t^i ISLES OF SrMMER. 



ern islands are almost tininhabitable by reason of the myriad of 

 insects by which they are infested." Even the horses, according 

 to the testimony of the inhabitants, are sometimes killed by 

 them. Several of the islands, Mr. Corey thinks, have never as 

 yet been by any naturalist fully ex^Dlored. 



"We are happy to recommend Mr. Corey's " Birds of the Bahama 

 Islands " to all desiring extended and i^articular information con- 

 cerning the subject matter of this chapter. 



We cannot close this chapter without again respectfully sug- 

 gesting to the people of Nassau the very great importance of 

 securing the enactment and enforcement of such wise laws as 

 will secure the return of the birds of the Bahamas to their woods 

 and waters, and to their gardens and orchards. 



The Mallard was omitted by mistake from the account of the 

 ducks of the Bahamas on page 259. It is of a large size, and 

 has a glossy green head. A white ring encircles the lower part 

 of its neck; its breast is of a purple chestnut color, and its wings 

 are tipped with white and black. It is a regular winter visitant, 

 and frequents the lakes and ponds. Audibon says: *'its progress 

 through the air I thought might be estimated at a mile a minute, 

 and I feel confident that when at full speed, and on a long jour- 

 ney, they can fly at the rate of a hundred and twenty miles an 

 hour." 



