IT"- 
Laysan. Thus it seems that rats are important in 
this condition - we do not know for sure that they 
bring it about. 
QUESTIONS : 
1) . Why the localization of the disease to the SAF, 
with tendencies now for a spread? 
2) . One laysan found dead and collected, was sub- 
sequently skinnned and found to have a small hole, 3/^" 
in diameter, in its back. Is this tryly a disease that 
caused the death, appearing to our eyes as a small 
hole (that rats later develop further), or did the 
bird get bitten there and get infected or die to some 
no n-r elated cause???? 
We should have a better indication from autopsy of 
collected specimens and blood. 
Two small pinkish-white eggs, presumably Bonin's, 
,rere found on the ground today in widely separated areas 
cne in NAF and the other near south Point in the 
Scaevola. 
Both of the feathers are from live, healthy-appearing 
incubating Laysans. The backs of the birds were 
examined - the stubs remain. P 
»i 
23 Jan. (cont.) 
101 . 
