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±1* ucen rairs Wei seen at. different time in the shrubbery or at 
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ec -l a of the Sssuvium. They ventured out ten or twelve feet from the edge 
vre.i ui^cy walked a scut unconcernedly -so long as I was quiet but skipped raoidly 
ww fcne protecting sheluer oi the low growing trees at any suspicious movement. 
Ordinarily their motions are deliberate and they pause frequently to dig with 
sidewise tnrusus oi tne bill in tie loose soil to expose shells, insects, or 
other desiraole food. When I squeak they reply with a rattling chatter that is 
unmistakably a rail call and come running toward me under the brush.. Near at 
hand they give a low clucking call. Should one chance to see me before I call 
w greatly scarand with head erect runs swiftly away dodging behind stump 
or q uicr cover;:.until lar oeyond reach. Pursuit at such times is useless sa 
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ne Liras travel rapidly under the thick cover where they may not be seen. As they 
walk ctDvub the oarl is herd down out at short intervals is jerked over the back, 
xrough they come within three or four feet of me in the heavy brush I find it 
d-.i^o.CiUc oQ get pictures of tney as they are always concealed by a creen of twigs. 
Tney arc fairly fat and in good condition. The breeding season is at hand - as 
malts nave enlaiged ues^es and in some females the oviduct shows development. 
None seem to have laid as yet. The birds seem to have very limited ranges. 
Also seen: Tropicbird, love birds, Frigatebirds often accompanied by Red- 
Footed Boobies. Many of une latter intent on mating wheezed or clucked from 
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perches m the trees. Also frequent Noddies and Sooty Terns. 
Ruts were coserved frequently among t ,e bushes or running through the 
Sesuvium 
The beach conglomerate contains many corals and shells 
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direction a well eight feet deep has been dug at the 
ii^ghesu por.it c.i Wilkes is. The small amour u of water in the bottom is saline, 
r ; walls of the sxcavation show a layer of rock mixed with humus to the depu. of 
a iCOv, tnen raversari mixed with coral lumps one to three inches in diameter 
