coming direct from Nare Island and its bad position was agreeably surprised and very pleased to be in a so much more congenial and pleasant condition as regards the bird life. Though it must be born in mind that the more prolific bird life of the more fertile volcanic tropical islands further north (in density of numbers per square mile) is not present in the Loyalties one can definitely say as regards Uvea the population is in accordance with the surroundings and in fact seems to be slightly above what one would expect from the infertile nature of the island. This is probably accounted for by comparatively recent decreases of natural habitat, irregular cultivation leaving long strips or arms of natural habitat between garden land and cultivation etc. which enable birds to slowly become used to change of habitat and use marginal areas of unsuitable habitat as feeding grounds, and to the number of species which though much of their habitat is destroyed can still obtain their natural food in the new habitat. A brief glance at the scale map of one small area hereunder will reveal what is meant. Except in the case of the pigeons and ducks, no enemies outside of natural enemies have any influence on bird life. In the case of the latter the birds' natural vigilance generally protects it. Natives and French residents never shoot at birds on the wing. Their way is hunting is to creep on a covey of ducks on a small lake on the tidal mud flats and blaze into the crowd with a single shot. Consequently one or two birds only are obtained, though numbers may be wounded, but when at rest these birds have become exceedingly shy and wary and a cracking twig or slight movement is sufficient to put them on the wing. In more open areas they never allow approach within gun shot range.