78 THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE L1NNEAN SOCIETY 



29. Ardea (Butoroides) Javanica. ; E L.L., P.Z.8., 1865, p. 29. 



30. Fulmarus cserulens, Omel., I.S.A.Z., pt. 44. 



31. Fulmarus macgillivrayi, G. R. Gr. 



32. Sterna melanauchen, Gould, B. Austr. VII. pt. 26. 



33. Sterna novae-tollandiae, Cuv., Gould, B. Austr., Yll.pt. 2 4. 



34. Sterna melanauchen, Tern. Gould, B. Austr. VII. pt. 28. 



35. Gygis Candida, E. L. L., P.Z.S., 1875, pt. I. p. 29. 



36. Anous stolidus, Linn. 



37. Tachypetes aqnila. ; E.L.L., P.Z.S., 1875, pt. I. p. 29. 



As far as we have records, then, the Avifauna of Fiji consist of 

 about 74 described species, of which, I have no doubt, several will 

 eventually prove to be mere local varieties of S. S. Island forms, 

 the great scarcity of the Accipitres or birds of prey is noticeable, 

 but this fact is not very remarkable when we remember the 

 paucity of bird-life in general, and the few mammals which inhabit 

 these islands; but it is somewhat surprising to find so few sea birds 

 recorded ; from the immense numbers of fish both specifically and 

 individually which frequent these islands, one would naturally 

 expect to find more than eight species frequenting the shores. 



I cannot pass over this collection without drawing attention to 

 the beautiful and varied forms of fruit eating doves which inhabit 

 the islands, particularly the beautiful and remarkable plumaged 

 Chryssama?, a peculiar and well marked genus allied to (but very 

 distinct from) Ptilinopus ; Ch. luteovirens has been long 

 known to science, but only of late years has it been otherwise 

 than extremely rare in collections — Ch. victor first described by 

 Mr. Gould, is perhaps, one of the most beautiful birds of its tribe, 

 while lately, during the cruise of H.M.S. " Challenger", a third 

 species Ch. viridis has been discovered, and lately described by Mr. 

 E. L. Layard, M.B.M. Consul at Fiji; from information I have 

 lately received I feel convinced that a fourth species will yet be 

 found belonging to this remarkable genus. 



The peculiar PllLEGiBNAs stairii, G. R. Gray ; seems to take the 

 place of our ground or scrub pigeon Clialcophaps chrysochlcra, but 

 appears to be very rare. Another feature in the Fiji Avifauna, 

 well worthy of notice, is the lately discovered Passerine form, 



