Ii6 Directoi'' s Anmial Report. 



the company. The bird measures: Length 9.90, wing 6.45, tail 

 2.55, tarsus 1.80, toe 1.30, culmen .95. 



Arenaria interpres (Linn.). Turnstone. 



On August 4 I saw a flock of eleven of these interesting birds 

 at close range while they were feeding along the beach, but owing 

 to the regulations concerning firearms I was not able to kill one, 

 though I am as positive as I could be under the circumstances of 

 the identity. 



REPTILIA. 



As was to be expedled on an island scarcely more than a square 

 mile in extent the species of reptiles were but few, in fact only a 

 representative of each of the two widely distributed Polynesian 

 families were secured, though the number of individuals were ex- 

 ceedingly abundant. I am indebted to Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, 

 Herpetologist of the vSmithsonian Institution, for the verification 

 of the species colledled. 



Family Geckonidse. — The Geckos. 

 Perochirus articulatus (Fischer). 

 This interesting gecko was found in abundance all over the 

 island, especially in hollow trees or under loose bark. Usually 

 during the daytime they kept themselves well concealed, but at 

 nightfall they came out and were plentiful all about the thatched 

 huts as well as on the trees and bushes. Rarely did I see them on 

 the ground. A number of the eggs, supposed to be of this species, 

 were found secreted under the bark on a dead tree. Dr. Stejneger 

 informs me that this gecko has hitherto only been known from the 

 Caroline archipelago. A good series was taken illustrating many 

 interesting details in the varying coloration of the species, as well 

 as showing successive steps in the acquisition of a new tail. 



Family Scincidse. — The Skinks. 



Ablepharus boutonii var. 



The skink was if anything more abundant than the gecko, but 



both were too numerous to admit of their being regarded as recent 



arrivals. In addition to inhabiting the trees and huts these acftive 



little fellows were not infrequently seen on the ground and under 



