C. E. 
9* Mes s er s chmldtia - sam.il, stunted shrub used by perching noddies - 
found on the south shore. 
10. Slcyos sp. - on central part of island, no flowers or fruit. 
Red-tailed Tropicbird nestling observed in a ne st under a clump of 
Bragrostis . On the east spit of the island Lepturus is found growing in 
beach sand with Lepidium in the narrow central portion. Stunted 
Messerschmidtia plants were observed along the south shore. Noddies 
perching in large numbers in the stunted, flat-topped Messerschmidtia 
and gcaevola shrubs. Adult and yearling seals observed on the beach. 
September 17» 1964 - South North Island 
The following species were observed: 
1. Tribulua - patches on west end, young plants found on most of 
the area. 
2- Boerhaavia - light lavender colored flowers, many young plants. 
p. hepturns - semi-prostrate, dumbs flattened from the center. 
J*. Messerschmidtia - in flower and fruit, small stunted shrubs 
but leaves are healthy green in color. 
Two fruits of Cocos were observed, one on the north beach and one 
on the south beach. On trip back to Southeast Island raised sand bare 
in the lagoon were observed covered with algae. 
South North Island has been cited as "intermittent.’' The plants 
present growing in coral gravel and sand are probably all bird introduced. 
Since the noddies use the Scaevola and Messerschmidtia as perches there 
is a suggestion that this species may be responsible for the transportation 
of the species found on this island. 
The numerous perching noddies are reminiscent of the Cook Island, 
Christmas Island. No evidence of shearwater burrows on South North was 
found although the substrate would allow burrowing. This information 
suggests that there is a periodic inundation during storms and that the 
species found on South North are being reintroduced constantly by 
birds which alight on the sand to rest. The burrows on North Island 
