BIRDS OF THE BAHAMA ISLANDS. 37 



were abundant, and Stilts, Willets, and a number of species of Sand- 

 pipers were continually flying about. I procured several specimens 

 of the prett}' little Bahama Duck {Dajila ba/iaiiiciisis), which we 

 found quite abundant on the island, and I was also lucky enough 

 to find two of their nests on a small island a short distance from the 

 shore. Near the upper part of the lake is the largest Flamingo 

 breeding-ground in the Bahamas. These birds repair to about the 

 same place regularly every year, and breed in great numbers. The 

 nest resembles a sugar-loaf in form, composed of clay and mud, 

 having a slight depression in the top in which they deposit their 

 eggs. Occasionally, during the rainy season, the water overflows 

 the nests, and thousands of eggs are destroyed, many of which are 

 washed ashore on the other side of the lake. I picked up a number 

 on the beach which had evidently been in the water for a long time. 

 Flamingoes' eggs are considered very good eating, and are much 

 esteemed by the inhabitants, who, every year, organize a party and 

 gather them in large c[uan titles. 



By noon, the heat had become e.xcessive, and the birds which we 

 had already killed, although dead but a few hours, and not exposed 

 to the sun, already showed signs of decomposition ; so, for fear of 

 losing them, we hurriedly gathered our things together and started 

 on the return trip to Mathewstown, where we arrived at sunset, tired 

 and heated, but well pleased with our day's jaunt. 



At Inagua, I found many species of birds which I did not find 

 on any of the other islands. The Spoonbill is abundant in the 

 creeks in many parts of the island, generally frequenting the man- 



