Milford chronicle., 1903-07-24
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HAWAIIAN MOSQUITOES.
The Nina Bird, Imported to Destroy
Phem. Is Now Itself "A Pest.

In connection with that worldwide top
ic of nresent interest. mosquitoes. it is
usual 10 regard New Jersey as their most
cherished habitat. but any one who has
sDopt week or two in Honolulu will be
inclined TO dispute that conclusion.
While in New Jersey during the sum
mpr months the nights rest is sure t. be
disturbed by the music and various atten
tious of this tireless pest, in Honolulu
both by day and night at all seasons OF
tbe wear. life is made miserable 10y their
attacks. In the daytime species some
what light in color. and both males and
females wearing striped paEtaloous. in-
fesrs the gardens aud vcrandas, Tins
army is relieved at sundowu by another
variety as somber in aspect as the night
in which they commit their deeds of
darkness and who defy net proof rooms
and all known cXterminators.
The reason given why Honolulu is par
ticularly plagued by mosquitoes is that
owing TO its natural situation overlooked
by lofty hills, the trade winds that otner-
wise would carry them out to sea sweep
above the city. leaving them to increase
rapidly in number. BE this as If may
Honolulu little paradise i'm all othrr re-
spccts, has been so troubled by mosqu-
toes that to eXterminate them and other
noxious insects the authorities in an I'M
lucky hour, were persuaded to import the
nina bird from India.
In his native land the nina bird hore
the highest reputation for many adnira-
BILE qualities, to which he added persist
ent warfare against pernidous insects
but after a short residence in the islands,
when sufficient time had elapsed 90 en-
able him to get a grim grip with hoth OF
his yellow feet on the palm bouEh aad
take a good look over the situation. the
climate or some other cause seemed en-
tircly to change his disposition. Instead
of setting to work to rid the Islands of
mosquitoes he was SO charmed with bis
new surroundings, which he found exact
" suited to the requirements of the nina
bird. that he straightaWay proceeded
either to kill or drive ont to sea all the
beautiful native birds for which the is
lands were celebrated.
It still was ferventy hoped that when
this brigandGge was accomplished hC
would take up the business for which his
services had been enlisted, but whether
the Hawaiian mosquitoes have diiier
ent flavor from those of Madras and are
unpalatable to the taste of thc NINA h;rd
is not known, only ha soon made it plain
that he infinitely preferred grain and ba
nanas. and. i'm addition TO their tostrue
tion. he has so multiplied in number on
this diet that you may now see his shiny
black coat. with the white tipped wings
and hear his impudout call from one enc
Of the island to the other.
The fact that among the personal ac
complishments of this peculiar bird is ;
talent for lnimickins the human voice an'
learning many curioas trickS is not re
garded in the islands as compensation fo
his total failure TO carry ont the oblSa
tious for which lie was brought to tlos
shores and for his infamous treatment o.
the native birds. What to DO with th
nina bird is a question which has no1
entirely superseded that Of how 70 get ri'
of the mosquitoes.-Was aslia-Joa star