r 
BARDS: OF SAMOA 
which is orange in colour and over- 
lapping at the point similar to a 
parrot. The head, mantle, and chest 
are metallic blackish green, while 
the rest of the upper-parts are chest- 
nut, and the under-parts brownish 
black, and the legs and feet reddish 
ochre. 
Mr. Whitmee, formerly of these 
islands has written the following 
statements of this bird: 
“T believe the Didunculi now almost in- 
variably roosts upon the high branches of 
trees instead of upon low stumps or the 
ground as formerly. Hence I infer the bird 
is now increasing in numbers whereas it 
formerly was very rare and well nigh 
extinct.” 
To this theory I have the honor 
to disagree and take exception. 
From all I can learn from old Sa- 
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