204 Natural History Bulletin. 



which has an exceedingl}- rich and mellow song. It is seldom 

 molested, and individual birds habitually sing at a certain time 

 of day from some favorite perch, pouring out a perfect flood 

 of melody, evidentl}' much to the delight of the performer. 

 So far as I have ascertained, the natives do not cage any of 

 these birds, although the children sometimes capture and plav 

 v.'ith the young. 



A few frogs and lizards are found on the island, the latter 

 being very abundant and known as chameleons. Some of 

 them have a bladder-like contrivance under or at the side of 

 the neck, which they expand into a bright red. globular infla- 

 tion. This mav serve to attract insects, as anv bit of color is 

 known to do. and thus be an example of alluring coloration. 



Only a few species of fish were secured, most of them 

 being purchased from the native fishermen. Among the food- 

 fishes may be mentioned a Scomber, which is locally known 

 as the' ••jack-fish." but seems different from the jack-fish of 

 the North, and a species of Balistcs or file-fish. Another 

 species which I have been unable to identifv, has two very 

 heavy and broad incisors in each jaw. no lips, the incisors 

 being almost entirely bare and exposed, very large cycloid 

 scales, and a low dorsal which is entire and without spines. 

 Captain Flowers, while fishing from the schooner, caught a 

 large jew-fish. Stereolepis sp., which was probably the heav- 

 iest true bony fish that we secured during the voyage. It 

 proved excellent eating. We noticed that the scales were 

 carefully saved by the native who cleaned the fish. He said 

 that thev were highlv prized for working into the beautiful 

 shell-work baskets for vvhich the Spanish Wells people are 

 noted. Another large fish caught in the harbor was the bar- 

 racuda, Sphyi'cena sp. On this and other occasions, the writer 

 has found it excellent eating, in spite of the belief on the part 

 of the natives, and even some sailors, that it is poisonous. I am 

 strongl}- of the opinion that this is a baseless slur cast upon 

 the reputation of an excellent food-fish. Several species of a 

 finely marked mora}-, JTiinvna nielanotis Gthr., were secured 

 here. The ground color is black, dotted with linear light vel- 



