AN UNUSUAL SPECTACLE. 211 



after all, this state of equilibrium is only apparent. 

 Perhaps the nxere fact that the red-footed gannet (S. 

 piscator) has taken to building in trees is an indication of 

 this, and that this fact will determine which species is to 

 be the ultimate victor in the struggle. At any rate, 

 from our own observations in the Caribbean, this bird 

 certainly seems to be more numerous than either of the 

 other two species, and especially so in the case of S. 

 cyanops. 



When we had climbed between three and four hundred 

 feet up the steep arrete-like edge, which extends from the 

 south-western comer of the island from the sea-level to 

 the summit, we came to a sudden break in the ascent, 

 and found ourselves on a small more or less level plateau. 

 Here a most interesting and remarkable sight was suddenly 

 displayed, in the shape of scores of frigate-birds {Fregata 

 aquila) which were busily engaged in nesting operations. 

 The plateau was strewn with large boulders, between 

 which grew tall tussocks of coarse grass, low sprawling 

 bushes, or an occasional patch of cactus. On every 

 tussock of grass, and sometimes on the low bushes, a nest 

 had been built, and on the nest sat a frigate-bird, either 

 hen or cock. The nests were in every case only just raised 

 above the ground, and composed of sticks and twigs with 

 a more or less comfortable lining of dried grass. From 

 this little plateau, upwards to the summit of the island, 

 and on either side of the ridge which leads to it, multitudes 

 of these birds had their nests. 



It was a sight we had never seen before, and amply 

 repaid us for our hot cHmb in the grilling heat, which 

 poured down upon the rocks from a blazing tropical sun 

 and was reflected on to our faces. It was a sight, too, 

 which only the very smallest percentage of visitors to 

 the West Indies and neighbouring seas, even those with 

 natural history aspirations, could have had the pleasure 

 of seeing ; for these birds only choose the most secluded 

 and lonely retreats, such as these, whereon to raise their 

 young. 



