Cheeseman. — On the Flora of the Kermadec Islands. 165 



with them, and the noise and confusion is said to be almost 

 indescribable. 



18. Cape Pigeon (Procellaria capensis). Plentiful at sea all 

 round the group. 



19. Stormy Petrel {Thalassidroma melanogaster). Plentiful 

 everywhere at sea. 



20. Gannet (Dysporas sp.). A fine gannet, differing from the 

 New Zealand species in wanting the buff-coloured feathers on 

 the head, was not uncommon, but I was unable to obtain a 

 specimen. 



21. Tropic-bird (Phaeton rubricauda). Breeds on the islands 

 in the month of October, according to Mr. Bell. I did not see 

 it. 



22. Frigate-bird ( Tacky petes aquilas). Mr. Bell informed us 

 that the frigate-bird visits the island regularly every spring and 

 summer ; but none were observed during the visit of the Stella. 



In addition to the above, several petrels were seen at sea, 

 which could not be identified from the deck of the vessel. It is 

 worthy of remark that the whole of the land-birds are common 

 New Zealand species. 



Repjtiles. — No land reptilia of any kind were observed, and 

 Mr. Bell informed us that none exist. He alluded, however, to 

 the occasional presence of a water-snake, which, from his descrip- 

 tion, I take to be Pelamys bicolor, a common species throughout 

 Polynesia. Several specimens of the common turtle (Chelonia 

 viridis) were seen, and it is said to be not uncommon during the 

 summer months. 



Fishes. — The following were caught by the sailors of the 

 Stella during our stay (I had not time to collect any myself) : — 

 Hapuka (Oligorus gigas), plentiful, and attaining a large size; 

 specimens weighing over 801bs. were caught. Kahawai (Arripis 

 salar), abundant. Trevally (Caranx georgianus). King-fish 

 (Seriola lalandii), very large and fine-flavoured. Scorpana sp. 

 Tarakiki (Ckilodactylus macropterus), and a few others not yet 

 identified. 



Mollusca. — A large limpet, more than 5 inches in diameter, 

 is common on the rocks, and there are two or three species of 

 smaller size. Xerita atrata, Triton spenyleri, Ranella leucostoma, 

 Cassis pyrum, all well-known New Zealand species, were collected. 

 Worn specimens of Comes marmoreus and another species of the 

 same genus, together with Cypraa caput-serpentis, were picked 

 up on the beach. Two or three Trochidm of Polynesian facies 

 were also picked up ; but, as a rule, shells are very few in num- 

 ber, as might be predicted from the heavy surf continually rolling 

 on the shore. The only land mollusca observed were broken 

 fragments of two species of Helicidw of small size. 



