2 
the last resetting the clock was advancing the paper correctly# Due 
to lack of time^ departure from the island was made without farther 
checking this machine# 
Vegetation 
The vegetation of Baker Island still appears lush# The Cordia 
on the N side of the island are in bloom# The Sida has luxuriant 
foliage and is also blooming# The only drying was observed in the 
grasses Digitaria and Lepturns . These two species still have a 
green appearance. The drying is occuring primarily on the basal 
leaves. The overall vegetation suggests that rains are still 
frequenting Baker Island, 
FAUNA SURVEY 
There was little change in the resident bird population since 
November, The Hawaiian Noddy Terns that were seen in November were 
not noted during this stay# The Common Noddy Terns have nested 
successfully. Both chicks and eggs were present. There was no 
nesting activity among the Blue-faced. Boobies, Frigatebirds were 
noted frequently over the island, but none were seen to land* 
Mice are extre^mly abundant# They are to be found over the entire 
island. We did not have to leave the immediate vacinity of our camp 
to capture 22 individuals for blood sampling. Of those captured two 
had numerous bite marks on the back and legs# This probably is an 
indication of stress, i,e,, overpopulation pressures, I expect that 
the mouse population will remain at a high until the vegetation starts 
to dry-up and Baker becomes a desert island once more. Then the population 
will again adjust itself to the food supply. 
