5-€ ey HARVARD UNIVERSITY. LIBRARY OF_ THE MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY BEQUEST OF WILLIAM BREWSTER a) 76 -DaNIELSONVILLE, Conn., NOVEMBER, 1890. No/ 1. he melancholy days have come, the saddest of the year, Mets wailing ine and naked woods, and meadows brown and sere. And from the wood-top calls the Crow through all the gloomy day. — Bryant. CHILLY NOVEMBER, inds of Autumn chant the sad requiem of the ine year. Birds of passage are now ge flocks, embarking with slow wing but earnest purpose, on their annual © a more genial clime. The wild-flowers that have kept us company so long, eered ‘us amid the general desolation of nature,/are now taking their leave, like ingering friends who hover around the departing bark of the voyager, and one by appear, with a sad and long farewell. The naked orchard, the barren fields and : the moaning forests unequivocally declare that the season of warmth and departed. Already are the little lakes crystalizing beneath the cold breath of , and the ground is whitened by the early frost. The mountain tops are barren, iss has withered. The long evenings are enjoyed by Naturalists, Ornithologists, Collectors and Taxidermists, by seating themselves in the old arm chair -hearth-stone, and carefully perusing the contents, of the good things contained - e Collectors’ Monthly. ‘ed CHAS. K. REED, De 262 Main Street, CESTER, sR Ve memo me eae Mele CASS -TAXIDERMIST | * Naturalist Shippin Shells; Bird Skinsand Eggs. | Manufacturer of the Finest Egg Is ever made, best of steel, engraved handle, nickelplated. Embryo hooks and blow pipes the same ae a fine. set, sent post-paid Rte of 65c. Will allow good exchange for eggs in sets, first” 8 with full ‘data. Send stamps for illustrated catalogue of Supplies or price-list of Skins and Eggs. Paty ey ty he COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. oy | 4as- Always mention this paper when answering advertisements : AB UU On OUR OFFER Any one who will write an article for the Col- | lector’s Monthly, founded on facts, which come under their own observation, and of interest to the student of Natural His- tory, the same to occupy one col- umn or more, will receive this paper one year FREE. We wish to make every is- sue of this paper worth a year’s subscrip- tion, and to do this we want good, reliable, interesting man- uscripts relating to Natural History from all sources and especially from those who have had year’s of experience and made Natural History a Study. Full name and address must accompany all manuscripts ATTENTION! Something New Life-like hand paintings of birds in oil, size 4x1o inches; sent by return mail for only 50 cents, prepaid. I will exchange one painting for every dollars worth of desirable eggs in sets with data, sent with 10 cents to pay postage. Address J. W. P. Smithwick, | Sans Souci, N. C. Exehange Notice. Eggs, Stamps, Minerals) Fossils and Curio to) exchange for Eggs, Fossils, Books and. Confeder- ate Money. Have some fine sets, A. O. U. Nos, 6, 214, 343, 3373 333) 375» 378, 308,413, 406, 402, 394, 393, 4175 324, 5052, S8IC, 538, 531, 530, 529, 510a, 608, 622, 622a, 624, ; FRANK KINNE, Knoxville, lowa. THE MAINE ORNIT HOLOGIST ! ——AND— OOLOGIST! | will be sent to you one year for only 15 cents. Advertising rates, 8c per line, 60c per inch. Price-list of stufted birds, birds eggs and birds) ‘skins FREE. H. STANTON SAWYER, Pub. GARLAND, MAINE. Send us an exchange notice of 40 words, as per terms, and you will receive this paper one year Free. Address Pub. of Goliector’s Mo nthly. STORMY PETREL! An 8-page monthly, devoted to Ornithology‘ Oology and Natural History in general. Send 20 cents forone year’s subscription, and you will never regret it, as it will keep collectors posted on all the important points in their lines. Free exchange column. Published by WM. SMITH & CO, Mendota, Ill. — HE COLLECTORS’ WONTHLY. Devoted to Ornithology, Oology and Natural History. BIRDS’ NESTS AND EGGS. Written for the Collector’s Monthly. The first generalization likely to be made by the collector in regard to eggs, is that birds breeding in holes or places which are dark lay white eggs. .-Take for example the Sand-martin and Kingfisher which lay their eggs in banks and the Wood-pecker and Owl which breed in holes in trees; these birds lay white eggs. Why is this ? Simply because being incubat- edin the dark Nature takes no trouble to waste her coloring matter where not need- ed. The eggs of Puffins and Petrels which breed in holes have traces of spots upon them, while those of the Anks and Gulls, very near relations, are very highly colored by reason of being hatched in open nests. The theory of this is, that the Petrels and Puffins have but lately taken to breeding in holes so the coloring matter being of no further use is gradually disappearing. So we assume the color of an egg is due to the place is which it is laid. The second generalization to be made is the color of the birds. All birds dress as gorgeous as Nature will permit, being as a rule very vain. The hen birds breeding in holes are as a rule gorgeously colored being due to the fact that, being concealed during the incuba- tion they are free from attacks of the merci- less Hawks and thus may take on brilliant plumage, while the hen birds breeding in nests not being very well concealed during breeding are shabbily dressed so as to bet- ter escape the the keen eye of the Hawk. The hen Kingfishers and Beeeaters are ee as gorgeous as their mates while the Hum- mingbird is very shabbily dressed and its mates plumage is unrivaled. Why then is this unequailty? because the hen bird while breeding is more the color of its nest and so escapes prying eyes while the mate having no occasion for this, is gayly dressed. The Kingfisher relies upon the concealed nest for the safety of its eggs, while the Humming bird relies upon the unobtrusive plumage of its mate. birds such as the Sandpiper, Plover, ete, lay their eggs upon the ground and for the protection of the same are found to be near- ly the same color as the ground upon which they are laid. A large number of The birds building their nests on high trees or cliffs are too. powerful to be afraid of the Magpie, a great destroyer of eggs, and so build their nests out of reach of beasts of of prey. lay their eggs openly and rely upon their strength to repulse all marauders. This class includes the Herons, Comorants ete. Many birds which go in colonies From this generalization we learn that the color of the eggs is due to surrounding in- fluences, and the saftey of the sameis due to the concealment of the nests, the plumage of the birds being due to the macessibility of the nests and the strength of the birds. Fred G——. <=— —— Customer—It is less than a year since you stuffed my poor little Paroquet, and the feathers are falling out already. Naturalist—That shows the excellence of the work. they moult just as if they were alive. Istuff birds so naturally that THE COLLECTORS’ MON CEL Ye The’ Collectors’ Monthly. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Ornithology, Oology : and Natural History. CHART ES) THe Veiner Editor and Publisher, Danielsonville, Conn. Cy See ee SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Single Subscriptions, : = : = 5 Ae. Foreign “ - : - - 12cts extra. Single Copies, So, \uie Bey 3c each. ADVERTISING RATES: One p:ge, one insertion, ae. ce $4 00 One Column, one insertion, Sees : 2 25 Half Coiumn, one insertion, - - - 1 20 One Inch, one insertion, - - - 50 Casi must accompany all advertisements. Write for special rates on standing advertise- ments. Articles: and items of interest to the student of Natural History will be thankfully received. Ba@=-Address all communications to the Editor | and Publisher. EDITORIALS. Advertisements and éxchanges received too late for this number will appear in our next issue. All advertisements and exchange notices must be in our hands, to insure insertion, by the 20th of the month previous to our next publication. We will send a eopy of the Collectors’ Monthly free to any editor or publisher who will give it a notice and send a marked copy of the same. . To anyone who will send us a first-class side-blown eggs worth 35c or over we will send this paper /ree. We wish to say that the publication of the “Oologist Advertiser’’ has been discontinued as it was considered unwise and unprofitable to maintain such a paper for so little money. To those who were subscribers to the “Oologist’s Advertiser’? we will send the Collectors Monthly until the expiration of their subscription. We think that we have entered upona larger field and can accom- plish more good and obtain better results in so doing we shall endeavor to give every one {full valué for the money invested in our énterprise. We hope that from time to we may be able to give something that is of real value to every collector, and that through the columns of this magazine both subcriber and editor may be the means of accomplishing much good and of advancing the interests of collecting naturalists through- out the Universe. ——$——=- The Auk, publishell as the organ of the American Ornithologists Union is a quarter- ly Magazine devoted exclusively to Ornithol- olgy. Itisedited by J. A. Allen with the assistance of Mr. C. F. Batchelder, and is published by L. S. Foster, 35 Pine St., New York. Itis an ably conducted Magazine, which with 1890 commences its seventh year. Readers may feel assured of being kept abreast of the advances in the sciences and all interested should not fail to become a subscriber. We want the readane oF this little paper to bear in mind that it is our desire and aim to make this a first-class publication, and with your assistance we can do it. Will you aid us in our undertaking? We are thank- ful for small favors, even 30 cts fora year’s subscription will help us. Items of interest wouldn’t be amiss. Unless by earnest re- quests we shall have no Monthly Directory in the Collector’s Monthly. We have just recone the Bittern, Vol, 1, No. 1, edited and published by Henry E. Berry, Damariscotta, Me. It is a 4 paged monthly devoted to Ornithology and Oology we wish you success with the ‘*Booming Bittern,’’ Brother Berry. + Mr Rippon of Canada, who was awarded the silver medal at the Toronto exhibition of ‘89 and ‘go, sends us a very neat and com- plete price-list of eggs. If those who receive a sample copy of this issue and are not interested will please hand it to some friend, collector or student in Natural History, they will greatly oblige the Editor. re THE BOBOLINK. [ Dolichonyx oryzivorus. ] For the Collector’s Monthly. The Bobolink, the happiest bird of our Spring and one that rivals the European fark in our estimation, is the Bob’olincoln as he is commonly called. He arrives when ‘atore is in all her freshness and fragrance. Yhe trees are in their fullest foliage and brigutest verdure, the air is perfumed by the sweet flowers, wild roses and clover-blos- soms, while the apple, peach and the plum begin to swell and the cherry to glow amid the green leaves. This is the season of the Bobolink. | He comes in the fragrance of the season and is to be found in the mead- | ows and apple orchards and is most in song | eet : ages ; | and Ostrich is of very large size. when the clover is in blossom, you will find | 3 ye j | ly six feet long, found in Australia and pe- him on the top-most twig ofa tree or onsome | long flaunting weed, and as he rises and | - sinks with the breeze pours fourth a suc- | ession of rich notes equal to the rapturous As the year advances and the clover blos- _ soms disappear the spring fades away into summer and he gradually gives up his ele- gant tastes and doffs his poetical suit of | black, assumes a russet dusty garb. _ notes no longer vibrate in the air, for he is | stuffing himself with the seeds of the tall His weeds which he lately swung on. We next hear of him with myriads of _ others, banqueting among the reeds of the Delaware. He has changed his name now; and is no more the Bobolincoln but the reed bird, and is now much sought for by the _ Pennsylvania enicures. flight. Again he wings his The rice swamps of the South invites him _ and he gorges himself among them till he can searcely fly, He once more changes his Name and is now the famous rice bird or melody of the Skylark, as he pitches from beth sia eace the summit of some lofty tree he begins his | song, and as he gets on the wing, flutters | _ tremuously down to the earth in an ecstacy of delight. | dle Atlantic States where THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. 3 | rice bunting of the Carolinas,—the last stage of his career. He is served up, a vaunted dish on the table of some Southern epicure. Such is the story of the once admired Bobolink, the joy of the meadows, and the favorite bird of Spring. The nest of the Bobolink is very hard to find and can only be found by diligent search as it is generally built in a natural cavity on the ground. The eggs being brownish white and cloudedjwith a chocolate brown making the general appearance very dark and are easily overlooked. THE EMU. The Emu, a bird related to the Cassowary It is near- culiar to New Holland. The body is hairy of a mixed brown and gray color, paler on the under parts, the head neck and wings It subsists on vegetables and fruit and is very fleet of foot, but like the Ostrich it is unable to fly and is very wild. It is hunted for its flesh, which is said to have much the flavor of beef. The name is sometimes erroneously applied by the Brazilians to the Rhea or South Ameri- can Ostrich. Pine Siskin. Or Pine Linnet, sometimes called, Pine Finch, and American Siskin, belongs to Canada and is a winter visitant to the Mid- itis seen from Oct. to May 1. Inthe pire forests of Maine it sometimes remains the year round. This Linnet is a vegetarian in the strictest sense, feeding upon the seeds of the large pines, common weeds, grasses, etc. The gullet of this greedy bird, is very large and it some- times puts more grist in the hopper than the gizzard can grind at once. Its color is olive brown above, the whole plumage being yellowish especially the wings and tail. The sexes are much alike in outward appearance. They lay 3 or 4 eggs, which are pale green speckled with brown. 4 THE ‘COLLECTORS’ MONT HEY.’ THE MOCKING BIRD. — [Mimus polyglottus.] -, For the Collectors’ Monthly. The Mocking Bird is a species of Thrush, found in the warm and milder climates of America. This famous bird is about nine inches and a half long, of an ashy gray color above, whitish below and though destitute of brilliant plumage, his form is beautiful, delicate and symmetrical. His motions are easy and} graceful, and his looks full of shrewdness and intelligence. He listens with attention to each passing sound, and imitates with exactness the notes of all the feathered creation. -Whiie thus engaged, it might be supposed that all the assembled birds were making a trial of skill, and so perfect are his imitations that even the Sportsman is at times deceived, and sent in quest of birds that have mo existance a- round. He ism truth the Orpheus of the forest, for however wild and discordant the tones and calls he imitates may be, he blends them all together with such a tender sweet- ness, the orignals, mortified and astonished, withdraw from his presence, or listen in si- lence. He builds his nest ina bush, thicket, or tree, of twigs, leaves and grass, blended with bits of wood, and so careful is he of his young brood that he will attack cats, dogs and men if they approach the nest; but his most deadly enemy is the black snake. soon as this creature is discovered by the male bird he darts upon it, strikes it upon the eyes and head and so unceasing are his efforts that he soon causes his subtile foe to retreat; then, mounting on the the bush which contains the objects of his affection- ate solicitude, he pours forth his loudest song in token of victory. This charming bird is easily tamed, and becomes familiar with his master, playfully attacking him through the bars of his cage. Here, as in his native woods, he is full of life and action, while engaged in song, As | throwing himself about as if keeping time to his melody. It is painful to reflect that blindness often terminates the gay career of this interesting prisoner, and drooping in silent sadness, he dies soon after his mis- fortune. The price given for the Mucking — bird is from five to fifty dollars; and some- times even a hundred have been refused for an extraordinary songster. His nest is built of leaves, grass, twigs and etc. in low trees or bushes. The eggs vary greatly in size and are from .85 x .70 to .g§ x .80, of a bluish green color and have several shades of brown markings upon them. THE GANNET. | The Gannet or Soland Goose is chiefly found in the northern regions of both conti- nents. It is white, marked somewhat with black, and is about two feet six inches long. It dwells in desert and rocky islands in the the sea, in incredible numbers. It is unable to dive, walks with difficulty, is of powerful flight and seldom swims. It hovers over the water for its prey. Thereisa rock called Gannet Rock in the bay of the St. Lawrence, which it frequents in vast numbers, ap- pearing at a distance like masses of snow. - This is the bird whose eggs afford the in- | habitance of St. Kilda their chief support They lay buta single egg. The Jackdaw is a species of crow inhabi- ting Europe, of a black color, and about thirteen inches long. In England, it is of- ten seen around ruinous buildings. It is capable of being tamed, and can articulate some words. It has a turn for theft, and will often secrete money and jewels. » An attempt is being made to propogate Chinese Quail in California, and 600 have been sent to the large ranches in the great valleys. The birds resemble English Snipe | or the American Meadow Lark in size and | color. an RGES AND WARTS. heading we insert exchanges and | ake first-class eggs correctly named “money in payment, Will allow a cent the eggs are worth. No second ipieteleed. No eggs accepted listed less cents each, (Lattins 1890 prices.) Those large number of words send sets if pos- We do not care for notices less than 25 ‘Eggs or money must accompany your d fot see sible pa it n PE So rte N!—Every one who advertises ex- o} wants DY numbers, be sure and state e A. O. U. or WANTED. a Sia from other localities, for Califor- or singles. Send lists ag receive mine, Address, — a x, A SCHNEIDER, ibe alien Park, Cal. iewee pines” second and third-class ee Faultless sets with nests, duck and preads for ae Other curios. ptborough, conscien- ; Address an PEABODY, pariingtos, Kansas, “LOOK | ‘ 2000 qpatage panes to exchange for the of bird skins. WM. BERMAN, ® Los Angeles, Cal. ! “TO EXCHANGE. Ry First-class eggs in sets with full data and nice- ) epared bird skins from this locality for others. L sets of water birds especially desired. Send rs Wes BS im A /ELLNER, 85) w 18th ‘St. ‘ Los Angeles, Cal. WHAT OFFERS ? ee re Cents; date 1851, *56, 44, °28, ww 36, "38, °56, MRS. Ai me “Spa Moaptehoeh Putnam, Conn, WANTED. ater Birds Eggs, Address THIS PAPER. ‘ Buen s numbers | UGal- "| THE COLLECTORS’ MONT HL Y. FIVE VOLUMES | Oliver Optic’s Magazines, handsomely bound and about seventy odd numbers of the Golden Days. What offer? Address L. E. RICHARDSON, North Grosvyenordale, Conn, -eWANTEDD> A copy of Coue’s Key, latest edition, in good condition. Will give good bargain for same in first-class birds eggs in sets and single. JOHN V. CRONE Marathon, Iowa. Have the following TOKENS AND COINS for offers. Bank token of upper Canada, one.half penny, 1852; token of the bank of Montreal, one that is marked ‘‘Ein Krenzar’”’ 1816, and Victoria Dei Gratia, 1853, the other side Britannia Reg. Tid, Def. Bank token half-penny 1837 and two Skillings, date 1842; also Colonies Francaises, five cent 1827, other side marked Charlds X Roi De France, color brass. Address MRS. J.J. RICHARDSON. Padi im, Conn. TO EXCHANGE. The following sets for others or Taxidermists or Oologists instruments and supplies. A. QO. U. No’s 7 1-7..714, 77: 3 3G, 106 1-11, 202 4%, 221, 224%, (incomplete), 263%/, 316%, 387%, 390%, 448 2*5 488% (incomplete), 494 1-5, §0, 506 a, 3-5, 2-4, 540%, $528, 2-4, 50534, 00414, 622 A 1-5, O5244, 70334, O25 1-5. Also a great many singles, including 40 of 305, 2 of 1900 and many others. Write making offers to JOHN V. CRONE, Marathon, Iowa. INS WANTED Eggs of the Wild Goose. Will give good ad- vertising space, Address this Paper. To EXCHANGE. Turtles Eggs at 9 cents each, for Water Birds eggs, send lists to N. D: PRINCE, Danielsonville, Will sell cheap for cash, Conn, _ THE iaeanmea aaa yi MONTHLY. Old issues of United States pos- tage and envelope stamps, high val- ue envelopes any issue, cut square, special delivery department, local and telegraph stamps. A good pho- to Camera and outfit. United States and Foreign copper, silver. nickel and bronze coins, Indian and Mound Builders relics, axes, arrow- heads, etc. Showy minerals and curiosities of any kind suitable for a Public Museum. I offer in exchange first.class de-| sirable Texas eggs. My own col- lecting. Send list of what you have with prices, and receive my egg list in return. Address J. A. SINGLEY Giddings, Texas. eGGSeeseeeseeees In strictly first-class sets of eggs | with full data. NT Soe ee ee re A. O. U. No’s. per eg, |721a 1-7 1-6, $168, .560a 1-4, .05 552a 1-5, -O4 466 I-35 » 20)! ae 447 45 -04, 3874 1-4, .09. 552 I-1 I-t, 2.25: 151 I-5, -40 3375, 1-2, Suey fo 76 1-1, 1.00 683a 1-4, .08 458 1-5 -09 723 E33 oF 430 Or 431 1-2 and nest 2d class .35 When ordering send express or | postal order. Name few substitutes.’ more I will give free a set of 588ar-4. To the fifth order will give a set of 508 1-4. close five cents for postage, etc. Also skins to exchange. Address A. U. NOLTE, | W 16th pincel, los Angeles, No stamps Cal. To the first order of one dollar or’ Orders of less than one dollar, en- — > MontHLY | f ave just read with pleasure, ‘aoa lhe November Punter c sitog of-birds eggs, and, aichaush dea had occured to me as PO * bias where there are so many Leute 5 an =} ia = £ e jon re) iad ~ Bek ry a o re ee ee ~ “go | = > o o gg. GQ: DB \ to me to divapiaaees rather Saat ‘Now he gives the eggs of Wood- Kingfishers and Owls as ex- ae saa being a because in- ) eg 48 MASS. - TAXIDERMIST | Eggs. Manufacturer of the Finest Egg lls ever made, best of steel, engraved handle, Iplated. Embryo hooks and blow pipes the same making a fine set,sent post-paid on receipt of Will allow good exchange for eggs in sets, lass ee full data. ; is Y ae Main Street, _ } ealer in Naturalists’ Supplies, Shells, Bird | prey, eons, Humming-Birds anda large number of Fly-Catchers and other small birds are pure white, or nearly so, although not ‘ in cubated in the dark,” and as to “eggs that are incubated in the dark are white," how about Blue-birds, Chickadees, Wrens, Tit- mice, Nuthatches, Creepers and the Cliff Swallow whose eggs are not white, though laid in the dark. We also find that birds that are dressed alike and nest in very much the same posit- ions, as the Grouse and Woodcock, lay en- tirely differently colored eggs—the Grouse eggs being white, while those of the Wood- cock are spotted. So we have some birds that nest in holes _ | laying white eges, others, in the same po- sition laying spotted or heavily colored eggs, and the same is true of those birds that nest out in the light. In view of the above facts, can we justly assume that the color of an egg is duesto the place in which it is laid ? al- k. B. WwW. LOOK! A large lot of stuffed Woodcock, Hawks, Owls, yull, Quail, Eagles, old and voung, Os- Clapper Rail, Crow, Opossum, Herons, Ducks and many small fancy birds to dispose of cheap. F. THEO, MILLER, Heatbsville, Ka. i THE: COLLECTORS? MONTHE®, a@- Always! kabution this paper when answering advertisement C Oluo. M08 Gud QFin Qj Ha, OUR OFFER, | =ts | Any one who will write an article for the Col- lector’s Monthly, founded on facts, which come under their own observation, and of interest to the student of Natural His- tory, the same to occupy one col- umn or more, will receive this paper one year FREE. We wish to make every is- sue of this paper worth a year’s subscrip- tion, and to do this we want good, reliable, interesting man- uscripts relating to Natural History from all sources and especially from those who have had year’s of experience. and made Natural History a Study. Full name and address must accompany all manuscripts Old Curiesity Shep. A popular journal published in all branches of collecting. Established 1882 and now published by A. Macdonald, Box 1732 San Francisco, Cal. It will be sent you one year for 25c your address on a postal will bring you one sample copy. PORSALE. _ Ten varieties of second class California birds eggs, all good specimens, sent post paid for 25 | cents. Enclose stamps for list of first-class eggs. Fine sets of two eggs and nest of Black-chinned Hummer, post-paid, at 70 cents per set. TE Ie Ike 839 W. 18th St., Los Angeles, Cal. To EXCHANGE, One good Elgin watch, two Flobert rifles, one Pocket rifle, one nickled revolver, two cabinets, ‘five thread cases, Indian clubs, climbers, com- pound microscope, eggs and minerals for Bicycle, printing press, shot gun, repeating rifle; type or Any other food personal property. LETSON BALLIET. Des Moines, Iowa. | at 30e each (60 ct’s cash). A Valuable Curiosity for Goliectors. Don’t miss this opportunity of securing while you can, a 1704 Curicsity. No collector's cabinet iscomplete without it. Only a limited number— we make this offer to any one who will send us two new subscribers for the Collectors’ Monthly We will send as a Our Premium. premium to the sender, a copy of the Boston NEWS — LETTER the first news paper printed in America in April 1704 together, with Antique Curiosities containing a picture of the First Steam Railroad Passenger Train in America, giving the name of engine, the weight, engineer’s name and naies of passengers on board at first trip. Picture of First Steamboat in the world, giving name of inventor and builder and where built. Picture of the First Successful Steam Locomo- tive in the world and name of the inventor. _ A picture of the Old Liberty Bell which in thun- dered peals proclaimed liberty throughout all the land, July 4, 1776. A picture of Independence Hallin 1776. It was from the tower of this edifice that the Liberty Bell first proclaimed a nation free. Picture of the house in which Thomas Jeffersou wrote the Declaration of Independence. Picture of New York city as it appeared in 1650. Think of it, we send all of the above for only two new subscribers (60 cts in cash). Send at once before the supply is exhausted. Address This Paper. ATTENTION! © Something New Life-like hand paintings of birds in oil, size 4x10 incnes; sent by return mail for only so cents, prepaid. I will exchange one painting for every dollars worth of desirable eggs in sets with data, Address J. W. P. Smithwick ‘Sans Souci, N.C. sent with 10 cents to pay postage. a \ ‘vale a x } HE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Devoted to Ornithology, Oology and Natural History. BOTANY. Special to the Collectors’ Monthly. In most papers devoted to the study of natural history Botany is over looked. Especially with young Oologist’s this subject is almost entirely unknown, and I think that most of the older botanist will agree with me that this subject is too often slighted. There are first and second class specimens in this line as well as with eggs, and all collectors should avoid second class specimens. Botany is, as well as Taxidermy, classed with the “Fine Arts’’ but the botanist will find that he cannot dispose of duplicate second class specimens. Second class speci- ‘mens are not five so they cannot be classified with the FINE Arts. In preparing botani- cal specimens two things mst be observed. First, Absolute Correctness in the Scientific names. Second, zeatiess, in pressing, drying and mounting. T find with my experience that the best way to dry specimens is to get two boards 2 feet long by 1 1-4 feet wide and place pieces of blotting paper between, (the blot- ting paper must be nearly the same size as _the boards and can be obtained at most any ‘Insurance office.) News paper will do if blotting paper is not at hand, but this necessi- tates the changing of the paper every day to prevent molding. Now whenyou have ‘“‘run down”’ your plant (i.e., found the name) pin the name to it and lay it between two sheets of the paper, put the top board on and then put a weight on it, care must be used not to crush the plant by putting too heavy a weight upon it. Not over r5 pounds in any |. case. After it has thoroughly dried place it upon prepared paper (11 x 14 inches is the stand- ard size) then carefully trim off the root fibers and branches to accomodate the of the paper. Now don’t glue it onto the paper, but take a sheet of good book paper (never use ruled paper,) and give it a of glue after pinning it to the wall to prevent When thoroughly dry give another size coat curling. coai, and still another this will be enough, now cut it into strips and dampen with tongue,then paste one over each branch and root fiber (never use sticking pastes.) If the rbizoma is too thick it may be flattened with a knife on one side only. If this is of interest to the readers of the Collectors’ Monthly and the publisher will kindly allow me this space again, I will try and give you a few more hints on preserving natures beautiful flowers, also a way to find the names of plants unknown to you, and some collecting experience of my own. LETSON BALLIET. Des Moinies, Iowa. Rirds are the only animals besides man that can be taught distinctly to articulate and utter sentences,which, though «of course not understood by the birds themselves, are none the less surprising to listen to. The best speed of a railway train is only a little more than half the velocity of the gold- en eagle, the flight of which often attains to the rate of 140 miles an hour. Of all birds, the condor mounts highest into the atmosphere. | Humboldt describes the fight of this bird in the Andes to be at least 20,000 feet above the level of the sea. THE: COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. The Collectors’ Monthly. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Ornithology, Oology and Natural History. CHARLES H. p RINCE Editor and Publisher, Dan.elsonville, Conn. (Oem Ake SUBSCRIP TION RATES: Single Subscriptions, : : 2 Z Pace: Foreign se - - - - rzcts extra. Single Copies, : - - - - 3c each. ADVERTISING RATES: One p:ige, one insertion, - $4 00 One Column, one insertion, - - = 2 25 Half Coiumn, one insertion, - : - I 20 One Inch, one insertion, 50 Cash must < accompany all advertisements. Write for special rates on standing advertise- ments. Articles and’ items of interest to the student of Natural History will be thankfully received. kG@>Address all communications to the Editor and Publisher. EDITORIALS. Advertisements and exchanges received to late for this number will appear in our next issue. All advertisements and exchange notices must be in our hands, to insure insertion, by the 2oth of the month previous to our next publication. If those who so kindly favored us with Manuscripts in answer to our offer in the November, No. will accept our thanks we will publish them in regular order as fast as we have room. We shall need to enlarge if Collectors continue to favor us with such interesting and excellent articles as we have lately “Bet good work go on.”’ unexpectedly received. the The Empire State Exchange closes Vol. 1 with the October, No. New features will be added commencing with Vol. 2. We wish if success. Vol. I, No. I, of f the iy. A. Bulletin’”’ is before us in the interest of science and the advancement of the Agassiz association, published by the Bulletin, Publishing Co., with W. A. Crooks as Editor. A good begining Bro. Crooks. Excellent articles to commence the new year, by experienced and advanced Col- lectors. Send in your subscriptions and help us improve the Collectors’ Monthly. Taxidermists to give a life like represen- tation to mounted specimens should pay some attention to artistic mounting. By this is meant the Surrouding of specimens with appropriate accessories, and it is well exemplified by the new work shown in the natural history museum at South Kensington, where for example, birds are arranged as in a State of nature, feeding or flying to their young, sitting on their eggs, swimming in miniature pools, or preening their feathers whilst perched lovingly side by side, and surrounded by exquisitely modeled foliage and flowers. ‘his, with correct modeling of the specimens, indicates the future of the art, the hope of which lies in the better education of taxidermists as designers, artists and modelers. What better Christmas present could you make your collecting friends than a years subscription to this paper, which will be a regular reminder of you, and for your trouble obtain our premium which every collector should have, and no collection is complete without it. lee SPARROW. A Michigan ornithologist has collected enough stories about the English Sparrow to make a book of 400 pages. He finds out that if a single’pair and its progeny were to live ten years their family would number 27 57 1698 3608. A family begins to grow April Ist, and its nest is a regular incubator for six months. He cites a case from which an egg was taken for forty five consecutive days, these facts make it look as if bounty law was rather expensive, but if the Michigan law was repealled it would injure the small boys chance for pocket money. Sparrow Frerp G.— THE COL LECTORS’ MONTHLY. Notes on the Birds of i" Ong | Island. | WITH BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES. BY W. W. WORTHINGTON. The following notes are the results of twelve years jottings in the fields. I am indebted to Mr. A. H. Helme of Millers Place, L. I., for valuable notes, and have drawn from the published records of Mr. Wm. Dutcher of N. Y., to both of whom credit is given in the text. Items of my ex- perience with some of the species in the South it is hoped wii) be found interesting, and the brief descriptions will doubtless be found useful by new beginners, in identify- ing Stas _ The first is the list No. The next that of | the A. O. U., and the one after the name that of the Ridgway Catalogue. The description is supposed to be that of | the adult male. (1) 2. Colymbus Holboellit: Holboell’s Grebe, (‘731.) Above brownlsh black. Topof head and nape black, Primariesashybrown. Secondaries mostly white. Throat and sides of head ashy. Chin, and line under eye, whitish. Front and sides of neck brownish red. Beneath silky white. Bill black, Yellow at base. Iris bright carmine. Length 18 inches. A not un¢ommon winter visitor. In the plumage (lackirg the red neck). Ihave had one specimen in the adult plumage.. Called *“Peggy Loon’’ by local gunners. Some times caught in the fishermens fyke nets, by becoming entangled in the twine while diving after the fish. Like the other members of the Grebe family they are adepts at diving, and are not easily secured unless shot while flying in an exposed position. Breeds in the far North. Nest, a mass of rubbish, floating, among reeds inswamps or marshes. ‘Eggs’ average 2:25 x 1: 30 inches, dull white, soiled surface. (2); 3. Auritus: Horned Grebe, (732.) Crown, checks, throat and ruff, black. valley all a ae Or EXCHANG i. Great Blue Heron. Pe Pied Billed Grebe. 6 | Very fime sets of the Follows, Bald Bagle....0 ccc. $2.50 Era yibe Owl .... Sigs TR Ie with fall at RiP a Barn Owl......--4... Papen cape) Ue, rage b 3 American COOt.......cl.:..c Mes tsee ee BARS cree | 55 o, Loon, ieee Lewis Wood-pecker...... .. bind ARIES 10. \~ a RN i California Thrasher....-.ccccsccece cence eens ey _ Red Throated one Metta ot : Yellow-billed Magpie.......... ant, eR BRASS Fe 2254 : Fr Se Black-billed Magpie....:......6..ceeccceeeeseeeeeeeee EEE SD) Cassin’s 5 yas : } 3 s BTCT CM WM bY oh) ia § WR pinhynr = 2 cer alee ae Plea atee alo pi alee i aS MOLI arG ali nale.d 6 sie ok AEH oh aces dares 05 | F Skua, { : Sooty Tern..-.25...022: ee af peer Ul a Farallone Comorant -70 Long- tailed Jaeger, q We Virginia Rail........ 20 08 Nae APOGEE ue RT ee TY Glaucous Gull, | ; FAS EP QUSE SBI GI 2575 ski sey. Se spe en ae eeen tebe t were Bere Us) P iol Western Kingbird... yi woe | Iceland Gul, California Blue-hird......... } California’ Gull, ‘ Lazuli Bunting................ Tee eee EF ili; G il, Bullocks Oriole::........5.024: 10 | ranklin Western Red Tailed Hawk. bers WI Has a Oe FOI ROT 8 see, sy ee aoe eek a ee 10}. Fulmar : White “Peligants 250. Sct © 3 aipneseea died tion vac eoah Reaas 30 Th : \ American Herring Gullic.cptsreus ots estceestenees 15 | Manx Shearwater, Willow Ptarmigan.......... EERIE Bre de eo ee ST ees a fare Bobwhite, ........0.-.... ..05| . Man O’war Bird, Russet-backed Thrush.. » 10 | ments * : : Orewon. Powhees oc) geen ess cst 25,. Barrows Golden Eye, California Screech ee Libs oD Sa yaestas Nigh Prairie Hene snes ‘Velvet Scoter, Red-shafted Flicker......... Wee ae gx’ Bish OFOW 2 egecnyy py oa : Whooping Swan, ; Limpkin, — 9) es 15 | Curlew, Green- ‘backed Goldfinch... Beech tooth: se Fe av cce te: 087} (joe taki Foreign Eggs. ae i yStercatener, Dipperin woes ESPEN SLANE fs” 2's arte ow aU eG 15 | ry Misael, Dhrush..2)..2.5!l554 eee, iikoocoess se a ieaae 05 | Rock Ptarmigan, Song Thrush...... whi Ndipcloite SeaRROR ES pate Se ee ses aCe ee 05> “n-shin ‘ Black Wird.c oo cj ss k Renee aR “05 | Sharp-shinned Hawk, Hedge Sparrow..........6.--.sc0s J 3 OREN 2 Walp seiey Pare 05 5 PRODI ssid eset dae A MN entoeen rans Blin Fo 05 Golden Eagle, ¢ Wikbthe: Dhiroait sy 3. ei eine teen ada hese ocete 05. | Merlin, ; A oh NRE Preiaie iie aan MaR e eak Sl MA al .04 i , Great Tit...,. 07 + Cirl Bunting... . 510 k Raven, ; Green Minch) e772 hss ce eeeenmcaeaeseane eae te 05 | , Starling ‘08 | Snow Bunting, Rook 2004} ; : = Swallow Ae WOT, Pine Grosbeak, ae ha ee Golden Crowned Kinglet. . nated hg =} 1 We Avena rr an ee ae ak J0 0 SRA at ci fa a ' Send 2 cent stamp for Price List: 3 MU OPT, coos cies eure Seaside, RRR ao cee EL oe MOVE TO OUO eggs in stock. St Black-headed Gull................ oy oats ceva takes ate ote 20 | : Whiskered Gye SRT SUEC I Oe! 30| Awarded silver medals for 188 OMAMON Gay. Ra a aa is seen -20 ROR APA een ok ee Te eta ae 49 | and ’9o0, at Toronto Exhibition, f cS ey . 15 | largest collection of eggs, € Reed Bam bin escola reece eae eae eee .10 Sets with data can be furnished when desired. Address, E. a Rippon, On orders under $1.00 five cents must be added for postage. No stamps taken. } 139 Cu mberland Street, Address all orders to FF. i. CORLESS, | Tillamook, Oregon. ay & al D >. ue) ; > Ve E. M. HAIGHT, Box 24, Riverside, Cal. ‘The allt or! ‘Monthy. A Montiily dine Perot BACB Uke SS ee of Oxnitholony, QOology and Natural History. — CHARLES (-H. PRINCE Editorand Publisher, Dan ,elsonville, Conn. | and taking with | and say, as given i U. tSe sae SUBSCRIPTION RATES: ‘ Single Subscriptions, = - - ~ §- = oc. Foreign - ss - Ws > aes tacts extra.” Single: Copies. cn coe een = 3c each. ADVERTISING | RATES: One p:ge, one insertion, = eras - $4 00 One Column, oneinsertion, |- -— - 225 Half Coiumn, one insertion, — - - - 1 20 One Inch, one insertion, — = = 5 eon Casi: must accompany all advertisements. Write for “Special rates on Standing advertise- ments. Articles and items of igterest to the student of Natural History will be thankfully received. _ &aPAddress all communications to the Editor and Publisher. Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville, Conn., as second class mail matter. SS SSSI 2 TS, CERES ER SE WR EDITORIALS. Advertisements and exchanges received to late for this number will appear in our next issue. All advertisements and exchange notices must be in our hands, to insure insertion, by the 2oth of the month previous to our next publication. We wish our subscribers, and many col- lecting friends, 4 Happy New Year. Subscribers can have sample copies of this paper sent to their personal friends interest- ed in Natural History if they will send us their address, plainly written on a postal card. A typographical error in Red-throated Loon of our last issue, fifth line from bottom, [at the North] should have read at the Mouth. Thirty cents will make you a regular sub- scriber to this paper and give you the privi- lege of 30-words one insertion, in exchange ~olumm | tos secure more el ge re ~ Our Premium n offered i in Dec. No. we s tion. Certainly we that others do n knows something t kno som all sources ‘of new a book or paper without get idea, or suggestion, that wil thinking: or planning. Contributors who so kindly. ae MSS., in answer to our offer wl ich we have withdrawn for the present—accep thanks. Please be. patient, they will appe in due time as we are crowded for. room. contitiue, those wishing to avail them of this golden opportunity should do once. A rare curio sity. A rare oppo a eer Ex-Col. notices we accept eggs. as ae eee for cha a My whole private eiacn of Eggs, skins, et For SAue.- Full price list ‘upon application. All” at very low prices. -Hereis a sample. Sets with data orsingle. Add five cents if ordering less than one dollar. ES = Aretie Pern..:....-.-ies «10 Snake Bird Baldpate........0...... Bells Vireo.. Clapper Rail. CO Ota es cee Ss. Se 20 Am. Osprey........ Lark Sparrow.......... 06 Cardinal............, Golden crowned Thrash nest four eees zane Yellow breasted Chat ‘ _ Blackpoll Warbler | « Swamp Sparrow Sa tr a Tricolered Black-bird, a hive pues Biack Guillemot....... BIRT Oaeae con ood sves sen opie eee American Hening Gull, ssteaees Caspiam Tern:......... Gis... Black Skimmer Great Blue Heron.. Louisiana Heron... Scarlet Tanager... Summer Tanager. Cedar Waxwine.........c..cecee cee White eyed Vireo"*'*'* ‘ American Dipper ..... % isi Rs Cal., Bush Tit, nest five exes Dag ake Rotebctuteiees Blue gray Gnat-catcher, nest five eggs... Purple Gallinule.. Wilsons Plover Prairie Hen........ Audubons Caracara. Chimney Swift......... Chestnut collared Long-spu California Towhee Rose breasted Gro Fred T. Jencks, formerly of Southwick < and Jencks, Drownyille, Be ie ste eeeeeeee ween etn eeeweetececeseeeseee ee THE GOLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Devoted to > Ornithology, Datay and Natural History. Whip-poor-will. (Antrostomus Vociferus.) The Whip-poor-will belongs to the order Macrochires, Family Caprimulgidae, genus Antrostomus. The Whip-poor-will arrives from the sunny South, where he spends the greater portion of his time, about the first week in April. I have however seenhim as early as March 31st, they remain with us until the first part of September; the latest I “ever saw them or heard their familiar notes was Oct. Ist. Family duties do not begin as soon as they arrive as is the case with sume of our feathered friends, but they prefer to wait until the cold mother earth is once thoroughly warmed before they enter into the duties of life. Fresh eggs may be taken in this latitude about May sth to June rsth. The nest if such it may be called is simply a depression between two or more leaves, I | have often read of them laying upon a broad leaf, but I have examined five nests and as ‘yet I have my first to find which was laid on abroad leaf. The eggs are generally two in number, sometimes only one,Eliptical with a ground color of white, they are very hand- ~somely marked with large and small spots of "yellowish brown distributed abundantly ovey the entire surface; deep shell markings are “very prevalent and are of a lilac gray or -avender tints. They avera ge about 1: 12x 85. _ The Whip-poor-will is seldom seen, thus making the villiage or city Orinotholigist and Oologist believe him to be a very rare bird in his locality, but let the city egg crank we are called spend a night or two in the ‘wooded district about the first of May to the ast of August and on moonlight nights 7.we™ 7} = esbeetny will he think they are certainly very common. They frequent upland woods where the timber has grown up very thick and where are occasional old Ihave very often could not distinguish the Whip-poor-will from his near relation the Night Hawk. One remark- able difference is in the Night Hawk the tarsus is not covered with feathers, while that of the Whip- poor-will is feathered the way down to the ankle joint, and again the bill of the Whip-poor-will is said to be nearly as bluntly again as that of the Night Hawk. I cannot say practically as I’ never compared the two together. The Night Hawk may be easily identified by the V shaped white patch on the breast and also by the white spot on each wing which are decayed logs - met persons who all very conspicious when seen flying. The tail of the Whip-poor-will is rounded, while that of the Night Hawk is slightly forked. The Night Hawk also inhabits the Prairie districts while the Whip-poor-will is seldom seen far from wooded districts. I trust the above may be of interest to at leasta few of the readers of this valuable little paper the Collectors’ Monthly. Although the Monthly is inits infancy its Editor of making it a first class journal and let us all help to make it as interesting as any of the more advanced journals whenever we can, by the frequent use of the pen. Yours Oologically, C. B. VANDYCOOK. is desirous Marion Co., Ills. <$3 QOuR OFFER. - To the persons sending us three new yearly subscribers at 30 cents each, (90 cents cash) we will send this paper one year FREE. a Se ee 10 THE COLLECTORS, MON TEE Ye Winter Birds. As winter is now upon us it would not be amiss to write an article touching on our win- ter birds. It is ageneral belief that the woods and fields are in the winter time, devoid of bird life, but, if some enthusiastic collector would brave the cold and start out on a winter expedition through the fields they would find this a very mistaken theory and would be well repaid for their trouble. Of course the birds which were with us in the summer have gone to a warmer climate but those birds which spend the summer in the northern regions fly southward upon the approach of the Arctic winter and make their homes with us during the winter. On traversing the same woods and fields that have been traversed during the summer one can find entirely different birds from any also learn many items of interest concerning birds with which he considers himself well acquainted ; for instance let him come near some swampy woods and he will find the American Gold- finch or yellow bird, (which he supposes migrates in the fall) but with plumage so changed as to be hardly recognizable, being of a dull brown color instead of the buebs yellow which it holds in summer. Another very rare bird which is found in northern states during the winter is the Snowy Owl. He is also found in the west- ern states along the coast. He breeds princi- pally within the Arctic circle and is general- ly found near some body of water, from which he seldom strays... Unlike most of his tribe he hunts by day and may be found in the open fields seated upon agstump or fence watching for mice upon which he feeds. Although an Arctic species this Owl bears confinement well,bu* cannot be tamed. In the dense pine swamps several other varities of Owls are found but the most in- teresting of these is the Saw Whet Owl, which is one of the smallest of the family. This bird is not very common. Its pecular- seen heretofore and can ity is its note which sounds like the filing of a saw. It feeds upon mice and small game. The shrikes or butcher birds are found at this season of the year. This is an extreme- ly enteresting bird and is well worth going miles to see. They are found near clumps of bushes seated upon a branch watching for a victim, which, when caught is impaled upon athorn thus to await the appetite of the cruel marauder. Some call it the nine lifer because of the popular belief that it impales nine victims before it begins its meal. It feeds on mice, moles and smali birds. The Buntings are also quite common and are found in flocks of a dozen to two hun- dred or more. When flying they have the appearance of pure white but the upper part are black: They. are very shy and unap- proachable. Besides these there are many other birds which instead of migrating remain behind and may be found in the warmer and secluded parts of a swamp. Among these are the Golden winged and hairy Wood-pecker, and white bellied nuthatch. Now then, with all this material awaiting us why should we not make tke winter as | well as summer a study time for our great science’ You who have never traversed the woods in winter will find yourselves well repaid for the trouble. FRED G. We are constantly in receipt of flattering testimonials in regard to the make-up of the Colleotors’ Monthly. ‘We hope and intend that the 2000 readers of this paper will get full value for their money. Wedon’t believe in short weights, but like to get what we pay for, and like to give what we are paid for: the Best Paper for the money, devoted to Natural History, published. We will ap- pend only one of the many testimonials we are in receipt of. C. H Prince, Esq., Dear Sir:—I received a copy [ of your paper, the CoLLEcToRs’ MonTauiy, and find it to be one of the BEST papers devoted to Natural History that have come :nder my notice Letson Balliet, Des Moines, lowa My Screech Owls. (Meyascops asio.) BY F. S. NYE. One day last spring as I was returning home from an afternoon’s collecting trip, my path lay through a piece of woods bordering on the shore of a Wisconsin lake, it was growing late, and the fast thickening shad- ows of evening made it quite impossible for me to find my way, Just as I was in the center of the woods I was suddenly startled by the screech of an owl. I stopped and stood looking about me, trying to discern from whence the sound came; and I soon saw a small owl disappear in a hole in an oak tree near by. The hole was about flve feet from the ground; and on going to the tree, I could, with no difficulty whatever, reach my arm into the hole. My hand, on reaching the bottom of the nest, was receiev- ed by a few digs from the owl’s claws; but T soon pulied her out of the nest, thus hav- ing it free to my investigation. It was lined with leaves (they probably being the remains of an old Squirrel’s nest) and a few feathers; and contained four half fledged young, Screeeh Owls that would probably leave the nest in about a week or two. I removed them from it, and took them home; soon after, leaving them to the tender mercies of a noted taxidemist city. The Screech Owl is rather common in my locality; but I have noted it only a few times. They, as arule, nest in hollow trees; and the first eggs are laid about the last of March or the first of April. The number of eges in a set (according to Davie) range usually from four to six, and rarely nine ; they are nearly round in shape; and are pure white, averaging I. 40 by 1.20. in our The Freuch are endeavoring to train swallows, the Germans pigeons and the Russians falcons. Whether the falcons are themselves to convey messages, or are to be used to cut down theswal_ - lows and pigeons while so engaged is not stated THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY i II | Notes on the Birds of Long Island. | WITH BRIEF DISCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES. BY W. W. WORTHINGTON. (9) pr: Orin lomvia. Brunnich’s Murre. (764 a.) | Bill rather short, curved at tip, compress- ed. Above brownrsh black. Tips of second- | aries, and beneath white, as is the throat in winter. Sides under wings with transverse . Strips of ashy brown. Legs and feet greenish brown. Length 17 inches Breeding habits and eggs same as preceding. Rare or irregular winter visitor along the coast. ‘‘Between Jan. 8th and May 24th’’ | 84 I obtained 12 specimens and noted about | 30 additional individuals of this species from | the souch side of L. I. ** * The notes ac- companying the specimens indicate that this is avery uncommon winter visitor to the west end of L. I., and an irregular winter visitor to the extreme eastern portion of the Island ’’* Dutcher. (10) 32. Alcea torda: Razor Billed Auk, (742.) Bill and upper parts black. Beaneath, and tips of secondaries forming a bar across the closed wing, white. Bill compressed, much higher than wide, with a curved line of white crossing both mandibles. Tail pointed. Length 17 inches. A rare winter visitor. A fine specimen of this bird, No 2776 of my record was picked up dead on the shore of Long Island Sound on Jan. 26, 1887 and sent to me to be mount- ed. ‘‘Two or three instance of its occurance in this vicinity’? (Helme). “Jan. rrth, 884 I recieved one from * * Southampton, * * * Feb. 2nd, 1884 I recieved one from Smiths Point, * * * Feb. 6th, 1884 I recieved still another from Southampton, * * * (Dutcher.) All these were found dead upon the beach, and noted as being in very poor condition, as was also the case with my _ specimen, which goes to show that these individuals strageled beyond theirfood supply, and came of grief in consequence. Breeds from the coast of Labrador northward, laying one or 12 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. two eggs, averaging 3: 00 X 2:00 in. among the fissures of the rocks. Eggs are creamy or bluish white, marked with brown and blackish. (11) 34. Alle alle: Dovekie (752.) Small. Above black. Edges of scapulars, tips of secondaries, and under parts white. Bill short, black. Feet reddish. Length 7 M2) i. Not uncommon along the coast in winter Two or three instances of its capture here. IT had one specimen which was caught in a creek at Shelter Island, evidently blown in from sea by a heavy easterly storm. Breeds in the far north, laying one ‘pale bluish egg, in crevices of the rocks. Eggs average 1: See L827. (02) e315: SRUQ: Skua Guill. (696) “Above dark brown, the feathers tipped with gray. Wings chocolate brown, with their shafts and basal parts white. Tail dark brown, white at base. Beneath dark gray- ish brown. Bill, legs, and feet black. The ' central tail feather extend beyond the others Length 22in. Bill 2: 50. his species has rarely been obtained in the United States’’ (Baird). Megalestris Extremely rare straggler in winter. ‘‘Mr. M. F. King, one of the crew of the Life. Saving Station at Amaganset, Suffolk Co., sent to me, in the flesh a specimen of this species. He informed me that he found the bird March 17, ’86 ina large piece of ice, which had formed on the meadow back of the beach, He also stated that Jan. 9th the tides were exceedingly high, by reason of a very severe N, H. storm and gale of wind. He thought the bird probably died near the shore and was driven by the very voilent surf and wind to where it was found. The high tide was followed immediately by very cold weather which encased the bird in its icy tomb, thus preserving it until found aid permitting a new record for Long Island and the third and most southern one for North America. Mr. King, further stated that no ice was driven on the beach during the past winter, therefore the bird must have died while on or near the beach. It is prob- able that it died of starvation as it was very . much emaciated. The sex could not be determined as the viscera had begun to decompose’’ (Dutcher). Breeds in the far north, laying two or three eggs of an olive or drab, with brown and chocolate markings, in a shallow nest on the ground. 36. Stercorarius pomarinus: (13) Pomarine Jaeger (697,) Above blackish brown. Throat and under parts white. A band of brown spots across upper part of breast. Sides and back of neck bright yellow. Shafts of quills white. The middle tail feathers extend beyond the others 2 inches. Length 20 in. Probably a very rare straggler in winter. Breeds in Greenland. Habits and eggs similar to preceding. Stercorarius parasiticus: (14) 37. Parasitic Jaeger. (698.) *‘Above blackish brown, darkest on wings and tail. Shafts of primaries white. Nape and sides of neck yeliowish white. Beneath with. Bill and feet black the former bluish at base. Centeral tail feathers extend beyond the others about 3 in. Length 21 inches. Breeds in the far north. About the roth, of Sept. 1882 they were common in this part of the Sound. I shot a malefabout this time. At the present time (Aug. 25, 83) Jaegers are reported to be occasionally seen from Stratford Shoal Light House. I saw several there Aug: 16th and 17th, (’83.) I have also seen them at other times but was unable to tell which species they were. Sometimes they are not un- common late autumn visitors at the time when the Terns are moving South”’ (Helme). er ee — - VV anted. Will exchange sets of the following, for a good ~ cabinet: Ridgways Numbers., 382, 395, 396, exchanges" and : poet named — 402, 402 b, 408, 420, 423, 436b, ete. Send full 0. E. CROOKER. Will allow a | description. Address, a fisted less _ 621 Francis St., Madison, Wis. es FOR SALE, A collection of over 200, first and some second | class specimens, from this locality, many of which are catalogued at over 25 ¢., for $2.50, sent post paid, No. stamps. A. W- NOLTE. _W. 16th n St., | Los Angeles, ( Cal. NOTICE. |. Specimens and supplies of all kinds to ex- ie i ehange for such specimens as we can use, and any ( lis, Indian and | kind of personal property, Send stamps for list. ens. Stamps, | All letters answered. Cabinets made to order. 1nd Confederate | Letson, Balliet, Des Moines, lowa, Note. We will ‘ obtain a specimen for a patron if not in stock. i} ald 2th ad. WANTED. The following single eggs, Ridgways numb&s. 38-58-4-55 58-76-77-79-S1-85-86 a-94 96, 114, 116, 117, 119, 121, 125, 125, 127, 236, 266, 268, 290a, 299 b, | 290, 291, 292, 296, 313, 328, 353, 397, 397 a, 405 a, 41, 412b, 418, 417, 423, 427, 451, 452, 469, 470a, 471, 472, 500, 508, 505, 509. 513, 517, 519, 520a. 521, 523, 524, 528, 529, 580, 541. a, 543, 546, 547, 554, 563, 564, 565, 556, 581, 586, 588, 593 a, 594, 595, 598, 618, 619, 620, 627, 627 a, 639, 654. 655, 657, 658, 664. 666, 968, 679, 680, 694, 696, 702, 7I1, 712, 736, 752. Can offer sets of 35, 41 b, 145, 207, 238 a, 287, 300, 325a, 336 and nest, 402, 484, 436, 646a, 661, 667, 699, 751, and many others. ARTHUR. E. PRICE. Grant Park, Ill. Gollectors’ Exchange. ‘First-class skins with, W. M. BERMAN. 1050 Ingraham St. Los Angeles. Cal. NOTICE. Will give first or second class eggs for a rifle, smooth bore between, 44 and 50 Gauge. Make offers at once. O. F. ZAHN. at, ‘S$. Hope St. Los Angeles, Cal. advertises ex- epic and state | | EXCHANGE _ if : ] ections, including \ me Send Mand ‘ee press. rice and size of Chase. «EL RAUBE. The Agassiz Association Bulletin. A Monthly Magazine which contains all the latest Agassiz Associatioa and scientific news, and fresh articles by - well known writers on Botany, Zoology, Entomology, Orinithology, Oology etc. Numbers from 1 to 40 except 4,6, 13.and ge for other egg cheap for cash. _ W. B. PORTER. Ils. ; few sets with data of the followin,e it over from last season, which I-desire to ex- ange for sets of any of ‘the Gulls, Terns, Hawks Jwis: Ridg’s No’s. 27, 36, 53, 148, oar 82. ete. ill send a list of common. varieties, if desired- stamps. What have you to offer? Corre ndence. solicited, Address, — 70. 5 E.SCROOKER. om Pramcis St., EMadisons Wis. Subscription 35 cents per year. with Vol 4. Oologists’ Exchange asa pre mium, Advertising rates on application. Sample copy free. BULLETIN PUB. CO., Gilman Ill. 4 oo es 2 rh I offer the following eges trom my private collection. Seles of theres are Foxconn rare and ae sirabie, and collectors will do well to fill up the gaps in their collections, at once as I have but few vot - them. 5 gee ier x ‘ Ridgways Numbers. a sialecssepesestisis 40 SAAS pebeeaeepy UG: cia teeectacs cac< ettacatecabeae vgs -5b Hermit Thrush¥...........00...5... a 9 Varied Thrash ygin, occcicee~ ia tecen sos e+ ese-gvenecstvens Ser 417 Pigeon Hawk....... iéa Lecontes Thrasherlg, 44. \.......0...:sccsceenees 428 Mississippi Kite 1-1 - 19 Arm. Water: Oucel yan aii, cage csate can ns-occsceaanens 447 Am. Rough-leg Hawk}é............. ri 20 Blue-throated W ablerl-5,................-.:c000000- “0 | 448 Ferruginous Bone fee's: ncetosvounaeaw’ 26 Black-crested Flycatcher¥...............-.-. + So 449 Golden Eagle%, 1-1. 34. Kennicotts Wabler 1-5.....0.0..........c..ceceeeeeee 00 | 451 Bald Eagle. 1-1....... ye hal RES Sale eee aes aya 471 Dusky Grouse 1-7.. : 36 Tufted Titmousel-6 ....... diesgetgeyesonrse-encesneree 35 | 47la Sooty GrousetQy.s.....c.-.ccceeee ceeee 38 Plain Titmouse 1-6...0.. 2 iveee nce. eee ee ensae eee .45 | 475 Rock Ptarmigan 1-1 51a Slender-billed Nuthatch 1. LE BRR a .60 | 479 Sage Cock 1-7, %. 84 Pigmy Nutiepenyg oii. oo. Seis. .0 eee ick eseenenscs .55 | 486 Great White Heron¥................ 55 Brown Creeper 1-5............ ARERR pe tee .70 | 5386 Bonaparte Sandpiper...........-.-.0-.. : .60 | 548 Nellow legs 12-2 < $7 St. Lucus Cactus Wrent,” 81 Golden-winged Warbleri.... I4la Cassins Vireo% 147 Day Vireo™............. 0.02 ... .60-| 564 Black-necked Stil 150 Bohemian Wax-wing'.......0..02........c.00. 1.40 | 585. Hancneet eke See 168 Hepatic Tamager'4.....6...6....6.. woes 1.25 | 598a Am. Whitedronted’ Goose 186 Snow Bunting 1-5, 1-6 .. 0.3.0... ee .50 | 594a Hutchins Goose 1-7 224 Black-throated Semrerys K 603 Florida Duck.. on 934 Lincoln's: Finch 4 .l. ccs ibsece..-ecieseceeeeenees 604 Gadwall 1-6....... te 238b Oregon Towhee 1-5 : 608 Shoveller 1-10...... 240 Cali Wowhee 1-6. 2. i.ccccnicsencece co -ncecccans .... e60.| 619 Barrows Golden Bye 1-5... 280° Ams SRVOUIh Sc. se eases, noe oo ~ 622 Harlequin Duck, Yen. ese 282b Northwestern Fish Creqi- 629 King Eider4......cy00...+- 291 | BYORI S, Say Yann sis aes evans ews cc ek sacceae 3 630 Am. Scoter\....... Bigawikcco 335 Ruby -throated ‘Humming bird n-2.. -60 | 636 Am. Sheldrake 1-6...+...... 337 Costa’s Humming bird * 33 ARs ate .90 | 658a Pacific Kittiwa’ GSE Pear WHI ees, tededs Bete Sa caweriaeans 2.00 | 659 Red-legged Kittiy akels... 363 Texan Sapsuckerl4, 14... ices cee lecceceeee eee 1.00 | 661 Iceland Gulla. % 366 White-headed Woonresiey | SRR 1.25 | 665 Siberian Gull%... 374 Gila Woodpecker'¥4, 1-5...2......... cece. eceee eee eet .80 | 674 Franklins Gulii<, 383 Texan Kingfisher¥4, 1-8...........ccceceeceee eee 1.00 | 692 Bridled Tern 1-1..., 406 Snowy Owl 1-6........00..0.. Sipe as Siar ea 2.50 | 705a Pacific Fulmer b Address, F. T. PEG BER, Granville, Yon 2. pa The Collectors’ Monthly. A Few Bixceptions 3 Under vie title of Birds Nests and Eggs, nd in the November Monthly, Fred G. states that “birds breeding in opal or dark - places lay white eggs.” The writer evidently forgot to take into consider- ‘ation the Great Crested Flycatchers, the uthatches, the Titmice, the Chickadees, some of the Wrens, the Blue birds and numerous other species, which “nest in h oles or dark places.’’ Now, considering he reason given for this statement, that the eggs are white, because “Nature does Caro phe take the trouble to waste her pager ae he aie m nanan isnot needed : “hs the ease of the eggs of the Dove, the 3 Kia dh collector of specimens in Natural skate. | Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to make | up in first-class shape, and sell cheaper than the | 8 me grade of skins can be bought from any dealer, | is Send stamp for list of skins and eggs. I offerwith es yactn: — Peat ndence desired with collectors in any Q PN atural History, who desire honest spe- | | cimens at honest prices, Dantevsonvite, Conn., FEBRUARY, 1891. Ample reference if de- iy ’ Monthly. Mies: THOSE INTERESTED UN NATURAL HISTORY. 1891. No. 2 ceptions to the rule, than there are cases where the rulo applies, then the rule is invalid. The reasoning employed is inductive, ‘but ‘the fallacy has arisen from the author’s putting non Causa pro causa; that is, he has assigned an effect to a cause which did not exist. I will not attempt to state the reason for the different coloring of birds-eggs, for Ido not think science has yet reached the point wheresuch a diseovery can be made. ALBERT GARRET. We congratulate Mr. Crooks in the new work he is now undertaking, and we feel sure that he will make his work a success. We, as Collectors’ are greatly in need of a complete, authentic Directory in order that we may know in what part of the field to find our friend Collectors’. Send your address which will be inserted free, to W. A. CROOKS, Gillman, Il. Fine Stamps on approval at. 50 per cent discount, sent to responsible parties. TI also have For Sale Cheap Birds Eggs, Skins, Shells, Insects, Minerals, Indian Relies, Coins, Confederate Money, Relics and Curiosi- ties in great variety. Illus- trated catalogue free. E. M. HAIGHT, Box 24, Riverside, Cal. THE “at lep pea a MONTHLY. AB Ae ree ee ee a — The Collectors wibidee |e... Prince. Clinton, Ark. aint fo Soles oC Natural ee Collectors Monte was duly een CHARLES H. PRINCE and I feel it my duty tocongratulateyou Editor and Publisher, Dan.elsonville, Conn. in your success. Itis nice and neat, and UZ-S: 285 of excellent reading matter, it is sure of © | success and is well worthits price. I wish SUBSCRIPTION RATES: te oo tyes = to be placed on your subscription list. Single Subscriptions, = BRIS = . -~) 20e Sei 3 . 2 SS Ace tee Sad arate T enclose a short article for publication — Single Copies, - - - - - 3c each. | Lit proves acceptable. Will do what I ADVERTISING RATES: | can towards getting subscribers, for I oo such a paper of value to any — One p:tge, one insertion, = = : - $4 00 eae cateei oe ekestion, Ret ea se oe collector. Very Truly Yours. Half Coiumn, one insertion, - - - I 20 ae One Inch, one insertion, - - 50 C. E. Pieas. Casa must accompany all sdgeriaem ents: | Write for sopra rates on standing advertise- ments. 5 | have back numbers of the ‘‘Oologist’s Articles and items of interest in any branch of Advertiser” as a premium. Natural History solicited for publication. parr B@-Address all communications to the Editor| Arthur’s Home Magazine offers as an and Publisher. indacement for new subscribers for the year 1891, four new names one year Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville, $5. 00 or ce $2. 00 Gash (New names) the Cozn., as second class mail matter. > of Charles Dickens works. The books Home Magazine and a set of 12 volumes: All persons subscribing this month can — JOTTINGS. are of the Lesiure Hours series and areof — the size of the Seaside and other similar ; We solicit subscribtions at thir ty cents | Libraries, the twelve volumes contain — per year, for the benifit of this paper and | the following world famous works, each — enlargement in the near future. | one of which is published complete, un- We can only judge by what subscribers tield, Martin Chuzzlewit, Nicholas Nick- say regarding tha value of the Collectors | the opinion of another. peat is your | Stories, Oliver Twist and great Expec- opinion of it? tations, the Old Curiosity Shop and the ae Uncommer cial Traveler, a Tale of Two Giddings, Texas. ) Cities, Hard Times and the Mystery of Mr. C. H. Prince, commences its fortieth year of continuous Dear Str:—I have recieved three copies | Edwin Drood. Arthur’s Home Magazine, — | changed and unabridged. David Copper-— elby, Dombey & Son, Bleak House, Little — M F d, Pickwick — . Monthly: Here’s the decision of one and | ae Se Mo Cee ; publication and is a Monthly of dis- — of your little Journal and find it equal tinguished literary excelence. Inaddition — | to a liberal supply of stories, are choice te many that 1 have pal, double ats selections intended for special didactic amount for. The reading matter is new, | reading. We would recommend to all © and the exchange column is as good as those wishing to subscribe for an honest any in the Union and superior to a great | clean Monthly Magazine, to snbscribefor many. Hoping that you may have enough subscribers to warrant its enlarge ment next Vol. : Remain, Sala Oologically, E. A. RAUBE. more explicit particulars write is TT 8S. Arthur & Son Publishers. Box 913, Philadelphia, Penn. Arthur's Home Magazine ior 1891— — whether wishing premium or not—for — HE GOLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Devoted to OmfuEboloay: Oology ay Natubal History. The Nests and Habits of the lin the young fir timber on the foot hills al- Oregon Grouse. Bonasa umbellus sabini. |For the Collectors Monthly.] The adult specimens of these birds are of a dusky or slate blue color. The tail is tip- ed with two bands on the extremity of the tail feathers, the outer band is of a light grey ashy color while the inner band is pure black and about 3-4 of an inch in width. Over the eyes are two semi-circular watiles of bright yellow, extending from the base of the upper mandible back of the eye about 3-8 of an inch having a soft velvety appearance. The feath- ers of these birds are much lighter during the summer, changing from blue to greyish brown. The nests of this species are always placed on the ground in a shallow depres- sion in the earth which is roughly lined with grass and surrounded with straws and a few sticks. The nests are rather a crude affair at best, ‘and are generally placed in old clearings, where wild pea vine or timothy has grown up or been sown; thus giving their nest’s and young better protection from their most dreaded enemies; Hawks and the common skunk. Their eggs are considerably less than those of the-domestic fowl and are of a creamy white spotted with light brown blotches with the spots more thick at the base than the apex of the egg. The number of eggs in a set as arule range from 10 to 16 although I have taken sets of only 4 and 5 eggs. In the summer these birds live on grain and can always be found around wheat fields. When the fall rains set in they seek the foot hills and in early winter begin to go to roost ways selecting a thick grove on a high knoll well protected from high winds. Their win- ter food is principally young fir buds which they crop from the trees in which they roost The first few warm days in the spring the males begin to hoot and continue to do so until late in the summer. Most of the hoot- ers select very large fir trees at this time of the year and sit very high up when hooting. Their neck skin becomes covered with yel- low spots resembling small blisters while hooting and when hooting can be distended until their necks are as large as a mans arm. The old males call is rather hard to imitate; on paper at least, and consists of 4 or 5 hoots in quick sucession. The female utters only one cry in the breeding season which con- sists of one long drawn plaintive hoot. The courtship of these birds is something very amusing and interesting also for the reason that few collectors can claim the honor and pleasure of witnessing this strange spectacle. I once had the pleasure of witnessing part of a grouse courtship. I had been out “hunting one day last spring until about 4 o’clock in the afternoon and had paused to rest on an old oak log near a little glade in the timber. I had perhaps been seated five minutes, when I was disturbed by the flutter of wings, and glancing behind me I saw to my surprise an old “hooter’’ with his tail spread in all the splendor of an old male turkey, his wings draging along among the dry leaves not 30 feet away from me, cutting a big circle around his mate who stood gazing at him in ameekand apparently admiring frame of mind. At the end of each semicircle the old fellow would spin around like a top producing a sound similar to that of a strut- ting turkey. This continued for some minutes, the hen cackling all] the time while the male would stop and hoot occasionally. Finally my dog burst through the bushes and both birds taking fright at the intruder sailed away out of sight. Ciay McNaMEE. Moscow, Idaho. 14 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY: The Turkey Buzzard. For the Collectors Monthly. The Turkey Vulture is deserving of our greatest praise and protection, for no other bird renders such invaluable and immediate service as does the Buzzard. Other birds destroy insects which may injure our crops, they also destroy those which do no harm as well as those that are a benifit to us, besides charging ‘‘toll” from the crop itself, We can live without gay plumage, we can live without their song, but when we come to consider health as a factor of our existance we must not fail to vote the Vulture as our most valuable bird, The Zzrkey Vulture is more attentive to its duty than the other Species, but its great numbers, vast region of extent and its seeming fearlessness enable it to secure the greater portion of food, and not even the dead rat in the barnyard is allowed to escape notice. Its God given powers enable it to subsist upon that, which is not only noxious to our external senses, but is poison and disease to our systems. Endowed with the keenest scent and the sharpest eye the Buzzard is ever ready and anxious to remove the decaying carcasses from the fields. We cannot comprehend their value to us, but we do know that their’s is a welcome mission, which promotes our better health, and health means wealth and happiness. The Buzzard is the most widely distributed of any of the family, (also the most numerous) and, perhaps of any of our birds. Its range extends over the whole of the U. S., Southern Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the greater part of South America. It is most abundant in the warmer portion of the continent; the farther south one goes, the greater the need, and here they are found soaring by hundreds, in company with their near relatives, the Black Vulture, or Carrion Crow. The-two are often mistaken for each other, though a-.second look is sufficient to determine their difference. The Buzzard is l ofa dirty brown color, with long, bent wings and divergent quills at the ends, and takes two or three long sweeping strokes of the wings, while the Carrion Crow is black, has short straight, round ended wings and flies heavily, making about six short, quick strokes in rapid succession, and repeated often, whereas the Buzzard may sail for hours, with perhaps, only now and then a single wave of the wings. Whenseen closer, the Buzzard has a red head and neck similar to acommon turkey’s (hence the name), and the Carrion Crow is black. When anywhere but in the sky overhead, the Buzzard seems to be out of his realm, away from home. Heis awkward, clumsy, filthy and unsightly. But let him stretch his powerful wings out over the fields, and he at once becomes the most graceful bird of the air, sailing, and rocking, as it were, on the billows of the sky. Other birds (suchas the Hawks), feeling a sense of pride, mount into the heavens to try their skill at soaring, but fall far short of the Buzzard’s standard of excellence,and presently drop into the forests below. The very nature of the Buzzard’s occupa- tion, or manner of subsistence, often re- quires him to go hungry (for he is wont to kill), and consequently, when he does find food, gorges himself till unable to fly. If disturbed he will disgorge his meal to make safe his escape. I have no authentic record of ones ever attacking a life animal, though they sometimes hover over a dying beast till life is extinct, rather then eat the flesh of a living being. Like other American Vultures he has no voice, but only hisses like a goose or setting turkey. The muscles of the wings, like those of most other sailing birds, are so arranged that when the wings are spread, it requires no effort on the part of the bird, to keep them thus, and it can soar all day without tireing. It’s extreme lightness also aids much to easy flight, its body being even smaller than that of the Carrion Crow. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. It often breeds in communities, but more | commonly in pairs, selecting, as a building sight, some rocky cliff, hollow log or stump, acavity ina tree, a cave or even the bare ground. In trees, the eggs are deposited on the bo#tom, even if it be hollow clear to the ground. Considerable noise is occasioned in going in and out, by the wings, raking against the sides of the tree,and is sometimes heard for nearly half a mile. For three sea- sons I have visited what is known here as “Buzzards cave,’’? in the hopes of securing a set of eggs ofa pair that usually breed there. I finally concluded that they knew my errand, and quit going so regular. One day, as I strolled by, I saw two full-fledged young sitting in the eutrance sunning. On my ap- pearance, they turned and scampered to its remotest ends and tucked their heads in crevices of the rocks. This year I was awarded for my patience, by a handsomely marked set of two eggs, which further testi- fy to the theory that the eggs are laidin pairs that will hatch male and female, that the two are not the same general shape, or of the same general markings. One is a ‘‘roos- ter egg,’’ not laid by the rooster, but will hatch out to be one, and is longer than the other, and has a predominance of the dark brown markings, aggregated near the larger end; while the “hen egg’’ is shorter, more pointed, has fewer brown blotches and more of the concealed or lilac color, and more evenly distributed over the whole egg. ~ Now I will not vouch for the truth in this part of my letter, but it is my candid opinion, and as far as my experience goes, the rule holds goods. I would be glad to hear from other observers on this point. _ The young of the Buzzard, and also the | “Squobs”’ of the Carrion Crow are pure | white, in the down, not a dingy yellow, but -as clean looking as the driven snow. It is /interesting to watch them as they grow, and ‘the black quills appearing one by one, in rows, till the beautiful down has disappear- | ed, and oursquab isa ragged, dingy Buzzard. | It is several months before the young leave the nest. They are loth to be intruded up- ‘on, and emit the already decayed carrion in self-defense, and to the disgust of the in- _truders. | Two eggs generally constitute a clutch,and are too well described in books to need men- tion here. | Begging tobe excused for being so lengthy ! ‘in any remarks. I remain, Very respectfully yours, CUE, BLEAS, Clinton, Ark. l Notes on the Birds of Long Island. WITH BRIEF DISCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES. BY W. W. WORTHINGTON. (15) 38. Stercorarius longicaudus: Long-tailed Jaeger. (699.) Above blackish gray. The lores, crown nape, wing quills, tail and feet are black. Beneath white, with a tinge of yellow on breast. The two central tail feathers extend beyond the others six inches or more, and taper to a point. Length 20 in. A rare winter visitor along the coast. This family of birds are parasitic in habits, and may be seen attentively watching the Gulls, and when one is seen to secure a morsel of food the Jaeger immediately starts in pursuit, often obliging the Gull to disgorge, when the Jaeger will instantly swoop down and catch the food before I have the species nuw under consideration following up their trade along the coast of South Caro- lina in which instances the Herring Gulls were the victims of their piracy. Both species frequently came within easy gun-shot of the steamer. it sinks. seen (16) go. Rissa tridactyla: Kittiwake Gull, (658.) Above silvery gray. Wings tipped with black. Head, neck, and under parts white. Legs and feet black. Bill yellow. Iris ced- dish brown. . Length 17 inches. A regular migrant but not very common. A fine specimen in my cabinet was shot at Ram Island Shoals. They sometimes travel in company with flocks of Bonapartes Gulls, but are somewhat shy compared with that species. Breeds on the coasts of Northern New England, and northward; nests of sea- weeds and grasses on rocky cliffs. Eggs 2 or 3, yellowish buff, or grayish, spotted with browns, and lilac, and average 2 1-4 x 1.61 inches. 16 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY My Experience with the Birds of South Florida. (For the Collectors Monthly.) Having taken the ‘‘bird’s-egg craze,’’(asit is called by some) when a boy and living in this, my native State (Tennessee), I was not able with any ease at that age to prepare and arrange in my cabinet what poor speci- mens I could obtain, but having had more experience, I determined to make it a study instead of simply a robbery of the birds. After taking the ‘‘craze’’ and partially encouraged by the delightful experiences of collectors, of which I read in the neat, little periodical published by Frank H. Lattin called the ‘‘Young Oologist,’’ I set about real business in collecting eggs. So in the early spring I was in the field one beautiful day, and my first find was a handsome set of two eggs of the Turkey Vulture and this find greatly encouraged me as it would any boy. The nest was situated in a hollow tree very near the ground. The eggs were per- fectly fresh and beautifully blotched wtth a rich brown, I did not take the measurements in those young days, so I never obtained the exact measurements of any of my eggs comprising my first collection. Well I will procede with my subject. It was in the year 1880 that I left this “‘garden spot of the world’’, in company with my father who was a consumptive, and went to the ‘‘Land of Flowers and tropical scenery.’’ After having gotten my father comfortably fixed, I devoted all my time in spring to-the birds. And when not in that occupation, I was gunning the Ducks (which are very plentiful at certain seasons of the year) or chasing the ‘Finny Beings’? over a beautiful sheet of water 2 miles wide by 3 1-2 long on which our place was. We were situated 2 1-2 miles South of the city of Orlando in the center of the orange-producing regions, anda more delightful country was never visited by mortal man. Well the spring came at last and the birds were simply too numerous to mention. My first take was a set of 3 eggs of the Sparrow Hawk. The nest was situated in an old, dead pine tree about 15 feet from the ground. The old bird was on the nest when I reached the hole with the aid of my climbers, and she “put up’? a good fight, and it was not until I had had my hands skinned in several places by trying to catch her, that I succeed- ed in obtaining the set, which is by far the most exquisite I have in my cabinet. Ikept the old bird in confinement for several days, but at last she died possibly scared to death by prowling cats, in which Florada is said to abound, especially in Orange Co. I took this set of eggs Feb. 23, 1881, I never had the luck to find any other rare species for several days or probably a week. Finally I met with an old friend who proposed that we go insearch of “Crane’s eggs,’’ as he called them, meaning many species of the ‘‘Heron’? family. So I jumped at the ‘chance, as I had not been able to locate their breeding places with my scanty knowl- edge of the surrounding country. Soon the morning of the 8th of March 1881, we set out with all tools and baskets necessary for col- lecting a large quantity of eggs of the “‘Her- ons.’’? We arrived at thespot (about 5 miles from any residence) where there was a large swamp covered with a very heavy growth of under-brush. The birds arose and flew from us in all directions. In my excitement I shot into the flock, which was not more than 20 feet over-head and accidently killeda beautiful specimen of the ‘‘Snowy Egret” which I have mounted to this day. Then armed with rubber-hip boots, we proceded into the marsh. The nests were placed very thickly all over the surface of the marsh and I never hadas much sport (if that it might be called) collecting eggs in my life. We took 46 sets of the ‘‘Little Blue Heron,”’ 22 of the “Great Blue,’’? 16 of the ‘Snake Bird,” 29 of the ‘‘Snowy Hgret,’’ and 6 sets of some species of Duck, with which I was not fami- liar at that time. But the eggs were much smaller than those of the domes- ticated duck and of a deeper blue color. It was about 11 o’clock when we left the swamp and as we were very hungry we made quick time for home, feeling greatly rewarded for our journey. as almost every collector is familiar with both the habits and eggs of this species of water fowl. I have now taken up ‘to much time wtih this, so I will close my experiences for this time, hoping that some less experienced collector may be benefitted bythem. If I can be of any help to any reader of this, I am at his command. A. L. CHILDRESS, P. O. Box 59. Decherd, Tenn. I have not described the eggs, | Ne av . net VJ ANGES AND WARTS. er this heading we insert exchanges and rants, and accept first-class eggs correctly named ith data or money in payment. Will allow a rord {or every cent the eggs are worth. No second ss eggs received. No eggs accepted listed less liiteen cents each. Those having a_large ber of words send sets it possible. We do cate for notices less than 25 words. Eggs money must accompany your notice. _ ATTENTION !—Every one who advertises ex- ‘changes or wants by numbers, be sure and state ether itis the A. O. U. or Ridgway’s numbers VOU Use. WANTED. Orignal setsfrom other localities, fur California ets or singles. Send listand receive mine. Singles ‘sale at one-half rates, and less. Address, Meher __F. A, SCHNEIDER, Jr., llege Park, Santa Clara Co., Cal. ‘One hundred and seventy-five Dawn se SCAM pS is and curiosity papers, all different, a $2.50 t’s International albumin good condition,$2.00 rare stamps, and one first-class set of three f£ Red-tailed Hawk to exchange for Indian 3s or first-class egg's in sets with full data. ee BAO ACE CHAS. R. KEYES, oe To EXCHANGE .00 worth of single eggs (first class) for an y knapsack or 44 cal. c. fire, Remington Revol- | ver or packed arenoid Barometer registering 10,000 y HENRY HALL, Vernon, Iowa. _ swell, Lowa. S paper one year with privilege of 30 words is column one insertion for thirty cents. - EXCHANGE NOTICE. have 23 No’s. of Golden Argosy trom 288 to 312 Sive and 28 No’s of Argosy from 313 to 340 in- e, which | willexchange for best offer of sea- S eggs in sets with data or will sell for $3.00. ) 7 1-3, 106 2.1, 467 2-4: ; B. G. WILLARD, __New Castle, Maine. CARUS TéN CENTS EACH. .verage size 18 x 24, 2c stamps taken onl for , 7 for soc. - Albatross,Bobolink i ries she for, Cookoo, Owl, Pelican, Night Hawk, Flam ingo. Heron. L. E. RICHARDSON, North _Grosvenordale, Conn. TO EXCHANGE. oy Singles of Birds eggs value at $8.50 and sets of i 1 A.O,U tor iffe or other EE UY Rea ayer J. COLBY BASSETT. Winslow, Kennebec Co., Muine. _ Wanted to exchange with all collectors this | Coming season first class sets with full data of both ‘American and Foreign eggs. receive mine. C.W. CRANDALL. Woodside, Orleans, Co., N. Y. Kindly send lists. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Be SE A ee eae ee ee) BIRD’S EGGS. Skins, Shells, Minerals, Fossils, Bay Indian and War Relics, Coins, Medels, Tokens, Stamps, Colonial, Continental, United States and Confederate Money, State Notes, Broken Bank Bills, Curiosities, etc., for same, E. M. HAIGHT, Box 24, Riverside, Cal. WANTED. Double barrel shot gun, breech loader prefered Colt, Remington or Smith and Wesson’s revolver, Winchester rifle or other good make, repeating pre- ferred. Will pay cash if cheap, or give good ex- change in first-class sets of BIRDS eggs, Books, Watch and many other articles, or will sell for cash, : C. BYRON VANDYCOOK, Box 113, Odin, Ills. ; To EXCHANGE. Infertile eggs of domesticated wood ducks, man- darines, teal and pintails to exchange for live wild ducks or fertile eggs. Don’t want egg shells of any kind. FRED MATHER, Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y. For Exchange. Following sets, Ridg’s. No’s. 15, 135, 1498, _— 286, 387, 408, 463, 464, 565, 572, 666a, 674, 723, 733, 751, 700. Also the best tanning process for tur skins in use and pattern for mittens for $1.50 worth of first-class sets at Lattins 18go list, send list of sets, A. E. Kibbe, Mayville, N. Y. - Wanted. Names for my new directory, greatest ever com- piled. Notice “ad” in another column, Send your hame on a postal stating in what column you wish it put. Give name and address plainly written on a postal to, JAMES HILL, Sox 125, Edinburgh. Ills. For Exchange. Single Ridgway’s Numbers. 679; 733) 442, 431 7432, 385, 669, 6So, 673, 161, 494, 494, 690, 494, 690, 499, O41, 477+ 490, 493, 763, OSS, 57% 286, 555,516, 379, 591, 742, 733% 11, 69, 395, and many others for any sets. Owls, Hawks, Woodpeckers, Terns, Gulls, or any number from 500 to 725. I will exchange the above at 2-3 rates for any thing I chave named. Or at4y-5 rates for most any other set. Everything must be complete set furnished with complete data. It you have aay of the above send your list if not silence is golden. ; JAMES HILL, Box 125, Edinburgh, Llls. ILLUSTRATED CURIOSITY LIST. With Box Ornamental Minerals, Indian Relics, Curiosities, roc. ‘Companion,’ Illustrated, de scribing Curiosities, 25¢ year: Advertisements Ic- a-word [mention this paper.] E. A. BROWNE, Florence. Arizona. We call your attention tothe new Directory now being compiled by W. A. Crooks, Gillman, Ills. Send in your ad or exchange notice, and thus help | along a good cause. The et Acecelbtton Bulletin. A Monthly Magazine which contains all the latest Agassiz Association and scientific news, and fresh articles by well eal writers on Botany, Zoology, Entomology, Orinithology, Oology ete. Subscription 35 cents per year. with Vol 4. Oologists’ Exchange asa pre- mium. Advertising rates on application. Sample copy free. BULLETIN PUB. CO., Gilman Il. Standard Directory —— FOR——_ Ornithologists, Oologists and Taxidermists. We will publish about April 1st, one of the best ’ cheap directories yet in the field. It will surpass all the cheap directories yetissued. Will contain sae or more pages, prinetd in heavy book paper, bound substantially im heavy tinted covers. Will contain names and addresses of the promi- nent collectors of North Aimerica. Cards of princi- pal dealers, Natural History press Directory, ete. Price 25 cents after publication, but to those who send in their addresses at Once and signifly. There desire for a copy when pubJished the price will be Puy, 16 cents. Your namé inserted free.<@A Exchange and Want Notices. will be inserted in this directory at very cheap rates Send for Prospectus which gives advertising, exchange and want rates, etc., to the compilers. Mention this paper. W. A. CROOKS & CO. Gillman, ILL. Collector’s |! Advertisers! Everyone ! Put your name in the Naturalist’s Directory Most complete directory ever compiled, will be ready Match first. TERMS. Page $3.00; part of poe at same rate. Ex, changes 4 cent per word. #@>Names. Free, Directory ro cents until March 1st, after that 15 cents each, Ba-No Stamps Taken .& = ~.-. On application. Address .. a Edinb 139 Cumberland Street, James Hill, €‘ighurs:| 3° : . Raven, and ’go, at Toronto Exhibition, for— largest collection of eggs, — ‘3 Further information ders of $10 and upwards. } sail’ ; with full data - Loon, Red Throated Tes Cassin’s Auklet, Skua, Long-tailed Jaeger, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, California Gull, Franklins Gull, Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, Man O’war Bird, Barrows Golden Eye, Velvet Scoter, Whooping Swan, _ ih Limpkin, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Rock Ptarmigan, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Golden Eagle, Merlin, Snow Bunting, Pine Grosbeak, Golden Crowned Kinglet. Send 2 cent stamp forg Price List. Over 6000 eggs in stock. Awarded silver medals for 1889. Discount off list prices on all, or- ‘Address, B.. V. Rippon, — Toronto, Canada. P9856. HEE 41. 1920 The Coll * t FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN NATURAL, HISTORY F ob - CQ: or: =E= = oe Vou. 2: _ DanIELSONvVILLr, Conn., Marcu, 18g1. No. 3 Autways Buy Tue Best! Egg Drills, Blowers, Embryo Scissors and Hook. ; Best of stock, Nickle Plated, Engraved Handles, Naturalists and Taxider- "= mists Supplies of all kinds. Send stamp for I]]ustrated Catalogue and Pr-ce Lists. +4 ‘ peers K. REED, 262 Main St., - « oe - oe ek, Mi Mass. Bes NOTICE ! If you are in want of anything in the RUBBER STAMP LINE _ Write to FORD for prices. He will furnish you with a FOUR LINE RUBBER STAMP with ink and pad, all complete for only 33 cents. | AGENTS WANTED, PR ow: W: FORD, - - : : Bristol. Conn. _W. W. WORTHINGTON, Fine Stamps Shelter Island Heights, N. Y. cr | on approval at 50 per cent Taxidermist:! {| discount, sent to responsible parties. I also have And colcctor ot specimens in Naturs] Histor; Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to m ake | For Sale Cheap | up in first-class shape, and sell cheaper than the ; Birds Eggs, Skins, Shells, _ Same grade of skins can be bought from any dealer. Insects. Minerals. India n ~ Send stamp for list of skins and eggs. I offerwith Relies, Coins, Confederate - foll data :— Money, Relics and. Curiosi- Set of 3 eggs of Boat-tailed Grackle, post-paid, 15¢ | ties in great variety. Illus- ee Set of 4 eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, 3oc. trated catalogue free - _ Correspondence desired with collectors in any y: PS _ branch of Natural History, who desire honest spe- | E. M é H A IG H | . | . S. ae] I SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Single Subscriptions, - - - Sot ea nreie Foreign — “ . . - - i2zcts extra. Single Copies, le ==: ae Be -eack: ADVERTISING RATES: One p:ige, one insertion, =e apres One Column, one insertion, = = = Half Coiumn, one insertion, - = - One Inch, one insertion, = E Fe SE Casi must accompany all advertisements. Write for special rates on standing advertise ments. - Articles and items of inte in any branch of Natural History solicited for publication. . B@-Address all communications to the Euitor and Publisher. Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville Conn., as second class mail matter. EDITORALS. We understand there is to be a Natura History Library Assuciation formed at Des Monies, Iowa, with F. Leon Englebert as Secretary. It is stated that—The organs of smell of turkey buzzard, vulture and carrion crow are so delicate that they can scent their food for a distance of 40 miles. a a us, a monthly magazine edited and published ay. And is a neat 4 page Fred W. Stack. \ Journal worthy of your perusal. g the many interesting papers that ceive is the ‘‘Orinthologist and Bot- ,’”’ 6f Binghamton, N. Y., those interest- | ed in “Botany should not fail tosecure a copy. Those receiving Sample Copies of- this paper, marked at top of first inside page, - Sample copy’’ ‘‘Please subscribe,’’ please azine Beroted : ‘eo! ak waNy of ; great Arctic owls wkich aes been. seen in Vol 1, No. 1 of Oologist's Journal is before’ the Col lectors’ M ra We are indebted to ae L. Davison, ‘figs sree which have come 1 observation in Niagara, Co., N. ¥ = Au Aretic Bird in ‘Connect ut. | nerthern shrike made its appearance | Jewett City. These birds are natives much higher latitudes fe this, and — this state) to the extreme cold in the north, also to the ease with which any bird cal travel with a storm. Some years ago one was seen in Jewett Ctty and secured local hunter. It was purchased~ by — Agassiz chapter, and can now be see mounted at their rooms in the Slater libra These birds are-to acertain degree birds prey, as their food consists of sparrowsand field mice, which they capture and transfix upon some nearby thorn bush. They are | about the size of the robin, though the tail is much longer and the beak is hooked. | Theplumage is gray and white, with a black stripe extending from the eye down the side of the head and neck.—Worwich Bulletin. Lockport Union, January 29 1891. Mr. J. L. Davison, Lockport, N. Y., writs us that Zaxzus Rorealis is not an un-— common bird here during the winter mon ths, — a friend of mine secured one on Dec. 2 on Jan. 1st I also secured a specimen and the zoth, I saw another in the same which I could have secured had I wished to do.so, but having three specimens in my co = lection did not care to take it. I have take ‘them as late as March 18th. tied Most ; , a re os oe SAMP I! A tev THE COLLECTORS a sat Devoted to Ornithology, Baise. aad Natarat ‘mba The Belted Kingfisher. letbaily dug straight in for two feet or — more, when it sometimes curves one way (For the Collectors Monthly.) or the other. re On May 11th, ’89, I obtained two sets One of the most interesting members of | of their eggs. One set consisted of five the feathered family, which comes under | perfectly fresh eggs, and the other of sey- the observation of the Orinithologist! en eggs badly incubated. is the Belted Kingfisher. The bottom of all the nests, and the In taking a stroll near the edge of a! runways leading to them, that havecome lake or secluded stream, one is often star-| under my observation were strewn with tled by the whistle of one of these expert ! the skeletons of crabs, and the wings of fishers, as it starts from a dead limb, | beetles which had been their victims. which overhangs the water, for another| The rapidity with which these birds ex- perch, farther out of reach along thebank. | cavate the cavity for the nest is simply As the student carelessly approaches it | wonderful, as the following incident taken again, the bird repeats the operation, | from my note book will show. alighting on a dead: tree still farther! May 2nd, 1889, went to a gravel bank away. which contained a nest, and upon ex- This is kept up until the end of his line| amining it found that the complement of retreat is reached, when he makes|had not been completed, as there was but another swoop, but this time makes ajoneegg. One week from that day I vis- circle out over the water, and, returning | ited the same place again. About three to the shore, begins his retreat in the op- | feet from the old cavity was now another posite direction. hole. Or, one may be seen poised in the air,| It was dug in six feet, and the bowl of over the water, watching for a little min- | the nest was as large as a halfbushel,but ow, when all at once it drops, and disap-| no eggs had been laid. All of this work pears below the surface, soon emerging | had been done in a week. How they dig with its victim in its bill, when it flys to| and remove the dirt from the hole in so a suitable places, and gulpsit down whole. | Short a time is surprising. Of three birds examined in one day I The large strong beak, the small feet, Se as. One, all two in each of the sharp piercing eye, the band across ’ the breast, and the ragged crest, are & the others, in different stages of digestion. few of the ‘striking char acteristics of the The fish being from two to four inches in | Belted Kingtisher. length. A Much Used Nest. (For the Collectors Monthly.) The nesting habits of this bird are pe- culiar. A sand or gravel bank isselected. The cavity is begun about one foot or : : tl ih of J li vith eighteen inches below the surface. It is RS SS al three other collectors set out for a walk a 18 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. to forest of pines a walk of about twelve miles. We followed therailroad track for about five miles and then cut over a field to the B. & O. R. R. Stock Yards where we stopped for a lunch. While we were eating I heard a noise like the tapping of Woodpecker. On looking around I saw author of the disturbance a Flicker (Col- aptes Auratus) was making a home for himself and mate. The place he had sel- ected for his abode was a gatepost atthe main gate where hundreds of people and thousands of cattle passed daily. We left Mr. Flicker and continued our journey and got a very peculiar set of eggs of the American Crow (Corvus americanus.) All of them being pale green with outany markings and one of them arunt measur- ing 1.08x98. At first I did not know what kind they were as they were so pe- culiar so I waited awhile hoping that the bird would return and was pleased to see a grayish white bird about the size of a crow come flying right toward the nest. She flew directly to the nest and looked in and finding her eggs gone she gave a plaintive Cawi Caw, to her mate (as I supposed) and she then flew low enough to shoot so I raised up and blazed, and down she dropped. I dropped my gun and every think and ran to pick her up and found a partial ‘‘Albino.”” Asitwas the first Albino I had ever shot. I began dancing up and down and gave such an ear piercing “‘Warwhoop” thatit brought my three friends up running as if for their lives, to see if I had killed myself and were greatly relieved to find thatI wasn’t dead and they laughed till l thought they would burst when I explained what had happened and to this day if 1 happen to ery out my friends say ‘‘Bert has shot an Albino.” But to return to the original subject Mr. Flicker, I went out to the nest, three weeks afterwards and secured a fine set of seven eves, a week after that, I got five more. Three weeks passed and for curiosity I again visited the place and found a set of five Blue birds eggs (Sialia Sialis), thinking this very curious, wrote it up and sent it to the O——and it was published. But, this did not end it, for I took two sets of eges of the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) 1-7 and 1-6 respec- tively, making a total of thirty eggs ta- ken from one nest. Let us hear from more on the subject of two or more birds nesting in this way. HERBERT FE. Kaicun. Blue Jay. (For the Collectors’ Monthly.) ( Cyanocitta Cristata.) This beautiful bird is very common in this section. He is a very mischievous bird. Many nests and eggs of smaller birds are destroyed by him. He is very fond of fruit and during the fruit season you can always find one or more in an orchard. He is very noisy, keeping up his scream- ing all day. The nest is a rather bulky affair con- taining in its composition rags, mud, sticks, several yards of twine, cotton, or any thing that can possibly be woven into a nest. They vary in height from three to forty feet. The nesting season is about three and one-half months. Incubated eggs were found the begining of March and fresh ones in June. These are olive drab covered with cin- namon spots. In some cases they are a light green marked similarly. I have a set of two Albino eggs, one is light green, without markings while the other has a faint gray spot near the larger end. The period of incubation is about three weeks, from the day the egg are laid. HK. RausBe, Texas. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. a Notes on the Birds of Long Island. WITH BRIEF DISCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES. BY W. W. WORTHINGTON. (77) 42. Larus glaucus : Glaucus Gull, (660.) Above light bluish gray. Edge and tip of wing white head, rump, tail, and beneath, white. Bill gamboge yellow, with an orange red spot near the base of lower mandible. Tris light yellow. Legs and feet flesh color. Length 30 inches. . Tail 8:75. This fine Gull is very rare so far South as Long Island. “I saw an adult of this species several times during the winter of 1880-1881 saw it very plainly, and do not think it was an albino form of L. marinus’’ (Helme). “Mar. 11, 1884, I purchased one of a pair of this species which had been shot bya gunner at South Oyster Bay. The specimen Ou ght is in nearly the same plumage as one described by Dr. Mearns in the Bulletin of the Nuttall Orn. Club. Vol. v. p. 189. The other is a vounger bird,’’ (Ducher). Breeds in the Arctic regions, laying 2 or 3 eggs of a grayish brown to whitish ground, with spots of brown and blackish. Nests of seaweeds and moss, placed on rocks or in grass tus- socks. Eggsaverage about 3x2xI-4 inches. (78) 47. Larus marinus : Great Black-backed Gull, (663.) | Above slaty black. Head, neck, tail, and under parts white. Quills tipped with white. Bill yellow, with an orange red blotch near the tip of the lower mandible. Length 30 in. A rather common winter visitor. Often seen in company with the next species. FEx- tremely shy and difficult to obtain. Breeds from the Bay of Fundy northward. Nests of dry grasses, on the ground; bulky. Eggs 2 ‘color. or 3, light grayish to yellowish brown ground, spotted and blotched with reddish brown and lilac. (19) 51a Larus argentatus smithsonianus: American Herring Gull, (666a.) Above fine bluish pearl, the wings with black markings near the tip, which are white. Head, neck, tail, and beneath white. Bill yellow, with an orange red blotch near the end of lower mandible. Legs and feet flesh Length 23 in. An abundant winter resident, a few re- maining through the summer, but none breed south of Maine, where their breeding range extends northward and inland. Wary birds, always keeping just beyond gunshot, but sometimes captured on a fish-hook im- bedded in an eel, and attached to a conceal- ed string. Gathers in flocks on sand bars at high tide,and breeds in communities. Feeds on scallops and other shell fish,and whatever refuse is cast up by the waves. Nests onthe ground, where much persecuted takes to trees. Nest of moss and grasses. Eggs 3, whitish to yellowish brown, blotched and spotted with browns, average 2: 83 x I: 79 in. (20) 54. Larus delawarensis : Ring-billed Gull, (669.) Above light,bluish pearl. under parts white. crossed near its tip Length 20 inches. A regular migrant but not very common. Abundant winter resident along the South Carolina, and Georgia coast, and quite un- suspicious, being easily attracted by a dead tern thrown overboard, over which they would come and hover until shot. I think many of these birds travel north by an inland route. ‘‘Not an uncommon winter resident’” (Helme). Breeds inland and northward. Nest on ground or cliffs, made of grasses, etc. markings of lilac, and brown of different shades, average 2: 78 x I: 67 in. Head, tail, and Bill yellowish, and with a black band. Eggs, whitish or brownish ground, 20 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY | (2z) 58. Larus atricila : Laughing Gull, (673.) Above dark gray. with black. Head and upper neck slaty black. Eyelids,tail, and underparts white,the latter with a beautiful roseate tint which fades gradually after death. Bill deep car- mine.. Length 17 inches. Rare as far north as Long Island,although | ~— have | Have taken it near Port Royal, S. C. and at | Sapelo Island, Ga., in both instances in recorded from Mass. Have never met with it on L. I., but have taken many specimens on the South Atlantic coast, where they are common, flying along the edges of the rips in search of any ‘‘small fry’’ the tide may have forced to the surface, and easily lured within gunshot by flinging a dead tern or gull over- board. Breeds on simall islands along the coast. Nest of grasses, placed among the grass. Eggs laid in May and June; bluish or greenish ground, blotched and spotted with browns and lilac, and average 2: 14 x 1.57 inches. (22) 60. Larus philadelphia: Bonaparte’s Gull, (675.) ' Above pearly gray. Wings tipped with black. Head and upper neck slaty black. Bend of wing, tail and under parts white. Bill black. Iris hazel. Legs and feet red- dish orange. Length 14 inches. ’ A common migrant. the spring. Less numerous in A few probably remain through the winter as I have seen them late in De- cember. They are quite tame, and when one individual of a flock is shot and falls in the water, the others come and hover over it, and will not leave sometimes until several have been brought down. Small fish form a large portion of their food, which I have seen them capture in a manner very similar to the Terns. Breeds far north and inland. Nest placed in bushes or trees, made of sticks, grass, etc. Eggs, greenish or brownish ground, spotted with different shades of brown and lilac, and average £.93X135 inches. Wings largely tipped | (23) 63. Gelochelidon nilotica. Gull-billed Tern, (679) Above light pearly gray. Primaries ‘hoary on the outer webs, darker on the inner. Top of head, bill, legs and feet black. Un- der part pure white. Length 13 inches; ‘tail 4 inches. far never Rare as north as Long Island: met with it bere. May, but they were not common. “I be- came the fortunate possessor of a male and female of this species July 4, 1882, While * * * at South Oyster Bay, Nelson Verity called my attention to the cry ofa pair of Terns that were flying past. He winged one so that it fe!l] scme distance off Its mate would not desert it, so was easily secured. * * *? (Dutcher.) Mr. Dutch- er also ‘‘shot a female in full plumage July 8, 1884, at Shinnecock Bay, while watching ior Lzmzcolaec. There were five in the flock, it being without doubt a family of two adults and their brood of the present year. They were migrating westward along the coast, and must have bred further east than Long | Island.’’ Breeds on the South Atlantic and Gulf coast. Nest placed on ground, among grass, or on the bare sand; in the latter case, the nest being simply a hollow. Eggs 3 or 4, average 1.75X1.30 in., greenish or buffy ground, marked with lilac and different shades of brown. The Kansas City Scientist, a continuation of The Naturalist, now in its fifth volumn, is a 16 page illustrated monthly, devoted to Art, Science and Literature. Official organ of the K. C. Academy of Science. While of a necessity to a certain extent technical, its aim is to present, scientific knowledge in as popular a form as possible. Published at $1.00 per year. Sampie copy free to pros- pective subscribers. Address Editor SCIENTIST, K. C., Mo. bit hel els ~~ iT his this heading we insert exchanges and accept first-class eggs correctly named Saty ‘or money in payment. Wall allow a oo ie eg@s are worth. No second class. ews received. No eggs accepted listed less ve an fii een cents each, hose having a large pane r of words send sets if possible. We do ot eter for ‘notices - less than 23 words. Eggs or mon ied tan accompany | your notice. NEO: EXCHANGE rat class Birds, Skins for same. _F, W. COOK, 3114 Plesant Ave. 8. Our Minneapolis, Minn. Mie ented... Tl; of the following sets. A. O. U. Nos. 1, 3, 10, 11. 13, 27, 84, 25, 47, 58, 54,.64, 65, 67, 2; 75, 104, 118, 119, 120 a, 120b, 123 a, 126, 30, 132, 183, 185, 186, 137, 139, 140, 142, 143, 144, 54, 149, 160, 171, 171-4, 172 b, 184, 186, 193, 195, 264, 275, 277, 295, 301, 308, 309, 319, pe 339 b, 348, 359-1, 367, 873b, 409, 413. a, 29, 429-1, 443, 445, a 457, 463, 465, } ita, Sel 4T5- WwW. G. LAWRANCE. Mbox 122% eee. parce Cal. see hes new, Syataral History Tabeeey apend, to Naturnl History. Library Associ- } Des ass Towa, fies Al aa ENGLEBERT, See’y \ STAMP COLLEC YEORS. Send: 20 cents for a packet of 25 different forign tam ps, used and unused, including rare Japan, idia, West Indes,. Oid European, South Am- ica, etc. ©. 9. War enveloyes 10 cents. rs Address, H. SAYLES, Jr. _ Abilene, Texas. “NOTICE. aie ‘send Suess ination for embalming and ‘mounting birds for 25 cents worth of curiosites, or F 1b stamps: - RK. C.. ALEXANDER. : Stark, Mich. “COLLECTORS. - During the comming summer you will find many Ween) Seat eggs in an advanced stage of incubation. Send me 75 cents worth of eves and receive sample nd direction for using an article with the aid of which you can remove large embiyoes as easily as though the eggs were fresh. Satisfaction Guranteed, (not hook or scissor). EE: SwIFT, Des : em Towa. “WANTED. \ ‘vary Goiluctor in the U.S. to use my Oological labels. Pe a Be are ae what are needed by every eollector”—K. . Stark, Mich. I have a few wo cents at once for samples. Address, - on, CROOKER. i Madison, Wis.. 8, ae 21a, 213, 117, '292, 228, 226, 229,° a THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. ee Hedi Gi EE. 188: §. is FP RES - x ; > Exchange Notice. Wanted to exchange with all collectors this com- ing season first-class sets with full data of both American and All eggs. Kindly send list and receive mine, CRANDALL, Woodside, Queens Co,, N.Y. ~T have the: following eggs to exchange A. O. U. No’s. 360 2-5, 378 1-6, 3-5, 5-4, 1-3, 476 1-6, 1-7, 501b, 2-4, 1-8, 240 1-6, 1-5, at $1.00120c % at $1.50, 622b 8-7, 2-6, 6-5, 540 1-6, 2-5, 2-4. 497, 1-5, %, 499, 1-5, 3-3, Y, 591b, Y%, Ys, 508 2-5. 4-4, 552a3-5, 2-4, 2-3, 721a 4-7, 2 6, 2-5, 530 4-4, 14, 519 2-4, 2-8, 1-6, 560a 3-4, 558 %, 5914, 7114, 3754, 337 2-3, 2014. 79 6-11, 5914, 6424 at ar .25, eggs first-class in every respect, data com- plete... w.c. Lawrence, Box 122. _ Los ¢ Gatos, Cal. For Exchange. First clas: sete of Ket 9 ( Ride" 8) with data for other first class sets with data. Send lists stating number of ezgs in sest. WARD AMES, Jr., 214, Ist Ave. East’ Duis + M oat. "We have an old War envelope addressed to Geo. N. Galloway, Esq., Army of the Potomac, for offers. __ Address this ] this paper. EXCHANGE Notice. Collectors send me a first-class set of ezgs, any kind with data, and I will send you full instruec- tions for mounting and embalming birds, very easily done. Send all letters and packages to, THOS. A. SMITHWICK, Walke, North Carolina. Notice. IT have a lot of eggs of the Sooty Grouse and Mongolian Pheasant to exchange for first-class bird skins I will send one ofeither for every skin of 472, 483, 481. 481a, 506, 507, 510, 523, 512, 561, 558, 556, 554, 552, 545, 446, 543 or 540, Ridgway Numbers. G.L. . HOWE, Granger, Oregon. TO EXCHANGE. A hunting case watch cost $20, a good time piece for the best offer of first-class eggs in origi- nal sets. Sets for same, send lists. W.L. MORSE, 6 Onondaga Co, Saving Bank Syracuse, N. Y. ©O EXGHANGE. 42 sets of Birds eggs for breech loading shot gun, also a pair of good climbing irons with straps, only $2.50. Frankfort, Ind. ©. M. WALLACE, : BIRD’S EGGS. Minerals, Fossils, Stamps, Shells, Confederate money, and Cnrios toexchangefor Old Books and Magazines, Confederate money, Indian Relics, Coins and Relics. ~ 3 FRANK M. KINNE, Knoxville, Lowa. To EXCHANGE First-class birds skins from this locality for others. Send Sete and ive mine. ELELNER, 839W. 18th St. Los Angles, Cal. eee <5 — x : Every collector to write for my complete list of 4 Eggs and Minerals. ‘Over 800 different specimens | — listed. § FRED H. BANKS, Stamford, Conn. aT ‘ hasgot Canada or Wild Goose Eggs for sale. | We will publish ab State lowest price. Address at once This Office. | cheap directories’ eee ib Fx : all the cheap director! 1S | fi : 3 | pal dealers, Natural W. A. Cooks & Co.’s Standard Directory will be | Price 25 cents after pu ready about April Ist. ‘Ornithologist, Ologists | send in their addresse and Taxidermists . - + | desire for a copy w only 15 cents. You name inserted free. DONT DELAY! assests" : 8 —=— ; Send 1 put send your names at, once for insertion, with | Vy. 04 5: x 3 = : which gives advert 15 cents for a copy when ready. ae etc., to eon ple Ww. A. CROOKS & CO., a GILLMAN, Se re EOP OS iy a ALE ooo ee as . _ | MINERALS, ST ‘NS and | | CURIOSITIES. — stfree. | Lad © DOF 1 | W.P.& F.M. AR were way (first-class) ey ; Toany person sending 4 subscribers at 30 cents : s A Mont LY MAGAZINE. The Only Publication in the W ears Devoted solely to : Popular Natural Histor each, ($1,.20,) Address” *y : Collector’s Monthly. ADVANCED COLLECTORS. As I wish to devote all my time to mineral col- lecting, I am disposing of my large collection of first-class birds eggs in sets, with data, very. cheap for cash. Send for list, N.R. CHRISTIE, Rye Patch, Nevada, _ The Aquarium Departme €. Ties is conducted by Hugo Mulertt, who— will a: all quries relative to the construction an duct of Aquaria. — 3 ILLUSTRATED CURIOSITY LIST. s Wijh Box Ornamental Minerals, Indian Relics, yCuriosities, ioc. ‘*Companion,” Illustrated, ~de- fg : ~eribing Curiosities, 25c. a year. Advertisements = Se ike €, a a ; Mention nhis Paper. 3 Pea The Note and Query Departme E. A. BROWNE. Florence, Arizona. is especially opened to record ‘fhe obs | and experiences of amatuer naturalisis A RA Ry E -@)] F EF E R sire to commune one wita the other, and t a] permanency and publicity to their field o: work. Beate Rae ARES Zealimi is issued on t MPHiIs PAPEL ODE YAM, ..cevercescceeyernereorsesers terse 30¢ Thirty words in exchange eolumn, (one ear 0 70¢ All of the above for only Thirty Cents. Ad- dress at once €. HW. Prince. - - - WDanielsonville, Conn. - VEC 11 1920 : “Monthly. A |} ieee. # FoR THOSE INTERESTED IN NATURAL HISTORY. Vou. 2. Dantersonvir, Conn., APRIL, 1891. No. 4 ~ ALWays: Buy THE BesT! as o». Egg Drills, Blowers, tmbryo Scissors and Hooks. vBesp, of: Sock: Nickel Plated, . Engraved Handles, Naturalists and Taxider- _ mists Supp fries of all kinds. Send stamp for [!lustrated Catalogue and Price Lists. 2-4 HARLES K. RI K. REED, 262 Main LAG - . ° Worer ter, Mass. If you are in want of auvthing in the RU BBER STAM® LINE Write to FORD for prices. He will furnish you with a FOUR LINE RUBBER STAMP with ink and pad, all complete for only 33 cents. » _——_—CAGENTS WANTED. R. W. FORD, - ae Bristui- Conn. ne SSE I 2 IS m= = \ | 2S - =e W. W. WORTHINGTON, A “A IVE CURIOSITY AND PET. | Sheiter stand Heights, N.Y. Lhe Horned Toad ee SS eT oo “ position when tamed. When % domesticated And collector ot specimens in® Natural History. all a a Lanta rhe. house >, See Se arn Se _ Bird skins # specialty, which I endeavor to make foeankini atin cocts, Angee id oe shine bax y as in first-class shi apts and sell creeper than igeis /at night. When running tree they reynire uo feed jing. The home of the Horned ‘oud is the desert i fSo. Cali. and they can be captured only 3 rat data :— L Shiba ; ; ; , . 4 at certain. periods of the yenr. Live health Set of 3 eggs of Boat-tailed Grackle, post-paid, 15¢ | specimens, sent by express (charges paid) on r “Set of 4 eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, 30c. ceipt of $1.25 and safe delivery to purchase: , guaranteed Please mention ft jis pe Correspondence desired with collectors in any | : "branch of Natural History, who desire honest spe- | CHAS. FURTON, .imens at honest prices.” Ample reference if de- | uy aired. Los: «.ngeles, Cal. ~ enclasi.g $1.60 will receive one of my $1:50-col- y i ji iF UG Te i ‘OWING tosevyeraleau tals | 14 epuy g H i | H Grystals | Every person mentioning this paper®and lection of crystals, which contain 14 choice speci- mens, no two alike. Sapphires from Ceylon, each lic. Tree Moss, Each package contains 2 species, one light and the other dark, per package 10c. Gems and precious stones, cut and polished. Fine each 05, 10 and I5c. Mongolian Phesant eggs each - - -25 Northwest Crow se = =~ 25 Oregon Jay “F a 2 1.00 Coyote Teeth 2s < = = 10 Sea Beans ss ae = - 03 Orders of 50 cents or over sent postpaid. ADDRESS. Geo. L. Howe, Granger, Oregon. NATURE'S RE ALM, | A MOSTHLY MAGAZINE. 6 ny neal anne See sat entreaties ie Se REALM Standard Directory, Ornithologists, — Oologists and The Only Publication in the World Devoted solely to Popuiar Natural History. The Aquarium * epartment is conducted by Hugo Mulertt, who will answer all queries relative co the construction and con- duet of Aquaria. = The Note and Query Department . is especially opened to record the observations | and experiences of amateur naturalists who de- sire to commune one with the other. and to give permanency and publicity to their field or closet work. Nature’s Realm is issued on the first of each month, and contains fiity-two pages 72x10 inches. It is printed on superior canlen- der paper and the mechanical execution is of the best. Subscription, $2.00; single copies, 20 cts. THE HARRIS PUBLISHING CO., 10 Warren Street, NewYork. | | cheap directories yet in the field. ; ay or more pages, prinetd io heavy book paper, — : Will co: itain names and addresses of the promi-— willbe inserted in this directory at very cheap rates | CURIOSITIES. _ kY will not appear until May ist, ene April Ist. as advertised. We will how ie crystals 1 [ | desire for a copy when published’ the price will be — | only 15 eents. Your name inserted free.=@g W.A. CROOKS & co. your name and add EE, and your. and exchange notices at our published rates Our Directory will havea large circylation HIVE collectors. it will pay you to have your inserted. Specimen pages and circulars ready abont Mareh 25th; and will be sent free to any Es add.ess by the publisher. nat W. A. CROOKS & CO. Gillm TL a Antimioth. .oiiectorsAttention! — a valuable substitute for “Moth Uamphor 2 Tarite and ete. The latter being objectionable to many on account of their disagreeable smell. — “Anti Moth” while being an excellent Preventitive _ of insects IMPARTS. A DELIGHTFUL AND LASTIN' PERFUME — Ladies find it invaluable to- place amongst their furs asit contains no arsenie or other pvisonions ingrediment. Price 25 cent package (Post Paid). We want you to try and will send free sample on receipt of stam ss = postage. (Meution this paper.) 3 SUNSET. Mi'g. Co. Los Angeles. Cal. Naturaiists Suppiy Dep Have you received my large aes ee alognefer 1891? Sent-to any address forstam p: FLETCHER M. NOE. 64 W. Market St. Indianapolis. Indiana, 43 WANTED. zs Every collector to write for my cemplete list of a Eggs and Minerals. Over 800 different specimens listed FRED BANKS, Stam ford, Conn — ——FOR —— Taxidermists. We will publish about May 1St, one of the best — It will surpass — all the cheap directories yet issued. Will contain bound substantially in heavy tinted covers. nent colleciors of North America. Cards of princi- pal dealers, Natural History press Directory, etc. Price 25 cents after publication, but to those who — send in their addresses at once and signifly. There — aa = = Exchange and Want Notices. Send for Prospectus which gives advertising, exchange and want rates, etc.. to the compilers. Mention this paper. - we iiiman, iLL. BIRDS EGGS, INDIAN RELIC MINERALS, STAMPS, COINS a - Large price list free. W.P.&F.M. ARNOLD, - - Shannock, R.1 8a@p-This paper one year with back numbers of Oologist’s Advertiser, only thirty cents “ots - #-SU BSCRIBE NOW HE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. A m”piocted to ae ay Obisaiy and Natural History. Notes on the Birds of Long : Island. WITH BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES. BY W. W. WORTHINGTON. (24.) 64. Sterna tschegrava: Caspian Tern. (680.) “Crown,. sides of head, and occiput black, glossed with green. This color ex- tends below the eye, under whichisa nar- row white line. Back and wings light bluish-ash. Quill shafts strong and white. Tail and its upper coverts grayish white. Neck and entire under plumage pure white. Bill and inside of mouth bright -vermillion. Legs and feet black. Bill very stout. Tail not deeply forked. Length 21 1-2 inches. Specimen of adult and young are in my cabinet, obtained on the south shore of Long Island” (Baird). During a col- -lecting trip to Shinnecock Bay in Sept. 1882, I saw six individuals of this species. None of the professional gunners about ae Sh. * Sept. 7th, was one of a pair, and adult a wing and thus secure it. Thenext pair were adult and young. Before they were was heard, and also the sharp whistle of the young bird. The old bird came near enough to shoot, and my gunner called back the young bird by imitating the the bay knew what they were, and but | few of them had ever seen them before. | The first specimen procured | wereseen and taken on the 13th. They too | Bil] deep red. seen the harsh rolling cry of the adult!ihe South. whistle of the Esquimaux Curlew, (N. | Borealis), which was a perfect reprodue- - | tion of its own ery. |on asand bar at Shinnecock Inlet, they Thethird pair I saw were in company with some Herring Gulls. They were also adult and young. (Dutcher). [have never met with this | widely distributed species at the east end riya Was T secured a partner Mr. M. B. pair, shot by iny Griffing after I had made an ineffectual shot at them, at Sapelo Island, Ga., on Dec. 16, 1887. This pair like all those mentioned by. Mr. Dutcher, was an adultand young. on some of the islands along the Atlantic and Gulf coast and also at the great lakes, in hollows in sand. Lays two or three eggs, whitish to greenish ground, spotted with different shades of brown and lilac, 2 3-4 x 1 3-+ in. Breeds A 75-CENT EGG. To any person sending 4 ($1.20) Address. Colleetor’s Monthly. (first-class) subscrib- ers at 30 cents each, (25:) 65. Ster Reyal Tern. (681.) Quills hoary RQ MAXIMAL Above light pearly gray. 'male,and a young bird, the former of! on the outer webs, darkened on the inner. which came near enough for me to break | Top of head. legs and feet black. feathers of the occiput lengthened into a T he loosecrest. Underparts pure glossy white. Length 21 in. Probably a rare summer visitor from It is on record from our latitude and no doubt oceurs rarely. I have never met with them alive atthe North, but on the south Atlantic coast ; where they are the most abundant mem- 2 = 2 bers of their family, (so far as my cbser- | vations go.) Lhave had ample opportu- nities for studying their habits. After satisfying their appetites they assemble in large flocks on the sand flats, left by the receding tide along the ocean beach, and as each newcomer alights the others all erect their crests.and raise their wings, at the same time sending forth a loud chorus o! their harsh, rasping cries of welcome, which always seemed to mein strong discord with their easy graceful movements while on the wing. They us- ually sit just at the edge ofthe water,and when the waves wash up—often over their feet, they raise their tail, and folded wings to their highest angle, as if afraid | that the spray would soil their delicately tinted plumage. Breeds from Cobbs Is- land, Va., southward. Nest, a hollow in the sand. Eggs, two to four. greenish or yellowish ground, spotted with umber brown and lilac of different shades. Size about 2:70 x 1:70 in. (26.) 67. Sterna sandvicensis acuflayida. Cabot'’s Tern. (683.) Above light bluish pearl. extending to end of loose crest on the THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. | Acadian.Elycatcher... (For the Collectors Monthly.) (Empidonax acadicus) (Gmel.) Bd. The Acadian Flycatcher is one of our latestarrivals; arriving about the 20th of May, and migrating about the 10 of Au- gust. Asfaras Fhavebeen able to ascertain is a strictly insectivorous bird, and one that should receive protection. He has no song like some birds, only a peculiar ery which is noticed about dusk of warm summer evenings when he comes forth to procure insects. The Acadian is a very common breeder here. My firstset taken this year about June 1st. When they are robbed they will grieve only a few days, when a new nest will be built in the immediate vicinity of the old one, the set ; consist generally of three, though often ‘four eges of a dark cream color with brown, and sometimes reddish markings, the markings are generally on the large eud of the egg sometimes forming an un- broken circlearound the larger end. The nest is placed generally near the end ofa 'smalllimb. The nest is very small and Top of head, | occiput, basal three-fourths of bill, legs | and feet, black. Tip of bill yellow. Rump, tail, and under parts, white, the latter with a beautiful roseate tinge when first killed. Length 15 1-2 inches. A rare straggler from the South. Re- corded as far north as Cape Cod. I have taken srveral specimens on the South | Carolina and Georgia coasts, but its habitat is given as from. Texas to Flori- da. Breeds from southern Florida south- ward, and amongthe Bahamas. Nest, a hollow in the sand. Eggs, buffy or white ground, spotted with reddish brown, um- ber; and lavender of different shades, and average about 2 1-8 x 1 1-2 inches. *‘Anti Moth” free sample on receipt of | still water sometimes looks like a wisp of grass on a limb, it measures 2 1-2 inches wide, 1 1-4 deep outside. On the inside about 1 3-4 wide by 1 in. deep. The Acadian Fly- catcher resembles the Phoebe in plumage almost exactly, and it is almost the same size, but a little smaller though than the Phoebe. Their haunt upon the prairie is some sniall hedge, very shady in which I have found as many as8 nests. In the woods he frequentsshady glens near some The Acadian is a true Fly- catcher, a person observing him in his gyrations will notice they resemble those of the Bee Martin, he will suddenly leave his perch. and flying upward catch an in- | seet, when he will come down almost per- pendicular until even with his perch when he will fy back to his perch and devour stamp, Sunset Mfg. Co., Los Angeles,Cal. | the insect —F. T. M. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. The Collectors’ Monthly. _A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Ornithology, Oology and Natural History. CHARLES H. PRINCE Editor and Publisher, Danielsonville, Conn. ¥ Drie Sii Ak SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Single Subscriptions, 3 2 : y : 30c Foreign oe - : - - 12cts extra. Single Copies, - : - = - 3c each. ADVERTISING RATES: One pige,one insertion, - - - $4 00 One Column, one insertion, - - - 2 25 Half Coiumn, one insertion, - - Sie yo) One Inch, one insertion, - - - = 50 ' Cash must accompany all advertisements. . Write for special rates on standing advertise- ments. Articles and items of interest in any branch of Natural History solicited for publication. fa@-Address all communications to the Editor and Publisher. Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville Conn., as second class mail matter. Woops Hout, Mass., Marca 11, 91. Mr. Prince :— The Mareh No. of Monthly at hand and I think that I may safely say that I have never seen it’s equal for the money, don’t think that I | could get along without it now that I have begun taking it. Enclosed is a por- tion of anarticle which if you think fit for publication, I will continue each month in articles of about this length until con- cluded. Description of the Nests and. Eggs of the Birds of Barnstable County. In preparing this state, that I have several private article, let had access’ to collections, and am considerably indebted to Messrs H. G. White, V. N. Edwards, and others, to whomecredit is given in the text. The numbers used are according to the latest A. O. U. list. me the Collector’s | No effort has been made to | 23 | describe the birds themselves, as more complete descriptions than the writer can give will be found in suchStandard works as Coues Key, Ridgways Manual ete. The A. O. U. listnumbers are placed at the left, and those of Ridgways Manual at the right. I adopt the A. O. U. classification, because it is the latest and to my mind the best. 70. Common Tern. (Sterna hirundo. 686.) These beautiful birds are very com- mon breeding on the numerous islands in this vicinity, but which do not belong to this county. Here during the breeding season, they are so numerous that one who had never seen an island upon which | “Sea Gulls” (as the youthful collectors call them) were in a habit of breeding, would be astonished at the vast numbers of these birds which are continually fly- ing over his head, uttering their plaintive cries of (Chee-cheetn) iu a peculiar grating manner. The eggs are usually three in number and are placed in a slight hollow 'in the sand or on some rock. Mr. H.G. White has a set of five in his collection, which is a very rare occurence. The eggs are very interesting, presenting very great | variety in size, shape, color and mark- ings. I donot think that I have ever seen two Terns eges that resemble each other in all of these respects. 1.40 x 1.60. Measure 72. Roseate Tern. (Sterna dougalli.) 688. Habits nearly the same as the last, with the exception of the nest which is Imed with grass. The eggs are two in number, and differ from those of 4rrunde by being more rounded at the small end, and having finer markings. The ery resembles a gutteral (7-4#-179,) these | Terns breed abundantly on the extremity of Cape Cod. C. C. PurDUM. (To be Continued, ) 24 THE! COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY (For the Collectors Monthly.) The Prairie Chicken. Its colors are mostly grayish and brown, beautifully arranged. The male birds have long pointed tufts of dark brown feathers on each side of their neck, and under these is a large orange-color- ed air-sac, which can be greatly enlarged by filling it with air, When these air- sacs are filled with air-the chicken lowers his head close to the ground and opening his mouth emits a very loud booming sound which gradually decreases until the air is all exhausted from the air-sacs. The sound can be heard for a mile or more and for its pecular drumming, the bird is often called a ‘‘Drummer.”’ : The female bird has a small smooth head that resembles the head of a gopher, which is often shot forachicken, when he raises his head out of the grass. The Prarie Chicken does not fly until you al- most step on it, thatis ifitis in the grass or under cover, then itfly’s up so sudden- ly and swiftly that it startles most hunt- ers, that are not accustomed to shooting chickens, so that they most always miss the bird. It moves through the air by rapidly flapping its wings, and then sail- ing for many rods, holding its wing ex- tended. Prairie Chickens are found in coveys of from twenty cr thirty, unless they have been cut up by hunters, who by the way are gradually decreasing their number like all other kinds of grouse. The Prairie Hen builds its nest on the ground under a tuft of tall grass or bush and is a hollow scratched in the soil lined with grasses and feathers. They lay eight to twelve, or even sixteen eggs in exceptional cases. The eggs arelightdrab, or a dull bufty, or yellowish hue, occasionally sprinkled with brown or nearly black. As soon as the little grouse, which are hatched in ‘nineteen days, are all out of shells they | follow their mother through the grass in | search of food. If you should happen near them, they will hide in a moment in the grass and under the leaves of plants so that you cannot find any of them. while the mother will try many very cute ways to lead you from the place. In summer the PrairieChickens sleep in meadows and tall grass, while in the day time they -feed upon seeds, wheat, corn, etc., but in winter they plunge under the snow and make a kind of snow house, where they sleep snug and warm. While in the day time they feed upon seeds and wild rose buds. Of 90 eggs of this specie that have passed through my hands, the average size was 1.70 x 1.30, while the largest was 1.90 x 1.52, and the smallest 1.23 x 1.02. D.S. Mussmr. - Ostrich farming is quite profitable in Australia. On one farm in Port Augusta | there are seven hundred birds worth one hundred dollers each. The yield of feathers this year, from these seven hundred birds, it is thought, willamount to seven thousand dollars. Coues’ Key. By Elliot Coues’ M. A. M.D. PhD. Fourth and latest edition,—is to well known to need description being recog- nized by all leading Ornithologist to be the Standard authority, on Ornithology. Profusely Illustrated, containing over 900 pages fully indexed by several thousand entries.. Sent to any address on receiept of price $7.50. Address, C. H. Prince. 281 Main St., Danielsonville. Conn. Your cabinet will be generally improv- ed by introducing ‘Anti Moth” into it. et ges of ab yoo willr “a good dak camera, ing Owls Eggs. _ ; hag for other first ew singles. ©. 2. — L. B. HARTZELL. -ansas, 4-8 ik These Eggs! first class singles, value to exchange. A. O. U. 718a, 394, 740, 735a. 729, | | | | | | | e volumes of the ' i sur Bi in q ts,’ or nicely | or for egesinsets. will exchange r Twelve Dollars worth of any of swered, write and make offer to, MITHWICK. Plymouth, N. 0 th Box Ornamental Minerals, Indian Relics, i ‘Companion,”’ Illustrated, de- , 25¢.a year. Advertisements, -. Mention this Paper . - BROWNE. Florence, Arizona. ilectors are requested torsend their ona’ postal card, stating their special leeting to. CHAS. TURTON "tle pee Los Angles Cal. will befor your interest. “s f collecti See. from ' box (Post. paid) | Supplied. Sunset Mfg. Co. The Semi DANBURY, ANTI RUST! A great discovery! Prevents iron and steel rusting, invaluable to sportsmen and mechanics to use on guns bicycles, tools, ete. _ Contains no acid or other injurious ingredients d Easily applied and guaranteed effectnal. Try Ir Price 15 cents per wanted and trade Mention this paper. Los Angeles, Cal. WANTED: IT want a small 32 or 38 calibre collecting «un, Coue’s Key or Ridgway’s Manual. I have an incomplete set of two eggs of the Acadian Owl. and you will always use it. \gents hg i ee several sets of Red-shouldered Hawks to exchange, Also advertising space Semi Annual. Write me. CLAUDE CORNELLE MAXFIELD. Box 224, Danbury, Conn. FISHING TACKLE. Anyone having fishing tackle to exchange for first class eges with data, write me what you _ have and its vatue and I will_make an offer. W. E. BRADFORD. Mayfield, Kentucky. WANTED AT ONCE. Revolvers, Rifles. Musical Instruments, Type- writers, Printing Press-ty pe, Job Printing, Curios, Relies, Collections of stamps eté. ete.. in any quantity in exchange for first elass singles, and sets. curiosities etc. CHAS. TURTON, os Angeles, Cal. First class eggs with data at % rates for cash to close out. A. O U. No’s. 325, 364, 352, fine sets. Singles, 74, 201, 211, 289, 332. 420, 390, 413, 456. 465, 488, 490, 498.571, 513, 683, 704, 721, 613, 364, 364. 352 at $3. Full nickel. 5 shof 10 in. pocket rifle cheap. F. THEO MLLLER. ; Readsville, Va. Annual, CONN, Kdited by Lynds Jones, 5 Elm St, Oberlin, Ohio. Published by Claude Cornelle Maxtietd, Danbury, Conn. Voi. I11, No. I, will be issued about April 15,1891, and will contain fifty pages of items and sketches of interest, to working Ornithologists and Oolo- gists, with reports of committee of the Wilson Ornithogical Chapter of the A.A, The articles are prepared with great care and are scientific as well as interesting. It is printed on heavy book paper at 35 cents per copy. Its typographical appearance is superior. G. G. Maxfield, Danbury, Genn. Western Grebe Holboel’s Grebe... Horned Grebe..........- Am. Eared Grebe... St. Domingo Grebe... Prairie “Hen : x Mourning Dov 20 | Whited-trontec a 7 | White-winged Dove..:.......... Pied Billed Grebe...0.....5...-:.- 08 | Wild Turkey.. Loon. pierce ak wisi etree} black aelre: Black- ated Loon.........1.50 | Marsh Hawk.. Pacifie LOOn....... 2.00 | Cooper's Hawk. Red-throated L0of............-+ 75 eile tailed Hawk : Puited Putiin.s-s ce sme TPA Ota epee teeonaaa ee 3 Large-billed Puffin. 75 | Red-bellied Hawk......20..0.... Horned Puffin..:.... 4.00 ety Hawk. Black Guillemot..... Mandt’s Guillemot... Pigeon Guillemot ...: Es iW Avian) eeenereene bas aes 20° | Black-bilied Cuckoo. California Murre......... 25 | Red-headed Woodpecker . - Brunnick’s Murre «... +20 Red-shafted Flick Pallas’s Murre.,..... ..75 | Chuck-wills-widow Razor billed Auk.. See) Ww Dp ee On a Herring Gull. S20 Night- hawk.. paGetlens svc. &.. -00- Franklin’ 8 Gull: : .5¢ | Black- chingen Hummer... Bracke W erie. «cbt 10 Anna’s Hummer Bridled Tern......... att Nest and two egg: Black Skimmer... ..10 | above Hummers. ~— Data 1.80 ..20 | Kennicotts Somees Ow 1,00 | Burrowing Owl.....2 Plmatenakeae ...60 | Scissor-tailed F] Ste Brandt's Cormorant .2......... 40) Arkansas King ria ae Violet-ereen Cormorant........ 35 | Cassin’s King bird... Baird’s Cormorant....... rg3}3) \ Crested Flycatcher... MG se aCe eyes sdac tevobare 2-20) “PRoebestino sa. aan Blue-winged Teal....... 20 Black Phoebe Ginnimon Teal.......-. 730) Wood Pewee....... . Barrows Golden eye.. 7) | Western Plyeaitohe Ruddy Duck.....-.....4 ...B0 Acadian Sie Beast: Bittern: 2.26 .-qesecawewetae 15 Little ‘ Great Blne Heron... 120 Least “ Green Heron........... reO Am. Magpie....s.... Snowy Heron... 12 .| Blue-jay...... Louisiana Heron.......... . 10 *| -Fla. Crow. Black or Night Heron, . pk) Bobolink . Clapper Rail......... -..-.05 ...08 Cow-bird.......... Louisiana, Clapper Rail.........15 Drawf Gow-bird....... Virginia Rail....-.........% ned Red-winged Black_bird. STINE ieee gee ecco ee «.08 Bicolored Black bird. Florida Gallinule.... MRT Ra Ot Resear ae ae ae ae 10 | Tricolored Black bird... 08 Meadow Lark....cc.:-.---: Bartramian Sandpiper.....-...80 | West'n. Meadow Lark-.. Bnaeies Sandpiper... -s.s-.. 10. | Hooded. Oriole... ... oe ae fit Soi tag se ace eee 15 | Avizona Hooded Oriole... ob RE BOS i coseens 210 Baltimore Oriole... Texas Bob W hite ps.) wold | Mountian Fartridge.. 70 | Brewer's Black bird: California Partridge. alt 5 Valley Partridge 7s S54; Boat tailed Grackle Jambel’s Bullock's Oriole.. Partridge. .......2.-..-20 St. { Lucas House Fineh.. “ess .05 Bow FLT CLispeeee ac sentn~ teh eh oe 05 lanes P Ba, 1 ; ong-billed Marsh oe Titmouse. e | aa FS Mor K stn ie 70 lg GY SE N _ oii aaiatc ie ata og IN NWATU pony. eb eee ee en 5 OEE SPAM msg ennelinfatilinah ee IY m= gh age S a Tue Best! Is, Blowers, Embryo Scissors and Hooks. sf ——— = S_— _ Plated, . Engraved. Handles, Naturalists and Taxidere ‘stamp for Illustrated Catalogue and Price Lists. 34 S$ - = ~~. Worcester, Mass. ep | BIDS EGGS, INDIAN RELICS, fe illustrated cat-| MINERALS, STAMPS, COINS and ress for SPD CURIOSITIES. Large price list free. Market S ers W. P. & F. M. ARNOLD, -- = Shannock, R. 1. -Yours Tey “SOUTHWICK & CRITCHLEY, a) eal ‘ ane: ; The Collectors’ ae ly W “WORTHIN A Monthly Magazine Devoted to — pecs f of es is & =§ ees iw ie lib csr e emma | - Shelter Island Heights, N ve ‘adc ot i Taxidermis Cl ty +i ) D- iH BF) Ad} And collector of sigenens = Natural "| Bird skins a speciaity, whic endeavor na SU! BSCRIPTION RATES: s up in first-class See and sell cheaper than the : aoe | Same grade of skins can be bought from any dea : Single Subscriptions, = - =~ - ~ 306 1gonq stamp for list of skins and eggs. I offe Foreign “ SS ea 12cts extra. } fol data — Single Copies, : o - - 3c each. : Setof 3 eggs of Boat-tailed Grackie, post-paid : Set of 4 eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, ADVERTISING RATES: : . Corresponcence deSired with collectors in an | braneb of Natura! History, who desire honest Bare ets 1 ADSCIED MS EE sr 7 © -. $4 00} imens at honest prices. sae referees ‘if de- One Column, one insertion, -- - = 2 25} dred: Half Coiumn, one insertion, . - - 1°20 a One Inch, one insertion, = = 3 S 50 Casi must accompany all advertisements. : D R. DB. Write for special rates om Standing Seige ments. _aA\rticles and items of interest in any branch of | ee ee Natural History solicited for publication. &=-Address all cammuanications to the Euitor. and Publisher. ‘Sweet Home, Linn Co., Oregon. j | Ss Skins and mounted specimens | Oregon birds a specialiy. All | x work first-class and pee Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville Corn., as second class mail matter. Cumoiaas | | Minerals I reasonable. - = Ali dead-birds and quadrupeds sen we 168 prepared must be accompanied by th full amount of cash in advance for mount- ing, and in all cases the express char, For go days I will send, for $1.50, one of | Must be paid in full by seader or eee my X collections of curiosities, which contains | 4! specimens. Send for terms. from 25 to 40 specimens of Curiosities, Min- erals, Indian Relics, Crystals, etc. The ANTIQUE CURIOSITIES specimens in this cojlection are all fine and worth from 5c to soc each. The regular’ : price of this collection is $2.50 post paid. — = We nave a few copies of the = “BOSTON NEWSL ETTER” GARNETS. | Green garnets from Maine... The first newspaper ever printed in America, — 1704. Every collector should have one. — Red garnets from Alaska ........... Ade a White garaets from Mexico..........0......-...-.. .15¢ | Yellow garnets from Maine......00.-.......-.2--. Rape AE: Black garnets from [taly-..icéc:s-esce0-s0-0---- ...15¢ ee CREAT cu RIOSITY, Pink garnets from Mexico.....c...-e0-0---- zeke. Red garnets from Maine. ...2.....2.0..ccsecceeeesceeseeeee 15e Fossil shark’s teeth from S. C., very large........ 15e Subscribers Prehisteric shell beads, 5 specimens on a neat ag | Given for two New (60 ets. —<_ = ” @ar . Bare: Sel | << All sent post paid. : Write quick, as they wont staylong. GEOR = E L. HOWE, "4 = GS: H. PRINCE, GRANGER, - Ba Oregon. ‘Danielsonville, ook Tesmger THE COLLECTORS Moun Devoted to 9 Ornithology, ology « and a ral History. Description of the Nest and Eggs of the Birds of Barnstable (o., Mass. 263. ites: s dapper. (Actitis macularia.) 277. This familar birdjfis found breeding quite abundantly in this part of the state. It has a queer ‘bobing motion of the body, which gives it thenames of ‘‘Teeter-tail,’’ ‘‘Tip- up’’ and many others. The note, as near as I can express it in | print, is a peculiar sound, resembling pet: | “weet, peet-weet, which it utters as it runs along some sandy beach, looking for small fish which has been washed ashore or swim- ming very near the shore. The nest is placed on the ground, in some high grass or sea-weed, and is simply a slight hollow in the,fground lined with grass or sea-weed. The eggs are four in number, creamy buff, with dark brown markings. The average measurment is about 1.32xg0. One peculiar thing about the eggs of the Spotted Sandpiper (as indeed there is about all the waders), is that the eggs all lay with the | small ends together. 273. Killdeer} Plover. (Aegialitis vocifera.) 516. This bird wasfjformerly very abundant all _ is taken, no doubt, from it’s cry of killdeer, _killdeer, which can be{heard on still days and moonlightjnights. The nest is similar to macularia, but the ‘eggs are a dark clay color, marked with ‘brown and umber. Set in a private collection without data, are as oes No. 1, 1.49% 1.59; eo: N 3, 1.48x1.60; No. 4, 1.50x- I | over this State, but is now rareygThe name | | 277. Piping plover. (Aegralitis m ‘loda.) 520 I have never met with this specie breed- | ing in this part of the state, but am told by . | } | | | | | | | | | own fair country The measurements of a! No. 2, ! Mr. H. G. White that it breeds near Pro- vincetown, near the extremity of Cape Cod. He says that the nest is nothing ground, with not evena hollow it. The cry is very difficult to describe on pa- per. It resembles the whistle of the mon Ring-necked Plover. The eggs are four in number, pale buff i aeaied| with Avérage mearsurement, but the bare scooped i in com- black and purplish gray. 1.2QX1. C. C. PURDUM. [ro BE CONTINUED.| —_— Mr. C. H. Prince, Dear very much the COLLECTORS’ Bird life is very One of the most noticeable things is the in- nummerable flocks of Robins. Have had the pleasure of collecting a beautiful speci- men of a young Golden Eagle. I send you the following article. Edible Insects. Sir:—I enjoy MONTHLY. active here this winter. But few persons prebably have ever given this subject much thought. Indeed, we hardly know anything about Edible Insects, there probably being only one or two cases where these are used for food. The Digger Indians California and Arizona, in the summer and in our insects in fall collect great quantities of locusts, and store them away as food for | winter. They harvest their crop by forming 26 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHEY. a large circle on the prairie and setting fire ; around it. The fire burning inward, drives the insects towards the centre, where they are either killed or scorched so bad they cannot fly. They arethen scooped up and stored away. They prepare them for the festive | board, by pounding them up with acorns and mixing with water and baking, making a kind of brown cake. The natives of South Africa collect and use for food these inscets, especially during a dronth, and they live and seem to thrive on them. These tribes usually wash and eat them, though sometimes they make a kind of soup of them. John Chinaman, who is noted for saving everything, does not hold “‘the bug”’ in scorn, but hails with delight the larva and pupa of many insects and always saving the larva of the silkworm for the table. Even in Europe the larva of many of the common beetles, especially the wood borers, are considered very fine. It is said that among the Greeks the cicada were considered among the deli- cacies. Both the larvaand pupa were eaten, but the imago were considered best, espec- ially the females, on account of the eggs. Roasted spiders are eaten by natives of New Caledonia, and in Southern Europe you frequently find individuals who eat them raw. A traveler tells of a young lady, who, in her rambles, whenever she found a spider cracked and ate them on the Indeed, | if it were not for the popular predjudice against ‘‘a bug,”’ spot. insects would be an article We think nothing oi eating an oyster, and many of our insects have a very delicate flavor and are very nu- | tritious, as many of our most noted entom- ologists will testify. Now, if some enterprising house-keeper of desert on our tables. would simply start the fashion of having roasted grasshoppers, rare, or fricasseed | cankerworms, in a short time the grass- hopper scourge would be hailed with delight by the fancy grocer, and the farmers could turn that pest of the orchard into account. E, M. B. Leonardville, Kansas. ; ton Co.), it is not very Common. ; places. | squirrels, frogs, snakes, lizards and small | usually lay from four to six eggs, of a green- SOME OREGON BIRDS. BY G L. HOWE. Turkey Vulture. (Cathartes aura.) This bird is found in all parts of Oregon. Almost any day in summer he may be seen sailing through the air or on the ground- This bird is not very clean, but for useful- ness surpasses all others. They are hardly ever killed, as they devour at all times the putrid or decomposing flesh of carcasses. Around the carcass the birds my be seen in great numbers, devouring the flesh with great relish. The Turkey Vulture is also noted for its flights, soaring around in great circles, apparently without effort. They congregate in great numbers to roost, and in some dead pine tree, sleep away the night- The nest is situated on the ground in rotten logs, stumps and caves. A slight depres- sion with a few leaves scattered in it, com- pose the nest. The eggs are yellowish white, blotched with purple and brown two in number, sometimes only one, aver- aging in size about 2.73x1.88. Warsh Hawk. (Circus hudsonzus.) This birdis sometimes called the Blue Harrier, and it North In this locality (Ben- It is found especially in low, swampy lands or marshy It’s hawk or inhabits America in general. food consists of rats, mice, birds. The nest is generally placed on the ground usually ina marsh or swamp, some- The nest is a foot or more in diameter, three to six inches in height, and is composed of dry grass, hay, The same nest is generally years in They times on a grassy prairie. twigs or moss. used several succession. ish white color, faintly spotted with pale brown and lilac. The eggs closely resemble those of the Coopers Hawk, (Accipiter coop- eri), and measure 1.80 to 1.90 in length by 1.40 to 1.45 in breadth. : Oregon Jay. (Perisoreus obscurus.) t This bird differs from the common jay, be- ing darker and having a large top-not. It is a very tame bird, but I have never found them as tame as Mr. Davie mentions that Mr. A. W. Anthony says he found them. He says: * “ FTYe characterizes it as a bird utterly de- void of fear, While dressing deer in the thick timber he has been almost covered with these jays. They would light on his back, head and shoulders, and there tug and pull at eaeh loose shred of his coat, as if as- sisting him in all ways possible.’? The Ore- gon Jay is also a great mimic ; mocking the crow almost to perfection. I have often mistook them for crows and sometimes for other birds, by the sounds they made. In the winter they come to the valleys to stay; but in the spring, off they go to the moun- tains to raise their young; only a few re- maining to breed. I have never found. but fone nest in tke valley, which was in a fir tree, about five feet from the ground. The nest was placed close to the trunk, and was almost as large as a crow’s nest. It was composed of twigs, feathers from itself, Ihairs, etc. The. old bird was exceedingly tame, letting me put my hand almost on her. he nest contained three eggs, of a light | blue color, thickly covered with spots of rown, mostly on the larger end. The eggs easure about 1.03x75. It is very hard to istinguish the male from the female, as they ook just alike a little way off. They live | mostly on acorns, corn, bugs, worms, eggs | ynd most any thing that they can steal that seatable. Ithas a large crest on its heqd | f a dark blue color with a light blue line in | ront, which it raises and lowers at pleasure. | [ro BE CONTINUED. ] Nest and Eggs of N Am. Birds, Oliver Davie. . | “Birds of a feather generally flock to-geth: r, but geese and ducks are found in divers aces. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. | tookthem all in. IMPORTANT. A $35.00 NoricrE.—A person calling him- self John L. Swenson, and hailing from dif- ferent places in Iowa, Illinois and Minneso- ta is an unmitigated fraud and honest collect- ors are warned to beware of him. I will also state that this Swenson me in reply to an exchange notice, sometime since, and he listed a lot of specimens I par- wrote ticulariy desired, and I was foolish enough to send him about $35 worth of eggs, and have not heard a word in answer, though I Have to Postmaster at the place I sent eggs, and I have received inquiries Other parties who sent him specimens, and got nothing in have written several times. written the reply was—is not here. from several ; return. Look Our For Him. A. E. PRICE, Grant Park, Ill. Another $21.00 Victim. Mr. C. H. Prince, Dear Sir:—In the February number of your COLLECTORS’ Monru_y I had an exchange notice and re- ceived a letter from John L. Swenson, wish- ing to make an exchange from Fairfax, Lowa, and he gave me a very desirable list, so I sent him $21 worth of eggs and mounted birds, mostly eggs, and he promised to send back by return mail and I have not heard a o es word from him since he said he was going to Alaska to collect this season, starting the 16th of March, so I think I shall hear from him again. Isent him some very fine sets, as he wrote me very nice letters. I Can you give me any in- not | formation in regard to the man? A. E. Kippe. We have looked our list all through and | inquired, but fail to find his name, or get We are on the with- any clue to his wherebouts. lookout for others, whose hold at present.—Eb. names Wwe 28 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Notes on the Birds of Long Island. WITH BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES BY W. W. WORTHINGTON. (27.) 69. Sterna forstert: Forster’s Vern. (685.) Above light pearl gray. and occiput black. Legs and feet scarlet. tail feathers white. Tail 6 inches. A notuncommonAutumn visitor. Ihave several specimens taken on different occa- sions inSeptember, at Ram Island Shoals. One flock observed their contained about twenty individuals, They did not seem to associate with the Common Terns, which were plenty at the time, but kept in a rather compact body by themselves. I have never met with them in the Spring, and which way the autumn travelars come trom Iam unable to state. This is about their northern limit along the coast. Their breeding range seems to be west of our meridian, both north and south, and inland. Nests in grassy marshes, using dry grasses reeds, ete. ges two or three, greenish, brownish,or white ground, spotted with different shades of brown and lilac, and bout 13-4 x 1 1-4 inches. Top of head Underparts white. | Outer web of outer Length 14 inches. (28.) 70. Sterna hirundo:.- Common Tern. (686.) Above light bluish Pearl. Upper part of head black. Cheeks, throat, under tail coverts, and rump white. Beneath light pearl gray. Length 14 in. An abundant summer resident. Breeds in communities like all the Terns, and when one of their breeding places is ap- proached they all rise and hover over- bead keeping up their loud cries of 4ee- ar-1-r, kee-ar-r-y, until the intruders de- part. The nests are simply hollows in the sand, or sea drift, sometimes lined with a little grass. The eggs are three or very rarely four in number, with a light greenish or brownish ground, heavi- ly blotched and spotted with different shades of brown, blackish, and lilac. The first set is here deposited in the second week in June. ‘Egeing Parties’ how- ever, generally keep the eges cleaned off from Gull Island, where the species has always bred abundantly,) so thatI have taken sets of fresh egos from there late in July, so as a matter of course the species is not nearly as abundant there as they once were. et au Z Coues’ Key. By Elliot Coues, M. A., M. D., Ph. ID, Fourth and latest edition,—is to well known to need description, being recognized by all leading Orinthologist to be the Stand- ard authority on Orinthology. Profusely il- lustrated, containing over goa pages, fully indexed by several thousand entries. Sent to any address on receipt of price, $7. 50. Address CL. PRINCE 281 Main St., Danielsonville, Ct. < ponsibity. Our Res We have sent sample copies of the Cox- LECTOR’s MONTHLY to some whoare strang- ers to us, think they might be interested ina first-class Collectors’ paper at a low price, and be induced to subscribe thereby. If however, you receive a Sample copy of this paper without having sent for it, you will understand why it was sent you. If you have any doubt aS to our business integnity reliability and ability to make all our offers good, and fulfill all our agreements, we would refer you to any and all reliable per- sons in business in this place’ We are weil known here and make no offers which we are not entirely able to carry out to the let- ter. Fa SG. C4 oon ct SSS ; ‘ar Always mention this paper when answering ). | advertisements. Eat A : RAYS 0 EXCHANGE. x ‘and artistio- we agin and ally lined, (new invention) hand made of fine | jas rrectly named | white card board, cloth corners, for exes, skins, Will allow a |} mounted specimens, etc. Send stamp for sample, No second stating what you have and Want. Prof. B,J, eee 407 Second St , New Or- | piace! La. : | T° Every: person sending ua THIRTY CENTS | fot one year’s subscription to this paper, this month, we will send as a premium a first-class | egg worth 20 cents. } THE COLLECT ORS’ MONTHLY. a 10, EXCHANGE: Fos ossiis ath) Atrow ‘Points ‘tor : tamps, Fossils and 0 uriosities. eee ‘cheapest made Price, | "" HERBERT B. BROCK, Mason Clty, Iowa. . VOR EVERY $5.00 worth of first-class eggs. ” either singles or sets, sent me with data, I | will mail a receipt for making Arsenical Soap for | preserving bird skins, used in the Scientifle School of Taxidermy, Paris, France. Nothing better I also have eggs of my locality to exchange for eo localities. Write for list G, W. MORSE, 311 East Coates St. Moberly, Mo. ae New -England Business Directory and Gazetteer, No. 11, containing the names, bus- iness and address of nearly every merchant, man- ufacturer and proffesional man in all the New | Gontatae States. Copyrighted 1883. Cost. $6.00. Contains 185) pages. What offers? - CH. PRINCE, Danielsonville, Conn. - NATURE’ S REALM, A Montuty M AGAZINE. the Only Publication i in “the World . Devoted soleil to ae a. ar iin bananas ‘Compound, Dew Popular Natural History. . . The Aquarium Department is conducted by Hugo Mulertt, who will aoswer th $2. 20 for only | all queries relative co the comsbenction and con- duct of Aquaria, 5 r ment ee oe a ve Ray Rese tines The Note and Query ‘Departme worth pauble Soe money. Five | is especially opened to record thé observations b 3 -| and experiences of amateur naturalists who de- | sire to commune one with the other, and fo give ale Sate and publicity to their fleld or closet work. ‘ ““geoing: ia beleiving.”’ Nature’s Realnz is issued on the first Wasrenved of each: month, and cortains fifty-two pages . 714x10 inches. It is: printed on superior canlen- | der paper and the mechanical execution is of the best. Subscription, $2.00; single copies, 20 cts. a oe __THE HARRIS PUBLISHING CO., 10 Warren Street, NewYork. |THE coLLBe ‘ORS 4. 0 pat ree hrehihn Peds oon ee te cm Call Don’t talk so much or you will swal- low your teeth, But look at these prices | which cannot be beat. $ iy 4 ) r . BI RD: SKINS Blue bird Russet-backed Thrush... Ruby-crowned Kinalebe, Reeds Golden-crowned Kinglet... Carolina Chickadee....2 Chickadee ., Red-breasted Nuthateh .. White-breasted Nuthateh. Parkman's Wren........3.. Brown Thrasher...... NS Yellow Palm Warb ..i.. Black-throated Green -Warb. Ree ey Chestnut-sided Warb,... : Audubons Warb.. Myrtle Warb Evening Grosbeak. ,.... Tutescent Warb..... Saas Black and White W orn Recor Violet-zreen Swallow... Indigo Bunting... Rose-breasted ‘Grosbeak... Slate-colored Tuna. dic ccepscseccseeccs es ‘8 Lbipping ® Sparrows. BA Sie bers Tage ws eRe Roe So 2 WVhite-throated SparrOw..cc.cccccccccasv guvscseneee : W. Savana Rnaxroem SS RSE are Little ae ayaettanenenee a MPRO GOlGRN ch... . i Peete csc cecsk ea ee Baird’s Cormorant... ) g Mschard Oriole: .< .!. aes ecko RS > OQ IEG ak co 5. RRR cae cS SO ee CSA eat oss sc. a, ce BRU Paine. sco kc) ke Ruddy-horn Lark......, ar Pewee... abc Chimney Swift al, (Wodpeck ker... ara vheo gun taees Downy Woodpecker., Fo Se =-(o bb) : Burrowing Mwl..... ee eon Cal. Partridge... 5 Spotted Sandpiper... Pectoral Sandpiper... AM.) GOO A. 05s Yeliow-Legs. aoe Solitary Raeduinss Cassins Vireo ..... Warbling Vireo \ Can I ian: 1 dow. dontaesorted ‘ocineedte eS ADDRESS _ = Ww. M. BERMAN, | 1050 Ingraham St., Los Annalee, . ae Seton ty ; 7 es . as. = Sena Leet ae JV s es, tae ees ie Pog ve 85, Bl i 2 ; oue’s ‘Key Free for New Subseribers. asec hist of Premiums. re Collectors’ Monthly. FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN haem AT. HISTORY. ‘Vou. 2. DANIEL SONVILLE, Conn., poe & Je ty, 1891. No.6 &7 tg Ege Drills, Blowers, Embryo Scissors and Hooks. ¥ 7 Best" of stock, Nickel Plated, Engraved Handles, Naturalists and Taxider "mists Supplies of all kinds. Send stamp for Illustrated Catalogue and Price Lists +4 | ieee K. REED. 262 Main St.» . - “ Worcester, Mass } o Naturalists Supply ipa: BARE EGGS Have yon received my large illustrated cat- To exchange f for ch cap kinds, please send us full | Mlogue fer 18917 Sent to any addressforstamp. | lists at once of what yu have to exchange. é. Pome p-obeban M. NOE. 64 W_ Market St. Address CoLtiectoss Moz >) 2a W. W. WORTHINGTON, Shelter Island Heights, N. Y. | ‘Taxidermist! And collector of specimens in Natural History. | Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to make — up in first-class shape, and sell cheaper than the © Same grade of skins can be bought from any dealer. ~ Send stamp for list of skins and eggs. I offer with full data :-— My Set of 3 eggs of Boat-tailed Grackle, post-paid, 15¢ _ Set of 4 eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, joc. " Correspondence desired with collectors in-any | branch of Natural History, who desire honest spe- imens at honest prices. Ample reference if de-— Sired. DRA. & PRILES ’ ae | TAXIDERMIST ! Sweet Home, Oregon. | | Correspondence Solicited. . : Premium No. 1. | ‘The Semi-Annual published in April and Octo- | ber is now ready; edited by Lynds Jones, Oberlin ,; Ohio and published by C. ©. Maxtield, Danbury, Conn. A nicely gotten up Magazine of nearly 50 pages of interesting reading. Ornithologists and Oologists should not fail to secure a copy at onee. Price 35 cents a copy. ; ) - No Free Sampies. SEE HERE! We will send the Semi-Annual, | April number, and give & year’s subscription to | the Collector’s Monthly for only 50 cents; or we — will give the Semi-Annual as a premium for TDwo | new subseribers (70 cents cash), Address | C. H. PRINCE, Danielsonville, Conn. | THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. eee to > Ornithology, Sak eked and Natural History. Cuckoos in Northwestern lowa (For Collectors Monthly,) The family Cuculidae is represented here by two species; the Black billed and Yellow billed, the latter being the most common. In seasons past I have searched in vain | for a nest of either species but this year I have been successful beyond all expectation, having found no less than 11 nests with eggs or young. On the 22d of June, 1890, I was egging on a bluff thickly covered with ash, willow and many other trees and bushes, and was forcing my way through a tangle of under brush when I was startled by a sudden flap- ping in the thick brush, which I took to be a Mourning Dove leaving her nest and a moment later espying a rough looking nest of twigs in a small willow tree I approached and looked into it, and was surprised to see 4 greenish-blue eggs, beautifully mottled, reposing therein. I was unable to identify them until the cry of a. Cuckoo in a thicket on the other side of the river, instantly decided me as to their parentity. The nest was a thick, slightly concave, platform of loose twigs on which was placed a saucer-shaped layer of leaves, small twigs on some grass which had evidently picked green and allowed to dry together. The 2nd and 3rd nests were found by my brother, while collecting insects. Each con- tained 3 eges of the yellow billed species and ch was placed in a willow tree on the bank of the river. The fourth set was found on the 27th of June and consisted of 4 eggs of yellow billed Cuckoo, This nest, as were all the others, was like No. 1 in material and construction and was placed in a plum tree about 7 feet from ground. The 5th set was brought to me by a boy. The eggs were those of the vellowbilled and were 3 in number, they were greenish-blue, unmottled. The 6th set of yellowbilled was found on July ist, the nest with 3 eggs being placed ina willow tree. On the 2nd and 3rd of July I was fortunate enough to secure 3 sets of the Blackbilled. 1 of 4 and 2 of 2 eggs each, the eggs were ; smaller and much darker in color than those ! been of yellowbill. The did not differ preceptibly from those of the other species and were all placed in willow trees near the nests river. On July 5th I found 2 nests of Blackbilled one containing 4 young and the other 2 young and 2 eggs nearly ready to hatch. On July 6th I found 2 nest of yellowbilled Cuckoo one placed in a currant bush on the river bank and containing 5 fresh eggs, and the other in a small plum tree and contain- re ing 3 incubated eggs. CARLETON BALL. Little Rock, Lowa. ~ + Description of the Nest ead Tes of te Birds of Barnstable Co., Mass. 289. Bob-white. (Colinus vn {8o. This well known yame bird is found during the greater part of the year in coveys; in the “vTNTANUS. ) Spring however, each pair choses a particular spot, and remains there during the following After mating the well-known cry (bob-white- bob- white) can be summer. of the male, heard at short intervals in fields and wood- 30 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. land. The nest is generally placed on the ground at the corner of a rail fence, and is constructed of dry grasses and straws. The eggs are from fifteen to twenty in number, pure white unless they are stained by the bed on which they lie. They are quite pointed at one end, and rounded at the other- They present a great regularity in size and shape, the average measurement of a set collected at Falmouth, cuntaining fifteen eggs being 1. 19x93. Often raised in a season. 300. Ruffed grouse. (Bonasa umbcllus.) 473. The “‘Partridge’’ is not a very common bird in this locality ; only a few being seen during the breeding seoson, and not very many during the winter months. The ‘‘drum- ming’’ of the ‘‘Partridge”’ is a curious sound, produced by the bird striking it’s wings against the sides of it’s body. To produce the sound, the bird lowers it’s wings, ex- pands ‘the tail, contracts the neck, and inflates the body; then raising its wings the bird strikes the body with them, increasing the rapidity of the strokes, untill the wings do not seem to move. The nest is usually placad at the border of the forest and often near the roadside. The nest is composed of dead Jeaves, and is placed under the branches of a fallen tree. The eggs are from five to fifteen in number, dark cream, nearly brownish. Average measurement, I. §5x1. 14. 331. Marsh hawk. (Circus hudsonius.) 430. The Marsh hawk or Harrier is a common bird in this locality, but I have found but one nest. This was placed on the ground three broods are and was only a collection of hay and dry | moss, containing five eggs which were a greenish-white, spotted wilh brown. The farmers think that the Marsh hawk is as harmfull to their poultry as any other hawk, | but as far as any investigation of mine is concerned, I can safely say that the Marsh } hawk is not at ail given to plundering poul- try yards, but prefers to subsist on mice, grasshoppers, large insects and small birds C. C. PuRDUM. (TO BE CONTINUED. ) | cure an Elgin Typewriter. See list of premiums, My Experience. (For the Collectors Monthly.) I noticed in the Feb. No. of your Col- lectors’ Monthly, an article by C. E, Pleas, on the Turkey Vulture or Buzzard. Mr. Pleas gets there pretty well on the habits of the Turkey Vulture until he says he has no authentic account of their ever trying to take life, it is strange that Mr. Pleas observed so much of them and does not know they take life, I have been a close observer of them for the last 25 years and have been in the woods almost daily during that time, and haye known them to kill Lambs and Pigs by the wholesale and have seen them trying to kill young Calves and have seen them disfigured by the Buzzard, but it is a rare thing for them to attact young calves. The reader will also bear in mind that the Black Vulture takes-a hand in the slaughtering business with the Turkey Vulture. Now, to settle this question I will not ask the reader to take my word, but write enclosing stamp to some of the parties mentioned below, who are not bird men but men who are in the stock rais- Robt York, Giddings, Texas ; Fayette Balander, Giddings, Texas; R. C. Thompson, Ledbetter, Texas; Robt. Knox, Dime Box, Yexas ; II. S. Moore, Dime box, Texas; P. J. Atkinson, Dime Box, Texas; these men are not men that I have heard complain, but they are stock raisers and I ing business. know have suffered from the attacks of thes birds. what they say. Would also state March 11th 1Sgt aset of 2 Islack Vultures, incubation advanced would have hatched in a few days Address them with stamp and see I secured is not this early for them? Kv AVKINSON. Dime Box, Texas. We consider it a very remarkable occurene the earliest we have any record of. —‘[I¢p. Send in your subscriptions this month and se SOME OREGON BIRDS. By G. L. Hows. Sooty Grouse. (Dendragapus obscurus fuliginosus.) This bird is very common in the William- ette valley. In the winter it remains at the top of the large fir trees begining to ‘“‘hoot’’ at the first warm ‘‘spell’”’ in spring. — It makes about five slow ‘‘hoots’? and then about six in quick succession. It is very hard to locate them when they are ‘‘hooting.”’ I have often been under a tree where I knew there was one, looking for as much as_twen- ty minutes, but come away without seeing it, although it kept a hooting all the time. They are a very dark bird, much more so then the Oregon Ruffled grouse. (onasa umbellus subini), ‘The male is darker than the female, and has a yellowish pouch on his neck about the size of an olive. Only ‘the males “‘hoot.’’? The sooty grouse is also larger than the ruffled grouse. When the grain is ripe it leaves the trees and makes its home in the fields. It breeds early in the spring, making a nest on the ground out of grass, leaves etc., and lining it with feathers and wool. . It lays about eight eggs, of a buff color, thickly spotted with brown, about 1.85 x 1.35 in size. The Sooty grouse is not as good eating as the ruftled grouse as it is tougher, but is a great deal better than duck. It lives mostly on grain and fir buds, I know of one occurrence where a Ring Neck Mongolian and a Sooty Grouse layed in the same nest, the sooty grouse’ hatching all the eggs and raising both broods. I did not see the Grouse but I saw the egg shells of both kinds of eggs; and I am well ac. quainted with the person that found the nest. Western} Meadow Lark. (Steernella magna neg lecta.) This is one of our commonest birds. It is so much like the Meadow Lark (Stella magna) that it needs no description.. It makes its nest on the ground in the grass. _It is composed of grass, feathers, paper and hairs ; it is covered, that is the grass is wove in at the top so as to form a csmplete cover- THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. 31 { ing the bird entering at the side. Any per- | son directly over the nest cannot find it, but get on the right side, and it is plainly seen. The nest is generally placed in a slight depression made by a horses foot, or a wheel track. The eggs are generally five in numbe, of a pure white color, thickly spotted with brown and purple. The average size is about 1.08 x 1.85; bnt they vary greatly in size and color; some being long and slender others thick and short. Red Shafted Flicker, (Colaptes cafer) This woodpecker is abundant in Oregon, I shall not describe it as it is so common. It makes its nest in a hollow tree, or in a cavity that it makes in a sound tree. It is composed of sawdust, feathers etc., and is generally about two feet lower than the enterance hole. It lays from six to ten eggs of a pure white color ; in size about 1.14 x 85. Band-tailed Pigeon. (Columba fasciata.) This Pigeon is very common in this locality in certain parts of the year. It comes in the spring and goes again inthe fall. About a mile from where I live there is a spring the water of which is a little salty; the birds congregate there in great numbers. In the morning the birds are found around the water; but in the afternoon they seek the grain fields and the cherry trees, also the strawberry fields and the alderberries when they are ripe. They do not nest in this locality (at any rate I have neverseen a nest, {nor do T know of any body that has] within twenty miles of here). The bird looks very much like the common blue Pigeon; being about the size and color with the exception that the band-tailed has a white ring around its neck, and a darkish band across its tail. It is not very good eating, as it has a strong taste, something like that of a duck, when boiled. It makes its nest in a small tree, or on the ground. The nest is composed of twigs, sticks, feathers etc., and is a mere platform of twigs. The eggs are two in number, of a glistening white color and with an average size of [.50X 1.20. 32 Notes on the Birds of Long Island. By W. W- WorRTrHINGTON. Arctic Tern. (687.) (29.) 71. Sterna Paradisaea Above light bluish pearl. Top of head and occiput black. Cheeks, rump and under tail coverts white. Beneath light pearl gray. Entire bill and feet bright red. Length 14 T-2 inches. Much less common than the preceding or succeeding species during the migration. I have taken the only living specimen I ever saw at Ram Island Shoals, in autumn. None breed in this vicinity to my The breeding habits and eggs of this bird are identical with those of the preceding species, but the bird is easily distinguished by the entire bill being red. Roseate Tern. (688) (30.) 72. Sterna dougall, Above pale pearl gray. Top of head and elognated feathers of occiput black. — Bill black except at base, which is orange. Beneath white, with a fine roseate tinge which fades soon after death. Outer tail feathers very long and slender. Feet red. Length 16 inches. A common migrant, formerly breeding sparingly in two or three localities within our limits, but now nearly or quite ex- terminated. In 1881 a large colony of these elegant birds bred on a small island situated in Long Island Sound near the Conn., shore. I visited this place with my friend Mr. M. B. Griffing, on June 22d of that year, and at that time the nests literally covered the ground, being placed among the beach grass, and some were directly under a large vessel hatch which had drifted up on some former high tide and was supported a foot or so from the ground by the rank growth. They were quite neatly constructed of fine beach grass, and most of them contained two eggs, and as incubation was far advanc- ed, and we only found two sets of three, we concluded that two is the usual number laid. The ground color of these eggs resembles ~ that of the common tern, but the class’ THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. markings average much finer, and more in- duced to rings about the larger end of the egg. The eggs of this species are also uniformly more pointed in shape. (690.) (51.) 74. Sterna antillarun Least Tern. Small. Above light pearl. Top of head, outer half of two outer primaries, and tip of bill black. Crescent on the forehead, and under parts, satin. white. Feet and bill bright yellow. Length 8 1-2 inches. Formerly a common summer resident in restricted localities, breeding in communities of from three or four, to a dozen or more knowledge. | pairs, but now nearly or quite exterminated from this locality. The nests were slight hollows, scratched in the beach by the birds, and neatly paved with bits of shells, and usually situated among a bed of small pebbles corresponding in size with the eggs, thus rendering them difficult to find. But con- trary to this, on a small sandy island on the coast of Georgia, which T visited in ’88, the eggs were laid in slight hollows in the clear white sand, and each set stood out in bold relief This was the 17th of May, and the sets were about completed, being of three, and rarely four eggs each. On L. Tl.) suhe eges were rarely laid before the middle of June, and I have taken fresh sets in July. The ground color is buffy drab or whitish, spotted with different shades of brown and lilac, and average about 1x Il-4 inches. ‘Breeds at Port Jefferson, and used to at Mt. Sinai’’ (Helme). Sooty Vern. (691) 32.) 75. Sterna fuliginosa. Top of head, hind neck, upper parts, bill and feet black. Forehead amd under surface white. Length 16 inches. A specimen of this species was shot Lake Roukonkoma, on Sept. 13th 1878, by Mr: Chas. Earle, of N. Y., City, and record- edinthe ‘Auk’? 1886, p. 433 by Mr. Dutcher, where a description of it\in full, is given by Robt. Ridgway, who pronounced it ‘a young bird in transition plumage.’’ Another specimen which I secured while ona collect- ing trip to Napeague Harbor, is a female, | and agrees perfectly with the full plumage described above, except in having a few scattered feathers across the upper breast of a dark grayish brown. It came on board of a fishing boat, near Montauek, Pt., after some bait which was exposed on deck, and was caught by one of the fishermen, and brought to me when they made the harbor for the night. This was on Sept. 18th 1883. The bird was in an emaciated condition. Breeds on islands in the West Indies, and Gulf of Mexico, from whence it straggles as far north as New England. Nests on the ground, layes one or two eggs in May, of a whitish ground, spotted with brown and lilac of different shades, and averages about 2 x 1 I-2 inches, Black Tern. (693) (33:) 77- Hydvochelidon migra surinamensis. _ Above dark lead gray. Head, neck, and under parts black. Under tail coverts white. Length 1o inches. ~ A not uncommon migrant in autumn. I have taken several, both adult and young at Ram Island Shoals. Have rever met with itin the spring. ‘‘Sept. 9th ’79, I shot one. Aug. 30th ’80, shot one. Sept- roth 80, I saw one or two. Sept. 12th ’$2, I saw one’? (Helme). Breeds in large inland marshes, nesting on Muskrat barns and small islands. Nest of grasses etc. Eggs greenish or brownish ground boldly blotched with dark brown and lilac. and average about I 1-4 x1 inches. Black SKimmer. (656,) (34.) 80. Rhynchops nigra. Above blackish brown. Beneath white. Bill orange at base, black at tip, the lower mandible extending an inch or more beyond the upper. Length 18 inches. A rare straggler from the South Recorded from as far north as the Bay of Fundy. Breeds abundantlly along the South Atlantic Coast, depositing the eggs in hollows scratch- | edinthe bare sand, early in June. The Black Skimmers procure their food by flying along the surface of the water, and keeping THE COLLECTORS MONTHLY. 33 ) the end of the projecting lower mandible skimming just under the surface at such an angle that asmall fish or other morsel of food on coming in contact with it, is glanced into the mouth. After feeding they gather in large flocks, like the Terns, and so _thick- ly do they swarm together that I have brought down over twenty at one discharge of my 16 guage breach loader, as they rose from the beach. When wounded they bring their bills together with such force as to makea loud clicking noise, similar to the Owls. The eggs are three or four, of a buffy or white ground, with clearly defined markings of different shades of lilac and brown, and are very handsome. — The Purple Finch. LCarpodacus purpureus]. season. This bird breeds regularly in this local ; ity, but is more abundant further east. One morning in thespring of 1890, with a companion I was out in he woods. After a while we happened to come to the top of a large hill, the sides of which were covered with a thick growth of young There were a great many Sparrows, Robins ete., about and we sat down to watch them. Pretty soon we saw abird, which looked very much like a song Spar row, fly into the top of a fir, about thirty feet high, with a straw in her mouth, and moment later her mate came and perched himself on the topmost twig of the tree. I noticed that he had a red head and therefore I knew the bird was a ‘inch of some kind. firs. a | Knowing that the nest in the tree was not fully built, we proceeded on down the hill and began watching some other trees and were soon rewarded by seeing an- other female with nest material enter one of them, we then went home. About three days afterwards we visited these nests and found that each contained two eggs which were almost counterparts of the Chirpping Sparrow’s eggs except as to size. We waited three days longer in hopes of getting a set of five eggs from one of the nests, but we had no such good luck. Going to them on the third day, wefound a very handsome set of four in one nest, butthe other wasempty. Whether some one else had got them or the birds had distroyed them we never found out. The nest was built of dry grass and lined with horse-hair aud was situated about twenty-five feet from the ground ina thick bushy fir so that it could not be seen. This tree is used almost invariably by the birdsin nesting. The eggs are greenish blue and have large blotches of brown about the larger end which form sort of a wreath. They average about 84 x 65. OoLoGIsST. BANS a Got it Bad. Mr. C. H. PRINCE, DEAR SIR: That John L. Swenson has let me in for $90.00 worth of eggs. I hear he has robbed others as well as myself. He is a designing impostor and should be put in jail,—as he is unfit to breath the same atmosphere as ordi- nary mortals. Collectors should be on the lookout for him as he mayturnup in another | locality, and by assuming another name, get 4 collectors to send himspecimens. He offers rare species in exchange. From his style of writing he is evidently not a boy and un- worthy the name of man. WALTER RAINE, Toronto, Canada. Collectors there are others in the field. Beware who you, deal with.—‘‘Ep.”’ THE COLLECTOR’S MONTHLY. Pileated Woodpecker. e (Picus Hylotomus) pileatus. The Pileated Woodpecker, ee | known as Black Wood-cock, or Log cock, is not a very common bird throughout Iowa, A Correction. In looking over the May number of the “Collectors Monthly,’’ I saw the article on “Some Oregon Birds’’ written by G. L. Howe. I find that the article on ‘Oregon Jay’’ is incorrect and as it will undoubtedly eee alone thes wooded | water | lead many of the readers astray, and as our courses. His length is about eighteen inches; | width about twenty four; color, blackish : brown, crest, a brilliant red; a red dash at the angles of the mouth; bill, black; chin and feathers of nostrils, white; this color passes in a stripe, down the sides of the neck | and spreads under the wings; upper half of wings, white which is concealed, when bird is at rest, by the black coverts; tail rather | long and tapering; feathers convex above, and rather strong, the female differs from | the male, by the front of the head being of a! light brown color, and the dash behind the mouth, is rather dusky. No nests of thig beautiful bird have ever been known to have been taken in this (Polk) county, and I think I may safely say, in Iowa. I remember one day, abeut a year ago, a | friend of mine and I were out hunting rab- bits, about eight to ten miles north west of town, when we ‘‘happened’’ through a patch of woods, where the above named birds were said to exist- : I m ade up my mind, if there were any thre I was going to see what one looked like, | I had never seen any. After hunting for | nearly half an hour, I heard an exceedingly | Joud “drumming,’’ and hastening to the spot, I saw, on a dead limb of a large elm, a Pil- eated Woodpecker. I tried my best to secur the bird, but the gun I had was an old one, and can ‘‘seatter’’ all over creation. After | wasting six or eight shells, and chasing the bird all around the woods for fully an hour | and a half, he at last got away from me, so I | gave him up in disgust, and my friend and I | slowly wended our way homeward, as tired | a pair of ‘‘mortals’”’ as ever went hunting. F, LEON ENGLEBERT?. | ‘Des Moines, Iowa. friend Howe may bear correction, I send this notice, which perhaps will lead Mr. Howe and many others to a more close observation of the Jays, There are three rare species of Jays in Oregon viz. Stellers, Blue Fronted and Oregon. The latter is the most rare and is very seldom found below an elevation of four thousand feet, It resembles the East- ern Jay in color more than any other, its breast being grayish white and the other plumage of a much lighter shade than Steller’s orthe Blue Fronted Jay both of which are common in Ovegon. The Oregon Jay belongs to the family of crestless Jays andas Mr. ‘Howe's Jays has a prominent crest, that alone will show that he has made a mistake. ‘Zhe Oregon /ay has no crest. During the past two observation, I have only seen three speci- mens of the Oregon Jay. These obseryation have been taken in the valley as well as in the mountains. It is not difficult to distinguish between the male and female as is the case in Steller’s and Blue Fronted Jays, which can only be told by dissection. The difference between the latter two species is not easily seen but requires practice. In Steller’s Jay the blue and white wing markings are more bright than the Blue Fronted Jay. In Steller’s Jay, you also find a few white feathers just above the upper mandible extending back to the crest which you do not find in the Blue Fronted Jay. The specie therefore which friend Howe has described is either Steller’s or Blue Fronted and in all probability it is the latter as that is the most abundant. Very truly, Dr. A. G. PRILL. years of careful 36 THE COLLECTORS MONTHLY. (For the Collector’s Monthly.) The Screech or Barn Owl... (AZegascops asto.) Although most of the owls are not found in this locality (Central New York), the screech owl, which is quite numerous here, has come under my observation, and I wish to relate to the readers of the Collectors Monthly, what facts concerning it, I have gathered. This owl is asmall bird of prey, of a red- dish color, mottled with white. It has a very large head, stout back and fearful staring eyes. These latter are the prominent feature of the owl family. The eyes being surround- ed by a fringe of feathers, are made to look still larger then they are, and such a stare as an owl will give you is enough to frighten the bravest. As the eyes of all owls are so constructed that they can see only in the night, they come forth in search of their prey, consisting of poultry, small birds, rats and -mice. These they swallow, bones, feathers, fur and all, and cast them up in pellets or balls, in some hole in the tree where they The owl lays at intervals, three or five large round white eggs, and as the owl begins to set as soon as the first one is laid, they are not all hatched at the same time. Still another remarkable feature of the owl is, in its feathers being so constructed that it makes no noise in flying. Thus it can en- ter the hens roost unheard by the sleeping poultry till one is captured. But although it makes no noise in flying it’s unearthly screech warns one of its approach, and makes the farmer think of his poultry. Doubtless many have heard this screecn in the night and on waking perhaps finds that the noc- turnal visitor has stayed too long at the feast and is compelled wait until darkness comes again before going home. As this quite often happens, little is thought of it, but the adventure of an owl which I am about to relate, I think it is unsurpassed. live. to a Near where I live is situated a small church, which is heated by a wood stove stationed in one corner, and having a 6 inch pipe, with two right angular joints, running the whole Jength of the church, a distant of over forty feet. church ladies went to this church to sweep, and put it in order for services the next day. After completing her work, she started, as was her custom, to put the dirt in the stove to be burned when the fire should be kindled the next day. On opening the door of the stove what should meet her gaze but a pair of large firey eyes. The woman was terrified and running out of the church she succeeded in calllng a man to her assistance, who came, and found: nothing more than a poor screech owl sitting there as calm as could be. That owl had come down the chimney, through the whole length of the stove pipe, making two turns and passing two dampers, and finally arriving at the stove where he was contented enough not to bein a hurry to go back through the tortuous tunnel. HENRY HUBBARD. anna Elegant Prizes for the Ladies. The Publishers of THE CANADIAN Queen, Toronto, Canada, are offering two new prize competitions, with lead- ing prizes consisting of a pair of Shetland Ponies, carriage and harness, a Free Trip to Europe, first-class upright piano, two weeks vacation to any summer resort in | Canada or the United States, all expenses paid; safety bicycle or tricycle, one hun- ture, ladies’ gold watches, ete., ete. This magazine has become famous on account ofits prize competitions. Hundreds of Americans have won valuable prizes in previous contests. Sample number of Tap QupEN with full particulars, will be sent by the publishers upon receipt of the address of any lady and six U.S. 2 cent stamps. Address THE Queen, Toronto, Canada. . About a week ago one of the Fe dred dollars in cash, suite of parlor furni- | ) CHANGES, AND WARTS. ney ‘aii Haan we insert exchanges and yants, and accept first-class eggs correctly named | ith data or. money in payment Will allow a rord for every cent the eggs are worth an fiifteen cents each ‘Those having a large number of words send sets it possible We do lot care for notices Jess than 25 words rmoney must accompany your notice. d iby payment in tull for inserting the S nse Star im Waban éorpotn a: which is the best and cheapest made Price, an d 50 cents. ; I DRMAN, Los Angeles, Cal. 52 kd Burrowing Owls Eggs. it sets with data to exchange tor aii eges in sets and a few singles, B. HARTZELIL. Crystal Springs, (tamper Go. ) Kansas, 4-8 IFIC SE MOSS.—Some very fine specimens ‘om Soathern California. Moss mounted on board. Price 25 cents. i hy - BERMAN, HOB Angeles, ¢ other first Cal.) 2 or Sate: Have demponnd Microscope $3.00, Indian Clubs s0c, two Hatches $11.00 and 56.00, | i also 114 varieties of eggs for 413.50 or 5 varieties for 10 cents, 10 varieties for 40 eents, 15 varieties | tor $1.50, 20 varieties for $2.50, and 2 ie-yarietiaa Wr Y B4.00.— No Stamps. ah aaah H. YOUNGM: \N, MeLean, Til. Iv erybody having ‘0 EXCHANGE: eges to exchange | nalne send us lists of what you havefor exchange, as we have a large lot for exchange and for sale. ease state which Numbers you use A. O. U. or idgway’s. - None but first-class eggs wanted. sieoab GB PRINCE, Dathelsenvitle, Conn, or 5. 00 wen ot well blown oes with data, Iwill ship one pair White Fan Pigeons. The irds ave first-class, A. J, RAND, Holyoke, Mass. O'TICE: I have three tine first-class eges with data, of the Swallow-tailed Kite. Send best cash offer at once to KIL ATKINSON, Dime Box, Texas. Z hose having first-class Birds ges tor baie, |) Please send us list with lowest prices ior same. No second-clas§ eges accepted at any price. ga 0 ‘er keh. COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY, : Da nony. ila sigan BIRD'S EGGS. Suidhtiks: Fossils, Stamps, Shells, Coufederate noney, and Curios to exchangefor Old Books and agazines, Confederate money, Indian Relics oins and Relies. : : PRANK M KINNE, Knoxv ute Lowe, 3-6 Tlustrated Curiosity List with Rox ‘Ornamental ‘Minerals, Indian Relies, Curiosities, 10¢, “Com- “panion,” Illustrated, describing curiosities, 25¢ a Advertisements le a work. Mention this Bh. A. RROWNE. Florence, Arizona, No second | ‘class eggs received No eggs accepted listed Jdss- | Eves | YY snl No exchanges will be noticed unless ac- | T HE COLLECT ORS’ MONTHLY ; h%~ Always nention this paper when nuswering | udvertisements. -TheY oung Antiquarian A 20 page paper (16 with cover) devoted to an- tiquities, Indian Relics, Ancient Coins, ete., will be published July 1st. The leading articles of the July No. will be Prehistoric Cliff-dwellings,’’ The Belzoni Sarcophagus and other articles together with *‘Latest Discoveries,’ Ethnographic Notes, ete. Subscriptions 50c¢ per year. 12 numbers Suaranteed. Advertisements 25 cents per inch. All advertieements for No. 1 must be in by 20th. Special Offer. avery person subscribing for the Young Anti quarian before June 20th. will receive a preminm | valued at 25e. All subseriptions and advertise- ments should be sent to the publisher. GEO. L. HOWE, Granger REALM, MAGAZINE. , Oregon, NATURE'S The Only Publication in the World Devoted solely to Popular Natural History. The Aquarium Department is conducted by Hugo Mulertt, who will answer all queries relative co the construction and con- duet of Aquaria, The Note and Query ‘Department is especially opened to record the observations and experiences of amateur naturalists who de- sire to commune one with the other, and to give permaneney and publicity to their field or closet work. Wature’s Realm is issued on the tirst of each month, and contains fifty-two pages tf 74x10 inches. It is printed on superior canlen- den paper and the mechanical execution is of the { best. Subscription, $2.00; single copies, 20 cts. THE HARRIS PUBLISHING CO., 10 Warren Street, NewYork, LIST OF PREMIUMS. | } cen * -GOUE’S KEY FREE, ot By Elliot Coues, M. A., M.D., Ph. D. Sent'to any address on recaipt of price $7.50. Premium No. 3. THE ELGIN TYPEWRITER. Patented July 15th, 1890. Phe invention of an expert in the Elgin Watch Works. A useful as well as instructive and enter- taining instrument, requiring no previous knowl- edge of typewriting to operate perfectly. — The merits of this wonderful little instrument, eall forth the highest praise and testimonials from its thousands of purchasers throughout the United States. Because itis the best in the world for its price. Ten Reason’s Why. Ist. It is easily and quickly learned. 2d. Tt will do work equal to print. 3d. It can be carried in a& Small satchel and is therefore adapted to traveling people. 4th, Itis simple but strong in construction and will not get out of repair. 5th. It writes equally as well on blank or ruled paper, and addresses envelopes, etc. 6th. Itis selfinking and elean, and has no ink ribbon to soil the fingers, Tth. The work is constantly in sight of the writer. Sth. Itis instructive to the young and useful to all. , 9th. Itis adapted to the use of those, who, for Inany reasovs, are unable to write well with a pen. ; 10th. Its low price brings it within reach of everyone, ; Price by mail, postage paid sixty cents. We will, as a premium to subscribers. send the above Elgin typewriter and this paper one year to your address on receipt of.65 ets, or the typewriter free to any one sending us 8 new subseribers, 90 cents wash. Address C, H. PRINCE, Danielsonville, Conn. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY: y E , \ _ Fourth and latest edition,—is to well-known to need de- scription, being recognized by all leading Ornithologists to be the standard authority on Orni-~ thology, Profusely illustrated, containing over 900 pages fully indexed by several thonsand entries, — [ ] We give it as a premium fo every : 25 new subscribers at 30 cts each—7.50 cash. An unparalled offer. y ; person sending us | pata aie cst.’ » Premium No. 4. Our Birds in their Haunts, by J. H. Langille. Price $2.50. We giveit as a premium offer for 10. hew subscribers at thirty cents each. $3.00 cash. | All our offers in former issues are with-drawn. oF \ , Premium No. 5. We will give fifty fords in exchange column for three new subscribers, 90€ cash. ‘ r . Premium No. 6. A first-class side blown ege listed at new subscribers, $0 Gash. 75e for 8 | A years subseription to this paper to the per- son sending us three new subscribers at 30 cents q Premium No. 7. e each, FOR SALE. T have a few nice sets of White-tailed Bagle | Northern Raven, Rock Ptarmigan, Whooper) Swan, Whimbrel, Golden Plover, Curlew and| others, which I will sell cheap or will exchange for species I am in want of. kK WALTER RAINE, Hayden St., 'Toronto, Canada. | Rare Eggs For Sale. Eggs of the swallow-tailed kite, turkey buzzard and many other rare eggs of my locality, cheap for| Address, KIF. ATKINSON, Dime Box, Texas. ‘ eash. i) Goue’s Key Free for New Subscribers. ‘he Coll é act 4 aes 2; i Ep s Wanted. hl “At once mus e first-class, _ Willet 15 set of 1-3. _ Florida Gallinule 20 set of 1- a he - Virginia Rail 50 set of 1-7. t i Stonny Petrel 20 set of 1-1. ve _ Brown Pelican 10 set of 1-3. ; - Cal. Patridge 30 set of 1-8. bs ‘Ruffed Grouse 10 set of 1-10. | Any one sending us a set of either the above, we will send in return a copy of the First News Paper ever printed in America, 1704 a rare curios- _ ity.” Address, C. .H. PRINCB, é NManicisonvilis, - His Conn. ' Birds Eggs, Glass Eyes, Shells, Books, ete. CHAS. K. REED, WW. WORTHINGTON, Shelter Island Heights, N.Y. ‘Taxidermist ! And collector of specimens in Natural History. ‘Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to make Same grade of skins can be bou ies from any dealer. Send stamp for list of skins an Soe eggs. I offerwith Set of 3 eggs of Boat-tailed Grackle, post-paid, 15c¢ Set of 4 eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, 3o0c. Correspondence desired with collectors in any cimens at honest Prices. Ample reference if de- gired. A > Danre.sonviLe, Conn., Aveusr, ‘1891. “up in first-class shape, and sell cheaper than the | branch of Natural History, who desire honest spe- | == See July No. ectors’ Month FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN NATURAL HISTORY. No. 8. a TEXAS! Is the place for you to geteggs. Ihave 200 eggs of Little Blue Heron in sets of 1-4 with data,that I am selling at 30 cents per set. ALSO RARE EGGS such as Swallow tailed: Kite, White tailed Kite, Red tailed Hawk, Florida Red shouldered Hawk, and mary others that I can furnish you for cash. ADDRESS, KIT ATKINSON, Dime Box, Texas. Our new Scalpel and Brai1 Spoon, only 60 cents. Rest of Steel, Nickle Plated engraved Handle. - Narurauists AND 'TTAXIDERMISTS SUPPLIES. Send 2 cent stamp for illustrated catalogue. 262 Main Sts, Worcester, Mass. Dk. A. G- PRILL, TAXIDERMIST ! eey e Tee TT Te ‘Sweet Home, Oregon. Correspondence Solicited. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY seek The Gollectors? Monthly. A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Ornithology, Qology and. Natural History. CHAREES Hus PRINGE Editor and Publisher, Danielsonville, Conn. Uc. Sipe: SUBSCRIPTION RATES Single Subscriptions, Fy - - - 30c «“ 12cts extra. 3c each. Foreign Single Copies, ADVERTISING RATES: One p:tge, one insertion, Bs 5 : - $4 00 One Column, one insertion, - : - 2 25 Half Coiumn, one insertion, - - = abo One Inch, one insertion, - - - - 50 42 Cash must accompany all advertisements. Write for special rates on standing advertise- ments. Articles and items of interest in any branch of Natural History solicited for publication. £a-Address all communications to the Editor and Publisher. Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville Conn., as second class mail matter. Editorials. Advetisements and exchanges reteived to late for this number will appear in our next issue. Mr. E. W. Martin’of Medina, Ohio, is expecting to push ‘“‘the Taxidermist,” for all, its worth was expected to appear about July 1st. as yet we have ree’d no copy.—‘‘Let her go.”’ Bro. Martin, Mr. F. M. Kinne, of Knoxville, Iowa, by letters we are receiving from parties at a distance is not dealing on the square. Parties write us that he has owed them for several months, and pays no at- tention to repeated requst for an answer’to their bills and notices to settle. We also “find ithe above correct in our experience with dealings’ with him.—Collectors Beware of Frauds. RE-NOTICE: Change of terms in Exchange Col. Eges accepted for exchange notices during the month of August only, those who wish to use our exchange column and send eggs for payment should improve the opportunities at once, as we shall accept eggs only during the month of Au- gust. On September ist we shall change onr terms to cash only. For exchanges 30 words or less will be 20 cents (cash with notice), over 30 words 1-2cent a wordf no exchanges inserted for less then 20 cents cash, so send inyour exchanges with eggs before the 1st of September. Le —— OUR OFF Wemake you the following special and very liberal offer for the best interesting and instruc- tive MSS. or’ article'on “Our Birds” (to be the title), not to bé less than 2 pages in length, we reserving the right to publisa all MSS.—We will. give ONE COLUMN ADVERTISEMENT to the party bar sending us the prize MSS., contest to close and MSS,-to be in our hand on or before September © 1st. We will notify party securing prize soon as contest closes, also will publish name securing prize in the following issue. We want everybody who reads this paperto ~ help us make the Collector’s Monthly interesting on and instructive, send us fresh items ofnews which you think would be interesting to collectors, also get you neighbors to subscribe, don’t be afraid to speak a good word for one who speaks two for you. We want to get acquainted with all reliable Collectors. We mean you? Why not try for the prize MSS. to begin with. W Natural Science establishment ARDS & Rochester, N. Y., furnishes a — fine new catalogue of N. America and Foreign Birds eggs. _ Numbered according to A. O. U. Nomenclature with common and scientific names and containg prices. Sentfor 10 cents well worth the price asked. FOR SALE. One set of 2 Mississippi Kite for $15.00 and one set of 3 Florida Red Shouldered Hawk for $7.50, - both sets are first class with full data. E. K. COLLETT, 1400 Colorado, St. ———————— To EXCHANGE, — Would like to exchange California eggs for Eastern or Foreign eggs with square dealing and — experienced Collectors. Will give very satisfactory exchanges. Shall send out none but first-class, full sets and with unquestionable datas. We hope through * this little ad. to form acquaintances which will be of benefit tojboth parties. Write or send list. Address H., Box 1185 Station C. Los Angeles, Cal. : Austin, Texas. — HE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Devoted to Ornitholoy, Oology and Natural History. (Written for the Collectors Monthly) BY REV. J. H. LANGILLE. Author of ‘Our Birds in their Haunts.” The Golden Crowned Accentor. This may be regarded as one of the most pleasing and interesting birds of our country Resembling the thrushes in color, it was for_ merly called the Golden-crowned Thrush , bearing a strong resemblance to the Larks in manner, it has been more or less associa- ted with that class; while more recently it has been classed with the warblers. It is therefore rather difficult to classify. As its nest, which is on the ground, is covered over admitting the bird through a hole in the side and so resembling an old fashioned oven, the owner has also been called the Oven bird, - Its classification with the Warblers, is on account of its structural affinity, and not from its appearance or habits. Its eggs, like those of its near relation the Water Thrush also named from color are decidedly like those of the warblers, white, elegantly marked with light reddish brown. A dainty, mincing little walker is this Gol- den crown. Taking long steps, it moves its head backward and forward in a dove like manner, to keep its balance,and when flying it seldom rises far from the ground. Its monotonous chant so frequently neard, is generally delivered from the lower limb of a tree or some where near the ground. Until quite recently, this chant was sup- posed to be the only song of the species; but Mr. John Burroughs, in his Wake-Robin, gave an account of a song flight, some what after the manner of the European Sky Lark. This took all ornithologists by surprise, and put them on the alert to see this strange SE ee ee eee manceuvre. For years, while preparing for the publishing of my book, ‘‘Our Birds in their Haunts,” I watched this bird, hoping to see the song flight, but without success. Once, while spending the night in my ham- mock in the woods, I heard the bird deliver a delightful warble as a continuation of its chant, I was thus well rewarded for spending a night in the woods. Six years ago, I moved into Maryland just in the suburbs of Washington. Being fond of rural pursuits, and wishing to make a permanent home in the locality referred to I purchased a small tract of heavily timber- ed land and began a pioneer life. Having made a new cleaning with woods onal] sides and built my house in a beautiful grove of forest trees, I found myself well situated for the study of the wild birds. Tanagers, Wood thrushes, Chewinks, Field sparrows, Prarie and Maryland yellow throat warblers, Vireos Chats, and Indigo birds were abundant. The Grand Cardinal quite common, and the first to sing in winter, as spring approached. The bird which sings all the year, however is the Carolina Wren. But the main point is this, here the Gold- en Crown favors me with his best profer- mance, his song-flight to perfection. Rising high above the tree tops, he will flutter and hover, for some time at about the same point making the air resonant with a most delight- ful warble; and, having completed, will de- scend like some falling object into the tree- tops. Sometimes he will rise over the open field to deliver his song, and then shoot back into the dense forest at its close. This performance occurs most frequently between sun-set and dark, on fine summer 38 evenings; but I have heard it at aboutal | hours of the day, and occasionally through- | out the night. I therefore consider it the | most interesting item in bird life, which has fallen under my notice in this interesting place. It requires care, however, lest one mistake the Golden Crown for the Indigo bird, as the latter has a very similar performance, gener- | ally in the open fleld, however. This song by the two birds when in flight, bears a strik- ing resemblance except that the melody of | the Golden Crown is much the more charm- ing. (For the Collectors Monthly.) Dendragapus obscurus fuliginosus. ! (Ridgw.) 29%a. Sooty Grouse. This beautiful Grouse is found in the Mountainous regions of Western N. A. near the Pacific coast. In Oregon it is exceeding- ly abundant as far as numbers go; but it is not so easy to find as one might suppose up- on first entering a fir wood and hearing the booming or hooting which the males alone are engaged in during the months of April, May and sometimes June. On every side may be heard the muffled ‘‘Hoot! hoot! hoot, hoot, hoot!’’ of the birds. There are invariably five notes, x0 more ; but sometimes (though rarely) less. ‘‘Davie’’ in his ‘‘nest and eggs of N. A. birds,” states that there are from five to seven notes. I cannot agree with him in that as I never have heard more than five and I have taken particular pains to hear more if possible. During the Spring, Summer and early Autumn the Grouse is abundant in the low foothills of the moun- tains. In October or November they grad- ually fall back into the high mountains where they remain all winter. While there, they feed mostly upon the seeds of the fir trees. When spring arrives, they again descend to the lower hills. They are hardly ever found in the valley but always upon the hills or | mountains. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Their nest is built upon the ground near some log or in a chump of grass or bushes. They are found either in the wood or in an open stumpy field and generally on the south side ofa hill. The nest is made of dead leaves and grasses and the complement of eggs is usually from five to twelve, though more are often laid. I have one set contain- ing only one egg. This was due from one set of eggs being taken from the bird and she only laying one more after building a new nest. This one was badly incubated when found. So far this season I have secured three sets of eggs of the Sooty Grouse. They are as follows: (a) Nest found April 20, 1891 containing one egg badly incubated as before mentioned. This nest was on the ground beside a log in the fir woods and made of leaves only. (b) My second set of seven egys was taken May 4th,’91. Incubation slight. Nest on ground in an open field in a clump of grass. It was made of dry leaves and grass. (c) My third set was taken same day as (b) and contained seven slightly incubated eggs. It was only a few rods from nest (b) and in a similar location. The eggs are of a creamy buff color with specks of brown. They measure on an aver- age 1,87x1,38. With these few random notes on the Sooty Grouse, I will close. Very truly yours, Dr. A. G. PRILL. Sweet Home. Linn Co., Oregon. AUSTIN CORBIN’s great game park near Newport, New Hampshire, contains 22.000 acres of hilly land, is stocked with buffalo, elk, moose, black-tailed deer, red deer, caribou antelope and wild boars, from the Black Forest of Germany. The experiment is said to promise great results. THE COLLECTORS MONTHLY. Florida Red Shouldered Hawk: (Benteo lineatus alleni.) This Hawk is the commonest in this lo- cality. being seen on almost any sunshiney day sailing high up amongst the Vultures, Its flight is easy and graceful and rivals that of the vultures. The nest of this species is a large bulky affair composed of sticks as large as ones finger it is generally lined with leaves and moss from thesame tree in which it is placed and sometimes a few feathers are placed in it from the breast of the parent It is generally placed in a pine oak and is from 25to soft.from the ground. The No. of eggs laid ranges from 2 to 4, the latter being the more frequent number found. The ground color and markings of the eggs vary a great deal, in some the eggs have a ground color of cream spotted and blotched with roufous brown while in others the ground color and markings are so confused as to be indistinguishable. Some others are nearly white with very few spots on them. They nest in the dense bottom land bordering the streams, the time being from the last of Feb- ruary to the last of April. I found one set of partly incubated eggs on March 15th while on April 15th I found a set of fresh eggs. The food of this bird is rats, birds, rabbits and sometimes chickens in fact almost any small animal or bird is not too delicate for his palate. They are very affectionate par- ents and keep their young plentifully suppli- ed with food. They also protect them in time of danger. L. L. Knox. Giddings, Lee Co., Texas. Description of the Nests and Eggs of the Birds of Barnstable County, Mass. 332. Sharp-skinned Hawk. (Accipiter velox.) 432. This is not a very common breeder here, but a few nests have been taken. This bird is the boldest of the hawks, and will often attack birds of its own size. Unlike the 39 Marsh-hawk it preferes poultry and mice,and is often very bold in its attacks. Like all other hawks it is known by the name of ‘‘Hen hawk’’ and the farmer is his worse enemy, never loosing a chance to destroy him. Un. like most of the hawks the sharp skinned does not occupy the same nests for more than one season. The time of depositing the eggs is about the same as the Marsh-hawk, being from the first of April to the middle of June. The nest is placed in a tree usually in dense pine woods, and is composed of small sticks. It is nothing more than a platform with a hollow in the middle. There is no lineing. The eggs are generally four in number, blu- ish white, speckled with umber. measurement I. SOXI. 13. Average 337. Red Tailed Hawk. (Benteo Borealis.) 436. This is the most common of our hawks. It is a large bird, but lacks the pluck of the Sharp-skinned. Itis a frequent visitor to poultry yards, but its chief food consists of small birds, field moles, etc. The nest is placed in high trees in deep pine or oak woods. Itisalarge and heavy affair with very little hollow in it, composed of sticks, Corn husks and hay. I have seen them using deserted crows nests. The same nest is often used for many consecutive seasons. The eggs are three in number, bluish white with no markings in some and in others heavily blotched with brown. Average measurement 2. SSXI. 60. 339. Red Shouldered Hawk. (Luteo lineatus.) 439. This hawk is nearly as abundant as the last species and shares with it the name of “chicken hawk,’’ although it is not such a common visitor to the barn yard as borealis. Its habits are much the same, and the nest is placed in about the same locality. The num- ber of eggs is three, brownish, specklen with reddish brown. The shades ofthe ground color and mark- 40 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. i} ings vary greatly, and some of the eggs would be readily mistaken for the last species. Average measurement 2. IoxI. 68. -C. C. PurDUM. (To be Continued.) The bob-white. Ortyx Virginiana. ‘The bob-white is an all the time inhabitant with us. I have noticed him sitting on a stump for an hour at a time echoing his plain- tive bob-white at short intervals. While out collecting this year I found a nest con- taining 14 eggs. When I came up the old bird flew off but lit on an old stump about 150 yards distant. Then she sat for full half an hour. After I had obtained the eggs I hid |. myself securely and awaited her return in about 30 minutes she flew back and alighted on the ground near her nest, after preening about for some time she took a sudden de- parture. Her nest was made of grass, weeds and some dead leaves and was situated under a large bunch of grass near an old chestnut stump. When blown the eggs proved to be perfectly fresh and measured as follows; 5 measured 1.21x9I—5 measured I. 20x89 the other four, I.22xQI—1I.2IxXQ0O—I.21x9Q2—1.22 xQO. ERNEST E. LEE. Covington, Ga. The Reprimand. (For the Collectors Monthly.) Dear reader : —- A controversy is not the thing to appear in a paper like this, yet, we all wish to be understood as we say and mean. In the June and July No. of this paper Mr. Atkinson, Dime Box, Tex.. takes exceptions tomy article in the Feb. No. because I stat- ed only what I knew to be simple facts, that I had no authentic record of the Turkey, Buzzard ever attacking a living being. Please do not think I ‘‘go toarues” at being told of a mistake. If I am wrong I always want to know it, but I left plenty of room for the gentleman to send in his experience without misconstruing the meaning of any remarks. T know not how the habits of the birds in the South may differ from those farther North’ but I have never been ina locality where they committed such depredations as he speaks of, and have never met any one who knew of such. I have works from different authors, but none speak of the Buzzards ever taking life. The gentleman seems to have been a close observer of the birds habits long before I had my eyes open, and I think we will all accept his truths gladly. No doubt, Mr. Atkinson could give us a very interesting account of their depedations among stock, etc. I have taken a set of Black Vulture eggs as far North as this on March 16th. C. E. PLEAS Breeding of Yellow Legs in Monroe Co. N. Y. A. O. U. (255.) Often called water plover o Yellow-legged plover. This bird is arath- er common spring migrant here, and about the 20th of May can be found near almost any small pond. While on the wing I have often heard it called Golden plover, but its peculiar cry will always identify it. It is a very rare breeder here and I have not yet found its nest with eggs. On about the 2oth of July 1888 I found a female and 4 young birds. I was riding along a much travelled road at the time, and, on seeing the old bird fluttering along I got off of my wagon and hunted out the little ones which were only a few days old, and very pretty. They looked some like young woodcocks, but were lighter colored, and of coarse with smaller beaks. When I got the young birds, the old one be- came almost fearless coming right under my feet fluttering along as though badly hurt, and uttering a plaintive twitter some like the Spotted sandpiper only louder. The young wonld once in a while utter a low peep. The place where I found them was quite a dis- tance from any woter course but close toa rather wet swamp. Last summer (1890) there was a male of this specie which feed every Cay in a meadow near here, through the months of July and Angust, generally near sunset. I do not think there need be any doubt but that its mate had a nest near here. These are the only instances I know of and think they are quite rare here. ERNEST H. SHORT, Chili, Monroe, Co., N. Y. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Our Orioles. Both the Baltimore and the Orchard orioles are common with us here, but the first more so by far than the last named. The Baltimore oriole reaches here some- time in the first week of May, while the orchard is generally a week later, both birds soon becoming common after the fore runners have putinappearance. The habits are so well known that I will only speak of their songs and notes which with both birds are somewhat alike the Balti- | more having the finest song in tone, be- ing loud, clear, and strong, sounding like. ‘Jurrup, Jurrup, lurp-lurp, a-Jurrup, a-lurrup, a-Jurrup.”’ This bird has also a loud, rather harsh and grating call, sounding like “‘tekala tekala.”’ The song of the orchard oriole is plain, still not harsh, and as I said before not as fine toned as his brothers. He seems to say “‘teek-clee, clur-clur, teek-clee, teek-clee.”’ Also he has some harsh sounding much like some of the Baltimores. Both of these birds when singing are usually perched at quite a height for if you will notice they seem at that time to perfer the higher limbs. Another thing to be said about these two orioles, they are early risers, waking quite a long time be- fore ‘Old Sol’ has showed his face over the hills and sent his warm rays down into the valleys where the dew seems as many diamonds strewn far and wide. Harry E. MIuuer. Westchester Co., N. Y. There are 6,000 species of birds known of 503- Occasionally the return of the swallow or the nightingale may be somewhat delayed, _ but most sea fowls may be trusted, it is said, as the almanac itself. Were they satellites revolving around this earth their arrival could hardly be more surely calculated by anas- tronomer. which North America has 471 and Europe | 41 Notes on the Birds of Long Island. By W. W. WORTHINGTON. (35-) 89. Puffinas major. Greater Shearwater, (709.) Above light ashy brown, becoming darker on the wings and tail, and the feathers on the back with lighter margins. Beneath white. Bill yellowish green, stout, and curved at the tip. Feet yel- low, except the outer toe, whichis brown- ish. Irisbrown. Length 20 inches. Not uncommon in Fall and Winter along the outer coast. Arrives from the north in October. Breeds in thefarnorth. Eggs white or yellowish, about 3x2 in. (36.) 94. Pufinus stricklandt. Sooty Shearwater. (714.) Simular to last, but sooty throughout, lighter beneath. This bird, thought by some authors to be a distinct species, by others to be the young of the last species, is recorded along the Atlantic coast from the Caro- linas northward. Breeds far north. Eges white, 24%x1% inches. (3?7.) tog. Procellaria pelagica. Stormy Petrel. (721.) Above greyish black, with a brown tinge. The secondary coverts margined at and near the tip with greyish white. A white band accross the rump. Basal part of tail white for a short distance. Beneath sooty brown. Lower tail coverts white at the base. Bill and feet black. Length 5% inches. An Oceanic species. Occurs irregularly off our coast. Breeds on islands in the far north. Laying one white egg, thinly marked with brown spotsnear the larger end, in a cavity or burrow, lined with leaves, ete. Eggs average 1x inches. 42 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. (38.) z06. Oceanodroma leucorhoa. Leach’s Petrel. (723.) Sooty brown, darker on crown. Wing eoverts and secondaries ashy. Rump and outer lower tail coverts white. Legs and feet black. Length 8 inches. An irregular visitor during the warmer half of the year to the eastern waters of Suffolk Co. When in the vicinity of the fishing boats, and any refuse is thrown overboard, they will hover over it, eating the grease, and keeping their wings in motion just sufficient to keep their feet on the surface, and giving them the ap- pearance of walking on the water. ‘‘Pe- trels are common in the sound opposite this place in the summer. I never saw them nearer than four or five miles from the shore” (Helme). Breeds from Maine northward. Laying one egg, white, with a ring of reddish spots about the larger end. in a cavity or burrowin the ground. Eggs about 14x1 inch. (39-.) 209. Oceanttes oceanicus. Wilson’s Petrel. (722.) Dark sooty brown throughout. Wings and tail blackish. Some of lower tail coverts, rump, and sides of a abdomen white. Leg: and feet black, latter with webs yellow. Length 7¥ inches. Oceanic. An irregular straggler off our coast. Breeds on isolated islands. Lay- ing one white egg, about 1%x1 inch, in cavities among rocks. (go.) rr7. Sula bassana. Gannet. (650.) General color white. of neck buffy. Primaries black. Bill pale blue. Lines on the upper mandible black- ish. Bare place on throat, and around eye bluish black. Feet blackish. Iris white. Length 38 inches. Bill 4 inches. A rather common winter resident along the eastern coast. Maritine in habits, seldom coming to land or into the smal- ler bays. Food entirely of fish, which they dive for and pursue under water. Head and back. Breeds in immense colonies on precipitous islands in the northern regions. Builds nests of sea weeds, mud, stones, ete. Lays one whitish egg, covered with a chalky deposit, and averaging about 2x3% in. 41.) 119. Phalacroeorax carbo. Common Cormorant. (642.) General color black. Upper parts dark- ash, with bronze reflections. Bare space around the eye, dull olive, beneath the the eye red. The gular sac yellow, be- neath which is a broad band of white. A patch of white feathers on the side over the thigh. Length 37 inches. A rare winter visitor from the north. Recorded as far south as New Jersey. Breeds in Labrador in nest made of sticks and seaweeds. Lays 4 to 6 eggs about 2x1 inches, elliptical in shape, and greenish in color. (42.) 120. Phalacrocorax dilophus. Double-crested Cermorant. (643.) Head, neck, and breast greenish black, Feathers of upper parts dark ashy brown. with black margins. Tail black. A tuft of erectile feathers back of the eye. Bare surface of head orange red. Length 33 inches. An aboundant migrant, and to some extent.a winter resident. Called ‘‘Shag”’ By local gunners, and seldom shot, owing to their worthlessness as an article of diet. I am informed by Capt. B. C. Cort- wright, an old gunner, that he has shot numbers of these birds over decoys. Breeds from the northern U. 8. north- ward, both on the coast andinland. Nest made of green seaweeds. Eggs bluish green, two to tour, and average about 1%x2Y inches. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. (43.) 125. Pelecanus ergthrorhynchus. American White Pelican. (640.) General plumage white. Crest and elongated feathers on the breast pale yellow. Primaries and part of secon- daries black. Bill, feet, and bare space around eye yellow. Iris white. Length 70 inches. A rare straggler from the south. Re- corded from Middle States and New Eng- land. Breeds in Utah, Oregon, and northward. Nest of sticks, on the ground. Eges two to four, about 34x2y inches, covered with a chalky white de- posit. (44.) 126. Pelecanusfuscus. Brown Pelican. (641.) Head white, except on the fore part where it is yellow. A shortreddish brown erest. Beneath brownish ash, the sides with narrow white lines. Legs and feet black. Length 56 inches. A rare visitor from the South, Casual, as far north as New England. Breeds in large colonies from Florida southward. Eggs 2 to 5, laid in April, May, and June. Nests of sticks, grass, weeds, etc., on the grounds or in trees. Eggs chalky white, about 2x3 in. They plunge after fish much in the manner of the Fish Hawk, but catching them in their mouth. Mr. C. H. Prince, DEAR Sir :-— On June 6th I took a nest and set of six eggs of the Crested Flycatcher in a lone tree on the parrie, nest about the size of a mocking bird made of small sticks, moss, and cotton seed hulls, lined with hair, feathers and snake skin. The nest was on a limb 12 feet from the ground, there was also a Kingbird build- ing in the same tree and a sparrow nest turned upside down, and the eggs broken on the ground. Pretty good for one tree I thought. Yours Truly, JESSE W. MILLER, Houston, Texas. 45 Elegant Prizes for the Ladies. The Publishers of Tae CANADIAN QUEEN Toronto, Canada, are offering two new prize competitions, with leading prizes consisting of a pair of Shetland Ponies earrage and harness, a Free Trip tc Europe, first-class upright piano, twe weeks vacation to any summer resort in Canada or the United States, all expenses paid; safety bicycle or tricycle, one hun- dred dollars‘in cash, suite of parlor furni- ture, ladies’ gold watches, etc., ete. The magazine has become famous on account of its prize competitions. Hundred of Americans have won valuable prizes in previous contests. Sample number of THE QUEEN with full particulars, will be sent by the publishers upon receipt of the address of any lady, and six U. §S. 2 cent siamps. Address THE QUEEN, Toronto, Canada. The Louisana Water Thrush In Connecticut. There was a sluggish stream winding its tortuous way from oneside to another of a dense Alder swamp between two thickly wooded hills before it reached the pond at the mill, and there was only one practical crossing place till you reached the old long bridge just at the verge of the swamp along way above, so that I often availed myself of this crossing to shorten myroute. Nature had place here several large boulders in the stream and though the water were deep among them they stood firmly in their places jutting a few inches above thesurface and affording a secure stepping place as with a few light leaps 1 was wont to gain a crossing of the stream at this place. A few steps further among the alders, logs and brakes and the opposite bank was securely reached. Justatthe middle of this crossing some violent gale had pros- trated a large tree and raised up out of the mud a huge pile of roots with the ad- 44 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. hering debries of the swamp,—it stood up like a wall beside the path aboutfour feet high. One day as I crossed this spot a small bird darted across just before me and disappeared like a flash in the oppo- site thicket I noticed the movement and made a brief examination of the place whenceit must havesprung, but saw noth- ing noticeable, there was the pile of mud, roots and decayed leaves nothing more, and passed on. But the next time I had occasion to cross at the place my atten- tion was keenly alive to every iovement and I was not disappointed for at the same place as before flitted across my path from among the tangled roots the same little bird and in the same manner vanished from sight. But I had little difficulty in finding the closely hidden nest ina niche among the roots, composed chiefly of decayed and mud-stained leaves neatly lined with fineroots and grass,and containing four beautiful spotted eges of about the usual size and form of the Oven Birds, but with a moreglossy surface and with the spots more inclining to the dark and purple tints. This was my first in- troduction to the Louisiana WaterThrush and its nest, a bird of which I had never heard or read and as I then based my book knowledge upou Samuels Birds of New England I did not dream that I had found a species of whose presence in New England the author seemed wholly un- aware. On the contrary I supposed be- yond a doubt that I had found the nest of the Northern Water Thrush and congratulated myself greatly over the discovery and acquisition andit was some time later before the mistake was made clear to my satisfaction and I was con- vineced that this was an entirely different species. This is only one of the many in- stances in which I have been compelled to learn by experience ‘‘How easy it is to be mistaken.’’ Thesecircumstances occured | a number of years ago, since then I have discovered that the Louisiana Water Thrush is a not rare Summer inhabitant of Southern Connecticut—that the nest I first found as above is a typical one of the species as was also the site and the eges, having since found a large number of the nests nearly always in similar sit- uations though the size of theset wasnot as full as usually found, six eggs being a more common complement than four. The bird is abeautifulsinger and its notes are ainong the loudest and sweetest of the denizens of the wild-woods. Approach it never so cautiously you and are for- tnnate if keen eyed enough to see it for a moment teetering violently on a bough as ifimpatient to be off—a chirp-sharp, loud and clear and the bird has vanished — a moment later and you hear the song repeated far up the stream, and even after you have wondered far from the place, pausing a.moment to listen you seem to hear it still far away in the woodland depths. SEINRUS. A Queer Pet. Rather a queer pet was noticed running around the waiting room ofthe Wolfskill depot last night, in the shape of a quail. The little thing flew in the window of Mrs Elizebeth Miller of Denver, who with her little 9-year-old daughter is visiting California. The child caught the bird, and the two seemed to take a great fancy to each other at once. The bird follows the little girl around and is perfectly hap- py when in her presence, but will not stay with any one else. She carries its in a hand basket, and when it gets tired of running around it cries until it is put to bed. The quail is said to be the hard« est of all birds to tame, and even after they have been kept in acage for months they will go back to their wild lifeas soon as they are liberated.—Los Angels times. At Anaheim, Cal., a few days ago, 162 | ostridges were sold for $6.000. ‘inden this heading we insert exchanges and ih Betates and accept first-class eggs correctly named with data or money in payment Will allow a word for every cent the eggs ‘are worth No second _ class eggs received No Cage accepted listed less than fifteen cents each hose aving a es _ number of words send sets it bagseiblé We d not care for notices Jess than 25 words Bede _ or money must accompany your notice. ‘ww No exchanges will be noticed unless ac- i companied by payment in full noe inserting the PBA Eos 5 Burrowing Owls Egxs. In sets with data to exchange for other first class egas in sets and a few singles. BAY L. B. HARTZELL. i ___ Crystal Spr Springs, (Harper Co., Co.,) Kansas, 4-8 Wanted. i old ‘coins, I will give $2. 00 worth of first-class sets for half dollars of 1836, 1851, or 1855, $1.00 worth for quarters of 1823, 1827, 1853 or 1854, 35 cents worth for 10 cents of 1802, 1808, 1804, 1820, 1808, anes) 1852 or 1858. Send for list of eggs. WALTER BRADFORD, Mayfield, Ky. ATTENTION. Taxidermist, IThavea seb, of Taxidermy tools and supplies worth ten doliars, which I will send 4s “pre paid’’ for only $6.00. Reference. Editor ' this paper. Cc. BYRON VANDYCOOK, i Bo x 118, 8-3 Odin, Il ak E x Everybody having oO XC H ANGE! eges to exchange wen send us lists of what you have for exchange, “as we have a large lot for exchange and for sale. Please state which Numbers you use A. O. U. or Piet idlace s. None but first-class eggs wanted. ° C. H. PRINCE, ‘Danielsonville, Conn, iy =or $5. 00 worth of well blown eggs with data, bi I will ship one pair White Fan Pigeons. The bird are first-class. A. J, RAND, Holyoke, Mass. iv “NOTICE: I have three fine first-class eges with ' data, of the Swallow-tailed Kite. Send best cash offer at once to KIT ATKINSON,Dime Box, Texas. - ©o Exchange: The Beiiawing first-class ' sets with data, Nos. 11 1-6, 60 1-6, 37 1-6, 61b 1-5, 152 1-5. 251 1-4, 204 1-4, 242 1-5, 282 1-7, 328 1-2, 3011-5. 362 1-7, 460 1-2, 731 1-3, two ‘Mississippi Kite at 10 ‘dollars each and 3 Florida Red Shouldered Hawk at 4 dollars, Ridg. Nos. for singles only. B.. K. COLEBTT, i 1400 Colorado St., ‘ Austin, Texas. 200 Eggs of Little Blue Heron i in sets of 1-4 at 30 -eents per set, data furnished. _ KIT ATKINSON, Dime Box Texas. _ elsewhere be sure and order immediately. 8. A. ASHE, Jr, Releigh, N. C. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. SEE; my adv of eres and data blanks for salee ~ 7 i Always mention this paper when answering advertisements. Make us an offer in eggs for a fine Green wing teal skin. C. H. PRINCE, Danielsonville, Conn, I have several fine sets of No. 385 Ride, which I will sell for 50 cts, a piece, nest and data accom- paning each set. S.A. ASHE, JR., Releigh, N. C TO EXCHANGE The following first-class sets and singles A. O. U. Nos. 121-1, 161-1, 291-1, 128b, 1-21-8, $73 1-2 1-3 1-4, 466 1-4. 476 1-4 1-61-7 1-9, 431 and nest 1-2 499 1-4, 510, 1-41-5, 508 1-8, 530. 1-3 1-4, 552a, 1-4 1-5, 581d, 1-3, 591b, 1-3 1-4. 596, 1-3 1-4, 599 1-3 1.4, 652 1-4 1-5. 721 a 1-5 1-6 1-7, 758 1-3 1.4, Ihave all of these in sets and singles and slightly second class eggs of No. 16, send lists, TVirst-elass sets only wanted. Cory Chamberlin, College Park, Santa Clara Co., Cal. | G furnish you rare eggs such as Tur- an key, Vulture, Black Vulture,Swallow- tailed Kite, White-tailed Kite, Red-tailed Hawk, Florida Red Shouldered Hawk, and many other rare eges, such as are found in Texas cheap for eash, write stating wants. Address, KIT ATKINSON, Dime Box Texas. To Exchange for best offer of common eggs in sets 120 gange collecting gun (New Hopkins and Allens) with full set of loading tools and 100 shells valued com- plete $13.00 also 1 88 caliber xu collecting gun no tools or shells at $7.50, 24in. bbl good shooter. Both of these guns are new breech loaders and perfect in every way. CHAS. K, REED, 262 Main St., Worcester, Mass. ANTED: A good 7 shot revolver 32 caliber, will give eggs amounting to $6.00 from my list in another column, wanted also a good foot ball “sweater” w = give eggs amounting to $5.00 as above, . A. ASHE, Jr,, Raleigh, N.C. CURIOSITY. The first newspaper ever printed in America which we offer on ist. page of cover is a great curiosity. Old style of papertype, printing, com- posing, spelling, etc., together with a great amount of information not to be obtained else- where. No collection of curiosities complete with- outit. Will exchange for eggs as stated in an- other column, C. H. PRINCE, Danielsonville, - - conn. MURDER is nothing compared to my Ne one collections of crystalized minerals. Each collection con- tains 14 choice specimens. Send me $1.00 and see for yourself each n. p. y Birds Eggs. Oregon Jay, First-class .50 Ringneck Pheasant, ‘_ 2D Kildeer, a8 10 Western Bluebird, 3 .05 Western Meadow Lark, “ .08 H. H. Shark, es 12 Skate, ae 05 Garnets. Green from Pa., 15 “S “3 Mexico, 15 Cinnamon from Conn., 15 ce BS Maine, 15 Red from Alaska, 10 & 15. Red from Maine, Py) White from Mexico, 15 Pink 43 ae 15 Loose Crystals. Amythest, : 15 Topaz, 15 Pyrite, 15 Quartz, -05 and .10 Lepidolite, 05 Jircon, 05 Curiosities. Pre Pottery Fragment, 05 Ad Shell Beads, -05 Sapphires, 15 Beaber Teeth, 15 Coyote, ‘‘ 15 Sharks ‘“ 10, .40 and .75 Sea beans, .02 “Tree Moss per pkt., .08 Cut Agates. -10 All sent post paid. Send for a sample copy of the Young Antiquarian. G. L. HOWE, Albany, Oregon a ee ee ee ee : THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY: GREAT BARGAINS | Amer Barn Owl, IN BIRDS EGGS. Order before all aregone. All the following eggs are first- class. Cash must accompany order. A 20 per cent discount on all orders over $6.00, Al- ways send list of substitutes. California Bluebird, .O8 Blue Gray guatcatcher, -10 Tufted Titmouse, 20 Plain do, <25 Cactus Wren, .08 Carolina do, 08 House do, 04 L’ng-Bil’d Marsh do, 04 Shorts: ** ss do, 50 Bl’ck and Yellow Warbler, .30 Chestnut sided do, 15 White and Black Creeper, .30 Yellow Breasted Chat, .05 Puftin, 10 American Redstart, 18 Red Eyed Vireo, 15 Yellow Throated do, bs) White Eyed do, -20 White Rumped Shrike, 05 Ceder Waxwing, 05 Searlet Tanger, 15 Summer Redbird, 10 American Goldfinch, 05 Green Backed do, -10 Western Grass Finch, 10 Swamp Sparrow, 15 Hermann’s song do, 19 Towhee, .05 Rose Breasted Grosbeck, 10 Blue do, atts) Indigo Bunting, 04 Yellow-headed bl’ck b’d, 05 Meadow lark, -06 Orchard Oriole, 05 Thick Billed Grebe, 05 Western Kingbird, 05 Great crested flycatcher, 05 Wood Peewee, 05 Ruby throat humming b’d, .25 Anna's do, .30 Whippoowill, -30 Night Hawk, 25 Downy Woodpecker, -20 Red headed do, 05 “« Shafted Flicker, 05 Franklins Gull, 40 Road runner, -20 Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 10 Black do do, 10 Am, Long eared do, Little Sereech do, Great Horned do, Burrowing do, ‘Turkey Buzzard, Bobwhite, Snowy Heron, Lousiana do, Little Blue do, Bl’ck crowned night do, 06 Kildeer, 10° Red breasted Rail, 15 American Coot, .07 Common Tern, 05 Roseate do, 10 Least do, .05 Black do, 10 30 Red Shouldered Hawk, The following A. 0. U. Nos. for 3 cents a piece, 755, 652, 612, 613, 616, 510, 598, 552a, 552, 540. The following A. O. U. Nos. or 2 eents a piece; 761, 708, 704, 705, 766, [516], 560, 563, 581, 495. 498, 511, 511b, 488, 777, 444. 456, 423. f Data. blanks, 3x4, in pad form 15 cts. per 100 o $1.25 per 1000, Trays assorted sizes, 60 cts. per 100, Brass blow pipe10cts. Note heads, envelopes, business cards, shipping tags printed at Order at once and get the best. Be sure and mention the Collec- tor’s Monthly. the very lowest rates. ADDRESS, S. A. ASHE, Jr., 628 Hillsboro, St., i Raleigh, N. C. tee Rat “ ie: ; Key Free for gen Subscribers. = See July No. ahha iH RS GOT 0 OO Co “FOR THOSE . habia IN NATH in Tens _ Danretsonvitte, Conn., SEPTEMBER, i891. No. 9. rE s oC | , ’ ; i SY ‘99 : ‘ Collectors Take Notice. At once must be first-class, | th Willet 15 set of 1- iM , Ue cae aE set of 1-7. i. I keep in stock nearly everything obtainable in + 5 ‘irginia Rail 50 set off1-7. , / | the line of first-class North American and Foreign tormy Petrel 20 set of 1-1. wn Birds Eggs in sets and singles, and a trial order J ‘ will convince you that my prices are the lowest CPs fridge 40 set of aa OE in this country at the present time. My “Special . sys) Offer’ for August and September, has been taken advantaye of by scores of collectors. Write at once for prices if you desire anything in this line. I guarantee satisfaction and safe delivery of specimens. . Address, WALTER F. WEBB, Geneva, N. Y. Any one sending us a fon of nc « the above, e will send in return a’ copy of the First News on ever printed in ce ica, Qo a rare curios- Ac SSS Nickel Plated Engraved dandle. “using of Stee " Birde I s Bas, Glass. Eyes, Shells, Books. ete. Send 2 cent stamp for illustr ated catalogue. ie d W. W. WORTHINGTON, Sheltet Island Heights, N. Y. 262 Main St, Worcester, Mass. t ‘ ae ’ A an ’ mn J AXIDERMISMS ! _ And General Collectors. We have Moanted Birds. Skins. and Eggs for 3 e e ale orexchange. We sell at more than 50 per | | ad ! t, discount for cash, or exchange Gpabhuend at a X1 © r ry) 1 Ss t : ices quoted by F-. H Lattin in February and ne Oologists, 1890. And collector ot specimens in Natural History. “We desire most all varieties of Copper Coins, Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to make jtamps, Indian and Mound Builders Relies, Con- | up in first-class shape, : and sell cheaper than the ifederate Money, Fresh and Salt Water Shells, Same grade of skins can b »e bought from any dealer. Corals, Birds, Eggs, Skins and Curios of all } Send stamp for list of skins and eggs. I offerwi ith Ke eh full data :— any specimens we can use in Genitit Write | ee ile< e, post-paid, 1sc for cash and exchange lists, and always Share| Set of 3 eggs of Boat-t: aile 1 Grackle, + Po tpi i, Is¢ four list. Correspondents answered in due time. | Setof4eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, 30c. eign correspondents: receive special atten- | Correspondence desired with collectors in any Address, branch of Natural History, who desire honest spe- W.A. & W. EF: BRYAN, | cimens at honest prices. Ample reference if de- z ' New Sharon, Iowa, | sired. THE COLLECTO Fee ER Gee, : pe pm Ae 7 Ab cf ao” A ae at 2 ary : es wrote Ree tt Dag es — RS’ MONTHLY - oe The Collectors’ Monthly. A ‘oemth Bases De iin ae vib Bandy of rnitho leet glosy Ml Natural History. ait RELES) | PRINCE, EBéitot a Paniisnes, elteh ie ville, Conn. U. «eS Ae SUBSCRIPTION RATES Single Subscriptions, - - = s SE Or Foreign 2 - - - - 12cts extras Single Copies, . - . - 3c each. ADVERTISING RATES: One p:.ge, one insertion, - - = One Column, one insertion, - s 2 2 25 Half Coiumn, one insértion, 2 - - -F'20 Qne Inch, one insertion, - - - - 50 &= Cash must accompany all advertisements. Write for special rates on st: snding advertise- ments. Articles and items of interest in any branch of Natural History solicited for publication. &a-Address all communications to the Editor and Publisher. A - 8 Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville Corn., as second class mail matter. Editorials. Advertisements and exchanges received to late for this number will appear in our next issue, Dr, A. G. Prill late of Sweet Home, Oregon, 1s now loeated at Springville, Erie Co., N. Y., where he will be glad to hear from all his old patrons and oological friends. W. R. asks us how many known species of hum- ming birds there are. Wehave a list of fifty-four outside ofthe United States. Will some of our readers please answer, W. R’s. question more defi" nitely? “The Taxidermist,’’ edited and published by E. W. Martin, of Medina, Ohio, is a wide awake 8 page Monthly. The August number comes to us gull of valuable information for those interested in Taxidermy. Since our last issue, parties have written us confirming the statement made in regard to F. M. Kinne, Kuoxviile, lowa. They claim to have sent him goods, but received nothing in return Coliectors what do you eall it ? Fora number of years a pair of Storks have built their nest annually in the park of the eastle Ruheleben, in Kerlin. A few years ago one of the servants placéd a ring with the name of the’ : place and date on the leg of the male bird, in or-— der to becertain that Soe bird returned each year. This spring the stork came back to. its customary place, the bearer of two rings instead — ; ofone. The second one bore inseription, | = “India sends greetings to Germany.” One of the finest and most complete vateinniea # is that of Wards Natural Science, establishment — = 16-28 Gollege Ave., Rochester, N. Y. It contains = 170 pages, with prices for skin and mounted speci- — men of nearly all mammals, birds, reptiles, batra- ~ chians and fishes. It surely does credit to the — establishment. and will be sent to your sche : upon receipt of thirty cents. The Naturalists’ Bureau of 43 West St., Bos- 4 ton, Mass,, has been recently organized tor : the purpose oi supplying schools, colleges and i educational institutions, as well as private in- 4 dividuals, with specimens in all departments of — Natural History, together with instruments to ‘ aid in gathering the same. Selected series of specimens in Zoology, Mineralogy and Botany, — will be made up for the use oi schools and labeled — carefully by trained Naturalists. This includes 7 the Zoological series upon which Mr. C. J. May- | nard, has been working for fifteen years, and — which is now being introduced into schools. Cata- ». logues of the material in stock, which ean be fur- — nished, will be issued as fast as possible, but prices will be quoted to those wishing any parti- © cular article, upon application. The Bureau is under the management of Mr. C. J. Maynard,who 7 has had many years experience as @& naturalist and as a dealer in all branches of Natural Seience. | The business of C J. Maynard & Co., established _ n 1865 has been merged into that of the Bureau. = We understand that H. E. Berry, of Darmaris- — cotta, Maine, has sold his interest in the Bittern — to Mr. C. W. Hillman, of Canisteo. N. ¥., who will | add a colored cover to it, and issue it about the © middle ofeach month. It is also rumored that Mr. Hillman is soon to buy the Maine O. and O., and increasing its size somewhat, issue it as the Empire State Exchange. We wish himevery suc- cess in his adventure. : fia Name of person receiving prize and prize © M.S.S. will appear in our next issue. Taxidermy and Zoological collecting. A com- collector. By Wm. T. Hornnaday, containing 24 plates, 104 text illustrations and nearly 400 pages. Price $2.50 or given for 10 new subscribers at: cents each. A valuable book. ! THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Devoted to Ornitholoy, Oology and Natural History. [For the Collectors’ Monthly. ] The Bald Eagle. (Haliaetus leucocephalus.) The habitat of the Bald Eagle is the whole of North America, being generally found along the sea-coast and at the mouth of all our large rivers. The Bald Eagle receives his name from the fact that its head and neck are cover- ed with snowy white feathers, which ata distance give the birds a very “bald” ap- pearance. The remainder of the body is a deep chocolate color, shading into a beautiful black along the back. The tail and upper tail coverts are of the same beautiful hue as the head and neck. In the immature bird the colors are ofa more sombre tint, and the Bald Eagle does not obtain its beautifully white head and tail until it is fully four or five years of age. This is what at one time caused so much dispute about the bird; some thought that the young Bald Eagle was an altogether different species from the older bird, and itis not until within the last five or six years that the question has been undisputedly settled. The Bald Eagle is extremely fond of fish, and being no very great fisher, takes advantage of the fine fishing talents of the osprey, and very often robs him of his hard earned prey. This predatory propensity aroused the wrath of Benja- min Franklin, who objected strongly to the employment of the Bald Eagle as the type of the American nation, urging as his ground for opposition, that “it isa bird of bad moral character, and does not get his living honestly.” Heis capa- ————————EE SS ble of catching fish it is true, but he does it in an extremely awkward manner, wad- ing into the shallows of the sea or river like a heron, and snatching suddenly at any of the finny tribe that may be pass- ing in his direction. The nest of the Bald Eagle is generally placed in some lofty tree from the top of Which the Eagle can scan the sea and watch for some osprey that has been so lucky as to catch a large pike or salmon. The nest in time becomes of a very great size, for, instead of building a new nest each year, the Eagle places a new layer of sticks and branches of the nest of the year before. The female Eagle com- mences to breed at a very early period of the year, depositing her eggs, which are always two in number, in January, and hatching them about themiddle of Febru- ary. The Bald Eagle is quite noted for its which absolutely It constantly tends affectionate nature knows no bounds. and watches its young so long as they are ina helpness and unfledged state. So greatis the Eagle’s affection forits young, that it willnot forsake them, even though the tree on which they rest be enveloped in flames, and it prefers to die with them rather than have them meet their fate alone. The Bald Eagle is very accomodating in his appetite, and will, in fact, eat any- thing that has ever been posessed of animal life. He is by no means averse to carrion, and muy now and then be seen perched regally upon a dead horse. keeping at a distance the hords of vul- 46 tures that always collect around a car ease, and will not permit them to ap- proach until he has gorged himself to his fullest extent. Wilson tells howa Bald Eagle had taken possession of a heap of dead squirrels that had been ac- eidentallally drowned, and prevented any other bird or beast of prey from ap- proaching his treasure. He is especially fond of lambs, and is often more than suspected of aiding the death of many a sickly sheep by the dexterous use of hig beak and claws. Sometime he pays the penalty of his voracity, as the following quotation from Selmar Hess’s “‘Animate Creation” will show. ‘A Bald Eagle had caught a wild duck, and carrying it toa large piece of ice, tore his prey to pieces and began to eatit. When he had finish” -ed his repast, he spread his wings for fight, but found himself unable to stir his feet being firmly frozen to the ice.’ Several persons who witnessed the scene endeavored to reach the bird, but were unable, owing to the masses of loose ice that intervened between the Eagle and the land. At last the poor bird perished, as was supposed, having been seen to flap his useless wings in vain endeavors to escape until night drew on and darkness hid him from view. By Epwarp FULLER. 161 Main Street, Norwich, Conn. Notes on the American Red- start. (‘“‘For the Collectors’ Monthly.’’) During the past season I have found five nests with eggs, of the American Red- start, but have only been able to get one set of four. I will give the readers of the “Monthly” the benefit of my experience, hoping: it may be of interest to some. The first nest I found, which was on May 23rd., contained two eges Nest THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. placed in a clump of Elderberry bushes, five feet from the ground. I took one of the eggs in my hand, to examine it the more closely, but replaced it very care- fully, hoping to get a full set by leaving them for a few days. On the 25th, I looked again as I was passing by, but both nest and eggs were gone. My next nest was found on the 27th, It was completed, ready for its speckled beauties. The next day it contained one ege, for the two or three days following no more eggs were added, but the next time I visited the place, the one egg was missing. No. 38, [found May 30th it contained two eggs, but when I went to the place again, the whole outfit was gone. I also found my fourth nest on this day. This was placed in a Bitter-nut tree, saddled on a limb about twenty feet up. Saw the bird sitting on the nest at inter- vals during the following week, but when I went up to see it eight days later there were no eggs to be seen. June 2d, 1 found No. 5, It contained four eggs, I took them at once, not wish- Ine to run any more risk of not getting a set. Thetollowing is from my note-book. Ob- tained set of four perfectly fresh eggs of American Redstart. Nest in Basswood _ tree placed at the end of horizontal limb, thirty feet from trunk of tree, and twenty ‘feet up, saddled on top and composed of fine fibers, etc., ined with hair and thre, or four feathers. All of these nests were placed in a heavy piece of timber, and so situated where they would not be seen, except by one who was looking for such things, being saddled on top of the limb in every case. Think it barely possible that another person besides myself knew of their whereabouts. There is, then, but two causes for the removal of the nests and egos. They either must have been de- stroyed by the birds, or by some animal that feeds on the e@y's of small birds. If an animal, why were the nests remoy- ed? Noteven a single fiber remained to be seen, nor could [ find a particle of the nest anywhere around, so careful had they been to remove every clue of a nest ever being placed there. It was the same with the three that had disappeared. So the only thing that remains to con- jecture is that the birds seeing me ap- proach their homes, and examine the treasures, which they thought so much of, took this method of protecting their rights; could it be possible for these little fire flies of the woods, for such they seem, as they hop from one branch to another, flitting their tail in a peculiar manner, could it be possible for them, to move their home and its effects to a more re- tired spot, there to continue, or begin over, the most important work of the season. Let us hear from others, and thus become more familiar. Yours truly, G. A. M. The Boyal Condor. Sarcorhamphus gryphus. The greatest of birds is the Royal Con- dor of South America, an unclean crea- ture, whose home is amone the lofty heights of the Andes. There seems to be a probability that at one time the Con- dor, ora bird closely resembling it, in- habited parts of Asia and Africa. The legends of the great Roc, may have refer- red to some such creature now extinct. The old geographer, Mareo Polo, places the condor in Asia, and says that the bird was so large and strong as to be able to lift an elephant high enough in its claws that the fall would killit. A traveler, as late as 1830, ventured the assertiou that one had been killed of THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. 47 which a single quill feather was sixty feet long’. Humbolt was among the first to state the truth about the condor, and it is now known that the largest authentic state- ment of a condor’s size gives an expanse of wings of only 14 feet. This however makes the condor thegiant among birds. The permanent habitation of the con- dor is never found below an altitude of ten-thousand feet. Im the rainy season they frequently descend to the coast, where they may beseen roosting on trees. On the mountains they rarely perch, for which their feet seem poorly fitted, but stand on the vertical cliffs where their nests are, and where cattle are most like- ly to fall. They always frequent the vicinity of cattle estates, and they are never seen in flock except around a large ecareass. The condor is often seen soar- ing in large circles and at an immense height with a slow majestic flight. Its head is constantly in motion as if look- ing for food. To rise from the ground it must run for some distance, then it flaps its wings several times and ascends at a low angle till it reaches a considerable elevation, after which it literally sails on the air. . The gait in walking is awkward and painful, the wings trailing on the ground and the head crouching. From its ina- bility to rise without running a narrow open pen suffices toimprisonit. Though a carrion bird, it breathes the purest air, spending much ofits time soaring three miles high. Its power of gormandizing is enormous. A condor has been known to deyoura ealf at a single meal, and, though it per- fers carrion it has been known to attack livinganimals. The eyes and tongue are the favorite parts and first devoured. There has never been any authenticated cases of condors carrying off children, or A8 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. of attacking adults except in defence of their eves. When full fed or gorged the bird is exceedingly stupid, and can be captured by hand, but at other times it is more than a match for any man. It passes the greater part ofits time in sleeping, more often searching forits prey in the morning and evening than at noon, very likely because objects are then more distinctly seen. The bird is seldom shot, but generally trapped or lassoed. Prescott in his his- tory of the “Conquest of Peru,” speaks of the “great bird of the Andes, the loathsome condor, which, sailing high above the clouds, followed with doleful eries in the track ofthearmies.”’ Butthis is a poetic exaggeration, for the only noise it makes is a hissing like that of a 2oose. Its nest is on some inacessible eliff, and here it lays two white e@es, which are about four inches long. Its nest really consists of a few sticks laid around the eges, the skill and intelligence of other birds being lacking. Perhaps a more correct way of putting it is that there is no need of the protective skill of elaborate nests, as the bird does its breeding on in- accessible heights where no enemy is to be feared. The young are not able to fly for nearly two years, and for the first year they look like gigantic goslings. The white irillat the base of the neck and the white wing feathers do not appear till the second plumage, until which time they lie in secluded caves, fed by their elders. The head, neck, and front of the breast of the condor are bare, indicative of its love of carrion. The head is flat and elongated; the skin lies infolds. The whole appearance is hideous and repul- sive, loathsome to the eye as itis to the smell, for the odor of decayed flesh reeks from every feather. Though the condor has not the bright eye of the eagle, and the smelling powers of the dog itvet per- ceives the carcass from afar. It lacks the strength and sharpness of the eagles beak, and its powerful talons for seizing living prey. Itis simply the inost gigan- tic of vultures, and with all the habits and instinets of the vulture race, lacking the courage and fierceness of the eagle, and other predatory birds of the same type. But when the condor is seen soar- ing high up in the sky with slow and ma- jestic flight, it is said to be one of the most striking exhibitions of power and grace to be seen in bird life. ‘‘World of Wonders.”’ [Special to the Collectors’ Monthly. | The American Gold Finch. ( Spin us tristis.) This very beautiful bird called also thistle-bird, yellow-bird, lettuce-bird and wild canary, breeds in August. The back of the bird is black, and the wings are bright yellow. When sitting onsome slender branch it is one of the most beau- tiful birds I have ever seen. When flying rapidly it is very often mistaken for a canary by young collectors, but the older and more experienced ornithologist will at onee recoenize it by its dark colored back. Its nest is almost always found in thistles, henee its name thistle-fineh. I have never found a nest of this species more than five feet from the ground. The nest is composed of d ried @rass very closely woven and lined with the soft down from the thistle blossom. The eom- mon number of e@e@s is five or six. They are deposited two days apart and are of a light blue color much the same as the blue bird but smaller. If you dis- turb the bird on her nest when she has two or three eves, although you may not touch the nest or thistle she will not de- posit another egg in it, but will continue THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. pres nrineiorrenyeeninme ’ to sit on what she has. If the nest is touched before any eves are deposited she will not return but will build again. Of course there are exceptions to all rules but only once in my experience have | known the bird toreturn tothenest alter it had been disturbed when empty and then, she only deposited one egg. Both birds assist in making the nests. The male bird never leaves the loeality of the nest while his mateissetting, unless driv- en from it. The female is dark all over being a varied dullbrown. TheCollector can @o within a few feet of her when sheis on the nest without seeing her, and when she does leave the nest under his very fin- gers she goes so noiselessly as to escape the notice of the unwatehful collector. Collectors should remember that identi- fication is of the first importance and when collecting eges of this species, watch for the female as she leaves the nest. After she has left she will fly but a short distance where the male bird will join her, then is the time for the collector to iden- tify his eves. Lerson BaLnimr. Des Moines, Lowa. Mr. C. H. Prince, Danielsonville, Conn. Dear Str:—Am very much pleased with last number of yourpaper. Isend you a few notes which, if you can use, you are welcome to. Wish to do my part tow- ards keeping it up. I trust we may see it enlarged, in the near future, that you may, be warranted in increasing its size. Yours Truly, G. A. M. Dar Srr:—A friend of mine ereatly in- terested in oology and ornithology showed me your Collectors Monthly, which [ considered a bright lively paper, and wish you the best sueeess in vour continued work. Enclosed please tind 30 cents worth of 2 cents stamps. Yours Truly, C. BrapLey IsHaM. 49 Notes on the Birds of Long Island. By W. W- WorTHINGTON. (45.) 128. lregata aquila. Man-o’-War Bird. (639.) Large; pluinage black, with a metallic gloss. Tail forked. Feet and gular sae orange red. Length 40 inches. Liable to occur as an extremely rare strageler from thesouth. Reeorded from Nova Scotia, and inland to Ohio. Breeds from the Bahamas southward. Nest built of sticks, on the ground, orlow trees. Lays one egg, chalky white, about 24x * inches. (46.) 129. Merganser americanus. American Merganser. (636 ) Head and neck dark green. Breast and under parts salmon red Zack black, be- coming lead color on rump and tail. Wings with a black band, and much white markings. Crest notconspicuous. Length 26 inches. A rare winter visitor to the east end of L. I. “A common winter resident” (Helme). Breeds in Northern New Eng- Nest made of erasses, moss ete., lined with down from the birds breast, placed in holes in trees. land, in May and June. Kees six to ten, bulfy, or cream color, and average about 2.65x1.% inches. (47.) 130. Merganser serrator. Red-breasted Merganser (637). Head and back black, the former with a ereenish gloss, and with a conspicuous erest, of long slender feathers. Breast heht reddish brown, streaked more or less with black. Collar around neck, un- der parts, and much of wings, white. Length 23 inches. An abundant migrant, and except in very a winter resident. Usually seen in small floeks diving and feeding near the shore, on which they often crawl up to rest and preen their plumage. Pasily decoyed, and much sought after by local gunners, although their flesh has a rather rank fishy taste. severe seasons 50 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Breeds from the northern U.S. north- ward, in the vicinity of water. Nest of moss and leaves, lined with down from the birds breast, placed on the ground among low bushes or grass. Eggs six to twelve, Creamy, or greenish, and about 2%x1% inches. (48.) 131. Lophodytes cucullatus. Hooded Merganser. (638.) Head, neck, and upper parts black, the head with a large compact crest. A large patch on the side of the head, wing bars and under parts, white. Length 18 inches. A rather common migrant. Frequents fresh water ponds, and creeks. Ihave seen them in flocks of a dozen or more individuals in a large pond near Sag Harbor. ‘Dec. 24, 1880 I found a dead male on the Sound shore. In Jan. 1881 Ireceived a fine male from Patchogue. The gunners on the south side eall them Wood Sheldrake” (Helme) I found this species abundant in South Georgia (MeIn- tosh Co.,) and breeding very early, as I took a fully developed eve from a female shot on Feby. 22d, 1889. Nest of leaves, grasses, etc., lined with down from the birds breast, placed in hollow trees. Eges from six to eighteen, very smooth, clear white, and average about 24x1% inches. (49.) 132. Anas boschas. Mallard. (601.) Head green. Breast bright chestnut. Sides and under parts finely mottled with gray and black. A white ring around the neck. Tail whitish, its upper coverts black, with a recurved tuft of feathers. Speculum glossy purple. Leneth 23 in. A winter visitor of no great rarity. Seen at intervals throughout,the winter. Frequents fresh water ponds in the fall. “Not common spring and autumn mi- grant’ (Helme). Breeds inland, west- ward and northward. Nest placed in grass or low bushes near water. Eges greenish or drab, six to ten, and average about 24x1¥ inches. (50)) 133. Anas obscura. Black Duck. (602.) Dusky brown throughout, rufous edging to the feathers. head, throat and neck pale grayish brown finely spotted with dusky. glossy violet, surrounded by black. Length 22 inches. An abundant winter resident, a few pairs remaining to breed on Gardiners Island, and rarely on Shelter Island. Nest placed in thick grass or low bushes, on the ground near water, grasses, weeds, etc., lined with dowu from the birds breast. Eggs six to twelve, creamy or grenish, and average 24x22 in. (51.) 135. Anas strepera. Gadwali. (604.) Sides of head and front of neck pale brown, with spots of dusky. Breast and Jower neck all round, black, with narrow half-ceircies of white, andashy. Speculum white, in front ofit a large patch of black. Sides dark brown, finely waved with whitish. Beneath white. Leneth 22 in. Arare migrant. “Two shot at Mt. Sinai Harbor, in the spring of 1879. Usually seen in company with Black Ducks”” (Helme). Breeds inland and westward. Nests on the ground in low thick growth, near water. Nest of grasses, lined with down and feathers. Eggs six to twelve, creamy or clay color, average about 2x1% inches. (52.) 136. Anas penelope. Widgeon. (606). Sides of head, and neck all around chestnut red, spotted more or less with black. Top of head whitish. Back and sides, brown, finely waved with white. Wings and tail dark brown, the latter with white edging. Beneath white. der tail coverts black. Length 19% in. A rare winter visitor, orstrageler from Hurope. Said to have bred on this side of the Atlantic inthe north. Nest on the ground near water. Nest of grasses, leaves, ete., lined with down and feathers of the bird. Eggs six to eight, creamy or buff, 24x1\ inches. with light — Side of — Speculum — composed of — ie ae Un- 9 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. (53.) 137. Anas americana. American Baldpate. Very simular to the last species, but distinguished by lack of chestnut on the head and other slight differences. A rare migrant at the east end. I flushed one from a small pond on Shelter Island, on Sept, 11th, 1886, the only one I ever saw alive. Breeds in the western lake regions of the U.S. Nest placed on the ground in thick growth of grass or bushes, near the water, making a nest of grass and lea ves, lined with down and feathers. Eges eight to twelve, yellowish or pale buff, and measures about 2x1%in. [Written for the Polleetors’ Monthly. ] Hints to Young Collectors. In this paper I will take up the ditferent branches of the subject, from the stand » it is nearly worth- a rays a eges with a single ibole iu the side and never break sets when | The best way ary puetaae ae Ren aw: ay, ie it not yoths and mould will soon ruin them. A week solution of corrosive sublimate in Prater has proven of great benefit in my Hease as it thouroughly disinfects them. iw hen out after eges you will find square tin box provided with a strap for fcarring long enough to go over the shoul- dev. very convenient for eges. Always a number of folded papers in yhich to place insects, and a small bottle ‘of chloroform in the vest pocket. — In in- seet collecting you will need anet for moths and butterflies. The one I use is ~a@ O41 simply a broom handle,in one end of which is a ring’ of heavy wire. Sewed to the wire is a bag of common mosquito netting. The whole cost 5 cents, and is just as servicible as one costing two or three dollars. I always kill butterflies, mothsand grasshoppers with chloroform, while beetles and bugs can be put in a large mouthed bottle containing a little cyanide of potassium. The best way to prepare a bottle for this purpose is after putting in the cyanide, pour in enough plaster of paris and water to cover the This soonsets and you will find the evanide with Beetles are pinned cyandie. it better than to cover cotton as many do. through the right wing cover, bugs through the center of the back, and moths, butterflies, bees, dragon _ flies, ete., through theback between the wings. A convenient block to use in spreading the wings is made of a couple strips of cigar box, two inches wide nailed at each end to a piece of wood +44 Cut this so the outer edeen of the strips when fastened will be a fourth inch high- er than the inner edges, this will leave a third of an inch between the strips. To this on the under side, glue a strip of sheet cork, and it is done. I made a dozen last year at a cost of three and a fourth cents each. When setting to dry, spread the wings carefully to their full extent, and arrange legs and antenne in anatural manner. Wind all with soft thread or place over the wings a narrow strip of card board, pinning securely, be careful and do not tear the wings and nana the buttertlies as little as possible inches long. as they are easily spoiled in this way. After they are thoroughly dry turn the specimen over and carefully paint the bodies with corrosive sublimate dissolved This will greatly lessen the moths. When in the cases do in ale oh. ol: danger of not over crowd them, as this does much 52 THE COLLECTOR’S MONTHLY. more towards spoiling the beauty ofa collection of insects than many suppose. The instructions for collecting botanical specimens in the December number of the monthly are fine. Let me say I always dip my specimens in a solution of either corrosive sublimate or strychinine before pressing to avoid insects. If these hints are of any value and notes of my experi- ence will be of value J will give you more in the future. Groree H. Berry. Cedar Rapids, Lowa. [For the Collectors’ Monthly. ] Water-birds of lowa. About sundown we started for the lake, 2 miles south of our house which is ealled Lard or Rush lake, but neither | name is rightly applied for there is neith- er Lard or rushes in the lake. We could hear the roar of wings as the birds were flying over and around the lake, here is afew canada geese, vonder comes four stately cranes, away out there is hun- dreds of Brandt. Now as we comenearer a louder noise of wings is heard. What is it, O, there is the cause, a red tail hawk comes over the tall reeds, before him is thousands of coots making a hideous noise; presently the hawk is gone and the coots are quiet again. Now we take the canoe and start out, first we meet a pair of wood ducks, these are quickly bagged, but the report which echoes over the water startles thousands of birds, six mallards start out the crass a few rods from our boat, then we began a regular slaughter with our 6 shooters, alter emptying our guns we start for our game for if not we will soon loose them in the marsh @rass, now we look at our catch, 2 brandt, 5 mallard, 3 teal, 4 wid- geon, 2 shovelers, 1 pintail and 3 snipes, now as it is getting dark we light our lantern, and get out The pickrel are large our fishing tackle, and lively, pretty soon we havea finefish, I noticed that their was one fine albino rusty gracklein aflock, but I was not near enough to get it. We got home at 10.35 p. m. Henny G. HAuu. Newell, Lowa. : : How to Keep a Gun from Rust- Tas. My experience informs me that the ker- nel ofa Pecan nut placed in a piece of cloth and rubbed briskly over the steel parts of a gun will remove rust and keep it off. It keeps the gun continually oil- — ed, and there isnot stickiness or offensive odors as given off by other so called rust preventitives. Another feature is the small cost. One nut will clean an entire gun thoroughly. Hoping to hear from other collectors am yours. EE. R.—Giddings, Texas. [For the Collectors Monthly.] Mr. C. H. Prince, Danielsonville, Conn. Dear Sir:—Seeing what others say in the August number of your ‘‘Monthly” in ~ regard to F. M. Kinne, Knoxville, Iowa, has caused me to feelit iy duty to relate — my experience with him. Last fall I sent him a list of eges in sets, in exchange for drills, blowpipes and datas, but as he did not send them I kindly notified him of the fact, but there was no attention paid to my ecard, | waited several days longer and then notified him again, with the’ same effect. Thinking I bad been impos- ed upon by a fraud I wrote him again and threatened to advertise him if I did not hear from him before the first of Jan- uary. This brought an answer in the shape of about half of the goods I had ordered, also a letter saying my order had been overlooked on the order book. What Il want to know is this, ifmy order was Overlooked why did he not look it up when L first wrote him ? Yours Truly, W. E. DrennaM, Lo nae 4 ‘ hy DB ae Gat Aly TN as VT) 4 : oT a Otters lor cash debarred. A strictly 1 Exchange and Want Column. No notice inserted for less than twenty cents. CASH must accom- oe "pany all notices. _ me “in ‘0: EXOHANGD—First-class sets of birds eges ) 1 with the best of data, to exchange for the Pee Send list and receive mine. — Bh oy | “J, WARREN JACOBS, Kes Way hesburg, Penn. ee, Prva to exchange i in first- Claas original sets fi .U, No.’s): 58 1-3, 1-4, 743a 1-4, 652 1-4, eon 8. "599, 596 1-8, 581d 1-3, 1-4, 5571-8, 5541-3, 531 14,5 bia. 519e 1.4, 499 1-4, 465 I-4, 464 1-4. 431 1-1, 1-2, ‘and. nest 375. 1-6, 373e 1-3, 360 1+b, 352 1-1, 294 112 and 128b 1-3 16 eTsbae 1, collected by my- Rett on the Farrallones, Baie) FRED SCHNEIDER, » “i ; Santa Clara Co. College Park, Cola. yk. ALG 3. PRILL, late of Sweet Home, is now ‘Veoated at Springville, Erie Co., N. Y,, where ’ : he will be glad to hearfrom all bis old patrons and he oological friends. i by ae t y ‘Burrowing Owls Eggs. “tn sets with data to exchange for other first class eges in Sets and a few singles. + L. B. HARTZELL, ‘Crystal PPrBES, (Harper Co,,) Kansas, 4-8 FRY EPXCHANGE—Nearly first-class set Fla. Burrowing: Owl, 1-5, for best: offer in first-class _ sets, shot gun, rifle, Ornithological books, field ; i Vodipates ‘owglee ete. All answered. ; Z B.S. BOWDISH, Phelps, N. Y. ! 200 Eggs of Little Blne Heron in. Bets of 1-4 at 30 cents per set, data furnished. E KIT ATKINSON, Dime Box Texas. ETS, EXCHANGE—Eggs of Snowy Heron, Dwarf Cowbird, Texas Grackle, Yellow breasted Chat, Blue gray Gnat Catcher, Mocking Bird, Purple ~ Grackle, Purple Martin and others. Sets and “a pees to exchange for same, JESSE W. MILLER, 184 Dallas Street, Houston, Tex, IRN EXCHANGE—Eges of Fla. Red-shouldered _ + Hawk, for pair Wooden Decoy Ducks ( Mallard or Red-Head), male and female. ED. RAUBE, Giddings, Texas. ATTENTION. 4 Taxidermist, Ihave a set of Taxidermy tools and supplies worth ten dollars, which I will send ee ! Bite paid’” for only $6.00. Reference. Editor S$ paper. C. BYRON VANDYCOOK, Box 113, 8-3 Odin, Tl THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. WANTED. IRST-CLASS Warblers Skins, with data, from every state in the Union. Also skins and dere of all) U.S. Humming Birds. Wili give in exchange first-class skins, with data, and a few egesin sets. What offers in skins and eggs for a finely mounted Loon? H. T. VAN OSTRAND, Millbury Mass. WANTED. WE want 1000 subscribers before January Ist, 1892. Send for a sample copy of ‘The Taxid- ermist,”’ with its supplement premium list, and it will induce you to place your name on our books. 85 cents per year. It will pay you. Address, “THE TAXIDERMIST,” Medina, Ohio. Everybody having To E EXCHANGE! eges to exchange please send us lists of what you havefor exchange, as we have a large lot for exchange and for sale. Please state which Numbers you use A. O. J. or Ridgway's. None but first-class eggs wanted. C. H. PRINCE, Danielsonville, Conn. Fo. $5.00 worth of well blown eggs with data, I will ship one pair ‘, hite Fan Pigeons. The birds are first-class. A. J, RAND, Holyoke. Mass. ian Complete Yaar Files. OW is the time to complete your files of the **Collector’s Monthly,’’ as we have only a limited number of the back numbers left which we are disposing»of at 4 cents each, 3 for 10 cents or7for 20 cents. Send at once before all are gone. Address, “COLLECTOR’S MONTHLY,” Danielsonville, Conn. fou a Subseriber ,i:..C lleetors Monthly? If not, read the following list of Eggs which we will accept in payment for One Year’s Subscription. URING the month of SEPTRMBER we will accept any of the following first-class singles or sets in payment for New Subseribers only: SINGLES, SETS. Pigeon Guilemot. Willet I-38. Pallas Murre, Florida Gallinule 1-7 Great Black Baek Gull. Virginia Rail. 1-7 Franklins Guli. Brown Pelican 1-3 * Noddy. Cal. Partridge 1-8 Stormy Petrel. Bob-White 1-8 Farrallone Comorant. Spotted Sandpiper 1-4 Bairds Comorant. Least Bittern 1-4 Gadwall Anhinga 1-4 Wood Duck. Black Skimmer 1-4 Velver Scoter. Kildeer 1-4 Canada Goose. Ring Neck Pheasant 1-3 Am. Flamingo. Clapper Rail 1-6 Glossy Ibis. Prairie Hen 1-6 Am. Bittern, Am, Sparrow Hawk 1-3 Am. Woodcock, Night Hawk 1-2 Long Billed Curlew. Bobolink 1-3 Am, Oyster Cateher. Orchard Oriole 1-5 Wild Turkey. Scarlet Tanager 1-3 Turkey Vulture, Painted Bunting 1-5 pe Vulture. Pied-Billed Grebe, 1-6 ll eggs must be firsf-classin every respect, cor- rectly named with data. No second-class eges received. Send eggs at once to CHARLES H. PRINCE, Danielsonville, Conn, The Naturalists Buread. HP Naturalists’ Bureau has been organized for the purpose of supplying Educational In- stitutions and private individuals with books treating upon all branches of Natural History, Also with correctly named speciinensin Zoology, Botany and Mineralogy, and with the best and most practical instruments for the collection of Specimens in all departments of Natural History. Everything is selected and approved by special- ists. Address, THE NATURALISTS’ BUREAU, 43 West St., Boston, Mass. SOMETHING NEW FOR €GG@ GOLLEGTORS!)|, MAYNARD’S Automatic Egg Blower Y this little machine an ege may be emptied ol its contents without danger of breaking and without waste of breath. Works perfectly easy and can be carried in the pocket, A THOROUGHLY PRACTICAL MACHINE, and exactly meets the wants of egg collectors. Price until Jan. 1, 1892, tointroduce it, 50 Gents. Send for illustrated circular. Address, The NATURALISTS’ BUREAU, 43 WEST STREET, BOSTON, MASS. To OOLOGISTS. E are selling the best outfit for Beg Collec- tors for ONLY 25 CENTS. Ege Drill—the best in use, will not erack the egg—Blow Pipe and Embryo-Hook. Get them in time for the next collecting season. 25 cents only. Address, The NATURALISTS’ BUREAU, 43 WEST STREET, BOSTON, MASS. ie ° Trion A 16 Page and Cover Magazine devoted to Antiquities. ‘Samp.e Copy FREE ! e BIRDS EGGS. Ringneck PRG AS Beer se sc cece tk dedcsne sehen aneetepeteaoes ED: SEA NSU Ks, gees nice caceeed akgncse wgaieee English hy Speck French rs Chucker e Barbary .“ Pty ROOK eatessa 2a seen Little Grebe.........s.5 Great eee Gretene Skylark... aeeee + teeewar Topaz Lepidolite Magnetite... Galenite,............. : Mica (white)..... 2 Mica (curved)..... Wine Spar........ Gallente rigiGstes<. 103 nh. Rubellite............000. Vesuvennite .. ..... deeenreee a eeeenesceeeteseneen Spodumene....... -cceeeay rss Tourmaline CURIOSITIES. Pre. Pottery Fragment............:-ccseseteens 05 and 10 Pre, Shell’ Beads. fees .scacessves 30c Foreign ss - : - - 12zcts extra®’ Single Copies, - . - - - 3c each. ADVERTISING RATES: One pige, one insertion, - : - - $5 00 One Co umn, one insertion, = = : 2 75 Half Coiumn, one insertion, : = - 150 Editoral Page per in. one Agee ou, - 1 00 One Inch, one insertion, EAPr, - - 60 Half-inch one insertion, = 3 - 35 &¢s- Cash must accompany all povericeearS Write for special rates on standing advertise- ments. orn . . Eh, Articles and items of interest in any branch of Natural History solicited for publication. keas-Address all communications to the Editor and Publisher. Entered at the Post Office at Danitlsonville Conn., as second class mail matter. wet Editorials. Subscribers whose’ subscription expires with this number will do us a favor if they will remit at once. RE Mr. C.J. Maynard (whose ady. appears on last page of cover), writes us in regard to Egg Cabinets that any one wishing such can be supplied by send’ ing sizes wanted, and-prices will be quoted, as they manufacture to order. If you are in want of any variety of fine steel pens, write to Miller Brothers, Meriden, Ct., tor illustrated circular, and price list. They are offer- ing high grade steel pens at a very low price, and you cant afford to ‘be without them. ‘They also earry in stock a complete line of cutlery etc. Write them, (enclosing stamp) and when writing mention “The Collectors’ Monthly.’ ~ One of the lead ng features for. Ornithologists at the Worlds'‘Columbian Exposition at Chicago,1893, will be the exhiblt of Native Birds. Collections to consist of not less than twenty-five varieties, nor léss'then ote pairi.e, One male and one female of each variety, For largest. and - best Collection of Native Birds, $75.00. 2nd. premium $50.00. - 3d. premium $35.00. 4th. premium $25.00. Corect names, with all known synonyms to be furnished i with each Collection, together with history, nalnts localities, where found in greatest numbers, an other facts and information ot interest. Collectors desiring anything in Natural History. Such as Birds eggs, skins, stuffed birds, mammals, | mammal skins ,Curiosities or supplies for Oologists Ornithologists, Entomologists, Botanists, etc should not fail to secure them from James P, Bab bitt, whose ‘‘ad’’ appears on last page of cover, and obtain honest goods at honest prices. Thanksgiving is now upon us and we are again ' reminded of that band of Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth nearly three centuries ago, and laid th This month the turkey,—the truly American bird—will be | “corner-stone”’ of this might nation. slaughtered on moorland and farm, bringing a welcome supply of pocket money to the farmers 4 wife, who has carefully tended the young brood As at the old Roman feasts, the royal pea-cock formed the choic | through sunshine and shower. © est dish of all, so the stately turkey who for months” has proudly lorded it over the barn-yard commu nity, will now grace. our Thanksgiving table, as” fitting head piece to the board. A beautiful illus- Whittier. Ah! on Thanksgiving Day when from East and | trom West, : From North and from South come the pilgrim a and guest; a When the gray-haired New Englander sees round) his board : The old broken links of affection Bueeaee When the care wearied man seeks his mother onc more, : f And the worm matron smiles. where the girl smils ed pete What calls back the past like the rich pumpkin pie? “ Auk” of 1890 angi! or. All having: such to se of we will give good equivalent for same. q oo FIVE two cent stamps will BEL you a sample of Arthur’s Home Magazine, Philadelphi Agents wanted. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Our Birds. (Original. ) Our Birds are very numerous As they flit from tree to tree, Or skim the glassy waters Of the deep and dark blue sea, And still there would be many more If they were allowed to live, But they are fading fast away That the Naturalist may live. Whenever I see the Robin, Or the beautiful Humming bird, I think of Wonderful Nature, And my thoughts are turned away. To when I’ve seen the blackbirds, Committing their deeds of sin, I liken them to the human world, To many men therein, What better treat than a day in the woods, Where everything is still Save the murmer of the babbling brook And the Blue Jays notes so shrill. ’ Here, the cuckoos notes are faintly heard, Sounding so lonely and clear, And its here, that “Our Birds in Their Haunts”’ are found In their homes and houses so queer. Should twilight over take us, There are other birds to spy, Perchance we may see the Whippoorwill Or hear the Night Hawks cry. Wherever we go we'll find “Our Birds” As merry, and blithe, and gay, As they ever are in the tropics In the merry month of May. You may take from us our other pets, Or approach with unkind words, But leave alone our feathered pets, Our Joved and cherished birds. Notes on the Birds of Long Island. By W. W. WORTHINGTON. (54) 142 Spatula clypeata; Shoveller, (608.) Bill expanded at tip. Head green. Breast white. Beneath, chestnut brown. Upper wing coverts blue. Rump and upper tail coverts black. Length 20 inches. A rare migrant. I have nevermet with t alive. Mr. Dutcher has taken one specimen. Breedsin the West, making nest of weeds and grasses, and placing it ; on the ground near water. Eggs six to ten, pale grayish, or bluish green, averag- ing about 2: 1-3 x 1: 1-2 inches. (55) 143 Dafila acuta. Pintail, (605.) Back and sides finely waved with black and white. Beneath white, a narrow line of which extends up each side of neck to the crown. Head brown. Central tail feathers elongated. Lower tail coverts black. Jength 30 inches. A rather rare migrant at the east end of L. J. Ihave had specimens which were shot in April and February. Frequents creeks and ponds containing enough grass to afford concealment, amongst which they feed. Breeds in the low prairies of the West, and Northward to Arctie countries. Nest made of grasses and weeds, placed in grass or low bushes near water. Eges eight to twelve, dull greenish, and about 2: 1-4 x1: 1-2inches. (56) 144. Aix sponsa. Wood Duck, (613.) Crested. Head glossy green. | ‘a /Mr. Moore gives the extent of birds ges to be as follows. Swans, Parrots and Ravens, 200 years. lagle, 100. Geese, 80. Hens and Pig- ns, 10 to 16. Hawks, 30 to40. Crane, 4. Blackbird, 10 to 12. Peacock, 20. elican, 40 to 50. Thrush, 8 to 10- ren, 2to3. Nightingale, 15. Black- ip, 15. Linnet, 14 to 23. Goldfinch, YU to 24. Redbreast, 10 to 12. Sky- itk, 10 to 30. Titlark, 5 to 6. Chaf- THE, COLLECT | the Black. Capped Chickadee. experimenting with these birds. ORS’ MONTHLY. | Some ofouv Winter Birds. The Paridae, (For The Collectors’ Monthly.) Our common resident of this family is which at- tracks attention throughont the winter by its saney cry of pe-wee. Thisbird, like all the representatives of this family, builds its nest ina hole. The nest is ne ver more than fifteen feet from the ground: and is composed of moss, softly lined with hair or rabbits fur, and occasionally a few feathers. The ege's, which are from four to nine in number, are white, blotched with teddish brown and lilac, and about .60x.47in size. The chickadee | is a very bold bird, frequently building its nest near a house, and in this particu- lar is quite different from another resi- dent, the Tufted Titmouse. The latter is found along the timber- belts, usually building its nest at a dis- tance from the ground, laying from five to eight white ego's, sparingly blotched with red and purple; .75x.53. This bird is one of the first harbingers of spring: their somewhat shrill notes making the woods fairly ring in the early spring. Our third and last resident of the Pan- | dae, is the White Breasted Nuthatch, which was formerly rare in this locality, but is now becomming quite common. They lay from five to eight white egos, (which have a pink hue, below being brown,) blotched and splashed with red and purple. What a pecular bird it is! With a manner in which is blended the boldness of the Chickadee with the shyness of the Titmouse, the Nuthatch neither defies man nor seeks to avoid him. His first cousin S. Canadensis, is a winter res- ident here, and is by far the most inter- esting of all the family. He posseses all the sauciness of the Chickadee, with a good deal ofimpudencecombined; allow- ing one to approach within a few feet of him, when suddenly with a “‘cheet” “cheet” and a saucy jerk of his tail, he is off! Several winters ago I spent some time There Was one, especially that was very tame; and I determined to eatech this one. I did catch it; but immediately let it go, tosee if it would come back to the trap. Inless than five minutes, I had it again; and beh, 20 to 24. Starling, 10 to 20. e ( i this time I kept it. It grew very tame, 68 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. and was quite a pet; but at last was a victim to the cat. My next paper will be on the Picidae. ALBERT GARETT. Lawrence, Kan. The Prairie Horned Lark (For the Collectors Monthly) BY thie The reason I have chosen the Horned Lark as the subject of this sketch is, his presence as a ground bird the most noticable, to a tiller of the soil—I first ! began to see them about April 15th, and they have been constant companions since. His song if such his few notes can be called, is in our ears all day long. Tfound my first nest on May 2d ’90‘ on the ground at the foot of a corn hill. The nest was made of dead wild-grass and the course roots of the prarie-grass, nicely woven together in a holejust large enough to receive it. The nest was 2% inches deep out-side 2 inches in diamater 1% im depression, and contained 3 fresh eges, of a dirty green ground work marked with chocolate or olive brown spots or rather speckles that almost covered the ground work. Since that time I have found 4 or 5 nests and all of them have been placed at the foot of corn hills and the singular part of it all was, they were invariably on the east side of the hill. The birds are so well known that a description is scarcely necessary. But for the benefit of some who may get them mixed with theground Sparrow I will try and describe them to the best of my ability. The male is about 3% inches from tip to tip. Head is a brown gray ou the crown, side of head around the eyes is jet black. Throat a dingy white fading to clear white on breast. Under tail- coverts dingy white. And the distinguish- ing feature, the “horn” attachmentraises from the fore head between the eyes and curves gracefully backward. The female is much the color of the male except has not the black spots on side of her head, and is some what smaller than the male and has no horn. Now as a closing remark I will say that the study of Orinthology isa source of endless enjoyment and satisfaction to me. Miller Bro’s Steel Pens —The Best in Use— Of which the Patent Adjustable Quill reservoir Pen—‘‘Acme” takes the lead, besides this we have the Bank Pen1, School Pen, Broad stub, Stub, Small Falcon, Falcon, Bead Pen, and 50 other — kinds, also carry a large assortment of steel ink © erasers, Scissors, Shears, and Patent Pocket Cut- lery. Miller Bros. Cutlery Co., Meriden, Conn. ROAD CARTS ONLY $10 The Best and Lowest Price of any Carts Mats. | B15, $18, $20 and #25. |Top Buggies, enly $55.00. — | Harness $7.50 and 310.00. 7 Forges, Anvils, Vises, Safes, Sewing . Machines, Scales of all varieties, f Save money and send for Price List. | J.c>p CHICACO SCALE CO., =" 151 South Jefferson Street. \s = “Down With High Prices.” — SEWING MACHINES FROM $40 TO $I0! Prices Lower than the Lowest on Buggies, Carts, Sleighs, Harness. $5.00 Family or Store Scale, $1.00 A 240-1b. Farmers’ Seale.... 3.00 | Farmers, do your own Repairs. Forge and Kit of Tools.... $20.00 1000 other Articles at Half Price. CHICAGO SCALE CO., Chicago, Til. PICTURES WORLD'S FAIR ,.cvs¥ias- Full: information of everything connected with the Greatest Event of all time, also description of ali States and Territories, account of all Government Lands to - be had at $1.25 per Acre, fine illustrations of various | Industries and Interesting Scenery. A World of Infor- mation for only 25 cents ayear. Sample Copy and 100- -age Catalogue containing 1,000 Clubbing Offers, 10 cts. he Guide and Hand-Book of Useful Information con- 4s 1,000,000 Facts. Price 50 Cents, with Paper 65 Cts. 25 BYESTERN WORLD, Chicago, ill. ihe ‘‘Little Detective’ Postal Scale $3.00 Beam shows Postage in Cents on any ciass Mail Matter, Best Office or Family Scale made. Capacity from 14 oz. to 25 Ibs. 16_18 20 32 34 96 95°50 8 98 10 11 32 15. 16 15 36 unte 3 | 8 ‘The well-known ‘Singer Style” Sewing Machine, $10.00 “Champion” Road Cart, best made, finely finished 15.00 The “Champion” 1-Seat Wagon, $30.00. 2-Seated, 36 00 Single Harness, $7.50. Farm do $20.00 ‘Top Buggies 55.00 Hay, Grain. Coal or Stock Scales from $30.00 .o 60.00 Send for List. CHICAGO SCALE CO., Chicago, Ill.” | 4 | 4 a EXCHANGES AND WARTS. 80 words, 20 cts.; 1-2 cent per extra word. This column is open to all having Exchanges or Wants. Offersfor cash debarred. A strictly Exchange and Want Column. No notice inserted for less than twenty cents. CASH must accom- pany all notices. ; : Burrowing Owls Eggs. In sets with data to exchange for other first class eggs in sets and a few singles. ‘ ; L. B. HARTZELL. Crystal Springs, (Harper Co.,) Kansas, 4-8 RAPED BIRDS.—Parties wanting live birds such as Cardinal, Red birds, Texan-Bob- White and many others. | Address with stamp. __ KIT ATKINSON, Dime Box Texas. Taxidermy.—Birds and animals mounted at reasonable rates. Twelve vears experience. Will pay cash for first-class skins. WM. B. CAULK, Terre Haute, Ind. TOR EXCHANGE.—The following A. O. U numbers in full sets with data 722a, 510, 761a, 292, 5S8b, 7z1b, 297, 501b, 622a, 428, 751, 452, 191, 77> 412, 687, 498, 657, 333, 365, 59, 488, 477, 587, 761, 337» 01, 501b, and 70s, for skins, egys, insects, Camera, atural History books, etc. What have you. All must be first-class. DR. A. G. BILL, Springville, N. Y. Correspondence solicited from working Orni. thologist. ; ' OR EXCHANGE.—The following strickly first” * class Bird skins to exchange Ridgway Nos’ 1, 2,7, 7#, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, 41, 47 51, 63a, 71, 74, 85, 86a, 95, 96, 99, 113, 115, 128, 135’ 1405 143, 146, 151, 156; 161, 165, 166, 170a, 172,179,181’ 182, 183, 186, 193b, 201, 204a, 207a, 200, 218, 231b, 234” 237, 238b, 240b, 242, 244, 248, 251, 254, 257, 258, 260’ 261, 26 1a, Aba 269, 270, 272, 274, 2S0, 289, 291, 293° 301, 304, 306, 307, 312, 313, 317, 320, 337, 338, 340, 351’ 361, 364, 369, 372, 387b, 352, 388, 397, 408, 420, 460: 492, 507, 516, 521, 535, 549, 556, 579, 580, OSr, also Western Yellow-throat Calfornia Shrike, Yellow- rump Tanger at $1.50, and Ruddy Horned Lark. Only well made skins wanted. Send list of what you have to offer. F. T. PEMBER. - Granville, N, Y. ‘ FOR EXCHANGE.—Eggs in sets. Ridgway * Nos., 5a, 5b, 9, 15a, 16a, 34, 53,55, 56, 57, Gob, 146, California Shrike, 155, 156, 158, 162, 170, 170a, 3042,’ 234, 238, 238b, 240, 264, 272, 275, 291, 397,313, ee or 330 338, 355, 352, 364, 366, 374, 37Sb, 379, 383) 390; 400, 402C, 408, 408a, 417, 428, 434, 442, a 66; 471, 4718, 471b, 585, 607, 661, 665, a74.004 25 705a,'732, and many others. . Reliable, Coll please send listofegys. Will exchange for skins éees by Lattins Hand book or 1890 S~: or specimens I can use. ‘ Mee F.T. PEMBER. Granville..N. ¥. “f ectors |. ist ‘at even | THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Mention the ‘Collectors’ Monthly’’ when ang wering advertisements. It costs you nothing and does us good WANTED the address of ever Ornithologist and Oologist col- lector who has got in his possession—stating how many—eggs of the Canada or Wild Goose with posi- tive identification and data, all such answering this will be repaid. Know later on. To Exchange. : Extra 2nd. class eggs of the following Ridgway Nos. 5a, 8, 9, 19, 101, 234, 354, 355, 359; 379, 395) 395> 396; 407; 430, 431, 432, 4334, 490b, 441, 447, 445, 454, 455) 4714, 470, 474, 479, 515, 520,558, 570, 603, 607, 613, 630, 644, 645, 660, 61, 674, 694, 732, and 200 others. All answered, ARTHUR E. PRICE, ! Grant Park, Ill. Complete Your Files. NO is the time to complete your files of the “‘Collector’s Monthly,’’ as we have only a limited number of the back numbers left which we are disposing of at 4 cents each, 3 for 10 cents or 7for 20 cents. Send at once before all are | gone. Address, “COLLECTOR'S MONTHLY,” Danielsonville, Conn, iF YOU DON’T read the Ornithologist and Botanist, it is because you have never seen a copy. Eight pages and cover, monthly; bright, clean and readable. Send for a sample copy, now or You Will Miss It. Address, ; JOSEPH E. BLAIN, Binghamton, N. Y? MADAGASCAR. Birds eggs of my locality,both rare and common, for sale or exchange. I guarantee all eggs true to name. : Send Stamps for Price List. Address, F. SIKORA, Naturalist. - Annanarivo Nadagasear, ~ ,... Via. Marseilles. ‘Correspondence Solicited. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. RARE EGGS |™e Naturalists’ Bureaa. ° TO EXCHANGE. Ihave in steck at the present time a few fine sets of each of the below listed eggs, full and or- igna] data with each set. St. Domingo Grebe % 1-5,............ eter ee EEN $3 00 BOOB Ya ics bas 5sie2 se dae ne ea Sa eben 5 00 Royal -Lerail-] 6 Wgeiisciiccsseretvetteestuccesscteacecdes 40 Cabots do diy ail eee eet 40 Chachalaca 1% ¥,...... oie Mapes ae eS ee 150 White Crowned Pigeon ¥,................06005 eaaeee 3 00 Red-billed ido A-¥; is;ccd.sicrscsssuateaecsieeeses cede. deokenes 2 00 Mex. Ground Dove Yayii...cceccccccccesseseeeseseeeeees 2 00 Markey; Vulture Vo,o-cc iv ccccessseeee. cee anc ova leceeas 75 Black ViualbUre 32, ck vcs tees. chooses tos as ees 75 Kennicott’s Screech Owl 4 1-5,...........ccseeeeeeeee 2 00 Gold-fronted Woodpecker 4 1-5,.........c.0:0cc.008 75 Gilded Piicker 4-6)... GER ae oes oe Costas Hummer ¥y......0....ccccceceececcecesserseeceesss 100 Frosted Poor-will EASE MCHE Ci SAS OCO ER OES 400 Parauque 1-1,........ ... vibes cssumeednayesstesse ccs ore es 400 The above eggs are varieties that cost me considerable money; I could not afford to ex- change outright but collectors who desire a few sets, (or even a single set) of above and are will- ing to pay a small portionin cash, will please send list of their duplicates. I am in need ot most of the large low priced eggs, and can use about anything and in any numbers, if good specimens. Only reliable collectors need apply. HE Naturalists’ Bureau has been organized a for the purpose of supplying Educational In- — stitutions and private individuals with books 4 treating upon all branches of Natural History, — Also with correctly named specimensin Zoology, a Botany and Mineralogy, and with the best and q most practical instruments for the collection of — 8pecimens in all departments of Natural History. | Everything is selected and approved by special- ists. Address, THE NATURALISTS’ BUREAU, 43 West St., Boston, Mass. SOMETHING NEW FOR EGG GOLLEGTORS! MAYNARD’S z Automatic Egg Blower Y this little machine an egg may be emptied of its contents without danger of breaking and without waste of breath. ‘Works perfectly easy and can be carried in the | pocket. ‘& A THOROUGHLY PRACTICAL MACHINE, and exactly meets the wants of egg collectors. Price | until Jan: 1, 1892, tointroduce -it, 50eents. Send | for illustrated circular. “Address,” 6 a The NATURALISTS’ BUREAU, 48 WEST STREET, BOSTON, MASS. To OOLOGISTS. E are selling the best outfit for Egg Collec- tors for ONLY 25 CENTS. Egg Drili—the | best in use, will not crack the egg—Blow Pipe. a and Embryo-Hook. Get them in time for the next collecting season. 25 cents only. Address, ~ The NATURALISTS’ BUREAU, — 48 WEST STREET, BOSTON, MASS. JAMES P. BABBETT _ TAUNTON, MASS. 10 HODGES AVE. Ury tL locv Persistent Adverti sing is the Price of Success. he Collectors’ onthly. FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN NATURAL a oritcnroraee o.oo Cis, Ducemser, 1891. No. 17 Sets—BOOBY’S -17 Sets.’ 7 INDIAN ARROW POINTS of fiint & S's large illust. catalogue of Relics, 25 Minerals, Coins, ete., post paid 20c. OR SALE or EXCHANGE for rare kinds, send FLETCHER M, Nor, Indianapolis. us alist of your best eggs if you wish to ex- change. iH. ‘PRINCE. Danielsonville, Conn. on "Our new Scalpel and Brain Spoon, only 60 cents. Pie) Rest of Steel, Nickel Plated Engraved Handle, " | NATURALISTS AND 'TAXIDERMISTS SupPureEs. ee ‘Birds Eggs, Glass Eyes, Shells, Books, ete. Send 2 cent stamp for illustrated catalogue. co AS. K. REED, 262 Main St, Worcester, Mass ln chm aR ar Sn a - — a HISTORY OF THE i BIRDS OF KANSAS r 5 ie an: oF GOSS. ‘This valuable addition to the Literature of Kansas | is ‘ now ready and for Sale. It is unnecessary for us to say to old residents of Kansas anything in regard to Col. Goss or his accomplishments. But to others we will say, that he was a lifelong Naturalist ; an enthusiastic in his chosen study of Ornithology; a member of the Council of the American Ornithological Union, and a recognized authority on his chosen subject. The book is handsomely bonnd in full cloth, with gold embossed back and sides. There are 693 pages, besides the photogravure illustrations of 529 birds. Price, 37 7-50; delivered on receipt of price. Reduced prices for quantities. On ccount of the death of Col. Goss, all communications and orders should be mailed to GEO. W. CRANE & a Topeka Kansas. THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY The Collectors Monthly. A Monthly Magazine Devoted, the Study of sigma ds Oology and Natural History. chor bakery ho CHARLES. AB PRINCE, Editor and Publisher, Danielsonville, Conn. (While mts 7A SUBSCRIPTION RATES Single Subscriptions, - §- - = + 30c, * Foreign SOCOM SGA i Mua ds 1acts extra Single Copies, 4 : - - aiiagtweacne t j ADVERTISING RATES: One pitge, one insertion, e . e $5 00 One Column, one insertion, - - = 2 75 Half Coiumn, one insertion, z - - 150 Editoral Page per in. one insertion, - 1 00 One Inch, one insertion, pil 3 - 60 Halt-inch one insertion, - ; - 35 4e5 Cash must accompany all paverisoments: Write for special rates on standing advertise- ments. _ Articles and items of interest in any branch of Natural History solicited for publication. Ras-Address all communications to the Editor and Publisher, Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville Conn., as second class mail matter. EDITORIALS. Subseribers whose subscription expires with this No. please note that yourname will be cross” ed off our list unless renewal is received at once. The American Garden and Popular Gardening are now combined in one,—making the most at- tractive as well as the most interesting of all Monthlies on Gardening, that hascome under our observation. Everyone who is interested in gar dening for pleasure or profit, should not fail to become a subscriber at the astonishingly low price of $100 a year. Send to Rural Publishing Co. Times Building, N. Y. Collectors’ who will show their enthusiasm and interest in the Collectors’ Monthly enough tv send us ‘free gratis’’ an electro of some fine bird, that you would like to see appear with full description in these columns. Who will be the first one to have his name at the head of the list? James P. Babbitt, of Taunton, Mass., whose “ad" appears on last page of cover is known far and wide as New England’s famous dealer and Taxidermist. | to take 1 column ‘‘ad,’’ each issue for one year, Wianeede aman Subseribers who will volunteer j If you will do this we will guarantee to give you 4 a paper that can’t be beat. Collectors’ give usa lift and ‘‘Boomer-up’’if you want a hash paper, — you must help make it so. q J. H. Langille, of Kensington, Md., is aboutto 7) get out a new edition of his work, “Our Birdsin | their Haunts.’’ Anyone sending in their names ~ by Jan. Ist, 1892, can have the book containing EI 624 pages for $1.50, with 10 cents additional to | pay half postage. The work makes Oology a : speciality, and is a complete treatise on the a birds of Eastern North America, containing a 7 great deal of information, not found in other 4) books, especially. the water birds, and is in all re- a spects. adapted to beginners in Bird Life. ; You who can engrave send us a fine Specimen ~ of your work—some species of Birds as a Christ- mas present, and killtwo Birds with one stone. Help us and help yourself. See the point? Ori = you are not an engraver, buy one of your friend, — we will accept it just the same. Arthur’s Home Magazine and this paper 1 year | for $1.30, price of Arthur’s alone, $1.50. : Wanted, back numbers of the ‘‘Auk,” of July p 1890 and ’91. All having such to dispose of we 4 will give good equivalent for same. We hope our Subscribers who receive an inti mation that their subscription has expired, will b take no offence or delay in remitting the amount 4 due us, and send a years subscription in ad- ~ vance. Another thing to which we are obliged to ~ refer, is the fact that a large amount is due us in a the way of subseription arrears. Quite anumber © have received the paper from’ the commencement, a and failed to remit any part of the subscription. — We know they are perfectly good for it, and with ~ some the amount is considered so paltry that — they do not think the want of it causes us any ‘- d convenience, but they forget that the aggregate amount of these small itemsis animportant mat ter to us. We know from the complimentary — letters we are receiving from all quarters that our . publication is appreciated, among a class of read- ¥ ers whose good opinion we appreciate, and that ‘ many of our subscribers preserve each number ‘i for reference. + Pie ‘two cents stamps will get you asample — of Arthur’s Home Magazine Peers tie a Agents wanted. od HE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. Devoted to Ornitholoy, Oology and Natural History. Tonawanda Swamp. (Written forthe Collectors Monthly.) One of my most interesting collecting rounds, while prosecuting my ornitho- logieal studies in Western New York, was ‘Yonawanda Swamp; a large tract of ountry along the line between Orleans | nnd Genesee country. Here was every variety of swamp properly so called,— regular peat-bog, trembling beneath Ibnes feet and containing deep and peril- us pits of soft mire here and there in bvery direction, with meadows abound- ng in sedges and course grasses. Dry in hnid-sammer, but flooded the greater Ipart of the year; tall deciduous forests, ktanding in water a erent part of the hear; tangled shrubby tracts, almost mpenetrable because of briars wildferns hnd soft mud; and dense, shadowy tracts Here and there meand- ‘As may be imagined, this was a very aradise for the botanist and orintho- I meae only space to say a little During the migra Lon ae Salealy in early spring, here Were immense numbers of the dusky foaeke anas obscura), these secluded streams, loughs and puddle holes, being the best Heonceivable resorts for them. They night befound in pairs any where through Yput this region; and in some of the flood- ‘Wed fields, they would congregate in flocks Wi many hundreds, so that the sound of heir wing's on rising would be like that of distant thunder. Here, too, they were fairly common during the breeding sea- son; and the young were often seen on the glassy streams and ponds during summer. During the migration the Pintails were fairly common. A _ pretty figure they used to make, flying in small flocks above the tree-tops. At the same time, one would often see both the Blue- winged and the Green-winged Teals. Not infrequently they w ould feed in com- pany. Then it was interesting to note, how much nearer the ‘shore the latter would dive after their food, just as has been so faithfully noted by Audubon. As might be inferred, the elegant Wood Duck might be found here, more or less commonly, in the migrations and during the breeding season. Waders were also found here; the Wood- cock from early Spring till late Autumn, breeding of course. The Greater and Lesser Yellow legs, were herein abundance and for several weeks, spring and fall. The Spotted Sandpiper was a part of the landscape from early in April till October. During April, Wilson Snipe was very common; and it appeared in the low meadows in October. Blackbirds,—cthe Redwing Crowblack- bird and Cowblackbird, but, most abund- ant of all during certain days in April. The Rusty Blackbird. Their numbers and their noise could not fail to attract attention. Here the Swamp Sparrow was buildind its coarse strong nest with dark tinteg heavily markedeggs. Notonly the Long- 70 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. billed Marsh Wren, but that somewhat rare and local species, the Short billed Marsh Wren, breed here in considerable numbers. These nests, contaning pure white eggs, are placed near the ground, sometimes touching the ground, in grassy sedgy tracts of the swamp, where the water disappears in summer. Here was the never ending chant of the Golden-crowned Accentor; and the com- mon water Thrush, was to be seen any where around the water-holes, among the fallen and decaying trees. Its so-called song, sounding, as one has said, as if the bird had met with some strangesurprise, was common enough at any time through the breeding season. Appearing as early as the 25th of April, it has already made } its nest on the ground and is leading its | young about by the 19th of June. Here the Warblers are well represented. The Yellow Warbler of course, breed here abundantly, also the Redstart and the Chestnut sided Warbler. Every where among the cedars, throughout thespring and summer, one could hear the drowsy song of the Black-throated Green Warbler. Among the tall trees, the Coerulean was a common resident, making its closely compacted nest, gray aS a wasp’s nest outside and brown inside, some 30 or 50 feet from the groud. This species is a constant singer. That rather southern species, the Hooded Warbler was to be seen in great numbers, making its nest in low bushes near the ground. And, singular as the companionship may be, here too was the Canada Warbler, sing- | ing in every direction throughout the breeding season. Without doubt it bred here. That shy beauty, the Mourning Warbler, was to be found in suitable places; and the Black. and White Creep- | ing Warbler, could be both seen and heard many times a day. | in holes in trees. All these Warbles, without doubt, breed here in very considerable numbers. Th ; of them become very 1 nests of most familiar to me while studying here. omitted to say that the Maryland Yellow throat was exceedingly common here, as. a summer resident. 7 Once, on the 7th of June, Isaw afemale of the Slate-colored Snow Bird, her mouth crammed with writhing carvoe evidently intended for a brood of young near by. | q The most striking feature of bird lie in summer, was the charming song f the Winter Wren, quite common among: the cedars. b Had we space, we might speak of the Bittens, the Rails, ete., but this note is long already. 4 J. H. LANGILLE. 7 Kensington, Md. —~— Notes on the Birds of Long Island. By W. W. WorRTHINGTON. Ali articles by Mr. Worthington are original and written expressly For the Collector’ 8 Mowe Lye) SEEDY ; 3 (62) 151. Glaucionetta clangula — americana... American Golden eye. (620) © Head glossy green, and with a loose crest. : round white spot in front of the eye. Above | black, a voilet patch on the wing and~ white markings on the seapulars. Tail hoary. Unda part except the flanks white, “a An abundant winter resident, arriving: from North on theadvent ofcold weather, Called ‘‘ Whistlers’’? on account of the noise caused by their wings when flying. They often feed in the small shallow er eeks, and sometimes even in fresh water ponds,| Breeds i in the far North, daying six to. ten| pale greenish eggs, about 2 25 x 1 Z,incHe Nest of grasses ett. lined with down. P THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. (63) 152. Glaucionetta islandica Barrows Golden-eye. (619.) Very similar to the preceeding, but the spot in front of eye touches base of bill, and runs up to a point. Probably occurs as a rare winter visitor. Breeding habits and eges similar to preceeding. (64) 153. Charitonetta albeola. Buffle head. (621.) Small. Above black, with much white marking on the wings and scapulars. Head black highly glossed with green between the eye and bill, and |; purplish (a large white patch on back of head) on the'crown and cheeks. Beaneath white, Length 15 inches. — A not uncommon winter visitor, their advent being an almost unvarying sign of the near approach of severe weather. I have taken this species as far south as | Port Royal, S.C. Breeds from Northern Maine northward. Nesting in hollow trees. Nest of moss, grass, etc., lined with down. Hees pale greenish, six to fourteen in number, and averaging 1% x 2 inches. (65) 154. Clangula hyematlis. Long tailed Duck. (623.) Male in winter. Breast,back, and upper surface of wings, lengthened tail feathers, and patch on side of neck, black. Outer tail feathers, head neck and beneath white, Sides of body and scapulars pearl gray. Patches on cheek enclos- ing the eye, gray. Length 20 inches. ' The handsome “Old Squaws” are abundant winter residents, being found in every bay and harbor along thecoast. | They are extremely swift flyers, and when wounded can dive and swim long dis- tances under water, being seldom bagged unless killed at the first shot. They are very sociable birds, usually seen in small parties, and continually ‘talking” amongst themselves, for which they have received the above name, They breed far up in Alaska and the Arcti¢ regions. ‘Making a nest of grasses, moss, etc., warmly lined with down from their breast, 71 | and placed on the ground near water. Eggs six to twelve, pale greenish, and average about 1% x 2 inches. (66) 155. Histrionicus histrionicus. Harlequin Duck. (622.) Head and neck, dark slaty blue, almost black on lower neck. A black stripe through thecrown, bordered laterally with chestnut brown, and in front with white, which expands into a large patch in front of eye. Sides of body chestnut brown. Spot behind eye, stripe on side of neck, two patches on side of breast, spot at the base of tail, and spots and markings on the wings white. Length 17 % inches. The beautiful Harlequins are very rare winter visitors to Long Island. Capt. Wal. Reeve, of Greenport shot one at Gull Island in 1865, and there are two or three other records of their capture within our limits, but none to my know- ledge within the Jast seven oreight years. Breeds in Newfoundland and northward, making a nest of grasses, weeds etc., lined with down, placed on the ground near water. Eggs palebuify, or greenish, six to ten in number, and about 2\x 1% inches. (67) 160. Somateria dresseri. American Eider Duck. (627%a.) Head, neck, back, and most of upper surface of wings white, tinged with eream color on breast. and with pale green on the cheeks and nape. Quills, rump, sides, and under parts black, Length 26 inches. Probably a rare winter visitor. Ihave never met with it. Recorded from as far South as the Delaware River. Breeds along the coast’ of Maine, and north- ward. Nest made of down, placed in erevices on rocky ledges. Eggs six to ten, pale greenish drab, and average about 3 x 2 inches. (68) 162. Somateria spectabilis. Ming Eider. (629.) Body and wings black. Front of body, back, neck and throat, white. Space around the eye, and V-shaped mark on the ehin, black. Crown and nape ashy. Sides of head tinged with green- ish. Length 22 inches. t 72 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. ¥ Dri | A rare winter visitor. I have never met with this species on L. I., but in the spring of 1890, I had the pleasure of ex- tending their known range by nearly a thousnnd miles, having secured a male at the mouth of the Altamaha River Ga., on April 25th, and another male [from a flock of seven, four of which were males] on May 5. All were tame until shot at once, but could not approach them again. The flesh of the two killed was eaten, and found delicious, with no fishy taste. The stomachs contained some shell fish and vegetable matter. The King Eiders breed in Greenland and other Arctic countries, making a nest of down, on the ground near water, and laying eight or ten eggs of a grayish or pale greenish color, and about 2 x 3 ¥ inches. 1 Loe The Lest Bitiern. (For the Collector’s Monthly.) This retiring bird of the marsh the smallest of the whole group of Herons has many attractive features. The sexes of this specics are dissimilar whieh is not the rule among the family. The male’s head—which is slightly crested, —back, and tail are of a rich glossy. black. The hind neck, and most of the wing coverts, deep chestnut red. The remaining coverts, being yellowish brown. Allthe under parts, including sides of neck, are a very light brownish yellow, which becoms white.on the throat line.’ There is a brownish black patch on either side of the breast. Bill vellow, save the culmen, which is black. Eyes and toes, straw color. Legs green with yellow behind. In the female, the black of the male, is replaced by dark purplish chestnut. They are seldom seen except at early morn, and at dusk, as they are very seclusive. : The first one knows of their presence, | z is seeing one of them flying, with dang ling legs, along over the tops of th¢ rushes making for a place of better securi ty, when all at once it drops. It’s gomnd that’s all. ‘Now you see it and now you don’t.”’ Or, occasionally, one may be seen, by the close observer, crouching down on 4 bog, something after the style of a Jack snipe, but they hug the ground pretty close, and their colors blending so well with surrounding objects, makes 1 almost impossible to see them. . Their nests are very slight affairs, rushes, only large enough to keep th eggs from rolling off into the water They vary as to height, have found them so low as to benearly touching the wate These nests weresomewhat larger. Whil this past season, although very dry, al the nests, that Leame across, were buil} about eighteen inches or more. abo the water, attached to old reeds, and wild rice stalks. j The eggs, four or five in number, are 4 beautiful bright blue tint, eliptical if shape. Davie gives the average size a about 1: 20 x 93, which corresponds & specimens in my collection. Coues give the dimensons at 1: 92 x 1: 22, which | think must be an error in the print. The retiring habits of the bird, make one feel that he would like to secret hi nl self in the narsh, and thus unobserved watch their actions. { Youry truly, 2 G. A. M: pk Pi SBE Brest A Rare Capture for Rhode | island. (For the Collectors Monthly.) While doing my chores on the morning of May 31st a Vireo was singing con tinously in a large Porter apple treenea the barn. } _ THE COLLECTOR'S MONTHLY. 73 or A Pea tit tcristink Hansen, whom | I employed and who was ver Yy omuch | interested in our feathered friends finally heard it and went out to see what it was. | Perceving his intention, as he passed out of the barn, I remarked “Only a Red} eye,” but soon he called “Come out quick! it isnot aRed eyed Vireo, it is too small” but I merely replied that it must be and did not move. Again he called and urged me to come and take a look at it, and to please him I went. The | moment my eye rested upon it [ exclaim- | ed “Its a Philadelphia Vireo!’ The gun was brought and Rhode Island ee fauna was increased. It might be well to add that a Black-! poll Warbler was singing from a Maple near by and on June 2nd the last one | _ was heard which will serve to show what alate migrant this rare Vireois. It may be well also to add that for perhaps fifteen or twenty minutes that little bird had been singing in the tree while I had several times passed below it, notsuspect- ing its identity, and had it not been for the zeal of a biginner my life of bird study would have passed for naught. On Oct. 18th, [heard what [ at. first took to be a Brown Thrasher singing at a distance, on approaching nearer I con- eluded it was a Cat bird which thought seemed to be veritied when he was seen sitting on the telegraph wire. But an instant later he flew disclosing the white patches on his wings, and alighting in a small tree above my head—A Mocking bird. FRED T. JENCKS. With this No. closes Vol. 2, of “Col- lectors Monthly.’’ We feel very grateful for the patronage and support we have received, and for the interest which has been manifested by our many patrons for our welfare, during the past year. Before we commence another Vol. we extend to you our hand, and congratu- lations. We thank you for your patron- age in the past, and hope to receive a continuance of the same, through the coming year. We need YOUR, assistance and the assistauce of every person who is interested in our line of w ork, to make the ‘Collectors Monthly” what you would like to see it, the BEST PAPER, published, hoping to havea good response and wishing you one and all, our old and new subscribers, a Merry Christmas. I remain your Humble Servant, (THE Eprror.) Articles, by C. C. Purdum, Woods Holl, Mass., will be continued in Feb. No. A press of business the cause. The way They talk About us. Gidding, Texas, Nov. 20 1891 Mr. C. H. Prince:—My Dear Sir. Tam justin from field work and find Nos. 10 and 11 of “The Collectors Monthly” on my table. I enclose here- with postal note which please apply to a renewal of my subscription. I must say a word of commendation for your Monthly. [ve been taking it from the first number, and so know of the improvements you've made in it until it is now second to none of the journals devoted to bird lore, and I trust thatit has been’ as great a success fi- nancially as it has in a and typographical way. : ‘literary My work during the year has been in other lines, but I never lose interest. in our birds. Wishing you and the ‘ Monthly” long career of prosperity, [ remain Sincerely yours, J. A. Stineney. a 74 American Ornithologist’s Union The Ninth Congress of the American | per by William Palmer on “The Birds of 3 Ornithologist’s Union was held at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, November 17,18 and 19,1891. The first day was not open to the public, being devoted mainly to the business of the Union, the election of officers, members and other routine work. After the business meeting, Dr. Sorat Lockwood of Freehold, N. J., read a par per entitled ‘* Why the Mockingbird Left New Jersey —A Geological Reason.” This elicited much discussion from the members. Mr. William Dutcher followed with a paper on ‘‘A Probable Occur- rence of the Hurepean Curlew (Numenius arquatus) on Long Island, N. Y. The meeting on the second day was public and a large number of people were present. It opened by Mr. D. G. Elliot delivering the President’s address: ‘‘ The Inheritance of Acquired Characters.” The other papers read during the day were ‘‘ The Migrations in Chester County, South Carolina,” by Leverett M. Loomis. ‘“A Preliminary Study of the Grackles of the Subgernus Quiscalus,” by Mr. Frank M. Chapman, and “Birds Attracted by the Rays of Liberty’s Torch,” by Jona- than Dwight, Jr. On the third day the reading of papers began with one by Theodore A. Schurr, entitled ‘“‘Plans for Protecting Birds.” Following this came three papers by Dr. J. A. Allen: ‘Geographical Variations in the Nort American Forms of the Genus Colaptes,” ‘The Intergradation of Co- laptes auratus with C. cafer,’ “‘Sugges- tions Regarding the Genesis of the Ameri- can Forms of Colaptes.’’ Many other papers were read by titleand Dr. C. Hart Merriam made verbal remarks on ‘““SSome Results of the Death Valley Expedition,” which was under his charge. The audi- THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. a ence then repaird to the lecture room of 4 the American Museum to listen to a pa- — the Pribvlof Islands, Alaska,” illustrated — by lantern slides. Other slides from pho- a tographs of living birds and of nests and a egies, contributed by Messrs. Flint, Spel- man, Allen and Stone, were exhibited. i The Union adjourned late in the after- noon, having held one of the most inter- esting and enjoyable sessions since its | foundation. a Queer Finds. As I found a few queer sets this season, I though that perhaps the readers of the ConLEecrors’ MonTHLY would like to hear about them. My first was a peculiar set_ of Robin’s eggs. The nest and oe were of the usual order, but the eggs” were thinly spotted with redish brown. Another set was five eggs of the Pewees, four were pure white and one was spotted with red. I also found a set of Albino Bluebird’s eggs. The nest was in a bird-_ house, and it contained two white eggs. The parents were somewhat more highly - colored than is usual in Bluebirds. I also. found a peculiar set of Least Flycatcher There were two evg's in the nest. Leas Flycatcher eggs are generally almost) completely round, but these eggs were} long and slender, like those of the White- | bellied Swallow. I read a short time ago, , in an Ornithologist paper, about, birdss changing their modes -of nesting. Here the Cedar Waxwing usually nest in trees, | but this year I found one nest in a bushi about two feet from the ground. The Yellow Warbler, a familiar summer resi-i dent here, generally nests in low bushes, but I found one in a small elm tree- If any of the readers of the CoLLEC Tors’ Montaty have met with similat experience, let mé hear from them j through its columns. S. O. BRusu. - THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. A Mixture From Maine. [For the Collectors’ Monthly. ] Maine is a great state, not only in size, but as a field for the oologist. Other | states may have many of the birds that. we do, but none other has them all. 75 _ displays of birds, their nests and eggs. Around here we have some drawbs i@ks in| our collecting. ‘ Hermit Thrushes have been quite com-. mon around here this summer, than in previous years I think. Some- | more so | where around the neighboring pouds the | Bald Hagle nests; but Ido not know of the exact spot ever being located. At the present time there is, I think, no oological paper published in this state. Formerly we were represented by the “Bittern”? and the “Maine O and O,”’ ‘but in the September number of the Cot- LEcTORS’ Montaty, I saw the statement that they had both been bought by C. W. Hillman of Canisteo, N. Y. THe Couuecrors’ Montaiy is a fine paper and I hope that all the Maine col- lectors see it each month. Some of its articles are especially interesting. -I would like tor Maine to have a represen- tative in the list of oological pipers pub- lished, and should like to hear from those who have the same desire. Why don’t we see some articles in the CoLLEcTors’ MonrHuuy on the collecting of water-bird’s eggs? Surely it must have nany subscribers who could write on that subject if they chose. The English Sparrow is very thick here. Every electric light on the streets has a nest on the switch-board. The linemen used to tear the nests out, but this summer they have suffered them to remain aud large numbers of these pests have had a secure nesting place. Every lover of birds should surely at- tend the Columbian Exhibition. I ex- pect that there will be some extra fine “on the ground. eal Waterville, Maine. Rockwoop. Seeetl Birds of Kansas. By N.S. Goss. We can furnish copies to all who desire at the regular price, $7.50. C. H. Prince, Editor. Wo Preserve Eggs. When the egg has been blown, get a fine pointed syringe and inject the speci- men with water until it comes out clear. When an egg has been partly incubated or addled, the removal of the contents generally includes that of the internal membrane or pellicle; this makes the shell weaker. When the egg is quite clean and dry (which will take a day or two) take the syringeand inject a strong solution of isinglass and a little sugar- candy, the latter is used to preserve the shell from cracking, after which the egg should be thoroughly dried. This meth- od not only varnishes the inside, but strengthens it also. If the specimen be allowed to remain in the solution for a short time and then dried. the outside is also varnished and the egg will preserve its color much better. Ihave tried the above method and find it a great help. —Agassiz Companion. ue Just as the peregrine is the largest, so the merlin is the smallest of British resi- dent faleons. Although not much larger than a thrush, this handsome little bird is full of dash and fire,and commonly at- tacks birds more than double their weight. It has been known to pull down a par- tridge, and it is sometimes terribly de- structive to young grouse. While near- ly all of the diurnal British birds of prey build on rocks or trees, the merlin nests Its eggs are usually found in some depression on a_ bright heather brae or patch of ling, and these are of the brightest red. 76 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. RESULTS OF PRIZE DRAWING, WHICH TOOK PLACE NOV. 13. Subscribers who ordered a Bird Nesting in Northwest Canada before Nov. 15, received a ticket en- titling them to a chance of one of the following prizes. WINNING TICKET. Ist. Prize a clutch of 4Pizeon Hawks........-. veg ceceTleceeseeeeee sscoods H. K. James, Bockviile, Conn. — 2nd. Oe 2 Bald Fagles.........++++- ooncoad @sagcs0conean seeseeM. L. Wicks, Los Angeles, Cal. ¥z Whooping Swan, : 3rd.‘ Me i Tropic Bird........ ayseiela ars BooaisDoods _ eeeeeee ...0e- F. Lattin, Albion, N. Y. 1 Man O’ War Bird. : 4th. ‘“ 4 Avocets, 3 Iceland Gulls............00- Bs sacodessanpoode soces: G. Kohn, New Orleans, La. bya, 9 OY 2 Bonaparte Gills o6b0sc0dcn0c00nsnued6 EWE sooupborEwaauon ae eobosc ..W. J. King, Phila., Pa. 6th. ‘ 4 Wilson’s Smipe........ce.seceseees.eee 40) aoar sadoanodaooocs J. W. Miller, Houston, Texas. (ston 4 Avocets and 4 Curlews.. SouboododandCObS Bisioounce Codbo0) GoGaGd .-..D. Denne, Montreal, Can. Chi, | 60 4 Wilson’s Phalarope.......sccceseesees AD ee aie 00 S .J. W. Velu, Chicago, Il. 9th “* 5 Marsh Hawks and 2 Sharp Shinned Hawks... .34........... hip Clayton, Lincoln, Maine. 10th. “ 2 Swainsons Hawks and 2T urkey Vultures....... 14....Dr.Caul & Co., Terre Haute, Ind. lith. * 1 Judas billed Tropic Bird .... ........ Ep acodon Seb sede deh 6 if. Harris La Cresent. Minn. 12th. < 1 Audubons Shearwater...... sonoqoocst).. .J. W. Banks, St. John, N. B. Also 50 Prizes of Views of Niagara Palls were distributed. Price to Subscribers ording the Book, Bird Nesting in North West Canada before Jan. Ist. $1.35 after that, the price will be $2.00. W. RAINE, Hayden St., Toronto, CANADA. First-class Sets with Data Cheap. Those ordering $2.C0 worth will :eceive a set 4% Caspian Tern free. ADDRESS; WY. 224 IB. TORT re 1b, CHICAGO, OAKLEY AVE. PER EGG. ete wine’ Dove 4, oe Throated Loon 1-1, 40 round « W, : ine Gull 4, %. ¥%, 40 | Mexican Ground Dove %, .75 Royal Tern 1. ‘95 | Am. Rough Leg (End blown) %, 50 Caspian *‘ 1%, 1%, \, ‘99 | Ferruginous Rough Leg %, 1.50 Least « i 4, 05 | Everglade Kite ¥, 10.00 Black <“ ie Ys. 08 Marsh Hawk 4, 20 Cabots “ 1%, %, 99 | Harris Hawk ', Ya, f .B5 Bl. Skimm We VU, VU 03 | 4m. Sparrow Hawk 4. ANB Booby ¥%. ¥, 1-1, ‘60 | Am. Long Eared Owl 4%, .20 Double Crested Connorant ¥%, V4, 20 | Screech Owl ¥%, .20 Fla. “ 1-514, 4, 15 | Road Runner 4%, 4, a Am. White Pelican 1-1, 95 | Whip-poor-will (End blowm) ¥, 40 Brown Pelican 4, 4, 15 | Night Hawk 2, .20 Man O’War 1-1, 1-1, 1-1, 75 | Balt Oriole 15, 05 Least Bitten 14, 10 | Cal. Purple Finch \4, 5 Reddish Egret 14, 99 | Texas Thrasher 1-5. 15 La. Heron \4, 05 | Curved-billed Thrasher 1-5, 15 Green “ 14, 4, 05 caroline oS 05 ’ Spotted Sandpiper 1%, 10 arkmans “ 1%, alt Passenger Pigeon 1-1, 1-1, 75 | Cal. Bush-tit 1-6, .08 Fe 80 words, 20 cts.; 1-2 cent per extra word. This column is open to all having Exchanges or Wants. Offersfor cash debarred. A strictly | Exchange and Want Column. No notice inserted for less jewde dias ica ai CASH must accom- ‘Mr. C. H. Prince. - DEAR Srr.—Asl am about out of Owls eggs you may ay well stop my ‘ad,’ it has puid me ‘er, y well, have exchanged several hundred eggs. A pei 348 tuiethe tal TO EXCHANGE ' ee a good Guitar, Istclass eggs insets with data. Write Biving deseription and price, L.. HARTZELL, Crystal Springs, Harper Co., K ansas. ‘ OLUME II, No’s. 1 to 12, inclusive of the Col- lector’s Monthly, send postpaid to any ad ress eon receipt of 40 cents. Address, THIS P SPER) For Sale Or Exchange. Alarge lot of rare eggs for sale or exchange, ach as, Booby, Chachalaca, Whooping Swan, merican White Pelican, Groove billed Ani, Brid- 2 SS Ge EEINCE: \ ed Tern, Poor-will, and many others. Send list mee eges. No cheap eggs wanted. Address, f danielsonville, Conn., | i} AUTION: —Careful Roltestors should be on the ee, for Iowa, Mississippi, and Kansas parties rho are sending out eggs of Flicker and Mourning ae for those of the Poor-will. > } : P. B. PEABODY. as SALE. Advertising space in this paper. Address, C. H. PRINCE, Editor. Rare Eggs For Sale or Exchange. hime Box Texas. _ KIT ATKINSON. | | _ MADAGASCAR. Birds eges of my locality,both rare and common, br sale or exchange. I guarantee all eggs true Address, . F. SIKORA, Naturalist. jnnanarivo Madagascar, Via Marseilles. i: Correspondence Solicited. THE COLLECTORS’ MON] MONTHLY. W. W. WORTHINGTON, Shelter Island Heights, N. Y. A ASSIS PERIISt! And collector of specimens in Natural History, Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to make up in first-class shape, and sell cheaper than the same grade of skins can be bought from any deal- er, Send stamp for listofskinsand eggs. I offer with tull data:— Set of 3 ezgs of Boat-tailed Grackle, postpaid, lide Set of 4egg¢s of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, 30c. Set of 2 eggs American Osprey, postpaid, 75e. Set of 3 eggs ae $1. 00 Correspondence desired with collectors in any branch of Natural History, who desire honest specimens at he prices Ample reference if desired, ROAD CARTS ONLY $10 == The Best and Lowest Price of any Carts M: pens 815, Bee $20 and #25 Top Buggies, only #55. 00. Harness $7.50 and $10.00. Forges, Anvils, Vises, Safes, Sewing Machines, Scales of all. varieties. Save money and send for Price List, CHICACO SCALE CO., 151 South Jefferson Street. “Down With High Prices.°’ SEWING MACHINES FROM $40 TO $10! Prices Lower than the Lowest on Buggies, Carts, Sieighs, Harness. $5.00 Family or Store Scale, $1.00 A 240-1b. Farmers’ Seale. . 3.00 Farmers, do your own Repairs. Forge and Kit of Tools.... $20.00 1000 other Articles at Half Price. CHICAGO SCALE CO., Chicago, Il. PICTURES WORLD’ S FAIR nergoitese Full information of everything connected with the Greatest Event of all time, also description of all States and Territories, account of all Government Lands to be had at $1.25 per Acre, fine illustrations of various Industries and Interesting Scenery. A World of Infor- mation for only 25 cents ayear. Sample Copy and 100- Page Catalogue containing 1,000 Clubbing Offers, 10 cts. ‘The Guide and Hand-Book of Useful Information con- “ins 1,000,000 Facts. Price 50 Cents, with Paper 65 Cts. "WE WESTERN WORLD, Chicago, Ill. The “‘Little Detective”’ Postal Scale $3. 00 Beam shows Postage in Cents on any ciass Mail Mace: Best Office or Family Scale made. Capacity from 14 oz. to 25 Ibs. The well-known ‘Singer Style’’ Sewing Machine, $10.00 “Champion” Road Cart, best made, ffnely finished 15.00 The “Champion” 1-Seat Wagon, $30.00. 2-Seated, 35 00 Single Harness, $7.50. Farm do $20.00 Top Buggies 55.00 Hay, Grain. Coal or Stock Scales from $80.00 co 60.00 Send for List. CHICAGO SCALE CO., Chicago, Ill. THE COLLEC TORS’ MONTH ney HOW MANY OOLOGISTS HAVE x FINE Of any kind to place on their egg cases to show them off? I present this month a list of ani of fine skins just received from my collector on Mexican boundry. All were collected inside of 30 and will mount easy, to those that cannot or have not the time to mount them themselves, we a@ price for birds all mounted as well as skin, only one price is quoted on skins as we Bo nop skins of any kind. | : ; Skin. i San Domingo Grebe.....-...... .0e.2ee 5. B1.50..... 6. esate Basa SD a \Blagk bellied Tree Duck: jos. 22602. 4 2058.00... Bee SRS ENE: Fulvous © Be a ae care alanis Cite oy (bs ato! al rgeeeaesa 3200)". Aon eins a os oieeiaetane EAST ICKY: |: oacseaenataeetee ees nea edo este cn tee -1.50..... A Sr esha Ta: Sora Hal coir jira ee acces Has seats Chea ae ep) ame Ea ee ait Mexas Screcch Owai tea. 2.90 sec esc! ewan es « GMMR: bia ies bie enna Reva inne Pict a # sete, wOOTOO a's «/gtatatmatany avers calaingey: Lexan King fish every on ecb ukieues ane lenaees TED a is) «daa ehn 56 ieee ae eee Pexan’ Wodd pecker yaks soe wkete fate weceistntarp ony A ch mee teas elude estore Golde n-tronted daSee sas cscs ios ewer wes Beyer, op Reeap ease, Lace oC A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher... 0605) foe. 0 ween .00 extra long tailed...... . ouch’ s Kane b ind samt Suc canyeciene ser pore teel ks Os a: giamnes ase ace neensee ane Derby Flycatcher........ Plrabisavel he eran Mier SO ean Mrmr Nm ata ee rie Vermilion do.......... APTN MME etnME /;S Ie Avaee: (0 Tt2a Lei Remnyy sore > 2 Green Jay {... eee seiaiepevilatswecsh estates cele. oa a ede yg, ae Bronzed: Cow-bindigeiess cee c uae wens Wee ers 60-0 .004 ee Shes Ghia a aaaenees Andubons Oriole ‘eels 1. < seee ee vea'elae. siclsce SOO) -.) ean oe Lae Gti tailed: Gracklage nee ee iateie cs Ue eyelet oe EOS s Sa Ura Se Ay is Birds under 8 inches post paid, over 8 in., I pay half. EGGS. ‘This month I offer a fine set of three eggs of Royal Tern for 55 cents with full data, postpaid. JAMES P. BABBITT. : 10 HopcEs AVE. : TAUNTON, = =) Mia septs she Por esensa ne edn datucilbetertte Sa ee Mp Palht 22” ean eipian wrk AEA Ayth: Gan NO NSOEe PON treats Semngirsaate ata earte ear nr nas Sah oer rere ee ter ur Ln ed OE ad rf parveoyes nies Rs AR Te eRe rh eae Pye ae Ab Peels year, PNG mae a REDS Tiree, aha oe. TOT A PPO nt dn, ee