124 Mr. R. C. L. Perkins on 



nearly meeting above; it is not terminated in a brush, but 

 the apex is cleft in the middle for some considerable depth. 

 Himatione and Loxops (including Chrysomitridops) are at 

 once distinguished from each other by the longer, thinner, 

 more or less curved bill of the former, the beak of Loxops 

 being short and thick with the apex of the mandible more 

 or less deflected (either to the right or left), tending to cross 

 the maxilla. 



The genus Palmeria contains but a single species {P. dolii), 

 which inhabits the higher forests of both Molokai and Maui, 

 especially the wetter portions, where fog and rain are of 

 constant occurrence. On the latter island the natives call 

 it " akohekohe," but on Molokai several of them gave it the 

 name of *'hoe," and by repetition of this word gave a very 

 recognizable imitation of its song, showing thereby that they 

 were well acquainted with the bird. Both in habits and 

 structure the bird reminded me strongly of Himatione san- 

 guinea, having the same quick gliding movements amongst 

 the foliage; while the form of its tongue and its whole 

 general appearance (masked only by its curled crest) were 

 equally convincing proofs of its relationship to the same bird. 



Generally it frequents the ohia trees, feeding on the 

 abundant nectar of their red blossoms; often the curled 

 feathers of its crest were covered with the entangled pollen- 

 grains of these flowers. It is also very fond of caterpillars 

 and other insects, which it procures both from amongst the 

 foliage and from the dead limbs of the same trees. 



Like many other of the birds, it exhibits a mixture of 

 curiosity and timidity at the sight of man ; but the former 

 predominates, and it can readily be called by imitating its 

 call-note — a simple, clear whistle — and will approach even 

 within arm's-reach. Its song is highly peculiar, a curious 

 vibrating sound, unlike that of any other native bird. It is 

 this which the natives imitate by the words '' hoe, hoe.^' When 

 in full song (as in other Di-epanids, Vestiaria coccinea, Hima- 

 tione sanguinea, &c.) several other notes are added, which to 

 the human ear are far from beautiful, having the sound of 

 " gliik-gluk-gluk," rapidly uttered. Many times I heard 



