Amily that visits the Nilgiri hill stations is the pond-heron or paddy-bird (_Ardeola grayii_). A colony of these birds pursues its avocations on the margin of the lake at Ootacamund, but I believe that I am right in saying that the paddy-birds of Ootacamund go to the plains for nesting purposes. _PART III_ _The Common Birds of the Palni Hills_ _THE COMMON BIRDS OF THE PALNI HILLS_ For the benefit of those who visit Kodikanal I have compiled a list of the birds most commonly seen at altitudes of over 5000 feet in the Palni hills. I must here state that I have no first-hand knowledge of the avifauna of those hills, and the list that follows is based on the observations of Dr. Fairbank, made nearly 40 years ago. The avifauna of the Palni is a comparatively restricted one: which is in part doubtless explained by the comparatively small area of the higher ranges that is covered by forest. The great majority of the birds that follow have been described in the chapter on the birds of the Nilgiris, and I have contented myself with merely naming such. THE CORVIDAE OR CROW FAMILY 1. _Corvus macrorhynchus_. The Indian corby. This is not very abundant above 5500 feet. 2. _Dendrocitta rufa_. The tree-pie. This does not appear to occur above 5000 feet. 3. _Machlolophus haplonotus_. The southern yellow tit. Occurs at Kodikanal, but is not very common there. THE CRATEROPODIDAE OR BABBLER FAMILY 4. _Crateropus canorus_. The jungle babbler. This rarely ascends higher than 5000 feet. 5. _Trochalopterum fairbanki_. The Palni laughing-thrush. This species is peculiar to the Palnis and the Anamallis. The head is very dark brown, almost black, with a broad white eyebrow. The cheeks are grey, as are the chin, thro

…to my temporary home: in order that I might retire early & partake of its salutary & refreshing influence: But my polight accompanyists would not permit me: nor consent to the proposition; I must return with them & enjoy the social hour which the tea table affords; I consentd & after participating in the pleasures of the social calling I was polightly escorted to the Hotel where I am now giving this due & tedious detail of my adventures. Thine & e. Wilmington, May 14th, 1818 Dear Friend & e. After enjoying a good night’s repose I arose refresh’d & reanimated; Before the hour of breakfast I took a survey of the market, Which is Strikingly inferior to that of [Philadelphia] in points of plenty & goodness: But in price far superior. Butter of an indifferent quality fifty cents & upwards; Vegetables, meat & other things in proportion; the fish market is tolerable, being more abundantly supply’d; And is situated very advantageously near Jones’ Falls a fine stream running through the heart of the town; very much resembling a canal; Its depth is sufficient to admit small craft to ascend it: which makes it very convenient for those transacting business on or near its margin. This is the stream which arose to such an emmence height last autumn & done incalculable damages. A manuscript account of a journey from Wilmington to Baltimore and back. MS 523 Special Collections, Milton S. Eisenhower Library, The Johns Hopkins University