441 Rev. S. J. Whitmcc on Samoan Birds. 



Many Samoans believe the Carpophaf/a migrates beyond 

 the Samoan group during the rainy season, while others main- 

 tain that it remains here the year through, but is at that 

 time scattered in the mountains. There is something to be 

 said in favour of both views. It is seen to migrate in flocks 

 between the Samoan islands. This is well observed on the 

 small islands of Manono and Apolima, which lie between 

 Savaii and Upolu. On their way across the straits they stay 

 a few days on these small islands. They are also seen to pass 

 from the eastern end of Upolu to Tutuila. These observed 

 migrations, as far I can learn, are all from Avest to east. As 

 these Pigeons are known to pass from island to island when 

 the distance is (in two instances) about forty and sixty miles 

 respectively, of course they may go further. But, on the 

 other hand, it is certain that some are always to be found, 

 in almost any part of the bush, during the period when they 

 are supposed to be away at other islands. Hence many 

 natives maintain that the comparative scarcity in any one 

 part is owing to their wide distribution about the islands, and 

 to the fact that they are not, at this season, gregarious. I 

 know, as a matter of personal observation, that Pigeons are 

 frequently to be met with during the rainy season, and that 

 they are then solitary. It is also certain that some, at least, 

 breed in Samoa. Eggs are found at the time when the birds 

 are in best condition (July to September) ; and from about 

 August and September young Pigeons are shot. Eggs and 

 young in the nest are very seldom taken; but this is owing 

 to the habits of the natives, who say, " What is the use of 

 birds^ eggs ? " and never look for them. The Samoans are 

 also the worst tree-climbers I have ever met with. With the 

 single' exception of the cocoa-nut palm, they seldom can be 

 induced to climb a tree. All I have met with who have seen 

 the egg and young of the Lupe, maintain that it never has 

 more than one egg at a time. 



The migration of this Pigeon at definite times in search of 

 food (whether it goes to and fro between this and distant 

 groups or not) appears to me to throw light on the general 

 subject of bird-migration, which has lately engaged the at- 

 tention of some naturalists in Europe. 



