such times point plainly to their not being natural feeders of this sort and their often ungainly antics show in vivid contrast to the ease with which Rhipidura or Myiagra would make the same capture. It is not uncommon to see them feed- ing thus, in fact almost every day several instances of it may be seen (though often the insect is invisible to observer unless a moth or some such) and some days hundreds of times, if one understands what is happening, may be seen and the persistence of the species in making a capture in spite of many misses is amazing. The species can hover or dart quickly in a straight line, but an erratic insect ties it up and the beak is most unsuitable for capturing insects thus. Very seldom are large insects tackled, even if stationary, the minute stomach probably being unable to accommodate such, and the bird consequently spends most of the day feeding. Even so, comparatively it must eat a much small total weight of food per day in relation to its body weight than most species of birds, the concentrated food value and energy contained in nectar making up the balance lacking in the weight and body ratio. MYZOMELA CARDINALIS LIFUENSIS (LAYARD):- One of the commonest species on the island in its normal habitat i.e., tall forest and short forest, about the margins of natives' gardens and in low scrubs if coconuts are not close about. This species has been and still is being driven away from coconut areas by Lichmera. Under some strong im- pulse it visits such areas at times, but leads a terrible life, being constantly chased and harried by Lichmera, till it soon returns to forest areas. It subjects Lichmera to