(65) Beginning at the top of the mountain we find the thrush and the little redbreast to be the only small birds confined to the very topmost altitudes- between 4000-5500 feet (there are other higher peaks on the island). Here one usually meets inclement weather, fog and mist prevailing when there is neither a good rain or drizzle. This ren- ders the higher branches of the trees invisible most of the time, mak- ing a screen for birds sitting in the upper regions. It is interesting t note that the flora seems to change on these islands with high eleva- tions just as the fauna does. Around 4000 feet the bush gets more thick- densely entwined with vines and hung with pale green moss. The struggle for existence has covered the uneven ground with dead wood that failed to get enough sunlight. Most of the big trees are landmarks, their size so dwarfs the surrounding forest. Here the great majority of the trees are from 20-50 feet high, intermixed with tall ferns, giant wild banana trees, and all manner of strange green stalks that branch out into metallic-looking leaves with or without spines; and then liana of many varieties, the worst of which is the so-called "lawyer", hard as nails and covered with short thorns, close together. Not to forget the bamboo, which seems to thrive best from 2500-3500 alt. The pandanus is common; there are several kinds that look very much alike, all having the wig- wam roots. The hard leaves make a queer crackling sound when twisted by the wind or pelted by the rain. The two largest species of wood are the calafila and the kuela. Both are much sought after for building timber. The former has light colored bark and wood, the latter quite red and of fine grain. From the base the roots diverge in ridge formation sloping into the ground. I have noticed very few wild flowers except the appa- rently hardy orchid that winds its roots about the trunk of big timber. The hanging moss and liana retain moisture in the shade so that the atmosphere of the bush, especially when there is fog, is like a subma- rine river or cave- wet. The thrush is exceedingly timid and when dis- turbed by the hunter crashing through the bush or even stepping on a twig, flies away with a few low chirps. We have often flushed them feeding in low trees and bushes. All of those taken by me appeared while I was quietly resting or looking for the whereabouts of another bird. On sever- veral occasions I found one in the company of a small, friendly crowd of thickheads, the latter whistling and calling full blast. We came to recog- nize this as a signal to look out for a thrush or two in the neighbor- hood. This bird frequents the low bush; I don't recall taking any from a branch higher than 25 feet from the ground. The ones that I saw in passing flight were invariably scooting along low. The first two that I shot proved to be a male and a female, evidently mating. They undoubt- ly nest near the ground (not more than 15-20 feet up) in very leafy trees They favor a well-hidden rendezvous. Its call is seldom heard except when disturbed one will fly away uttering a series of short, low whistle. all the same note. But the species is unusually mute. They donot travel together but are often found in company with other birds of other spe- cies. The redbreast should be described first from the standpoint of beauty. The only striking thing about the thrush is the contrast between the cadmium bill and feet and the dark brown plumage. In the female and in the young birds the feathers of the breastand belly are mottled noti- ceably. Neat is the proper qualifying adjective for the redbreast, partic- ularly the mature male. Red, the most effective of all colors, is well placed below the darker throat being softened by an interspersion of white, the whole brilliantly set off by black. White patches on the prim- aries and just in front of the eyes make the complete appearance trim.