A Monograph oj I\Iarcns Island. 117 



stones, as well as in clumps of grass growing close down to the 

 waters' edge. Although abundant they were exceedingly difficult 

 to catch, being as quick as a flash and never venturing far away 

 from some hiding place. 



In addition to the specimens retained by this Museum a series 

 of both species has been deposited in the National Museum at 

 Washington. 



PISCES. 



A small colledlion of fish, numbering some sevent}^ species, was 

 made, which on examination has proved to be of more than pass- 

 ing interest. It has been found impossible to prepare the anno- 

 tated list for publication in this paper as first planned. However, 

 it will appear later under a separate title. 



INSECTA. 



I w^as to considerable pains to collect a series of the insecfls on 

 the island, but unfortunately the specimens were all unavoidably 

 destroyed by ants or other pests on the vessel during the return 

 voyage. In addition to sweeping the plants and grasses with a 

 colle(5ling net I examined dead wood, bark, and leaves carefully, 

 as well as making repeated searches under logs, stones and 

 decaying flesh for specimens. Rainwater tanks about the settle- 

 ment were visited by day and night, traps were also construcfted 

 of cans and bottles, and I put in several hours on two still even- 

 ings in an attempt to attract inse(5ls to alight on our tent as a 

 screen, using a strong ascetyline light to allure them. As a result 

 of my efforts I was not able to secure more than a dozen species 

 all told. In fact, as a pastime on our journey to the island I made 

 a colle(5lion of insecfls on board the schooner that far outnumbered 

 the species I was able to collect on land. 



A small red ant was quite common as well as troublesome, 

 especially about the settlement. I fancy it had been imported 

 since the colony was established. Two species of flies were very 

 abundant, one a blow fly {Caliphora?) which persisted in laying 

 its eggs on the dead birds both before and after they were skinned ; 

 the other species, a small vinegar fly, of a genus unfamiliar to me, 

 were to be seen in moist, shady places all over the island. A small 

 miller was common during the night, and I am of the opinion that 



