248 



AVIFAUNA OF LAYSAN, ETC. 



the frontal shield, which readies beyond the eyes, is more rounded on the hinder comers, 

 and much more swollen." 

 Mr. Hartert considers G. sandvicensis much more distinct from G. galeata than G. galeata 

 from chloropus. " G. galeata resembles very much our G. chloropus, from which it 

 differs almost only in the form of the frontal shield, which is less rounded, but more 

 truncated at the top." 



Stejneger (I. c. 1887) came to the conclusion that there are no reliable differences between 

 G. galeata and G. sandvicensis ; but I think we must acknowledge that when a large 

 series is examined the bulk of the specimens really exhibit slight differences. 

 I, however, think that if a good series from every locality where the genus has been 

 recorded from be compared, we shall find that, with the exception of Gallinula 

 /euebrosa, G. frontata, and G. angulata, all the named forms will prove to be 

 subspecies of Gallinula chloropus (Linn.). 



The " Alae " is distributed all over the Archipelago. Mr. Scott Wilson has observed it 

 frequently in the swampy taro-fields of Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Palmer sent me 

 examples from Kauai, Molokai, and Oahu. 



Three eggs sent by Palmer resemble those of the European Moorhen, and measure 

 44 by 33, 44 5 by 32 5, and 43 by 33 2 mm. 



Gallinula galeata. 

 (Brazil.) 



Gallinula sandvicensis. 

 (Molokai.) 



Gallinula chloropus. 



(Guam.) 



