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Baird’s Sparrow.

THE

NATURALIST’S GUIDE

IN COLLECTING AND PRESERVING

OBJECTS OF NATURAL HISTORY,

WITH

A COMPLETE CATALOGUE OF THE BIEDS
OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

By C. J. MAYNAED.

WITH ILLTJSTEATIONS BY E. L. WEEKS.

BOSTON:

FIELDS, OSGOOD, & CO.
1870.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in they^ear 1870, by
FIELDS, OSGOOD, & CO.,

in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.

University Press: Welch, Bigelow, & Co.,
Cambridge.

aL

Le (

ya,o 2

INTRODUCTION.

The great need of a good illustrated work to guide
young naturalists in collecting and preserving objects of
natural history has induced me to prepare the present
Manual. In this attempt I hope I have been in some
degree successful. I have spared no pains to bring to-
gether, in a comprehensive form, the results of many years
of experience in collecting and preserving objects of natu-
ral history, both for private cabinets and for scientific
museums.

No popular work of this kind has before been published
in America. Throughout the present work I have endeav-
ored to encourage the young to engage in the ennobling
study of Natural History, and to join the band of young
naturalists so rapidly increasing in our land.

I trust the reader will not by any means keep the teach-
ings of this book secret, as some taxidermists are wont to
counsel, but spread it broadcast among those who would
profit by the information I have herein attempted to con-
vey. It is intended for the Naturalist, whoever and
wherever he may be ; and as it comes from a colaborer in
the common field, it will, perhaps, be well received.

IV

INTEODUCTION.

All of Part First is original. In preparing objects of
natural history I have in a great degree invented methods
of my own, and have not given in this work a single
one that I have not tested and proved equal to all oth-
ers, if not superior. To avoid confusion, I have given
only the method which experience has taught me to be
the best.

In this connection my thanks are due to Mr. E. L.
Weeks, whose excellent illustrations will be found to add
greatly to the value of the work.

In Part Second I have thought proper to add a cata-
logue of the birds of Eastern Massachusetts, with notes,
as tending to enable the collector to obtain the rarer spe-
cies more readily, by specifying the localities and peculiar
haunts in which they have been found by others. The
critical notes may, perhaps, be perused with interest by
the more experienced ornithologist.

CONTENTS.

♦—

PART I.

CHAPTER I.

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING BIRDS.

SscT. Page

I. How TO COLLECT 3

II. How TO PREPARE SPECIMENS. — INSTRUMENTS, MATERIALS, ETC. 10

III. Measuring, Skinning, and Preserving Birds . . .18

Measuring 18

Skinning 22

Determining the Sex 27

Contents of Stomach, etc. 31

Exceptions to the usual Method op Skinning . 31

Table of Measurements 32

IV. Mounting Specimens 34

Mounting fresh Birds 34

Mounting dried Skins 40

Mounting Birds with the Wings extended . . .41

CHAPTER II.

collecting and preserving mammals.

Sect.

I. Collecting 43

II. Measuring Mammals . 45

Skinning . . 46

Method of Preparing a Book for Measuring Mammals 47

Table of Measurements 47

HI. Mounting Mammals '50

CHAPTER III.

collecting and preserving insects for the cabinet.

Beetles, or Coleoptera . 55

Bugs, or Hemiptera 57

Grasshoppers, Crickets, etc., or Orthoptera . . . ,58

VI

CONTENTS.

Moths and Butterflies, or Lepidoptera .... 58

Dragon-flies, etc., or Neuroptera 60

Bees, Wasps, etc., or Hymenoptera 61

Flies, Mosquitoes, etc., or Diptera 61

CHAPTER lY.

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES AND REPTILES.

Sect.

I. Fishes 63

II. Eeptiles 64

CHAPTER Y.

MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS.

Sect.

I. Crustacea 69

Collecting Mollusks 69

Preserving Shells 70

Worms, Animal Parasites, Jelly-Fishes ... 71

Corals, Sea-Anemones, Hydroids and Bryozoa, Star-

Fishes, Sea-Urchins, Holothurias, or Sea-Cucumbers,
Sponges and Sea-weeds 72

II. Preparing Skeletons 73

Mounting Skeletons 73

CHAPTER YI.

Collecting and Preserving Eggs 76

Method of Preparing a Book for Recording the Measure-
ments OF Eggs 78

PART II.

Catalogue of the Birds of Eastern Massachusetts . . 81

Introduction

Appendix 1^1

Index 169

LIST AND EXPLANATION OF PLATES.

Frontispiece. Centronyx Bairdii, Baird. — Baird's Sparrow,
taken at Ipswich, Mass.

Plate I.^ Instruments used in preparing birds, etc., and for
blowing eggs. Fig. 1, Common Pliers; Fig. 2, Cutting Pliers ; Fig.
3, Tweezers ; Fig. 4, Scalpel ; Figs. 5 and 6, Egg-drills ; Fig. 7,
Blow-pipe ; Fig. 8, Hook for removing embryos from eggs.

Plate II. — Wings, showing the positions of the different feathers,
as follows : —

Fig. 1. Wing of a Red-tailed Hawh (Buteo borealis y Vieill.).—
a indicates the primaries, or quills ; b, secondaries ; c, tertiaries ;
d, scapularies ; g, greater wing-coverts ; f, lesser wing-coverts ; e, spuri-
ous wing, or quills.

Fig. 2. Wing of a Coot, or Mud Hen (Fulica Americana, Gmelin). —
a indicates the primaries, or quills ; b, secondaries ; c, tertiaries ;
d, scapularies ; e, spurious wing, or quills.

The tertiaries and scapularies are elongated in most of the aquatic
birds, and in some of the Waders. They are always prominent, if not
elongated, on long-winged birds, such as the Eagles, Hawks, Owls,
Vultures, etc. ; while they are only rudimentary on short-winged birds,
such as the Thrushes, Warblers, Sparrows, etc.

Plate III. Head of the Bald Eagle [Halicetus leucocephalus,
Savigny), showing the different parts, as follows: — a, the throat;
b, chin ; c, commissure, or the folding edges of the mandibles ; d,
under mandible ; s, gonys ; p, gape ; g, upper mandible ; h, culmen ;
i, tip; j, base of bill; k, cere (naked skin at the base of the upper
mandible, prominent in the rapacious birds); 1, frontal feathers;
m, lores ; n, crown ; o, occiput.

* Plates I., TV., V., VI., VIII., IX., X., and the frontispiecie will be more fully-
explained hereafter.

Vlll

LIST OF PLATES.

The irides are the colored circles that surround the pupil. The
color of these decides the so-called color of the eye.^^

Plate IV. Illustrates preparing Skins. — Figs. 1 and 2.
Corrugated board, used in drying skins ; d, skin on the board, in the
proper position. Fig.S. A “skin^^ prepared for scientific use ; la-
bel, on which is marked the number and sex.

Plate V. Dissected Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia, Baird),
illustrating the sexes in the breeding season, as follows : — Fig. 1 . An
adult female ( 9 ) > L 1> peculiar yellow glands ; 2, ovary; 3, oviduct ;
4, lungs. Fig. 2. An adult male ($) ', 1, lungs; 2, peculiar yellow
glands ; 3, 3, testicles.

Plate VI. Dissected Song Sparrow, illustrating the sexes
of the young-of-the-year, in autumn, as follows : — Fig. 1. A young
male ( $) ', 1, lungs ; 2, 2, yellow glands ; 3, 3, testicles. Fig. 2. A
young female ( 9 ) ; 1, 1, yellow glands ; 2, ovary; 3, lungs; 4, ovi-
duct.

Plate VII. Outline of Grouse, showing the position of the
different parts, as follows : — a, the back ; b, rump ; c, upper tail-
coverts ; d, under tail-coverts ; e, vent ; f, tibia ; g, tarsi ; h, breast ;
i, side ; j, neck ; k, hind neck ; 1, abdomen ; m, feet ; n, throat.

Plate VIII. Illustrates mounting Birds. — Figs. 1, 2. Arti-
ficial body ; a, bone of leg ; b, wire bent ; c, wire clenched ; f, h, tail
wire. Fig. 3. Mounted bird; a, perpendicular line, showing the
position of the head compared with the feet and base of the stand ;
b, b, wires for retaining the upper part of the wing in position ; c, c.
wires for retaining the lower part of the wing in position ; e, e, wires
for the tail ; d, showing the tail-feathers plaited ; f, stand. Fig. 4.
Stand for mounting birds with the wings extended ; b, b, parallel
wires ; c, wires bent ; a, block of wood for the bottom of the stand,
Fig. .5. Head of Cedar-Bird, to illustrate the elevating of the crest ;
g, cotton on the pin ; b, feathers of the crest in position bn the cotton.

Plate IX. Illustrates mounting Mammals. 1. A,

plank for supporting iron rods ; 8, iron rod for supporting head ; 14,
cap, nut, and screw for fastening the end of the rod in the skull ;
7, 7, 7, 7, iron rods to support the body ; 5, 6, 5, 6, caps, etc. for fastening
the upper ends of the rods to the plank; 17, 17, 17, 17, caps, etc. for
fastening the lower part of the rods to the stand (10) ; 15, wire for
supporting the tail ; 16, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16, 16, artificial sections of

LIST OF PLATES.

IX

hemp, grass, or plaster used as a substitute for the natural body.
Fig. 2. A, nut ; B, cap ; C, thread.

Plate X. Skeleton of a Grouse, or Prairie Hen (Cupi-
donia cupido, Baird), showing the different bones, as follows : —
a, the skull ; b, vertebra of the neck ; c, humerus ; d, forearm ; f, pha-
langes ; g, furcula ; h, sternum ; i, marginal indentations ; j, thigh j
k, tarsus ; y, tibia ; m, rump ; n, coccygus ; A, ribs; B, lower joint of
thigh.

PART I

DIRECTIONS

FOR COLLECTING, PRESERVING, AND MOUNTING

BIRDS, MAMMALS, FISHES,

ETC., ETC., ETC.

PART I

CHAPTER I.

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING BIRDS.

Section I. How to collect. — Personal experience is a
good, and in fact the only adequate, teacher we can have
in learning any art. The need of such a teacher is felt by
none more than by the naturalist who wishes to bring to-
gether a complete collection of the birds of even his own
immediate district. Hence I trust I shall not be accused
of egotism, if, in this section, I endeavor to impart to the
reader some things that experience has taught me.

It is of first importance for the collector to gain as com-
plete a knowledge as possible of the notes and habits of
birds, and of the localities frequented by those he wishes
to procure. This knowledge may be gained by carefully
studying the writings of men who have paid particular
attention to the subject. Too much dependence must not
be placed on books, as the best of these contain error as
well as truth ; besides, birds are very variable in their hab-
its in different localities. The collector must then depend
mainly upon himself. He must visit every locality, — the
mountain-top and the dark swampy thicket, as well as the
meadow, the plain, or the open forest, as in each of these
localities he will find species that he may not meet else-
where. A little patience will help any one through the
worst of places.

The quaking bog, where a misstep may plunge the adven-
turer into the slimy ooze, is also an excellent locality for

4

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

certain species. But when the collector returns home wet
and hungry, fatigued and disheartened, — as he now and
then will, — let him not be discouraged. Try again ! the
next day, and even the next, if need be, until the desired
specimen is obtained. After all, the earnest naturalist will
be amply rewarded for the exercise of patience and perse-
verance by securing a rare specimen.

The true naturalist never thinks of cold and disappoint-
ment, of days of fatigue and hours of patient watching,
when at last he holds in his hand the long-searched-for
bird. Ample reward is this for all his former trials ; he is
now ready to go into bog and through brier. And thus the
enthusiastic naturalist travels on, not discouraged by toil
and trouble, laughed to scorn by the so-called '‘practical”
men, who are unable to appreciate his high motive. This,
however, he forgets when in field or study he meets with
the cordial greeting of his brother naturalist, as they with
mutual interest relate their discoveries and adventures.

To the travelling collector a few special hints are neces-
sary. While visiting a remote region, but little known,
one should not neglect to shoot numbers of every bird met
with, even if they are common species at home, as they
will not only furnish data on the distribution of the species,
but they may present interesting characters peculiar to
that locality. If a certain species appears common, do not
delay collecting specimens, for peculiar circumstances may
have brought them together in unusual numbers ; at some
future time they may be rare.

A well-trained dog is of great value while collecting
birds, especially the Quails, Marsh Wrens, Sea-side and
Sharp-tailed Finches, — in fact, all birds that are difficult to
start in open meadows and grassy places. While search-
ing thickets, great watchfulness should be observed, espe-
cially in the autumn, when many birds have no conspicuous
note, otherwise many of the more wary of the Warblers

THE ART OF COLLECTING BIRDS.

5

will escape notice. The slightest chirp should be care-
fully followed ; the slightest motion of the branches closely
watched. If a bird is seen that is not fully recognized, it
should be shot at once, for in no other way can it be de-
termined whether it is not a rara avis.

By carefully watching the motions of birds, the collector
will soon become so expert as to be able generally to dis-
tinguish the different species of Warblers, even at a dis-
tance. Carefully scrutinize also the tops of tall forest-
trees, as I have there taken, in autumn, some of the rarest
Warblers.

In spring male birds are quite readily found, as they are
then in full song ; but the ^ame caution must be used in
collecting females that is practised in autumn, as they are
generally shy and difficult to find. Hence it is a good rule
always to secure the female first, when she is seen with the
male ; for, in spite of all the collector’s efforts, he will find
that there will be four males to one female in his collection.

During winter some birds may be found in the thick
woods that one would hardly expect to find at this season,
such as the Kobin, Golden-winged Woodpecker, etc. The
open fields should not be neglected even during snow-
storms, as it is then that such ordinarily cautious birds as
the Snowy Owl may be approached quite readily ; or the
capture of a Jerfalcon may reward the collector for a
disagreeable tramp. The salt marshes and sandy sea-
shores are the resort of a great many winter birds, and
the collector wull perhaps find himself amply repaid for a
few visits to these localities at this season.

Do not neglect to collect the young of birds ; by pro-
curing specimens of these from the time they become fully
fledged until they attain the perfectly mature plumage,
one becomes familiar with all the stages through which a
given species passes, and will thus avoid many errors into
which some of our eminent ornithologists have fallen, —

6

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

that of mistaking the young of certain well-known birds
for a different species from the adult, from not being ac-
quainted with the immature stages. All birds should be
taken that exhibit any unusual characters, such as unusu-
ally large or small bills or feet ; or change of plumage, such
as very pale, or very bright, cases of albinism, etc.

The gun used by a collector should have a small bore,
not larger than No. 14, for shooting small birds ; for Ducks,
and other large water-birds, one of larger calibre will be
found more effectual. The best shot to use for small birds
is Dust shot,” if it can be procured ; if not. No. 12 will
answer. No. 8 will do for Ducks and large birds. For
Hawks and Eagles, Ealy’s wire cartridges are the best.

In shooting small birds, load as lightly as possible. Put
in no more shot than is required to kill the bird. As you
can approach very near most small birds, you will find,
by experiment, that you can kill them with very little shot.
If too much powder is used, it will impel the shot with
so much force as to send it completely through the bird,
thereby making two holes, when less powder, by causing
less force, would have made only and the bird would
have been killed just as effectually. When shot goes into
the body of a bird, it generally carries feathers with it, and
in a measure plugs the hole ; but when it is forced through
and comes out, it often carries away a small patch of feath-
ers and skin, leaving an open wound, from which the blood
flows freely.

If the bird is not instantly killed by shooting, the
thumb and forefinger should be placed with a firm pres-
sure on each side of its body under the wings, when it will
soon die. This operation compresses the lungs and pre-
vents the bird’s breathing. Besides mercifully ending its
suffering, its death causes the flow of blood in a great
measure to cease , for this reason it should be killed as
quickly as possible.

THE ART OF COLLECTING BIRDS.

7

The mouth, nostrils, and vent should now be plugged
with cotton or tow. By blowing aside the feathers the shot-
holes may be detected ; if they bleed, or are in the abdo-
men or rump, a pinch of calcined plaster ^ should be placed
upon them ; this absorbs the blood, or any fluid that maj^
ooze out. When shot enters either the abdomen or rump,
it is apt to cut the intestines and set free the fluids con-
tained therein. If the blood has already soiled the feath-
ers, remove as much as is possible with a knife, then sprinkle
plaster on the spot, and rub the soiled feathers gently be-
tween the thumb and fingers ; this, if repeated, will gen-
erally remove any spots of blood, etc., if the operation is
performed before the blood becomes dry. When the blood
is dry, it is removed after the bird is skinned, as will be
hereafter described.

Next make a note of the color of the eyes, feet, and bill
of the specimens, also note the color of the cere in birds of
prey, and the naked skin of the lores and about the bill of
the Herons, also about the heads of the Vultures. After
smoothing the feathers carefully, place the bird in a paper
cone,t head first, then pin or twist up the larger end, tak-
ing care not to injure the tail-feathers. The blood can be
washed from the feathers of all the swimmers, but the bird,
in this case, should be allowed to dry before packing in
paper. If grease or oily matter has oozed out upon the
feathers, the bird should not be washed, but the plaster
be used as before, only in larger quantities.

All traces of blood should be instantly' removed from
white feathers, as it is very apt to stain them if it remains
upon them long. The paper containing the bird should

* This is burned plaster or gypsum, and is used by stucco-makers.
If it cannot be procured, the unburned plaster or common ground gypsum
used by farmers, or air-slacked lime, pulverized chalk, or ashes, — in fact,
anything that will absorb the blood, — will answer.

t The leaves of an old pamphlet are about the right size for making
cones for small birds, and can be easily obtained.

8

THE NATURALIST'S GUIDE.

be placed in a light basket, — a willow fish-basket is the
best for this purpose, - — suspended by a strap over the shoul-
der, and resting upon the hip. If there are but one or two
birds in the basket, it should be filled with grass, or loose
paper, to keep them steady, as otherwise they might re-
ceive injury by rolling from side to side. In packing birds,
avoid putting the largest at the top, as their weight will
cause the smallest to bleed. Do not hold a bird in the
hand any longer than is necessary ; if possible, take it by
the feet or bill, for the perspiration from the hand tends to
impair the gloss of the plumage.

A good collector must practise, in order to become a good
shot. He must always keep his gun in readiness, for at
any moment a bird that he desires may start up at his feet,
or peer out from the bushes for only an instant before
flying away; by being ready, he will thus secure many
birds that he would otherwise lose.

To be in readiness at all times, the gun should be car-
ried in the hollow of the left arm, with the muzzle pointed
backwards, or with the stock under the right arm, with the
muzzle pointed towards the ground, which is undoubtedly
the safest way, especially if you are hunting with a com-
panion. Too much caution cannot be used in handling a
loaded gun^ especially by a professional collector, who may
spend two thirds of his time with a gun in his hand. A
gun should never be carried in other than three ways, —
the two above mentioned and directly over the shoulder.
If the collector becomes accustomed to these ways, which
are all perfectly safe, he will never think of any other.
Surely, this caution is necessary to one who is travelling
through all sorts of places, when a slip or a fall with a care-
lessly held gun might cripple him for life, by an accidental
discharge.

While passing through thick bushes, always carry the
gun under the arm, as this prevents its accidental dis-

THE ART OF COLLECTING BIRDS.

9

charge ^by the bushes catching the trigger or hammer.
Never allow the muzzle of the gun to point at any one,
even for an instant. All these things depend upon habit,
and will cause a thoughtful man, who has handled a gun for
a long time, to be much more careful than a person who
seldom takes one in his hands. The thoughtful man
prefers rather to avoid accidents to himself and others —
by care in advance — than to risk the chance of having to
mourn his carelessness afterwards. The various devices for
snaring birds are undoubtedly the best ways to secure them
without injuring their plumage. But the collector will
have to rely mainly upon his gun ; and by following the
above instruction regarding the light charges, he will find
that he will generally kill a bird without injuring its
plumage seriously. If he carefully attends to it afterward
in the way described, he will save himself much trouble
when he wishes to preserve it.

In an old French cook-book may be found a receipt for a
rabbit-stew, commencing with, First, catch your rabbit,”
etc., — which rule is applicable to the collector. First, study
with attention the art of collecting. Many and long have
been the lessons in collecting that I have taken in long tramps
through sunshine and storm, in the bracing air among the
mountains of Northern Maine and New Hampshire, on
sandy islands and rocky shores, amid the luxuriant forests
and along the rivers and lagoons of semi-tropical Florida.
Hours of danger and perplexity have been mingled with
days of inexpressible pleasure, which all must experience
who study from the Great Book of Nature. Not easily,
then, I may add, have I learned what I am trying to im-
part to others in these pages.

Since writing the preceding, I have been informed by
my friend, Mr. W. Brewster, of Cambridge, that in collect-
ing such small birds as the Warblers, Sparrows, Wrens, etc.,
he has used a “blow-gun” to great advantage, constructed
1^

10

THE NATUKALIST’S GUIDE.

somewhat after the pattern of the celebrated instrument
that is used bj the natives of some portions of South
America to shoot poisoned arrows. His ^'gun” is made
of pine-wood, and is about four feet and a half long ; it is
bored smoothly the whole length with a quarter-inch hole.
For ammunition Mr. Brewster uses balls made of soft
putty. These, blown at birds, will hit them hard enough
to kill, if the gun be aimed rightly, which art can be
acquired by practice. This is certainly the preferable way
to collect small birds, as it does the plumage no harm. I
would suggest, however, that a tube of thin brass be used
in place of wood; if it were longer, say six feet, it would carry
with greater force and more accuracy. Glass would be still
better, if it could be supported by wood to prevent break-
age, as it would be much smoother. The balls of putty
should be made to fit moderately tight. I have never
tried this method myself, but Mr. Brewster has, in a satis-
factory manner, as described above. I only wait an oppor-
tunity to test them myself, and trust that others will do
the same.

Section II. How to prepare Specimens. Instruments^
Materials., etc.^ — The instruments needed in preserving
birds and mammals are : a pair of common pliers, Plate I.
Fig. I ; a pair of cutting pliers. Fig. 2 ; a pair of tweezers,
Fig. 3; a scalpel. Fig. 4; two brushes, — one soft, the other
stiff ; a flat file, and needles and thread.

The materials needed are : wire of annealed iron of sizes
between 26 and 10, also some very fine copper wure ;
common thread, coarse and fine, also some very fine, soft
thread from the cotton-factories, — this is wound on what
are called bobbins ” ; it is used in the manufacture of
cloth, — cotton tow or hemp, and fine grass; for the latter
the long tough kind that grows in the woods is the best.

* AU the instruments and the wire may be procured at the hardware
stores in the cities or larger towns.

MATEEIALS, ETC.

11

Plate I.

12

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

Arsenic is the best substance that can be used in preserv-
ing skins, and the only one necessary. Other preparations
are no better, and often much worse. Strange as it may ap-
pear to some, I would say avoid especially all the so-called
arsenical soaps; they are at best but filthy preparations ;
beside, it is a fact to which I can bear painful testimony,
that they are — especially when applied to a greasy skin —
poisonous in the extreme. I have been so badly poisoned,
while working upon the skins of some fat water-birds that
had been preserved with arsenical soap, as to be made
seriously ill, the poison having worked into the system
through some small wounds or scratches on my hands.
Had pure arsenic been used in preparing the skins the
effect would not have been as had, although grease and
arsenic are generally a blood poison in some degree ; but
when combined with “soap,” the effect — at least, as far as
my experience goes — is much more injurious.

Arsenic alone will sometimes poison slightly the wound
with which it comes in contact, but no more than com-
mon salt. There will be a slight festering and nothing
more ; but, on the contrary, when combined with fat, a
poison is generated that must be carefully guarded against.
It sometimes works under the nails of the fingers and
thumbs, while one is at work skinning (especially if the
birds are fat). Kubber cots should be put upon the fingers
or thumbs the instant the slightest wound is detected,
whereby much pain may be avoided at a small cost. The
cots alluded to can be procured of almost any druggist for
ten cents each.

Arsenic, however, cannot be used with too great care,
as it is a deadly poison. In no case should it be left in
the way of children. I have a drawer, wide, long, and
shallow, in the bench at which I work upon birds, where
my arsenic is kept safely, and it is always accessible. But
there is probably not so much danger attending the use

MATERIALS, ETC.

13

of pure dry arsenic as people generally suppose. I have
been told repeatedly, by competent physicians, that the
small quantity taken, either by inhalation while using it,
or by numerous other accidental ways, would be beneficial,
rather than injurious ; but be that as it may, I have used
dry arsenic constantly for ten years, and have not yet, I
think, experienced any injurious effects from it. It must
be remembered that I have, of course, used it carefully.
When used with care, in the ordinary manner, it is un-
doubtedly the safest and the best material that can be
used in preparing skins for the cabinet. I have never yet
had a skin decay, or attacked by moths, that was well pre-
served by the use of arsenic. Arsenic is very cheap, vary-
ing from five to ten cents per pound by the wholesale, and
retailed at twenty-five cents by druggists, but when bought
by the ounce the price is enormous.

There is, however, another poison to which one is exposed
while skinning animals, which cannot be too carefully
guarded against, for it is much more injurious in its efifects
than fat and arsenic. I speak of the animal poison that
results from the first stage of decomposition. If on a warm
day one skins birds from which an offensive odor arises,
and a peculiar livid or purplish appearance of the skin
upon the abdomen is seen, and the intestines are distended
with an extremely poisonous gas, — which is the source
of the offensive, sickening odor, — there is danger of be-
ing poisoned. When this gas is inhaled, or penetrates the
skin through the pores (which are generally open on a
warm day), a powerful and highly dangerous poison is apt
to be the result.

In a few days numerous pimples, which are exceedingly
painful, appear upon the skin of the face and other parts
of the person, and upon those parts where there is a chaf-
ing or rubbing become large and deep sores. There is a
general languor, and, if badly poisoned, complete prostration

14 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

results; the slightest scratch upon the skin becomes a fes-
tering sore. Once poisoned in this manner (and I speak
' from experience), one is never afterwards able to skin any
animal that has become in the least putrid, without ex-
periencing some of the symptoms above described. Even
birds that you handled before with impunity, you cannot
now skin without great care.

The best remedy in this case is, as the Hibernian would
say, not to get poisoned, — to avoid skinning all birds that
exhibit the slightest signs of putrescence; this is especially
to be guarded against in warm weather, and in hot cli-
mates, where I have seen a single hour’s work upon putrid
birds nearly prove fatal to the careless individual.

If you get poisoned, bathe the parts frequently in cold
water; and if chafed, sprinkle the parts, after bathing,
with wheat flour. These remedies, if persisted in, will effect
a cure, if not too bad ; then, medical advice should be pro-
cured without delay.

It is just as easy to skin fresh birds as putrid ones,
and much pleasanter, and in this way the evil will be
avoided. If it is necessary to skin a putrid bird, — as in
the case of a rare specimen, — a good bath of the hands
and face in clear, cold water will entirely prevent the
poison from taking effect, provided the skinning is not
protracted too long. But generally, if the bird is putrid,
I would advise the collector to throw it away, and obtain
others that are safer to skin.

If birds and mammals are injected, by means of a small
glass syringe, with a small quantity of carbolic acid at the
mouth and vent, it will prevent decomposition from taking
place immediately. After injecting, the mouth and vent
should be plugged to prevent the acid from staining the
feathers. Birds injected in this way for three successive
days will continue fresh for a long time, and, if kept in a
dry place, will harden completely without decomposing.

MATERIALS, ETC.

15

They may afterwards be skinned, as will be described here-
after. Impure carbolic acid will answer as well as the
refined, and it is much cheaper.

The cost of this acid is trifling, and it will often prove
beneficial in preserving birds in warm weather when they
cannot be skinned immediately. But I would not advise
its use in preserving birds when it can possibly be avoided,
as it dulls the plumage, and is offensive in its odor in con-
nection with the juices of the birds while they are being
skinned. It is, perhaps, needless to add that this acid
is a dangerous internal poison; it also burns the skin
badly when allowed to come in contact with it, but all
injurious effects may be removed by applying oil to the
spot.

As a collector walks much, he must have something on
his feet that is easy and at the same time serviceable. I
have found that in stony countries like New England the
best things are canvas shoes that lace up in front, tightly
about the ankles and over the instep, to prevent slipping up
and down, which is the worst possible thing that could
happen while on a long tramp ; the soles should be broad,
so that the toes may have room enough without crowding.
With such shoes I have found that I could walk farther
than with anything else, and be less wearied in the end.
If the feet are wet from walking in water, with canvas
shoes on them they will soon dry, as the water will all run
out upon walking a short time on dry ground. Anything
that is water-proof will be much too heavy to travel in,
besides being injurious to the feet.

In sandy localities, or on marshes, or in winter when the
snow covers the ground, Indian moccasons are the easiest
and best things that can possibly be worn ; but in stony
places they are not of sufficient thickness to protect the
feet from receiving injury from the hard surface, other-
wise they are exceedingly easy. They are not water-proof,

16

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

SO that unless the snow is frozen in winter they are of no
use. These moccasons can be procured almost anywhere
in Maine and New Hampshire, and sometimes in Boston.
They are manufactured mostly in Canada. For clothes,
perhaps the best that can be worn in summer is a suit
of fine canvas of some dark color, to correspond with the
foliage; in winter, white, to correspond with the snow;
in both cases the wearer is less conspicuous, and can ap-
proach his game much more readily. This cloth will not
wear out or tear easily, and is every way fitted for travel-
ling in the woods.

I would next call attention to making stands on which
to put birds after they have been mounted, as one of the
necessities of the cabinet. Simple stands in the form of
the letter T (Plate VIII. Fig. 3, f) are generally wanted.
Any carpenter can make them. Different sizes will be
needed, from one with the standard two inches high with a
cross-piece one inch long, to a foot standard with a six-inch
cross-piece, with bottoms to match. If made of pine, these
stands may be painted white, of a very pure unchanging
color, in the following manner. Buy white zinc at thirty
cents per pound, and nice frozen glue at from twenty-five
to thirty cents per pound; dissolve the glue thoroughly in
hot water, then strain ; to a pint and a half of water use a
quarter of a pound of glue, to this add one pound of zinc,
stir well, with the vessel that contains it in boiling water,
then, with a brush, apply to the stands ; put on two coats.
If the paint has a yellowish cast, put in a few drops of
bluing; it will change it at once. Thus you will find
that you have a nice white coat of paint that will remain
unchanged longer than oil colors. Any other color can be
used, if preferred, in the same manner.

Fancy stands are made in the following way. For mossy
stands, select a wooden bottom of suitable shape and size, —
those with the edges bevelled are generally used, — and

MATERIALS, ETC.

17

with the pliers force a piece of wire into it in the centre,
then bend th*e wire in imitation of a branch or small tree,
then wind it with hemp to give it the required shape ;
additional wires may be fastened on to represent the smaller
twigs.

The whole is now to be covered with a coating of glue,
and sprinkled with pulverized moss, or small pieces of
moss are placed upon it smoothly. If the work is per-
formed neatly, a perfect imitation of a little tree will be the
result, upon which the bird is placed. If artificial leaves
are to be used, they may be placed upon the twigs with
glue.

If, instead of a wire, a twig bent in the required form
can be procured, and fastened to the bottom with wire,
it may be covered with moss without winding with hemp.
The fancy stands seen with dealers in birds are generally
made of a substance called papier-mache, that is, manu-
factured of paper pulp and glue as follows : Tear paper
in small pieces and place it in water, let it stand over-
night. Then, as it will be entirely soaked, reduce it to
a perfect pulp, either by forcing it through a sieve or by
stirring it. When reduced to a pulp, drain the water
away. Dissolve a quarter of a pound of glue in a pint of
water ; mix with this a pint of pulp, heat it, and stir it
well; then it is ready for use. Prepare a stand as de-
scribed. Mould the pulp upon it in any shape to suit
the fancy. It should have the consistency of putty, in
order to work well. If it is too thin, put in more of the
pulp; if too dry, more water.

With this substance you can imitate almost anything in
the shape of miniature trees, with hollows, knots, crooked
limbs, etc. By drawing over the whole, when finished, a
comb, the bark of a tree can be imitated exactly. When
perfectly dry, the limbs of the tree can be painted brown
in the manner described. The bottom of the stand is

B

18

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

painted green, and sprinkled with a substance resembling
green sand, called ^^smolt,” 'which may be procured at
the painter’s; over this is, sometimes sprinkled thin glass,
broken fine, which is called “ frosting,” and is also used by
painters.

Eocks can be imitated well with papier-mache. If stud-
ded with small pieces of quartz the effect is heightened;
they then may be painted in imitation of granite, sand-
stone, etc. < The sandstone is easily imitated by sprinkling
on sand before the pulp is dry. There are many other
things that may be imitated with this wonderful substance,
but, having given the preceding hints, I leave the reader to
experiment at his leisure upon them.

For the scientific cabinet I would advise the use of
the plain white stands as being much neater. The others
are only fit for ornament.

One other thing is necessary. Take a thin board, and
at intervals of two inches tack transversely strips of wood
(Plate IV. Fig. 1); then cut a strip of paper as wide as
the board, and with glue make it adhere at the top of the
strips and at the middle of the intervening space, so as to
form a corrugated appearance (Fig. 2). These are used in
drying skins of birds. Each board should have about
twelve such spaces, varying in width from two to four
inches, the boards varying in width from four inches to
one foot. These boards, with careful use, will last a long
time.

Section III. Measuring^ Skinning^ and ^Preserving Birds,
— For measuring, a pair of dividers, or compasses, a steel
rule, divided into hundredths of an inch, and a longer
rule, divided into inches and half-inches, will be wanted.
To measure the bird, proceed as follows : Place the bird
upon its back upon the -longer rule, with -the end of the
tail at the end of the rule; the neck is stretched at full
length, without straining ; the bill must be pointed with

THE. AET OF TEESEKYJl^Q BIEDS.

F{g.2

Plate II.

20

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

the rule. Eecord the number of inches upon a strip of
paper ; if there is a fractional part of an inch, measure it
with the dividers, and find how many hundredths it con-
tains upon the smaller rule, and record it. This is ^‘the
length of the bird.”

Stretch the wings out to the full length, with the bird
still upon its back; measure these from tip to tip as ^Hhe
stretch of wing.” Measure the wing from the tip to the
carpel joint, or bend, with the dividers (Plate X. d), for ^Hhe
length of the wing.” The tail is to be measured — also
with the dividers — from the tip to the root for the
length of the tail.” Measure the tarsus (Plate VII. g) as
‘Hhe length of the tarsus.” Measure the bill, from the tip
of the upper mandible to the base (if the base is not well
defined, as in the Ducks, measure to the feathers) ; this is
^^the length of bill along the culmen” (Plate III. h).
Measure from the tip of the upper mandible to the gape
(e) for the length from gape ” ; also from the tip of
the lower mandible to the angle of the gonys (s) for the
length of gonys” (c). In the Hawks, measure to the
cere.

The color of the eyes, feet, and bill is now observed
and recorded, also the date of collection and the locality in
which the bird was collected. If the bird is in worn plu-
mage, the fact should be recorded, as this will affect the
measurements; also if it is moulting or in perfect plu-
mage. As the records now made are only temporary, signs
may be used to save time, such as X- — - would denote an

adult bird in perfect plumage, Y| would denote a

young bird in worn plumage, YY|— | would denote a
young bird not a year old and moulting,— this stage in the
life of the bird is called the ^^young-of-the-year.” By
using some such signs as these much time will be saved.
When the collector becomes expert at measuring, he will
find that all small birds can be measured and recorded in

Plate III

THE ART OF PBESEEVING BIRDS.

21

22

THE NAXUEALIST.’S GUIDE.

about three minutes, and the larger ones in adittle longer
time.

Skinning. — First, have plenty of plaster near at hand.
Remove the cotton from the" mouth and vent, and place
a fresh plug in the mouth alone. The method now about
to be described is one that will apply to all birds, excepting
those to be hereafter named.,

Place the bird upon its back; with the forefinger and
thumb part the feathers on the abdomen, and a bare longi-
tudinal space will be discovered, extending from the breast
to the vent. With the scalpel divide the skin in the
centre of this bare space, commencing at the lower part of
the breast-bone, or sternum (Plate X. o), and ending at the
vent. Now peel the skin off to the right and left, and
sprinkle plaster upon the exposed abdomen. Force the
leg on the right side up under the skin, at the same dime
drawing the skin down until the joint (p) appears ; cut
through this joint and draw the. leg out as far as the
tarsus or first joint (k) ; with the point of the knife sever
the tendons on the lower part of the leg, then bj a single
scraping motion upwards they may all be removed, com-
pletely baring the bone ; treat the other leg in a like man-
ner, leaving both turned out as they were skinned. Place
the finger under the rump near the tail, then with the
scalpel cut through the backbone just in front of the coc-
cygus (n) entirely through the flesh to the skin, — the
finger beneath is a guide to prevent cutting the skin. This
may be done very quickly after long practice, and there
is no danger of severing the skin if proper care be used.
Put on a fresh supply of plaster. Now grasp the end of
the backbone firmly between the thumb and forefinger,
and with the other hand pull the skin down on all sides
towards the head, until the joint of the wing, where the
last bone, or humerus (r), is joined to the body, appears ;
sever the bones at this joint, and draw the skin down

23

THE AET OF PRESERVING BIRDS.

over the neck and head. When the ears appear, with
the thumb-nail remove the skin that adheres closely to
the skull without breaking it, pull down to the eyes, then
cut the skin off close to the eyelids, taking care not to
cut or injure them; but be sure and cut close enough to
remove the nictating membrane,- as it will otherwise cause
trouble. Skin well down to the base of ’ the bill. Ee-
move the eye with the point of the knife ^by thrusting
it down at the side between the eye and the socket, then
with a motion upward it can- be removed without^ breaking j
cut off enough of the back part of the skull to remove the
brains easily. Proceed to skin the wings ; draw them out
until the forearm (Plate X. d) appears, to which the sec-
ondaries are attached; with the thumb-nail detach them
by pressing downward forcibly. Eemove the muscles and
tendons — as explained on the leg — to the joint, where
the forearm joins the humerus (B), then divide, removing
the humerus entirely. *

Now open the drawer containing the arsenic, and with
a smair flat piece of wood cover the skin completely with
it ; be sure that the cavities from which the brains and
eyes were removed are filled. Take up the skin and
shake it gently. The arsenic that remains adhering to it
is sufficient to preserve it, provided the skin is damp
enough; if not, it may be moistened slightly. Now fill the
eye-holes ^ with cotton, ‘tie the wing-bones with thread, as
near together as the back of the bird was broad, then
turn the skin back into its former position. Smooth the
feathers of the head and wings with the fingers. With a
few strokes of the feather duster, holding the skin up by
the bill, remove the plaster and arsenic that may be ad-
hering to the feathers.

If there is blood upon the feathers, it may be removed
— if there is not much of it, and if it is dry — -with the
* By which I mean the holes occupied by the eyes in the skull

24 THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

stiff brush by continuous brushing, assisted by scraping
with the thumb-nail. A living bird cleans blood from its
plumage by drawing each feather separately through its
beak, thereby scraping off the blood-; the thumb-nail
performs the part of the bill. If much bloody, with a soft
* sponge and water wash away all traces of blood ; then
throw plaster upon the wet spot, and remove it before it
has time to harden or* ‘‘set.” By repeating this opera-
tion, at the same time lifting the feathers so as to allow
the plaster to dry every part,, and by using the soft brush,
the feathers will soon dry. In this way any stains may be
removed.

If the plumage is greasy, wash it with warm water and
strong soap long enough to remove every particle of fatty
matter that adheres to the feathers ; then rinse thoroughly
in warm water, afterwards in cold. Be sure and remove
all traces of the soap before putting on the plaster to dry,
as the soap will be changed by the plaster into a gummy
substance, which will be very difficult'^to remove.

After smoothing the feathers carefully, place the skin
upon its back. With the tweezers take up a small roll
of hemp or cotton, as large round and as long as the neck of
the body that was taken out, and place it in the neck of
the skin, taking care that the throat is well filled out ; then,
by grasping the neck on each side with the thumb and
finger, the hemp or cotton may be held in place, and the
tweezers withdrawn. After placing the wings in the same
position as the bird would have them when at rest, with
the bones of the forearm pushed well into the skin,— so that
they may lie down each side, and not cross each other, —
with a needle and thread sew through the skin and the
first quill of the primaries by pushing the needle through
the skin on the inside and through the quill opposite, but
be sure that the wing is in the proper place. (If it is too far
forward, the feathers of the sides of the breast, that ought to

THE AET OF PRESEEVING BIRDS.

25

lie smoothly over the bend of the wing, will be forced up
and backward. If the wing is placed too far hack^ there
will be a bare spot upon the side of the neck, — caused by
the wing-coverts, which help, in connection with the feath-
ers of the back, to hide the spot, being drawn either
down or back too far. If the wing is placed too low, the
same spot is seen, only it is elongated and extends along
the back between the secondaries and feathers of the back ;
if too high, the feathers of the back will appear pushed up,
and will not lie smooth for obvious reasons. When the
wing is in the right position, the feathers of the wing-
coverts and back will blend nicely and smoothly, and the
feathers of the sides of the breast will lie smoothly over
the bend of the wing ; the ends of the closed quills will
lie flat upon the tail, or nearly so.) Now draw the thread
through so that but an inch is visible inside the skin,
then push the needle through the skin from the outside
just helov) the quill that it came out through, draw the
thread through, and tie to the projecting end, thereby
fastening the wing firmly to the side ; proceed in this way
with the other wing.

Eoll up loosely an oblong body of cotton or hemp of
the same size as the body taken out, place it in the skin
neatly, then draw the edges of the skin together where the
incision was made, and sew them once in the centre j tie
the ends of the thread together. Take care to put the
needle through the edge of the skin so as not to disturb the
feathers. Smooth the feathers on the abdomen. Cross
the feet upon the tail (Plate lY. Fig. 3), — which is spread
slightly, — then place the skin upon its back in the
rounded places of the drying-board, spoken of on page
18 (Fig. 1, d), taking care that the feathers of the
back are perfectly smooth. This rounded bed gives the
back a natural rounded appearance, which cannot be
made easily in any other way. Place the head with the

THE NATUEALIST’S GUIDE.’

/

Plate IV.

27

rw ART OF PKESER VINO: BIRDS.

bill' ' horizontal: with the back or bottom' 6f ■ the : rounded
spjace, with tho culmen (Plate lY^ Eig. 1^ d) nearly^ touch-
ing the paper. The skin must remain in this position
without' being disturbed until perfectly dry, which in very
warm weather, with small birds, will be in about twenty-
four hours.

If this corrugated board cannot be procured, the skin
may be placed on its back upon a flat surface, with a
little cotton on each side of it to prevent its getting dis-
placed. This is what is technically termed ^^a skin”
(Fig. 3), and this method of making them is the best I
have ever seen practised, and one that I have used for
years as being the most expedient. The skins so made
are less liable to injury, being stronger than some others,
and are also very easily mounted. I have made in a
single day, in the manner described, fifty skins, and with
practice almost any one will be able to do the same ; ten
minutes being ample time for each, including the meas-
uring.

Before the skin is placed upon the board, it should be
labelled (Fig. 3, $) with a number corresponding to the
one placed upon the slip of paper containing the meas-
urements, etc., marked also for the sex of the bird, which
is done by using for the male the sign of the planet
Mars, thus ^ ; for the female the sign of the planet
Yenus is used, thus 9 . These signs are used by natural-
ists throughout the scientific world, and it is best to be-
come accustomed to them.

Determining the Sex,- — The sex of the bird is determined,
not by the plumage, which will sometimes set the student
at fault by its changes, and should never he trusted in de-
termining the sex^ but by dissection, as follows : Take the
body of the bird . after it has been removed, and cut with
the scalpel through the ribs (Plate X. A) on the sides
of the abdomen^ thereby exposing the intestines ; ' raise

28

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

these gently with the point of the knife, and beneath them
will be seen the sexual organs, which are fully illustrated
in the following diagrams.

Plate V., Fig. 2, is an adult male (^) in the breeding
season. 1 shows the position of the lungs, 2 the pecu-
liar yellowish glands, — in some birds bright yellow, in the
present case — that of a song sparrow {Melospiza melodia,
Baird) — they are yellowish white, which, being present
in both sexes, if not examined closely, may be easily mis-
taken, in the young female, for the testicles of the male.
3, 3, are the testicles, much enlarged in this, the breeding
season. The sex of a bird in this stage is easily deter-
mined.

Plate VI., Fig. 1, is a young male ( (?) in the young-
of-the-year plumage. The figures refer to the same parts
as explained in the preceding. It will be perceived that
the testicles (3) are much smaller. At different seasons,
the testicles vary in size between this and the preceding.
In some birds they are elongated, and black in color,'
as in the Herons ; but they always occupy the same posi-
tions so nearly as to be readily distinguished. The pecu-
liar white glands (2) are in this instance very prominent,
but they are readily known in all birds by their being flat,
while the testicles are always spherical.

Plate Y., Fig. 1. This is an adult female (9) in the
breeding season. I, 1, are the same peculiar glands observed
in the males ; 2 is the ovary, a mass of spheres at this
season quite yellow and prominent ; 3 is the oviduct, or
egg-passage, much enlarged in the present case, as it always
is during the breeding season, when it assumes a thick,
swollen appearance, while at other times it is translucent,
much smaller, and resembles a narrow, whitish line, not
readily perceived.

Plate VI., Fig. 2, is a young-of-the-year female in au-
tumn. 1,1, the same white glands that at this stage pf the

THE ART OF PRESERVING BIRDS.

29

Plate V.

30 THE NATUBALIST’S- GUIDE. .

Plate VI.

THE, AET OF PEESEEYING. -BIEDS. SI

t-'v 'V

bird’s life might “at first sight be mistaken for the testicles
of the male, but, upon looking closely the ovary (2) can
be perceived, very small; upon applying a magnifying-glass
it appears granular.

, With these remarks and diagrams, I think any one with
ordinary ability will, with a little practice, be able to de-
termine this very important character in the scijentific
study of birds.

Contents of Stomachy etc, — The contents of the stomach
must next be examined, which is done by opening the giz-
zard and crop. A little practice will enable the collector
to state correctly what it contains, although the glass is
sometimes necessary, as in the case of small birds. This
is then recorded upon the slip of paper, which is put on
file, to be copied into a book, in the following manner, — -
leaving a page, or, if the book is not wide enough, two
pages, for each species, — first placing the scientific name at
the head, as seen on the following page.

A book prepared in this manner, carefully indexed and
paged, will, when it is filled with the measurements of
birds, be of immense value for comparative measurements,
besides giving the collector ■ a complete history of each of
his specimens.

Exceptions to the usual Method of Shinning, — All birds
are to be prepared in the preceding manner, with the fol-
lowing exceptions.

All Woodpeckers with a large head and small neck — of
which the Pileated Woodpecker {Hylotomus pileatus^ Baird)
is an example — should be skinned in the same manner as
far as the neck, which shouM- be severed, as it is impos-
sible to turn the skin over the head ; cut through the skin
on the back of the head, making a longitudinal insertion
of an inch or more, and draw the h^ad through this. It
should be carefully sewn up after tJie skin is turned back.
Such specimens, when laid out to dry, should have the

Sialia stalls.

32

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

Remarks.

Spotted on breast.

Shot in a field.

Shot on the Pine Barrens.
Shot on the Pine Barrens.

•qoT3mo:}g

JO

Beetles
and Plies

Beetles

Berries

Seeds

JO jopo

J “

s

*ma JO Jopo

.113

J 2 :: ::

w

•soia JO JOPO

a

^

o -

u

PP

•snsj^X

.82

.62

.80

.75

•ina

.60

.52

.49

.50

2.56

2.40

2.75

2.55

•Sni^

3,20

3.95

4.00

3.75

•gni^ JO qopJ!^S

12.45

12.00

12.30

11.75

•q:)Suoa

7.00

7.00

7.00

6.50

•X8S

^ Of Of

•aSisrani j jo a;ji8:}g

Perfect

Worn

Perfect

((

Age.

Yonng-

of-year

Adult

it

u

Locality,

Newton, Mass.

it a

Jacksonville, PI.

U <(

sS = Is”

Sg = 1 s|

o

1

1022

1026

1934

1969

THE AKT OF PRESERVING BIRDS.

33

head so placed that the bill is turned at right angles with
the body, with the head resting on one side, and not on the
hack as before.

All Ducks with large heads should be skinned in the
same way, with the exception that the insertion must be
made under the head, on the throat. Ducks, Herons, Geese,
large Sandpipers, and all other long-necked birds, should,
when placed to dry, rest upon the breast, with the head
and neck placed upon the back, and the head turned on
one side. Herons with very long necks should have them
bent once. The bill must be placed parallel with the neck
and pointing forward.

While travelling it is not always convenient to fill out
the bodies of large birds; it is better to pack them flat,
with but little cotton in them, — just enough, however, to
keep the opposite parts of the skin from coming in contact.
The neck should always be filled. When it is impossible
to procure stufiing for small birds, they may be packed flat
also.

Birds that have been preserved with carbolic acid, even
after they have been lying for years, and have become
perfectly dry, may be skinned in the following manner :
Place wet cotton or hemp under the wings, in the throat, •
and around the legs, and finally envelop the whole body
in a thick coating. Place it in a close box, and let it
remain a day or two until it is softened, then take it out
and remove the skin' as before directed; but more care will
have to be exercised than in skinning fresh birds. Alco-
holic specimens may be skinned; but the wet plumage had
better be dried in the air without plaster. Mr. A. L. Bab-
cock has a number of mounted birds in his collection at
Sherborne, Massachusetts, that were preserved in alcohol,
and sent from South America.

The beginner will find that some birds, such as the
Cuckoos, Pigeons, and Doves, are very difiicult to skin over
2^ c

34

THE NATUKALIST’S GUIDE.

the rump without loosening the feathers; hut this difficulty
will be overcome by using particular care while skinning the
spot that is tender. Some birds also have tender skin on
the breast, and in such cases it almost always adheres so
closely to the flesh that it is necessary to cut it away;
this operation is somewhat tedious, but it is better than
to risk tearing the skin by pulling it. An example of this
is sometimes seen in the Wood Duck.

The best time to skin a bird is as soon as it is shot,
when the muscles are relaxed, as the plumage is then in
the best condition. In a short time the muscles become
rigid, when it is extremely difficult to remove the skin;
but the muscles soon relax again, and then you must skin
at once, as this is the first stage — or the state imme-
diately preceding the first stage — of decomposition. In
very warm weather this rigidness of the muscles sel-
dom occurs, then the bird rapidly decomposes. In warm
weather, birds should be kept on ice until wanted ; for if
a bird remains only an hour in a warm room, or in the
sun, it will sometimes spoil, especially if the blow-flies
are allowed access to it. There is a species of blow-fly
that is viviparous ; I have seen such a fly alight upon
a fresh bird, and, after introducing her ovipositor into the
mouth of the specimen, exude an immense number of liv-
ing, though minute, maggots. These maggots spread over
the skin in all directions, moistening it with their slimy
bodies, and soon render the specimen unfit for use by
loosening the feathers.

It is difficult to remove the eggs of the common blow-
fly when they are once placed upon the feathers. It is
much better to prevent the flies from attacking specimens
— which, if they are exposed during warm weather, they
will do very quickly — by covering them, or placing them
immediately upon ice.

Section IV. Mounting Specimens. — Almost any one

THE WAY TO MOUNT BHIDS.

35

Plate VII.

36

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

can mount a bird, after receiving proper instruction ; but
to make it look lifelike and natural requires constant and
unceasing study of birds in their native haunts. The true
art, then, can only be acquired by the earnest student
of nature. The mere taxidermist, who constantly sits at
his bench and works on birds without studying from na-
ture, may acquire a certain degree of skilly but the atti-
tudes of many of his stuffed birds will appear awkward and
grotesque to the naturalist.

Therefore I say to those who W'ould learn to mount birds
in natural attitudes, sUtdy nature. Have all attitudes that
every bird assumes engraved upon the brain, to be repro-
duced in the ^ stuffed specimens ; from the one assumed
by the delicate Warbler, that hops lightly from limb to
limb, or swings gracefully from the topmost bough of some
tall oak, to that of the mighty Eagle in his eager, down-
ward swoop upon his trembling prey. Watch the scream-
ing Gull in his almost innumerable positions upon the wing,
the nimble Sandpiper running along the shore, and the
gracefully floating Duck upon the water. After watching
these in their various natural attitudes, work ; but do not
cease to study for improvement, for the work of man is yet
far from being perfect.

In mounting birds, skin as instructed in the preceding
section, but do not tie the wing-bones together. Having
cleaned and dusted the feathers, proceed to fill the neck to
the natural size, without stretching, with shorts,” or the
bran from wheat flour, or with hemp cut fine. Eoll up
some fine grass moderately hard in the shape of an oblong
body (Plate VIII. Figs. 1, 2), then wind it smoothly with
thread. This body should be of the same proportionate
size as the one taken out, although not exactly of the same
shape, for reasons that will be seen when the bird is
mounted, but which cannot be easily explained. Have the
body perfectly smooth, and the curves regular on every part.

THE WAY TO MOUNT BIRDS. 37

Place the body inside the skin. Now cut wires of the
right size (that is, large enough to support the bird when
mounted ; which can be learned by experience, although I
would advise putting in as large wires as can be used with-
out splitting the skin of the tarsi) and proper length for the
wiring of the following parts : to go through the legs, for
the neck, and for the tail. Straighten the wires by rolling
them on the bench with a file, then sharpen them by hold-
ing the end obliquely against the edge of the bench and
filing from you, at the same time twisting the wire ; force
the wire cut for the leg up through the sole of the foot,
through the tarsus, along the leg-bone into the centre of
the side of the grass body (Plate YIII. Fig. 1, a), through
this so that the end will protrude for an inch ; bend the
end down in the form of an L (Fig. 1, b), and again force
it into the body (Fig. 1, c), thereby clinching it so that it
can have no motion whatever. The wire should protrude
out of the sole at least two inches (Fig. 1, d).

Proceed in the same manner with the other leg ; if this
seems difficult at first, practice will soon overcome the
difficulty. Be sure and clinch the wires firmly^ as they
will otherwise cause trouble. Force the wire cut for the
head down through the skull near the base of the bill
(Fig. 3, g) through the neck, — but it must not come out
through the skin anywhere, — through the body (Fig. 1, e),
out the other side, where it is clinched as before (Fig. 1, c).
Force the wire cut for the tail through the bone left in
the tail, and under the tail, into the body (Fig. 1, f);
clinch as usual (Fig. 3, g). Bend the wire — which should
protrude about two inches beyond the end of the tail —
into the form of a T (Fig. 1, h); the cross-piece is placed
about half the length of the tail ; on this the tail rests.
Pin up the incision by drawing the edges of the skin
together and forcing pins through them* into the body ;
then smooth the feathers over the place.

THE NATURALIST’S GUH)E.

S'

Plate VIIL

THE WAY TO MOUNT BIRDS.

39

Fasten the bird upon the stand by passing the wires of
the feet through the holes in the cross-piece (Plate YIII. Fig.

3, h), then twist the ends of the wire around the ends of the
cross-piece (Fig. 3, s) to fasten it firmly. Place the bird in
position with the tarsi inclining backward (Fig. 3, i), so that
a line dropped from the back of the head, passing through
the body, would pass down the centre of the stand (Fig. 3, a, a).
This is a natural rule, and one that applies to all perch-
ing birds. Next arrange the wings in position by applying
the same rules that were given when making a skin ; in
this case, however, the following additional rule may be of
use. The end of the bone of the forearm should reach just
half the length and width of the body where it meets the
lower end of the thigh (see Plate X. B). Having arranged
the wing, pin it near the bend to the body (Plate VIII.
Fig. 3, b), also through the first primary quill (Fig. 3, c).
The wings should in some cases be placed at a little dis-
tance from the body, as is natural with the Thrushes, and
some other species. This may be done by lengthening the
second wire (Fig. 3, c). Put the head in the proper posi-
tion, cut off the protruding wire (Fig. 3, g). Plait the tail-
feathers by placing the inner web over the outer (Fig. 3, d) ;
then place a piece of fine copper wire across the tail, and
fasten it to the ends of the cross-piece (Fig. 3, e). Fix
the artificial eyes in their proper position with glue or
putty ; then wind the bird with the fine cotton on the
breast and shoulders and over the secondaries (Fig. 3, k);
this is to keep the feathers smooth while it is drying.

To mount a bird with the wings extended, proceed as .
before explained, but raise the wings, and use longer wires
to pin them in position. Then, to hold the quills and sec-
ondaries in place, bend a wire over the whole width of the
wing, passing on each side of them. In skinning and
mounting Ducks, open under the wing. This is accom-
plished by making an incision on the side, from the place

40

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

where the humerus joins the sternum (Plate X. B) to just
beyond the lower joint of the thigh (p), after which skin as
before.

If any feathers become twisted or bent, they may be
instantly straightened by holding them in steam. If the
feathers are to be smoothed, raise them with the fingers or
tweezers, and let them fall back in place ; they will gene-
rally come down smoothly. If the feathers come out, put a
drop of glue upon the end of each, and place it in the
proper position ; it will stay, when dry. In this way large
bare places may be covered.

Mounting dried Skins, — To mount dried skins, remove
the stuffing with which they are filled, and supply its place
with dampened cotton, also wrap the legs well with it ;
place the skin in a box, where it must remain until it
becomes pliable, but not too soft, as it is then liable to drop
in pieces. It is to be mounted as described, excepting that
the neck is filled with cut hemp instead of bran. Birds
mounted from dried skins require more care in mounting,
and more binding to bring the feathers into proper posi-
tion, than fresh birds.

Never paint or varnish the feet or bill of a bird ; the
scales on the feet of birds are one of the most interesting
characters in the study of ornithology, and they cannot
readily be seen when covered with paint or varnish. In
mounting birds larger than a Eobin, the muscles of the leg-
bone must be supplied by winding the tibia with hemp
until the original size and shape is attained. Particular
attention must be paid to the legs of the Waders and rapa-
cious birds. The exceptions to this rule are all swimming
birds ; as the tibia is buried in the body, it does not need
winding.

In mounting Humming-Birds with the wings extended,
especially from dried skins, there is no need of wiring the
leg. Place a single wire in the back part of the body, with

THE WAY TO MOUNT BIRDS.

41

the point firmly clinched, and the end protruding back
from the abdomen for three or four inches. This wire will
sustain the bird. Always wire the feet in the usual way
if the bird is to be mounted in the attitude of rest. In
mounting other small birds, this method of wiring will an-
swer when the bird is represented as flying. Large birds,
when mounted in the attitude of flying, should be wired
in the usual manner, with the wires that extend beyond
the soles of the feet cut short ; then a wire is forced down
through the back and clinched under the body, with the
end pointing upward ; cut off this end so that it will pro-
trude but a half-inch beyond the skin, then bend it under
the feathers into the form of a hook or ring ; to this fasten
a thread, and suspend the bird. To make the bird incline
downward, place the wire well back; upward, farther for-
ward, or nearer the head. Fine copper wire will answer
to suspend large birds in this manner. In mounting a
bird in this position, wuth the wings fully extended, care
should be taken that they are properly arched.

While arranging the wings, it is not convenient to keep
the bird suspended, as it will not be sufficiently firm.
Sharpen two stout wires and fasten them at both ends
(Plate yill. Fig. 4, b, b), perpendicularly in a block of
w^ood (a), parallel to each other, and about two inches
apart. These wires should be at least four inches long.
Bend about an inch and a half of the ends down, parallel
with the block (c). Force these ends into the abdomen of
the bird that is being mounted, and it will be firmly held
in place while the different parts are being arranged, after
which it can be suspended as described.

Sometimes it is necessary to mount the skins of rare
birds when they are badly decayed. To mount skins in
this condition requires skill and patience, as well as a knowl-
edge of their different parts. The manner in which I have
mounted them is this : First, moisten the skin as de-

42

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDK

scribed, then make a body, as before, and place a wire of
the proper size and length in the usual place for the neck,
and wind it with hemp to the natural size ; place the head,
wings, feet, and tail in the proper position; then, after
spreading glue upon the body, place each feather or piece
of skin carefully in its proper place, commencing at the
tail and working towards the head ; when this is finished,
bind the bird as usual.

Birds that have been mounted require at least ten days
for the skin to dry before the thread is removed, which is
done by cutting down the back with scissors, after which
cut off all protruding wires, and unplait the tail-feathers
and smooth them. To elevate the crest of a bird, or any
other naturally elevated feathers, — such as the elongated
feathers on the necks of some species of Grouse, etc., — roll a
piece of cotton into a ball, and force a pin or piece of sharp-
ened wire through it (Plate VIII. Fig. 5, g). Place this wire
or pin in the bird in such a manner that the feathers to
be elevated may rest on the cotton in a natural position
(Fig. 5, b). After the skin becomes hardened the cotton
may be removed, and the feathers will retain the desired
position.

CHAPTER II.

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING MAMMALS.

Section I. Collecting. — Because mammals are not quite
as interesting at first sight as birds, the study of this
class of animals has been somewhat neglected; and but
comparatively few naturalists are even aware of the ex-
istence of some of the smaller mammalia that live about
them. They are, however, worthy of special attention, and,
if studied, will soon be found particularly interesting.

In collecting mammals, excepting some of the larger
species, the gun is of but little use ; they must be taken
almost entirely with traps. Shrews and Moles may be
frequently found where they have been dropped by cats,
who catch them, but do not eat them. In this way a
great many valuable specimens may be obtained.

Another way to procure Mice and Shrews is to turn over
old logs and stumps, under which these little animals fre-
quently hide, and while dazzled by the light’s coming in
suddenly upon them, they may be readily seized in the
hand. Mice may also be trapped.

Squirrels may be shot or caught in traps; Foxes, trapped,
shot, or dug out of their holes. Woodchucks are easily
trapped or dug out. Skunks are very disagreeable animals
to handle, but when one once becomes accustomed to
capturing them he can do it in perfect safety. The best
way is to catch them in a box-trap” baited with the
head of a chicken ; when caught, immerse trap and skunk
in water until the animal is dead. Treated in this man-
ner, they will not emit any of their disagreeable scent.
By breaking the backbone with a stout stick, when the

44

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

animal is caught in a steel trap, the disagreeable emission
will be prevented. All animals should be killed either
by breaking the backbone or by compressing the ribs, to
stop the breath ; never by a blow on the head, as this is
liable to injure the skull, which must be preserved entire
for scientific investigation.

The following animals may be decoyed into traps by
means of peculiar scents : Foxes, Fishers, Martens, Minks,
Weasels, Wildcats of all species, Otters, Beavers, Bears,
Muskrats, and Eaccoons. These scents are made of differ-
ent substances. The musk of the Muskrat, contained in
two glands situated just below the skin upon the back
part of the abdomen, will decoy Muskrats and Minks, and
perhaps Wildcats. This musk may be procured from the
male in early spring. After the two glands spoken of
are removed, they may be cut open, when the musk —
which is a milky fluid — will appear, and may be squeezed
out, mixed with alcohol, and kept for use. This musk is
used in the following manner : Cut a stick of pine about
six inches long, make a small cavity in one end ; into this
drop a little of the musk, fasten the stick in such a position
that the animal to be deco^^ed must place his foot upon
the trap in order to reach it.

Foxes, I have been informed by old trappers, are read-
ily decoyed by using the fetid scent of the Skunk in the
same manner. This scent is a greenish fluid, and is con-
tained in glands situated in the anal region; it may be
obtained in the same manner as the musk, although the
operation is not pleasant. All of the above-named ani-
mals may be successfully decoyed by using an excessively
fetid scent prepared during warm weather in the follow-
ing manner: Take a good-sized eel or trout, and cut it
in small pieces ; place it in a quart bottle, cover the top
with gauze to keep the flies out, hang the bottle on the
south side of a fence or building, and let it remain two

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING MAMMALS.

45

or three weeks, when the whole mass will become decom-
posed ; then on the top will be found a thin layer of a
clear liquid having an ineffably disagreeable odor. This
fluid should be poured off carefully into a small phial and
closely corked ; it is to be used in the same manner as the
other scents.*

Bats may be shot, or taken during daylight beneath the
shingles of buildings, or in hollow trees. One or two spe-
cies, however, remain outside, suspended to a branch or
leaf of a tree.

Plaster may be used to absorb the flow of blood from
mammals, as well as from birds.

Section II. Measuring. — To measure a mammal pre-
paratory to skinning : Place it upon its back, then with the
dividers measure the distance from the tip of the nose to
the front side of the eye, record this as the distance from
the tip of the nose to the eye,” then from the tip of the nose
to the ear; this is ‘^the distance from the nose to the ear”;
then from the tip of the nose to the occiput, or back of the
head, for “ the distance from the nose to the occiput.” With
the rule find the distance from ‘Hhe nose to the root of the
tail,” also the distance from “the tip of the nose to the tip
of the longest toe of the outstretched hind leg ” ; then
with the dividers find the length of the vertebra of the tail
from the root ; this is “ the length of the tail to the end of
the vertebra.” With the dividers, measure the hair on the
end of the tail for “the length of the hair.” Measure the
length of the hind leg from the knee-joint to the tip of the
longest claw of the longest toe for “ the length of the hind
leg.” Measure the length of the front leg from the elbow-
joint to the tip of the longest claw of the longest toe ; this is
“the length of the front leg.” The width of the hand is
found by measuring the width of the outspread forefoot or

^ This receipt was kindly given to me by Mr. George Smith of Wal-
tham, who has used it successfully, as I have personally witnessed.

46

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE

hand. Now measure the length of the ear on the back
side, from the skull to the tip, for the length of the ear.”
Measure ‘‘the width of the muzzle” between the two nostrils.
In animals larger than a gray squirrel, measure the “girth”
with a tape-measure, or piece of string, just back of the
forelegs.

These measiu"ements will answer for all excepting the
bats, in measuring which proceed as before ; but, instead
of the forelegs, find “ the length of one wing,” “ the length
of the wing to the hook, or thumb,” and “ the stretch of
wings ” as in birds.

Seals also vary slightly ; instead of the word “ leg ”
use “ flipper,” and find the width of the hind flipper as
well as the width of the fore one ; also, in addition, “ the
distance between the fore-flippers.” The sex of a mammal
is easily determined without dissecting. These measure-
ments are to be first recorded upon a strip of paper, as
in the birds, and afterwards copied into a book, as seen
on the next page.

Skinning, — To skin a mammal, place it upon its back ;
make a longitudinal incision in the skin over the abdo-
men, extending from the root of the tail about one fourth
of the length of the body. Peel down each side, as in
skinning a bird, pushing forward the leg so as to expose
the knee-joint; sever the leg from the body at this place,
and clean the bone ; proceed in this manner with the other
leg. In small animals, sever the tail as close to the body
as possible, leaving the bone in ; but in large animals it
can generally be removed by placing two pieces of wood on
each side of the bone against the skin, holding them firmly
in place with one hand, and after giving a strong pull with
the other the tail will slip out easily. With some animals,
such as the Beaver, Muskrat, Skunk, etc., this cannot be
done ; then the skin of the tail has to be opened the whole
length, and the bone removed. Proceed to draw the skin

This measurement is taken after the animal is skinned ; the width of skull is measured on the widest part, the length on the Ion-

COLLECTING AND PBESEEVING MAMMALS,

47

*5*

m

S'

Locality.

- 1
s

Age.

+0 -KD

Sex.

1868.
Aug. 22

» 20

“ 13

Date.

58

55

43

1 ?

1.50

1.57

1.32

Eye.

Nose to

2.95

2.80

2.94

Ear.

2.30

3.45

3.45

Occiput.

13.00

15.50

15.25

Root of Tail.

15.00

20.15

19.50

Outstretched Hind Leg.

4.98

4.50

5.45

End of Vertebra.

Tail to

6.00

6.75

7.60

End of Hair.

3.10

2.80

2.95

Hind Leg.

Hand.

2.10

1.85

2.05

Length.

.78

.92

.70

Width.

.85

.75

.65

Height of Ear.

.20

.15

Muzzle.

14.50

9.75

Girth.

1 1 1

Length.

Skull.*

1 1 1

Width.

Light colored.

(( (1

Top of head black.

Remarks.

Arctomys monas.

48

THE NATUEALIST’S GUIDE.

down towards the head, until the forelegs appear; sever
these at the knee-joint, and clean the bone as before. Draw
the skin over the head, cutting off the ears close to the
skull. Use caution in cutting the skin from the eyelids
and in severing the lips from the skull, so as not to in-
jure their outward appearance. The skull is to be detached
entirely. Cover the inside of the skin well with arsenic,
and, if large, rub it in well with the hand; but be sure
that every part is poisoned.

If there is any blood upon the hair, after the skin is
turned into its former position, if it is dry, remove it with
the stiff brush ; if wet or very bloody, wash and dry with
plaster, as explained in birds.

Wind the leg-bones with sufficient hemp or cotton to
supply the place of the muscles; then fill out the head,
neck, and the rest of the body to their natural size. Sew
up the orifice through which the body was removed neatly
over and over, drawing the edges of the skin together
nicely.

Label the skin by sewing a bit of card-board upon one
of the feet, or, if the animal is large, upon the ear, with
the number of the specimen and the sex marked upon it.
Clean the skull as much as possible with the scalpel ; if
it is a large animal, the brains may be removed through
the orifice where the spinal cord enters the skull. If this
opening is not large enough to remove them, they should
be left in. Eoll the skull in arsenic, then label it with a
number corresponding* to the one upon the skin, and lay
it by for future cleaning. The arsenic prevents insects
from attacking it.

Place the skin, if a small one, upon its side, with the
legs bent neatly ; if a large one, upon its breast, with the
legs stretched out on each side, the forelegs pointing for-
ward, the hind ones backward. This is what is technically
called a “ mammal’s skin.”

COLLECTING AND PKESERVING MAMMALS. 49

Very large animals, such as Deer or Bears, should not
be filled out in this way, but placed flat. In skinning large
animals, make an incision in the form of a double cross,
by making a longitudinal cut between the hind legs, from
the root of the tail to the breast, between the forelegs;
then a transverse cut from the knee of the foreleg down
the inside of the leg to the opposite knee. The same
operation is repeated upon the hind legs. Then proceed
as before, only, when the skin has been removed from the
flanks, the animal must be suspended to facilitate the re-
moval of the rest.

In skinning a mammal with horns, make a longitudinal
incision from the back of the neck to the occiput, or back
of the head ; then make a transverse cut across the head,
commencing about four inches beyond the right horn, and
ending about four inches to the left of the left horn, the
cut passing close to the base of the horns, thus forming a
T. Eemove the skin from the body as far as the neck,
which is cut at its junction with the body. The skull, horns,
and neck are drawn through the above-mentioned orifice.

In skinning large animals, it is well to take the diameter
of the eye before it is removed, so that an artificial one
may be inserted of the same size, if the animal is to be
mounted, as the eyelids shrink very much while drying.
All mammals should be skinned as soon as possible after
they are killed, especially small ones, as in a few hours
decomposition will commence ; then the hair will come out.

While skinning the legs of ruminants, such as Deer,
Sheep, etc., it will be found that the skin cannot be drawn
over the knee-joint ; then cut longitudinally through the
skin below the knee, and after severing the bone at the
hoof and knee, remove it through this incision. The in-
cision should be about one fourth the length of the dis-
tance from the knee to the hoof.

Bats are to be skinned in the ordinary manner, remov-
3 D

50

THE NATUKALIST’S GUIDE.

ing the skin even to the tip of the phalanges of the wings ;
then tie the wing-bones together, as explained in birds.
Place the bat upon a flat board to dry, and pin its wings
in the proper position for flight. When dry, stitch it upon
a piece of card-board.

While skinning mammals, it is sometimes necessary to
use plaster to absorb the blood and other juices that are
apt to flow ; but if care is taken not to cut the inner skin
over the abdomen it will not be needed. It is also some-
times necessary to plug the mouth and nostrils, especially
if blood flows from them.

Section III. Mounting Mammals. — The art of mount-
ing mammals in lifelike attitudes can only be acquired by
experience. Hence the learner must practise the utmost
degree of patience and perseverance. As in the first
chapter I earnestly advised those who would be perfect to
study nature, I would here repeat that advice. And if
necessary while endeavoring to mount a bird, where the
feathers cover the minor defects, it is essentially much
more of a necessity to study nature carefully while striv-
ing to imitate the graceful attitudes and delicately formed
limbs of the smaller species of mamtnalia, or the full
rounded muscles and imposing attitudes of the larger
ones ; for in mammals the thin coat of hair will tend rather
to expose than hide the most minute imperfections.

Perfectly stuffed specimens can only be obtained by care-
ful measurements of all the parts, such as the size of the
legs, body, etc.

In skinning mammals to mount, it is best not to remove
the skull. Open it on the occipital bone, so as to remove
the brains ; clean well \ cover with arsenic ; then supply
the muscles removed, by using hemp wound tightly on
with thread. As the skin will shrink badly if it is stuffed
loosely, carefully fill out the space occupied by the mus-
cles of the legs in the same manner. Cut wires for the

THE WAY TO MOUNT MAMMALS.

51

feet, head, and tail, sharpen them on one end as directed
in mounting birds; now roll up grass until it is not quite
as large round as the body, and about one third as long.
Fill the fore part of the skin with bran or cut hemp as far
back as the shoulders, and place the ball of grass against
this filling, inside the skin. Now force the wires through
the soles of the feet and top of the head into this ball ;
clinch them firmly. After filling the skin of the tail with
bran, force the wire through the grass ball to the very end ;
then clinch the opposite end in the ball by cutting ofi* the
part that protrudes and turning it in.

Fill the remaining parts of the skin with bran to the
natural size, and sew up the orifice carefully; place the
animal in the proper position by passing the protruding
wires of the feet through holes in a board, clinching them
firmly on the under side. The skin may now be moulded
into shape with the hands, the hair carefully smoothed,
the eyes set in the head with putty, the protruding wires
cut off, and the specimen set away to dry. There are
but few rules to be followed in placing animals in posi-
tion, because they are almost infinite in variety. The most
imperative rule applies to the positions of the legs, which
are almost always the same ; and it should be studied with
particular care, as a slight deviation from it will impair
the lifelike attitude of the specimen. The rule is : Never
place the bones of the first joint (Plate IX. No. 1) and
those of the second joint (2) of the hind legs in a straight
line, but always at an angle, more or less ; while the two
bones of the forelegs (3, 4) should almost always be placed
in a straight line, — always when the animal is standing
upon them.

In imitating that peculiarly graceful attitude assumed
by the squirrels while sitting upon their hind legs feeding, ’
after imitating the curve of the back, — which not one in
a hundred can do naturally, — place the joints of the hind

52

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

legs so far up, and at such an acute angle, and the joints
of the forelegs down at such an angle, that the two will
almost touch. This rule should always be follow^ed.

The preceding method may be applied when mounting
all animals below the size of a Newfoundland dog. Larger
animals are mounted in the following manner : Fill out
the space occupied by the muscles of the head and legs
in the manner already described. Procure five iron rods,
with a shoulder cut at each end, upon which fit a cap
(Plate IX. Fig. 2, B) ; on the extreme end have a thread
cut with a nut to fit (A), — the distance between the nut
and cap should be about an inch and a half. Cut a piece
of plank, an inch and a half thick, about two thirds as
long and wide as the body of the mammal to be mounted ;
bore five holes in it, as indicated in Fig. 1, A. Fasten
one rod (8) firmly to the skull by drilling a hole through
the top and placing the cap in the proper position. Screw
the nut on well (14), and place the lower end of the rod in
the hole in the plank prepared for it (11) ; fasten it firmly.
Now stuff the neck out with hemp to the proper size. Drill
a hole through the hoofs, or bottom of the feet, into the
hollow of the bones (2, 4) ; force the rod (7, 7, 7, 7) up
through this hole, through the stuffing of the legs, and
fasten them into the plank (5, 6). Force a wire into the
tail and clinch it firmly in the wood (15). By winding up
grass or hemp, imitate the various sections of the body
taken out, and place them in the proper positions (16),
making allowance for the plank and rods. Or a better
way is to take casts in plaster of the different parts and
place them in the proper position.

Everything must be solid, to avoid sinkings and depres-
sions in the skin. In this way the student can mount
an animal of any size by increasing the size of the rods and
plank. The ends of the rods must be fastened into a
plank stand (10) by passing them through holes drilled
in it (17, 17, 17, 17).

THE WAY TO MOUNT MAMMALS.

53

\

Plate IZ.

54

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

To mount a dried skin, first soak it in alum-water until
it is perfectly pliable, and then mount as before. The
water should not be too strongly impregnated with alum,
or it will crystallize upon the hair. About a quarter of a
pound of alum to a gallon of water are the proper propor-
tions. If the skull has been detached, replace it, or make
an artificial one of grass or plaster to take its place. Mam-
mals that have been preserved in alcohol may be skinned
in the usual manner and mounted.

To skin mammals for the fur alone, cut in a straight line
from the inside of the knee of one hind leg to the other.
Skin as before explained, only cut off the feet and detach
the skull. Stretch smoothly on a thin board, with the
wrong side out. The skin should be lengthened rather than
widened.

CHAPTER III.

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING INSECTS FOR THE CABINET.

This interesting class of animals has for a long time
engaged the attention of students, yet it is surprising how
comparatively little has been written about those of Amer-
ica. The almost infinite number of species still affords
the young naturalist a wide field for careful investigation.

In collecting insects, the instruments used are : An insect-
net, made of fine muslin or of silk gauze, and stretched
upon a light steel wire frame, with a light handle, about
four feet long, attached ; several wide-mouthed bottles and
phials filled with strong alcohol ; insect-pins of the best
quality, which can be procured at natural-history stores;
tweezers smaller than those used for birds (Plate I. Fig. 3);
also, a small pair of pliers (Fig. 1) ; several soft-pine boards
about twelve by twenty-four inches, planed perfectly smooth,
will also be needed.

Boxes or drawers are necessary for the reception of the
dried specimens, lined with thick felting or cork to receive
'the point of the pin that holds the insect and keeps it
upright. An excellent box lined with paper is sometimes
used to advantage, a description of which may be found in
the ^‘American Naturalist,” Vol. I. p. 156.

I hardly need state that a good microscope is indispensa-
ble in prosecuting the study of insects, although it may be
commenced without one. I shall take each order of insects
separately, and endeavor to explain how they are collected
and preserved, commencing with the

Beetles^ or Coleoptera. — T\ie best way to preserve bee-
tles temporarily is by putting them instantly into strong

56

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

alcohol ; and as the collector will meet with specimens
everywhere, he should never be without a phial ready for
instant use. During spring and early summer thousands
of minute species may be captured in the air with the
net, especially just at night. During summer and autumn
a great many nocturnal species may be captured near a
light placed at an open window, or in the open air. Vari-
ous species may be found feeding upon plants during the
summer and autumn. A great many of the so-called car-
rion-beetles may be taken, during the same seasons, by ex-
posing the carcass of an animal. Some species inhabit
decayed wood, where diligent search should be made for
them, especially in the woods, under old stum]3S or in them.
Numbers of very beautiful beetles may be found in the
excrements of animals, and under them, also under stones
and logs of wood ; they are found beneath the bark of trees
and on sandy places, or in dusty roads. There are also a
few aquatic species to be found in the water or near it.

To mount large beetles, force the pin through the right
wing-covert near the thorax, and place the point in the
cork, with the beetle’s feet resting on it; place the feet
in the attitude of life, with the antennae in the proper
position, with a pin on each side of them to keep them
in place until dry. If the wings are to be extended, -
place the beetle on the pin as described; then, with an
awl, bore a hole in the pine board ; lay the insect upon
its back, with the head of the pin in the hole ; now open
the wing-coverts, and spread the wings ; over the latter
lay a piece of card-board, and fasten it by placing pins
through it into the wood on each side. The wing-cov-
erts should not be fastened with a card, as it will flatten
them. When dry, remove the card, and the wings will
retain their position, when the beetle can be put in the
proper position in the insect-box.

Smaller beetles, less than an eighth of an inch long.

BUGS, OR HEMIPTERA.

57

should be fastened to a piece of mica or to a round bit of
card-board with a little gum-arabic, and the pin placed
through the mica or card, or they may be transfixed with
very fine silver wire ; this wire must then be inserted in
a bit of cork, through which the common insect -pin is
placed.

Beetles that are collected in remote countries should
always be transported in alcohol. When they are to re-
main long in alcohol it should be changed once, then
they will keep for years uninjured. After they have been
in alcohol for two or three weeks there is no need of its
covering them, as a little in the bottom of the bottle will
keep them sufficiently moist; but they should never be
allowed to dry.

Beetles may be preserved in a weak solution of carbolic
acid as readily as in alcohol. This has the additional ad-
vantage of preserving the specimens that have been im-
mersed in it from the ravages of noxious insects for some
time. Glycerine can be used to advantage in preserving
beetles that have delicate colors which fade in alcohol;
but they cannot be pinned without cleansing.

Bugs^ or Hemiptera^ may be found generally upon plants.
The common thistle (Cirsium lanceolatum) furnishes a pas-
ture for several species. Numerous representatives of this
order may be found on low bushes, and in the grass during
summer and autumn. At least one species may be found
in cheap boarding-houses during the midnight hours. The
almost endless variety of Plant Lice come under this head,
and may be taken everywhere on plants during summer
and autumn.

These insects, like the beetle, are first immersed in
alcohol, and afterwards placed upon pins, with the legs
arranged in natural positions, and the peculiar sucking-
tube, with which they are all provided, brought well for-
ward so as to be more easily examined. The numerous

3#

58

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

aquatic species may be secured with a net ; they should
be carefully handled, however, to avoid the sharp sting, or
piercer, with which some of them are armed.

Grasshoppers, Crickets, etc., or Orthoptera. — Members of
this order may be found everywhere, — the grasshoppers in
the open fields and woods, where they may be caught in
nets. The best way to kill them is to prick them on the
under side of the thorax with the point of a quill that
has been dipped in a solution of oxalic acid. If they
are not to be mounted instantly, wrap them in paper.
Crickets may be found in the ground in holes or burrows,
under stones, and in the grass ; a few species may be taken
on the leaves of trees or bushes j some species of the well-
known Cockroach may be found in houses, and some under
stones and beneath the bark of trees.

All of the above may be mounted by placing the pin
through the thorax, and arranging the legs as before de-
scribed. The wings are also extended in the same man-
nk" as the beetles’, with the exception of the wing-coverts,
which are fastened with cards like the wings.

Walking-Sticks are found on low bushes or on trees, some-
times upon the ground. They are to be put into alcohol
to kill them, then mounted like the beetles. These in-
sects, when dry, require delicate manipulation while being
moved, as they are very fragile. When the colors of the
Orthoptera are to be preserved perfectly, place them in
pure glycerine. This is especially necessary in preserving
the larvae of grasshoppers. Grasshoppers may be put into
alcohol if convenient, but it must be very strong. This
method will generally change the colors completely. Cock-
roaches and crickets should always be killed by placing
them in strong alcohol.

Moths and Butterflies, or Lepidoptera. — All butterflies
are diurnal, and are generally caught with the net. They
may be killed by pinching the body just below the wings.

MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES, OR LEPIDOPTERA. 59

or by pricking between the forelegs with the quill and
oxalic acid used in killing grasshoppers. If they are
not to be mounted instantly, they should be packed in
pieces of paper doubled in a triangular shape, with the
edges folded. Butterflies may be reared from the egg by
capturing the impregnated female and conflning her in a
box pierced with holes to allow fresh air to enter. In
this box she will deposit her eggs ; these are allowed to
hatch, and the larvae fed upon the leaves that they natu-
rally subsist upon. When sufficient time has expired they
will cease to feed, and form a pupa or chrysalis, and either
in a few weeks or the ensuing year come forth perfect
insects, when they should be instantly killed. In this man-
ner the collector will be able to secure fine specimens.

Although some few of the moths are diurnal in their
habits, the greater part are strictly nocturnal. A great
many specimens may be decoyed by the use of a bright
light. During the months of May, June, July, August,
and September, the following method may be practised
with advantage in securing many specimens. Mix coarse
brown sugar with alcohol enough to form a thick paste,
saturate rags thoroughly with this paste, and hang them
on trees or stakes in an open grove or wood at twilight ;
or daub some of the mixture upon the stakes or trees.
This mixture, thus exposed, will attract the moths. The
places should be visited every few minutes with a dark
lantern, taking care not to throw the light upon the spot
until near enough to catch the moths in the net if they
should attempt to escape.

Mr. F. G. Sanborn — -who informs me that he uses the
strong-smelling New England molasses in the above-de-
scribed manner with success — rightly remarks ^^that moths
may be divided into threp classes by certain species of
them being affected differently by the appearance of arti-
ficial light in the night. One class are powerfully attracted

60

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

by it ; another class go about their usual avocations un-
mindful of it; while a third class are instantly expelled
by it.” The third class are by far the most difficult to
capture.

Moths are easily reared from the eggs. In autumn and
winter numerous cocoons may be found upon trees and

bushes ; these, if kept in a warm room, will hatch in early

/

spring.

In mounting butterflies and moths I have practised the
same method as described in mounting beetles, and think
it superior to all others. In mounting these insects, how-
ever, it is well to use what is called a setting-needle,” to
avoid rubbing the scales off the wings with the fingers.

The setting-needle ” is simply a common needle fas-
tened into a light stick ; two of these will be found use-
ful, — one to hold the body of the insect firm, and the other
to place the wings and antennae in the proper position.
The eggs and larvae of the Lepidoptera should be placed
in alcohol.

There is a class of moths called Hawk-Moths, Sphinxes,
or Humming-Bees, some species of which are diurnal, and
some nocturnal. They are all difficult to capture un-
injured, as they fly rapidly, and, when caught in the net,
struggle fiercely.

The larvae, when about to form the pupa, go into the
ground ; for this reason the box that contains those that
are being reared should be partly filled with moist earth.
They are mounted in the same manner as the other
Lepidoptera, All bright-colored insects when in the cabi-
net should be kept from the light as much as possible,
especially those belonging to the above order.

Dragon-flies^ etc.^ or Neuroptera. — Dragon-flies are, on
account of their quick motions, somewhat difficult to cap-
ture ; they are found flying over the fields and mead-
ows ; most abundant, however, in the immediate vicinity of

BEES, WASPS, ETC., OR HYMENOPTERA.

61

bodies of fresh water. The lace-winged flies are also found
in the vicinity of water. The larvae of almost all of these
insects are aquatic. They emerge from the water perfect
insects. The larvae should be preserved in alcohol. The
perfect insects are killed with oxalic acid, and for trans-
portation are packed in paper like the butterflies. When
they are to be mounted, a copper wire is placed through
the body and head ; the wings are then spread, as before
described.

Bees^ JFaspSf etc.^ or Hymenoptera. — Members of this
order may be found everywhere in the fields and woods.
Their larvae generally resemble grubs, or maggots, and
should be preserved in alcohol or glycerine.

The larvae of the Ichneumon-Fly are found in the bodies
of caterpillars. The larvae of other species are found in
the excrescences on various plants and trees. This class
of insects may be caught in a net and placed in alcohol, or
killed with oxalic acid. They are to be mounted as the
other winged insects ; the tongue must be brought forward
so that it can be examined when the insect is dry.

The nests of the Wood-boring Bees, the Paper-making
Wasps, and Hornets, the mud nests of the Mason Wasps,
the excrescences on trees and plants, should all be col-
lected and preserved dry after the larvae has been taken
out. Ants with their eggs and larvae may be put into
alcohol ; it is best to capture these fierce little insects with
the tweezers, to avoid their stings, which are sometimes
poisonous.

Flies ^ Mosquitoes, etc., or Diptera. - — These are the most
difficult of all insects to preserve, especially when they
have to be transported from a distance, as they must all
be instantly pinned, with the exception of the Fleas, which
may be put into alcohol.

They may be caught everywhere by beating bushes by
the side of the roads and woods, then using the net.

6a

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

Some of the species are nocturnal (as those who have slept
in the open air in the woods during the warm months can
bear painful testimony), and may be attracted by artificial
light, as in the case of the moths, etc. Their larvae are
found in various situations, some being aquatic, others
feeding upon putrid flesh and fish ; they may be preserved
in alcohol.

In closing this chapter, I would impress upon the stu-
dent the absolute necessity of labelling every specimen
carefully, with the date and the locality in which it is
found ; this may be done by numbers referring to a
catalogue, as in birds and mammals, or upon a slip of
paper. Also take notes of various circumstances relative
to the habits observed at the time of capture, etc.

The best substance to protect cabinet specimens from
the attacks of injurious insects is benzine, placed in an
open vessel in each drawer or box. Camphor is also
good, but I think that its fumes tend to fade the brighter
colors of moths and butterflies. Spirits of turpentine is
good, but it evaporates much quicker than benzine. Car-
bolic acid is, next to benzine, perhaps the best substance,
if exposed in the same manner.

To mount insects that have been dried, place them in a
box containing wet sand, and let them remain until soft,
when they are mounted as before directed. I am informed
by Mr. F. G. Sanborn that a few drops of carbolic acid
mixed with the water used in moistening the sand will
prevent mould from forming upon them while they are
being softened. The same preventive might be put in
the water used in moistening the cotton for softening bird-
skins.

CHAPTER IV.

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING FISHES AND REPTILES.

Section I. Fishes, — -Very many are they who at the
present day follow in the footsteps of the ^‘Father of all
Anglers,” the good Izaak Walton, concerning the mere
sport of angling ; but, alas ! there are few who, like him,
look with contemplative minds upon the great works of
Nature j for the worthy Izaak was quite a naturalist, after
his fashion, and loved exceedingly to prate, in his quaint
style, of the wondrous birds, beasts, and fishes of which
he had seen or heard. Few, indeed, are they who, al-
though some of their happiest moments are spent by the
side of the clear mountain brook, with rod in hand, see in
the beautiful trout, that they with exultation draw from
its sparkling home, anything more than a good dinner on
the morrow.

Yet there are a few earnest naturalists who love to
study the finny tribes as they ought to be studied.
Indeed, the science of Ichthyology can claim among its
most earnest students the greatest naturalist in our land.
Those who live inland do not possess the advantages of
making as extensive a collection of fishes as those who
reside upon the sea-shore ; nevertheless, they can all do
something for this branch of natural history.

In collecting fishes the instruments generally used are
nets and hooks and lines j with these try and secure every
variety that can. be found. Many species can be secured
from the markets, where fishes are exposed for sale, by
picking out the specimens that are needed. The best
way to preserve fishes is to put them into alcohol. All

64

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

large fishes should also be injected with alcohol before put-
ing them in it.

There is, however, another method by which fishes may be
preserved ; that is, by skinning and stuffing. Thus : Open
the fish on the under side from the throat nearly to the end
of the body, or within a short distance of the root of the tail ;
then skin down each way, taking care not to scrape off any
of the pigment that covers the inside of the skin and gives
the fish its color ; cut off the fins close to the skin on the
inside, also the head at the gills ; clean out the brains by
enlarging the hole in the occiput, where the spinal cord
enters the skull; remove the eye from the outside, dust
arsenic into the orifice left, and fill it with cotton ; cover
the inside of the skin with arsenic ; fill it to the natural
size with cotton, and sew it up ; place a wire transversely
through the fins to keep them in position.

Another method is to remove the skin from one side,
and to clean the flesh out in this way ; the fish is then
stuffed and placed upon its side, so that the opening will
not show. This method will answer very well for flat
fishes, but large ones must always be stuffed in the man-
ner first described.

Section II. Reptiles. — Many a harmless snake or toad
has been sacrificed to ignorance and superstition. Indeed,
so strong is the general prejudice against the most com-
mon snakes, — which are as incapable of inflicting an injury
as a mouse, — that but few persons will hesitate to kill the
supposed venomous reptile at sight, if indeed they have
the courage to remain long enough in its vicinity to do so
valiant a deed. Such persons really believe that they are
removing a dangerous adversary of man from the face of
the earth. I would, however, advise them to glance for a
single instant at the history of these interesting — al-
though, I will allow, somewhat disgusting-looking — ani-
mals before they again shed innocent blood. All the snakes

REPTILES.

65

in Massachusetts may be handled with impunity, with the
exception of two species, which are very rare. I refer
to the Copperhead and Eattlesnake. The prettily marked
Milk Snake, or Checkered Adder, and the imaginary ter-
rible Water Snake, are quite harmless, although we are
everywhere informed by those who are ignorant upon this
subject that they are exceedingly venomous. So long as
people are erroneously educated in this belief, so long will
the poor snakes suffer unjustly. Snakes, with but few
exceptions, are neutral regarding the interest of man.

The best method of preserving snakes is to put them
into alcohol moderately strong, as otherwise the scales start
easily. Snakes may be benumbed by thrusting a pin into
their brains; in this way they may be carried from place to
place more readily than if they were uninjured.

Snakes may be skinned after making a longitudinal in-
cision, about two inches long, in the largest part of the
body, on the belly; then by drawing back the skin, the
body may be divided, and the parts drawn out each way.
The head should not be skinned. The eyes are removed,
as in the fishes, from the outside. The skin is now cov-
ered with arsenic and turned back. It is then filled with
bran to the natural size. It may, after sewing up the
incision, be placed in any position desired. Artificial eyes
are fixed in the head.

If the head is to be raised, run a sharpened wire
through the top of it, and through that section of the
neck and body that is to be elevated, through the skin into
a board, cut off the protruding end, and close the skin of
the head over it. After the skin becomes dry, the wire
can be taken out of the board, and cut off close to the body.

Turtles may be preserved in alcohol, or they may be
skinned and mounted thus : With a small steel saw cut
out a square section on the under shell ; remove this and
draw the intestines, bones, and flesh of the legs, etc., out

E

66

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

of the hole thus formed ; skin the legs down to the toe-
nails, removing everything ; skin the head and neck ; cover
the inside of the shell and skin with arsenic. Turn the
feet and neck back, and stuff them to the natural size
with cotton. Fill the neck with bran ; roll up a small ball
of grass, place it inside of the shell; then force a piece
of wire through it into the head, and clinch the end in
the ball. Pack cotton or hemp around the grass in the shell,
to keep it firm, and to fill up the empty space ; then re-
place the piece of shell taken out, and fasten it with glue
or putty.

Now put the animal in the proper attitude upon a piece
of board, and arrange the feet in the natural position, and
pin them until dry ; place the head naturally. The eyes
should be removed from the outside, and artificial ones
substituted. If it is not convenient to skin a turtle, place
it in boiling water a few moments, when the softer parts
can easily be removed from the shell. In this case, how-
ever, the bones and skull should be cleaned, labelled, and
preserved with the shell.

For scientific specimens, toads and frogs must be pre-
served in alcohol. But they may be skinned in the follow-
ing manner : Open the mouth as wide as possible, and cut
through the bone of the neck or back from the inside ; do
not cut the skin; then separate the flesh on the inside
all around. Take hold with the thumb and forefinger, or
with a pair of pliers, of the backbone, and press the skin
downwards, and draw the body out. When the forelegs
appear, cut the bone and flesh off to the toe-nails, and pro-
ceed to perform the same operation with the hind legs.
Cover the skin with arsenic, and turn it back, — the legs
may be easily turned by blowing into them with the
breath. Fill the body with bran, and support the head
in a natural position with cotton until dry. Remove the
eyes from the outside, and supply their place with artificial

REPTILES.

67

ones, but be sure to place them in the proper position.
To place a frog or toad in a fancy attitude, place a ball of
grass in the body, and wire the legs as described in small
mammals.

The best time to collect toads and frogs is during the
breeding-season in spring. The salamanders may be found
under stones and logs in damp places ; also some species in
springs and clear running brooks, under stones. They
must be placed in alcohol at once.

Lizards and alligators may be skinned in the following
manner : Make an incision the whole length of the belly,
and skin as described in mammals, leaving the skull in.
Do not try to remove the skin from the top of the head, as
it will be likely to tear. The leg-bones should be cleaned
and left in. The reptile is then mounted in the same
manner as a mammal. Lizards and small alligators may
be put in alcohol.

The eggs of frogs and of salamanders may be preserved
in alcohol. The eggs of lizards, alligators, and turtles
may be blown in the same manner as birds’ eggs ; but it is
well to place some in alcohol if they are in an advanced
state of incubation, as they will serve to illustrate the
growth of the embryo. But the egg must be broken
slightly to admit the alcohol to the embryo.

Last winter I accidentally lAade a discovery relative to
the preservation of fish and reptiles. While travelling in
Florida, I accidentally lost some alcohol. Being unable
to replace it, and having some reptiles to preserve, I put
about an ounce of carbolic acid into a glass jar, with half
a pound of arsenic ; to this I added a quart of water, — I
will here remark that the waters of Florida are strongly
impregnated with lime. Into this composition I put some
reptiles and a few young mammals. After two weeks, the
jar was packed with others in a box, and sent North by
express.

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THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

Upon arriving home, and opening the box, I found that
the jar had become broken, and the liquid had escaped.
The smaller reptiles, etc. I placed in alcohol ; but a rep-
title known as the “ Glass Snake ” and a young Eabbit
were left out for want of room, set away and forgotten.
Upon looking them up about a month afterwards, I found,
to my surprise, that the snake ” had dried completely
without shrinhing in the leasty and, moreover, it retained all
the peculiar glossiness of life ! The Eabbit had not shrunk
any more than if it had been in strong alcohol.

Such is the result of an accident. Whether this discov-
ery will prove of general practical use in preserving reptiles
is yet to be proven.

CHAPTER V.

MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS.

Section I. Crustacea, — But few of these interesting
objects of natural history live away from the salt water.
The Crawfishes and a few others form the exceptions to
the rule. All Lobsters, Crabs, Shrimps, and Crawfishes
may be preserved dry. Wash them in fresh water, and,
if the specimen is large, remove the flesh as much as
possible by lifting the shield, or upper part of the shell.
The specimens should be placed in as natural an attitude
as possible to dry.^ When dry they should be handled
with care, as they break easily. If arsenic is put into the
body, it will help to preserve it and keep away noxious
insects.

Small Crabs, Shrimps, etc. should be injected with car-
bolic acid and dried carefully. Never place a specimen in
the sun to dry, but always in a draught of air in the shade.
A great many kinds of Shrimps or Sand-Fleas may be col-
lected from under sea-weeds on sandy beaches.

Collecting MollusJcs. — - Many shells may be collected
‘ on the sea-shore among the rocks at low tide. Some
of the more minute species may be found clinging to the
sea-weed that grows on the rocks. These require delicate
manipulation, as they are very fragile ; they are best re-
moved with the tweezers, and should be placed in wide-
mouthed bottles containing alcohol. Some species of cone-
shaped, univalve shells may be found clinging closely to
the rocks. They should be seized suddenly with the hand,
and, before the animal has time to contract itself, — which
it will . do very quickly, and then it adheres so closely as

70

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

to render its separation from the rock without injuring
the shell extremely difficult, — removed with a sliding
motion.

Many species may be found buried in the mud and sand
below high-water mark. The exact locality where these
are hidden may be determined by searching for their
breathing-holes on the surface of the mud or sand ; then,
by carefully removing a few inches of the soil, the shell
may be detected. Numerous species may be taken in
deep water by dredging, or with a rake, such as is used in
gathering oysters, etc.

A great many shells may be procured just as they are
cast on shore from the action of the waves; these must
be washed in fresh water and dried. The different species
of smaller fresh-water shells may be found upon rocks,
aquatic plants, and on the surface of the mud. They
should be placed in alcohol. The larger species — such
as the mussels — maybe taken by dredging. Numerous
shells of mussels may be found at the entrances of the
holes of the muskrats ; of these the collector may take his
choice, as many of them are in excellent condition for the
cabinet.

The land shells, or snails, may be taken from the differ-
ent plants upon which they feed, or from under stones or
logs, especially in damp places. The smaller species should
be carefully removed with tweezers, as they are very fragile,
and placed in alcohol.

Preserving Shells, — It is well to preserve in alcohol
numbers of all species of shells containing the animal. To
remove the contents from shells that are to be dried for
the cabinet, boil them a few moments, and clean them
with a bent pin or wire. The contents of the different
species of bivalves may be removed with a knife without
boiling, as by this method the shell retains its color much
better. The bivalves should have their shells closed and

MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS.

71

tied until dry. If the shells of mussels have a chalky ap-
pearance, it may be removed by immersing the specimen
for a few moments in a bath of diluted muriatic acid. All
shells should be carefully washed in fresh water with a
tooth-brush.

Never varnish a shell ; it shows bad taste to try to im-
prove upon nature in this way, besides injuring the speci-
men for scientific use. As some of the more fragile land
shells are liable to crack when drying, it is well to apply
a slight coating of gum-arabic dissolved in water. This at
some future time may be easily removed. There are also
some species from which the epidermis is liable to peel j to
prevent this, Mr. F. W. Putnam informs me that they
should be immersed in oil for a short time.

Worms. — Marine worms may be found in the sand or
mud and under stones. They should be kept in strong
alcohol. Earthworms, Leeches, etc. must also be kept in
alcohol.

Many species of marine worms may be found in the
hulls of ships, or in wood that has been immersed in salt
water for some time.

Animal Parasites. — Eecently in this country, and for
some time in Europe, attention has been directed by emi-
nent naturalists to the parasites found on birds and other
animals, and in their intestines. These should be placed in
alcohol. The parasites from each bird or animal should
be kept separate, in small phials, with the name of the bird
or animal from which it was taken attached, also the date
and locality.

The Jelly-Fishes may be found in deep water or near the
shore in countless numbers. There are a great many spe-
cies. They may be preserved in the following manner :
After catching them in a bucket, pour off the water, and
add strong alcohol, a little at a time. The animal will give
out water continually during this operation, and alcohol

72

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

should be added until it dies, when the water will cease
flowing. It should then be removed from this solution
and placed in strong alcohol, where it must be kept
permanently.

Corals — which generally grow at some distance from
the shore, and sometimes in deep water — should be se-
cured with nets. They must first be washed in fresh water,
then dried in the shade. It is also desirable to preserve
specimens in alcohol.

Sea- Anemones are found attached to the rocks or buried
in the mud; they should be plunged in strong alcohol
when fully expanded, but the alcohol should afterwards be
changed, as they give out large quantities of water.

Hydroids and Bryozoa. — Incrustations on the rocks, sea-
weeds, and delicate tufts found growing on rocks, etc.,
are called by these names. They may be dried or pre-
served in alcohol like the Corals.

Star-Fishes may be found among the rocks at low tide.
They should be killed by immersing in alcohol or fresh
water. Some species should be preserved in alcohol, where
they should be placed in as natural attitudes as possi-
ble, as when they become rigid it is impossible to alter
the position of the arms. They may be dried in the
shade by placing them in natural positions upon a board.
When dead, they should be dried instantly, as they will
decompose in a few hours if kept in a damp place.

Sea-Urchins may be taken in rocky pools at low water.
They may also be found under the sand on beaches, from
which they are frequently washed by the waves. They may
be preserved in alcohol, or dried like the Star-Fishes.

Holothurias, or Sea-Cucumbers^ are found on flats or
under stones. They must be preserved in alcohol.

Sponges and Seaweeds should be dried in a draught. Very
pretty ornaments are made of the sea-mosses by washing
them in fresh water, and spreading upon dampened paper

PREPARING SKELETONS.

73

with a fine needle ; the glutinous matter contained in the
plants will cause them to adhere so firmly to the paper
when dried and pressed as to look like a very fine engrav-
ing or painting. When a collection of these are executed
by a skilful and artistic hand, and bound in a book, they
form a beautiful and interesting volume.^

Section II. Preparing Skeletons, — I will give the meth-
od's by which bones may be cleaned. To clean the bones
of large animals, first take off as much of the flesh as is
possible with a knife ; then put them in slatted boxes, and
place the boxes in a running stream, or between tide-marks
on the sea- shore. The boxes, being open, will allow the
entrance of Shrimps, other aquatic animals, and insects,
who will devour the meat, while the water, having free
passage through, will perform its part. When well cleaned,
wash them in warm soap-suds, and, after rinsing, dry in
the sun and air 3 this will tend to bleach them.

The bones of smaller animals may also be cleansed in
this manner 3 but the better way is either to boil them until
the flesh comes off easily, or to put them into water that
has been impregnated with chloride of lime 3 in both cases
the bones will have to be cleaned afterwards with a knife
and a stiff brush 3 they should be scraped as little as
possible. If kept in a dry place, exposed to the action
of the air, the bones will bleach constantly.

Mounting Skeletons, — To mount the skeleton of a bird,
place a wire through the hole occupied by the spinal cord,
and fasten it in the skull 3 this will hold the vertebra of

^ As there is not a general interest manifested in the objects alluded to
in this section, I have given but few directions for collecting and preserv-
ing them, but such as will, perhaps, satisfy the general collector. Those
who are particularly interested in them will find in the pages of the vari-
ous numbers of the “American Naturalist” more particular directions for
collecting and preserving each branch of this truly interesting class of
animals, written by the most competent and well-informed men in our
country

4

74

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

the neck and tail, and other bones of the back, in position.
Next, force a wire through the hollows in the bones of the
tarsi, tibia, and hips (Plate X. k, y, j) by drilling a hole
through each end; now fasten this wire to the broad bone
that covers the back (m), by drilling a hole through on
each side and bending the wire down firmly (x), first over
then under the bone, where it meets the end of the oppo-
site wire ; twist the ends together. The wing, breast, and
other bones are now fastened on by drilling holes trans-
versely through the ends and running wires through and
twisting them (r, d).

The skeletons of mammals, fishes, etc. are mounted in
much the same manner. If large, they are supported on
iron rods. The wire used must be composed of brass or
copper, as iron corrodes easily. The fleshy or cartilaginous
parts of the feet should be removed, but not the outer or
horny portion of the bill.

Plate X.

PBEPAEING SKELETONS.

75

CHAPTER VI.

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING EGGS.

Ho portion of natural history has received more atten-
tion than the science of Oology; yet in very many cases
collections of eggs are made in such a careless manner as
to render them worthless, except as ornaments, on account
of the collector’s not paying sufficient attention to identifi-
cation and authentication.

Let identification, then, be the collector’s first care ; let
him make it a rule never to take an egg or nest until
he can surely tell to what species it belongs. The best
method of learning the name of the owner of the nest is to
shoot her, especially by collectors who have had but little
experience in studying birds ; while the more practised
ornithologist can generally tell at a glance, if the bird is
large, what it is. While collecting the eggs of the War-
blers and other small birds, the most experienced oologist
should never neglect to shoot the bird, even if he has to
watch for it a long time.

Nests and eggs should never be labelled on the author-
ity of a person who has found them, and only seen the
birds, but who is in a comparative degree unacquainted
with them. The nest should be seen in situ, and the bird
identified. I have known a great many errors to arise from
this source.

Commence early in spring to look for the nests of the
rapacious birds, and continue the search for these and
other nests until late in summer. I know of no rule to be
followed in finding nests. Search long and diligently in
every locality frequented by birds ; and watch them while

COLLECTING AND PRESERVING EGGS.

77

building. Place straw, hay, cotton, hemp, or any of the
materials that birds use in constructing their nests, in
an exposed situation in a swamp or wood, then by watch-
ing the birds when they come to take it, and following
them, many nests will be found that would otherwise
escape notice.

To remove the contents of an egg, drill a small hole
in one side with a drill made for this purpose (Plate I.
Figs. 5, 6) ; two sizes of these drills will be required. Now,
with the blow-pipe — of which two sizes are also needed,
(Fig. 7) — applied to the lips, force a small stream of air
into the hole; this will cause the contents, if fresh, to
escape at the one hole. To prevent breakage while drill-
ing the eggs of the Humming-Birds, or other small birds, it
is well to cover the outer surface with thin paper, gummed
securely on, and dried.

To remove the contents of an egg that has the embryo
partially developed, drill as before, only a larger hole is
necessary; then with a small hook (Fig. 8) remove the
embryo in small pieces ; after which introduce water with
the blow-pipe to rinse the interior of the egg. If the con-
tents are allowed to remain in a few days, it will facilitate
their removal. If the egg is covered with paper, as in the
case of the Humming-Birds, the edges of the hole will be
less liable to be injured by the shell being broken while
using the hook.

Never make holes at the end of the egg, or on opposite
sides , but if this old method is still preferred, they should
both be made on one side^ with the larger one nearest the
greater end.

The best method that I know of for authenticating eggs
is the following : After the egg is blown, place a number,
written with ink, upon it, corresponding with one placed
in the nest, then draw a line beneath it; under this line
place the number of the egg in the nest : thus ^ would

78

THE NATUEALIST’S GUIDE.

mean that the nest is No. 29, and the egg is the No. 4 of
that nest; both of these numbers will refer to a book,
where all the particulars of the finding of the nest, the
locality, measurements of the nest, eggs, etc. in inches,
are recorded.

The method of preparing a book like that referred to
above may be seen in the following specimen : —

in

in

Q*

o

o

m

o

os

*4 'a

a ®

02

^

a

. -t cc ^

M o g

o

cj

Iz;

o aj o

.2 in.

a«a

m

.a

_C« <t_l

Q fl O

uo

Heigh

from

Groun(

o

CO

1

c6

^ -4 ai

-e a

Hole

M

u

ri

d

o

C3

Date

1868

April

d

o

02

o

O lO

lO

O (M_
tH

t- l'-

C<J

>H r-i

lO lO

CO

(?1

t-H tH

CO O

tH tH

O

lO C<1
iH iH

Vh

-a ^

O 02

6 M

d S

COLLECTING AND PKESERVING EGGS.

79

The measurements of an egg are taken with the dividers
in hundredths of an inch. The number is attached to the
nest. Nests, if composed of loose materials, must be kept
in boxes, separated from each other ; if lined with feathers,
benzine should frequently be applied, to prevent their being
attacked by moths.

PART II.

CATALOGUE

OF

THE BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS,

WITH

NOTES RELATIVE TO THEIR MIGRATION, HABITS,

ETC., ETC., ETC.

4=^

.m ■

‘v.'A7.'hi.

PAET II.

INTRODUCTION.

Ornithologists of the present day are much indebted to
the earnest and enthusiastic men who studied the habits
of our birds in years past ; but truthful and careful though
they may have been, being but men^ they were fallible. As
this is an age of advancement, it behooves us of the present
day, while we are in a measure guided by these teachings,
not to be biased by their conclusions, that we may detect
the errors which they unconsciously committed.

If, while endeavoring to correct some deeply seated error
of the past, we disagree with our brother ornithologists,
let us, with the spirit of the true naturalist, who would
advance the study of Natural History, bring infallible proofs
of its being an error, thereby convincing without offending.

If in the following pages I unwittingly make mistakes,
I am ready to be convinced by sufficient proof.

In separating birds into species, too much dependence
has been placed upon exceedingly variable characters as
valid specific distinctions. For instance, the bill, although
in the main retaining its shape, is sometimes subject to
wide differences; this is well illustrated in the Terns,
where they are extremely changeable in the length and
curve of the culmen ; they also vary in coloration ; yet
in determining species, these points are now, and always
have been, considered of value.

The comparative length of the quills is another very

84

INTRODUCTION.

inconstant character, and in but few cases can it be de-
pended upon. This has been used as a distinguishing
mark in separating some of the smaller Flycatchers. I
have tested it, and found it to be valueless, as there is no
rule relative to age or sex by which this is governed.

Again, intensity and paleness of color have been almost
unanimously considered of specific value. Indeed, some
species have been formed wholly upon this peculiarity !
(Witness Turdus Alicice,) Spots and bars on the wings,
and streaks on the rump, are characters changing with
age and season, and should never be depended upon.

Another thing is the difference in size ; any one who
has collected, and carefully measured, birds of one species
from one locality, in any numbers, will at once be con-
vinced of the absurdity of paying any attention to this
particular in determining specific characters. As perti-
nent, I wish here to announce a somewhat surprising dis-
covery that I have made. After a careful measurement
of over three thousand specimens, I have been convinced
of the fact, that birds for a certain period increase in size,
after which they gradually decrease. Whether the period of
decrease is limited or not during the life of the bird, I am
unable at present to state. The period of increase may also
be variable, both specifically and individually, which yet re-
mains to be proven. Both the increase and decrease are
proportional; feet, bill, wings, and body alike keep equal
pace. This rule is not without its exceptions, but in the
majority of cases it is the rule, and I offer it to my fellow-
laborers to prove and use in their ornithological investi-
gations.

Besides those named, there are other distinctions used
in determining species, that in some cases are inconstant.
I think it advisable always, before attempting to sepa-
rate a supposed species from one closely allied, to procure
a sufficiently large number of specimens, and carefully

INTRODUCTION.

85

study these seeming distinctions, and decide if they are
constant.

Specific characters are, I believe, sufficiently tangible
and constant in nature, and never need be mistaken ; this
will hereafter be illustrated. I would, however, first speak
strongly in disfavor of the growing belief in the hybridism
of birds. I do not believe that, generally speaking, hybrids
occur ; there are a few case«, but they are exceptions. In
many instances the so-called hybrids are bat abnormal con-
ditions of plumage, that can be accounted for on entirely
natural grounds. But sometimes the ornithologist, in his
haste to make new species, has divided the two opposite
stages of color in one species, calling each by a different
specific name, and has afterwards found specimens that
in their peculiar plumage, size, etc, naturally form con-
necting links between the two; in his perplexity as to
which of these to refer it, he has hit upon the fortunate (?)
expedient of calling it a hybrid.” Would it not have
been much better, if, at first, he had taken a large num-
ber of specimens, and, , studying them, seen what the sup-
posed hybrids really were ?

I have yet to meet with a single instance of hybridism
even among local races, although these perhaps occur —
but, I think, seldom — among well-defined species while
undomesticated.

Species consists in a bird’s having certain characters so
well defined, although inconstant (but never variable beyond
a certain point), that it may readily be distinguished from
others. Take, for an illustration, the Eobin, a bird that
since its discovery has never had a single variety or local
race called a ^^new species” (at which I marvel greatly, how-
ever). The typical specimen has a clear red breast, black
head, and immaculate slate-colored back and wings, which
at once distinguish it from all others of the Turdinae.
We also have a Eobin that is very light-colored, with the

86

INTRODUCTION.

red almost obsolete, the wings sometimes spotted, and the
black of the head pale. Perhaps it is a much smaller
bird than the average, but no one thinks of calling this
a “new species ” ; although, if it were not for the fact
that there are Eobins presenting every shade in color and
difference in size between this and the typical specimen,
it would certainly be a good species. Why are not the
same variations, which we can here see at a glance, dis-
covered in the other members of this family % They cer-
tainly exist. But more of this anon.

The Eobin has also characters that it bears in common
with other Turdince, wdiich are its true generic characters.
If, then, we cannot establish a connecting link in the man-
ner described between one species and its nearest allies,
we may be sure that it never ^ mixes with others in breed-
ing, but always mates with one having the same pecu-
liarities as itself, although changeable to a certain point.
This constitutes a natural species. If, on the other hand,
we do find a connecting link, many times repeated in differ-
ent individuals, between a supposed species and its nearest
ally, we may be sure that they are one.

In the succeeding pages I have followed the classifica-
tion of Professor W. Lilljeborg, of Upsala, as adopted pro-
visionally by the Smithsonian Institution. The original
method being the ascending or progressive mode, while
the one used is the descending mode, with other minor
changes.

This classification is by far the best in use, although,
perhaps, not perfect. By the old methods the Vulture,
vile feeder of carrion, was placed firsts and we were told
to look to him as king of the birds. But King Vulture
has been dethroned, and in his stead reigns the Thrush
king over all; crowned for his sprightly intelligence and

* The well-known exceptions to this rule are Colaptes auratus mixing
with C. Mexicanus ; two of the Juncos^ and perhaps others

INTEODUCTION. i 87

lively song, and he has not his equal. As before, however,
the birds that approach nearest the fishes are rightfully
placed the lowest (Penguins, Grebes, Divers, etc.).

In writing the present catalogue I have received much
assistance from the excellent list of Dr. Eliot Coues ; also
from the very complete list of Mr. J. A. Allen, to whom I
express my sincere thanks for other services. I am also
under obligations, for valuable information, to Mr, William
Brewster, of Cambridge; Professor S. F. Baird, of the
Smithsonian Institution; Mr. H. B. Farley, of Chelsea;
Mr. E. L. Weeks, of Newtonville ; Mr. J. F. Le Baron, of
Ipswich; and especially to Mr. Henry A. Purdie, of West
Newton, for valuable notes concerning the time of migra-
tion, etc.

In giving the time of migration, I have taken the aver-
age for many years, or the earliest or latest date observed
during a similar period.

All information that I have received has been accredited
to the individuals who have given it. The occurrence of
all other birds, or notes upon them, I have given upon my
own authority. When facts about some particular species
are well known, having been published before, I have not
repeated them.

G. J, M.

Newtonville, September 20, 1869.

CATALOGUE.

TUEDIDiE, ~ The Thrushes.

1. Turdus migratorius, Linn. Common
summer resident ; abundant everywhere ; breeds as abun-
dantly A few winter regularly ; but I am inclined to think
that these are visitors from the north, and do not reside
during summer. The regular summer residents arrive in
the latter part of February, and depart in November.

2. Turdus naevius, Gm. » — Varied Thrush, Has been
taken once, at Ipswich, in December. It is, however, en-
tirely accidental.

3. Turdus mustelinus, Gm. ~ Wood Thrush. Mod-
erately common summer resident ; nests on low bushes or
trees in swampy woods or thickets. I have found the nest,
with young, as early as June 4th. The usual time of nest-
ing in this section is, however, about June 1st. Arrives
from May 11th to 18th ^ departs about the middle of Oc-
tober.

I have invariably found this bird exceedingly shy and
difficult to approach. It may be seen in early morning, and
during the evening twilight, in the breeding-season, perched
on the topmost bough of some tall tree, pouring out a flood
of delightful melody. In autumn it does not sing, and is
seldom seen.

4. Turdus Pallasii, Cab. ~ Hermit Thrush. Very
common during its migrations, especially in autumn, when

90

THE NATUKALIST’S GUIDE.

it is found everywhere in the woods. In the spring it fre-
quents the swampy woods, and is more shy. Arrives from
the south from April 9th to 2 2d ; remains about two weeks,
when it departs northward. Arrives from the north about
October 1st. Becomes very plentiful by the 10th. By the
1st of^November the greater part disappear, although a few
remain until quite late in the month. Have taken it in
Coos County, northern New Hampshire, on October 31st,
although the ground was covered with snow six inches deep
at the time ! also in Oxford County, Maine, as late as No-
vember 6th.

I have never heard it give any note, except a low chirp
of alarm, while passing through Massachusetts. A few
undoubtedly breed here, I have seen it at Hyannis on
July 3, 1868. There is also a nest containing four eggs,
labelled as belonging to this bird, collected at North Bev-
erly, June 14, 1868, by Mr. E. P. Emmerton, in the mu-
seum of the Peabody Academy of Science at Salem.

5. Turdns fuscescens, Steph. — Wihonh Thrush,
Tawny Thrush, ^‘Yeery.” Common summer resident. Ar-
rives from April 30th to May 12th; leaves about the 1st
of September. Found everywhere in the woods, where it
breeds abundantly.

6. Turdus Swainsonii, Cab. — Olive-hacked Thrush.
Bather rare spring and autumn migrant. Have taken it
from May 16th to June 1st in spring, and in autumn from
September 25th until October 9th. Frequents thick, swampy
woods and thickets, where, from its shy and retiring habits,
it is very difficult to detect. This bird is quite variable in
size and intensity of color, insomuch that ornithologists have
long considered specimens of a somewhat larger size (al-
though not always) and of a universally pale color, a ‘^new”
and a ^‘good species,” called the ^‘Gray-cheeked Thrush”
{Turdus Alicice, Baird). It is strange that when the wide
differences in this family are so well known and so generally

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

91

acknowledged, regarding the intensity of color and size,
that ornithologists will persist in regarding them as char-
acters of specific value. And more incomprehensible still
is the fact, that well-reasoning ornithologists cannot see
the often-repeated and perfectly natural connecting links,
both in intensity of color and size, between the two ex-
tremes, and understand the fact of their being connect-
ing links, but prefer rather to depart from the great and
(I believe) unvarying laws that the mighty Euler of
the universe has established for the maintenance of spe-
cies inseparable since their creation, and call them ‘^hy-
brids.”

If in our furor for forming new species we admit such
intangible characters as these to be of specific value, we
cannot consistently stop here, but out of this one species
alone we must (governed by these laws) make at least six !
For I have seen as many constant stages of plumage among
specimens of T. Swainsonii, besides numerous so-called hy-
brids. But enough has already been written by Mr. J. A.
Allen in the Memoirs of the Boston Society of Natural
History,” Vol. I. Part IV., commencing on page 507, upon
this subject, to convince any one who will examine for
himself of the invalidity of ‘‘Alicioe^^ as a species.^ Mr.
Alien has given the subject much thought, and presents it
in the right light.

7. Seiurust aurocapillus, Swain. — Golden<rowned
Thrush^ Oven-Bird.” A very common summer resident,
found everywhere in the woods. Its curiously covered nest
is placed on the ground. Arrives from May 2d to 10th;
leaves about the middle of September.

* Examine “ ‘ Birds of Springfield,’ Proceedings Essex Institute,” Vol.
IV. pp. 56-58; also “ American Naturalist,” Vol. II. p. 622.

t This genus which has long been placed with the Sylvicolidce, I think
closely allied to the true Thrushes. Its habits as well as its anatomical
structure, give it a place among the Turdidce. Members of this genus
might properly bear the name of Terrestrial Thrushes.

92

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

8. Seiurus noveboracensis, Nutt. — Water Thrush,

Water Wagtail.” Not uncommon during the migrations.

Have taken it from May 15th to 27th. It passes Massa-
chusetts in September. It is found in swampy thickets,
and on the edges of streams, ponds, and pools of water.
It is not very shy, and in its actions reminds one of a
Sandpiper. It may possibly breed here, but I have never
detected it during the summer months. It has, while
with us in spring, a singularly pleasing song.

The Large-billed Water Thrush (Seiurus Ludovlcianus,
Bonap.) ought to occur, as I have seen a specimen that was
taken by my friend, Mr. Allen, near Springfield.

9. Harporhynchus rufus, Cab. — Brown Thrush,

Thrasher,” ‘^Ferruginous Mocking-Bird.” Common sum-
mer resident ; breeds abundantly ; nests on low bushes or
on the ground, — more frequently in the latter situation.
Arrives from April 23d to May 4th ; departs about the
1st of October.

10. Mimus Carolinensis, Gray. — Cat-Bird, One
of the most common and best known of all our birds ; also
very beneficial to the husbandman, in spite of the almost
universal prejudice against it. Breeds abundantly near
houses, in hedges, along the edges of woods, or in swampy
thickets. Arrives from April 29th to May 7th j takes its
departure about the middle of October.

11. Mimus polyglottus, Boie. — Mocking-Bird, Has
been taken in the western part of the State. I have
never seen a specimen in this region, but Mr. N. Vickery
informs me that he has seen one that was taken some
years ago in Lynn.

SAXICOLIDiE, — The Bock-Inhabiters.

12. Sialia sialis, Baird. Blue-Bird, --- Common •,
breeds abundantly in holes in trees or in martin-boxes.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

93

Arrives as early as February 27th; becomes common by
March 10th; leaves about the 1st of November.

SYLVIIDiE, — The Warblers.

13. Regulus calendulus, Light. — Eicby-crowned
Kinglet. Common spring and autumn migrant. Arrives
in spring, from April 10th to 22d; remains until the first
week in May ; arrives from the north the second, and de-
parts south the last, week in October. Found in the woods
and orchards everywhere.

14. Regulus satrapus, Light. — Golden-crowned King-
let. Abundant winter resident. Found everywhere. Have
taken it from October 14th until May 9th. Commonly
seen in company with the Chickadee.

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher [Polioptila ccerulea^ Sclat.)
is said to occur. I have never met with it in this section.

PARIDiE, — The Titmice.

15. Parus atricapillus, Linn. — Blaclc-capped Titmouse,
Chickadee.’’ Abundant resident. Found everywhere ;

no bird is better known. Builds its nest by drilling a hole
in a partly decayed tree, generally a birch. It sometimes,
however, occupies other holes in trees. It builds its nest
about the first of May.

CERTHIID^, — The Creepers.

16. Certhia familiaris,* Brown Creeper.

Resident. Rather rare during summer, but common in
winter. Found everywhere, — in the woods, in orchards,

* The supposed difference between the American and European Certhia
is not tangible, therefore the specific name of Americana becomes a
synonyme.

94

THE NATUKALIST’S GUIDE.

and on the elm-trees in the streets of the villages. Said
to build its nest in May in holes of trees.

SITTIDiE, — The Nuthatches.

17. Sitta Carolinensis, Gm. — WMte-hellied Nut-
hatch, Common resident, perhaps more so during spring
and autumn ; breeds. I have seen the young fully fledged
by dune 6th.

18. Sitta Canadensis, Linn. — Red-hellied Nuthatch.
Eather common winter resident. Arrives about the mid-
dle of October. Perhaps a few remain to breed, as I have
taken it in the latter part of May. Found in the woods
everywhere.

• TEOGLODYTID^, — The Weens.

19. Troglodytes aedon, Vieill. — House Wren.
Common summer resident, but exceedingly local in its
distribution. In Newton it is very rare during the breed-
ing-season, while in Cambridge it breeds abundantly. Ar-
rives from April 30th to May 20th; leaves about Oc-
tober 1st.

After a critical examination of a large series of Wrens
I have come to the conclusion that the so-called Wood
Wren ” {Troglodytes Americanus^ And.) is this species in
unusually dark plumage. I have in my possession birds
exhibiting the well-known marks of immaturity, as gene-
rally paler colors, with spots upon the wings. With such
birds the superciliary stripe is better defined. But this
character is variable, and cannot be depended upon. I
have also , birds with generally darker colors, with the
superciliary stripe wanting or barely perceptible. The
wings are unspotted, and the breast exhibits faint undu-
lating transverse lines or bars of darker. These are the

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

95

extremes; I have birds exhibiting every shade of color
between, but remarkably variable.

Upon these inconstant characters does the specific value
of Americana rest ! Very pertinent then are the grave
doubts expressed by ornithologists as to its validity as a
species. Xhe following is an accurate description of the
specific characters, with the more important synonymes,
and a table of comparative measurements.

Troglodytes aedon, Vieill. — House Wren.

Troglodytes aedon.

a it

t( u

(( u

4( (4

U U

U li

Sylvia domestica.
Troglodytes fulvus.

U (4

Troglodytes Americanus.

U 44

44 44

ViELLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II. 1807, 32; PI.

evil. — Ib. Nouv. Diet. XXXIV. 1819, 506.
Bonap., Obs. Wilson, 1825, No. 136.

Eich., F. Bor. Am. II. 1831, 316.

Aud., Orn. Biog. I. 1831, 427: V. 1839; PI.
LXXXIII. — Ib. Syn. 1839, 75. —-Ib.. Birds
Am. II. 1841, 125; PI. VIII.

Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 367.

Samuels, Orn. and Ool. of N. Eng. 1867,196.
CouES, Proc. Essex Inst. V. 1867, 278.
Wilson, Am. Orn. I. 1808, 129; PI. VIII.
Nuttall, Man. I. 1832, 422.

Kick., List, 1837.

Aud., Orn. Biog. II. 1834, 452: V. 1839, 469,
PI. 179. — Ib. Birds Am. II. 1841, 123; PI.
119. — Ib. Syn. 1839, 75.

Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 368.

CouES, Proc. Essex Inst. V. 1867, 278.

Sp. Ch. — Bill extremely variable in size, dark brown,
paler at the base of the lower mandible. Upper parts dark
brown, becoming more rufous on the rump and upper tail-
coverts ; middle of back and upper tail-coverts faintly barred
transversely with irregular lines of darker. The brown of
the back is exceedingly changeable ; when it becomes light-
colored, these bars are almost, if not quite, obsolete ; wings
distinctly and more regularly barred transversely with
black ; tail reddish brown, irregularly but distinctly barred
transversely with black, — sometimes this black has a lighter
edging j under parts dirty white, becoming pale brown on

96

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

sides, abdomen, and under tail-coverts. Middle of breast,
sometimes, and sides, faintly and irregularly barred with,
transverse lines of pale brown. During autumn and winter
this pale brown of the sides, abdomen, and under tail-cov-
erts, becomes quite rufous, and the bars on the sides much
more distinct. Abdomen and under tail-coverts more regu-
larly and distinctly barred transversely with dark brown ;
eyes brown. Feet varying from brown to paler, sometimes
almost white. In this stage it is the T, Americanus of
authors.

In younger stages the plumage differs from this in hav-
ing the upper parts paler, with the bars on the middle of
the back almost, and in some specimens quite, obsolete.
The bars on the wings are not as distinct, and there are
on the ends of the wing-coverts small triangular spots of
dirty white. There is generally a dirty-white superciliary
stripe over the eye. The middle of the breast is without
the faint barrings. The under mandible of the bill is
sometimes pale brown the whole length. This is the T,
aedon of authors."^

The first stage is somewhat uncommon, while the inter-
mediate and the last are of more general occurrence.

It will be seen by the table, that no rule can be fixed
where color can be made to coincide with size.

20. Anorthura hyemalis, Rennie. — Winter Wren.
Rare in this section during the migrations. I have seen it
in October and in April. I have never met with it in
winter, and doubt if it occurs during that season. I found
it very abundant in Oxford County, Maine, from October
1 2th to 22d, when it disappeared. Frequents low bushes
by the roadside and along stone walls. It is shy, and diffi-
cult to approach while it is in sight, as upon the appear-
ance of man it immediately hides.

21. Cistothorus stellaris, Q kb.— Long-hilled Marsh

^ Occasionally the yonng-of-the-year assume the darker plumage of the
adult ; this was the case with No. 2970.

* Intermediate, but approximating to Americanus. t plumage described as Americanus*

$ Plumage described as the typical aedon. § Intermediate, but approximating to a^don.

11 I give the longest quill of each bird to show the absurdity of making this a valid specific character, as was done by the old authors.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 97

Table of Measurements of T. aedon.

98

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

Wren, Common in the large fresh-water marshes during
summer, where it breeds during the latter part of May.

22. Cistothorus palustris, Cab. — Short-hilled Marsh
Wren, Rather more common than the preceding. Fre-
quents the same localities. It is exceedingly difficult to
procure, on account of its lying very closely when hunted.

MOTACILLIDiE, — The Wagtails.

23. Anthus Ludovicianus, Light. — Tit-larh, Abun-
dant spring and autumn migrant along the coast. I am
informed by my friend, Mr. William Brewster, that it is
also abundant on the Fresh Pond marshes, near Cam-
bridge. It has the habit of jerking its tail like the Water
Thrushes.

SYLVICOLID^, — The Wood-Warblers.

24. Mniotilta varia, Yieill. — Blach and White Creep-
er, Common summer resident. Abundant during the mi-
grations. Found in the woods everywhere. Arrives the
last week in April ; leaves the latter part of September.
Breeds.

25. Parula Americana, Bon. — Blue Yellow-hacked
Warhler, Summer resident. This beautiful little Warbler
seems to be a somewhat irregular visitor while migrating.
During the spring of 1867 it was very abundant; in 1868
I could find but two or three, although I searched dili-
gently for it; while the season of 1869 brought it in
particular abundance. Found generally in oak woods.
Arrives about the second week in May ; leaves in the mid-
dle of September. Mr. William Brewster informs me that
it breeds quite commonly in certain localities.

26. Geothlypis trichas, Cab. — Maryland Yellow-

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

99

throated Warbler, Abundant summer resident; breeds^
commonly in marshy or swampy places. Arrives from
May 1st to 13th ; leaves about the first week in October or
the latter part of September.

27. Geothlypis Philadelphia, Baird. — Mourning
Warbler, Very rare. May 21, 1866, Mr. William Brew-
ster shot a male in Cambridge, on the top of a tall tree.
Another specimen of the same sex was taken at the Fran-
conia Mountains, New Hampshire, on August 3, 1867. It
was in company with four fully fledged young, which it was
feeding. The young, being shy, and in a thicket of low
bushes, were not procured. The old bird was catching flies
after the manner of the Flycatchers.” * I have met with
this species but once ; that was in May, among low bushes,
in a swampy place.

28. Oporornis agilis, Baird. — Connecticut Warbler,
Very rare, especially during spring. I can record but four
instances of its capture, — a male, among low bushes, in
Newton Centre, on September 16, 1867, by Mr. L. L.
Thaxter; I procured another male in September, 1868,
also among low bushes, in a swampy place. My specimen
was very shy. It was exceedingly fat ; I never met with a'
bird more so. Mr. H. A. Purdie has also taken specimens
twice in September,

29. Icteria viridis, Bon. — Yetlow-breasted Chat. Ex-
ceedingly rare summer visitor. Shot a male in full plu-
mage in a swampy thicket in the spring of 1862. This
is the only instance recorded of its capture in this
locality.

30. Helminthophaga ruficapilla, Baird. — iVa^A-
mlle Warbler. Common on the migrations. A few breed.
Arrives from May 6th to 18th ; departs in September.
Frequents the woods everywhere, generally keeping near
the tops of the trees or on the higher branches.

* MS. Notes of Mr. W. Brewster.

100

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

31. Helminthophaga peregrina, Cab. — Tennessee
Warbler. Very rare spring and autumn migrant. Be-
tween the 18th and the 24th of May, 1869, I shot four
specimens, all males, on apple-trees in Newtonville. This
is the first record of its capture in Eastern Massachusetts.
A pair, male and female, were shot by Mr. William Brew-
ster, near Mount Auburn, on high oak-trees. It has a very
pleasing note. Its breeding-place is unknown ; probably in
the northern sections of New England, however, it finds a
secure home.

32. Helminthophaga pina, Baird. — Blue-winged
Yellow Warbler. Mr. E. A. Samuels gives it as a very
rare summer resident. ^Mn 1857, in the month of May,
about the 12th or 15th, I found a small flock in Dedham,
Massachusetts.” ^ It is also given, by other ornithologists,
as very rare. I have never met with it.

33. Helminthophaga chrysoptera, Baird. — Golden-
winged Warbler. Bather common summer resident. Ar-
rives from May 15 th to 29th.

I had long suspected this beautiful Warbler of breed-
ing with us; this season my suspicions were confirmed.
The following is an extract from my note-book : —

June 12, 1869. — Walking this morning in a lane that
goes through a piece of woods in West Newton, my atten-
tion was attracted by hearing the sharp alarm-note of a
female of this species, who was sitting upon a small elm-
tree by the roadside,- within a few yards of me. Knowing
by her actions that she had a nest in the immediate vicin-
ity, I retreated a few rods and w^atched her. In a few
moments she flew down into the grass and tall weeds at
the foot of the tree. I waited a little, then went quickly
to the spot ; after a short search I discovered the bird
sitting on the nest almost at my feet ! She instantly
flew off, and alighted upon a tree near by, disclosing to my
* “ Ornithology and Oology of New England,” 1867, p. 213.

BIEDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

101

delighted gaze the eggs. They were the first I had ever
seen, and I was much pleased. Full well was I now repaid
for all my former searching through swampy thickets and
briery hedges for this bird’s nest.

The locality chosen was within a few feet of a lane where
an occasional pedestrian passed, and within eight rods of a
travelled road ! These facts are surprising, inasmuch as
the general habitat of this bird is in lonely, swampy places,
remote from man and his ways. About twenty rods away
was a swampy thicket ; from this the land sloped gradually
up to the spot where the nest was placed. There was,
apparently, no attempt at concealment whatever ; to be
sure, at the time of discovery it was partly overshadowed
by some ferns and rank weeds; but these must have
grown after the nest was built, and it was plainly percep-
tible to a person standing upright. It was placed upon
a small bit of green moss, without the slightest depression
of the ground ; indeed, the spot, if anything, was slightly
elevated above the surrounding surface. Over all waved
the branches of the pretty little elm upon which I first saw
the bird. There were a few scattering oak and elm trees
in the immediate vicinity.

“ The nest is composed outwardly of large oak-leaves, of
the previous year, and grapevine bark, and is lined, not
very smoothly, with fine grass and a few horse-hairs. It
is large for the size of the bird, quite deep, and slightly
smaller in diameter at the top than in the middle. The
whole structure is not nearly as neat as would be expected
from so small and elegant a bird, and reminds one strik-
ingly of the nest of the Maryland Yellow-throat. The
dimensions are: Depth externally 3.15 inches, internally
2.20. Diameter internally in the middle 2.25, at the top
1.90; diameter externally 3.50.

The eggs are four in number, very prettily marked,
and proportionate to the size of the bird. No. 1 is per-

102

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

feet in form ; measures .67 X .55, and is pure white, spotted
and blotched with reddish brown, thickly at the larger and
sparsely at the smaller ends. No. 2, also perfect ; measures
.66 X .55 ; is spotted at the larger end, but not as thickly
as No. 1 ; very sparsely at the smaller end. No. 3, per-
fect; measures .66 X .55; but few spots on the larger
end compared with the others ; the spots on the smaller
end are few and scarcely perceptible. No. 4 is not so per-
fect in form, being smaller in the middle; measures .67 X
.50 ; the spots on the larger end form an irregular ring
around a comparatively clear centre ; the egg is but little
spotted elsewhere. There was also a Cow-Bunting’s egg in
the nest.” ^

It is a strange fact that among all the birds of this
species I have seen, I have never met with a female be-
fore. I will here give a short description, as compared
with the plumage of the male, of the one which I shot, as
it differs from that given by others. The yellow on the
wings is as bright as in the male, and that of the crown
nearly as bright. Not as much white on the tail. The
throat and cheeks, black in the male, are in this case slate.
The middle of the back, which, in the perfectly mature
male, — with which this should be compared, as it is evi-
dently a perfectly mature female, — is of a beautiful pearl
gray, in this case is strongly tinged with the greenish
shade seen in young males. The under parts are yellow-
ish instead of a clear white.

I have invariably found this Warbler in swampy places,
generally on the edges of woods.

34. Dendrceca virens, Baird. — Black-throated Green
Warbler, Abundant during the migrations ; but breeds
commonly. Arrives from April 30th to May 19th; de-
parts in September. Found everywhere in the woods, but
generally among pine-trees.

* “ The nest is rare, although I have seen half a dozen altogether.” —
Professor S. F. Baird, in Epist.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 103

35. Dendroeca coerulescens, Baird. — Black-throated
Blue Warhler. Bare during the migrations. Have taken
it from May 15 th to 24th. I have always found it in mixed
woods. Although not generally common, I found it quite
plentiful during the season of 1869.”^

36. Dendroeca coronata, Gray. — Yellow-rumped
Warbler^ Alyrtle-Bird.” Very abundant during the migra-
tions. Arrives from April 20th to May 5th. I have seen it
from April 18th until the 1st of June. Appears about the
last week of September in great numbers, in straggling, de-
tached flocks j remains until November 1st. Perhaps some
remain during the winter, at which time I have met with
it in great numbers in Florida.

37. Dendroeca castanea, Baird. — Bay-breasted War-
bler. Exceedingly rare. Possibly breeds, as I have taken
a male on June 19, 1867. Arrives from May 17th to 22d.

I have never met with this species in autumn. (See B.
striata.) Mr. Brewster says that he has taken it in Wolf-
boro’, New Hampshire, in May. Frequents the woods every-
where.

38. Dendroeca Blackburni^, Baird. — Mrs. Black-
burn's Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler. In some seasons not
uncommon during the migrations. Arrives from May 17th
to 27th; departs for the south in September. Found
everywhere, both in the woods and on apple-trees.

39. Dendr<^ca pina, Baird. — Pine-creeping War-^
bier, Pine Warbler. Common during the migrations. A
few breed. Arrives from April 9th to 22d ; departs in
September. Found everywhere.

40. Dendroeca Pennsylvanica, Baird. — Chestnut-
sided Warbler. Common summer resident ; breeds com-
monly. Arrives from May 5th to 1 9th ; departs about the
second week in September. Found everywhere.

41. Dendrcsca striata, Baird. — Black-polled War-

^ Mr. W. Brewster, in MS.

104

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

hler. Very abundant spring and autumn migrant. I have
taken it in spring from May 15th until June 9th; in au-
tumn, from September 19th until the latter part of Oc-
tober, — during this season it is very numerous. I think
the Sylvia autumnalis, Wils., is really the young of this
species. I have shot hundreds of this species in autumn,
but have never taken one of the other (i>. castanea),

42. Dendrosca aestiva, Baird. — Summer Yellow-
Bird. The most common of the Dendroeca in summer;
breeds abundantly. Arrives from April 30th to May 8th ;
departs early in September.

43. Dendroeca maculosa, Baird. — Black and Yellow
Warbler. Bather rare migrant, although common during
the spring of 18G7. Arrives the third week in May; have
taken it from the 23d to the 27th; have never met with it
in autumn. Frequents the woods everywhere.

44. Dendrc^ca palmarum, Baird. — B,ed-Poll War-
bler, Palm Warbler.^’ Abundant during the migrations.
I have taken it from April 9th to May 1 0th. In autumn it
arrives from the north about the middle of September, and
occupies about two weeks in passing. The most terres-
trial of all the Dendroeca. Found everywhere.

45. Dendrcsca discolor, Baird. — Prairie Warbler.
Bather common summer resident. Arrives from May 13th
to 19th. Frequents the high sandy fields grown up to
bushes, or rocky hillside covered with barberry bushes,
where it breeds. Has a most peculiar song, which is al-
most indescribable.

I have never met with the Blue Warbler {Dendroeca
coerulea, Baird) although it perhaps rarely occurs.

46. Perissoglossa tigrina, Baird. — Caioe May War-
bler. Exceedingly rare spring and autumn migrant. I
have never met with it. Mr. W. Brewster has taken it
in an apple-tree on May 17, 1867. The late Dr. Henry
Bryant once showed me quite a number of skins, which he

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

105

said were taken in eastern Massachusetts, in spring, upon
apple-trees when in bloom.

47. Myiodioctes pnsillus, Bon. — Blach-capped Fly-
catching Warbler. Not uncommon during the spring mi-
grations. Have taken it from May 18th to 24th, but have
never seen it in autumn. It sings well; has more of the
habits of a Warbler than a Flycatcher. Frequents thickets,
often by the side of a stream ; I have also shot it on the
tops of high trees.

48. Myiodioctes Canadensis, Aud. — Canada Fly-
catching Warbler. Common during the migrations. I
have taken it from May 22d to June 4th. It is said to
breed. Frequents low bushes on the edges of woods.

The Hooded Fly catching Warbler (Myiodioctes mitra-
tus, Aud.) may occur, but I have yet to meet with a single
well-authenticated instance of its capture.

49. Setophaga raticilla, Swain. — Redstart.' Com-
mon summer resident. Arrives from May 5th to 1 9th ;
last seen about September 10th. This species loves the
deep woods, where it builds its nest, generally in the fork
of a high limb, on some lofty tree.

HmUNDINID^, — The Swallows.

50. Hirnndo horreorum, Barton. — Barn Swallow.
Very abundant summer resident. Arrives the last week in
April ; departs in early September. Nests in barns.

51. Petrochelidon lunifrons, Cab. — Cliff Swallow,
Eaves Swallow. Common summer resident. Arrives the
first week in May ; leaves in the latter part of August.
Breeds under the eaves of barns, generally in associations,
hundreds sometimes choosing one building ; hence it is
sometimes called the Republican,” or Sociable Swallow.”
Formerly nested under cliffs.

52. Tachycineta bicolor, Cab. — White-bellied Swal-

5^

106

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

low^ White-bellied Martin.” Abundant summer resi-
dent. Arrives from March 31st to April 12th; the first
of the Swallows in spring, also remaining the latest, de-
parting about the middle of September. It congregates
upon the salt marshes during the latter part of August
and first of September literally by millions ; the air is so
completely filled with them that it is almost impossible to
discharge a gun without killing some. Nests in the mar-
tin-houses, or in holes in buildings. I was extremely in-
terested when, in company with my friend, Mr. Allen, we
found a nest containing six eggs, built in the primitive
manner, in a hole of an old blasted cedar-tree, upon the
Ipswich Sand-hills. The tree had probably stood there for
centuries.

53. Cotyle riparia, Boie. — Banh Swallow, Abun-
dant summer resident, especially along the coast. Arrives
from May 13th to 21st; leaves the last week in August.
Breeds by the thousand in the sandy banks along our
shore, also in the interior. Both sexes assist in incuba-
tion.

54. Progne subis, Baird. — Purple Martin^ Black
Martin.” Common summer resident; somewhat local in
its distribution ; very abundant upon Cape Cod, while in
some places in the interior it is rare. Arrives the last
week in April; leaves about the last week in August.

VIEEONIDiE, — The Vireos.

55. Vireo olivaceus, NmYUL.—Ped-eyed Vireo. Very
abundant summer resident. Arrives from May 4th to
19th; leaves about the middle of September. Nests on
trees in the woods, where it is always found.

56. Vireo gilvus, Bon. — Warbling Vireo, Common
summer resident. Arrives from May 8th to 16th; last

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

107

seen September 17th. Frequents orchards; seldom seen in
the thick woods. Nests in trees, either in an orchard or
among scattering forest-trees, never in the deep woods.
This bird is easily distinguished from the other Vireos by
its warbling and continuous song.

The ^^Brotherly-love Yireo” {Yireo Philadelphicus, Cass.)
may occur as a rare summer visitor, as it has been taken
in Maine.

57. Vireo solitarins, Vieill. — Blue-headed Yireo]
“Solitary Vireo.” — Bather rare during the migrations.
Arrives about the last week in April, passes quickly
through; found again in September. Frequents the woods
everywhere. Perhaps a few breed, for my friend, Mr. J. T.
Brown, Jr., has taken it in June, at Concord, Massa-
chusetts.

58. Vireo flavifrons, Vieill. — Yellow-throated Yireo.
Rather common summer resident. Arrives from May 9th
to 15th; leaves about the first week in September. Fre-
quents open woods and orchards, where it breeds, nesting
on trees.

59. Vireo noveboracensis, Bon. — White-eyed Yireo.
Bather common summer resident in localities; rare in New-
ton, but common in the adjacent towns. Arrives from
May 10th to 16th. Frequents swampy places, where it is
somewhat difficult to procure, but is easily detected by
its loud and peculiar notes. Breeds; builds its nest on
the lower branch of a small tree, or on a low bush ; it is
generally hidden by the surrounding grass or foliage, and
is difficult to find.

AMPELIDiE, — The Waxwings.

60. Ampelis garrulus, Linn. — Bohemian Waxwing.
Accidental winter visitor from the north. The only in-
stances of its capture in the eastern section of the State,

108

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

that I am av/are of, occurred near Worcester, where several
were taken ; they were in the possession of Dr. Henry
Bryant, of Boston ; and Mr. J. A. Allen informs me
that Mr. S. Jillson took several at Berlin a few years ago.
Mr. William Brewster also saw a specimen, during Novem-
ber of 1869, at Watertown.

61. Ampelis cedrorum, Baird. — Waxwing ^ Cedar-
Bird, Cherry-Bird,” Canada Bobin.” Resident. Gen-
erally found through the winter; not always abundant,
however. It becomes numerous in May, when it does con-
siderable injury to the fruit of apple-trees by devouring
the petals and stamens of the blossoms. It eats the small
fruits, also a large number of insects, especially canker-
vrorms, in the seasons when these pests rage. It breeds
late, not until the middle of June. During the latter part
of July it may be seen catching insects over ponds or
streams. During September and October it disappears;
but in November it reappears, and until the next spring
feeds upon the berries of the cedar and mountain-ash.
Gregarious at all times, it is, perhaps, less so during the
breeding-season, at which time it is seen in small parties.

LANIIDiE, — The Shrikes.

62. Collurio borealis, Baird. — Great Northern Shrike,
Winter visitor, but somewhat irregular in numbers at
various seasons. When the Lesser Bed-Polls or the Pine
Finches are common, the Shrikes follow them and prey
upon them. Have known it to occur from October 6th
to April 10th.

TANAGBIDJE, — The Tanagers.

63. Pyranga rubra, Yieill. — Scarlet Tanager. Bather
common summer resident. Arrives from May 10th to 26th;

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

109

remains until the latter part of September. Found in open
oak woods more plentifully during the spring migrations.
Nests on the top of small trees.

64. Pyranga asstiva, Vieill. — Summer Tanager,
‘‘Summer Red- Bird.” Accidental. “Two were taken in
Lynn after a severe storm, April 21, 1852.”^ I saw one
in the collection of Mr. A. L. Babcock, at Sherborne,
which was taken near that place ; this specimen was a
male in immature plumage. It has a loud and pleasing
song.

FRINGILLIDJE, — The Finches and Sparrows.

65. Pinicola Canadensis, Cab. — Pine Grosbeak,
An irregular winter visitant. On November 4, 1866,
large numbers appeared, and remained through the winter,
feeding upon the berries of the cedar; by February 27,
1867, it disappeared; it was also common during the win-
ter of 1868-69.

The true reason of the visits of this northern bird is
not, as many suppose, the severe winters, but its migra-
tions are regulated entirely by the supply of food. While
visiting northern Maine and New Hampshire in the au-
tumn of 1868, I observed that the cone-bearing trees,
upon the seeds of which this bird in a great measure
subsists, had but few cones upon them ; hence its abun-
dance in Massachusetts during the succeeding winter. It
is very unsuspicious, and may be taken with a noose upon
a pole ; is easily tamed, and will in a short time become
quite familiar.

66. Carpodacus purpureas, Gray. — Purple Finch,
Abundant resident. Breeds, nesting in cedar-trees. Found
during summer everywhere ; during winter, among thick
groves of cedar. Eagerly eats the petals and stamens

^ S. Jillson, “Proceedings of the Essex Institute,-’ I. p. 224.

110

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

of the apple-blossom; also eats a few insects; but gen-
erally feeds upon seeds. The plumage of the male of
the first, second, and third years is gray like the female;
on the fourth year it assumes the brighter male plumage.
Both sexes sing, — the females not as loud as the males,
however.

67. Astragalinus tristis, Cab. — Goldfinch, Yellow-
Bird,” ^‘Thistle-Bird.” Abundant resident; gregarious in
winter. Breeds late in June.

68. Chrysomitris pinus, Bon. — Pine Linnet, Pine
Finch. — Another irregular winter visitor, whose move-
ments are regulated by the supply of food, but in a differ-
ent manner from P. Canadensis ; it feeds upon the seeds
of weeds a great deal during winter ; in fact, they form its
principal supply of food after the seeds of the birch are
exhausted. When the snow is deep in the region north of
Massachusetts, and covers the weeds to such a depth that
they are not exposed, then we have a visit from this bird.
It was very numerous during the winter of 1859-60,
remaining until quite late ; after that time I did not meet
with it until the winter of 1868-69, when it was quite
common ; it remained until the last week in May. Its
nest has been found at Cambridge.

69. ^giothus linarins, Cab. — Red-Poll, Lesser Red-
Poll Linnet. Irregular in its visits, and governed by the
same laws as the preceding, with the exception that it is
a more restless species. Common all the seasons that the
preceding have been, and in the winter of 1866-67.
Have taken it from the last of December until the 25th of
April.

The LEgiothus “ exilipes ” of Cones {^. canescens of other
ornithologists) is only a paler variety of this species, of
which, if we admit the inconstant characters used in con-
structing it “ exilipes ”) as tangible, we have an almost
endless array of species.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

Ill

70. Cnrvirostra Americana, Wils. — Red Crosshill
Irregular in its visits ; the same laws regulate its appear-
ance as govern P. Canadensis^ and it is generally found the
same seasons. Frequents the pine woods. More numer-
ous in the winter of 1862-63 than I have ever seen it
before ; it remained until April, when it was in full plu-
mage and in full song. In the autumn of 1868 some in-
teresting facts relative to the movements of this bird
came under my notice. During the latter part of August
it became quite numerous, and some specimens were in
immature plumage ; this would seem to indicate that it
breeds in Massachusetts. Upon going to Albany, Maine,
later in the season, I was informed, by the farmers, that
in August the Crossbill had appeared in great numbers,
and had done great damage to the oats by eating them
and cutting off the heads. When the oats were harvested,
it disappeared; and at that time (October 12th) there was
not a single specimen to be found ! These were evidently
the birds that appeared in Massachusetts in the latter part
of August. Indeed, it passed south of Newton, Massa-
chusetts, as upon my return, in November, not a bird
was to be found ! It breeds in winter in Maine, during
the month of February ; this statement is made upon the
authority of Mr. G. A. Boardman, who has taken their
nests and eggs at that time. It is also said to breed in
Massachusetts.

71. Curvirostra leucoptera, Wils. — White-winged
Crossbill Being more northern in its habits than the pre-
ceding, it is seldom seen in this section. Common dur-
ing the winter of 1868-69. On October 21st it appeared
in great numbers at Albany, Maine ; December 3d it was
found at Ipswich, Massachusetts, where it feeds upon the
seeds of the beach-grass ; a few days later it was seen in
Newton in large flocks. It remained until late in April.
Perhaps breeds. I obtained a specimen on June 13, 1866,

112

THE NATUEALIST'S GUIDE.

shot on an apple-tree in Newtonville ; it was filled with
canker-worms.

7 2. Plectrophanes nivalis, Meyer. — Snow-Bunt-
ing. Abundant winter visitor, especially on the sea-shore.
I have seen thousands rise at the report of my gun, on the
Ipswich Sand-hills, where it feeds upon the seeds of the
beach-grass. This species, with the preceding four and
P. Canadensis^ are, while with us, always gregarious. Ar-
rives in November; remains until April.

73. Plectrophanes Lapponicus, Selby. — Lapland
Long spur ^ Lapland Bunting. Generally rare, but common
on the Ipswich Sand-hills, where it associates with the
preceding; its note is different, being more shrill, but
it has much the same habits. I have seen it with the
Shore Larks, but have never met with it alone. Its pro-
portion to the Snow-Bunting was about one in every
hundred.

74. Chondestes grammacus, Swain. — Larh Finch.
Exceedingly rare or accidental in autumn. One taken in
Gloucester, in 1845, by S. Jillson.

75. Centronyx Bairdii, Baird. — Baird's Sparrow.
It is with pleasure that I add this unique sparrow to the
Catalogue of the Birds of Eastern Massachusetts. Previous
to the capture of this there was but one specimen extant,
which was one of the original birds captured by Audubon
upon the banks of the Yellowstone Biver, July 26, 1843.
My specimen, through the kindness of Professor S. F.
Baird, has been compared with the original, which is in his
possession, and pronounced identical ; but as mine differs
somewhat from his, I have thought best to give a descrip-
tion of it here.^

* “ It differs in color just as clear autumnal birds differ from worn
breeding ones, — tints paler, markings more suffused, etc. The stripe
along the top of head is paler, not as fulvous as in the type ; but in all
essential points it seems to be the same bird.” — Professor S. F. Baird,
in Epist.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

113

Centronyx Bairdii, Baird. — Baird’s Sparrow.

(See Frontispiece.*)

Emheriza Bairdii. Aud., Birds America, VII. 1843 ; PI. 500.

Coturniculus Bairdii. Bon., Syn. 1850, 481.

Centronyx Bairdii. Baird, Birds N. Am. 1858, 441.

Sp. Ch. — Back grayish ; the middle of the feathers hav-
ing a black centre edged with rufous. Top of head streaked
with dusky and pale rufous, divided by a broad stripe of
pale yellowish white. There is also a whitish superciliary
stripe extending from the base of the bill to the back of
the head. Ear-coverts grayish, with a rufous tinge. Quills
brownish, edged with white on the outer web ; scapularies,
secondaries, and wing-coverts brownish-black, edged broad-
ly with rufous, brightest on the secondaries : scapularies
also edged narrowly with white ; the ends of both rows of
wing-coverts narrowly tipped with white, forming two rather
indistinct bars across the wings. Tail brownish, with the
tips of the feathers and terminal half of the outer web of
the outer tail-feathers pale yellowish white ; the rest of the
tail-feathers narrowly edged with the same. Under parts,
including under tail-coverts, pure white. Feathers of the
sides of the throat, with a broad band across the breast and
sides, streaked with rufous, with dusky centres. The throat
is indistinctly spotted with dusky. A triangular spot on
the sides of the neck, below the ear-coverts, pale buff ;
ears dusky. Bill dark brown, with the base of the under
mandible paler. Eyes and feet brown.

Differs from Pooecetes gramineus^ which in general form it
resembles, in having a central stripe on the head, and a
general rufous appearance, also in having longer tarsi, toes,
and claws. With Passer cuius savanna it cannot justly be
compared, as it is much larger, and has a shorter and more

^ The convexity of the upper mandible is somewhat exaggerated in the
plate.

H

Measurements of C. Bairdii.

114

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

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BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

115

obtuse bill. Indeed, so nearly does it resemble the P,
gramineus^ that amateur ornithologists to whom I have
shown it have unhesitatingly pronounced it to be that
species.

I give the comparative measurements of the two speci-
mens, remarking that Professor Baird’s was made from the
dried skin, while mine was taken from the fresh bird.

The Ipswich Sand-hills, where the specimen was pro-
cured, is a most peculiar place. I never have met with its
equal anywhere. Years ago these Sand-hills, which are
three miles long by three fourths of a mile across, and con-
tain about one thousand acres, were covered with a thick
growth of pine-trees. Protected by these trees, and among
them, dwelt a tribe of Indians, whose earlier presence
is indicated, not only by tradition, but by numerous shell
heaps scattered over the Sand-hills at irregular inter-
vals. Indeed, even now the ashes of camp-fires may be
seen, apparently fresh. Upon the advent of the white
man, the usual event transpired, namely, the disappearance
of the trees ; and to-day, with the exception of a few scat-
tering ones at the southeasterly corner, near the house
of the proprietor of the Sand-hills, Mr. George Woodbury,
not a tree is to be seen. All is bleak and barren. The
surface of the ground, once covered with a slight deposit of
soil, has become a mass of shifting sands. Many times has
the present owner had cause to regret the want of fore-
sight in his ancestors in removing the trees, as the several
acres of arable land around the house are now covered
with sand, including a valuable apple-orchard. Upon this
orchard the sand has drifted to the depth of thirty feet.
Some of the trees present the curious phenomenon of ap-
ples growing upon limbs that protrude a few feet only
above the sand, while the trunk and lower branches are
buried ! The Sand-hills, in places, are covered with a
sparse growth of coarse grass, upon the seeds of which,

116

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

as I have remarked elsewhere, thousands of Snow-Bunt-
ings feed. There are, in some places, sinks or depressions
with the level of the sea. In these sinks, which, except
during the summer months, are filled with fresh water,
a more luxuriant growth of grass appears. Walking, on
December 4, 1868, near one of these places, in search of
Lapland Longspurs, I started a sparrow from out the tall
grass, which flew wildly, and alighted again a few rods
away. I approached the spot, surprised at seeing a spar-
row at this late day so far north, especially in so bleak a
place. After some trouble I again started it. It flew
wildly as before, when I fired, and was fortunate enough
to secure it. It proved to be Baird’s Sparrow. When I
found I had taken a specimen which I had never seen be-
fore, — although at that time I did not know its name or
the interest attached to it, — I instantly went in search
of more. After a time I succeeded in starting another.
This one, however, rose too far off for gunshot, and
I did not secure it. It flew away to a great distance,
when I lost sight of it. After this I thought that
among the myriads of Snow-Buntings that continually
rose a short distance from me I again detected it, but
I was perhaps mistaken. I am confident of having
seen it in previous years at this place, earlier in the
season.

To show the similarity of the habits of these birds, even
in widely different localities, I give below extracts from
Audubon’s account. During one of our buffalo hunts
(July 26, 1843) we happened to pass along several wet
places closely overgrown with a kind of slender, rush-like
grass, from which we heard the notes of this species, and
which we thought were produced by Marsh Wrens (Troglo-
dytes palustris), Messrs. Harris and J. G. Bell immediately
went in search of the birds. Mr. Bell soon discovered that
the notes of Baird’s Bunting were softer and more prolonged

BIEDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

117

than those of the Marsh Wren. They had some difficulty
in starting them from the long and somewhat close grass
to which this species seems to confine itself. Several
times Mr. Bell nearly trod on them before the birds would
take to wing; and they almost invariably alighted again
within a few feet and ran like mice through the grass.

. . . . After a while, two were shot on the wing

I have named this species in honor of my young friend,
Spencer F. Baird, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania.’’

I think it more probable that the birds which occur at
Ipswich are winter visitors from the north, than that they
are stragglers from so great a distance as Nebraska. As
might be expected, I heard no song-note at this season, but
simply a short chirp of alarm.

76. Passercnlns savanna, Bon. — Savannah Spar-
row. Common summer resident ; breeds abundantly along
the coast, and sometimes in the interior. Have taken it
from April 17th to November 12th. Frequents the fields
and marshes.

77. PocBcetes gramineus, Baird. — Bay-winged Spar-
rovj, Grass Finch.” Abundant ; breeds in the fields every-
where. Arrives from April 5th to 20th ; leaves about the
1st of November.

78. Cotumiculus passerinus, Bon. — Yellow-winged
Sparrow. Not an uncommon summer resident ; breeds
regularly. Arrives the first or second week in May ; leaves
early in September. Frequents dry sandy places, or pas-
tures grown up to weeds. Very numerous on Nantucket
Island, where it breeds abundantly.

79. Cotumiculus Henslowii, Bon. — Henslow's
Sparrow. Very rare summer resident. Took two males
in a wet meadow on May 10, 1867. Song-note like the
syllables see'-wick,” with the first prolongedly and the
second quickly given. Said to breed. Mr. J. A. Allen in-
forms me that the specimens that he has taken have been

118

THE NATUEALIST’S GUIDE.

found in the same situation as the preceding species,
namely, sandy fields.

80. Zonotrichia leucophrys, Swain. — White-crowned
Sparrow. Very rare migrant. Took a female on May
27, 1869, in a swampy thicket by the roadside. I have
heard of but few instances of its capture in this section.

81. Zonotrichia albicollis, White-throated

Sparroiv. Common during the migrations. Have taken
it from April 27th until May 20th, and from about Sep-
tember 1st to October 19th. Frequents the low bushes
and swampy thickets.

82. Ammodronms maritimus, Swain. — Seaside
Finch. Said to occur commonly along the coast of our
State, which statement I doubt, as I have searched care-
fully for it from the mouth of the Merrimac River to the
extreme south shore, and have yet to meet with a single
living specimen; neither does it occur on the Island of
Nantucket to my knowledge. Dr. Cones says it is abun-
dant in New Hampshire on the coast. It may rarely occur
on our coast during the migrations. Mr. Brewster informs
me that he has looked for it in vain at Rye Beach, New
Hampshire.

83. Ammodromiis candaciitus, Swain. — Sharp-
tailed Finch. Not common. I know of but one locality
where this bird is to be found ; that is, on the salt marshes
of Charles River. I have taken it there in the latter part
of June. It is difficult to procure, as it lies close, and has
to be shot while on the wing. It instantly conceals itself
in the grass when it alights. Mr. Brewster informs me
that it breeds late, — the first week in July. Remains late.

Have taken it in the marshes of Charles River the last
week in October.” ^ Since writing the above, I have found
it quite common on the marshes at Ipswich during the last
week in September, 1869.

* J. A. Allen, “ Proceedings of the Essex Institute,” IT. 1864, p. 84.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

119

84. Junco hyemalis, Sclater. — Snow-Bird. Com-
mon winter visitant; abundant in spring and autumn.
Have taken it from October 14th to May 20th. Found
everywhere.

85. Spizella monticola, Baird. — Tree Sparrow.
Common winter visitor ; more abundant in spring and au-
tumn. Have taken it from November 2d to April 25th.
Seen everywhere, and with the preceding frequents cedar
woods in winter.

86. Spizella socialis, Bon. — Chipping Sparrow.
Abundant summer resident. Found breeding everywhere.
Arrives from April 10th to 21st; leaves about the middle
of October. The most familiar and sociable of all our
Sparrows, hopping about our doors, and even entering
houses in search of food.

87. Spizella pusilla, Bon. — Field Sparrow. Com-
mon summer resident ; breeds on low bushes in high sandy
places, and rocky fields grown up to bushes. Arrives from
April 14th to 27th ; found in flocks with the preceding in
autumn, and departs at the same time.

88. Melospiza melodia, Baird. — Song Sparrow.
Abundant summer resident. Comes earlier and remains
later than any of the summer Sparrows. Arrives from
February 20th to March 18th; I have taken it on the 3d
of December. Mr. Brewster informs me that he has taken
it every month in the year; has even heard it sing in
January.

89. Melospiza palnstris, Baird. — Swamp Spar-
row. Common summer resident. Frequents bushy swamps
and marshes, and breeds in them. Arrives from March
27th to April 14th; departs about the middle of Novem-
ber. It is probable that Audubon was mistaken when
he said that this bird was common in winter about Bos-
ton. It has a peculiar, and not particularly pleasing,
song during the breeding-season; but in autumn I have

120

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

heard it sing with a low warbling note ‘which was very
pleasant.

90. Melospiza Lincolnii, Baird. — Lincoln's Sparrow,
Very rare. Mr. S. Jillson has taken it at Hudson on one
or two occasions in spring.

91. Passerella iliaca, Swain. — Fox-colored Sparrow,
Common during the migrations. Have taken it in spring
from March 14th to April 13th. While with us at this
season it has a most pleasing song. Passes us in the
autumn in October.

92. Passer domestica, Leach. — European House
Sparrow. Introduced, but common already in localities ;
will soon, without doubt, be generally distributed.

93. Elispiza Americana, Bon. — Black-throated Bunt-
ing. Very rare summer visitor, or straggler, from the
south. My young friend, John Thaxter, shot a specimen
June 26, 1867 ; it was a female, and, as I should judge,
from the peculiar appearance of the ovaries and oviduct,
had laid her eggs ; while the bare and swollen appearance
of her breast seemed to indicate that she was incubating.
Mr. Samuels speaks of two instances of its capture."^

94. Guiraca Ludoviciana, Swain. — Rose-breasted
Grosbeak. Common summer resident. Breeds, nesting in
trees and bushes. Arrives from May 8th to 22d ; leaves
early in September. Frequents open woods.

The Blue Grosbeak {Guiraca coeridea^ Swain.) perhaps
rarely occurs ; it has been taken in Calais, Maine, where
it is very uncertain, but was common in the spring of

1861.” t

95. Cyanospiza cyanea, Baird. — Indigo-Bird.
Common summer resident. Breeds, nesting in low bushes.
Arrives from May 10th to 22d ; in autumn found in flocks

* “ Ornithology and Oology of New England,” p. 828.
t G. A. Boardman, “ Proceedings of the Boston Society of Natural His-
tory,” IX. p. 127; J. A. Allen, “Proceedings of the Essex Institute,” IV.
1864, pp. 84, 85.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

121

with other Sparrows. Frequents roadsides, high sandy
fields, and rocky pastures.

The Cardinal, '"Fed-Bird” {Gardinalis Virginianus, Bon.),
according to Nuttall, occurs accidentally. I have never
met with it in this section.

96. Pipilo erytlirophthalmuB, Yieill. — Towhee
Bunting^ " Ground Fobin,” " Chewiiik.” Common sum-
mer resident. Breeds commonly, nesting on the ground
among low bushes, which it frequents. Arrives from April
28th to May 10th ; leaves by the first week in October.

ALAUDIDJE, — The Larks.

97. Eremopliila alpestris, Forster. — Shore LarB
Common winter resident. Perhaps a few breed. Seen by
Mr. W. Brewster, in July, 1869. Arrives early in the au-
tumn. Have seen it in spring as late as April 25th. Fre-
quents the ploughed fields, beaches, and marshes. Has the
habit of hiding in holes or beside stones.

ICTEFID^, — The Orioles, Starlings, etc.

98. Dolichonyx oryzivorus, Swain. — Boh-o-link,
"Fice-Bird,” "Feed-Bird.” Abundant summer resident.
Breeds, nesting in the grass on the ground. Arrives from
April 30th to May 12th. During the first of September
it congregates in flocks of immense numbers upon the
sea-shore ; at this time both sexes are in the same plu-
mage. It is then shot for the table. While migrating,
it moves night and day ; indeed, almost any clear night
in August its metallic-like note may be heard high up in
the air.

99. Molothrus pecoris, Km — Cow-Bird, "Cow-

6

122

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

Bunting.” Common summer resident. Arrives from
April 6th to 19th; leaves by the last week in October.
Deposits its eggs in the nests of other birds, — the only
example of polygamy among undomesticated birds in
North America. Gregarious throughout the year, but
more so in autumn. Often seen around cows in pursuit
of insects, sometimes alighting u|)on them ; from this
habit it derives its popular (Cow-Bunting) and specific
(pecoris) names.

100. Agelaeus Phoeniceus, Vieill. — Red-winged
Blackbird^ “Swamp Blackbird.” Common summer resident.
Arrives from February 25th to March 10th; leaves by the
last of October. Nests in the marshes, generally on a tus-
sock; sometimes in low bushes. I have found the nests
on an island in the marshes of Essex Biver, placed on trees
twenty feet from the ground ! In one case, where the
nest was placed on a slender sapling fourteen feet high,
that swayed with the slightest breeze, the nest was con-
structed after the manner of our Baltimore Orioles, pret-
tily woven of the bleached sea-weed called eel-grass. So
well constructed was this nest, and so much at variance
wfith the usual style, that had it not been for the female
sitting on it, I should have taken it for a nest of /. Balti-
more, It was six inches deep.

101. Xanthocephalns icterocephalus, Baird. —
Yellow-headed Blackbird, A single specimen was procured
by my young friend, Frank Sanger, at Watertown, about
the 15th of October, 1869. The wings, tail, and one foot
of this specimen are now in my possession. Through the
kindness of Mr. J. A. Allen, I have been enabled to com-
pare them with specimens of the same species in the Mu-
seum of Comparative Zoology, thereby identifying them.
This bird was in immature plumage, evidently the young-
of-the-year. It was shot in an orchard. The occurrence
of this specimen in this section is singular, as its usual

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

123

habitat is in the West ; its range eastward being about the
longitude of Chicago.

102. Stnrnella magna, Swain. — Meadow Larh,

Marsh Quail.” Resident; common in summer, but few

winter here. Breeds in old fields. Gregarious in autumn
and winter.

103. Icterus Baltimore, Daudin. — Baltimore Oriole^

Golden Robin,” Fire Hang-Bird.” Very common sum-
mer resident. Arrives from May 5th to 12th ; leaves about
the middle of September. Breeds, nesting generally on tall
trees. I have heard a bird of this species that lived among
the woods of the islands in Essex River, where man is
seldom seen, sing with a louder, wilder note than usual,
as if it was influenced by the surrounding wildness and
its proximity to the sounding sea. This is the only bird
that I have met with which will readily devour the tent
caterpillar.

104. Icterus spurius, Bon. — Orchard Oriole^ ‘‘Spu-
rious Oriole.” Generally a rare summer resident, but
quite common in the spring of 1865 ; I saw a few in 1866.
Arrives about May 18th. Mr. Brewster says that he finds
a pair or two breeding every season.

105. Scolecophagus ferrugineus, Swain. — Rusty
Grahle^ “ Rusty Blackbird.” Common spring and autumn
migrant. Arrives from March 8th to 30th, remains into
April ; arrives from the North the last week in Septem-
ber, remaining into November. Very unsuspicious, and fre-
quents the bushes by the side of water. Generally seen in
small flocks, sometimes in company with the succeeding
species.

106. Quiscalus versicolor, Yieill. ■ — Purple Grakle,
“ Crow Blackbird.” Common summer resident. Arrives
from March 1st to 20th ; remains into November. Breeds
in communities, generally nesting in tall trees ; but I have
found its nest on the islands in the Essex River, on bushes

124

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

six feet high. Other nests on the same islands were
placed in trees, from twenty to forty feet from the ground.

CORVIDAE, — The Crows.

107. Cyanura cristata, Swain. — Blue Jay, Com-
mon resident. Nests in trees. Is a general nuisance ;
destroys the young and eggs of small birds; visits the
cornfields of the farmer in autumn, and carries away great
quantities of corn. Gregarious throughout the year, ex-
cept during the breeding-season.

108. Corvns Americanus, Aud. — Croiv. Common
resident. Nests in trees. Appears on the sea-shore in
great numbers during the early winter, and continues until
spring, feeding upon the refuse left by the tide upon the
marshes. These winter visitors are said to be “ Eastern
Crows,” or crows from Maine and the British Provinces.

TYRANNIES, — The Tyrant Flycatcher.

109. Tyrannus Carolinensis, Baird. — King-Bird,
‘^Bee Martin.” — Common summer resident. Breeds, nest-
ing on' trees, generally in an orchard. Arrives from May
6lh to 15th; leaves about the middle of September. Fre-
quents open fields and orchards.

110. Tyrannus Dcminicensis, — Rich. Gray King-
Bird. An immature specimen was taken by Mr. Charles
Goodall, at Lynn, on October 23, 1868. The bird is
now in the possession of Mr. N. Vickery. It was shot upon
a tree near the roadside. The occurrence of this specimen
is a striking illustration of the straggling habits of some in-
dividuals among birds, its usual habitat being Florida and
the West Indies.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS. 125

111. Myiarchus crinitns, Cab. — Great Crested Fly-
catcher. Very rare summer resident. Have taken it on
May 9th and 15th. Said to breed. Frequents the open
woods.

112. Sayornis fuscns, Baird. — Phoebe, Pewee. Com-
mon summer resident. Arrives from March 25th to April
12th. Have taken it as late as October 9th. Nests in
barns, under bridges, and under some projecting rock of a
ledge ; in the spring it may be found in the neighborhood
of these localities, but it occurs everywhere in autumn.
Although a strictly insectivorous bird, yet, when compelled
by hunger, it can be granivorous ; during a violent snow-
storm, April 2, 1868, I shot one whose stomach was com-
pletely filled with the seeds of the berries of the hawthorn
{Gratoegiis oxycantha).

113. Contopns borealis, Baird. — Olive-sided Fly-
catcher. Not a very rare summer resident. Breeds. Nests
generally in the fork of a pine-tree ; the only nest that I
ever found that was not placed in this situation was on the
outer limb of an apple-tree.’^ ^ Frequents the open wood.
Arrives from May 12th to 24th; leaves early in Sep-
tember.

114. Contopus Virens, Cab. — Wood Pewee. Com-
mon summer resident. Arrives from May 19th to 28th;
leaves early in September. Breeds. The nest is composed
of moss, and is placed on the top of some high limb, and
resembles a protuberance upon it ; for this reason it is
not easily detected. Frequents open woods.

If the Acadian Flycatcher {Empidonax Acadicus, Baird)
is found in eastern Massachusetts, I have yet to meet with
it. I think that this and the following are often confounded
by collectors, perhaps with good reason.

115. Smpidonax Traillii, Baird. — TrailVs Fly-
catcher. Bare in spring ; said to breed, however. I have

* MS. Notes of W. Brewster.

126

THE NATUKALIST’S GUIDE.

met with it but once, — on June 1, 1869, in a swampy
thicket ; it was very shy. I heard no note.

116. Empidonax minimus, Baird. — Least Fly-
catcher, Common summer resident. Breeds. Arrives from
April 2 2d to May 5th ; leaves about the middle of Septem-
ber. Seen everywhere. Specimens differ in the intensity
of the olivaceous green upon the back ; those which are
found in the woods are much darker than those which in-
habit the orchards or straggling trees, these being often
quite gray. They are also exceedingly variable in size.

117. Empidonax flaviventris, Baird. — Yellow-bel-
lied Flycatcher. On May 31, 1869, I shot the first speci-
men I had ever seen living; the next day (June 1st) I
took eight of both sexes in a few hours ! Between this
time and the 10th I took two or three more. I do not
doubt that it has occurred in previous seasons, but, being
unaccustomed to its low note, — which is like the syl-
lable Pea very plaintively and prolongedly given, — and
its retiring habits, I had not detected it before. The
specimens captured were all, with the exception of the
first, — which was shot on a tall oak, — taken in low,
swampy thickets. It keeps near the ground, is rather shy,
and upon the appearance of the intruder instantly ceases
its song. ‘‘Shot a specimen on May 25, 1869, in Water-
town, singing, with its peculiar note, in an apple-tree. I
have shot the female singing in the same manner, in Au-
gust, 1867, in Franconia, New Hampshire. The only note
I ever heard was the low PeaP *

I have yet to hear the “ pleasing song ” attributed To
this species and other members of the genus. I think
that the anatomical structure of the throat and larynx is
not of the complicated character seen in singing-birds ; and
therefore consider it a physical impossibility for members
of this genus to produce a variety of melodious notes.

* MS. Notes of W. Brewster.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

127

ALCEDINIDJE, — The Kingfishers.

118. Ceryle 2loy on, Bom.— Belted Kingfisher. Com-
mon summer resident. Breeds. Frequents the neighbor-
hood of streams and ponds. Arrives from March 21st to
April 11th; remains into November; but I never have
seen it in winter, at which time it may rarely occur.

CAPRIMULGID^, — The Goatsuckers.

119. Aiitrostomus vociferns, Boie. — Whippoor-
will, Common in the wild districts, where its rapid but in-
describably mournful notes may be heard in the evening
twilight. It also sings in the early dawn. Arrives from
May 19th to 24th. Breeds, nesting on the ground.

120. Chordeiles popetue, Baird. — Night-Hawk
Bull Bat.” Common summer resident. Breeds, nest-
ing on the ground. Arrives from April 7th to May 23d.
Much more diurnal in its habits than the preceding, often
seen flying about at midday. By the latter part of August
it migrates in large, straggling flocks, moving day and
night. While at rest in the daytime, it usually sits lon-
gitudinally upon a large limb of a tree ; the peculiar struct-
ure of its feet rendering it impossible for it to clasp the
limb and sit transversely, as is usual with other birds.

CYPSELID^, — The Swifts,

121. Chaetura pelasgia, Steph. — Chimney Swifts
Chimney Swallow.” Abundant summer resident. Breeds,

nesting in unused flues in chimneys. Arrives from May
1st to 11th; have seen it as late as September 14th.

128

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

TROCHILIDiE, — The Humming-Birds.

122. Trochilus colubris, Linn. — Ruhy-tliroated
Humming-Bird, Common summer resident. Breeds, nest-
ing in trees. Arrives about the second week in May ;
have seen it as late as the 23d of September.

123. Argytira maculata, Cab. and Heine. — Lin-
nmcds Emerald. A single specimen of this beautiful little
bird was captured by Mr. William Brewster, at Cambridge,
in August, 1864; it was moulting, and apparently a fe-
male. How this little stranger should have come so far
from its usual habitat, which is northern South America,
is a mystery, and an event unheard of before. It certainly
could not have been caged, and in that manner brought
here, as it would not survive the passage.

I have carefully examined into the history of this speci-
men, and there seems no reason to doubt its being captured
in Cambridge.

CUCULIH.E, — The Cuckoos.

124. Coccygus Americanns, Bon. — Yellow-hilled
Cuchoo. Irregular in its visits ; during the summer of 1866
it was very numerous, while the following species w*as
rare ; since then this has been rare, while the other is
common. Arrives from May 18th to 23d. Frequents the
woods and orchards.

125. Coccygus erytliroplithalmus, Bon. — Black-
hilled Cuckoo. Rather common. (See remarks under C.
Americanus.) Frequents the woods and orchards. The
note of this species is not perhaps as harsh as the other.
They are both inveterate destroyers of birds’ eggs. They
frequently sing at night. Both depart early in September.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

129

PICID^; — The Woodpeckers.

126. Picus villosus, Linn. — Hairy Woodpecker. Resi-
dent ; but not common in winter, and rare in summer. I
am confident that the specimens of this and the follow-
ing species seen in winter do not come from the far north,
or even from northern Maine and New Hampshire, for this
reason : specimens shot in the sections above mentioned
have the white terminal portion of the tail stained by the
bark of the hemlock and other evergreen trees, upon which
they climb in search of food, with an indelible^ bright
rufous or ochre color; this color is never seen on speci-
mens taken here, even during severe winters. They must
be resident individually by this infallible proof

127. Picns pnbescens, Linn. — Downy Woodpecker,
Resident. Abundant throughout the winter, not uncom-
mon in summer.

128. Picoides arcticus, Gray. — Black-hacked Three-
toed Woodpecker. Exceedingly rare wdnter visitor. There
are a male and female in the museum of the Peabody
Academy of Science, at Salem, taken on November 21,
1855, in Essex County, by S. Jillson.

129. Picoides hirsutlis, Gray. — Banded Three-toed
Woodpecker, Exceedingly rare winter visitor. Mr. Allen
informs me that Mr. G. 0. Welch took a pair in Lynn.

130. Sphyrapicus varins, Baird. — Yellow-hellied
Woodpecker. Not common during the migrations. Fre-
quents open woods. I do not think it breeds.

131. Melanerpes erythrocephalns, Swain. — Red-
headed Woodpecker. Exceedingly rare summer visitor, per-
haps accidental. I have never seen it living. A male
taken by S. Jillson, in Essex County, in 1855. One seen
by Mr. W. Brewster, in summer, at Waltham.

132. Colaptes anratns, Swain. — Golden-winged Wood-

6^

I

130

THE NATUKALIST’S GUIDE.

pecker^ “ Pigeon Woodpecker,” ^^Yellow-Hammer,” ‘^Wood-
wall,” “Flicker,” “Sucker,” “High-holder,” “Wake-up.”
Common resident. Breeds, nesting in holes in trees. Ar-
rives early, about the 1st of April ; remains until October
30th. A few remain all winter in the thick cedar woods.
Frequents open woods and orchards ; in autumn is seen in
cornfields, at which season it is partly gregarious, but it is
always a sociable bird, preferring the company of its spe-
cies to solitude. Generally feeds upon ants or their larvae
and eggs.

STBIGID^, — The Owls.

133. Strix pratincola, Bon. — Barn Owl Mr. Vick-
ery informs me that he mounted a specimen that was
taken in Lynn during the autumn of 1865. This is the
first authentic instance of its capture in this section. Mr.
Allen also informs me that it has been taken at Spring-
field.

134. Otus Wilsonianus, Aud. — Long-eared Owl Ba-
ther common resident in this section. Breeds. Frequents
dark swamps and thick evergreen woods. This and the
following species are almost entirely destitute of sight dur-
ing the brighter light of day.

135. Brachyotus Cassinii, Brew. — Short-eared Owl
Common resident. Breeds. Frequents low bushes along
the sea-shore in the daytime ; starts up suddenly when ap-
proached, flies a short distance in a dazed, irregular man-
ner, and then alights. Also frequents cedar woods. More
common on the sea-shore than in the interior.

136. Syrnium cinereum, — Great Gray Owl
Rare winter visitor. Two specimens in the museum of
the Peabody Academy of Science, — one taken during the
winter of 1866-67, by F. W. Putnam, in Salem; another,
by James Bartlett, in Wenham, in February, 1859.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

131

137. Syrnium nebulosum, Gray. — Barred Owl,
Common resident. Frequents the thick woods every-
where. May be approached closely on a bright day, as
it is then almost deprived of sight.

138. Bubo Virginianus, Bon. — Great Horned Owl.
Rather common resident. Frequents the thick woods.
Sees well in the daylight, and is difficult to approach.

139. Scops BSio, Mottled Owl, Red Owl,” “Screech
Owl.” Common resident; nests in holes in trees. Very
variable in plumage, on which account many have sup-
posed there were two species. Mr. W. Brewster records
in the August number of the American Naturalist, 1869,
an instance of the young of a red mother being red and
gray; the red one being quite rufous, even when in the down,
and perceptibly different from the other. My young friend,
Frank Sanger, has also two young, both from the same
nest, one of which is red and the other gray ; there was no
difference in plumage, however, when they were both in the
down. Out of eight young which have fallen into my hands,
not one has been red. I have also a specimen in my posses-
sion, which I shot at Jullington, on the St. John’s River in
Florida, which exactly divides these stages, or possesses both
colors so nicely blended and mixed that it is impossible to
decide which predominates. These cases alone prove that
we must look for other characters on which to base our
specific claims than merely the red and gray stages of
plumage. Throwing aside the claims that the red and
gray stages present as separate specific distinctions, is
there any rule that we can fix for this change of plu-
mage ] I think not ; further than the supposition — which
I have not yet seen proven — that perfectly mature birds
may all agree in color. But while under one year old
the gray seems to be the normal stage, and the red the
unusual stage. Out of twenty young-of-the-year speci-
mens of this species that have come under my personal

132

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

observation, I have seen but three in the red plumage.
On the other hand, among more mature birds, I have,
out of perhaps forty specimens personally examined, found
but four or five in the gray ! Mr. Allen informs me that
although such formerly was his experience, latterly he has
met with many more gray than red birds. By these evi-
dences I have become fully convinced that in the earlier
stages — perhaps to the third year — the coloration of
the plumage of Scops asio is exceedingly variable as a
species and somewhat individually, but in this last re-
spect it is more constant. The only doubt that now re-
mains is. Do birds of a certain age or period all assume
some particular plumage as a final one 1 I am now inclined
to think they do. Perhaps the final stage is gray ; but
this, as I said before, yet remains to be proven. It seems
to be an imperative law of nature for birds, — no matter
how variable and inconstant their plumages in earlier
stages may have been, — at some age or period to as-
sume a final one, with the specific characters variable in
a comparatively small degree, as heretofore pointed out.

This inconstancy of plumage is also illustrated in the
young of the Cedar-Bird {Ampelis cedrorum) ; mature speci-
mens of this species always have the peculiar, sealing-wax-
like, horny expansions of the shaft of the feathers on the
tips of the secondaries, and sometimes on the tips of the
tail-feathers. In the younger stages many are destitute
of them. I have, however, detected it upon the second-
aries, and even upon the tails, of birds in the nesting plu-
mage.

With these facts to guide us, we can but adopt the
above hypothesis relative to the final assumption of some
particular plumage by Scops asio, until it has been proven
that this is an exception to the governing and heretofore
unchanging law of nature.

This bird sees as well in the daytime as in the night.

BIEDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

133

It is easily tamed, and may be allowed to go and come
at will, without fear of its taking its departure. I have
one in my possession that returns to rest in the daytime,
either in a building or on the trees near it, where I feed
him daily.

140. Hyctale Acadica, Bon. — Acadian Owl. Bare
resident; perhaps less so in winter. In September, 1867,
while encamped for the night upon the banks of Popalatic
Pond, in Medway, Massachusetts, I heard the peculiar
rasping notes of this species. There were several. Evi-
dently attracted by the light of our camp-fire, they came
directly overhead, alighting on the tall poplar-trees ; but as
they remained in the impenetrable gloom that always sur-
rounds one who is by a fire, especially in the woods in the
open air at night, we were unable to secure a specimen.

141. Nyctale Richardsonii, Richardson^

Owl, Very rare. Mr. William Brewster has a fine speci-
men in his cabinet, taken at Mount Auburn, in December,
1865. A specimen in the Museum of Comparative Zo-
ology, Cambridge, taken at Malden.” *

142. Hyctea nivea, Gray. ^ — Snowy Owl. Not un-
common on the coast ; rare in the interior during wunter.
Sees very well in the daytime ; is shy, and difficult to ap-
proach.

143. Surnia ulula, ^oi^.—Hawh Owl Very rare
winter visitor. I have seen it but once.

FALCONIDtE, — The Eagles, Falcons, and Hawks.

144. Aquila Canadensis, —Golden Eagle.

Bing-tailed Eagle.” Perhaps rarely occurs as a transient

visitor. A specimen in the museum of the Peabody Acad-
emy of Science, at Salem, labelled Essex Co.” Mr. Allen

^ J. A. Allen, “ Proceedings of the Essex Institute,” IV. 1864, p. 52.

134

THE NATUEALIST’S GUIDE.

says it has been taken at Lexington, near Boston, and
at Upton, in 1849.” No record of its very recent cap-
ture, however, in this section. I have never met with it.

145. Haliaetus leucocephalus, Savig. — White-
headed Eagle, Bald Eagle.” Not uncommon on the
sea-shore. I do not think it breeds now, but it did twenty-
five or thirty years ago.

146. Pandion Carolinensis, Bon. — Fish-Hawh Not
a common summer resident, growing less so every year.
Perhaps a few breed in the interior, but it is doubtful.

147. Falco anatum, Bon. — American Penguin Fal-
con, Duck Hawk,” Great-footed Hawk.” Bare visitor.
I do not think it breeds ; no instance on record of its
doing so in this section. This species seems to prefer the
more mountainous regions, especially during the breeding-
season.

148. Falco sacer, Forster. — Jerfalcon, ‘‘White
Hawk.” Very rare during winter, perhaps accidental. I
have seen this species but once, — November 4, 1868, —
flying high above the snow-topped mountains of New
Hampshire, steering northward over the unbroken forests,
— even thus early in the season covered with snow, and
almost a solitude, — deserted by nearly all of the feathered
tribe.

149. Falco columbarius, Gm. — Pigeon HawF Not
an uncommon resident. I think it breeds, as I have a
specimen taken during the breeding-season, with all the
evidences of its incubating. Perhaps more uncommon dur-
ing winter.

150. Falco sparverius, Linn. — Sparrow Hawh Not
a very common resident. Breeds.

151. Astur atricapillus, Bon. — Goshawh, “Part-
ridge Hawk,” “Blue Hawk.” Not uncommon in winter.
Some few undoubtedly breed. A pair remained in Wes-
ton, near a heavily wooded district, during the breeding'

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

135

season (1868) ; they evidently had a nest in the immedi-
ate vicinity. I have seen specimens taken in Massachu-
setts in full plumage quite frequently.

152. Accipiter Cooperii, Bon. — Cooper’s Hawk. One
of the most common Hawks, called everywhere ‘^Chicken
Hawk.” Summer resident. I do not think any remain
during winter. Breeds, nesting in trees.

153. Accipiter fuscuB, Bon. — Sharp-shinned Hawk,

Pigeon Hawk.” Common summer resident. Breeds.

154. Buteo borealis, — Red-tailed Buzzard,

Eed-tailed Hawk.” Common resident ; exceedingly trouble-
some to farmers. This and B. lineatus are the well-known
and formidable Hen-Hawks.” Nests in tall trees.

155. Buteo lineatus, Jar. — Red-shouldered Buzzard,

Red-shouldered Hawk,” ‘‘Hen Hawk.” Common resi-
dent j usually more abundant in this immediate locality in
winter than during any other season. Breeds, nesting in
tall trees, generally in swampy places.

The following is a description of a Hawk of this species
which is remarkably light-colored. This specimen is so
different from others of the same species that it was at
first supposed to be the Buteo Cooperii, Cass., and was men-
tioned as such by Mr. J. A. Allen. ^ This specimen is also
much larger than the average, as will be seen by the table
of measurements, and was evidently an immature bird,
which corroborates the rule given in the Introduction (p.
84) relative to birds decreasing in size with age.

Description of a light-colored specimen of B, lineatus,

Bill not very large, slightly lobed on the upper man-
dible ; color, dark brown. Upper parts dark brown, with
each feather spotted and barred irregularly with white and
pale rufous, the latter colors predominating on the head

^ “ American Naturalist,” III. p. 519.

t Taken from a mounted specimen.

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THE NATUKALIST’S GUIDE -

and rump. Quills also dark brown, irregularly barred, and
edged with rufous. Tail, on the upper parts, brown, lighter
beneath, tipped with dirty white, and with about twelve ir-
regular transverse bars of pale rufous, white at base above
and below. Under parts generally, with the exception of
the under wing-coverts, — which are rufous — and the tips
of the quills — which are dark brown, — pale buff, becom-
ing almost white on the under tail-coverts, with a few
scattering sagittate and cordate spots of reddish brown on
the breast and sides. Stripes running from the gape down
the side of the neck, and a narrow one on the chin and
upper part of the throat brown. There is a pale buff
superciliary stripe. Lores dusky mixed with white ; tibise
pale rufous, unspotted; tarsi long and slender, entirely
naked behind, feathered down about an inch in front.
There are thirteen transverse scales in front, and sixteen
behind. The scales end abruptly in front and behind, on
the lower part of the tarsi, also on the upper part in front;
but behind they run greatly into smaller quinquangular
scales ; feet not very strong ; claws much curved, and
proportionate to the size of the feet.

Measurement of B. lineatus.

Locality.

Date.

Length (about).

Stretch.

Wing.

Tail.

Bill.

Tarsus.

Middle Toe and Claw.

Middle Claw alone.

Hind Toe and Claw.

Hind Claw alone.

Cambridge

1866,
Nov. 17

22.00

—

14.75

9.50

0.90

2.75

1.90

0.75

2.10

!

! 0.96

The specimen was shot among a thick growth of small
pines, beeches, etc., in a swampy place.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

137

156. Buteo Pennsylvanicus, Bon. — Broad-winged
Buzzard^ Broad-winged Hawk,” Hen-Hawk.” Hot very
common. I have never seen it in winter. Perhaps breeds.

157. Archibuteo lagopus, Gray. — Rough-legged
HaivTc. Bare winter visitor. Bather sluggish in its habits.

158. Archibuteo Sancti-Johannis, Gray. — Black
Hawk. A magnificent specimen of this handsome Hawk
was sent to me by Mr. J. F. Le Baron, of Ipswich; it
was killed while flying over the marshes. This is the
only instance that I can record of its capture in this sec-
tion.

159. Circus Hudsonicns, Yieill. — Marsh Hawk.
Common summer resident. Breeds, nesting on the ground.

160. Cathartes aura, Illig. — Turkey Vulture^ ^‘Tur-
key Buzzard.” Accidental. Two specimens shot in the
State in 1863.” A gentleman who is perfectly familiar
with the appearance of this bird informs me that he saw a
specimen flying over the meadows at Waltham in August,
1867.

161. Cathartes atratus, Les. — Black ^^Black-

headed Buzzard.” Accidental. ^^One was obtained at
Swampscott, in November, 1850. Another was taken
the past season (September 28), at Gloucester, by Mr.
William Huntsford.” *

COLUMBIDiE, — The Pigeons.

162. Ectopistes migratorius, Swain. — Wild Pigeon.
Still common in localities, but growing less so every year.
Generally seen in autumn ; but a few winter.

163. Zenssdura Carolinensis, Bon. — Dove, Tur-
tle Dove,” ‘^Carolina Dove.” Hot uncommon. Breeds
commonly at Cape Cod, early in the season.

^ J. A. AUen, “ Proceediags of the Essex Institute,’* IV. 1864, p. 81.

138

TOE NATUKALIST’S GUIDE.

TETRAONID^, — The Gkousb.

164. Tetrao Canadensis, Linn. — Spruce Partridge.
Accidental. Found in the hemlock woods of Gloucester,
in September, 1851.”^

165. Bonasa umbellus, Steph. — Ruffed Grouse^
Partridge.” Common in the wilder sections ; but from

the persecutions of sportsmen rapidly becoming extinct.
In localities where ten or fifteen years ago they were abun-
dant not one can be found to-day. Nests on the ground
in moist woods.

166. Cupidonia cupido, Baird. — Pinnated Grouse^
Prairie Hen.” Said once to have been common in Massa-
chusetts, but now has become extinct on the main-land;
still may be found in small numbers on the islands of
Martha’s Vineyard and Naushon.

PERDICIDiE, — The Partridges.

167. Ortyx virginiana, Bon. — Quail. Resident; com-
mon in localities, but rapidly becoming extinct. Breeds,
nesting on the ground.

CHARADRIIDiE, — The Plovers.

168. Charadrius Virginicus, Borck. — Golden Plover^
Green Plover,” Three-toed Plover,” Black-back,”
Pale-bellied Plover,” Frost-Bird.” Common spring and

autumn migrant. Frequents the hills near the sea-shore.

169. .^gialitis vociferus, Cass. — Killdeer Plover.
Rather rare summer resident. Said to have been common
years ago in localities.

S. Jillson, “Proceedings of the Essex Institute,” I. p. 224.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

139

170. ^gialitis semipalmatus, Cab. — Emg Plover.
Hing-Neck,” Ox-eye.” Abundant on the shore during

the migrations.

171. .ffigialitis melodus, Cab. — Piping Plover^
Eing-Neck.” Common summer resident. Breeds abun-
dantly in June on the sandy shores.

The Wilson’s Plover, King-Neck ” {Mgialitis Wilsonius,
Cass.). Said to occur; I have yet to meet with it.

172. Sqnatarola helvetica, Cuvier. ^ — Blach-helUed
Plover, “Beetle-head,” “Bull-head.” Generally abundant
during the migrations, but sometimes not even common.

H^MATOPODIDiE, — Oyster-Catchers.

173. Hasmatopus palliatus, Temm. — Oyster-Catcher.
Accidental ; but one or two instances of its capture on
record.

174. Strepsilas interpres, Illig. — Turnstone, “Chick-
en Bird,” “Red-legged Plover,” “Black-heart,” “Brant-
Bird.” Rather common on the coast during the migrations.
Frequents rocky shores.

SCOLOPACID^, — The Snipes.

175. Philohela minor, Linn. — Woodcoch. Common
summer resident. Arrives early in April. Breeds, nesting
on the ground.

176. Gallinago Wilsonii, Bon.- — Snipe, “English
Snipe.” Common during the migrations. Arrives early
in April ; by November 30th they have all passed Massa-
chusetts on their southern migrations.

177. Macrorhamphus griseus, Leach.— Red-hreasted
Snipe, “ Robin Snipe,” “Brown-back,” “Dowitcher.” Not
uncommon during the migrations.

140

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

178. Calidris arenaria, Illig. — Sanderling, ^^Shore-
Bird/’ Beach-Bird.” Abundant on the sandy shores and
beaches during the migrations.

179. Tringa canutus, Linn. — Knot, ‘^Gray-back.”
Common spring and autumn migrant.

180. Arquatella maritima, Baird. — Purple Sand-
piper, ‘‘Bock Snipe.” Never very common. Found on
the coast during spring and autumn.

181. Ancylocheilns subarquatus, Kaup. — Curlew
Sandpiper. — Accidental, or very rare. A few specimens
taken on our coast.

182. Pelidna Americana, CouES. — American Dunlin,
“ Bed-back.” Abundant spring and autumn migrant. Have
taken it late in November. I do not think it winters.

On June 18, 1868, I saw and shot several specimens of
this Sandpiper about the fresh- water ponds on Ipswich
beach ; they were fat, and, upon dissecting, the females
did not exhibit any signs of breeding ; they were evidently
the young of the preceding year.

183. Actodromas maculata, Cass. — Pectoral Sand-
piper, “Jacksnipe,” “ Grass- Bird,” “Fat-Bird.” Common
during the migrations. Frequents the marshes.

184. Actodromas mirmtilla, Coues. — Least Sand-
piper, “ Peep.” Abundant during the migrations:

185. Actodromas Bonapartii, Cass. — Bonapartds
Sandpiper, “ White-rumped Sandpiper,” “Grass-Bird.”
Abundant during the migrations. Frequents the marshes.

186. Ereunetes pnsillns, Cass. — Semipalmated Sand-
piper, Abundant during the migrations. June 18,

1868, they were found in company with P. Americana, at
Ipswich, and were in the same condition.

187. Micropalama himantopns, Baird. — ■ Stilt
Sandpiper. Yery rare. A single specimen captured in au-
tumn by Mr. W. Brewster, at Bye Beach, New Hampshire.*

* Mr. Brewster informs me that he took another at the same place
in the last week in Angnst, 1869.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

141

188. Symphemia semipalmata, Hartl. — Willet,

Stone Curlew,” “Humility.” Rather rare summer resi-
dent. Frequents sandy shores. Has a loud note of
alarm, which startles every bird on the shore within hear-
ing. I have seen large numbers of this species perched on
dead mangrove-trees in Florida.

189. Gambetta melanoleuca, Bon. — Telltale,
“Stone Snipe,” “Winter Yellow-Legs,” “Greater Tatler.”
Common during the migrations. Arrives from the north
early in August.

190. Gambetta flavipes, Bon. — Yellow-Legs, “ Sum-
mer Yellow-Legs,” “Lesser Tatler.” Summer resident;
common during the migrations. I have seen it at Ips-
wich on the marshes throughout the summer. Perhaps
breeds.

191. Rhyacophilus solitarius, Baird. — Solitary
Sandpiper, “ Steelyard Bird.” Not very common during
the migrations. Remains late in the autumn. On October
31, 1869, when the ponds were partly frozen over, I shot
a specimen in Errol, New Hampshire; it was much emaci-
ated, but apparently well and lively. Although the birds
have been seen in summer, yet no case of their actually
breeding is recorded ; probably this is a case parallel with
those quoted above (P. Americana and E, pusilliis).

192. Tringoides macnlarins, Bon. — Spotted Sand-
piper, “ Tip-up,” “ Teter-tail.” Common summer resident
both on the shore and in the interior. Arrives from May
1st to 8th ; leaves in September. Breeds, nesting, in the
interior, on the edge of a rye-field, or near ploughed land ;
on the coast, in the sand or among the rocks.

193. Actitnrus Bartramins, Bon. — Bartram's Sand-
piper, “Field Plover,” “Hill-Bird,” “Upland Plover,”
“ Gray Plover.” Not an uncommon summer resident ;
quite common during the migrations. Frequents the dry
fields, where it breeds. Arrives about the last of April.

142

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

194. Tryngites rufescens, Cab. — Buff-hreasted Sand
piper, ^‘Little Plover.” Pare spring and autumn migrant;
found on the sandy shores.

195. Limosa fedoa, Ord. — Marhled Godwit, ^^Brant-
Bird,” Badger-Bird.” Bare during the migrations. Mr.
H. B. Farley informs me that he shot a specimen at
Ipswich on July 17, 1869. Winters in large numbers in
Florida, and I was assured, upon good authority, that it
remained during the summer, but the nest has never been
found ! How they propagated was a mystery to those un-
acquainted with its northern migration.

196. Limosa Hudsonica, Swain. — Hudsonian God-'
wit, Goose-Bird,” ‘‘ Black-tail,” ‘‘ Spot-neck.” Very rare
during the migrations.

197. Numenius longirostris, Wins. — Long-hilled
Curleio, Sickle-bill.” Not uncommon during the migra-
tions, but very shy ; but few shot on this account.

198. Numenius Hudsonicus, Lath. — Hudsonian
Curlew, Dough-Bird,” Jack Curlew.” Very rare on the
migrations.

199. Numenius borealis. Lath. — Esquimaux Cur-
lew, Flute.” Not uncommon during the migrations. The

Dough-Bird ” of gunners. Very fat in autumn.

PHALABOPODIDiE, — The Phalaropes.

200. Steganopus Wilsonii, Coues. — Wilson's Pha-
larope. Accidental on the coast. Audubon appears to be
the only one who records it from this section.

201. Phalaropus fulioarius. Bon. — Fhalarope,
Occasional during the migrations along the coast.

202. Lobipes hyperboreus, Qm. — Northern Phala-
rope. Not common during the migrations.

While migrating, the Phalaropes generally keep off the
coast.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

143

RECURYIEOSTRIDiE, — The Avosets and Stilts.

The American Avoset {Recurvirostra Americana^ Gm.)
may perhaps occur ; no well-authenticated instance of its
capture in the State is on record.

203. Himantopns nigricolliS; Yieill. — Black-necked
Stilts Lawyer.” Occasionally seen along the sandy beaches.

Of this fact I am assured by gunners and others, who
have noticed it on account of its peculiarities, and ironi-
cally named it ‘‘ Humility.”

ARDEIDtE, — The Herons.

204. Ardea herodias, Linn. — Great Blue Heron^
“ Crane.” Common summer resident. Probably breeds.

205. Herodias egretta, Gray. — Great White Egret
Accidental. Two specimens in the Museum of Compara-
tive Zoology, taken at or near Hudson, by Mr. S. Jillson,
in the autumn of 1867 ; one or two other instances on
record of its capture in this section.

A magnificent mature specimen is in the fine collection
of Mr. N. Yickery, which was shot at Lynn, near the rail-
road station.

206. Garzetta candidissima, Bon. — Snowy Heron^
or Little White Egret Entirely accidental. ^‘Have- seen
one that was killed near Boston in 1862.” One other
instance of its capture is on record. This and the preced-
ing are stragglers from the south.

207. Florida caerulea, Baird. — Little Blue Heron.
Rare summer visitor. I have met with it but twice in
this section. A few other instances of its capture are on
record.

* J. A. Allen, “ Proceedings of the Essex Institute,’" IV 1^64. p. 86.

144

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

208. Ardetta exiliS; Gray. — Least Bittern, Very
rare in summer. Mr. William Brewster has a specimen in
his cabinet, taken on the Fresh Pond marshes in Belmont,
August 11, 1868.

209. Botaurus lentiginosus, Steph. — Bittern,
Meadow Hen,” ‘‘ Indian Hen,” Dunkadoo.” Common

summer resident. Breeds, nesting in inaccessible places
in swamps and fresh marshes. Arrives early in April;
leaves in October. This species is rare on the sea-shore.

210. Bntorides virescens, Bon. — Green Heron,”
Mud-Hen,” Poke,” Chalk-line.” Common summer

resident. Breeds, nesting in thickets and thick woods,
but more commonly on the sea-shore than in the interior.

211. Nyctiardea Gardenii, Baird. — Night Heron,
Qua-Bird,” “ Squak,” “ Gobly-gossit.” Common summer

resident, breeding abundantly in communities, both on
the coast and in the interior. The young, when able to
fly, congregate on the sea-shore. Although nocturnal in
habit, it sees well by day. Arrives early in April ; leaves
in October.

As substantiating the hypothesis concerning the luminous-
ness of the peculiar spot on the breast of this Heron, I give
the following, as related to me by Mrs. H. B. Farley, of
Ipswich. I may state that Mrs. Farley, until after she had
related the story, had no knowledge of any particular in-
terest being attached to the fact she had discovered ; for
this reason she was an unbiased observer, which gives the
discovery additional importance.

Three or four years ago I was sitting on the banks of
Ipswich Biver, just at twilight, waiting for my brother to
come for me in a boat to convey me home. I was keeping
very quiet, when I saw a Heron alight within a few feet
of me, on the edge of the water. He was joined by others,
until there were about a dozen, then I observed that every
one of them had a luminous spot on its breast. This

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS,

145

spot was not very bright, but, as it was quite dark by
this time, 'plainly perceptible. They presented a peculiar
appearance as they walked about, and I watched them
with interest for some time. This singular light sur-
prised me much, as I had never heard of anything like it
before.”

It was in the autumn when Mrs. Farley observed this
striking and interesting phenomenono

212. Nyctherodius violaceus, Eeich, — Yellow-
crowned Night Heron. — Mr. Vickery informs me that he
shot a specimen in Lynn in 1865. The bird was flying
over his head at the time.

213. Falcinellus Ordii, Bon. — Glossy Ibis. Acci-
dental or occasional Nuttall records one or two instances
of its capture ; Cabot, one or two ; none recently, however.
Mr. Vickery also informs me that he has seen a specimen
of this fine bird, that was taken, fifteen years ago, at or
near Staftbrd Eidge, New Hampshire.

EALLIDiF, — The Eails.

214. Rallns crepitans, Qw, — Clapper Rail^ Salt-
marsh Hen.” Accidental. Mr. J. F. Le Baron informed me
that he shot a specimen, some years ago, at Ipswich. Also
one taken by Mr. S. J. Cabot.

215. Rallns Virginianus, Linn. — Virginia Rail,
Common summer resident. Frequents the bushy swamps.
Breeds early, nesting on some tussock. Have seen the
young running about by the first of J une.

216. Porzana Carolina, Vieill. — Carolina Rail^

Sora Eail,” ‘^Ortolan.” Common summer resident. Fre-
quents the wet, open meadows, where it breeds. Both of
these species are much more common than most collectors
or sportsmen are aware of. 1 have been in a swamp where

7 J

146

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

there were literally thousands of them, yet I was unable to
start more than two or three ! Indeed, without a good
dog, trained for the purpose, it is impossible to secure any
number. They leave early for the south.

217. Porzana noveboracensis, Cass. — Yellow Rail
Very rare during the migrations. Perhaps a few breed.
On September 8, 1868, my young friend, Frank P. Jackson,
was walking with me in the dusk of evening, through a
squash-field, on high land^ when he started up and shot a
specimen. There was a meadow twenty or thirty rods
away at the foot of the hill. It is a female, and differs
from any I have ever seen, having a broad white edging
to the secondaries ; so broad and prominent is this edging,
that it gave the bird the appearance of having white wings
while flying, in the imperfect light in which it was shot.

218. Fnlica Americana, Cm. — Coot, ^‘Mud-Hen.”
Summer resident. Perhaps breeds. Generally seen dur-
ing the migrations. Frequents the weedy edges of ponds
and rivers.

219. Gallinula galeata, Bon. — Common Gallinule,
Florida Gallinule. Accidental. A specimen taken on the
Concord Fiver marshes, in the fall of 1867, by Mr. T.
Dewing. The Florida Gallinule probably breeds in the
Fresh Pond marshes, as I shot a young bird on October 9,
1868, and saw another.”^

220. Gallinula martinica, Lath. — Purple Gallinule.
Like the preceding. Accidental. A few specimens have
been taken in the State.

ANATIDiF, — The Swans, Geese, Ducks, etc.

221. Cygnus Americanus, Sharpless. — Swan. Very
rare in winter, Mr. J. F. Le Baron informs me that in

^ MS. Notes of Mr. W. Brewster.

BIKDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

147

former years this bird was occasionally seen at Ipswich ; but
of late years it has not made its appearance.

The Snow Goose [Anser hyperboreus, Pallas) perhaps oc-
curs rarely in winter.

The White-fronted Goose {Anser Gamhelii, Hartl.), like
the preceding, perhaps rarely occurs in the State.

The Barnacle Goose {Bernida leucopsis). This European
species has been attributed to this coast, but apparently
upon insufficient evidence. It may, however, occur, as it
has recently been detected and taken near the southern end
of Hudson’s Bay."^

222. Bemicla brenta, Steph. — Brant Common
spring and autumn migrant on the coast.

The Hutchin’s Goose {Bernida Hutdiinsi% Bon.) perhaps
occurs rarely during the migrations, as it has been taken in
Connecticut.

223. Bernida canadensis, Boie. — Wild Goose,
Abundant spring and autumn migrant.

224. Anas boschas, Linn. — Mallard, Bare spring
and autumn migrant.

225. Anas obscura, Gm. — Black Buck, Abundant
winter resident. A few breed.

226. Dafila acuta, Jenyns. — Pin-tail^ Sprig-tail,”
Pile-start.” Bare winter resident along the coast.

227. Hettion — Green-winged

Teal. Common during the migrations.

228. Nettion crecca, Kaup. — English Teal. Strag-
gling from Europe ; entirely accidental. Has been taken
in the State by Dr. H. Bryant.” f

229. Spatula clypeata, Boie. — Shoveller^ ^^Spoon-
billed ” Duck. Bare in spring and autumn.

230. Querquedula discors, Steph. — Blue-winged
Teal. Common spring and autumn migrant.

* Professor S. F. Baird, in “ American Naturalist,” II. 1868, p. 49.
t J. A. Allen, “ Proceedings of the Essex Institute,” IV. 1864, p. 88.

148

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

231. Chaulelasmus streperus, Gray. — Gadwall,
Gray Duck.” Rare in spring and autumn.

232. Mareca Penelope, Bon. — European Widgeon.
Straggler from Europe. Mr. Samuels says it has been
taken in the State.

233. Mareca Americana, Steph. — American Widgeon.
Baldpate.” 'Not uncommon during the migrations.

234. Aix sponsa, Swain. — Wood Buch. Common
summer resident.

235. Fulix marila, Baird. — Scaup Buch, '^Black-
head, " Blue-bill.” Not common on the migrations.

236. Fulix affinis, Baird. — Little Black-head. Rare
during the migrations.

237. Fulix COllaris, Baird. — Ring-necked Buch
Rare in spring and autumn. This and the three pre-
ceding frequent the ponds and rivers of the interior.

238. Aythya Americana, Bon. — Red-head. Rare
in autumn.

239. Aythya vallisneria. Bon. — Canvas-back. Rare
in autumn. Plentiful in Boston markets, but brought
from farther south.

240. Bucephala Americana, Baird. — Golden-Eye,
" Whistler.” Common during winter. Exceedingly shy.

241. Bucephala albeola, Baird. Buffle-head, " But-
ter-ball,” " Dipper.” Not uncommon in autumn and winter.

242. Histrionicus torquatus. Bon. — Harlequin
Buck, " Lord.” Yery rare during winter.

243. Harelda glacialis, Leach. — Long-tailed Buck,
" Old Wife,” " Old Squaw,” " South Southerly.” Abun-
dant spring and autumn migrant ; some winter.

244. Camptolasmus Labradorius, Gray. — Labra-
dor Buck. Rare during winter.

245. Melanetta velvetina, Baird. — Velvet Buck,
" White-winged Coot,” " Butter-bill.” Common during win-
ter on the coast. .

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

149

246. Pelionetta perspicillata, Kaup. — Surf -Buck,

Coot.” Common during autumn and winter.

247. CEdemia Americana, Swain. — Scoter, Gray-

winged Coot.” Abundant during autumn; common in
winter.^

248. Somateria mollissima, Leach. — Eider-Buck,
Common during spring and autumn, also on the south
shore in winter.

249. Somateria spectabilis, Leach. — King Eider,
Eare in winter.

250. Erismatura rubida, Bon. — Ruddy Buck, Loo-

by,” Dumb-Bird.” Common during the migration in
spring and autumn. Seen on ponds in the interior.

251. Mergus Americanus, Cass. — Sheldrake, ‘'Goose-
ander,” Fish Duck.” Common during the migrations.
Seen on ponds in the interior.

252. Mergus serrator, Linn. — Red-hreasted Mergan-
ser, Sheldrake,” “ Wheaser.” Abundant during the mi-
grations.

253. Lophodytes cucullatus, Eeich. —Hooded Mer-
ganser, Water-Pheasant.” Not common during the mi-
grations. Abundant in Florida in winter.

P^ELECANIDtE, — The Pelicans.

254. Pelecanus fuscus, Linn.I — Brown Pelican, Mr.
J. F. Le Baron is confident of having seen two of this
species at Ipswich some years ago.

255. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus, Gm. — White
Pelican, Mr. Allen informs me that a specimen was re-
cently taken at Brant Point, Nantucket.

* Mr. E. C. Greenwood informs me that this, with the two preceding
species, is sometimes seen in summer.

t Erroneously given by Mr. Allen as the succeeding species, “ Ameri-
can Naturalist,” HI. p. 640.

150

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

SULID^, — The Gannets.

256. Sula bassana, Ross. — Gannet, Haglett.” Com-
mon in winter off the coast.

257. Sula fiber, Linn. — - Booby, Given as rare in
Essex County, some years ago, by Mr. Putnam ; no record
of its capture recently.

GRACULIDiE, — The Cormorants.

258. Graculus dilophus, Gray. — Double-crested Cor-
morant, Shag.’^ Not uncommon off the coast in winter.

259. Graculus carbo, Gray. — Common Cormorant^
‘‘Shag.” Common off the coast in autumn and winter.

LARIDiE, — The Gulls, Terns, etc.

260. Buphagus Skua, Coues. — STaia Gull, Said
to be rare on the coast ; perhaps doubtful.

261. Stercorarius pomarinus, Temm. — Pomarine
Skua or Jdger, Not uncommon along the coast in autumn
and winter.

262. Stercorarius parasiticus, Arctic Jdger.

Rare in winter off the coast.

263. Stercorarius BufFonii, Coues. — Long-tailed
Jdger, “ Marlinspike.” Not uncommon off the coast in
winter.

264. Larus marinus, Linn. — Great Black-backed Gull,
“Saddle-back,” “Coffin-carrier.” Common during winter.

265. Larus glaucus, Brunn. — Glaucous Gull, Icq
Gull.” Rare in winter.

266. Larus leucopterus, Faber. — White-winged Gull,
Not common in winter.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

151

267. Larus argentatus, Brunn. — Herring Gull
Common resident ; more abundant in autumn and winter.
Does not now breed anywhere in the State, although it did
formerly ; those remaining in summer are mostly immature
birds.

268. Larns Delawarensis, Orb. ^ — Ring-hilled Gull
Not uncommon along the coast in winter.

The Hut chin’s Gull {Larus Hutchinsii, Eichardson). A
specimen taken in Salem harbor, 1856, in the museum of
the Peabody Academy of Science, labelled by Dr. Coues
as above ; it, however, looks very like an albino ; perhaps
L. argentatus.

269. Chrcecocephalus atricilla, Leach. — Laughing
Gull Not uncommon along the whole coast. Have found
it breeding at Muskegat Island, south of the main-land, and
near Nantucket. I should judge that there were a dozen
pairs breeding. Does not breed elsewLere on the coast.
Have seen an egg and bird taken at Tenant’s Harbor,
Maine, by Mr. L. L. Thaxter, of Newton. I have seen the
bird late in November at Ipswich.

270. Chrcecocephalus Philadelphia, Leach. —
Bonaparte's Gull Common in autumn and spring, a few
winter.

271. Rissa tridactyla, Bon. — Kittiivahe. Common
in autumn and winter.

The Marsh Tern {Gelochelidon Anglica, Bon.) is said to
occur ; if it does, I have yet to meet with it.

272. Thalasseus ' Caspius, Boi. — Caspian Tern.
Bare in winter. I have seen it upon one or two occa-
sions ; have also seen it in New York harbor in Decem-
ber.

273. Thalasseus acuflavida, Cabot. — Cabot's Tern,
Sandiuich Tern. Mr. Yickery has a fine specimen of this
bird in his cabinet, that he took at Cape Cod in the au-
tumn of 1866. He also saw another. This specimen is

152

THE NATUKALIST’S GUIDE.

in immature plumage. Its usual habitat is from Texas to
Florida and the West Indies.

274. Sterna hirundo, Linn. — Wilson^ s Tern. Abun-
dant on the coast in summer. Breeds abundantly on the
sandy beaches and islands. This species, and also S. ma-
croura^ are called, by popular writers, Seamews.” They
are also called Tide Gulls” and ‘‘Meous.”

275. Sterna macroura, Naum. — Arctic Tern. Abun-
dant summer resident. I do not think it winters. Breeds
abundantly along the shore. Found it at Muskegat, breed-
ing apart from the other species. There is no difference
in the note between this and S. hirundo.

The descriptions heretofore given of this bird have been
meagre, and in many cases erroneous, tending to produce
doubt as to its validity as a species. But as the specific
characters are well defined, and certain of them so constant
as fully to establish its claim as a species, I purpose to
give here a full description of it, with a table of measure-
ments.

Sterna macroura, Naum. — Arctic Tern, Red-hilled Tern.

Sterna macroura.

u

macrura.

u

macroura

Sterna arctea

u

((

it

u

(4

(t

((

u

n

u

Naum., Isis. 1819, 1847.

Lawr., Birds N. Am. 1858, p. 862.

CouEs, Proceedings Phil. Acad. N. S., Dec., 1862,
p. 549.

“Temm , Mar. d’Om., II., 1820, p. 742.”

Bon., Syn. 1828, No 287, p. 354.

Sw. «Sc Eich., F B a., II., 1831, p. 414.

Nutt., Man., II., 1834, p. 275.

Aud., Orn. Biog , III., 1835, p. 296. — Ib. Birds
Am. VII. 1844, p. 107; PI. CCCCXXIV.^

Dr H. Bryant, Pro. Boston Soc. of Nat. Hist. VI,
1858, p. 120.

Sp. Ch. — Adult. Bill slender, slightly curved ; color,
bright carmine. Top of head and hind neck, black. Neck,
back, wing-coverts, scapularies, secondaries, breast, and

^ Figures S. hirundo with black tip to bill.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

153

sides, a beautiful pearl gray, except the inner edge of
the secondaries, with their tips, and those of the scapu-
laries, which are white. Quills, with the upper parts gray,
dusky towards the tips, with the outer web of the outer
feather, and a narrow basal line along the inner web of
the terminal portion of each feather, black. Basal portion
and shaft of each feather, together with the margins of
the inner webs and whole under surface of the wing, white.
Rump, upper tail-coverts, tail-feathers, abdomen, and un-
der tail-coverts, pure white, except the terminal portion
of the outer webs of the two outer tail-feathers on each
side, which are dusky. The chin, upper part of the throat,
and a line running from the base of the bill under the eye
to the occiput, also white ; the chin and throat are some-
times tinged with ashy. The under eyelids are black.
Feet, small ; tarsus, short. The transverse scales on the
tarsi and toes are very much ridged ; the . upper part
of the webs and under surface of the feet are covered
with small, granulous protuberances; both of these facts
give the feet a peculiar appearance. Color, bright ver-
milion.

Young. — The young-of-the-year, the ensuing spring,
differs from this in having the bill longer thicker, and more
curved, with a small part of the basal and a spot near
the tip of the upper mandible dusky; the bill is not so
intense in color. There are a few white feathers near the
base of the bill in the black of the head. The upper parts
generally, with the exceptions of the wing-coverts, which
are darker, are lighter. The outer webs of all the tail-
feathers are dusky. The under parts are paler. The feet
are not so intense in color.

Young-of-the-year in autumn^ differs from the preceding

* This stage of plumage has been before unknown to authors, at which
I am somewhat surprised. The specimens that I am describing were shot
with the old, who exhibited considerable solicitude.

7*

Measurements of S. macroura

154

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE,

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

155

156

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

in having the forehead quite white ; a few white feathers on
the back of the head ; the black is not quite as intense, or
more brownish. The feathers of the back are edged with
rufous. The shoulders are darker. The tail is not as
deeply forked, and the tips of the feathers are rufous. The
-whole under parts are pure white. The white line from
the base of the bill is discontinued just in front of the eye,
and the portion occupied by it is quite dusky ^ almost black !
The feet are dull orange. The bill is black, with the base
of the lower mandible orange.

The S. hirundo differs from this species, in the adult stage,
in having the beak longer and more curved, with the color
bright orange, and the terminal portion always black.
The pearl gray of the upper and under parts is never as
deep, while the lower part of the back is always quite pale,
so that the white of the rump is not as abrupt in its com-
mencement. The throat and chin are always white, with-
out the ashy tinge. The feet are larger, the tarsi much
longer. The tarsi also lack the ridged transverse scales ;
they are smoother; the webs are also smooth; the color
is pale orange, never approaching the carmine of the
other.

In the next stage there is more white on the head of
S. hirundo ; the bill is almost black ; the rump tinged with
ashy.

Young-of-the-year birds are readily distinguished by the
rump of hirundo being ashy, the feet larger, the tarsi longer
with a smoother appearance. The bill is much the same
color, but in hirundo it is longer. It never has the dusky
appearance below the eye seen in macroura,

276. Sterna paradisea. — Roseate Tern, This, with
the two preceding species, is called the Mackerel Gull ”
on the more northern sections of the coast, while on the
south shore the two preceding are called ''Te-arrs,” from the
note ; this species is called “ Hoyt ” for the same reason.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

157

Common at Ipswich in autumn. Abundant on the south
shore during the breeding-season. Breeds on Muskegat
Island abundantly j generally building a nest of sticks in a
hollow among the Sand-hills.

277. Sterna Antillarum, Coues. — Least Tern,
‘‘Jack-knife Gull.” Not as common as the preceding.
Breeds later, not until July; lays from one to four eggs.
Have found a few breeding at Ipswich. Also breeds on
Nantucket.

Forster’s Tern (Sterna Forsteri% Nutt). This species
appears to differ from hirundo in having the outer web of
the outer tail-feather white, I have never met with it.

278. Hydrochelidon fissipes, Gkay. — Short-tailed
Tern, Bare in autumn. Mr. J. F. Le Baron shot a speci-
men at Ipswich, August II, and saw another.

279. Haliplana fuliginosa, Wage. — Sooty Tern,
Mr. Samuels says he “ found it breeding on Muskegat
Island.” I think it occurs rarely.

PBOCELLARIDtF, — The Petrels.

280. Pufiinus major, Faber. — Greater Shearwater.
Not uncommon off the coast in winter.

281. PuHinus Anglorum, *Temm. — Shear-

water, Bare off the coast in winter.

282. Pufiinus fuliginosus, Strickl. — Sooty Shear-
water, Common off the coast during spring, autumn, and
winter.

283. Procellaria pelagica, — Stormy Petrel,
Bare off the coast.

284. Oceanites oceanica, Coues. — Wilson’s Petrel,
Common off the coast.

285. Cymochorea leucorrhoa, Coues. — LeacNs
Petrel, Abundant off the coast. This and the two pre-

158

THE NATURALIST’S GUIDE.

ceding are the Mother Carey’s Chickens ” of sailors and
others. On September 9, 1869, after a gale, a specimen
was shot on Charles Hiver, twelve miles from the sea I

COLYMBID^, — The Divers and Loons.

286. Colymbus torquatus, Brunn. — Great North-
ern Diver ^ “ Loon.” Common in autumn, winter, and spring.
Breeds in western Massachusetts \ I do not think it does
in this section.

287. Colymbus arcticus, Linn. — Black-throated
Loon, or Diver. Very rare during winter.

288. Colymbus septentrionalis, Linn. — Red-
throated Loon, or Diver. The most common of all the
species during the winter and autumn, called everywhere
‘^Cape Kace,” or ^‘Scapegrace,” by gunners.

PODICIPIDiE, — The Grebes.

289. Podiceps Holbollii, Beinhardt. — Red-necked
Grebe, “ Dipper Duck.” Common during the migrations.

290. Podiceps cristatus, Lath. — Crested Grebe.
Common during autumn* and winter.

291. Podiceps cornutus, Lath. — Horned Grebe. Com-
mon during autumn and winter. This and the two pre-
ceding frequent the salt water exclusively. Are seldom
met with in full plumage. Called by gunners “ Devil
Divers ” and “ Water Witches,” on account of their diving
to elude the shot ; their power of diving and remaining
under water a long time is certainly marvellous.

292. Podilymbus podiceps, Lawr. — Dabchick,
Dipper Duck.” Common during the migrations j fre-
quents the fresh waters.

BIRDS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS,

159

ALCID^, ^ — The Auks and Guillemots.

The Great Auk (A lea impennis, Linn.) must have been
quite common many years ago on the coast north of Cape
Ann. In the autumn of 1867, and in company with Mr.
Allen in June, 1868, I found in the shell-heaps on the
Ipswich Sand-hills, numerous bones of this now extinct
bird j probably dropped there by the Indians,* who must
have killed them with their arrows, or other primitive
weapons, for food.

293. Utamania torda, Leach. — Razor-billed Auhy
“ Tinker.’’ Common in winter off the coast.

294. Fratercula arctic.a, Illig. — Puffin, “ Sea Par-
rot.” Not uncommon in winter off the coast.

295. Uria grylle, Lath. — Black Guillemot, Sea
Pigeon.” Common in winter.

296. Lomvia troille, Brandt. — Foolish Guillemot,

Murre.” Common off the coast in winter.

297. Lomvia ringvia, Brandt. — Murre, Not uncom-
mon in winter off the coast.

298. Lomvia Svarbag, Q>o\^m, — Brunnich!s Guille-
mot, Thick-hilled Gidllemot. Common off the coast in
winter.

299. Mergulus alle, Yiei-ll. — Sea Dove, ^^Doveke,”

Little Auk.” Common winter resident. I have seen it

on Indian Biver, Florida.

^ See account of Ipswich Sand-hills, pp. 54, 55.

APPENDIX

The whole number of birds belonging to the fauna of
eastern Massachusetts is two hundred and ninety-nine,^
as will be seen by the Catalogue. Of these twelve have
been recently added, viz. : the Varied Thrush {Turdm
ncevius), the Tennessee Warbler {Helminthophaga pere-
grina), the Baird’s Sparrow {Centronyx Bairdii), the Gray
King-Bird (Tyrannus Dominicensis), the Yellow-headed
Blackbird [Xanthocephalus icterocephalus), the Barn Owl
(^Strix pratincola), the Hawk Owl {Surnia ulula), the Stilt
Sandpiper {Micropalama himantopus), the Yellow-crowned
Night Heron {Nyctherodius violaceus), the Sandwich Tern
{Sterna cantiaca)^ the White Pelican {Pelecanus erythro-
rhynchus), and the Brown Pelican {Pelecanus fuscus).

In the following tables may be found a classification of

* The whole number of species given by Mr. J. A. Allen, in the “ Pro-
ceedings of the Essex Institute,” Vol. IV. No. 2, August, 1864, as occurring
in the State, was two hundred and ninety-six. Of these, three have not
been found in eastern Massachusetts, viz. : Helminthophaga celaia, Em-
pidonax Acadicus^ and Centurus Carolinus. Those given upon doubtful or
insufficient evidence as birds of eastern Massachusetts, which are not in-
cluded in the present list, are nine, viz.: Earns Hudsonicus^ Cardinalis
Virginianus^ jEgialitls Wilsonius^ Anser hyperboreus^ Anser Gambdii^ Ber-
nida Euichinsii, Bernida leucopsis^ Procellaria glacialis^ and Sterna ara-
nea. Sixteen species are added in Mr. Allen’s supplement (“American
Naturalist,” Vol. III., pp. 505-519, 568-585, 631 -648, 1869), after ex-
punging four species from the previous list, — increasing his catalogue to
three hundred and eight. Out of these, three are birds of western Massa-
chusetts, viz. : N auderus furcaius^ Seiurus Ludovidanus, and Serinus meri-
dionalis. Two of those given in his supplement as birds of eastern Massa-
chusetts are not included in the present Catalogue, viz.: Buteo Coqperi (not
included, for reasons given on page 135) and Carduelis elegans, which,
as Mr. Allen justly remarks, was probably an escaped cage-bird.

K

162

APPENDIX.

the birds of eastern Massachusetts, relative to their being
resident, migratory, or straggling species, etc. : —

EESIDENT SPECIES THAT BKEED.

1. Ampelis cedrorum.

16.

Falco columbarius.J

2. Anas obscura.*

17.

Ealco sparverius.$

3. Astragalinus tristis.t

18.

Melospiza melodia.J

4. Astur atricapillus.

19.

Nyctale Acadica.

5. Bonasa umbellus.

20.

Ortyx Yirginiana.

6. Brachyotus Cassinii.

21.

Otus Wilsonianus.

7. Bubo Yirginianus.

22.

Parus atricapillus. t

8. Buteo lineatus.

23.

Picus pubescens.

9. Buteo borealis.

24.

Picus villosus. t

10. Carpodacus purpureus.t

25.

Passer domestica.

1 1 . Certhia familiaris. *

26.

Scops asio.

12. Colaptes auratus.t

27.

Sturnella magna.J

13. Corvus Aniericanus.+

28.

Syrnium nebulosum.

14. Cupidonia cupido.

29.

Turdus migratorius. §

15. Cyanura cristata.t

^ The greater part go north in summer, and south in winter.

t Those marked in this manner are not resident individually ; that is,
those species that have passed the summer with us migrate to the south,
and others, who have passed the summer farther north, take their places.
See remarks on page 129 under the head of Picus villosus.

J Of these species but few remain in winter, the greater part pass south.

§ Sometimes not to be found all winter.

EESIDENT SPECIES THAT DO NOT BEEED.

1. Cymochorea leucorrhoa. 5. Oceanites oceanica.

2. Halisetus leucocephalus.* 6. (Edemia Americana.:^

3. Larus argentatus.t 7. Pelionetta perspicillata.f

4. Melanetta velvetina.J

* This eagle is quite frequently seen along our coast, even in summer,
but as it is not known to breed, and being a bird of strong flight, it is prob-
able that it is making daily excursions in search of food.

t Those that remain during the summer are generally immature birds,
probably the young of the previous year. See remarks on page 151, under
Larus argentatus.

I These three species are given upon the authority of Mr. E. C. Green-
wood, of Ipswich.

APPENDIX.

163

EEGULAE SUMMEE VISITANTS THAT BEEED.

1. Accipiter Cooperii.

2. Accipiter fuscus.

3. Actitnrus Bartramius.

4. iEgialitis melodus.

5. JEgialitis vocifems.

6. Agelseus phoeniceus.

7. Aix sponsa.

8. Ammodromus candacntus.

9. Antrostoimis vocifems.

10. Ardea herodias.

11. Botaurus lentiginosus.

12. Buteo Pennsylvanicus.

13. Butorides virescens.

14. Ceryle alcyon.

15. Ch{3etura pelasgia.

16. Chordeiles popetue.

17. Chroecoceplialus atricilla.

18. Circus Hudsonius.

19. Cistothorus palustris.

20. Cistothorus stellaris.

21. Coccygus Americanus.

22. Coccygus erythrophthalmus.

23. Contopus borealis.

24. Contopus virens.

25. Coturniculus Henslowi.

26. Coturniculus passerinus.

27. Cotyle riparia.

28. Cyanospiza cyanea.

29. Dendroeca sestiva.

30. Dendroeca discolor.

31. Dendroeca Pennsylvanica.

32. Dendroeca pina.

33. Dendroeca virens.

34. Dolichonyx oryzivorus.

35. Empidonax minimus.

36. Geotlilypis trichas.

37. Guiraca Ludoviciana.

38. Harporhynchus rufus.

39. Helminthophaga chrysoptera.

40. Helminthophaga ruficapilla.

41. Hirundo horreorum.

42. Icterus Baltimore.

43. Icterus spurius.*

44. Melospiza palustris.

45. Mimus Carolinensis.

46. Mniotilta varia.

47. Molothrus pecoris.

48. Myiarchiis crinitus.*

49. Nyctiardea Gardenii.

50. Parula Americana. +

51. Passerculus savanna.

52. Petrochelidon lunifrons.

53. Philohela minor.

54. Pipilo erythrophthalmus.

55. Pooecetes gramineus.

56. Porzana Carolina.

57. Progne subis.

58. Pyranga rubra.

59. Quiscalus versicolor.

60. Eallus Virginianus.

61. Sayornis fuscus.

62. Seiurus aurocapillus.

63. Setophaga ruticilla.

64. Sialia sialis.

65. Sitta Canadensis.t '

66. Sitta Carolinensis.

67. Spizella pusilla.

68. Spizella socialis.

69. Sterna Antilarum.

7 0. Sterna hirundo.

71. Sterna macroura.

72. Sterna paradisea.

73. Tachycineta bicolor.

74. Tringoides macularius.

75. Trochilus colubris.

76. Troglodytes aedon.

77. Turdus fuscescens.

78. Turdus mustelinus.

164

APPENDIX.

79. Turdus Pallasii.t 83. Yireo noveboracensis.

80. Tyranniis Carolinensis. 84. Vireo olivaceus.

81. Vireo flavifrons. 85. Yireo solitarius.+

82. Yireo gilvns. 86. Zensedura Carolinensis.

* These species breed only in small numbers. Massachusetts is about
their extreme northern limit,
t These breed sparsely ; the greater part go north.

EEGULAR SUMMER VISITORS THAT DO NOT BREED.*

1. Ereunetes pusillus. 3. Pelidna Americana.

2. Gambetta fiavipes.

* But few remain ; the greater part go north. See remarks upon page
140, under the head of the preceding names.

IRREGULAR SUMMER VISITORS OR STRAGGLERS THAT
HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO BREED.

1. Euspiza Americana. 2. Gallinula galeata

IRREGULAR SUMMER VISITORS OR STRAGGLERS THAT
NEVER HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO BREED.

1.

Ardetta exilis.

14.

2.

Argyria maculata.

15.

3.

Cathartes atratus.

16.

4.

Cathartes aura.

17.

5.

Chondestes grammacus.

18.

6.

Ealcinellus Ordii.

19.

7.

Florida ceerulea.

20.

8.

Gallinula martinica.

21.

9.

Garzetta candidissima.

22.

10.

Halipana fulignosa.

23.

11.

Herodias egretta.

24.

12.

Himantopus nigricollis.

25.

13.

Icteria viridis.

26.

Melanerpes erytbrocephalus.
Micropalama bimantopus.

Mimus polyglottus.
Nyctherodius violaceus.
Pelecanus fuscus.*

Pelecanus erytbrorhyncbus. *
Pyranga sestiva.

Rallus crepitans.

Symphemia semipalmata.

Strix pratincola.d
Thalasseus acuflavida.t
Tyrannus Dominicensis.
Xanthocephalus icterocephalus.*

* Generally immature specimens, commonly taken in early autumn,
t One specimen captured in autumn.

APPENDIX.

165

That so many of these stragglers have been recently
added to the catalogue must be attributed to the in-
creased numbers of observers, rather than to the increase
of specimens. Numerous instances like the preceding
have undoubtedly occurred in the past, but from the
scarcity of observers they have passed unnoticed, or at
least unrecorded.

KEGULAE SPRING AND AUTUMN MIGRANTS.

1. Actodromus Bonapartii.

2. Actodromus maculata.

3. Actodromus minutella.

4. ^gialitis semipalmatus.

5. Ammodromus maritimus.^

6. Anas boschas.

7. Anorthura hyemalis.

8. Anthus Ludovicianus.

9. Arquatella maritima.

10. Aythya Americana.

11. Aythya vallisneria.

12. Bernicla brenta.

13. Bernicla Canadensis.*

14. Calidris arenaria.

15. Charadrius Yirginicus.

16. Dafila acuta.

17. Dendroeca Blackburnise.t

18. Dendroeca castanea.

19. Dendroeca coerulescens.

20. Dendroeca coronata.

21. Dendroeca maculosa.

22. Dendroeca palmarum.

23. Dendroeca striata.

24. Empidonax flaviventris.

25. Erismatura rubida.

26. Fulica Americana.

27. Eulix affinis.

28. Fulix collaris.

29. Fulix marila.

30. Gallinago Wilsonii.

31. Gambetta melanoleuca.

32. Geothlypis Philadelphia.

33. Harelda glacialis.

34. Helminthophaga peregrina,f

35. Hydrochelidon fissipes. §

36. Limosa fedoa.

37. Limosa Hudsonica.

38. Lophodytes cucullatus.

39. Macrorhamphus griseus.

40. Mareca Americana.

41. Myiodioctes Canadensis.il

42. Myiodioctes pusillus.

43. Nettion Carolinensis.

44. Numenius borealis.

45. Numenius Hudsonicus.

46. Numenius longirostris.

47. Oporornis agilis.§

48. Pandion Carolinensis.

49. Passerella iliaca.

50. Perissoglossa tigrina.

51. Podilymbus podiceps.

52. Querquedula discors.

53. Regulus calendulus.

54. Rhyacophilus solitarius.

55. Scolecophagus ferrugineus.

56. Seiurus noveboracensis.t

57. Sphyrapicus varius.

58. Squatarola helvetica.

59. Strepsilas interpres.

60. Tringa canutus.

166

APPENDIX.

61. Troglodjrtes hy emails. 64. Zonotrichia leucophrys.

62. Tryngites rufescens. 65. Zonotrichia albicollis.

63. Turdus Swainsonii.

* Probably breeds occasionally, as it certainly did in former years,
t Stragglers may remain and breed.

J Seen only in spring.

§ More common in autumn.

11 Has been known to breed in the State.

OCCASIONAL OK IRREGULAK SPRING AND AUTUMN

MIGRANTS.

1. Ancylocheilus subarquatus.

2. Chaulelasmus streperus.

3. Empidonax Traillii.

4. Hsematopus palliatus.

6. Helminthophaga pina.

6. Lobipes hyperboreus. *

7. Mareca Penelope. t

8. Melospiza Lincolnii.

9. Nettion crecca.d

10. Phalaropus fulicarius.*

11. Porzana noveboracensis.

12. Procellaria pelagica.*

13. Spatula clypeata.

14. Steganopus Wilsonii.*

^ These probably pass outside regularly, but seldom alight upon the
shore.

t Accidental in autumn.

REGULAR WINTER VISITANTS.

1. Archibnteo logopus.

2. Archibnteo Sancti-Johannis.

3. Bucephala albeola. *

4. Encephala Americana.

5. Camptoleemns Labradorins.

6. Chroecocephalns Philadelphia.

7. Collnrio borealis.

8. Colymbns septentrionalis.

9. Colymbns torqnatns.^*

10. Ectopistes migratorins.f

11. Eremophila alpestns.

12. Eratercnla arctica.

13. Gracnlns carbo.J

14. Gracnlns dilophns.J

15. Histrionicns torqnatns.

16. Jnnco hyemalis.*

17. Earns Delawarensis.

18. Lams glancns.

19. Earns marinns.

20. Earns lencopterns.

21. Lorn via ringvia.

22. Lorn via Svarbag.

23. Lomvia troille.

24. Mergnlns alle.

25. Mergns Americana.

26. Mergns serrator.

27. Nyctea nivea.

28. Plectrophanes Lapponicns.

29. Plectrophanes nivalis.

30. Podiceps cornntns.

31. Podiceps cristatns.

32. Podiceps Holbollii.

33. Pnffinns Anglornm.J

34. Pnffinns fnliginosns.J

APPENDIX.

167

35. Puffinus major. J

41.

Stercorarius pomarinus.

36. Regulus satrapus.

42.

Sula bassana.

37. Rissa tridactyla.

43.

Thalasseus Caspius.

38. Somateria mollissima.

44.

Uria grylle.

39. Spizella monticola. *

40. Stercorarius Buffonii.

45.

Utamania tor da.

^ A few winter, but the greater part pass south.

t Generally seen in autumn, but a few winter.

I Seldom seen on the shore, but common off the coast.

WINTER VISITORS WHOSE OCCURRENCE MAY BE EX-^
PECTED AT IRREGULAR PERIODS.

1. iEgiothus linarius. 4. Curvirostra leucoptera.

2. Chrysomitris pinus. 5. Pinicola Canadensis.

3. Curvirostra Americana.

IRREGULAR AND STRAGGLING WINTER VISITORS.

1. Ampelis garmlus. *

2. Aquila Canadensis.

3. Buphagus skua.

4. Centronyx Bairdii.t

5. Colymbus arcticus.

6. Cygnus Americanus.

7. Ealco anatum.

8. Ealco sacer.

9. Nyctale Richardsonii.

* Occasionally seen in autumn.

10. Picoides arcticus.

11. Picoides hirsutus.

12. Somateria spectabilis,

13. Stercorarius parasiticus.

14. Sulafiba.

15. Surnia ulula.

16. Syrnium cinereum.

17. Tetrao Canadensis.

18. Turdus nsevius.t

t But one specimen taken.

INDEX TO PART II

Alaudidse, 121.
Alcedinidse, 126.
Alcids0, 159
Ampelidae, 107.
Anatidse, 146.
Appendix, 161.
Ardeidse, 143.
Auks, 159.

Avosets, 143.

Blackbirds, 121.

CaprimulgidaB, 127.
Certhiidse, 93.
Charadriidae, 138.
Columbidas, 137.
Colymbidae, 158.
Cormorants, 150.
Corvidae, 124.
Creepers, 93.

Crows, 124.
Cuckoos, 128.
Cuculidae, 128.
Cypselidae, 127.

Divers, 158.

Doves, 137.

Ducks, 147.

Eagles, 133.

Falconidae, 133.
Falcons, 133.
Finches, 109.
Flycatchers, 124.
Fringillidae, 109.

Gannets, 150.

Geese, 147.
Goatsuckers, 127.
Graculidae, 150.
Grebes, 158.

Grouse, 138.
Guillemots, 159.
Gulls, 150.

Haematopodidae, 139.
Hawks, 133.

Herons, 143.
Hirundinidae, 105.
Humming-Birds, 128.

Icteridae, 121.

Ibis, 145.
Introduction, 83.

Jagers, 150.

Jays, 124.

Kingfishers, 126.
Kites, 133.

Laniidae, 108.

Laridae, 150.

Larks, 121.

Loons, 158.

Motacillidae, 98.

Nuthatches, 93.

Orioles, 121.

Owls, 130.

Oyster-catchers, 139.

Paridae, 93.
Partridges, 138.
Pelecanidae, 149.
Pelicans, 149.
Perdicidae, 138.
Petrels, 157.
Phalaropes, 142.
Phalaropodidae, 142.
Picidae, 129.

Pigeons, 137.

Plovers, 138.
Podicipidae, 158.
Procellaridae, 157.

Rails, 145.

Rallidae, 145.

170

INDEX.

Eecurvirostridae,

Kock-InhabiterSj

Sandpipers, 140.
Saxicolidse, 92.
Scolopacidse, 139
Sheldrakes, 149.
Shrikes, 108.
Sittidse, 94.
Snipes, 139.
Sparrows. 109.
Starlings, 121.
Stilts, 143.
Strigidse, 130.
Sulidse, 150.
Swallows, 105.
Swans, 146.
Swifts, 127.
Sylvicolidse, 98.
Sylviidse, 93.

Tanagridse, 108,

143.

92.

Tanagers, 108.

Terns, 151.

Tetraonidae, 138.
Thrushes, 89.

Titmice, 93.

Trochilidse, 128.
Troglodytidse, 94.
Turdid^, 89.

Tyrannidas, 124.

Tyrant Flycatchers, 124.

Vireonidae, 106.

Vireos, 106.

Vultures, 137.

Wagtails, 98.

Warblers, 93.

Waxwings, 107.
Woodpeckers, 129.
Wood-Warblers, 98.
Wrens, 94.

THE END.

Cambridge : Printed by Welch, Bigelow, and Company.

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“^ii .

% y '*"

\i->r ^y>;-,, ,v „

A A

% A' ^m% 4

A" #^,ci*5c|^