1875.] MR. E. L. LAYARD ON FIJIAN BIRDS. 439 
of sedges), of raspberry-and-cream-coloured ground, speckled chiefly 
at the obtuse end with light purplish and dark dry blood-coloured 
spots; axis 1" 6'", diam. 1" 2°’. They nest in November and De- 
eember, and, I think, also about March. 
Bill rich salmon-colour; tips of both mandibles pale greyish. 
Legs and feet darker than the bill. Iris hair-brown. 
Ratuus prctTora.is, Less.; F. & H. op. cit. p. 157. 
Found in the same situations as the former, but in greater numbers. 
This is also called “ Mbidi’’ by the natives; in fact, I find that 
native names vary very much in different localities. 
ORTYGOMETRA QUADRISTRIGATA (Horsf.); F. & H. op.ctf. p. 164. 
Non vidi. 
OrTyGOMETRA TABUENSIS (Gmel.); F. & H. op. cit. p. 167. 
This minute Water-Rail is found far in the interior, my specimen 
having been captured at Naruku-ruku, our furthest point on the 
Rewa river, on the edge of the cannibal-country. I also saw another 
in the rushes hy the river-side as I floated down in a canoe; and Mr. 
Boyd sent me one caught on Ovalau, where it was called “Mo” by 
the natives. 
Porruyrio viTiensis, Peale; F. & H. op. cit. p. 172. 
The Blue Gallinule, or “Tiri” of the natives, is pretty common, 
and generally distributed wherever there is suitable dwelling fer it. 
It devours small fish, crabs, insects, sugar-cane (in too much abun- 
dance te please the planter), and berries, perching on trees readily 
to procure the latter, and is esteemed very good eating in its turn. 
It lives well in confinement, but is a dangerous neighbour to any 
other pets in the aviary. A pair I gave Mr. Kleinsmidt being 
placed too near the cage of some young Parrots (Platycercus 
personatus), drew them one by one through the bars, and picked out 
their brains with evident relish. 
Limosa vropyGrA.is, Gould; F. & H. op. cit. p. 177. 
The “Godwit ”’ is found sparsely scattered over all our sea-board, 
which is singularly devoid of waders. We often rode or walked for 
a whole day along the shore without seeing any thing but a solitary 
Heron (Ardea asha). 
ACTITIS INCANUS (Gmel.) ; F. & H. op. cit. p. 182. 
This sombre-clad Sandpiper is found solitary, or in little knots of 
three or four, on the shore-reefs of most of our islands, but is no- 
where common. It runs quickly about along the edge of the pools, 
probing with its long bill in quest ef worms or small crustaceans, 
and turning about very rapidly. In some places it is very shy; in 
others it will allow of easy approach within 15 or 20 yards. I have 
seen it, off and on, at all times of the year. Bill greenish (livid), 
base of lower mandible pale yellow. Legs livid greenish ; soles of 
feet yellowish. Iris brown. 
