32 MUTTON BIRDS 



species we obtained a glimpse, and no sight 

 could have been more unwelcome. Rats any- 

 where in numbers, but more especially on an 

 island, spell destruction to the smaller and 

 tamer birds and to the eggs of every species not 

 carefully covered. Neither, however, the 

 haunting thoughts of these vermin nor the 

 unending rain could spoil a first day on an island 

 unexplored. The tree growth of Piko-mamaku- 

 iti we found to be less rank than that of the 

 other islands and islets visited, the Ferox nettle 

 less widespread and the ground vegetation 

 almost entirely Stilbocarp. All the paths were 

 blocked with its immense vegetable marrow-like 

 leaves from amongst which arose tall handsome 

 flower spikes, the purple inflorescence of which 

 was just beginning to show. 



As had been anticipated after discovery of 

 rats, birds both in numbers and species were 

 scarce. Of land birds, only Pigeon, Tui, Bell- 

 bird, Parrakeet, Tit, and Fern Bird were to be 

 found; the last-named very scarce, one pair 

 noticed but once, as they flew through the open 

 bush high above the ground, 



Robins were neither heard nor seen, and 

 indeed were not on the island. The Petrel tribe 

 had also suffered from the rats, for broken 

 remnants of egg shell were plentiful about the 

 burrow mouths ; but we got Kuaka, Parara, Titi 

 Wainui, and Mutton Bird. 



About our landing-place and not far from the 

 hut were several pair of Sea Hawk. The nest of 

 one of these pairs I found in sparse wiry turf 

 amongst the rocks, shaped smooth, close pressed, 

 and ready for eggs. The anger and anxiety 

 displayed by this Skua were surprising, for most 



