Jail., 1915 
BIRDS OBSERVED ON FORRESTER ISLAND, ALASKA 
23 
In sharp contrast to this jungle is a relatively large open meadow, about 
the center of the island, overgrown with heather and set with several exquisite 
pools in which the yellow water lily ( Ammodenia peploides major) abounds 
and the eagles find bathing places. It is worthy of note that several of the 
Haidah Indians report that fifty or sixty years ago the entire island was much 
more open than now. Salmonberry and huckleberry thickets were unknown 
and grassy slopes predominated. Still earlier, according to tradition, the 
groves of spruce were likewise more open, and apparently the entire place 
was more like Lawrie Island is at the present time. As will appear later on 
in the account, this may explain the absence of the Rhinoceros Auklet and the 
Ancient Murrelet from places where they were formerly abundant. 
It is also worthy of note that the dwarf juniper ( Juniperus communis), 
together with greatly stunted lodgepole pines ( Pinus contorta) , are fairly 
abundant in the lake region. This same locality is also the home of the west- 
Fig. 11. Looking south from the lake region; lodgepole pine grove in the fore- 
ground 
ern red cedar ( Tlmja plicata), though the trees are all small as though recently 
introduced. 
I am greatly indebted to my son Ronald, whose keen sight and agility 
resulted in many observations which have added much to the value of this re- 
port. To Mr. W. D. McLeod, acting as interpreter, naturalist, guide and genial 
companion. I am also under deep obligation. Captain John, an unusually keen 
and accurate naturalist of the Haidah tribe, was also of the greatest assist- 
ance. Mr. John Beatty, Thaddaeus Isaac, George Haldane and Edwin Scott 
were also valuable helpers during the course of the survey. 
Land Birds. — Naturalist fishermen and others with accurate powers of 
observation and extended knowledge of the country declare that the land birds 
are more numerous on Forrester Island than at any other point in southeast- 
ern Alaska. This may be accounted for, in part at least, by the report that the 
