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 pretty little Bahama Duck (Dafila bahamensis), 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 quantities. 
By noon, the heat had become excessive, 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- 
