Bird Migration. In spite of all the great work done so far, many questions are still imperfectly answered or quite unsolved. My explorations in Algeria, with and without the Hon. Walter Rothschild, have given me some opportunities of observing migration, and, together with former experiences, I came to the following conclusions : The popular belief and the description of the late Professor Newton,* that northern migrants by the end of the summer, when food becomes scarce in the most northern limits of the range of a species, “begin to press upon the haunts of other individuals; these, in like manner, upon that of yet others, and thus ‘The waves behind impel the waves before,’ until the movement which began in the far north is communicated to the indi- viduals occupying the extreme range of the species at that season,” is entirely without foundation. I have never been able to see the logic; to my mind it is quite clear that birds are not able to “ press upon the haunts of other individuals ”; especially in late sammer and early autumn there is such a quantity of food, and nowhere are birds so numerous that the immigration of a host of birds could “ press upon their haunts,” and this movement be “communicated to the individuals occupying the extreme range of the species at that season.” Just the contrary takes place: the northernmost individuals are, of course, first compelled to quit their haunts, and they migrate—generally much more slowly and leisurely than on their return journey in spring—farthest south. Thus we see the northern Waders arrive on our shores in the summer, when none of our birds, or hardly any, begin to move. We see birds from the arctic regions migrating south to the equator and beyond, Siberian birds pass the winter in Australia, while Manchurian forms only go as far as middle and southern China; we find the northern Yellow Wagtails going south, at least as far as the Mediterranean form, instead of pressing the latter on before their host; and where the same species inhabits more southern latitudes, the southern form becomes resident, instead of being compelled to move before the invading northerners. Our Wheatear and the Greenland Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe oenauthe and Oenanthe oenanthe leucorrhoa) wander as far south as tropical Africa, while the Mediterranean Wheatears only just reach their winter quarters, and are not pushed on farther south. Ocnanthe hispanica has not been observed farther south than Senegambia, where it appears to be very rare, but the majority winter perhaps in the Saharan oases; and of the black-throated Oenanthe oenanthe seebohmi the winter quarters are not yet known. * Of. Dict, B. p. 555, and Nov, Zool. 1905. p. 16. ( 74) Not only the birds of our northern latitudes are migrants, but also many of the insect-eating birds of the Atlas Mountains and North Algeria leave their homes during the winter, such as the Nightingales, Redstarts, Warblers, Swallows and others. None of these are pushed farther south by the inrash of northern migrants; neither Sylvia deserticola, Diplootocus moussiert nor Sylvia cantillans inornata and others have ever been found in Tropical Africa: they leave the mountains in the winter and pass the cold season in the Northern Sahara, while the arctic birds pass through their haunts and proceed farther southwards. In the spring we see the northern birds pass through, when the Algerian ones are already settled and begin nesting ! We should be able to prove more such facts if we could better recognise the local races, and I do not doubt that the enormous strides we are making in distinguishing the various subspecies will bring more such facts to light; in some cases, where we are unable to separate the birds from widely different countries, only “ bird-marking ” may solve such questions. We have hitherto been accustomed to look upon, as breeding in N.W. Africa, all birds regularly found there during the second half of May and in June. Our observations of 1912—partly confirmed by Mr. Spatz—show that snch conclusions must be drawn very slowly and carefully. A perusal of the foregoing pages will show that we have met numerous undoubted migrants in the Sahara after the middle of May and even in the month of June! There is no reason whatever to doubt that this late migration is a regular phenomenon. As some of these late migrants were observed while their brethren in the north began already to nest, there is reason to suppose that some of them were not breeding in that year, some apparently because they are too young or too old, or—in some cases certainly — injured or otherwise unhealthy ; in those cases where these birds were still in flocks such supposition can of course not be made, and we must conclude that they are birds from the most northern haunts of the species, which is proved in the case of Motacilla flava thunbergi, which passes through after the passage of its allies, and which goes farthest north. Moreover I agree with Count Zedlitz that some of these do not breed in a given year, though for reasons unknown to us. A question which has often been discussed is: whether birds migrate with an extended front, or whether they follow strictly defined narrow routes. The theory of the strictly defined routes is based upon the fact that in suitable localities, such as river-valleys (which naturally afford munch food), quantities of birds are observed, and that an astonishing number of migrants are seen on certain points of observation, especially small islands, like Heligoland, Fair Isle and others. The conclusion drawn from these observations is, however, erroneous. The fact is, that birds must feed during migration, and therefore alight where food is found, while they pass over arid or otherwise unsuitable land, and therefore are not observed ; and the reason why Heligoland and Fair Isle and other localities are apparently so miraculously favoured by bird migration is, that they afford rest, food, and shelter in a wide area of uninviting sea, and that keen and able observers have made them their observatories ! The various migration routes, as depicted by Palmén and others, are based on meagre records, and most of them were apparently drawn because the map suggested them; thus migration routes cross the Mediterranean where it is narrowest; west of Gibraltar; from Valencia to West Algeria (leaving Alger (7 ) itself untouched) ; from the Riviera to Tunisia, v7 Corsica and Sardinia; from Sicily to Tripolitania ; from Asia Minor to the delta of the Nile. From the north-south direction in the fertile and rich valleys of the Rhine and Rhone birds are made to deviate in two directions—back upwards along the Riviera, in order to get across the narrower passages by Corsica and Sardinia, and over to the Spanish coast, in order to get the shorter crossing from Valencia to Oran. On which facts are and can be these conclusions based? On the facts that countless birds are observed in the Rhine and Rhone valleys, that many people visit the Riviera and see numerous migrants, and that it seemed more convenient to cross the Mediterranean where it is narrowest. Similar reasons will no doubt exist for the other crossing-lines. My reasonings lead to exactly opposite conclusions. Wherever ornithological observers have chosen places which cau easily be surveyed and taken under observation, and watched birds in Europe, migrants were observed in great quantities. In the Mediterranean, for example, there is so far no reason whatever to suppose that they only cross along the given routes, and thus strike the African coast in five or six belts only; but on the contrary migrants have been observed in great numbers wherever ornithologists or collectors have been, According to those methods we should have at once to construct a mighty route of migration through El-Golea, which is a bird-migration paradise; but suppose I had not stayed in El-Golea, and gone down from Ouargla through the Great Western Erg by Ain Taiba to Tidikelt, I might have concluded that no bird migration of any extent goes through that part of the Sahara, because I had passed through districts unsuitable for birds to alight and to feed—for few birds will stop in the foodless Erg or desolate Hammada. Moreover, how can birds see what route they take at night? and if they see the route by day-time, how can they know that it is their route, especially when they see it for the first time? These questions have often been put and ventilated, and I answer them unhesitatingly—without going here again into the questions of leadership and others—They cannot. And what advantage could it be to any of the more powerful fliers—and all trne migrants are good fliers—to gain those narrower passages in the Mediterranean My answer is: None whatever. There is, however, the fact that birds migrate in one direction, and another that they have a great inclination and tenacity of following extended coast-lines ; these facts are based on countless observations, and are established heyond doubt. Thus the majority of birds travel in the autumn in a north-easterly to south- westerly direction, while some species go in the opposite one (in a south-eastern line), thus crossing the lines of other species. ‘This fact, together with the N.H. to 8.W. main direction of the West European coasts, brings at once a great mass of migrants down our West European shores, and when they cannot go any farther in Europe they cross over to N.W. Africa. No observations exist to show that this crossing takes place more near the Straits of Gibraltar than farther westwards : in fact, many birds keep on in their south-westerly direction and most unwisely visit the Canaries and even the Azores and Cape Verde Islands, instead of sticking to the hospitable shores of Africa, where they winter. Moreover, some birds miss the land altogether and perish in the ocean, as is evidenced by their frequent alighting on ships in mid-ocean in a tired state. ( 76 ) The preference for coast-lines is not even restricted to migrants, but also sedentary species spread more along the coast-lines than over the inland regions. Thus we see Mediterranean forms extending along the coasts of Western Enrope as far north as England: the White Owl, the Dartford-Warbler, Chough and Cirl-Bunting, vid West France, more or less. Thus we find tropical birds have extended their range to Africa Minor, undoubtedly by the coast-line and not through the great desert, for they are not found at all in the Sahara, and mostly not even south of the Atlas, but only along the north coast: Asio capensis in North Marocco and North Algeria, Telophonus senegallus and Pycnonotus barbatus in North Marocco, North Algeria and North Tunisia, all three very slightly altered by isolation, Turtur (rectius Streptopelia) senegalensis in the northern oases, On the other hand, the Crested Larks, which inhabit Senegambia and Northern Nigeria, have undoubtedly extended their range from Africa Minor to the tropies by the coast-regions, because they do not occur in the central Sahara, but are found at Rio de Oro, under the tropic of Cancer. I hope to be able to make more observations on these fascinating subjects before long, and trust that a careful stay of the local forms of birds, in combination with the valuable experiments of bird-marking, will help us to bring forward numerons proofs of my theories. It must, however, be remembered that birds do not work like machinery and clock-work, and that, therefore, exceptions from most rules will occasionally take place. Wi REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS. By ERNST HARTERT. Arter leaving Ouargla, where Reptiles had been collected by Lataste, Koenig, and others, I began to pay attention to all Reptiles; and especially at El-Golea and farther southwards, from where nothing was hitherto known, we tried to get as many species and specimens as possible, though taking only a few of the largest kind, and a limited number of the common species which were brought in by boys in the oases. The whole collection was kindly named for me by Mr. Boulenger, who also supplied the description of the two new forms from the Tidikelt oases, and notes on Stenodactylus petri’, Acanthodactylus and Chalcides. My sincere thanks are due to Mr. Boulenger, who thus enabled me to give a list of this collection. The specimens have been presented by Mr. Rothschild to the British Museum, only some of the Uromastix and a few duplicates of lizards being kept in the Tring Museum. The following works dealing with North-West African herpetology have been consulted : (1) Boulenger: Catalogue of the Reptiles and Batrachians of Barbary (Marocco, Algeria, Tunisia), based chiefly upon the Notes and Collections made in 1880—1884 by M. Fernand Lataste (1891). Plates XIII—XVILI. In Trans. Zool. Soc. London, xiii. (77 ) The standard work of herpetolozy concerning the fauna of Barbary, upon’ which all further knowledge on the subject must necessarily be based. (2) Boulenger: Catalogue of Lizards in the British Museum, vols. i., il., il. (1885—1887). (3) Boulenger: Catalogue of Snakes in the British Museum, vols. i., il., iil. (1893—1896). (4) Werner: Ausbeute einer herpetologischen Excursion nach Ost-Algerien (1892). In Verh. xool.-bot. Ges. Wien, xlii. Band. (5) Werner: Zweiter Beitrag zur Herpetologie von Ost-Algerien (1894). In Verh. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, xliv. Band. (6) Koenig: Reisen nnd Forschungen in Algerien. (Titelblatt ohne Jahres- zahl, aber wol 1896 erschienen.) Appendix I.: Liste der von mir in Algerien gesammelten und beobachteten Kriechthiere und Lurche. (7) Anderson: On a Small Collection of Mammals, Reptiles, and Batrachians from Barbary (1892). In Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1892, (8) Anderson: Zoology of Egypt, vol. i, Reptilia and Batrachia, 1898. Plates 1—50. This magnificent work, with its beautiful plates, is not only valuable to a herpetologist, but especially for an amateur in herpetology, on account of its instructive plates, explicit letterpress and biological notes. (9) Doumergue: Hssai sur la Faune Hrpétologique de I’Oranie. In Bull. Soc. Géogr. et @ Arch. @ Oranie, extract from vols. xix-xxi, 1901. (Only seen after finishing most of the MS. Copy kindly lent me by Mr. Boulenger.) Neither of the common Algerian Chelonia, Testudo ibera aud Clemmys leprosa, extend into the real Sahara. The former Mr. Rothschild and I saw as far south as Lambése, near Batna, where it is common, while the latter is also numerous near Batna, and occurs in some of the ditches of the oasis of Biskra. 1. Ptyodactylus lobatus oudrii Lat. Cf. Boulenger, “ Rept. and Batr. Barbary,” in Trans. Zool. Soc. London xiii. part v. pp. 111, 112 (1891). Common in the Bordjs north of El-Golea and in houses at El-Golea itself. Not very difficult to catch, though the tails are broken off very easily, Common also near Biskra. It appears from Mr. Boulenger’s notes that “ var. ovdrii” is the western sub- species of P. lobatus lobatus, though connected with the latter by a complete intergradation, but generally smaller. 2. Stenodactylus petrii Anderson. Stenodactylus petrii Anderson, Herpet. Arabia and Egypt, p. 96 (1896—Tel el Amarna). We found this tender little Gecko from the stony plain between the Oued Nea and El-Alia to Bl-Golea and the Oued Saret between Fort Miribel and El-Golea. ( 78 ) It was fonnd in more or less sandy tracts, under stones, and buried in sand, but not among the dunes. According to Anderson (/.c.) and Boulenger (én /itt.), it has been recorded by Prof. Werner (under the name of S. gvttatus) from Touggourt and Mraier. It is evidently this species also which Koenig (Reisen und Forsch. in Algerien, p. 404) records under the name Stenodactylus guttatus var. mauritanica, a name which refers to another species now called S. elegans Fitz., and which I did not find during the expedition. 3. Tarentola mauritanica deserti Lat. Tarentola mauritanica var, deserti Lataste in litt., Boulenger, ¢.c. p. 115, in the text. This very light, pale whitish flesh-coloured desert form is evidently the southern representative of the northern 7. mauritanica mauritanica (L.). It was common in some of the Bordjs between El-Golea and Ghardaia, and in El-Golea itself. We saw it also in Touggourt, and the specimen there had the same pale colour as the others. 4, Tarentola neglecta Strauch. Cf. Boulenger, t.c. p. 116 ; Koenig, fc. p. 406 ; Werner, Verh. ki. k. zvol.-bot, Ges. 1894, p. 77. Kef-el-Dor, on the outer wall of a building, in the forsaken buildings of Fort Miribel, and at Bl-Golea. 5. Agama tournevillii Lat. Boulenger, t.c, p. 118 ; Koenig, t.c. p. 407. One specimen was brought in by one of our Arabs on the way from Ouargla to El-Golea, in March. In June we found this beautifully coloured species quite common in the plain of El-Arich. While close by in the stony tracts the common agama inermis was frequent, the rarer A. towrnevillii were only seen in the sandy desert, where they sat high up on the bushes of /e¢ama in the sun. They could be caught without great difficulty, if not disturbed before, 6. Agama inermis Reuss. Common from Biskra to south of Fort Miribel, and specially numerous south of El-Golea and between Ghardaia and Touggourt, but never among the dunes. In fact, typical for the stony Hammada. Generally sitting on stones, and caught by our men with great dexterity. In this and other Agamas, the tails are almost like wire, and not fragile as in so many other lizards. Specimens were therefore always in good condition. The variation in colour is astonishing. 7. Agama bibronii Duméril. Cf. Boulenger, /.c. p. 118. This beautiful species was only seen on the sun-burnt black rocks of Ain Guettara and north of it, in the southernmost parts of the Oued Mya. The (79 ) specimens were very shy, and quickly disappeared among the rocks when one tried to approach them. The distribution is peculiar, and we never saw it anywhere else. 8. Uromastix acanthinurus nigerrimus subsp. nov. Structurally like U. acanthinurus acanthinurus from Biskra, and U. a. nigri- ventris R. and H. from the Mzab country, but much blacker. Underside in adult males entirely black, of a deeper hue even than in U. a. nigriventris; underside of tail dark olive to black. Upperside very deep black, with scattered small greenish yellow spots and patches of from one to nine scales; digits underneath often brownish yellow. Largest male from snout to tip of tail, 46 em. A younger male of 33 cm. is less typical, there being almost as much greenish yellow as black on the upperside, and the underside is not of such a deep black. A male from Hl-Hadadra, half-way between El-Golea and Ghardaia, clearly belongs to the same southern form, though it has a little more light spotting on the back. In the same locality, however, a very large and, seen from a distance, apparently entirely black individual was seen, but unfortunately not obtained. Type: dad., Southern Oued Mya, 8.iv. 12, in the Tring Museum. Cotypes in the British Museum. Young individuals are not distinguishable from those of the other races. We had no time or inclination to collect Uromastix near Biskra, but I saw some on the market for sale, freshly stuffed in a rough fashion, for the tourists. They agreed in colour with those we formerly saw, although some had a great deal of black on the undersurface, thus approaching U. a. nigriventris. Werner (Verh. zool.-bot. Ges. 1892, p. 354) describes his Biskra specimens as “ei Woblbefinden stets silbergrau mit schwarzer Marmorierung, bei niedriger Temperatur grauschwarz.” He also says that their underside varies from “ gelblichweiss bis schwarz.” In Nor. Zool. xviii. p. 468 Mr. Rothschild and I described the Biskra form as “more or less dull grey in appearance.” Mr. Boulenger (Cat. Liz. Brit. Mus. i. p. 407) called them “ greyish above, dotted or vermiculated with blackish ; lower surfaces lighter, uniform or marbled with blackish,” and in his Catalogue of the Reptiles of Barbary (p. 119) as “ yellowish, greenish, or greyish above, dotted or vermiculated with blackish or brown,” but at that time specimens from Biskra, etc., and the Mzab were not described separately. When at Ghardaia we caught one and saw several specimens in the hands of a Dutch artist, and of Professor Surcouf, which agreed with the type of U. a. nigriventris, and one was even bigger than all we had seen before, and on the upperside of a beantifal golden green colour, with three spotted brown bands, U. a. nigerrimus evidently replaces the other two forms in the Oued Mya region and on the plateau of Tademait from Fort Miribel to south of Ain Guettara, and also those north of El-Golea, near El-Hadadra, belong to this blackish form. I brought home five more or less adult males, one female, and a number of young ones. As I have said before, young ones are not distinguishable from those of U. a. acanthinurus and U. a. nigriventris, and females are less typical or quité like those of the other forms. This is not strange, as females and young of other species of Uromastix differ also very much from adult males, and young individuals of U. acanthinurus ave not even distinguishable from those of U, ornatus and hardwickei (Werner, Verh. zool.-bot, Ges. Wien, 1894, p. 79), ( 80 ) 1 am therefore of opinion that three forms of Uromastia acanthinurus can be distinguished in the Algerian Sahara : 1. Uromastix acanthinurus acanthinurus Bell (Zool. Journ. i. p. 457. pl. xvii. 1825.-—“ Africa,” exact locality unknown !). Distribution: Near Biskra, northwards to El-Kantara (I have not examined specimens from other localities). 2. Uromastix acanthinurus nigriventris Rothschild & Hartert. (Nov. Zool. xviii. p. 468). Distrib: Mzab country, Ghardaia, Tilrhempt, apparently also Laghouat. (Probably, judging from the description by Donmergne in Bull. Soc, Géogr. Arch. Oran, t. xix.-xxi. p. 109-10, extending to Ain Sefra.) 3. Uromastix acanthinurus nigerrimus Hart. Distrib.: Fort Miribel to Ain Guettara (Tademait), and rocky hills near Bl- Hadadra, between El-Golea and Ghardaia. The statement of the occurrence of any other species of Uromastix in Algeria is apparently erroneous, though Olivier quoted U. spinipes as being found near Biskra, U. acanthinurus and spinipes (rectius aeqyptius ¥orsk. 1775). The Arab name of Uromastix is “ Dabb.” 9. Varanus griseus Dand. We never saw these lizards among rocks and mountains, nor in the bare sand-dunes, bat they were not rare in stony or sandy plains and plateaus from Biskra to the platean of Tademait, south of which we did not observe them. They live on lizards and small rodents, and do not despise large insects, such as beetles and locusts. A small young specimen was caught early in Jone near ELAlia. One generally sees the “ Ouran,” as it was called by our Arabs, on the ground, but sometimes it mounts bushes and lower trees. When pursued, these lizards run very swiftly, with the body well raised. Once I found a hole, with the unmistakable traces of a Varanus in front. The Arab who was with me blocked up the entrance, and suddenly a Varanus came rushing at us, hissing and hitting the ground with its tail; it attacked me at once, and had two bites into my trousers ; it was very amusing in its fary. I expect it had eggs in the hole, but I had no time to dig them ont. The “Ouran” is much liked by the Arabs for food, and, indeed, a well- cooked “ Ouran” is excellent eating, tasting very much like a good fresh-water fish. As it can bite very hard, the Arabs, when bringing it for sale, as they do in Biskra, Tonggourt, and other places, very often stitch the mouth together. 10. Acanthodactylus boskianus var. asper Audonin. Acanthodactylus boskianus asper, as 1 should call this form, is apparently the desert form of the typical A. Joskianus boskianus, inhabiting the Nile delta (ef. Anderson, Zool. of Egypt, Reptilia, p. 150). More or less common in semi-desert and sandy tracts from Monleina, south of Biskra, to Tonggourt, common between the Oued Nea and El-Alia, abont 50 km. south of Ghardaia, N.E. of El-Golea, between El-Golea and the Oued Saret, and not rare on the platean of Tademait as far as just north of Ain ‘Guettars; south of which we did not capture it, ( 81 ) 11. Acanthodactylus pardalis Licht. The distribution of this species in Algeria has been rather imperfectly known. Koenig (¢.c. p. 411) says only that it is “ weit in die Sahara hineingehend,” while Werner (Verh. zool.-bot. Ges. Wien, xliv. p. 82) says “geht nach Siiden etwa bis Chegga.” I have found the species much farther southwards, 7.e. between Ouargla and El-Golea, and near Guerrara, between the Oued Nea and El-Alia, on the way from Ghardaia to Touggourt. It appears, however, to be rarer than A. boskianus and scutellatus, but might sometimes have been mistaken for either of them. There is evidently an ill-detined Saharan race which might have to be called A, pardalis deserti (Giinther), unless the name desert? were preoccupied by the Lacerta deserti of Lepechin. From the excellent notes by Anderson (Reptiles of Egypt, p. 154) it would appear that the Saharan race was quite recognisable. though intermediates between it and the northern form were found. Koenig’s note also supports the view that two forms are separable, but Mr. Boulenger apparently does not believe in their distinctness, as he named my specimens only “ Acanthodactylus pardalis.” 12. Acanthodactylus scutellatus Aud. Cf. Boulenger, ¢.c. p. 130 (‘‘ Saharian examples are smaller, more slender and lighter-coloured than the typical form from Egypt”); Cat. Lizards Brit. Mus, ii. p. 65 (“a smaller variety, var. exigua Lat. = inornata Gray, apparently restricted to the Sahara”); Werner, Verh. kk. zool.- bot. Ges. Wien, xliv. 1894. p. 82 (‘‘Kommt in zwei stiindigen Varietiten vor, in einer kleineren von Biskra bis Mraier, und einer grésseren von Mraier bis Temacin. Die gréssere ist die normale dunkel reticulirte Form, die kleinere entbehrt dieser Zeichnung’’) ; Koenig, t.c. p. 410 (speaks also of two varieties, the smaller of which he found among the dunes) ; Anderson, Reptiles of Egypt, p. 163 ; Doumergue, Bull. Soc. Géogr. et Arch. Oran, xix.—xxi. pp. 153-60! This lizard is common enough in the Central Sahara. We caught specimens at Ouargla, between Ouargla and El-Golea, at El-Golea, Fort Miribel, and as far south as In-Salah! Also near Guerrara, between the Oued Nea and El-Alia. Mr. Boulenger says (in litt.): ‘The specimens from In-Salah represent the typical form. The others belong to the smaller, ill-defined var. ¢nornatus Vv. exiguus.” 13. Eremias rubropunctata (Licht.). Lacerta rubropunctata Lichtenstein, Verz. Doubl. Berl. Mus, p. 100 (1823—Egypt and Nubia) ; Koenig, Reisen und Forsch. in Algerien, pp. 93, 412); Anderson, Zool. Egypt, Reptiles, pp. 183-6. I found this species common in the Central Sahara. It was first obtained about 50 km. north-east of El-Golea, then between El-Golea and Fort Miribel, and it was common on the Oued Saret. We did, however, also catch it near Foggaret-es-Zona, the northernmost of the Tidikelt oases. It inhabits chiefly the Hammada. Until Prof. Koenig obtained it near Onargla, this species was not known to occur in the Western Sahara, or anywhere east of Egypt. Since then it has been found in Tripoli. Béttger noticed some differences in the scaling between Koenig's specimen and those in the Senckenberg Museum, but these differences are not peculiar to western examples, and not constant, Mr, Boulenger (in litt.) says ; 6 ( 82) “The Eremias rubropunctata which you collected do not differ from Egyptian aud Tripolitan specimens. According to Anderson (Zool. Egypt), Egyptian examples have 53 to 66 + 12 scales round the body. In four of your specimens, in waich I have counted the scales, I find 58, 60, 61, 65 + 12.” 14. Eremias guttulata (Licht.). Lacerta guitulata Lichtenstein, Verz, Doubl. Mus. Berlin. p. 101 (1823—Egypt and Nubia). Found in the sandy parts between El-Golea and Fort Miribel. 15, Scincus officinalis Lanrenti. The “Sandfish,” as the Skink is called by the French, is common in the sandy Sahara at Touggourt, from Touggourt to l-Oued, between Ghardaia and El-Golea, at El-Golea, and north of the latter. In Tidikelt we did not receive or see a single specimen of Scincus officinalis. 16. Chalcides sepsoides (Aud.). Scincus sepsoides Audouin, Deser. Egypte, Rept. Suppl. p. 180, pl. ii. figs, 9, 10 (? about 1829). Chalcides sepoides Boulenger, Cat. Lizards Brit, Mus, 2nd ed. iii. p. 407 (1887—* North Africa, Senegambia, Arabia, Syria”); Anderson, Zool. Egypt, Reptiles, p. 220, pl. xxviii. fig. 2 (Egypt) ; Werner, Verh. zool.-bot. Ges, Wien, 1894. p. 84 (Touggourt). Chalcides boulengeri Anderson, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1892, p. 17, pl. i. figs. 1-3 (Duirat in Tunisia, near the Tripolitan frontier) ; Koenig, t.c. p. 414. Chalcides sepoides varietas Koenig, t.c. p. 414. Common at In-Salah and Igosten. Habits like those of Scincus officinalis. Koenig obtained specimens at and near Ouargla (Hl-Hobra) and Touggourt, where I did not collect reptiles in 1912. Boettger named the two specimens from El-Hobra (between Ouargla and Ghardaia) and Onargla “ Ch. boulengeri,” while he says of the Touggourt specimen : “Mit 26 Reihen, aber mit Kopfpholidose von sepoides! Ich wiirde die Form trotzdem zu boulengeri stellen! Uebergangsform !” Mr. Boulenger kindly sent me the following note about these specimens : “The Chalcides sepoides from In-Salah differ from the typical form, and agree with Ch. boulengeri, Anderson, from §. Tunisia, in the fifth labial entering the eye instead of the fourth ; in one specimen there are even six anterior labials on one side. Agree with the typical form in the position of the nostril, anterior to the suture between the nostril and the first Jabial, and in the number of longitudinal series of scales—viz. 24 or 26. 24 is the usual number in the typical form, whilst it is the exception in the In-Salah series (3 cases out of 17). In all the limbs are pentadactyle. “The name var. intermedia might be used to designate these specimens (also found at Biskra) connecting the typical Chalcides sepoides of Egypt with Ch. boulengeri.” 17. Chamaeleon vulgaris Daud. The Chamaeleon appears not to inhabit, as a rule, the real desert, but it extends into the northern portion of it. It occurs near Biskra, and Koenig found a specimen in Nza ben Rzik, between Biskra and Touggourt. We caught one 50 km, south of Laci ( 83 ) Ghardaia, but that was the only specimen we came across. It was beantifully green, but after being kept for two days in a bag and equally long on a picture in my bedroom—kept dark for most of the day on account of the flies—it became dark brown. Chamaeleons are very common near Hl-Kantara, where they occur in wonderful colours, some of the colorations being apparently never described. 18. Coelopeltis moilensis (Reuss). Coluber moilensis Reuss, Mus, Senckend, vol. i. p. 142. pl. vii. (1834) ; Coelopeltis moilensis Boulenger, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus. vol. iii. p, 143 ; Anderson, Zool. Egypt, Rept., p. 292. pl. xl. Large specimens of this snake were caught N.E. of El-Golea and at Fort Miribel. They did not appear to be fierce and irascible, but the Arabs dreaded them, while I did not know they were poisonous. Another large snake of this kind was shot in the Oued Mya, but too much damaged for preservation. In the stomachs I found small mammals, 19. Psammophis schokari (Forsk.). Coluber schokari Forskil, Descr. Anim. p. 14 (1775) ; Psammophis schokari Boulenger, Cat, Snakes Brit, Mus. vol. iti, p. 157 ; Anderson, Zool. Eqypt, Rept. p. 295. pl. xli, xlii. In-Salah and southern Oued Mya. 20. Cerastes vipera (L.). Coluber Vipera Linnaeus. Syst. Nat. ed. x. vol. i. p. 216 (1758—‘ Habitat in Aegypto ”), Cerastes vipera Anderson, Zool, Egypt Rept. p. 327. pl. xvii. This beautiful but dangerous snake appears to be rare in the country traversed by us in 1912. Though we were specially on the look-out for it, [ caught only a single specimen in the sandy belt about 50 km. north of El-Golea. The trace of it was plainly visible and leading to a clump of grass, under which the snake was hidden in the sand, only the snout and eyes being visible. The colour was much brighter and more reddish than in the plate in Anderson’s work. The stomach contained a yellow wagtail. 21. Cerastes cerastes (L.). (Cerastes cornutus auct.) Coluber Cerastes Linnaeus, Syst. Nat. ed. x. vol. i. p. 217 (1758—‘ Habitat in Oriente”). (The name “‘cerastes”’ of 1758 has of course priority over “cornutus,”’ whether the translation of Hasselquist’s voyage of 1762 or ed, xii. of the Syst. Nat. 1766, is adopted.) This very poisonous snake is common in the Sahara ; northwards at least to El-Kantara (where it must be rare, though one was seen in 1908) and Biskra (where it is not very rare). We found it, however, most common in the bed of the sonthern Oued Mya, where five were seen in one day. One was disturbed in camp, another out of a clump of grass, one was found by Hilgert coiled up close to a freshly killed wagtail, the others were found lying in their usual position, concealed in the sand, mostly close to a little bush or clamp of grass, or near a stone, only part of the head being visible. When approached they dart against the enemy, but I have not seen them reaching any farther than about one foot, though Bruce said ( 84 ) they could jump to the length of three feet; stories of their springing to even greater distances can hardly be credited, thongh it is probable that they can reach as far as their own length. Stories are told of death resulting from the bite of these vipers, but I have not been able to learn of an authenticated case. The native name is “lefa,” the accent being on the first syllable, which is short. In the stomachs of not less than seven specimens during the first days of March we found yellow Wagtails (Motacilla flava thunbergi) and Chiftchafts (Phylloscopus collybita), in one both species together. The stomachs of the others were empty. 22. Bufo viridis Laur, Not rare at Ghardaia. 23. Rana esculenta saharica Boul. Frogs were very numerous in the “lake” at El-Golea, and in the ditches of the Tidikelt oases called Igosten and In-Salah. I brought home series from both places ; and Mr. Boulenger kindly gave me the following description of them, as they belong to a new form. “ Rana esculenta, var. saharica. “Agrees with the var.7/dibunda in the small size of the inner metatarsal tubercle, — but differs in the shorter tibiae, which do not overlap when placed at right angles to the body. The tibio-tarsal articulation reaches the tympanum or the eye. Measure- ment of the eight largest specimens * :— 1 2. 3. 1 6, 3 58 28 28 i) 2 ? 57 25 27 8 24 ‘3 o4 26 7 2 54 25 26 7 2 z 80 34 36 11 3 = 76 30 33 9 24 ie ey eer: 32 33 10 24 5 : cil 32 32 10 3 “Colour olive, with or without blackish spots; a light vertebral line rarely present. “This variety approaches one from Persia described as var. susana (Ann. §° Mag. N. H. 7. xvi. Nov. 1905).” * 1. Length in millimetres from snout to vent ; 2. length of tibia (in the flesh); 3, length of foot 4. length of inner toe; 5, length of inner metatarsal tubercle, ( 85 ) Velie DIE COLEOPTEREN-AUSBEUTE DES DR. ERNST HARTERT AUS DER CENTRALEN WEST-SAHARA 1912. BEsPROCHEN von Pror, Dr. von HEYDEN, Im Jahre 1912 unternahm Dr. Ernst Hartert in Tring, Mngland, in Begleitung yon Carl Hilgert aus Ingelheim, als Priiparator, eine Reise in die centrale West- Sahara, deren Hauptzweck der Ornithologie und den Lepidopteren galt ; es warde aber auch keine Gelegenheit versiiumt Coleopteren zu sammeln. Ausser den grésseren Ticren, die am Tage aufgegriffen wurden, wurde der Lichtfang— eigentlich wurden die Lampen zum Schmetterlingsfang aufgestellt—eifrig betrieben, andere Fangmethoden im allgemeinen nicht angewendet. Die Beschreibung der Reise und die Besprechung und Bearbeitung der Ausbeute erfolet in dieser Zeitschrift (Vor/tates Zoologicae 1913), doch gebe ich hier eine kurze Angabe der Route. 20,1.1912, Abmarsch von Biskra iiber Bordj Chegga, Kef-el-Dor, Mraier und Nza-ben-Rzig nach Touggourt. 3. 3.1912. Abmarsch von Touggourt iiber Bledet-Ahmar und Arefidji nach der grossen Oase Ouargla. 13. 3.1912. Abmarsch von Ouargla itber Hassi el-Hadjar nach El-Golea. Am meisten Kiifer wurden etwa halbwegs zwischen Ouargla und El-Golea, beim Hassi (Bronnen) el-Hadjar gesammelt. Am 24.3 Marsch vom Hassi Iniquel nach }I-Golea, wo die Reisenden eine Woche blieben. 30.3.1912. Abreise von El-Golea iiber Hassi Okseibat, Hassi Marroket, El- Meksa, Oued Saret und Fort Miribel in das Gebiet des Siidlichen Oued Mya, mit seinem an Vegetation reichen Flussbett und dessen Zufliissen, in denen im Dezember Regen gefallen war. Am 11.4, und 12.4, Rast an der kleinen Quelle Ain-Guettara an dem wild zerkliifteten, steilen Siidabsturz des vegetationslosen, unbeschreiblich éden Platean von Tademait. Am 14.4, wurde Foggaret-es-Zoua, die nirdlichste der Tidikelt- Oasen, erreicht, nach langem Marsche iiber villig vegetationslose Hbenen, Am 15. 4. Igosten, 16.4. 1912 In-Salah erreicht. Am 23. 4.1912 wurde der Riickmarsch von In-Salah angetreten, und auf dem- selben Wege durch das interessante Gebiet des Sidlichen Oued Mya iiber Fort Miribel nach E]-Golea marschiert. 18. 5.1912. Aufbroch von Hl-Golea in der Richtung auf Ghardaia, iiber Hassi Zirara, Saadana, Hl-Hadadra (Brunnen mit Bordj, d.h. Rasthiiusern), Sebseb und Metlili nach Ghardaia. Von Ghardaia ging der Weg itber den Oued Nssa (oder Nea), wo drei Tage gesammelt wurde, iiber Guerrara, das Sandgebiet von El-Arich und Hl-Alia nach Touggourt. Von Touggourt wurde die Heimreise wieder iiber Biskra angetreten. Ausserdem sind in dieses Verzeichniss aufgenommen eine Anzahl in den Jahren 1908, 1909 und 1911 yon Dr. Walter von. Rothschild und Dr, Hartert, besonders 1909 auf der Reise von Biskra nach Touggourt und von dort in das ( 86 ) Sanddiinengebict yon El-Oued gesammelter Arten, Die Reise von 1909 nach El-Oued wurde in Novitates Zoologicae 1912, 8. 460-462 beschrieben. Ich habe hier diejenigen Arten, die auch im Gebiete von Europa und dem Caucasus vorkommen mit +, vor der Jaufenden No. bezeichnet. Es sind 82 von den 21 gesammelten Arten. Die meist ungefliigelten Tenebrionidae haben meist eine geringe geographische Verbreitung. Aechte Wiistentiere sind meist you gelber Farbe, oder dunkel, dann aber mit Grabbeinen oder Jangbehaarten Tarsen versehen. Die ganze Ausbeute hat grossen wissenschaftlichen Wert, dank der genan angegebenen Fundorte; man sieht, dass von einem Fachmanne gesammelt wurde. Zu grossem Dank bin ich folgenden Specialisten verpflichtet fiir Bestimmungen einzelner schwierigen Arten : Louis Bedel in Paris: Cantharidae, Oedemeridae, Cerambycidae, Scarabaeidae, Derselbe machte mich mehrfach auf Literaturangaben aufmerksam. Dr. Max Bernhauer in Horn in Nieder-Oesterreich bestimmte Staphylinidae. Marquis Henri du Buysson in Vernet: Hlateridae. H. Kerremans in Bruxelles : Buprestidae. H. von Krekich-Strassoldo bearbeitete das gesammte Anthicidae-Material. Maurice Pic in Digoin: Meloidae, Alleculidae. Edmund Reitter in Paskau-Miihren: Pselaphidae, Liodini, Scarabaeidae. Siegmund Schenkling in Dallem-Berlin: Litteraturangaben. Herr Baron Dr. Walter von Rothschild hatte die grosse Giite meiner Sammlung fehlende Arten, und den meisten anderen Herren Helfern Belegstiicke der neuen Arten zu iiberlassen. Die Krekisch’schen Arten kommen in das k.k. Hof-Musenm in Wien, iibrigens ist im Text angegeben, wo sich Original- Exemplare befinden. Proressor Dr. PHIL, HON. C. JuBILATUS L, von HEYDEN KONIGL, Preuss, Masor a. D. CICINDELIDAE. +1. Cicindela (L.) flexuosa F. Biskra, 2 Ex., Tonggourt, 2 Ex., 29. ii, Igosten (Tidikelt) 15. iv. [Hiufig in Tonggourt und Igosten. Nach Horn, in litt., verbreitet von Tripolis bis Marokko, Portugal, Spanien, Frankreich—nordlich bis Bretagne, Fontainebleau, Savoie, Schweiz ; Egypten, Balearen, Corsica, Sardinien, Sizilien.—K. H.] +v. circumflexa Dej. Tonggourt, 2 Ex. +2. C. maura L. Hammam Rhira, vy. 1911, ein typisches Stiick. 3. +C. lunulata (F.) v. maura Casteln. Biskra, ein Ex., El-Golea, ein Ex. 3a. C. Truquii Gueér. {Die Art wurde von W. y. Rothschild und mir im April 1911 bei Guelt-es-Stel nicht selten angetroffen. Die Ex. warden von Dr. Horn bestimmt, dem sie damals iibergehen wurden. Die Art ist nur von Algerien bis Tripolis bekannt.—H. H.] nw ( 87 ) 4. +Megacephala (Latreille) euphratica Latr. Mraier, zwischen Biskra und Touggourt, 1 Ex., 23. 11,1912. Auch in Siid Spanien. CARABIDAE. 5. Calosoma (Weber) (Campalita Motsch.) Olivieri Dej. Ouargla-El-Golea, 1 Bx., 17-19. iii. In Nordafrika und den Azoren verbreitet. 6. Searites (Fabr.) striatus Dej. Oued Mya, v. 1912, Bordj Chegga, 22.iii.1912. Nérdl. von El-Golea, y. 1912. Je ein Bx. Nord Kiiste von Afrika weit verbreitet. 7. Sc. + terricola Bonelli. Tonggourt, iv. 1909 einmal. 8. Tachys (Steph.) +sexstriatus Daft. v. bisbimaculatus Chevrolat. Oued Mya, v. 1912, 24 Expl. In Nordafrika nur diese Rasse. 9. Heteracantha (Brullé) depressa (Brullé). Onargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912, 2 Ex.; Nord. von El-Golea, 1 Ex. Aechtes Sahara Sand Tier. Fliegt Nachts. +10. Egadroma (Motsch.) marginata Dej. Nordlich von El-Golea, 1 Ex. Im Mittelmeer Gebiet weit verbreitet. 11. Pterostichus (Bon.) (Orthomus Chaud.) barbarus Dej. Nérdl. von El-Golea, ein Ex. ohne Beine und Fiihler. In 8.0, Europa und N. Afrika verbreitet. +12. Sphodrus (Clairville) leucophthalmus L. Onargla—El-Golea 17. iii., Bordj-Chegga, 22. iii. je eimmal. In ganz Europa, Nordafrika, KJeinasien. +13. Laemostenus (Bon.) algerinus Gory. In der Héhle am Djebel Taya, iii. 1911, 6 Ex. Auch Siid Europa. Kein eigentlicher Héhlenbewohner. +14. Anisodactylus (Dej.) poeciloides Steph. Tonggourt, iy. 1909, Nordl. von El-Golea, v,.1912. Je einmal. Mit bliiulichem Schimmer. v. Winthemi Dej. Ganz schwarz. Nérdl. yon El-Golea, v.1912 einmal. Nur in der Wiiste von Algier bis Aegypten. ( 88 ) +15. Dichirotrichus (Dnval) obsoletus Dej. Von Bordj Chegga bis Kef-el-Dor, 22. iii, 1912. Lebt an Meernfern und Salzseen, bis nach England hin. Hinmal. 16. Graphipterus (Latr.) serrator Forskal v. luctuosus Dej. Nordl. von El-Golea, v. 1912, 1 Ex.; In-Salah, Tidikelt, Centr. Sahara, 24-30. iv. 1912, 5 Ex. ; Arefidji,nérdl. von Ouargla, 6. iii, 1912, 1 Ex. v. rotundatus Klug. Biskra, 14 Ex. Achtes Wiistentier, 17. Lebia (Latr.) Thais Bedel. Oued Mya, Centr. Sahara. Einmal. Algier, Tunis. Selten. 18. Cymindis (Latr.) sitifensis Luc. v. pseudosuturalis Bedel. Siidl. Oued Mya, v. 1912, 1 Ex.; Biskra, 1 Ex. Auch Madeira, Canaren. v. leucophthalmus Lue. Ein Ex., von Lambesa, 1909, 19. Metabletus (Schmidt-Gibel) binotatus Reitter. Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrera), 3-5. vi. 1912. Hin Ex. +20. Brachynus (Weber) immaculicornis Dej. Biskra, 1 Ex. In Siid Europa, hiiufig. 21. Anthia (Dejean) sexmaculata F. Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii, 1912, 2 Ex.; El-Meksa, siidlich von El-Golea, 1 Ex.; In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30. ii. 1912, 2 Ex.; Bordj Chegga — Kef-el-Dor, 1 Ex.; siidl. Oued Mya, v. 1912, 1 Ex.; Biskra, 4 Ex. Wiisten-Tier. DYTISCIDAE, +22. Eretes (Laporte) stictitus L. var. helvolus Klug. Oned Mya, 4. v.1912, 2 Ex., in der trocknen Wiiste ohne Wasser in der Niihe; der niichste Brunnen ist 25 Km. entfernt. Cosmopolit in der alten Welt der sehr gut und weit fliegt. Auch Siid-Europa, in Amerika seltener—Uralte geologische Art. PAUSSIDAE. 23. Paussus (L.) Saharae Bedel. Oued Nssa, Ghardaia—Guerrara, 3-5. vi. 1912, 1 Ex. Fliegt Nachts. Amei- sengast. ( 89 ) STAPHYLINIDAE. (Dr. Bernhauer determin.) +24, Mycetoporus (Mannerheim) clavicornis Steph. Hinmal in der Hihle im Djebel Taya. +25. Tasgius (Steph.) ater Grav. Biskra, einmal. 26. Oncophorus Pirazzolii Eppelsheim. In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30.iv.1912, einmal. Fehlte in coll. Heyden. In der Nihe der Gattung Bledius. PSELAPHIDAE. 27. Sognorus (Reitter) n.sp. Reitter bestimmte so zwei beschiidigte Ex. vom siidl. Oued Mya, die zum Beschreiben zu schlecht erhalten sind. LIODIDAE, 28. Chobautiella (Reitter) deserticola Reitter. Die interessante Vorderschienenspitze nicht zu sehen. Hinmal, Ouargla—E]- Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912. Von Reitter bestimmt. HISTERIDAE. +29. Saprinus (Er.) ornatus Erichson. Laghouat, iv.1911, einmal gef. In Nordafrika verbreitet, auch Siidrassland. +30. S. Pharao Mars. Touggourt—El-Oued, iv.1909, 2 Ex.; nérdlich von El-Golea, y. 1912, 2 Ex. Auch Aegypt., Caucas., Griechenland. +31. S. figuratus Mars. Biskra, einmal. Auch Siid-Spanien. +32. S. chalcites Illiger. EL-Arich, 8.W. Tonggourt, 8-9. vi.1912; In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30. iv. 1912, Je einmal. Auch Siid Europa. HYDROPHILIDAE. +33. Hydrous (Dahl.) pistaceus Lap. Touggourt, im April, 2 Ex, Auch Gallia mer., Hispan., Sicilia. [Sehr hiufig in den Wassergriiben.—E. H. | ( 90 ) 34. Philydrus (Solier) maculiapex Kuwert. El-Meksa, siid]. von El-Golea, 2. iv. 1912, einmal. Aus Aegypten beschrieben. +35. Paracymus (Thomson) relaxus Rey. 4 Ex., El-Meksa, siid]. von El-Golea, 2. iv.1912. Anch Siid-Spanien, Sicilia. CANTHARIDAE. 36. Rhagonycha (Uschscholtz) barbara I’. Alger, 1-16. iv. 1912, ein Ex. In Nordafrika verbreitet. 37. Cebriognathus (Chobaut) desertorum Chobant. El-Arich, 8.W. Touggourt, 8-9. vi.1912. Zwei Ex., wovon 1 in coll. Heyden. Lonis Bedel schreibt mir iiber das merkwiirdige Tier.: “Ce genre, qui n’a rien de commun avec les Cebrionidee, me parait surtout voisin des Malacogaster, Rhagophthalmus, ete.”—Von Chobaut, Ann. France Bull. 1899, 23. “ Tonggourt, la nuit, 4 la lumiére, dans les dunes. Mon jenne compagnon de voyage, Mr. EH. Vareilles, et moi en avons capturé plusieurs exemp!. vers le milieu de mai. Plus tard, M. Nenreux nous en a envoyé quelques snjets de Hassi-Douionidi, point d’eau entre Touggourt et Ouargla.”—Jacobson, Rev. Russe Entomol. 1912. 136, zieht das 4 mm. grosse Tier zu Analestesa testacea Leach, Zool. Journ. 1. 1824. 36., was ich nicht nachpriifen kann. Stimmt die Grésse?—Chevrolat, Ann. Fr. 1874.16. sagt iiber die Leach—Art: “Ne serait-ce pas la Cistela testacea F., qu’on rencontre en Barbarie sur le Chrysanthéme et sur le Sureau?” (Sureau= Hollunder). Malacogaster ist ein Drilide, Rhagophthalmus steht bei Lampyridini. +38. Axinotarsus (Motsch.) longicornis Kiesw. ? var. rufithorax Kiesw. Biskra, 1 Ex. Auch im Ligurischen Apennin. + 39. Divales (Laporte) haemorrhoidalis I. Biskra, 1 Ex. Auch in Spanien. +40. Psilothrix (Redtb.) cyaneus Oliv. var. viridis Rossi. Biskra, 9 Ex. Durch ganz West Europa bis Helgoland. 41. Zygia (F.) scutellaris Mauls. S. Oued Mya, Centr. Sahara, 4.1912. Drei Exp.—Von Biskra und Boghar bekannt. CLERIDAE. 42. Opilo (Latreille) dorsalis Lucas. 1 Ex., von Touggourt, 29.11.1912. Auch in Oran. NITIDULIDAE. 43. Nitidula (F.) ciliata Er. var. maculis obsoletis. Ein Ex., zwischen Onargla und El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912. In N.O. Afrika ver- breitet, aber selten. — PETE he OUP ait mcm EM bine saa wee mee» iaipeatienindilies “eee theo Se. ta, ere (91) +44. Carpophilus (Leach) hemipterus L. In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30. iv. 1912, ein Ex., Laghouat, im April, ein Ex. Cos- mopolit. CUCUJIDAE. +45. Oryzaephilus (Ganglb.) surinamensis L. In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30. iv. 1912., 3 Ex. Cosmopolit. CRYPTOPHAGIDAE. +46. Leucohimatium (Rosenhauer) elongatum Er. Einmal nord. yon El-Golea, vy. 1912. Siid Europa von Spanien bis Cancasus. MYCETOPHAGIDAE. +47. Typhaea (Curtis) stercorea L. Siid], von El-Golea: El-Meksa, 2.iv.1912, 1 Ex. Ueberall in Europa. PHALACRIDAE. + 48. Olibrus (Erichson) castaneus Baudi. Nordl. El-Golea, v. 1912, 3 Hx. ; Hl-Arich, 8.W. Touggourt, 3 Ex. Im ganzen Mittelmeergebiet. +49. Tolyphus (Er.) granulatus Guérin. Biskra, 18 Ex. COCCINELLIDAE. +50. Epilachna (Redtenbacher) chrysomelina L. Igosten, Tidikelt, 13.iy. 1912, 10 Ex.; nérdl, El-Golea, 2 Ex. In Siid Europa verbreitet. + 51. Coccinella (L.) septempunctata L. Biskra, 11 Ex.; nérdl. El-Golea, 2 Ex. Ueberall in Europa. 52. Exochomus (Redtb.) + flavipes Thbg. var. nigripennis Hr. Nord]. yon El-Golea, 1 Ex. Die Stammart in Europa, die var. in Nordafrika. Griechenland und Siid Russland. 53. Hyperaspis (Redtb.) + reppensis Hbst. var. Teinturiei Muls. Alger, 1 Ex., Stammart Europa, var. Nordafrica. DERMESTIDAE. +54. Dermestes (L.) Frischi Kugelann. Kin abgeriebenes Stiick. Touggourt. El-Oued. Cosmopolit. +55. Attagenus (Latr.) trifasciatus I’. Biskra, 4 Ex. Siid Europa itberall. ( 92 ) HETEROCERIDAE. +56. Heterocerus (I*.) flavidus Rossi. 3 Ex. vom siidl. Oued Mya. Ich stelle die Sticke zn dieser Siid-Europ. Art. ELATERIDAE, (Von da Buysson bestimmt.) 57. Drasterius (Eschscholtz) figuratus Germ. Nordlich von El-Golea, 1 Ex. Bis Aegypt. verbreitet. 58. Cardiophorus (Eschsch.) stoliger Buyss. var. Leprieuri Pic. Oued Nssa, Ghardaia—Guerrara, 3-5. vi.1912, 1 Ex.; Oned Mya, v.1912, 3 Ex. Die Stammart beschrieben Ann. Fr. 1902, 429. Die var. in Lchange 1902. 64 (Isidus), aus Ramlé, Aegypt. 59. Perrinellus (Buyss.) Bonnairei Buyss. 1 Ex, von Laghouat, iv.1911, wo die Art von Hénon und Martin schon gef. wurde. Beschrieben Ann. Fr. 1893, Bull. V7. yon Oran: Ain Sefra, anch Ann Fr, 1902, 430. 60. P. Chobauti Buyss. Oued Nssa, Ghardaia—Guerrara, 3-5. vi. 1912, 7 Ex.; nérdl. von El-Golea, 1 Ex. ; El-Arich, S.W. Tonggourt, 8-9. vi. 1912, 2 Ex. Sandtier, in Pflanzenwarzeln wie Nos. 58.59. Beschrieben Ann. Fr. Bull. 1899, 213. BUPRESTIDAE, 61. Julodis (Eschsch.) + onopordi F. var. Konigi Mnhm, Biskra, 6 Ex. Stammart Siid Europa, var. in Algier. 62. J. Lucasi Saunders. Oned Mya, 2 Ex., Algerische Art. [Hiéufig an Raetam anfangs Mai.—E.H. | 63. J. Aristidis Lucas. 6 Ex., von El-Arich, 8.W. Touggourt, 8-9. vi.1912. Alger, Sahara, Tunis. +64, Aurigena (Laporte) unicolor Oliv. 3 Ex. von Biskra. Auch Gall. mer. +65. Acmaeodera (Hschsch.) 18-guttata Piller. Hammam Rirha, Nord Algeria, Mai 1911. Auch Siid Europa. +66. A. cylindrica F. Ebendaher, 1 Ex, Auch Siid Europa. shattidete ne eda ( 98 ) +67. A, adspersula Illig. Ebenso. +68. Sphenoptera (Solier) rauca I. Ebenso (Kerreman’s determ.). BOSTRYCHIDAE, 69. Phonapate (Lesne) frontalis Fahraeus v. uncinata Karsch. 14 22 vom siidl. Oued Mya, im Mai 1912. Ven Touggourt bekannt. 1 d, El-Arich, 8.W. von Touggourt, 8. vi. 1912. 70. Bostrychopsis (Lesne) Reichei Mars. 7 9% Ex., Oued Nssa, Ghardaia—Guerrara, 3-6. vi. 1912. Auch Senegal, Abyssin., Aegypt. 71. Xylonites (Lesne) praeustus Germar. 1 Ex., Oued Nssa. Auch Gall. m., Dalmat., Sicilia. 72. Enneadesmus (Marsl.) forficula Fairm. 5 Ex. Oued Mya, 4 Ex. Oued-Nssa, El-Arich, 8.W. Touggourt, 8. vi. 1912 ; 2 Ex. noérdl. von El-Golea, v.1912, 2 Ex. Auch aus Biskra und Tunis bekannt. LYCTIDAE, 73. Lyctus (L.) cornifrons Lesne. §. Oued Mya, 5 Ex. ANOBIIDAE, +74. Xyletinus (Latr.) bucephalus Illig. El-Meksa, siidl. von El-Golea, 2. iv. 1912., Tougg.—El-Oued, je 1 Ex. Auch Hisp. m., Lusit., Gall. m., Italia, +75. Lasioderma (Steph.) Redtenbacheri Bach. Siid Oued Mya, 1 Ex. Von Deutschland bis Siid-Frankreich und Russland, Cancas., verbreitet. OEDEMERIDAE, (Von Bedel bestimmt.) 76. Xanthomima (Fairmaire) obsoleta Fairm.=Handlirschi Seidlitz = Boissyi Ancey, 5 Ex. gefunden von Hartert, 50 km. nérdlich von In-Salah, an toten Traganum Pflanzen (Domrahn). Hines der Ex. in coll. Heyden. X. odsoleta Fairm, ist beschrieben Ann. Belge, 1894, 312, von Ouargla. <Ananconia Handlirschi, Seidl. Erichs. Jns. Deut., 1899, 832, anus Algerien, X. Botssyi Ancey, Miceli, Ent. vili, 1900. 140 yon Biskra, ( 94 ) 77. Sessinia sp. 4 Ex. nérdl. von El-Golea, v. 1912, 2 Ex. Tonggourt—Oned iv. 1909, 2 Ex. in coll. Heyden. Die Gattung (Pascoe il.) ist aufgestellt yon Semenov, Horae xxvii. 455, auf Nacerdes livida ¥. von Taiti. Bedel schreibt mir: ‘ Voisin mais différent de S. fuscostrigosa Fairm., Rev. Mag. Zool. 1879, 203, von Souf; carinata Karsch Berl. 1881, p. 50, t. 2, fig. 9. Pent-étre par Pic dans un de ses nombreux travaux ?” ANTHICIDAE, (Bearbeitet yon Ritter von Krekich-Strassoldo in Wien.) 78. Mecynotarsus (Lafert¢) semicinctus v. algiricus Desbr. Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Gnerrara), 3-5 Joni. 9 Ex, 79. Formicomus (Laferté) Brisouti Pic. Biskra, 1 Ex. 80. Anthicus (Payknl) debilis Laf. Siidlichster Oued Mya, Mai 1912. 1 Ex. +81. Anthicus hamicornis Mars. Nérdlich von El-Golea, 2 April 1912. 1 Ex. 82. Anthicus velatus Mars. Siidlichster Oued Mya, Mai 1912. 1 Ex. Diese bisher nur aus Arabien und Aegypten bekannte Art scheint viel ver- breiteter und in einem grossen Teile Nordost-Afrikas heimisch zu sein. Das Kgl. Museum in Berlin besitzt ein Exemplar aus Abyssinien. 83. Anthicus harenosus Krekich n.sp. Dem Anthieus sabuleti Laf. in Fiirbung, Punktierang und Form des Kopfes sehr iibnlich, gestreckter, gliinzend, ganz rotbraun, die Fliigeldecken etwas heller, manchmal um das Schildchen, dann auch in der Mitte der Fliigeldecken, an den Seiten und lings der Naht bis zur Spitze nodeutlich und leicht gebriiunt; am ganzen Korper mit kurzen, etwas abstehenden Haaren ziemlich dicht besetzt. Kopf quer, etwas breiter als lang, hinten gerade mit kurz abgerundeten Ecken und (von der Seite gesehen) ziemlich schneideformig vorgezogen. Kein Mittelein- druck an der Basis. Punktierung stark und etwas zerstreut bis auf die glatte enge Mittellinie ; auch der Basalrand ist glatt, unpunktiert. Augen ziemlich gross und vorstehend, Schlifen etwas vorgezogen, von der Liinge der Augen. Fiibler die Schultern erreichend, mit ziemlich gleichlangen Gliedern ; Endglied doppelts so lang als das 10. Glied, kegelférmig, spitz. Halsschild breiter als der Kopf mit deutlichem Halse, etwas weniger breit als lang, herzfirmig, vor der Basis verengt, Basalrand deutlich; davor ist das Hals- schild in der Mitte schwach und kurz liings-eingedriickt, so dass die Basis vor dem Basalrande zwei schwache Hrhabenheiten (undeutlicher als bei Cyclodinus der Gruppe V. Marseul’s) zeigt. Mit ocellierten, ziemlich seichten Punkten sehr dicht besetzt, (95 ) Fliigeldecken an der Basis kaum um die Hiilfte breiter als das Halsschild, fast dreimal so lang als breit, ziemlich parallel, nur vom zweiten Drittel an gegen die Spitze miissig breiter, weniger dicht aber tiefer punktiert als auf dem Kopfe und Halsschilde (die Punktierung gegen die Spitze abnehmend). Nahtstreifen in der Apicalhilfte fein erhaben mit dentlichem Hindrucke zu beiden Seiten des Nahtstreifens. Spitzen der Fliigeldecken in beiden Geschlechtern gemeiusam gerundet. Beine nicht sehr lang, Schenkel ziemlich verdickt. Tarsen stark behaart. Vorletztes Tarsenglied deutlich herzformig. 3d an dem gerade abgestutzten gerandeten Pygidium kenntlich. 3-5 mm. Zwischen Oued Nssa und Ghardaia—Guerrara, 3-5. vi. 1912. 6 Exempl., davon je 1 Ex. in coll. Krekich und Heyden. Von A. saduleti durch die einfachen Hintertibien des ¢ und durch das breitere herzférmigere Halsschild verschieden. Mit A. saharensis Chob. verwandt. Dieser hat jedoch viel kriiftigere Fiisse und ist viel dichter punktiert, fast chagriniert, hat daher ein mattes Aussehen. Vielleicht ist A. Aarenosus nur eine Varietiit des mir unbekannten A. ittoralis Woll. 84. Anthicus Goebeli Laf. Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrara) 3-5. vi. 1912. 6 Ex. A, Goebeli ist die Wiistenform des im ganzen Mittelmeergebiet weit ver- breiteten A. transversalis Villa (= tenellus Laf.) und kommt ebenso in der Sahara und der lybischen Wiiste, wie auch in den der raschen Austrocknung entgegen- gehenden Teilen Transkaspiens vor. Diese Art ist oftenbar noch in der Entwicklung begriffen und sind alle méglichen Ubergiinge zwischen A. transversalis und A, Goebeli aus der gleichen Gegend festzustellen. Als extremste Wiistenformen sind die var. duchariensis Pic aus Turkestan und yar. meridionalis Pie aus Algier und Tripolis, endlich A. modestus Laf. aus Arabien und Aegypten anzusehen. A. ornatus Truqui aus Cypern und Syrien stellt einen schon vor liingerer Zeit vom Hanptstamme fenellus abgezweigten Ast dar, wihrend dies vom A. araxicola Reitt. aus dem Araxestale in noch héherem Masse gilt. +85. Anthicus ophthalmicus Rottenb.= megalops Mars. Siidlicher Oned Mya, Mai. 1 Ex, Ich beniitze diesen Anlass, um die Synonymie des A. megalops mit A. oph- thalmicus festzustellen. Das Hofmusenm in Wien besitzt ein Hxemplar des ophthalmicus aus Sicilien und ich habe Grund zur Annahme, dass es direkt aus dem Besitze Rottenberg’s stammt. Da dieses Tier, soweit mir bekannt, seither in Sicilien nicht mehr gesammelt worden ist, diifte das von Rottenberg in einem trockenen Flussbette bei Catania gefundene Exemplar durch Verschleppung dahin gekommen sein. Nicht ausgeschlossen ist es allerdings, dass es sich um ein Relikt aus der Zeit, da Sicilien mit Nordafrika verbunden war, handelt. A. megalops ist auch in Nordafrika selten. Der A. ophthalmicus des Wiener Hofmuseums stimmt nicht nur mit der Beschreibung und Zeichnung Rottenberg’s, sondern auch mit der yerglichenen Type des megalops aus der Marseul’schen Sammlnng auf das Genaneste tiberein. +86. Anthicus laeviceps Mars. Nordlich yon El-Golea und im siidlichsten Oued Mya im Mai 1912, 2 Ex, ( 96 ) 87. Aulacoderus (Laferté) sulcifer Pic und var. miniaticollis Pic. Nordlich von El-Golea im Mai 1912. 49 Ex. 88. Anthicus inoblitus Krekich, n.sp. Glinzend, ganz gelb, mit einer mehr oder minder danklen, braunen, wenig begrenzten, den Seitenrand kaum erreichenden Querbinde im Apicalviertel. Kopf ins Dunkelrote spielend, linglich, an der Basis kreisrund, ziemlich konvex, nach vorne flacher ; an der Stirne, etwas vor den Fiihlerwarzeln, mit einer ziemlich geraden, nicht tiefen Querlinie. Punktierung schwach, zerstreut nur an der Stirne etwas dichter. Augen gross, eirund, stark facettiert. Schliifen kurz. Behaarung licht, sehr schwach. Fiihler die Schultern erreichend, missig kriiftig ; 2. Glied dicker und kiirzer als das 3.; die 5 Endglieder miissig verdickt, letztes Glied fast dreimal so lang als das 10. ; zugespitzt. Halsschild ein wenig breiter als der Kopf, so lang als breit, mit sehr starkem, von der Basis entferntem ziemlich geraden Quereindrucke (der sich gegen die Seiten zu sehr vertieft); dieser, namentlich an den Seiten, mit langen lichten, kriiftigen Haaren dicht besetzt. Punktiernng seicht und zerstreut. Beim ? ein kleines, deutlich abstehendes Ziipfehen zu beiden Seiten des Halsschildes. Fliigeldecken an der Basis fast doppelt so breit als das Halsschild, 2}-mal so lang als breit, hinter der Mitte etwas erbreitet, Spitzen beim 9 quer g gerundet, beim 3 schriiger mit einem kleinen Dorn nicht weit vom Nahtende. Mit dichten, feinen, ziemlich langen, zum Teile etwas abstehenden Haaren besetat. Punktierung iiberall, seicht, zerstreut. Beine linglich, wenig kriiftig, Schenkel nicht verdickt. Hintertibien des o etwas nach innen eingebogen. 3mm. 8. Oued Myx) Mai 1912. 6 Ex., davon je 1 Ex. in coll. Krekich und Heyden. Mit A. Bouvier? Pic aus Obok und Citernii Pie aus Somaliland durch das seitliche Ziipfehen am Halsschilde nahe verwandt ; von beiden durch die konstante grossere Gestalt und durch die Zeichnung der Fliigeldecken (Bouviert hat nur eine Nahtmakel nahe der Spitze, citernii eine gezackte Querbinde hinter der Mitte) verschieden; A. inoblitus unterscheidet sich iiberdies von A. Bouvier? durch den breiteren Halsschild und die schwiichere Panktiernng des Halsschildes und der Fliigeldecken, von A. citernii durch den geraden Quereindruck am Halsschilde. A. inoblitus hat eine gewisse Ahnlichkeit mit dem A. sefrensis Pic aus Algier (Ain-Sefra), er ist aber grésser und iiberdies durch die hellgelbe Farbung, durch die feinere zerstreute Punktierung und durch die anliegendere Behaarung von A. sefrensis verschieden. Ob das ? von letzterem ebenfalls ein Ziipfchen an den Seiten des Halsschildes hat, konnte ich nicht constatieren, da alle 7 Exemplare in meinem Besitze ¢ sind. Doch diirfte dies nicht anzunehmen sein, weil in der Beschreibung davon keine Erwahnung geschieht. Auch bei der n. sp. scheint das ? seltener zu sein (anter 6 Bxemplaren nur 1 ?). (Wien im Dezember 1912.) MELOIDAE. 89. Mylabris (F°.) Paykuli Billbg. Nordl. von El-Golea, v. 1912, 3 Ex, Von Algier, Tunis, Aegypt. und Arabien bis Syrien yerbreitet, (97 ) 90. M. Henoni Fairmaire. Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912, zwei Ex.; Oued Nssa, Ghardaia—Guerrara, 3-5, vii. 1912, 1 Ex. 91. M. menthae Klug. Oued-Nssa, 1 Ex. Auch in Aegypt. Fayam. +92. M. impressa Chevrolat. Biskra, 1 Ex. Auch in Portugal. 93. M. batnensis Marseul. Noérdl. von El-Golea, v.1912. Seither nur von Batna bekannt. 94. M. oleae Castelnau, var. Harterti Pic nov. var. Von Pic beschrieben, Hchange, Dec. 1912, p. 90, nach unicum in der Sammlung : “ Elytris rubris, post medium nigro fasciatis et ad apicem nigris. Oued Nssa, entre Ghardaia et Guerrara. Hartert in Mns. Britannico, Londres. Communiqué par lintermédiaire du Major Lucas von Heyden. Voisin de la var. r?mosa Marsl., en différe par l’oblitération de la bande antérieure noire des élytres.” 95. Epicauta (Redtb.) sanguiniceps Fairmaire. Biskra, 1 Ex. Beschrieben Ann. France Bull. 1885, 38. Nur von Biskra bekannt. MORDELLIDAE. 96. Pentaria (Mualsant) + Defarguesi Abeille, var. unifasciata Chobant. Oned-Nssa, Ghardaia—Guerrara, 3-5. vi. 1912, ein Ex. Die Stammart beschrie- ben Rev. Ent. 1885, 161. von Hyéres, Siid-Frankreich, die var. Ann. Fr. Bull. 1897, 133. von Algier. ALLECULIDAE, 97. Mycetocharina (Seidlitz) megalops Fairmaire. Hin grosses Ex. (64 mm.) vom siidl. Oued Mya, v. 1912, und 5 kleinere (5mm.), je2 Ex. nord]. von El-Golea, v.1912; und Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5. vi.1912. Von Pic bestimmt. Von Ghardaia und Ouargla beschrieben, Ann Belg. 1894. 311. 98. Heliotaurus (Mulsant) (Julogenius Reitter) Reichei Muls. (oranensis Reitt., Grilati Muls.). Laghonat, iv.1911, ein Ex. In Algier weit verbreitet, vide Bedel in Ade7dle, 28. 1894. 172. 99. H. angusticollis Muls. 3 Ex. von Biskra. Auch Tunis, Bedel erwahut Biskra. ‘ ( 98 ) TENEBRIONIDAE. 100. Zophosis (Latreille) plana F. (Schonherri Solier). Siidlichster Oued Mya, 2 Ex.; In-Salah, Tidikelt, 21-30. iv. 1912, einmal. Auch Aegypt., Nubien. 101. Z, approximata Deyrolle. Biskra, 4 Ex. Nur daher bekannt. 102. Z. curta Deyrolle. Laghouat, iv. 1911, einmal gefunden, 103. Erodius (1’.) exilipes Lucas. Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912, 2 Ex.; El-Arich, S.W. Touggourt, 8-9. vi. 1912, 2 Ex.; Touggourt—El-Oued, iv. 1909, 2 Ex. Seltene Art. Durch rippenlose Decken ausgezeichnet. 104. E, Lefrancei Kraatz. S. Oned Mya, 2 Ex.; In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30. iv.1912, 2 Ex.; Touggourt— BLOued, 1 Ex. Auch von Biskra und Laghouat bekannt. 105. E. bicostatus Solier. Je einmal von Biskra und Onargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912. Auch bei Bou- Saada und in Tripolis. 106, EB. antennarius Vauloger var. deserticola Vaulog. 3 Ex. je cinmal nérdl. von Bl-Golea, vy. 1912; Bordj Chegga—Kef-el-Dor, 22. iii, 1912 ; Onargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii, 1912. Beschrieben Anz, Fr, Bull. 1897. 307. Stammart: Kreider (Oran), var. von Laghouat—Ghardaia. 107. Adesmia (Fischer) acervata Klug. Biskra,5 6d,4 22; S. Oued Mya, v.1912,9 3,14 29. Auch in Aegypt. —Biskrensis Lue. ist dieselbe Art. 108. A. Douei Lucas. + Jel o von El-Arich, 8.W. Touggourt, 8-9. vi. 1912; Oued Mya, v. 1912; Biskra, 4 22 Oued Mya. 109. A. Faremonti Lne. 266,12 Biskra; 1 ? Laghonat, iv.1911, Aus Algier beschrieben. Allard gab Classification : Ann. Mr. 1885, 155. 110. Mesostena (Nsclischoltz) longicollis Lucas. Nordl. von El-Golea, v.1912, 4 Ex.; Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii, 1912, 5 Ex.; 8. Oued Mya, v.1912,2 Ex. Von Tonggoart, auch Tunis, beschrieben, (99 ) 111. Pachychile (Eschscholtz) glabra Steven, var. emarginata Desbr. 3 Ex., von Biskra, Hiinfig in Algerien. Desbrochers beschrieb 5 var, in Bull. Académie Hippone 1881. 11. 112. Tentyria (Latreille) Kantarae Fairmaire. Je einmal nérdl. von El-Golea, y, 1912, und S. Oued Mya, v. 1912. Von El-Kantara beschrieben. 113. T, Mulsanti Lueas. 1 32, Biskra. 114. Micipsa (Lucas) striaticollis Luc. 3 mit langem Endglied der Fiihler, 2 Chishn Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912. 115. M. gracilipes Fairm. Hin 3? ebenda. Sehr selten. Fehlte coll. Heyden. Beschrieben Ann. Genova 1875. 522. 116. Himatismus (Erichson) saharensis Chobaut. S. Oued Mya, v. 1912, 2 Ex.; El-Meksa, siidl. von El-Golea, 2. iv. 1912, 2 Ex.; nérdl. von El-Golea, v. 1912, 11 Ex. 117. H, Lapegrandi Motschulsky. 9 Ex., El-Golea, v. 1912. (Ich kann die Beschreibung nicht finden.) 118. Akis (Herbst) biskrensis Reitter. Touggourt, April 1909, einmal. Von Biskra beschrieben, Bestimm. Tub. 53. 1904. 43. 119. Scaurus (Fabricius) f calearatus F. (tristis Oliv.). Hinmal, 8. Oued Mya, v. 1912. Siid Europa verbreitet. 120. S. aegyptiacus Solier. Kinmal, nérdl. von El-Golea, v. 1912. Von Alexandria beschrieben. 121. §. Varvasi Solier. Kinmal, Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912, Von Bona beschrieben. 122. S. sticticus (Gemegr.) (punctatus Hbst.). Binmal, Bordj Chegga, 22. iii.1912, 8. Kuropa. hiiufig. 123, Blaps (Fabricius) Wiedemanni Solier. E1-Golea, 17-19, iii, 1912, In Aegypten und Algier ( 100 ) 124. Prionotheca (Sol.) coronata Solier. In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30, iv. 1912, 3 Ex.; Touggourt—El-Oued, iv. 1909. Auch Aegypt., S. Abyssinien. +125. Ocnera (Fischer) hispida Forskal. Bordj Chegga, 22. iii. 1912, 4 Ex.; Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912, 3 Ex.; S. Oued Mya, v. 1912, einmal; Tonggourt—El-Oued, iv. 1909, 1 Ex. Auch in Aegypt., Syrien, Arabien, und Sicilien, 126. Euthriptera (Reitter) grisescens Fairm. (piceola Desbr.). Zwei Ex., Touggourt, April 1909. Auch Tunis. 127. Thriptera (Solier) Bedeli Allard. S. Oued Mya, v. 1912, einmal. 128. Pimelia (F.) subg. Pisterotarsa (Motsch.) anomala Sénac. Touggourt, April 1909, 1 Ex.; El-Golea, v. 1912, 4 Ex. Von Bou-Saada beschrieben 1880, Ann. Fr. Bull. 56, Essai Monogr. 1884. 14, 129. P. (P.) Theveneti Sénac. Hinmal, Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912. Von Suez beschrieben. 130. P. (P.) retrospinosa Lucas. Ein Ex., Touggourt—El-Oued, iv. 1909. Nach Sénac Hauptfundort, zuerst von Laghonat bekannt geworden. 131. P. (P.) confusa Sénac, Touggourt—El-Oued, iv. 1912, 5 Ex.; zweimal von Bordj Chegga, 22. iii, 1912. S. Algier weiter verbreitet, Sénac fiihrt anch Chegga an. 132. P. (P.) consobrina Lucas. Nord]. von El-Golea, vy. 1912, 2 Ex.; Onargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912, 1 x.; In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30. iv. 1912, 9 Ex. Anch yon Biskra, Laghonat, Tunis bekannt. 133. P. (P.) interstitialis Solier. Biskra einmal. Daher schon bekannt, auch Tunis. 134. P, (Melanostola Solier) gibba F. Gebien (simplex Solier). 1 Ex., Biskra. Wiistenart. Auch Tunis, Tripolis. 135, P. Latastei Sénac, Biskra, 5 Ex. ; 8. Oued Mya, v. 1912, 1 Ex.; In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30, iv. 1912, 1 Bx. Biskra und Ouargla sind bekannte Fundorte, 136. P. Boyeri Solier. Biskra einmal, In gauz Algier und Tunis hinfig, ( 101 ) 137. Leucolaephus (Lucas) Perrisi Lucas. 14 Ex. nordlich von El-Golea, v.1912. Ann. Fr. Bull. 1859, p. 23. Scheint Art und nicht ? von nigropunctatus Luc. 20 sein, wie Reitter Best. Tabelle 25, 50 angiebt. Die Decken sind grau beschuppt mit dentlichen kahlen Liingstreifen. 138. Sepidium (F.) Requieni Solier. Biskra, 4 Ex, Auch aus Laghouat und Boghari bekannt. 139, S. variegatum F. Solier. Boghari, 29. iv. 1911, 2 Ex. In Algerien verbreitet, auch Tunis. +140. Scleron (Hope) armatum Waltl. Biskra, 2 Ex. Auch Andalusien, Sicilien. +141, Anemia (Laporte) sardoa Geéné, Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5. vi. 1912, Sandtier, 89 Ex.; einmal El- Arich, 8.W. Touggourt, 8-9. vi.1912. Auch S. Europa: Sardinia, Graecia, Marocco, Syria, Armenia: Araxes. Reitter, Best. Tabelle 53. [Kamen im O, Nssa zu Hunderten an die Lampe.—t. H.] 142. A. fissidens Reitter. Nordl, von El-Golea, v.1912, 88 Ex.; El-Meksa, siidl. von El-Golea, 17 Ex.; S. Oued Mya v.1912, 6 Ex.; In-Salah, Tidikelt, 2 Ex.; El-Meksa, siidl, von El-Golea, 5 Ex. Aus Ghardaia (Mzab) beschrieben. 143. A. Chobauti Reitter. Oued Nessa, Ghardaia—Guerrara, 3-5. vi. 1912, 46 Ex. Beschrieben wie vorige aus Ghardaia, Best. Tad. 53. 130. +144, Gonocephalum (Chevrolat) rusticum Olivier. Nordl. von El-Golea, 5. 1912, 10 Ex.; Oued Nssa, Ghardaia—Guerrara, 3-5. vi. 1912, 2 Ex. Hiiufig in N. Africa und Siid Europa. +145, Opatroides (Brullé) punctulatus Brullé. S. Oued-Mya, v. 1912, ein Ex. Im Mittelmeergebiet weit verbreitet. 146. Crypticus (Latr.) subg. Seriscius (Motsch.) nebulosus Fairmaire. 3 Ex, yom Oued Nssa, Ghardaia —Gnerrara, 3-5. vi. 1912. Anch aus Boghari und Mogador bekannt. +147. Tribolium (MacLeay) subg. Stene (Stephens) confusum Daval. In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30. iv. 1912, 13 Ex. In Europa, besonders im Siiden und Nordafrika, meist mit Getreide und Mehl verschleppt. [Fand sich in grosser Menge in den Hiiusern im Fort.—E. H.] ( 102 ) CERAMBYCIDAE, 148. Polyarthron (Serville) pectinicornis F., Rasse Fairmairei Pic (barbarum Pic non Lucas). 284, Touggourt 1909. Wiistentier. Lebt in Wurzeln der Dattelpalme. Siehe Lameere, Ann. Belge 1912. 228. In Nordafrika in 12 Rassen. Stammart Siid-Oran, Marocco, Senegal. [Wir fingen die Art nicht selbst, erhielten aber eine Flasche voll in Spiritus, worunter aber nur ein ?.—H. H.] 149. Apatophysis (Chevrolat) toxoides Chevr. 3 3d: 2 nordl. yon El-Golea, vy. 1912, 1 von Bordj Chegga, 8. Biskra, 22. iii. 1912. Wiistentier. 150. Plocaederus (Thomson) Caroli Leprieur. S. Oued Mya, 7.iv., nérdl. von El-Golea, 22. v. 1912; El-Meksa, siidl, von El-Golea, 2. iv. 1912, 2 Ex.; Touggourt—El-Oned, iv. 1909, 4 Ex. Beschrieben Ann. Fr, Bull. 1876. 8. von Hodna, auf Calligonum comosum. 151. Tetropiopsis (Chobaut) Guldei Chobant. 1 Ex. ndrdl. von El-Golea, v. 1912. Das zweite bekannte Ex., Orig. in coll. Heyden, beschrieben Ann. Fr. Bull. 1905, 157. von El-Kantara. Siehe auch tiber die Gattung, loco cit, 1902. Bull. 26. Lameere. 152. Neomarius (Fairmaire) Gandolphei Fairm. 1 Ex. von Bedel bestimmt, vom S. Oued Mya, v. 1912. Beschrieben Rev. Zool. 1872. 60. wo es aber nach Bedel heissen muss Long. 13 millm. (non 23), Siehe auch Reitter, Wien. Ent. Z. 1882. 137. In Siid Frankreich eingeschleppt. +153. Agapanthia (Serville) irrorata F. var. granulosa Chevr. Hammam Rirha y. 1911. Auch Andalusien. [Nicht selten an bliihenden Pflanzen Ende Mai—kE. H.] +154. A, annularis Oliv. Ebendaher 6 Ex. Anch Spanien. 155. Conizonia (Fairmaire) vittigera F. Ebendaher 4 Ex. +156. Phytoecia (Mulsant) subg. Opsilia (Muls.) virescens F. Ebenso. Europa iiberall. CHRYSOMELIDAE. +157. Macrolenes (Lacord.) dentipes Oliv. 1 S$ von Hammam Meskontine, v. 1911. % = salicariae Ménétr. Biskra einmal, Oued Nssa, Ghardaia—Guerrara 3-5. vi, 1912. 2 Ex. Siid Europa hiinfig. ( 103 ) 158. Tituboea (Lac.) Paykuli Lacordaire. Nordl. yon El-Golea v. 1912, Biskra je einmal. v. fasciata Lefebre. Oued Nssa, Ghardaia—Guerrara, 3-5. vi. 1912, 1 Ex. Die Art in Algier verbreitet. +159. Cryptocephalus (Geoffrey) rugicollis Ol. v. humeralis Oliv. Biskra, 4 Ex. Hiiufig in Siid-Europa. 160. Pseudocolaspis (Chapuis) seriemicans Reitter. 6 Ex. nordl. von El-Golea, v. 1912. +161. Phytodecta (Kirby) (subg. Spartiophila Chevr.) variabilis Oliv. v. spartii Oliv. 1 Ex. nérdl. von El-Golea vy. 1912. Hiufig in Siid- West Europa. +162. Crepidodera (Chevrolat) impressa F. Biskra, 1 Ex. +163. Chaetocnema (Stephens) hortensis Geoff. Biskra, 1 Ex. Beide Europa hiiufig. BRUCHIDAE. +164. Caryoborus (Schonherr) pallidus Oliv. = acaciae Gyll. S. Oued Mya, vy. 1912. Ein Ex, Auch in Portugal, Dalmatien, Griechenland, Siid-Russland. CURCULIONIDAE. 165. Leucosomus (Motschulsky) insignis Desbrochers. Biskra, 1 Ex. Von daher beschrieben Bull. Hippon. 1884. 154. +166. Coniocleonus (Motsch.) riffensis Fairmaire (fasciculosus Reitter). Biskra, 1 Ex. Fairm. beschrieb die Art Naturaliste Deyrolle 1884. 446, ans Andalusien. Auch yon 8. Portugal: Faro und Balearen bekannt. 167. Conorrhynchus (Motsch.) (subg. Temnorhinus Chevr.) conicirostris Oliv. Einmal El-Arich, 8.W. Touggourt, 8-9. vi. 1912. Auch in Siid-Spanien. 168. Dicranotropis (aust) hieroglyphicus Oliv. Jel Ex. yon Biskra, El-Meksa, siidl. von El-Golea 2. iv. 1912; Hl-Arich, 8.W. Tonuggourt, 8-9. vi. 1912. Auch Aegypt., Syrien. ( 104 ) 169. Stephanophorus (Faust) anxius Gyll. (basigranatus Fairm.). Ouargla—Hl-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912; 2 Ex.; Arefidji, nérdl. von Ouargla, 6. iii. 1912. Aus Persien zuerst beschr.dann von Fairm. Ann. France, 1868. 495, von Constantine in Algier. 170. Lixus (F.) (subg. Phillixus Petri) rectirostris Desbr. 5 Ex. El-Arich, 8.W. Touggourt, 8-9. vi. 1912. Beschrieben Frelon, xii. 1904. 74, aus Biskra nach einem Ex. 171. Phytonomus (Schonherr) isabellinus Boheman. Je einmal von El-Arich, 8.W. Touggourt, 8-9. vi. 1912, und N. El-Golea, y. 1912, Aus Arabien, Aegypt. bekannt. SCARABAEIDAE. 172. Glaresis (Hrichson) Handlirschi Reitter. Ouargla—E]-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912, 12 Ex.; nérdl. von El-Golea,6 Ex. Je einmal von Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Gnerrara), 3-5. vi. 1912. ; El-Arich, S.W. Toug- gourt, 8-9. vi.1912; Laghouat, iv. 1911. Beschrieben Bestimmungs-Tabelle 24, . 1892, 223, vom Chott Melrhir. 173. Aphodius (Llliger) (subg. Erytus Mals.) lucidus Klug. Nordl. von El-Golea, v. 1912, 8 Ex.; Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912, 4 Ex.; Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5. vi. 1912, 2 Ex.; Touggourt—El- Oued, iv. 1909. Auch in Arabien, Central Asien, Canaren. 174. A. (E.) opacior Koshantshikoy (opacus Reitter, non Leconte). Nordl. von El-Golea, v. 1912, 5 Ex. ; Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii, 1912, 4 Ex,; Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5. vi. 1912, 2 Ex.; Touggourt—El- Oned, iv. 1909 ; El-Meksa, siidl. von El-Golea, 2.iv.1912. Auch in Tunis. 175. A. (E.) brunneus Klug. Nérdl. von El-Golea, v. 1912, 2 Ex.; Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5. vi. 1912, 3 Ex. ; Touggourt—El-Oued, iv. 1909, El-Meksa, siidl. von El-Golea, 2.iv.1912,1Ex.; Oued Mya, v.1912, 1 Ex.; In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30. iv. 1912, 1 Ex.; Hl-Arich, 8.W. Touggourt, 8-9. vi. 1912, 4 Ex. Auch in Syrien, Caucasus, Transcaspien. 176. A. (E.) sitiphoides Orbigny. Touggourt—E]-Oned, iv. 1909, 2 Ex.; 8S. Oued Mya, v. 1912, 2 Ex. ; In-Salah, Tidikelt, 24-30. iv.1912,1 Ex. Von d’Orbigny beschrieben Abeille, 28. 1896. 218, auch von Tunis Synopsis des Aphodiens d’Europe et Méditerranée. +177. A. (E.) lividus Oliv. 2 Ex. von Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5, vi. 1912. Cosmopolit. ( 105 ) +178. A. (subg. Bodilus Mulsant) hydrochaeris F. Touggourt—El-Oned, iv. 1909, 6 Ex.; Laghouat, 27. iv. 1901, 2 Ex. Siid Europa, Syrien, Caucasus, Sibirien. +179. A. (B.) longispina Kiister. Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5. vi. 1912, 12 Ex. ; Touggourt—El-Oued, iv. 1909, 2 Ex.; nérd]. von El-Golea, v. 1912, 3 Ex.; In-Salah, Tidikelt, 27-30. iv. 1912, 1 Ex.; Guelt-es-Stel, nérdl. von Djelfa, 28 iv. 1911, 4 Bx. Siid Spanien, Marocco, Tunis. +180. A, (B.) lugens Crentzer. Onargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii.1912, 7 Ex. Auch Europa, Caucasus. +181. Psammodius (Heer) laevipennis Costa. Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5. vi.1912, 7 Ex.; N. El-Golea, v. 1912, 1 Bx. Auch Siid-Frankreich, Siid-Europa, Syrien, Transcaucasien. +182. Eremazus (Mulsant) unistriatus Mulsant. Nordl. von El-Golea, v. 1912, 14 Ex.; Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912, 2 Ex.; El-Meksa, siidl. von Golea, 2. iv. 1912, 2 Ex.; Oued Nssa (Ghardaia— Guerrara), 3-5. vi. 1912, 10 Ex.; Wiistentier. Anch Tunis, Arabien, Obok, Caucasus: Araxes. 183. Ochodaeus Harterti Reitter nov. sp. Von Grosse und Form des O. Solskyi Semenov. Einfarbig rostrot, nur die Augen und das Lateralgriibchen am Halsschilde schwarz. Kopf dicht punktirt, undeutlich behaart, Clypeus mit einem ziemlich stark entwickelten, vorn kantig begrenzten Hérnchen. Halsschild yon der Breite der Fliizeldecken, licht punktirt, kaum behaart, mit einer vorn verkiirzten Mittelrinne, die Seiten gerundet, ringsum kriiftig gerandet, die Vorderwinkel eckig vorstehend, die hinteren abgerundet. Schildchen linglich dreieckig die Seiten vorn parallel. Fliigeldecken linger als zusammen breit, ziemlich gleichbreit, hinten zusammen abgernndet, oben mit Punktstreifen, der Nahtstreif stirker eingedriickt, die Zwischenriiume dicht raspelartig punktirt und dusserst fein und kurz borstchenartig behaart, die Nahtkante sehr schmal, fein geschwiirzt, Seitenrand vorn linger, hinten kurz bewimpert. Vorderschenkel mit zwei die Hinterschenkel mit einem kurzen hakigen Zahne, der innere Zahn der Vorderschenkel klein. Vorderschienen am Aussenrande mit 2 Zihnen, der dritte, gegen die Basis zu schwach angedentet. Unterseite und Beine linger gelb behaart, Schienen breit. Long. 5-8 millm. Dem tuberculifrons Reitter aus Aegypten zuniichst verwandt, aber grosser, kiirzer behaart, feiner punktirt, dunkler gefiirbt und die Bewaffnung der Schenkel verschieden. 12 Ex. (davon 2 in coll. Reitter, 4 coll. Heyden) zwischen Ouargla und El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912. Laghonat, iv. 1911, einmal. ( 106 ) +184. Hybosorus (MacLeay) Illigeri Reiche. Oued Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5. vi. 1912, 18 Ex. ; El-Arich, 8. W. Toug- gourt, 8-9. vi. 1912, 2 Ex.; El Meksa, siidl. von El-Golea, 2.iv.1912,7 Ex, Anch in Siid Naropa, Kleinasien bis Turemenien. +185. Scarabaeus (L.) sacer L. Biskra, 2 Ex.; El-Golea, v.1912, 4 Ex. Siid Europa, Syrien, von Klein = bis Central-Asien. [Ungemein hiiufig im April bis Juni, aber siidlich von El-Golea selten und bei In-Salah nicht bemerkt.—H. H.] +186. §. puncticollis Lucas. Biskra, 1 Ex. ; Hl-Arich, 8. W. Touggourt, 8-9. vi. 1912, 3 Ex. ; Bordj Chegga— Kef-el-Dor, 22.iii.1912, 1 Ex. Spanien, N. Afrika, Kleinasien, Syrien, Armenien, Tiirkei, [Nur in der nérdlichen Sahara bemerkt.—BH. H.] + 187. Gymnopleurus (Illiger) Sturmi MacLeay. Biskra, 7 Ex. Nordafrica, Siid Europa bis Siebenbiirgen. 188. Onthophagus (Latreille) Bedeli Reitter. Biskra, 1 Ex. In Nordafrika verbreitet von Algier bis Alexandrien in Wiisten. 189. 0. nebulosus Reiche. Biskra, 1 Ex. Von Algier durch Nordafrika, durch Aegypten, Syrien bis Arabien verbreitet. 190. 0. gazella F. Je ein 3 von El-Arich, 8.W. Touggourt, 6-9. vi.1912, und Oued Nessa (Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5. vi.1912, und 2 22 von letzterem Fundort. Durch Senegal, Nubien, Somali, Mozambique, Natal, Madagascar, Aden, Arabien, sind bis Indien verbreitet. +191. Onitis (F.) Ion Olivier. Biskra, 3 Ex. In Siid-Europa und N.W. Afrika verbreitet. [Gemein bei Biskra.—E.H.] 192, Amphicoma (Latreille) subg. Eulasia (Truqui) bombylius F’. Alger, 1-16. v.1912, 2 Ex. ; Guelt-es-Stel, nérdl. von Djelfa, 28.iv.1911, 1 Ex. Ueber Algier, Tunis, Marocco verbreitet. 193. Rhizotrogus (Serville) eburneicollis Raffray. Hammam Meskoutine y. 1911. 194, Amphimallon (Berthold) obscurum Fairmaire (brunneum Fairm.). Arefidji, N. Ouargla, 6. iii. 1912, 4 Ex. A. obscurus beschrieben, Ann. Fr. 1864, 240, Kabylie; A. brunneus, Ann. Fr. 1870, 880, Alger. (107 ) 195. Pachydema (Laporte) subg. Flatipalpus (Fairm.) albolanosa Fairmaire. 2 Ex. Arefidji, nérdl. von Ouargla, 6. iii. 1912. Seltene Art, aus Biskra, Ann. Fr, 1879, 248, beschrieben. ins der 3 Originale in coll. Heyden. 196. P. subg. Phygotoxeuma (Brenske) peltastes Marseul. Biskra, 1 Ex., nur daher bekannt. 197. Kuroptron (Marseul) gracile Mars. ELArich, 8. W. Touggourt 8-9. vi. 1912, 76 Ex., nérdl. von El-Golea, v. 1912, 4 Ex. Wiistentier. Von Marseul beschrieben, Adcille iv. 1867, 81, von Onargla. 198. E. confusum Mars. ® Ex., von Oued-Nssa (Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5. vi. 1912. Beschrieben Adeille xvi. 1878, 60, von Laghouat. 7199. Hoplia (Illiger) sulphurea Lucas. Biskra, 3 Bx, Auch in Andalusien : Ronda, von Heyden, 1868. 200. Adoretus (Laporte) epistomalis Chobant. S. Oued Mya, v. 1912, 5 Ex. beschrieben Ann. Fr. 1899. Bull. 38, nach 2 Ex., aus Tougegourt. 201. Anomala (Samouelle) ferruginea Marseul. Touggourt, El-Oued iv. 1909, 4 Ex., El-Golea iv. 1912, 1 Ex. Von Marseul in Abeille iv. 1867. 36, richtig in diese Gattung gestellt, in seinem Catalog zu Hloplopus verwiesen, welcher Ansicht Reitter in Bestimmungstabelle 51, 81 folgt, der die Art nicht in Natura kennt. Bedel sah diese Touggourt Stiicke und setzt sie, Ann. Fr. Buil., 1912.375. wieder zu Anomala. Sahara algérien nach Marseul. 202. Dicranoplia (Reitter) deserticola Lucas (Lucasi Fairm. pumila Mars.). Touggourt—El-Oued, iv. 1909, 3 Ex. D. deserticola wurde von Lucas in Ann. Fr. 1859, Bull. 53, als Phyllopertha aus Bou-Saada beschrieben. Fairmaire inderte, 1. c., 1870, 378 den Namen in Lucasi wegen deserticola Fischer, die aber zu Anisoplia gehirt. Pumila ist yon Marseul als Anisoplia beschrieben in Adedlle xvi. 1878. 68, aus Aegypten. 203. Hoplopus (Castelnau) atriplicis F. Oued Nssa(Ghardaia—Guerrara), 3-5. vi. 1912, 5 Ex.; El-Arich,S.W.Touggourt, 8-9.vi. 1912, 1 g. Auch ans Tunis bekannt. Bedel hat, angeregt durch meine Correspondenz, die Art genauer untersucht und die Resultate in dem neuesten Heft 18.1912, Ann. Fr. Bull. p. 375, itber die Geschlechts-Unterschiede an den Hinterklauen mitgeteilt. Die innere Klane ist bei ¢ behaart und Pygidium con- vexer; bei % glatt. Auch aus Bou-Saada und Tunis bekannt. Es liegen yor MG Ou 499, ( 108 ) 204. H. (Hybalonomala Reitter) Bleusei Chobant. 3 66 Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912, 1 Ex.; El-Golea, v. 1912, 2 Ex. Bedel stellt loc. cit. die Reittersche Gattang (Best. Tab. 51, 81.) zu Hoplopus, weil der fehlen sollende Sporn der Innenseite der Vorderschienen doch fein vorhanden ist. Chobant beschrieb seine Anomala Bleusei in Ann. Fr. Bull. 1896, p. 388, von Ain-Sefra. 205. Pentodon (Illiger) variolosopunctatum Fairmaire. S. Oued Mya, v.1912, 9 Ex. Beschrieben Ann. Fr. 1879, p. 172, von Laghonat. P. pygidialis Kraatz, D.E2.Z. 1882, p. 61, ist dieselbe Art. 206. Crator (Semenov) cuniculus Burmeister. Nordl. von El-Golea, 1 Ex.; Ouargla—El-Golea, 17-19. iii. 1912, 2 Ex.; Arefidji, nord]. von Ouargla, 6. vi. 1912. Beschrieben Handbuch y. 1847, p. 119, von Algier bis Senegambien verbreitet. 207. Coptognathus (Burmeister) Lefrancei Mulsant. Ein ¢ vom Oued Mya; 2 2 ? Touggourt—El-Oued, iv. 1909; 1 % Arefidji, N. Onargla, 6. vi. 1912. Beschrieben An. Lyon. 1865. 448. Von Algier bis Tripolis. 208. Enoplatarsus (Lucas) deserticola Lucas. Je einmal vom Oued Nssa (Ghardaia-Guerrara) 3-5. vi. 1912. und nérdl. von El-Golea, v. 1912. Beschrieben Ann. Fr. Bull., 1857.56. Sahara algérien. + 209. Oxythyrea (Mulsant) funesta Poda. Biskra, 5 Ex. Ganz Europa, Caucasus. 210. 0. subcalva Marsenl (biskrensis Fairmaire). Biskra, 5 Ex. +211. Tropinota (Mulsant) crinita Charpentier (squalida L. non Scopoli). Biskra, 4 Ex., S. Oued Mya, v. 1912, einmal. Uber ganz Siid Europa bis Syrien verbreitet, ; + 212. Potosia (Mulsant) opaca F. Biskra. Auch in Spanien und Marocco. [Bei Biskra gemein.—B. H.] ( 109 ) valle LEPIDOPTERA. By tHe Hoy. WALTER ROTHSCHILD, Pu.D., F.R.S. Tue collection is of considerable interest: firstly, it is the ouly larger collection from south of Biskra (Dr. Kranse’s collection was much smaller) and south of Ouargla it is the first record we possess; and secondly, because it contains an extraordinary number of species which were originally described from sach widely separated places as Socotra, Egypt, Turkestan, Persia, and India, besides 35 new species and 3 new subspecies. This is a proof that the true desert species are very widespread and that similar environment produces similar inhabitants. The collection consists of 1509 lepidoptera, several specimens of the larvae of Papilio and Celerio, a number of cases of the Psychid Amicta murina, and a number of galls of the Microlepidopteron Oecocecis guyonella Gnu. There are 158 species, as follows: Papilionidae, 9; Daniinae, 1; Nymphalidae, 3; Lycae- nidae, 4; Hesperiidae, 1; Sphingidae, 3; Lymantriidae, 3; Lasiocampidae, 1; Noctuidae, 59; Geometridae, 14; Arctiadae, 1; Psychidae, 1; Cossidae, 2; Pyralidae, 52; Microlepidoptera, 5. RHOPALOCERA. PAPILIONIDAE. 1. Papilio machaon hospitonides Oberth. 1g, 8. Oued Mya; 1 od, 12, Ghardaia; 7 dd, 12, Hl-Hadadra, between El-Golea and Ghardaia. The eleven specimens are indistinguishable from Biskra specimens, and two half-grown larvae agree entirely with Oberthiir’s figure (tudes, xii. Pl. V.). As I have never seen half-zrown larvae from the Bou-Saada-Laghouat region, and both adult larvae and bred imagines from Bou Saada differ somewhat from the present series and our Biskra examples, I, for the time being, do not care to unite P. m. hospitonides and P. m. saharae Oberth. described from Laghouat. Should they hereafter prove identical, which is very probable, the name saharae has priority. : Dr. Seitz is quite wrong in treating hospitonides and saharae as aberrations of machaon; they are certainly a good local race, if not two. They differ from the northern Algerian machaon sphyrus (asiatica Oberth. and Seitz, nec Mén.) in their usually uniformly small size, deeper canary-yellow colour, much larger submarginal yellow patches, narrower black bands, and thinner, more acute, tails. There is also an indefinable yellowish bloom over most of the specimens not observable in examples from north of the Atlas. The larvae have longitudinal rows of separate black spots on a much paler apple-green ground ; not transverse bands or rings of black ow bright apple-green, as in P. m. machaon. [For the first time we saw a single Swallow-tail near the Tilmas-Djilrhempt, in the bed of the Oued Mya, but the specimen was not caught. On the retarn (110) journey we saw two in the same neighbourhood, but obtained only one, on April 30. Later on, from E]-Hadadra northwards to Ghardaia, P. machaon was frequently seen, and at Hl-Hadadra (23. v.) and from Gia to Sebseb (26. v.) it was quite common; but many specimens were battered and worn, so that only a few were taken. It was also seen in some numbers at Ghardaia, and two were caught. It was always found along the “oueds,” and was most commonly seen on the flowers of Deverra scoparia, a large plant with a strong smell somewhat between that of parsley and fennel, On the Deverra the caterpillars were also found, about half grown and smaller still, between El-Hadadra and Sebseb.—H. H.] 2. Pieris rapae leucotera Stef. ? 3 36d, Touggourt; 1 ¢, Bled-el-Ahmar ; 1 3, El-Golea. Pieris rapae is fairly abundant all over Algeria, though not nearly so much so as in Europe. South of the Atlas it ocenrs, as far as we know, all over the Sahara, but exclusively in the oases. Throughout its range both in the Palaearctic and Nearctie regions it is subject to much variation, individual as well as geographical, and the three generations are also distinct. Pieris rapae rapae form. vern. metra Steph. is the spring brood, form. aest. rapae Linn. is the summer brood, and form, aut. lewcosoma Shaw is the third or antumn brood. Though the series in the Tring Museum numbers many hundreds of specimens, it is still woefully insufficient to enable a correct classification of this species to be made; so I have quoted the desert form under Dr. Stefanelli’s name with a query. The great bulk of the specimens found south of the Atlas are characterised by the pale or almost obso- lescent dark apex to the forewings, which on the upperside in the d also rarely if ever show two dark spots. Those from north of the Atlas also have the black markings much more reduced than in European examples. If the many collectors of Palaearctic and Nearctic lepidoptera would only collect every common species in large series from each and every possible locality, we should be much sooner able to give a correct systematic and zoogeographical review of the Holarctic Fauna than will be possible for many years to come under present conditions. [We only saw this species in the gardens of Touggourt, in the little oasis of Bled-el-Ahmar, near Touggourt, and at El-Golea; buat I believe only three were seen altogether in the latter place, one of which was in a fair condition and preserved. This “ white’ was only seen in gardens where turnips, radishes, or cabbages were grown, its caterpillar doubtless living on some of these plants, though we found none.—E. H.] 3. Pieris (Leucochloé) daplidice albidice Oberth. 10 dd, 13 $¢, Hl-Hadadra; 28 dd, 5 22, Ghardaia; 4940, sands of El- Arich ; 1 ¢, Bled-el-Ahmar; | ¢, Biskra; 1 2, El-Golea; 22 dd, 3 2%, South Oued Mya; 6 dd, 1 2, north of Ain Guettara. This series of 95 specimens fairly illustrates the extraordinary variation both in size and colour in daplidice in the more southern portions of its range. South of the Atlas Mountains the colour of the underside of the hindwings ranges from dark yellowish olive-green with three rows of white spots, through many inter- gradations to white with canary-yellow cloud-like smears. The smallest ¢ has the forewing 17 mm. in length (Ghardaia), while the largest has it 25 mm. (N. of Ain Guettara); the smallest 2 has a forewing of 19 mm. (Ghardaia), and the (111 ) largest has it 265 mm. (El-Golea). Whether the form north of the Atlas requires a new name, or is identical with P. d. raphani, as Oberthiir asserts, I cannot at present decide, as I have no specimens from north of Gnuelt-es-Stel and Khenchela. Although in Europe the summer generations (in the north, form. aest. daplidice, and in the south, form. aest. raphani) show more yellow on the underside than their spring broods, they never show normally anything approaching the range of variation found in P. d. albidice. [P. daplidice albidice was very common along the river-beds in the Mzab country from Ghardaia southwards to El-Hadadra, and eastwards of Ghardaia, also not rare in the southernmost parts of the Oued Mya to about 35 kilometres north of Ain Guettara. Everywhere fresh specimens were flying together with worn ones, and at Ghardaia, at the end of May, it was difficult to catch faultless individuals.—H. H.] 4. Pieris (Leucochloé) glauconome glauconome Klug. 1 3, South Oued Mya; 12, north of Ain Guettara. This species is recorded from an enormous area—viz. from Egypt and Hast Africa, through Arabia, Persia and Cashmere to Thibet. In spite of this extra- ordinary distribution, only one local race has been separable—viz. P. g. tranica Bien. from Persia. So far there are only two records from west of Egypt—viz. Dr. Hartert’s specimens here mentioned and a specimen mentioned by Oberthiir as having been taken by Roland Trimen at Constantine. This latter specimen I have not personally seen, but short of personal confirmation I cannot help remarking that the locality seems a most unlikely one, and the identification, therefore, may be due to confusion with one of the aberrant Algerian daplidice forms. [The 3 was a beauty, the ? rather tattered. No others were noticed.—K. H.] 5. Euchloé belemia desertorum Tur. 33d, Bordj Chegga; 1 3, Nea-ben-Rzig; 1 d, Bled-el-Ahmar. This species is not usually found in the true desert country, and is perhaps only a straggler south of Touggourt. The range of 4. delemia is much more restricted than that of ausonia (= belia auct. nec Linn.) ; it is recorded from the Cauary Islands, South Spain, North Africa, Asia Minor and Syria, and hitherto only four subspecies have been separated : belemia belemia South Spain, 4. distincta North Algeria and Tunis, 6. desertorum South Algeria and Tunis, and 4. palaestinensis from Asia Minor and Syria ; the Canary Islands one I separate here as belemia hesperidum subsp. nov. on account of the very strong deep orange costa and the large amount of yellow on the underside of the apex of the forewing. Although the general ruu of specimens south of the Atlas do not show the marked obsolescence of marking and extra small size of typical examples of Count Turati’s 1. b. desertorwm and its aberration ecanescens Rober, they are all not nearly so heavily marked as 6. désfincta from north of the Atlas. I therefore think that, though they approach nearer to true bedemia belemia than the latter, they are distinct enough to be treated as a local race, and therefore retain the name Lv. b, desertorwm for the present, (112 ) 6. Euchloé falloui obsolescens subsp. nov. 1g, Ain Guettara; 4 dd, 2 9%, north of Ain Guettara; 2 dd,1 ?, South ued Mya. The distribution of 2. fallow’ has been given as from Algeria south of the Atlas to Somaliland, and the ? has been described by Rober as a separate species, E. seitzi. When in Ghardaia in April 1911 I was struck by some specimens taken by Dr. Nissen which showed on the underside a great deal of yellow, and the trans- verse green bands were more or less obliterated. I was going to describe this form as a new subspecies when I received a male somewhat similarly coloured among a batch of bred fallowi from Victor Faroult. As he had mixed up the larvae bred from El-Outaya and Bon-Saada parents, I determined not to describe it till I could get authentic material. Meanwhile, in discussing matters with Dr. Nissen (the Danish Consul-General at Algiers), it suddenly struck me that this form with obsolescent bands might be the summer brood of fallow, just as glauce is of belemia. This has since been confirmed by the receipt by Dr. Nissen from Ghardaia of specimens of fallowi taken in March of this year, which are much more strongly banded below, and do not show any yellow. This, however, by no means ends the matter. Dr. Hartert obtained the above ten examples in a portion of the Sahara where no zoological collections have ever been made, and the males show even greater reduction of the bands than those from Ghardaia. Although I was still convinced that we had only a case of second generation, Dr. Hartert was so insistent that there appeared to be other differences, that I have carefully compared Biskra specimens with Ghardaia ones and the above ten specimens, and I have come to the conclusion that the form found at Ghardaia and farther south is separable from those which fly on the edge of the desert and reach into the region of the “ Hauts Plateaux.” This form, for which I propose the name of fallout obsolescens, differs from Ff. falloui in the spring generation in very few points ; in fact, I think the only real difference is that the green bands are more clearly separated, more definite in outline. The summer generation, however, is startlingly different ; in the more northern form the green bands are in the majority of individuals strongly tinged with yellow and rather more coalescent, the outlines being irregularly expanded after the manner of the sammer generations of ausonia and belemia ; in the southern form these green stripes become almost obliterated, and of a gallstone-yellow colour. Although I have handled and examined more than a hundred specimens of the summer form from the north, I have only seen two specimens similar to Ghardaia ones, and none as extreme as those from the Oued Mya, which are as pale below as extreme specimens of P. d. albidice. Type, d. South Oned Mya, 10. iv. 1912. [We took great pains to get a series of this form of fal/ou’, but only succeeded in getting these ten specimens. They were very much rarer than Pieris daplidice albidice, though flying in the same places in the southernmost part. A single female was canght a kilometre south of the gorge of Ain Guettara, in the morning at half- past five! It is strange to me, in view of the well-known variability of Pieridae, how “ Buchloé seitzi” could be described as a new species from two specimens, from the typical locality of fallow |—B, H.| a (113) 7. Euchloé charlonia charlonia (Donz.). 10 $d, 1 #, Bordj Chegga ; 2 dd, Ourir; 1 ¢, Nea ben Rzig. This species varies much in size; but there appear to be no separable sub- species till we get to Asia Minor and Syria, when we find charlonia charlonia replaced by ch. penia in Asia Minor, ch. transcaspica from Toran, ch. lucilla Butl. from West Himalayas, and two undescribed Indian forms. A specimen, evidently wind-blown, was taken by Captain. Holl in Hussein Dey, a suburb of Algiers town. [In 1909, in March and April, when riding twice through the same countries, we never saw a sign of this species, while in 1912, late in February, it was quite common near Bord] Chegga, and extended as far south as Tamerna in diminishing numbers.—E. H. ] ; = 8. Teracolus daira nouna Lue. 13 dd, 4 ? ?, Ghardaia. This beantifal little butterfly is found in the northern portion of the Sahara wherever its food plants Capparis droserifolia and spinosa oceur ; it appears to reach farther north in Western Algeria, as Miss Fonntain records it from Sebdou. Lneas described it from the Algerian spring generation, which corresponds to the wet season form of the tropical 7. daira daira. This led Rober to consider it as the winter form of ¢. daira, which, however, it certainly is not, as the two summer forms are abundantly distinct. This confusion of the two winter broods by Rober has led, unfortunately, to the western form being renamed discrwensis, and thus becoming burdened with a useless synonym. 7. daira daira is abundant in the Egyptian Soudan and Abyssinia, but whether Arabian and Somali specimens are different still remains to be settled. 7 daira noune is \confined to North-west Africa, and the summer generation is not very different from the spring brood. [2. daira nouns was ouly seen at Ghardaia. There it was quite common during the last days of May, but the majority of specimens were already in very bad condition. Once a great uumber were seen in the early morning sitting on a large plant of Capparis spinosa, while later in the day, when the sun was out, they were very restless. In 1911, in April, Mr. Rothschild and Dr. Nissen caught three specimens, in poor condition, and those were all that were seen.—H. H.] 9. Colias electo croceus Tourer. 1 3, Bord) Chegga; 2 dd, Touggourt ; 1 d, South Oued Mya, Our well-known Clouded Yellow has an enormous breeding range if we take in C. electo as a whole—viz., from the Canary Islands on the west to Somaliland and Persia on the east aud from Wurope south of the Alps andl Pyrenees in the north to Capetown in the south, The Palaearctic form croceus Fourer. = edusa Fabr, is confined to the countries north of the south boundary of the Sahara, and although it goes north to Great Britain and North Germany, it is only as a wanderer, ior it is not found as a resident species north of the Alps. C. electo electo Linn, ocenrs all over Africa south of the Sahara and on the Canary Islands ; it is said to have been taken in England, but the record appears doubtful. {Common south of Biskra, but only a few were seen in the bed of the Oued Mya.—E, H.] 8 (114) DANAINAE, 10, Danais chrysippus chrysippus Linn. 1g, South Oued Mya; 1 2, north of Ain Gnettara; 1d, Igosten, Tidikelt. This species occurs in two distinct forms thronghout the larger portion of its range, which again have two subdivisions, The one, /). ¢. chrysippus, form. dimorph, chrysippus Linn., has the apical two-fifths of forewing black with a white band and white spots, and among these occur specimens with white or whitish dises of the hindwings = ab, alcippus Fabr.; the second form is form. dimorph. dorippus Klug., which has the apical two-fifths brownish falvous yellow like the rest of the wing, and again among these specimens with white or whitish dises to the hindwings occur: they are ab, albinus Lanz. LD. chrysippus ranges from the Canary Islands and Maroeceo to South Japan in the north and from Cape Colony to Australia in the south; east of Aden the dark ab. loc. cratippus Feld. is found among the typical form more or less abundantly. This is the first record of the species for Algerian territory (it can hardly be called Algeria). [The above-mentioned specimens were all that we saw, except one more in the hed of the Oued Mya, on May 2, which we could not catch.—K, H.] NYMPHALINAE. 11. Pyrameis cardui cardui (Linn.). 1 2, Bordj Chegga; 1 2, north of Ain Guettara. This ubiquitous species inhabits the whole world with the exception of South America, It is subject to little variation, and in spite of the enormous extent of its range can only be split up into three subspecies: P. c. cardui, whole range exeept Arctic Regions and East Asia; P. c, pallida Schoyen, with pale yellowish red ground colour, Arctic Regions ; and P. ¢. japonica Stichel, which is distinguished by the absence or reduction in the round submarginal spots of the hindwings and reddish ochre ground colour; East China and Japan. [Common in the northern portion of the Sahara in Febraary, and now and then seen as far south as Ain Guettara,—E. H.] [Pyrameis atalanta (1.) was seen in Biskra several times in March 1911, and this year I observed one on the road close to the market-place in Tonggourt, on March Ist.—E. H.] 12. Melitaea didyma deserticola Oberth. 25 33,5 2%, Bordj Chegga to Kef-el-Dor. Melitaea didyma is the most variable nymphaline butterfly in the world. It ranges from Portugal on the west to the Pacific Ocean on the east, and from North Europe and Siberia in the north to the Central Sahara in the south. (It probably extends right across the Sahara.) Up to the present expedition this race of déidyma was the most distinct from the type, being palest in colour, and had the greatest reduction in the size and number of the dark markings. Oue ¢ in the present series has the ground colour rufous yellow, thus appearing much paler than the rest; the type came from Biskra, (115 ) The North Algerian and Tunisian form has been treated by Oberthiir and others as the ordinary didyma occidentalis, but it is abundantly distinct. I here propose for this form the name M, didyma nisseni subsp. nov.; it differs from its nearest ally M. didyma occidentalis by its paler ground colour, larger number of black discal spots, and the heavy, sharply defined black margins to the hindwings. Type 6, No. 1001, Ain Draham, Tunisia, July 1911, Victor Faroult. The form found in the Aurés Mountains and probably all over the “ Hauts Plateaux ” is much larger, being equal in size to M. d. deserticola ; it has the darker red colour of d. nisseni and d. occidentalis, but has much fewer spots, thus approaching ¢. desert?- cola. I propose the name of M. didyma interposita subsp. nov. for it. Type d, No. 190, Batna 1911, Nelva coll. This form has also a very different underside, both the fulvous bands and the black spots being much reduced in size and much more ill-defined. [Only seen as far south as Kef-el-Dor, and not farther north than Chegga, thongh Mr. Rothschild and I have caught this form near Biskra, and farther north in former years, In 1909 not a single specimen was seen south of Biskra, though they were quite common 65 kilometres south in one place on the road this year. —E. H.] 13. Melitaea didyma harterti subsp. nov. 5o¢d, 3 22%, north of El-Golea; 4 dd, South Oned Mya; 38 3d, 21 23, El-Hadadra; 8 65,2 22%, Ghardaia; 1 2, 26 kilometres east of Ghardaia ; 1 ?, Oned Segrir, Guerrara; 1 ¢, Oued Nea; 1 ?, sands of El-Arich. This large series of 85 specimens varies a great deal in the number and size of the discal black spots, but the essential characters which separate this form from d. deserticola are present in all of them. Differs above from ¢. deserticola by its much paler sandy ochre colour and much reduced black marginal bands ; and the almost entire absence of the subapical yellow spots is also a distinguishing character. The ?? in most cases have the black spots much reduced both in size and number. The Oued Nea specimen is the only one in which the ground colour approaches that of ¢. deserticola. Below in the dd the black spots on the hindwings are smaller and the fulvous bands broader and better defined. In colour this new form is intermediate between JZ. d. deserticola and M. acraeina from Central Asia. The discovery of this form extends the range of MM. didyma about 1000 kilo- metres to the south. [This pretty butterfly was rare in the Oued Mya in May, but quite common in some places between Ghardaia and El-Golea. It was mostly flying along the oneds, and rarely seen on the plateaus. It came very much to the flowers of Deverra scoparia and other flowers,—H. H. | LYCAENIDAE. 14. Tarucus teophrastus teophrastus (I’.). 8 3d,1 2, Ghardaia; 18 dd, El-Hadadra ; 2 3d, North of Ain Guettara ; 94d,1 , South Oned Mya; 1 d,2 22%, Oued Nea, The Oued Mya examples, with the exception of one specimen, and one of the two from north of Ain Guettara, are very much smaller; as the following measure- ments show. (116) Length of forewing: Ghardaia and El-Hadadra, largest ¢, 13 mm., smallest 311mm. ; South Oned Mya, largest d, 11 mm., smallest ¢,9 mm. If it should be found, at some future time, that the largest Oued Mya example is an accident, the South Saharan form will have to be separated. In 1908 and 1909 we found this species numerous round Biskra, and in 1911 equally so at Ghardaia, but it never was found anywhere except in the immediate neighbourhood of the thorny Jujubiers, Zizyphus lotus. [We found 7. teophrastus common in the Oued Nea, and still more so near Ghardaia and in the oneds south of Ghardaia, as far as Zizyphus lotus oceurred, Together with Zizyphus this butterfly was absent from all the country traversed from Chegga to Touggourt and from Tonggourt to El-Golea, also from El-Hadadra to Hl-Golea, and thence to the Oued Mya, where Zizyphus reappeared, They were always difficult to catch, as they kept closely to the bushes, which, on account of their thorns, were forbidding for our butterfly-nets.—E. H.] 15. Zizera lysimon lysimon (Hbn.). 20 83,5 22, Touggourt; 1 ob, El-Golea; 2 dd, Sonth Oned Mya; 15 32, 19, Igosten, Tidikelt. The Igosten specimens are on the average considerably smaller than the Touggourt oues, but here again at present I do not ventare to separate them. In 1908 and 1909 we caught this little insect in Biskra and Tonggourt, but we did not see itin 1911. [Except for a few specimens in the Southern Oued Mya we never saw this Blue in other places than the gardens in the oases.—E. H. | 16, Lycaena astrarche cramera Hschsch. 1 3, Sands of El-Arich. L. astrarche is widely spread, reaching from the Canary Islands on the west to the Isle of Askold on the east, and Northern Seandinavia and Siberia in the north to the Central Sahara and North India in the south. The present race appears to he confined to the Canary Islands and North-West Africa. 17. Chrysophanus phlaeas phlaeas (L.) ab. eleus I’. 1 3, Ghardaia. This specimen is a good example of the tailed ab, elews, but the bulk of the specimens of this widespread butterfly which have been taken in Algeria are ordinary p. phiaeas. Ut is found all over Algeria, though it is nowhere abundant, GRYPOCERA, HESPERIIDAE. 18. Gegenes nostradamus (I’.). 1 3, Biskra, The only specimen we ever canght of this genus during our four expeditions in Algeria, {I only saw one other specimen on the road in Biskra.—E, H.] (117 ) HETEROCERA. SPHINGIDAE, 19. Macroglossum stellatarum (Linn.). 1 3, South Oued Mya. This widespread species is common all over Algeria, and we have specimens taken in previous years from almost every place we visited. [ We saw single specimens in various places from Biskra to the southernmost part of the Oued Mya.—H. H.] 20. Celerio euphorbiae deserticola (Bartels). 1 J, north of El-Golea, The most northern locality I have specimens of this race from is El Kantara. When Dr, Jordan and I wrote our revision of the Sphingidae, the series in the Tring Museum consisted of a few dealers’ specimens labelled ‘“ Mauretania.” This led us to erroneously unite the desert form of Celerio euphorbiae with the more northern C. e. mauretanica, This is not the case, as we discovered, since I have collected and procured in Algeria a large series of canght and bred specimens of the true (. mauretanica. The most southern localities I have examples of the latter from are Khenchela and Batna, in the Aurés Mountains. The larvae of C. e. deserticola ave easily distinguished from those of C. e. mauretanica by their pale green ground colour and sparser dark markings. They feed, as far as I have been able to ascertain, exclusively on Huphorbia guyoniana, while (. e. mauretanica feeds on several species of Huphorbia. 1 have taken the larvae of C. ¢. deserticola at Biskra, Zaatcha, and along the road to Touggourt. in large quantities, and caught the moth at light frequently at Biskra and once at Ghardaia. [The 3 caught north of El-Golea, on May 21, was the ouly imago seen, but young and old larvae were found in the same district on Luphorbia guyoniana. —K. H.] 21. Celerio lineata livornica (Esp.). 1 3, Bordj Chegga; 1 3, half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea; 1 3,6? ?, north of El-Golea ; 1 2, El-Golea; 1%, South Oued Mya; 336, 7 ? 2, north of Ain Guettara; 693,329, Ain Guettara ; 1d, In-Salah, Tidikelt; 1 ¢, Oued Nea. This is a widely spread race, being recorded from Portugal on the west to Japan on the east, and from Scotland in the north to Cape Colony in the south. C. lineata is found all over the world, and has three sharply defined subspecies : C. lineata lineata, confined to the Western Hemisphere; C. lineata livornicoides, confined to Australia ; and (. lineata livornica, inhabiting the rest of the Eastern Hemisphere. Whether the race under discussion is a permanent inhabitant of Central aud Northern Asia and Japan I for the moment cannot accurately ascertain, but in Burope it is certainly only a migrant from Africa, and not always a regular one. The last great livornica year was 1906, when great’ numbers invaded Burope ; one collector in England captured eleven in two evenings, and Dr. Hartert and I found them in such masses at Luchon that they were quite a nuisance when working the lamps. On our preceding expeditions to Algeria we have caught them at Alger, Biskra, Ghardaia, Guelt-es-Stel, and Khenchela, (118 ) Dr. Hartert found young larvae of this insect in great numbers in the Oued Mya, feeding on Asphodelus tenurfolius. [In the southern Oued Mya, north of Ain Guettara, on April 11 many hundreds were seen flying and visiting the numerous flowers in full sunshine, while in the other places they were caught at light in the evening.—H. H.] LYMANTRIIDAE. 22. Ocneria uniformis sp. nov. 12, South Oned Mya; 1 2, Ain Guettara. ?. Palpi orange yellow; antennae shaft crimson buff; pectinations brown- — black; head, thorax and abdomen cinnamon bnff. Forewing cinnamon buff, a slight rusty spot on lower discocellular. Hindwing cinnamon. Length of forewing : 18—20 mm. This is allied to O. rubea, but the forewings are longer and more produced, aud, beyond the slight rusty scaling at end of cell, are entirely devoid of marking. 23. Lymantria oberthuri Luc. 13, Oued Saadana, south of Ghardaia. I have only seen one other specimen of this rare and beautiful species, also ad, which I took in 1909 at Bordj Ferdjan, between El-Oued and Touggourt. The types were caught in Tunisia. 24. Albarracina warionis warionis (Oberth.). 432, Oued Nea. This very rare species has had a variety of vicissitudes as regards its nomen- clature. Oberthiir in 1881 deseribed it in the sixth part of his “ Etudes ” under the name of Bombya warionis, saying he could not define its position till the 3 was discovered. His type was captured in 1867 in the province of Oran. In 1883 the late Dr. Staudinger described two specimens, d %, caught by Max Korb at Albarracin in Spain in August, as Albarracina horbi (Ent Zeit. Stettin, pp. 179-80). In their Catalog der Lepidopteren des Palaearetischen Faunengebietes Drs. Staudinger and Rebel place Oberthiir’s Bombyx warionis in the Notodontidae under the genus Pygaera, and in brackets “(hujus generis ?).” There matters remained till 1906, when Herr Bang-Haas described a 2 from Tunis in Jris xix. as differing by the partial absence of the discal band from Albarracina horbi. In the Entomologische Zeitschrift Stuttgart, xxiii. p. 142 (No. 32), November 6, 1909, I named this North African form as subspecies banghaasi, having in 1909 captured a ¢ at Bordj Ferjan on the way to El-Oued, in the Oued Sonf, South Algeria. Finally, Dr. E. Strand, December 22, 1910, in Seitz’ Macrolepidoptera of the World, named this same form var. deundulata. I therefore think it will help to clear up the confusion if I here give a synopsis of the whole genus, ALBARRACINA Stand. 1. warionis Oberth. Bombyx warionis Oberth., Btud, vi. p. 230. 17 f. 4 (1881). Albarracina korbi banghaasi Rothsch., Ent. Zeit. Stuttg. xxiii. No. 32. p. 142 (1909). Albarracina korbi var, deundulata Staud., Seitz’ Grosssch. d. Erde, vol. ii, Palaearct. p. 133 (1910) (Mavurpranta,) (119 ) la. warionis korbi Staud. Albarrvacina korbi Staud., Ent. Zeit, Stett. pp. 179-80 (1883). (SPAInN.) 1). warionis syriaca Standf. Albarracina korbi var. syriacu Standf., [vis, ii, p. 266 (1889). (Syrta.) 2. baui Standf. Albarracina baw Standf., /ris. ii, pp. 266, 267 (1889). (Synra.) In two of Dr. Hartert’s 2 2 as well as in my own ¢ the discal band is entirely absent, but in the two other % 2 it is plainly present, only in its apical part it is almost obsolete, while the posterior half is less developed than in warionis horbi. The genus Albarracina is now placed by lepidopterists at the end of the Lymantriidae. LASIOCAMPIDAE. 25: Chilena hilgerti sp. nov. 2 2 2, Oued-el-Abiod, north of In-Salah. This new species is allied closely to pura Warr., and its position is next to obliquata Klug. ?. Palpi and head pale cream-buff; antennae sandy yellow; thorax and abdomen greyish cream-white. Forewing cream-colour, with a cinnamon shade becoming paler on terminal third of wing, nervures darker, a pale greyish shadow line from apex to inner margin oue-fourth from tornus, a raised white median stigma. Hindwing greyish cream-white, nervures yellowish. Length of forewing: 24-29 mm. Type: No. 957, 13. 4.1912. This is nearest to obliquata Klug., but differs in the total absence of the rusty markings on hindwings and abdomen, In connection with this species I should like to remark that in several copies on Pl. I. of his tudes, Liv. vi., Mr. Oberthiir gives a figure of what appears to be a large white Lasiocampid moth, and says in the text it is a figure of his Bombyx luteus, which he describes as a small species of a uniform golden yellow all over. This is a direct proof of what I said at Oxtord, at the Entomological Congress, that however desirable figures were, an accurate description was of greater importance, for any author was liable to be betrayed by the inaccuracy of his artist or colourist : lutea 3% is again figured in tudes, Liv. xii. [On April 13th we camped in the bed of the Oued-el-Abiod—a river-bed with much “drin ” and a few bushes of Zizyphus lotus, surrounded by sand blown on to a rocky plain. There we caught one specimen. On our return journey we camped there again on the 25th in exactly the same spot, and we then got the second one. No other specimens were seen, but the night of the 13th was very windy, and the 25th yielded altogether only a few specimens. Iam glad to see this species named after my companion.—E, H.] NOCTUIDAE. AGROTINAE. 26. Chloridia nubigera (Herr.-Sch.). 1 d, north of Ain Guettara; 1 %, Oued Nea. I have two of this rather dowdy-looking species from Victor Faroult from Khenchela, and Dr. Jordan and I took it there this year. Dr, Nissen got one this year at Guelt-es-Stel. ( 120 ) 27. Timora striata Stdgr. 1 3, half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea; 1 %, north of El-Golea. We first collected this beautiful species on the way to El-Oned at Bordj Ferjan in 1909. 28. Euxoa hodnae (Oberth.). 26,2 ??%, Bordj Chegga. Was described from the centre of the “ Hauts Plateaux,’ but appears to occur all along the edge of the desert as well. Rather rare everywhere. 29. Euxoa spinifera Hiibn. 1 2, Bordj Saada; 1 ¢, South Oued Mya. A widespread Palaearctic noctnid. 30. Euxoa radius (Haw.). 1 ?, Bordj Chegga; 1d, 1 %, Kef-el-Dor. A most variable insect in size, colour, and marking. I have a large series of it from Victor Faroult from Bou Saada. We ourselves have taken it at Biskra, and a few elsewhere. ; 31. Euxoa mauretanica (Bang-Haas). 13,229, Ghardaia; 1 ?, Oued Nga. This is a most extraordinary moth, and no one at first sight would believe that two specimens of the opposite extremes could be the same species, hardly even the same genus; but the fine series of one hundred specimens sent from Bou Saada by Victor Faroult shows every intergradation from sooty plum violet with heavy markings to pale sandy yellow with practically no marking at all. 32. Agrotis imperator Bang-Haas. 1 3, north of El-Golea; 1 3,1 2, Oued el-Far, south of Fort Miribel ; 11 dd, 8 ?¢, South Oued Mya; 1 d,1 2, Ain Guettara. This magnificent species was only described and published this autumn (Jris, vol. xxvi. p. 142, 1912). I had no idea the insect, was undescribed, as I had received it under this name from its author in 1910!!! It was described from Biskra specimens, but I have never taken it there myself; though, besides the two author's cotypes mentioned above, I have three from Biskra, bought in 1911 from Faroult. I have, in 1911 and 1912, received many from the latter from Bou Saada, Tilrhempt, Khenchela, ete. They differ somewhat in the width and degree of black colour of the two discal transverse lines, very few of the more southern specimens equalling in this respect the Biskra and Bou Saada ones. This species is nearest to Agrotis melanura Koll. HADENINAE. 33. Discestra vacina (Piing.). 234, Bordj Saada; 4 oo, Bordj Chegga, Originally described from Central Asia, ( 121) 34, Discestra arenaria Hmpsn. 2 $6, Bordj Chegga. - Described from Karachi, India. The wide distribution appears to be common to the greater number of desert species. 35. Scotogramma cinnamomina sp. noy. 1 2, Nza-ben-Rzig; 1 2, Mraier, between Biskra and Touggourt; 1d, 3 % 2 sands of Bl-Arich, 8.W. of Touggourt. 9. This has been mixed up, together with ftreitschhe’ Boisd., with S. trifoli: Rott., with which neither are conspecific. d It differs at first sight from tre/tschkei by its much longer and more acute wings and sandy cinnamon colour; the reniform is much larger, and the markings generally are more distinct but less deeply coloured; basal three-quarters of hindwing greyish white, not pale wood-brown. é. Similar. Type, ? Nza-ben-Rzig. Length of forewing: % 18—21 mm.; d 19° mm. ~ cs 55 treitschket, 16—18 mm. 36. Polia cinnamomeogrisea sp. uov. 18 34,28 22 Bordj Chegga; 1 d Kef-el-Dor. 3. Head and thorax pale grey mixed with cinnamon and darker grey ; abdomen brownish wood-grey. Forewing silvery grey powdered with darker grey, irregular ante- and postmedian lines and various spots greenish grey, a broad, pale cintlamon band from base to tornus along median fold, a shorter similar one from inner stigma to central one of the three subterminal greenish grey spots. Hindwing buffish grey mixed with pale cinnamon, an ill-defined broad sub- terminal sooty band. Length of forewing : 21 mm. Rather variable in shade of colour and distinctness of cinnamon bars. 37. Odontelia griseola sp. nov. 4 34, Mraier, half-way between Biskra and Touggourt ; 1 ¢ half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea. 3. Antennae dark brown; head and thorax silvery grey, freckled sparingly with black, a black hairline across tegulae and patagia inside and back of thorax with black hairline edges ; abdomen cinnamon brown-grey.: Forewing silvery grey powdered and marked with darker grey ; stigma almost obsolete, on holly-leat’ pattern of pale whitish grey edged with black below median vein almost to apex, nervures slightly marked with black. Hindwing greyish white, powdered with dark grey. ?. Larger, more ash-grey, and markings and colour of veins stronger. One @ is strongly washed with rose; this I call ab. rosacea ab. nov. Length of forewing, d 26 mm., 2 30 mm. At once distinguishable from the type of the genus marg/ana Piing. by its much longer and more pointed wings, pale hindwings, absence of stigma, and in the male filiform antennae, not, as in the type, strongly pectinated ones. The type species margianu, described by Piingeler, came from Central Asia, 38. Pronatestra silenides (Stdgr.). 1 3, Kef-el-Dor. I have taken this insect at light in numbers at Tilrhempt and Ghardaia in 1911, and at Gnelt-es-Stel in 1912, and have received many from Victor Faroult from Bou Saada. 39. Cardepia sociabilis (Grasl. 1 3, Bordj Chegga. Both irrisor Esch. and inguinata Mab. are distinct species, the latter even belongs to another genus. 40, Cardepia affinis sp. nov. 1 3, Kef-el-Dor. 3. Allied to sociabilis. Differs in the almost pure satiny white hindwings, in the position of the inner stigma and spot below it, and in the presence of the strong, cloudy, zigzag, transverse, ante-terminal brown band. 40a. Cirphis loreyi (Dupon). 1 2, Hl-Golea. A common widespread species. 41. Copicucullia cyrtana cyrtana (Mab.). 13 64,19, Bordj Saada ; 17 dd, 4 2%, Bord] Chegga; 4 dd, Kef-el-Dor; 338,299, Nza-ben-Rzig; 1 2, Mraier, 1 d, Arefidji, north of Ouargla. This is a rather variable species as regards colour of hindwing and depth of marking, some of the more heavily marked specimens almost equalling the race described below. In addition to this series, in previous years we have “collected and received through Victor Faroult specimens from El-Kautara, Biskra, Ghardaia, Bou Saada, Colomb Bechar, Ain Draham, Khenchela, ete. The specimens from the Canary Islands are much more heavily marked than those from N.W. Africa, and I propose to call this subspecies Cucullia cyrtana hesperidum subsp. noy. 42. Cucullia lucifuga Hiibn. 18,1 2%, Bordj Chegga. These are not quite typical, resembling at first sight more the 2? of C. umbratica and chamomillae ; ut unless one has had the larva as well as the imago for comparison it is impossible to safely split up any Cucullia into subspecies. 43. Copiphana gassana (Blachier). 13, Mraier, between Biskra and Touggourt ; 1 3, halfway between Touggourt and Ouargla; 1 2, Hassi el-Hadjar, 8.W. of Ouargla ; 1 ¢, north of El-Golea. This species appeared to be very rare this year. In 1911 we canght it in large numbers at Ghardaia and Tilrhempt; but also at Tilrhempt this year Victor Faroult only caught very few. Like most of the other species formerly united in Cleophana as well as the species of Calophasia, C. gassana varies much in depth of colour, and specimens of uniform cream-white with few or no markings above are not very rare. This white form has been described as a distinct species by Bang-Haas, ander the name of Cleophana albina, ( 123°) 44, Cleophana chabordis Oberth. 13,1 9, sands of El-Arich, S.W. of Touggourt; 1 2,1 d, half-way between Touggourt and Onargla; | d, Arifidji, north of Ouargla ; 1 2, Hassi el-Hadjar, 8.W. of Onargla; 6 63,329, half-way between Onargla and El-Golea; 1d, 1%, north of El-Golea; 14,4 22, South Oued Mya; 16, 19, Hl-Hadadra; 2 ?, Saadana, south of Ghardaia; 1 ¢, 1%, Oued Abiod, south of Ghardaia ; 1d, 2% ?,, Oued Nea. This is the most abundant of the Cleophana group. It varies from dark greenish grey with greenish copper bands and white marks to pure white with coppery yellow bands; the latter are the ab. albicans Stdgr. I have it from all the places we collected in south of the Atlas, and in quantities from most southern localities visited by Victor Faroult. 45. Harpagophana picturata (Rothsch.). 1 2, Arefidji, south of Ouargla. Of this species as yet only three specimens exist: the type, caught by myself in 1909 at Mraier, between Biskra and Touggourt; a very poor specimen received from South Tunisia, by Bang-Haas; and the present one. Sir George Hampson places this and Ailaris Staudgr. in the genus Harpagophana; but hilaris, which was described as a MJetopoceras, hardly seems to me congeneric with this small delicate species. 46. Metopoceras omar (Oberth.). 2 34, Bordj Chegga; 1 ¢, Bordj Saada; 1 d, Kef-el-Dor. In former years we have caught many of this species at Ghardaia and Tilrhempt, and I have received it in quantity from Bou Saada from Victor Faroult. It varies in tinge from dark grey to pale ash-grey, and some of the more northern specimens exhibit a distinct rufous tinge. I have also taken it at Guelt-es-Stel, Khenchela, and Hammam Meskoutine. As the number of species is very large and the identification difficult, I fear the article on Dr, Jordan’s and my collections in Guelt-es-Stel may not be ready for some time, so I here describe two new forms we got there, and one from Khenchela : Metopoceras canteneri pallidior subsp. nov. 3. Differs from Spanish and Portuguese M. c. canteneri in being much paler ; the ground colour is greyish yellowish liver-brown, not deep rufous, the markings are not so sharply defined, and the white subtornal dot is absent ; the terminal dark band on hindwing is paler and less distinct. ? similar. 234, Guelt-es-Stel, Central Algeria, April 19, 1912 (W. Rothschild and K. Jordan); 1 3, 1 2, Bou Saada, Algeria, May 1911 (Victor Faroult). Ammetopa nisseni sp. nov. 3. Antennae brown; head and thorax greyish liver-brown tinged with yellow ; abdomen pale wood-erey. Forewing greyish liver-brown ; antemedian, median, and postmedian zigzag waved transverse lines sooty black, somewhat indistinet, the outer one strongly bowed out and angled. Hindwing greyish wood-brown with darker indistinct subterminal band. ( 124 ) One of the three specimens is much paler, the ground colour being cinnamon. Length of forewing: 15 mm. 44d, Guelt-es-Stel, Central Algeria, April 18, 1912 (W. Rothschild and K. Jordan). In the type specimen the median transverse line is obsolescent and broken, but in the other three it is distinct. Omphalophana serrata pallidior subsp. nov. Differs from serrata serrata from Portugal and Spain in its munch paler colour. The basal third of forewing and thorax are greyish white, not dark mouse-grey, and the outer third of forewing is pale ash-grey with long white streaks, not dark mouse-grey with short white streaks. Tunisian specimens are also of this pale form. A small series from Khenchela, BE. Central Algeria (Aurés Monntains), May 1912 (W. Rothschild and K. Jordan); 14, 229, Djerba and Ain Draham, Tunisia (Dannehl and Victor Faroult). N. Spanish specimens of this species appear to be browner thau Portuguese ones, but I have too few to justify my separating them at present. Type of serrata pallidior, No. 1075, Khenchela, May 10, 1912. This race occupies the same relationship to O. serrata serrata as my Cleophana baetica diluta does to C. baetica baetica. 47. Criophasia albolineata (Blachier). 1193, 92%, Bord) Chegga; 2¢d¢, 22%, Kef-el-Dor; 1 d, 1%, north of Ouargla. I first took this pretty species at light in Biskra in 1908, and have taken it in small numbers each succeeding year at Biskra, Kef-el-Dor, and other localities. I have also received three or four from Biskra, Bou Saada, and El-Kantara, from Victor Faroult. It does not appear to be abundant anywhere. 48. Calophasia kraussi Rebel. 364,19, half-way between Touggourt and Ouargla; 3 ¢ 2, Aretidji, north of Ouargla; 5 dd, 52%, Hassi el-Hadjar; 44 dd, 18 22, half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea; 23d, 2 2 ?, north of El-Golea; 2 2? 2%, South Oued Mya. Like all the Cleophana-Calophasia group of the Cucullianae, this is an extremely variable insect as regards colour. The typical form has head and thorax lavender blue-grey, abdomen brownish cream-grey ; forewings lavender blue-grey, nervures black-brown, a broad white band along median fold and an elbowed one from base of vein 5 to apex of wing, a narrow line along and below median white band and a broad smear along apico-cellular one black-brown, fringe chequered brown, grey, and white; hindwings, basal half greyish white, outer half dark mouse-grey, A second form has the thorax buffish brown, the forewings marked as in the above but saturated with yellowish brown, and hindwings yellowish wood-grey. This I propose to call ab. drannea, ab. nov. The most extreme colour phase has the head and thorax white, the abdomen pale yellowish grey; the forewings white with the faintest possible grey tinge, and ( 125 ) the dark smear and line along the wings, where normally the white bands are placed, are buffy yellow ; the hindwings pale greyish buff ; fringes of all wings pure white. This I propose to call ab. albo-ochracea ab. nov. All intermediates occur. We have taken this insect in 1911 at Tilghempt and Ghardaia, and I have received a few specimens from Bon Saada, from Victor Faroult. Hitherto it has been extremely rare in collections, and there is only a single specimen in the British Museum, from Fontaine Chaude, Biskra. 49. Calophasia stigmatica sp. nov. 1 ¢, half-way between Ouargla and Hl-Golea; 1 3, South Oued Mya. 3. Bluish ash-grey. Forewing with paler streak below cell on median fold, reniform stigma sharply defined, whitish ringed sooty grey, an oblique sooty band from yein 5 near termen to vein 2, two-thirds from origin. Hindwing whitish grey with wide sooty terminal band. ? has distinct band from reniform to middle of inner margin, a black hair- line along vein 1 and termen to apex, and a less clear terminal band on hindwing. Length of forewing: 14 mm. ; ACRONYCTINAE. 50. Pseudohadena chenopodiphaga (Rambr.). 1 3, north of El-Golea. Described from south of France. 51. Bryophila incerta sp. nov. 14,12, Oued Nea. 3. Sooty brown, an interrupted black-brown band of patches across forewing at reniform stigma and a series of indistinct wavy hairlines all over forewing, a dark patch before apex. Length of forewing: 12 mm. 52. Bryophila pineti Staudgr. 27 6d, 21 %¢, Oued Nea. The species was originally described from Spain. It is shown by this fine series to be extremely variable. The phase originally described has bluish mouse- grey forewings and the markings very faint. Another phase has the central two-thirds of forewing longitudinally pale cinnamon ; this I will name ab. rw/fitincta ab, noy. A third form has the forewings more ash-grey with an oblique dusky band from apex to inner margin, one-fourth from tornus, and the basal three-fourths of wing below median fold black ; this | name ab. /stincta ab. noy. A fourth form resembles the last, but has all markings much darker and more distinct and the whole wing suffused with black-brown; for this I propose the name ab. safuratior ab. nov. 53. Prodenia litura (Tabr.). 1 3, Biskra. This ‘is a very widespread species, ( 126 ) 54. Laphigma exigua junceti (Zell.). 1 9, halfway between Ouargla and El-Golea; 1 3, north of El-Golea, 7 3d, 10 2%, South Oued Mya; 1 2, north of Ain Guettara; 2 29%, Ain Gnuettara ; 1 ?, Igosten, Tidikelt; 1 3,1 %, In-Salah, Tidikelt. This is an enormously widespread species, reaching from Europe to Hawaii and New South Wales. Laphigma exigua exigua Hiibn. oceurs in Europe with the exception of the Iberian peninsula, and probably Italy and Sicily ; L. eaigua Jjunceti oceurs in the Iberian Peninsula, Mauretania, and probably Italy and Sicily ; L, exigua venosa Butl. oceurs in the Hawaiian Islands, and L, exigua caradrinoides Walk, occurs all over Africa south of the Sahara; the specimens from New South Wales are larger, greyer, and very strongly marked; I name this race L. exigua prominens subsp. noy. Other local races will no doubt be easily separable if large series from each locality are compared. 55. Rabinopteryx subtilis (Mab.). 19, Bordj Sanda; 3¢¢, 8 2%, Bordj Chegga; 1 2, halfway between Tong- court and Ouargla. I have taken this at Biskra in 1908, 1909, and 1911, and also on the way to Touggourt in 1909. “ 56. Athetis flava (Oberth.). 1d, ¢%, South Oued Mya; 3992, north of Ain Guettara; 12%, Ain Guettara. This is a widespread desert species. I first saw it among José Steinbach’s captures in Biskra in 1908. I took a few in 1909 at and near Biskra, and we got it at Ghardaia in 1911, Victor Faroult has sent many from Bon Saada and El- Kautara. This year Dr. Jordan and I took a number at Guelt-es-Stel. 57. Athetis oberthuri sp. nov. 13,3 29%, South Oued Mya, Allied to fava Oberth., but much smaller, with shorter rounder wings and pure white hindwings. 3. Differs from fara in having a row of black spots along costa, two black spots on median fold, and a more strongly marked reniform stigma, a row of terminal black dots. Hindwings semihyaline pure white with rosy fringe, not grey as in flava, Length of forewing : oberthuvi 15 mm.; flava 19 mm. 58. Athetis clavipalpis (Scop.). 1 8, South Oned Mya. A very widespread species, ERASTRIANAE. 59. Eublemma mozabitica Rothsch. 1 2, halfway between Onargla and El-Golea; 1 %, South Oued Mya. I described this species from three 2%, collected by Dr. Hartert and myself (127 ) at Ghardaia in 1911, Nov. Zoolog. xix. p. 126 (1912). I have received a few since from Victor Faroult, from Bou Saada, and Tilrhempt, but it appears to be a rare insect. 60. Kublemma albida (Dupon). 1 $, South Oued Mya; 1 d, Saadana, south of Ghardaia. This species is closely allied to mozadbitica, but appears to be distinct enough. 61. Eublemma griseola (Ersch.). 1 ?, Hl-Meksa, south of Hl-Golea; 1 2, south of El-Golea; 12, Sonth Oued Mya. Was described from Armenia and Turkestan. 62. Kublemma deserta (Staud.). 1 3, north of El-Golea; 1d, 1%, South Oued Mya; 14, north of Ain Guettara ; 1 3, Ain Guettara; 1 ¢, Oued Abiod, north of In-Salah; 1 Oned Nea. This species was described from Biskra, but we have never taken it before, 63. Eublemma vestalis (Staud.). 1 3, South Oued Mya; 1 ¢, Oned Abiod, south of Ghardaia. Standinger’s type came from Palestine. 64. Kublemma sabulosa sp. nov. 1 3, Sonth Oned Mya. 2. Allied to guyneri (Rothsch. and Warr.). Head, thorax and abdomen sandy yellow. Forewing sandy yellow with some darker clouding ; an indistinct rusty antemedian and a broad distinct rusty brown postmedian band, the latter only reaching subcostal vein, an anteterminal bluish grey-brown trausverse band and a terminal row of dots. Hindwing, satiny cream-white. Length of forewing : 14 mm. 65. Kublemma arida sp. nov. 1 3,1 2, south of El-Golea. 3. Head and tegulae white, rest of thorax pale grey; abdomen greyish buff. Forewing brown-butt. Hindwing creamy buff. The termen of forewing very straight and sharply cut, not rounded as in most Hublemmas. % similar, but wider and terminal margin darker. Length of forewing: ¢ 11 mm.; ? 10 mm. 66. Eulocastra diaphora atribasalis Hmpsn. 14,1 %, South Oned Mya. This is again one of the widely spread species of desert lepidoptera. Sir George Hampson has treated the various named races as aberrations, but there are four good local subspecies ; 1, diaphora diaphora Stand. from Northern Asia Minor and Armenia ; 2. diaphora atribasalis Hmpsn., Arabia and North-West Africa ( 128 ) 1. diaphora laticincta Staud.; Mardin, Persia, Syria, Palestine ; 2. diaphora tri- angularis Warr., India. : FE. d. atribasalis is smaller and whiter than the type; d. laticincta has much wider black margins and more dusky hindwings ; ¢. triangularis has forewing strongly washed with rufous. A specimen sent by Victor Faroult from Colomb Bechar has forewings sandy yellow. 67. Tarache biscraensis (Oberth.). 14,1 ?, Hassi el-Hadjar, 8.W. of Onargla; 1°, half-way between Onargla and El-Golea; 3° ?, north of El-Golea ; 1 ?, South Oued Mya. This species was described from Biskra, but I never took it there. I have taken it in 1911 at Ghardaia, and received a few from Victor Faronlt from Bou Saada. CATOCALINAE. 68. Clytie terrulenta (Christ. 238,622, South Oued Mya. This species was described from Armenia and Western Turkestan, proving again the wide range of the desert insects. 69. Clytie arenosa sp. nov. 293,622, Sonth Oued Mya. 3d. Sandy cinnamon. Forewing powdered with grey scales, a figure of 8 stigma, ante- and postmedian lines faintly indieated, an ante-terminal transverse zigzag black band and a terminal line of hairline Iunules. Hindwing has a broad diseal black band and a terminal row of coalescent dark Innnles. ? has on forewing the ante- and postmedian lines strongly marked sooty black and the ante-terminal line obsolescent. On hindwing the discal band is less intense black. Length of forewing: ¢ 19 mm., ? 19-23 mm. 70. Leucanitis kabylaria Bang-Haas. 1 ? half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea. This is a somewhat rare insect, and I have very few specimens from Algeria. We canght two or three in 1909 at Bordj Ferjan and one at Ghardaia in 1911, and I have two from Bou Saada from Victor Faroult. 71. Imitator straminea (PBang-Haas). F 264,18 29, Nza-ben-Rzig; 2¢d,8 2%, Mraier, between Biskra and Tong- } ae Fi one! gourt; 1d, Tamerna, north of Touggourt; 1 ¢, 8 ? 2, half-way between Tonggourt and Onargla; 34¢¢, 10 22, Arefidji, north of Ouargla; 2d, 19, Hassi el- Hadjar, south-west of Onargla; 3¢d¢, 299, half-way between Onargla and Kl-Golea; 4 dd, 6 2%, north of El-Golea. This is a pure desert species ; it was placed by its describer in the genus Palpangula, bat it is only a case of general resemblance, as it is not in any way closely related to the Palpangula group. We first came across it in 1909 between Tonggourt and El-Oned, and then in 1911 at Tilrhempt. I have also received (129 ) large numbers from Victor Faroult from Bou-Saada, Tilrhempt, Colomb-Bechar, and elsewhere in Algeria. This species is also variable in colour, ranging from pure creamy sand-colour to wood-brown, with or without black markings. 72. Cortyta fasciolata (Warr.). 1 2, South Oned Mya; 1 2, Ain Guettara. This species was described from a series collected by my brother in Exypt. It is quite distinct from Cortyta dispar Piingl, which has the ante- and postmedian bands much wider apart. - 73. Pericyma rosacea Rebel. 1 3, South Oued Mya. The only other record of this species is the original description. The type came from Socotra, This is another example of the enormous range of the purely desert species. Its nearest ally is P. profesta Christ. from Transcaucasia, which however differs in its mouse-grey colour and less scalloped hindwings; P. profesta sacra Stand., from Palestine, approaches it most in having more strongly marked transverse bands. 74. Plusia ni deserticola Oberth. 1 3, El-Golea. We have taken this insect at Biskra, and I have received it from Victor Faroult from several localities. We have taken it sparingly also at other places. 75. Grammodes stolida (F.). 1 dg, Ghardaia ; 2 dd, 2 2 2, Oued Nea. This is not at all abundant in Algeria—in fact, much less so than its near ally doisdeffrei Oberth., which, however, curious to say, I have never taken or received. We took two or three on the way to El-Oued in 1909, and I have one or two from Bou-Saada from Victor Faroult. 76, Grammodes algira (Liun.). 1 3, Biskra. This is a widespread insect. I have only seen it singly in Algeria. It was, however, in fair numbers at Luchon in the Pyrenees in 1905, though very hard to catch, 77. Anumeta henkei (Stdgr.). 294, north of El-Golea; 1 ?, south of El-Golea; 1d, 19%, Saadana, south of Ghardaia. Another widespread desert insect described from south-east Russia and Transcaspia. 78. Anumeta sabulosa sp. nov. 1 J, South Oued Mya. Allied closely to Aenkei Stdgr. but at once distinguishable by its sandy brown forewings and the much straighter and differently placed postmedian and stb- terminal bands, Head and thorax sandy cinnamon; abdomen pale sandy greyish a ( 130 ) brown. Forewing sandy cinnamon washed with pale sooty brown ; antemedian line much less zigzag than in henhei ; the line which is postmedian in henkei is here median, and is a convex line not waved and zigzag, the ante-terminal band is evenly wayed and transverse, not sharply angled and oblique, the terminal row of spots is larger, and their connecting half-moon-shaped lines are more or less obsolete. Length of forewing: 18 mm. 79. Anumeta major sp. nov. 1 ?, north of El-Golea. ?. This is the largest Palaearctic species. Antennae dark brown; head and thorax chestnut wood-brown thinly powdered with black scales; abdomen greyish testaceous buff. Forewing deep chocolate wood-brown variegated with rough grey hairy scales; two dark ill-defined patches near centre of costal area, and a similar dark band from base below median vein carving upwards along apex of cell and joining the outer costal patch, ante-terminal line oblique zigzag brownish-white, a large black apical spot, terminal row of spots without white dots. Hindwing pale greyish wood-brown, abdominal margin and a large patch termen white, the latter with large black eye-spot, an ill-defined buffish median broad band. Length of forewing : 25 mm, 80. Anumeta cestis (Mén.). 1 $, half-way between Touggourt and Ouargla; 2 dd,3 % %, Arefidji, north of Ouargla ; 1 %, Hassi el-Hadjar, south-west of Ouargla; 3 dd, 1 ?, half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea; 3 ? % north of El-Golea. This is a very variable species, ranging on forewings from grey-brown heavily marked to uniform deep chocolate without markings. We took this in large numbers in 1909 between Touggourt and El-Oued. 81. Anumeta hilgerti (Rothsch.). 1 ¢, half-way between Onargla and Touggourt; 1%, Arefidji, north of Ouargla; 1 ?, Hassi el-Hadjar, south-west of Onargla; 1 ?, half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea; 3 gd, north of El-Golea; | ?, south of El-Golea; 1 3, 3 29, Oued Abiod, north of In-Salah. This varies also very considerably in the colour and marking of the forewing. At first sight it might be confused with Anumeta cestina Stand., but the bands on the forewings are differently placed; it may be an Jmétator. 82. Cerocala scapulosa algiriae Oberth. 236, Bordj Chegga; 1 d, Nea-ben-Rzig; 3 dd, 7 22, half-way between Tonggourt and Ouargla; 6 dd, 4 ¢ ¥, Arefidji, North of Ouargla; 4 33,6 29, Hassi el-Hadjar, south-west of Ouargla ; 11 dd, 8 2 ?, half-way between Onargla and El-Golea; 4 dd, 11 ? , north of El-Golea ; 1 2, south of El-Golea. This is a most variable insect in pattern, colour, and size. We found it first at Biskra in 1909, and then took a few all along our route to El-Oued, but did not come across it in quantity till we got to Ghardaia in 1911, 1 have received it also from various places from Victor Farault. Cis) 83. Apopestes cataphanes roseata (Rothsch.). 1 9,north of El-Golea; 1 3, Fort Miribel ; 3 dd, 8 ?¢, South Oued Mya; 4 $63,8 % 2, north of Ain Guettara; 1 9, Ain Guettara; 1 ?, In-Salah, Tidikelt. I described this race as a new species in Nov. Zool. xix. p. 126 (1912). The type is one of our own catching at Ghardaia in 1911. It is very close to the form described by Staudinger as var, maura, but has heavier black marking and appears confined to more desert localities, as El-Kantara and Bou-Saada, its most northern localities, are on the edge of the desert, and it only becomes frequent much farther south, 84. Apopestes dilucida rosea (Stand.). 6 33,1 2, north of Ain Guettara; 7 dd,6 22, South Oued Mya; 1 ¢, south of El-Golea; 2 ¢d,7 2%, Oued Nea. This is one of the commonest Algerian noctuids both in the desert and on the “ Hauts Plateaux,” but does not go very far north. GEOMETRIDAE. GEOMETRINAE. 85. Pingasa lahayei (Oberth.). 1 ?, South Oued Mya. I took a d of this rare species in 1909 at Biskra at light. 86. Zuleika nobiliaria Bang-Haas. 1 3, Hassi el-Hadjar; 1 ?, half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea; 1 3 north of El-Golea ; 1 d, Oued Nea. ACIDALIINAE. 87. Acidalia remotata Guén. 1 dg, Ghardaia. 88. Acidalia flaccata Stdgr. 1 g,1 $, Bordj Saada, south of Biskra. This species was described from Palestine, but is recorded from Biskra. 89. Acidalia romanarioides sp. noy. 633,72%, South Oued Mya; 222, north of Ain Guettara; 2dd,3 9% Ain Guettara. } 3%. Allied to romanaria, but very distinct ; in size approaching rufomixtata Ramb, Antennae brown; head, thorax, and abdomen greyish cream-buff, the abdomen showing bands of black-brown scales. Forewing greyish cream-buff, densely powdered on outer two-thirds, with dark brown scales, basal third only very sparsely powdered with these scales; a brown-black stigma, three spots on costa and a subapical spot dark brown, an antemedian band forked below median yein formed by the brown scales being denser; a black-brown terminal hairline margin. Hindwing greyish cream-buft densely powdered with dark brown scales ; two indistinct discal bands formed by denser scaling and a terminal black-brown hairline border. ( 182 ) Length of forewing: ¢ 10 mm., ? 10—12 mm. Some females have the dark sealed on forewings so concentrated as to form four discal wavy lines. ? Type. 90. Acidalia luteofasciata sp. nov. 288,729, Oued Nea; 3o¢, Guerrara; 1, sands of El-Arich, 8.W. of Touggourt. 3%. Legs yellow; rest of body and wings satiny snow-white; a postdiscal broad transverse band on forewings gallstone-yellow. Length of forewing: ¢ 75 mm., $ 10 mm, ¢ Type. Allied closely to gastonaria Oberth. LARENTIINAE. 91. Rhodometra sacraria (Linn.). 2 22, Bled-el-Ahmar, south of Touggonrt. A very widespread species. Very rare in Great Britain. 92. Rhodometra anthophilaria ab. subrosearia (Stdyr.). 1 3, Mraier half-way between Biskra and Touggourt. 93, Lithostege notata Bang-Haas. 533,19, Bordj Saada, 33d, 22%, Bordj Chegga, south of Biskra; 1d, half-way between Touggourt and Ouargla, This species was described in 1906 from a series from various places in Tunisia. 94. Lithostege fissurata Mab. 1 2, Bordj Chegga to Kef-el-Dor ; 1 2, Kef-el-Dor, south of Biskra; 3 dd, half-way between Touggourt and Onargla; 4 dd, 4 2 2, Arefidji, north of Ouargla ; 2364,1 9, half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea, This species was described from Maroeco, The more southern specimens haye a tendency to a browner grey ground colonr, but it is not constant. 95. Orthonama obstipata (I'abr.). 1 $, Nza-ben-Rzig ; 1 2, Tamerna, north of Touggourt. 96. Osteodes latimarginaria Rebel. 1 g, Ain Guettara. 97. Tephroclystia tenellata (Dieze). 14,229, Arefidji, north of Ouargla; 1d,3 22, half-way between — and El-Golea; 2d, 4 ? ?, north of EI- Golea; 1 ?, Oued Nea. 98. Tephroclystia tornifascia sp. nov. 1 ¢, half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea, “2. Differs at first sight from ¢enel/ata in that the curved double postdiscal bands on forewing ran down to inner margin almost at tornus instead of curving in ( 133 ) and almost joining it together with the median bands. The black marks on costa are larger and wider apart. Length of forewing : 9°5 mm. 99. Tephroclystia arenicola sp. nov. 2 29, half-way between Onargla and El-Golea; 1 ¢, 1 %, South Oned Mya. ¢?. Differs from tenel/ata by its sandy buff ground colour, in the parallel transverse lines on both wings being straighter, but much more crenulated, and the distinct dark stigma in both wings. Length of forewing: ¢ 8:5 mm., ? 8—10 mm. 100. Ptychopoda sordida sp. nov. 229, El-Golea; 1d, Oued Nea. 3%. Pale yellowish wood-grey, densely powdered with dark brown scales. On the forewings there are five indistinct transverse bands produced by the closer accumulation of the dark scales ; a distinct stigma and three very indistinct bands on hindwing. Length of forewing: ¢ 6:5 mm., 2 8 mm. BOARMIINAE. 101. Phaselia deliciosaria Led. 1 2, Oned Nea. The species was described from Asia Minor, and Dr, Chapman took one specimen in Spain. This is the first record for North Africa. ARCTIANAE, 102. Utetheisa pulchella (Linn.). 19, El-Meksa, south of El-Golea; 392,399. Hl-Hadadra, El-Golea to Ghardaia ; 13,12, Oued Abiod, south of Ghardaia; 1°, Ghardaia; 1d, Biskra. The ? from Oued Abiod has the black spots strongly reduced and red marks more or less ran together, besides being of extra large size, giving it a very striking appearance. This form of variation seems frequent in Algeria, as I have taken similar ones near Alger and at El-Kantara. The species is common all over Algeria. PSYCHIDAE. 103. Amicta murina mauretanica subsp. nov. Living larvae in numbers, sands of El-Arich, between Ghardaia and Touggonrt. Unfortunately Dr. Hartert, to keep the food fresher, placed these larvae in a close-fitting tin box, and did not open it for some days, with the result that all perished from mildew. We found these larvae at Biskra and elsewhere every year, but failed to rear them. 3. Differs from all the other forms of murina in the almost opaque wings, which together with antennae, head and body, were uniform monuse-grey. Type, Bou- Saada, emerged September 10, 1912, Victor Faroult. ( 134 ) Larva: head yellowish grey with a number of very fine black hairlines ; legs yellowish grey ringed and spotted with black; sides and under-surface yellowish grey ; back yellowish grey all but the Ist segment, with transverse black bands ; on the 2nd to 6th these bands are narrow, followed on 5th and 6th by a black spot ; on the 7th to 11th these bands are broad. The larvae at E]-Arich were feeding on Retama ractam. In order to make this description complete the following is a synopsis of the local races of A. murina. Amicta murina quadrangularis (Christ.). Wings transparent, whitish grey margins scaled with sooty grey. PmRs1a. A. murina nigrescens (Staud.). Wings and body sooty black. ARMENIA. A. murina albescens (Staud.). Wings and body pale yellowish cinnamon buff, considerably larger, PALustTINE. A. murina murina (Klug.). Uniform greyish white with pale brown costa and abdomen. Urrer Keyrr. A, murina mauretanica Rothseh. Uniform mouse-grey. Norra-West Arrica. The cases of all these forms are alike quadrangular, turret-shaped, and composed of short pieces of plant-stem laid parallel and at right angles. COSSIDAE. 104. Cossus aries Piing. 1 ?, Kef-el-Dor. When I took a specimen of this insect at light.at Tilrhempt in April 1911, there were only two specimens of this species recorded, which had come from Palestine. On comparing my specimen at the British Museum, 1 was struck by its resemblance to the type of Cossus aegyptiaca Hampson; buat its author thought it could not be the same as mine, for that insect has light hindwings, while mine had brown-black hindwings like Piingler’s type. This year, besides Dr. Hartert’s specimen, I received three others from Victor Faroult from Tilrhempt, one of which and Dr. Hartert’s are true aegyptiaca while the other two are inter- mediate. This proves that the light hindwinged individuals are not a distinct species, but must standas Cossus aries ab. aegyptiaca Hmpsn. In Part 101 Palaearctica Dr. Seitz records a very large specimen from Tunisia and one from Biskra ; so, like many other purely desert species, it is very widespread. 105. Dyspessa suavis Stdgr. 4 29, half-way between Onargla and El-Golea; 1 2, north of El-Golea. This insect is very distinct from jordana Staudinger, and must in my opinion be treated as a separate species. One reason why its author and others including myself considered it only a form of jordana, was because none of us had seen really fine perfect specimens like the present series. I also think that both jordana and ( 135 ) suavis fit better into the genus Hypopta than in Dyspessa, bat this is a question which would lead much further than any possible scope of this article; it would necessitate a monographic review and revision of the whole families Coss/dae and Zeuzeridae, including the question of whether the alteration of vein 11 in the hind- wing in the Cossidae really places them among the Tineinae in the Microlepidoptera while its condition in the Zeuwzeridae leaves the latter among the Macrolepidoptera. In my personal opinion the families Cossidae, Zeuzeridae, Hepialidae and Micro- pterygidae form separate suborders of the order Lepidoptera and cannot be placed in any of the families into which that order is divided. Dyspessa jordana var. saharae Lue. (= Cossus saharae Lue.) isa d and agrees perfectly with the ? Icaught in 1909 at Kef-el-Dor. It is therefore only a grey aberration of Dyspessa suavis, and must stand as follows: Dyspessa suavis ab. saharae Luc. A ? sent by Victor Faroult from near Bou-Saada is very grey, and agrees much better with Lucas’ description than even mine, though the figure agrees better with the Kef-el-Dor specimen. As, however, all the recorded Algerian specimens are ? 2, it is most probable that saharae is only the ¢ of svavis after all. PYRALIDAE. CRAMBINAE. 106. Surattha strioliger sp. nov. 13,1 2, Arefidji, north of Onargla; 2. ¢¢, half-way between Tonggourt and Ouargla. 3. Head greyish cream-buff; antennae strongly pectinated, shaft creamy white, pectinations black ; thorax wood-brown, tegulae and patagia greyish cream-buff ; abdomen greyish brown-buff. Forewing: buffish sandy grey nervures cream- colour ; a subbasal black streak above and a basal one below vein 1, a subbasal and postmedian broad transverse brownish cloud composed of intraneural striae ; on outer half intraneural streaks of blackish scales. Hindwing yellowish semi- hyaline grey, abdominal area more creamy yellow. ? has clouding and intraneural streaks and striae darker. The Arefidji 3 has forewings all cream-buff and very few striae and streaks. Length of forewing: ¢ 14—16 mm., ? 14°%5 mm, 107. Eromene ramburiella lutiella Caradja, 1 gd, Oued Nea. 108. Eromene bella raddella Caradja. 1 ?, Igosten, Tidikelt. Both these Hromenes were described in 1910 from Biskra. PHYCITINAE. 109, Myelois nivosella Rag. 1%, half-way between Touggourt and Onargla; 1 3, half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea. 110. Nephopteryx cleopatrella Rag. 1 ?, Bordj Chegga; 3 dd, 3 ? ?, Kef-el-Dor, (136 ) 111, Salebria komaroffi Rag. 535,229, Oned Nea. Described from Central Asia. 112. Salebria ragonoti sp. nov. 1 $, El-Golea. 9. Head, antennae, thorax, and abdomen baffy whitish grey. Forewing buffy greyish white; base, basal fifth of wing below vein 1, an antemedian band and a postdiscal obsolete band reddish grey. Hindwing buffy greyish white, Length of forewing : 10°) mm. 113. Tephris veruculella aridiella subsp. nov. 1 3g, north of Ain Guettara; 1d, 2 2 2, South Oned Mya. 32%. Differs from », veruculella in the rosy sand-colour, not silvery mouse- erey, of the forewings, and considerably larger size. The typical form was described by Ragonot from Syria, and there is a specimen from Northern Tunisia in the British Museum, 114. Tephris obliquivitella sp. nov. 1 $, Oued Abiod, north of In-Salah. ?. Head, antennae, thorax, and abdomen sandy greyish wood-brown, tegulae and patagia with patches of sooty scales. Forewing rosy wood-grey sprinkled with sandy scales ; an oblique sooty black antemedian band with two outward black loops, an oblique sooty median line from costa to median fold, and a double oblique postdiseal band ranning from costa before apex joins the median band forming a large V, a terminal row of black dots———Hindwing silky white with terminal wood-brown line. Length of forewing : 12 mm, 115. Staudingeria calcariella Rag. 1 2, Ain Guettara, 116. Staudingeria deserticola Stand. 1 $, Hassi el-Hadjar; 14,1 %, half-way between Onargla and El-Golea; 2 % , north of El-Golea. Described from Sarepta, 117. Staudingeria yerburyi Butl. 1 3, El-Meksa; 1 ?, Hassi el-Hadjar. Described from Aden. 118. Staudingeria calcariellina sp. nov. 1 2, Hassi el-Hadjar. ?. Differs from ecalcariedia in the forewings and thorax being silvery ash-grey with sandy wood-brown fringe to former ; one-third from base on vein 1 is a brown patch and a similar streak on outer third ; a row of dark subterminal striae, and the whole forewing sparingly powdered with dark scales, ( 137 ) 119. Staudingeria aspilatella Rag. 13,19, Oned Nea; 1 ¢, Bled-el-Ahmar, south of Touggourt. Described from Askabad. 120. Heterographis ochrotaeniella Rag. 1 ?, north of In-Salah. The type came from Ordnbad. 121. Heterographis sabulosellus Stdgr. 1 3, El-Meksa. Described from Nochur. 122. Heterographis brabantella D. Lucas. 1 4, half-way between Touggourt and Ouargla ; 1 2, half-way between Onarela and Il-Golea ; 1 2, South Oued Mya. . Described from Algeria. 123. Heterographis carnea Rothsch. and Warr. 13, El-Meksa. My brother got the type in Egypt. 124. Syria variabilis sp. nov. 19,3 ¢ %, Hassi el-Hadjar; 1 $, El-Meksa 3 ? appears in two phases with intermediates. I. Dark phase. Antennae whitish with brown serrations ; head, thorax, and abdomen rufous wood-brown.— Forewing, costal third buffy cream, median third rusty black-brown, and lowest third brownish sandy yellow, irrorated with brown scales. — Hindwing satiny greyish white, terminal edge wood-grey. IJ. Light phase. Antennae, head, and body paler. Forewing cinnamon buff slightly sprinkled with brownish scales, above subcostal vein buffish cream-colour. The El-Meksa 2 has the brown scaling on the wings much stronger and the pale costal area absent. Length of forewing, ¢ 11—12°5 mm., ? 11°5—14 mm. 125. Syria fuliginosa spec. nov. 1 ?, Mraier. ?. Antennae black ; head rufous ; thorax black-brown, tegulae rafous, patagia rafous tipped with greyish buff ; abdomen variegated black-brown and greyish.—- Forewing brown-black, a subbasal patch and costal area buffy grey powdered with black scales, a subbasal rufous patch between vein 1 and inner margin, a postdiscal whitish waved transverse line followed by a large rufous patch from tornus to vein 6, fringe variegated grey and brown, Hindwing silky wood-grey. Length of forewing, 12 mm, 126. Homeosoma privata WIk. 1 ¥, Sonth Oned Mya. ( 138 ) ANERASTIINAE. 127. Baroda minutella Hmpsn. 1 3, Arefidji, north of Ouargla. Described from Deesa, India. 128. Prophtasia platycerella Rag. 2464,3 23, South Oued Mya, This species was described from Central Asia. 129. Saluria maculivitella Rag. 1 2, north of El-Golea; 1 ¢,1 2, South Oned Mya. This insect was described from the Caneasus. 130. Lymire lactealis sp. nov. 1 6, half-way between Onargla and El-Golea ; 1 %, Igosten, Tidikelt ; 1 d, north of H1-Golea. 3%. Antennae strongly serrate, white, serrations brown; head cream-white ; thorax and abdomen greyish sandy buff. Forewing creamy sandy buff, above and on subcostal vein creamy white-——Hindwing semihyaline silky cream-white. 2 Type. Length of forewing, d 135 mm., 9 12°56 mm. 131. Anerastia ablutella Zell. 292, Oued Nea. 132. Anerastia majorella sp. nov. 1 %, half-way between Onargla and El-Golea. ?. Similar to ablufella, but much larger, Head, antennae, and thorax buffy lemon-yellow; abdomen buff_—Forewing buff lemon-yellow with brown disco- cellular dot. Hindwing semihyaline white. Length of forewing : ablutella 6°5 mm. a 7 majorella 10 mm, GALLERIINAE. 133, Arenipses sabella Hmpsn. 1 3,1 ¢, In-Salah. This species was described from Fao on the Persian Gulf. 134, Enosoma albicantalis sp. nov. 1 ¢,2 22%, north of El-Golea ; 13,1 2, south of El-Golea; 1 d,1 $, Oued Nea; 1 2, sands of El-Arich, 8.W. of Touggourt. 3%, Head, antennae, thorax, and abdomen pale sand-colour—Forewing uniform buffy pinkish cream-colour,— Hindwing satiny cream-white. Length of forewing, d 135—15 m m, ? 12°5—15°5 mm, (139 ) PYRALINAE. 135. Crocalia aglossalis Rag. 1 %, South Oued Mya. 136, Ulotricha algerialis Hmpsn. 2 9, north of El-Golea; 8 dd, 4 22, Oued Nea. The beantiful apple-green of the discal third of forewing soon fades if the specimens are relaxed: like Zygaenidae and green Geometridae they ought to be set when fresh, but on a long difficult desert journey this would be impossible. 157. Aglossa rubralis Hmpsn. 1 ?, half-way between Touggourt and Ouargla; 1 3, half-way between Ouarela and El-Golea; 2 dd, South Oued Mya. This species was described from Biskra. 138. Aglossa cuprealis Linn. 1 2, South Oned Mya. A wide-ranging species. 139. Constantia myalis sp. nov. 346d, 3 2%, South Oued Mya. 3. Head, thorax, and abdomen sandy buff, strongly powdered with rufous scales ; antennae strongly pectinated, shaft whitish, pectinations brown. Fore- wing brownish buff, densely clothed with brownish rufous scales; an ante- median serpentine and a postmedian strongly curved and angled transverse line white; a white terminal line, fringe dotted with white——Hindwing buffish wood-grey, densely clothed with sandy rufous scales, with an obsolete shadowy postdiscal line, fringe chequered with white. ? much larger. Length of forewing: ¢ 9—12 mm.; ¢ 15—16°5 mm. 140. Constantia longidentalis sp. uoy. 1 3, half-way between Ouargla and E]-Golea. 3. Head testaceous buff; antennae strongly and evenly pectinated, brown ; thorax and abdomen buftish wood-brown. Forewing pale wood-brown, densely covered with dark brown scales ; an antemedian angled band buff edged outwardly with dark brown, a buffish white spot with deep brown one joined on at apex of cell, a postdiscal cream-buff transverse band from which runs in to middle of wing along median fold a large wedge-shaped patch. Hindwings wood-grey with whitish postdiscal band. Length of forewing : 11:5 mm. - 141. Constantia syrtalis Rag. 1 ?, Mraier, between Biskra and Touggourt. 142. Constantia canifusalis Hmpsn. 234, south of El-Golea ; 1 3,1 ¢, El-Meksa. This species was described from the neighbourhood of Biskra, ( 140 ) 143. Constantia poliopastalis Hmpsn. 288,17, half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea. This was also described from Biskra. 144. Constantia bleusei Oberth. 1 3. South Oned Mya. 145, Constantia dilutalis sp. nov. 1 3, In-Salah. 9. Head, antennae, thorax and abdomen greyish sandy buff. Forewing whitish, clouded all over with sandy greenish buff; a transverse light antemedian line and a curved darker postdiscal line. Hindwing satiny semihyaline cream- white. Length of forewing: 12 mm, 146. Constantia aridalis sp. nov. 229, South Oned Mya. ?. Head, antennae, thorax and abdomen sandy brownish orange-——Forewing sandy buff, densely clothed with brownish orange scales ; a row of obsolete darker dots along costa and termen.—Hindwings bnff with obsolete darker discal line. Length of forewing : 10—12 mm. 147. Constantia species ? 14, Batna. The specimen is very rubbed and not at present identifiable, 148. Tretopheryx numidalis Hmpsn. 1%, Oued Abiod, south of Ghardaia. PYRAUSTINAE, 149. Evergestis renatalis Oberth. 1%, South Oned Mya, 150, Nomophila noctuella Schiff. 1, Bordj Chegga; 14, 1%, Hassi el-Hadjar; 2 dd, half-way between Ouargla and El-Golea; 10¢¢, 72%, South Oued Mya; 1 ¢, north of Ain Guettara ; 1 9, In-Salah; 1 3, Oued Nea. This is one of the widest-spread and commonest of the Palaearctie Pyralidae. Tt varies much in colour and marking, from wood-brown with heavy black bars and dark brown striae to pale wood-brown with no apparent markings. 151. Mecyna gilvata Fabr. 1 3, north of Ain Guettara ; 1d, Oued Nea. This is a world-wide species, though not very abundant anywhere, 152. Calamochrous rufoarenalis sp. nov. 222, north of Ain Guettara. ?. Head, antennae, thorax, and abdomen cinnamon rufous sand-colour, Forewing cinnamon sand-colour, densely covered with cinnamon rafons scales; an (141 ) oblique curved antemedian and a similar postmedian transverse line, darker rufous. Hindwing rufous cinnamon sand-coloured. Length of forewing : 13°5—15 mm. 153. Cybolomia arenalis Hmpsn, 1 ?, Bordj Chegga; 1 3, Mraier, between Biskra and Touggourt. Described from Biskra region. 154. Metasia pseudobotys sp. noy. 1 3,1 %, South Oued Mya. 3. Antennae very long, pale sandy brown; head and thorax sandy brownish yellow ; abdomen long, buftish sand-colour. Forewing sandy brownish yellow ; a black spot at base of costa, an interrupted blackish antemedian line, a blackish streak at end of cell, jast beyond which is an interrupted blackish transverse line, a