M. Temminck first figured and characterized this African species as distinct from that of India. He has given it the name of Argala, while for the Indian bird, which had already received that name from Dr. Latham, he proposes the name of Marabou. We have ventured to reverse the order of these names; and while we retain for the Indian species the original name conferred on it by Dr. Latham, which, it is to be recollected, is an Indian word, we have assigned the African species the title of Marabou, which, it is equally to be observed, is a word peculiar to Africa.

The specimen brought home by the present expedition appears to be a young bird, and answers to the description given of the young of this species by M. Temminck. The colours are nearly black in the bird before us, which are grey in the adult bird figured by that gentleman. Major Denham mentions his having noticed some birds nearly allied to this species, which were larger, and different in colour, and which he conceived to be distinct. They probably were the adult birds of this species.

Ordo.Natatores. Ill.
Fam.Anatidæ. Leach.
Subfam.Anserina. V. in Zool. Journ.
Genus.Plectropterus. Leach.

Species 19.—Plectropterus Gambensis.

This bird was found in flocks of great numbers on all the lakes. The flesh was very coarse, and of a fishy taste, and afforded very bad eating.

Species 20.—Plectropterus melanonotus.

This species, of which fine specimens of the male and female are preserved in the collection, was met with on the lake Tchad. It was not seen in any abundance, and was found in company with other species of the family. The protuberance on the bill of the male is much more enlarged and prominent than is represented in the “Planches Enluminées.”

Subfam.Anatina. V. in Zool. Journ.
Genus.Anas. Auct.