Catalogue of Birds. 101 



" Nobody here could identify this bird. A pair lit in the 

 sea among the vessels in port, one was disabled by a blow with 

 an oar and captured." 



24. Querquedula discors (Linn.). 



"'Teal.' In 1863 a flock of nine arrived on the night of 

 Oct. 11th, but departed the following morning on being alarmed 

 by the negroes, with the exception of one which I shot. This 

 one appeared greatly fatigued, as if from long flight. In 1860 

 a pair was shot. These are the only two cases in which wild 

 ducks have been seen here." 



25. Pelecanus fuscus, Linn. 



" ' Brown Pelican.' A few occasionally arrive here in the 

 spring from the south, but do not remain; I have never seen 

 nor heard of a nest or eggs of this species here. At St. Martin 

 they may be seen all the year round, and breed upon the neigh- 

 boring little Keys. They are caught there by nailing a small 

 fish or bit of pork upon a plank, so arranged as to remain just 

 beneath the surface ; when spied by the Pelican he makes his 

 usual downward plunge, and is disabled or killed by coming in 

 contact with the plank. It is not uncommon in St. Martin and 

 St. Thomas to see tame Pelicans attached to houses. Durina; 

 the day they go out to fish and return at night to roost with the 

 fowls. Several are thus attached to the French garrison at 

 Marigot, St. Martin, and when the fishing boats come in to the 

 harbor the Pelicans are regularly on hand to receive their 

 share of the spoils. So tame are they that amusing contests 

 sometimes occur between them and the fishermen, in their 

 efforts to obtain a larger portion by theft." 



26. Sula fiber, Linn. 



" ' Booby.' During the winter only a few are to be seen, but 

 in the spring they increase in number ; a large flock suddenly 

 arrives in June or July and remains until November. They 

 never alight on the top of the cliff, but on the ledges at the 

 sides. They fly low over the water chasing the shoals of small 

 fish. I have never seen its nest or egg.' 1 



