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Show 438 MR. E. L. L A Y A R D O N FIJIAN BIRDS. [June 1, Pigeons were in such abundance that the captain of a merchantman and another, over there for a holiday, killed upwards of 100 between their landing one morning and departure next day on their return home. Iu common with the two next it is called " Rube*," or " Ruve," by the natives. It lays two large white eggs, in December, axis 1" 7'", diam. 1" 2'". CARPOPHAGA LATRANS, Peale; F. & H. op. cit. p. 140. The "Barking Pigeon" of the settlers is generally distributed. To give some idea of the gastronomic powers of these large Pigeons, I annex the size of two seeds found in the crop of one, axis 4", circum. 3" 6"'; axis 5", circum. 3". This was only the hard woody part, the pulp had been digested ! This bird is called " Sonki," or " Songi," by some natives, especially about Taviuni. It has fourteen tail-feathers. Mr. Storck writes from the Rewa that it feeds largely on the wild nutmeg, the large drupe-like seeds of some Laurinaceous forest trees, and the fruits of both the Kaufia Pakus. I have received eggs laid in April, pure shining white, axis 1" 10", diam. 1" 3'". Some natives say they only lay one egg; but this I doubt. CARPOPHAGA PACIFICA (Gmel.); F. & H. op. cit. p. 142. This large Fruit-Pigeon is not nearly so common as the two preceding ; but it frequents similar places, and cannot be distinguished from them by voice or appearance when at any distance. It breeds in December; and its eggs, sent me from Wakaia, are pure white. PHLEGCENAS STAIRI (G. R. Gray) ; F. & H. op. cit. p. 147. This singular but beautiful Ground-Dove is found at Ovalau, Wakaia, and Taviuni, and probably elsewhere, though it has not come under my notice in other places. The wonderful purple-copper sheen of the back and wing-coverts of an adult male are most beautiful, and excite the admiration of all beholders. Unlike any other Pigeon of these islands, it seeks its food entirely on the ground. Here it runs as quickly as a Quail, springs to its wings on the least alarm, and glides through the underwood to a place of safety with the rapidity of lightning. Mr. Kleinsmidt has kept it in captivity for a long period ; but it is so timid that on the approach of any one to its large cage it instantly runs into a corner, and crouches down, just as a Quail or other game bird would do. The natives call it Ngilu (written in the missionary jargon "Qilu"). It breeds in low bushes, making a flimsy nest, never out of the reach of a man's hand, and lays two eggs, white; axis 1"3", diam. 10"'. RALLINA PCECILOPTERA, Hartl.; F. & H. op. cit. p. 156. Generally distributed ; inhabits the thick Taro beds and swamps. It is very shy, and rarely seen, but is, I believe, easily trapped by the natives, who call it " Mbidi." It lays six eggs (in a nest made |