81 
in this way, I have adopted a plan of comparative sizes, which, 
when taken in connexion with the colours, will, I think, be 
found sufficient for their determination. 
Colour : In the matter of coloration I have not gone into 
detail, but the descriptions given will be found to be ample. 
GAME BIRDS. 
* 
ENUMERATION. 
The birds of this colony which may be classed as game 
birds are—(1!) the visiting shore birds (curlews, plovers, ete.) 
which pass through here on their migrations; (2) the larger 
native doves ; (8) the parrot ; (4) the cocorico ; and (5) the quail. 
THE SHORE BIRDS. 
None of these birds are natives of the Windward Islands, 
most of them breeding in the far north. Those found on these 
shores during migrations are so small a percentage of the 
whole, and their stay is, as a rule, so short, that tlere seems to 
me to be no occasion for according them any protection at all. 
Cause of decrease : Some species are,it is true, being seriously 
reduced in numbers; but this is without doubt due to the 
reckless shooting of the birds in the spring on or near their 
breeding grounds in the north. There is little reason to 
think that the comparatively insignificant number killed here 
each year could have any permanent effect on the species. 
In respect to these birds, therefore, there is no cause to alter 
the present law. 7 
DOVES. 
The larger native doves; This is meant to include the 
Sea-side Dove (Zenaida martlinicana), the Mountain Dove 
(Zenaida zenaida) and the Ramier (Colwmba corensis). From 
what I kave seen I am of the opinion that the existing law is 
very satisfactory, as these birds are relatively abundant. 
THE PARROT. 
Notwithstanding reports to the contrary, this bird is not 
at all abundant, being at the present time restricted to 
a comparatively smallarea in the centre of the island: and even 
there, it is not to be found in any numbers. In dealing with 
a bird of this kind it must be borne in mind that they are very 
restless, very noisy, and of such a size as to be quickly noticed: 
so that, if there be a parrot in the vicinity, one will soon 
become acquainted with the fact. As it will probably keep 
flying about, back and forth, one may easily fall into 
the érror of supposing that there is a considerable number of 
parrots about; but if one can distinguish that particular one 
in any way, by a gap in one or both wings, or in the tail, one 
will, on watching closely, soon discover the mistake. This fact 
I have proved myself. 
Importance of this species: As this particular species is 
peculiar to the island of St. Vincent, being wholly different from 
all others occurring in the West Indies, its extermination would 
