BIRDS OF LAYSAN AND THE LEEWARD ISLANDS. 
771 
of Philadelphia, for comparing the type of Procelsterna saxatilis with that of P. 
cinerea (Gould) and for looking up measurements and literature; to Mr. Robert 
Ridgway for the loan of specimens; and to Dr. L. Stejneger and Dr. C. W. Rich- 
mond for advice on a question of nomenclature. 
NARRATIVE. 
The Albatross left Honolulu for Laysan Island shortly after noon, May 10. We 
steamed westward, keeping’ south of the general trend of the long line of islets and 
reefs which extend west-northwest beyond Kauai. The following day, when perhaps 
North side of Necker Island. 
50 miles southwest of Niihau, a flock of mynahs ( Acridotheres tristis) appeared in the 
neighborhood of the vessel and flew in narrowing circles around us. Finally several 
perched on the fore-topgallant yard, and earty in the afternoon their number had 
increased to eleven. Late in the afternoon they left the ship. 
It is of interest to find such a land-lover as the mynah so far out at sea, and it 
shows also that before long the chain of Leeward Islands may become gradually 
colonized by them. Birds continued scarce till the day before we arrived at Laysan. 
Occasionally a Sula cyanops or an Anous stolidus came within our limited prospect, 
and on the 13th we passed a flock of terns, presumably the sooty, which were 
excitedly fishing for something. That same evening they flew about in the moon- 
