Small and barren though this spot be, it is yet inhabited by lizards and a species of rat.

Besides the usual waders on the reef, I found great numbers of doves and honeysuckers, and, among the mangroves, fell in with and procured specimens of a very rare kingfisher, Halcyon sordida.

Among the mangroves a rare shell, a species of Quoyia, occurred.
The eastern and northern islet is nearly circular, half a mile in circumference--formed of coral and shell-sand, covered with bushes and small trees.

The most conspicuous plant is the prickly Guilandina bonduc, the long briar-like trailing and climbing shoots of which impede one while traversing the thickets.

A pair of white-headed sea-eagles had established their aerie in a tree not more than twenty feet from the ground, and I could not resist the temptation of robbing them of their eggs.
THREE ISLES.
July 28th.
Anchored under the Three Isles, between Capes Bedford and Flattery.