Birds of Gough Island. 265 



islands (South Georgia and Kerguelen), and his statements 

 are borne out, according to Verrill, by both specimens and 

 eggs. 



[DlOMEDEA MELANOPHRYS Tenilll. 



The occurrence of this species must be regarded as 

 doubtful. Mr. Wilton records it in his Log as being abundant 

 off the island on the 21st of April. No specimens of this 

 Albatros are, however, in the collection, nor are they 

 mentioned as having been obtained. The species is not 

 included in Verrill's list, based upon Mr. Comer's material 

 and observations ; nor does it appear to have been recorded 

 from Tristan da Cuuha.] 



19. [Thalassogeron exi.uius Verrill. 



This was described as a new species by Verrill {t. c 

 pp. 410-iio), being founded on a skin and skeleton which 

 were obtained, together with 75 eggs, at Gough Island by 

 Mr. Comer. 



It is described as similar in plumage to T. chlororhynchus , 

 but the mandible lacks the transverse yellow bar at its base 

 and is entirely black (except at the extreme outer end, 

 where it is tipped with light horn-colour). The bright 

 yellow of the culmen deepens and brightens into orange 

 in the middle and finally into dull red on the margins, 

 growing paler towards the tip. 



Mr. Comer says that there is but one kind of " Molly- 

 Mawk" on Gough Island, which is known as the Blue-head. 

 The birds lay their eggs separately, keeping well apart, and 

 arc scattered about the island among the tussocks and brakes. 

 They commence to lay on the 20th of September, and their 

 nests are like those of D. exulans, only smaller. 



It is possible that some of the birds recorded by Mr. Wilton 

 as Diomedea melanophrys (but of which no specimens appear 

 to have been obtained) and as being numerous off the island 

 during the stay of the ' Scotia ' were of this species.] 



20. Thalassogeron sp. inc. 



There is in the collection a single specimen of a ic Molly- 

 Mawk " of great interest, since it does not entirely agree 

 with the description of any known species. 



