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the foot of tlie low cliffs, and a rocky beacli a\\ the way along. A song resembling 

 that of the cricket was noticed during the evening coming from the sides of 

 the cliff. 



Aiiff. 1 3. — Went ashore at a landing place about 1 i mile above the anchorage, at 

 7.30. The island was covered with several kinds of cactus, some tall, with thick 

 trunks. There were also trees of good size, which were either entirelv bare, or 

 covered in part with long moss [orchilla]. Bushes averaging 4 ft. in height. 

 Finches of several kinds were very abundant, and the dove (^Xeaopelia qdhipaqcnsis) 

 was everywhere. Hull counted thirty-five in one tree. Several Pi/rocepliolus 

 were seen, and some M'/iarcItus, also a few Camarlo/ncliun. Hawks were i[uite 

 abundant, and fjuite tame. Two species of lizard were obtained, both of which 

 were quite common. The entire northern end of the island is bare land. I lost 

 myself, but I got aboard the schooner at 5.30 p.m. 



Auy. 14. — Skinned birds all day. Mate went ashore in skiff, and brought back 

 some shells and urchins. 



Aug. 15. — Went ashore a little after 9 a.m., at the beach opposite our anchorage. 

 Secured a lot of shells, clubbed spine urchins, and one small green-spined urchin, 

 and black-spined urchins, the clubbed spine urchin being very abundant. Chitons 

 were also very abundant, and three species of star-fish were secured, one of which 

 was common. Sea-anemones were abundant on the rocks, and several species of 

 pretty coloured fish hid in the little rock pools. Iguanas of several sizes, including 

 many large ones, fairly covered the tops of the rocks, and now and then a seal 

 pushed its way in through the surf. Harris shot several birds, including three of 

 the little heron, and a sandpiper. Towards 5 o'clock the lines were dropped over the 

 side, and fish bit lively ; several heavy ones were landed. 



Aug. 10. — Prepared the urchins, star-fish, etc., in the morning, while the rest 

 went to the south end of the island. On their return began to skin birds, I working 

 at it till supper time. The weather was very pleasant. 



Aug. 17. — Started to Friday's landing, and began collecting. Secured a heron 

 {Butorides), gnll {Lanis), tattler, and ten or more finches. Noticed the finches 

 feeding on cactus leaves, which had fallen to tlie ground. These must be almost 

 moist enougli to take the place of water. Also noticed ten or fifteen black iguanas 

 {Ambli/rkynchus cristatus) in the water swimming towards a rock (which was 100 

 to 150 ft. from shore). They were about 25 ft. from it. The rock was covered on 

 the top with the iguanas. Tlie mate caught some very pretty " bottom" fish. 



Aug. 18. — Went to " Drowne's Landing " (as the boys named it, in remembrance 

 of my misfortune), secured about twenty birds each, and left the island a little 

 after 10.30, reaching the vessel in time for dinner. In the afternoon pulled up the 

 anchor, and about 3 set sail for Bindloe, which was to be seen plainly. General 

 conclusions regarding Abingdon are as follows : Abingdon is an irregular rocky 

 island covered with more or less vegetation, except on the northern end, which is 

 a barren lava bed. The vegetation consists of trees varying in size from 8 to 40 ft. 

 in height, bushes of several kinds, and several varieties of cactus. Iguanas and 

 two species of small lizards were very abundant ; hair seal, fish, and turtle are also 

 abundant. Noticed a lurid reflection in the sky last night, which was thought to 

 be a fire of some kind on James Island. 



Aug. 19.— Nearly got out of sight of land. Fi.\ed up a few birds that were 

 left over. Loaded ammunition, cleaned guns, etc., all tlie morning. Came in sight 

 of Bindloe again at 2 p.m., and sailed right nj) to it, tiie wind living down when wc 



