272 Messrs. E. L. and E. L. C. Layard on Birds 
birds. From Mr. Layard^s remarks I have no doubt that 
what I assumed to be the female of M. melanura is a distinct 
species. I have carefully compared my three specimens with 
M. albiventriSf Peale, from Samoa, and with M. latirostris, 
Gould, from Timor, and I cannot detect any difference. I have 
no doubt that Cassin is correct in uniting these latter (U.S. 
Explor. Exp. p. 149); and I venture also to include the New- 
Hebrides species. M. rubecula (Lath.) andM. caledonicaj Bp., 
are very distinct.—H. B. T.] 
16. MVIAGRA-? 
A chestnut-bellied Myiagra was seen on Vate; but my 
cartridge missed fire; and he never gave me a second chance at 
him.—L. L. 
This was probably M. vanicorensis, Q. et G., which Mr. 
Gray Birds of Tropical Islands,^ p. 17) gives from Vanicoro 
and Fiji. The Fijian bird, however, is separated by Verreaux 
under the name of cdstaneiventrisj though united by Drs. 
Finsch and Hartlaub. It is much to be regretted that speci¬ 
mens of this species were not procured, that a comparison 
might have been instituted between it and the various red- 
bellied species from Samoa, Fiji, and New Caledonia, all of 
which are in our collection.—E. L. L. 
17. Pachycephala chlorura, G. B. Gray. 
This Pachycephala betrays its presence throughout the 
islands by its loud ringing note, reminding one of the Taviuni 
P. torquata, Layard. Like his cousins, he is shy and retiring, 
frequenting the densest bush, where he is more easily heard 
than seen. I sought one for nearly two hours before I shot 
him, being guided by his voice the whole while, and being 
not more than a dozen yards from him, he remaining motion¬ 
less and unseen. Iris dark brown; bill black; legs and feet 
ashy.—L. L. 
Male and female of this species were brought; the latter 
do not resemble their Fijian sisters in their dress, affecting 
brighter colours (yellow, white, and green) instead of the 
sombre red-browns of the latter. Our New-Caledonian bird, 
which much resembles this, is almost mute.—E. L. L. 
