C.R. Long 1964 The Cassytha forms a dense mat over Tribulus and Messerschmidtia in some parts of Cook Island. The nest density of the Hawaiian noddv in the dead or dying Messerschmidtia is very high. These birds must contribute to the denu- dation of these shrubs and small trees by using the leaves and inflorescences as nesting material. We observed about ten masked boobies and one grey-backed term while enroute to Cook Island. On the stony coral area on the north side of Cook Island one finds large circular stands of Tribulus and Boerhaavia which have become established at the base of Messerschmidtia shrubs. There are two brackish potholes on the southwest end. Scaevola forms a ring around these areas. The northwest of the island is drier with the ring of Messerschmidtia - Scaevola broken up into a few clumps scattered along the shore. June 20, 1964 - We banded sooty terns from 3 am. until 6:15 am. (480) and Hawaiian noddv nestlings (100). Two permanent markers were placed on Cook Island: 1. On the southwest end in Heliotropium - Portulaca - Lepturus stand due southeast of the tower on the west point; and 2. On the northeast end in Heliotropium - Portulaca stand sse of the tower on the ne. end. Both of these permanent markers are at least forty inches above the soil surface and provide excellent photographic coverage of the major features of the island.