(50) are especially numerous and are often seen running in the open over the coral.We have taken a number.We returned for lunch,all having contract- ed an infernal itch which I think must come from some plant.Both G.R., and I wore shorts and golf stockings and found our ankles and calves af- fected.After lunch we skinned birds until 3 o'clock when Mr.Beck and I went over to Aikiki(Mrs.Beck and three of the boys were along)to shoot pigeons for kaikai.Mr.Beck took three land kingfishers of the common spe- cies here this morning and one blackhead.The island is about 1/2 mile long and from 100 to 500 yards wide;one end is wooded with nothing but iron- wood trees,the rest is thick bush.There were at least 1000 gray pigeons feeding in the tall trees on their favorite red berry-like fruit;many were clustered in small trees so that we could take plenty.The noise of their cooing as they were eating was like the roar of the sea.Apparently they come to this island from distant ones daily to feed.I saw no small birds,but one common ground dove;Mr.Beck took another kingfisher and a gray-backed shriek.The abundance and variety of birds on these small is- lands visited in the last few days lead me to think that Mono I., must be of later origin to have escaped population by such common small birds as the red flycatcher,thickhead,blackhead,and fantails;its distance,45 miles from the main Shortland group made the isolation complete. December 11 (Sunday) Raised anchor at 6:30 and stood out for Faisi,the steamer,mail, cold beer,a spell,and much anticipated companionship.We arrived about 1 P.M.,and learned that the Mataram is expected about 4 o'clock from Choi- seul Bay.Sure enough at 3:30 we sighted her.All including Mrs.Beck have the itch but "no matter" dictates the Delphos of the Solomons,especially with the steamer in the offing.