arnicetwne tones —saeapee ~*. praise dein od - SouNo (939 HARVARD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY OF THE MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY 35 3463 7 , i Spend des vay 4 ‘ieee Jhieh JAN 19 10 Ghe CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST VOLUME L 357 S43 VOL. L, No. 1 JANUARY, 1936 ee ss Bae Ss Bs = hs == = ‘ 28 a The Beaver of the Riding Mountain, Manitoba,. An Ecological Study and Commentary. By BE U.Green. 237 sees Se pepe ieee: Sg EURS eee ritogs aces gts eo eg aan He loday torn eee Notes on the Genus Cystidicola in.Canadian Fishes. By Ella Ekbaum................... 57th Annual Meeting of The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club; Council Report.............. Statement of Financial Standing, Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, at the Close of Year, 1935. Notes and Observations:— ae aa ain i Behaviour of Birds in a Gale in Coastal Waters. By Harrison F. Lewis........ pase. Recent Records from King Township. By R. D. Ussher..............0...0ccciesee Notice ta Ornithologists: on5 0478 3 kN uo). See a rere BS cla at irate taeaaeinue Beecececeeevscssazagususistenesoorosssszazasazscssteceoceceeesessftzszeetesteeserencccuasssszsszssattccetecccecosessstsetertetersterteoccoststiststasssststtereeccecescost¥aseenteeee i The official publications of THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB have been issued — #2 since 1879. The first were The Transactions of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 1879-1886, i# two volumes; the next, The Ottawa Naturalist, 1886-1919, thirty-two volumes; and these have #: been continued by The Canadian Field-Naturalist to date. The Canadian Field-Naituralist is i# issued monthly, except for the months of June, July and August. Its scope is the publication : of the results of original research in all departments of Natural History. x oa Price of this volume (9 numbers) $2.00; Single copies 25¢ each The Membership Committee of The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club is making a special effort to increase the subscription list of The Canadian Field-Naturalist. We are, therefore, asking every reade who is truly interested in the wild life of our country to help this magazine to its rightful place among the leading Natural History publications in America. * b Subscriptions ($2.00 a year) should be forwarded to mah WILMOT LLOYD, — Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, _ 582 Mariposa Ave., Rockcliffe Park, OTTAWA, CANADA ~The Canadian Field-Naturalist VOL. L OTTAWA, CANADA, JANUARY, 1936 No. 1 THE BEAVER OF THE RIDING MOUNTAIN, MANITOBA AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY AND COMMENTARY By H. U. GREEN To “The Beaver of the Riding Mountain, Mani- Grey Owl, toba”, the second of a proposed series of ecolo- In Admuration, gical studies covering the larger forms of mam- I Dedicate the Labour malian life indigenous to the Riding Mountain 2 of this Study. National Park, could, apart from local com- ment, well apply to the beaver throughout its North American range, were it not for the fact FOREWORD : that certain of its habits deviate in relation HE PURPOSE of a field study is usually to the many diverse environments in which it twofold:—to increase one’s knowledge, exists. Therefore, every isolated range differ- and to augment, if possible, the work ing from another in ecological association pre- of other naturalists. There appears at sents individual problems which may necessarily this time, however, when many species of gaine change or modify characteristic behaviour in and fur-bearing animals are fast approaching ex- accordance with the demands of the local sur- tinction, the need of including a further design: roundings. In consequence, the accumulated —to create in the mind of every nature lover a data must be considered as referring to the greater aesthetic and economic appreciation of beaver of the Riding Mountain, although much, their value to the nation and the necessity for if not all, may be applicable where similar con- their preservation in reasonable numbers as our ditions prevail. It is not suggested. though, heritage to future generations. that extreme deviations from accepted beliefs Grey Owl are disclosed, but rather that variations of cer- tain conduct may be evident to investigators whose knowledge has been gained in other parts vf Canada and the United States. This I infer from my own experience. From the spring of 1930 until the autumn of 1932 the work proceeded in conjunction with a study of the Riding Mountain wapiti*. pursued during 1933 to the late summer of 1934 as a specific investigation, covering broadly the entire Riding Mountain range. Most of the data, however, were acquired from three beaver families and the locations providing their habitat requirements. Although every observation was recorded with strict regard to scientific accuracy, many of my deductions from circumstantial facts may be cap- able of other interpretation. To believe other- wise, in the case of the beaver, would indeed savour of extreme presumption, especially as the study is entirely original and presented with- out reference to the findings of other authors. I have merely written of what I learnt of this intensely interesting mammal during many de- lightful months’ residence in the wilderness at all seasons of the year, including in the text a b-ief history and description of the beaver of the Riding Mountain, together with some con- structive comment and a series of original photo- graphs from the Riding Mountain range. If the reader derives pleasure and understanding from my efforts, the field work incidental to the study. often performed under adverse conditions, will acquire an added value. I wish gratefully to acknowledge the finan- cial assistance tendered by the T. Eaton Co. Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, who generously con- tributed towards the expense of the work per- formed in 1933 and 1934. I also greatly ap- preciate the courtesy extended by The Commis- sioner, National Parks of Canada, for pe~mission to pursue the study, and the interest and kind- ness of Mr. James Smart, Superintendent, Rid- ing Mountain National Park, and W. A. Scott, Chief Warden. I am further indebted to my good friends, Grey Owl, ex-Constable Mark Goldie, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and A. Burton Gresham, for their helpful aid. H. U. GREEN. Mistamick Lodge, Dauphin, Manitoba, December, 1934. INTRODUCTION The Riding Mountain may be described as * The Wapiti of the Riding Mountain, Manitoba, by H. U. Green. Canadian Field-Naturalist, 47: 105, 122, 150, 172, 1933. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST It was- {[VoL. L an elevated plateau consisting of some 600,000 acres of forest and bushland rising above the semi open prairies of central Manitoba. Terminating in stcep escarpments cut by deep ravines, and with successive benches indicating the receding shore lines of ancient Lake Agasiz, the northern and eastern boundaries of the “mountain” attain an elevation of 2200 feet above sea level and 900 feet above the plains below. The southeri1 and western borders, however, merge imperceptibly into the surrounding terrain with a g adual loss of altitude. Near the north- west extremity of the plateau a valley, several miles wide at its greatest breadth, separates the Riding Mountain from the Duck Mountain, a range of high hills extending northward for many miles with similar escarpments to the north and east and benches of equal elevation. Evidence of glaciation is abundant throughout the Riding Mountain area in the form of huge boulders of striated Devonian limestone and othe- rocks of Cambrian and Precambrian origin from the Canadian shield, besides many lateral and terminal moraines. The flora and fauna of the Riding Mountain are typical of the border of the Transition and Canadian Life Zones. Dense forests of Black and White Spruce dominate the higher eleva- tions, but here and there destruction by fire has created many extensive stands of Aspen Poplar which shelter solitary bluffs of coniferous sur- vivors and a host of coniferous seedlings seek- ing an ultimate return to a natural climax. At the lower elevations, to the south and west, the coniferous forest gives way to Aspen and Balsam Poplar, Box Elder, White Birch, Bur Oak. and Ash, interspersed with small belts of Spruce, Tamarac swamps, marshy meadows, and park-like regions of limited extent. The original fauna, with the exception of the beaver and several predacious mammals that have become exterminated during recent years, is. generally, well represented. Few lakes of any size exist, but many small streams rise about the divide at the height of land, creating an extensive watershed draining from the north slope into Lake Dauphin on the plains below the northern escarpment, and from the south into Lake Audy and Clear Lake. After a winter of average snowfall the water- courses are miniature torrents for several weeks, but unless replenished by spring rains, soon dry up, except in the vicinity of springs and where potholes and beaver ponds exist. Throughout the summer and autumn the watercourses alter- nately rise and fall in accordance with the fre- quency and degree of precipitation. January 1936| The banks of the larger streams, situated in deep valleys the floors of which are from 100 to 300 yards in width, are, for the most part, heavily wooded with Aspen Poplar between stands of Spruce, offering an unlimited supply of food and building material for beavers. Some thi.ty years ago, at the advent of the surrounding agricultural settlement, the Riding Mountain was set aside and administered as a Dominion Forest Reserve. The wild life resour- ces during the major part of this regime were controlled by the government of the Province of Manitoba. In 1930, it was included in the chain of National Parks, under the complete jurisdiction of the federal government. Failing these commendable policies it is safe to say that the Riding Mountain with its forests, scenic beauty, and wild life, would long have ceased to exist as virgin terrain. Of the three inhabited beaver locations espec- ially under observation, two were situated in the valley of the Vermilion River near its source, approximately one mile east and one mile west respectively of Mile 32 Cabin on the Dauphin — Clear Lake road. The other was situated on a tributary of the Vermilion River known as Spruce Creek, about 200 yards to the west of the Dauphin—Clear Lake road at Mile 35. They are identified and referred to in the text as Sites Nos. 1, 2, and 3. Each location was inhabited by only one family of beavers; an adult male and female and the young of the year. In referring to the Vermilion as a river, I have been guided by the local topographical terminology, for as such it appears on all maps of the district. However, to apply this desig- nation to the locus of study without explanation would suggest a greater volume of water than actually flows at any season of the year and so create an erroneous impression of the work ac- complished by beavers to stem the flow. The Vermilion River at, and near, its source is merely a creek which gains size from many tributaries as it wends a tortuous way from the hills. The width of the river bed above Site No. i is approximately 10 feet, and above Site No. 2 approximately 12 feet. Spruce Creek above Site No. 3 is approximately 5 feet wide. The following air temperature extremes were recorded during the course of the study :— Summer maximum:........... July 102.F Summer minimum: .......... July 43. Winter maximunn: 25)... 62:6: January 38.F Winter: tmainimim: ....022. 8:3 “minus 46.F TH& CANADIAN FIELD-NA1URALIST 3 HISTORY The history of the beaver of the Riding Mountain is the history of all fur-bearers witha Price on their pelts existing near the haunts of Man,—a story of willful and illegal destruction bo:dering on extermination. A few terse remarks of little value may be gathered from many old residents of the dis- trict who speak of previous abundance in the early days of settlement, and reminiscently re- late their adventures in the Riding Mountain while poaching the beaver (and other fur) to supplement the meagler reward for their initial agricultural activities. Local Indians, generally a valuable source of information regarding wild life conditions of the past, have little to offer, mainly because of their reluctance in the old days to visit the Riding Mountain, believing it to be the abode of evil spirits. They do say, however, that many beavers once lived there “before the white man came to plough the land”. In themselves such data, although undoubted- ly authentic, lack sufficient detail to be of much value. Fortunately, though, the beaver of the Riding Mountain has written its own history; for remains of their work undeniably tell of once wide distribution and _ probable population, dating back many years before the tide of civilization surrounded the Riding Moun- tain range, sweeping them almost to oblivion. Exploring the streams in search of evidence one cannot fail to be impressed by the number and extent of old beaver signs. Innumerable lodges ravished by the flight of time, over- grown with willows and grass, stand tomb- like in the valleys as if sheltering the spirits of the vanished occupants; brush dams broken and bleached by the sun of years streak the now arid flats and meadows where once dense lush grass grew, and countless ranks of be- headed aspens in various stages of decay, but bearing the marks of chiselling teeth, relate a saga of the beaver’s passing better than mere words can describe. In a few years little will remain to remind us of the folly of human greed, except a few heaps of crumbling debris. It is well, perhaps, that the sun, wind, and rain, will eradicate an uncherished memory of an inglorious period in the local history of a wonderful animal whose one appreciated value is a coat of glossy fur. : There is indisputable evidence to support the fact that up to forty years ago the beaver pop- ulation of the Riding Mountain \within the area of what now is the National Park exceed- ed two hundred families, maintained from year 4 THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST to year through economic trapping by per- sons from the neighbourhood of old Fort Eiphin- stone, who, with an eye to the future, practiced methods of conservation disdained to-day wherever beavers exist. Ten years ago a lib- eral estimate would not account for more than thirty families. During the period of my in vestigation only eight families could be located, although, without doubt, a few more may have been hidden away in the deep forest. Of this remnant five or six families would appear to be the limit of beaver population in the Riding Mountain National Park, and even they are ever in danger of being destroyed. It is not strange that persons whose attitude towards furbearing animals is tinged with com- mercialism should seek to attribute some reason for the decimation of the beaver of the Riding Mountain, other than destruction for monetary gain. Failure of food supply, drought, and dis- ease, are among the suggestions advanced. All are insufficient and merely remote possibilities offered without consideration. My investigation, I believe, proves conclusively that there is not even one circumstantial fact to support these assertions. However, why consider an apologetic explanation when there is sufficient proof to the contrary? The hill billy type of settler with no ideas of conservation or of the esthetic value of wild life is still responsible for the beaver’s destruction as in the early days of settlement. In less degree to be sure, but more devastating in view of ever-decreasing numbers. | CLASSIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION Common Name: Beaver ; American Beaver. Local Indian Name: Ah-meek (Salteaux) Order: Rodentia. Family: Castoridae. Genus: Castor. Castor c. canadensis Kuhl. Hudson’s Bay. Type Species: Type locality: The beaver of the Riding Mountain is Castor canadensis canadensis Kuhl. The genus Castor is represented in North America by several species and sub-species whose habitats extend from Newfoundland to Vancou- ver Island and from the Rio Grande to the Arctic Circle. They differ slightly in size, col- our, or cranial characteristics. The following description, weights and mea- surements of the beaver of the Riding Mountain were made from three dead adult specimens, two males and one female, three years or more of age, and one male juvenile, also dead, about [VoL. L five months old. Two two-year-old specimens, male and female, collected alive tor restocking purposes while supplying descriptive information regarding sex, colour, etc., could not be weighed or accurately measured under field conditions. ' The weights and measurements of several small “kittens” were also neglected as I was reluctant to handle them very much. The dead specimens, although not from the locations especially under observation, came from the same region. Colour of Adults Upper-parts: Under-fur, rich medium brown, dense, and curly; surface pelage, rich chestnut with dark guard hairs; head and shoulders, slightly brighter than body. Under-parts: Under-fur, dull medium brown; ; surface pelage, dull brownish chestnut. ; No perceptible difference between male and female. Colour of Juvenile The same as the adults only more subdued. Colour of “Kittens” Slightly duller than juvenile. Weight of Adults Males: (1) 35.2 Ibs. (2) 33.6 Ibs. Female: 38.5 lbs Weight of Juvenile 8.3 Ibs. Measurements Males: (1) TL. 39? “TEV: 12.83 ek oe (2). Tl. 36” TV. 12.6 eRe Female: TL... 382 - BV. 12557 eee Juvenile: T.L. 19”? T.V. 6.3” H.F. 3.8” Although the beaver, by virtue of dental char- acteristics is essentially a rodent, it differs suff- ciently from other members of the order Roden- tia to warrant a detailed description of certain parts of its anatomy to understand better their use in adaption to a specialized existence. TEETH.—T wenty in number, equally arranged in both upper and lower jaws. The incisors, four in number, long and scalpriform, grow from persistent pulps. Sixteen molar teeth serve to complete the dental arangement. The enamel of the incisors is reddish brown or orange in colour. It is thicker and harder on the anterior a ee Ne January, 1936] surface so that a sharp edge is preserved by the wearing away of the softer posterior portion, thus producing a constant chisel-shaped crown. The continual growth of the incisors must be compensated by wear to prevent abnormal devel- opment. The molars are strong, rough, with the tissues arranged like the molars of the Un- gulates for the purpose of reducing vegetable fibre for food. They have no other use. It is the incisor teeth which serve to cut down trees, etc. The largest incisors taken from the specimens examined measured, along the anterior curves, as follows: Lower Pair: Upper Pair: 91 mm. Exposed portion: 22 mm. 67 mm. Exposed portion: 18 mm. DENTAL FoRMULA i (Es P.M. M. i=] 0-0 0-0 4-4 fet 0-0 0-0 4-4 Lips—The lips are well haired and meet be- hind the incisor teeth, a wise provision of nature to enable the beaver to work under water with- out inconvenience. Nose—Small, but with relatively large nasal cavities equipped with valves which are closed by voluntary muscular action when the animal is submerged. Eyes—Deep brown in colour, and small in comparison with size of body. Iris black or blackish brown. The eyes of very young beavers are much larger in proportion to their size. Ears—Comparatively small but very conspicu- ous when the animal is swimming or resting on the water. Internal orifices closed by voluntary muscular action while submerged. Front Freet—The front feet or “hands” are relatively small. They have five digits termin- ating in claws of medium length, are sparingly haired and devoid of connective tissue. The “hands” are used in typical rodent fashion for digging, etc., and for holding food when eating. Hinp FEEtT—The hind feet with five digits are webbed and terminate in long nails rather than claws. A peculiarity is the construction of the two inner nails of each foot which, generally speaking, are double and, to a certain extent, op- posable. The supernumary to the inner nail is much shorter than the nail proper, and not as hard. The supernumary to the second nail is of almost equal length, but somewhat blunter. Their purpose is undoubtedly to act as imple- ments for combing the fur and, perhaps, to re- move parasites from the skin. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 5 JAit—Horizontally flat and paddle-shaped and composed for the most part of gelatinous tissue rich in fat. The thickest part is close to the body and along the median line, from which it thins out to the extreme end and sides. Both upper and lower surfaces are naked, except near the junction of the body which is densely haired, and covered with transverse rows of small scales, between which grow a few widely separated min- ute hairs. The colour of the tail is murky grey. Tail measurements (naked parts only) of specimens examined and approximate number of scale rows is as follows: Scale Length Ex.Width Ex.Thickness Rows. Males (Ce MS sie eel gp? ieee 78 (2) 8.9” 4.2” 12? 75 Female 83577 4.6” LEZ? 81 Juvenile 4,2” 2.8” AOI 76 GENITALS—The copulatory and urinary organs of beth male and female beavers are not visible externally. Their openings are situated within the anal orifice, which thus becomes a general Durpose outlet or cloaca. It is, therefore, dif- ficult upon cursory examination to distinguish one sex from another. However, manual manipu- lation will cause the penis of the male to pro- trude, and failing this the testes may be felt by pressure. Determination of sex in the fe- male is without difficulty after the first parturi- tion, for loose mammary glands and elongated teats afford positive evidence. Mammary GiAnps—The female mammary glands with four teats are in the pectoral region, ene pair between the fore legs and the other Pair a few inches toward the abdomen. The male is endowed with four rudimentary teats or nipples. The teats of virgin females are only slightly larger than those of the male. ANAL, GLANDS—Two pairs of large internal glands are present in the region below the cloacal orifice, one behind the other. The anterior pair, which are the largest, secrete castoreum, and the posterior pair, an unctuous fluid apparently used for oiling and wate~proofing the fur. The secretion of the latter oozes through the skin when pressure is applied, and seemingly the only outlet for the fluid is by percolation. On the other hand, castoreum is, I believe, voided per cloaca by voluntary muscular action. Castoreum has a somewhat musky smell not at all unpleasant to a nose familiar with animal odours. It is oily and, apparently, slightly vola- tile. The secreting glands are known commer- cially as beaver castors. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST (Vou. L Teeth and skull of beaver. Side view. Teeth and skull of beaver. Front view. Photographs by H. U. Green. January, 1936] THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST Teeth of beaver. Occlusal view, showing condyles and glenoid fossa. Photograph by H. U. Green. WALKING; SWIMMING; DIVING An aquatic mammal in every sense of the word, the beaver is literally out of its element when on land. Progress is slow and cautious, a few ambling steps at a time with body close to the ground, punctuated with a moment’s sur- vey ot the immediate surroundings before pro- ceeding on its way. The gait is simple, that is the fore legs are followed by the hind legs on opposite sides. The attitude of the beaver on land is similar to that of all wild things finding themselves for the time being at a disadvantage and helpless to frustrate an attack by prowling enemies. When suddenly disturbed the beavers under observa- tion invariably turned towards the water and, with a galloping gait, ran as fast as their short legs could carry them, reminding one of a lusty woodchuck seeking the sanctuary of its den. This does not mean that walking is a tiresome means of progression, for, as a matter of fact, migration and casual jaunts take them far afield on land. The beaver’s lack of terrestial agility, however, is compensated for by many masterful accom- plishments in water, for swimming on the sur- face or submerged they move with ease and grace at a moderate speed which does not ex- ceed two or three miles per hour. From obser- vation, I should say that the beaver’s submerged speed is about equal to progress on the surface. While swimming, the fore legs are not used, and hug tight to the body out of the way. It is difficult to ascertain positively in what man- ner the hind legs are utilized, but the evidence is in favour of alternate strokes rather than both legs struck out together. Change of direction when swimming slowly is, I believe, accomplished by single strokes of either leg applied like the oar of a rowboat ac- cording to the direction desired. ‘Turning when swimming in a direct line at top or moderate speeds appears to be performed by rudder-like movements of the tail slightly inclined towards the vertical, the feet being used as an auxiliary. I have never seen the tail employed as a means of propulsion, or any movement which would suggest that it is so used. The difficulty of making positive assertions in regard to the swimming habits of the beaver is obvious, and it would be interesting to observe the animal in a glass tank of clear water and learn without question how the various move- ments are performed and the action of the tail as a horizontal plane for controlling ascent, des- cent, and submerged swimming depth. Excessive speed is seldom, if ever, necessary in water. H:ding with body submerged and nose above the surface, or seeking the protection of a well concealed den, is more to he desired and infinitely more practical than speeding away in full view of a possible enemy. 8 THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST Unless otherwise desired, diving is an almost noiseless action, a few bubbles and the concen- tric circles of small ripples are often the first intimation one has that a beaver has submerged. They seem to slide into the water whether from land, the eaves of their lodges, or some floating log upon which they have been dozing in the sun, How long can a beaver remain under water without coming to the surface for air? is a ques- tion often asked. Two out of many unsuccessful attempts to gain this knowledge th-ow some light on the subject, but whether or not the beavers were forced to the surface to breath, it is impossible to say. One dived and swam sub- merged in a direct line towards its lodge break- ing surface 58 seconds later. Another, probably the same beaver, as both observations were made (VoL. L at Site No. 1, remained beneath the water for 1 minute and 4 seconds. ‘The indications of each observation were such that there was no doubt the individuals who dived were the same who later re-appeared. It was for want of sufficient evidence to establish identity that many other observetions were without value. Sometimes, too, beavers after diving did not re-appear with- in one’s range of vision. They either swam direct to their lodges or dens, or hid among cover about the edge of the ponds. Questionable ob- servations, however, would indicate that beavers may remain under water for from two to four minutes. : A discussion of the swimming and diving abil- ity of beaver “kittens”, is reserved for a later — chapter. (To be continucd) NOTES ON THE GENUS CYSTIDICOLA IN CANADIAN FISHES By ELLA EKBAUM HE MATERIAL upon which the present study is based was obtained from the examination of 170 specimens of differ- 4} ent species of Pacific salmon during the months of July and August in 1934. The coho, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum), alone was found to harbour nematodes of the genus Cysti- dicola in the swim-bladder. Out of 63 specimens of coho five were found to be infested with Cystidicola walkert Ekbaum. The degree of in- festation was very slight at that time of the year. the highest number of nematodes in one host being four, the lowest two. The fish examined were in their third year. Specimens of Cystidicola stigmatura (Leidy) were collected from whitefish, Coregonus clupca- formis Mitch., Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba, in Aug- ust, 1933, and from ciscoes, Leucichthys artedi LeS., Bay of Quinte, Ontario, in December, 1934. Acknowledgments are due to. Dr. W. A. Cle- mens, the Director of the Pacific Biological Sta- tion, and to Dr. G. V. Wilby for much assis- tance in obtaining the material from Pacific sal- mon; to Mr. F. J. Fry for the specimens from ciscoes, and to Dr. E. M. Walker for his val- uable advice and assistance in preparing the manuscript. Cystidicola walkeri EKkbaum* A short note on this new species was published by the writer (1935). * This species was named in honour of Dr. E. M. Walker, University of Toronto. Specific diagnosis.—Body comparatively stout, transparent with a smooth unstriated cuticle, tapering slightly towards the anterior end, while the posterior end is more or less sharply pointed. Mouth with two blunt teeth, buccal cavity follow- ed by a cylindrical vestibulum 0.115 mm. to 0.125 mm. in length, 0.013 mm. in width; oesophagus 070 mm. in length, 0.09 mm. in minimum width, indistinctly divided into two portions, an anter- ior muscular part 0.36 mm. long and a posterior glandular part 0.39 mm. long. Nerve ring 0.38 min. from the anterior end. Female—The specimens measured up to 44 mm, in length, 0.82 mm. in maximum diameter ; caudal extremity straight and pointed, vulva on the ventral surface, approximately in the middle of the body; eggs oblong with rounded ends and a shell 0.004 mm. in thickness. A cuticular knob at one pole bears two long filaments, about 20 times the length of the egg, which are com- paratively thick at the base, but taper gradually to very fine distal ends. Occasionally two very thin and short accessory filaments are present at the same pole. The eggs, 0.046 to 0.052 mm. long, 0.018 to, 0.020 mm. wide, resemble those of Ascarophis morrhuae v. Beneden, 1870 (in Yorke and Maplestone, 1926), which are also described as having filaments at one pole only. Male——The single specimen obtained was 12 mm. long and 0.22 mm. wide; anterior end tap- ering slightly, posterior end pointed and spiral- ly coiled with narrow caudal ale; cloaca 0.28 January, 1936} THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST — leva iat en ae ed h,? $e a 10 THE CANADIAN F'¥51.D-NATURALIST mm. from the tip of the tail; two spicules un- equal in length and width, long spicule 0/ mm. in length and 0.007 mm. in width; short spicule _ 0.145 mm. in length and 0.023 mm. in diameter at the proximal end, and 0.01 mm. at the distal end; 10 paired preanal papillae separated by approximately equal intervals; five single post- anal papilla, the second and third being close to each other. There is a small elevation in front of the fifth papilla which gives it an ap- pearance of a double papilla. Type host: Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum), in intestine. Locality: Strait of Georgia, immediately outside of Departure Bay, British Columbia. Cystidicola stigmatura (Leidy) Synonyms: Ancyracanthus cystidico'a (Sch- neider) R., Filaria stigmatura Leidy 1886, Cysti- dicola canadensis Skinker, 1930. ‘Lhis species was first found and reported for Canada by R. R. Wright (1879), in the swim- bladder of Salmo siscowet Ag. (Cristivomer namaycush siscowet (Agassiz)). He found this nematode in considerable numbers in the host. Pritchard (1931) found Cystidicola sp. num- erous in the swim-bladder of four species of ciscoes. His material was described by Mary S. Skinker (1930) as C. canadensis, n. sp. but her subsequent studies showed this species to be synonymous with C. stigmatura. The writer was able to examine a considerable number of Leucichthys artedi, and fifty-eight per cent. of the fish examined were found to be infested with C. stigmatura. In several cases the infestation was very extensive; in one case 480 specimens were counted in one fish. The main characteristics of this species are as follows: the female up to 55mm. long and 0.5 mm. wide; the male up to 40 mm. long; mouth surrounded by two large and eight small teeth; tail of the female bluntly conical; eggs 0.040 to 0.045 mm. long and 0.020 to 0.028 mm. wide, with a small cuticular knob at each pole, bearing a tuft of very thin filaments, the length of which is usually two to three times that of the egg. Skinker (1931) pointed out that the polar fila- ments may increase in length with the age of the egg. The eggs of several species of Cystidicola were examined by the writer, and it appears that the length of filaments and other characteristics of the egg are of taxonomic value. Specimens of C. stigmatura taken from different localities, different hosts and in different seasons showed delicate, short and numerous filaments, unlike those of C. walkeri, in which they are long, heavy at the base, and usually two in number. IVoL. L Cystidicola serrata (Wright) Synonym: Ancyracanthus serratus Wright 1879. -A single female with immature eggs was found by R. R. Wright in the auricle of the heart of Coregonus albus LeS. (Coregonus clupeaformis Mitch). The validity of this species has been ques- tioned by some authors, such as Railliet (1916) and Yorke and Maplestone (1926). Pearse re- discovered the species in the intestine of a sheepshead, Aplodinotus grunniens Rafinesque, caught in Lake Pepin, Wisconsin, and gave a more detailed description of this nematode. The specific characters, according to Pearse (1924) are as follows: The female measures up to 12.25 mm. in length and 0.051 mm. in width; anterior portion of oesophagus 0.4 mm. long, posterior 2 mm.; mouth surounded by ten conical teeth ; the short spicule of the male 0.025 mm. in length and 0.015 mm. in width, the long spicule 0.3 mm. in length and 0.02 mm. in width. The size of the egg is not given but, according to Pearse’s figure (1924), it is more broadly elliptical than the egg of C. stigmatura, and possesses no fila- ments at the poles. This species is included here solely for com- parison with C. stigmatura, because both may occur in one and the same host. EXPLANATION OF FIGURES Cystidicola walkeri Ekbaum Fig. 1. Lateral view of the female. Fig. 2. Surface view- of female. Fig. 3. Caudal end of female. Fig. 4. Ege with two long and two additional short filaments. Fig. 5. The same in larger scale, showing the shell and cuticular knob with the proximal ends of filaments. Fig. 6. Caudal end of male. Cystidicola stigmatura (Leidy) Fig. 7. Anterior end of female. Fig. eS Egg showing a tuft of filaments at each pole. Fig. 9. The same in larger scale, showing the shell and cuticular knobs with the proximal ends of filaments. Fig.10. Caudal end of female. The scale in Figures 5 and 9 has a value of 0.01 mm., in others 0.1 mm. The drawings were made with the aid of a camera lucida. LITERATURE CITED EKBAUM, F.—1935. Uber eine neue Cystidicola in der Schwimmblase von Oncorhynchus eae, (Walbaum), Zeitschr. Parasitenk. B. , January, 1936] Leipy, J. 1886.—Notices of nematoid worms Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. 38: 308-313 ~ Pearse, A.S. 1924.—Observations on parasitic ; worms from Wisconsin fishes. Trans. Wisc. Acad. Sc., 21: 147-160. Pritcuarp, A. L.—1931. Taxonomic and life _history studies of the ciscoes of Lake On- tario. Univ. Toronto Stud. 41: 1-78. - Ranier, A. 1916—La Famille des Thelazii ‘ac. Journ. Parasit., 2: 99-105. SCHNEIDER, A. 1886.—Monographie der toden. Berlin. Nema- THE CANADIAN FiELD-NATURALIST 11 SKINKER, M. S. 1930.—A new species of nema- tode of the genus Cystidicola from fishes. Journ. Parasitol., 16: 167. 1931.—A redescription of Cystidicola stig- matura (Leidy), a nematode parasitic in the swim-bladder of salmonoid fishes, and a des- cription of a new nematode genus. ‘Trans. Amer. Micr. Soc., 50: 372-379. ; Wricut, R..R. 1879.—Contributions to Ameri- one erelpietholbey: Proc. Canad), instaants YorKE, W. and-Maprestone, P. A. 1926.—The nematode parasites of vertebrates. London. 57TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB; COUNCIL REPORT 1. Mertincs.—Th-ee Council Meetings have been held during the year. The President en- _ tertained the Council at dinner at Murphy- Gamble’s in January. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyes Loyd and Dr. R. E. DeLury also entertained Council at meetings in their homes. 2. Lectures.—Through the Lecture. Commit- tee, Mr. Ronald Smith and Mr. H. Groh address- ed the October and November gatherings res- pectively, held by the Club in the Carnegie Lib- rary. Mr. Smith spoke on “Birds Likely to be Found in the Ottawa District” and Mr. Groh on “Trees”. 3. Brrp CeNnsus.—The annual bird census is taken in con‘unction with other societies in Can- ada and the United States. The local bird census was taken on December 23rd, 1934, twenty-one cbservers, in eight separate parties, taking the census. 2,588 individual birds were seen, in- cluding fifteen species. 4. Excursions. — Fourteen excursions were held throughout the year, as follows: February —to the Dominion Observatory, followed by tea at the Orange Lantern Tea Room. March—to Hog’s Back, for bird observation. May—four trips—to McKay Lake, Val Tetreau, Fairy Lake, and Britannia. June—to Pink’s Lake by O.ER. bus; to Black Rapids by Dr. McElhin- ney’s launch. July—an evening excursion to the Experimental Farm, for bird observation. Sep- -tember—to Black Rapids, by Dr. McElhinney’s boat. October—to Kingsmere, by O.E.R. coach. October 27th—First indoor gathering at the Car- negie Library, addressed by Mr. Ronald Smith. November 23rd—to the Dominion Observatory. November 27th—Carnegie Library—a talk on “Trees” by Mr. H. Groh. Two meetings of the Committee have been held during the year, at which this programme was drawn up. At these excursions, various Government pub- lications of particular interest were made avail- able through the courtesy of Mr. Rhoades, Direc- tor of Publicity, Department of Agriculture, and Mr. Hoyes Lloyd. 5. REPRESENTATIVE TO MEETINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA—The President appointed Dr. F. J. Alcock to represent the Club at the meetings of the Royal Society of Canada, held this year in Hamilton, Ontario. 6. INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE PROTEC- ‘ION OF THE Birps oF THE WorLp.—Mr. Lloyd and Dr. Lewis were the Canadian Representatives on the International Committee for the Protec- tion of the Birds of the World. 7. Pupiications.—Mr. Lloyd, Chairman of the Publications Committee, reports: “The Pub- lications Committee has conducted its duties re- lating to all publications of the Club throughout the year. The 1935 volume has been completed to the satisfaction of our members. It includes a special number on the Woodcock, which has attracted wide attention. “In view of the 53rd Stated Meeting of the American Ornithologists’ Union being held at the Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology, Toronto, in October, the October number of The Canadian Field-Naturalist was made an ornithological number, and copies were given away as samples to the visiting delegates. “Better arrangements were made for storing the back numbers of our publications, through the courtesy and co-operation of the Department of Mines, which action is helpful and deeply appreciated.” 8. FINANCE—One complete set of The Can- adian Field-Naturalist has been sold during the year, and another set completed. It is expected that there will be a balance to the credit of the Club at the close of the year. 12 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 9. INFORMATION SERvICE.— The Information Service is available to all subscribers. Questions will be answered through The Naturalist or by correspondence. The winter indoor gatherings are also being held for this purpose, and any matter for question or discussion at these meet- ings will be gadly received by the Chairman of the Excursions Committee. 10. Sprcia, AND MEMBERSHIP COMMI'TTREES.— No reports have been received from these Com- mittees. 11. FeperAL Woop_.ANps PRESERVATION LEA- GUE.—A communication was received from the Federal Woodlands Preservation League, and a letter sent by the Club, expressing its sympathy {VoL. L and interest in the work of the League. 12. AssocrateE Botanica, Epitor. — During the year, Mr. John Adams, Division of Botany, Central Experimental Farm, was appointed As- sociate Botanical Editor. es 13. Councii.—It is with pleasure and some satisfaction that we, the members of Council for 1935, review the work of this past year. We wish to express our appreciation of the work and co-ope-ation of many of the members, and hope that the present trend of activities will be maintained throughout the coming year. M. E. WILson, PrEccy WHITEHURS?T, ~ President. Secretary. STATEMENT—PUBLICATION FUND DECEMBER 5, 1935 ASSETS Canadian Government Bonds........ $900.00 Gxashwine Bankes ee eee es 1.15 $901.15 RECHIPTS Balance in bank, November 30, 1934. . $52.95 Bondelntenesige ae eee eee Bs) BanksInterest® es ee ee ac 1.08 Life Membership Fee................ 50 05 $141.83 Wixtmot LioyD, Treasurer. December 10, 1925. STATEMENT—RESERVE FUND DECEMBER 5, 1935 ASSETS Canadian Government Bonds........ $1200 00 Cash in Bank, December 5, 1935 193.87 $1393.87 RECEIPTS Balance in Bank, November 30, 1934. $ 138.01 Bondhelnterests xk. | ch he a ee 54.00 Bank lntenres tinea! niece ka ae 1.86 $193.87 Epwarp F. G. WHITE, Chairman, Reserve Fund Committee: WiLMmoTt LuLoyD, Treasurer, LIABILITIES NIL— Balances 2550 ee eee $901.15 $901.15 DISBURSEMENTS Purchase of Bond, 1949—314%4%.... $102.93 Payment of Interest to Current Account 37.75 Cash in bank, December 5,1935...... 1.15 $141.83 Audited and found correct. 5: December 10, 1938. HARRISON F. LEWIS, W. H. LANCELBY, Auditors. LIABILITIES NIL— Balances oy ae ee ee ene $1393 87 $1393 87 — DISBURSEMENTS Nir— Balance in Bank, December 5, 1935. . $193.87 $193.87 Audited and found correct December 10, 1935, HARRISON F. LEwIs, W. H. LANCELEY, Auditors. January, 1936] 3 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 13 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL STANDING OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB, DECEMBER yp HED) ASSETS Balance in Bank, December 5, 1935... $88.17 Biismeceivables i oh. 2 ee. 74.69 $162.86 RECEIPTS Balance in Bank, November 30, 1934. $ 116.24 HCC AC WITOMG eo as ee 814.13 ie NEN CIICON hee sy dks 53.15 Single and back numbers............ 196.36 Separates and Illustrations.......... 138.26 203.138 Winiscellane Ouse cs o.--aos ce oe eee $1521.27 WiLmort LuoyD, Treasurer. LIABILITIES NIL— Balance ty. Sees ore py ates ores ae 162.86 $162.86 DISBURSEMENTS Printing and mailing The Canadian Mield=Naturalist: ) 2 ee $1092.23 ITOtFon’s lelkonoenstonn . 5460... aes 90.00 Postage and Stationery............. 35.70 Separates and Illustrations.......... 183.29 Bank discount... 52 sce. cote ae 18.85 Muscellaneous: actrees ae 13.03 Balance in bank, December 5, 1935... 88.17 $1521.27 Audited and found correct December 10, 1935. HARRISON F. LEwISs, W. H. LANCELEY, Auditor. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS BEHAVIOUR OF BiRDS IN A GALE IN COASTAL WaATERS.—An opportunity to observe some birds in a gale in shore waters came to me on May 5, 1933. The small steamship Lovat, on which I was a passenger, spent that day at anchor in the lee of East Point, Prince Edward Island, at the distance of about a mile from shore, while a heavy northwest gale raged. I estimated the velocity of the wind to be from 50 to 55 miles an hour. The temperature was a little above the freezing-point and occasional squalls of snow flew about the ship. Because of the shel-° ter afforded by East Point there were no large waves in the vicinity of our anchorage, but the water there was severely disturbed on a minor scale. An adult-male Northern Slate-coloured Junco (Junco hyemalis hyemalis) came aboard the sta- tionary steamship about mid-morning, having presumably been blown away from land to wind- ward. After a brief rest, it tried to fly back to Prince Edward Island, but without success. It took up a position beside the steamer, where it was somewhat sheltered from the strength of the gale, and there it flew for some time, with its head to windward, without making any progress. Twice it tried to alight on the foaming water, but each time it rose quickly again after its feet had apparently touched the water. Finally, it struck out from the shelter of the ship and was at once blown rapidly to leeward. It was not seen again and presumably perished in the wind- lashed waters. Another sparrow-like bird, which was not specifically identified, was seen near the steamer in the afternoon, when the wind continued to blow with undiminished velocity. It, too, was headed up wind towards Prince Edward Island, but it was unable to make any permanent pro- gress. By keeping down, close to the waves, it repeatedly gained 20 or 30 yards to windward, but then apparently it was raised each time by boisterous air currents to a height of about 30 feet above the sea, when it was at once blown to leeward until it succeeded in getting down close to the water again. It was also noticed that American Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus smithsonianus) resting 14 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST on the water near the ship during the gale not only faced to windward but held their heads low on their shoulders, with their bills pointing below the horizontal, thus decreasing their resis- tance to the wind.—Harrison F. Lewis. RECENT REcorps From Kine TowNnsHip.—The following are all sight records in King Town- ship, York County, Ontario: Lesser SNow Goose. Chen hyperborea hyper- borea——A flock of about 100 of these Geese was seen on October 30, 1934, flying over from the east and going south-west. This is believed to be the first record for the township. NorTHERN PILEATED WoopPECKER. Ceophlocus pileatus abieticola—A single bird was seen on September 18, 1932, to make the second recent Toronto district record. Single birds were seen again February 12 and April 23, 1933, and two females Februazy 28 the following year. On July 22, 1934, a pair was seen and since then birds singly or in pairs have been seen at fairly frequent intervals. Numerous other observers have seen Pileateds in this area since the fall of 1932 and it would seem that this interesting bird is re-establishing ( \ vd bea, ody -[VoL. L itself in the Toronto district after an apparent absence of about 40 years. Kincsirp. Tyrannus tyrannus—An unusual nesting site for this species was noted July 3, 1934, in the top of a White Pine on the south edge of a bush some 40 feet from the ground. BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. Dendroica fusca— Young birds of this species were being fed at the top of a large hemlock in mixed bush on July 15, 1934, and again in pure second growth White Pine bush on July 17th. This is the first evidence of this warbler breeding in Toronto district, though the writer saw adults with young birds on the wing on July 26, 1934. PINE WARBLER. Dendroica pinus.—These warb- lers were noted feeding young birds on July 17, 1934, in the tops of pines in fairly dense White Pine bush. One bird which flew down just above the observers showed a faint necklace of streaks similar to those on a Canada Warbler. This is believed to be the first definite breeding evidence for Toronto district. RED-EYED TowHeEE. Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus—On January 16, 1931, while watching a flock of White-winged Crossbills, a solitary Towhee was discovered scratching about in a dense thicket of hemlock. The bird was not seen again—kR. D. USSHER. NOTICE TO ORNITHOLOGISTS WHEREAS the 4th edition of the A. O. U. Check-List has been adopted as the standard of ornithological nomenclature for “The Canadian Field-Naturalist,” and, WHEREAS this Check-List does not provide English names for species in cases where species are divided into subspecies, which is considered illogical and highly inconvenient, and which causes a great deal of unnecessary editorial labour, and, i WHEREAS the nomenclature used in Taverner’s “Birds of Can- ada” provides English species names for all species dealt with in it, and provides also a logical pattern of English subspecific names, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that the nomenclature of Taverner’s “Birds of Canada” be made the standard of. ornithological nomenclature for “The Canadian Field-Naturalist,” instead of the nomenclature of the Ath edition of the A. O. U. Check-List. ‘ ee i Pe eT a ee oe ae eT Ne ah teil tals os Pe oe eae Reet : “ 4 : 4 : _ NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MANITOBA 1934-35 esident Emeritus: C. E. BASTIN; President: Ce G. LAWRENCE; ast Presidents: H. M. Sener? M.D., V. W. JACKSON, M.Sc., C. W. Lows, M.Sc., J. WAaALLis, M.A, A. A. McCousrer, A. M. Davipson, Bue R. A. WARDLE, .5c., G. SHIRLBY Brooks; Vice-Presidents: B. W. Cart- GHT, H. C. PEARCE, L. T. S. NORRIS-ELYE, B A., Mrs. L. Srmpson, W. H. RAND; Treasurer: Dr. W. G. CAMPBELL, ‘6 Medical Arts Bldg., Winnipeg, Manitoba; General Be. Secretary: Norman Lowe, 317 Simcoe St., Winnipeg; Auditor: . M. THomas; Executive Secretary: 3. Hapvcew, Social _ Convenor: Miss O. A. ARMSTRONG. - Section Chairman , Ornithological A. H. SHORTT Entomologieal G- See BROoKS Botanical H, F. Roserts, M.Sc. "Geological A. A. McCousrEy Mammalogical V. W. JACKSON, M.Sc. ae G. D. RUSSELL Secrétary: J. P. KENNEDY. R. A. WARDLE, M.Sc. C. W. Lowe, M.Sc. _ Secretary: H. C. PEARCE. sie _A. M. Mackie Miss M. F. Pratt Mrs. I. M. PRISsTLY P. H. SToKeEs —_ ; Meetings are held each Monday evening, except on holiday from October to April, in the physics theatre of the University Winnipeg. Field excursions are held each Saturday after- noon during May, June and September, and on public holidays _ during July and August. THE HAMILTON BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY (Incorporated) ; Hon. President: Mr. W. =. SAUNDERS, London, Ont.; President; Me. J. WH. WILLIAMS; Firet Vice-President: Rev.C.A HEAVEN; _~ Second Vice-President: DR. H. G. ARNOTT; T ae Miss _B. M. Bavugr; Conrernending- Secretar Miss E McEwIN; - Commiiterse Miss M. E. GranaM: Mas. F- MAcLOGHLIN: ~ Rev. CALIN McQuEsTon: Mr. H. C. NUNN. _ McILWRAITH ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, sh sae LONDON, ONT. President: CHARLES MADDEFORD, 180 Bruce St,, London, QOnt.; Vice-President: Mr. E. D. BRAND, 148 William Street, London, Ont.; Recording Secretary: MiIsS HELEN SHIPLEY, _ §39 Emery St., London, Ont.; Migration Secretary: Mr. E. M.S. DALE, 297 Hyman Street, London, Ont.; Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer: Wa. G. GIR.ine, 530 English Street, London, Ont.: Members qualified to answer questiona: W. E. _ SauNpDERS, 240 Central Avenue, London, Ont.; C. G. WATSON, 201 Ridout Street South, London, Ont.; J. F. CALVERT, 461 _ Tecumseh Avenue, London, Ont.; E. M.S. DALg, 297 Hyman Street, London, Ont. Meetings held the second Monday of the month, except during the summer, _ VANCOUVER NATURAL HISTORY, SOCIETY Honorary President. L.S. Kink, (D.Sc.), President Univer- sity of B.C: President: JOHN Davips son, F.L.S., F.B.S.E., University of B.C.; Vice-Presideni: Dr. M. Y. WUILLIAMs, _ Geology Dept., University of B.C.; Honorary Secretary: Mrs. _ F.W. Fartry; 6597 Laburnum St., Varcouver, B.C. First _ Assistant Secretary: Mrs. LAURA ANDERSON, 2nd Assisiant _ Secretary: Miss Nora Swirt, Honorary Treasurer: A. H. BAIN, 2142 Collingwood Street, Vancouver, B.C.; Librarian: ks. F. McGinn. Members oj Executite: C.F. Connor, M. A, Min.R. J. Cummine; Mr. J. D. TURNBULL, Mr. CuRTIS JOHNS, _ Mrs. J Motion; Auditors: H. G. Setwoon, W. B. Woops. _ Chairmen of Sections: Botany: PROF. JOHN DAVIDZON, Geology: a J. PLommer, Photography: Mr. PHILIP Toors, Entym- oe - plogy: Mr. J. D. TURNBULL. _ All meetings at 8 p.m., Auditorium, Normal School, 10th _ Avenue and Cambie-Sireet unless otherwise announced. . SOCIETY President: Dr. M. Y. Wiuiams; First Vice-President; TON M. LAING; Second Vice-President: Dr. C, J. BASTIN: Secretary-Treasurer: KENNETH RACEY, 3262 West Ist Ave. Vancouver, B.C, oa: Mr. Wooton, Microscopy: Mr. J.A. JOHNSTON, Ornith- — BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRD AND MAMMAL ~ Affiliated Societies PROVINCE OF QUEBEC SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS INC. OFFICERS & COMMITTEE: Past Presidents: Mr. L. McL. TERRILL, Mr. NAPIER SMITH. Mr. W. S. Hart, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON; President: PRor. V. C Wynxne-Epwaxps, 495 Prince Arthur Street, Apt. 4, ebay Vice- Presidents: Mrs. H. HIBBErRt, Dr. A. N. JENKS; Vice-President and Treasurer: MR. HENRY MOUSLEyY; Secretary: Miss MauD SEaTH. Committee: Mr. J. D. CLEGHORN, Mrs. C. F. DALE, Mr. J. A. DEcARiIE, Mr. W.S. HART, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON, Mr. H. A. C. Jackson. Mr. E. L. Jupag; Mr. FRASER Keitu, Miss P. B. MattTinson, Miss L. MURPHY, Miss M. S Nicotson, Mr. R. A OUTHET, Mr. C. Sait, Mr. L. MclLSpAcKMAN, Mr. L. McL. TERRILL. Meetings held the second M onday of the month except dur- ing summer. SOCIETE PROVANCHER D’HISTOIRE | NATURELLE DU CANADA 3 Pairon Honoraire: Son Excellence, LE TRES HGNORABLE COMTE DE BesssporouGH, P.C., G.C:M-G., Gouverneur- Général du Canada; Vice-Pairon Honoraire: HONORABLE E.-L. PATENAUDE, Lieutenant-Gouverneur de ia Province de Québee; Bureau de Direction pour 1935: Président: REx MEREDITH, N.P.; Jer vice-président: ALPHONSE DESILETS, R.S.A.; 2iéme oice-président: James F. Ross; Secrétaire- tréscrier: Louis-B. Lavotn; Chef de la section " scientifique: Dr. D.-A.DERY; Chef de la section de Propagande éducation- nelle: G.- ULRic Tesster, Chef de la section ce protection: ADRIEN FALARDEAU, C.R.; Chef de la section d’information scientifique et pratique: A. WESTON ABERN. Direcieurs: pe AGERN, EpGAR ROCHETTE, C.R., M.P.P., Dr. GUSTAVE ATTE. Secrétaire-trésorier: Loutis-B. LAVoIR 28, rue Sherbrooke. Québec THE TORGNTO FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB OFFICERS FOR 1934-35. Honorary Presiden. Dr. A. P. COLEMAN: President: ARNOTT M.PATTERSON; Hon. Vire-Presidenis: Hon. G. H. CHALLIES, Mr. J. H FLEMING, Dr. N. A: EoNE: Vice-President: Mr. Be PS: Das, Secretary-Treastre : H.M . HALLIDAY; Council— Dr. E. M. WALKER, S. L. THOMPSON, Prog. J. R. DyYMOND, C. S$. FARMER, Pror. T. F. McILwraltTa, Dr. NoRMA ForD, MAGISTRATE J. E. JONES, L. T. OWENS, RUFERT Davips. F C. Hurst, Dr. T. M.C. TAytor, C. G. BRENNAND, R. M. SAUNDERS; Raspes of Conservation Commtticee:. MRS. Sok. THOMPSON: President of Junior Club: MuRRAy SPEIRS; Vice-President of Junior Club: HUBERT RICHARDSON. Leadere: Birds—Messrs, S. L. Tuompson, L. L. Snyper, J. L. Bier ae, JR., Pror. T. F. McILwrairu, R. M. SPEtIks, ¥. H. EMERY. Mammals—Pror. yap Oo CovENTRY, MESSks. FE. C. Cross, D.A. McLutica, Reptiles anc Amphiziane— Messrs. B. B.S. Lecrern, WéM LeRaAvy. Fish— Prop. J. R. DymMonp, PrRor. W. J. K. HARKNESS. Ineecta— Dr. BE. M. WALKER. Dr. N. Forp. Mr. F. P. Ink. Beiany—Pror. R. B. THomson. Dr. H. B Sirton, Dr. T.M.C. Tawzor: Mr. W. R. Watson, Mr.L. T. Owens. Geelogy—Dr. A. P COLEMAN: Pror. A. MCLEAN. We would ask the Officers, and more particularly the Secretaries, of all the Affiliated Societies to assist us in our task of building up the circulation of this magazine. By securing every member as a subscriber we can truly make this magazine into one of the leading Natural History publications of America. AUTOBIOGRAPHY of JOHN MACOUN, M.A. These are attractively bound, and contain a wealth of information concerning Canadian Natural History and Exploration. The author was a former President of the Club and this is a Memorial Volume PRICE $3.00. = 305 pp. WILMOT LLOYD. 582 Mariposa Avenue Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa FOR SALE:— COMPLETE SET OF THE CLUB’S PUBLICATIONS 1879-1935 This is a rare opportunity. For particulars address the Treasurer— WILMOT LLOYD 582 Mariposa Avenue Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa 582 Mariposa Avenue _ 582 Mariposa Avenue, : ' Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa. ’ Name : Address i “By E, M. KINDLE | Special profusely illustrated number of Th ‘‘Naturalist’’, 86 pages, 31 illustrations. — Canadian should know this prize essa PRICE FIFTY CENTS | WILMOT LLOYD WILMOT LLoyp, Treasurer, Ottawa Field Naturalists) Club, Enclosed please find $2.00 as neeies ip The O.F N.C. .and Subscription to the’ Canad Field-Naturalist — the year 1935. z FORM OF BEQUEST Prices of Separates Notes to Contributors, Etc. Papers for pablieation should be addressed to the Editor, or to the appropriate Associate Editor — Manuscript should be plainly written, typed ff possible, on one side of the paper only, with wide spaces between the lines and ample margins. It is urged that specia! care be used that scientific names are legible, properly formed, and correctly spelled and capitalized. Authors of leading articles are entitled to twenty-five copies of the number in which they appear, free of charge on application. 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Kindly mention The Canadian Field-Naturalist to advertisers WANTED > A second-hand copy, in good condiniens of By Frank Marcie end Edward A. Eames — \ State what Price (Mrs.) Anna E. MacLoghlin, " 43 Inglenee Drive, FEBRUARY, 1936 A VIE KX SSS SS y) *. . Yer, 5 . ) il 3 ‘é ee - ei p) Vs 4 ,Y “we Ay THE OTTAWA TELD-KATURAD -pateine: 5 ; ‘ THEIR EXCELLENCIES THE GOVERNOR So eee AND D LADY TWEEDSMUIR - President: HERBERT GROH tg let V ice-President: P A. TAVERNER 2nd Vice-President: R. E. | Secretary: PEGGY WHITEHUR Treasurer; WiLMOT LLOYD, 582 Marip 110 Prospect Avenue, Westboro. { Rockceliff Pa Additional Members of Council; F. J. ALCOCK, R. M. ANDERSON, REV. F. E. BANIM, HE M. E. Cowan, H. G. CRAWFORD, F. me FRASER, A. HALKETT, C. E. JOHNSON, E. NWS HE LANCELEY, A. LaRccque, DOUGLAS LEECHMAN, GRACE S. LEWIS, HARRISON Hoyes Luioyp, C. W. LouNSBURY, MARK G. MCELHINNEY, A. FE. PoRSILD, BYE RUSSELL, C. M. STERNBERG, MALCoLM M. THomson, E. F. G. WHITE, R. T. D. WI M. E. WILUson. and the following Presidents of Affiliated Societies: A. G. LAWRENC WILLIAMS, CHARLES MADDEFORD, JOHN DAVIDSON, M. Y. WILLIAMS, V. C. WYNNE-E R. MEREDITH, Arnott M. PATTERSON, oan OVE ~ Auditors: W. H. LANCELEY and Harrison F. Lewis. Editor: DouGLAS LEECHMAN National Museum, Ottawa, Canada. Associate Editors: ea DSJENNESS 855 Gel ee eas Anthropology CLYDE L. PATCH.......... Ref 5 ADAMS ic aie ea abe ak dane Botany R. M. ANDERSON...... Aciag cate F. R. LATCHFORD ............... Conchology A. G. HUNTSMAN......... cases _ ArtTauR GIBSON................ Entomology >» SP OASTAVERNER .5) 2-300 oye OD ACO DO, SEO eg ei ae . Geology By. M- KINDLE 5500 ee P CONTENTS Notes on Some Mammals of the Chilcotin, British Columbia. By Kenneth ‘Racey.. The Beaver of the Riding Mountain, Manitoba. An aren eiady and Commentary. ep BA UW Green ie ss ele aoe aie ain NW ote leo inde ane ai Gye adel a ae cela ee Christmas Bird Censuses, 1935...... ele N a Oe Bae deatcls ee gee a eagrarn etl Wee os. The official publications of THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLuB have peeal : since 1879. The first were The Transactions of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 1879 86, : two volumes; the next, The Ottawa Naturalist, 1886-1919, thirty-two volumes; and thes have : been continued by The Canadian Field-Naturalist to date. The Canadian Field-Natur issued monthly, except for the months of June, July and August. Its scope is the publize Cy) of the results of original research in all departments of Natural History. a. Price of this volume (9 numbers) $2.00; Single copies 25¢ bach isaencasanttaaaan EASE gREENEEET sesssss aaaSEEEEEEESESEEESSSSHaEsEEE The Membership Committee of The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club is making a eee eff t increase the subscription list of The Canadian Field-Naturalist. We are, therefore, asking ever, who is truly interested in the wild life of our country to help this magazine to. its s rientiat plac the leading Natural History publications in America. 4 Subscriptions ($2.00 a year) should be forwarded to WILMOT LLOYD, Ottawa Field-N turalit Club, 582 Mariposa ‘Ao Rockelitfe ‘Park, OTTAWA, | two adults and one young Porcupine. The Canadian Field-Naturalist VOL. L OTTAWA, CANADA, FEBRUARY, 1936 No. 2 NOTES ON SOME MAMMALS OF THE CH:LCOTIN, BRITISH COLUMBIA By KENNETH RACEY YING BETWEEN the Fraser River and the Coast Range and south of the mainline of the Canadian National Railway is a vast area of range land, _jackpine barrens, lakes and mountain known as the Chilcotin. An automobile road runs from Williams Lake to Redstone where. dividing, one branch runs north to Chezacut and the other west to Tatla Lake thence north to Anahim Lake. This country is sparely in- -habited and what few ranchers and _ settlers there are, are having a difficult time to survive in so inhospitable a region. Indians of the Redstone and Blackwater groups still roam through the country and these exist precariously ~ on what fish and game they can take plus some assistance from the Government. Smallpox and tuberculosis have so depleted their numbers that in a few years they wiil all be gone. Roads are bad except for a short time in midsummer and trails are few and rough. Big game, ex- cept the Moose in the more inaccessible parts, is becoming scarcer. During the summer of 1931 the writer ac- companied by his family and Mr. Ian Mc- Taggart Cowan visited the Chilcotin and col- lected many of the small mammals found froin Chezacut Lake to the Itcha Mountains. Our party of six arrived at Williams Lake on July 22nd, where a supply of provisions was awaiting us. It was late afternoon before we left the town and, when about ten miles out, came on a female Porcupine with a little black youngster, and later after crossing the Fraser River and ascending Sheep Creek Hill we saw These animals scrambled up the steep bank as rapidly as possible to escape the bight glare of the car’s headlights. That night camp was made on the open range near Riske Creek and the following morning some collecting was done on the surrounding ranges, where we found but few signs of wild life except Chipmunks (Eutamias amanus affinis), Crows and a few Horned Larks (Octoris alpestris merrilli). At Hanceville the skull of a large male Grizzly Bear was secured. This animal had been shot at Big Creek in the nearby mountains. Beyond Redstone the trail led through parched jackpine-covered hills for many miles. 2 iA 1 1 4 DonwmyeeNV OOUDECKER, | 40h - ane ies ree oe ee veces 3 5 5 ds eye 14 TElhwi@ ape og Se Sats re cee ei erence ee ete ae ae Dates Lay cae 4 PMade rt CATE CROW, Sc,00e i ois Se Geo oe aOA eee 8 hee AS 2 Sith Oe Nee tera Ue tacheas 97 Rinckoeapned’ Chickadee avse.. /ssicce oes San ss ge her AG Se AS S25 N25 9 4 90 Wrilite-sbueasted! eNtithatch, =... te. sese.-6e5 3 1 4 5 ie Save 7 21 Ied=preasted Nuthatch <5... s< 2-428 ee aes ees 1 aha Sayer a 1 AMT @TPICRND RYO) Dy hae ee ala ecicrene eecet eee ce ice cnter One cee = arse : : 1 INfOrgilte tartees Sintet KOs coal auc Ac ac ctatee obieteje ee ee eis 1 2 Lars 3 Commronee Starline Soe ccs & sos chee a cles oes 150 100 8 6 Z il 267 PAPE DATO Wi «oo. ce ok, . eis as Fe ae ete oS 5) S00 AD 0S) lO) 52 732 Peccemolllecieabitimets iets. wcvetcchec Des eee mw bea ee DB iim see 84. 7 48 a 117 ExiMeMeGUS icine a! mete ys Sec cl se teats bee nee Pe te ee Ai oe, ras ais 5 Anericam GCollchitigd ie seesiss essa uodnes obone ss. Bane eb gee 1 ® 1 BR CCMMSPATEOW. crectync reins Aah ews a eS eee wall) A, 6 16 SHMOMVaeMUIMEITIG war Ata am ne A Sateen vice Souza nace Phebe i ee LOT ae Saget. ae ere 20 Maco viemlinncaviclital Sito: 2 4°, o. Seda A Avice ous cise le a 44 465 450 155 219 96 12 71 1512 ROPES Me CICS ate eee a cso aOR rice Siseee Go SS ieee ee 7 Brad eS 9 9 4 6 20 PAKENHAM, ONTARIO, DECEMBER 26, 1935. — 191 (plus) individuals. - Subspecies determined 8 a.m. to 12.15 noon. Intermittent sunshine; light geographically. west wind; 6 inches snow; 5 below zero at start, zero at noon. Observers separate, travelled 16 miles. Ruffed Grouse, 9; Eastern Hairy Woodpecker, 7; Blue Jay, 8; Black-capped Chickadee, 68; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Red-breasted Nut- hatch, 6; Northern Shrike, 1; Common Starling, 15; English Sparrow, 4; Snow Bunting, 3. (Last of a flock, two other flocks heard during morn- ing.) Total, 10 species, 126 individuals. Other species present, but not seen on Census Day, Pileated Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Red- poll—Epna G. Ross, V. M. Ross, Azan F. Ross. ARNPRIOR, ONTARIO, DECEMBER 25, 1935.—10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., weather fine, 8 inches snow on ground, wind west, light, temperature 0° at start, 3° at return. FEjighteen miles on _ foot, partly on snowshoes. Observers separate. Canada Ruffed Grouse, 2; Northern Pileated Woodpecker, 1; Eastern Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Northern Downy Woodpecker, 3; Northern Blue Jay, 8; Eastern Crow, 1; Black-capped Chicka- dee, 37; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Red- breasted Nuthatch, 2; Common Starling, 13; House Sparrow, 1 plus; Eastern Evening Gros- beak, 47; Northern Slate-coloured Junco, 1; Common Snow Bunting, 65. Total, 14 species, Several familiar winter species are absent this year and the Ruffed Grouse has reached a very low ebb. (On the other hand the Varying Hare and White-footed Mouse are very abundant) — Licuort GorMLEY and CHARLES MACNAMARA. SILLSVILLE, ONTARIO, DECEMBER 25, 1935. — 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Bright; light westerly wind in a.m., almost calm in p.m.; temperature at start 2°, at finish 8°, about 12 inches of snow on ground. About 5 miles covered on foot in vicinity of M. B. Whyte’s farm. American Rough-legged Hawk, 2; Canada Ruffed Grouse, 4; Eastern Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Northern Downy Woodpecker, 3; Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker, 1 (female); Black- capped Chickadee, 42; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; English Sparrow, 1; Redpoll (sp.?), 4; Com- mon Snow Bunting, 500 (est.). ‘Total, 10 spec- ies, 562 individuals. The Three-toed Woodpecker was clearly seen, all its distinctive markings were carefully noted, and it was positively identified—Grorce Scorr SMITH. Haipurton, Ontario (Lat. 45°), DrcEMBER 25, 19356 hours afield. Clear; wind northwest, light ; temperature -28° at start; 10 inches snow. 26 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST Route located between Burnt and Drag Rivers, at altitude of about 1200’; distance about 10 miles. Canada Ruffed Grouse, 3; Northern Pileated Woodpecker, 2+; Eastern Hairy Woodpecker, 9; Northern Downy Woodpecker, 2; Northern Blue Jay, 1+; Black-capped Chickadee, about 60; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Eastern Golden- crowned Kinglet, 2; Canadian Pine Grosbeak, about 40; Common Redpoll, 15. Total, 10 spec- ies, about 136 individuals. Other species within a month—Herring Gull, November 26; Common Loon, November 30; Eastern Evening Grosbeak. December 2; Arctic December 16; White-breasted Nuthatch and Common Snow Bunting, December 23. The Common Starling and English Sparrow are resi- dents in the village —E. W. CALveErRT. Toronto, Ontario, DrEcEMBER 22, 1935.—The llth Christmas Bird Census of the Brodie Club was taken on one of the coldest days ever chosen CHRISTMAS BIRD CENSUS OF THE BRO DIE CLUB—TORONTO DECEMBER 22, 1935 Species Parties 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 Totals Greatensocaup (Ducky =. ee eee: 5 aerate Sie SR .. 3000 1522 201 4723 American Golden-eye .. .. .. .- .. .. +s ese: = ote be 83 244 52 379 Old-squaw .. .. Pea SUE Ac anit ste ae Sea 2OSa Doan eZO 567 American Gammon! Merganser Baek. debra pik warte zi 1 a 2 5 leas 54 Eastern Goshawk .. .. .. .. oe 2 sas =i oe Cooper’s Hawk .. .. Nay beeen ares hie eee Seka 1 aii 1 Eastern Red- tailed. Hawk .. 2. 1 4 ua 5 American Rough-legged Hawk . He, 1 oe 1 2 Marsh Hawk ; aaitee tienes 1 1 Eastern Sparrow Hawk . ee Fede Oe Wek tet Se 1 Gommonweheasant <-> (noe se eee ee 14 6 8 7 7 | iene 43 Glaucous Gull . ae aT edt agin a ee a AL tae. EN TS gaan 223. eae 2 Cre ioclehacked Gull. e) eee came 1 25 8 34 FG iittre Ge en ee ee it as atalloy ne eae 2 2 24 71 848 = 190 1 1138 Ring-billed Gull .. .. PIERS gl RAH! caps eh ales ASE 3 op Bh 54 Eastern Mourning Dove .. .. .. .. .. -- -- =: aN: 1 a8 Peer 1 Eastern Screech Owl .. .. .. .. «2 +. +s es es Se. ae 1 Ss 1 Eastern Belted Kingfisher .. .. .. Sn 1 1 6 Z Northern Flicker .. .. .. .. .. .- Sea: See eee af 1 Red-headed Woodpecker . eyo Heel RC BAS Se eatcns Pease ae 1 Bastern Hairy, Woodpecker, 03-42 2 .--5 su cu bees 5 1 One 3 15 Northern Downy Weowetes WA SLBA ira arene a) 2 7 3 9 Z 2 2 27 Northern Blue Jay .. .. AGA 8 2 29 2 1 42 Eastern Crow .. . ahh Geer oe eons ie tc 2 Tecate, PA pee SUR: Si Se 26 Black-capped Chickadee © (Lee es le 25 90 34 55 29 9 14 256 White-breasted Nuthatch .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 5 1 7 Lee 2 17 Brow. CLEEpelba ety aided Semi dette eam: se 3 2 7 Ee as 2 14 Eastern Robin .. . Lise Bes oe oa 2 1S BR CS AS ee 3 Eastern Golden- crowned Kinglet ee ak cet ee ee Se eee : Ate ae is 4 Eastern Ruby-crowned Pele Pha hears aie es 1 Sot RR aoe 1 Northern Shrike .. .. .. a eee tree oer 1 1 : 1 1 4 Common Starlings sce: eee ese ee ee 31 64 52 235 162 525 23 1092 Fnglish Sparrow... eos. oe ets es ee eee Or 70) 426) ee 460 IZ 7G ean) 62 2839 eastermaMieadowlan ka set ccs nce ere woke) Por aachemnersi ey eer mrerene Poe nena 1 Master meted wittos oc iors, sree te - ane j espe ok 12 13 Eastern Cardinal .. .. .. oe 2 aaron af 2 Eastern Purple Finch .. Sat Nee cae che Rates die Miaees oat aie 2 Common Redpolli vgn ate wae ce car sea: Ja 25 20°. B02" oe: 1 32 197 Pine R SISK eae eS IeeD CUR eck oe CRN dip 50 Seen 22 72 Eastern Goldfinch: Mees cule Rae ead woe Ei at ae AO Et ESE ce 2 cee eee Z Sleniecolleroireal Whine) 36 ‘no oo od do Go bd ou o¢ 1 8 24 37 10 1 69 150 Hastertis breenOpaLtow,
< Mins. -. Hleetelifen= Mirs sb D: Whellams. La RuivierE, Manrrosa, DEcEMBER 22, 1935.— Golden (?) Eagle, 1; Common Pheasant, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 2; Black- capped Chickadee, 6; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Redpoll (sp. ?), 12. Total, 7 species, 25 indi- viduals. Other species seen recently: Sharp- tailed Grouse, 5 on 21st and 23rd; Snow Bunt- ings, 10 on 24th; Slate-coloured Junco, 1 on 17th; Hairy Woodpecker, 1 on 21st; Bohemian Waxwing, 1 on 20th; Arctic Three-toed Wood- pecker, 1 on 23rd.—CLARENCE WIGHTMAN. East Bay, Manrtospa, DECEMBER 27, 1935. — Around yard and farm of Edward Robinson. American Goshawk, 1; Ruffed Grouse, 1; Sharp- tailed Grouse, 9; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Canada Jay, 1; Blue Jay, 2; Black-capped Chickadee, 8; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Bohemian Waxwing, 4; Pine Gros- beak, 10; Snow Bunting, 7. Total, 12 species, 48 individuals —EDWARD RoBINSON. Sourts, Maniropa, DecemBer 22, 1935.—Heavy snow fell in morning. Blue Jay, 1; Black-capped Chickadee, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; House Sparrow, 1; Snow Bunting, 11. Total, 5 species, 18 individuals—S. H. Forrrst. SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, D&ECEMBER 22, 1935.—Territory covered, south of Saskatoon, along Saskatchewan River, travelled 8 miles, 5 on foot and 3 by dog-sled. Temperature be- low zero all day, some snow flurries; obse vers together. Sharp-tailed Grouse, 1; Gray Partridge, 4; Snowy Owl, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Magpie, 2; Long-tailed Chickadee, 6; English Sparrow, 20: Common Redpoll, 2. Total, 8 species, 37 individuals —FarLteEy Mowat and Bruce BIL- LINGS. EASTEND, SASKATCHEWAN, DECEMBER 26, 1935. —930 am—5 p.m. Foggy, snow threatening, wind East, started to snow 2 p.m.; temperature, at start 2°, at finish 6°. Little snow, about one {[Vou. L inch on the ‘evel, a few old drifts. Valley of the Frenchman River and hills to the south. Eleven miles on foot. Golden Eagle, 1; Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse, 18; Sage Hen (fresh ‘tracks of 30); Gray Par- tridge, 42; Common Pheasant, 1; American Mag- pie, 25; Long-tailed Chickadee, 3; Bohemian Waxwing, 40; Redpoll (sp. ?), 35; Snow Bunt- ing, 9. - Total, 10 species, 204 individuals. Seen during same day by. other obse vers: Golden Eagle, 2; Great Horned: Owl, 1.. A friend whom I met during the day informed me that he had passed along my route earlier in the morning and noted some 30 Sage Hens, where I had found the tracks later on.—L. B. Porrer. CAMROSE, ALBERTA, DecemBer 30, 1935.—10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. snow, north-east wind, temperature around zero all day. Observers in two parties, one walked down Stony Creek to Battle River, other ‘walked road to river, then both pa:ties walked through spruce woods on south side of river; a total of 16 miles covered on foot. American Goshawk, 1; Rough-legged Hawk (sp. ?), 1; Ruffed Grouse, 1; Sharp-tailed Grouse, 6; Gray Partridge, 17 (three flocks) ; Snowy Owl, 3; Short-eared Owl, 1; Pileated Woodpecker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 1; Magpie, 10; Long- tailed Chickadee, 5; House Sparrow, 20; Pine Grosbeak, 5; Common Redpoll, 50; Snow Bunt- ing, 100. Total 17, species, 224 individuals. — Camrosk Birp Crus; Rory HAwkKINs, JIM BuckincHam, Don. McKINie&y, Davin Ayer, R. CunpaL, F. L. Farry. Rep Derr, ALBERTA, DecemBer 24, 1935.—The weather on December 24 was rather cold, prob- ably about zero in the morning and a somewhat ~ higher temperature with snow flurries toward evening. Snow from eight to ten inches deep— with a frozen crust due to thawing and rain. Birds at the feeding-station: Common Phea- sant (hen), 1; Northern Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker (probably Nelson’s), 2; Blue Jay, 4; American Magpie, 5; Long-tailed Chickadee, 15; House Sparrow, 16; Tree Spar- row, 1; Sparrow (unidentified), 1. Other birds observed same day on walk to town at noon. Distance about half a mile. Gray Partridge, 9; House Sparrow, 10; Pine Grosbeak, 6; Redpoll (small, not Hoary, probably Common Redpoll), about 40 (flock). jf Total, 12 species, 112 individuals—M. P. Cote. Snowing all day, 15 inches ‘ - Z P é " ae Pee OPE is earn, » ; lait SNE See Cae ee ao " ~ “8 t ‘ 4 snl oe oe ap fa Niad NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MANITOBA 1934-35 — Eat Binisitues C. EB. Bastin; President: A.G. LAWRENCE; . Pa Beenie: H. M. SPEECHLY, M.D., V. W. JACKSON, Mt W. Lowe, M.Sc., J. B. WALLIS, M.A., A. A. oneal A. M. Davipson, M.D., R. A. WARDLE, M.Sc., G. SHIRLEY BRooKs; Vice-Presidents: B. W. CartT- RIGHT, H. C. PEARCE, L. T. S. NORRIS-ELYE, B-A., Mrs. L. ‘Srvpson, W. H. RAnpD; Treasurer: Dr. W. G. CAMPBELL, Medical Arts Bldg., Winnipeg, Manitoba; General - NorRMAN LowE. 317 Simcoe St., Winnipeg; Auditor: Y- . M. Tomas; Executive Secretary: a: Happow, Social Convenor: Miss O. A. ARMSTRONG. Chairman Secretary A. M. MACKIE Miss M. F. PRATT Mrs. I. M. PRIESTLY P. H. STOKES A. H. SHORTT : G SHIRLEY Brooks H. F. Roserts, M.Sc. elogical — A.A. McCouBREY - Mammalogical V. W. JACKSON, M.Sc. pa hihyological G. _D. RUSSELL 2S Secrétary: J. P. KENNEDY. Ornithological Entomological . A. WARDLE, M.Sc. C. W. Lowe, M.Sc. Secretary: H. C. PEARCE. 2 etings are held each Monday evening, except on holiday _ from October to April, in the physics theatre of the University Winnipeg. Field excursions are held each Saturday after- noon during May, June and September, and on public holidays du ing July and August. i THE oe BIRD PROTECTION ; SOCIETY (Incorporated) on. President: Mr. W. £. SAUNDERS, London, Ont.; President; |. H. WILLIAMS; First Vice-President: REV. C. A HEAVEN; d Vice-President: DR H. G. ARNOTT; Treasurer: Miss : Corresponding-Secretary: Miss E. McEwIN; mittees Miss M. E. CALIN McQussTON: Mr. H. C. NUNN. ILWRAITH ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, LONDON, ONT. Lats f CAMERON, 355 Dufferon Ave., Londons aon a 5 Weesariting: Secretary: Miss FRANCES JACOBS, 3 Princess Ave., London, Ont.; S. DALE, 297 Hyman -Street, ” London, Ont.; Corresponding etary and Treasurer: KEITH REYNOLDS, 32 St. Andrews St., _ London, Ont.; Members qualified to answer questions: W. E. _ SAUNDERS, 240 Central A venue, London, Ont.; C. G. WATSON, 201 Ridout Street South, patiags Ont.; J. F. CALVERT, 461 Tecumsch A venue, London, Onat.; Str et, Lundon, Ont. 1 rong, President. L.S. KLINK, (D.Sc.), President Waiver! B.C; President: JOHN Davipson, F.L.S ae of B.C.; Vice-President: DR. M. Y. "WILLIAMS, eology Dept., University of B.C.; Honorary Secretary: Mrs. Ww. FARLEY; 6507 Laburnum St., Vancouver, B.C. First tant Secretary: Mrs. LAURA ANDERSON, 2nd Assistant ary: Miss Nora Swirt, Honorary Treasurer: A. H. 142 Collingwood Street, Vancouver, B.C.; Librarian: F. McGinn. Members CF Executive: C. F. CONNOR, M. A. _ Mkr.R. J. CumminG; Mr. J. D. TURNBULL, Mr. Curtis JOHNS, s.J MOTION; Auditors: HG: SELWoop, W.B. Woops. nan of Sections: Botany: PRoF. JOHN DAVIDSON, Geology: IR. Wootton, Microscopy: Mr. J. A. JOHNSTON, Ornith- F . J. D. See ‘SOCIETY Dr. M. Y. WILLiaMs; First Vice presidents ene Laine; Second Vice-President: Dr. C. J. BASTIN: retary-Treasurer: C. H. Bastin, 4484 West 9th Ave. ncouver, B.C. ie: age : GRAHAM: Mrs. F. MacLoGHuin; Migration Secretary: Mr. E.~ rE. M.S. Dae, 297 Hyman . Aeetings held the See Monday ‘of the month, except F.B.S.E., - LOMMER, Photography: Mr. PHILIe Timms, Entym- — - ADRIEN F'ALARDEAU, C.R.; Affiliated Societies PROVINCE OF QUEBEC SOCIETY FOR THE — PROTECTION OF BIRDS INC. OFFICERS & COMMITTEE: Past Presidenis: Mr. L. Mcl..TeRRILL, Mr. NAPIER SMITH. Mr. W. S. Hart, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON; President: eo V. C. WYNNE-EpWARDS, 495 Prince Arthur Street, Apt. 4 Montreal; Vice-Presidenis: Mrs. H. HIBBERT, Dr. A. N. JENKS; Vice-President and Treasurer: Mr. Hanry Mousey; Secretary: Miss MAuD S8ATH. Committee: Mr. J. D. CLEGHORN, Mrs. C. F. DALB, MR. J. A. DECARIE, MR. W.S. Hart, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON, Mr. H. A. C. Jackson, Mr. E. L. JuDAH, Mr. FRASER KeiTH, Miss P. B. MATTINSON, Miss L. MURPHY, Miss M. 8S. Nicoutson, Mr. R. A. OUTHET, Mr. C. SAIt, Mr. L McI.SPACKMAN, Mr. L. McL. TERRILL. _ Meetings held the second Monday of the month except dur- ing summer. SOCIETE PROVANCHER D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE DU CANADA . Patron aco: Son Excellence, LE TRES HONORABLE Lorp TWEEDSMUIR, G.C.M.G., C.H., Gouverneur- Général du Canada; Vice-Patron Honoraire: HONORABLE E.-L. PATENAUDE, Lieutenant-Gouverneur de la Province de Québec; Bureau de Direction pour 1985: Président: REx MEREDITH, N.P.; Jer vice-président: ALPHONSE DESILETS, B.S.A.; 2iéme vice-président: JAMES F. Ross; Secrétaire- trésorier: LouiIs-B. LAvolE; Chef de la section scientifique: Dr. D.-A.DERY; Chef de la section de cae iovadande éducation- nelle: G.- ULRIC TESSIER, Chef de section de protection: Chef de a section d'information scientifique et pratique: A. WESTON AHERN. Directeurs: G .S. AHERN, EDGAR ROCHETTE, C.R., M.P.P., Dk. GUSTAVE - RATTE. » Secrétaire-trésorier: Louis-B. LAVOIn 38, rue Sherbrooke, Québec THE TORONTO FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB OFFICERS FOR 1934-35. Honorary Presiden. Dr. A. P. COLEMAN; President: ARNOTT M.PATTERSON; Hon. Vire-Presidenis: Hon. G. H. CHALLIES, Mr. J. H. FLEMING, Dr. N. A. POWELL; Vice-President: Mr. P. Ip, Secretary-Treasure,. H. M. HALLIDAY; Council— Dr. E. M. WALKER, S. L. THOMPSON, Prog. J. C. S. FARMER, Pror. T. F. McILWRAITH, ForD,- MAGISTRATE J. E. JONES, L. T. OWENS, RUPERT Davips, F. C. Hurst, Dr. T. M. C. TAYLOR, C. G. BRENNAND, RR. M. SAUNDERS; Chairman of Conservation Committees Mrs. S. L. THoMPSON; President of Junior Club: MuRRAY SPEIRS; Vice-President of Junior Club: HUBERT RICHARDSON. Leaders: Birds— Messrs. . L. Tompson, L. L. Snyper, J. L. BaILLiz, JR., Pror. T. F. McCILWRAITH, R. M. SPEirs, F. H. EMERY. Mammals—Pror. A. F. CoveNTrRY, MEssrs. BH. C. Cross, D.A. McLuLicH. Reptiles and Amphibians— Messre. BE. B.S. Logier, WM. LERAyY. © Fish—Pror. J. R. Dymonp, PRoF. W. J. K. HARKNESS. Insecis— Dr. E. M. WALKER, Dr. N. Forp, Mr. F. P. IDE. Botany—Pror. . B. THomson, Dr. H. B. Sirton, Dr. T.M. C. Tayitor: Mr. W. R. Watson, Mr.L. T. OWENS. Geclogy—Dr. A. P COLEMAN: Pror. A. MCLEAN. g a We would ask the Gricers: and more particularly the Secretaries, of all the Affiliated Societies to assist us in our task of building up the circulation of this magazine. By securing every member as a subscriber we can truly make this magazine into one of the leading Natural History publications of America. AUTOBIOGRAPHY of JOHN MACOUN, M.A. i ; By E, M. KINDLE These are attractively bound, and contain a wealth of information concerning Canadian Special profusely illustrated number « | Natural History and Exploration. The author | Naturalist’’, 86 pages, 31 - illustration _ was a former President of the Club and this isa ~ Canadian should know this prize essc Memorial Volume - PRICE FIFTY CENTS PRICE $3.00. = 305 pp. Dea Z - WILMOT LLOYD 5 ‘WILMOT LLOYD 582 Natinoes Avenue Rockcliffe Par! 582 Mariposa Avenue Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa WILMOT LLOYD, Aone i ea A Treasurer, Ottawa’ Ficld-Naturalists’ Club, cs FOR SALE:— 3 ' 582 Mariposa Avenue, ~ : Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa. Recah é COMPLETE SET OF THE CLUB’S Enclosed please find $2.00 as me The O.F.-N.C. and Sub giccer ean Ficld-Naturalist for the year 1935. 1879-1935 This is a rare opportunity. For particulars address the Treasurer— WILMOT LLOYD 582 Mariposa Avenue Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa Name} eee Address eneewnnennaancarccesccnncascccessscenceseaewessen: City, Prov. OF S€@ be... .iceencceneewennnenceneen noe I do hereby give and bequeath to The Ottawa | FORM OF BEQUEST I have the following duplicate books on ornithology to exchange for other works on American ornithology not now in my library; “Our Wild Orchid By Frank Morris: and | _ Edward A. Eames _ Wilson’s American Ornithology, vols. Coues’ Birds of the North-West. Complete set of Bent’s ‘‘Life State what Price Histories’’, 9 numbers. Fisher’s Hawks and Owls. Barne’s Price List. ' These are all in good condition. Frank L. Farley, Camrose, Alberta. “ ar os ates - 3 aq | my ; z p.| v2, ee N “4 ‘ey ( a ath \ M oy oe VX TAA : Entered at the O MARCH, 1936 cad ey ttawa Post Office as second-class matter THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB Patrons: ; THEIR EXCELLENCIES THE GOVERNOR GENERAL AND LADY TWEEDSMUIR - President: HERBERT GROH ‘ SBE a : aN ist Vice-President: P. A. TAVERNER 2nd Vice-President: R. EB. DELu Secretary: PEGGY WHITEHURST, Treasurer; W1LMOT LLOYD, 582 Mariposa A 110 Prospect Avenue, Westboro. Rockcliffe Pa pene El Coaak, of Council: F. J. ALcocK, R. M. ANDERSON, REV. F. FE. BANIM, HENRY Bowe Ss. Cowa G. CRAWFORD, F. J. FRASER, A. HALKETT, C. E. JOHNSON, E. M. KINDLE, We Te, LANCELEY, A. LARocque, DouGLas LEECHMAN, GRACE S. LEwis, HARRISON F. LEWIS, HoyEs Lioyp, C. W. LouUNSBURY, MARK G. MCELHINNEY, A. E. PORSILD, E. E. Prince, L RUSSELL, C. M. STERNBERG, MALCOLM M. THOMSON, E. Ge WHITE, R. T: D WICKEND M. E. WILSson. and the following Presidents of Affiliated Societies: A. G, LAWRENCE, J. WILLIAMS, CHARLES MADDEFORD, JOHN DAVIDSON, M. Y. WILLIAMS, V. C. WYNNE-EDWAR R. MEREDITH, ARNOTT M. PATTERSON. Auditors: W. H. LANCELEY ‘and HARRISON F. LEWIs. Bs Editor: DouGcLas LEECHMAN National Museum, Ottawa, Canada Associate Editors: DOMENNESS 2 oe ote et Anthropology ~ CLYDE a. PATCH. 3. 4. 20 ae TURDAMS Oris te UM nie 0 Po cee Botany « R. Mc ANDERSON Sf. 5 3. eee Fo OR DATCHRORD 2550 3552000. Conchology A.G. HUNTSMAN............Mari ARTHUR GIBSON............ .. Entomology (eR. AL TAVERNER! 27 ioe een Fd ADCOCK i. oie os Geran ys. ae . .Geology EM KINDER:.)) 2306 a cee CONTENTS No. 8. oy J./A. Munro and W. A. Clemens 4.4504, 9) (ve The Beaver of the Riding Mountain, Manitoba, An Ecological Study and Commentary ‘By EW Greeticn die or we Nae eR Ske Se Land Shells of Big Island, Blue Sea Lake, Quebec. By A La Pale Re POM Nac. 5 - Lasmigona compressa (Lea) i in the Hudson Bay Drainage. By A. La Rocque. ie ue Fs Notes and Observations:— / Christmas Bird Census, 1935.00.30 ae ee eee ee European Swallow taken on Board Ship in Mid-Atlantic. By Rid. Rutter: : eee Unusual Behaviour of a Sparrow Hawk. By J. A. Munro.....................00- ; Chenopodium. polyspermum at'Ottawa. By H. Groh........ 02... ccc eee eee e eee The Hudsonian Curlew (Phaeopus hudsonicus) in Central Alberta. By Frank L. paneer Upland Plover in Vicinity of Ottawa. By H. Groh....................----- Sarat € Red Squirrel Feeding on Meadow Mouse. ByR. J. Rutter......... rei acsen ts: ie iy Book Reviews:— The Yorkshire Snake Stones of England. By E.M. Kindle......................-- Transactions of the Bose Research Institute. By D.L................2...--eeeeee The official publications of THE OTTAWA EL ESOS, Cuus have been issued since 1879. The first were The Transactions of the Oitawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 1879-1886, two volumes; the next, The Ottawa Naturalist, 1886-1919, thirty-two volumes; and these. have been continued by The Canadian Field-Naturalist to date. The Canadian Field-Naturalist i Ht issued monthly, except for the months of June, July and August. Its scope is the publication of the results of original research in all departments of Natural History. \ Price of this volume (9 numbers) $2.00; Single copies 25¢ each BOONE EEN ONEEEEESRSOESSS SS = O8OSETEEESSERESSS ~GROST5GS8S556955 6555 0505058508805054500080500600 0000 OF OST EROSSESaEESScenesssesebeanaenaasasessesenas The Meni bership Committee of The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club is fading: a special eff increase the subscription list of The Canadian Field-Naturalist. We are, therefore, asking every r who is truly interested in the wild life of our country to roe this magazine to its rightfu place a the leading Natural History publications in America. Subscriptions ($2.00 a year) should be forwarded to fi iis WILMOT LLOYD, Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, _ + §82 Mariposa Ave., Rockeliffe Park, Lee oN 7 The Canadian Field-Naturalist VOL. L OTTAWA, CANADA, MARCH, 1936 No. 3 SILURIAN ROCKS OF LAKE MEMPHREMAGOG, QUEBEC By T. H. CLARK OR SCENIC splendour there are few spots in Eastern Canada that can com- pare with the region around Memphre- magog Lake. The narrow, twenty-mile lake displays every kind of shore line imaginable ; towering cliffs, forested slopes, grasslands and a variety of beaches serve to please every pre- dilection or whim. Trackless woods, mountains, and meadows invite on every hand. A _ climb to the summit of Owl Head rewards one with a view unsurpassed this side of the Rockies. Sailing, or motor-boating, or canoeing amid such an environment leaves ittle to be desired. To the student of nature there is much there to attract, especially for the geologist. Few vis- itors can escape being impressed to some extent by the rocks thereabouts. The rocky shores in- vite inspection from the water; lime kilns bear testimony to the recognition and use of local limestone; it is easy to satisfy oneself that such hills as Bear Mountain, Owl Head, and Sugar- loaf are there because they are composed of harder rock than that of the surrounding coun- tryside; numerous prospects and the Memphre- magog Mine attest the fine tooth combing the _ rocks have undergone in the search for metallic ’ ores; and, lastly, the lake itself owes its shape and basin to the presence of a long belt of soft rock, which, because it has offered less resistance to weathering and erosion, has been worn down to the trough in which the lake now lies. It is with these softer rocks that this paper is chiefly concerned. They are conglomerates, sandstones, shales, and limestones of the Silur- ian and probably Devonian periods.* Their dis- tribution can be seen on the accompanying map. All other rocks in that region are older, and * Published with the permission of the Director, Bureau of Economic Geology, Ottawa. * Robert Harvie published a very brief descrip- tion of these rocks in the Summary Report of the Geological Survey of Canada for 1913, page 214, published in 1914. some, especially the slates and crystalline rocks of the Sutton Mountains, have been crushed, folded, and crumpled almost beyond recogni- tion. The rocks of the “mountains”, Owl Head, Bear, Hawk, Pevee, Sugarloaf, etc., are all ancient lavas, and antedate by no great margin the sedimentary rocks of the lake basin. In brief the geological history of the region is as follows. 1. Deposition of layers of sandstones, slate, and limestone on the floor of the Cambrian and Ordovician seas. 2. Folding, crushing, and crystallizing of these rocks into the schists of the Sutton Mountains and the black slates of both sides of the lake. This occurred at the close of the Ordovician period, and resulted in the formation of moun- tains, which, however, were speedily reduced by erosion to a lowland. 3. Pouring out on this lowland (probably in very early Silurian time) of vast amounts of lava, covering the slates. These rocks, being harder than the slates, now stand out in relief, and form the prominent hills on the west side of the lake. 4. Submergence beneath the Silurian and Devonian seas, and the accumulation of a new series of sedimentary rocks, conglomerate, sand- stones, shales, and limestones. These were later folded, so that the layers now stand nearly verti- cal. Except for the crystalline schists of the Sut- ton Mountains, there are but three groups of rocks in the Memphremagog region, the older slates, the lavas, and the newer sedimentary rocks. These latter are the ones with which the visitor to Georgeville, to Knowlton Landing, or to Vale Perkins is bound to come into close relation, for these localities are built upon these Silurian and Devonian rocks. It is not possible to describe all localities where they outcrop, so that a brief account of one section in which most of the known varieties occur should serve as a standard of comparison elsewhere. 32 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST In the town of Bolton, a mile and a half northwest of Knowlton Landing, there is a four- corners, from which a road goes down to the Glenbrooke Hotel, situated on a creek of the same name. Along this creek there is exposed a thick series of sedimentary beds, all vertical, but it can be shown that those to the west were deposited first, and those nearer the lake to have come into being later. Including some rocks best seen along the road to Millington there are four kinds of rocks known. I have PEASLEY POND GEORGE POND Qed SARGENT 6) BAY GLENBROOKE: KNOWLTON LANDING’ © - 1 —o J GEORGEVILLE Ze U 1 HOG'S BACK ], -.) ! ly UJ ale i} (2) U Breed GES x ‘. [ essere ES | Gian NOae: l 3 SCALE IN MILES 6 ee es ( yoo ISSUED APRIL 8, 1936 Entered at the Ottawa Post Office as second-class matter Vi wT THE THEIR EXCELLENCIES THE GOVERNOR CUNeRer AND LADY TWEEDSMUIR | 1st Vice-President: OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ cB Batrens: _ President: HERBERT GRoH ea P. A. TAVERNER Das 2nd Vice-President: R. E. DELURY Secretary: PEGGY WHITEHURST,| | iy Treasurer WILMoT LLOYD, 582 Mariposa A 110 Prospect Avenite, Westboro. Rockcliffe P: Additional Members ‘of. Counbits F. J. Atcock, R. M. ANDERSON, Rev. F. E. BANIM, HENRY BOWER E. Cowan, H. G. CRAWFORD, F. i FRASER, A. HALKETT, C. E. JOHNSON, E. M. KINDL W. H. LANCELEY, A. LAROcQUE, DOUGLAS LEECHMAN, GRACE S. LEwIs, HaRRIsON F. LEWIS, Hoyes Lioyp, C. W. LOUNSBURY, MARK G. MCELHINNEY, A. E. PORSILD, E. E. PrINcE, L. RUSSELL, C. M. E. WILSON. and the following Presidents of Affiliated Societies: A. e LAWRENCE, J. H. es CHARLES MADDEFORD, JOHN DAVIDSON, M. Y. WILLIAMS, V. C - Wynne-EDWARDS, as ARNOTT M. PATTERSON. : M. STERNBERG, MALCOLM M. THOMSON, E. F. G. WHITE, R. TD: WICKENDEN, Auditors: W. H. LANCELEY and Harrison F, LEwISs. Editor: DouGLAS LEECHMAN National Museum, Ottawa, Canada. Associate Editors: o CO A Gite ae Anthropology CLYDE L. PATCH...............Herpetology D. JENNESS..... Ue MSE eC its ce ye eee Botany R. M. ANDERSON.............. Mammalo F.R. LATCHTORD oS Utara ei cps wnene Conchology A. G. HUNTSMAN...... eakchh are ARTHUR GIBSON................ Entomology PAY TAVERNER 3. 5s) o/s 1c Hs oe BS ALCOCK 2 cules ie Geology E. M.KINDLE..... ee oie aeons CONTENTS Some Notes on the Monkfish or Angler uohine piscatorius Linn.) By R. A. McKenzie. . pee of the Wanapitei Provincial Forest, Sudbury District, Ontario. By D. A. MacLulich, — Se. F. . *Land and Freshwater Mollusks Collected on a Trip to James Bay. By Horace G. Richards. . The ne Bee a the Riding Mountain, Manitoba. An Ecological Study and Commentary. By TOOT os ct aeh dials Get inns cence me etwicice eanio aa arsiaCelba Gen Save teu scat ete ieee Night Alarm. By CoH D. Clarke! cine ee a es cho wa icoe cee Recs ee eee Moose Seeks Shelter for Young. By C. i. DiClarke 230 Hi ee eee The Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta a Wintering in Manitoba. By Fred ie ROGOTS:.., 5 5 Ri) AC ar GE ROSS See Ce hea toe Se ae Re ee oie Waodeook Feeding in Daylight By R. F Rutter] (koko ae det, The Force of Example. By Henry Mousley...............-00000sceeeeeees conte Wie Acadian C Book Reviews:— The Passenger Pigeon in Ontario. By P.A.T.........0..-.000ee steer ees “Satie Sosa : Papers fro = since 1879. = two volumes; ff of the results ‘The Merhbe increase the subs who is truly interested in the wild life of our country to help this maeuine to its rightful place am the leading Natural History publications in America. Subscriptions ($2. 00 a year) should be forwarded to The official publications of THE. OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB have been issue #! been continued by The Canadian Field-Naturalist to date. The Canadian Field-Naturalist is” # issued monthly, except for the months of June, July and August. Its scope is the publication ' Price of this volume (9 numbers) $2. 00; | Single copies 25¢ each Ce ee hickadee (Penthestes hudsonicus). By A. Willey...........-..2-0002c0eee m the Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology. By 1 ay. Vad ME AG Go Ss The first were The Transactions of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 1879-1886, the next, The Ottawa Naturalist, 1886-1919, thirty-two volumes; and these have # of original research in all departments of Natural Histery rship Committee of The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club is making a een effort to cription list of The Canadian Field-N aturalist. We are, therefore, asking every read WILMOT LLOYD, Ottawa Field-N aturalists’ Club, 582 Mariposa Ave. Ny Rockcliffe Park, OTTAWA, CANADA. The Canadian Field- Naturalist VOL. L OTTAWA, CANADA, APRIL, 1936 No. 4 SOME NOTES ON THE MONKFISH OR ANGLER (Lophius piscatorius Linn.) By R. A. McKENZIE Atlantic Biological Station, St. Andrews, N.B. N JUNE 19, 1933, a fisherman, Lionel Pelham of Herring Cove, Nova Scotia, Hy submitted a mass of monkfish spawn to WW Dr. A. H. Leim, Director of the Fisher- ies .xperimental Station, Halifax, Nova Scotia, for identification. After being out of water for six to eight hours, this spawn was placed by the author in a jar supplied with running salt water for further development. The spawn had been picked up at the surface about the centre of Halifax harbour, where, for the week previous, the surface temperatures had ranged from 8°—10°C., and the bottom tempera- tures in twenty-five to thirty metres had ranged from 2.5°—6.5°C. (Temperature records by the M. V. Zoarces). These fish, known locally along the shore as monkfish, are reported by the fishermen to be commonly taken in their fishing operations from May and June until December. ‘They are said to be very common in the autumn. Definite re- cords show them to be found, in July and Aug- ust at least, in a fairly wide range of depths, for, on July 31, 1933, a female with eggs in the earl- iest stage of development was captured off the Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, ferry wharf by means of a boat-hook, while on August 3, the Zoarces captured five in a drag trawl on a gravel bot- tom in a hundred and ferty metres of water when the bottom temperature was about 5°C. These fish also possessed gonads in the earliest development stages. This, together with the fact that the eggs taken on June 19, were in a very early stage of development, seems to indicate that in this reg- ion these fish spawn about the middle of June which corresponds to the spawning time south of Cape Cod reported by Bigelow, (1925), as well as that reported for the Plymouth, Eng- land, region by Lebour, (1925). Since these eggs were taken at such an early stage of development well up in Halifax har- bour, it seems reasonable to conclude that some of these fish at least spawn in the shoal waters of the harbour, which is in agreement with other descriptions of the spawning along the Atlantic coast of Canada and the United States but in Opposition to the ideas on the spawning of the European form of this fish, for in the northern European waters it is supposed to spawn out, to sea. The eggs brought in on June 19, were still firmly embedded in the gelatinous ribbon, only a piece of which had been brought in for iden- tification. The diameter of these eggs ranged from 1.6 to 1.88 mm., and when first obtained had developed only to a multicellular stage in which the body was not differentiated. On June 24.—temperature varying meanwhile from 12°—14°C, in the hatching jar—the eggs had developed to the stage where the embryonic disc had grown completely round the yolk and the young embryo possessed definitely formed eyes. Hatching occurred on June 25 and 26, by which time the temperature had gradually risen to between 15.0° and 15.5°C. At hatching, the young larvae varied from 2.5-3.1 mm. in length and appeared much as depicted by Lebour, 1925, and Berrill, 1929. By June 28, their length had increased to about 3.7 mm., and by June 30, they were ap- proximately 4.6 - 4.9 mm. long. On this latter date the yolk sac was appreciably smaller and the tiny pectcral and ventral finfolds were vis- ible, as well as the small projection or lobe at the anterior dorsal margin of the embryonic finfold, which according to Agassiz, 1882, later becomes the second head spine of the adult. The specimens taken from the hatching jar on July 3, varied from about 5.0 to 5.7 mm. in length. From June 26 to this date, the water temperature had ranged from 15.5° - 17.00C. Up to this time, the young larvae, when quiescent, 56 THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST floated yolk sac uppermost just under the surface film, swimming down frequently, only to rise to the surface again when they ceased swimming. These young larvae of July 3, averaged only 5.2 mm, in length, but possessed definitely devei- oped pectoral and ventral fins. The former averaged 0.7 mm. in length, while the latter, as yet only a single long process, averaged 1.6 mm. in length. The rudimentary first dorsal ray mentioned previously now varied from 0.4 - 0.6 mm. in length. In the larger specimens, where this ray was about 0.5 - 0.6 mm. in length, a second dorsal ray immediately poster- {[VoL. L ior to the other was visible as a tiny conical projection. Such fin development, when the total length of the larvae was only about 5.2 mm., is greatly in advance of that shown by Lebour, 1925. This striking development, especially of the ventral fins, is in agreement however, with the other accounts of the development of the American form of Lophius, as contrasted with the Euro- pean. At this point the hatching jar overflowed and the remaining larvae were lost. MAMMALS OF THE WANAPITEI PROVINCIAL FOREST, SUDBURY DISTRICT, ONTARIO By D. A. MacLULICH, B.Sc.F. URING the period from May to Sep- tember of 1929 the writer was employed by the Ontario Forestry Branch with a party in the Wanapitei Provincial Forest. The work, under the direction of J. A. Brodie, consisted of an intensive forest survey as a basis for future plans for management and research. Incident to this work casual records of mammals were made by the writer both from personal observation and from reliable reports. As might be expected, sufficient collecting of specimens to demonstrate the racial forms of the region was impossible and consequently specific identity is all that is attempted below. In fact several species of mice and shrews which would be expected in this region were not recorded. The few specimens col- lected are in the Royal Ontario Museum of Zooi- ogy. The three measurements, total length (T.L.), tail vertebrae (T.V.) and hind foot (H.F.) are given in millimeters. The area comprises the townships of Norman, Parkin, Aylmer and that part of Rathbun which borders the north shore of Lake Wanapitei, in the district of Sudbury. Work in adjacent regions may be mentioned for convenient reference. J. Dewey Soper (1920, 1921) wrote on the mammals of Ridout in the District of Sudbury but that place is some 120 miles northwestward of this locality. Soper (1923) published “a biological reconnaisance of portions of Nipissing and Temiskaming districts, Northern Ontario”. Professor A. F. Coventry (1931, 1932) has reported on the occurrence, and changes in abundance, of mammals in the reg- ‘on around Lake Timagami which is only about thirty miles to the east and a few miles north- ward. The only species found in the Wanapitei area but not yet reported from Timagami are the Brewer’s mole and the raccoon. Parascalops breweri, BREWER’S OR HAIRY-TAILED More. Mr. Casselman, a local resident, has seen this species and described the animal in detail. He knew it was not a star-nosed mole or short- tailed shrew, with both of which he was familiar. This record is used because it has been sub- stantiated by specimens from parts of the prov- ince both east and west of this region. Condylura cristata, STAR-NOSED More. A de- cayed specimen was found in an open jack pine forest in Parkin Township near Mountain Creek. Sorex cinereus, CINEREOUS SHREW. Quite com- mon; one was taken in a freshly dug pit in poplar bush. ON 94. ah V4 55” EH 12 Atrio ese O97 N44. EE eS a Senta Microsorex hoyi, Pycmy SureEw. One was collected in the pit mentioned above in poplar bush with much Aster macrophyllus on the ground, in Aylmer Township. OP DE Ol .Vi34,) EO me aiicilyaeeoe Blarina brevicauda, SHoRT-TAILED SHREW. One was seen in Parkin Township but none collected and the species must have been scarce that year. Myotis sp., Lirtne Brown Bat. Rather fre- quently seen. Ursus americanus, Buack Brar. Very com- mon, especially in burned areas in the northeast part of Aylmer Township: Pairs of cubs with their mothers were seen several times. A bear April. 1936] killed a large pig at a lumber camp on the Wana- picei River and carried it a quarter of a mile awey. Procyon lotor, Raccoon. One individual was observed on the shore of a lake-like part of Mountain Creek near Bear Lake. The nearby bush was mixed poplar and white pine. The raccoon appeared to wash something in the water. This was in bright sunlight in the afternoon. Martes pennanti, FisHer. Mr. Alcock, a local resident, reported “a few about”. Mustela cicognanit, BONAPARTE WEASEL. Ac- tive about camps, catching mice. Mr. Cassel- man’s cat killed one which was preserved. Gee alo et VE78y HEE 35, Ano. 18: Mustela vison, Minx. ve.y common Several seen, but not Mephitis mephitis, Skunk. A few around. Vulpes fulva, Fox. None observed or heard but said to be common. Canis sp., WoLr. We heard them howling twice and their tracks were on an old road that was frequented by deer and moose. Lynx canadensis, CANADA LyNx. to Mr. Alcock lynx are not scarce. According Marmota monax, GRouNDHOG. Common in Norman Township in the brulés on gravel and sand plains and on scrubby hillsides, but few in the more forested Parkin Township or the more barren Aylmer Township. Euiamias minimus, WESTERN CHIPMUNK. Un- comimon, about one-fifth as abundant as the other chipmunk (Tamas). Tamias striatus, EASTERN CHIPMUNK. Com- mon, Q. WIL ZAG WON. Tale sh roils 2S) Cre tele Go,, elke 35). Jalys 23. Sciurus hudsonicus, Rep SQuIRREL. Fairly common and found in both brulé and timber. On July 14 a red squirrel was seen to carry up a tree a neat sheaf, 1% inches long, of green grass, folding it firmly in its mouth by the centre. This might have been for nesting purposes. Glaucomys sabrinus, NoRtTHERN FLYING SQuir- REL. Mr. Alcock said they were fairly numer- ous, often being caught by his cat and in traps in winter. Castor canadensis, BEAVER. There’are a few in rather inaccessible places, especially in Parkin Township. Evidences of their presence, such as one or more of the following: fresh cuttings, repaired dams, occupied houses, used trails or canals, were found in. at least seven different places. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 57 Peromyscus maniculatus, \WHItE-FootED Moust. Very abundant in most habitats this year. oy) L169; 1 V.84) EB.21. July 28: Gy UEl67, TVe86, EE 21 july 28) Sy LNB AM WEMor Tel JEN 0}, “ifiesbiey ie) Clethrionomys gapperi, Rep-BACKED Mouse. One was seen in a cabin in white pine woods in Norman Township. Microtus pennsylvanicus, Mrapow Mouse. Fairly common, chiefly in damp, grassy situa- tions. Gin WLIO AU AV 6G, JESLIE-A0) « Ifrlly 28) Ondatra sibethica, MusKrat. ed; said to be common. Several observ- Zapus hudsonius, Mreapow Jumpinc Mouse. Observed at a number of scattered places; very abundant around the camp at the head of West Bay of Lake Wanapitei in grassy white birch second growth. 2, T.L.199, T.V.126, H.F.31, Aug. 26. Napaeozapus insignis, WoopaNnp JUMPING Mouse. One collected in young white birch woods. 2 E2290" ay 1445 Es Sept 8: Erethizon dorsatum, Porcupine. Only five observed. Lepus americanus, Varyinc Hare or SNnow- SHOE Rappit. Five seen; the hare is quite rare in the region this year. J. Dewey Soper (1921, p. 104) said that 1916 was a rabbit year about Sudbury. Odocoileus virginianus, WHITE-TAILED DEER. Tracks were common and several were seen, so it was moderately common. The noise made by a survey party frightens deer away from before them. Fawns were observed twice. Alces americana, Moose.. One, a cow, was seen but tracks were fairly numerous. Moose and other game appear to be unusually wary in this district. This is probably due to fre- quent hunting as the city of Sudbury is only twenty miles distant. PEER U RG aC 1h He Coventry, A. F., 1931, Amphibia, reptilia and mammalia of the Timagami district, Ontario. Canad. Field-Nat., vol. 45, No. 5, pp. 109-113. Coventry, A. F., 1932, Further notes on the amphibia and mammalia of the Timagami dis- trict, Ontario. Canad. Field-Nat., vol. 46, no. 7, pp. 147-149, 53 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST Soper, J. DeEwry, 1920, Notes on the mammals of Ridout, District of Sudbury, Ontario. Canad. Kield-Nat., vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 61-59. Soper, J. Dewey, 1921, Notes on the snowshoe rabbit. Jour. Mammalogy, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 191- 108. QO [VoL. L Soprr J. Dewey, 1933. A biological reconnais- sance of portions of Nipissing and Timiskam- ing Districts, northern Ontario. Canad. Field- Nat., vol. 36, no. 9, pp. 175-176, Dec., & vot. 37, no. 1, pp. 11-13; Jan: ~ LAND AND FRESHWATER MOLLUSKS COLLECTED ON A TRIP TO JAMES BAY By HORACE G. RICHARDS New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, N.J. N AUGUST, 1933, the writer took a trip f through northern Ontario and Quebec 4 to James Bay. The main purpose of : J the trip was to collect marine mollusks Ga and Pleistocene) from James Bay; a report on these is published elsewhere. (1) Moosonee is on the west bank of the Moose River about five miles from Moose Factory Is- land, upon which is located the well known trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and about nine miles from James Bay. Since var- ious lists had been published of the mollusks of Moose Factory, more of our time was spent co lecting from the various other islands in the The water at Moose Factory was fresh during the time of our visit, although after heavy winds from the north, salt water from James Bay is said to be carried down as far as Moose Factory. A canoe trip was taken down the Moose River to Shipsands Island at the mouth of the river. Even here the water was fresh, although the presence of unworn shells of Macoma bal- thica (Linn.), Mytilus edulis Linn. and Paludes- trina minuta (Totten) suggested that the water was at times somewhat brackish. Land and freshwater shells were abundant in the beach drift. . Along the banks of the Moose River near Moose Factory there is a deposit of fossil-bearing clay. The fauna is marine and is thought to be of post-Glacial age (Pleistocene), deposited at a time when the land was lower. On top of this clay there is frequently a layer of silt con- taining freshwater or land shells. All this material is much younger than the marine de- posits and much of it may be very recent. For convenience they are termed “sub fossils”. ‘The following species were noted: Discus cronkMitet anthonyi (Pilsbry), Zonitoides arboreus (Say), Z. nitidus (Miller), Retinella hammonis(Strom), region. 1 American Midland Naturalist. 17; 528-545 (1936) Cochlicopa lubrica (Miiller), Say, S. retusa Lea, S. avara Say, Lymnaea artica Lea, Valvata tricarinata (Say), Sphaer- tum solidulum distortum (Prime), Musculium transversum (Say). Succinea ovalis After several days in the vicinity of Moose Factory I was fortunate in being able to visit Charlton and Cary Islands in James Bay, about eighty-five miles north of Moose Factory. Two lakes were visited on Charlton Island; in one, known as Freshwater Lake, in the interior of the island, about four miles from the sea, the water was very acid, and consequently the shells (Physa heterostropha (Say), Lymnaea stagnalis jugularis Say) were very fragile. The other lake, - “Saltwater Lake” is really an arm of the bay. At the time of my visit the water was fresh and supported a freshwater fauna (Gyraulus arcticus (Beck), Physa gyrina (Say), Lymnaea cf. catas- copum Say, L. palustris cf. var. elodes (Say) and Pisidium mainense Sterki). Unworn shells of Paludestrina minuta (Totten), Macoma bal- thica (Linn.) and Littorina rudis (Maton) give evidence that a change in the direction of the wind might cause the waters of “Saltwater Lake” to become brackish. L. palustris ungava Baker, was abundant in the brackish pools above the tidal zone on Cary Island. ACKNOWLEDCEMENTS In addition to material collected on the above trip, there are listed a few mollusks collected on visits to Riviere du Loup, Quebec, in October, 1933, and to Algonquin Park, Ontario, in August, 1934. I was also fortunate in receiving material collected by various friends in this region. Wil- liam Ransohoff sent an interesting collection from St. Joseph’s Island, Ontario; Ludger Cataford supplied me with a number of mollusks from the vicinity of North Bay; Reginald and Maude April, 1936] Louttit sent me additional material from Moose Factory and Charlton Island; Anatole Pichette some shells from Temiscamingue County, Quebec, and Mr. Frank R. Pentlarge and party sent me a few freshwater snails taken from the Rupert River on a trip from Lake Mistassini to James Bay, a route very infrequently travelled. I am indebted to Mr. E. G. Vanatta, of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, for considerable help in the preparation of this paper. I am also indebted to Dr. H. A. Pilsbry and Dr. F. C. Baker for their opinions on cer- tain critical species. The collection has been divided between the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. the National Museum of Canada in Ottawa and the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania. DIS OF2 SPECIES “COLLECTED Polygyra albolabris (Say) Scarborough, Ont. Discus cronkhite: anthony (Pilsbry) Moose River, Moose Factory and Butler Island (recent and _ sub-fossil); Outlook, Algonquin Park, Ont. Euconulus fulvus (Miiller) Shipsands Island and Butler Island in Moose River, Ont. Carychium exile canadense Clapp Shipsands Island. Zomttoides arboreus (Say) Moose Factory; sub-fossil along Moose River at Butler Island and 3 miles below Mcosonee; Outlook, Algonquin Park, Ont. Zomtoides mtidus (Muller) Recent and sub-fossil at Moose River, Ont. Cochlicopa lubrica (Muller) Moose Factory; Butler Island, Moose River (recent and sub-fossil). Butler Island. Succinea ovalis Say Living and sub-fossil along Moose River on Butler Island, Charles Island and 3 miles below Moosonee. Succinea retusa Wea Living at Moosonee and Shipsands Island, Ont.; living and sub-fossil at Charles Island, Butler Island and 3 miles below Moosonee. Dall and Whiteaves found this species near Moose Factory; Goodrich reports S. haydent Lea from Moose Factory (2). 2 See Goodrich, Calvin, Factory, Nautilus, 47: 7-9. Mollusks of Moose THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 59 Succinea avara Say Butler Island, Moose River, Ont. (sub fossil) Deroceras laeve var. campestre (Binney ) (D. gracile Raf.) Among boards near warehouse of H. B. Cor Moose Factory; The slugs questionably refer- ed to Agriolimax agrestis (Linn.) by Good- rich from the same locality are probably this species (3). Bulimnea megasoma (Say) Swastika, Ont. Lymnaea stagnalis jugularis Say Baie de l’Orignal, Que.; Riviére Solitaire, Que.; Freshwater Lake, Charlton Island, N.W. T. (4). These were not variety lillianae Baker of western Ontario. Lymnaea palustris cf. var. elodes (Say) Baie de l’Orignal, Que.; Abitibi River, 12 miles north of Iroquois Falls, Ont. Lymnaea palustris ungava Baker Saltwater Lake, Charlton Island, N.W.T.; Cary Island. Lymnea emarginata canadensis Hilton, St. Joseph’s Island, Ont. Lymnaea arctica Lea. Moose River, Ont., at Moose Factory, Moos- onee, 3 miles below Moosonee (recent and sub- fossil) and Shipsands Islands. Some of the specimens very strongly resemble L. pinguis Say, but they are all placed as varieties of arctica by Baker. Lymnaea cf. catascopium Say Saltwater Lake, Charlton Island, N.W.T.; Abitibi River, 12 miles north of Iroquois Falls, Ont. Lymnaea catascopium niagarensis Baker Niagara River, Fort Erie, Ont. Lymnaea columella Say Stream near Scotia Junction, Ont. (5). Helisoma campanulatum minus (Dkr.) Baie de l’Orignal, Que.; Lake Couchiching, Orillia, Ont. Helisoma anceps (Menke) Trout Lake, near North Bay, Ont.; Doe Lake, Emsdale, Ont.; St. Joseph’s Island, Ont.; Moose River, Ont., and Butler and Shipsands Islands. (Sowerby, ) 3 Other land mollusks collected by Goodrich at Moose Factory are: Pupilla muscorum (Linn.), ences pygmaea (Drap.) and V. ventricosa orse). 4 All islands in James Bay are part of th Northwest Territories. Hn eee 5 To the above species of Lymnaea there should perhaps be added L. rustica Lea and L. perplexra Baker & Henderson found by Goodrich at Moose Factory. 60 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST Helisoma anceps royalense (Walker) Baie de 1’Orignal, Que.; Rupert River, 46 miles east of Lake Mistassini, Que. Gyraulus hornensis Baker Shipsands Island, Moose River, Ont.; “Salt- water Lake”, Charlton Island, N.W.T. Gyraulus parvus (Say) St. Joseph’s Island, Ont.; Canisbay Lake (Cranberry), Algonquin Park, Ont. Gyraulus hirsutus (Gould) Moose Factory, Ont. Physa heterostropha (Say) Sundridge, Ont.; Abitibi River, 12 miles north of Iroquois Falls, Ont., Moose River at Moosonee and Moose Factory, Ont. Physa gyrina (Say) Swastika, Ont.; Russel Creek, Matheson, Ont.; Riviére Solitaire, Que.; Doe Lake, Ems- dale, Ont.; Lake Nipissing, Callander, Ont.; Freshwater and Saltwater Lakes on Charlton Island, N.W.T. Physa tntegra Hald. Russel Creek, Matheson, Ont. Physa integra niagarensis Lea. Niagara River, Fort Erie, Ont. Physa ancillaria Say Trout Lake, near North Joseph’s Island, Ont. Bay, Ont.; St. Valvata tricarinata (Say) Moose River at Moose Factory, Butler and Charles Islands (recent and sub-fossil) and Shipsands Island; St. Joseph’s Island, Ont. Valvata tricarinata perconfusa Walker Moose River, Moose Factory and Shipsands Island. Valvata tricarinata infracarinata Vanatta Shipsands Island, Moose River, Ont. Valvata sincera Say Shipsands Island. Cincinnatia cincinnatiensis (Anth.) St. Joseph’s Island, Ont. Cincinnatia binneyana (Han.) > Shipsands Island. Amnicola limosa (Say) Baie de l’Orignal, Que.; Doe Lake, Emsdale, Ont.; Canisbay Lake (Cranberry), Algonquin Park, Ont.; Moose River at Moose Factory and Shipsands Island. (VoL. L Gontobasis livescens Menke Niagara River, Fort Erie, Ont. Campeloma decisum (Say) Niagara River, Fort Erie, Ont.; Mary’s Lake, Port Sydney, Ont.; Doe Lake, Emsdale, Ont.:mouth of Dushesne Creek, Lake Nipissing, Ont.; Trout Lake, near North Bay; St. Joseph's Island, Ont. Paludestrina minuta (Totten) Unworn shells of this species were found on Shipsands Island at the mouth of Moose River and at Saltwater Lake on Charlton Is- land; the water at both places was fresh, but at times becomes brackish. This species is very characteristic of brackish water. Bythimia tentaculata (Linn.) St. Joseph’s Island, Ont. Elliptio complanatus (Sol.) Mary’s Lake, Port Sydney, Ont.; Doe Lake, Emsdale; South branch Magnetewan River, Burks Falls; Lake Nipissing, Callander; Mouth Duhesne Creek, Lake Nipissing; Trout Lake, near North Bay, Ont.; Baie de l’Orignal, Que. ; St. Louis de Nédélec, Que.; Riviere du Loup, Que. : Lampsilis silquoidea Barnes Niagara River, Fort Erie, Ont.; Baie de VOrignal, Que.; Riviere du Loup, Que.; Moose River at Moose Factory, Moosonee and Char- les Island, Ont.; Charlton Island, N.W.T. Oc casionally eaten by the Indians. Lampsilis radiata (Gmel.) St. Joseph’s Island, Ont.; Lake Nipissing, Ont.; St. Louis de Nédélec, Que. Anodonta grandis footiana Lea Doe Lake, Emsdale, Ont.; South branch Magnetewan River; Burks Falls, Ont.; Baie de l’Orignal, Que. Sphacrium solidulum (Prime) St. Joseph’s Island. Sphaerium solidulum distortum (Prime) Baie de 1l’Orignal, Que.; Moose River at Moose Factory, Charles Island (living and sub-fossil) and 3 miles below Moosonee (sub- fossil). Sphaerium occidentale (Prime) Freshwater Lake, Charlton Island, N.W.T. Musculium transversum (Say) Moose River, Charles Island, Ont. fossil). Pisidium mainense Sterki Saltwater Lake, Charlton Island, N.W.T. (sub- April. 1936} THE CANADIAN FIEtD-NATURALIST 61 THE BEAVER OF THE RIDING MOUNTAIN, MANITOBA AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY AND COMMENTARY By H. U. GREEN (Continued from page 50) DAMS The dams of all beaver ponds in the Riding Mountain are identical in general character, and although I have not had the good fortune actually to witness one under construction the manner of their building affords sufficient evi- dence of how they are raised and what material is utilized for the purpose. The following data were gleaned from the ponds under observation, and while excavating several old beaver sites in the Vermilion River valley. From the evidence it appears that branches of aspen-poplar and willow and what loose woody material is available are conveyed to the site of the dam and laid with the butts, or thick ends, pointing upstream. Mud, fibrous debris, and sometimes gravel ani stones, obtained from the near vicinity, are carried and deposited there- on to weight the material down and bind it to- gether. Alternate layers raise the structure to the desired height. The dams constructed by the beavers of the Riding Mountain may be called “brush” dams, because no heavy material is used to build them. In fact anything over a diameter of 242” is an exception worthy of special note. This, of course, does not apply to drift wood brought down by the stream. It cannot be said at what point the work be- gins, but it would seem that the channel of the stream first receives attention. The structure is then extended across the valley floor to the base of the slope on one or both sides, depending upon the course taken by the stream. When the brush work is completed and the crest well plastered with mud, there is reason to believe that the dam leaks in many places and to prevent the loss of water the inside face is ramped with mud. Many of the old dams ex- amined not only have a sloping inner face but near the wings deep trenches follow the contour. It would seem that the trenches were dug for the purpose of securing mud to build the ramp. Silt, too, carried downstream by freshets, in- creases the bulk of the ramp, especially in the line of flow, and not only re-enforces the dam but assists materially to keep it watertight. Nevertheless a certain amount of leakage occurs from time to time about the crest when the pond is brim fuli and overflowing. The extreme ends, or wings, of the dam, where usually only a low mud wall exists, are always troublesome, for water constantly breaks the barrier and trickles away until the leak is noticed and the break repaired. When a dam is well constructed and becomes reasonably watertight there is no necessity for adding other than repair material for several seasons. With the passing of time, however, the ponds silt up and the depth of the water is lowered proportionally. As previously ex- plained depth is essential for the welfare of the beaver inhabitants, and if no measures were taken to offset the accumulation of silt the pond would ultimately become unsuitable to occupy with safety. To overcome this the dam is raised and the depth of water increased. There is, of course, a limit to the height of a dam, which explains the abandonment of several old sites that have reverted to small areas of meadow land. With the passing of time willows, grass, and other rank vegetation take root on the crest and outer face, binding the material more strongly together. As the dam becomes old the woody substance decomposes and the structure becomes a mass of closely packed mould. In many in- stances it appears like a natural barrier. The fact that the surplus water of all ponds examined, including in particular Sites Nos. ie 2, and 3, invariably finds an outlet by way of a spillway situated where the dam crosses the channel of the stream is interesting because every dam appears to have been purposely construct- ed so as to form a depression thereabouts as if to direct the swiftest flow of water to where it can be most conveniently carried away. When one considers that sudden freshets naturally fol- low the lowest part of the valleys which, unless badly silted, are the stream beds or channels, consequently a spillway in the main line of flow prevents the possibility of the crest of the dam being washed away. This, I believe, is another instance of engineering foresight highly creditable in so small a mammal. Of course there may be some other explanation. No dams have been encountered that are ac- tually straight, although they follow a line of definite direction. The majority are semi- S w THe CAinADIAN IleLp-NATURALIST VoL. GL Dam at Site No. 1. the spillway. The stream to the right originates from a leak beside the bank. ciicular, semi-elliptical, or serpentine. The rea- son for deviation from straight line construc- tion is, I think, that after selecting a dam site the beavers are influenced by the contour of the ground and take advantage of the highest elevations and avoid as much as possible any hollows or low ground that would require ad- ditional labour to fill. This contention appears to be borne out by evidence after a careful sur- vey of almost any beaver site, old or new. Con- sequently all the Riding Mountain beaver dams are of greater length than a direct line from bank to bank. This, I feel quite sure, is yet another example of beaver intelligence, for to reason how an engineering project can be ac- complished with a minimum of time and labor, is to think of three things at once. The longest dam recorded measured 276 feet in length; the shortest 25.5 feet. Both were approximately 4 feet wide at the base, and 4 feet and 4.5 feet in height. The dams at the ponds under measured as follows: observation Site Length Extreme width Extreme at base (approx.) height No. 1 119’ 4.5’ 4.6’ No. 2 Upper pond 205’ Bi 3.8’ Lower pond 108’ 6’ 4,5’ No. 3 255) 515 5.4 The stream in the background comes froim Photograph by H. U. Green. Apart from the main dams of the ponds un- der observation, and elsewhere, other small dams are built below and some distances away, creat- ing little pools whose purpose I cannot explain. In my early notes they are referred to as “but- fer“ dams because it was then believed their design was to act as a buffer should the main dam suffer sufficient damage to allow a large volume of water to escape. Later investigation, however, indicated that the crests of the small dams was considerably lower than the crest of the main dams, and should the main dams break the pools created by the small dams would be capable of holding no more water than they would do under normal conditions. Had the crests been of equal height the “buffer” dam On the other hand, if the water retained by the small dams backed up to the base of the main structures with sufficient depth, weight and volume might offer a certain amount of resistance to streng- then them in an emergency. But this does not occur, even in times of flood. idea is tenable, at least in theory. The pools are fed from the overflow of the main ponds by way of the spillway of the dam and the channel of the stream across which the smaller dams are built. I would also point out that no water connection exists between the ponds and the pools other than the shallow stream of the overflow. Ap. il. 1936] THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST 63 Island lodge Site No. 1 in nud-winter. fall the lodge would be entirely covered. Tie idea of a water route for the conveyance of fvod to the pond, gathered from the lower reaches of the valleys, was also considered as an explanation for their presence, but the lack of sufficient water between the dams at once questions the possibility of their use for this purpose. In any event there would be no object ai the beavers’ Journeying far afield in search of food or building material when in every in- stance an ample supply could be harvested about the banks of the main ponds. There is, though, a possible value to the pools. They may afford havens of safety to the beavers when abroad away from the vicinity of the main ponds. It is of interest to note that the first of the small dams (sometimes a series may be found) which I now term “supplementary” dams, are invariably built in the first narrow place or gorge below the main pond. This might suggest that the location of the main dam was governed by this consideration as well as other necessary qualifications. The thought quite naturally oc- curs, why is not the narrowest part of the val- ley where the first “supplementary” dam is con- structed selected as the location for the main dam. Less work would be required, although the structure would necessarily have to be higher in order to hold back enough water to create a pond of sufficient depth. The logical answer seems to be that the height of a dam necessary In seasons of heavy snow- Photograph by H.U. Green. to accomplish its purpose is out of the question as the volume and weight of so much water behind a short high dam would quickly carry it away, while a long dam of medium height would more equally distribute the pressure. I have dwelt at some length upon these several points because they are important factors wher appraising the efficiency and technique of beaver work. The distance between the main dam and the first “supplementary” structure seldom exceeds 200 feet. Sites Nos. 1 and 2 have only one “sup- plementary” dam; Site No. 3 has a series of seven, extending a distance of approximately half a mile from the pond. Except for the first dam all are short, somewhat flimsily built and easily washed away. The “supplementary” dams of the ponds under observation measured in length as follows: Site No. 1 37’ Site: Noy 2) 16) Site Nios Swil5/s\0519) Oy Gordy, 3 The measurements are approximate. LODGES AND DENS Strange as it may seem Man was not the first mammal to construct for himself and his family a roofed shelter above ground level, or to appreciate the value and strength of the arch 64 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST as a principle in building construction. In each instance he was forestalled by the beaver, for while ancient members of our race were shiver- ing within the draughty shelter of open caves the genus Castor was cozy in a self-made home. A beaver lodge is indeed a marvel of animal craftsmanship, fashioned to shed rain and bear heavy falls of snow, solid in structure against the assault of land dwelling enemies, and com- fortable within at all seasons of the year. Lodges built by the beavers of the Riding Mountain range may be divided into two kinds :— the “bank” lodge, built on the bank beside deep water, and the “island” lodge, with water on every side. The material utilized in their con- struction is the same as employed to raise the dams, with the exception that heavier material is sometimes used. Lodges vary in size depending upon their age, . for as more material is added each season than is actually necessary to replace the loss by ero~ sion, the structure in the course of time may assume almost gigantic proportions in relation to the size of the occupants. Size, therefore, is a rather good indication of age, especially when considered in connection with the appear- ance and height of the dam. The largest lodge located in the Riding Moun- tain during the course of my studies, appeared immense. It was very old and had not been occupied by beavers for many years, although there was ample evidence that several genera- ‘tions of skunks had taken advantage of a ready- made home since the beavers’ death or departure. Measured from the bottom of the dry pond in which it stood, the extreme height taped 10’ 9” but originally it must have been much higher because the mass had settled considerably. The extreme diameter at the base measured ap- proximately 19’. Time, though, has no doubt caused the base to spread making the present measurement excessive. When carefully de- molished three entrance and exit tunnels were found, the largest, or main entrance, capable of permitting a lean man to gain admittance. The “room” was still very large, roughly circular in shape, with an extreme diameter of 4’ ioe height of the roof from the floor measured 8”. This measurement, however, offers little indi- cation of the original height, which was probably three times as great. I estimated the material in this lodge would weight at least 2% tons. Many other old lodges situated in dry ponds were demolished in order to learn the manner of construction, size of “rooms”, and number (VoL. L of entrances and exists. None approached the previously described structure in bulk or dim- ensions. Every lodge investigated contained only one “room”, including the lodges in the ponds under observation. The latter, of course, were not destroyed or damaged in any way in order to obtain data relative to their formation. The “rooms” of the lodges were found to be of various shapes, some almost round, other roughly square or rectangular. All were more or less symmetrical. The floor of the “rooms” consist of sticks covered with a layer of mud from 2 to 4” deep, inclined slightly towards the main entrance which, I think, is intentional to allow a beaver emerging from the water to drain off and so keep the “room” as dry as possible. Except when evidence of other animal occupa- tion was visible the floors were still strewn with shredded willow bark, and some contained the debris of the last meal. The largest “room” of the lodges examined was in the old lodge prey- iously described. The smallest would scarcely permit two beavers to move about in comfort. Generally there was ample room for an adult pair and their “kittens”. The distance between the floor of the “rooms” of the occupied lodges and the water level of the pond averaged about 7”. This measure- ment is of vital importance to the beavers and is in relation to the height of the dam as an increased depth in the pond would tend to flood - the lodge. On the-other hand, insufficient water would offer a better opportunity for land dwell- ing enemies to enter, beside endangering a winter food supply stored nearby. Consequently when a pond silts up and the crest of the dam is raised to give greater depth to the pond, the floor of the lodge must also be elevated, the “room” enlarged, and the bulk of the lodge in- creased. Two tunnels or plunge holes to each lodge is the general rule. Three were sometimes found, and I have one record of four. In each in- stance, regardless of number, they entered the pond well below water level. What appears to be the general entrance and exit is always the largest in diameter, proceeds direct to the water, and is almost perpendicular. The remainder, whether one or more, invariably take opposite routes to the outside either from the floor or walls of the “room”, sometimes passing beneath the floor to the water. The need for at least one large tunnel is apparent when it is realized that food material, some of which consists of April, 1936] THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 65 Lodge at Site No. 2, September 23rd, 1933. Note the loose material hlaced about the apex and the food pile in the water to the right. small branches, is conveyed to the lodge for consumption. The other tunnels, too, are un- doubtedly constructed to serve the special pur- pose of emergency exits when a hurried depar- ture of the inmates becomes necessary with the least possible delay. A beaver lodge is generally described as a conical mass of woody material plastered with mud and fibrous debris, but I think it may per- haps be said that the structure is a mass of hardened muck reinforced with woody material to give shape and strength. Judging from the old lodges demolished it would appear that the amount of mud and fibrous debris is about pro- portional to the bulk of sticks and twigs. The presence of so much soft material baked by the sun undoubtedly keeps the interior free from trickling feaks during heavy rains. It is also absorbent, keeping the interior of the lodge cool in hot weather and assures sufficient moisture in the mass at freezeup so that the walls may become almost like concrete when filled with frost. For the reason that the size of a lodge, if occupied by beavers, increases with age the in- side walls of the interior can be trimmed back and the “room” enlarged. This occurred at Site No. 3 in the autumn of 1932 without en- dangering the occupants from outside influences. Photograph by H. U. Green. The average maximum thickness of the walls of 19 old lodges examined was 21.5 inches. It would seem that the “island” lodge is the preferred style of habitation for beavers on the Riding Mountain range as only two “bank” lodges were located, one quite old and unoccupied, and the other at Site No. 1. The construction of a “bank” lodge is similar in every detail to a lodge built in the water, except that as dry ground is used for the greater part of the foundation, less material is required. There are possibilities, too, of increasing the accommodation of a “bank” lodge to include an additional “room” or den beneath the ground, connected with the lodge by a burrow. An ad- dition of this kind occurs at the “bank” lodge at Site No. 1, and, I presume that similar dens may be found wherever “bank” lodges exist. In this instance the burrow extends from the floor of the lodge a distance of 11’ in a direct line to the rear, terminating in an almost circular den 32” in diameter with an extreme height of 13.5”. The burrow, after it leaves the lodge, is 16” below the surface, sloping downwards to the mouth of the den, 21” underground. For added protection the den was excavated by the beavers beneath a dense clump of willows, the roots of which would prevent to a large degree the efforts of four-footed enemies to dig them - 66 THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST out or in other way molest them. The beavers frequented the den as much as the lodge. Although cnly one family of beavers, an adult male and female and the “kittens” of the ensuing year, occupy a pond, irrespective of whether there are one or more to a site, it is usual to find two lodges at each location, and from the evidence gleaned at the sites under observation one or both are inhabited during the open seasons. In the winter, only one is occupied. Since its creation, and up to 1930, the single pond at Site No. 1 contained the “bank” lodge alone. In the autumn of that year, however, it became necessary for the beavers to construct an ‘island’ lodge to prevent being frozen in on account of low water. At Site No. 2, where two ponds exist, there is a lodge in each pond. Site No. 3 has two lodges. The following are the measurements of the lodges at Sites No. 1, 2, and 3. A considera- tion of the figures gives a rough estimate of the size of the “rooms”. Height Diameter Max above at water thickness water level level of walls NON RY M50 26” ea DVS Site No. 1 “Bank” lodge 4/6” “Island” lodge 5/5” Site No. 2 “Island” lodge -4’8” Upper pond “Island” lodge 5/10” URE 51H? Lower pond Site No. 3 “Island” lodge 5/8” 15 Ay oo! No. 1 “Island” lodge 4/9” 13’ ills INO. ZB The number of entrance and exit tunnels of the lodges at Site Nos. 1, 2, and 3, is‘as follows: Site No. 1 “Bank lodge 2. “Island” lodge Zh Site No. 2 “Island” lodge ‘Upper pond \ 2. “Tsland” lodge Lower pond 2) Site No. 3 “Island” lodge No. 1 Bs “Tsland” lodge No. 2 SF Regarding the manner of building, I was for- tunate enough to witness the construction of the “island” lodge at Site No. 1 during the au- tumn of 1930. The water of the pond was low- ered in late July through a breach cut in the dam by a farmer seeking to drain the Kennice [\VobL. L Meadow above in order to procure hay. The season was dry, precipitation light, and eva- poration above the average. As a result the “bank” lodge became unsafe for winter quar- ters. Besides it would be impossible to store food without danger of the pile freezing to the bottom. I was fearful of the beavers’ fur ture, and watched very carefully to see what they would do to avert disaster. . ad On September 12th, I noticed that several as- pen-poplars had been felled in a nearby stand and stripped of branches. A number of willows were also cut from a clump beside the water a few feet from the “bank” lodge. Where this material was taken to, it was impossible to ascer- tain, for all trace was lost at the water’s edge. On September 19th, a raft of sticks appeared on the surface of the pond beside the deep chan- nel of the river. An examination of the rait showed that it was deep in the water and rested upon a submerged hummock, the top of which was about 3’ below the surface. It consisted of green aspen-poplar branches cut in sections, dry willows, numerous stones up to 4” in diameter, gravel, and fibrous debris. The raft was solid enough to bear my weight. This was the founda- tion of the new lodge. On September 26th the base of the lodge was well above water, composed ot small sticks. mud, and muck. The centre of the base was loosely filled with material in constrast to the outside which was of solid construction. On October 5th, the exterior of the structure was complete. The centre, though, was a tangle of sticks mixed with a little muck toward the out- side edges. By October 8th, an entrance tunnel had been cut through the submerged founda- tion opposite the deep channel of the river to the floor of the “room” and the loose material from the centre removed by way of the tunnel. An- other tunnel was also cut almost at right angles to the first. The inside aperture of this en- _ trance was flush with the wall. The floor of the “room” was complete, covered with a layer of mud sloping slightly towards the entrance of the first tunnel whose inside aperture was flush with the floor. On October 10th, the beavers were harvesting and the beginning of a food pile made its appearance beside the lodge. At this time dry grass and shredded willow bark was found inside. Presuming that the work on the lodge com- menced on September 12th and terminated on October 9th, which I believe to be correct, the labour of 28 nights was expended on the struc- ture. Towards the end of October, after the conclu- sion of a late harvest, a quantity of loose sticks April, 1936! were placed, butts downwards, about the sides of the lodge with the thin ends terminating across the apex. The apex, it should be said, was free of solid material, merely a network of sticks through which air filtered to the “room”. When winter comes the welfare of the occupants of any beaver lodge can be as- certained by means of a wisp of vapour feather- ing through a hole in the snow above this effi- cient ventilator, telling. of life within. Since this lodge was built it has assumed much larger proportions. In the spring of 1931, numerous sticks were thrust into the walls and covered with mud. In the autumn of 1931, a great deal more material was added than necessary to re- place that lost by erosion during the summer. Owing to the lateness of the season when it was built the beavers were undoubtedly working against time and probably did no more than erect a habitation with a small margin of safety and comfort to meet the emergency that faced them. The manner of lodge construction as shown by my observations proves conclusively that when building a habitation beavers do not leave the centre of the structure clear of accumulated material as the work proceeds, although the evi- dence is in favour of a deliberate intention to place little or no muck other than about the walls. I cannot say whether the floor of the lodge is made during the course of construction or after the “room” is formed, or if the inside walls of the “room” are finally covered with mud. Regarding the latter, I feel sure that no additional material is applied after the project- ing sticks are cut flush with the walls and re- moved together with other interfering debris. In any event. a beaver lodge is a very masterful piece of work often given no more consideration regarding its technical details than an instinc- tively built bird’s nest. There is, of course, no comparison. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 67 Apart from lodges, every beaver pond on the Riding Mountain range includes one or more dens, visited by the beavers from time to time and probably used as hideouts when danger threatens. Burrowed in the banks of the pond at a place where the ascent of the slope is steep, they terminate in a “room”, high above the water, large enough to shelter an entire beaver family. The entrance may be deeply submerged ; often it is in shallow water approached by a canal, and sometimes above the surface at the water’s edge. Investigation of the dens located at the sites under observation, and in many dry ponds, show that the roof of the “rooms” is from 18” to 24” below ground level, protected above by the roots of trees or shrubs in the Same manner as the den behind the “bank” lodge at Site No. 1. They are generally some distance from the lodge. Never close by. I have one record of a beaver den excavated be- neath a large granite boulder, the bottom of which is the roof. The length of the tunnels between the entrance and the rooms could only be roughly estimated. I would say that usually they are between 15’ and 20’ long, measured in a straight line from above. A number of holes in the banks of the Ver- milion river, and elsewhere in the Riding Moun- tain, indicate from the manner of their con- struction that they were excavated by beavers. As they were more or less remote from ponds there is some suggestion of occupation by mi- grants travelling down stream. Shredded wil- low bark was found in the “rooms” of more than one, together with peeled aspen-poplar sticks and other vegetable debris. It is quite possible that migrating beavers may even have survived a mild winter within these shelters, gathering food from day to day. (To be concluded) NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS Nicut ALarM—On June 9th, 1929, at the north narrows of Moose Lake, Manitoba, I saw a bear (Ursus americanus) swim out just after dark to a long narrow island occupied by gulls and terns, and at its northern and nearer end only about one hundred yards from shore. In the darkness he could only be seen for a few feet after he left shore. However, pandemon- ium broke loose on the near end of the island, and gradually progressed along its length. After a while all was quiet again. Unfortunately I did not have an opportunity to visit the island and see if there were any signs of his passage. The attitude of the bear throughout was that of one who had been there before—C. H. D. CLARKE. Moose SEEKS in August, 1929 Fait, SHELTER FOR YOUNG. — Late members of a forest survey 68 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST party with which I was employed found a cow moose with her calf on an island about a quar- ter of a mile off the south shore of Cedar Lake, Manitoba. The island was covered mostly by willows, and has an area of only a few acres. There were so many spots bedded down, and there had been so much browsing that the con- clusion was reached that the old moose had come there to calve and remained on the island thereafter—C. H. D. Clarke. Tue Rep-Breastep NutHatcu (Sitta canadein- sis) WuntTERING IN Manrropa.—Mr. Frank T. Farley’s note on the Red-breasted Nuthatch wintering in Alberta, which appeared in The Canadian Field-Naturalist of March, 1935, page 61, is of more than passing interest because of recent records of this species in Manitoba. The first record of a Red-breasted Nuthatch in winter here was made in December, 1933, when temperatures were very low, and snows very deep. The second record was made here in January, 1935, and several more individuals and pairs were noted in February and March in widely separated woods of this district. In all cases these birds were seen in heavy mixed woods of balsam fir, white spruce, aspen poplar, and white birch, A nest of the Red-breasted Nuthatch was dis- covered on Elks Island, five miles from Hill- side Beach, Lake Winnipeg, June 23rd, 1934, in mixed woods. ‘The nesting cavity, 20 feet up in a dead birch stub was coated near the en- trance with balsam gum (see Reed’s Pocket Guide). The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a shy species at any time, and keeping as it usually does to heavy woods it is apt to be overlooked or its calls confused with those of the White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). Can Sitta canadensis is in reality a Permanent in- stead of a Summer Resident?—Frep J. Rocers, Hillside Beach, Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba. Woopncock FEEDING IN Dayiicu?.—On April 22, 1934, the writer was climbing a step hillside on the east bank of the Don River at Toronto and was following the course of a small spring creek which had cut a deep groove in the bank when a Woodcock (Philohela minor) was flushed, flew a few yards and dropped back to earth, immediately becoming invisible, as is the way with Woodcock. I stood for a few minutes trying in vain to see the bird and was about to it be that. [VOL. L move on when it appeared from nowhere and after running a yard or two began to feed in the black, mucky soil bordering the spring. This was just before noon on a clear day and at a distance of less than 50 feet I watched it for two or three minutes with X8 bioculars, feeling conscious at the time that I was looking at scmething which I had never hoped to .see and might never see again. There was really little that was remarkable about the feeding actions of this particular Wocdcock, as it walked about slowly, probing deeply with its beak quite like a Dowitcher or Stilt Sandpiper on a mud-flat. Two exceptional points were noted: often, though not each time, after inserting its beak full length in the soil, the bird remained perfectly motionless for sev- eral seconds and it seemed a reasonable supposi- tion that at such times the flexible tip of the upper mandible [maxilla] was working; also, the mucky soil adhered freely to the beak and this was scraped off with one foot after nearly every withdrawal. At this distance I could see the earthworms clearly as they were pulled out. These were, of course, immediately swallowed. A slight movement on my part and the Wood- cock ran a few feet to the top of a small dry mound where it crouched with the tarsi flat on the ground. Another step and it sprang into the air and disappeared among the second growth of the hillside. The weather had been cold enough to freeze the surface soil for several nights prior to this date so that a logical explanation of this Woodcock’s evident anxiety to feed by day would seem to be that this particular spot was receiving the full heat of the sun, making the soil quite soft and, as investigation showed, well populated with earthworms.—R. J. Ruvrer. Tue Force of ExAmpLe.—Regarding this mat- ter in the December ’35 issue of The Canadian Field-Naturalist, if Mr. Stuart L. Thompson will refer to my Birds of Hatley published in The Auk, vol. 33, 1916, p. 70 and Auk vol. 34, 1917, pp. 484-85, he will find that I have record- ed the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Myrtle and Black-throated Blue Warblers as having ac- quired the habit of sap drinking—Hrnry Mous- LEY, Montreal. ACADIAN CuiticKADEE. (Penthestes hudsoni- cus.) —The interesting compilation of “Christ- mas Bird Censuses, 1935” in The Canadian April, 1936] Field-Naturalist for February, 1936, contains a single record (p. 24) of the occurrence of the Brown-headed (Acadian) Chickadee at 5St. Adéle, Terrebonne County, Quebec. At Mille Isles, Argenteuil County, Quebec, a locality about midway between St. Jerome and Morin Heights, an Acadian Chickadee has been visiting our suet-boxes in the company of many Black-capped Chickadees and some Red-breasted Nuthatches. The first date upon which an Acadian and many Black-caps were seen _ to- gether was January lst, 1936. In taking turns at the suet, it has been noticed that the Nut- hatches dominate the Chickadees. On December 14, a Blue Jay flew to a balsam fir in the gar- THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 69 den and began peering about, then edged nearer to the centre of the tree and attacked a Black- cap, bringing it to the ground. It was taken into the house, where it remained stunned on the floor for half an hour, then flew up against a windowpane and crashed to the ground once more. I held it in my hand and felt its grip gradually tighten. I then fell into a doze with the bird in my hand. We woke up together and, when set at liberty, the patient flew off as if nothing had happened, circled around and re- turned to the original tree. About six weeks later, on February 3, a Blue Jay, perhaps the same one, was being pursued over the garden by a low-flying hawk, but the result of the chase was not witnessed.—A. WILLEY. BOOK REVIEWS THE PASSENGER PIGEON IN ONTARIO by Mar- garct H. Mitchell. Contribution No. 17 cf the Royal ‘Ontario Museum of Zoology. Coloured Frontispiece, 5 maps, 6 tlustra- tions and diagrams, pp. 181. Published un- der the Reuben Sells Leonard Bequest by the University of Toronto Press, 1935. -A very important addition to our knowledge ‘of this historical species. What the Buffalo was to the development of the Far West, the Passenger Pigeon was to the Middle West and the East, and they have, suffered similar fates. Though applying specifically to Ontario, the interest of this report is much broader than this geographical limitation. Much life history and incidental information have been saved from oblivion. It is founded upon a wide review of literature, old and new, (some 196 titles are cited in the bibliography) and returns from a large number of questionnaires from the rapidly decreasing 1anks of those who can speak from first-hand experience. There is too much in this publication to be readily summarized but range, seasonal occurrence, nesting, habits and decline in this great Province are extensively treated and well documented. Nowhere else has so much information on this remarkable species been brought together. The author is to be complimented upon the thoroughness that has been brought to bear upon the task. Of course no treatment of the Passenger Pigeon is complete without discussion of the cause or causes of the complete disappearance of its vast hordes within the space of a single generation. Ecological changes caused by settlement of the land, disease, man’s destruction and market hunting are discussed as contri- butary causes but a new theory is advanced as to the immediate agent in the final catastrophy— an inability of the species to persist after a re- duction in ‘number below a certain minimum necessary to its success. It was a gregarious species, its whole economy adapted to congested associations of its kind, and could not function as efficiently in small scattered units as in large flocks. This reviewer, cannot help feeling that disease, perhaps foreign and introduced by domestic stock, may have had a larger part in the Passenger Pigeon debacle than is generaily considered. We have ample analogy for this in other species. It seems that only some such agency is adequate to explain the continuance of depletion between the time when man’s ex- ploitation was unprofitable and the above re- sults of under population became effective. Of course now this is purely a matter of speculation in which one opinion,is no more demonstrable than another. The subject, however, brings to mind a sug- gestion incidentally thrown out years ago, I believe by Dr. Vaughn of the University of Michigan Medical College. He called attention to the fact that “fever and ague’”’, almost uni- versal in the early days of settlement of the middle west, disappeared almost coincidently with the passing of the vast pigeon flocks. No definite connection was postulated but the more we learn of the transmission of parasitic disease by carriers, the more significant the coincidence becomes.—P.A.T. 710 THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST Four PAPERS FROM THE Roya, ONTARIO Mus- EUM OF ZooLocy, TORONTO, ONTARIO. It is gratifying to see that this, one of the youngest of museums is developing so rapid- ly and satisfactorily along both scientific and popular lines. A New Genus and Species of Flightless Duck from Campbell Island by J. H. Fleming. Occasional Papers of the Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology, No. 1, June 22, 1935. In this a new series of scientific papers makes its initial bow. We gather that it is designed for shorter technical subjects, original descrip- tions, revisions, etc. It is in convenient size for the book case, on good paper, well printed, and of dignified and workmanlike appearance. This first paper in the series proposes a new genus as well as a new species, Xenonectta nesio- tis. Campbell Island is one of the sub antarctic islands in the New Zealand region. The reviewer does not feel competent critically to evaluate the work in this widely extralimital group of aberrant ducks but the author presents a convincing case that has already aroused con- siderable interest in working specialists. We are glad to see a Canadian working in the broader field of world ornithology. A Revision of the Sharp-tailed Grouse with a Description of a New Race by L. L. Sny- der, ibid, No. 2, July 30, 1935. Mr. Snyder is coming to the fore as a sys- tematic worker. This revision is a result of the author’s study of the remarkable Sharp-tail 1r- ruption in northern Ontario and Quebec during the winter of 1932-3. He postulates six recog- nizable races of the species, — columbianus, kennicottii, campestris, campisy!vicola Subsp. nov., phasianellus, and jamesi. Of these, four are attributable to Canada; phasianellus about James Bay and Hudson Bay in Quebec, On- tario and adjoining Manitoba; campisylvicola the prairie and semi-prairies of Manitoba, Sask- atchewan and Alberta; columbianus through- out British Columbia and southward; and ken- nicotti in central Alaska, Yukon and the Mac- kenzie Valley south to latitude 60°N. Cam- pestris is restricted to the prairies south of the Canadian line. The reviewer has not the ma- terial at hand to judge the distinction between campestris and the new race but the other distinctions as they relate to Canada he is in- clined to accept. The distributions of these races on the map accompanying looks convinc- ing and logical and Mr. Snyder is to be con- gratulated on producing so promising a result in a difficult subject. A Study of the Sharp-tailed Grouse by L. L. [VoL. L Snyder, Contributions of the Royal On- tario Museum of Zoology, No. 6, Reprinted from the University of Toronto Studies, Biological Scries No. 40, 1935. This is primarily a study of the remarkable increase in number and flight of the species into more southern parts of Ontario and Quebec in the fall and winter of 1932-3 but is far more than this. It includes discussion of the spec- ies as a whole, its history, habits and distinc- tions. The type form P. p. phasianellus inhabits the area about James Bay and southern Hud- son Bay, usually in limited numbers, but is subject to the same cyclic increase as other grouse. In 1932 the swing of the cycle was phenomenal and the species spread in unpre- cedented numbers far south of its usual range to vanish again the succeeding season as mys- teriously as it appeared. This case was quite parallel to the abnormal irruptions of Brun- nich’s Murre, Snowy Owl and Goshawk that have been reported in this country, and the Sand-grouse in Europe and the classical ones of the Lemming in Scandinavia. Royal Ontario Museum Bulletin Bulletin No. 5. February, 1935. Containing popular unsigned accounts of the Museum’s notable collection of Passenger Pig- eons and the new habitat group of the species. The former is largely due to the energetic ef- forts of Mr. Paul Hahn who has been untiring in discovering and acquiring specimens of this species in old mounted collections and elsewhere on behalf of the museum, where they will be carefully protected and come to their full scien- tific use instead of wastefully wending their way to destruction, the usual progress of stuffed birds in private hands. The Pigeon Group illustrated in the Bulletin is a most creditable piece of work by the mus- eum staff. It depicts a pioneer scene in a beech- maple forest clearing in the spring, with old wooden sap buckets and handmade spiles col- lecting sugar sap. Snow still lingers on the dats, the cabin of the early settler peeps over the rise and the hills bound the horizon. Pigeons are feeding in the foreground, others are just arriving. Overhead are dense flocks passing. The background is admirably painted with good atmosphere and blends well into the foreground. The accessories are well made and used ef- fectively. Viewing it at ease and blotting out the modern surroundings one can well imagine that they have been transported backward many decades in time and are viewing a scene that must have been common in the early days of settlement but is now no more.—P. A. T. of Zoology, NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MANITOBA 1934-35 _- President Emeritue: C. E. BASTIN; President: A. G. LAWRENCE; _ Past Presidents: H. M. SPEECHLY, M.D., V. W. JACKSON, _ M.Sc., C. W. Lows, M.Sc., J. B. WALLIS, M.A.. A. A. _ McCousrey, A. M. Davipson, M.D., R. A. WARDLE, _ M.Sc., G. SHIRLBY Brooks; Vice-Presidents: B. W. CART- wricut, H. C. PEARCE, L. T. S. Norris-E.Lys, B.A., Mrs. L. R. Simpson, W. H. RAND; Treasurer: Dr. W. G. CAMPBELL, 216 Medical Arts Bldg., Winnipeg, Manitoba; General Secretary. NORMAN Lowe, 317 Simeoe St., Winnipeg; Auditor: R. M. Tsomas; Executive Secretary: J.. HADDOW, Social Convenor: Miss O. A. ARMSTRONG. Section Chairman Orntthological A. H. SHORTT Entomological G SHIRLEY BROOKS Botanical H. F. Roserts, M.Sc. Geological A.A. McCousrry Mammalogical V. W. JACKSON, M.Sc. Ichithyoloyical G. D. RUSSELL Secrétary: J. P. KENNEDY. Secretary A. M. MaAckIE Miss M. F. Pratt Mrs. I. M. PRIESTLY P. H. STOKES Microscopy Zoology R. A. WARDLE, M.Sc. Botany C. W. Lowe, M.Sc. Secretary: H. C. PEARCE. Meetings are held each Monday evening, except on holiday _ from October to April, in the physics theatre of the University _ Winnipeg. Field excursions are held each Saturday after- xn noon during May, June and September, and on public holidays during July and August. x THE HAMILTON BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY (Incorporated) Hon. President: Mr. W. E. SAUNDERS, London, Ont.; President; Mr, J. H. WILLIAMS; First Vice-President: REV. C. A HEAVEN; Second Vice-President: DR H. G. ARNOTT; Treasurer: Miss B. M. BAUER; Corresponding-Secretary: Miss E. McEwIn; Committees Miss M_ &. GraHaM: Mrs. F. MACLOGHLIN; REV. CALIN McQUESTON: Mr. H. C. NUNN. McILWRAITH ORNITHOLOGICAL ‘CLUB, LONDON, ONT. President: J. H. CAMERON, 355 Dufferon Ave., London, Ont.; Vice President: Mr. E. D. BRAND, 148 William Street, London, Ont.; Recording Secretary: Miss FRANCES JACOBS, 353 Princess Ave., London, On:i.; Migration Secretary: MR. E. M.S. Dae, 297 Hyman Street, London, Ont.; Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer: KEITH REYNOLDS, 82 St. Andrews St., London, Ont.; Members qualified to answer questions: W. E. SAUNDERS, 240 Central Avenue, London, Ont.; C. G. WATSON, 201 Ridout Street South, London, Ont.; J. F. CALVERT, 461 Tecumsch A venue, London, Ont.; E. M.S. DALE, 297 Hyman Street, London, Ont. Meetings held the second Monday of the month, except during the summer. _ VANCOUVER NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Honorary President. !.. S. KLINK, (D.Sc.), President Univer- sity cf B.C; President: JOHN DavIDSON, F.L.S., F.B.S.E., University of B.C.; Vice-President: Dr. M. Y. WILLIAMS, _ Geology Dept., University of B.C.; Honorary Secretary: Mrs. F. W. FARLEY; 6507 Laburnum St., Vancouver, B.C. First Assistant Secretary: Mrs. LAURA ANDERSON, 2nd Assistant _ Secretary: Miss NorA Swirt, Honorary Treasurer: A. H. _ BAIN, 2142 Collingwood Street, Vancouver, B.C.; Librarian: Mrs. F. McGinn. Members of Executive: C. F. CONNOR, M. A. Mr.R. J. CummMInG; Mr. J. D. TURNBULL, Mr. CuRTIS JOHNS, Mrs. J Motion: Auditors: H. G. SELwoop, W. B. Woops. Chairmen of Sections: Botany: PRoF. JOHN DAVIDSON, Geology: Mr. J. J. PLOMMER, Photography: Mr. PHILIP Timms, Entym- ology: MR. WooTTON, Microscopy: MR. J.A. JOHNSTON, Ornith- - ology: Mr. J. D. TURNBULL. All meetings at 8 p.m., Auditorium, Normal Schoo!, 10th Avenue and Cambie Street unless otherwise announced. BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRD AND MAMMAL SOCIETY ‘ President: Dr. M. Y. WILLIAMS; Firet Vice-President; IAMILTON M. LaAInG; Second Vice-President: Dr. C. J. BASTIN: Secretary-Treasurer: C. H. BASTIN, 4484 West 9th Ave. _ Vancouver, B.C. ne Affiliated Socisties PROVINCE OF QUEBEC SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS INC. OFFICERS & COMMITTEE: Past Presidents: Mr. L. Mcl.. TERRILL, Mr. NaPier SMITH. Mr. W. S. Hart, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON; President: PROF. V. C WyYNNE-Epwakps, 495 Prince Arthur Street, Apt. 4, Montreal; Vice-Presidents: Mrs. H. HIpBERT, Dr. A. N. JENKS; Vice-President and Treasurer: MR. HENRY MOUSLEY; Secretary: Miss MAUD SEATH. Committee: Mr. J. D. CLEGHORN, Mrs. C. F. DALE, Mr. J. A. DeEcARiE, Mr. W.S. Hart, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON, Mr. H. A. C. JACKSON. Mr. BE. L. JUDAH, MR. FRASER KerITH, Miss P. B. MaTTINsSoN, Miss L. MURPHY, Miss M. S Nicotson, Mr. R. A. OUTHET, Mr. C. Salt, MR. L. MclI.SpackMAN, Mr. L. McL. TERRILL. _ Meetings held the second Monday of the month exeept dur- ing summer, SOCIETE PROVANCHER D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE DU CANADA Patron Honoraire: Son Excellence, LE TRES HONORABLE Lor> TWeeEDsMUIR, G.C.M.G., C.H., Gouverneur- Général du Canada; Vice-Pairon Honvoraire; HONORABLE E.-L. PATENAUDE, Lieutenant-Gouverneur de la Province de Québec; Bureau de Direction pour 1985: Président: REX MEREDITH, N.P.; Jer vice-président: ALPHONSE DESsILETS, BS.A.; 2iéme vice-président: JAMES F. Ross; Secrétaire- trésorier: Louis-B. Lavoin; Chef de la section scientifique: Dr. D.-A.DERY; Chef de la section de Propagande éduration- nelle: G.- ULRIC TESSIER, Chef .de la sect.on de protection: ADRIEN FALARDEAU, C.R.; Chef de la section d’information scientifique et pratique: A. WESTON AHERN. Directeure: ee AHERN, EDGaR ROCHETTE, C.R., M.P.P., DR. GUSTAVE ATTE. Secrétaire-trésorier: Louis-B. LAVOIn 38, rue Sherbrooke, Québec. THE TORONTO FIELD-NATURALISTS’ . CLUB OFFICERS FOR 1934-35. Birds—MeEssrs. S. 1.. THomMpson, L. J.. Snyper, J. L. BaiuiJE, JR.. Pror. T._F. McItwraitau, R. M. SPEIRS, F. H. EMERY. Mammale—Pror. A. F. COVENTRY, MEssrs. EK. C. Cross, D. A. McLunicu. Reptiles and Am phitians— Messrs. E. B. S. LoGizer, WM LeRay. Figh-— ProF. J. R. DyMOND, ProF. W. J K HAkkKNEss. Insects—-Dr. E. M. Walker, Dr. N. Forp. Mr. F. P. Ip. Botany—Pror. R. B. THOMSON, Dr. H. B. Sirton, Dr. T.M. C. Taytor: MR W. R. Watson, Mr. L. T. OWENS. Geology—Dr. A. P COLEMAN: ProF. A. MCLEAN. We would ask the Officers, and more particularly the Secretaries, of all the Affiliated Societies to assist us in our task of building up the circulation of this magazine. By securing every member as a subscriber we can truly make this magazine into one of the leading Natural History publications of America. AUTOBIOGRAPHY of JOHN MACOUN, M.A. These are attractively bound, and contain a wealth of information concerning Canadian Natural History and Exploration. The author was a former President of the Club and this is a Memorial Volume PRICE $3.00. - 305 pp. WILMOT LLOYD 582 Mariposa Avenue Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa FOR SALE:— — COMPLETE SET OF THE CLUB’S PUBLICATIONS 1879-1935 This is a rare opportunity. For particulars address the Treasurer— WILMOT LLOYD 582 Mariposa Avenue Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa FORM OF BEQUEST BOOKS TO EXCHANGE I have the following duplicate books on ornithology to exchange for other works on American ornithology not now in my library; Wilson’s American Ornithology, 3 vols. Coues’ Birds of the North-West. Complete set of Bent’s ‘‘Life Histories’’, 9 numbers. Fisher’s Hawks and Owls. Barne’s Price List. These are all in good condition. Frank L. Farley, Camrose, Alberta. CANADA NORTH OF FIFTY SIX By E. M. KINDLE — Special profusely illustrated number of The ‘“‘Naturalist’’, 86 pages, 31 illustrations. Every Canadian should know this prize essay. PRICE FIFTY CENTS — WILMOT LLOYD = 582 Mariposa Avenue Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa WILMOT LLOYD, Treasurer, Ottawa’ Field-Naturalists’ Club, 582 Mariposa Avenue, Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa. Enclosed please find $2.00 as membership in ~ The O.F.-N.C. and Subscription to the Canadian Field-Naturalist for the year 1935. ve Name Jeccnncennnceccanccescesecccnsenccecetocetesen = sens nn eceerseseecencoennes Address ...........-... ome cnecrcenencesaasecnnsewscoceenscccesssssnconconasccasecncees City, Prov. or State I do hereby give and bequeath to The Ottawa Field-. Naturalists’ Club of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada the sum a a Dollars WANTED A second-hand copy, in good condition, of “Our Wild Orchids” By_ Frank Morris and Edward A. Eames State what Price (Mrs.) Anna E. MacLoghlin, 43 Inglewood Drive, _ Hamilton, Ont. Kindly mention The Canadian Field-Naturalist to advertisers ea ees | VOL. L, No. 5 . MAY, 1936 | RERN NAT UR PSS =. ) | j “ol d x ) Ht Al Bieta baie Sct kite \ NY ( t] if See Oe an Se EE a ese ge he ee. ae Bis wa ue: Ky : Ty ory \ A AS h oA Nes A 4: i) nA \ ~ }) . ik \ ee | \ | ayy pane Nee Nl Aedh 3 ! - ISSUED MAY 7, 1936 Entered at the Ottawa Post Office as second-class matter i ie ee ee as wean THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB Patrons: ae THEIR EXCELLENCIES THE GOVERNOR GENERAL AND LADY TWEEDSMUIR . : 5 President: HERBERT GROH eee Ns aa Ist Vice-President: P. A. TAVERNER - ue ~ 2nd Vice-President; R. E. DELu Secretary: PeGcy WHITEEURST, Treasurer; WiLMoT LLOYD, 582 Mariposa Av 110 Prospect Avenue, Westboro. SIN eae! Rockcliffe Park tw ee EY RP ERE CREM pL booed 6 : Additional ‘Menlbers of \Codncit: my, ALcocK, R. M. ANDERSON, Rev. F. E. BANIM, HENRY BOWERS’ M. E. Cowan, H. G..Crawrorp, F.J. Fraser, A.Hatkert, C. E. JOHNSON, E. M. KINDLE W. H. LanceLey, A. LARocque, DouGLAS LEECHMAN, GRACE S. LEwis, HARRISON F. LEW Hoyes Lioyp, C. W. LounsBury, MArK G. McELHINNEY, A. E.PorsiLp, E. E. PRINcg, L. RUSSELL, C. M. STERNBERG, MALCoLM M. THomson, E.F.G. Waite. R. T. D. WICKEND: M. E. WILson. and the following Presidents of Affiliated Societies: A. G. LAWRENCE, J. WILLIAMS, CHARLES MADDEFORD, JOHN DAVIDSON, M. Y. WILLIAMS, V. C. WYNNE-EDWAR: R. MEREDITH, ARNOTT M, PATTERSON. ; OR Re Auditors: W. H. LANCELEY and Harrison F. LEwIs. Editor: DoucLas LEECHMAN 5 _ National Museum, Ottawa, Canada. Associate Editors: DOENNESS 5 nob oe ee eee Anthropology CLYDE, Gi. PATCH: 253...) een De ADAMS 2 oo icc ee ee ace ies Botany «dR. M. ANDERSON 3242 Jc cee RR WATCRBGRD 40.6 geg 8 Conchology A.G. HUNTSMAN......... ihe i ARTHUR GIBSON. 2). 105.00) 0) Entomology P. Ad TAVERNER. 30.5). Soe eee Died ADCOCK: te, ire Oe ee Geology Eis M:KINDEB Ga ee %, CONTENTS The Canadian Snowshoe Rabbit Inquiry, 1934-35. By Charles Elton and G. Swynnerton. as Rotifers from the Laurentides National Park with Descriptions of Two New Species. By eee eo eer ee ee eso e se -c ees eso eos sere seessoeeer ese eoeesseseoseees & ee rr re Ce er 0 rr Be Tee wig: ei Sen he) aC a NE Cea Dr a aE Te eg ARAN EO Wika eae The Ross Goose (Chen rossi) in Alberta. By Frank L. Farley.............-.+--+--- Book Reviews:— : Beye Insect Enemies of Shade Trees. By Glen W. Herrick. D.L. ................00-- Be Birds of the Eastern Arctic. By P. A. Taverner.—H.F.L............ PSS eee eit: Excursions of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 1986. ..........0-ceeccececeeceenecers ip The official publications of Taz Orrawa FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB have been issue # since 1879. The first were The Transactions of the Oitawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 1879-1 i## two volumes; the next, The Oltawa Naturalist, 1886-1919, thirty-two volumes; and these have #1 been continued by The Canadian Field-Naturalist to date.:. The Canadian Field-Naturalist is ig issued monthly, except for the months of June, July and August. Its scope is the publicatio i## of the results of original research in all departments of Natural History. ay) Price of this volume (9 numbers) $2.00; Single copies 25¢ each Subscriptions ($2.00 a year) should be forwarded to ~ WILMOT LLOYD, ( Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, i 582 Mariposa Ave., _ Rockeliffe Park, OTTAWA, CANADA The Canadian Field-Naturalist VOL. L OTTAWA, CANADA, MAY, 1936 No. 5 THE CANADIAN SNOWSHOE RABSIT INQUIRY, 1934-35. By CHARLES ELTON and G. SWYNNERTON (Prepared from material gathered by the Na- tional Parks Branch, Department of the Interior, Ottawa, and others, by CHARLES ELTON, Director of the Bureau of Animal Population, Oxford Uni- versity, with the assistance of G. SwWYNNERTON.) 1. INTRODUCTION HIS IS the fourth annual report on fluctuations of the Snowshoe Rabbit or Varying Hare (Lepus americanus) in North America. It follows the methods of obtaining and mapping information from field observers already described in three prev- ious papers in The Canadian Ficld-Naturalist 47 63-69, 83-86, 1933; 48:73-78, 1934; and 49: 79-85, 1935. There is no need to repeat a de- tailed account of these methods. It is sufficient to note that reports are obtained from a large number of observers who recovd their opinions of the comparative abundance of snowshoe rab- bits from year to year. Each observer states the area in which he has worked during the previous twelve months (taken for convenience as those ending May 31st). This area is drawn in as accurately as possible on a large scale map, and the results later transferred to a smalier scale grid on the map of North America. The number of squares giving reports of Increase, No Change, Decrease and Epidemic form the main basis for a quantitative comparison of changes in the snowshoe rabbit population. It was fortunate that the inquiries were start- ed by the National Parks Branch of the De- partment of the Interior just as snowshoe rab- bits were coming up to a peak of abundance in nearly all parts of Canada. This peak has now been passed, and most populations are on the downgrade or already very scarce, so that the records of the last four years give some picture of the culmination and decline of the ten-year cycle. In the present paper the results for the twelve months ending May 31st, 1935, are sum- marised, and the main events of the last cycle brought together in a condensed form. The sources of information are as follows :— 1. 478 reports supplied by observers through the National Parks Branch,—exactly the same number as in the previous year. We are in- debted to the Commissioner, Mr. Jz 1B. [Blase in and to the following whose services made this result possible: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; the Game Officers of the Provinces of Canada; Honorary Game Of- ficers and Holders of Scientific Permits under the Migratory Birds Convention PACE Mecc= dermists; Superintendents and Wardens of the National Parks, and other observers throughout the country. We wish to put on record the high standard of the reports and the care with which they have been put to- gether at National Parks headquarters for our use. 2. Annual zoological reports from the Hudson’s Bay Company (of which 116 contained rele- vant information about snowshoe rabbits). We have to thank the Governor, Mr. P. Ashley Cooper, and the Committee of the Company for permission to use these reports and also some for earlier years; and the Fur Trade Commissioner in Winnipeg, Mr. Ralph Parsons, for his continued interest -and help. 3. 29 reports made by fishery officials working in the Maritime Provinces under the Bio- logical Board of Canada. The officer of the Board who handled these was Dr. A. G Huntsman. 4. A report from Anticosti, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, kindly sent by Mr. C. R. Towns- end, Factor of the Consolidated Paper Cor- poration Ltd., at Port Menier, Anticosti. 5. The Department of Natural Resources of Newfoundland is supplying information from its Supervisors. These have not been receiy- ed in time for the present report, but will, it is hoped, be included in the next one. We have to thank Mr. Gower Rabbitts, in charge of Game and Inland Fisheries, for arrang- ing the inquiry in Newfoundland. (7 6. THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST This year 8 reports were received from Alas- ka, through courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey and the officers of the Alas- ka Game Commission. We wish to thank in particular Mr. Frank Dufresne for obtaining further reports from the resident Game War- dens. Fig: 1. Jroups of squares overlapped by areas of observers reporting relative INCREASE in 1934-35 over 1933-34. Dotted areas in Alaska and Anti- costi are actual areas reporting increase. Larger black dots are Hudson’s Bay Company posts etc. (1927 map,) Broken lines in Canada show main vegetation zones. Province or State boundaries. = & : eS, bees oO e' + i a) UE [VoL. L The U. S. Bureau of Biological Survey in Washington have cooperated this year in ex- tending the inquiry into the United States, from which 49 reports have been received—— a matter for satisfaction, since it shows that the methods employed in the Canadian inquiry have met with approval elsewhere, and also a State of the snowshoe rabbit population in 1934-35. Dotted areas arc Broken lines 1n United States show approximate limits of snowshoe rabbit shecies and subspecies. Thick black lines are May, 1936] because we are now enabled to cover sample patches of a large part of the whole range of the snowshoe rabbit in North America. For this cooperation we have to thank Mr. J. N. Darling, late Chief of the Bureau. The organization of the inquiry in Washington has been carried out under Dr. W. B. Bell. Chief of the Division of Wildlife Research, whose help we wish to acknowledge. We also wish to thank Mr. He:bert L. Stoddard, who gave important assistance by ca:rying out preliminary negotiations in Washington. The reports are from the surveys Came Frotec- tors and people in touch with them; they are referred to in more detail later. The total material available, therefore, con- sisted of 573 reports from Canada, United States and Alaska, arranged on a standard pattern (for questionnaire see the first report of this series). The original full data are deposited at the Bur- eau of Animal Population in Oxford. Dupli- cates of the National Parks of Canada Branch questionnaire replies, of the detailed maps for provinces, and of the main maps reproduced in a reduced form here, are being deposited with THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 73 in the U. S. Biological Survey at Washington, where also copies of the detailed maps for var- ious states will be placed. It goes without say- ing that a very large amount of valuable infor- mation about snowshoe rabbit habitats, years of abundance and scarcity, epidemics, and also notes on predatory animals and birds is contained in these reports and cannot be summarised in a short paper. It is for this reason that they are, as far as possible, being made available for ref- erence by workers on both sides of the Atlantic. In Oxford we have to thank particularly Mrs. Jane Baden-Powell for valuable help in prepar- ing maps for record; and Mr. Dennis Chitty, who assisted with mapping the Ontario and Que- bec material and suggested some improvements in technique. Throughout the investigation the advice of Mr. Hoyes Lloyd of the National Parks of Canada Branch has been greatly ap- preciated. The Dominion Bureau of Statistics has also given important assistance. 2. METHODS Our aim is, as far as possible, to transfer the records (i.e. the opinions) of observers about the National Parks Branch at Ottawa. Dupli- population changes onto maps without introduc- eates of the United States reports are filed ing any important bias of our own into the re- TABLE 1 State of the Snowshoe Rabbit population in Canada, 1934-35 (numbers of squares). a ooeoeleoee—"$"w—ewesesSsSsSsSsSSS”—“—“———qSo_—aoaosoSoomnna—o——e—ee eee Total Increase Taeease Biaecee | eeceee |IN Change |No Chee Epidemic Epidemic Nee a ee Vaolkaray Wie 34 31 91 $ 0 0 0 0 Northwest Territories . 207 166 66-80 45 10-22 10 3-5 16 8 British Columbia. . 181 neal 42-67 84 23-46 39 7-22 21 12 Alberta ..... 184 62 17-34 119 53-65 44 8-24 56 30 Saskatchewan 143, 43 3-30 127 58-89 35 5-24 Tal! 50 Manitoba ... 196 62 14-32 153 57-78 28 7-14 Al 21 Ontariow. 5. 313 90 13-29 259 58-83 51 3-16 37 12 Quebec...... 238 74 | 20-31 V2) sl 56-72 32 6-13 88 37 New’ Brunswick. 25 i) 28-35 12 16-48 12 24-48 4 16 Nova Scotia . ath 21 37-78 14 22-52 6 0-22 22 eee TOTAL | 1548 | 679 27-44 | 988 43-64 257 6-17 340 22 SS OOOO —_ — ana 74 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST sults. The methods employed do largely achieve this aim, in two ways. First, the areas of ob- servers are mainly mapped automatically and could be entirely so if the reports stated with sufficient precision the areas covered during the year. In practice the areas are not always des- cribed in such a way that they can be exactly {VoL. L transferred to a map. Observers are earnestly asked to remember to do this every year, and to describe the limits of their areas exactly, im such a way that these can be mapped without error by someone unfamiliar with the local fea- tures. The tdeal method is to mark tn the areas on a sketch map and return this with the Fic, 2. State of the snowshoe rabbit population in 1934-35. Vertical hatched areas are groups of squares overlapped by areas of observers reporting relative DECREASE in 1934-35 over 1933-34. Horizontally hatched areas, NO CHANGE. Large black dots are Hudson's Bay Company posts, etc. (1927 map). Broken lines in Canada show main vegetation zones. Broken lines in the Umited States show approximate limits of snowshoe rabbit species and subspecies. Thick black lines are Province or State boundaries. May, 1936] reply. This is one of the ways in which field observers can most effectively help to maintain the high standard required in mapping animai population on a large scale. The second point is that whatever errors are introduced tend largely to cancel one another out, i.¢., they will occur at random in mapping “more”, “less” and “no change”. To make this second safeguard effective, it is necessary, however, to avoid map- ping very large areas which may give undue weight to the opinion of one or two observers. For this reason any reply covering an area more than 50 miles across is considered very carefully, and usually used for reference but not actually mapped unless it is clearly the result of some large-scale inquiry canalizing the observations of a number of other people. For the Northwest Territories of Canada very large areas are map~ ped, however. The Hudson’s Bay Company re- sults are first mapped as circles with a 50-mile radius (100 miles diameter) and then trans- ferred to the main grid of 30-mile squares. Na- tional Parks of Canada Branch, Biological Board of Canada, and United States observations are happed on large-scale maps of provinces and states and transferred to the main grids. These Were done on two different maps, for reasons of convenience: the Canadian map being thar previously used, and the United States map be- ing based on the polyconic projection, 1/7,000,000, relief map published by the U. S. Geological Survey, 1934. The two have been photographed down to about the same scale. The results for Alaska and Anticosti are mapped as returned, and are not transferred onto any grid. In weighing up the reliability of these annual maps there are obviously two main considera- tions: the accuracy of the observations and the accuracy of the mapping methods. We believe that the mapping methods, though subject to certain errors, are sufficiently exact for the pur- pose. The accuracy of the comparative field ob- servations is proved by the consistent picture they give and the large extent to which manv observers agree in their description of what is happening over large areas. 3. RESULTS: 1934-35. CanapA. The three maps (Figs. 1-3) show the distribution of areas reporting More, Less, No change and Epidemic in 1934-35. The figures for the various provinces are summarised in Table 1. The fact that two figures are given for many of the percentage values is due to the existence of overlapping, 1.e. to the fact that a number of squares contain records for more than THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 75 one category. Some of these overlaps represent real differences of opinion between people work- ing over the same ground; others are only ap- Parent owing to different areas covering differ- ent parts of the same square—for it has to be remembered that a square is filled in completely even if only a small portion of the observer’s area enters it. This exaggeration of the origin- al areas, involved in the grid method, has already been discussed in previous reports, where it was shown that the method about doubles the original areas but that this probably does not greatly affect the comparative values for different cate- gories. The real percentage value lies somewhere between the two given in the table. It can be seen at once that this was a year of “crash” in the Middle West and East of Can- ada, while the Northwest (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and northern British Columbia) was still on the increase and had not yet begun to decline much. For Canada generally the maps for 1931-32 and 1932-33 showed a negligible area of Decrease (0-7% and 4-10% respectively). In 1933-34 this had swelled to 17-31%. In 1934- 35, 43-64% of the country was reporting de- crease. Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, On- tario and Quebec, all show minimum figures of over 52%. The Increase values have changed in an inverse manner, dropping from nearly 100% in 1931-32 to 27-44% in 1934-35. A regional grouping of the provinces - brings out rather clearly the situation in 1934-35. The number of squares grouped into three regions is as. follows: ——————————— % Total Increase Overlap Increase Yukon Northwest tevin 422 318 74 57-75 British Columbia Alberta ( Saskatchewan (923) 1642 H6) . 22-32 Manitoba { Ontario one \ ss 164 76-16-30 ueDEC The differences would be still more striking if the regions chosen were more natural ones e.g. if northern British Columbia and Alberta were separated from their southern parts. But there has not been time to carry out such refinements, as the questionnaire replies inevitably cannot be received until the early winter, and the mapping and analysis takes two or three months. 76 In the previous report (for 1933-34) it was pointed out that the sudden increase in conflict- ing reports indicated the point at which rabhits were reaching saturation, or approaching at any rate high numbers where it would be difficult to observe increase or decrease. The percentage of No change reports was higher in that year than it was before or than in the season of 1934-35. The Epidemic percentage (22%) is about the same as in the two previous seasons (16%, 19%) but there has been a trend of in- crease. Practically no epidemics were reported in 1931-32. There is no doubt that we are wit- nessing an enormously widespread decline in the snowshoe rabbit population, the development of which can be followed fairly exactly in the maps for these last four years. The statistical re- sults discussed here are backed by a very large number of accounts from observers. A few of the replies are given below. They are only a selection from very rich and interesting material. Hay River Post (H.B.Co.), Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories: “At the beginning of the Outfit (1c. June 1934) rabbits, coloured foxes and lynx were fairly plentiful, but about Christmas the rabbits seemed to thin out considerably and there was a general migration of foxes and lynx in a northwesterly direction . . . In the summer of 1935 rabbits were very scarce THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST (VoL. L Northern Alberta, (Townships 80-101, Ranges 19-24. H. G. Lowes, R.C.M.P.): “Much less. Sudden decrease last year and no increase noticed this year. Only thing noticed unusual was that rabbits bunched together in hundreds and died last year. They were so scarce this year that they were hardly noticeable. A stray one was noticed from time to time dur- ing the winter.’ Buffalo National Park, Alberta. (West and North sections, and Park reserve sections on west side of Park and East of Battle River. E. J. Cotton, Warden) : “Very few seen: these were in dense willows. in slough and river bottom lands. Scarce since last season. During summer and fall months (1935) animals were infected and died out to a considerable extent. Last May carcasses were frequently found, also animals in a dying con- dition. They were thin and ragged and the body and head were covered with small egg-like ap- pendages.”’ Edmonton, Alberta, and 50 miles round it. (Prof. William Rowan, University of Alberta) : “Noticeable reduction in numbers during Nov- ember, 1934. Stationary during winter in spite of severe weather conditions. Numbers in May, 1935, only slightly below those of May, 1934. Epidemic in November, 1934: of some 250 rab- TABLE 2. State of the snowshoe rabbit population in the United States, 1934 35. ——————————————— — —————————————————————————————————————— —————— eee S é ciate & 5 a S Z Z I) Z a” 5 us a us Z ws a se ——— — era Maine 1 24 0 24 0 0 New Hampshire 1 9 0 9 0 0 Michigan 1 9 0 4 0 4 Minnesota 2 3 2 1 0 1 Total (L. americanus)| 6 | 40 2 5 | 38 | 95 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 13 Pes OTN ORCL 0 sao 1 a Pale te ea Ne UA col Me mare ua Uti oA NT SQN ees ot Washington 7 15 0 0 5 0 Idaho 1 14 2 8 15 8 Montana 2 15 10 4 2 0 Wyoming 12 25 7 2 22 0 Colorado 2 19 6 13 5 0 is ad RY RTA WP WA Ai ee FAN VU nd WA drs UA a Pre LER ER I IRE eee et tA OP Total (L. bairdt) May, 1936! bits examined during the fall and winter no case of tularaemia was encountered and all injec- tions into guinea pigs were entirely negative. Some of these rabbits were very emaciated and in very poor condition. Tapeworms cysts plenti- ful, but not universal. Tuberculosis identified in several cases. In many cases no diagnosis of obvious diseased condition was successfully made. Horned owls still superabundant..... ay Southern Alberta. (Valley of Elbow and Bow Rivers through the Sarcee Indian Reserve and adjacent to the villages of Priddis and Bragg Creek. F. L. Sara): “An increasing demand for rabbits by the fox ranches, locally, has developed quite a winter industry, particularly around Bragg Creek, which was shipping out approximately a ton of rabbit carcasses each ten days during winter months. This trapping has been systematic, but instead of depleting the number of rabbits in the area, they appear to be just as many each fall. I have been watching with interest for a recur- tence of rabbit disease but over a period of THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST afer four years no trace of this epidemic has been manifest. Query, would the constant trapping have any effect in maintaining the stock in a more virile condition? I saw no marked in- crease this year.” Northern Saskatchewan, (Townships 62-66, Ranges 15-22, W. 3rd Meridian; R. Higman) : “During the years 1932-33 and up to March, 1934, snowshoe rabbits have been more scarce than for several years.” Berens River Post (H.B.Co.), Lake Winni- peg, Manitoba: “Hardly a rabbit left in this vicinity in the spring, whereas for the past two years they Were extremely plentiful.” Mistassint Post (H.B.Co.), Central Quebec: “In some sections where our natives trap, rabbits have almost disappeared.’ James Bay. (From mouth of Moose River, Ontario, to 20 miles inland and coast line of James Bay from Moose River to MRupert’s House on E. side, from Moose River to Albany L. W. Hopkins, R.C.M.P.): on W. side. Fic. 3. Epidemics among snowshoe rabbits. Dotted areas are groups cf squares overlapped by observers reporting EPIDEMICS in 1934-35. Larg- er dots are Hudson's Bay Company posts etc. (1927 map). Broken lines show main vegetation zones. aries. Thick black lines are Province bound- 78 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST “In swampy bush country, where balsam, spruce, willows and tamarack grow. Less abund- ant. Decrease began in February, but cause not known. This might be attributed to an increased number of foxes through this area. No diseased specimens have been reported. From Attawa- piskat, Ont., to Moose Factory, and from Moose Factory around Hannah Bay to Point Comfort, P.Q., there has been a marked decrease. A\I- though a slight decrease was noticed in Rupert’s Bay it was not serious.” There is a large mass of useful information about habitats, epidemics, parasites, and some specially valuable notes on predatory animals and birds. These are available in the files and it is hoped that biologists will make use of them. Auaska. Mr. F. Dufresne reports (Autumn, 1935) that “Although none of the areas under discussion (Fort Yukon, Fairbanks, McGrath, Anchorage, Cordova) show signs of sudden de- creases, information has come to this office that (VoL. L the rabbits in the Iliamna—Bristol Bay district have declined in numbers, and it is believed that the rabbit cycle in Alaska is now at or near its cyclical peak.’ Mr. Otto W. Geist of University of Alaska, College, Alaska, reports (October 18th, 1935) that “It is now near the end of Oc- tober and snowshoe rabbits (varying hare) are plentiful. While walking along the railroad track from Fairbanks to the University of Alaska on October 16th at about midnight, I counted over 25 white or nearly white ones within the short distance of 3 miles. These I actually saw, but I also heard several running over dry and frozen leaves when I did not actually see the ani- mals. It is safe to say they are quite plentiful yet ..... Charles H. Rouse, Assistant Bio- logist, Biological Survey Experiment Station, Fairbanks, reports (November 4th, 1935) snow- shoe rabbits not yet decreasing, and that no epidemic had been noticed, although a number were heavily infested with wood ticks, Haemo- physalis Icporus-palustris in May and June 1935. TABLE 3. Total numbers of lynx, red fox and marten skins taken in the whole of Canada. (Dominion Bureau of Statistics figures) Season Lynx 1919-20 9,499* 1920-21 6,509 1921-22 11,673 1922-23 17,317 1923-24 26,437 1924-25 29,608 1925-26 33,054 1926-27 28,706 1927-28 21,369 1928-29 11,604 1929-30 (yal 1930-31 7,976 1931-32 8,454 1932-33 11,932 1933-34 16,799 1934-35 Red Fox Martens 30,317 56,977 18,137 47,292 38,024 58,989 42,739 45,579 65,986 47,407 82,610 41,504 90,745 36,940 74,391 42,048 53,671 38,058 37,964 34,497 Ks Ke) 27,396 28,671 25,879 36,643 21,925 52,765 23,725 81,513 17,660 +(e. 20,000) * Includes a certain number of ‘wild cats’’. } Provisional figure. May, 1936] Previous records and some fur statistics re- cently obtained show that Alaska has a similar rabbit cycle to Canada, and it seems certain that this or the next winter will have witnessed the beginning of decline. Unitep States. The snowshoe rabbit situa- tion in the United States is complicated by the existence of several species and subspecies oc- cupying separate isolated areas. The most im- portant, and the only places from which reports have been received this year, are the Rocky Mountain area occupied by Lepus bairdi, which lives in mountain forests from 8,000 to 11,000 feet in Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico; a NasuvW doy X04 IU § 50000 | SniMs THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 79 and the north-eastern forest area of Minne- sota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Pennsyl- vania, and New England generally (extending south into the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia) occupied by subspecies of L. ameri- canus itself. (L. a. phaconotus, struthopus and virgimanus). There are also certain extreme western forms for which data are not available this year. The ranges of the different species and subspecies have been sketched on the maps (Figs. 1 and 2) : these are only very approximate, being taken from E. W. Nelson’s monograph (North American Fauna, No. 29, 1909) adjusted in certain cases to cover the present records. These areas are marked in, more in order tv SNOWSHOE RABBIT ° °o Wauv uo sisod De 50% Io . Ye INCREASE H.B.Co. PposTs 800¢0 " ” % DECREASE By AREA Who 2h, Ma hy hy HW, he 2M, Yee 7, 4h, 3, BL BL BL HZ, Fic. 4. The ten-year cycle in snowshoe rabbits and predatory furbearers (lynx, red fox, and marten). Snowshoe rabbit: large black dots and thick connecting line show percentage of Hudson’s Bay Company posts ‘reporting INCREASE (report for 1931-32 missing) ; thick vertical lines. with area dotted, cover limits of values for percentage areas in Can- adian Snowshoe Rabbit Inquiries reporting INCREASE (including Na- tional Parks Branch results for four years, H. B. Co. for last threc years, and Biological Board of Canada for last year); thin vertical lines ditto for percentage DECREASE. Predators: from Dominion Bur- cau of Statistics figures; Lynx figures for 1934-35 provisional. 80 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST show the general situation than to provide any exact map of the modern range of the species. Planimeter measurements show that these range limits cover an area of something like 580,600 square miles, much of which, however, is occu- pied by high mountain country or other unsuit- able ground. Since there must, however, be a very big population of snowshoe rabbits in the United States, it was of special interest to try and find out to what extent they take part in the same cycle as those in Canada. This was the chief object of extending the inquiry to the United States. The fact that we are able to study the changes in population of a group of rodent species over a large part of their total range, holds potentialities for general biological study. The results of the inquiry, so far as they could be mapped, are given in Table 2. The number of observers was much smaller than in Canada, but some of them covered rather large areas in their travels as Game Protectors, Game Wardens or Foresters, and part of their infor- mation comes from others. The results, though based on small figures, are of interest in two respects. First, for the eastern snowshoe rab- bit population 95% of the squares report De- crease. The 1eports for Maine and New Hamp- shire are particularly definite and circumstantial. They are confirmed by others in Michigan and [VoL. L Minnesota. In Maine the decrease apparently began two years ago and has been very rapid and widespread. In this connection we may note the important series of ecological and patho- logical reports by Dr. R. G. Green and Dr. J. E. Shillinger, for the Lake Alexander area of Min- nesota, published in mimeographed form as the Minnesota Wild Life Disease Investigations. These form the most important detailed field ob- servations on the snowshoe rabbit cycle, especial- ly in relation to tick infestation and tularaemia, that have so far been done. It is realised that there is a large amount of information also avail- able in game surveys past and current, but it is impossible here to do more than acknowledge the fact. The second conclusion that stands out is the comparative stability of the Lepus bairdi popula- tions in the mountain forests of the West. This is shown by the high percentage of No change figures (43-56) and is confirmed by a number of very definite statements that snowshoe rabbits in these regions fluctuate very little. The only region reporting any marked increase is Mon- tana, and the only place reporting epidemic is Idaho. It was not thought worth while to re- produce a special map for epidemic areas which cover two patches in Minnesota and Michigan and one in southwest Idaho. TABLE 4. Snowshoe rabbit reports from Hudson's Bay Company posts. af | | S| i a ae ro 2 Be 8. 3 S ze Ss 5 SS 1925-26 18 3 17 1926-27 25 2 8 1927-28 35 5 14 1928-29 53 23 43 1929-30 66 42 64 1930-31 69 55 80 1931-32 | (no records) = — aa 1932-33 119 109 92 1933-34 121 84 69 1934-35 116 34 29 & o oO) s be a bo a 2 5 is 2 5 A S Z ® ° ° (a) SS Zz S 15 83 0 0 20 80 3 12 29 83 1 3 25 47 5 10 19 29 5 7 11 16 3 4 6 5 4 3 29 24 8 7 79 68 3 3 ee May, 1936} The full details of these reports will be pub- lished elsewhere. The present summary makes it probable that the Lepus americanus population as a whole is under the influence of the north- ern ten-year cycle, both in Canada and in the United States, and the present method of mapping enables statistical comparisons to be made of the fluctuations of the different populations. It seems at any rate that the rabbits have “crash- ed” during the last two years on both sides cf the International Boundary. It is also of im- portance to follow up the question of the moun- tain populations of Lepus bairdi farther west, and to confirm the supposition that they are comparatively stable, as appears to be the case, and to find out whether this is due to the den- sity being always rather low, as is suggested for a good many localities. ate, ENE Y BAR CYCLE Sufficient material has now accumulated to make it worth while to summarise the events ot the last few years (Fig. 4). The fur returns (Dominion Bureau of Statistics) for the whole of Canada for lynx, red fox and marten are shown. from 1919-20 nearly up to date (Table 3). The latest figure for the lynx is a provt- sional one kindly supplied by the Bureau. Red fox means literally the red phase only of the coloured fox, as this was a convenient index of the species (which includes also cross and silver), and eliminates most of the fox farm figures. The cycle of about ten years in lynx and red fox is clearly shown, also the lack of any cycle in the marteit, which has gone steadily down to about a third of the catch for 1919-20. Now, the marten used to be one of the furbearers showing the most conspicuous ten-year cycle, as can be seen from the figures in C. G. Hewitt’s “Conservation of the wild life of Canada’ (1921 p. 225). After about 1900 the cycle gradually broke down and this is probably connected with Overtrapping. It is a little alarming to note the sluggish way in which lynx is recovering dur- ing the present cycle, but that may turn out to be only an accidental feature. The snowshoe rabbit figures in the diagram are from two sources. The reports from Hud- son’s Bay Company posts since 1925-26 form an earlier record, not so far published, of which the details are given in Table 4. The number cf posts reporting during the first two years may be too small for the percentage differences to be THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 81 significant. But the estimates of the last snow- shoe rabbit maximum given in the snowshoe rab- bit inquiry report for 1931-32 (Canadian Field- Naturalist 47:85, 1933) were 1923-25, - which agrees in a general way with the minimum per- - iod being in 1926-28. No H. B. Co. reports were received in 1931-32, when the National Parks Branch inquiry began. The figures for percent- age areas reporting Increase and Decrease are plotted on the diagram by vertical bars instead of points, owing to the value for each year ly- ing between two limits. The wide bars show Increase and the spaces are dotted in, the nar- rower bars show Decrease and the spaces are blank. The figures are those already published in this Journal and need not be repeated. There is a marked parallelism between lynx, red fox, and snowshoe rabbit, and it is appar ent that the snowshoe rabbit inquiry should provide a firm basis for forecasting the general trends of some of the furbearing animals. ‘The peak in lynx and red fox ought to occur in the winter of 1935-36 or 1936-37. Of course, it is realised that we are not comparing exactly homo- geneous data, since the richest areas for fur bearing animals are not necessarily at the pre- sent day the most important snowshoe rabbit districts, and there are important regional lags in rise and decline. SUMMARY Altogether 673 reports were received for 1934- 35 and most of these have been mapped. They cover most of Canada (including Anticosti) and sample areas of Alaska and the United States. In the Northwest rabbits were still increasing and abundant. Over much of the rest of Can- ada a steep decline had set in, partly associated with epidemics. Rabbits in the Northeast United States had also declined in numbers. Those in the Rocky Mountain areas were stable or show- ed no consistent regional trend, except for in- crease in Montana. The figures for previous years, summarised with trends in furbearer catches in Canada, show a well-marked cycle of about ten years. —_____ Since this report was completed information comes from Newfoundland Game and Inland Fish- eries that snowshoe rabbits appeared to be scarcer during 1935 than in 1934, in most sections where they are generally hunted. It is not known whether this was due to natural causes only. 82 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST [VoL. L ROTIFERS FROM THE LAURENTIDES NATIONAL PARK WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW SPECIES By FRANK J. MYERS, F.R.M.S. HE FOLLOWING list is based on a number of collections made during the month of August, 1935, while on an automobile trip through the Laurentides National Park, Quebec. The park lies on the Laurentian Plateau, its southern limit being about twenty-five miles from the city of Quebec, from where it extends north- ward for somewhat over one hundred miles. The terrain is a plateau with an uneven rolling surface, the elevation varying from 500 to 2,000 feet. It is a hard-rock area, plained by glacial action which has left its mark in the innumerable bodies of water both large and small. The rocks are for the most part Precambrian and of ig- neous origin, those predominating being granites and granite-gneisses. As is generally the case with such geological formations, the water is acid and the hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) of the various bodies of water varies from 5.2 to 6.8. Running almost through the middle of the park in a northerly direction is the only road that is fit for automobile traffic. It was along this route that collections were made. No specific locations are given, suffice it to say that col- lecting was done near the highway, along bran- ches of the Riviere Jacques-Cartier, and neigh- bouring lakes and ditches among Sphagnum, Fontinalis and other aquatic vegetation. A complete picture of the rotatorian fauna of the region cannot be given, as none of the material was narcotized, so that only a small proportion of the contractile forms were recog- nizable. However, under the action of caustic alkali the toes of many of these forms are forced out. The trophi are cleared during the pro- cess and these, together with the toes, frequently enable one to determine many species with ac- curacy. The loricated forms were abundant and furnished interesting material. The fauna agrees well with that of northern Wisconsin, southern New Jersey and Mount Desert Island, Maine, all of which are acid water associations. Collections were made by washing aquatics in a concentrating net and adding a small amount of formalin coloured with aqueous eosin after the concentrate was transferred to 50cc. contain- ers. The eosion stains rotifers and other small animal forms a dark pink but has no effect on cellulose plant material and other detritus, thus enabling the rotifers to be picked out more easily. There has been very little faunistic wo.k done on the rotatorian fauna of Canada. Oniy two such works having appeared; those of Murray (1911), and Odell and Harris (1933). The former deals with the order Bdelloidea ex- clusively, enumerating 42 species; the latter is a faunal list compiled from collections made in the Ottawa district, and 82 species are listed, most of which belong to the alkaline and trans- cursion faunae. Only 26 species are common to the following list and that of Odell and Har- ris. FAUNAL LIS? Aspelta beltista Harring and Myers. “_ circinator (Gosse) Asplanchnopus dahlgreni Myers Cephalodella apocolea Harring and Myers. i auriculata (Muller ) exigua (Gosse) it forficata (Ehrenberg). i gibba (Ehrenberg) megalocephalia (Glasscott) mucronata Myers tenuior (Gosse) Conichilus hippocrepis (Schrank) Conochiloides dossuarius Hudson Colurella bicuspidata (Ehrenberg) nt obtusa (Gosse) sulcata (Stenroos) a tesselata (Glasscott) Dapidia deflexa (Gosse) calpidia Myers Dicranophorus epicharis Harring and Myers Dissotrocha aculeata (Ehrenberg) if maculata (Ehrenberg) tuberculata (Gosse) Diurella brachyura (Gosse) cavia (Gosse) collaris (Rousselet) intermedia (Stenroos) porcellus (Gosse) porcellus var. carinata Harring i stylata (Eyferth) sulcata (Jennings) tenuior (Gosse) % tigris (Miiller) oe (is “cc May, 1936] THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 83 Diurella uncinata Voight se tortuosa Myers Encentrum felis (Miller) Eothinia elongata (Ehrenberg) Erignatha clastopis (Gosse) Luchlanis dilatata Ehrenberg : mencta Myers parva Rousselet pellucida Harring triquetra Ehrenberg “e “ee “ Floscularia ringens (Linnaeus) ¥ Janus (Hudson) Keratella cochlearis (Gosse) as paludosa (Lucks) ‘ serrulata (Ihrenberg) Lecane aquila Harring and Myers e arcula Harring brachydactyla (Stenroos) clara (Bryce) ae “ce Lecane fusilis, mew species . flexilis (Gosse) mtrasinuata (Olofsson) levistyla (Olofsson) ligona (Dunlop) s luna (Miller) mira (Murray) sympoda Hauer niothis Harring and Myers pycina Harring and Myers pyrrha Harring: and Myers satyrus Harring and Myers signifera (Jennings) stichaea Harring Lepadella acuminata (Ehrenberg) Lepadella canadaensis, new species ry cristata (Rousselet) cs ovalis (Muller) is patella Ehrenberg iriptera Ehrenberg Lindia pallida Harring and Myers Monommata caudata Myers enedra Myers diaphora Myers grandis Tessin hyalina Myers ‘ orbis (Miller) Monostyla bulla Gosse closterocerca Schmarda crenata Harring “ hamata Stokes lunaris Ehrenberg pygmaea Daday elacms Harring and Myers quadradentata Ehrenberg Notommata apochacta Myers codonella Harring and Myers copeus Ehrenberg cyrtopus Gosse doneta Harring and Myers epaxia Harring and Myers pachyura (Gosse) pachyura var. triangulatus Kirkman pseudocerebrus de Beauchamp saccigera Ehrenberg Platyias quadracornis (Ehrenberg) Pleurotrocha robusta (Glasscott) Ploesoma lenticulare Herrick ri triacanthum (Bergendal) truncatum (Levander) Polyarthra trigla Ehrenberg Prolaes decipiens (Ehrenberg) % sordida Gosse << Pseudoecistes rotifer Stenroos Rotaria macrura (Ehrenberg) Resticula melandocus (Gosse) Scaridium longicaudum (Miiller) Squatinella longispinata (Tatem) # mutica (Ehrenberg) tridentata (Fresenius) Stephanoceros fimbriatus (Goldfuss) *f millsii_ (Kellicott) Taprocampa annulosa Gosse te selenura Gosse Testudineila dicella Myers imeisa (Ternetz) parva (Ternetz) patina (Hermann) Tetrasiphon hydrochora Ehrenberg Trichocerca elongata (Gosse) ‘ ternis (Gosse) longiseta (Schmarda) lophoessa (Gosse) rattus (Muller) rosea (Stenroos) Trichotria pocillum (Miiller) g tetractis (Ehrenberg) truncata (Whitelegge) < cs 5e ORDER MONOGONONTA FAMILY BRACHIONIDAE Lecane fusilis new species The lorica is obovoid, truncate anteriorly, membranous and quite flexible. The anterior margins are coincident and slightly convex; no anterior spines are present. The posterior seg- ment is subcircular and projects far beyond the limit of the dorsal plate. No lateral sulci are 84 THe CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST Fig. 1. Lecane fusilis, dorsal view. In order to avoid duplication of figures, dotted lines indicate ventral features. present. The coxal plates are rather small and obtusely pointed; they do not reach beyond the second foot joint. The first foot joint is elong- ate, rather narrow and somewhat indistinct; the second joint is large and subsquare. The toe is of median length and quite stout; it is fused for two-thirds of its length and terminates in two long slender claws. Length: dorsal plate 52; ventral plate 63; toe 24; claws 8. Width: lorica, (widest part) 58. (Measurements in micro-millimeters). Lecane fusilis was found to be quite rare. It belongs to that group within the species char- acterized by a partial fusion of the toes, exem- plified by such species as: L. inopinata Harring and Myers, L. elasma Harring and Myers, L. sympoda Hauer and L. agilis Bryce. In addi- tion to those, I have received sketches of several others, as yet undescribed, found in collections from Java and Sumatra, and kindly sent to me by Herr. J. Hauer, Karlsruhe, Baden. It is the definite transition between the toes of the otherwise identical genera Lecane and Monostyla which prompted Edmondson (1935) to propose the union of the two genera under the name of Lecane. Type material of this species has been de- posited in the collection of the American Mus- eum of Natural History. Cat. No. 870. ORDER MONOGONONTA FamiILy BRACHIONIDAE Lepadella canadaensis new species The shape of the lorica is broadly ovate. The dorsal plate is moderately convex and has a [Vou. L a Fic. 2. Lepadella canaiaensis, dorsal a, cross section. view ; wide inconspicuous, longitudinal median ridge; posteriorly there is a distinct emargination over the foot groove. There is no dorsal sinus, the anterior margin of the dorsal plate being per- fectly straight. The ventral sinus is widely V-shaped. No stippled collar was observed. The foot groove is short, bluntly pointed an- teriorly and has widely divergent lateral edges. The foot is composed of the usual three joints, the terminal being equal to the combined length vt the first and second. The toes are long and slender; they taper gradually to very fine tips. Length: lorica 74; terminal foot joint 9; toes 28. Depth: ventral anterior sinus 18; foot groove 15. Width: anterior points 26; lorica 60; foot groove 20. (Measurements in micro- millimeters). Lepadclla canadaensis was quite rare, only a few specimens having been found. It belongs to the Metopidia group of the Lepadellid roti- fers, in which the dorsum, instead of being evenly rounded is triradiate in various degrees of development. It is closely related to JL.. longiseta Myers, from which it differs by the presence of a median dorsal ridge, instead of being evenly rounded; by the presence of a triangular shaped foot groove, instead of being oval; and, by the absence of prominent tubules from which the lateral antennae emerge. May 1936] Type material of this species has been deposit- ed in the collection of The American Museum of Natural History. Cat. No. 871. LITERATURE CITED (1911) Murray, J. “Canadian Rotifers.” Journ. Royal Micr. Soc., London pp. 285-297, pls. 6-8. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 85 (1933) fers of Ottawa and District.’ Nat., Ottawa 47: 132-133. (1935) Epmonpson, W. T. from Arizona.” Tyvrans. 54: 301-306, text figs. Ope.tL, W. S. and Harris, W. E. “Roti- Can. Field- “Some Rotatoria Anmier. Micr. Soe. THE BEAVER OF THE RIDING MOUNTAIN, MANITOBA AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY AND COMMENTARY By H. U. GREEN (Concluded from page 67) BREEDING — GESTATION — YOUNG — MIGRATION From my observations I would say that male beavers are unquestionably monogamous. The presence of only one adult pair to a pond, the absence of intruders, and my tentative conten- tion that breeding occurs during the early part of winter when both sexes are imprisoned be- neath the ice, precludes the possibility of poly- gamy or promiscuity and likewise protects the female from the advances of other males who might seek her favours if the opportunity to do so were favourable. Whether monogamy on the part of the male is natural rather than adopted through force of circumstances, would be difti- cult to determine, but from a knowledge of male mammals there seems little doubt that if an- other adult female happened to be present she would have no cause to feel neglected, provided the attached female was not adverse to her presence. In any event, I do not think that one mate throughout life is the rule, for upon the death of either sex of a pair it would seem that the survivor seeks or is not adverse to taking an- other companion. The beaver is too gregarious to lead a single existence. That bereaved beav- ers will take another mate was proved in July, 1931, when I introduced an adult female receiv- ed from James Smart, Superintendent, Riding Mountain National Park, to an unattached male living at Site No. 2 whose female, I had rea- son to believe, died from wounds inflicted in an encounter with otters in the previous winter. The male, in this instance, remained in the pond in solitude. He was thus in no apparent hurry to mate again, nevertheless it is doubtful if he would have indefinitely continued a lone existence in the pond. When dumped from the large can in which she arrived by truck the in- troduced female immediately swam in the direc- tion of the lodge and dived. The same even- ing I observed the pair together, evidently the best of friends. The pair disappeared from the pond in July, 1932, together with three kittens. What happened to them, I cannot say. There is some suggestion locally that beavers breed in the late summer or autumn, and that copulation takes place in the water. However, as the young are born during the last week of May and the first week of June, breeding in the late summer or autumn infers a gestation period of about 7 or 8 months which, biologically, is of improbable duration for any rodent, irrespec- tive of size. I spent many hours watching the adult occup- ants of the ponds under observation when they were swimming about together during the late summer and autumn and interpreting noises heard within the lodge, but I cannot say that any amorous activity was evident or any sounds uttered which would suggest sexual interest. If, however, beavers breed during the winter, copu- lation would take place inside the lodge. Several attempts were made to count the “kit- tens”, at the ponds under observation, shortly after birth. Usually they all escaped as soon as one’s hand was introduced through a small hole cut through the walls of the lodge into the “room”. Sometimes I was successful in catch- ing one. Even then in the scuffle that ensued there was some danger of injuring the captive. The following estimate of the number of young born from year to year in the lodges under ob- ' servation was the maximum seen at any time to- gether in the water of the ponds. As the counts are the result of several observations, I feel cer- tain they are correct. 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 Site IN@: eecs 8 4 5 - 3 Site Nowe vee 5s 3 = 5 Site: Noises) 6 3 4 4 5 *Embryos from dead female. 86 THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST Just before the female gives birth to her “kit- tens” the male, who heretofore has occupied the same lodge with her, leaves the vicinity for sev- eral weeks. Should he return before the usual time he never approaches the lodge occupied by the female and “kittens”, although he may be seen swimming near her when she is taking ex- ercise or abroad to gather food. It has been noted that sometimes the female Drefers to vacate the lodge occupied by the family during the win- ter, taking up residence in the spare habitation until the “kittens” are able to fend for them- selves. From my observations I would say that the “kittens” do not voluntarily leave the lodge in which they were born until they are about four weeks old, and even then it is doubtful if thev are able to dive and gain the submerged entrance to return. Blindness, for a period after birth, is not the reason. Baby beavers are, without doubt, born with their eyes open. On several occasions I have observed what I believe to be a female swimming with a “kitten” either in her mouth or clasped in her “arms” and dive with it when nearing the lodge, which might suggest that the “kittens” are driven out for ex- ercise and to learn a thing or two about the life they are fitted for. The following experience adds weight to these observations and strongly infers that beavers also carry their “kittens” from place to place. In the spring of 1931, Grey Owl and I visited Site No. 1 for the purpose of capturing two “kit- tens” to augment his tame family living in a small pond near Clear Lake, Riding Mountain National Park. An endeavour to catch them within the “island” lodge, where they were born, failed. We did, however, succeed in driving them into the water when it was ex- pected they would float to the surface and, unable to dive, could be scooped up with a net carried for the purpose. But they did not all appear. Presently we heard a “kitten” crying in the shallow water oposite the lodge, which we caught without difficulty and. placed in a box. A second visit to the lodge, about an hour later, showed that the remaining “kittens” were again inside.. The following morning they were in the “bank” lodge, a hundred yards away. In what manner did they return to the “island” lodge after being driven out? How did they manage to traverse one hundred yards of water when they were too young to swim? The only logical answer seems to be that they were carried by one or other of their parents. Perhaps both assisted. [VoL. L The captured “kitten” was exactly 11” long, ; an exact replica of its parents, and half as big again as the other little fellows I have taken from the lodges when attempting to count them. I was particularly impressed with its lack of fear and desire for human company. When we returned to camp it was taken from the box and placed on the grass. It immediately start- ed to wander away, but at the sound of our voices waddled back to where we sat. I picked it up and placed it in the bosom of my shirt and it nestled down comfortably, as if gaining solace from the warmth and contact of an alien skin. I particularly mention these facts, for during many years in the wilderness I have mothered a host of orphaned creatures, but this little beaver was my first experience of an animal tame and chummy almost from the moment of capture. It demonstrates, I think, what may be accomplished with beavers when taken in infancy by one who is sympathetically inclined and endowed with a measure of pa- tience to raise them by hand. To what extent, if any, baby beavers assist their parents during the autumn following their birth, I am unable to say. When swimming about the ponds they were never observed io do anything useful. and the evidence of beaver- cut aspens and willows gave no hint of juvenile employment. I collected several nubbins of as- pen poplar wood from 6” to 8” in length bearing the marks of baby teeth at each severed end from which splinters had been pried. These little sections would serve no useful purpose other than a medium to wear down the crowns of growing incisors and exercise the jaw muscles. Perhaps, though, gnawing wood is only a play- ful gesture indicative of more serious work to come. Beaver “kittens”, from what I have seen of them, apaprently have few diversions other than half-hearted attempts to chase one another im the water, although from what one can hear going on within the lodges there is evidence that sometimes they engage in friendly rough and tumble combat. That they squabble seriously when nursing is a matter of record, but can one expect otherwise should there be more youngsters than their mother has teats? The “kittens” spend the first winter of life in the same lodge as their parents, but as soon as the ponds are clear of ice and the creeks fill with freshets of melted snow they forsake the place of their birth, never to return. The fact that a spare lodge and dens in the banks are available, or even a separate pond, as at Site a ee ee May, 1936] No. 2, is not considered sufficient incentive to remain. Just before their mother gives birth to he: next litter of “kittens” it seems instinctive for them to leave the old home. At this time, as yearlings, they are about half grown. One may readily trace these little migrants throughout the year as they follow the valleys in twos and threes, staying for awhile about some deep pothole on the line of march but al- ways forging onward seemingly in search of some suitable location for a temporary abode. When winter comes a den in the bank beside a deep water-filled hole provides shelter, and a food pile gathered and planted nearby affords a means of sustenance until spring returns and sends them wandering, as two-year-olds, in search of mates. The dens in which these migrating youngsters winte: differ from those described at the con- clusion of the last chapter inasmuch as their entrance is below the surface of the water, and while the former would be uncomfortable shel- ters, open and exposed, the latter are admirably adapted for the purpose. I have one record of two young beavers win- te-ing in a deep pothole on Tepee Creek, a tri- butary of the Vermilion River, with an ample food pile stored beside the underwater entrance terminating in a small “room”. It was abandoned as soon as the creek commenced to flow in the spring. Several other dens of this nature were located along the course of the Vermilion River, affording evidence of winter occupation in the past. In no instance could it be inferred that they were used for permanent residence. The migration of yearling beavers from the ponds under observation, the last stronghold of the species in the Riding Mountain, is indeed worthy of consideration with a view to prevent- ing them from wandering beyond the borders of the park, for my investigation proves that prac- tically the entire annual increase eventually leave the reserved area, not because there is any in- stinctive desire on their part to do so, but rather because no suitable environment offers an in- ducement to remain. The result is that through lack of sufficient water they continue down- stream from one pothole to another until the settlement is reached and they are either killed forthwith for their pelts or find some suitable spot for the creation of a pond where they re- side until found and destroyed. I have on sev- eral occasions during the past few years observ- ed two-year-old beavers swimming in the Ver- milion River beside my home in Dauphin which, from my knowledge of local beaver distribution THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST Q7 could be none other than individuals born in the ponds under observation. Numerous auth- entic reports have also been received regarding the presence of travelling beavers between Dauphin and where the Vermilion River leaves the boundary of the Riding Mountain National Park. One cannot alarm. view this annual loss without I feel quite sure that it could be easily and economically prevented if steps were taken to fill the breaches of many old dams along the course of the Vermilion River and its tribu- taries, and so create a chain of ponds which would undoubtedly induce migrant yearlings to remain in the hills. Further, the creation of ponds would conserve the watershed of the semi-arid uplands and restore as a food supply for elk and smaller deer the once abundant hay meadows now unproductive for want of mois- ture. They would also furnish much needed Watering places for game animals. Should the experiment be tried and prove successful (which I have every reason to believe it would) there is no reason whatever why the Vermilion River valley and its tributaries within the Riding Mountain should not again support a generous beaver population. TRACKS — SIGNS — FAECES Although beavers may be actually employed about a pond, it is seldom one sees well defined tracks of all four feet. Generally speaking it is only in deep soft mud that impressions are left, and even then the record is usually no more than the digit marks of the fore feet. The web- bed hind feet give little indication of their pre- sence, but should tracks be left they are merely small depressions where the toe points sank in. These deficiencies are probably caused by the dragging tail moving slightly from side to side as the beaver waddles along which would have a tendency to obliterate all but the deep impres- sions. The records, however, are quite char- acteristic when once identified, and unlikely to be confused with the tracks of any other animal. On dry ground, not a mark can be seen, a fact that equally applied to wet padded places. In snow a wide furrow is left, slightly wider than the broadest part of the tail and with little or no indication of foot marks. In general, signs of beaver habitation are too obvious to be deemed worthy of inclusion in any list. The pond, the dam, the lodge, are suffi- cient evidence when considered in conjunction with recent beaver activities thereabouts to prove that a site is occupied. Deserted ponds likewise indicate from their surroundings that no beav- 88 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST ers are about, for although the dam may be unbroken and the lodge intact there is an at- mosphere of emptiness suggestive of vacancy best described as being like untenanted and neg- lected human habitations and premises. Beaver signs remote from ponds, although some have already been mentioned alsewhere, are worthy of enumeration. They may be de- scribed as follows: (1) Characteristic track signs and tail marks. (2) Sign heaps, or mud piles, built along the banks of streams. (3) Cuttings, large and small, bearing the marks of beaver teeth. (4) Dens with entrances high in the bank beside streams, in which may be found peeled sticks and other vegetable debris suggestive of beaver occupation. (5) Dens with entrances submerged or at water level in deep potholes where migrating beaver have wintered. (6) Peeled aspen poplar and willow sticks swept over the crest of a dam by spring freshets and carried down stream, offering evidence of a beaver location above. (7) Stagnant water flowing down stream dur- ing the summer months, indicating that a beaver pond is not far distant. No mention has been made of beaver excre- ment as a distant sign, for the reason that excre- ment suggestive of the animal was never en- countered away from the ponds. It is quite ap- parent that while beavers urinate on land, they defaecate only in water. I have on many oc- casions observed faeces floating on the surface of the ponds which I believed to be of beaver origin rather than that of any other animal in- habiting the water or its vicinity. Water soaked though it was, it gave little indication of its original form or substance. Undigested parts of light vegetation and minute particles of wood fibre were present in the specimens examined, indicative of beaver food. The extent and weight of the floating masses preclude their de- position by muskrats, and I feel quite certain that they may be accepted as a typical beaver sign wherever found. No evidence of the presence of faeces was ever noticed inside a beaver lodge. PARASITES — CLEANLINESS — DISEASE I have no information to offer regarding par- asitic infestations. "The dead beavers examined and dissected were free from both external and internal forms. Any external parasites that could have been on the bodies may have depart- ed, for the carcasses were long since cold when [Vov. L found or received. If the beavers in life. har- bour external forms (it would be remarkable if they did not) I think they would be few in -number, due to the fact that they are extremely cleanly animals, devoting a great deal of time to their toilet. I have on numerous occasions observed individuals sitting on their tails dili- gently combing their fur with long bold strokes of “hands” and hind feet and enjoying them- selves immensely. It is very noticeable during the process that the “hands” are frequently wiped over the anal region, and I am inclined to be- lieve it is for the purpose of smearing them with oil and that the pressure exerted by the root of the bent-under tail assists to bring the sub- stance from the glands. Apart from their value as “combs” the supernumary nails of the hind feet, it would seem, may assist in the removal of any unwelcome hosts the beavers may sup- port. There is no doubt considering the force applied by the hind feet during the cleaning process that but few parasites could exist with any certainty. No parasites were observed in the fur of the “kittens” examined but, as the search was some- what superficial, I would hesitate to say that none were present. The lodges afford a habitation for several species of small beetles, but as they were observ- ed in both occupied and unoccupied structures, I do not think that there is any direct connec- tion between them and the beaver occupants. It is very doubtful if the beaver of the Rid- ing Mountain have ever been subject to contag- ious or infectious diseases of sufficient virulence o- intensity to cause any marked decrease in the former population. The isolation of individual families and the general lack of contact between them would tend to localize any outbreak that may have occurred. I am of the opinion that had disease decimated the population within the past 50 years their remains, or part of them, would have been found within the many old lodges examined. ENEMIES — METHODS OF POACHING The worst enemy the beaver of the Riding Mountain has to contend with is Man, ever alert to take advantage of favourable circumstances to invade their range and steal what pelts his cunning can secure. In the past the Canada Lynx, (Lynx canadensis) Bob-cat, (Lynx rufus) Fisher, (Maries pennanti) and Brush Wolf, (Canis latrans) undoubtedly took occasional toll on land, and the Otter (Lutra canadensis) may have engaged the beavers in mortal combat when invading the ponds in search of food. The May, 1936] THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 89 Adult beaver permanently confined in cromped and unnatural surroundings within earshot of running water and rustling poplar leaves. lynx and bob-cat are now extinct in the Riding Mountain; the fisher is virtually non-existent. B.ush wolves, though, still abound in varying numbers ,and only three otters have been seen or reported for a number of years. Only one presumed casualty from four-footed enemies was noted among the beavers under ob- servation——a female whose carcass was found on the banks of Site No. 2 on June 19th, 1931, previously mentioned as dying from the result of wounds alleged to have been inflicted by otters who invaded the pond in the previous win- ter. That beaver fear the otter was evident from the conduct of the occupants of Site No. 1 when, in July, 1931, three individuals sojourned thereabouts and kept the beaver family together in the bank lodge until the unwelcome invaders departed elsewhere.* I have never observed evidence of even an attempt by four-footed predators to enter a beaver lodge at any season of the year, although I have seen tracks of the brush wolf on the snow-covered slopes of the lodges during the winter months. The otters who visited Site No. 1, in July, 1931, were about the slopes of the “bank” lodge as shown by the presence of *Can. Field-Naturalist, Vol. XLVI, p. 206, Ob- Servations on the occurence of otter in the Riding Mountain National Park in relation to beaver life. By H. U. Green. Photograph by Burt Gresham. otter excrement. However, as previously sug- gested, it would be difficult for any animal to capture the inmates by digging through the walls of the lodge, for quite naturally they would leave at the first hint of invasion. Otters, though, could easily gain an entrance by way of the submerged tunnels, but even then the beavers would be able to leave the lodge by another exit, unless prevented by several otters seeking admittance together by different routes. The io- cal belief that the much maligned black bear breaks into beaver lodges and kills the inmates may therefore, be discountenanced without dis- cussion. It may nevertheless destroy an oc- casional beaver on land. The otters referred to, should they revisit the ponds under observation and through in- crease add to their numbers, may become a problem to contend with.* “That the otter will molest beaver is, I think, proved by the obvious fear of the inmates of the lodge at Site No. 1 during the period the otters frequented their pond. That they will kill them may be thoughtfully inferred from the circumstantial evidence gathered from the examination of the beaver carcass found on the banks of Site No. 2. To support the latter belief, several of my Indian friends, including Grey Owl, have in- formed me on different occasions that two or 90 - THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST more otters will “gang” and kill an adult beaver in water if found alone. They tell me, too, that otters will kill and eater beaver “kittens” at every favourable opportunity” .... “While one hesitates to advocate the destruction of any fast-diminishing animal species, it would appear there is every reason to believe that the otter and the beaver inhabiting the restricted and sparsely watered terrain of the Riding Moun- tain, Manitoba, can not exist together if the remnant of beaver life is to remain unmolested. When the paper was written from which the above citations were taken, it was expected that the otters would return. Happily they have not done so, although there is no assurance they have departed from the district. More serious than the possible future de- predations of the otter is the annual toll taken by human design in spite of every effort of the authorities to prevent the loss. To my know- ledge four families were wiped out within two years. How many other families and individ- uals hidden away in the forest met a similar fate, it would be difficult to say. There is no doubt whatever that once an isolated family is found its fate is sealed and a few more pelts find their way to unscrupulous dealers. Beaver fur in the latitude of the Riding Vountain is at its best in the early spring, nev- ertheless one season is as good as another to local poachers. To overlook an opportunity to secure beaver pelts, is to be forestalled by an- other with similar intent. There is much evidence to support the fact that in the past a favourite method of capture was to drain the ponds and either shoot or otherwise dispose of the unfortunate tenants, unable to escape. To the poacher, draining has one ad- vantage, for he is able to secure arm entire beaver family in a comparatively short time. To-day, shooting is the favoured method of destruction, and armed with a small-bore rifle the poacher awaits the appearance of the beay- ers on the surface of the pond during the day- light hours and can generally shoot the aduits before darkness falls. Trapping, though, is not disdained. The trapper, however, takes greater risks to achieve his purpose. He is faced with two alternatives, and has either to make fre- quent visits to his sets or camp in the vicinity of the pond until his victims are captured. Con- sequently he takes more chances of being caught than the individual who makes a day of it and speedily departs. (VoL. L By the poacher who prefers the steel trap, Size No. 4 is most commonly used, but Sizes No. 3, and even No. 2, are equally effective. The manner of setting varies with the season. — For winter trapping a hole about 18” square is cut through the ice of the pond where the water beneath is not more than 2’ deep. Stakes of dry wood are then driven into the mud a few in- ches apart in the form of a three sided encio-~ sure. A section of green poplar or birch about 2” in diameter and 18” long is used for bait and fastened inside the pen close to the back near the bottom. The trap is set within the enclosure and fastened by a chain to a stake of dry wood. The beaver is attracted by the fresh bark of the bait which is particularly favoured in preference to the water-soaked stuff from the food pile. The custom during the open season of the year is to place the trap weighted or connected to a heavy sinker on a shelf cut in the bank of the pond about 4” below the surface. A sprig of green twigs or, if obtainable, a piece of beaver castor impaled upon a stick, is suspended above the trap, offering the necessary inducement for a beaver to approach the set and unwittingly place the weight of a limb on the pan. Variations of the trapping methods described are numerous and equally barbarous, for a trapped beaver seldom drowns in shallow water, and so lingers in agony while awaiting the blow that will end its misery. The popular belief that beavers sometimes escape from a trap by gnaw- ing off the limb which holds them captive, is untrue. Some escape leaving behind a foot as — a momento of their agony, twisted off in their frantic struggles to free themselves. In any event the degree of suffering is the same. With the memory of many carcass-strewn traplines and the inhuman and unscientific means employ- ed by the average trapper to dispatch what victims are still alive ever fresh in my mind, I have often wondered if the females of our race, who even in midsummer crave furry adorn- ment, would hesitate to cloth themselves with forest fur if they realized the cruelty of the steel trap. If they did, the vital problem of conserving the beaver (and other fur-bearers on the verge of extinction) would be quickly solved. Apart from the barbarity of steel trapping, reference to which, strictly speaking, may seem superflous to this study, the appliance is to be condemned on economic grounds. Regulations for trapping beavers have never considered the protection of the female as a measure of con- servation either through ignorance or the failure to realize that a steel trap is no respector of May, 1936) sex. The destruction of a breeding female is poor economy, but to destroy her a few weeks before parturition is infinitely worse. The kill- ing of yearlings, too, still with their parents, is yet another instance of careless management, Worse still is the thought of the complete ex- termination of a beaver family by the average trapper, here to-day, gone to-morrow. ‘There are many types of traps on the market capable of capturing beavers alive and unharmed. Would it not seem a reasonable suggestion to those who “direct” our wild life resources to at least ex- periment with these contrivances with a view to their adoption in the interest of protection and economy? These suggestions, of course, do not apply to the Riding Mountain National Park which is a federal sanctuary wherein every form et wild life is protected. CONCLUSION A study of the beaver of the Riding Mountain would be incomplete without a few constructive suggestions regarding management, especially as the field work accomplished is the first serious attempt to record comprehensively their life his- tory and discuss the problems incidental to their welfare. It is possible, too, that the comment may be applicable elsewhere. When a few beaver families are scattered far and wide over a wilderness area entirely sur- rounded by settlement, and often in localities un- known to, or infrequently visited by, wardens, the matter of protection is unquestionably diffi- cult. Under such circumstances even the value of specialized effort would be set at nought. Therefore, the only solution to conserve and pro- tect the beaver remnant that remains would seem to be the capture and segregation of isolat- ed families in a selected area, preferably the val- ley of the Vermilion River, under the constant surveillance of some responsible person not only familiar with beavers, but also sympathetically interested in their conservation. The suggestion to repair the many broken dams in the Vermilion River valley was prev- iously mentioned as a means for inducing mi- grant yearlings to remain within the confines of sanctuary. The re-created ponds would also furnish ready-made habitats for transplanted families. The matter of beaver transplantation, how- ever, invites the question as to whether mated pairs removed from one environment to another ~ would take kindly to the change of locality and remain contentedly in a new home. Several of my acquaintances with a knowledge of the beav- er gained from the trap line intimate that beav- THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 91 ers will not stay in a pond other than of their own creation. They are unable, though, to give any specific instances. My experience, however, tends to offset the supposition that beavers fail to take kindly to a new environment, forcibly introduced. Late in June, 1933, I surprised two beavers, believed to be a mated pair about two years old, sport- ing in a shallow pothole on Tepee Creek, a tribu- tary of the Vermilion River. The couple, un- doubtedly born in one of the ponds under ob- servation, were apparently travelling in search of a suitable place to make a pond and settie down in approved beaver fashion. Realizing that if they continued downstream, or even re- mained in the vicinity, it would only be a ques- tion of time before death at the hands of predac- ious humans would seal their fate, I decided to capture them with a view to repopulating the ponds at Site No. 2, vacant since the summer of the previous year. The transfer was accomplish- ed in a few hours, and the beavers released in the upper pool. Upon revisiting Site No. 2 two weeks later, I was greeted with the resounding slap of a beaver tail and a splash of water. The lodge in the lower pond was built up and some cutting done in the aspens on the bank nearby. It seemed that the wanderers were grateful for a decent place in which to live. My protegés are still in the ponds at Site No. 2, a happy and contented pair with a family of five “kittens”. It must be admitted that this successful trans- plantation in nowise ensures that mated pairs already located would take kindly to another en- vironment however generous it may be. This can only be determined by experiment. Never- theless, there is no reason to believe that an equal measure of good fortune is improbable. The value of a normal beaver population to the semi-arid area of the Riding Mountain about the Vermilion River district, can not be too strongly stressed. There is ample proof that fifty years ago it was better watered than it is to-day. The presence of beavers with their num- erous ponds holding back the water of +he creeks and creating many ac-es of marshy mead- owland, not only made feeding and watering places for game mammals, but also provided a habitat for many species of waterfowl and count- less other creatures of the forest. In those days water, and all it means, was retained. The question of bringing back the beaver to the Riding Mountain, if for no other reason than its undeniable value as a conservator of water and creator of meadowland, is indeed worthy of serious consideration. ‘The pressing 92 THE CANADIAN FIBLD-N aTURALIST need at this time for additional ground feed for ell and smaller deer and the urgent necessity for more water on the game range about the heigitt of land during the heat of summer days can weil be provided by the activities of this little animal [VoL. L engineer. More beaver ponds will attract more waterfowl, marsh birds, and other feathered tuik to enhance the value of sanctuary and delight the eye and heart of the nature lover seeking to profit by National Park ideals. RUNNING SPEEDS OF SKUNK AND EUROPEAN HARE By D. A. MacLULICH, B.Sc.F. =e TUAI, measurements of the running i speeds of animals are seldom obtained, @ +herefore it is thought worth while to place on record some that the writer has been fortunate enough to observe. By way of comparison it may be mentioned that Seton (1928) states that the White-tailed Jack Rab- bit, Lepus townsendii, can travel at the rate of thirty miles an hour; the Black-tailed Jack, Lepus californicus, twenty-eight miles per hour, and the Varying Hare, Lepus americanus, at twenty-six miles an hour. Vorhies and Taylor (1933) record that “Speedometer tests show that probably both species of jack rabbits [Lepus californicus and Lepus allem] readily attain speeds of thirty to thirty-five miles an hour. Lepus alleni, at least, is capable of higher speeds on rare occasions.” A European Hare, Lepus europaeus, was paced by the car on a narow gravel road in Innisfil township of Simcoe County, Ontario, on October 12, 1935, With the car about thirty-five feet behind it the hare ran in the glare of the head-lights for about two hundred yards at a speed varying between twenty and twenty-two miles an hour. It finally dodged sharply off at right angles into a field. The full moon gave bright illumination. A second measurement was obtained near Beaverton in Ontario County, Ontario, at mid- night on October 18, 1935. This European hare ran, apparently at full speed, alongside a front wheel of the car for a quarter of a mile at thirty miles an hour. A Skunk, Mephitis mephitis, ran 150 yards along a narrow dirt road ahead of the automo- bile in the light of the head-lamps on Septem- ber 21, 1933, by that part of Buckshot Lake which is within Abinger township in Lennox and Addington County, Ontario. It ran at a speed of about six miles an hour. Although it nosed off to the side of the road several times it did not leave it until it reached a cleazing be- yond an alder swamp. Presuming the animal would leave the track if the head-light glare were removed I switched the lights off for e few seconds but the beast continued to run down the road. The next year, nearby, in the same township while I was pasing through a sugar maple forest a Skunk ran before the car for about one hund- red yards. This was on September 19. Once the Skunk stopped and turned to leave the road but apparently could not see its way quickly enough so it resumed its flight. I turned off the lights and the Skunk immediately hurried from the road. Its speed was found to be be- tween eight and nine miles an hour. Both this night and that of the previous episode were dark, so the car lights could have been dazzling. LITERATURE CITED Seton, Ernest T., 1928, Lives of Game Am- mals. vol. 4, Garden City, N.Y. VorHigs,, CHAS. T.i& TAvior \Veeeetoos The Life Histories and Ecology of Jack Rabbits, Lepus alleni and Lepus californicus ssp., in rela- tion to grazing in Arizona. Univ. Ariz., College Agri., Tech. Bull. No. 49. NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS Tue AMERICAN CASPIAN ‘TERN (Hydroproqne caspia imperator) AT OTTAWA. As I was statd- ing just outside my house, at 34 Grosvenor Ave- nue, in the southern part of Ottawa, between the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, about 1.30 p.m. (Daylight Saving Time) on May 9, ’ Tern. 1935, I heard, almost directly overhead, the loud, harsh cry, ‘“A-a-ark!”, of the American Caspian I recognized it immediately, before 1 looked up. On looking up quickly, I saw the Caspian Tern, which I estimated to be about 300 feet above me. It was flying eastward, and May, 1936] I had a good view of it for 20 or 30 seconds. Points recognized were (1) size, about that of a Ring-billed Gull, (2) white and pearl-gray col- oration, (3) angular outline of wings, quite dif- ferent from the curved front wing-edges of a fly- ing Gull. A moment after I saw it, it uttered its characteristic cry a second time. It uttered the same cry at least twice more before it passed out of sight over the house-tops. I had no op- po:tunity to observe the bird through binoculars. In connection with this identification it is pertinent to state that I had visited a breeding colony of American Caspian Terns, at Fog Is- land, Saguenay County, Quebec, every summer for the twelve years immediately prior to 1935, and that I had thus become very familiar with the appearance and the voice of the species. I am Wholly certain that the bird recorded above was a Caspian Tern. The day of this observation was warm, with a strong southwest wind. It was partly cloudy, but the light was good when the observation was made. There appears to be no previous record of a Caspian Tern in the Ottawa district—Harrison F. LEwis. Tur Ross Goose (Chen rosst) IN ALBERTA.—- When driving through the country east of Bit- tern Lake on the afternoon of October 12th, 1935, I noted two white geese feeding in a grain field, in company with a large flock of Canada Geese. At the time I believed them to be Lesser Snow Geese, small numbers of which occasional- THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 93 ly mix with the “honkers”. On October 17th. Alex Burgess, a local hunter brought me a pair of very smal! white geese he had killed that morning as they rested on the sandy shore of Bittern Lake, about four miles south of where I had, a few days before, seen the white geese. These proved to be Ross Geese and were proh- ably the ones I had seen on the 12th of the month. The absence of warty growths at the base of the bills would indicate they were birds of the year, probably less than four months old. Measurements of the male were: length, 22% inches; extent, 45 inches; wing, 14% inches ; and bill, 2 inches. The female was slightly smaller. Legs and feet bluish and bill reddish. Weight of male 34% pounds, female 3 pounds. Mallards killed the same day weighed from three to three and a quarter pounds. The plum- age of both birds had a decidedly rusty ap- pearance, much like that comonly found on Les- ser Snow Geese, a result of their frequenting iron-impregnated waters. Wintering in California, the Ross Goose is be- lieved to migrate, chiefly through Alberta, to and from its nesting grounds in the Arctic reg- ions. There are, however, few records of its occurrence in this province, probably due to the fact that “wavies” are not popular, and are sel- dom killed by hunters. At rare intervals during the past 40 years I have heard of small white geese, no larger than a mallard, having been killed in Central Alberta, but those referred to above are the only ones I have ever seen. A more appropriate name for this diminutive “wavey’ would seem to be the “Least Snow Goose.”—FRANK L. FarLey. BOOK REVIEWS Insect Enemics of Shade Trees, by Glenn W. Herrick. Comstock Publishing Co., Ithaca, New York, 1935. pp. 417, illus. 321, indexes, numerous bibliographics. $5.00. Intended primarily for people interested, either professionally or as amateurs, in the preserva- tion of shade trees, this book forms a complete manual. Methods of repairing injured trees, materials and apparatus for the control of in- sect and other pests, suggestions for the fer- tilization of the soil, are all discussed clearly and comprehensively. Valuable notes on the relative utility of shade trees and their sus- ceptibility to pests are included. The American Elm heads the list for general utility, while the Ginkgo is first as far as freedom from insect pests is concerned, a fact which may account in part for the long life history of this interesting tree which is often referred to as a “living fos- sil” for it has existed unchanged for many mil- lions of years and is now unknown in a wild state, being found in China and Japan in the vicin- ity of palaces, shrines and tombs where it is cul- tivated. This is a book which anyone interested in trees would do well to obtain—D, L, 94 THE CANADIAN FYeLD-NATURALIST Birps oF THE EastTERN Arctic. By P. A. Taver- ner, National Museum of Canada, Depart- ment of Mines. In “Canada’s Eastern Are- tic’, assenibled by W. C. Bethune for the Northwest Territories Council, Department _of the Interior, Ottawa, 1934. This paper consists of an annotated list of the birds known to have occurred in the region with which it is concerned, prefaced by comment on the difficulties of ornithological work there and a résumé of such work in recent years. Orni- thologists who are named as having been active in Canada’s Eastern Arctic in the twentieth century are J. D. Soper, G. M. Sutton, Bern- a = = [VoL. L hard Hantzsch, R. M. Anderson, and the author himself. The annotated list includes 116 species, most of which are definitely known to occur in the eastern part of the Canadian Arctic, though a number of those included have not yet been recorded there with certainty, but may pos- sibly. occur there. The species listed belong to twelve different orders, among which the Order Charadriiformes, with 46 species, is decidedly the best represented. The only other orders represented in the list by more than 10 species are the Anseriformes, with 24 species, and the Passeriformes, with 15 species.—H.F.L. EXCURSIONS OF THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB, 1936 May 2 - McKay Lake and vicinity. Take Lindenlea O.H.R. car and meet at May 30 June 27 | | | | | | | | | Acacia Avenue and Maple Lane at 3 p.m. Britannia. Take Britannia O.E.R. car and meet at terminus at 3 p.m. Experimental Farm. Meets at gate of Arboretum, Prescott Highway, at 3 p.m. Fairy Lake. Take Hull E.R. car at the Chateau Laurier for Wright- ville and meet at Wrightville terminus at 3 p.m. Maplewood Gardens of Kenneth McDonald & Sons Limited. Meet at Base Line Road terminus of Eastview Bus Company at 3 p.m. Boat excursion to Black Rapids. As accommodation is limited, those desiring to take part will please notify the Chairman or Vice- Chairman at least two days beforehand. A small charge will be made to cover expenses. W. H. Lancetry, Chairman, Excursions Committee, ’Phone R. 1196-J. Precey WuiteHurstT, Vice-Chairman, "Phone Sh. 5532-W. 2 ———1 | ——— Jo ——— [9 | 9 [ [| [9 [9 oe SSS I NOTE:— The list of Members of The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, usually published in the May issue, will be held over till September, 1936.— Editor. eS _ NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF ‘lc MANITOBA DE 1934-35 ea ‘President Emeritus: C. E. BASTIN; President: A. G. LAWRENCE; Past Presidents: H. M. SPEECHLY, M.D., V. W. JACKSON, - ™M.Sc., C. W. Lows, M.Sc., J. B. WALLIS, M.A., A. A. Se ae A. M. Davidson, M.D., R. A. WARDLE, M.Sc., G. SHIRLBY Brooks; Vice-Presidents; B. W. CART- WRIGHT, H. C. PEARCE, L. T. S. NORRIS-ELYE, B-A., Mrs. L. R. Simpson, W. H. RAND; Treasurer: Dr. W. G. CAMPBELL, _ 216 Medical Arts. Bldg., Winnipeg, Manitoba; General : aaa NorMAN LOWE, 317 Simcoe St., Winnipeg; Auditor: M. THOMAS; Fxccutive Secretary: BC Happow, Social ae. Miss O. A. ARMSTRONG. Section Chairinan é Secretary \. Ornithological A. H. SHORTT A. M. MACKIE Entomological G SHIRLEY BROOKS Miss M. F. PRATT Botanical H. F. Rosperts, M.Sc. Mrs. I. M. PRIESTLY Geological A.A. McCouBREY P. H. STOKES Mammalogical V. W. JACKSON, M.Sc. - Ichihyologicat G. D. RUSSELL ! ; Secrétary: J. P. KENNEDY. Microscopy Zoology - R. A. WARDLE, M.Sc. _ Botany C. W. Lowe, M.Sc. Secretary: H. C. PEARCE. Meetings are held each Monday evening, except on holiday from October to April, in the physics theatre of the University _ Winnipeg. Field excursions are held each Saturday aiter- noon during May, June and September, and on pubite holidays ‘during July and August. THE HAMILTON BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY : (Incorporated) _ President; Mr. A. C Nunn, i Mountain Park Ave. H.; Vice-President: REV. C. A HEAVEN, 135 Dalewood Cres H.; Secretary: Mr. J. H. WILLIAMS, 202 Park Row S., H.; Treasurer: _ iH. E. KertLe, 169 Delaware Ave., H.; Chairman of Extension Committee: H.C. NUNN; Chairman of Junior Work: Miss M. _E. Graaay; Chairman of Field Work: 1. H. WiLLiaMs; Chair- man of Programme Committee: Nikzs. - MacLocatin; Chair- —-man of Sanctuary Committee: GEORGE NORTH. ‘ _ (Note—H. stands for Hamilton) " ‘McILWRAITH ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, LONDON, ONT. iecstient= J. H. Cameron, 355 Dufferon Ave., Londons Ont.: Vice-President: Mr. E. D. BRAND, 148 William Street, London, Ont.; Recording Secretary: Miss FRANCES JACOBS; 253 Princess Ave., London, Ont.; Migration Secretary: MR. E. M.S. Dae, 297 Hyman Street, London, Ont.; Corresponding _ Seeretary and Treasurer: KEITH RBYNOLDS, 32 St. Andrews St., London, Ont.; Members qualified to answer questions: W. BE. SAUNDERS, 240 Central Avenue, London, Ont.; C. G. WATSON, 201 Ridout Street South, London, Ont.; J. F. CALVERT, 461 Tecumseh Avenue, London, Ont.; E. M.S. DALE, 297 Hyman Street, London, Ont. Z Meetings held the second Monday of the month, cepat uring the summer. VANCOUVER NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Honorary President. L.S. Kuinx, (DSc.), Presiden Univer- sity of B.C: President: JOHN Davipson, F.L.S., F.B.S.E., University of B.C.; Vice-President: Dr. M. Y. WILLIAMS, Geology Dept., University of B.C.; Honorary Secretary: Mrs. - FLW. Farury; 6597 Laburnum St., Vancouver, B. C. Assistant Secretary: Mrs. LAURA ANDERSON, 2nd Assistant Secretary: Miss Nora Swirt, Honorary Treasurer: A. H. BAIN, 2142 Collingwood Street, Vancouver, B.C.; Librarian: - Mrs. F. McGinn. Members rs Executive: C. F. CONNor, M. A. ~ Mr.R. J. Cummine; Mr. J. D. TURNBULL, Mr. Curtis JOHNS, _ Mrs.J Motion; Auditors: H. G. Setwoop, W. B. Woops. aa aan of Sections: Botany: PRor. JOHN DAVIDSON, Geology: Mr. J. J. PLoMMmR, Photography: Mr. PHILIe Timms, Entym- ology: MR. WOOTTON, Microscopy: Mr. J.-A. JOHNSTON, Ornith- ‘ ology: Mr. J..D. TURNBULL. é ' All meetings at 8 p.m., Auditorium, Normal School, 10th Avenue and Cambie Street unless otherwise announced. BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRD AND MAMMAL SOCIETY President: Dr. M. Y. WILLIAMS; Firat Vie Preraen _ Haminton M. LAInG; oe Vice-President: Dr. C. J. BASTIN: - Secretary-Treasurer: C. H. BASTIN, 4484 West 9th Ave. Vancouver, B.C. First - : : _ Affiliated Societies PROVINCE OF QUEBEC SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS INC. OFFICERS & COMMITTEE: Past Presidents: Mr. L. McL.TorritL, Mr. NAPInR SMITH. Mr. W. S. Hart, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON; President: PRor. Vv. Cc WYNNE-EDWARDS, 495 Prince Arthur Street, Apt. 4, Montreal; Vice-Presidents: Mrs. H. HIsBERT, Dr. A. N. JENKS; Vice-President and Treasurer: Mr. HBNRY MOUSLBEY; Secretary: Miss MauD SBHATH. Committee: Mr. J. D. CLEGHORN, Mrs. C. F. DALB. MR. J. A. DECARIE, Mr. W.S. ae Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON, Mr. H. A. C. JacKSOoN, Mr. E. L. JuDAH, MR. FRASER KeriTH, Miss P. B. MATTINSON, Miss L. Morrny, Miss M. S. Nicoison, Mr. R. A. OUTHET, MR. C. SAIT, Mr. L. McI.SPacKMAN, Mr. L. Mc. TERRILL. Meetings held the second Monday of the month except dur- ing summer. SOCIETE PROVANCHER D’HISTOIRE ~ NATURELLE DU CANADA Patron Honoraire: Son Excellence, LE TRES HONORABLB Lorp TWEEDSMUIR, G.C.M.G., C.H., Gouverneur- Général du Canada; Vice-Patron Honoraire: HONORABLE E.-L. PATENAUDE, Lieutenant-Gouverneur de la Province de Québec; Bureau de Direction pour 1986: Présrdent: ALPHONSE DESILETS; Jer vice-président: JAMES F. Ross; 2iéme vice-président: DR. GUSTAVE RATTE; Secrétaire-trésorier: LouIS B. Lavoie; Chef de la section scientifique: Dr. D.-A.DERY; Chef de la section de Propagande éducative: G. - ULRIC TESSIER, Chef de la section de protection: ADRIEN FALARDEAU, C.R.; Chef de la section d’information scientifique et pratique: REx *Mrrepitu, N. P. Directeurs: G.S. AHERN, HON. EDGAR . RocHETTE, C.R., M.P.P., ROBERT HUNTER. Secrétaire-trésorier: LOuIs-B. LAVOIn 38, rue Sherbrooke, Québec. THE TORONTO FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB OFFICERS FOR 1934-35. Honorary Presiden. Dr. A. P. COLEMAN; President: ARNOTT M.PATTERSON; Hon. Vice-Presidenis: Hon. G. H. CHALLIES, Mr. J. H. FLEMING, Dr. N. A. POWELL; Vice-President: Mr. F. P. Ipg, Secretary-Treasure,: H. M. HALLIDAY; Council— Dr. E.M. WALKER, S. L. THOMPSON, PrRor. J. R. DyMonp, C. S. FARMER, Pror. T. F. McILwrattu, ForRD, MAGISTRATE J. E. Jones, L. T. OWENS, RUPERT Davips, F. C. Hurst, Dr. T. M. C. TAyLor, C. G. BRENNAND, R. M. SAUNDERS; Chairman of Conservaticn Committees: Mrs. Ss. L. THOMPSON; President of Junior Club: MuRRAY SPEIRS; Vice-President of Junior Club: HUBERT RICHARDSON. Leaders: Birds—Messrs. S. L. THompson, L. lL. SNypDER, J. L. BAILLI£, JR., PrRor. T. F. McILWRAITH, R. M. SPEirs, F. H. EMERY. Maminals—Pror. A. F. COVENTRY, MEssrs. E. C. Cross, D. A. McLuticu. . Reptiles and Amphibians— Messrs. E. B.S. Locinr, Wm. LERAyY. Fish—Pror. J. R. Dymonn, Pror. W. J. K. HARKNESS. Insecis—DR. EB. M. WALKER, Dr. N. ForD. Mr. F. P. IDE. Betany—PrRor. R. B. THomson, Dr. H. B. Sirton, Dr. T.M.C. Tawtor: Mr. W. R. Watson, Mr.L. T. CWENS. Geology—Dr. A. P, _ COLEMAN: PrRoF. A. MCLEAN. We would ask the Officers, and mere particularly the Secretaries, of all the Affiliated Societies to assist us in our task of building up the circulation of this magazine. By securing every member as a subscriber we can truly make this magazine into one of the leading Natural History publications of America. AUTOBIOGRAPHY of JOHN MACOUN, M.A. CANADA NORTH OF FIFTY SIX | By E. M. KINDLE me : These are attractively bound, and contain a wealth of information concerning Canadian Special profusely illustrated number of The Natural History and Exploration. The author “Naturalist”, 86 pages, 31 illustrations, Every | was a former President of the Club and this is a Canadian should know this prize essay. Me caor Be ature _ PRICE FIFTY CENTS PRICE $3.00. = 305 pp. WILMOT LLOYD apace! WILMOT LLOYD ; 582 Mariposa Avenue Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa 582 Mariposa Avenue Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa wy WILMOT LLOYD, — 5 a Na Treasurer, Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, FOR SALE:— 582 Mariposa Avenue, / ‘ Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa. — " pce ot COMPLETE SET OF THE CLUB’S Enclosed please find $2.00 as membership in | PUBLICATIONS The O.F.-N.C. and Subscription to the Canadian _ Field-Naturalist for the year 1935. RMR ile iat 1879-1935 This is a rare opportunity. 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Kindly mention The Canadian Field-Naturalist to advertisers RED g y : ; i Oe vee j te H \ { / n ! ‘ : -\ ; i \- i | t 7 4 \= 4 T NE f t el ih | y NYS AEM , WW ' i PERRI HAE [Ch eG =, my = Al TU ; N , U a. : mo \. ! ‘ LU we f pt SS: = oy ss . zen ee [erases Mea i 7 2 t= ae Et | SE ‘_—_ee. 7 o_o _ yaa a ~>> ne, ‘i as =5 reds ‘é: “ ~~ 4 ISSUED SEPTEMBER 1, 1936 Entered at the Ottawa Post Office as second-class matter THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB Patrons: THEIR EXCELLENCIES THE GOVERNOR GENERAL AND LADY TWEEDSMUIR > : s 0 _ President; HERBERT GROH 1st Vice-President: P. A. TAVERNER | | Qnd Vice-President; R. H. DELURY Secretary: PeGGY WHITRHURST, ; Treasurer; W1LMOT LLOYD, 582 Mariposa Ave., 110 Prospect Avenue, Westboro, | Rockcliffe Park. — Additional Members of Council: |F./J. ALcock, R. M. ANDERSON, REv. F. E. BANIM, HENRY BOWERS, M. E. Cowan, H. G Crawrorp, F. J. Fraser, A. HALKEeTT, C. E. JOHNSON, E. M. KINDLE, W. H. LANcELEY, A. LaRocque, DoucLAs LEECHMAN, GRACE S. Lewis, HARRISON F. LEWIS, Hoyes Lioyp, C. W. LouNsBuRY, MARK G. MCELHINNEY, A. E.PorsiLp, E. BE. Princes, L. S. — _ RUSSELL, C. M. STERNBERG, MALCcoLM M. Tuomson, E.F.G. Wuite, R. T. D. WICKENDEN, M. E. WILSON. and the following Presidents of Affiliated Societies: A. G. LAWRENCE, J. H. WILLIAMS, CHARLES MADDEFORD, JOHN DAVIDSON, M. Y. WILLIAMS, V. C. WYNNE-EDWARDS, R. MEREDITH, ARNOTT M. PATTERSON. Ah irtey Auditors: W. H. LANCELEY and HARRISON F. LEWIS. Editor: DOUGLAS LEECHMAN National Museum, Ottawa, Canada. Associate Editors: PC WENNESS o.oo yn) cas Anthropology CLYDE L. PATCH...............Herpetology — DU ADAMS neh soni MOLE Ee 2 nee Botany Ri M-UANDERSON /. 2. Gee Mammalogy Bi GATCHFORDs.<6 0 9 oS) Conchology A. G. HUNTSMAN............ Marine Biolo ARTHUR GIBSON................ Entomology P; A. TAVERNER: 3.) yee i Hie AUCOCKE 2 72 eee dag Geology Wh MGKINDLE®. S00 eee CONTENTS i, . The official publications of THe OTTawa FIELD-NaTurRALists’ CLUB have been issued i# : since 1879. The first were The Transactions of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 1879-1886, # two volumes; the next, The Ottawa Naturalist, 1886-1919, thirty-two volumes;-and these have been continued by The Canadian Field-Naturalist to date. The Canadian Field-Naturalist is issued monthly, except for the months of June, July and August. Its scope is the publication of the results of original research in all departments of Natural History. Price of this volume (9 numbers) $2.00; Single copies 25¢ each — ee 286 608656058056 80860600505408 5050800000008 0600006 005000000800 000000000050005000058008500005000080 0000856608 senenes ees ccenasccascesscnscecesanesenscesncccacesccassansscasceses SQCROCCGKSOUTO ROSSA nabs SO CC OSS SES CASES DOR CCSSCCRET eT 2S ees ESCO RS RRO ESS EEE GSK E86 SCC CET hs OOERE SHS ESE CROSS Rees Eeee Ss eC esesesReeeen ESS esseesshSesesesececessesenssesees The Membership Committee of The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club is making a special effort increase the subscription list of The Canadian Field-Naturalist. We are, therefore, asking every read who is truly interested in the wild life of our country to help this magazine to its rightful place amo the leading Natural History publications in America. a Subscriptions ($2.00 a year) should be forwarded to WILMOT LLOYD, Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 582 Mariposa Ave., Roekeliffe Park, OTrawA, CANADA. ~ The Canadian Field-Naturalist VOL. L OTTAWA, CANADA, SEPTEMBER, 1936 No. 6 A PRELIMINARY LIST OF THE BIRDS OF LINCOLN AND WELLAND COUNTIES, ONTARIO By R. W. SHEPPARD, W. E. HURLBURT and G. H. DICKSON LTHOUGH both Lincoln and Welland were among the first counties to be settled in old Ontario, and much has been written regarding their human histories, there would appear to be a remarkable absence of available literature dealing with the natural history of this region. This being the case, the writers are of the opinion that some of the ornithology of these two border counties, presented in the form of a preliminary and an- noted list, would be not unacceptable at the pre- sent time. 2 Sy! De ate} Stee The observations, although covering, more or less, the entire area of the counties under dis- cussion, have been carried out chiefly within the vicinities of Vineland in Lincoln County and Niagara Falls in Welland County and have, in general, been made within the past ten or twelve years; in one or two instances, a few older records have been incorporated. Roughly, the combined counties of Lincoln and Welland form the more easterly half of the Niagara Peninsula. They are bounded on the north by Lake Ontario; on the east by the Nia- gara River; on the south by Lake Erie and the somewhat rough, wild country of the old Indian Line, and on the west by the mixed farming lands of Wentworth and Haldimand Counties. The entire area is drained by the Welland River and by several small creeks which run in- to Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. Welland County is largely given over to mix- -ed farming with here and there considerable acreages of land still covered with hardwood trees, forming patches of a type of environment common in southern Ontario. The highest elevation in the county occurs at Ridgeville, in Pelham township, where the hills reach a height of about 825 feet; whereas the rest of the county averages only about 575 to 600, or a few feet higher than the high-water level of Lake Erie. In the southern part of the county, there are still one or two fairly extensive marsh or peat bog areas which, however, are gradually being drained and so are diminishing in size as time goes on. The Lake Erie shore line is largely composed of fine sandy beaches or hardened, rock-like, mud flats, backed by low sand hills which are covered by natural growth, or reafforested with pine and poplar, and much given over to summer home colonies. The Welland county boundary, on the east, extends the entire length of the upper Niagara River and along the greater part of the deep gorge between Niagara Falls and Queenston Heights, and, without a great deal of interfer- ence with natural conditions, has been planted and otherwise developed along its entire length by the Niagara Falls Park Commission. The county of Lincoln is divided into two sharply defined areas; that which is situated be- low the escarpment and is largely devoted to the growing of soft and tender fruits, and that which is above the escarpment and varies little in character from the mixed farming and wood- ed lands of Welland County. Tne low-lying sections of the county, which are bounded on the north by Lake Ontario and on the east by the lower Niagara River, aver- age between 275 and 325 feet in elevation, or, roughly, 25 to 50 feet above the high-water level of the lake, while the higher ground approxi- mates the average elevation given for the County of Welland. The escarpment, or mountain, as it is locally called, is a wooded slope or ridge, some 200 to 300 feet in height, which extends the entire length of Lincoln County. The woods vary some- what in density and in character; those at the extreme eastern end of the ridge being of a somewhat open nature, with the Red Juniper (Juniper virginianus) and the White Cedar 96 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST (Thuja occidentalis ) predominating; while, to- ward the west, there are many patches, or con- siderable areas, of dense, tangled deciduous growths, this condition being especially accentuated along the steep slopes of one or two streams or creeks which intersect the ridge in the vicinity of Jordan. zal The greater part of the Lake Ontario shore- line consists of narrow, pebbly beaches backea by low crumbling cliffs of clay or sand; but in one or two spots, such as Niagara-on-the-Lake, there are some fairly extensive sandy beaches; while in other places, notably at Jordan Har- bour, the creeks flowing into the lake have widened out at their mouths into large shallow ponds or marsh-like areas. The entire district, although presenting certain interesting physical features, is, nevertheless, perhaps more interesting from a zo0-geographical point of view, for here, somewhere within or close to. the Niagara Peninsula, is the probable meeting place of the Upper Austral and Transit- ion life zones. In compiling this list the nomenclature of the A.O.U. Check-list (1931) has been rigidly ad- hered to throughout. For many of the older references and for much helpful criticism and advice, the thanks of the authors are due to James L,. Baillie, Jr., of the Royal Ontario Mus- eum, to P. A. Taverner of the National Museum, of Canada, and to Dr. Harrison F. Lewis of the Department of the Interior. Gavia immer immer (Briinnich). Common Loon. — The Loon or Great Northern Diver is not at all an uncommon bird in the upper Nia- gara River during both migration seasons and, at these times, is also occasionally to be seen in the wide expanse of river immediately below the two falls. Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan). RED-THROATED Loon. — This Diver has been reported from the Niagara River on several occasions by members of the Buffalo Ornithological Society; but we have no personal observations to report and no definite information regarding its occurrence in what might be termed strictly Canadian waters. Colymbus grisegena holboellii (Reinhardt). HoLpori’s GREBE. — We have only one person- al record of this species, a lone individual which was observed by the senior author at Niagara Falls in the autumn of 1926. There is an earlier record given by Blain* of an adult male which was picked up on the Canadian side of the river, opposite the American Falls, on September 29, 1903. 1. Auk, 21: 276, 1904. (VoL. L Colymbus auritus Linnacus. HornEp GRrEBE. — The Horned Grebe is frequently seen, during the spring and autumn migration seasons, in the wide expanse of water below the Horseshoe and American Falls. It is especially noticeable in the late autumn, at which time individuals or small scattered parties can be seen almost anv day, keeping close in shore, around the bays and back-waters of this section of the lower river. H. M. Laing* writes of seeing hundreds in Lake Ontario, near Beamsville, in Lincoln County, during October, 1918. Podilymbus podiceps podiceps (Linnaeus). FIED-BILLED GREBE. —- This Grebe cannot be con- sidered a common bird within the territory un- der discussion; but it is known to occur fairly regularly in the vicinity of Jordan and Vine- land, during the migration seasons. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Gmelin. WHITE PELICAN. We are in some doubt as to whether we should include this species in our list, for the only known record for the vicinity belongs more properly to Erie County, N.Y., than to Welland County, Ontario. James Savage® has given an account of a White Pelican shot near the International Bridge, Niagara River, on Oc- tober 5th, 1894, and from this account it would seem highly probable that the bird in question was over Canadian waters shortly before it wes shot on the New York side of the river. Moris bassana (Linnaeus). GANNET. — H. D. Mitchell* reports an immature bird of this spec- ies observed on the Niagara River near the Peace Bridge, on October 29, 1933, and in his notes mentions a previous record for this gen- eral region (apparently referring to J. H. Flem- ing’s Ontario Bird Notes’) of a specimen taken at Wainfleet, Welland County, in November, 1907. Phalacrocorax auritus auritus (Lesson). DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. —— Apparently a rare visitor to the Niagara district, for we have only three personal records of this species; a single bird having been seen on the 11th of May, 1924, and watched for a considerable time as it rested on some rocks in the river between the Maid of the Mist landing and the Horse- shoe Falls, and two others, apparently immature birds, seen in exactly the same place, one on October 2nd, 1932, and the other on October 29th, 1933. We have a report of one other re- cord for this district, that of a dead one pick- 2. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 21, 1920. 3. Auk, 12: 318, 1895. 4. Auk, 51: 392, 1934. 5. Awk. 25: 486, 1908. September, 1936] ed up by George Dickson, Jr., on the lake shore near Vineland, on the 23rd of October, 1931, and later sent to the Royal Ontario Museum for preservation. Laing® records seeing a lone Cor- morant, which he took to be of this species, at Beamsville, in November, 1918. Ardea herodias herodias Linnaeus.. Great Biue Heron. — The Great Blue Heron is quite frequently observed during the summer months along the Niagara River, the Welland River, and the feeder canals in Welland County. It 1s also of common occurrence within the County of Lincoln and, near the southern boundaries of that county, in the vicinity of Caistorville, near the Old Indian Line, there is a large heronry situated in the midst of an immense area of wild, swampy, wooded land. This colony was visited several times during 1931 and 1932 and as many as 45 nests were counted; nearly all of them being built in tall elm trees. We have reason to believe that herons (locally reported as cranes) nest on Navy Island in the Niagara River, but it is probable that most of the Herons seen along the river bank come from the very large heronry on Grand Island, N.Y., which has been so interestingly reported upon by A. R. Shadle’. Casmerodius albus egretta (Gmelin). AMERI- CAN EcretT. — Two were closely observed on August 8th, 1933, as they fed in reedy shallows along the Niagara River bank about 15 miles down the river from Fort Erie. One bird re- mained in the vicinity until August 18th and af- forded many excellent opportunities for obser- vation. There was, apparently, quite an exten- sive influx of Egrets into southern Ontario dur- ing the summer of 1933, for several reports were received of these large white birds being seen in different parts of the district. W. E. Hurlburt’ reports an American Egret observed in the Wainfleet marshes of Welland County on August 15, 1928. In addition to these sight records, it may be of interest to mention here that there is a mounted specimen of this Egret in the Vineland Station school, with no infor- mation except the donot’s name, N. P. Moyer. Butorides virescens virescens (Linnaeus). EASTERN GREEN Heron. —— This small heron is not uncommon in Welland County and has been met with a number of times within the vicinity of the Niagara River. The junction of Lyon’s Creek and the Welland River was at one time a favoured haunt of this species; while, in recent years, they have been found during the breeding 6. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 21, 1920. We Anuk, 482 56%, Osi: 8. Can. Field-Nat. 42: 210, 1928. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 97 season at Dufferin Islands, a semi-artificial back- water of the Niagara River about one mile above the Horseshoe Falls. This species does not appear to be so commonly met with in Lin- coin County; but we have at least two definite records from Culp’s reservoir, near Vineland. Nycticorar nycticorax hoactli (Gmelin). BLACK-cROWNED NicuHt HEron. — Of late years this bird has been observed on a number of oc- casions feeding, after sunset, in the shallows along the Niagara River bank between Niagara Falls and Fort Erie. Shadle® writes of count- ing over a hundred nests which he believed to belong to this species in the Grand Island her- onry; but, curiously enough, the Night Herons which we have observed on the Canadian shore have, on more than one occasion, been seen fly- ing toward the river from some inland point, in Welland County, a circumstance which would tend to indicate that the island heronry is not the only nesting area in this vicinity. Laing” observed two Night Herons, in August, 1918, at Beamsville, in Lincoln County, while a number of more recent observations have been made at other points along the Lake Ontario shore line of that county. Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu). AMERICAN Bittern. —- A reasonably common bird among the reed beds along the banks of the upper Nia- gara River. Also, it has been met with along the banks of Lyon’s Creek and the Welland River, near Chippawa, as well as in various other parts of Welland County. Within the County of Lincoln, this species is quite common around the Jordan ponds and is occasionally met with elsewhere within the county limits. Ixobrychus exilis exilis (Gmelin). Eastern LEAstT BirrerN. — A bird of this species, ap- parently moulting, for its wings were very bare of feathers, was caught alive in the Jordan Marshes, Lincoln County, on September 2, 1935. Cygnus columbianus. (Ord). WutstLtIne Swan. — Nearly every spring, considerable numbers of Swans appear on the Niagara River and in some seasons more or less serious mortal- ity occurs, due, apparently, to the sleeping or resting birds, drifting down the upper river, be- ing caught in the swirling rapids and dashed over the Horseshoe Falls. In general, we are inclined to believe that many reports of the mor- tality of Swans at Niagara have been grossly exaggerated, for actually only a very small pro- portion of the migrating Swans, which appear 9. Auk, 483 567, 193i: 10. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 22, 1920. 98 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST almost annually in the vicinity of the Falls, meet with either death or injury. Perhaps the most serious Swan catastrophe, within recent years, occurred during the night of March 24th to 25th, 1928, when several hundred Swans were ap- parently swept over the Horseshoe Falls; but even on this occasion the numbers of live and apparently uninjured birds, which were found congregated, on the morning of the 25th, in the river below the Falls, undoubtedly exceeded by five to one the numbers of those found dead or maimed. On this particular day, by actual count, two hundred and twenty Swans, apparently quite capable of continuing their migration, were ob- served in the wide expanse of river immediately below the American and Horseshoe Falls; while many others were noted flying up and down the lower river, within the gorge, as though seeking those killed or injured companions which had been carried down through the whirlpool rapids. Apparently Niagara has taken its toll of Swans periodically over a number of years, and var- ious accounts of former catastrophes have been given from time to time. The most important of these accounts is to be found in an article entitled “The Niagara Swan Trap” which was published in 1912 by J. H. Fleming”. Apart from the large numbers seen in the vicinity of Nia- gara Falls, records of Swans in other parts of the territory under discussion are comparatively scarce; however, two individuals were observed on Lake Ontario, near Vineland, on April 1st, 1928, and one solitary bird, possibly slightly in- jured, stayed on the Jordan ponds and was fed by the local residents for two weeks or more during the latter part of April, in that same year. Within the past few years, we have one late autumn and many early spring records of Swans on the Niagara River, and several reports, or ob- servations, from the Port Colborne area of Wel- land County, and the Jordan district of Lincoln County. Branta canadensis canadensis (Linnaeus). Common CANADA Goose. — Frequently observed in Welland County. First noticed, at Niagara Falls, as a passing migrant in the spring of 1920, when a flock of twenty-two were seen, on April 1st, flying in a northeasterly direction. One year, two Canada Geese were observed passing over Montrose, in an easterly direction, as early as March 9th; while in 1932, a flock, containing a hundred or more individuals, was seen, on March 26th, flying north over Stamford town- ship and making a tremendous noise as it went. 11. Awk, 29: 445-8, 1912. (Vou. L Smaller numbers of these birds have occasionally been seen resting on the waters of the upper Nia- gara River. Chen hyperborea hyperborea (Pallas). LESSER SNow Goose. — A comparatively small number of Snow Geese, doubtless all referable to the Lesser Snow Goose, accompanied the immense flocks of Blue Geese which appeared in this area during the period October 26 to 31, 1935. According to James Savage, who is quoted py Clarence Cottam “ in his interesting article on Blue and Snow Geese in United States, a Snow Goose was shot on the Canadian side of the Niagara River near Fort Erie on November Ist, 1934. Chen caerulescens (Linnaeus). BiuEe Goose. — Great flocks of Blue Geese, variously estimat- ed to contain from 5,000 to 10,000 birds, visited the Niagara River and the Lincoln County shore line of Lake Ontario during the last few days of October, 1935. On the night of October 27th many were swept to their death over Nia- gara Falls and from among these casualties several specimens of both adult and immature birds were secured for preservation in the Royal Ontario Museum at Toronto, and the National Museum of Canada in Ottawa. There would appear to be no previous record of the occur- rence of this species at the eastern end of the Niagara Peninsula. Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos Linnaeus. ComMon MALLARD. — This cosmopolitan species is not uncommon on the upper river during au- tumn, winter, and early spring and at that time individuals or small parties can almost always be seen frequenting the shallows above Goat Is- land, N.Y. The deeper waters on the Canadian side of Niagara River are not much favoured by this duck; although, at times, it makes an appearance in the vicinity of what used to be the mouth of the Welland River, near Chippawa. Anas rubripes tristis Brewster. CoMMON BLACK Duck. — Associating, more or less, with the preceding species and vastly outnumbering it, the Black Duck is a regular winter visitor to the shallows above Goat Island, N.Y. Sometimes, at this point, in mid-winter, this species can be seen, in large numbers, resting on the ice far out in the river. This species does not appear to favour the Canadian side of the river to any great extent, but odd individuals or small parties have occasionally been observed near the Can- adian shore, both above and below the Falls. Al- though our observations on the Black Duck have 12. Awk, 52: 435, 1985. September, 1936] been placed under the title of Common Black Duck, it is almost certain that both sub-species occur and that many of the overwintering birds at Niagara should be referred to as the Red- legged Black Duck A. rubripes rubripes. Chaulclasmus steperus (Linnaeus). GADWALL. — ‘This somewhat rare duck has been reported - by the Buffalo Ornithological Society on several occasions from the shallow waters around Goat Island at Niagara Falls, N.Y., and although it ° probably occurs on the Ontario side there would appear to be some uncertainty regarding its status in adjacent Canadian waters. Mareca penclope (Linnaeus). EUROPEAN WIp- cEcn. — No personal observations to record, but James Savage of Buffalo has informed us of a bird of this species seen near Port Colborne on March 26, 1935, while others have been re- ported as occurring in Lake Erie, off the Wel- land County shore, by members of the Buffalo Ornithological Society. Mareca americana (Gmelin). BaLpPpatr. — We have no personal observations to record on this duck, but it has been reported in some num- bers off the Welland County shore of Lake Erie by the Buffalo Ornithological Society in their m:meographed journal, The Prothonotary, while Laing” in his account of Lake Shore Bird Migra- tion at Beamsville records this species, on Sep- tember 26th, 1918, under a question mark. Dafila acuta tzitzihoa (Vieillot). AMERICAN PintTai,. — Apparently of not very common occurrence within the area. The senior author saw a pair of these beautiful ducks on the sandy beach at Niagara-on-the-Lake on May 1, 1935, and this species has been reported by the Buf- falo Ornithological Society, in their “Spring Duck Census”, as occurring along the Welland County shore line of Lake Erie. There is a mounted specimen in the possession of Mrs. Emerson Culp, of Vineland, which we under- stand was shot by the late Mr. Culp on his farm, about two miles south of the village. Laing“ at Beamsville, in 1918, saw 3 on Sep- tember 30th, a flock on October 18th, and 1 on November 12th. Nettion carolinense (Gmelin). GREEN-WINGED TEAL. — This small duck has been reported on a number of occasions from the Niagara River but an apparent absence of definite records from the Ontario side leaves us in some doubt as to its status within the limits of our territory. 13. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 22, 1920. 14. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 22, 1920. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 99 Spatula clypeata (Linnaeus).» SHOVELLER. — No recent, or personal records. ‘Two were ob- served by Laing” at Beamsville on September 1th, 1918. Aix sponsa (Linnaeus). Woop Duck. — An cbservation of this duck in the swampy wood- lands near Warner in Lincoln County has been reported by the Buffalo Ornithological Society in their journal The Prothonotary for June, 1935. About midsummer, 1934, a glimpse of a duck, believed to be referable to this species, was obtained by the senior author as it flew up from the surface of a small pool by the side of a patch of woodland near St. Davids in Lincoln County. Nyroca americana (Eyton). REDHEAD. — Apparently a rare visitor to the Niagara dis- trict for we have only two personal records ot this species; a fine adult male having been seen on the river, below the Falls, on February 7th, 1625, and another one, in the same place, on November 12th, 1933. Recorded from the Wei- land County shore line of Lake Erie by the Buffalo Ornithological Society, in their “Spring Duck Census” of 1935. Nyroca_ collaris (Donovan). RING-NECKED Duck. — This duck has been recently reported by the Buffalo Ornithological Society as occurr- ing in April on Lake Erie off the Welland County shore, and there is an old record by Eaton * of a Ring-necked Duck near Niagara Falls in February, 1899. Nyroca valisineria (Wilson). CANVAS-BACK.— The Canvas-back is not an uncommon duck on the Niagara River in winter and during the early part of the spring and at this time it is apt to appear, either above or below the Falls, in small parties of half a dozen or more indi- viduals. There is a mounted specimen: of this duck, in the possession of Mr. N. H. Culp, of Vineland Station, which was picked up injured at the Falls, on March 26, 1928. Nyroca marila (Linnaeus). GREATER ScAuP Duck. — Odd individuals, pairs, or small par- ties of this duck appear occasionally, during very late autumn or early winter, in the river im- mediately below Niagara Falls. At one time we were under the impression that this was a reasonably common duck at Niagara, but recent very careful observations have tended to in- dicate that many of our earlier records should have been referred to the next species. Nyroca affinis (Eyton). Lesser Scaur Duck. — Although long in doubt, we are now quite 15. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 22, 1920. 16. Birds N.Y. 1: 208, 1910. 100 sure that this iss much the commoner of the two Seaups occuring on the Niagara River. Early in the autumn, this species appears to be the only one present, but in late autumn, or early winter, the two species are not infrequently seen together, the smaller bird, almost invariably, outnumbering the larger. Glaucionetta clangula americana (Bonaparte). AMERICAN GOLDEN-fYE.—The commonest winter duck on the Niagara River. Sometimes, during mid-winter, hundreds can be counted on the river between Niagara Falls and Fort Erie. This bird is frequently to be seen in the strong cur- rents and rapids above the Falls and its swim- ming and diving powers must be remarkable, for on two occasions during the month of Jan- _ uary, 1926, a dozen or more individuals of this species, most females, were observed diving and disporting themselves, in open water among the ice, on the very brink of the American Falls. These birds were closely watched for some con- siderable time, on each occasion, and apparently not one was swept over, although they were .diving so close to the edge that it appeared nothing short of miraculous that they were able to prevent themselves from being hurled over the edge of the cataract by the rushing, curving waters. Charitonetta albeola (Linnaeus). BUFELE- HEAD.—Formerly of fairly frequent occurence on the Niagara River, during the migration periods ; but the comparative scarcity of recent records would indicate that the Buffie-head is becoming a somewhat rare duck in this particular area. Clangula hyemalis (Linnaeus). OLp-sqguaw.— Of common occurrence in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, during both spring and autumn migration seasons, while it is also occasionally observed in mid-winter. Sometimes, during the spring migration, large flocks of this species gather in the Niagara River, usually keeping well out from the shore lines; but we have, on one mem- orable occasion, seen this splendid duck make its spectacular dive from the air within a few yards of the river bank, near the village of Chippawa. Histrionicus histrionicus Iuistrionicus (Linn- aeus). FASTERN HartEguin Duck. — Mitchell” records three female or immature duck of this species, seen in the Canadian rapids above the Niagara Falls on December 23, 1933. This is the only record which we know of on the On- tario side of the river; but the Harlequin has been reported on several occasions by observers on the New York side of the Niagara River. 17. Awk, 51% 392, 1954. THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST [Vou. L Somateria spectabulis (Linnaeus). KING Hiner. — No knowledge of any recent occurrences within the area. Eaton” gives a Niagara River record for December, about 1891, but this prob- ably refers to the New York side. and its in- clusion in this list on the strength of that re- cord is perhaps scarcely justified. Melanitta deglandi (Bonaparte). WuuttTE- WINGED ScoterR. —- Not a very common bird at Niagaca, but certainly the most frequently ob- served of the three species of Scoter which oc- casionally appear in the river immediately be- low the Falls. Three were seen in this section of the Niagara River on October 23rd and four on October 24th, 1926, a lone individual on October 20th, 1929, as many as 20 at various times between October 25th and December 17th, 1933, Melantta perspicillata. (Linnaeus). SuRF ScoTer. — Apparently a rare duck in the vicin- ity of Niagara. No first-hand knowledge of its occurrence until recently. Two or three females or immature males were observed below the Falls at different times between October 9th and November 4th, 1933; while during that came period, namely, on November Ist, a beauti- ful adult male was seen resting on the rocks near the Maid-of-the Mist landing. Oidemia americana Swainson. AMERICAN Scoter. — Although it is not by any means common, the frequency of the occurrence of the American scoter in the river below Niagara Falls during the autumn of 1933 inclines us to the belief that this duck has been present but overlocked in previous years. Erismatura jamaicensis rubida (Wilson). Ruppy Duck. — Occurs sparingly but regularly at Niagara Falls, during the autumn migration period. We do not appear to have any spring records of the occurrence of this duck in the Niagara district; all examples recorded, in any year, having appeared within a very restricted period between the 15th and 31st of October. Lophodytes cucullatus (Linnaeus). Hoonrp MERGANSER. —- An example of this smaller Mer- ganser, apparently an immature male, appeared on the wide expanse of water below the Falls, on November 14th, 1932, in company with about eight American Mergansers, two Horned Grebes and a Common Loon; while two other immature, or female, birds of this species were seen at the same place, in a similar mixed concourse of duck and grebes, on November 12th, 1935. 18. Birds N.Y. 1: 220, 1910. September, 1936]. . Mergus merganser americanus Cassin. .AMERTI- CAN MERGANSER. —- This handsome Merganser is a common visitor to the Niagara River during both spring and autumn migration season. In some years, it is present on the upper river, in considerable numbers, during January and other mid-winter months. Mergus serrator Linnaeus. RED-BREASTED MEr- GANSER. — A fairly common bird on the Nia- gara River during both spring and autumn mi- grations. Occasionally observed in mid-winter but not so frequently or in such large numbers as the preceding species. Catharies aura septentrionalis Wied. TURKEY VuLtTurE. — On several occasions, during May and June, 1935, Turkey Vultures were observed circling over the extensive woodland areas near Warner in Lincoln County. W. E. Hurlburt saw no less than four in this vicinity on the ninth of June. Astur atricapillus atricapillus (Wilson). Easi- ERN GosHAWK. — An immature example of this species was shot near Vineland on or about Dec- ember 20, 1935, and later sent to the Royal On- ‘tario Museum for preservation. Our lack of any other records would tend to indicate ex- treme rarity in this area. Accipiter velox velox (Wilson). SHARP- SHINNED Hawk. — Cannot be considered any- It is thing but a rare visitor to this district. perhaps of more frequent occurrence in Lincoln than in Welland County. Accipiter cooperi (Bonaparte). Cooprrr’s Hawk. — Apparently of somewhat rare occurrence. A hawk of this species was seen dead on September 21, 1932, having been shot by a farmer near Vineland. Laing” records seeing two or three at Beamsville between Sep- tember 17, and November 30, 1918. More re- cently, one was caught in a Starling trap at Vineland, on September 14, 1934, and another in the same trap a year later, on September 18, 1935. Buteo borealis borealis (Gmelin). EASTERN RED-= TAILED HAwk.—Not by any means a common hawk, but is occasionally to be met with in the Niagara district during the autumn migration season. Buteo lineatus lineatus (Gmelin). NortTHEerN RED-SHOULDERED Hawk. — A reasonably com- mon summer resident and probably the most plentiful of the Buteo hawks in this district. A few of the older, larger woodlots, with tall trees, afford nesting sites for a pair of these hawks. 19. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 22, 1920. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST ; ‘ 101 Buteo platypterus platypterus (Vieillot). BRroaD-wINceED HAwk. — Observed on several occasions in Welland County and is believed to occur sparingly throughout the district; but it is certainly not a common species. Buteo lagopus s.-johannis (Gmelin). AmeErt- CAN RoucH-iEccepD Hawk. — Apparently of fairly frequent occurence during the autumn mi- gration. There is evidence that this species also occasionally occurs in mid-winter, for there is a preserved specimen in the possession of Mr. N. H. Culp, which we understand was shot at Vineland Station about the first of January, 1922. This hawk has, on one or two occasions, been shot by pheasant hunters in the Niagara district, and there is a mounted bird in Dr. Whytock’s office at Niagara Falls which is stated to have been obtained near Queenston. Several were seen, and one shot and winged, near Smithville in Lincoln County on November 4th, 1933. Aquilla chrysaétos canadensis (Linnaeus). GonpEN EAGLE. — There is a fine mounted speci- men of a Golden Eagle in the possession of Miss Louise Sheppard, of ‘Queenston, which we un- derstand was shot by the late Major James Shep- pard in the winter of 1890. Judging by the somewhat small size, and the beauty of the plumage, this specimen would appear to be adult male, newly moulted and in the prime of life. We know of no other definite record of a Golden Eagle in this district, and Major H. C. Sheppard tells us that as far as he is aware the bird men- tioned here is the only one of its kind taken among the hundred or more Eagles shot by his father at Queenston during the period 1882-1907. Haliectus leucocephalus alascanus ‘Townsend. NortHeRN Bap Eacie. — An immature Bald Eagle, with a small amount of white marking on the head, was shot near Jordan ponds by a local farmer on August 28, 1929. It is stated to have been in the vicinity for about two weeks prev- ious to the date of shooting. Upon examination its stomach was found to contain fish. A second immature example was shot and winged near Jordan early in March, 1933. This bird was kept alive for some time by Chas. Mitchell, of that locality, and was later obtained by the writers and released at Niagara-on-the-Lake about the end of May. Mr. H. St. Clair Fisher of Niagara Falls has in his possession a mounted specimen of this Eagle which he shot on the river bank at Queenston on or about October 15, 1922. This specimen, which has been examined by the sen- ior author, is apparently a female in its first or second year and is remarkable for its great 102 : size. Mr. Fisher tells us that, when in the flesh, it was stated by the taxidermist to have weighed 16 Ibs., to have measured well over 45 inches in length, and to have had a wing spread of 9 feet 4 inches. Major H. C. Sheppard of Queen- ston has informed us that between the years 1882 and 1907 his father, Major James Sheppard, shot up to one hundred American Eagles along the river bank near Queenston. The lower Niagara River at Queenston must have been much favoured by Eagles in those days for we are told by Major Sheppard that several were shot nearly every winter, and that sometimes as many as eight or ten in a season were pro- cured for preservation as mounted specimens. There is an old and interesting record given by the Rey. Mr. Hibbert Langille” of the Bald Eagle nesting on the bank of the Niagara River at Chip- pawa, about fifty years ago. On several occa- sions during the past few years, Eagles have been reported as having been seen within the Niagara River gorge; but, unfortunately, we have no personal sight records to substantiate these reports. Circus hudsonius (Linnaeus). MarsH Hawk. — A common summer resident in Lincoln and Welland Counties and the most conspicuous, if not the most plentiful, raptore occurring within the area. It would seem probable that this hawk 20. Our Birds in their Haunts, p. 453-5, Boston, 1884. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST [VoL. L occasionally overwinters here for we have a February record for Lincoln County, and in Welland County it has been observed as early as March _ 5th. Pandion haliaétus carolinensis (Gmelin). Osprey. — We have no personal observations of this fine hawk to record, but Laing” repurts seeing a beautiful adult at Beamsville on Sept. 20, 1918, and there is a mounted specimen in a restaurant at Grimsby which is believed to have been obtained locally. Falco peregrinus anatum Bonaparte. Duck Hawk. — A falcon of this species was shot near the Lincoln-Haldimand county line, in the vicinity of Canboro, on October 9, 1933, by V. Juhlke of Vineland. Falco sparverius sparverius Linnaeus. Eas*r- ERN SPARROW Hawk. — A fairly common sum- mer resident, arriving in this district soon after the middle of March. There is no doubt that this small hawk quite frequently overwinters in this section of the country; for we have win- ter records almost yearly from the Vineland area, while, during recent winter seasons, several have been observed at Niagara Falls and other points in Welland County. (To be continued) 21. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 22, 1920. ADDITIONAL NOTE:ON THE PRESENCE OF THE EUROPEAN STARLING AT CAMROSE, ALBERTA By E. R. KALMBACH, U.S. Biological Survey, Denver, Colorado N MAY, 1935, the writer, traveling north- ward through Alberta stopped at Cam- rose to gather details of the nesting of a European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris ) east of that place in 1934, an incident since re- ported by Frank Farley (Canadian Field- Naturalist, Vol. 49 p. 119). It was my good fortune to meet Lawrence Blades, school teacher at the Hartland school, 14 miles east of Camrose, in the belfry of which the Starling had nested. From him were obtain- ed the following notes on the presence of a Starling in that vicinity subsequent to the col- lecting of the eggs. A single Starling was seen on several occasions late in the autumn and early in the winter of 1934 in the region east of Camrose. It finally took up its abode in a barn some 5 miles north of the Hartland school. It was not seen during January and February, 1935, but what appears to have been the same bird reappeared early in the spring. On about May 10 it was caught in the loft of the barn mentioned, and after two days of captivity it died. It was the writer’s good fortune to arrive on the scene soon thereafter and to find the speci- men still in Mr. Blades’ possession. He kindly relinquished it in order that it might be preserv- September, 1936] ed. The skin, bearing collector number E.R.K. 6739, has been deposited in the collection of the University of Alberta, at Edmonton. The bird was a female, in a much emaciated condition and its ovaries were moderately en- larged. There are reasons for believing that only a single bird is involved in these observa- THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST _ 103 tions as well as those recited by Mr. Farley. It is likely also, as Mr. Taverner has suggested, that the incident is a case of box-car transporta- tion rather than a natural extension of range. The writer is unaware. of Canadian records of the European Starling west of Manitoba. NOVA SCOTIA MAMMAL NOTES By V. E. GOULD Wolfville, N.S. Sorcx arcticus arcticus Kerr. AMERICAN SADDLE-BACKED SHREW. — Hitherto there. have been but two recorded instances of the occur- rence of this shrew in Nova Scotia and both of them are from the same locality. The first was taken on the lawn of Mr. H. S. Cruick- shanks at Harmony, one and three-quarter miles east-south-east of Truro on July 6, 1920; and the second was found dead in the same locality on September 6, 1923. Both specimens are now in the Provincial Museum at Halifax, preserved in alcohol. It now gives me pleasure to establish another locality in the province for this exceed- ingly rare animal, after a lapse of twelve years. Two specimens, male and a female, were captur- ed by the writer at Grand Pre, Kings County, about a quarter of a mile west of the D. A. Railway station, from among the diggings of the Star-nosed Mole (Condylura cristata) in swampy ground immediately beside the railway track. The female was caught on April 27, 1935, and the male on April 30, 1935. A concentration of traps in the general locality failed to result in the capture of any more of this species. Measurements : Male: Length 118 mm. Tail 45 mm. Foot 15 mm. Female: Length 116 mm. Tail 41 mm. Hind Foot 14 mm. Hind Microsorex hoyi thompsoni (Baird). THomMpson Picmy SHREW. — This is another species of Shrew which is to be considered rare and local in the province. It has been recorded from Ingonish Centre, Digby and Little River, Digby Neck (Jackson,7axonomic Review of the Amer- ican Long-tailed Shrews, genera Sorex and Mi- crosorex, N.A. kauna No. 51, 1928) and more recently at Maxwelltown, Digby County, and Caledonia, Queens County, by Morris M. Green, April, 1930 (in litt., by permission). Also there is a specimen in the Provincial Museum. Hali- fax, which was collected by J. Perrin on Februa- ty 20, 1904, at MacNab’s Island, Halifax Har- bour. It is now known to occur on the “Ridge” near Wolfville. On April 5, 1935, I collected a male on the dry hillside (southern exposure) grown up irregularly with small conifers and wild ap- ple trees. The animal was taken at a small pile of loose rocks, above 100 yards south-east of the locally famous “Stile”. No more turned up in the concentration of traps that followed for a week afterwards. Measurements : Male: Length 88 mm. Tail 32 mm. Foot 10 mm. Hind Myotis keenti septentrionalis (Trouessart). LONG-FARED Brown Bat. — In the gypsum min- ing localities of Hants County, N.S., and prob- ably other places in the province where this in- dustry is carried on, there have been excavated a number of caves of greater or lesser extent, and these are favourite gathering places for bats, used for roosting in summer and for hibernating in the winter. On February 11, 1935, one of these localities, a cave at Cheverie, Hants County, was visited by myself and Mr. R. W. Tufts. In this cave, which extended about 75 yards into the earth and was about twenty feet wide and ten to fifteen feet high, a small colony of the above named species was found. ‘There were countless crevices and niches all over the cave which seemed likely to provide shelter for them, but all we could find, thirty-six in number, were gathered in a small side chamber drilled in the roof near one side. They clung there, head downward, to the sides and roof, singly and in small groups. Most of them however were found tightly packed in two drill holes in the roof, which were about five inches deep and one and a half inches in diameter. When light was turned on them and efforts were made to dis- 104 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST lodge them they squeaked vigorously and opened their tiny fox-like mouths threateningly. When drawn out of their retreat they fell helplessly to the ground and moved about feebly. Most of those clinging to the walls had a silvery cover- ing of condensed moisture which so made them resemble the walls that close observation was required in locating them. Most of them were apparently almost incapable of movement. How- ever there was one which flew away briskly when an attempt was made to pick it up and another flew away at our approach. This was [VoL. L surprising for the temperature was below the freezing point that day. Twelve specimens were collected which later proved to be males without In a warm room, they slowly revived and flew about. They kept alive and active in a warm room. The next morning much excre- ment was found to have been deposited. exception. Average Measurements of five specimens: Length 90.8 mm. Tail 40.8 mm. Ulna 37 mm. Metatarsal 32.6 mm. 1. Metatarsal 32.1 mm. 2. Metatarsal 32.4 mm. 3. STOMACH CONTENT ANALYSES OF FISHES PREYING UPON THE YOUNG OF PACIFIC SALMON DURING THE FRY MIGRATION AT McCLINTON CREEK, MASSET INLET, BRITISH COLUMBIA By A. L. PRITCHARD, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, B.C. S ONE PHASE of the investigation of the efficiency of natural propagation of Pink Salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha, conducted at McClinton Creek, Massett Inlet, British Columbia, since 1930, an attempt has been made to determine what fish prey upon the eggs and fry of the species and to ascertain the loss sustained through the activity of such predators. For this purpose collections of Cot- tids, Dolly Varden Char, Cut-throat Trout, and Coho Salmon yearlings were made from February to June in the springs of 1931 and 1933 as follows: 1931 1933 Cottids—Cottus sp. 81 8&4 Dolly Varden Char—Salvelinus malma 62 14 Cut-throat Trout—Salmo clarku 11 Coho Salmon—Oncorhynchus kisutch 365 20 *Mixture of Coho Salmon and Cut-throat Trout 1067 456 1586 574 2160 Table I presents the data arising from the analyses of the stomach contents of the fish in the samples listed above. Before passing final judgment on the basis of the evidence in Table I, it is necessary to consider the conditions under which the samples *Pressure of work prevented individual identi- fication of the fish in these collections at the time when they were captured. Over ninety per cent. of the total were young Coho Salmon. were taken. In order to count the young otf the various species of Pacific Salmon which are migrating seaward in the spring of the year, a barrier of fine wire screening has been con- structed across the entire width of the stream. This structure halts the downstream migration of all fish larger than the smallest fry, and since it is built at an angle to the flow of the river, serves to guide them into a large rect- angular pen at the lower end, from which they may be taken, counted and examined. Thus, when the runs are at their height, there is a concentration of fry along the screens and in the pen, and there is little doubt but that, during this temporary crowding, the small fish more easily fall prey to their predators. It has been noted that these same predators, the Cottid, the: Dolly Varden Char, the Cut-throat Trout, and the Coho Salmon yearling, appear in large num- bers immediately after dusk when the daily downstream migration begins and make excellent use of the opportunity for extra food which 1s afforded. Therefore, even though the results ot the analyses may be more extreme than those which would be obtained under natural condi- tions, they, do demonstrate the fact that much damage will arise from “enemy” fish, should there occur unnatural circumstances which pro- duce a concentration of fry. There appears to be a close similarity in the average number of Pink Salmon fry taken in the stomachs of a given predator in the two years, 1931 and 1933. The relative size of the September, 1936] THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 105 Table I. — ANALYSES OF CONTENTS OF FISH TAKEN AT McLinton CreEK, MASsEt INLET, B.C., DURING THE SPRINGS OF 1931 ANp 19353. Cottus Slvelinus Salmo Oncorhynchus Oncorhynchus kisutch sp. malma clarkit kisutch & Salmo clarkil 1931 1933 1931 1933 1931 1931 1933 1931 1933 Size 1% v= Bm Oa SA lie ig 6%" 4%” No. examined 81 84 62 14 11 365 20 1067 456 No. empty 59 39 5 1 6 75 1 176 18 Number containing 1 pink salmon fry 7 113} 5 2 2 46 153 68 2 = = 12 2 2 1 56 3 212 123 3 el ea 3 9 3 3 1 73 6 220 119 4 as es Me) 6 5 65 6 124 79 5 ne ae 1 2 7 ] 20 Zz 80 32 6 2 we 1 7 1 13 j 36 15 7 wt) pi, 4 7 24 2 8 — oo 1 2 4 i 6 8 es 3 1 1 2 Li 2 1 12 — — 2 1 13 — == 2 1 1 14 — — 1 15 — — ] 1 19 = shh 1 J 22 — — ] 23 — — 1 Tot. pink salmon in stomachs 55 120 408 86 12 953 74 2623 1251 Av. No. per stomach 1.4 6.6 6.1 pel Poll Sad 2.5 Boll Total Chum Salmon fry 2 76 10 Ba Total Coho Salmon fry and fingerlings 8 2 46 34 1 8 2 Stomachs containing ~ insects 1 I 16 1 Stomachs containing fish eggs 4 1 Miscellaneous materials 2 trout * t 13. Stomachs contained unidentifiable fish remains. 1. Stomach contained a spider. figures would indicate that the most voracious of the enemies is the Dolly Varden Char, fol- lowed by the Coho Salmon, the Cut-throat Trout and the Cottid respectively. These data alone, however, may not be used to assess the absolute damage caused to the young salmon by any one species in the river. For such a determination it is essential to know as well the actual numbers of the predator in the stream. Unfortunately no such counts are available, but from general observation we are led to the conclusion that from the point of view of absolute damage the order, from great- est to least, is probably: Coho Salmon, Cut- throat Trout, Dolly Varden Char, and Cottid. 106 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST (VoL. L MEMBERS OF THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB AND SUBSCRIBERS TO THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST, SEPTEMBER, 1936 PATRONS THEIR EXCELLENCIES THE GOVERNOR GENERAL AND LADY T WEEDSMUIR HONORARY MEMBERS GIBSON, ARTHUR, Entomological Branch, Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, Ont. MERRIAM, C. HART, 1919 16th Street, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. SMALL, Dz. H. B., 150 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, Ont. SUSTAINING LIFE MEMBERS De Lury, RaupH E., (1933) Dominion Observatory, Ottawa, Ont. Hauxetr, Miss M., (1932) 216 Lyon St., Ottawa, Ont. LIFE MEMBERS Grou, H., (1933) Botanical Division, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont. Pautson, ©. W. G., (1936) c-o John Harkness Co., 69 Great Queen St., Kingsway, London, W.C.2. Puiuier, P. B., (1933) 220 Broadway, New York, N.Y., U.S.A. RoBERTSON, C.N., (1982) Apt. 691, The Claridge, 1 Clarendon Ave., Toronto, Ont. WALKER, E. M., (1935) 67 Alcina Avenue, Toronto, Ont. WILSON, M.E., (1936) Department of Mines, Ottawa, Ont. A ABBINETT, Mrs. F. J., 93 Cameron Street, Ottawa, Ontario ABBOTT, Miss PHYLLIS, 505 Pine Ave., Montreal, P.Q. ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCE, 1900 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A. ADAMS, JOHN. Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont. AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF, Province of Alberta, Parliament Buildings, Edmonton, Alta. AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF, Division of Botany, Library, Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont. AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF, Entomological Branch Library, Ottawa, Ont. AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF, Library, Confederation Block, Ottawa, Ont. AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF, The Entomologist, Quebec, P.Q. AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF, Library, Washington, D.C., U.S-A. AHERN, G. S., 20 St. Antoine Street, Quebec, P.Q. ALCOCK, F. J., Geological Survey, Ottawa, Ont. ALLEN, Dr. A. A., McGaw Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., U.S.A. ‘ ALLIN, A. E., 622-a Dovercourt Road, Toronto, Ont. AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL His- TORY, 771th Street and Central Park W., New York, N.Y., U.S.A. Ami, Mrs. H. 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L., 124 Washington Street, Waukegan, Ill., U.S.A. M MACAULAY. T. B., Hudson Heights, Que. MACE, H. G., c/o Gilson Manufacturing Co., Guelph, Ont. MACLOGHLIN, Mrs. A. E., 43 Inglewood Drive, Hamilton, Ont. MAcLuLicH, D. A., Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology, Queen’s Park., Toronto 5, Ont. MACNAMARA, CHAS., Arnprior, Ont. MAGEE, M. J., 603 South Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., U.S.A. MAcGReEGor, H A., Foremost. Alberta. MAGUIRE, W.S., YOOMLGAN 5 New Westminster, B.C. MAINE, UNIVERSITY OF, Library, , Orono, Maine, US.A. MANITOBA NATURAL History SOCIETY Winnipeg Auditorium Museum, Memorial Boulevard, Winnipeg, Man. MANITOBA UNIVERSITY, Science Library, Fort Garry Site, Winnipeg, Man. MANSELL, W. C., 62 Baby Pt. Cres, Toronto, Ont. MARCOTTE, LEON, St. Charles Seminary, Sherbrooke, P.Q. MARTIN, N., 17 Nairn Ave., Toronto, Ont. MASSACHUSETTS, COMMONWEALTH OF, State Library, State House, Boston, Mass., U.S.A. McCase, T. T., 2593 Life Science Building, University of California, Berkeley, California, U.S.A. McDouea.t, E. G., Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ont. MCELHINNEY, M. G., 102 Bank Street, Ottawa, Ont. McFADDEN, R. W.E., 4 Hart Street, Brantford, Ont. McGaAnHEy, Miss PEARL, 193 O’Connor Street, Ottawa, Ont. McGEs, Mrs. T. D., 12 Marlborough Ave., Ottawa. Ont. McGiLut UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, 3459 McTavish Street, Montreal, P.Q. McILWRAITH ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, c-o Keith Reynolds, 32 St. Andrew Street, London, Ont. McIuwratth, T. F., 50 St. Leonard’s Avenue, Toronto 12, Ont. McKEAnp, W. L., Buena Vista Road, Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa, Ont. McKinnon, Mrs. J.58., 24 Jeanne d’Arc Street, Hull, P.Q. McLAaINE, L. S., Entomological Branch, Ottawa, Ont. aa September, 1936] McManus, JR. R, Memramcook, N. B. McMASTER UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, Westdale, Hamilton, Ont. MEREDITH, R., 93 St. Peter Street, Quebec, P.Q. MERRIMAN. Miss IDA, 185 Frontenac St., Kingston, Ont. MIcHIGAN STATE COLLEGE LIBRARY, East Lansing, Mich., U.S.A. MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, Ann Arbor, Mich., U.S.A. MILLEN, Miss C., 190 Coltrin Road, Rockcliffe Park, ‘Ottawa, Ont. MILNES, H.. 759 Rathbourne Avenue, Woodstock, Ont. MINARD, Miss R., 154 Pretoria St., Oitawa, Ont. MINNESOTA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, University Farm, St. Paul, Minn., U.S.A. MINSHALL, W. H, Division of Botany, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Ont. MITCHELL, Mrs. O. S., 69 Oriole Read, Toronto, Ont. MONTREAL MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE, Atwater and Tupper Streets, Westmount, P.Q. MONTREAL UNIVERSITY, Botanical Laboratory, St. Denis Street, Montreal, P.Q Moore, W. H., Mouth Keswick, R.M.D. 1.. York Co., NB. More GaME BIRDS IN AMERICA, INC. 506 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y., USA. Morris, FRANK, 694 Aylmer Avenue, Peterborough, Ont. Morris, RoBERT T., Box 554, Stamford, Conn., U.S.A. Mousey, H.,. 4073 Tupper Street, Westmount, Montreal, eae Munro, J. A., Okanagan Landing, B.C. Morip, A., 328 Hilgard Hall, University of California, Berkeley, Cal., U.S.A. uRPHY, Miss L., 1535 Summerhill Avenue, Montreal, P.Q. N NATIONAL PARKS OF CANADA, Department of Interior, Ottawa, Ont. NEEDLER, A. W .F., Ellerslie, P. me ik NEWCOMBE, W. 138 Dallas Road, Victoria, B.C. NEWTON, H. E., P.O. Box 935, Victoria, B.C. NEw YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN. Bronx Park, New York, N.Y., U.S.A. NEw YoRK STATE COLLEGE OF FOREST- RY, Forest Library, Syracuse, N.Y., U.S.A. New York STATE LIBRARY, Albany, N.Y., U.S.A. NEw YoRK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, 185th Street, Bronx, New York, N.Y,, U.S.A. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST NICHOLS, C. K., 512 Hamilton Road, Ridgewood, N.J., U.S.A. NICHOLS, D. A., National Museum, Ottawa, Ont. NICOL, COLIN, 111 Wolseley St., Montreal West, P.Q. NORMAL SCHOOL, The Principal, North Bay, Ont. NORMAL SCHOOL, Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ont. Oo OBERHOLSER, H. C., 2805 18th Street N.W., Washington, D.C., U.S.A. O’Connor, J. L., Dominion Observatory, Ottawa, Ont. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, Library, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. ONTARIO AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, Library, Guelph, Ont. ONTARIO DEPT of GAME & FISHERIES. Deputy Minister. Toronto, Ont. ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, Library, Toronto, Ont. OSLER, G. F., 360 St. James St., Montreal, P.Q. Owen, L., Box 31, Ingersoll, Ont. OSLO ZOOLOGICAL MUSEUM, Oslo, Norway. 12 PACIFIC BIOLOGICAL STATION, Nanaimo, B.C. PARASITOLOGY, INSTITUTE OF, BUAcDON SD COLLEGE, PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY, Ciawas Ont. PATON, iP. o Box 2646, Montreal, P. Q. PEARSE, THEED, P.O. Box 158, Courtney, B.C. PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION, South Office Building, Harrisburg, Pa., U.S.A. PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, 34th Street & Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A. PETTINGELL, O. S. JR., Westbrook Junior College, Portland, Maine, U.S.A. PHELPS, FRANK M., 312 Fifth Street, Elyria, Ohio, U.S.A. PHILLIPS, JOHN ca Wenkam, Mass., U.S.A. PORSILD, A. E., 569 Mariposa Avenue, Roekcliffe Park, Ottawa, Ont. PORSILD, M. P., Director, Den Danske Arktiske Station, Disko, Greenland. PORSILD, R. T., Ogilvie. Yukon. POTTER, LAWRENCE B., Gower Ranch, East End, Sask. PREBLE, EF. A., 3027 Newark Street, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. PREUSSISCHE STATS-BIBLIOTHEK, Unter den Linden 38, Berlin, N.W. 7, Germany. 109 PRINCE, E. E., 321 McLeod Street, Ottawa, Ont. PRINCETON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, Princeton, N.J., U.S.A. PRITCHARD, A. L., Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, B.C. QUEBEC ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, Chariesbourg, Quebec. Q QUEBEC, PROVINCE OF, ASSOCIATION FOR PROTECTION OF FISH AND GAME. INC., 1154 Beaver Hall Square, Montreal, P.Q. QUEBEC SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS c-o Mrs. C. L. Henderson, 1536 St. Mathew Street, Montreal, P.Q. QUEENS UNIVERSITY, Douglas Library, Kingston, Ont. R RABBITS, GOWER, Longs Hill, St. Johns, Newfoundland. Racey, Miss H. S., 30 Hebert Street, Quebec, P.Q. RACEY, KENNETH, 3262 W Ist. Ave.. Vancouver, B.C. RAND, AUSTIN L., American Museum of Natural History, New York, N.Y. RAWSON, D.S., Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Sask. RAYNES, G. W., 209 Miller Ave., Portsmouth, N.H., U-S.A. RICHARDSON, L. R., Dept of Zoology, McGill University, Montreal, P.Q RIcKER, Miss H.S., 94 Park Street, Truro, N.S. RICKER, WM. E., Pacific Salmon Research Station, Veddar Crossing, B.C RosBerts, T. S., Direetor, Museum of Natural History, Minneapolis, Minn., U.S.A. RONAYNE, JOHN, Pemberton Meadows, B.C. Ross, D. A., Vineland Station, Ont. Ross, F. D., P.O. Box 370, Quebec, P.Q. ROYAL CANADIAN INSTTUTE, 198 College Street, Toronto, Ont. RUSSELL, LORIS S., National Museum, Ottawa, Ont. RUTTER, R.J., c-o Brodie Club, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ont. 5 Salt, C. C., 4134 Old Orchard, N. D.G. Montreal, P.Q. SANDERS, R. D., U S. Forest Service, Rhinelander, Wis., U S.A. SANSON, N. B., Banff, Alta. SARNIA COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE, Sarnia, Ont. SAUNDERS, W. E., 240 Central Avenue, London, Ont. 110 SCIENCE LIBRARY, Science Museum, South Kensington, London, S.W.7, England, Scott, W. L., 383 Stewart Street, Ottawa, Ont. SETON, ERNEST T., Seton Village, Sante Fé, New Mexico, U.S.A. SHAw, J.N.B 1436 St. ee Street, Montreal, Quebec. SHAW, W. T., 1002 Cambridge Avenue, Fresno, Cal., U.S.A. SHELDON, Miss Cas Museum of Zoology, Ann Arbor, Mich., U.S.A. SHEPPARD, R. W., 1805 Moreland Ave., Niagara Falls, Ont. SHERMAN, Miss A. R., National, via McGregor, Iowa, U.S.A. SHERWOOD, E. S., 140 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ont. SHIRAS 3RD, GEO., 4530 Klingle Street, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. SHuTT, F. T.. 290 Mariposa Ave, Rockcliffe Park. Ottawa, Ont.. SIFTON, H. B., 10 Rathnally Ave., Toronto, Ont. SKINNER, M. P., 1316 Harding Street, Long Beach, Cal., U.S.A. SMILEY, A. K., JR. Mohonk Lake, N.Y., U.S.A. SmiTH. A. G., Wainwright, Alberta SMITH, FRANK, 79 Fayette Street, Hillsdale, Mich., U.S.A. . Whyte, Napanee Ont. SMITH, NAPIER, c-o Bank of Montreal, 9 Waterloo Place, London, S. W. 1., England. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, U.S. National Museum, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. SNELL, C. H., Red Deer, Alta. SNYDER, L. L., Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology, Toronto, Ont. SOCIETE PROVENCHER D’HISTOIRE Na- TURELLE DU CANADA, 38 Sherbrooke Street, Quebec, P.Q Soper, J. D., 827 Riverwood Ave., Fort Garry, Winnipeg, Man. SPEECHLY, H. M., 232 Home St. Winnipeg, Man. SPEIRS, J. M., 17 Wolfrey Avenue, Toronto 6, Ont. SPENCER, G. J., Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. SproT, G. D., Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island, B. C. Squires, Mrs. NATHAN C., Fredericton, N.B. STEFANSSON, V., 67 Morton St., STEPHENS, Dr. T. C., Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, U.S.A. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST STERNBERG, CHAS. M., Geological Survey, Ottawa, Ont. STEWART, D. A., Manitoba Sanatorium, Ninette, Man. SWEDISH ROYAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, Stockholm, Sweden. a TAVERNER, P. A., National Museum, Ottawa, Ont. TAYLOR, B. W., Director of Fish Culture, Room 206, Biological Building, Montreal, P.Q. TERRILL, LEWIS M., 24 Prince Arthur Avenue, St. Lambert, P.Q THACKER, T. L., Little Mountain, Hope, B.C. THOMPSON, STUART, 286 Wychwood Avenue, Toronto, Ont. THOMSON, M. M., Dominion Observatory, Ottawa, Ont. THORNE, H. M., c/o B. L. Thorne, 3027 6th Street West, Calgary, Alta. TORONTO FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB, Treasure, C. G. Brennand, 229 Forman Avenue, N. Toronto, Ont. TORONTO UNIVERSITY, Department of Geology, Toronto, Ont. TORONTO UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, Toronto, Ont. TUCK, JOHN R., 11126-90th Avenue, Edmonton, Alta. TuFTs, R. W., Wolfville, N.S. TURNBULL, J. F., R.R. No. 8, Orillia, Ont. TURNER, G. H., Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. TYRRELL, J. B., 1312 Metropolitan Building, Toronto 2, Ont. U USSHER, R. D., Nancy Lake Farm, King, Ont. Vv VAN CLEAVE, H. J., Department of Zoology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill., U.S.A. VANCOUVER NATURAL HISTORY So- CIETY, c-o W. F. Connor, 3222 W. 36th Street, Vancouver, B.C. VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY, Main and Hastings Ave., Vancouver, B.C. VICTORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY, Victoria. B.C. VLADYKOV, V. D., Fisherles Experimental Station, Halifax, N.S. WwW WALKER, BRYANT, 1306 Dime Bank Building, Detroit, Mich., U.S.A. WALKINSHAW, L. H., 1421-W Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S.A. WALSH, M. J., Box 133, Ottawa, Ont. [VoL. L WARREN, FE. R., 1511 Wood Avenue, Colorado Springs, Col., U.S.4. WASHINGTON STATE COLLEGE LIBRARY Pullman, Wash., U.S.A. WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, Seattle, Wash., U.S.A. WEEMS, F. C., 23 Wall Street, New York, N.Y., U.S.A. WESTMOUNT PUBLIC LIBRARY, Westmount, P.Q WHELEN. R. V., Smoky Falls, via Kapuskasing, Ont. WHITE, ED. F. G., 185 Wurtemburg Street, Ottawa, Ont. Waitt, Mrs. EH. F. G., 185 Wurtemburg Street, Ottawa, Ont. WHITEHEAD, A. B., 302 Grande Allée, Quebec, P.Q. WHITEHURST, Miss K. E., 110 Prospect Avenue, Westboro, Ont. WHITEHURST, Miss P., Westboro, Ont. WICKENDEN, R. T. D., 3 Pretoria Ave., Ottawa, Ont. WICKSTEED, Miss W.,~ 412 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ont. WILLEY, PRoF. ARTHUR, tv. oO. Mille Isles, St. Jerome, P.Q. WILLIAMS, Dr. M. Y., University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. WILSON, Miss ALICE E., Geological Survey, Ottawa, Ont. WILSON, Miss E., Acacia Avenue, Rockeliffe Park, Ottawa, Ont. WOOD, CASEY, c-o Emma S. Wood Library, McGill University, Montreal, P.Q. Woop, WM., 59 Grande Allee, Quebec, P.Q. WoOoDsTock NATURALIST SOCIETY, c-o G. L, Nutt, 11 Beale St. Woodstock, Ont. Wootton, A. R., 975 Lagoon Drive. Vancouver, B.C WRIGHT, A. H., Zoological Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., U.S.A. WRIGHT, Mrs. G. M., 2701 Claremont Pouce Berkeley, Cal., U.S.A. Wricnat, H. H., 826 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, Ont. WRIGHT, J. FRANK, Great West Permanent Building, Winnipeg, Man. WRIGHT, Miss S. E., 449 Gilmour St., Ottawa, Ont. WYNNE-EDWARDS, V. C., McGill University, Montreal, P.Q. WYLIE, Mrs. T. C., 142 Faraday St., Ottawa, Ont. Y Youne, C. H., National Museum, Ottawa, Ont. Z ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY, LONDON, Regents Park, London, N.W.8, England. ne ne, ey ee ee re r 4 ¥ ig ; : NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MANITOBA 1934-35 _ President Emeritus: C. E. BASTIN; President: A. G. LAWRENCE; _ Past Presidents; H. M. SPEECHLY, M.D., V. W. JACKSON, _ M.Sc., C. W. Lows, M.Sc., J. B. WALLIS, M.A., A. A. --McCousrey, A. M. Davipson, M.D., R. A. WARDLE, _M.Sc., G. SHIRLHY Brooks; Vice-Presidents: B. W. CART- WRIGHT, H. C. PEARCE, L. T. S. NORRIS-ELYB, B.A., Mrs. L. _ R. Stmmpson, W. H. RAND; Treasurer: Dr. W. G. CAMPBELL, _ 216 Medical Arts Bldg., Winnipeg, Manitoba; General _ Secretary: NORMAN LowWE, 317 Simcoe St., Winnipeg; Auditor: RR. M. THomas; Executive Secretary: J. Happow, Social _ Convenor: Miss O. A. ARMSTRONG. Section Chairman Secretary _ Ornithological A. H. SHORTT A. M. MAcKIE& _ Entomological G. SHIRLEY BROOKS Miss M. F. PRATT Botanical H. F. Rosperts, M.Sc. Mrs. I. M. PRIESTLY Geological A.A. McCousreEy P. H. STOKES Mammalogical V. W. JAcKsSoN, M.Sc. ichihyological G. D. RUSSELL Secrélary: J. P. KENNEDY. i R. A. WARDLE, M.Sc. E C. W. Lows, M.Sc. vs Secretary: H. C. PEARCE. : . Meetings are held each Monday evening, except on holiday _ from October to April, in the physics theatre of the University _ Winnipeg. Field excursions are held each Saturday after- - noon during May, June and September, and on public holidays _ during July and August. ‘THE HAMILTON BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY 4 (Incorporated) _ President; Mr. HY. ©. Nunn, 1 Mountain Park Ave. H.; _ Vice-President: REV. C. A HEAVEN, 135 Dalewood Cres H.; 4 Secretary: Mr. J. H. WILLIAMs, 202 Park RowS.,H.; Treasurer: _ H.E. Kerrie, 160 Delaware Ave., H.; Chairman of Extension Committee: H.C. NUNN; Chairman of Junior Work: Miss M. _ ¥. Grartam; Chairman of Field Work: J. H. W1LLiaMS; Chair- _ man of Programme Committee: Mrs. F. MACLOGHLIN; Chair- man of Sanctuary Commitiez: GEORGE NoRTH. (Note—H. stands fcr Hamilton) McILWRA ITH ORNITHOLOGI CAL CLUB, LONDON, ONT. President: J. H. CAMERON, 355 Dufferon Ave., London» Ont.; Vice-President: MR. E. D. BRAND, 148 William Street, London, Cnt.; Recording Secretary: MISS FRANCES JACOBS; _ 353 Princess Ave., London, Oni.; Migration Secretary: MR. BE. _ M.S. DALE, 297 Hyman Street, London, Ont.; Corresponding _ Secretary and Treasurer: KEITH REYNOLDS, 32 St. Andrews St., London, Ont.; Members qualified to answer questions: W. E. _ SAUNDERS, 240 Central Avenue, London, Ont.; C. G. WATSON, _ 201 Ridout Street South, London, Ont.; J. F. CALVERT, 461 _ Tecumseh Avenue, London, Ont.; E.M.S. DALE, 297 Hyman _ Street, London, Ont. Meetings held the second Monday of the month, except s during the summer. “4 Microscopy Zoology Botany i 3 3 . a VANCOUVER NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Honorary President. 1..S. Kink, (D.Sc.), President Univer- sity of B.C; President: JOHN Davipson, F.L.S., F.B.S.E., _ University of B.C.; Vice-President: Dr. M. Y. WiLLtams, _ Geology Dept., University of B.C.; Honorary Secretarz: Mrs. _ F.W. FARLEY; 6507 Laburnum St., Vancouver, B.C. First Assistant Secretary: Mrs. LAURA ANDERSON, 2nd Assistunt Be mecretary: Miss Nora Swirt, Honorary Treasurer: A. H. _ BAIN, 2142 Collingwood Street, Vancouver, B.C.;. Librarian: _ Mrs. F. McGinn. Members of Executive: C. F. CONNor, M. A. _ Mr.R. J. Cummine; Mr. J. D. TURNBULL, Mr. Curtis JouNs, Mrs.J MorTion; Auditora: H. G. SeLwoop, W. B. Woops. _ Chairmen of Sections: Botany: PRoF. JOHN DAVID=ON, Geology: _ Mr.J.J. PLoMMEr, Photography: Mr. PHitie Timms, Entym- 4 ology: MR. WOOTTON, Microscopy: Mr. J.A. JOHNSTON, Ornith- _ ology: Mr. J. D. TURNBULL. ‘ All meetings at 8 p.m., Auditorium, Normal School, 10th _ Avenue and Cambie Street unless otherwise announced. BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRD AND MAMMAL 4 SOCIETY ___ President: Dr. M. Y. WILLIAMS; Firat Vice-President; _HAmILTon M. Latina; Second Vice-President: Dr. C. J. BASTIN: _ Secretary-Treasurer: C. H. BASTIN, 4484 West 9th Ave. _ Vancouver, B.C, A fhliated Societies PROVINCE OF QUEBEC SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS INC. OFFICERS & COMMITTEE: Past Presidents: Mr. L. McL.. TERRILL, Mr. NAPIER SMITH. Mr. W. S. Hart, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON; President: PRoF. V. C WyNNE-Epwarps, 495 Prince Arthur Street, Apt. 4, Montreal; Vice-Presidents: Mrs. H. HiBpBpERT, Dr. A. N. JENKS; Vice-President and Treasurer: MR. HENRY MOUSLEY; Secretary: Miss MAUD SrEaTu. 7 Committee: Mr. J. D. CLEGHORN, Mrs. C. F. DALE, MR. J. A. DECARIE, Mr. W.S. Hart, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON, Mr. H. A. C. Jackson, Mr. E. L. JuDAH, Mr. FRASER KeitH, Miss P. B. MatTTinson, Miss L. MurRPHY, Miss M.S. Nicotson, Mr. R. A. OUTHET, Mr. C. Sait, Mr. L. MclI.Spackman, Mr. L. McL. TERRILL. y Meetings held the second Monday of the month except dur- ing summer. SOCIETE PROVANCHER D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE DU CANADA Patron Honoraire: Son Excellence, LE TRES HONORABLE LoRD TWEEDSMUIR, G.C.M.G., C.H., Gouverneur- Général du Canada; Vice-Patron Honoraire: HONORABLE E.-L. PATENAUDE, Lieutenant-Gouverneur de la Province de Québec; Bureau de Direction pour 1936: Président: ALPHONSE DESILETS; ler oice-président: JAMES F. Ross; 2iéme vice-président: DR. GUSTAVE RATTE; Secrétaire-trésorier: LOUIS B. Lavotn; Chef de la section scientifique: Dr. D.-A.DERY: Chef de la section de Propagande éducative: G.- ULRICG TESSIER, Chef de la section de protection: ADRIEN FALARDEAU, C.R.; Chef de la section d’information scientifique et pratique: REX MEREDITH, N.P. Directeurs:G.S. AHERN, HON. EDGAR ROCHETTE, C.R., M.P.P., ROBERT HUNTER. Secrétaire-trésorier: Louis-B. LAVOIn 38, rue Sherbrooke, Québec. THE TORONTO FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB OFFICERS FOR 1934-85. Honorary Presiden. Dr. A. P. COLEMAN; President: ARNOTT M.PATTERSON; Hon. Vice-Presidents: HON. G. H. CHALLIES, Mr. J.H Fremine, Dr. N.A. POWELL: Vice-President: MR. F. P. IpE, Secretary-Treasure,. H. M. HALLIDAY; ( ouncil— Dr. E.M. Wanker, S.L. THomMpson, Prog. J.R. DyYMOND, C. S. FARMER, Pror. T. F. McliwraitH, Dr. Norma ForD, MaGistraATeE J. KH. Jones, L. T. OWENs, Rurert Davips, F. C. Hurst, Dr. T. M. C. TAyLor, C. G. BRENNAND, R. M. SAUNDERS; Chairman of Conservation Commitiees MRS. S. L. THompson; President of Junior Club: Murray SPEIRS; Vice-President of Junior Club: HUBERT RICHARDSON. Leaders: Birds—Messrs. S. L. THompson, L. lL. Snyper, J. Iu. BAILLIE, JR., Pror. T. F. McIitwraita, R. M. SpErrs, F. H. EMERY. Mammals—Pror. A. F. Coventry, MEssrs. ER. C. Cross, D. A. McLUuLicH. Reptiles and Amphibians— Messrs. E. B.S. Locipr, WM. LERAyY. Fish—Pror. J. R. DyMonD, ProF. W. J. K. HARKNESS. Insecis—Dr. E. M. WALKER, DR. N. Forp, Mr. F. P. IDE. Bcetany—Pror. R. B. Thomson, Dr. H. B. Sirton, Dr. T.M.C. Tayior: Mr. W. R. Watson, Mr. L. T. OWENS. Geology—Dr. A. P, COLEMAN: Pror. A. MCLEAN. We would ask the Officers, and more particularly the Secretaries, of all the Affiliated Societies to assist us in our task of building up the circulation of this magazine. By securing every member as a subscriber we can truly make this magazine into one of the leading Natural History publications of America. AUTOBIOGRAPHY of JOHN MACOUN, M.A. CANADA NORTH OF FIFTY SIX SECON Ujcke eau eae Raa a By E. M. KINDLE ee These are attractively bound, and contain a j . ty wealth of information concerning Canadian Special profusely illustrated number of The Natural History and Exploration. The author Naturalist’’, 86 pages, 31 illustrations. — Every 4 was a former President of the Club and this is a Canadian should know this prize essay. 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SSSSSSSSSSSssssssssss ESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsesessss i ~S ‘ A pay dene Bt SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSOSSS ¢ Kindly mention The Canadian Field-Naturalist to advertisers Wee ke ae gs 343 : : VOL. L, No. 7 OCTOBER, 1936 ‘i : eo ae L LDN A! ALISTS’ CLUB ISSUED OCTOBER 1, 1936 Entered at the Ottawa Post Office as second-class matter THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB : Patrons: : THEIR EXCELLENCIES THE GOVERNOR GENERAL AND LADY TWEEDSMUIR President: HERBERT GROH its Ist Vice-President; P./A, TAYERNER 2nd Vice-President: R. EB. DELURY ~ Secretary: PEGGY WHITEHURST, Treasurer; WILMOT LLOYD, 582 Mariposa Ave., 110 Prospect Avenue, Westboro. | ; Rockcliffe Park. — Additional Members of Council: F. J. ALCOCK, R. M. ANDERSON, REv. F. E. BANIM, HENRY BOWERS, M. E. Cowan, H. G Crawrorp, F. J. FRASER, A. HALKETT, C. E. JOHNSON, E. M. KINDLE, — W. H. LANcELEy, A. LARocquE, DOUGLAS LEECHMAN, GRACE S. LEWIS, HARRISON F. LEWIS, — Hoyes Lioyp, C. W.. LOUNSBURY, MARK G. MCELHINNEY, A. E.PorsILD, E. E. PRINCE, L. S. RUSSELL, C. M. STERNBERG, MALCOLM M. THomson, E.F.G. Wuitre, R. T. D. WICKENDEN, M. E. WILSON. and the following Presidents of Affiliated Societies: A. G. LAWRENCE, J. H WILLIAMS, CHARLES MADDEFORD, JOHN DAVIDSON, M. Y. WILLIAMS, V. C. WYNNE-EDWARDS, - R. MEREDITH, ARNOTT M, PATTERSON. o _ Auditors: W. H. LANCELEY and HARRISON F. Lewis. Editor: DoucLas LEECHMAN National Museum, Ottawa, Canada. Associate Editors: DGIENNESS Oo ee Anthropology: CLYDE Li. Parca’. ae EDA MS enn Vee i . .Botany R. M. ANDERSON.............. ! _F. R. LATCHFORD...........:...- Conchology A. G. HUNTSMAN............ ARTHUR GIBSON................ Entomology P. A. TAVERNER......... ‘Sian Bey PATOCK: chee. tis epee: Geology. BE MeKINDLB: . ..2020 eee CONTENTS Devonian Fossil Wood from Kettle Point, Lake Huron. By J. W. Russell, M.A. .......... The Leeches of Lake Nipissing. By J. Percy Moore...............00000:ceeceeeeenees fan Life History Notes and Growth Studies on the Little Brown Bat, Myotis lucifugus lucifugus. By J eRiDymond Fo. solos vee dee bo a Gane teeter EL See aie eae slic An nlerecuere Hybrid (Agropyron < Elymus) and some other Plants from Anticosti Island. y J. C.) 00S ene aeneun rariry imerhomekeey Chr err en ees Me Dol Sits ch Seemann Sian Hiolvc eh au ailenie ter allel siiai ste aleremame 1933, A “Blue Jay Year’. By L. L. Snyder and T. M. Shortt...................0..-00- A Preliminary List of the Birds of Lincoln and Welland Counties, Ontario. By R. W. Sheppard, W. E. Hurlburt and G. H. Dickson ....................0.05. 5 ne eee Hydroid Distribution in the Vicinity of the Queen Charlotte Islands. By C. McLean Fraser Bryant Walker. 1856-1936:—Fiditor. oo, Ce i ea a ee ee ee The official publications of THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB have been issued since 1879. The first were The Transactions of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 1879-1886, two volumes; the next, The Ottawa Naturalist, 1886-1919, thirty-two volumes; and these have been continued by The Canadian Field-Naturalist to date. The Canadian Field-Naturalist is 3% 2 issued monthly, except for the months of June, July and August. Its scope is the publication of the results of original research in all departments of Natural History. Price of this volume (9 numbers) $2.00; Single copies 25¢ each The Membership Committee of The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club is making a special effort increase the subscription list of The Canadian Field-Naturalist. We are, therefore, asking every reat who is truly interested in the wild life of our country to help this magazine to its rightful place amo the leading Natural History publications in America. os Subscriptions ($2.00 a year) should be forwarded to WILMOT LLOYD, Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 582 Mariposa Ave., Rockceliffe Park, OTTAWA, CANADA The Canadian Field-Naturalist VOL. L OTTAWA, CANADA, OCTOBER, 1936 No. 7 DEVONIAN FOSSIL WOOD FROM KETTLE POINT, LAKE HURON By J. W. RUSSELL, M.A. University of Western Ontario HE ORIGINAL exposures of black shales at Kettle Point were in the form of a bluff some fifteen feet high about two miles west of Ipperwash Beach. The lake water reached almost to its base, with but a narrow fringe of slaty shales along the water’s edge. The recent recession of Lake Huron has changed the shore line materially. Instead of a narrow fringe of shales exposed, we have hundreds of acres extending broadly from the former bluffs towards Ipperwash Beach, and extending in an anticlinal fold over a mile northwards into the Lake as shown in the above photograph. The original exposures have been visited by Many eminent geologists, but only within the past year or so has an abundance of fossil wood been found chiefly along the anticline in the shales. The carbonaceous character of these shales and their kettle shaped concretions have been known since Alexander Murray’s report in 1855. J. W. Dawson in his reports prior to 1871 described a number of small Devonian plants from these shales. In the original ex- posures in the bluffs and along the shore, the wood has been coalified and the plant fibres are so poorly preserved that complete identification is difficult. The wood found recently along the anticline was completely silicified before dis- integration took place and the preservation of much of it is almost perfect. More than ten years ago, the writer noted the impression of a tree stem in the shales with portions of the wood in the form of coal. This is in the museum of the University of Western Ontario, and indicates a tree stem over four inches in diameter. In 1927 Dr. Hotson of Paik Hill found highly silicified pieces of wood with diameters up to six inches on the shore from which the lake had receded. On seeing them, I requested him to send them to the University for sectioning and microscopic study. I discuss- ed these finds with my classes in geology and pointed out their probable importance. During the summer of 1934, one of the students, Mr. J. W. Patterson of London, Ontario, had an opportunity to go over the exposed beach at Kettle Point and was successful in finding more 112 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST [VoL L -than a dozen pieces, the largest of which indic- ated a tree trunk move than fifty-six inches in circumference and three feet long. This piece is shown in the photograph. The slab standing upright in the photograph shows the remarkable preservation of the wood fibre and has been tentatively identified by Professor R. B. Thomp- son of the University of To: onto, as a species of Callixylon, while the large piece appears similar to Prototaxitcs logani from Gaspé de- scribed by J. W. Dawson in his reports on the Fossil Plants of the Devonian Part IT, 1871, and Part II, 1882. Professor Hart, Head of the Department of Botany at the University of Western Ontario, has undertaken a complete microscopical examin- ation of all this wood to complete its determin- ation. The most interesting feature of these finds. for the geologist, is the silicification of all the wood found along the axis of the anticline in the shales, while less than a mile westwards the wood has been changed into coal. The structural features of the shales must be the explanation. During the arching of the anticline sufficient fracturing occurred to allow the circulation of silica-bearing water which also would be heated probably. Such conditions would bring about the speedy silicification of the wood. Only one piece shows even incipient decay before silicification took place. of a mile east of the is another anticline in axis numerous flinty concretions occur. These two anticlines seem to represent the most northerly extension of the Cincinnati arch which is known to extend across Lake Erie into Ontario, and, as such, would be an adequate explanation of the silicification of the wood buried in the shales. There is no indication that these trees grew in place. The general appearance of the pieces indicates trunks that drifted into the shales, and there became buried. About anticline in ihe Ipperwash limestone, and along its three-quarters the shales, Scarcity of fossils in these shale beds makes their age somewhat problematical. Of the fossils, t ¢ jarge fish bones (Dinichthys) indicate Late Middle, or Early Upper Devonian. Dr. E. M. Kindle has correlated the Kettle Point shales with the Huron Black shales of Ohio. Clinton R. Stauffer in the Devonian of South Western Ontario, (Memoir 43 Geol. Surv. Canada) has - discussed rather fully the stratigraphic position of the Kettle Point Shales, showing that they lie directly above the Ipperwash dolomite (Delaware) of the Hamilton formation. At the top of the Kettle Point shales occur some thin layers of yellowish green sands similar to those at the base of the Chemung and this may be taken as the logical disconformity separating the Middle Devonian from the Upper. THE LEECHES OF LAKE NIPISSING By J. PERCY MOORE N A BIOLOGICAL survey of Lake Nipissing, Ontario, extending over the summers from 1929 to 1954, Mr. J. P. Oughton and his associates accumulated a fairly large and representative collection of leeches from both shore collecting and dredging. These were sent to me for determination by Mr. Oughton and Superintendent LePan of the Royal October, 1936] Ontario Museum of Zoology. While the col- lection contains nothing new, the depth records ae of interest and it is also of value to place the determinations on record as a contribution to the geographical distribution of leeches in Canada and for comparison with the leech-fauna of other Canadian lakes. The full list of sta- tions and data is not given as it is expected that Mr. Oughton will do this in his forthcoming report. Of the 16 species listed herein 11 only were actually taken in Lake Nipissing, the remaining 5 in nearby small lakes and rivers. This com- pares with 14 species recorded from Lake Nipigon (Moore 1924), i7 from Georgian Bay (Ryerson 1915), 3 from Lake Simcoe (Rawson 1928), 9 from Jasper Park lakes (Bere 1929), 15 from Lake Erie (Moore, 1906) and 17 from various localities in southern Canada (Moore i922). The total number of Canadian species recorded in all of these papers is 25. GLOSSIPHONIDAE GLOSSIPHONIA COMPLANATA (Linn.) This usually abundant and widely distributed species is represented by only three specimens f-om Lake Nipissing and one from the Memorial Park at Huntsville, in a rivulet. Of the former one came from a marsh at the mouth of Bass Creek, one from Sturgeon River in 12 feet and one dredged between Blueberry Island and Franks Bay in 99 feet of water on a bottom of soft mud. As commonly happens they were associated with H. stagnalis, another species of similarly wide distribution, and with FE. punctata. On all of those from the lake the dark paramed- ian stripes are faintly developed. GLOSSIPHONIA FUSCA Castle Somewhat surprisingly only a single example of the typical variety was taken with H. stag- nalis among stones in water 1 foot deep in Perch Lake. This species is generally common in cold, clear water. ; HELOBDELLA STAGNALIS (Linn.) One of the commonest leeches in warm, shal- low waters and found in Lake Nipissing at Franks Bay, Goose Island, Bass Creek and in Perch Lake and Don River near Toronto, asso- ciated with G. complanata, G. fusca, E. punctata and H. grandis. Usually on stones in water 1-3 feet deep. Also dredged at the following stations : IV D3, near mouth of Franks Bay, 63 feet; IV D5, same, 93 feet; VI D4, between Franks Bay and Blueberry Island, 99 feet; XII D4, near Blueberry Island, 69 feet; IX D5, mouth of Campbells Bay, 64 feet; XII Dl, same, 63 feet, all with bottom of soft mud. Only one, taken THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 113 July 4, 1930, in 63 feet, bears young. The oc- currence of this species at the greater depths is unusual. All of the numerous examples from Lake Nipissing are small and most of them have the nuchal plate little developed. HELOBDELLA NEPHELOIDEA (Graf) One specimen dredged from South Bay (XXIII D1, depth 3 feet) and three from Mani- tou Island (LII D1, depth 51 feet) constitute the representation of this species. PLACOBDELLA PARASITICA (Say) Five lots, with one exception single specimens, taken from the exterior of snapping turtles or free-living in shallow water, in one case with ~ P. rugosa, from Bass Creek, Sand Creek and Franks Bay. PLACOBDELLA RUGOSA ( Verrill) This is another shallow water species tsually found free-living attached to the under side of stones, floating wood, etc., and appears to be common, although all but two lots are single specimens. Taken alone or with P. parasitica, E. punctata or H. grandis in Perch Lake, South Bay, Franks Bay and Bass Creek. One taken at South Bay, July 25, 1930, bears many young. PLACOBDELLA PICTA (Verrill) A single typical example measuring in contrac- tion 6.3 x 4.2mm was taken attached to a M. decora in a small muskeg lake near Lake Nipis- sing on July 15, 1934, by P. E. T. Fry. PLACOBDELLA MONTIFERA Moore This also represented by a small example 7 x 2.8mm. taken by Mr. Oughton on August 7, 1930 attached to a stick close to shore in Perch Lake. Commonly it attacks frogs, toads and mussels. ICHTHYOBDELLIDAE PISCICOLA PUNCTATA Verrill Taken in considerable numbers principally as an ectoparasite of Stezostedon vitreum, along with “fish lice’ and trematodes to a recorded depth of 45 feet at Franks Bay, Blueberry Island and West Bay. ERPOBDELLIDAE ERPOBDELLA PUNCTATA (Leidy) An abundant species in shallow water from 6 inches to 3 feet deep, associated with H. stag- nalis, P. rugosa and Dina parva at Goose Island, West Bay, Bass Creek, South Bay, Franks Bay and also in the Don River at Toronto. Also an immature one 5mm. long and somewhat doubt- fully determined was dredged with G. complanata in Sturgeon River about one mile above the lake in 12 feet of water on a bottom of sand and mud, and an egg-pouch probably of this species 114 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST with H. stagnalis near Blueberry Island on a soft mud bottom at a depth of 69 feet. One example from Goose Island has both the male and female orifices shifted caudad one-half annulus to the middle of XII a2 and XII 06 respectively. DinA PARVA Moore Apparently quite common in water under rocks along shore with 1. stagnalis. E. punctata and H. grandis, especially in and near Franks Bay and on Goose island. None were in the dredgings from deep water. Pig- ment spots generally are totally lacking. On one specimen the gonopores are separated by »three instead of the usual three-and-one-half annuli, very shallow DINA FeErvipA (Verrill) Taken sparingly at only two stations: Goose Island’ July 22, 1930, depth 3 feet, and Franks Bay August 30, 1934, 6 inches, on stones. DINA MricrostoMA Moore The sole record of this species is two specimens from Trout Lake, near North Bay, collected by BE. J. Fry, July 9, 1932. HIRUDIDAE MACROBDELLA DECORA (Say) Verrill This species was not found in Lake Nipissing itself but two in Perch Lake, August 3, 1933, and two in a small muskeg lake on July 15, 1934. With the latter was a Placobdella picta. Only one measuring 70 x 16. x 4.3mm. was sufficiently mature to have the copulatory glands fully developed. All are very dark coloured, nearly black above, and, while the median series of red spots is conspicuous, the lateral black spots are absent, or at least invisible. HArMopris MARMORATIS (Say) Found only on Iron Island, July 20, 1929. Nine very dark, heavily. blotched specimens of medium size along with one H. grandis. HAEMOPIS GRANDIS ( Verrill) Probably very common as the species is re- presented by fifteen bottles, most of which how- . ever, contain a single specimen only, though one lot consists of sixteen. With the exception of one taken from a pickerel brought up in a gill net from a depth of 25 feet near Goose Island,. all were taken in shallow water along shore. The localities are Franks Bay, Iron Island, South Bay, and Mattagami River, Kapuskasing, col- lected by R. V. Whelan. The living colour of the latter was noted as green. With the ex- ception of several which exhibit moderate blotch- ing, the specimens are very sparsely spotted, some almost immaculate. are in the typical positions in the furrows XI b5--b6 and XII b5--b6 but a few show a tendency for them, especially the female, to shift slightly into the following annulus (06). Recorded as feeding on Physa. LIFE HISTORY NOTES AND GROWTH STUDIES ON THE LITTLE BROWN BAT, Myotis lucifugus lucifugus By J. R. DYMOND HE OCCURRENCE of a colony of Little Brown Bats, Myotis lucifugus lucifugus (Le Conte), in the attic of an old house used as a temporary laboratory by the Fisheries Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Toronto, afforded opportunity for making the following observations. The house was located on Lake Nipissing at Franks Bay, near the point where the French River leaves the lake. It was within ten yards of the water. In most of the seven summers, 1929-1935, during which the old house was used as labor- atory and living quarters the colony consisted of a hundred or more bats. During the sum- mer of 1934, one hundred and two were col- lected and’ a number, perhaps twenty, remained at the end of the season. During the day most of the bats composing this colony clustered in the gable close to the chimney with which the cook stove was connected. In 1934 Mr. D. A. Mac- Lulich found bats at the laboratory on April 17th. How long they had been there was not known. In July, 1934, when the colony was first studied carefully, all the adults present were females. The late Prof. B. A. Bensley in a paper read before the Brodie Club reported that of 31 bats of the same species which he captured on July 8, 1927, at McGregor Bay, Manitoulin District, Ontario, all of the 19 adults were females. The latter colony, which had establish- ed itself only that year in the building from which they were collected, consisted of not more than forty individuals. In 1935 Mr. F. E. J. Fry found two adult males in the Franks Bay colony. Observations made during the sum- mers of 1931, 1932 and 1933 support the idea that this colony consisted almost entirely of females, [VoL. L. Usually the gonopores oo - ee as Oe ee October, 1936] Of 42 adult females taken in July, 1934, three Were carrying unborn young. One of these was taken on July 7 and two on July 9. The 54 young taken between July 7 and July 26 ranged in total length from 45 mm. to 89 mm. (See Table 1). The sizes and dates of capture of some of the smaller young were as follows: 45 mm., July 7; 51 mm., 2 specimens on July 9; 52.5 mm., July 11; 54 mm., July 9 and July 13; the latter. specimen when taken still had the umbilical cord attached. On the other hand, well-grown young were taken quite early in July, for instance an 88 mm. immature was taken on July 7, on the same date other im- matures of the following sizes were also taken 77, 76, 69, 67, 67, 66, 66, 65, 61 and 60 mm. There is no means of knowing how old these were at this date. It is apparent, however, that young are born in June and the first half of July. Of the 19 adult females taken by Prof. Bensley on July 8, 1927, two contained unborn young. Table 1 gives weights and measurements of various body parts of bats of different sizes. ‘ithe three foetuses for which data are included in this table were 45, 47 and 49 mm. in total leneth and. after surface moisture had dried, weighed ‘espéctively 1.97, 2.3 and 2.25 grams. The table also indicates that one of the young captured after birth was no longer and. but litte heavier than the smallest of these foetuses. Prof. Bensley gave 50 and 47 as the total length of a foetus and sucking young respect- ively. It is therefore evident that the young when born are 45 to 50 mm. in total length (30 mm. body length) and weigh approximately 2 grams. In this connection it is interesting to compare the weight of the foetus with that of the female carrying it. These were as follows, for the three pregnant females already referred to: Weight of Weight of female Weight of female foetus including foetus less weight of foetus 1.97 gms. 11.28 gms. 9.31 gms. 78) 11.36 9.06 2.25 13.23 10.98 In the case of each of the three pregnant females taken at Lake Nipissing and the two taken by Prof. Bensley, only one young was produced. As described by Prof. Bensley, “this lies crosswise in the abdomen of the female in such a way that the weight is evenly divided as between right and left, properly ballasted for flight”. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST _the arm”. 115 Prof. Bensley thus described the method o1 carrying the suckling young: “The female has two nipples, pectoral in position. The single young is attached to a nipple and so firmly affixed that the marsupial method of lip fusion and expansion of the nipple inside the mouth of the young is suggested. The young lies cross- wise of the mother’s body and clings by means of the mouth to the nipple of one side and by the claws of the hind limbs to the fur of the other side in a position beneath the mother’s wing. When forced out of this position the young shows some anxiety to get back to it and readjusts the position promptly. When looked at from the back, the mother shows no great sign of the presence of the young under- neath her, except for an occasional bulging and movement at the base of one of the wings. This gives the impression of a bundle tucked under Our observations suggest that the thumb as well as the claw of the hind foot is used by the young in clinging to the mother. The total length and weight of each of the four specimens which we found being carried by females are as follows: 52.5 mm., 3.31 gms; 57 mm., 3.75 gms; 60 mm. 3.38 gms; 65 mm., 4.98 gms. The young appear to be well grown before they undertake independent flight. One speci- men, 79 mm. in total length and 6.39 gins. in weight, was not able to fly, whereas another, 84 mm. long and weighing 6.3 gms., could fly fairly well. The young bats are practically naked until they reach a total length of about 60 mm.; at about 70 mm. in total length, short, sparse, silky hair first appears to cover them. They then appear ashy with a. light brownish tinge due to the brownish tips of the hairs. By the time they are 75 to 80 mm. in length, they are covered with hair nearly as long as that of the adults. In colour, however, they are a dark slate with only slight brownish tinge. The sex ratio of the 57 immature (including the 3 foetuses) was almost 2 males to 1 female, the actual numbers being 37 males to 20 females. Of 28 collected on July 17, 1933, 19 were males and 9 females, and 2 or 3 of the latter were adults, all the males being immature. RELATIVE GrowtH oF Bopy Parts Table 1 presents the average measurements of various body parts of young of different sizes as well as of adults. The striking feature of these measurements is the relatively large size of the foot and thumb of the young even before birth. This condition is no doubt correlated 116 x Tail Forearm x— 40 x fi Third metacarpal 30 20 Tibia Foot’ Thumb 2 50 60 40 30 Ficure I showing rate of growth of some body parts associated with flight membranes in comparison with growth of body length. Logarithms of length of body parts plotted as ordinates against logarithms of body length as abscissae. with the fact that these parts function im- mediately on birth in connection with the cling- ing of the young to the mother. Figure 1 presents graphically the facts with reference to the increase in size of the tibia, forearm, tail and third metacarpal, as well as of the foot and thumb. Averages for these body parts are plotted against medians for the length groups, body length being used as the dimension for reference. Two features of the growth of the tibia, forearm, metacarpal and tail are brought out by these curves, viz., the relatively great THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST VoL. L increase in size of these parts with growth of the body (distinct positive heterogony), as com- pared with the small increase of the foot and thumb (negative heterogony), and the fact thai all four parts (tibia, foreaym, tail and meta- carpal), undergo a period of accelerated growth midway in the course of the growth here shown. This type of growth is undoubtedly related to development of the power of flight, which is dependent on the area of the flight membrane. Fore and hind limbs and tail are all included in the present species in this memb~ane. If all parts of the body increased at the same rate, power of flight would increase as the square of the length, whereas weight would incréase as the cube. What actually happens is that the parts concerned with flight increase at a greater rate than body length, thus increasing the su~face area of the flight membranes more rapidly than weight. In this connection, it is interesting to note that the positive heterogony of the fore- arm, metacarpal and tail is more marked than in the case of the tibia, which is the least con- cerned in flight of all these four structures. Examination of Table 1 brings out the follow- ing additional features which may be significant. Whereas the third metacarpal is longer than the fifth in the adult and the larger immatures, in still younger specimens, the fifth is the longer. Whether in the foetus and newly born young the third is the longer as the present data suggest, cannot be decided now because of the small number of specimens examined. Examination of the figures for the growth of the foot indicate that there is a stage between the 74 mm. size and the 85 mm. size at which the foot decreases in size. Whether the difference between the present figures is significant is perhaps open to question, although it is believed that some change probably occurs in the size or conformation of the foot including the claws at this stage. TABLE I—MEASUREMENTS OF GROWTH STAGES OF Myotis I. lucifugus Size range No. of Total Body Tail Tibia Foot Fore- Thumb III V Ear Spread Wt. mms. Snecimens ) ) length length length > arm Me Me. from Crown gms. foetuses 45-49 3 Z ] 47 29 18 Se AG Wey ZA NS) OP 5.92) he ORS moo Zeal immature 5 1 1 45 30 5 9 8 15 5.5 2 10:7. 5.8 2.24 50-54 6 3 3) 52.8. .34.0 . 1887). 921 27:2" 1659525) 1033) 1S) ORS OS Retard 55-59 8 4 4 56.4. 36.3 20.1 9.59724) 19.6 9547) 12-90) 13.2 72a O emacs 60-64 8 7 1 62 40 22 MOMS eas 229 Os WON lo.8 & 137 4.22 65-69 10 7 3 6644 4122523 1S) Sea 27 ka 6) 19.0 19.5 8.9 156 4.968 70-74 5 3 2 71,8 44. 7 927.0 12.6 8.6 933.9" GY 21072, 21 9 OM Ls Sacemomoae 75-79 7 4 3 HES ot A) VAN GSE MAAN Ke ee Sas \ae7 ei Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa] 582 Mariposa Avenue WILMOT LLOYD, Treasurer, Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 582 Mariposa Avenue, as Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa. Enclosed please find $2.00 as membership ine The O.F.-N.C. and Subscription to the Canadian | Field-Naturalist for the year 1935. MY fe Name Address 26.00 Su eee ee City, Prov: or States.) 2 2 ae ee lac hereby give and bequeath to The Ottawa Field- Naturalists’ Club of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada the sum ' 100 THIS SPACE FOR SALE — SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsSss Kindly mention The Canadian Field-Naturalist to advertisers yates eee Se. eee “2 = oe ¢ e A ‘ f VOL. L, No.8 35° 343 _ NOVEMBER, 1936, ca h tt | “cA { aoe | vy | 3 ONE Laps ARN: DH aBLISHED Be. 9 ELDNATURAL ISTS CLUB ISSUED NOVEMBER 2, 1936 Entered at the Ottawa Post Office as second-class matter ils ) Vik Wel | MiNi Mg * wy | THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB Jatrons: THEIR EXCELLENCIES THE GOVERNOR GENERAL AND LADY TWEEDSMUIR President; HERBERT GROH Pas 4 ist Vice-President; P. A. TAVERNER 2nd Vice-President: R.E. DELURY Secretary: PEGGY WHITEHURST, Treasurer; WILMOT LLOYD, 582 Mariposa Ave., 110 Prospect Avenue, Westboro. Rockcliffe Park. ; Additional Members of Council: F. J. ALCOCK, R. M. ANDERSON, Rev. F. E. BANIM, HENRY BOWERS, : D. DE AID AMES oe lo oe be a ec ae Botany R. M. ANDERSON.............. Mammalogy — F. R. LATCHFORD ......... ... Conchology A. G. HUNTSMAN....... ... Marine Biology — ARTHUR GIBSON.... ..... .... Entomology P.. AGiPAVERNER 6003 gee eee Ornithology — Pre SAMO OOK 6 fk Cs Se renee ear ats Geology BH. M.KINDLE....... Ne ONG Palzontology Post-Pleistocene Fossils of the Uplifted Beaches of the Eastern Arctic Regions of Canada. By DAA. Nichols.oo rn ee Ge. Go Be aa bas ea a ee er - 12T ae The Late Norman Criddle’s Record of the Snowshoe Rabbit (Lepus americanus) at Aweme, - a Manitoba.. By Hoyes Lloyd. : & oj) 2 ee oe ee 129) 3 A Preliminary List of the Birds of Lincoln and Welland Counties, Ontario. By R. W. a Sheppard, W. E. Hurlburt.and’G: H. Dickson |... 2 4-3-4). 2. co oe ee 131 a Notes and Observations:— ‘a The Short-billed Marsh Wren Breeding at Toronto. By O. E. Devitt, Toronto, Ont. . 140 7 Red Wing Concentration. By Stuart L. Thompson...........................05- 141 “ Bird Notes from Grand Manan, New Brunswick. By P. A. Taverner...... ....... 142 ae Deroceras hyperboreum Westerlund on Baffin Island. By A. La Rocque.............. 142 eview:— ‘2 ’ The Marine Fishes of Nova Scotia. By J. R. Dymond.......................... ; 142 4 the leading Natural History publications in America. M. E. Cowan, H. G CRAWFORD, F. J. FRASER, A. HALKETT, C. E. JOHNSON, E. M. KINDLE, 4 W. H. LANCELEY, A. LAROcQUE, DOUGLAS LEECHMAN, GRACE §S. LEWIS, HARRISON F. LEWIS, Hoyes Lioyp, C. W. LouNSBURY, MARK G. MCELHINNEY, A. E. Porsitp, L. S. RUSSELL, C. M. STERNBERG, MALCOLM M. THOMSON, E.F.G. WHITE, R. T. D. WICKENDEN. M. E. WILSON. and the following Presidents of Affiliated Societies: A. G. LAWRENCE, J. H WILLIAMS, 4 CHARLES MADDEFORD, JOHN DAVIDSON, M. Y. WILLIAMS, V. C. WYNNE-E.DWARDS,R. MEREDITH, a ARNOTT M. PATTERSON. ee Auditors: W. H. LANCELEY and Harrison F. Lewis. 7 i an 3 Editor: ae, Doucias LEECHMAN 4 National Museum, Ottawa, Canada. ‘i A Associate Editors: : DENNESS eosin atau s Anthropology CLYDE, LsPATCH | 0.) ae Herpetology — Re CONTENTS The official publications of THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB have been issued since 1879. The first were The Transactions of the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 1879-1886, : two volumes; the next, The Ottawa Naturalist, 1886-1919, thirty-two volumes; and these have been continued by The Canadian Field-Naturalist to date. The Canadian Field-Naturalist is issued monthly, except for the months of June, July and August. Its scope is the publication # of the results of origina] research in all departments of Natural History. # Price of this dolunie (9 numbers) $2.00; Single copies 25¢ each The Membership Committee of The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club is making a special effort to increase the subscription list of The Canadian Field-Naturalist. We are, therefore, asking every reader who is truly interested in the wild life of our country to help this magazine to its rightful place among Subscriptions ($2.00 a year) should be forwarded to WILMOT LLOYD, Oitawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 582 Mariposa Ave., Rockcliffe Park, OTTAWA, CANADA. The Canadian Field-Naturalist VOL. L OTTAWA, CANADA, NOVEMBER, 1936 No. 8 POST-PLEISTOCENE FOSSILS OF THE UPLIFTED BEACHES OF THE EASTERN ARCTIC REGIONS OF CANA@PA.* By D. A. NICHOLS Bureau of Economic Geology. Department of Mines, Ottawa, Canada AISED strand-lines as shown by ter- races, beach ridges and other marine land forms are found in numerous places along the mainland of Canada and on the islands of the Arctic Archipelago. The chief interest in the terraces and beaches lies in the information they may afford regarding the amount and charecter of the post-glacial movements of the land. It is oiten difficult to recognize some of the higher beaches in the Arctic regions, as they have been exposed to sub-aerial erosion for a long time. They are frequently disguised by solifluction, which is so active in the areas of permanently frozen ground. Investigations made for the Department of Mines during the season 1935, while with the Eastern A-ctic Expedition, sponsored by the Lands, Northwest Territories and Yukon Branch, Department of the Interior, Ottawa, Canada, indicate that foraminifera may be used to deter- mine marine beaches and terraces when other criteria are obscure or lacking. In the areas examined, fo:aminifera were found in indefinite beach-solifluction forms up to an elevation of 548 feet above mean sea-level, in many places where the macroscopic shells were not obtained. In every clay-sand sample collect- ed, except two, foraminifera were present. Suf- ficient information has not been obtained to state how much higher, if any, these fossils may be found. Further investigation along these lines may extend their vertical range, and may also throw some light on the character of the obscure Pleistocene deposits reported in a few places on the coasts of the Western Arctic and on Baffin and Southampton Islands, where, apparently, Pleistocene material forms the summits of hills as high as 1300 feet above sea-level (1,2). *Published with the permission of the Director, Bureau of Economic Geology, Department of Mines, Ottawa, Ontario. If these high deposits are marine, as suggest- ed, the amount of post-glacial emergence is over 1300 feet, in places. Such obscure deposits as these mentioned, and small clay pockets on side hills and summits at elevations beyond the high- est recognizable marine beach, might well be examined for these microscopic shells to aftord a clue to determine the character of the deposits and provide further information regarding the highest recognizable stand of the water at the end of Pleistocene submergence. The fact must not be overlooked, however, that some of the foraminiferal clays may have been glacially transported, but in most of the localites examined, their position and the direction oi glacial movement made this appear improbable. A list of the macro-fossils and of the for- aminifera collected from the various localities and their elevations is annexed. Macro-fossils indentified by A. La Rocque, Palaeontological Division. Geological Survey, Ottawa, Canada. SUGLUK, QuEBEC. — Elevation 224 feet. Cardium ciliatum O. Fabr. Mya arenaria (Linn.) Uya truncata uddevalensis (Forbes) Saxicava arctica (Linn.) Macoma calcarea Gmelin Pecten islandicus var. Trichotropis borealis Brod. & Sowerby Barnacle plates. Eric Cove, WoLstENHOLME, QuE. — Elevation 345 feet. Saxicava arctica (Linn.) Mya truncata uddevalensts (Forbes) Macoma calcarea Gmelin Pecten islandicus fragment. Eric Cove, WOoLSTENHOLME, Que. — Elevation 233 feet. Astarte cf. banksu (Leach) worn Serripes groenlandicus (Brugiére) 128 THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST Mya truncata uddevalensis (Forbes) Macoma calcarea (Gmelin) Saxicava arctica (1inn.). BEAR Cove, WOLSTENHOLME, Que. — Elevation 365 feet. Mya truncata uddevalensis (Forbes) Saxicava arctica (Linn.) Macoma calcarea (Gmelin) Pecten tslandicus (Muller) fragment. Dunpas Harsour, Devon IstANnp. — Elevation 145 feet. Littorina sp. (Mencke. ).) \VAKEHAM Lay, Quepec. — Elevation 110 feet. Mya arenaria (Linn.) Cardium ciliatum (O. Fabr.). Port Harrison, QuEBEc. — Elevation 10 to 94 feet. Buccinum sp. worn Mya arenaria (Linn.) Astarte elliptica Brown Mya truncata uddevalensts (Forbes) Astarte borealis Schumacher Serripes groenlandicus (Bruguiére) Saxtcava arctica (Linn.) Pecten islandicus islandicus (Muller) Pecten islandicus insculptus Verrill Pecten tslandicus worn valves Cardium ciliatum (O. Fabr.) smooth-ribbed form. (young cf. L. groenlandica Port HARRISON, QursBec. Locality No. 2. -—— Elevation 20 to 42 feet. Pecten islandicus insculptus Verrill Cardium ciliatum (O. Fabr.) Serripes groenlandicus (Bruguiere) Mya arenaria (Linn.) Mya truncata uddevalensis (Forbes) Saxicava arctica (J.inn.) Astarte ?borealis worn specimen. Port Harrison, Qurprc. — Elevation 124 feet. Cardium ciliatum (O. Fabr.) Serripes groenlandicus (Brugiére) Pecten islandicus (Muller) worn Pecten iclandicus insculptus Verrill Mya arenaria (\Ann.). Port Harrison, Quespec. About one mile south. — Elevation 162 feet. Cardium ciliatum (O. Fabr.) smooth-ribbed form Mya truncata uddevalensis (Forbes) Mytilus cdulis (Linn.) Saxicava arctica (Linn.) Buccinum sp. fragments Barnacle plates. (VoL. L CHURCHILL, MANrtToBA. Sand pit, five miles south cn railway spur. — Elevation near B.M. 79 feet. Mya truncata uddevalensis (Forbes) Cardium ciliatum (O. Fabr.) Saxticava arctica (Linn.) Astarte borealis Schumacher Astarte banksti (each) Macoma balthica (\inn.) Macoma calcarea (Gmelin) Nuculana pernula (Miller) Hemithyris psittacea (Gmelin) Mytilus edulis (Linn.) Pecten islandicus insculptus Verrill Lepeta cacca (Muller) Pecten islandicus islandicus (Muller) Barnacle plates. CHURCHILL, MANrToBA. About fifty miles inland. H. B. Ry. Miles 350,.396. — Elevation 450 feet. | Saxicava arctica (Linn.) Collected by Major J. I. Charles. Two Walrus skulls were found here also. Cera, Harsour, SouTHAMPTON Is. About three miles inland. — Elevation 134 feet. Lepeta caeca (Muller) Astarte banksu (leach) Saxicava arctica (Linn.). Craic Harpour, ELLESMERE ISLAND. — Elevation about 10 feet. Astarte borealis Schumacher Astarte banksu (Leach) Saxicava arctica (1inn.) Fonp’s INLET, BAFFIN IsLAND. — Elevation 65 t> 120 feet. Astarte borealis Schumacher Saxicava arctica (Linn.) Mya truncata uddevalensis (Forbes) Buccinum sp. Mytilus eulis (Linn.) shore form. PANCNIRTUNG, BaFFIN IsLAND. — Elevation sea level to about 10 feet. Astarte borealis Schumacher Astarte cf. crenata (Gray) worn Astarte sp. much worn Mya truncata uddevalensis (Forbes) Saxicava arctica (Linn.). Foraminifera collected from the raised beaches of the Eastern Arctic and Hudson Bay region. (Identified by R. T. D. Wickenden, Geological Survey, Ottawa, Canada). The clay and sand samples were washed and dried. then passed through 100 and 150 mesh sieves and the fines and intermediates treated November, 1936] with carbon tetrachloride on which the foramini- fera floated. These were filtered off and ex- amined under the microscope. Port BuRWELL, QuEBEc. — Elevation, 252 feet. Nonion orbicularis (Brady) Nonion stelligera (d’Orbigny) Cassidulina crassa d’Orbigny Cassidulina laevigata dOrbigny Clobigerina? SUGLUK, QueBEc. — Elevation 224 feet. Nomon orbicularis (Brady) Nonion sp. Cassidulina crassa d’Orbigny Cassidulina crassa d’Orbigny Guttulina sp? One specimen WOLSTENHOLME, QuEBEC. — Elevation 548 feet. Nonion depressula? (Walker and Jacobs.) Cassidulina crassa d’Orbigny Virguiina sp? Fragment of arenaceous species. Port Harrison, QuEeBEc. — Elevation 200 feet. Nonion orbicularis (Brady) Elphidium incertum (Williamson). CHURCHILL, MANiIToBA. — Elevation, 80 feet. Lenticulina sp? Lagena sp. Guttulina dawsoni Cushman and Ozawa. Nomon orbicularis (Brady) Nonion depressula (Walker and Jacobs) Elphidium bartleti Cushman. Elphidium sp? Cassitulina crassa d’Orbigny Cassidulina laevigata d’Orbigny Cibicides lobatulus (Waller and Jacobs). THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 129 SouTHAMPTON ISLAND. — Elevation, 134 feet. Nonion orbicularis (Brady) Nonion labradoricum (Dawson) Elphidiwm arcticum Parker and Jones. Cassidulina laevigata d’Orbigny Cibicides lobatulus (Walker and Jacobs). SOUTHAMPTON ISLAND. — Elevation 37 feet. Nonion orbicularis (Brady) Nonion depressula (Walker and Jacobs) Bulinunella elegantissima? (d’Orbigny) Cassidulina crassa d’Orbigny Cibicides lobatulus (Walker and Jacobs). LAKE Harpour, BAFFIN Is.—Elevation 449? feet. Nonion orbicularis (Brady) Nonion labradoricum (Dawson) Elphidium sp? Cassidulina laevigata d’Orbigny. Ponn’s INLET, BarFin Is. — Elevation 157 feet. Nonion orbicularis (Brady) Nonion sp? ~ Nomon labradoricum (Dawson) Cassidulina crassa d’Orbigny Cassidulina laevigata d’Orbigny Lagena sp. One specimen Guttulina sp. One specimen. REFERENCES (1) Report of the Canadian Arctic Expedition, 1913-18, Vol. XI, Geology and Geography, D, Coe. Ie Ie OINeul, (2) Contributions to the Geography of Baffin Land and Melville Peninsula. Report of the Fifth Thule Expedition, 1921-24. Vol 1, No. 3, pp. 47, 96. Therkel Mathiassen. THE LATE NORMAN CRIDDLE’S RECORD OF THE SNOWSHOE RABBIT (Lepus americanus) AT AWEME, MANITOBA By HOYES LLOYD T THE REQUEST of the writer the late Norman Criddle prepared from his note-books a table of abundance and scarcity of the snowshoe rabbit at Aweme, Manitoba. At this date it is not known that the late Mr. Criddle considered these data sufficiently accurate for publication, but the author takes the responsibility of adding this to Mr. Criddle’s published data on this subject. Following the receipt of the bare record itself he was asked to prepare a curve showing these data, and this he did and wrote on it, “This is about how I would interpret the notes”. Mr. Stuart Criddle tells me that evidently his brother, the late Norman Criddle, because of poor health kept no record of the fluctuation in the snowshoe rabbit during the years 1913 and 1914. The rabbits reached the peak of their abundance during those years, it is stated by Mr. Stuart Criddle, and if the graph showed this fluctuation, it would have followed closely the dotted line. Mr. Norman Criddle’s notes run from 1895 to 1929 inclusive, but at the suggestion of Mr. Stuart Criddle, the notes of the late Norman Criddle are given to 1923 only. Mr. Stuart 130 Criddle started a special study of the rabbit that year and Norman Criddle helped him. It is believed that the only use to which these original data of the late Mr. Criddle have been put so far was that they were utilized in a measure in an article by Dr. R. E. Detaury, Assistant Director, Dominion Observatory, Ot- tawa, entitled “Sunspots and Forest Life” in Forest and Outdoors, June, 1931. Dr. DelLury advises the writer that it would be impossible to derive the original data from this article, and therefore he concurs with the writer’s view that it is desirable to publish this rabbit reco.d for Aweme, Manitoba. The table prepared by Mr. Criddle is given below: “1895—Plentiful. 1896—Rather rare. 1897—Fairly plentiful. 1899—Rather scarce. 1900—Inc- easing. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST (VoL. L 1901—Plentiful. 1902— Plentiful. 1903—Still increasing. 1°04—Abundant. 1905—Very abundant. 1906—Attacked by tape worms — decreasing. -~ 1907—Decreasing. 1908—A bout half as numerous. 1912—Fairly plentiful. 1913—Abundant. 1914—A bundant. 1916—Fairly plentiful. 1918—Scarce — Rare. 1919—Increasing. 1920—Very plentiful. 1921—Abundant. 1922—Slightly decreased. 1923—-Moderately numerous.” He interpreted these facts as shown on the accompanying chart (solid line), but his brother Stuart Criddle made the change indicated by the dotted line. 1895 — 1929 | ; 19 5/9 6/97 198/99 00101 02/03/04 be 0e OTIOBIOSHIOLIII2IS 4115116 117118 119 (20) 2) 22 23} 24|25|26|27/ 28) 29) 30 = t sa t ana | BEUNDANT Saeastee eae + if Se Bee ea ite 1 ca aaa roe 1 [col San ke mile [ il rt tae EEE : as pe : Parley El Ea as | + i peas meee c Oe EE aan + ie —_— ' ' TT. jac aH He =} ~ rer Norman Criddle’s record of rabbit population at Aweme, Manitoba. ~ “eth > November, 1936] THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 131 A PRELIMINARY LIST OF THE BIRDS OF LINCOLN AND WELLAND COUNTIES By R. W. SHEPPARD, W. E. HURLBURT and G. H. DICKSON (Continued from page 122) Crocethia alba (Pallas). SANDERLING. — Oc- curs fairly commonly during the autumn migra- tion period, when odd individuals or small flocks are frequently to be seen on the sandy beaches at Niagara-on-the-Lake on the rock-like mud flats at the southern end of the Niagara River, and at various points along the Lake Erie shore line of Welland County. An early account by the Rey. J. Hibbert Langille” of waders at Fort Erie would indicate that Sanderlings were of very frequent occurrence at that point fifty years ago. Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnaeus). Rep PHALA- RoPE. — A bird of this species has been recorded by the Buffalo Ornithological Society as oc- curring at Erie Beach in Welland County on October 6, 1935. We know of no other record of occurrence within the area under discussion. Catharacta skua (Brunnich). NorTHERN SKUA. — The late Otomar Reinecke” records an adult Skua which was picked up in the Niagara River gorge and brought to him by friends on Decem- er 3 1915. There have been other reports of Skuas on the Niagara River, but the record quoted is probably the only one that can be safely assigned to the Canadian side. Larus hyperboreus Gunnerus. GLAucouUS GULL. — Apparently a rare visitor, but occasion- ally to be met with on the Niagara River during the winter or spring months. A fine bird in adult plumage was observed in the river below the Falls cn May 4, 1924. Larus leucopterus (Vieillot). IckLAND GULL. — Two mottled immature birds, at first glance referred to the Glaucous. Gull, but after careful observation put down as undoubted Iceland Gulls. were seen by the senior author on January 24, 1934, flying back and forth over the rapids im- mediately above the Horseshoe Falls. In con- nection with this record it is perhaps inte-esting to note here that Mitchell,” writing on recent records from the Niagara Frontier, N.Y., states that the Iceland Gull has been more numerous than usual in the vicinity during the winter of 1933-34. 27. Our Birds in their Haunts, p. 460, Boston, 1884. 28. Oologist, 33 138-14, 1916. 29. Auk, 51: 398, 1934. Larus marinus Linnaeus. Great BLACK-BACKED GuLL.—Of somewhat sporadic occurrence in the district. In some winters, notably that of 1934- 59, it is comparatively common on the Niagara River, while in others it is rare or absent. Oc- curs occasionally off the Lincoln County shore line of Lake Ontario, particularly at Port Dal- housie and Port Weller. Larus argentatus smithsonianus Coues. HeEr- RING GULL. — Plentiful on both lakes and found throughout the two counties wherever there are large bodies of water. Also cccasionally met with out in the open fields at some distance from water. This species shares with the Ring- billed Gull the distinction of being one of the two commonest gulls on the Niagara River; al- ways present in considerable numbers throughout the winter months, while odd birds are frequent- ly met with in summer. Larus delawarensis Ord. RING-BILLED GULL. — This is another very common gull on the Niagara River and during the autumn and early winter months is undoubtedly more plentiful than the preceding and better known species. The status of this gull in other parts of the area under discussion is uot so clearly defined, but it occurs commonly along both lake shores. Larus philadelphia Ord. Bonaparte’s GULL. — Immense numbers of this beautiful little gull appear on the Niagara River every spring; some- times in scattered flocks containing a hundred or more individuals and at other times congregat- ing in thousands on some chosen stretch of calm water in either the upper or lower river. This species also visits the river on the return migra- tion in the autumn and frequently over-winters, in comparatively small numbers, at Fort Erie. We have records of this Gull being present on the Niagara River in practically every month of the year. Occurs frequently, but somewhat less plentiful along the lake shore lines of both coun- ties. Pagophila alba (Gunnerus). Ivory GuLL. — A lone Ivo-y Gull was observed for some con- siderable time, on a day in December, 1924, as it flew back and fo:th over the wide expanse ef water immediately below the Niagara Falls. Sterna forsteri Nuttall. Forster’s TERN. — The occurrence of a Forster’s Tern at Fort Erie 132 in Welland County, on September 21, 1935, has been recorded by the Buffalo Ornithological Society. Sterna hirundo hirundo Linnaeus. COMMON TERN. — A very common visitor to the Niagara River during the spring and autumn migration seasons, sometimes appearing in immense num- bers during the latter season. Birds of this species, apparently non-breeding individuals, are common throughout the summer months along the shores of Lake Erie, in Welland County. Hydroprogne caspia imperator (Coues). Cas- PIAN TERN. — Apparently of somewhat rare oc- currence in the Niagara district. A lone indivi- dual was observed on May 4, 1924, as it flew up and down the wide expanse of water immediately below the Falls, and two were seen, in company with Common Terns, Ring-billed, and Herring Gulls, at Morgan’s Point, in Welland County. on August 14, 1933. Lincoln County records are equally scarce, but Laing® saw three on the lake shore at Beamsville on September 4 and two on September 25, 1918 while, in addition, some recent reports have been received of several being seen near Vineland. Chlidonias nigra surinamensis (Gmelin). Brack TERN. — Although the Black Tern can- not be considered a common bird within the dis- trict, it occasionally occurs on the Niagara River in considerable numbers. On September 2, 1933, and on August 12, and 16, 1935, scattered flocks of from one to two hundred, in various interest- ine phases of plumage, were observed near the Peace bridge at Fort Erie; while, although we have no personal knowledge of any such num- bers occurring during the spring passage, it is not an uncommon sight to see a few of these handsome little terns on the river during the month of May. Uria lomvia lomvia (Linnaeus). BRUNNICH’S Murre.—In an account of a flight of these birds which penetrated inland to Lake Ontario, lake Erie, and various intermediate points, Fleming” mentions reports of their occurrence on the Nia- gare River, below the Falls, on December 1, 1907. Alle alle (Linnzeus) DoveKir. — There is a record by Everett P. Wheeler” of a bird of this snecies being found dead on November 15, 1908, on the Canadian shore of Lake Erie about seven miles from the city of Buffalo; a location which would place the record definitely in Welland 30. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 21, 1920. 31. Awk, 25: 486, 1908. 32. Bird-Lore, 2: 174, 1909. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST [Viony le County, Ontario. It is stated that the specimen was identified by James Savage of Buftalo. Columba livia livia Gmelin Rock Dove. — Domestic Pigeons which have escaped and be- come naturalized, and now closely resemble the Rock Dove in plumage and habits, frequent the Niagara River gorge near the Falls. Observ- ations carried out within recent years would tend to indicate that these birds are utilizing ledges on the more inaccessible cliffs for nesting pur- poses. Zenaidura macroura carolinensis (Linnaeus). EASTERN Mourninc Dove. — A common sum- mer bird throughout the district. During the extremely mild winter of 1931-32, many of these doves remained throughout the season, in the vicinity of Vineland, where a flock, con- taining as many as 35 birds, was frequently seen feeding in an unharvested patch of buckwheat. A few Mourning Doves were again present in the Vineland area during the winter of 1932-33. Ectopistes migratorius (Linnaeus). PASSENGER Pigeon. — According to Margaret H. Mitchell* in that very thorough piece of work “The Pas- senger Pigeon in Ontario”, the last reported oc- currence of Passenger Pigeons in Welland Coun- ty was in the year 1883. There is apparently no information available in connection with its iast appearance in Lincoln County; but it is evident, from the accumulated information in the above mentioned book, that the species formerly oc- cured in immense numbers throughout the Niagara district. Coccyzus americanus americanus (Linnaeus). YELLOW-BILLED Cuckoo. — Apparently occurs sparingly throughout the two counties. A nest of this cuckoo was found at Vineland on July 31, 1931, which, on examination, was found to contain two young and an unhatched egg. When touched, the young made a buzzing, insect-like noise. One of the parents, remaining in close proximity to the nest, was easily and positively indentified. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wilson). BLACK- BILLED Cuckoo. — A fairly frequently observed summer bird; apparently breeding throughout the area, and believed to be somewhat more common than the yellow-billed species. Tyto alba pratincola (Bonaparte). BARN OWL. —An owl, apparently referable to his species. was seen high up in a tree at Vineland Station *Contribution No. 7 of the Royal Ontario Mu- seum of Zoology, 1935. = a November, 1936] on July 16, 1931. We have definite information to the effect that Barn Owls have been captured recently in the vicinity of St. Catharines. Otus asio naevius (Gmelin). EastTeERN SCREECH Ow. — Common throughout the two counties. Practically all of the birds of this species seen in the vicinity of Vineland have been of the grey phase. Bubo wvirgimanus virginianus (Gmelin). GREAT Hornep Owr. — This large owl is still to be found in the vicinity of Vineland, as is evidenced by the specimens occasionally killed by hunters. It is, however, rarely seen or heard. Nyctea nyctea (Linnaeus). SNowy OwL. — Invasions of the Niagara Peninsula district by this owl are apparently not uncommon, and mounted specimens may be seen in a large pro- portion of the local collections of stuffed birds. In the late autumn of the year 1926 and again in the early winter of 1934 they appear to have occured in fair numbers throughout the district. Asio wilsomanus (Lesson). LoNG-EARED Owt. — Apparently a rare owl in the Lincoln and Welland County area for we have one record only; a single specimen having been seen by W. L. Putman in the vicinity of Vineland on December 15, 1932. Cryptoglaux acadica acadica (Gmelin). Saw- WHET Ow... — A single example of this little owl was seen one night toward the end of October, 1926, and watched for a few minutes by the light of a street lamp, after it had settled in a large maple tree, on the main street at the south end of the city of Niagara Falls. Antrostomus vociferus vociferus (Wilson). HASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL. — Occasionally seen near Vineland during the spring mig:ation. In the spring of 1932, two Whip-poor-wills spent some time at the Horticultural Experiment Sta- tion and made themselves quite notorious by disturbing local residents with their persistent calling just before sunrise and after sunset. Chordeiles minor (Forster). EASTERN NicHT- HAWK. — A common summer resident through- out both counties. This bird would appear to nest on the roof of one or two of the larger buildings in the city of Niagara Falls. Chaetura pelagica (Linnaeus). CHIMNEY Swirt. — Plentiful throughout the district, ar- riving early in May and usually departing toward the end of August. Now, apparently, nests solely in chimneys; but many years ago nests were found in an old hollow tree at Grimsby park. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 133 Archilochus colubris (Linneus). RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. — A reasonably common sum- mer breeding bird throughout the area; but some decrease in population at nesting time has been noticed of late years in the vicinity of Niagara Falls. Hummingbirds have been observed near Vineland as late as September 27th. Megaceryle alcyon alcyon (Linnaeus). East- ERN BELTED KINGFISHER. — A common summer resident, frequenting both lake shores and the banks of the Niagara River, and nesting where found. 3 Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs. NortHERN FLICKER. — The Flicker is still a very common summer bird; but there is every reason to believe that the Starling is seriously interfering with its nesting operations and its decrease as a breeding bird is already quite noticeable in the Niagara Falls area. This bird has been recorded in the Vineland district during winter; three having been seen on December 1, 1929, near Jordan Harbour, and one near the same locality on March 5, 1932, a date too early for normal spring migration. Ceophloeus pileatus abieticola Bangs. NortH- ERN PILEATED WooDPECKER. — This is apparently a rare bird in the area, but the extensive wood- lands near Warner in Lincoln County still har- bour a few of these large woodpeckers. Messrs. W. E. Hurlburt and Roger Clarke saw a male bird on June 9. 1935, and on several occasions the unmistakeable work of this species has been seen by a number of different observers visiting the locality. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linnaeus). ReEp- HEADED WooDPECKER. — This strikingly beautiful woodpeckez is somewhat uncommon in either county; but is perhaps more frequently met with in the southern portion of Welland County than in any other part of the territory under dis- cussion. Although one or two pairs are usually observed each year in the vicinity of Vineland, the-e are occasional summers when it would appear to be entirely absent from that locality. Sphyrapicus varius varius(Linnaeus). YELLow- BELLIED SAPSUCKER. — Single examples of the Sapsucker are frequently observed during the spring migration, both at Vineland and at Niagara Falls. In neither locality are they suff- ciently numerous, nor do they stay long enough, to do much serious damage, occasionally, ornamental trees, especially Austrian and Scotch pines, suffer severely from their systematic drilling. It has been observed at Niagara Falls on its return migration in the autumn; but its 134 comparative rarity at that season inclines us to the belief that the majority follow a different route when migrating southward. Dryobates villosus villosus (Linnaeus) East- ERN Harry WOoopPECKER. — This bird is fairly frequently observed in the Vineland area during spring, autumn, and winter; but is rarely seen in the vicinity of Niagara Falls at any time. Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swainson) NortTHERN Downy WooppEcKER. — This species is very frequently seen during the winter months and is doubtless quite common in the summer time, although in the latter season it is much less in evidence. Two young birds, just able to fly, were observed at Vineland Station on Trely el 1932) Tyrannus tyrannus(Linnaeus). EASTERN KING- BIRD. — A very common summer resident, nest- ing throughout the area, and one of the most conspicuous birds of the rural roadside. Myiarchus crinitus boreus Bangs. NorTHEXN Crestep FrycatcHer. — A local, but not uncom- mon summer resident. Found nesting in the vicinity of Vineland. G. J. Clout of St. Ca- tharines has told us of finding this species build- ing its nest in a receptacle for newspapers by the side of the road, near Niagara-on-the-Lake. Sayornis phoebe (Latham). EASTERN PHOEBE. — Common throughout both counties. Usually arriving soon after the middle of March, this is a familiar spring and summer bird. Nearly all wooden bridges and old wooden culverts affo-d a nesting site for these birds; but the gradual replacement of the wooden culverts with those of cement has recently caused many pairs to seek other sites for rearing their young and, in this connection, it is interesting to note their fear- lessness in regard to mankind. From Vineland, we have a report of a pair nesting on a beam 1n the receiving room of a busy canning factory; while, in Welland County, these birds have been found nesting on the verandah of an occupied summer hotel, overlooking Lake Erie. Empidonax flaviventris (Baird and Baird). YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. — Although there are only three definite records of this bird from the Vineland area during the past ten years, nevertheless it is believed to be a fairly regular migrant in that locality. Its close resemblance to the Least Flycatcher may easily have caused many examples to be overlooked. Laing” saw two at Beamsville on September 2, 1918. 33. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 238, 1920. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST (VoL. L Empidonax minimus (Baird and Baird).| Ast ~ FLYCATCHER. — The Least Flycatcher is a re- gular spring migrant in the vicinity of Vineland and has occasionally been observed near Niagara Falls. It may usually be looked for about May 10, at which time the characteristic call note, “chebec,’ has been found a most useful medium for drawing attention to the presence of this species. Myiochanes virens (Linnaeus). EASTERN Woor PEWEE. — A regular, but not abundant, summer resident throughout the area. One or more nests have been found in orchards on the Experimental Farm at Vineland for many years in succession. Otocoris alpestris praticola Henshaw. PRAIRIE Hornep Lark. — A common and well-distribut- ed species throughout the district. It has been observed in the Vineland area in nearly every month of the year. Iridoprocne bicolor (Vieillot). TREE SwWALLOw. ~ — Occurs only rarely in the vicinity of Niaga-a Falls. Formerly a regular spring migrant at Vineland, usually appearing during the latter part of April; but we have no personal records from that locality for the last three years. Riparia riparia riparia (Linnaeus) BANK Swallow. — A very common summer resident, nesting wherever suitable cliffs occur, along both lake shores, and at several places near Niagara Falls. This swallow usually arrives about the first of May and departs toward the end of August. A few weeks before departure they frequently congregate in very large flocks along th Niagara River, the Welland River, and on both lake fronts. On July 12, 1924, a pure white Bank Swallow was observed near Vineland, flying around in company with a large flock of normal birds. This albino swallow was observed daily from the 12th until the 18th, after which date the entire flock departed. Stelgidopteryx ruficollis serripennis (Audubon) ROUGH-WINGED SwaLLow. — Occurs at Niagara Falls during both spring and autumn migration seasons. Also nests in limited numbers in the Niagara River gorge, and in the rock-cut of the Hydro Electric Power Canal. This species does not appear to be very plentiful at any time. but on August 17 and 18, 1933, careful count was made of several mixed flocks, composed of Bank and Rough-winged Swallows, and it was found that the Rough-wings made up from 5% to 20% of the total number of birds in the various flocks examined. Hirundo erythrogaster Boddaert. BARN SWAL- Low. — A fairly common summer bird through- out both counties. As a breeding bird, this spe- November, 1936] THE CANADIAN cies is probably more numerous around the mixed farming lands of Welland and the higher parts of Lincoln than it is in the lower-lying, fruit-growing areas of the latter county. The comparative scarcity of breeding birds in the fruit-growing districts may be accounted far by the fact that so many of the fruit farmer’s ba:ns are kept closed and so do not offer a convenient nesting site. Petrochelidon albifrons albifrons (Rafinesque ). NorTHERN CLIFF Swallow. — We have no re- cent or personal records of this swallow to re- port; but Laing™* in his account of bird migra- ition at Beamsville, writes of seeing a few smali parties on August 5, 1918, one on September 8 and a doubtful one on September 19th. Progne subis subis (Linnaeus). PurpLeE Mar- TIN. — A reasonably common but very local ummer bird in Welland County. Breeds in houses put up for its use in the gardens of summer homes along the Lake Erie shore line. Rare elsewhere in the county, although there are at least two or three occupied Martin houses in the city of Niagara Falls. In Lincoln County it is somewhat less common, but is locally es tablished in small colonies the largest of which is situated on the main street in St. Catharines, where moderate numbers of these cheerful birds nest in the upper portions- of old stores. Many houses have been erected for the use of these birds throughout the district but, unfortunately. the omnipresent House Sparrow and Starling usually prevent the desired tenants from taking possession. Cyanocitta cristata cristata (Linnaeus). Norrr- ERN BLUE JAY. — The Blue Jay is a fairly common resident in the more secluded patches of wooded land throughout the district. While not usually classed as a migrant in this part of Ontario, it has twice been observed in flocks on the Experimental Farm at Vineland. In May, 1924, about 10 were seen passing through the farm, while in 1932 a flock of over 50 settled for a short time in two apple trees before join- ing a larger flock of what were presumed to be Blue Jays passing overhead. Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos Brehm. EAsteRN Crow. — Formerly abundant, both winter and summer, in the vicinity of Niagara Falls; now considerably reduced in numbers and can only be considered as being fairly common. In former times, the Niagara River gorge was a famous winter Crow Roost and 34. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 24, 1920. FIELD-NATURALIST 135 fifty years ago the Rev. Hibbert Langille’” wrote of countless numbers roosting on the steep slopes of the river between the Falls and Queenston. In more recent times there was a substantial remnant of this large winter roost in the vicinity of the Whirlpool and Niagara Glen; but about ten years ago this was apparantly abandoned, for the large flocks which used to fly regularly, at sunset, in a northerly direction, over the city of Niagara Falls, gradually became irregular in their movements and were later found to be congregating in great numbers in a large area of rough wooded land, adjoining the Montrose railway yards, a mile or so south of the city. Wood-cutting operations and the efforts of local sportsmen have now, apparently, caused the birds to abandon this second roost, for of late years the large flocks have disappeared and the crow is now observed in the district only singly, in pairs, or in small scattered parties. At Vine- land. we have no record of any large winter roosts; but Crows may be seen in moderate numbers during the summer, and a few odd birds appear td stay in the vicinity throughout the winter. Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus (Winnaeus). BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE. — The “Chickadee” is quite comomnly observed every winter; but it is a bird which appears to be subject to consi- derable fluctuations in abundance from year to year. Penthestes nudsonicus hudsonicus (Forster). Hupsontan CHICKADEE. — A single individual of this somewhat rare visitor was seen near Niagara Falls in the winter of 1919 in company with a small party of the common Chickadee. It is possible that this record should be referred to the Acadian Chickadee. P. h. littoralis; but, of course, such a point could be determined only by collection. Sitta carolinensis carolinensis Latham. WHItE- BREASTED NutHatcH. — A reasonably common bird throughout the two counties; to be seen regularly every winter, both at Niagara Falls and at Vineland. Also observed in summer, but not so regularly. Sitta canadensis Linnaeus. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. A regular spring migrant at Vineland, where it is mostly seen singly. Oc- cosionally observed in small parties, among the ornamental trees in Queen Victoria park, at Niagara Falls. Certhia familiaris americana Bonaparte. BRowN - CREEPER. — This somewhat shy and unobtrusive 35. Our Birds in their Haunts, p. 63, Boston, 1884. 136 little bird cannot be considered as a very common species in the Niagara district but it has been observed fairly frequently, at Niagara Falls and at Vineland, during the spring migration. It has been seen occasionally during the winter months. Troglodytes aédon aédon Vieillot. EAstrERN House Wren. — An abundant, but somewhat locally distributed, summer breeding bird. In Lincoln County it is exceedingly common in the vicinity of Vineland, where it patronizes the many nesting boxes put up for its benefit; while, in Welland County, it is common near Port Colborne and along the lake shore, but compar- atively rare in the city of Niagara Falls, where, however, a few pairs can always be found in suitable garden areas. Nannus hiemalis hiemalis (Vieillot). Easr- ERN WINTER WREN. — In the Vineland area, the Winter Wren is seen regularly as a spring mi- grant and quite frequently as a winter resident; but in the vicinity of Niagara Falls it does not appear to be so regular, although occasional in- dividuals are observed in late autumn or early spring. During the latter season the surpris- ingly loud song of this little bird is not in- frequently to be heard in the Niagara Glen. Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Lath- am). CAROLINA Wren. — A single example ot the Carolina Wren haunted the grounds of the Experimental Farm at Vineland Station though- out the winter of 1932-33. It was first ohsery- ed on December 12, 1932, and from that date on was seen or heard almost daily by various members of the staff. During the months of January and Febrary, 1933, it made itself locally quite notorious by its loud clear song given chiefly in the early morning. W. E. Saunders” in an article entitled “Super-singers’ men- tions a Carolina Wren which was heard singing by a friend of his at Grimsby in Lincoln Coun- “ty, on July 27, 1927. Telmatodytes palustris dissaéptus (Bangs). Prarrig MarsH Wren. — Although we have only two or three personal records of this bird, it is believed to be not uncommon in the marshy areas in the vicinity of Jordan Harbour and Vineland. G. J. Clout of St. Catharines has told us of finding two cock’s nests of this species in the vicinity of Niagara-on-the-Lake on June 16, 1935. There is a winter record by Messrs. Dickson, Hurlburt, and Palmer” of a wren, apparently referable to this species, observed near Jordan, on December 24, 1926. 36. Oologist, 45: 112-6, 1928. 37. Can. Field-Nat. 41: 15, 1927. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST (VoL. L Cistothorus stellaris (Naumann). Sxorr- BILLED MarsH Wren. — No personal records, but G. J. Clout of St. Catharines has told us of seeing a wren of this species at Rosedene near that city, on April 24, 1932. Mimus polyglottos polyglottos (Linneus). EASTERN Mockincpirp. — A Mockingbird spent the winter of 1931-32 in the grounds of the Horticultural Experiment Farm at Vineland Station. It was first definitely indentified on December 5, 1931, and last seen late in March or early in April, 1932. This bird appeared to subsist almost entirely on the very abundant berries of the Boston Ivy which covers both the south and east walls of the Administration Building. It was tame and could be approached to within a distance of about ten feet and was closely observed, on numerous occasions, by local bird students, as well as, on one occasion, by a party from the Brodie Club of Toronto. We have no other personal record of the Mockingbird within the territory under discus- sion but J. H. Fleming* records having seen one at McNab, in Lincoln County, on May 12, 1928. Dumetella carolinensis (Linneus). CATBIRD.— A common summer bird thoughout the district, nesting wherever suitable cover is to be found. Taxostoma rufum (Linneus) Brown THRASH- ER. — Not a particularly common bird but to be found locally here and there throughout the two counties. Clumps of thorn bushes appear to be the favourite nesting site, and, and nests in such situations have been recently found in the vic- inity of Vineland. Turdus migratorius migratorius Linneus. EASTERN Rosin. — A very abundant summier resident, arriving about March 20th or earlier and usually departing toward the end of October. Occasionally small flocks remain in the vicin- ity of Niagara Falls until nearly the end of November and in some years odd birds have been observed in December and January. Mr. N H. Culp, of Vineland Station, in his collec- tion of mounted birds has a melanistic Robin which was taken locally about the year 1904. Partially albino birds, with a varying amount of white in the plumage, have been observed oc- casionally, both at Niagara Falls and at Vine- land. Hylocichla mustelina (Gmelin). | Woon TurusH. — A regular spring visitor at Vine- lend, usually arriving about May 10th. -Formier- 38. Auk, 47: 71, 1930. November, 1936] ly quite commonly observed at Niagara Falls but not very frequently seen during the recent years. Hylocichla gutiata faxoni Bangs and Penara. EASTERN Hermit THRUSH. — An early aiid regular spring migrant at Vineland. Occasion- ally observed in the vicinity of Niagara Falis during both spring and autumn migration sea- sons. Hylocichia ustulata swainsoni (Tschudi). OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH. — Apparently an un- common visitor to the Niagara district, for we appear to have only five observations of this bird to report; four at Vineland during the latter part of May, 1931, and at Niagara Falls in May, 1924. Hylocichla minima aliciae (Baird). Gray- CHEEKED THRUSH. — We have no personal re- cords of this thrush; but, under a question mark Laing® reports the occurrence of one at Beamsville on October 7, 1918. Hylocichla fuscescens fuscescens (Stephens). VEERY. — Quite frequently observed during the spring migration, both at Niagara Falls and at Vineland. Believed to nest on the sloping wood- ed banks at the back of Queen Victoria Park near Niagara Falls, also in the Whirlpooi and Niagara Glens. A nest, apparently belonging to this bird, was found in a large area of swampy wooded land, on the Lincoln-Haldimand County border, south of Smithville, on May 31, 1931. Siaia sialis sialis (Linneus). EASTERN BLUEBIRD. — A reasonably common, but some- what focal, summer bird, arriving about the same time as the Robin and usually leaving the Nia- gara Falls area toward the middle of October. This beautiful and familiar bird appears to be holding its own and even increasing of late years, in Welland County; but in the Vineland area of Lincoln County, where sparrows appear to have interefered seriously with its nesting, it is now seen mostly as a migrant; although, in the more secluded parts of that County, it is still fairly common as a breeding bird. Regulus satrapa satrapa Lichtenstein. EAsteRN GOLDEN-CROWNED KINcCLET. — A common spring and autumn migrant; often abundant in the former season and quite frequently observed during the mid-winter months. Corthylio calendula calendula (Linnzus). EASTERN RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. — Frequently seen at Vineland during the spring migration 39. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 26, 1920. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 33% and occasionally observed in Queen Victoria park, at Niagara Falls. Anthus spinoletta rubescens (Tunstall). AmEr- ICAN Lipit. — We do not appear to have any recent records of the occurrence of this species but in former years it was occasionally observed in the Niagara Falls area while on migration. Laing® reports several on passage at Beamsviiie between September 13 and October 31, 1918. Bombycilla Vieillot. CEDAR Wax- WING. — A reasonably common summer bird in the vicinities of Vineland and Niagara Falls, breeding in both localities and in other suitable areas throughout the two counties. Occasion- ally observed during the winter months. cearorum Lanmus borealis borealis Vieillot. NortTHERN SHRIKE. — This northern bird has been oc- casionally observed in the vicinity of Vineland during the early part of the winter, most of the occurrences being in the month of November. Lanius ludovicianus migrans Palmer. Micrant SHRIKE. — A somewhat uncommon summer resident, occasionally observed in Welland County. Nests have been found in the vicinity of Vineland in Lincoln County, clumps of thorn trees, or bushes, being selected for a site. Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris Linneus. STARLING. — An exceedingly common resident. Abundant during the spring and autumn months and form- erly almost as abundant in winter; but, during the last few winter season the very large flocks seem to have disappeared and the starling now occurs during the cold months in comparatively small parties, composed of from twenty to thirty or more individuals, which are found scattered here and there throughout the district, with somewhat larger concentrations in the cities and towns. According to Harrison F. Lewis*. in his excellent account of the European Starling in Ontario, the earliest known record of the starling -in Lincoln County, and incidentally the second for the Province, was made at St. Catharines by Mrs. R. W. Leonard, who saw a small flock ot these birds in the winter of 1919-20. The same authority is responsible for a statement to the effect that it was probably present at Fort Erie, Welland County, about 1920, and in support of this statement mentions a letter received on December 28, 1925, from A. A. Edwards, of Black C-eek, stating that Starlings were first seen at Fort Erie about five years ago. The senior author, who has been familiar with this bird since boyhood, has a distinct recollection 40. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 25, 1920. 41. Univ. Toronto Biol: Series. 30: 8, 1927. 188 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST of seeing a small party of about 4 or 5 Starlings alight in a tulip tree in a garden close to the Michigan Central Railway tracks near the centre of the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, in the autumn of 1914, shortly before returning to England for war service. Unfortunately the significance of the observation was not realized at the time and no notes of the occurrence were made. The first records in our diaries of the Starling at the eastern end of the Niagara peninsula do not commence until about 10 years later, six being observed at Vineland on Februa- ry 13, 1924, while a flock of several dozen was seen in the autumn of that same year at Mont- rose near Niagara Falls. In the winter of 1924- 25, the Starling was fairly common in the city of Niagara Falls and, even at that time, had begun to attract attention. Very few birds have received so much publicity as the Starling and it is not our intention, at this time, to enter into a long discourse on the merits or demerits of this ubiquitous species. It will, however, perhaps not be out of place to mention here that this bird is in very bad repute, if not heartily detested, in the soft-fruit-growing communities of Lincoln County, for here in such areas, ser- ious damage is only too frequently occasioned to the ripening crops of cherries and grapes by large flocks of Starlings. In other sections of the two counties under discussion, where soft fruits are not cultivated, the Starling is looked upon with tolerance; but even in such places. where no apparent damage is done, farmers and city dwellers are lifting up their voices against this alien bird. Weighed in the balance, the Starling’s capacity for good or evil would appear to depend very largely upon the type of country in which it is found. In ordinary mixed farming and market garden areas, its destruction of root-injuring grubs and other noxious insects weighs heavily in its favour; but, in the specializ- ed commercial orchard sections, the damage caus- . ed by the large flocks in late summer may on occasion considerably overbalance any good it may have done earlier in the season. Vireo flavifrons Vieillot. YELLOW-THROATED VirEo. — This species appears on an early list of Niagara Falls birds, as entered in our diary up to 1925; but unfortunately, without spe- cial note. We do not appear to have any very recent record of the occurrence of this Vireo within the area. Laing” reports an individual of this species, under a question mark, as oc- curring at Beamsville on September 8, 1918. 42. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 25, 1920. {[VoL. L Vireo solitarius solitarius (Wilson). BLuE- HEADED VIREO. — During a trip on October 6, 1935, along the Canadian shore of Lake Erie, presumably in Welland County, members of the Buffalo Ornithological Society observed two Blue-headed Vireos. This bird is to be expected within the area, and it is somewhat surprising that it has not been found by our own ob- servers. Vireo olivaceus (Linneus). RED-FYED V1REO.— A common summer resident, nesting in suitable locations throughout both counties. Vireo gilvus gilvus (Vieillot). EastrRN WaARBLING VIREO. — The Warbling Vireo is not uncommon in the Vineland area, where it is usually seen as a spring migrant which arrives about the same time as the Red-eye. It is believed to be quite common at Niagara Falls and to nest in shade trees in the residential sections of the city; but this supposition has not yet been definitely substantiated. Mniotilta varia (Linneus). BLack AND WHITE WARBLER. — A very common spring migrant, usually appearing in the Niagara Falls area during the second week in May. In the Vineland district it has been noticed to show a great partiality for old apple orchards where the rough bark of the trees affords a good hunting ground for insects and in such places it is apt to linger for several days on its north- ward flight. Protonotaria citrea (Boddert). PROTHONOTARY WARBLER. — This large and distinctive Warbler has been observed at Vineland on four seperate occasions; namely on June 2, July 26 and August 10, 1929, and on May 25, 1931. Vermivora chrysoptera (Linneus). GoLpEN WINGED WARBLER. —- A female of this species was seen in company with a mixed flock of migrants in the woodlands near Warner, in Lincoln Coun- ty, on August 20, 1933. Messrs. W. E. Hurlburt, Douglas Ross, and George North observed two singing males in this same general location on June 2, 1935, while another singing male was seen in the same woods on June 9, 1935. Vermivora peregrina (Wilson). TENNESSEE WARBLER. — Observed at Vineland on several eecasions during the spring migration periods. We do not appear to have any definite records from Welland County, but it is believed to occur occasionally at Niagara Falls. Vermivora cclata celata (Say). ORANGE- CROWNED WARBLER. — Recorded from the Cana- — dian shore of Lake Erie, presumably in Welland County, on October 6, 1935, by the Buffalo Ornithological Society. November, 1936] Vermivora ruficapilla ruficapilla (Wilson). NASHVILLE WarpetEr. — No personal records, but G. J. Clout of St. Catharines has told us of his observation of this warbler in a pine grove near DeCew Falls on May 19, 1935. Compsothlypis americana pusilla (Wilson). NorTHERN PaRULA WARBLER. — Frequently seen in the Vineland district of Lincoln County du1- ing the spring migration. Dendroica aestiva acstiva (Gmelin). EASTERN YELLOW WARBLER. —- A common summer resi- dent, often arriving before the middie of May. Great numbers pass on northward with the other Warblers but a considerable number remain to nest within this district. Dendroica magnolia (Wilson). Macnoria WarsleR. — The Magnolia Warbler is a fairly common and regular spring migrant in the Vine- land area its numbers varying little from year to year. Observed occasionally at Niagara Falls, generally during the last week of May. Dendroica tigrina (Gmelin). Cape May War- BLER. — Although perhaps not so numerous as some of the other species and more inclined to fluctuate in numbers from year to year, the Cape May Warbler is a regular spring visitor in the Vineland district. It has been met with in the vicinity of Niagara Falls but we are inclined to think that it is one of the more uncommon of the Warblers which pass through this particular locality. Dendroica caerulescens caerulescens (Gmelin). BLACK-THROATED BLUE WarRBLER. — A regular and abundant spring migrant in the vicinity of Vineland but only occasionally observed in the Niagara Falls area. Dendroica coronata (Linneus). Myrtie War- BLER. — Probably the most numerous of the Warblers passing through this area; abundant in passage both spring and autumn. Unusually large numbers of this species were noted, both at Niagara Falls and at Vineland, during a period of a few days about the middle of Octo- ber, 1932. Dendroica virens virens (Gmelin). BLacKk- THRCATED GREEN WARBLER. — A regular spring migrant at Vineland, but never seen in numbers. Occasionally observed near Niagara Falls, usual- ly toward the end of May. Dendroica cerulea (Wilson). CERULEAN W/AR- BLER. — Apparently rare and very local. Messrs. G. H. Dickson and Roger Clarke saw a warbler of this species at Warner, in Lincoln County, on June 25, 1933, and W. E. Hurlburt heard the song of the Cerulean at the same place, about THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 189 a week earlier. Several were heard singing and one closely observed in the woodlands near Warner on June 2, 1935. fusca (Muller). BLackBURIAN WARBLER. — Regular and sometimes abundant as a spring migrant at Vineland. Observed in the immediate vicinity of Niagara Falls but sot regularly or in numbers. Dendroica Dendroica pensylvanica (Linneus). CHESTNUT SIDED \WARBLER. — A common spring migrant at Vineland and occasionally seen on the return migrations in the autumn. This Warbler has been observed at Niagara Falls, usually during the last week in May, but not commonly. Dendroica castanea (Wilson). BAy-BREASTED WarBLER. — The Bay-breasted Warbler is a regular spring migrant in the Vineland area, where it is sometimes seen in fair numbers. Not uncommon on migration in the immediate vicini- ty of Niagara Falls generally appearing during the last few days of May. Dendroica striata (Forster). BLAcK-poL.L WaAr- BLER. — Occu~s occasionally, both at Niagara Falls and at Vineland, while on migration during the latter part of May, but it does not appear to be one of the commoner Warbleis through this area. passing Dendroica discolor discolor (Vieillot). Norru- ERN PRAIRIE WARBLER. — We have no personal observations to record, but G. J. Clout of St. Catharines has informed us that he saw a pair of Prairie Warblers on the breakwater at Fort Weller in Lincoln County on September 9, 1934. Dendroica palmarum palmarum (Gmelin). WESTERN Patm WARBLER. — This Warbler does not appear to be at all common, for we have only seven spring records all of them from Vine- land area, where the birds were observed feed- ing on the ground in a plum orchard about the time that the trees were in full bloom. Seiurus aurocapillus (Linnzus). OVEN-BIRD.— Commonly seen every spring and believed to nest in the Vineland area. Seiurus noveboracensis noveboracensis (Gmel- in). NortHern Warter-THRusH. — A rather uncommon spring migrant, but occasionally ob- served at Niagara Falls and at Vineland. Seirus motacilla (Vieillot). Lovisitana WateR-THRUSH. — There would appear to be no doubt that the Louisiana as well as the Northern Water-Thrush occurs within the area, but our earlier notes do not always clearly differentiate between the two species. A sum- mer record from Vineland, on August 9, 1927 should probably be referred to S. motacilla; 140 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST while Mr. G. J. Clout has described a Water- Thrush which he saw near St. Catharines, which could not have been other than this species. Oporornis agilis (Wilson). CoNNECTICUT WARBLER. — This rare warbler has been re- corded from the Canadian shore of Lake Erie, presumably Welland County, by the Buffalo Ornithological Society, in their mimeographed journal “The Prothonotary” for October, 1935. In the same number of this journal, three ex- amples of the Connecticut Warbler are reported from Grand Island, N.Y., which is of course, only just outside our territory. Geothlypis trichas brachidactyla (Swainson). NorTHERN YELLOW-THROAT. — Frequently seen during the spring migration season and some remain to nest within the area. Numbers were seen and heard singing in the woods near War- ner, in Lincoln County, on June 25, 1933, and a nest with 5 eggs was found in that locality on June 9, by Roger Clarke. Icteria virens virens (Linneus). YELLOW- BREASTED CHAT. — We appear to have only one [VoL. L personal record of this bird within the area, that of an example seen near Vineland on May 24, 1924; but, in addition to this record, one other is reported, by Mr. Ernest Rittenhouse, to have been seen in the grounds of the Horticultural Experiment Station, a year or two earlier. Wilsonia pusilla pusilla (Wilson). WuLson’s WARBLER. — While not common, Wilson’s Warbler is a regular spring migrant in the Vine- land area, where it usually arrives during the latter part of May. It would appear that this species is not quite so regular in the time of its arrival as some of the other warblers, for in 1932 it put in an appearance as early as May lith. In connection with the 1932 spring migra- tion of this species through Vineland, it may be of interest to mention here that in one party was observed a very unusually marked bird, with a clearly defined yellow patch in the centre of the black cap, a distinction which made it quite conspicuous among its more normal companions, (To be concluded) NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS THe SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN BREEDING AT Toronto, — During the past ten years, the Short- billed Marsh Wren. (Cistothorus stellaria) has been found to be a more common summer resi- dent in the Toronto region than was formerly supposed. In localities such as Erindale, Leaside, Simcoe Point marsh and the Holland river flats suitable habitats are provided for this diminutive marsh dweller and the birds have been found occupying them in some numbers during the past few vears. Early records of the occurrence of this species in the Toronto region are rather meagre. J, H. Fleming mentioned only two records’ of the Short-billed Marsh Wren in his list of Toronto birds published in The Natural History of the Toronto Region, 1913. There is, however, a set of eggs of this species in the collection of W. E. Saunders, taken in a Toronto marsh about 1883, by Charles Shuttleworth.’ Further evidence of its breeding was not forth- coming until 1926, when J. L. Baillie, while making ornithological investigations on the grassy 1 €. W. Nash, Awk, Vol. 13,°1896, p. 3477. 2 Thomas Mellwraith, Birds of Ontario, 1886, p. 289, and W. E. Saunders, Biological Review of Ontario, Vol. 1, No. 3, July 1894, pp. 51-2. flats bordering the Holland river, King township, collected a female which had eggs almost ready for extrusion. Although the surrounding area was searched, no nest was iound. This has been recorded by L. Ll, Snyder In view of the paucity of information regard- ing its breeding at Toronto, I wish to contribute the following record of a nest and young found in June, 1935, which is apparently the first nest to be collected locaily. A favourite spot to find Short-billed Marsh Wrens is the Simcoe Point marsh near the mouth of Duffin’s creek which flows through the village of Pickering, in Ontario county, 18 miles east of the city limits. Here the writer has observed them during the past three summers (1933-34-35). Early in June, 1935, five males were observed singing at this marsh. The gen- eral location was noted in the hope that on a subsequent visit a more detailed study of the species might be made. Returning on June 30th, the males were singing as before, but my atten- tion was focused on one particular bird which fluttered nervously between several singing perches consisting of last year’s cat-tail stalks. 3 L. L. Snyder, Trans. 193 Royal Canadian Insti- tute, Vol. xvii, p. 200, i November, 19386] Secreting myself nearby, I presently saw anothe: wren, presumably the female, skimming low over the sedge, carrying food. She dropped into the vegetation near one of the singing perches. After a wait of half an hour during which time the female made three trips to the same general area, I decided to investigate. The female flushed when I was several feet away and it was some few minutes before the carefully concealed nest was located in a dense clump of sedge. It was entirely hidden from above. Examination showed it contained seven partially fledged and helpless young. After replacing the young in the nest, the spot was marked so that on our next visit pictures of them being fed might be obtained. On July 5th, F. H. Emery, C. E. Molony and the writer returned to the marsh, equipped with photographic paraphernalia. Imagine our sur- prise, when within a yard of the nest, the young bolted with the exception of one which we caught and managed to photograph. Three others were located in the grass by following up their tiny squeaks. The nest was composed of sedges and fine grasses and a few dry cat-tail leaves interwoven into a ball-shaped mass and situated in a dense clump of small-leaved sedges, 12 inches above the ground. It was lined with cat-tail down and feathers of the Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus torquatus) which is a common bird there. The nest measured 4 inches in height and 34% inches in width. The entrance was 114 inches in diameter and faced in an easterly direec- tion. The ground beneath the nest was quite dry, the water of the marsh proper being 25 feet away. A thorough search of the surrounding area revealed no false nests. One of the young was collected as a record and it, along with the nest, is now in the Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology at Toronto. The writer wiches to acknowiedge his indebt- edness to Mr. J. L. Baillie of the Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology for his constructive criticism and for information on early Toronto records. —— ©. E. Devirt, Toronto, Ont. Rep WING CONCENTRATION. — Near a roadway over which I have often travelled, not far from my home lies a small marsh. As a feature on the landscape it is very insignificant, one could walk completely around its outer edge in less in than three minutes. In summer it stands out as a patch of waving cat-tails in the midst of cultivated fields; and in winter, as a spot of brown crumpled reeds surrounded by blank white- ness. Alone, unlike any other habitat for miles THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 141 around, such a spot becomes an object of inter- est —— a good place to drop off and examine while motoring by, and an objective on a snow- shoe tramp over the fields. Here, when the surrounding fields were flourishing with field- loving birds I have found the black duck, the sora rail, the American bittern and many red- winged blackbirds, and in winter, when all about was barren of life, the tracks in the snow of European hare, the cottontail, the field vole and the deer mouse, the unmistakable trail of the pheasant and the less certain marks of the song, swamp and tree sparrows seeking shelter in the rank though friendly herbage. So that my pond, or slough as it would be called in the west, is a little world of its own, differing as it does so markedly from the surrounding country in both animal and vegetable life. On June 3rd, 1935, I visited the spot to examine its life more than casually. Without going into all that was found the most noticeable thing was the number of red-winged blackbirds that had made this tiny oasis their home. I have men- tioned the size of the marsh — some 50 yards in diameter, deduct from this about 30 yards of open water in the center, there is left a very limited area growing in cat-tails. Yet in this area I found 35 nests of the red-wing. Some of these were partly built, some finished, many contained eggs or young or both. A carefui cneck was as follows: Empty nests, unfinished or finished... .. 8 INCSES CRUE GIGS 26° 30 06-00 55.00 ac oe) JG Nests with young and eggs .. .. .. .. 5 IN OSES ERD MODMICL <6 >is 06 oo cbe .60 bekae © 35 Hotaly number som eles aac a opee ae horalenimber ofsyOuncuse aes O 94 Considering the small area examined this shows a surprising concentration of population. Although this species can generally be considered a common bird, never in all the many marshes I have waded were their nests so numerous and so close to each other as in this. Nests were often within a few inches of their neighbours. Yet strange to say I only counted fifteen red- wings of both sexes in the whole marsh. And, as it was evening, I have reason to believe all inhabitants of this marsh should be here. It is of course well known that the red-wing is polygamous. But one cannot help but wonder how many seasons this tiny marsh could ac- 142 commodate the red-wings returning in spring to their home territory even making all allowances for migration casualties. Grant that only rough- ly 50% of the birds return the following spring, we ought to find some some sixty birds trying to nest in this already crowded area. However that remains to be seen. At present, conditions as they are present a very good example of how a species, especially if it be at all gregarious, will concentrate in a suitable habitat even though decided limited. — Stuart L. THompson. Birp Notes From Granp MANAN, NEw Bruns- wick. — Through the courtesy of Mr. Atlan Moses of North Head, Grand Manan, I have the following interesting records to report. Quiscalus quiscula quiscula. PURPLE GRACKLE.— Apparently adult male, taken on Kent’s Island. (an islet south of Grand Manan), November 20, 1931, by R. Griffin, now mounted in the Moses collection. I had the pleasure of examin- ing this specimen through loan and can fully corroborate the identification. suffusion of purple instead of brassy bronze on back and wings, and the distinctive “peacock” semicircles are very conspicuous along the edges of the scapulars and on sides of breast. This subspecies occurs in many of the reports of early Canadian ornithologists but all that have previously been subject to verification have proved to be misidentifications of QO. g. @neus. This seems to be the first definite record of the subspecies in Canada. Spatula clypeata. SHOVELLER. — Changing from juvenile to adult male plumage, Nantucket There is a strong THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST G {VoL. L species that Mr. Moses has seen in the Grand Manan area. Harold Herrick in his Partial List of the Birds of Grand Manan, 1873, lists it as “rare” and George Boardman, Birds of the St. Croix, 1900, cites it as “very rare; accidental”. Gilpin, 1882, reports a specimen from Halifax, and Downs, 1888, dismisses it as “rather rare migrant” in Nova Scotia. Chamberlain, 1887, makes no mention of the species in the eastern provinces. Individual specimens have been taken at Romaine, Canadian Labrador and the Magdalen Islands. This about completes the references to the species in the Maritime Proyv- ices, — P. A. TaveRNER, National Museum of Canada, Ottawa. Deroceras hyperboreum Westerlund oN BaFFin IsLAND. — One lot of more than ten specimens of this species (or variety of D. agreste according to some authorities), was col- lected at Lake Harbour, Baffin Island, on the 17th of September, 1935, by Dr. W. J. Brown of the Entomological Branch of the Department of Agriculture. ‘The specimens were presented to the National Museum. The presence of D. hyperboreum in this locali- ty is not unexpected since it has been found as far to the north at other points but to the knowledge of .the writer it has never been specifically recorded for Baffin Island until now. Collectors having an opportunity to work in the north are urged to get as many land and fresh-water mollusca as possible since so little is known of their distribution in that area. Specimens will be gratefully received by the Island (near Grand Manan), January 5, 1935, National Museum and in all cases will form now deposited in the National Museum ot yaluable additions to its collections. — A. La Canada. This is the only representative of the Rgecour. REVIEW THe MARINE Fisues oF Nova Scoria, by V. D. Vladykov ani R. A. McKenzie. Proc. N. S. Inst. Sci. 19:17-113, 1935. Reprint for sale at $1.50. This paper consists of keys for the indenti- fication of 151 species of fish found in the waters of Nova Scotia, with a brief discussion of the status of each species in local waters, its commercial importance if any, abundance and general range. This publication should be a great convenience to anyone interested in the fishes of the Atlantic coast of Canada. By bringing together the scattered info~mation on the-occurrence of fishes in the waters off the coast of Nova Scotia, it makes an important contribution to Canadian ichthyology. — J. R. Dymownp. — Affiliated Societies = NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MANITOBA 1934-35 President Emeritus: C. E. BASTIN; President: A. G. LAWRENCE; Past Presidents: H. M. SpPEECHLY, M.D., V. W. JACKSON, M.Sc., C. W. Lows, M.Sc., J. B. WALLIS, M.A., A. A. McCousreEy, A. M. Davipson, M.D., R. A. WARDLE, M.Sc., G. SHIRLEY Brooks; Vice-Presidents: B. W. CART- WRIGHT, H. C. PEarcE, L. T. S. NorRIs-ELy&, B.A., Mrs. L. R. Simpson, W. H. RAND; Treasurer: DR. W.'G. CAMPBELL, - 216 Medical Arts Bldg., Winnipeg, Manitoba; General Secretary NORMAN LowE, 317 Simcoe St., Winnipeg; Auditor: R. M. TsHomas; Executive Secretary: J. Happow, Social Convenor: Miss O. A. ARMSTRONG. Section Chairman : Secretary Orntihological A. H. SHORTT i A. M. MACKIE Entomological G SHIRLEY BROOKS Miss M. F. PRATT Botanical H. F. Roserts, M.Sc Mrs. I. M. PRIESTLY Geological A.A. McCousBREy P. H. STOKES Mammalogical V. W. JACKSON, M.Sc. Tchthyological G. D. RUSSELL ; Secrétary: J. P. KENNEDY. Microscopy : Zoology R. A. WARDLE, M.Sc. Botany C. W. Lows, M.Sc. Secretary: H. C. PEARCE. Meetings are held each Monday evening, except on holiday from October to April, in the physics theatre of the University Winnipeg. Field excursions are held each Saturday after- noon during May, June and September, and on public holidays during July and August. THE HAMILTON BIRD PROTECTION SOCIETY (Incorporated) President; Mr. H. © Nvenn, 1 Mountain Park Ave. H.; Vice-President: REV. C. A HEAVEN, 135 Dalewood Cres H.; Secretary: Mr. J. H. WILLIAMS, 202 Park RowS.,H.; Treasurer: H. E. KETTLE, 160 Delaware Ave., H.; Chairman of Extension Committee: H.C. NUNN; Chairman of Junior Work: Miss M. E. GRAHAM; Chairman of Field Work: J. H. W1LLIAMs; Chair- man of Programme Committee: Mrs. F. MACLOGHLIN; Chair-— man of Sanctuary Committee: GEORGE NORTH. (Note—H. stands for Hamilton) McILWRAITH ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, LONDON, ONT. President: J. H. CAMERON, 355 Dufferon Ave., Londons Ont.; Vice President: Mr. E. D. 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Mrs. LAURA ANDERSON, 2nd Assistant Secretaru: Miss NORA Swirt, Honorary Treasurer: A. H. BaIN, 2142 Collingwood Street. Vaneouver, B.C.; Librarian: Mrs. F. McGinn. Members of Erecutire: C. F CONNor, M. A. Mr.R | CummMine: Me. J. D. TURNBULL. Mr. Curtis JOHNS, Mrs. J Motion; Audifore: H. G. Setwoop. W.B. Woops. Chairmen. of Sections: Botany: PROF. JOHN DAVIDSON, Geology: Mr J.J. PLOMMER, Photography: Mr. PHILIP Timms, Entym- ology: MR WooTTon, Microscopy: Mr. J.A. JOHNSTON, Ornith- ology: Mr. J. D. TURNBULL. All meetings at 8 p.m., Auditorium, Normal School, 10th Avenue and Cambie Street unless otherwise announced. BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRD AND MAMMAL SOCIETY President! Dr. M. Y. WILLiams; First Vice-President; HAMILTON M. LAING; Second Vice-President: DR.C. J BASTIN: Secretary-Treasurer: C. H BASTIN 4484 West 9th: Ave. Vancouver, B.C ‘J. A. DECARIE, Mr. W.S. Hart, OFFICERS & COMMITTEE: PROVINCE OF QUEBEC SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS INC. : Past Presidents: Mr. L. McL..TeRrRivt, Mr. NAPipR SMITH. Mr. W. S. Hart, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON; President: PROF. V. C WYNNE-Epwarps, 495 Prince Arthur Street, Apt. 4, - Montreal; Vice-Presidents: Mrs. H. HisppERT, Dr. A. N. JENKS; Vice-President and Treasurer: MR. HENRY MOUSLEY; Secretary: Miss MAUD SEATH. Committee: Mr. J. D. CLEGHORN, Mars. C. F. DALE, MR. : Mrs, C. L. HENDERSON, Mr. H. A. C, JACKSON. Mr. BE. L. JuDAH, MR. FRASER KEITH, Miss P. B. MATTINSON, Miss L. MuRPHY, Miss M.S. Nico.son, Mr. R. A. OUTHET, MR. C. Sait, Mr. L. MclL.SPACKMAN, Mr. L. McL. TERRILL. _ Meetings held the second Monday of the month except dur- © ing summer. SOCIETE PROVANCHER D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE DU CANADA Patron Honoraire: Son Excellence, LE TRES HONORABLE LoRD TWEEDSMUIR, G.C.M.G., C.H. Gouverneur- Général du Canada; Vice-Patron Honoraire: HONORABLE E.-L. PATENAUDE, Lieutenant-Gouverneur de la Province de Québec; Bureau de Direction pour 1936: Président: ALPHONSE DESILETS; ier vice-président: JAMES F. 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SAUNDERS; Chairman of Conservation Committee: Mrs. S. L. THompson; President of Junior Club: Murray SPEIRS; Vice-President of Junior Club: HUBERT RICHARDSON. Leaders: Birds—Messrs. S. L. THompson. L. lL. Snyper, J. L. BAILLIE, JR., Pror. T. F. McILwraitaH, R. M. SPEIRS, F. H. EMErRy. Mammals—Pror. A. F. CoveNtRY, MEssrs. E. C. Cross, D. A. Mcl.uicu. Reptiles and Amphibians— Messrs. E. B. 5. Logizr, Wm LERay. Fish— Pro. J. R. DyMonD, PRoF W J K HARKNESS. Insects— Dr. FE. M. Walker, Dr. N. Ford, Mr. F. P. IDE. Botany—Pror. R. B. THomson. Dr. H. B. Sirton, Dr. T.M.C. Taytor: Mr. W. R. Watson. Mr. L. T. OWENS. Geology—Dr. A. P, COLEMAN: Pror A. McLEAN. : ===—=—=———=————SSaBah)"h"hL_={S==S=S=S=====—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—S—- We would ask the Officers, and more particularly the Secretaries, of all the Affiliated Societies to assist us in our task of building up the circulation of this magazine. 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Enclosed please find $2.00 as membership in The O.F.-N.C. and Subscription to the Canadian Field-Naturalist for the year 1935. Name peeecwencen wees nece rene cece cere en aae conneewes sanenecen~ ans = cenceneecepnenceeneee Address ween ewes ence wes nn en ccnemencc ran cen nnn en nn snean ewan awanceseressannsesecenn woes City, Prov. or State... 2 ee ay I do hereby give and bequeath to The Ottawa Field- Naturalists’ Club of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada the sum 00 Dollars THIS SPACE FOR SALE Kéndly mention The Canadian Field-Naturalist to advertisers PE a | 3 VOL. L, No. ‘9 DECEMBER, 1936 THEC CANADI = = Rees S55 aq ) w 4 [| J . bh iN ae as yee Way SEIN 4 ( AN LI Wi ei VANS i LBRAVSRALISTS’ CLUB ISSUED DECEMBER 3, 1936 Entered at: the Ottawa Post Office az second-class matter \ Ow q THE OTTAWA FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB Datrons: THEIR EXCELLENCIES THE GOVERNOR GENERAL AND LADY ‘TWEEDSMUIR | President: HERBERT GROB chteet ist Vice-President: P. A. TAVERNER 2nd Vice-President: R. E. DELURY ~ Secretary: PEGGY WHITEHURST, Treasurer: WILMOT LuLoyD, 582 Mariposa Ave., 110 hoeuec Avenue, Westboro. : Rockcliffe Park. a Additional Members of Council; F. J. ALCOCK, R. M. ANDERSON, Rev. F. E. BANIM, HENRY BOWERS, M. E. COWAN, H. G Crawrorp, F. J. FRAsmrR, A. HALKETT, C. E. JoHNson, E. M. KINDLE, . W. H. LANCELEY, A. LARocquE, DoucGuas LEECHMAN, GRACE S. LEwIs, HARRISON F. LEwis, Hoyes Lioyp, C. W. LouNsBuRY, MARK G. McELHINNEY, A. EB. PorsILD, L. §S. RUSSELL, C.M. STERNBERG, Matcouim M. THomson, E.F.G. Wuitr, R. T. D. WICKENDEN. MaEees WILSON. and the following Presidents of Affiliated Societies: A. G. LAWRENCE, J. H WILLIAMS, ~ CHARLES MADDEFORD, JOHN DAVIDSON, M. Y. WILLIAMS, V. C. WYNNE-EDWARDS, Te MExEDEey | ARNOTT M. PATTERSON. Auditors: W. H. LANCELEY and HARRISON F. LEWIS. Editor: DOUGLAS LEECHMAN National Museum, Ottawa, Canada. Associate Editors: Die VRENNESS 3: 02 050.0. oe os eee CLYDE) PATCH sh) pos ane By . Herpetology i J. ADAMS... ee CUE ES: Botany R. M. ANDERSON... ...........Mammalogy — F.R. LATCHFORD ... .... _.. Conchology i A.G. HUNTSMAN.... . ... .Marine Biology ARTHUR GIBSON ... .-. ee _ Entomology PAs TAVERNERS) 3) ce pawl: L ry Wal OAT CORK: face to en umn . Geology BH. M.KINDLE..... iho 2 Uae CONTENTS Sane ers: The Birds of Ottawa, Addenda fc February 28, 19385. By Hoyes Lloyd................. 14 , Notes on Some Mammals in the British Columbia Provincial Museum with a List of the Type Specimens of North American Recent Mammals in the Museum. By Tan bane COW Be Oe eh IN Tin hae pete Gace tir Teen a Rae oe a A Slug New to the Quebec and Ottawa Lists. By AVLaROCGURS So Oe Gee ore eee A Preliminary List of the Birds of Lincoln and Welland Cpe, Ontario. AEE Sheppard, W. E. Hurlburt and G. H. Dickson ..... ERGs cat ete Index to! V ollie Ba ee ea ira ce TE Ue od eee The official publications of THE OTTawa FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB hive been un # since 1879. The first were The Transactions of the Oitawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, 1879-1886, #2 two volumes; the next, The Oltawa Naturalisi, 1886-1919, thirty-two volumes; and these have #2 been continued by The Canadian Field-Naturalist to date. The Canadian Ficld-Naturalist is #2 issued monthly, except for the months of June, July and August. Its scope is the publication # of the results of original research in all departments of Natural History. Price of this volume (9 numbers) $2.00; Single copies 25¢ each maerucasunceesranensees-ausanewsGneausnacsKnGneo0esenensedsanaeseneesaccnssneccnensessecsescass ncausebsasaccansecnaccecasacecsandcscecesacndnesacsanacansecnsannsensns—ssnanacas The Membership Committee of The Ottawa Field- Naturalists’ Club is ‘making a special effort to” ye increase the subscription list of The Canadian Field-Naturalisi. We are, therefore, asking every reader om who is truly interested in the wild life of our country to help this magazine to its vightful place among — the leading Natural History publications in America. oa Subscriptions {$2.00 a year) should be forwarded to WILMOT LLOYD, MT Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club. ist} 582 Mariposa Ave, = —— Rockcliffe Park, OTTAWA, CANADA. The Canadian Field-Naturalist VOL. L OTTAWA, CANADA, DECEMBER, 1936 THE BIRDS OF OTTAWA Addenda to February 28, 1935 By HOYES LLOYD HESE ADDENDA to the Ottawa list have been prepared to keep the pub- lished record of Ottawa birds up to — date, so far as possible. A general list was published in 1923’, and there have been two addenda’ prior to these. The 1930 total was 245 species; Mr. C. E. Johnson added the Bare sOw!, 1933; Mr. .P. A. Taverner, . the Madeira Petrel, in 1934; and three species are added in this list, the Sabine’s Gull, the Blue Goose and the Ring-billed Gull, making the total now appear to be 250. 1. Oceanodroma castro (Harcourt). MAprEIRA PETREL. — A new species for Ottawa and for Canada was recorded by P. A. Taverner? I am advised that Master Bunny Sunderland and Mr. James Austin, Manager of Brighton Beach, found the bird alive on August 28, 1933, but that it died soon afterwards. 2. Chen caerulescens (Linneus). BLUE Goose. — Mr. Eugene Bedard shot two juveniles on October 24, 1930, near Rockcliffe Aerodrome. and on October 25, 1930, saw seven at the Petrie Islands. Seven birds, probably the same, were seen at Lochaber Bay during the same week. On November 7, 1934, a juvenile Blue Goose joined the domestic geese at the water-fowl enclosure of the Central Experimental Farm at Dow’s Lake, Ottawa. It was given time to accommodate itself to its new surroundings and then, on November 9th, it was driven under cover without any difficulty and wing-clipped. Mr. E. F. G. White and I saw it on Novem- ber 15th and were surprised at its remarkable tameness. These are the first definite records of occur- rence of this species at Ottawa. 1 C.F.-N. 37:101-5, Sept. 1923, 125-7 Oct.; 151-6 Nov.; 38:10-16, Jan., 1924. 2 C.F.-N. 39:16-17, Jan., 1925; C.F.-N. 46: 123- 7, Sept., 1932; 162-6, Oct., 1932. 2 C.R.-N. 48 :20-21. Jan., 1934 (Aug. 28, 1933). No. 9 3. Mareca penelope (lLinneus). European Wipckon. — Since only one* previous record for this species is available for the Ottawa district two recent occurrences are of interest. On October 27, 1934, Wm. Page shot a female at Fish Bay, Lochaber, Quebec. It was identi- fied by E. F. G. White and P. A. Taverner. On November 3, 1934, H. Bedard of Rockcliffe Annex, shot one at Dubee Island, Quebec, near Wendover, Ontario. This specimen was indenti- fied by E. F. G. White. 4. Rallus limicola limicola (Vieillot). Vir- GINIA Rai,. — Another nesting date is. furnish- ed by C. E. Johnson who found a nest with three young near Billings’ Bridge on the Rideau River, August 12, 1934. The nest, which was collected for the National Museum, was placed among Horsetail reeds and constructed of the same material. = 5. Philohela minor (Gmelin). AMERICAN Woopncock. — D. Baker and A. LaRocque found a nest with four eggs on an island in the Rideau River near Billings’ Bridge. After the young had left the nest it was collected for the National Museum on April 26, 1931. 6. Capella delicata (Ord.). Wtson’s Swipe. — On February 19, 1933, Mr. Leslie Stone found and brought to me a Wilson’s Snipe, newly dead. He had picked it up under a cedar tree in a springy part of Pine Hill, Rockcliffe Park. The bird, a male, was fat, but had some toes missing. It showed recent punctures of the skin of the head and belly. The frozen toes indicate that this was possibly a wintering bird: the fat condition makes the idea of wintering seem doubtful; perhaps it was an early migrant, and if so its judgment in trusting February weather at Ottawa was poor. Undoubtedly it became the victim of a predatory attack, but escaped the claws that grasped for it, to die in a blood-soaked hidden form in the snow. 4 C.F.-N. 46:124, Sept., 1932. 144 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST Mr. E. F. G. White recalls that he was told many years ago that Snipe had been found at midwinter in springy parts of a cedar swamp which formerly existed on the south bank of the Rideau River east of Billings’ Bridge. This would be at least fifty years ago. 7. Pisobia minutilla (Vieillot). Least Sanp- PIPER. — Specimens were taken near Ottawa on the Rideau River on May 14 and 26, 1934, for the National Museum. 8. Larus delawarensis (Ord). RING-BILLED GuLL. — On November 12, 1934, about noon, E. F. G. White and I went to the small rapids on the Rideau River, (Sparks’ rapids), near Strathcona Park to inspect the gulls that were there in some numbers. Among about 24 others was one that was slightly smaller; it had a_ terminal black band on tail, white upper tail and rump, and dull bluish bill with a black band on frontal part. It was in a mottled gray and brown plumage. We saw it with opera glasses at about sixty feet, and although cert- ain of its identity as a Ring-billed Gull, we went to the Museum and had no difficulty what- ever in finding identical specimens in the na- tional collection. Mr. E. F. G. White considers the earlier re- cord by E. Bedard (one captured and kept alive December 1908, vide O.N. 24; 157, Dec. 1910) valid. It is considered that the species may now be removed definitely from the hypo- thetical section of the Ottawa list. 9. Xema sabini (Sabine). SABINE’'S GULL. — Mr. E. F. G. White reports that Mr. Hector Bedard shot one near midstream of the Ottawa River, (Ontario-Quebec boundary) in _ the vicinity of Thurso, Quebec, on September 25, 1933. Mr. White saw the specimen and identi- fied it as a fresh mount, probably late on the same day that it was set up. 10. Tyto alba pratincola (Bonaparte). Barn Ow. — C. E. Johnson records’ the first occur- rence of the Barn Owl at Ottawa, being one captured alive late in October, 1933. Master Giffard Johnson deserves credit for first re- cognizing this novel visitor. 11. Strix varia varia (Barton). NorTHERN BarreD Ow. — On February 12, 1934, a wound- ed Barred Owl was brought to me at my home. It was in a sack, and I put on heavy gloves 5 O.F.-N. 48:82, May, 1934. (VoL. L preparatory to the disagreeable task of putting it out of suffering. The injury seemed to be slight, and much to my surprise the bird was as gentle as a tame parrot. It lived in the cellar for a month, allowed handling without once offering any objection, by beak or claw, and although its diet was mostly beefsteak, it recovered fully and was given its liberty. (March Ia). At noon on February 26, 1935, a Barred Owi was watched near my residence for some time. He busied himself in dressing his plumage, and in paying close attention to the squirrels, and the birds that were visiting a feeding station, but without molesting them in any way. 12 Picoides tridactylus bacatus (Bangs). AMERICAN ‘THREE-TORD WOoODPECKER. — One male specimen was taken near the Ottawa Fly- ing Club field, Bowesville Road, for the National Museum, on April 21, 1934. Records of this species are scarce and this is apparently the first spring occurrence. 13. Perisoreus canadensis canadensis (Lin- nexus). CANADA JAY. — One specimen, a female, was collected for the National Museum near Billings’ Bridge on November 6, 1933. 14. Telmatodytes palustris palustris (Wilson). LoNG-BILLED MarsH Wren. — Near Billings’ Bridge on the Rideau River, Mr. C. E. Johnson found and collected a nest for the National Museum on August 8, 1934. 15. Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris (Linneus). STARLING. — In 1930-31 this bird was first noted as being generally distributed throughout the City of Ottawa. 16. Spiza americana (Gmelin). DicKersser.— One fed with the English Sparrows in Dr. R. E. De Lury’s garden for two or three days, was caught and banded on August 26, 1934, and was still there the next day. This was at 330 Fairmont Avenue, which is near the Ex- perimental Farm, the place where the only previous Ottawa Dickcissel spent the summer of 1895. 17. Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus (Linneus). REp-EYEp TowHrr. — A nest, the first for the district, was found by C. H. Young and C. E. Johnson at Constance Bay on June 11, 1933. Both birds were seen. The set, 3 Towhee, 1 Cowbird, and the nest, was collected for the National Museum. Submitted for publication, 7 May, 1935 December. 1936} THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 145 NOTES ON SOME MAMMALS IN THE BRITISH COLUMBIA PROVINCIAL MUSEUM WITH A LIST OF THE TYPE SPECIMENS OF NORTH AMERICAN RECENT MAMMALS IN THE MUSEUM By IAN McTAGGART COWAN RECENT SURVEY of the mammal collection in the British Columbia Provincial Museum has brought to light certain material which for one reason or another is deemed worthy of special record. This material includes two new re- cords for Canada, and specimens supplement- ing our information with regard to two little- known races of Vancouver Island mammals. I have appended a list of the three type specimens of North American mammals in the Provincial Museum collections together with some notes on other specimens of these mammals and of their present status. Sorex palustris brooksi Anderson, VANCOUVER IsLAND WatTER SHREW. — The discovery of a specimen of Sorex palustris from Vancouver Island in the collection came as a pleasant sur- prise. The specimen, No. 985 B. C. Prov. Mus., is an adult male with the flank glands very prom- inent. It was taken May 1, 1897, in Lake District, Victoria, V.I., B.C., by D. Stevens. This is the second specimen of the Vancouver Island race known to science, the only other specimen, the type, was an adult female. In colour our specimen agrees well with the description of the type given by Anderson (Canadian Field-Nat., 48:134, 1934). The back and rump are black with the hairs finely tipped with white; the head and shoulders are more of a dusky brownish black and lack the white hair tips. The chin and a small patch on each side of the abdomen below the flank glands are silvery gray; the remainder of the under- parts are nearest hair brown of Ridgway, much darker than any specimens of Sorex palustris from the adjoining mainland of British Colum- bia, and yet not quite so dark as in Sorex bendirei bendirei. The feet are brownish rather than silvery gray and are conspicuously fimbri- ated. The tail is brown, very little lighter below except just at the base. ~ The parietal portion of the cranium is miss- ing. Measurements obtainable from the remain- ing parts are as follows: Palatal length 9.3 mm; interorbital breadth 4.0 mm.; maxillary breadth 6.0 mm.; alveolar length of upper tooth row 8.2 mm.; mandibular tooth row excluding first incisor 6.0 mm. Sagittal crest well develop- ed. Gulo luscus vancouverensis Goldman, VAN- COUVER ISLAND WOLVERINE. — At the time the description of this race was published (Gold- man, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 48, Nov. 15, 1935: 177) the present writer was coincidently -in- vestigating the status of the Vancouver Island wolverine. This race was known to the de- scriber by two skulls only, and as the available material in the British Columbia Provincial Museum consists of the skull of an old adult male and the skin and skull of a smaller adult male the following remarks are offered as a supplement to Goldman’s description. External Characters: — In comparison with an adult male and female from Telegraph Creek, B.C., the Vancouver specimen differs in being lighter in colour throughout with noticeably less contrast between the dark dorsal area and the surrounding light patch. While the various shades of brown represented in the fur of a wolverine defy duplication in colour charts, the dark do-sal patch and the legs of our Tele- graph Creek specimens are nearest light seal brown of Ridgway (Color Standards and Nomenclature, 1912) but are somewhat richer in tone. The surrounding light patch is near- est tawny-olive and the line of demarcation is sharp. In the Vancouver specimen the back, legs, and neck are nearer verona brown and blend more gradually into the light area. The feet, muzzle, and terminal half of the tail are dark brown, almost black. One of the most pronounced features is the light coloured brown patch of the Vancouver Island specimen. Light buff is the predominating colour over the entire crown. This stands in sharp contrast with the mainland specimens in which the crown is large- ly brown, and only slightly flecked with buff. There are several white patches on the throat and chest. These distinctions are very apparent in our specimen, however the colours of wolverine are so variable that without the corroborative evidence of further specimens it is not safe to assume these differences to be racially diagnostic. 146 Skull Character: — As regards cranial char- acters our specimens fail to substantiate the supposed differences found in Goldman’s speci- mens except as regards the slightly heavier teeth. In the accompanying table I present measure- ments of our two males from Vancouver Island and those of the type as given by Goldman THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST from Bella Coola, B.C., on the coast of the — adjoining mainland. While there is great dis- parity in size in both groups No. 1343 from Vancouver Island is of approximately the same age as No. 1411 from the mainland, and No. 1570 approximately the same age as No. 1341 Neglecting individual variation then, as one must perforce in the absence of large series, the differences here apparent can be regarded [VOL. ie loc. ctt. i (loc. cit.). Compared with these are two males As of probable gconranhie ei mineemee 3 ae a S ms a) e) ba g ices f . §£ 8 dg, Fs 3 a) Dol oa UD ort ot carl = O: 1 gees 5) 3 Ke) ae os SB peo aaa F So «OBS 6BS 6SE SEY bE Se Sh pee , = bo Se 8% Bae 855 pu Ba ofS ERE Museum No. Sex Locality og 2 oe =e pao 8s 2S Sue Overs OS 85 Ge SS GEs oS goatee ee ee ee 211499 USNM?.......... male Great Central Lake 146.4 104.9 838.9 40.2 48.6 AS ws Ce Meee male Vancouver Island .... 144.0 100.0 86.0 39.0 49.0 TSS) EXOT OW cesses male Cowichan Lake, V.1. 136.4 89.* 79.* 36.4 44.8 Pay AS CROLL AS GU WO ee ele eee eee 140.2 94.5 82.5 37.7 46.9 o @ombinedsaverarey 2 ey See ee 142.1 98.0 88.0 88.5 47.5 | dt BORM sel male Bella Coola, B.C. . 149.0 106.8 91.4 41.8 49.0 37.0 19.0 51.5 20.5 110 1341 BCPM male Bella Coola, B.C. .. 129.0 92.0 77.5 36.4 44.0 32.0 17.7 AGl0eunmmn [SSR SC a 2 Ooe RO eae Precast ee Eerie 139.0 99.1 84.4 29.1 46.5 34.5 183 462 196 10 * Approximations. +After Goldman. Cranially C. 1. vancouverensis differs from G. luscus of the adjoining mainland in having the skull relatively narrower in all parts save width of frontal shield, in which the two races are much the same; the teeth average slightly heavier. I can find no difference in width of palate, width of interpterygoid fossa, audital bullae, or symphysis of the mandibles. There is some indication that the foramen magnum in vancouverensis is more rounded, less flatten- Myotis subulatus melanorhinus (Merriam). — This bat, not hitherto recorded from Canada, is represented twelve in the museum collections by All specimens, 8 females and 4 males. were collected at Vaseux Lake and Okanagan Falls, 26, 1913, and May 30, 1913. I am indebted to William L. Engels of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Berkeley, Cali- B.C., by E. M. Anderson between April ed dorso-ventrally. No. 1343 presents a remark- able development of the sagittal crest, particul- arly at its posterior end. Here it projects ap- proximately 18 mm. behind the plane of the condyles. In so far as cranial distinctions are concerned vancouverensis is at the best a feebly char- acterized race, there are however certain ex- ternal features which if corroborated will tend to substantiate its racial recognition. fornia, for checking the identification of these specimens in comparison with the series in that museum, Zalophus califormanus (Lesson), CALIFORNIA SEA Lion. — There is in the Provincial Museum the perfect, unweathered skull of an adult male California sea lion lacking the teeth and lower jaw. of the Steller sea lion (Humetopias jubata) that were destined for mounting and _ conse- It was stored with a number of skeletons a quently had not been entered in the museum , December, 1936] catalogue of study specimens. It is now No. 1463 B. C. Prov. Mus. Though uncatalogued, the skull had _ writ- ten on it time-worn ink “picked up at Claquot now spelled Clayoquot, V.I. B.C., by Capt. Hughes”. The Captain W. O. Hughes referred to was a well-known figure in the sealing in- dustry of this coast during the latter part of the 19th century. He commanded first the Carmélite, which was seized by the Russians, and later that famous schooner the Mary Ellen. His active interest in pelagic sealing extended from 1891 +o about 1896. It is probable, there- fore, that the skull in question was obtained at some time in that period. I have been unable to obtain any information as to whether the sealing schooners operating out of San Francisco called in at Clayoquot, a regular port of call for the Victoria fleet. As the specimen is not definitely stated to have been killed at Clayoquot or in the vicinity, there is always the possibility that it was brought from California. In this connection, however, it must be borne in mind that the San Francisco fleet sailed directly north to meet the northern seal herd somewhere off the coast of northern California or southern Oregon, and _ that Zalophus does not normally occur north of Monterey Bay (Grinnell, Univ. Calif. Publ. Zool., 40:117, 1933). It seems further unlikely that men engaged in the arduous business of pelagic sealing and with limited space, should in the first place shoot a bulky, valueless, shore- frequenting sea lion, and even less likely that they would then go to the trouble of saving the skull. While recognizing the hypothetical nature of the record I neverthelesss present this as a possible occurrence of Zalophus in Canadian waters. Typr SPECIMENS OF MAMMALS IN THE BRITISH CoLUMBIA PrRoyiINcIAL MUSEUM. Rangifer dawsoni Seton-Thompson, QuEEN CHARLOTTE ISLAND CariBou. — Ottawa Natur- list, 13, No. 11, Feb. 1900:257-261, pls. 4 and 5. Type: — Aduh male, B. C. Prov. Mus. No. 1483, fragmentary skull consisting of cranium to front of orbits and lacking the occipital condyles, basioccipital, maxillae, and _ entire rostrum; right antler only, left pedical diseas- ed. Taken (?) 1882 by Alex. Mackenzie and presented by Wm. Charles. Type Locality: — Upland meadow on the west slope of Graham Island, west of Massett. Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia. THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST 147 Remarks: — In addition to the type the museum has the following specimens of this rare caribou: No. 1484, adult male, skin and ? skull, mount- ed and on display in dust-proof glass case. Right antler only; taken November 13, 1908, on Graham Island, west of Virago Sound, Q.C.I, B.C. This is the specimen described and figured by Merriam (in, Sheldon, Wulder- ness of the North Pacific Coast Islands, 1913: 233-237). Since this description was published, inevitable exposure to light has faded the speci- men to a grayish white with faint tinges of brown on crown and flanks. No. 1486, adult male, skull only; west side of. Virago Sound, Graham Island, @:@a. November 13, 1908. Since Merriam (loc. cit.) described and figured this skull it has been badly broken. The rostrum and entire maxil- lary region with the teeth are now missing along with the occiput and both zygomata. Taken by H. White. No. 1487, skin of young female in good condi- tion; taken by H. White on west side of Virago Sound, Q.C.I., November 13, 1908. No. 1488, shed left antler, picked up by Com- mander Hunt and Lieutenant Bills, Feb. 22, 1906, on the uplands on the west side of Virago Sound inland from Hussan Point (see Ottawa Naturalist, 19, July 1906:73-76). As external measurements of this caribou were not given in the previous descriptions the following, as taken from the mounted adult male No. 1484, may be of interest: Total length 1910 mm.; length of tail 110: mm.; hind foot from point of heel to tip of dew claw 385 mm.; height at shoulder 1050 mm. With regard to the present status of this caribou Henry White, of Massett, the collector of three of the above specimens, in the autumn of 1935 told me that he had, within the past year, seen fresh caribou tracks. He is confident that the species is still to be found on the inland plateaus of northern Graham Island. Ovis fannint Hornaday FANNIN SHEEP. — Fifth Ann. Rept. New York Zool. Soc., App. No. 1, Jan. 8, 1901 :2. Type: — Adult male, B. C. Prov. Mus. No. 1485, mounted and on display in glass case; taken February, 1900, by H. W. Brown. Type Locality: — Dawson City, Yukon Ter- ritory. Remarks: — Coming as it does from a region lying between the ranges of Ovis dalli Nelson and Ovts dalli stonei Allen, the type of 148 Ovis dalli fanmmt is very evidently but one phase of the continuously grading series be- tween these two races. As such it does not merit systematic recognition and should be relegated to the synonomy of Ovwis dali dalli. Ursus kermodei Hornaday, KermMopE BEAR.— Ursus (Euarctos) americanus kermode: Horna- day Ninth Ann. Rept New York Zool. Soe. 1904, Jan. 1905 :82. Type: — Young adult female, (permanent canines not yet fully emerged), B. C. Prov. Mus. No. 1369; mounted skin on display in dust-proof case, skull separate. Skull represent- ed by premaxillae with teeth, maxillae back to Pm 4/ on left side, to just posterior to diastema on right side; lower mandibles in- cluding entire tooth row on left side and in- cluding M /1 on the right side. Taken May, 1904. Type Locality: — Gribbell Island, B.C., lat. 53° 25’ north, long. 129° west. Remarks: — In addition to the type, there THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST [VoL. L are six other white specimens of this bear in the museum, all from Gribbell Island and Prin- cess Royal Island, B.C. To date no attempt has been made to secure specimens of the more abundant black phase from the same region. When such are obtained it will doubtless be found that white colour is not a diagnostic character of the race kermodei, the name heing equally applicable to the black specimens. What cranial material there is available indicates a wide range of individual variation. Adult ? male No. 1367 is a long low, narrow skull, with the high point well back over the brain case. The only other adult skull, male No. 1370 has a short thick rostrum and a high frontal region, approaching Ursus americanus altifrontals in general conformation of these parts. Specimens of black bear from Namu and Bella Coola, B.C., are typical altifrontalis. A contribution from the, British Columbia Pro- vineial Museum, Victoria. Published by permis- sion of the Director. A SLUG NEW TO THE QUEBEC AND OTTAWA LISTS By A. LA ROCQUE N COMPARING alcoholic material from the Ottawa District with living specimens of Arion — circumscriptus (Johnston) received lately from Toronto, the writer found three specimens of this species collected at different points around Ottawa. The three localities are as follows: Val Tetreau, a suburb of Hull, Quebec, 1 specimen. Meach Lake, Quebec, 1 specimen. Brantwood Beach, Rideau River, Ottawa, 1 specimen. The species has been recorded for Toronto, where it has become thoroughly naturalized, for many points in Maine and for Charlottetown, P.E.1., but so far not from any point in the province of Quebec, or in the Ottawa district. These records may not give a true picture of the distribution of the species, as slugs are so generally neglected by collectors. That the species is well established in the Ottawa district is indicated by the distance be- tween the above records, Meach Lake being about twenty miles north of Ottawa, and the Val Tetreau and Brantwood Beach records be- ing separated by some four miles and the Ot- tawa River. | The species is generally understood to be an accidental introduction from Europe. In the Ottawa district it may have been introduced from some of the other points in Canada where it is known to thrive, or may have spread north- wards from Toronto. : It is probable that its introduction in the Ottawa district is relatively recent since the active collectors who worked in the district some thirty and forty years ago and were known to collect in at least the first two localities where these specimens were found, could not have missed such comparatively large animals. CHRISTMAS BIRD CENSUS The Bird Census Committee wishes to remind any interested readers to take a Christmas Bird Census on some day between December 20 and 28, and send a report of it to the Editor as promptly as possible. For the kind of report desired, please see published reports of previous years and discussion in The Canadian Field-Naturalist for September, 1933, pages 112-116. December, 1936] THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 149 A PRELIMINARY LIST OF THE BIRDS OF LINCOLN AND WELLAND COUNTIES By R. W. SHEPPARD, W. E. HURLBURT and = H. DICKSON (Concluded from page 140) Wilsonia canadensis (Linnaeus). CANADA WareLER. — This would appear to be a some- what uncommon visitor, for we have only five spring records from Vineland and one or two from Niagara Falls but, owing to its habit of travelling through the lower growths and under- brush and the fact that on this account it might easily be overlooked, it is quite possible that it is a more regular migrant through this area than our records would indicate. Laine at Beamsville in 1918 observed a family party on September 8th. Setophaga REDSTART. ruticilla (Linnaeus). AMERICAN — Although more numerous as a passing migrant, the Redstart is not uncommon: as a summer resident in Welland County, where a few pairs may be found in nearly all of the larger wood-lots. Formerly nested on the wood- ed slopes at the back of Queen Victoria Park near Niagara Falls; but recent thinning of timber, building, and landscape alterations have now, apparently, caused these birds to desert this breeding area for larger and more secluded woodlands. As a breeding bird. this warbler does not appear to be so frequently. met with in Lincoln County but records of a few pairs seen a short distance south of Vineland during the summer -of 1927 and 1932 would serve to indicate that it breeds, at least sparingly, in this locality. this bird is frequently observed during the spring migration season. Passer domesticus domesticus (Linnzus). EnciisH Srarrow. — A very abundant resident throughout the area. In- the rural. sections this ubiquitous species does not appear to vary much in numbers from year to year but in the larger towns and cities some slight decrease in num- bers has been noticed during the last ten years. Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linneus). .BoBoLInk. — A fairly common summer resident through- out both counties, nesting wherever suitable meadow lands are to be found. Believed to be slowly increasing as a breeding bird in some parts of Welland County. In the autumn large flocks of this interesting bird are frequently seen in the Jordan marshes, near Vineland. 43. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 25, 1920. “In the immediate vicinity of Vineland Sturnella magna magna (Linneus). EASTERN MEADOWLARK. —= A common summer resident, usually arriving toward the end of March or early in April and departing in late September. A nest containing four Meadowlark’s and one Cowbird’s egg was found near the. Niagara Glen by the senior author in May, 1934. Ap- parently, odd birds occasionally remain through-- out the winter, for individuals of this species have been seen on one or two occasions during the mid-winter months. 5; Agelaius phoeniceus phoeniceus (Linneus). FASTERN RED-wING. — A very common summer resident, arriving in March, sometimes as early as the first week of that month. In both Wel- land and Lincoln Counties nearly every reed- bed, however small, affords a nesting site for at least one pair of these handsome birds. In the autumn they may be seen in both large and small flocks, frequenting the pastures and stub- ble fields and occasionally associating with the European Starling in a mixed flock. containing - almost equal numbers of both species. Icterus spurius (Linneus). OrcHARD ORIOLE. — The Orchard Oriole appears to be a regular but very local summer resident, having been observed for the past three years in succession in the Vineland area, where a few pairs are known to nest near the Horticultural Experi- ment Station. A pair were observed by G. J. Clout near Port Weller in- Lincoln County on May 26, 1935. Icterus galbula (Linnzus). Battmore ORIOLE. — This beautiful bird is a common summer resident throughout both counties hanging its cleverly-constructed nest. fromthe tips of the drooping boughs of the taller elms and maples in the older residential sections of the cities of Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland, as well as in towns and villages and along the highways. Some of the fruit growers and gardeners of the Niagara district accuse this bird of attacking fruit and vegetables such as cherries and green peas but, while admitting that the growers may have some justification for their complaints, such observations as we have been able to make incline us to the belief that the comparatively small amount of damage occasioned to fruit and vegetables is far out- weighed by the large numbers of noxious cater- pillars destroyed. 150 Euphagus carolinus (Muller). Rusty Biacxk- BIRD. — In some years this species appears in fairly large flocks, both during the spring aad autumn migration, but in other years only odd birds are seen. On October 9, 1933, numbers of these birds were seen by the senior author in the fields near Thorold, associaing with Star- lings, Red-winged Blackbirds, Grackles, and Cowbirds in an immense mixed flock, severai thousand strong. Quiscalus quiscula aeneus Ridgway. BROoNZzED GRACKLE. — The Bronzed Grackle is still a common summer resident, usually arriving in the district about the same time as the Robin; but we have noticed of late years, especially in the vicinity of Niagara Falls, where this species was formerly very abundant, a most. remarkable and rapid decrease in the number of breeding birds. This decrease of nesting birds would ap- pear to be a more or less local condition, for no such rapid decline in numbers appears to have taken place in Vineland. In the city of Niagara Falls Grackles sometimes congregate in large flocks in the late summer or early autumn and formerly caused much annoyance, as the Starlings do now, to the residents of certain streets, by roosting in great numbers in the tall shade trees and littering the sidewalks and lawns with their innumerable droppings. On September 18, 1930, a flock of Grackles, contain- ing a hundred or more individuals, was observed near the Niagara Glen feeding voraciously on the acorns of a small group of tall chestnut oaks (Quercus muhlenbergi), the dropped frag- ments of acorn pattering down through the leaves like rain as the birds fed. Molothrus ater ater (Boddert). EASTERN Cowsirp. — A common summer resident, usually arriving early in April. In September large flocks congregate in the marshes in company with Red-winged Blackbirds and European Starlings. Cowbirds are occasionally found in mid-winter associating with House Sparrows, and in this connection we have a January record from Vineland and a December record from Niagara Falls. Piranga erythromelas Vieillot. ScarretT TANA- cer. — A regular spring migrant, usually pass- ing through the Niagara Falls area about the end of May but not common in that locality, although it is reported to breed on the Queenston heights, In the Vineland area this beautiful species is occasionally quite numerous during the spring migration. It has been observed on the return migration, at Niagara Falls, as late as October 9th. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST IVoL L Richmondena cardinalis cardinalis (Linneus). EASTERN CARDINAL. — Although apparently ex- tending its range and slowly moving into the area from the west, the Cardinal cannot be con- sidered anything but a rare bird at the eastern end of the Niagara Peninsula. We have nce records from the immediate vicinity of Niagara Falls, but it has been reported about seven times from the Vineland district during the past five years. G. J. Clout has recently found this bird breeding at Port Colborne in Welland County, and in this connection he has told us of seeing a pair with three young on the wing, on July 31, 1935 and of his discovery of another pair with a nest containing three nestling young, on August 1, 1935. The vicinity of the Lake [rie shore line of Welland County has apparently been a local stronghold of this interesting bird for a number of years, for members of the Buffalo Ornithological Society have frequently reported it from this area and as long ago as the year 1909 David E. Wheeler** recorded his observation of a pair on the Canadian shore of Lake Erie about six miles from the city of Buffalo. Hedymeles ludovicianus (Linneus). Rose- BREASTED GROSBEAK. — A regular and quite com- mon spring migrant in the Vineland district, usually arriving about the middle of May or earlier. Although it has been observed only on migration, it is suspected that some pairs may remain to breed in the more secluded areas of Lincoln County. Apparently a somewhat rare bird in the immediate vicinity of Niagara Falls for, with the exception of an odd bird or two seen on migration, we have few if any personal records of its occurrence at this point. Passerina cyanea (Linneus). INpIGo BUNTING. — Not an uncommon summer resident in the Vineland area, where it has been found to favour shrubby hillsides, and to show some partiality for nesting among raspberry bushes. Occasion- ally seen near Niagara Falls, but not commonly. Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina (Cooper). EASTERN EVENING GROSBEAK. — A somewhat rare visito- to this district. In the winter of 1930 a flock of seven individuals spent about a month among some Manitoba maples at Vine- land and in that same locality, during the latter part of 1933, the aviaries of Dr. W. E. Hurlburt, containing at the time some captive birds of this species, were visited by a male Grosbeak on November 3rd and by two females on December Ist. Otomar Reinecke* has reported the oc- 44, Bird-Lore. 12: 80, 1910. 45. Oologist, 28: 58-9, 1911, and 29: 355-6, 1912. December, 1936] currence in winter of flocks of this species at Sherkston, Ridgeway and Niagara Falls between the years 1889 and 1911. Carpodacus purpureus purpureus Gmelin. EASTERN PurPLE FINCH. — Occasionally seen during the spring months, both at Niagara Falls and at Vineland but it does not appear to be at all common in either locality. The Purple Finch has, on occasion, been observed at Vineland during winter and G. J. Clout has told us of his observation of a flock of about twenty near St. Catharines, on March 10, 1936. Acanthis linaria linaria (Linneus). ComMMon REDPOLL.—A bird of sporadic occurrence. Large flocks have been occasionally observed, during the late winter and early spring months, at Niagara Falls and Fonthill in Welland County, while it has been reported on several occasions from Vineland and other Lincoln County points in midwinter. The lighter coloured, pale greyish birds occasionally encountered among the winter flocks of Redpolls in this area are possibly re- ferabie to the Hoary Redpoll Acanthis horne- manni exilipes, but in the absence of collected specimens we are unable to produce any definite evidence to this effect. Spinus pinus pinus (Wilson). NortHERN PINE SIsKIN. — An irregular visitor, it has been observed only in winter time at Niagara Falls but at Vineland five separate observations of this little finch have been made during the months of April and May. At that time it appeared to resemble the Goldfinch in its habits, inasmuch as it frequented lawns and fed upon the seeds of Dandelion, etc. Spinus tristis tristis (Linneus) Eastern Go1p- FINCH. — A very common summer resident throughout both counties, usually becoming ex- ceedingly abundant in September and early Octo ber, when the family parties commence to wander over the country side. This beautiful little bird appears to be subject to a fluctuation in numbers Or a periodicity, which makes it noticeably abundant in some years and comparatively scarce in others. Following several years of apparent normality it was present in most unusual quont- ities in this district during the years 1931 and 1932. We are of the opinion that a careful study of the Goldfinch, with frequent census taking in a given area over a number of years, combined with observations on weed conditions and the influence of weather on seed formation, would produce some very interesting results and would probably help very materially toward an explanation of the apparent fluctuation in the numbers of this exceedingly useful and very charming little bird. THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST 151 Loxia curvirostra pusilla Gloger. Rep Cross- BILL. —- A scarce winter visitor. The latest record for the Vineland area was in March, 1932, when a fieck of fourteen spent about a week in that vicinity. Seven, or exactly half of the birds in this flock, were in the red plumage and the other seven were green. ‘They were quite tame and spent a great deal of time eating the seeds out of some old sunflower heads which had been left standing. Pipilo erythrophthalmus — erythrophthalmus (Linnzeus). RED-EYED TowHEE. — Seen regular- ly as a spring migrant in the Vineland district and occasionally at Niagara Falls. This bird is also found somewhat sparingly during the summer months as a nesting species within the more heavily wooded sections of the two coun- ties. G. J. Clout found a nest with four nestling young near St. Catharines on June 1, 1935, and fifteen or more years ago Laing“ wrote of it as breeding locally near Beamsville. Passerculus sandwichensis savanna (Wilson). EASTERN SAVANNAH Sparrow. — A common summer resident of the pasture fields, usually arriving about the middle of April or earlier. Ammodramus savannarum australis Maynard. EASTERN GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. — Apparently a somewhat uncommon species at the eastern end of the Niagara Peninsula. This small and unobtrusive sparrow was observed by the senior author in Welland County on one or two occa- sions during June, 1934, and more recently, in the summer of 1935, it has been found to occur sparingly in the rough pastures near Warner in Lincoln County. Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi (Audubon). WESTERN HENSLOwW’s SpaRRow. — We have no personal records of this sparrow within the area of Lincoln and Welland Counties but it is perhaps of special interest to mention here J. Murray Speir’s” recent report of its occur- rence at Lowbanks on the Welland and Haldi- mand County borders. Podecetes gramineus gramineus (Gmelin). EASTERN VESPER SPARRow. — A very common summer bird of the roadside and pastures. Some- times abundant, especially in the southern part of Welland County, where it often remains until as late as the middle of October. Junco hyemalis hyemalis (Linneus). SLatr- COLOURED JUNCO.—A common and regular winter visitor, usually appearing late in October or early in November, although, occasionally, as early as September. In some seasons only comparatively few spend the entire winter in 46. Can. Field-Nat. 34:24, 1920. 47. Can. Field-Nat. 47: 35, 1983. 152 this district but when this happens they are frequently almost abundant during the month of April, as the birds that went farther south begin to drift northward again. The Junco is a frequent visitor to gardens and vacant lots in and around the city of Niagara Falls during the late autumn and early spring months. Spizella arborea arborea (Wilson). EASTERN TREE SPARROW. — This is a common winter bird throughout both counties. at the ‘edge of. old. rough pastures, gardens, orchards, graperies, or wherever tall weed growths are to be found in combination with some adjacent shelter, such as evergreen -wind- breaks or small patches of wooded land. “Spizella passerina passerina (Bechstein). East ERN CHIPPING SPARROW. — This familiar little sparrow is a very common summer resident throughout the area, generally arriving during the latter part of April and oe oonally linger- ing until October. Spizella pusilla pusilla (Wilson). EASTERN Firrp Sparrow. —- A common but somewhat local summer resident favouring hillsides and- rough pasture lands chiefly in the southern or higher parts of Lincofn County. We have no personal records from Welland’ County, but it is presumed to be present there in suitable localities. ; Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys (Yorster). WHITE-cROWNED Sparrow. — This handsome sparrow is quite commonly observed during both spring and autumn migration periods. At Vine- land it would appear to be most frequently noted.in the spring but in the vicinity of Nia- gara Falls we have more often observed this bird during the autumn movement, about the end of September or early in October. Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmelin). WHITE- THROATED SPARROW. — A common spring and autumn migrant, both at ‘Vineland: and at Nia- gara Falls. Here, in this southern part of Ontario, we are not often favoured with the truly beautiful song of. this bird but on Septem- ber 30, 1932, we were privileged to hear a chorus of several, singing in a large brush- -covered de- pression, containing thorn trees and high weeds, close to the outskirts: of. the city of Niagara Falls, These particular birds were associating and appeared to be travelling in company wit a few White-crowned Sparrows, one of which within a few yards of the more Juncos, a number of unidentified warblers. was also singing observer, one or Robins; and some Passerella iliaca iliaca (Merrem). EASTERN Fox Sparrow. — This large, handsome sparrow - THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST Usually to be found. [VoL. L is not uncommon in the vicinity of Vineland during the spring migration season. Here it is usually to be seen soon after the middle of April and at that time it may quite frequently be found scratching among dead leaves on the Horticul- tural Experiment Station grounds. We have one winter record, from Vineland, of a.single ex- ample observed on January 31, 1928. This bird was seen in an apple orchard, in ‘company with Tree Sparrows but pursuing its own method of feeding by Senate ng wigoreisly at the foot of the trees. Melospiza georgiana (Latham). SwAMP SPaAr- Row. — We have very few definite records of this bird but it has been seen on one or two occasions in the vicinity. of Vineland and at least once near Niagara Falls. More field work and closer observations of the marshy areas would in all probability reveal this bird, as a species which is much less rare than our few personal records would tend to indicate. Melospiza melozia melodia (Wilson). EASTERN Sone: Sparrow. — This is undoubtedly the com- monest and most widely distributed native spar- row within the two counties. It-.is present throughout the year, for itis quite frequently seen in sheltered spots during the winter months, especially in the vicinity of water, but, com- mencing early in March, the small numbers of the overwintering ‘birds are greatly augmented by a very considerable influx of Tig rani from the south. Calcarius lapponicus bonne (Linnzus). LAPLAND LoNcsPpuR. —- A somewhat rare visitor, chiefly of the late winter or early spring months. Our few notes on this species record only the infrequent occurrence of odd birds at Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and Vineland, but from the latter point Douglas Ross has given us a report of his observation on March 17, 1934, of a large flock of Lapland Longspurs which he estimated to contain from 400 to 500 birds. There is an interesting autumn record by Laing® of three seen passing overhead at Beamsville in Lincoln County on November 9, 1918. Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis (Linneus). EAs't- ERN SNow Bunvtinc. — The Snowflake, as this bird is frequently called; is an irregular but sometimes abundant winter visitor to both Lin- coln -and Welland Counties. Few winters go by without at least a few of these buntings being seen; but, in general, it is only when the weather is severe and the snow quite deep that we are ‘favoured by the visit of a really large flock of these beautiful birds from the north. 48. Can. Field-Nat. 34: 24, 1920. December, 1936] Acanthis 1. linaria.. .. .. 151 Accipiter cooperi .. .. 101 D. CHOP ss os so cc LON Actitis macularia .. .. .. 120 Adams, J. Anticosti plants .. .. 117 Additional note on the presence of the Euro- pean Starling at Cam- rose, Alberta .. .. .. 102 Agelaius p. phoeniceus .. 149 AMG ESPRORUS mer) Se cs 7 OD Alces americana .. .. .. 20, 57 AUG CIE 5 SS as ee aaa oY Ammodramus savannarum CSS acne ee) UST Anas p. platyrhynchos .. 98 rubripes tristis .. .. 98 Asngalee (Gis) Seen Be ee. Se) Anthus spinoletta rubes- COS. pues re BZ, Anticosti, Botany... Cee coal it Antrostomus U. vocifcrus 133 Aplodinotus grunniens .. 10 Aquilla chrysaétos cana- UODSIS Go Meee emer am Le Archilocus colubris .. .. 133 Ardea h. herodias .. .. 97 Arenaria interpres mori- ELC ys eee sa WAG Arion circumscriptus. .. 148 Ascarophis morrhuae .. 8 Asio wilsomanus.. .. .. 133 ASHE SDs 2 e056 to ee AZ DOW SUE pee 2 128 bones =. 6 =F =. 128 ellopiicimne. Sea- 36 128 Aster macrophyllus .. .. 56 Astur a. atricapillus .. .. 101 Balpate =. 2: sim 99 Bartramia longicau O 6 WAY Bat, Littl Brown .. 56, 114 Long-eared Brown .. 103 Silver-haired .. . 17 Beaches, emacs ‘Arctic 127 Bealtvere: 2k 6 Bilaickeeeeter saa a see 56: Grmaky o5 2.8726 os 5, 8 Kermode .. . 148 Beaver.. 1, 19, 21, 36: 57, a 85 Hood of MOM nto ESO of the Riding Wartime farce? OM Olenos Behaviour of “jpnaale in a gale in coastal waters 13 Bird census, Christmas 23, 52 notes from Grand Wiesagsn, INJB. 5. 4 Lincoln & Welland -Counties, Ont. 95, 118, 131, 149 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST INDEX TO VOLUME L Birds oF OW oo co 65 148) of the eastern arctic, review of .. .. 95 in gale, behaviour .. 13 Bittern, American .. .. 97 Basin ILE co oo OW Blackbird, Red-winged .. 141 IRSEVEEE eee ae 2150) Blarina brevicauda .. .. 56 Bluebird, Eastern... .. .. 137 Bite - ene SER bs bo oo) LIS IBOD=CAtee tects Geek eimkoo Bobolinkyas nes eee AS Bob-white, Eastern .. .. 118 Bombyctla cedrorum. .. 137 Bonasa u. umbellus .. .. 118 Botaurus lentiginosus .. 97 Branta c. canadensis .... 98 British Columbia, mam- malls .. » 1S, 149 Bubo v. virginianus .. .. 133 IBMCCHMIT SD. 24030 co 00° WAS Buthesheads aa ge soe LOO Bunting, Eastern Snow .. 152 TmGliG@O oo oo 66 06 so) LSD Buteo b. borealis .. .. .. 101 Ee lineatus sone a LO lagopus s.-johannis .. 101 p. platypterus .. .... 101 Butorides v. virescens .. 97 Calcarius 1. lapponicus .. 152 Calidris canutus rufus .. 120 Canadian Snowshoe Rab- bit enquiry, 1934-35.. 71 COMMS Sd. b. % Bae sy, onions 5. OS latrans imeolatus . reek: 18 Caimpas-pacdk 25 a. so co GY Capella delicata .. .. 120, 143 Cardinal, Eastern .. .. 150 Cardium cilatum .. .. 127 Caribou .. 20 Queen Charlotte ise fame! ooo eo web oe AY Carpodacus p. purpureus 151 Casmerodius albus egretta 97 Castor c. canadensis il, Zi, So, 375 Ol, 35 canadensis sagitatus . 19 Catbindyen Seine bere J6{0) Catharacta skua .. .. .. 131 Cathartes aura septen- irionalis.. .. ... 1Ol Catoptrophorus semipal- MOUS = = 101 Catoptraphorus semipal- matus inornatus. 120 Cedar, White .. . Besos Census, Christmas ‘Bird 23, Ceophlocus pileatus abte- GOL lal gS Certhia familiaris amer- icana .. Se ekg BIS) Chaectura pelagica Sd Sep eel OS Charadrius melodus .. .. 119 semipalmatus .. .. .. 119 163 Charitonettajalbeola .. .. 100 Chat, Yellow-breasted .. 140 Chaulelasmus steperus .. 99 Chen caerulescens 98, 143 h. Pe ee : 14, 98 YOSSI .. 93 Chenopodium _bolysper- mum .. 53 Chickadee, Acadian .. .. 68 Black-capped . 135 Hudsonian 135 Clanommpralk o5 os te 55 on @©615 Coltimbianweee ee lS Eastern .. 57 Western .. 57 Chlidonias nigra surina- mensis .. 132 Chordeiles minor .. .. .. 133 Chrismas Bird Census.. 23, 52 Circus hudsonius .. .. .. 102 Cisco (fish) .. Niet 8 Cistothorus stellaris . .. 136, 140 Clangula hyemalis .. 100 Clark, T. H. Silurian rocks 31 Clarke, C. H. D. Moose and young .. 67 Night alarm .. .. . 67 Clemens, W. A. & Mag TO, JJ, Ao Food of Merganser.. 34 Clethrionomys gapperi .. 57 gappert saturatus. 19 Coccysus a. americanus .. 132 erythrophthalmus. 132 Colaptes auratus luteus.. 133 Colinus v. virginianus.. 118 Columba I. livia .. .. .. 132 Colymbus auritus .. .... 96 grisegena holboeli .. 6 Compsothlypis americana Muses oh op es SY Condylura cristata .. 56 Coot, American .. eed ES) Coregonus albus .. .. .. 10 clupeaformis .. .. 8 Cormorant, Double- crest- ed : .. 96 Corthylio c. Latta wy ASH Corvus b. CE Sane 135 Coyote .. He aehicrrth i) ke) Cowan, I. “McT. B. C. Mammals .. .. 145 Cowhbircebastern ee eon Creeper, Brown .. Pieie Ne %5) Cristivomer namaycush SISCOZUCH one Crocethia alba 131 Crossbill, Red Bye Sit White- yinese: SE 14 CrowsasesF a: 15 Eastern .. etek) Cryptoglaux a. acadica .. 133 Cuckoo, Black-billed . 132 Yellow-billed .. .. .. 132 Curlew, Hudsonian .. 53, 120 154 Cyanocitta cristata... 118, Cygnus columbianus.. Cystidicola serrata .. stigmatura .. walkert Dafila acuta tzitzihoa . .. DeemuMiule: sesso. 2% ae White-tailed .. .. .. Dendroica ae. aestiva . c. caerulescens .. CUSUOMIED 35 00 oe 66 COTUT CORN Sn Ge CORONAL ae a, GiSCOOP 36 os oc IUSCOR DSO ee ple kas TMOGRODIIG 55 ba ca se bp. palmarum .. .. .- pensylvanica .. .. .. pinus .. Be Gee CEL OL OG ik oo et ee tigrina U. UITENS .. .. Derocesras hyperboreum. Devitt, O. E. Short- billed Marsh NWArehgY ae. alpen aa hae Devonian fossil wood from Kettle Point, ILale Iehisr@m 5. .2 6. Dickcisseligerass tec Dickson, G. H. et al Bi-ds of Lincoln & Welland Cos. 95, 118, 131, Dinichthys sp. Discus cronk hitei inion nyt Dolichonyx oryzivorus .. Dove, Eastern Mourning Rock .. Dovekie ee Dowitcher, Bastern .- .. Dryobates pubescens me- dianus.. v. villosus .. .. ie: Duck, Common Black .. Eastern Harlequin .. Greater Scaup .. Iesser-Scaup ia. --. 52 ine=necked mannan [Rea UGNGE Aca Siam Sink Aten ate Wood . ie ie Dumetclla carolinensis We Dymond, J. Little brown hat.. .. review by: Eagle, Golden .. .. .. .. Northern Bald .. Ectopistes migratorius .. Egret, American .. .. .. later, Kaha S565 be-a6 ox Ekbaum, E. Cystidicola in fish .. Elton, C. & Swynnerton G. Rabbit enquiry .. Empidonax flaviventris .. Minimus .. .. .. > Ercthizon dorsatum .. .. epixanthum nigrescens 135 97 THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST Ereunetes pusillus .. .. 121 Erismatura jamaicensis TUDIAG. poe te eee LOU Eumetopias jubata .. .. 146 Euphagus carolinus .. .. 150 Eutamias ameenus affinis 15, 18 minimus .. Lexan Falco peregrinus anatum 102 SERS PQGUCTIS: a. Ucn en mlz Barley... 1. Hudsonian Curlew .. 53 ROSS GOOSE ss sc coo SB Finch, Eastern puer Seal Sil Risher =f Rarets) rlicker, Nacthean Nee Ran ELSSS Flycatcher, Least . 134 Northern Crested peels: Yellow-bellied. .. .. 134 Food of the American Merganser in British Colltimle ss acoso ca 04 Foraminifera, Eastern INTECENC 55 55 UeY) Fossils, Post- Pleistocene 5 Wa Rox =. SV British Coltmina Red 18 Erase) Ca Mc: jahyaheoniGle gs <5 s- co JIZZ Fulica a. americana .. .. 119 (@adiwallteaieee ae eS, Gallinula chloropus ca- chinnans .. .. .. 119 Gallinules Hlonida “s-0esae aul (Gani) eae eGo Gavia 1. immer .. .. .- 96 SEC at Qeee rete eee ee © Geothlypis trichas bra- chidactyla .. .. .. .- 140 Glaucionetta clangula americana .. .. 100 Glaucomys sabrinus .. .. 57 sabrinus alpinus .. .. 19 Gedwit, Hudsonian .. .. 121 Mipvdbiled 3 sc ce ce SS Golden-eye, American .. 100 Goldfinch, Eastern =. 92. 151 Goose, Jie .5 8, 2 OS 14S Canadal ha ee 9598 Lesser Snow .. 14, 98 PROS Se it orn eS Goshawk, Eastern .. ~. 101 Gowildl, W, 12. Nova Scotia mammals 103 Grackle, Bronzed .. .. .. 150 Batplen: ieee en ae Grebe Hlolboelltsss = en noo lBkeinneal 5a. fog lak, Be. 1 SO Phecepiililed 4, cel.c4 Yo Green, H. U. Beaver of Riding Mt. 1, Zl, ato, ll, eS Groh, H. Chenopodium poly- spermum.. .. ..° 53 WplandePloveress too Grosbeak, Eastern Even- iow cb eee 0) Red-breasted .. .. .. 150 {[VoL. L Groundhog .. . 57 Grouse, Eastern Ruffed . 118 Gull, American Herring 13 Bonaparte’ Siti 131 Glaucous .. . Goes Great Black-backed 131 Herring .. oe 131 Iceland... 131 IOI 5. Broan eaatere ye Ulla Ring-billed geree “iit 144 Sabine’s .. doo, abt Gulo luscus vancouveren- sis. 145 Haemophysalis leporus- palusiris .. .. Halieetus leucocephalus alascanus J. 2). 7108 Haplotrema concavum WANUS 2 Hare, Hunopeanweeae aie Weranie 24 IS, So 7, Sz Hawk, American Rough- legged... s5 2 ee lOn Broad-winged. 101 Cooper’s .. 101 IDMEK 5. se OZ Eastern Red- tailed .. 101 Eastern Sparrow. 102 Marsh .. .. =. 58 Jemnes. IBERF 55 os 55) SS Vecesinell .5 as. Sil, 8 Molothrus a. ater.. .. .. 150 WilomliaiGin- 55! seco eo lon 1 SE Moore, J. P. Leeches . te eI Moose .. 3 ‘15, 20, 57, 67 Moris bassana .. . 96 Mouse, British Columbia Red-backed .. .. 19 Drummond Meadow 20 Jim ping ie eee ZO 156 Mouse, Meadow .. 53, D7 Meadow Jumping .. 5/7 IRed=backed@mn cue. oF Sagebrush White- footed tere aS Stickeen Jumping. 20 White-footed.. : 57 Woodland Jumping. 57 Wrangell Lemming 19 Mousley, TE. Sap-drinking birds.. 68 Munro, J. A. Sparrow Hawk .. .. 53 Munro, A. & Clemens, NG ; monet of Merganser... 34 Murre, Brunnich’s 132 Muskrat . 57 Rocky, Mountain. 20 © Mustela cicognani .. .. 57 cicognantt richardsom 18 vison .. SOY, UVISON energumenos Ae eels Mya arenaria .. . 127 truncata uddevalensis 127 Myers, F. J. Rotifers .. 82 Myiarchus crimtus boreus 134 Mytochanes virens .. 134 Myotis sp. A 56 keen septentrionalis 103 l. lucifugus .. .. 114 subulatus melanorhi- NUS es, Peers AAO Miayttlis edulis... .. 2... 128 Nannus h. hiemalis .. 136 Napaeozapus insignis ... 57 Neotoma cinerea occi- dentalis .. 19 Nettion carolinense.. 99 New genus and_ species of flightless duck, review of, Se ZAG) Nichols, D. A. Uplifted beaches 127 Night-hawk, Eastern 133 Nomenclature, ornitho- logical, 14 Notes on some mammals in the B. C. Provin- cial Museum 145 Notes on some mammals of the Chilcotin, B.C. 15 Notes on the genus Cysti licola in Cana- dian fishes x 8 Nova Scotia mammal MOteS = =) A. 103 Nuculana pernula 128 Nuthatch, Red-breasted 68, WI) White- breasted .. 68, 135 ININGHCON MACLCO meres ne ea Nycticorax n. hoactlh .. 97 IMIS -OGG) CHITMS Bo cube pa Se americana 99 TRE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST INWFOCO COUMAS 2 o> 00 99 TROUPE oe go oe SD) CHnSoneriG “Sao. sae SY Obituary : Bryant Walker.. 126 Oceanodroma castro 143 Ochotona princeps HOC. 5554 oo BY Octoris alpestris merel 15 Odocoileus hemionus .. 20 CMAG UPN: 5 Meo es Oe Oidemia americana .. 100 Old-squaw .. . avec LOO Oncorhynchus gorbuscha 104 POSEY se “50. sa too eh LO Ondatraveiberhicay eee, zibethica vusoyoosen- UAT ete cles ie tga ZAG) Oporornis agilis .. . 140 Oriole, Baltimore 149 Orchard .. 149 Osprey .. .. . 102 Otocoris alpestris “ prati- Colane 134 Ottawa, Birds ety Oaenn 143 Ottawa -Field-Natural- ists’ Club: Council Report .. .. 11 IDE BIFSHOMS co cc 50 O85 Financial Reports a2 13 Membership List .. 106 Otter, Canada ..°.. .. 18, 88 Otus asio naevius . 133 Oven-bird . 139 Ovis dalli .. 147 dalli stonet .. 147 fannini.. rene aah ay. Owl. Barn .. . 132, 144 Bastern Screech: 133 Great Horned 133 Long-eared 133 INeruherin Baered 144 Saw-whet no) USS Oxyechus v. vociferus .. 119 Pandion haliaétus caro- linensis .. 102 Pagophila alba 5 USI Parascalops breweri. .. 56 Panasites sii: yon) see 8 Partridge, European 118 Passenger Pigeon in Ontario, review of,. 69 Passer d. domesticus 149 Passerculus sandwichen- sis savanna .. .. 151 Passerella 1. wtaca-..°.. 152 Passerherbulus h. hen- HOM, 65 S56 ae 65 UST Passerina cyanea .. 150 Pecten islandicus .. 127 Pelecanus erythrorhyn- CHO. Vigatia repre OG Pelican ties spans menial Vila camera 96 Pelidna alpina sakhalina 121 (VoL. L Penthestes a. atricapillus hudsonicus .. .. 68, Perdix p. perdix . : Perisoreus c. canadensis Peromyscus maniculatus mamculatus artemis- TOL AMEN Tes Petrel, Madeira Sle Petrochelidon a. albifrons Pewee, Eastern Wood.. Phaeopus hudsonicus 53, Phalacrocorax Phalarope, Red .. Phalaropus fulicarms . . Phasianus colchicus tor- quaius .. 119, Pheasant, Ring-necked 119, Phenacomys, Rocky Mountain ne Phenacomys 1. interme- dius .. ane Philohela minor. . 68, 120, Phoebe, Eastern .. .. Picoides tridactylus baca- LUS il Ss e2 Pigeon, Passenger Pika, Shuswap Pintail, American . Pipilo e. erythrophthal- mus .. .. 14, 144, Pipit, American .. .. .. Piranga erythromelas Pisobia bairdi .. . fuscicollis melanotus Md 3 miutilla .. 0 HAL. Plectrophenax n. nivalis. Plover, American Golden Black-bellied Piping Nas ar 5-3 \WinleimGl 6. 2, .. 5d, Pluvialis d. dominica Podilymbus p. podiceps .. Polygyra monodon cava. Pooecetes g. gramineus.. Porcupine: (eae Dusky. eae Porzana carolina. . Bf Post-Pleistocene fossils of the uplifted bea- ches of the eastern arctic regions of Camada .. .- Preliminary list. of the birds of Lincoln and Welland Counties, Ontario .. 95, 118, Pritchard, A. L, Stomach contents of fishes .. se Procyon lotor Progne s. subis .. Protonotaria citrea .. Punctum pygmacum. Outscalus quiscula acneus q. quiscula a. auritus.. 135 135 118 144 ay 127 December, 1936] Rabbit, Black-tailed Jack 92 British Columbia Snowshoe 0... 20 Snowshoe 7, Hil, Wag White-tailed Jack .. 92 Rabbat.eycles’...*.2 71, 129 Raccoon .. PRY Racey, K. Chilcotin mammals . 15 epilkeinee.c costes <2 L119 Virginia ere NOLS Rous exelegans .. ..-.. 119 l.. limicola .. 119, 143 Rangifer dawsont 147 MIOMENON Sos fee. 2 20 Rat, Western Bushy- tailed Wood, Leap wo) Recent records from King Township .. .. 14 Redhead .. as 99 Redpoll, Common Si Redsta.t, American ..... 149 Red-wing concentration . 141 Red-wing, Eastern .. 149 Regulus s. satrapa . 137 Retinella sp. .. 51 Reviews : Birds of the eastern ARGH 55 56 95 Bose Research Tnst. Trans. Sree OF! Insect enemies of shade trees .. .. °-93 Marine fishes of Nova Scotia. 142 New genus and spe- cies of flightless alu; Sea 6 70 Passenger Pigeon ; in - OwiE© .- 22 269) Revision of the Sharp-tailed Grouse .. 70 Study of the Sharp- tailed Grouse 70 Type invertebrate fossils (cards).. 154 Revision of the Sharp- tailed Grouse, review Ot eer 70 Richards, H. G. Molluscs of James IBERY = 5 58 Richmondea | G cardinalis 150 Riparia r. riparia 134 Robin, Eastern .. 136 Rogers, F. J. Red-breasted Nut- atic heen 68 Rotifers from the ‘Lau- rentides National Peylk 55 < 82 Running speeds of Skunk and European Hare 92 Russell, J. W. Fossil Wood .. 111 iPyongeese, IR, Me European Swallow . 52 Red Squirrel & Mea- dow Mouse.. Bs THE CANADIAN FIELD-NATURALIST Rutter, R. J., Woodcock 68 Salmo siscowet .. 2. -. 10 Sallanom,. COMO co s2 0 8 Pita cm ery et oer ur cern OLE Samelenlimg ~co os 20 eo Ill Sandpiper: ssatndesmra nme Zl Eastern Ne: ee i20 [east ae IDL. 144 RPaguoral f2 54 ope. Jz IRedsnaclkeal 26 sd se WAL Semipalmated .. .. 121 Spotted .. ere AU) Stiles Pele eel ll White- rumped 2 121 Sapsucker, Vellow-bellied 133 Saxicava arctica.. .. .. 127 Savornis phoebe . alee ere lod Sciurus hudsomcus IG, Sv hudsonicus laquax. . 3 Scoter, American. sa OO Stieiae ae i en OO White- winged 100 Sea-lion, Califoinia .. 146 Steller 146 Seirus aurocapillus. 139 OUCKCUN so be ae oa LOS Serripes groenlandicus .. 127 Setophaga ruticilla .. 149 Sheep Hannin =) ae kay, Sheepshead (fish) .. . 10 Sheppard, R. W., Hurl yeh, We E,, and Dickson, G. H. Birds of Lincoln & Welland Cos. 95, 118, 131, 149 Shoveller .. .. . 99, 142 Shrew, American Saddle- backed 103 Cinereous .. 17, 56 Drckyaeriee eon cae ea! chy. Pigmy . ; 17, 56 Rocky Mountain Wieties: (315 ame aa all Shost-talledys =. 3.5 | 50 Thompson Pigmy .. 103 Vancouver Island Water 145 Shrike, Migrant .. .. .. 137 Norther s, 24 oe 05) HO7 Sali sorstaliseemcls 48 ao e137, Silurian rocks of Lake Memphremagog, Que. 31 Siskin, No-thern Pine .. 15] Sitta canatensis .. .. 68, 135 carolinensis .. .. 68, 135 SicnateeNiorthen@en) e+ sa ylol Siem 5. so. ake 7k OF Northern Plains... sae lS Slug new to the Quebec and Ottawa lists.. .. 148 Snipe, Wilson’s .. .. 120, 143 Sranycler, Ib, We, we Sinoius, T. M. Blue Jay Year .. 118 Somateria spectabilis.. .. 100 Some notes on the Monk- fiste es Mees eee OD J57 Sota ~ so ts fod See ee Sores a. arcticus.. eg 103 c. cinereus .. .. .. 17, 56 0. obscurus .. emily palustris brookst. 145 palustris navigator .. 17 Sparrow, Beso ee ping .. 152 Eastern Field. . 152 Bastern Fox =. .- 152 Eastern Grasshopper ili Eastern Savannah .. 151 Eastern Song.. .. .. 152 Eastern (ree eee toe Eastern NeSDe tect eraeal Sill English . KG par lAs, Swamp . 152 Western, ee) 151 White- crowned .. 152 White-throated .. .. 152 Spatula clypeata .. .. 99, 142 Oe vy. varius .. 133 Spinus p. pinus .. a aS i. tristis: 2 ees ee Spiza americana .. .. -- 144 Spizella a. arborea .. 152 p. passerina .. .. 152 p. pusilla . SZ Squatarola squatarola. 119 Squirrel, Northern Flying 57 Northern Red .. .. 18 Red . Hoes SY/ Richardson Flying iF) Starling, European 102, 137, 144 © Stelaidopteryx ruficollis serripennis .. .. 134 Sterna forsteri .. .. .. 131 h. hirundo ; 132 Stomach content analyses - of fishes preying upon the young of Pacific Salmon sees 104 Striatura exigua .... .. Of ferred. heen Mile Sa ee ee oe Strix v. varia .. . .. 144 Strobilops labyrinthica Veneer ol Study of the Sharp- tailed Grouse, review of, .. 70 Sturnella m. magna .. .. 149 Sturnus vulgaris 102, 137, 144 Swallow, Bank .. ay 134 IEAM << Pen een ay) ei) Buropeam oa tee Northern Cliff ee 135 Rough- minegs 134 Tree .. . eer (Sy) Swan, Whistling . Ue eee Os Siyyittite © ata eye ener 133 Swynnertown, G. (& Elton, \C.) Rabbit enquiny aes Synaptomys borealis wrangei .. .... 19 Ds el BW aNe Reviews by... .. -- 69; 70 1538 Tamias striatus .. .. .. S/ anager. Scanletats- pa Lol Taverner, P. A. Bird notes from Grand Manan .. 142 Taxostoma rufum 136 Teal, Green-winged.. .. 9 Telmatodytes palustris dissaépius .. .. 136 p. palustris .. 144 Tern, American Caspian 92 Black . sh eh Sl GIA Caspian .. epee GZ Gommeon en eee lo? IOS S Soon co ou LOI Ahompsoi ose. Red-wing concentra- HON ar he tem eye al Thrasher, Brown .. . 136 Thrush, Eastern Hermit. 137 Gray- cheeked.. 137 Olive-backed . 137 Wood .. .. 136 Thryothorus ie ludovicia- MOS enamel ee teen tO Thuja occidentalis. .. .. 96 Micke NVOod ue ee ur aS Totanus flavipes... .. ... 120 melanoleucus .. . 120 Towhee, Red-eyed. 14, 144, 151 Trans. Bose Research Inst., review of .. .. 54 Trichotropis borealis. WY. Tringa s. solitaria .. 120 Troglodytes a. aédon 136 Turdus m. migratorius .. 136 Turnstone, Ruddy .. 120 Type invertebrate fossils (cards), review of, . 54 Tyrannus tyrannus .. 14, 134 Tyto alba pratincola.. 132, -144 Uria |. lumuia .. ..2. 2. 132 Ursus sp. .. Keene ae aellS americanus so so Ld, 36, OF kermodey'.. ..'’.. .. 148 Ussher, R. D. Birds, King Twp., Ont. 14 THE CANADIAN FIBLD-NATURALIST WESIAY os oc ae Vermivora c. celata at chrysoptera .. DEGEGTING =) ae r. ruficapilla .. .. Vertigo sp. Nie? Vireo, Blue- headed Ae Eastern Waning ae Red-eyed .. .. f Yellow- throated . Vireo flavifrons .. .. .. Oa, GPUTIS 356. Brake ohivaceous s. solitarms .. .. Vulpes alascensis abietio- rum .. : fulva .. ESS Vulture, Turkey Ate eae Walker, Biyant, obituary Wanapitei Forest, Mam- mals .. . Me Warbler, Bay- breasted se Black and White _Blackburnian .. .. 14, Black-poll . Black- throated Blue Black-throated Green. Canada .. Cape May . Cerulean .. . Chestnut- sided Connecticut .. .. .. Eastern Yellow .. .. Golden-winged. .. .. Malonoliaee: ee) emer Mayle 55 db 86 oo CS Nashville .. .. . : Northern Parca. Northern Prairie Cage crowned Brel Pine .. Lae Prothonotary ess tose Tennessee .. .. .. .. Western Daina os Wilson’s .. Water-thrush, Louisiana. Waxwing, eden See RS 137 138 138 138 139 51 138 138 (VoL. L Weasel, Bonaparte .. .. 57 Richard Sone aes Whip-poor-will, Eastern 133 Whitefish .. : 8 Widgeon, European : _ 99, 143 Willet, Western .. 120 Willey, AN. Acadian Chickdcee e168, Wilsoma canadensis . 149 p. pusilla .. ... 140 Wilt: ..g2. 2 eee Sie 88 Wolverine, Vancouver Island...) 4 yee eS Wood), Fossil saan oil Woodcock, American 68, 120, 143 Woodpecker, American Three-toed .. 144 Eastern Hairy .. 134 Northern Downy. .. 134 Northern Pileated 14, 133 Red-headed .. .. 133 Wren, Carolina .. 136 Eastern House .. 136 Eastern Winter .. .. 136 Long-billed Marsh .. 144 Prairie Marsh. .. 136 Short-billed Marche 136, 140 Xema sabim .. 144 Yellow-legs, Greater . 120 Lesser .. . 120 Yellow-throat, Northern: 140 Zalophus califormanus .. 146 Zapus hudsonus .. .. .. 37 hudsonius tenellus .. 20 princeps saltator ... 20 Zenaidura macroura caro- linensis .. sib? 132 Zonitoides sp. see Zonotrichia albicolaen 152 l. leucophrys. 152 Affiliated Societies NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY O MANITOBA : 1934-35 President Emeritus: C. EB. BASTIN; President: A. G. LAWRENCE; Past Presidents: M.Sc., C. W. Lows, M.Sc., J. B. WALLIS, M.A., A. A. McCousrey, A. M. Davipson, M.D., R. A. WARDLE, M.Sc., G. SHIRLBY BRooKsS; Vice-Presidenis: B. W. CART- wricutT, H. C. Pearce, L. T. S. NORRIS-ELY#, B.A., Mrs. L. R. Stmpson, W. H. Ranpb; Treasurer: DR. W. G. CAMPBELL, 216 Medical Arts Bldg., Winnipeg, Manitoba; General Secretary NORMAN Lowe, 317 Simcoe St., Winnipeg; Awditor: R. M. THOMAS; Executive Secretary: J. Happow, Social Convenor: Miss O. A. ARMSTRONG. Section Chairman Secretary" Ornithological A. H. SHORTT A. M. MAckKIE Entomological G SHIRLEY BROOKS Miss M. F. PRATT Botanical H. F. Roperts, M.Se_ Mars. I. M. Priestly Geological A.A. McCouBrREy P. H. Stokes Mammalogical V. W. Jackson, M.Sc. Ichihyological G. D. RUSSELL Secrétary: J. P. KENNEDY. Microscopy y Zoology R. A. WARDLE, M.Sc. Botany C. W. Lowe, M.Sc. Secretary: H. C. PEARCE. Meetings are held eaeh Monday evening, except on holiday from October to April, in the physics theatre of the University Winnipeg. Field excursions are held each Saturday after- aoon during May, June and September, and on public holidays during July and August. : THE HAMILTON BIRD PROTECTIO SOCIETY (Incorporated) President; Mr. RP. © Nrnn, 1 Mountain Park Ave. H.; Vice-President: REV. C. A HEAVEN, 135 Dalewood Cres H.; Secretary: Mr. J. H. WILLIAMS, 202 Park RowS.,H.; Ureasurer: H. E. KETTLE, 169 Delaware Ave., H.; Chairman of Extension Committee: H.C. NUNN; Chairman of Junior Work: Miss M. E. GRAHAM; Chairman of Field Work: J. H. WILLIAMS; Chair- man of Programme Commitiee: Mrs. F. MacLoGHLIn; Chair- man of Sanctuary Committee: GEORGE NORTH. (N ote—H. stands for Hamilton) McILWRAITH ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, : LONDON, ONT. President: Ont.; Vice President: Mr. E. D. BRAND, 148 William Street, London, Ont.; Recording Secretary: MisS FRANCES JACOBS; 353 Princess Ave., London, On:.; Migration Secretaru: MR. E. M.S. DALE, 297 Hyman Street, London, Ont.; Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer: KEITH REYNOLDS, 32 St. Andrews St., London, Ont.; Members qualified to answer questions: W. E. SAUNDERS, 240 Central Avenue, London, Ont.; C. G. WATSON, 201 Ridout Street South, London, Ont.; J. F. CALVERT, 461 Tecumseh A venue, London, Ont.; If. M.S. DALE, 297 Hyman Street, London, Ont. 2 Meetings held the second Monday of the month, except during the summer. VANCOUVER NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY Honorary President. (L.S. KLINK, (D.Sc.), President Univer- sity of B.C: President: JoHN Davipson, F.L.S., F.B.S.E., University of B.C.; Vice-President: Dr. M. Y. WILLIAMS, Geology Dept., University of B.C.; Honorary Secretary: Mrs. F. W. FARLEY; 6507 Laburnum St., Vancouver, B.C. First Assistant Secretary: Mrs. LAURA ANDERSON, 2nd Assistant Secretary: Miss NoRA Swirt, Honorary Treasurer: A. H. Bain, 2142 Collingwood Street, Vancouver, B.C.; Librarian: Mrs. F. McGinn. Memters of Executive: C. F. CONNOR, M. A. Ma.R. |. Cummine; Mr. J. D. TURNBULL, Mr. CurTIS JOHNS, Mrs. J Motion; Auditors: H. G. Seuwoop, W. B. Woops. Chairmen of Sections: Botany: Pror. JOHN DAVIDSON, Geology: Mr. J.J. PLOMMER, Photography: Mr. PHILIP Timms, Entym- ology: MR. WOOTTON, Microscopy: Mr. J.A. JOHNSTON, Ornith- ology: Mr. J. D. TURNBULL. All meetings at 8 p.m., Auditorium, Normal School, 10th Avenue and Cambie Street unless otherwise announced. BRITISH COLUMBIA BIRD AND MAMMAL SOCIETY President: Dr. M. Y. WILLiaMs; First Vice-President; HAMILTON M. LatInG; Second Vice-President: DrR.C. J Bastin: Secretary-Treasurer: C. H. BASTIN, 4484 West 9th Ave. _ Vancouver, B.C. H. M. SpescHiy, M.D., V. W. JACKSON, J. H. CAMERON, 355 Dufferon Ave., Londons OFFICERS & COMMITTEE: PROVINCE OF QUEBEC SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS INC. Past Presidents: Mr. L. Mcl..TeRRILL, MR. NAPIER SMITH. Mr. W. S. Hart, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON; President: PROF. V. C WYNNE-Epwarps, 495 Prince Arthur Street, Apt. 4, Montreal; Vice-Presidenis: Mrs. H. HIBBERT, Dr. A. N. JENKS; Vice-President and Treasurer: MR. HENRY MOUSLEyY; Secretary: Miss MAUD SREATH. Committee: Mr. J. D. CLEGHORN, Mrs. C. F. DALE, Mr. J. A. DECARIE, Mr. W.S. Hart, Mrs. C. L. HENDERSON, Mr. H. A. C. Jackson, Mr. E. L. JuDAH, MR. FRASER KeiTH, Miss P. B. MarttTinson, Miss L. MurpeHy, Miss M.S. Nicotson, Mr. R. A. OUTHET, Mr. C. Sait, Mr. L. McI.SPACKMAN, Mr. L. MclL. TERRILL. _ Meetings held the second Monday of the month except dur- ing summer. ; SOCIETE PROVANCHER D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE DU CANADA Patron Honoraire: Son Excellence, LE TRES HONORABLE Lorp TWEEDsMUIR, G.C.M.G., C.H. Gouverneur- Général du Canada; Vice-Pairon Honoraire: HONORABLE E.-L. PATENAUDE, Lieutenant-Gouverneur dela Province de Québec; Bureau de Direction pour 1936: Président: ALPHONSE DESILETS; ler vice-président: JAMES F, Ross; 2iéme vice-président: DR. GUSTAVE RATTE; Secrétaire-trésorier: LOUIS B. LAvolE; Chef de la section scientifique: Dr. D.-A.DErRy; Chef de ta section de Propagande édurative: G.- ULRIc TESSIER, Chef de la section de protection: ADRIEN FALARDEAU, C.R.; Chef de la section d’information scientifique et pratique: Rex MEREDITH, N.P. Directeurs:G.S. AHERN, HON. EDGAR ROCHETTE, C.R., M.P.P., ROBERT HUNTER. Secrétaire-trésorier: Louis-B. LAVOIB 38, rue Sherbrooke. Québec THE TORONTO FIELD-NATURALISTS’ CLUB OFFICERS FOR 1934-35. Honorary Presiden. DR. A. P. COLEMAN; President: ARNOTT M.PATTERSON; Hon. Vire-Presidents: Hon. G. H. CHALLIES, Mr. J. H. FreMiInGc, Dr.N. A. POWELL; Vice-President: MR. BF. P. (pg, Secretary-Treasura. H. M. HALLipay; Council— Dr. E.M. Waker, S.L. THompson, Prog. J.R. DyMonp, C. S. Farmer, Pror. T. F. McILwrRaitu. Dr. NORMA ForD, Magistrate J. EH. Jones, L. T. OWEns, RUPERT Davips, F. C. Hurst, Dr. T. M. C. Taytor, C: G. BRENNAND, R. M. SAUNDERS; Chairman of Conservation Committee: Mrs. S. L. THomMPSON; President of Junior Club: MuRRAY SPEIRS; Vice-President of Junior Club: HUBERT RICHARDSON. Leaders: Birds—Messrs. S. L. THompson, L. lL. Snyper, J. L. BAILLIE, JR., PrRor. T. F. McILWRAITH, R. M. SPEIRg, F. H. EMERY. Mammals—Pror. A. F. COVENTRY, MEssrs. E, C. Cross, D. A. McLurics. Reptiles and Amphibians— Messrs. E. B.S. Locigr, Wm LERay. Fish— PRoF. J. R. Dymonn, PRor. W. J. K. HARKNESS. Insects—Dr. EB. M. Watker, Dr. N. Ford. Mr. F. P. IDE. Botany—Pror. Rk. B. THomson, Dr. H. B. Sirron, Dr. T.M. C. Taytor: Mr. W. R. Watson. Mr. L. T. OWENS. Geology—Dnr. A. Ps COLEMAN: ProF. A. MCLEAN. ~ =—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—————=>>>>>>>>S—_K_=—————______: We would ask the Officers, and more particularly the Secretaries, of all the Affiliated Societies to assist us in our task of building up the circulation of this magazine. By securing every member as a subscriber we can truly. make this magazine into one of the leading Natural History publications of America. eS EC Re at BE RENCE ate oe AUTOBIOGRAPHY of JOHN MACOUN, M.A. _ CANADA NORTH OF FIFTY SIX SELEY PREROR RUT eS Ee Eee A By E. M. KINDLE These are attractively bound, and contain a wealth of information concerning Canadian Special profusely illustrated number of The Natural History and Exploration. The author Naturalist’’, 86 pages, 31 illustrations. Every was a former President of the Club and this is a Canadian should know this prize essay. Memorial Volume PRICE FIFTY CENTS } PRICE $3.00. - 305 pp. 3 WILMOT LLOYD WILMCT LLOYD : 582 Mariposa Avenue Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa 582 Mariposa Avenue Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa EEL SENG sds SORA aa ea PR PUES eS ET WILMOT LLOYD, Treasurer, Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, FOR SALE:— 582 Mariposa Avenue, Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa. 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