the exception of the Cocos and Digitaria could be found. The general aspect of the vegetation indicated a lengthy dry spell prior to our visit. The Vegetation of Caroline Atoll The earliest recorded observation of the vegetation of Caroline Atoll is found in Bennett (Bennett, 1840). In this volume the author related that Cocos were found on the South Island only (see map page 366) - a grove on the northeast side of South Island. The area covered by this grove is approximately one-fifth of the land area of South Island. Bennett refers to the island as "covered with verdure" and goes on to say that "the interior of the island is a surface of sand, mingled with coral debris as well as with decayed vegetable and animal matters, which give it increasing fertility". He also mentions trees "attaining the height of twenty feet". This may indicate that the Cordia and or Pisonia groves covered a more extensive area in the last century. Bennett mentions that "the woodlands are chiefly composed of two species of Tournefortia". It is difficult to interpret this statement other than by supposing Bennett was referring to Cordia as well as Tournefortia. Three species were introduced by Bennett: Ipomoea batatas, Tacca leontopetaloides and Inocarpus edulis Forst. No sign of any of these species other than the Tacca was found in 1965. The early observation of only this smallish grove of trees on South Island bears witness to an early aboriginal population or visiting population of Polynesians who planted groves extensive enough to cover the needs of the people. Later under the auspices of Brown and Bros. (Salmon in Holden, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci. 2: 2-22) more Cocos were planted on the island and, presumably on Nake Island. In 1872 guano operations were begun (Arundel in Holden, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci. 2: 2-22). It is not clear whether the guano was mined on South Island or Nake Island or both from these early reports. However since the settlement was on South Island it would be plausible to assume that at least some of the mining was