Avifauna of the Loyalty Islands. 231 
half a dozen specimens of the species, which he called “Si- 
watta,”’” aname, we think, taken from its cry. All declared 
that it was replaced on Uvéa by the crested species, Nymphicus 
cornutus, which they perfectly described, and called ‘ Pug- 
gin,” and they concurred in saying that neither of them was 
found on Maré. 
29. Pritopus Grey, G. R. Gray. 
Very abundant on Lifu; in full breeding in August; eggs 
pure white (but cf. Ibis, 1876, p. 264, where Canon Tristram’s 
correspondent sends eggs of a ‘‘dark cream-colour, darker 
than Gina capensis ;’ surely there must be some mistake here. 
Eggs ready for exclusion taken from birds shot here, in New 
Caledonia, are also pure white (E.L.L.). Native name 
slime Mare, <lenmwes? 
30. [ANTH@NAS HYP@NocHROA, Gould. 
Not very common on Lifu, where designated ‘‘ Mékketta,” 
on Maré “‘ Mécetché.””? Only found in the forest, feeding on 
banian and other berries. 
31. CarpopHaca NEA, G. R. Gray. 
Our hunter, Cano, spoke much of a large Pigeon, which he 
accurately described and called “ Puni,”’ which we have no 
doubt was this species, several of which, labelled from Lifu, 
were in the old government collection, but so destroyed by 
moth as to be utterly unfit for placing in any cabinet. Cano 
stated that they were migratory, though afew were to be seen 
during the dry season, but utterly unapproachable (!), their 
sense of hearing being so acute that the least noise startled 
them ; during the wet season the damp leaves would not rustle, 
and he could always get at them. He tried hard to secure us 
a single specimen, but failed. 
September 22nd. We have just heard of a specimen having 
been killed yesterday close to Noumea; our informant, a young 
lad, especially noted the crimson bill and the round knot on 
it, which had attracted his attention, not having seen any thing 
like it before. He endeavoured to purchase it for us from the 
man whom he saw shoot it; but he would not sell it. 
