With the exception of a low sandy portion, overgrown with shrubs and small trees, the remainder of the island is quite free from underwood.

Two small clumps of coconut-trees, loaded with fruit, were found on the eastern side of the island, within reach of the spray, in a place where they might have originated from a floating nut or two thrown upon the beach.

This is the only instance in which I have seen this useful plant growing wild in any part of Australia, or the islands strictly belonging to it.

We succeeded in shooting down a number, and I know no more grateful beverage than the milk of a young coconut, especially under the influence of tropical noonday heat, on an island where there was not a drop of fresh water to be found.

As usual the megapodius was plentiful, and one of our party killed six in a few hours.