1897.] : Zoology. 811 
ZOOLOGY. 
Fauna of Aldabra.—The following information concerning the 
natural history of the island of Aldabra has been recently published by 
Dr. W. L. Abbott. The most remarkable inhabitant of Aldabra is 
the gigantic land tortoise, similar to those of the Galapagos group. 
They were formerly very abundant, but being easily caught and in 
great demand for their flesh, their numbers have been greatly dimin- 
ished by the whalers and fisherman. Their greatest enemy is the com- 
mon rat, which swarms upon Aldabra and eats the young as soon as 
they are hatched. 
The only other land reptiles upon Aldabra are a small lizard (A ble- 
pharus poecilopleurus) and two geckos (Hemidactylus mabronia and 
Phelsuma abbottii). 
Turtles are plentiful. Many thousands annually ascend the sandy 
beaches to deposit their eggs. Tortoise-shell was formerly gathered in 
large quantities, but this fishery has been overworked and large “ carré” 
are now scarce. 
Manmals are represented by a large fruit bat (Pteropus aldabrensis 
True) and two smaller bats. Rats (Mus decumanus) probably from 
wrecked vessels, swarm everywhere, and are very destructive, Cats, 
probably from the same source, are common upod Grande Terre, where 
they have completely exterminated the flightless rail. 
Land birds are represented by fourteen resident and six accidental 
visiting species. 
The most interesting of birds is the curious flightless rail (Rougetius 
aldabranus Ridgway), the sole survivor of the numerous flightless birds 
that inhabit the Mascarine Islands at the time of their discovery. The 
present species is in great danger of being exterminated by the cat, 
which svoner or later will overrun the smaller islands, as it has done 
Grande Terre. The other land birds are apparently identified with 
those of Madagascar. 
- Insects are not numerous either in species or individuals. Six or 
seven butterflies, a few moths, a dragon fly, a few beetles. some flies 
and bees are found. Mosquitoes abound. (Proceeds, U.S. Natl. Mus. 
XVI, 1894.) 
A List of the Birds of the Vicinity of West Chester, 
Chester Co., Pennsylvania. — (Continued from page 628.)— 
-~ 72. Ammodramus savanarrum passerinus (Wils.), Grasshopper Spar- 
