BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 



CHAPTER VI, 



THE MIRAPORVOS. 



The group of islands known as Miraporvos are situated about 

 fifteen miles west of Castle Rock, Acklin Island, and are simply a 

 number of small, barren reefs, the largest of them not exceeding- 

 half a mile in extent. 



It is dangerous to attempt to visit them, as there are many 

 concealed reefs in their vicinity, and, as there is no harbor what- 

 ever, the vessel is compelled to come to anchor under the lee of the 

 island, and be kept in readiness to put to sea at once, if the wind 

 should change. As we approached the islands, immense cjuantities 

 of Terns were flying about or resting upon the water, and among 

 them we observed a number of Shearwaters and Booby Gannets 



Upon landing, we found the whole island covered with a thick 

 growth of cactus, which made walkino- rather uncomfortable, as the 

 sharp needles cut through the clothes, and drew blood freely. As 

 we advanced, hundreds of Terns rose upon all sides of us, uttering 

 harsh cries as they flew about our heads, while others nearly allowed 

 themselves to be stepped on before they offered to leave the nest. 



Near the middle of the island there is a small marsh, which we 

 found tenanted by a number of Waders, of different species. Sev- 

 eral Wilson Plovers seemed greatly disconcerted by our presence. 



