220 Messrs. E. L. and E. L. C. Layard on the 
During the month we have stopped in Taluit I have had, 
on account of other work, very little opportunity of collecting 
birds myself; but I have sent out native hunters, who are very 
well acquainted with the animal-life generally, to collect. As 
might have been expected, the avifauna of these low coral 
islands is very poor. Along the beach one observes in small 
numbers Anous melanogenys, and a few examples of Gygis 
candida, Actitis incana, and Ardea sacra. Of the last-named 
bird I noticed dark ones in pairs, and dark ones paired with 
white-spotted individuals. They are now in moult; and so 
are Strepsilas interpres and Numenius femoral. 
Of both the last-named species I got specimens, caught 
by hand, having lost all their primaries. All the Turnstones 
were still in their summer plumage. Besides these I got 
Anous melanogenys and Sterna melanauchen, both in moult, 
Charadrius fulvus and a young Carpophaga which had just left 
the nest, apparently C. oceanica. Twice I have observed a 
Eudynamis, making the total number of birds received 
up to this time ten; but a native chief has furnished me with 
the names of sixteen species known to occur here. 
I hope shortly to leave this island for the west; but there 
being no regular means of transit, | am quite unable to say 
where I shall go first or when. 
XIX.—WNotes on the Avifauna of the Loyalty Islands. By 
Epear L. Layarp, C.M.G., F.Z.S., &c., H.B.M. Consul, 
and E. Lroroup C. Layarp, Vice-Consul at Noumea. 
Tue following “Notes” on the avifauna of the Loyalty 
Islands are written to replace a similar paper, unfortunately 
lost, which was transmitted to the care of our kind coadjutor 
Canon Tristram in October of last year, together with the 
collection of specimens on which he has founded his “ Notes ” 
at page 180 of the volume for 1879. 
Fortunately Canon Tristram was enabled, having the spe- 
cimens and our letter, to publish our new discoveries, and 
point out the specialities we desired; and we owe our best 
thanks to the Editors of ‘The Ibis’ for the charming and life- 
hke plates of several of our novelties. 
