THE ALDABRAN RAIL 265 



We could have no better example of the way in 

 which so many species have been exterminated in 

 various islands after man has appeared upon the 

 scene. Birds absolutely fliglitlcss, or only capable 

 of fluttering slowly along close to the ground, tame 

 and unsuspecting as most have been found to be, 

 are utterly helpless in the presence of man, and 

 even more so when their island homes are invaded 

 by such domestic animals as cats and dogs, and 

 such predaceous creatures as mice and rats, that 

 invariably follow man in his wanderings about the 

 world. There can be but one ending, and sooner 

 or later tlie weakest goes to the wall, and its race 

 dies out completely. 



