[us 
72 Bryan, Description of Telespiza ultima. Tait: 
Of this series number 2 is in the characteristic immature plum- 
age of the Laysan species having the feathers of the head and 
breast blackish-brown with yellowish edges. ‘Number 4 is more 
nearly mature while number 38, is only slightly less brilliant in color- 
ing about the head and neck than the type specimen. 
It will be seen by comparing the measurements and description 
given above, with that given in my ‘Key to the Birds of the 
Hawaiian Group,’ that the Nihoa birds are in reality a somewhat 
dwarfed form of the Laysan species which, owing to isolation and 
restricted habitat, is to be regarded as specifically distinct. 
The Nihoa “finch” is a stocky, independent creature much 
resembling the Grosbeaks in size and appearance. Like their 
Laysan cousins they sing very sweetly, their song resembling that 
of the canary. In habit they are saucy, sociable and fearless and 
are so unsuspicious that they approach to within a few feet of the 
observer without hesitation. 
On arriving at Nihoa on February 12, 1916, the landing used by 
the “Thetis” on the occasion of its 1915 cruise was found to be too 
rough to use with safety. A landing was made however in a small 
cove a few hundred feet to the eastward of the old landing in the 
following manner. One of the boat’s party swam ashore, and a line 
was heaved from the stern of the boat and the boat then hauled 
close to the rocks. At a favorable opportunity the rest of the party 
were landed without mishap. The boat’s crew then rigged a line 
fitted with a running rove through a block at the mast head. Dry 
clothing, ammunition, cameras and other articles were whipped 
ashore and the dinghy shifted its anchorage to a safe distance to 
await the return of the party. 
After four hours on the island the party returned to the vessel 
without accident bringing with them photographs, notes and speci- 
mens of the fauna and flora that are of great interest and value. 
