-116- Scott B. Wilson visited Rarotonga in 1904, and says Col. Gudgeon, the Administrator, "expressed the opinion that there were very few species of birds left on the island; and this opinion was certainly confirmed by my non-success, as dur- ing my stay of nearly a month I observed only three or four different forms." Wilson was of the opinion that the native species will be extinct in a few years, "owing to the in- creasing plantations of cocoamuts and bananas," coupled with the frequent cyclones and the "wild" cats. Wilson does not speculate on the conditions (actual or probable) in the other islands of the group, but it looks as if a bird survey of the remaining islands should be made without much delay. Modern bird records from this group are chiefly from Rarotonga, with little or nothing known of the birds of Aitutaki (a lory only), Atiu, Mangaia, Auotu, and Manuae (nothing since Cook's visit), Mauiki (only the amateur records of the 'Blonde' party, in 1825), Mitiéro, Palmerston (mostly ancient Cook records), and Takutea. All of them, except Mitiéro and Palmerston, with possibly Mangaia, are said to be well wooded, and may support some of the species formerly prevalent on Rarotonga. No rail, ground pigeon, or Conopoderas has been reported from the group, but they should be looked for, as these birds occur both east and west of the Hervey group.