(169) around the exposed reefs and cays. I saw a gray (Solomon type) pigeon in flight 8 miles off Woodlark. We anchored off western side of Gawa at 8 P.M. Oct 26- Four hunters ashore. Found nothing new and birds as scarce as on Woodlark. Gawa is about 15 miles NW of Woodlark. It is an elevated atoll, coral fringed with a great central declivity, where there are over a dozen villages. Extensive cultivation. Natives similar to Wamas, friendly, and productive of food. In its basic formation, it is a prototype of Rennell Is., probably of more remote origin since the brackish lake has survived in the center. Such water may be obtained anywhere by digging. Oct 27- Under way with fair wind for the others of the Marshall Bennett group. I passed Kwaraawata, also inhabited & centrally cultivated, lying about 5 miles NW of Gawa. Anchored off leeseide of Dugumemwu, the only uninhabited island of the group. Four of us landed at 8 and returned at noon. The interior is all coral and supports sparse bird-life, as typical. The ground dove is the only significant yield of the Marshall Bennets. Natives of the three eastern islands of the group use this, the smallest, wholly lacking in soil, as fishing quarters. All on board by noon when we have up and stood