PROCEEDINGS OF UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. 51 



Prof. Baird); yet it would be very interesting to know exactly what it 

 is. If it is possibly remaining, I have hopes of securing it, as my friend 

 H. A. Alford Xicholls, M. D., of Eoseau, has offered a large reward for 

 it ; if obtained, to be sent to the Smithsonian. 



" Having been in the island during the breeding season, I procured 

 many nests and eggs, which are, probably, little known. Nests and 

 eggs of three species of Hummingbirds, the 'Perdix', Owl, and many 

 smaller birds, were received. 



" There are few sea-birds resident here, or even visitors for the pur- 

 pose of incubation, owing to the precipitous character of the coast, and 

 the absence of small islands or detached rocky islets. 



" From Dominica I sailed south to St. Yincent, where I remain at 

 this present writing (October). 



" Trusting you will make allowance for the many imperfections in 

 this (necessarily) hasty sketch ; and hoping to give you full and perfect 

 descriptions when I have leisure to elaborate my notes, 

 " I remain, faithfully yours, 



"FREDERICK A. OBER. 



" It would be wrong in me to conclude without acknowledging the 

 obligations I am under to a few gentlemen of Dominica. 



"To the President of the island, C. M. Eldridge, Esq., for kindly let- 

 ters of introduction to other islands ; for much proffered aid and a great 

 deal of information. 



"To Dr. Imray, the oldest medical man in the island, one who has 

 done much to develope the natural resources of Dominica 5 a botanist 

 of repute, especially an authority on Tropical plants, to him I am in- 

 debted for many favors. Free access to a large and well-selected library 

 was one of the many delights his generous nature afforded me. 



" To the Hon. William Stedman, for many and delicate acts of kind- 

 ness. 



" To Dr. H. A. Alford Kicholls, for numerous favors. I never can 

 repay the debt I owe these two gentlemen, for the many and continued 

 attentions during my stay. At the time when I was sick with fever, it 

 was to the attentions of the one and the skilful medical attendance of 

 the other, that my rapid recovery was due. The period of convales- 

 cence, passed principally in their society, will continue a very pleasant 

 remembrance. 



"The information possessed by Dr. Nicholls upon wood and mountain 

 life was freely placed at my disposal, and it was owing chiefly to his 

 suggestions, that my collecting grounds were so judiciously chosen as 

 to comprise within their areas the characteristic birds of the island. 

 Upon botany and ethnology the doctor is well informed, and his collec- 

 tions and herbarium promise to become very valuable. 



" These remarks will perhaps account for my protracted stay in the 

 island, and for a lingering regret at leaving it." 



