species bear quite distinct cognomens and are considered by the 
peasants as distinct species. The migratory birds are seldom 
known to the qatives, as they are of irregular occurence and 
when seen are usually confounded with some local well-known 
species which they more or less resemble. 1 have therefore only 
given the loval names of such migratory species as are regular 
visitants and and are well known to the inhabitants. 
Although the majority of the planters on the island,—and 
especially those who have recently taken up land,—have been 
most courteous and obliging and have done all in their power 
to aid me in securing specimens ; I regret to state that a number 
of Estate owners have, apparently through ignorance of the 
benefit of ornithological work, refused to allow any collecting to 
be done on their lands and have at all times shown themselves 
opposed to the work and have placed all possible obstacles in my 
way,—even going so faras to forbid crossing their property tor 
the purpose of collecting on adjacent public lands. At times 
their behaviour has been really ludicrous,—one planter stating 
that his objection to taking birds on his estate was owing to the 
fact that “all the species found there were insectivorous and 
benefitted his cultivation !” 
It is also deeply to be regretted that the game laws of the 
island are not more up to date or more rigidly enforced. Certain 
birds now protected are injurious to the agriculturist ; while 
other species not protected by law are highly beneficial. More- 
over, while there is little shooting done out of season, large num- 
bers of such birds as the Ground doves, Honey creepers, Warblers 
and Thrushes are captured by the boys and are either played 
with until so badly injured that they die, or are cooped in small 
cages and so neglected and illtreated that they soon succumb. 
This trapping is moreover carried on during the breeding season 
more than at any other time, owing to the greater ease in captur- 
ing the parent birds and thus immense numbers of nestlings 
must annually perish. 
It is to be hoped that the local government will soon take 
steps to frame new laws, or enforce those now existing, in such a 
manner as will put a summary stop to this wanton destruction of 
harmless or beneficial birds. 
ORDER, LONGIPENNES: 
Family, Lavidue. The gulls and terns. 
1. Larus atricilla, Linn. Laughing Gull. “Laughing bird.” 
_ Not uncommon during the carly spring, February and March, 
in the vicinity of Roseau and Marigot. Very wary and difficult 
