264 ISLES OF SUMMER. 
ern islands are almost uninhabitable by reason of the myriad of 
insects by which they are infested.” Even the horses, according 
to the testimony of the inhabitants, are sometimes killed by 
them. Several of the islands, Mr. Corey thinks, have never as 
yet been by any naturalist fully explored. 
Weare happy to recommend Mr. Oorey’s ‘‘ Birds of the Bahama 
Islands” to all desiring extended and particular information con- 
cerning the subject matter of this chapter. 
We cannot close this chapter without again respectfully sug- 
gesting to the people of Nassau the very great importance of 
securing the enactment and enforcement of such wise laws as 
will secure the return of the birds of the Bahamas to their woods 
and waters, and to their gardens and orchards. 
The Mallard was omitted by mistake from the account of the 
ducks of the Bahamas on page 259. It is of a large size, and 
has a glossy green head. A white ring encircles the lower part 
of its neck; its breast is of a purple chestnut color, and its wings 
are tipped with white and black. Itis a regular winter visitant, 
and frequents the lakes and ponds. Audibon says: ‘its progress 
through the air I thought might be estimated at a mile a minute, 
and I feel confident. that when at full speed, and on a long jour- 
ney, they can fly at the rate of a hundred and twenty miles an 
hoar.” 
