438 MR. E. L. LAYARD ON FIJIAN BIRDS. [June 1, 
Pigeons were in such abundance that the captain of a merchantman 
and another, over there for a holiday, killed upwards of 100 between 
their landing one morning and departure next day on their return 
home. In common with the two next it is called ‘‘ Rubé,” or 
*« Ruvé,” by the natives. It lays two large white eggs, in December, 
axis 1!" 7!" diam. 1! Q!"", 
CARPOPHAGA LATRANS, Peale; F. & H. op. cit. p. 140. 
The “ Barking Pigeon’’ of the settlers is generally distributed. 
To give some idea of the gastronomic powers of these large Pigeons, 
I annex the size of two seeds found in the crop of one, axis 4”, 
circum. 3” 6’; axis 5", circum. 3”. This was only the hard woody 
part, the pulp had been digested ! 
This bird is called “ Sonki,”’ or “‘ Songi,” by some natives, espe- 
cially about Taviuni. It has fourteen tail-feathers. Mr. Storck 
writes from the Rewa that it feeds largely on the wild nutmeg, the 
. large drupe-like seeds of some Laurinaceous forest trees, and the 
fruits of both the Kaufia Pakus. : 
I have received eggs laid in April, pure shining white, axis 1” 10", 
diam. 1" 3'". Some natives say they only lay one egg; but this I 
doubt. 
Carpopnuaca pacirica (Gmel.); F. & H. op. eit. p. 142. 
This large Fruit-Pigeon is not nearly so common as the two pre- 
ceding; but it frequents similar places, and cannot be distinguished 
from them by voice or appearance when at any distance. It breeds 
in December ; and its eggs, sent me from Wakaia, are pure white. 
Puiecenas starri (G. R. Gray); F. & H. op. eit. p. 147. 
This singular but beautiful Ground-Dove is found at Ovalau, 
Wakaia, and Taviuni, and probably elsewhere, though it has not 
come under my notice in other places. The wonderful purple-copper 
sheen of the back and wing-coverts of an adult male are most beau- 
tiful, and excite the admiration of all beholders. Unlike any other 
Pigeon of these islands, it seeks its food entirely on the ground. 
Here it runs as quickly as a Quail, springs to its wings on the least 
alarm, and glides through the underwood to a place of safety with 
the rapidity of lightning. 
Mr. Kleinsmidt has kept it in captivity for a long period ; but it is 
so timid that on the approach of any one to its large cage it instantly 
runs into a corner, and crouches down, just as a Quail or other game 
bird would do. The natives call it Ngilu (written in the missionary 
jargon “Qilu’’). It breeds in low bushes, making a flimsy nest, 
never out of the reach of a man’s hand, and lays two eggs, white ; 
axis 1" 3'", diam. 10’. 
Raina Pa@ci,opTers, Hartl.; F. & H. op. cit. p. 156. 
Generally distributed ; inhabits the thick Taro beds and swamps. 
It is very shy, and rarely seen, but is, I believe, easily trapped by 
the natives, who call it ‘‘ Mbidi.” It lays six eggs (in a nest made 
