open, but plenty existed under the ovei'lianging boulders in 

 inaccessible positions. The nest was a large accumulation of 

 cutting-grass, in which the egg was almost concealed. All the- 

 burrows examined had two outlets(See Plates xxiv., and 

 xxv). Mr. Wilson says " the birds would stop and fight 

 for a while. They can bite harder than any bird I have 

 ever robbed. I have got some of the marks on my hands 

 yet (r2th July)." He located the sitting bird.s by calling 

 out, when the birds gave an answering cry from their 

 burrows. He saw no variation whatever in the colourinc of the 

 plumage of the birds seen, but some were slightly smaller than 

 others. One bird only occupied the burrow, the mate being at 

 sea. One egg only is laid for a sitting, as in the case of all other 

 members of the Petrel family. Those pi-ocured are mostly stout 

 oval in form, some being more pointed than others; colour soft 

 dull white, with large, shallow, irregular pittings. The dimen- 

 sions of eight specimens obtained by Mr. Wilson are as follows: — 

 (a) 2-() X 1-9, (b) •2-6 x 1-86, (c) 2-55 x 1-92, (d) 2-.55 x 1-87, (e) 2-5 

 X 1-96, (/) 2-5 X 1-88, {</) 2-44 x 1-9, (A)24xl'9. Average 

 dimensions, 252 x 1'9. The average dimensions of nine earo^s of 

 Oe. neglecta, from the Kermadec Islands, are 2'4:8 x 1"77. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATES XXIL-XXV. 

 Plate xxii. 



Mounts Gower and Lidgbu'd, Lord Howe Island. (Photo by A. F. Basset 

 Hull). 



Plate xxiii. 



The Lower Road, Moimt Gower, a breeding-place of Oestrelata montana, 

 (Photo by A. K. McCiilloch). 



Plate xxiv. 



Oestrelata montana, adult at entrance to burrow uuder overhanging rock, 



Mount Gower. (Plioko by A. R,McUulloch). 



Plate xxv. 

 Oeatrelata montana, nestling taken from nest, and placed above entrance 



to burrow; Mount Gower. (Photo by A. R. McCulloch). 



