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LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY |
S<f. re.oifj^
THE OOLOGIST
FOR THE STUDENT OF
BIRDS, THEIR NESTS AND EGGS
VOLUME XXV
ALBION, N. Y.
FRANK H. L ATT IN, M. I).. PCBLISHER
ERNEST H. SHORT, EDITOR AND MANAGER
1908
•i-HB OOLOGIST.
INDEX
Albino Eggs of LongJbilled Marsh
Wren o5
Albino Tree Sparrow, 89
Aransas Pass, Along the 53
Archealogical Collectors 7
Arizona Egg Hunts 85
Arnold, W. P 12
Bird Day, The First Real 50
Bird Preservers 76
Birds of Maine 155
Birds of Prey and the Collector 21
Birds Singing on the Nest 25
Bluebird 44, 108
Bob-white 26, 155
Bobolink 72
Broods, Three in a Season 155
Bunting, Indigo 108
Bunting, Lark 53
Cardinal 44, 120
Cardinal, Grey-tailed 53
Catbird, Deformed 170
Catbird, Double Nest of 92
Caustic Soda 37
Chickadee, Carolina. . .44, 55, 106, 156
Chat, Yellow-breasted 108
Chuck-wills-widow 136, 155
Condor, Andes 58
Cormorant, Fla 121
Covert, A. B 8
Creeper, Brown 44,166
Crow, Am 44
Crow, Fish 43
Cuckoo, Black-billed 171
Cuckoo, Yellow-billed 156
Dove, Mex. Ground 87
Dove, Mourning 87
Dove, White-winged 87
Duck, Wood 21, 88
Eagle, Golden 58
Eagle, Nests of Bald 107
Eagles 22
Egg Blower, How to Make an Au- tomatic 169
Egg Preserving, Hints at 37
Egg of Calif. Vulture 57
Egg of Eapyornis maximus 60
Egg of Gt. Auk 59
Eggs of Garter Snake 91
Eggs of Long-billed Marsh Wren,
Albino 55
Eggs of Rohin, Spotted 57
Eggs, Preparation of 71
Feeding, Peculiar Method of 153
Finch, House 25
Flani'beau, Around the 165
Flicker ' 44
Flicker, Gilded 86
Flycatcher, Crested 12, 57
Flycatcher, Vermillion 86
Freaks, Three 171
Gallinue, Fla 134, 170
Game, Open Season for 169
Gibbs, Dr. Morris 154
Gnatcatcher. Blue Gray 155
Goldfinch, Am 44, 108
Goldfinch, Nest of Am 25
Goshawk, Am 170
Grosbeak, Black-headed 25
Grosbeak, Rose-breasted 166
Grouse, Ruffed 26, 153, 166, 167
Hawk, Am. Sparrow 117
Hawk, Broad-winged 39, 117
Hawk, Cooper's 12, 22, 28, 117
Hawk, Dest, Sparrow 85, 122
Hawk, Goshawk 22
Hawk, Duck 22, 54, 117
Hawk, Pigeon 22, 87
Hawk Red-tailed 27, 44, 54
Hawk, Sharp-shinned 22
Hawk, Swainson's 9, 54
Hawk, West. Red-tail 12
Hummingbird, Ruby-throated ....182
Heron, Black-crowned Night 138
Heron, The Gt. Blue 54
Heron, The Gt. White 59
Hints at Egg Preserving 37
THE OOLOGIST.
Identification, Erroneous -39
Illinois, State Game Farm 121
Ireland 184
Irrigation, Possible Effects of 76
Jay, Blue •. . . o^44
Jay, Canada 37
Jay, Pinon 54
Junco, Slate-colored 44, 53, 166
Kingtbird 155
King'bird, Arkansas
...11, 55, 87, 10'6, 136, 186
Kingfisher Belted 44
Kingfisher, Texan 53
Kinglet, Golden-crowned 44
Kite, Swallow-tailed 170
Licenses, Hunting 168
Maine, Birds of 155
Maine, Mockingbird in 92
Mammals of Xew Jersey 149
Man-o'-War Bird 121
Martin, Purple 135
Meadowlark .' 44, 53
Merganser, Am 167
Merlin, Richardson's 188
Michigan, Gt. Horned Owl in
Wayne Co 27
Migration, Bird 135
Mockingbird 53, 92
Mockingbird, Western 86
Mountain Climbing 151
Nesting, Erratic 120, 156, 188
Nesting, Mixed 122
Nesting of Crested Flycatcher,
Strange 12
Nesting of Song Sparrow, Late.... 44 Nesting of Tufted Tit in Pennsyl- vania 42
Nesting Site, Another Odd 57
New Jersey, Mammals of 149
New Jersey, Nesting of Wood
Duck in 88
Niagara Falls, Slaughter of Whist- ling Swan at 101
Nidification, Suspended 108
Nuthatch, Red-breasted 25
Nuthatch, White-breasted 44
Observations on Xew Year's Day
in S. W. Indiana 44
Ohio, Ashtabula Co 59
Ontario, Nesting of the Nor. Yel-
lowthroat in 90
Oological Freaks 108
Oriole, Bullocks 11,87
Oriole, Orchard 137, 155
Ornithology, Co-operative 149
Osprey, Am 117, 136
Oven-ibird 23, 152, 166
Owl, Am. Barn 59
Owl, Burrowing 86
Owl, Gt. Horned 22, 27, 76
Owl, Mex. Screech 85, 122
Owl, Screech 59
Owl, Snowy 59
Owl, West. Horned 53
Pancreatin 37
Partridge 26
Partridge, Gambel's 86
Pelican, Brown 121
Pennsylvania, Carolina Chickadee
in 156
Pennsylvania, Eu. iStarling in 91
Pennsylvania, Henslow's Sparrow
in 183
Pennsylvania, Nesting of the Broad- winged Hawk in Dela. Co' 117
Pennsylvania, Nesting of Tufted
Tit in 42
Nesting of Winter Wren in 92
Pennsylvania, Pigeon Hawk in 87
Pennsylvania, Sandpipers Breed- ing in 121
Petrel, Stormy 184
Phaino] epla 86
Pheasant, Mongolian or Ring-neck,
26, 138, 149
Phoebe 184
Phoebe, Say's 55, 106, 136, 186
Plover, Upland 21
Potash, Caustic 37
Quail 26
Rail, Yello wand Black 135
Rail.s; King, Va., and Sora 133
Raven, Am 183
Redstart, Am 90, 166
Redwing, Sonoran 87
Roarlrunner 54, 87
Robin 53, 57
Robin, Western 119, 138
Sandjiiiier, Least 121
Saiidi)ii;er, Semi-palmated 121
Sandiii|)er, Solitary 121
Savage, Wm 149
IfliE OOLOGIST.
Singing on the Nest, Vireos 137
Sparrow, English 22, 187
Sparrow, Henslow's 183
Sparrow, Notes on the Swamp.... 185 Sparrow, White-crowned ....166, 167
Starling, Eu 22, 91
Sapsuckei', Williamson's 53
iSapsucker, Yellow-bellied. .44, 53, 166 Sets of Eggs from One Bird's Nest,
Four lis
Sets of Eggs, Large. .119, 138, 170, 184
Shrike, Calif 10
Shrike, Migrant 24
Shrike, White-rumped 24
Singing on the Wing 120
Siskin, Pine 119
Snake, Garter 91
Soper, Daniel E 7
Sparrow, Field 108
Si^arrow, Lark 53, 89
Sparrow, Song 44, 120, 188
Sparrow, Tree 44, 89
Sparrow, White-throated 44
Swan, Whistling 101, 105
Swift, Chimney 120, 155, 166
Tanager, Scarlet 166
Texas, Along the Aransas Pass.... 53
Thrasher, Bendire's 86
Thrasher, Brown 108, 149
Thrasher, Palmer's 86
Thrush, Hermit 152
Thrush, Olive-backed 138, 166
Thrush, Wood 59, 118, 166, 170, 185
Tit, Tufted; Nesting in Penn 42
Titmouse, Tufted 44
Towhee 53
Towhee, Abert's 87
Turkey, Mex. Wild 54
Vireo, Philadelphia 166
Vireo, Warbling 25, 137
Vireo, White-eyed 153
Virginia, Bird Notes from El Ran-
cho 135, 155
Vulture, Black 53, 58
Vulture, Calif 57
Vulture, Turkey 53, 58
Warbler, Black-and-white 25
Warbler, Blackburnian 166
Warbler, Black-throated Blue 167
Warbler, Black-throated Green. .. .1'67
Warbler, Canadian 166
Warbler, Cape May 25
Warbler, Chestnut-sided 166
Warbler, Kentucky 118
Warbler, Kirtland's 89
Warbler, Magnolia 166
Warbler, Mourning 22, 121
Warbler, Myrtle 53, 167
Warbler, Nor. Parula 89
Warbler, Swainson's 155
Water-thrush 166
Whip-poor-will .* 136
Wisconsin, Around the Flambeau. 165 Woodpecker, Arctic Three-toed. .. .166
Woodpecker, Baird's 86
Woodpecker, Downy 44
Woodpecker, Gila 86
Woodpecker, Hairy 44
Woodpecker, Pileated '69
Woodpecker, Red^bellied 44
Woodpecker, Red-headed 90
Woodpecker, So. Downy 53
Wren, Baird's 53
Wren, Bewick's 44
Wren, Cactus 87
Wren, Carolina 44
Wren, House 10i6
Wren, Long-billed Marsh 55
Wren, Short-billed Marsh 55
Wren, Winter 92
Yellowthroat, Maryland 5
Yellowthroat, Northern 90, 152
o
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Nest and Eggs of Maryland Yel- lowthroat 6
Site of the Yellowthroat Home 7
Nesting Site of Wild Turkey 40
Nesting Site of Turkey and Black
Vultures 56
Pileated Woodpecker 70
Tree Showing Work of Pileated
Woodpecker 72
Some Arizona Nesting Sites.... 87, 88
Double Nest of Catbird 90
Injured Swan at Niagara Falls.... 102 Canadian Rapids, Niagara Falls... 103 Bass Rock Eddy; Niagara Falls... 104
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Vol. XXV. No. 1.
ALBION, N. Y., JAN., 1908.
Whole No. 246
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LANTERN SLIDES.-A lot, many 2nd grade (a little dense or thin), all fair, some very good for best cash or exchange offer. B. S. BOWDISH. Demarest, N. Y.
WANT.— Eggs in sets and good Indian relics. I offer eggs, shells and showy mount- ed butterflies. E RNEST H. SHORT. Box 173. Rochester, N. Y.
STAMPS.— To exchange for birds' eggs or ■kins. Also a few skin.s and eggs to trade for same. F. T. COKLESS. 804 E. 14 St. N., Port- land. Or. Jy. 7. t.
FOR EX('HAN(;E.— Fine sets of eggs of following species for others not in my col- lection. No's. H, .^7, 40, 145, 269.1, 297a 327, 328, 342, 353, :i.>4, .iSla, 362, :i70a, :i7l), 536, 5:54, 618, 654a, ti39. 748. THOMAS H. .JACKSON. 304 X. Franklin St.. West Chester. Pa. N. 3. t.
OFFER— A long series of rare and beautiful butterflies from all partsof the World, either spread or in papers for a first class collection of stamps. Also wanted first class bird skins, eggs with data. LEVI W. MENGEL, Boys' High School, Reading, Pa.
WANTED.— Eggs of Kobin, Flicker, Cedar bird. Yellow and Black-bill Cuckoos- All to be in sets with data. Offer in exchange 3.37b 1-2,1-3,1-4; .329 1-1: .342 1-3; 194 1-4.1-5: 488d 2-4; 360a 1-5; 3651-5; ,3661-3; 375d 1-2; 294 1-12, etc. Big list. CHAS. S. THOMPSON, Box 214, Buena Vista, Colorado.
P'OR SALE.— Complete file of Osprey ex- cepting October a id December, No. of Vol. 1 and 3 No's, of Vol. 3. Also Vol. 5 of Condor. All for $5.00 F. O. B. W. H. BINGAMAN, Box 931, Algona. Iowa.
FOR SALE.-Auk and Nuttall Bulletin. Complete up to and including 1907. Thirty two Vols, in all. The entire set is bound in half morocc(j excepting the last two Vols, of the Auk. An extra fine set. Price one hun- dred dollars for the set. PHILIP LAURENT. 31 East Mt. Airy Ave., Philadelphia. Penn.
WANTED. -Birds' eggs from Cuba, Philip- pines, Hawaii and Laysan Islands. Offer cash or exchange. M. KUSCHEL. Guhrau. Germany, Bz Breslau.
MOUNTED Deer heads and birds. Vols. 9. 10. 11, 22. 2'i Oologist; Vols. 3, 4, 5 Museum; to exchange for birds or mammals in flesh or good skins. (JEO. F. GUELF. Taxidermist, Brockpurt. X. Y.
I BUY and sell horns, scalps and skins of all animals. Will buy anything from any- where. What have you ? Write. EVAN E. AXDEKSOX, P. O. Box 1171. Los Angeles, Calif.
X OR SALE.— Rattlesnake skins, fish and animal skins. Rattle snake skin purses, garters, belts, hat bands, etc. Mounted spec- imens, birds and animals J. E. MA15URY, Prado, Calif.
WAXTED.-Oologist Vol III, No. 6; Vol. V, No. 6. Will pay $1.00 cash each or $5.00 in hne sets for both. All answered. H..I. KAFAHL. 116 E. 6th St.. Austin. Tex. J. 2 t.
Pure bred buff leghorn, cockerells, Haines single comb strains, good birds, F. O. B. 7oc. each. Extra Birds $1.00 each. Registered cock, 2nd year, $1.51). ERNEST H. SHORT. Chili. X. Y.
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The Oologist.
Vol. XXV. No. 1.
Albion, N. Y. Jan., 1908.
Whole No. 246
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication Devoted to
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXI- DERMY.
FSAITK H. LATTIN, PHbUther,
ALBION, N. T.
EXVEST H. BHOKT. Editor aad Kajiacer.
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The Maryland Yellow-Throat. (Geothlypis Trichas.)
The Maryland Yellow-throat (geoth- lypis trichas,) arrives from the South in this locality, some time during the first week in May. But, for some
reason, this year he was delayed 'till the tenth of that month.
The first sound wTiich greets the ear of the ornithologist when he en- ters that low bushy piece of land or, that patch of aged red cedars di'aped with grape vines is that merry ■'witchity-witchity-witch' ' of the yel- low throat as he peers at you out of his shining 'black eyes, from behind some leaf or branch.
"Trichas," is a common breeder in this section, prefering the swampy lowlands and thickets. They begin their household duties, from middle of May to the first week in June. The nest is composed of coarse grasses grape vine, and leaves on the exter- ior, and lined with finer grasses and hair. It is generally placed upon the ground, but it is by no means an un- common occurance to find it in a grape vine or bramble. On August 29, '07 I found a nest about three feet above the ground in an alder on the edge of a swamp. The eggs which number from four to six usually four, often five, but very rarely six, vary from white to creamy white in ground color, specked and spotted with dark reddish brown, lilac and yellow, and average size of .70 x .50 of an inch. The young birds leave the nest the last week in June. A second set is generally laid.
You will sometimes, but very rare- ly find the nest arched over with an entrance at one side. I have read in certain bird books that the nest is quite hard to find, but in my experi- ence, this is not so, they being fair- ly easy to find if the area where the
THE OOLOGISl
Photo by P. G. Howes. Nest and Eggs of Maryland Yellow throat.
nest is supposed to be is carefully searched.
The birds are not at all shy, com- ing close enough to afford excellent opportunities lor study. They are of much use to the farmers, ridding the stalks of rye. wheat, and barley of multitudes of vermin, which might otherwise lay waste these most im- portant crops!
It is a widely distributed bird, rang- ing from Maine to the Gulf. It is
said to be especially numerous in the swampy thickets of Maryland.
"This bird was considered a spec- ies of thrush by Linnaeus, but very properly removed to the genus Mota- cilla by Gmelin." (Wilson.)
The birds take their departure the first week in September, to be exact, they left this locality, this year, Sep- tember eighth.
P. G. Howes, Stamford,
Conn.
THE OOLOGIST
Photo by P. G. Howes. Site of the Yellowthroafs Home.
Archeaological Collectors take Notice
We print followiug extracts from a Detroit Paper. We received the copy some weeks since and contemplated further investigation but time and op- portunity do not come to hand.
Daniel E. Soper in a Fake Relic Business.
"Indian copper implements, wonder- ful battle axes of leaf copper, spear- heads so well tempered that they ring like a tuning-fork and other "rare" and "anciently corroded " ar- chaeological treasures which have in recent years been found in Michi- gan's many so-called "mounds of pre- historic ages" are now brought under suspicion and many are pronounced absolute fakes. An Indian relic fac- tory is believed to have been in op- eration right here in Detroit.
Many collectors have been swindl- ed, many museums in various parts
of the country have been offered splendid specimens and have only of late discovered on what wholesale lines the Michigan brand of fake re- lics are being placed on sale.
A former secretary of state, who retired under charges at Lansing some years ago. is acting at the very least as catspaw, dupe and salesman for the makers of these fakes. The curator of a university museum — not in Michigan, be it said — is also con- cerned in the disposition of the bog- us coppers. And a sign painter of De- troit is believed to know much about the bogus stuff.
The scheme is so unique as to win absolute admiration for the perpetra- tors. If committed in a spirit of hu- mor, it is the most colossal hoax of a century.
Unknown numbers of wealthy men whose hobby is the collecting of choice Indian relics are among the
8
THE OOLOGIST.
victims. Xo collection is left free from the suspicion tliat among its specimens are bogus scalping knives, fishhooks and other "rare" copper im- plements."
"For seven years at the least this arch swindle has been in progress. There is no possibilitj- of determin- ing how many are the victims. ""
"March 6, 1907, George A. West, of Milwaukee, Wis., ordered an Indian pipe from Daniel E. Soper. of Detroit, for $5. He writes about sending six pipes of a total value of $40, but names $35 as the bargain day price for the lot. One , pipe, he says, was found in Kent county, Michigan.
The Milwaukee collector sends the pipes back with some show of dis- approval. On April 2, 1907, Soper writes again, saying he is sorry Mr. West doesn't like the pipes and adds, "I have been collecting 30 years and my collection is pronounced the larg- est and finest in Michigan."
Soper is the man who offered relics to Mr. Griffin, which the latter pro- nounced other than genuine.
On Aug. 22, 1907, Soper wrote to H. P. Hamilton, vice-president and treas- urer of the Hamilton Manufacturing Co., Two Rivers, Wis., offering to pay Hamilton's expenses to Detroit and return that he might see Soper's col- lection. Hamilton had for long been a correspondent" of Soper's and wanting to see some of Soper's relics." "Much discussion of the suspected parties has been going on among those honestly interested in archaeo- logy. The following is an abstract from a letter written Oct. 25, 1907. by a Wisconsin expert of national repu- tation. Curator Charles E. Brown, of the Wisconsin .\rchaeological societ- ty, at Madison:
"Among other persons appar- ently connected with these vari- ous deals are James Scotford, 167 Abbott street; Adolphe B.
Covert, curator of the University of Cincinnati museum." Covert was formerly connected with the University of Michigan museum as a young man and later tried to get in at the Detroit Museum of Art, but failed.
All the while these investigations were going on among the archaeolo- gists, the vendors of bogus relics were busily at work urging their wares.
In a letter of Oct. 5. 1907, between Curator Brown, of Madison, and H. P. Hamilton, the Two Rivers collector, regarding bogus stuff from Detroit, this rule is given for determining fraud:
"Test with sharp knife and prick the little ax to see how- hard is the incrustation. They can get the green on the copper easily, but they cannot counter feit the hardness of the genuine incrustation."
Oct. 30, 1907, Soper, in Detroit writes as follows to Curator Brown at Madison, who had examined some of Soper's wares as submitted by Mr. Hamilton, of Two Rivers:
"I wish to know of your find- ings. The collection in question has been sold. I am just taking over another collection, stuff tak- en out of the ground within two weeks, among them a beautiful battle ax, pendant, grease lamp of clay, two caskets and two clay tablets.
Yours truly, "(HON.) DANIEL E. SOPER." The "Hon." probably refers to So- per's having once been secretary of state of Michigan.
Curator Brown sends this caustic answer in reply, dated the first of the present month of November:
"The specimems are frauds oth- er experts agree with me, I shall be pleased if you will kindly sub- mit to me for my information sketches and other data concern- ing the collection a'ou have secur- ed."
"The complaint made against you,"
THE OOLOOIST.
Mr. Soper was told, "is that you con- tinue offering these things for sale after they have been branded as false by experts. They claim it would ■be for the betterment of all true ar- chaeological research were you to de- fer making a business out of these finds until the general condemnation of them as fakes is cleared up."
"They are genuine."
" 'How is it,' Mr. Soper, that these things, so necessarily ancient if gen- uine, antedating even the discovery of America and the Christian era, lie so near the surface?"
Scotford's affidavit regarding the finds was that they lay 16 inches be- low the sod.
"I cannot tell that," said Soper, "unless it is by some freak of na- ture."
"Where did you get all these things?"
"Oh, from Scotford and others.'
Soper refused to say where it was "near Detroit" that one of the big discoveries was made. They were found all right, and witnessed, he claimed, but was silent as to further particulars.
Soper gave A. B. Covert, of the Cin- cinnati university, a good name, and said he was deeply interested in de- tecting frauds. As for Scotford, he said:
Scotford "Just Found Them." "He's a simple old man who has no interest in these things — just happen- ed to find them."
Soper has not been left in the dark by the curator of the Wisconsia socie- ty, Charles E. Brown, as the follow- ing letter of Nov. 1 shows:
To Daniel E. Soper, Esq.: Dear Sir — The pottery pipe and copper tablet belonging to yourself and which Mr. Hamilton submitted to me some time ago, and which I have since at his request return-
ed to you, are frauds. Others to
whom I have shown them concur
with me in this decision. Have
you any affidavits?
C. E. BROWN."
The above extracts are sufficient to explain the case.
The "Oologist" can not spare room for all of the interesting article but we advise collectors of cop'per relics who have captured Michigan finds to obtain a copy of the Detroit News for Nov. 14, 19'07 and ascertain whether any of their prizes bear the "cabalis- tic" sign that the Soper, Scotford, Co- vert combine decorated their finds with.
Several years ago many of us became too intimately acquainted with Mr. Covert for our own good but the Editor of the Oologist at least had hopes that he had gone out of busi- ness.
Ernest H. Short.
Two Seasons With The Swainson Hawks.
Out beyond the vineyards and or- chards as one travels toward the southwest from Fresno is a broad al- kali plain while still farther on the road leads' into a fertile area extend- ing away on the south toward Sum- mit Lake, while westward may be seen the Coast Range Mountains. Sev- eral large irrigating canals or sloughs trail across the country, their wind- ing course marked by the rather thin fringe of large willow trees that grows on their banks. Here and there over the wheat fields the form of a lone willow or cottonwood tree rises to break the monotony of the land- scape and add a touch of color to the scene.
Here it was that I first became ac- quainted with the S'wainson Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) on their chosen nesting grounds. I had at times, dur- ing the spring, seen these hawks cir-
10
THE OOLOOItT.
cling around in the air and late in August quite a flock would sometimes gather far overhead, wheeling, turn- ing, circling much after the manner of Turkey Vultures, finally to go trail- ing across the sky toward a more congenial winter home. I knew that not a few of these birds were credited with breeding in the San Joaquin Val- ley but not until the sixth of April, 1906 did I find an occupied nest.
On that date I was afield on the "West Side", as the regiooi described above is sometimes called, searching for specimens to add to my oological collection and items of interest for my not« book. It was my good for- tune to be able to inspect among oth- er things, two nests of Swainson Hawk and on the following day three more were found.
The first nest which was about thirty feet from the ground, was built against a large nearly vertical limb of a Cottonwood tree and supported by several smaller horizontal branches. It was not a very large structure and was composed of dfy sticks and twigs with a great many green cottonwood leaves for lining and also a few feath- ers. Only one of the birds was about and it did not make any demonstra- tion, although the nest was apparent- ly nearly ready for the reception of eggs. Tucked in snugly among the larger sticks of the foundation was the nearly completed nest of of a California Shrike.
Soon after examining this nest the second one was found in one of two old willow trees growing in the bed of a small shallow slough in which water flowed only occasionally. Un- like the other, this nest was placed in the extreme top of the tree but was about the same distance above the ground. The materials used were much the same as in the other in- stance but the lining consisted entire- ly of fresh willow shoots, averaging
about a foot in length with the small, tender leaves attached. The female was evidently not ready to commence laying as neither of the birds were in sight and there were no feathers in the nest.
I found no more hawk's nests that day but the next morning I was out before sunrise and tramped nearly a mile to a thin, ragged old willow in a wheat field. There had been a light fog during the night but it vanished even before the sun arose, leaving- however, great shining drops of mois>- ture sparkling on every wheat blade so that after walking through the knee-high growth for a few moments, I was thoroughly wet; but what did that matter? Could I not see against the sky the outlines of a hawk's' nest in the tree a short distance away?
As I neared the tree one of the birds pitched down from the nest and alighted on a fence post, while her much smaller mate set on another post nearby and during the time that I was present one of them at frequent intervals gave voice to a scream not unlike that of a Wn. Red-tail though not so emphatic and with just a sug- gestion of plaintivenes's it it.
The nest -was built in much the same position as the one first describ- ed and about sixteen feet from the ground. It was made of rather small dry sticks with a three-inch deep lin- ing of green leaves while a great many downy feathers adhered to the nest and even the branchs within three or four feet of it. Although I believed it to be a little too early for sets of S'wainsoni, yet as I climbed to this nest I almost expected to find an early set but the nest was empty.
Later in the day I found two more nests built in the top of willows bor- dering a large slough and in one case the tree was several feet out in the water. Each of these nests were lin- ed with green willow leaves and a
THS ooLooirr.
11
few feathers. One of them contained a single fresh egg on which the bird was sitting while in the other in- stance both owners circled around overhead but no eggs had been depos- ited.
I was very enxious to visit my ■h'a'wks again some three weeks later but circumstances prevented. How- ever, on the 30tih of April of the pres- ent year I paid them another visit, going first to the tree that held nest Xo. 3 of the previous year and finding it unoccupied so I hurried away to the Cottonwood in which the first one described was built, but found disap- pointment awaiting me there also for no nest was to be seen. Not far away, though, was a much smaller tree but it did not seem promising as quite a number of small birds were singing and flitting about in it. How- ever, I soon discovered a big nest up in the topmost branches. This nest seemed worth investigating as a big sooty-colored hawk was flapping around nearby. It was a rather easy climb to the nest which contained four unusually well-marked eggs and I became so interested that I nearly fell from the tree when a hawk, with an angry scream, darted past me only a few feet away. She came from be- hind me and had evidently been ma- king a long fligiht as she came in on a slight downward slant, the noise pro- duced by her wings reminding one of a distant waterfall. After dash- ing at me the first time she ascended on a long upward curve, then sudden- ly turned and came back again but with these two attacks her anger seemed to have been spent and she afterwards circled around nearby while her mate remained at a great- er distance. The most aggressive of these birds, which I believed to be the female, showed an unsually light phase of plumage while her mate, as
before mentioned, was of an almost uniform sooty-color.
A sihort time before finding the nest I had seen about half a dozen of these hawks sitting - on the fence posts and on the ground in a pasture that had been burned over and they were undoubtedly engaged in catch- ing mice. Their actions were such as to give one the impression that they were sluggis/h birds, but the two at the nest rather upset this theory. I might mention that in the tree with the hawk's nest a pair of Arkansas Kingbirds had also commenced build- ing and the framework of a Bullock Oriole's summer home was suspend- ed from an outer branch; but of course it remained for the English Sparrow to outdo them all for as I was climbing the tree, the saucy chirp of a sparrow was heard overhead. An inspection sihowed that a mass of rubbish, grass stems and feathers had been carried in among the larger sticks in the foundation and probably a brood of young sparrows were af terwards raised thei-e.
It might be well to give a descrip- tion of this nest of Buteo swainsoni before passing to another. Outward- ly it was much larger than any of the others that I had examined being nearly two and one-half feet in diame- ter and sixteen inches in depth, the inner cavity being about four inches deep. The size was governed no doubt by the position in which the nest was built and this I believe is the case with nearly all large nests. It was lined witih green cottonwood leaves and feathers and was 28 ^^ feet from the ground. The eggs had been incubated about one week.
My limited time did not allow an attempt to reach the two nests along the slough but I ihad the pleasure of finding another new one in the sec- ond of the two willows described as
12
THB OOLOaiST.
No. 2 for 1906. The parent bird was setting and Incubation was begun in the three eggs that rested on a few green leaves in a nest that did not differ essntially from the others that have been discovered. • There was al- so a gopher, apparently fresihly kill- ed, in the nest and the eggs were somewhat daubed with mud, showing that the bird had been in a habit of alighting on the ground. Unlike the owners of the other nest, these birds made no demonstration and the dark, sooty one that was occupying the nest, left quietly when I prepared to climb and circling higher and higher finally seemed to hang almost mo- tionless in the sky, watching opera- tions from far above.
The seven eggs from these two nests have a white ground color with a pale bluish tinge and are spotted and blotched with brown, each egg Tjcing marked differently. One of them has a small wreath of blotches around the smaller end while numer- ous small splashes of 'brown are scat- tered generally over the surface and several pale lavender shell marks can 1)6 seen.
As I have already noted, each of these nests contained green leaves for a lining and I might add that four nests' of Wn. Red-tail and one of Cooper Hawk recently examined all had a similar lining with the excep- tion of one of Red-'tail wihich had sev- eral bunches of green cottonwood berries in place of leaves.
In conclusion I would state that not far from where I had seen the hawks catching mice, there was a farmyard with many small chickens, some of which often wandered far from the house but their owner, a very observ- ing man, informed me that he had never known them to be molested by the hawks. One or two other farm- ers stated that they sometimes lost many young chickens during the sum-
mer but no one had see the hawks carrying them away so I am inclined to believe that some other cause was responsible for their disappearance. On the whole the Swainson Hawks are of inestimable value to the farm- ers of this county on account of the number of mice and gophers they de- stroy and are therefore worthy of the fullest protection.
John G. Tyler, Fresno, Calif.
The Crested Flycatcher on Strange Grounds.
RICHARD C. HARLOW.
Probably all the readers of the Oologist are familiar with the nest- ing and the 'beautiful eggs of this in- teresting species. I was of a like opin- ion until one day, early in June, 1904, I discovered a nest built in the rain spout of a barn. The birds entered through a hole just above the nest and certainly seemed secure until a heavy rain storm came spreading devastation and snakeskin through- out the length of pipe.
No doubt such instances are rare, but still they go to show that we had best be conservative in our state- ments concerning 'birds and not mere- ly write, "Nest always in a hole of a tree," without a second thought.
We Note in the current issue of the "West" an advertisement of Archeao- logical specimens by one Wm. P. Ar- nold of Wakefield, R. I.
We suspect this is none other but W. P. Arnold, erstwhile of Peacedale, R. I.
Should this prove to be the case we advise prospective purchasers to play a safe game.— EDITOR.
THE OOLOOIST. 13
NEW POLICY
Svibscribers, Advertisers
N OTIC E
FIRST. In line with the decision recently published by the "Condor" and for the same reasons, i e. That the provision for scientific collecting under the Song Bird Law did not contemplate commercial collecting.
The Publisher and Manager of this paper, the "Oologist," hereby announce that, beginning November last, they will, hereafter decline all advertisements or sale notices offering to buy or sell, N. American bird skins or eggs for cash except skins of game birds and birds of prey.
SECOND. Hereafter the "Oologist" will be sent only to subscribers whose subscriptions are fully paid in advance.
All premium offers except as printed in this issue or hereafter are hereby withdrawn. A statement of account to date will soon be sent all who are in arrears and those who have not settled in accordance with terms thereon by January ist will be dropped.
Canadian Subscribers Notice. Owing to the increased Canadian postage, combination and premium offers will not apply to Canada sub- scriptions unless accompanied by 12 cents per year extra.
F. H. LATTIN. E. H. SHORT,
Publisher. MeLrvatger.
14
THI OOLOGIST.
52nd Thousand ! 52nd !
BIRD guide:.
BY CHESTER A. REED, S. B.
Author of North American Birds Eggs, and with Frank M. Chapman of Color Key to North Ainerican Birds Editor of the American Bird Magazine.
This is a popular pocket guide and text book to ALL THE LAND BIRDS EAST OF THE ROCKIES, from the Parrots to the Bluebirds. It is prepared especially for
teachers and students, after years of study as to their needs. It has the following points of superiority over any other Bird Book:
COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS.— Every bird is shown in natural colors, including females and young when they differ.
SCOPE. — All the land birds east of the Rockies are included. It gives the range and habit of each bird, their songs as nearly as they can be written, and description of their nests and eggs.
SMALL SIZE. — It can easily be carried in the pocket, measuring but 3x5 inches. 200 pages, bound in flexible sock cloth or leather. We have made the price of the book as low as possible considering the good workmanship and material that is used. It is s© low that anyone can afford it, but no one can afford to be without it.
IT NAMES THE BIRDS FOR YOU
Bound in flexible sock cloth, postpaid
SO CENTS
Five cloth bound copies for $2.00 postpaid
Bound in flexible leather, 75cts. Five copies for $3.00 postpaid.
We want agents in every city, town and school. Good commissions. Send for prospectus of Bird Books and sample copy of the AMERICAN BIRD MAGAZINE.
CHAS. K. REED.
WORCESTER., MASS.
THE OOLOOIST.
15
OOLOGY OF NEW ENGLAND
By E. A. CAPEN.
A Full and Complete Description of the Eggs, Nests and Breeding Habits of all the Birds known to Breed in New England
Complete in One QuoLrto Volume
Three Hundred a-nd Twenty Three (523) Full Sized Lithogratphic IllustraLtions. Colored True to Na.ture,
This magnificent volume was published in 1885 at $15.00 net and has iong been out of print.
Last summer among the effects of the late E. A. Capen a few copies of this valuable work uncut, untrimmed and unbound, but each copy assembled and wrapped ready for the binder, were unearthed, and although "out of business" the undersigned secured them. If interested wrijte or order a copy before it is too late. Highly endorsed by all leading orni- thologists.
Address, FRANK H. LATTIN. M. D..
Albion. N. Y.
fi^^Parties wishing to procure a copy of Capen's should address the above who will quote best price or advise where the same can be obtain- ed— if obtainable. The few copies I possess are being distributed among Tny old " O. and O." friends at a nominal rate. " F. H. L.
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Our useful Boil Doo SnsnniDiii Comb axd Cas* mailed for 10c. posta««.
Instructive booklet. "Style, or How to Dress Corr»ctly,"
free if you mention this publication.
0
16 TFiB OOLOGIST.
GUN FOR SALE.
A new unused Stevens double barrel, breech loading shot gun. Especially made with re- inforced breech for smokeless powder. Top lever, rebounding locks, choke bore, J 2 ga., 30 in. bbls. $18.00 cash gets it.
ERNEST H. SHORT, Chili, N.Y.
JUST OUT
A NEW UP-TO-DATE
Check List of North American Birds I
Contains all new additions and changes to A. O. -U. list arranged according to A. O. U. Nomenclature and giving both common and scientific names. i6 pages on good paper.
PRICE
3c each. 30c per dozen. $2.00 per hundred f
ADDRESS OOLOGIST, Albion, N. Y. or ERNEST H. SHORT, Chili, IM. Y.
The Oologist.
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXIDERMY.
WANTS, FOR SALES AND EXCHANGES.
Brief Special announcements " Wants," " Exchanges," " For Sales," inserted in this de- partment for 25 cents pei 25 words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate of 1-2 cent for each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25 cents. Terms, cash with order.
Strictly first-class specimens will be accepted in payment at 1-3 list rates.
Vol. XXV. No. 2.
ALBION, N. Y., FEB., 1908.
Whole No. 247
Take Notice.
Examine the number following your name on the wrapper of this month's Oologist. It denotes when your sub- scription exrired or will expire.
Remember wo must be notified if you wish paper discontinued and all arrearages niu-st be paid. 209 your subscription expired Dec. Is04 246 vour subscription expires with this issue a&7 •• •• •• •• Dec. 1908
Intermediate numbers can easily be determined. If we have you credited wrong we wish to rectify.
Entered as second-class matter De- cembed 21, 1903, at the post office, at Albion. N. Y., under the Act of Con- gress of March 3, 1879.
WANT.— Eggs in sets and good Indian relics. I offer eggs, shells and showy mount- edbuttertlies. ERNEST H. SHORT, Box 173, Rochester, N. Y.
SUlVKNIi; POSTALS.- Views of Seattle and Pacific Coast country. 10 colored. 25c; 10 colored and black. 20c; 10 black. 15c. W. S. ROOT, b:i2 :i2 Ave., N.. Seattle. Wash.
COI.LKCT TO ORDER. -Very fine ma- terial in the bird and insect line trom south- ern Mexico. Particular attention paid to data. AUSTIN P.\UL S.MITH.Cuernavaca, .Mexico. F.2. t.
PL(.ET SOUND. SEATTLi; AND.IAPAN CURIOS. — Send 25 cents for s;implc lot. W. S. ROOT. tEi2 :i2 Ave. N.. SEATTLE. Wash.
Fo|; KX(H.VN(iE. -Violin and outfit in good canditiuii cost $2.i. for \'()ls. of Bcndires Life Histories or Coue's Key fifth edition, or other bird books of e<inal value. .1. K. R.\.S- .\IUSSON. !!<) .^ixth .\ venue. Upper Troy, N"
W.\NTED.-Eggs of snake*, lizards and turtles. Staff price. .TOS. P. I!AI,L, .M. D.. Frarikford. Phila.. Peim.
Pure bred buff leghorn, cockerclls, Haines single comb strains, good birds. F. O. B. 75c. each. Extra Birds $1.U0 each. Itegistered cock, 2nd year. {1.50. i;i;NKST II. SIIOKT, €hili. N. V.
FOR SALE-Auk and Nuttall Bulletin. Complete up to and including 1907. Thirty two Vols, in all. The entire set is bound in half morocco excepting the last two Vols, of the Auk. An extra fine set. Price one hun- dred dollars for the set. PHILIP LAURENT, 31 East Mt. Airy Ave., Philadelphia, Penn.
WANTED.-Birds' eggs from Cuba, Philip- pines, Hawaii and Laysan Islands. Offer cash or exchange. M. KUSCHEL. Guhrau. Germany, Bz Breslau.
X OR SALE.— Rattlesnake skins, fish and animal skins. Rattle snake skin purses, garters, belts, hat bands, etc. Mounted spec- imens, birds and animals J. E, MAYBURY. Prado, Calif.
WANTED.-Oologist Vol III, No. 6; Vol. V, No. 6. Will pay $1.00 cash each or $5.00 in fine sets for both. All answered. H.J. KAF'AHL, 116 E. 6th St., Austin, Tex. J. 2 t.
EXCH A N( ; E— Two folding canvass covered campers cots, good as new. Want old bird hoods or magazes. BENJAMIN HOAG. Stephentown. N. Y.
FOR EXCHAN(iE.-Finelist of sets and, singles including .ila. 52, IH.l, 147, 172. 177. 348 375d, 394b, 411, 419. 46s, 570, ()3sand many others. Also three revolvers and Marlin rifle. I want Eastman kodak and tank developer. Smith it Wesson or Colts revolver or automatic pistol, and books on ornithology and natural history, especially Hornadays American Natural History. X(j postals answered. E. i;. WEST, 226 East 4th St., New Albany. Ind.
STAMP A r>UU MS. -International, 2 vols- full leather, (iilt edges. Will exchange for old bird books or magazines or eggs in sets. A bargain for .some one. BENJAMIN HOAG, Stephentown, New '^'oik.
WANTED. ■•I'.irils Ontario," Newton's Dictionery. I'Jva's Birds \'ol. 9, Cambridge .Naliiral History. Stateconditionaiid lowest easti price. BENJAMLN HOAG. Stephen- towii. N. Y. ^^
FOR S.VLE. -Land Birds of N. A,. P.aird. Brewer and i;idg<'way. :! vols. 1905 edition, new, price, $7.50. listed $10.00. CHAS. M. •METZ, Claremont, Calif.
18
THE OOLOGIST.
WANTED.-A 1 sets of 2, 27. 71, 120b 295. 420 etc. 512a, 585, 661 and many others, mostly with nests. Good sets of 187 to swap for corn- man material, many priced at 5c. California skins to exchange, also sets 141, 146, 221, 226, 294, 378, 178 and plenty others for exchange. All answered, Taylor's catalogue. DONALD A. COHEN. Alameda, California.
EXCHANGE.-If there is anything you need in the following list of eggs in fine sets I would be pleased to consider an exchange. 12, 13, 30, 31, 32, 37, 40, 75, 76, 108, 145, 148, 182, 207, 224, 274, 269-1, 283, 293a. 297a, 302a, 309, 310, 313, 318, 319, 321, 327, 336. 341, 353, 354, 354a, 356, 358-1, 359-1, .360, 360a, 362, 384, 408, 410, 416, 417, 419, 421, 459, 478a, 490, 494, 51S, 536, 538, 534, 554, 569, 578, 581-i, 591, 592, 594a, 607, 618, 629b, 630, 637, &39, 641, 642, 645, 654a, 676, 677. 686. 697. (599. 702, 706, 707, 708, 710a, 722a, 728, 780, 735b. 738, 739, 748, 752. 754, 763, 376, 370a, 679. THOS. H. JACKSON. 304 N. Franklin St., West Chester. Pa.
WANTED.-Oologist Vol. Ill, No. 6; Vol. V. No. 6; Nidologist Vol. I. No's. 2. 4. 6. Will pay $1.00 cash for each. Also have col- lecting gun to exchange for A 1 sets. The best gun made for scientific collecting, double barrel, Newman make, fine damascus barrels, 28 gauge, brass or paper shot shells. Shells and reloading outfit go with gun. Also for exchange books, magazines, climbing irons, few sets and skins. All answered. H. J. KOFAHL. Austin. Texas.
FOR SALE.— Golden Eagle, mounted on stand with wings half spread, first class specimen, $12 cash gets it. B. P, CARPEN- TER, Escondido, Calif.
FOR SALE OK EXCHANGE.— Stamps, coins, shells, sea urchins, starfish, Sand Shark's eggs, perwinkle egg case, etc, singly or in quantities. List on application. K. B. SQUIRES, Box 926 Greenport, Long Island, N. Y.
$3 will buy 155 kinds of native or foreign woods or will exchange for woods not in my collection. LOUIS W. HAHN. Lake Avenue. Silver Creek, N. Y.. P. O. Box 430.
NOTICE.— I will accept A 1 sets with data, new to my collection at one fourth Lattin's. Standard Cat. in payment for subscriptions to any magazine, newspaper or periodical published in the U. S. For $5.00 in any good sets with data. I will send prepaid, one Pro- phylactic tooth brush, 1 bottle very best guaranteed tooth powder, receipt for same, and 100 best datas. Address CLARENCE H. LUTHER. P. D. S.. Fayetteville, Ark,
NOTICE.-I have the following to exchange for first class sets with data. Eastman Day- light Tank Developing Outfit No. 2 (never used) for $25.00 worth of eggs. 22 cal. Stevens Rifle single shot for $20.00 in eggs. Redhead Parrot 3 years old. fair talker, ex- change value $50.00. two female Fox Squirrels aboutS months old. will make very interest- ing pets, ex value $5.00 each, purchaser to pay express, 100 extra fine datas, on fine bond paper for every dollars worth of sets sent me. Remington typewriter No. 7. good as new for $300.00 worth of choii'e sets. Receipt for finest tooth powder ever used for $2.00 worth of A 1 sets. Address CLARENCE H. LUTHER. D. D. S.. Fayetteville. Ark.
WANTED.-To exahange bird skins for species not in my collection. Send list and receive mine. ALEX WETMORE. Lawrence. Kansas, care of University Museum.
FOSSILS. -8 good fossil shells, 30 cents, nice trilobites, 30 cents each; 10 fossil corals; 60 cents. Collections for primary and ad- vanced students. Write for catalogue. L. C. SPARKS. Jeffersonville. Ind.
WANTED.— Sets Sharp-shinned Hawk and Bald Eagle. What can you use ? BEN .TAMIN HOAG. Stephentown. N. Y.
Oologists Tools and Supplies, Bird Books and Magazines.
Everything Sent Prepaid.
CUT THE LINING EGG DRILLS. 16 sizes from .2 to about .32 lOOths, 25c. to 50c. each. Four selected sizes. $1.00. If not the best you ever used return and get your money. You will find them a delight for fine work.
CODMAN & SHUKTTEFF DRILLS. The very best standard egg drills made. 6 inch handles. No 1, 25c; No. 2, 35c; No. 3. 50c; No. 4, 75c; No. 5. $100; No. 6. $1.50. 3 inch handles. No. 0 and 1, 20c; No. 2, 25c; No. 3, 35c; No. 4. 45c.
BLOW-PIPES. All best Nickle. No. 1, 10 to 12 inches, 40c.; No. 2, 8 to 9 inches, 30c,; No. 3, 6 to 7 inches, 20c.
EMBRYO HOOKS. Best quality 6 inch
handles $ 25
EMBRYO SCISSORS. No. 1. 25c.; No. 2. 50c.; best straight fine points. $1.00; best curved very fine 1 25
CALIPERS. Best nickle sliding calipers, $1.00.
BEST STEEL CLIMBERS. Made as they should be for tree climbing. Sure to please you. With straps. $2.50; without straps. $1.90
PENCILS. Very soft, best made for eggs 10c. each; 3 for 25c.
DATA BLANKS. 3x5, 10c. per 100; about 3'X 6 with name and address inserted, 30c. per 100.
FLANIGAN'S BALL. For rinsing eggs, 20c. Checking lists, 3c. each; 30c. per dozen.
FIELD GLASSES. A fine pair in showy silk lined leather case with strap. Sure to please you. if not return and get your money, $5.00; others, $4,50 to $90.00
FISH BASKETS. Just the thing for field work. $1.00. $1.25 and $1.50.
FORCEPS. Finest quality, plain or
serrated points $ 45
CHECK LISTS. 3cts. each; 30 cts. dozen.
Taylor.s or Lattin's Egg Catalogue 25
Davie's Nests and eggs, 5th ed.. cloth... 1 50
Cone's Key, last ed.. 2 vols,, cloth. 11 00
Ridgway's Manual, cloth or leather 5 75
Chapman's Hand Book, cloth, $2.25,
leather 2 60
Chapman's Warbler Book 2 90
(ioss" Birds Kansas 4 00
Bailey's Hand Book Birds Western U,S, 3 25
Hornaday's Taxidermy 2 40
Chapman's Color Key, or Reed's North
American Birds Eggs and your choice
5(ic, worth tools 2 50
I>avie"s Nests and Eggs and a New sub- scription to the Condor 2 30
A full line of best taxidermists tools made, any books or magazines published. Write me. state you*" wants. I will save you money.
BENJAMIN HOAG, Stephentown, New York.
THE OOLOGIST.
19
STILL LEADING
FIFTH EDITION LATTIN'S STANDARD CATALOCyE OF North American Birds Eggs
With Oologist One Year, Both for 50c.
Compiled by Frank H. Lattin and Ernest H. Short, with the assistance of many prominent American Ool'O-
glBftS.
A Complete Up-to-date Check List of North American Birds, including Introduced Species, giving correct ex- change values on all species whose eggs are procurable at this time. Ar- ranged according to A. O. U. Nome-
clature, but giving Ridgway's aad Coues' numbers also. Printed oa one side cf page only leaving it in convenient form for making notes In or using for labelling purposes. Bound in light board covers. Neat in style. Handy in sihape (just goes in- to full government envelope).
Postpaid 25c each. Six for $1.25.
Address ERNEST H. SHORT, Manager Oologist, Chili, N. Y.
Learn Taxidermy.
Naturalists, Oologists and Sportsmen should all know how to correct- ly mount all kinds of birds and animals. WE TEACH TAXIDERMY BY MAIL. Complete course in 15 lessons. This is one of the most de- lightfii! and fascinating of arts. Easily learned. ST.VN'DARD METHODS. En- dorsed by all leading taxidermists. Many of the best known naturalists of the country are numbered among our students. If you want to learn TAXIDERMY, we desire to submit ourproposition in full. Send TODAY for our new illustrated CATALOG and sam- ple copy of The TAXIDERMY .MAGAZINE. BOTH FREE. THE N. \V. SCHOOL OF TAXIDERMY, 76 Farnam St., Omaha, Neb.
TO ALL INTERESTED. REMEMBER.
I furnish collections covering one or several oranches of Natural History for study or museum purposes at Special reduced rates. Don't fail to write me. I will quote you on your line of wants or I will furnish a general assortment that will fit your purse and be sure to please.
ERNEST H. SHORT. Box 173 Rochester, N. Y.
THE CONDOR.
A Magazine of Western Ornithology.
Official Organ Cooper Ornithalogioal Club.
In .\rticles by Active Ornithologists Half- tones from Life Make-up.
The Delight of Bird Students and Bird Lovers Everywhere.
Volume 10. (liJOS) Better Than Ever.
Published Bi-monthly.
Annual subscription. $1.50, net. in advance. Single copies, 30 cents. Foreign subscription,
fi .:=•;.
J. EUGENE LAW, Business Manager. Holiywood, Cal.
T. Reed & Co., 4 Duke St., Char- ing Cross, London, W. C, England
have for sale rare Asiatic. African, Australian South American and European birds' egga- List 2 cent stamp. Nov. 2. t.
so
THBi OOLiOQIST.
Oologists and Ornithologists Attention !
An illustrated Brochure" In the Haunts of the Swainson's Warbler." giving migration, song habits, geographical distribution, des- cription of bird, nesting, habits, etc.. with plates from photographs of nests and eggs in situ. Sent postpaid for 35c.
DOCTOR M. T. CLECKLEY,
Augusta, Qa.
A COMPLETE LINE
of Indian relics Jossils. minerals and curios for sale by
R. E. HOLMES,
Montrose, Nebr. Send for 1908 price list.
THE GIRL AND THE DOG.
Six pretty and artistic poses on beautifully colored post cards; worthy of framing and hanging on the walls of your den. The com- plete set. 18 cents, stamps.
HOWARD M. GILLET, Dept. 0. Lebanon Springs, N. Y.
HAND EGG BLOW-PIPE PERFECTED.
J»st the thing for blowing eggs with small or large holes. Can be used without water- blower. Indorsed by a great many oologists and collectors. Satisfaction guaranteed. Sent postpaid with directions for $1.00. DR. M. T. CLECKLEY,
Augusta, Ga.
lORLfi'S GREATEST COLLECTORS' MAGAZINE
FOUNDED IIS 1895
The Philatelic M and Camera News
Combines Collectors' aud Post Card World
and Dozen Other Papers.
SUPERIOR, NEBR., U. S. A.
The oldest largest monthly American Col- lector's Paper published. Over 100 pages each issue, replete with interesting reading and advertising illustrated pertaining to Stamps, Curios, Coins, Postal Cards and Entire Covers, Minerals, Birds, Relics of all kinds. Cameras, Etc. Over 3600 pages issued in 2 years. . .^ .
An unimitated expensive meritorious feature is the publication in each number of illustrations of leading collectors and dealers of the world. A possessor of complete files has a valuable and interesting collection, worthy of preservation. .
Official Organ of over 40 popular societies, 35.000 members. The review of all papers of all languages is an attractive addition. In- teresting matter from French, German, Latin, and from all foreign English papers in each number. SOcts.for I 2 numbers; foreign, $1 0P4«.
ADVERTISERS
A word with you; that collectors appreciate the above attractive features is evidenced by onr large and growing subscription list. The West circulates ali over the world. Over 12.000 ads in 2 years.
Trial A6 I cent per word in Trade Calumn; 3 times for price of 2.
L. T. BRODSTONE.
Pxibllsher. Superior. N«br. ( U. S. A.)
Prices for Back Numbers of the TOXTNG OOLOGIST AND THE OOLOOIST
will, during 1908, remain as below: After which the prices of many num- bers will be advanced and possibly not obtainable at any price. Should you desire back numbers to complete your file, NOW is the time to purchase. You can never obtain them for less money and possibly not at any price, as our stock ranges from only 1 to 25 copies of an issue.
Prices for 1907-08 Are as Follows: Complete file, 112.00. No. 32 is 75 cents.
Nos. 1, 14, 18, 21, 23-24, 31, 34-35, 42, 53, 86, 89, 111, 130, 132, 137, 139, 140. 153, 158, are 50 cents each.
Nos. 9, 66-67, 76, 77, 78, 79, 88, 90, 100. 113. 138, 146, are 25 cents each.
Nos. 11. 13, 14, 15, 16, 54, 55, 56, 76. 87, 123, 127, 128, 129, 144, 149. are 15 cents each.
Nos. 19, 20, 22, 27, 28, 38, 39, 40, 45, 50, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 70, 74, 80, 93, 114. 115, 126, 133, 135, are 10 cents each. iJlF'All other numbers 5c. per copy. For $12 will send prepaid a copy of every issue ever published, No. 1 to 225. This offer includes your subscrip- tion through 1906.
My prices for back numbers of the YOUNG OOLOGIST and OOLOGIST in volumes, are as follows:
Vol. I, 1884-5, Nos. 1 to 12 $ .90
Vol. II, 1885, Nos. 13 to 14 50
Vol. Ill, 1886, Nos. 15 to 20 90
Vol. IV, 1887, Nos. 21 to 25-26 1.00
Vol. V. 1888, Nos. 27 to 38 1.50
Vol. VI, 1889, Nos. 39 to 50 75
Vol. VII, 1890, Nos. 51 to 62 76
Vol. VIII, 1891, Nos. 63 to 74 75
Vol. IX, 1892, Nos. 75 to 86 90
Vol. X, 1893, Nos. 87 to 98 1.00
Vol. XI, 1894, Nos. 99 to 110 60
Vol. XII, 1895, Nos. Ill to 122 1.00
Vol. XIII, 1896, Nos. 123 to 127 50
Vol XIV, 1897, Nos. 128 to 139 1.50
Vol. XV. 1898, Nos. 140 to 149 60
Vol. XVI, 1899, Nos. 150 to 161 75
Vol. XVII, 1900, Nos. 162 to 171 50
Vol. XVIII. 1901, Nos. 172 to 183.. .50
Vol. XIX, 1902, Nos. 184 to 195 50
Vol. XX, 1903, Nos. 196 to 197 10
Vol. XXI, 1904, No. 198 to 209 50
Vol. XXII, 1905. Nos. 210 to 221 50
Vo!. XXIII. 1906. 222 to 233 55
For $5 I will send prepaid a copy of every issue published, Nos. 1 to 209, Inclusive, except the twenty-nine, (29), 25c., 50c. and 75c. copies.
For $2.00 I will send prepaid every copy published, Nos. 1 to 209, inclusive, except the sixty copies priced above at 10c or over.
— BOUAD VOLUMES — Can be furnished, strongly bound In cloth and hoards, as follows : Vol. I and II YOUNG OOLOGIST bound in
one volume $1.00
Vol. IX. The OOLOGIST for '92, 298 pages of valuable and instructive Oologlcal and Ornithological matter veith many
full page illustrations $1.00
Or, if you order the two volumes at one time, we will send them by return mail for only $1.75. Every student of birds, their nests and eggs, should have these two volumes In their library. The valuable information they contain. Is worth many times the price. Address plainly,
ERNEST H. SHORT,
Mana,« of 0^-t.^_ ,^
The Oologist.
Vol. XXV. No. 2.
Albion, N. Y. Feb., 1908.
Whole No. 247
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication DeToted to
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXI- DEEMY.
FKAKS X. LATTIN, PublUker,
ALBIOV, K. T.
KUrZST H. 8K0XT. Editor ud ]Un«cw.
Oomspondence and items of intereat to tbe •tadant of Birds, tbelr Neata and Bcra, aolldtcd from all.
TERMS OF 8UBSCBIPTI0N :
Slasle snbacriptlon 50c per annam
Sample copies 6c eacb
Tbe abore rates Inclnde payment of poatage.
Bach subscriber la flren a card good for a Want, Ezchanre or For Sale Notice. (This card la redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.)
Sabscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OOLOGIST can t>e fur- ■lataed at reasonable rates. Send stamp for de- •erlptlons and prices.
Remember that the publisher moat be noti- ced by letter when a anbscriber wishes his pa- yer stopped, and all arrearages must be paid.
ADYBRTISING RATKS:
t cents per nonpareil line each Insertion.
12 lines In crery Inch. Seren Inches In a eol- ■aan. and two eolnmna to the page.
Nothing Inaerted for leaa than 25 cents. No "special rates." 5 centa per line is "net," "rock kottom," "inside," "spot cash" rate from which tkcre is no derlatloa and no commiaiilon to •gents. If yon wlah to nse 5 lines or less space It wlU cost yoa 26 cents; 100 lines. $5.00; 1000 liaca, $60. "Trade" (other than cash) adrer- tlasmtnts will be accepted by special arrange- ment only and at ratea from donble to flre times cash r«tc«. Dae BUls and Cards payable in ad- TvrtlatiC will be honored only at legnlar rates la force at the date of issoanee of said bill or card.
Rcaittaacea sboald be made by Draft, Bz- prtm or Poatofflee Money Order. Registered Letter or PosUl Note. Unused U. S. Postage stamps of any denomination will be accepted for sums ander one dollar. Make Money Or- ders and Drafta payable and address all sub- scriptions and commnnl cations to
HRNBST H. SHORT, Editor and Manager, CbiU, Monroe Co.. N. Y.
THE BIRDS OF PREY AND THE COLLECTORS.
Recently the Oologist has adopted the new policy of accepting no more advertisements of eggs or skins of North American birds to be bought or
sold for cash, except of game 'birds and birds of prey. This was a wise step.
Let me say right here that I neither have the desire to unwarrantably in- terfere with the management of the Oologist in the conduct of its own business, nor do I write as an ex- tremist in the matter of bird protec- tion, for I am a collector myself.
The game birds are pretty thorough ly and carefully protected throughout all parts of the United States and Canada, not only by law, but by pub- lic sentiment, and when by diminu- tion in numbers they seem to need fuller protection, they will undoubted- ly receive it; as for instance, in New Hampshire and Massachusetts the Wood Duck and the Upland Plover are now protected for a term of years with no open season.
The birds of prey, on the contrary, have few friends. The hand of ev- ery hunter and farmer, with a pitiful- ly small percentage o fexception, is against them. In some states cer- tain species are pi-otected by law, but to the average man, a hawk is a hawk, and if he can kill it, he will do so with satisfaction. Public senti- ment is yet, as a whole, far from fav- orable to the protection of any birds of prey.
To collectors of eggs and skins in the aggregate, there is proba'bly no other order of birds so attractive as that of the birds of prey. If this is so, and I believe it is, collectors ought to enlist themselves individu- ally and as a class on the side of those birds which mean so much to
THE OOLOGISl
them, yet have so few friends. Not necessarily cease collecting, ibut col- lect judiciously, not selfishly and glut- tonously. No man who collects judi- ciously, unless he is making an ex- haustive study of Moults and plum- ages, which very few collectors are, should kill his specimens in the breed- ing season, but should take them either before or after; better by far, after.
The collector who uses judgment and really has any love for the birds, If he has taken their first set of eggs, will not only refrain from taking their second laying, but will endeavor 4o prevent their being disturbed by foes of any kind, human or otherwise.
Any collector who takes the eggs from an eagle's nest one season, should use every means in his power to see that the birds are not disturb- ed the following season, because it Is a well recognized fact that the eagles do not, as a rule, make a sec- ond attempt to breed the same sea- son, if disturbed in their first.
In this way we may foster the breeding of the various species in our own localities, for it is at least rea- sonable to suppose that birds which breed and are ibred in a certain sec- tion, will instinctively seek the same •latitude, if not the same locality, when the next breeding season comes.
Every true Oologist, — and I. mean by that the kind described and exem- plified by the late Major Bendire, — will take as much satisfaction in re- cording the safe raising of a family of rare birds as he will in reporting the taking of a set of eggs of the same species.
Our authorities who have made ex- tensive examination of the contents of the stomachs of raptorial birds, freely condemn only the Great Horn- ed Owl, Goshawk, Cooper's Hawk, Duck Hawk, Pigeon Hawk and Sharp-
skinned Hawk. For the first four I have nothing to say, except that from the point of sentiment I should hate to see any species exterminated. The Pigeon Hawk is known to most of us only as a rare migrant, but we had best proceed carefully with the Sharp skinned Hawk. To be sure its food consists principally of small birds.
The biggest problem in the bird line in this country today is the Eng- lish Sparrow pest, and onithologists are carefully watching the spread of the Starling which is now rapidly go- ing on from around New York City. Some of our best ornithological au- thorities believe that as these or oth- er undersirable species spread, — (Of course it is not yet determined that the Starling is undesirable,) — their natural enemies will hold them in check. If these natural enemies are to do this, high in their ranks must stand the Sharp-skinned Hawk.
If it is neither feasible nor advis- able to form an Oologist organization which may stand for these and kin- dred ideas, all who .believe in such should endeavor, by precept and by example, to make collecting in this field not merely the preserving of the rare and beautiful, but of equal or greater importance, the preservation of the source of these things. We are all familiar with the old story of the result of "killing of the goose that laid the golden egg." Let all of us collectors take this home to our- selves and not help in bringing about a similar result by killing the bird that lays the rare egg.
B. G. Willard. Millis, Mass.,
.Jan. 4, 190S.
The Mourning Warbler,
This exceedingly shy Warbler ar- rives from the- sunny south the first and second v.etks in May and take
THE OOLOGIST
23
up their nonie in damp, dark woods where the t'errs with their luxurious growth predominate. The male utters short calling- notes to the female. The Oven Bird is found in the same locality. About the middle of May they start nest-building, which are al- most invariably constructed in a clus- ter of ferns, about 12 or 1-5 inches from the ground.
Those nests that we found are about 4 inches in circumference and 3% Inches in height on the outside dry swamp grass interwoven with dry leaves and coarse rootlets, lined with the finest rootlets. Notwith- standing Xehrling's, Chapman's and Davies' statement, "lined with fine hair," they may, however, conform with the locality. The eggs are white, sprinkled with reddish dots near the larger end, and lay from 3 to 5 eggs.
While the female sits on the eggs, the male is perched on a dry small twig of a sapling from 10 to 15 feet from the ground. I saw a male in this position , and having a stout stick in hand with which I parted the ferns in looking for the nest, I threw it at the bird and brought it down. It now adorns our collection of birds. They utter a peculiar song, which is different from that of any other warbler, thereby leading to the detec- tion of their nests. We took the pic- ture of the nest June 3, 1906, and found another one in the same piece of woods. The shyness of this very peculiar dark feathered warbler makes it very difficult to find. After rearing the young, they leave us again at the end of September.
EDWARD REINECKE, Buffalo, N. Y.
Photo by Reinecke. Nest and Eggs of Mourning Warbler.
24
THE OOLOGIST.
Excubitorides or Migrans?
For several years I have been much interested as to the identity of the small grey shrikes that inha'bit Fulton Co., N. Y., during the summer months. For a long time I believed the species to be the common White-rumped Shrike, lanius ludovicianus excubi- torides, and as such I mentioned the species in the Oologist for December, 1903.
Later on I reviewed my data on the subject, and in 1906 began to think that the species, migrans. Such was the name in "Some 1906 Notes," pub- lished in this paper for December, 1907, and it was the query, inserted by friend Short "Was not this excubi- torides?" that has led to the publi- cation of this article.
I insert a description of our Fulton county Shrike, taken from a freshly killed specimen: Length, 8.81 in.; ex- tent, 12.63 in.; wing, 3.69 in.; tail, 3.56 in.; bill, culmen, 63 in.; tomia, .91 in.; gonys, .44 in.; tarsus, .94 in. Upper mandible of the bill dark grey, lower mandible greyish black; irides, olive brown, tarsus and toes grayish- hrown. Forehead, crown, nape, back, rump, and upper tail coverts slaty- gray, tinged more or less with brown throughout, tail graduated, outer rec- trix almost entirely white; the re- mained with more black as they ap- proach the central pair, the fourth and fifth pairs beii\g black with only the extreme tips of the feathers whitish; the central pair uniform dark brownish black; auriculars, orbi- tal and loral region, and nasal tufts black; chin, throat and entire under parts, white, tinged on the breast with grajish brown, scapulars gray- ish white; lesser coverts gray; mid- dle and greater coverts glossy black; primaries medium brown with basal third and vane of the feather, pure white; secondaries of brownish black
with extreme lips of feathers slightly lishter. Sex, fm., Mayfield. Fulton Co., New York, Aug. 2, 1907."
Now it is observable at once that this bird is not the typical subspecies ludovicianus, Linn., because our bird has the tail slightly shorter than the wing instead of the reverse, while the bill appears to average slightly small- er. Ridgway gives the range of ludo- vicianus as follows: "Southern Unit- ed Stated. Coast district of South Carolina and Georgia to southern Florida, west over the coastal plain of the United States to Louisiana."
Returning to excubitorides Swain- son, we find that our Shrike agrees in having the tail shorter than the wing, but lacks entirely the sudden change of color of the uropygius and upper tail coverts (whense, indeed, the com- mon name of white-runged' Shrike.) mon name of white-rumped Shrike.) preciably different, in color, from the back.
The range of excubitorides, is giv- en by Ridgway (Birds of Middle and Xorth America; Volume III) as fol- lows: "Arid district of western Unit- ed t Sates and British Provinces, from the eastern border of the Great Plains to the western margin of the Great Basin."
The new variety, migrans. Palmer, w'as first described in the "Auk" in 1898. It is distinguished from th>j other twoc ommon Shrikes by the characteristics mentioned above, as well as by having the under parts usually less purely white than the other sub-species. This character in our Shrike is very pronounced, the breast and belly being strongly ting- ed with grayish brown. The range of this sub-species fills in the vacancy left by the other varieties, being as follows: "Greater part of the United States east of the Great Plains, but very local in the more eastern dis- tricts."
THE OOLOQIST.
25
This entirely answers the descrip- tion of our small nesting Shrike, and I, for ray part, am entirely satisfied as to its identity.
Charles P, Alexander.
Editor Oologist, Dear Sir: —
Please give me the breeding range of the Migrant Shrike (lanius ludo- vicianus migrans). How does the bird differ from the Loggerhead?
On May 21st, last, I saw several Red-breasted Xuthatchs picking at the cones on a spruce tree. They were clinging to them in a manner not unlike that of the Chickadee. I am well acquainted with the Red-breast- ed Nuthatch and am not mistaken as to identity. Is this a common occur- rence?
I saw a Cape May Warbler here on May 18 of this year when the Warbler migration was at its height. The mi- gration was rather late this year, on account of the very backward spring I suppose. The first Warbler I saw was the Black and White which ar- rived on April 30, when the weather was far from agreeable. Warblers were very abundant this spring. I shot a Fox Sparrow on April 25th.
I saw a nest of an American Gold- finch within two feet of the ground this year.
D. B. Cobourg, Canada.
See answer elsewhere in this num- ber. (Ed.)
Editor Oologist:
I noted with interest your state- ment concerning the singing of Warl)- ling vireos on the nest in December Oologist, because I have found it very difficult to obtain accurate date -on the songs of sitting birds or of female birds in general.
Mr. Burroughs' statement has been
often quoted, but is certainly wrong as to some species. I have watched house finches (carpadacus mexicanus frontalis, nesting for many years, and invariably have found that the fe- male bird pejsistently sings a por- tion of the song of the male, some- times for an hour at a time, the male responding with the full song in a tree near Dy. A reliable observer re- ports to me the same trait in a fe- male black-headed Grosbeck observ- ed by him. I should like very much to see all such instances reported. Junius Henderson,
Boulder, Colorado.
The Quail Trap.
Norwich, Conn., Bulletin.
The Quail Trap, Dec. 3, 1907.— Well, the open season is over without much honor for either gunner or state. What, indeed, can ibe expected from protective laws that do not protect, when the commonwealth of Connec- ticut allows 20,000 licensed men to shoot sixty day in depleted covers? Through October the cry was "No game," but in Novemiber, when the leaves had fallen, gunners had fine weather, made fairly good bags, and by December 1. clearly showed that one month of open shooting can clean up all superfluous game.
. A leading editorial from a journal in a sister city maintains with stout bravado that city hunters are gentle- men, and by association, example, and influence, help to elevate the manners and social status of farmers and farm- ers' families. Perhaps a residence for the last eight open seasons in the country may permit me to insist that farmers have few lessons in polite- ness and field etiquette to learn from the si)orting "gent" from town. The average city gunner, as I have met him, fastens his horse to a hidden barpost. steals into the woods, picks
26
THE OOLOOI8T.
up what game he can, and goes away without paying his respects to the farmer.
For many years I fished and hunted all over this county with a man — country-ibred — who invariably placed his horse in the barn under the farm- er's care, and paid liberally for all privileges, and was ever a welcome guest at the farmer's table.
Two Woodstock gunners, born, ■bred, and living in the country, who shoot in our woods, bring us part of their bags on lucky days. This sea- son, last year, and in former years, they have generously divided their chicken pats, and woodcock with us. These gentlemen have not fired a shell at quail for four years. But one day, in a season when quail were abundant, they stood on a neighbor's line and dropped three extra large quail on our land, which were at once given to us. This trio of bo'b-'whites, nicely set up, are in our summer home as souvenirs of a vanishing race, and perpetual mementoes of two farmers and country gentlemen who do not require association and example of city shots to tell them what is manly and right to do.
But, alas! the close of the season saw the end of the career of our old cock partridge who- for a decade has lived a charmed life in our woods. In the spring we have often listened to his rataplan, and he is the only ruffed grouse I ever heard drum in autumn. We knew his favorite patches of eye- bright and dewberries, met him huck- leberrying in open brush, and many times have seen him dusting his col- lar and turkey-like tail in an unused roadway. Others have seen him 'bud- ding in maple and apple tress, and this season when we surprised him with three females he was too indig- nant for flight and stalked away out of sight like a Mongolian pheasant. He exceeded the extreme local weight
of 2 and 3-4 pounds, and was in bril- liant winter dress. If wiring will re- store the ruff and enormous fan, the taxidermist will be given a white card to give us a lifelike semblance of this superb si:ecimen. He was presented to us by a hunter, neighbor and farm- er, who needed no hint for his act of courtesy from the shooting gentle- men of refinement and culture from town.
We shall miss this noble grouse from his beautiful woodland home, where I hope to spend many more days, meet some of his descendants', and where in some sentimental mood I may feel like pencilling on a beech or white birch in his special praise a tribute more worthy of the place and bird than the following jingle:
Old Red Ruff played his bluff Through many a joyous year;
Of winter's cold and foxes bold He had but little fear.
Behind a tree from you and me He'd dodge the charge of shot;
The treetops o'er, his flight would soar In an eye-puzzling knot.
He'd outwit a gun, in zigzag run 'Round many a screening sitump —
A setter's nose would not disclose His perch in hemlock clump.
The woods would hum with his merry drum
Beat loud from log or wall; Rival and wife in am'rous strife
Obeyed the sovereign call.
At his flushing whirr, pulses would stir From the berrypicker's heart; That roaring whirl scared many a churl — Made e'en the woodfolk start.
By our swampy path he'd take a bath On a hot summer's day;
THB OOLOOIST.
27
His ruff so grand he'd fill with sand In the dusty woodland way.
A score of wives lost their lives Ere Red Ruff's race was run.
And a hundred chicks he lost by tricks Of fox, hawk, owl, and gun.
But with weakened nerve, a fatal swerve From any covering shield "When trees were bare — a snapshot pair Made the ruler's' spirit yield.
So we chance a tear o'er a brave ca- reer—
Chant a sincere refrain: Hed Ruff we'll set in our cabinet,
Let Science reign! — 'C. L. Rawson.
The Horned Owl in Wayne County, Michigan.
Fifteen years ago Bubo virginianus was a common bird throughout the county, but is now comparatively rare owing to unremitting persecution and the cutting away of large forests that afforded safe retreats. At the pres- ent moment I know of but three large pieces of tim'ber within the boundar- ies of the county and feel confident the Bubo has not nested in one of those for many years. It is with the remaining two we have to deal.
The Dearborn Township parcel cov- ers 750 acres of ground and here, in 1901, a Red-tail Hawk built an entire •new nest and had a complete set de- posited just 23 days from the time lier first was taken. This nest was placed 65 feet above the ground in the main fork of a large beech. April 13, 1902, we ate luncheon at the base of this tree, but not before pounding it and otherwise convincing our- selves that the nest was not occupied. Leaving the party I went some dis-
tance to investigate a tree cavity, and while returning noticed two pro- jections above the nest that would pass for ear tufts, hut no amount of noise induced them to move. The majority voiced an opinion of dead leaves, but this was not entirely sat- isfactory to me, for a large owl had glided from the vicinity at our ap- proach. However, I would not climb on the evidence at hand, but as we started away I glanced back from time to time, and suddenly discover- ed that only one projection was vis- ible and while I stood watching the other swung into view. That settled it. This owl remained upon the nest until I could reach into it and then vacated on a straight line through the woods and did not return. Two owlets about a week old and the re- mains of two red squirrels and a do- mestic pigeon represented the con- tents of the nest which had been re- lined with oak leaves' and was with- out down. I did not disturb the con- tents and hoped to secure a set of eggs the following season, but a care ful search throughout the woods fail- ed to reveal any trace of the owls.
The Monguagon Township section of timber comprises about 700 acres — mostly oak and elm of the largest size. I explored this woods on April 17, 1898 and in the most dense and gloomy portion discovered a nest of the Great Horned Owl. It was a rather insignificant appearing struc- ture, situated 70 feet from the ground in the main fork of a white oak with- out an intervening limb and was un- doubtedly built by the owls. Nothing was seen of the birds, but their claim to the nest was assured by a profus- ion of down clinging to its exterior and also to the limbs and for some distance down the trunk. Not far from this tree grew another equally large but with an abundance of limbs and there was no difficulty in reach-
28
THE OOLOOIST.
ing an elevation from which the ow- lets could be seen but they were "bunched" and whether two or three in number could not be determined. Having plenty of time I remained two hours in the vicinity with a hope of seeing the old birds, but without success.
April 24 found me again beneath the nest, but this time prepared to ascend. It was sighted from fully 300 yards and just as both owls flew from the tree to be seen no more. The nest contained the remains of an adult male and female Cooper's Hawk and two defiant juvenile Bubos. They could not fly a s»troke, although sxib- sequent measurements showed a wing spread of 41 7-8 and 41 9-16 in. That they were unable to fly seems remarkable when we consider that the average spread of the adult is not above 54 inches.
It was not until the season of 1903 that I decide<i to secure a set of eggs if possible, and on March 15, after the other localities had panned out mill, I turned to this woods as a last chance. A large nest was sighted from a long way through the trees and kept steadily in view, but no owl was seen to leave. However, drop- p-ings on the ground beneath the nest and the sudden outcry of a flock of crows suggested owls and I decided to wait awhile. In a few moments a large owl came into view followed by a long string of clamorous tormen- tors and alighted upon the topmost branch of a giant sycamore, but in- stantly perceiving me and took wing. This convinced me the nest was oc- cupied but before attempting the climb I wished to observe the owl's
home coming and found the foliage of a live oak an excellent place of concealment. It was a quarter of an hour before she put in an appearance coming with a noiseless even stroke of wings that tended to blend with the woodland gloom and render her progress scarcely noticeable. She alighted three feet from the nest an<i, after careful survey of the surround- ings, crept cautiously down the limb into it and entirely disappeared. I stepped into view and at almost the same instant caught sight of one wing as she dropped down the fur- ther side of the tree and glided away not more than two feet above the ground. This nest wa® constructed by Red-tails in 1899 and was placed where a large limb separated into three branches just 84 feet above the ground. First limb 60 feet up and circumference of the tree three feet from ground eight feet, 10 inches. Was three-quarters of an hour up the tree but felt well repaid by the fine set of eggs now in my cabinet.
March 1, 1904. Mr. Wisener secur- ed a set of two from this nest (as re- corded in the Oologist for June, 1904) and on March 19, 1905, I took another set of two from it. The bird was a trifle latein getting down to business as the nest contained but one egg on March 5. This nest was not occupied in 1906 nor could we find any signs of the Horned Owl breeding in this woods or elsewhere until May 6, when we located a family in Gratiot Township. The first seen was a young bird that had probably left the nest the previous night. It was perched in a low dog- wood tree and made no attempt to escape. We located the nest hoHow at once and Mr. Spicer shot the fe- male as she flew over.
J. CLAIRE WOOD,
Detroit, Mich.
The Oologist.
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXIDERMY.
WANTS, FOR SALES AND EXCHANGES,
Brief Special announcements " Wants," " Exchanges," " For Sales," inserted in this de- partment for 25 cents per 25 words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate of 1-2 cent for each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25 cents. Terms, cash with order.
Strictly first-class specimens will be accepted in payment at 1-3 list rates.
Vol. XXV. No. 3.
ALBION, N. Y., MARCH, 1908. Whole No. 248
Take Notice.
Examine the number following' your name on the wrapper of this month's Oologist. It denotes when your sub- scription expired or will expire.
Remember we must be notified if you wish paper discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 209 your subscription expired Dec. 1904 248 vour subscription expires with this issue 267 " " " " Dec, 1908
Intermediate numbers can easily be determined. If we have you credited wrong we wish to rectify.
Entered as second-class matter De- cembed 21, 1903, at the post office, at Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Con- gress of March 3. 1879.
COLLECT TO ORDER.-Very fine ma- terial in the bird and insect line from south- ern Mexico. Particular attention paid to data. AUSTIN PAUL SMITH. Cuernavaca. Mexico. F. 2. t.
FOK EXCHANGE.-P.ald Eagle, 2-1 with full data, Florida collected, for best offer of sets I can use. Make offer and send list. J. WAKKEN JACOBS, Waynesburg. Pa.
DR. T. W. RICHARDS, U. S. Navy, wishes to notify correspondents that his present ad- dress is, U. S. Ship Colorado, care Post- master, San Francisco. California.
KODAKS TO EXCH.VNGE.-Any grade, brand new Eastman camera, for eggs not in my collection at 1-4 Lattin's List. Can use some common sets. L. D. SU.MNEH, .Madi- son. Wis. M.;3. t.
Foi; E.\'(TL\N(;E.- For best offer Indian relics or fini- curios. One set. Messages and Acts of the Presidents. 10 vols., cost $:i5.(H). never un rapped. DIL .VLUEKT E. PAIXE. iliverhead. L. I.. N. Y.
E.\'('1IAX<;E.- Nature Library, 10 vols. New with book-case, rare books on orni- thol<ig.v, tine field glass, butterflies in mounts, sets. fte. Want good sets, especially Penna. and New .lersey ones. D. E. HARKoWElt. Swarthmore. Pa.
FOR SALE-Auk and Nuttall Bulletin. Complete up to and including 1907. Thirty two Vols, in all. The entire set is botind in half morocco excepting the last two Vols, of the Auk. An extra fine set. Price one hun- dred dollars for the set. PHILIP LAURENT, 31 East Mt. Airy Ave., Philadelphia, Penn.
FOR SALE.— I have a number of mounted Snowy Owl and White Pelican. What can you use in this line? MARTIN GULLESON, Tax., Rutland, N. D.
I HAVE a large lot of misc. stamps from all countries that I will exchange for first class skins of small land birds. What have you to offer ? H. K. CO ALE, 136 Washington St., Chicago.
WANTED. -Bird skins No. 495a, 496. 498a, 500, 501a, 502, 503. 505, 511, 511a. 513a, 515b, 520. 523. 524a. 525, 526, 527, 527a, 528a, 528b, 531, 552, 5(i2, 564. 565. 566, 571, 573, 578. 586. 633, (i34, WO. Also others not on list. Can offer mounted birds, bird skins, eggs in sets and singles. Will exchange mounted bird for sets. Send full lists. JESSE T.CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave.. Detroit, Mich.
WANTED.— Several each, strictly first class skins of Kites. Hawks. Owls. Also 215, 16. 31. 33, 44, 86: 400. 1, la, lb, 5, 43. 49. 51, 52, 53, 53a. 60, 62, W.l. 65. 68. 69, 69.1, 70a, 72, 72a; 541, 42, 42c, 44a. 44.1. 45. 49, 50. 51:64, (i5, 66, 67d. (i8, 75. 78. 79. 8.3a.88b:621,22, 22a, 23, 26. 30, 31a. 34. :38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45. 45a. 51, 53. 60, 62, 63, 64, 66, 69, 75. 7S. 79. S(t. 84, 8.5, .S6; 711. Also have to ex- change, several each, Santa Cruz Island Jay, Wren; San Clemente Tohee, Wren, Song Spar- row, House Finch; Island Horned Lark, Shrike; Large-billed Sparrow; Black Oyster Catcher, Wandering Tattler, Black Turn- stone" Rhinocerous .Vuklet.and many others. Only best skins offered or wanted. C. B. LINTON, 175(i Pine \ve.. Long Beach. CaliL
IXDIAX 1! !•: Lies. -Arrows, bows. b:isk(ts, drinking cups, water bottles and head pieces with feathers. t'ollectcd from villages of "Digger Indian" tribes. C, IRVIN CLAY, I'.ox 353 Eureka, Cal.
W ANTE I ).— To subscribe for every Xatural History and Curio Collectors magazine pub- lished. Please send sample copy. ALBERT E. FROST, 15ox 485, Deseronto, Ont.. Canada.
34
THE OOLOGIST.
200 microscopical specimens. Mounted on glass slides. Representing Histology, Pathology, and Bacteirology, tolexchange for coins stamps or Indian relics. Also have Fossil Coral (Lithostistion Canadense) to trade, I want to trade for or purchase col- lection of stamps, and Single State Revenues. Write first. J. M. BROOKS, M. D., Golden City, Mo.
WANTED.— In condition from mounting- Otter, Fisher, Martin, Wolverine, Alligator- Least Weasel. Offer and price. Write E. W- CAMPBELL, 323 Wyoming Ave., Pittston- Pa.
WANTED. -Cone's Key, latest edition- Offer skines 33-la, male; ()21, male; 478c, male; 491, male; 492, male. etc. Capen's "Oology of N. E." new. unbound; Nuttall's "'N. A. Birds." new; 4x5 camera, etc. Also sets 21 1-2; 82 1-1; 204 1-1; 230 1-3; 498d 1-4; 3321-3; 702 1-4; Australian Crane 1-2; Antigone do. 1-2. CHAS. S. THOMPSON, Box 214, Buena Vista, Colo.
WANTED.— First class sets as follows. No's, 5 3-5 2-(3, 7 5-2, 12 10-1, 13 10-1, 16 5-1, 27 10-2, 29 10-2, 47 5-3, 51 5-3, 52 5-3, (i3 10-3, M 10-3, 67 10-3, 76 15-1, 92 10-1, 106 25-1, 112 12-1, 113 6-1, 115 5-2, 128 10-1, 139, 140, 144, 153. several sets with down if possible. 182 5-1, 188 5-3, 207 3-5, 228 5-4, 230 5-4, 288 5-4. 2-5, 328 4-4, 332 5-4 5-5, 343 10-2 10-3, 348 5-4 2-5, 349 5-2 1-3, 352 5-2 1-3, 355 5-5, 356 5-4, 357 2-4 3-5, 359 5-4, 364 10-3 2-4. 368 5-2 5-3, 373 10-4 10-5, 375 5-2 5-3. 384 3-5, 419 5-2. For any of these I will give best of exchange from my series. C. W. CRANDALL, 10 Third St.. Woodside, Boro of Queens, New York. N. Y,
FINE FOREIGN EGGS FOR SALE.
Some splendid sets at exceptionally low prices. All with full data.
Per Set
Australian Crane, 1-2, beauties ■ $4 50
Grus Antigone, 1-2 (very large) 2 25
1-2 (much finer) 3 50
Pondicherry Vulture, 1-1 (very large 1 75
Shahin Falcon, 1-1 (handsome) 125
Butastur teesa, 1-2 1 00
Pernis cristatus, 1-1. fine, rare 1 60
Hemprich (lUll, 1-3, large holes • 60
Nebaux Gull, 1-2, large holes 80
Argya gularis, 1-5, bright blue 60
Black Kite, 1-3 75
Green-footed Gallinule, 1-10 1 00
Indian Water Hen, 1-4 1 00
Forty other foreign species for sale. Most of the above from India. Post free over $2.50.
CHAS S. THOMPSON,
Box 2 I 4 Buena Vista, Colo.
THE GIRL AND THE DOG.
Six pretty and artistic poses on beautifully colored post cards; worthy of framing and hanging on the walls of your den. The com- plete set, 18 cents, stamps.
HOWARD M. GILLET, Dept. 0. Lebanon Springs, N. Y.
A COMPLETE LINE
of Indian relics, fossils, minerals and curios for sale by
R. E. HOLMES,
Montrose, Nebr. Send for 1908 price list.
A Course in Comic Drawing For SOcts
Subscribe to "Youth"
30c a Vear
and get COMIC DRAW- ING LESSONS FREE. Our artists teach you. Sample copy for 6c in stamps. YOUTH PUBLISHING CO., Dep. X. O L BALTO.. MD.
BEST STEEL CLIMBERS
With 4 straps prepaid are now $3.00 r without straps at old price, $1.90 pre- paid. Look over my "ad" in February Oologist — a ful list of oologist's tools there at lowest prices.
Cut-the-Lining Egg Drills. Let me
again urge you to try them,; 4 select- ed sizes, $1.00. Return and get your money if not perfectly satisfactory.
Bargains :
Technical World and new sub- scription to Condor $2.25
Goss Birds. Kansas 4.00
Forest and Stream and Technical
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Books prepaid. Yearly subscription. Only a short time at above prices.
BENJAMIN HOAG Stephentown - New York.
THE OOLOGIST.
35
STILL LEADING
FIFTH EDITION LATTIN'S STANDARD CATALOGUE OF North American Birds Eggs
With Oologist One Year, Both fer 50c.
Compiled by Frank H. Lattin and Ernest H. Short, with the assistance of many prominent American OoJo- gi&ts.
A Complete Up-to-date Check List of North American' Birds, including Introduced Species, g'iving correct ex- change values on all species whose eggs are procurable at this time. Ar- ranged according to A. O. U. Nome-
clature, but giving P-idgway's and Coues' numbers also. Printed on one side of page only leaving it In convenient form for making notes In or using for labelling purposes. Bound in light board covers. Neat ic. style. Handy in shape (just goes in- to full government envelope).
Postpaid' 25c each. Six for $1,215.
Address ERNEST H. SHORT, Manager Oologist, Chili, N. Y.
^BY^^ ^ Learn Taxidermy.
Naturalists, Oologists and Sportsmen should all know how to correct- ly mount all kinds of birds and animals. WE TEACH TAXIDERMY BY MAIL. Complete course in 15 lessons. This is one of the most de- lightful and fascuiating of arts. Easily learned. STANDARD METHODS. En- dorsed by all leading taxidermists. Many of the best known naturalists of the country are numbered among our students. If you want to learn TAXIDER.MY, we desire to submit ourproposition in full. Send TODAY for our new illustrated CATALOG and sam- ple copy of The TAXIDERMY MAGAZINE. BOTH FREE. THE N. W. SCHOOL OF TAXIDERMY, 76 Farnam St., Omaha, Neb.
TO ALL INTERESTED. REMEMBER.
I furnish collections covering one or several oranches of Naturai, History for study or museum purpo.ses at Spf;cial reduced rates. Don't fail to write me. I will quote you on your line of wants or I will furnish a general assortment that will fit your purse and be sure to please.
ERNEST H. SHORT, Box 173 Rochester, N. Y.
THE CONDOR.
A Magazine of Western Ornithology.
Official Organ Cooper Ornithalogioal Club.
In Articles by Active Ornithologists Half- tones from Life Make-up.
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Published Bi-monthly.
Annual subscription, $1.50, net, in advance. Single copies, 30 cents. Foreign subscription, $1.75.
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Oologists and Ornithologists Attention !
An illustrated Brochure" In the Haunts of the Swainson's Warbler." giving migration, song habits, geographical distribution, des- cription of bird, nesting, habits, etc., with plates from photograjihs of nests and eggs in situ. .*^ent postpaid for :i5c.
DOCTOR M. T. CLECKLEY,
Augusta, 6a-
36
THE OOL.OOIST.
HAND EGG BLOW-PIPE PERFECTED.
jBst the thing for blowing eggs with small or large holes. Can be used without water- blower. Indorsed by a great many oologists and collectors. Satisfaction guaranteed. Sent postpaid with directions for $1.00. DR. M. T. CLECKLEY,
Augusta, Ga.
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An unimitated expensive meritorious feature is the publication in each number of illustrations of leading collectors and dealers of the world. A possessor of complete files has a valuable and interesting collection, worthy of preservation.
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A word with you; that collectors appreciate the above attractive features is evidenced by our large and growing subscription list. The West circulates ali over the world. Over 12,000 ads in 2 years.
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Prices for Back Niunbers of the YOUNG OOLOGIST AND THE OOLOGIST
will, during 1908, remain as below:
After which the prices of many num- bers will be advanced and possibly not obtainable at any price. Should you desire back numbers to complete your file, NOW is the time to purchase. You can never obtain them for less money and possibly not at any price, as our stock ranges from only 1 to 25 copies of an issue.
Prices for 1907-08 Are as Follows:
Complete file, $12.00.
Nos. 1, 14, 18, 31. 34-35, 42, 53, 86. 89. Ill, 130, 132. 137. 139, 140. 153, 158, are 50 cents each;
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ilF"All other numbers 5c. per copy.
For $12 will send prepaid a copy of every issue ever published. No. I to 245. This offer includes your subscription through 1908.
My prices for back numbers or the YOUNG OOLOGIST and OOLOGIST in volumes, are as follows:
Vol. I, 1884-5, Nos. 1 to 12 $ .90
Vol. II, 1885, Nos. 13 to 14 50
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Vol. VII, 1890, Nos. 51 to 62 7B
Vol. VIII, 1891, Nos. 63 to 74 TB
Vol. IX, 1892, Nos. 75 to 86 90
Vol. X, 1893, Nos. 87 to 98 1.00
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Vol. XXII, 1905, Nos. 210 to 221 50
Vo!. XXIII, 1906, 222 to 233 ■ 55
Vol. XXIV. 1907, 2.34, to 245 • 50
For 15.25 I will send prepaid a copy of every issue published, Nos. 1 to 209, inclusive, except the twenty-nine, (29), 25c., 50c. and 75c. copies.
For $2 50 I will send prepaid every copy published, Nos. 1 to 209, inclusive, except the sixty copies priced above at 10c or over.
— BOUND VOLUMES —
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Or, if you order the two volumes at one time, we will send them by return mail for only $1.75. Every student of birds, their nests and eggs, should have these two volumes In their library. The valuable information they contain. Is worth many times the price. Address plainly,
ERNEST H. SHORT,
Manager of Oologist,
CHILI, N. T.
The OoLOGisT.
Vol. XXV. No. 3.
Albion, N. Y. Mar., 1908.
Whole No. 248
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication Devoted to
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXl- DEEMY.
FKAITE H. LATTIN, Fublilher,
ALBION, N. Y.
EXNEST H. SHOKT, Editor and Hanager.
Correspondence and items of interest to the •tndent of Birds, their Nests and GgKS, solicited from all.
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Hints at Egg Preserving.
When I was but little more than & boy I once wrote, in the columns of this, our increasingly-favored little bird magazine, several articles under the above sort of caption. For many
years I had supposed them forgotten as much by all others as they were by myself. Not long since, however, one such article was referred to by one who is now well known. The comment was both appreciative and gratifying.
I therefore now venture the set- ting down of a few ideas which I have never seen exploited anywhere else. I do so with the statement: that, (as regards but a single one of them), had I known three years ago, what I found out afterwards at cost of cha- grin unbounded, I might have saved intact, a most beautiful set of eggs of the Black Hills form of the Canada Jay.
First, as regards the use of pancrea- tine in the digesting of embryos: I liresume any school boy might have told, out of his rudimentary knowl- edge of chemistry; that pancreatine is inert at any low temperature. But the writer hereof hadn't sense enough to appreciate this fact until he had lost, through rotting of the egg shell, several valuable sets of Finyon Jay. Pancreatine must hence be set down as of extremely limited value: espe- cially when one is afield.
Caustic Soda, (or Caustic Potash, the two alkaloids working in just the same way), caused me, on the other hand, regrettable losses in two ways: one through the use of too strong solu- tions; the other through the leaving of the solutions within the egg shell for too long a time. One learns only by costly experiences that for any small egg the caustic solution must be very greatly attenuated; and that it
THE OOLOGISl
need not be left in the egg but a short while, — say, for eggs of robin-size, not over 40 minutes. With small eggs it is well to keep the treated eggs float- ing in water while the caustic is doing its work. As for the very small eggs> It is wonderful in how short a time and with what weak strength of the soda it is possible to remove even a tough embryo. For example: by us- ing a medicine dropper, having its tip very finely drawn out, I once blew, for our good friend Dille, the only set of eight eggs of the Long-tailed Chicka- dee of which I have ever heard. Dil- le wanted them badly, .but they con- tained very tough embryos. To my own incredible surprise every one of these eight eggs was safely and clean- ly blown by the use of a two-percent solution of caustic; through holes the diameter of a fair-sized pin. I couldn't do it again, nor would I attempt it again, — for anybody else on earth. — including myself. The secret lay in the leaving of solutions in the floating eggs for not over 20 minutes at a time; and the constant use of a light, in the blowing; to be utterly sure that no vestige of cartilage was left in any egg.
In the preparation of hard-set eggs of one inch, or more, in diameter, the blow-hole perforated patches of slit- ted paper prescribed by that skilful physician, Doctor Coues, will be found a complete safeguard against the breakage of a blow-hole by the use of the embryo hook. Almost every read- er of the Oologist knows how mad- dening it is to be trying to remove that last provoking humerus or femur, by aid of lamp and embryo hook, only to have some nervous or careless twist of the hook wrench out a piece of the shell from some highly valuable egg. To prevent this one has but to paste on a series of (not less than five) of these pieces of paper. They are to be perforated in the center to correspond
with the blow-hole of the egg. (A har- ness-maker's punch is just the thing). The edge of each piece is then slit- tedso that it may conform in the past- ing, to the curvature of the egg. Each piece is then laid on, with utmost care, one seeing to it that each center perforation accurately registers. The entire affair is then to be laid away for thorough drying. Previously, how- ever, the drill-hole should be made, the size thereof to be about one-third as large as the operator may think necessary. Sage hen eggs with fully developed embryos, may be safely blown through holes the size of a large wheat straw. The liquid is then to be carefully drawn from the egg; the greatest care being exercised to re- move every bit of the yolk of the egg. (If this be not done, the action of the caustic leaves in the egg a tough, gel- atinous mass, which it is almost im- possible to remove in any other way than with a sledge hammer). The egg is now to be filled with your caustic solution, (about one-third as strong, if you please, as you may consider necessary). Shake the egg thorough- ly. Wipe clean. Put away for from thirty to forty minutes, not more. (When the soluble parts of the em- bryos have been removed, a very weak solution may be left in the egg for sev- eral hours; in case the embryo prove refractory, or the previously used so- lution has been too weak. But, this long soaking is dangerous.)
W^hile working at the embryo one should keep the paper-covered surface of the egg just as dry as he possibly can. As the work progresses the loss of a few pieces can do no harm: (they will finally all come off, any how) ; yet it is best to leave them all as long as possible; or until every well- formed bone has been patiently coax- ed out of the egg. (This latter process is best wrought by standing on ones head.) This feat may be approxi-
THE OOLOGIST.
39
mated by holding the egg above one's head. The object of this is to keep the bits of bone that still remain in the egg afloat and beside the drill- hole. In order to promote this gravi- tation, water should be inserted into the egg, over and over again. When every bit of bone is gone, and you have crawled clear inside the egg to make sure of this happy consumma- tion, the pieces of paper may be soak- ed away at your leisure. (If your head is too big to go inside the egg, — mine is, — it will sometimes do as well to shake the egg violently. One's train- ed ear will make the test.)
A valuable modification of this "method of extracting tough embryos is perfectly successful in the saving of eggs in which the embryos are fully formed. There is no egg of over a half-inch in longer diameter but what may be saved for the cabinet, (if of sufficient rarity to warrant such de- liberate murder), by the following process :
The patches above described have the centers cut out with fine scissors or pricked out with a pin, to the size necessary for extracting the embryo. They are then pasted, successively, upon the egg; and then allowed to dry. This done, a section of egg-shell is carefully pricked out; the pin follow- ing along the margin of the opening in the papers. The embryo may then be gently revolved until the head ap- pears. It may then be chloroformed, or deftly and quickly killed with the forceps. It is then withdrawn; the placenta is carefully removed, (loosen- ing it, if necessary, by a stream of water from the blow-i)ipe). The whole egg should then be carefully rinsed, and partially dried. Leave the pasted pieces of paper where they are. Over them now paste a cover, of the same paper, perforating this piece, in the center, with a pin, to insure the thor-
ough drying of the egg. The egg- marks may now be made upon this paper, — (which, of course, ought not to be very bibulous), — by the use of a fine pen. Use carbon ink, — always and for all such work, use carbon ink. (The writer once saved in this way a rarely beautiful set of five eggs of the Towns'end Solitaire, which could not possibly have been saved in any other way. The resulting spe-' cimens are good, sound cabinet speci: mens, which, unless the paste used should break away from the egg, ought to last indefinitely).
The value of this process lies in the fact that the strength of an egg lies largely in the arch of the shell, tf this arch be greatly weakened the shell is gone, even though the egg be not weakened by the natural condi- tions that accompany incubation. But the paper reinforcing leaves the brok- en portion of the shell greatly strong- er than it was in the first place; un- less cracks have been made through careless work in the pricking.
I make no apology for wbat might be called the devilish cold-bloodedness of this destruction of fully develop- ed embryos. It is no wickeder to de- stroy an embryo than it is to blow a fresh egg: and not, of necessity, one whit more inflictive of pain.
P. B. PEABODY.
Erroneous Identification.
In looking over my file of the Oolo- gist in search of references to the Broad-winged Hawk, I find the follow- ing titles which seem to bear evidence of mistaken identity; and as it is im- possible to identify the writers in two instances, and quite uncertain as to the address of the remainder, I take this means of commenting on the matter, and requesting further infor- mation from the contributors.
('. S. B. Broad-winged Hawk, Black-
40
rHE OOLOGIST.
THE OOLOQIST.
41
capped Chickadee, Oologist, Vol. VI, 1889, p. 153. Set of two eggs, 2.10 x 1.70, 2.12 X 1.70, April 20, at Bradford, Mass. Nest lined with grass. (Date apparently almost a month earlier than the average set of fresh eggs of Buteo platypterus in New England; measurements of eggs quite equaling or beyond the maximum; and notes representing several hundred nests from various parts of the country fail to show grass-lined nests for this spe- cies, although together with data, and size of eggs, altogether harmonizes with the domestic arrangements of Buteo lineatus.
M. & C. A Day After Hawk's Eggs. Oologist, Vol. VII, 1890, p. 108. Set of two eggs taken in Windsor Co., Vt.. April 22, 1889. Female shot. (Al- though the bird was reported shot, it was in all probability incorrectly iden- tified; for the date is at least 20 days earlier than we find completed sets in Chester county Penna., several hun- dred miles further south, and well within the Carolinian fanna. Proba- bly also the Red-shouldered Hawk).
Elliot, E. G. Some Unusual Hap- penings, Oologist, Vol. VII, 1890, p. 14.5. An account of the substitution of the domestic hen's eggs for two of those o fthe hawk, April 17, at Bradford, Mass. (Same remarks ap- ply to this as to previous title.)
Haskins, R. V. A Battle with the Broad-wings, Oologist, Vol. XXII, 1905, pp. 89-90. A graphic descrii)tion of the aggressiveness of the female and the collecting of a set of five eggs c|n May 15. Bird circling around and screaming lustily, nest lined with grass, leaves, etc. (Well authenti- cated sets of five eggs of the Broad- winged Hawk are almost unheard of, while not so very uncommon in the instance of the Red-shouldered Hawk; furthermore, the former species seem very constant in their nesting habits, flu.'^hing quietly from the nest when
- disturbed and aligthing on a dead branch of a tree a few hundred yards away usually, and perhaps protesting now and then in a Plover-like whistle. The latter "circles around and screams." normally; and also fre- quently lines her nest with the "grass, leaves, etc." The "etc." I will not vouch for, however, as it stands for all sorts of things or nothing, and should be eliminated from datas.)
It is easy to make mistakes, and it sometimes seems very humiliating to have to acknowledge that an error was made; but it is a far greater mis- take to perpetuate evident uncertain- ties by silence. The Oologist is doubt- less full of errors, no scientific period- ical is entirely free of them; and then, there are oologists and oologists, quite a difference truly; and perhaps there are too many who attempt to identify the eggs of a bird by the eggs and nest, and not by the bird. Al- though few have the courage of our mutual friend, the late Harry K. Jam- ison, who wrote on one of his custom- ary generous blanket-sized data blanks, atfer identification: "By the nest and eggs." This was a person- ally collected set of the Broad-winged Hawk, collected after a deal of trou- ble and risk, which he relates under the head of remarks; and its identity, if not its identification, is above re- proach.
I want to say to the readers of the Oologist, that I am now engaged in collecting data on the life history of the Broad-winged Hawk, and would be pleased to have their co-operation in this work. Exact data is desired, whether it be a single date of its oc- currence in a practically unworked lo- cality, or notes on its breeding, feed- ing, migrating or other habits in the center of its abundance.
FRANK L. BURNS,
Berwyn, Pennn.
42
THE OOLOGIST.
Nesting of the Tufted Tit in Pennsyl- vania.
RICHARD C. HARLOW.
The Tufted Titmouse seems to be a rather generally distributed bird throughout all of the Carolinan fauna, growing less common in the Alleghan- ian zone and only being noted as a straggler in the Canadian. About Phil- adelphia they may be found through- out the year and are rather common, though they may never be classed as abundant. The course of streams seems in a large measure to deter- mine their distribution, as they are usually to be found in the vicinity of water.
Apparently the coldest winter has no effect on them, as they seem just as contented among the February snows as in the May sunshine. In the winter they may frequently he noticed in company with Nuthatches and Downy Woodpeckers for whose socie- ty they show a pronounced liking. They are usually noted in pairs and are, I believe, mated throughout the year.
The Tufted Tit is one of our few- birds on whose voice the winds of winter seem to have no effect. Their loud, pleasing whistle may be heard at all seasons, especially in the early spring. It is interesting to note that the female Tit can sing as well as the male.
The Tufted Titmouse has four dis- tinct notes, the one usually heard he- ing the whistle already referred to — a loud, clear "peto, pebo, peto," the notes being repeated from three to seven times, usually four or five. This is occasionally varied hut the inton- ation is essentially the same. Another note frequently heard is a "sic-a-dee," something like that of the Chickadee, though noticeably louder. They al- so have a third, a low-mummured "dee-dee-dee," which I have only heard
at the nest or in the near vicinity of the same. The last, but not least use to which their vocal chords are put is a distinct, snake-like hiss uttered by the female when the nest is threatened.
Never shy, they admit of close ob- servation and may be studied profit- ably.
As I desire here to record the find- ing of several of their nests, I must pass over various other of their char- acteristics. The period of nesting ex- tends in this locality from April to June, but one brood being reared. Us- ually about April 15th they may be observed peeking into holes in search of possible nesting sites. In this mat- ter they are not easy to please, and will soon weary the ornithologist who attempts to trace them home.
Despite the fact that the birds are common, they are adepts at hiding their homes, and during the period from 1902 until the present season, I have found but three nests.
No. 1 was discovered early in June, 1903, at Oak Lane, Phila. Co., Pa., and was built seven feet above the ground behind the loosened bark of a large dead Oak tree, the bird enter- ing throug'h a crack in the bark. This was well within woodland and on a hill about 75 yards from a stream. The nest was well defined, being made of fine bark strips, small pieces of rags and lined entirely with fur that had evidently once adorned some rug. It held at this date seven full fledged young, which scrambled out when an inquisitive finger was insert- ed. Both birds came close by and were very solicituous.
No. 2. Three years elapsed from the finding of the above recorded nest till another was discovered, often though I observed the birds. On the twenty-fourth of May, 1906, I was passing through a piece of woodland some two hundred yards distant from
THIS OOLOQIST.
43
Nest Xo. 1, when I was attracted by a low, peculiar "dee, dee, dee." quite different from any note I had previous- ly heard. In a moment I had traced the sound to a Tit at the entrance of its nest. A large catalpa tree leaned over the creek at this point at an an- gle of 45 degrees, and up about fifteen feet, directly over the water and on the upper side of the trunk was a knot hole. The bird was at the en- trance to this and in the act of plac- ing some morsel in the bill of his mate within. In a moment I was on my way up the trunk with my eyes glued to the hole. Each moment I ex- pected the female to leave, but in thjfe' T underestimated her courage. Look- ing within I was gi-eeted with her pe- culiar hiss, but as she sat close, and I was unable to insert my hand in the small cavity, the contents were a mystery. Ten minutes later I had succeeded in borrowing a hatchet from the shanty of a gentleman of color and was again at the tree. The cavity was soon enlarged and 1 in- serted my hand All this time the fe- male remained on the nest amid the storm of falling chips. On seeing my hand, however, she concluded that it was time to act and she went at me Tjill and claws. 1 was hoping for a set of eggs, but imagine my disap- pointment when I finally discovered the contents to be one newly hatched young bird, six hatching eggs and an unfertile one. This 1 took and left the anxious birds in possession of their home. I paid several visits to the place after this and learned that the young were fed to a large extent on larvae. They left the nest just eleven days after the eggs were hatched.
Nest No. 3. As I had spent some time in vain search for them the pre- ceding year, I began to wonder wheth- er I should ever succeed in discover- ing a nest with eggs. However, on
April 17th, I spent the day at Tinicum, Delaware Co., Pa., and while there I observed a Tit fly with a beak full of fur into a hole some 30 feet up an Oak tree. My only other find on this day was a fine set of five eggs of the Fish Crow, but I was well content and eagerly awaited developments. On May 10th I was on hand with a small pocket axe and speedily ascended the tree. On reaching the hole no bird was observed and some time was spent in meditating whether it was advisable to chop out the nest without further evidence. 1 decided to run the risk, however, and in a few minutes I was enabled to insert my hand. An electric thrill ran through my body for the reward was there — eggs, six beauties and perfectly fresh. At last my desires were rewared, my hopes realized, and I possessed a set of the Crested Titmouse.
The nest was built, as I have said, 30 feet up in a Swamp Oak and on the upper side of a limb extending diagonally over a pool of water. The entrance to the nest was a knot hole scarely large enough for tlie bird to squeeze through. The nest proper was built nine inches back and was constructed of skeleton leaves, plant fibres, etc., and lined entirely with fur and hair, chiefly rabbit, but quite an amount of cows hair was also included in the composition. The cavity was well defined. Neither of the birds were about this nest, from which I in- fer that one more egg, at least, would have been laid.
Perchance I have wearied some reader, but owing to the fact that lit- tle has been published as regarding this obviously common species, I have deemed it advisable to give full data.
The eggs of this species are very handsome, frequently being heavily spotted and rarely blotched with bril- liant reddish brown. Outside of their
44
THE OOLOGIST.
beauty they are one of the special des- iderata of collectors about Philadel- phia, and personally collected sets are not at all common.
RICHARD C. HARLOW.
Some New Year's Day Observations
In Southwestern Indiana.
The following list of creatures were seen abroad and stirring:
Angle-worms, a grasshopper, ants, frogs (croaking) and the following birds: Bluebird, Bewicli's Wren, Carolina Wren, Cardinal, Song Spar- row, Tree Sparrow, Carolina Chicka- dee, Tufted Titmouse, Meadow-lark, American Goldfinch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown Creeper, Blue Jay, American Crow, Slate-colored Junco, Belted Kingfisher, Red-tailed Hawk, Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, White- breasted Nuthatch. That's twenty- three birds, and now I will do like- wise.
23 for me.
Cornelius F. Posson. Vincennes, Ind.
A Late Nest of Song Sparrow.
While out walking last year, August 7th, I flushed a Song Sparrow from a hay stack, and after a short search I found its nest, which contained four badly incubated eggs. The nest was made entirely of horse hair, and was placed about six inches back in the stack. On coming there three days later, I found that the eggs were hatched. This time the birds were absolutely fearless, and the sitting bird allowed me to touch her with my hand. Is this not an unusual nesting site for this bird?
Yours! respectfully,
ISAAC VAN KAMMEN. Grand Rapids, Mich.
Mr. Ernest H. Short: —
Dear Sir. — I thought that the fol- lowing would be of interest to you:
A friendly White-throated Sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis. On May 4, 1907, I went to Romstadt on a collecting trip, about seven or eight miles from this city (Toledo, O.) During the day I took a male White-throated Spar- row and placed it in a cone in my collecting box, supposing it to be dead. Imagine my surprise upon open- ing the box the next day to have the bird fly out, all around the room and into the hall. I tried to catch it, but in vain, until I resorted to a landing net which I had handy. Examination proved that the bird was not serious- ly wounded, so I set him out on a branch of an old apple tree in the back yard. At flrst it seemed dazed by its freedom, then it hopped up a little higher and began to peep a little, and then louder and more often. I concealed myself to watch results. In about a half hour I noticed another sparrow in the tree. This was a fe- male White-throat. She at first kept at a distance but as he continued his calling she went up to him and coaxed him to hop higher where it was safer, and finally to leave the tree alto- gether. Although fast recovering, it was several days before he had com- pletely regained his strength. This female remained with him all the while. Two days afterwards I came upon this wounded bird and his nurse, as I called the female. I made be- lieve to try to catch him and imme- diately the female threw herself on the ground and shammed being wounded so badly that she could hard- ly keep from under my feet. I allow- ed her to lead me thus the whole length of the yard, whereupon she took wing and went directly back to the wounded bird. I repeated this twice with the same result. This bit of kind-heartedness on the part of a strange bird set me to thinking. I wondered if it often happened in wild life. It could not have been possible that the female was his mate, for I had taken him fully seven miles away. Yours truly,
A. C. READ.
THE OOLOGIST. 45
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THE OOLOGIST. 47
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FIRST. In line with the decision recently published by the "Condor" and for the same reasons, i e. That the provision for scientific collecting under the Song Bird Law did not contemplate commercial collecting.
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48
THE OOLOGIST.
52nd Thousand ! 52nd ! BIRD GUIDE.
BY CHESTER A. REED, S. B.
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KODAKS TO EXCHANGE.-Any grade. brand new Eastman camera, for eggs not in my collection at 1-4 Lattin's List. Can use some common sets. L. D. SUMNElv, .Madi- son, Wis. M. 3. t-
FOR EXCHANOE.— For best offer Indian relics or fine curios. (Jne set. Messages and Acts of the Presidents. 10 vols., cost $:d5.00. never unrapped. DR. ALP.EKT E. PAINE. Kiverhead, L. I.. N. Y.
WANTPH).— In condition for mounting. Otter, Fisher. .Martin. Wolverine. Beaver, Alleghenian. Least weasel. Offer and price. Write E. W. CAMPBELL, .m Wyoming .\ve., Pittston. Pa.
MON<i()L Ring Pheasants, two males and five hens. Healthy birds. $10 for the lot. WM. WII.K'OWSKI, 9:U Deiiner St., Kala- mazoo. Mich.
WILL E.\'CH.VN(;E, -Personally collected Fla. sets for other personally collfctcd sets and mounted birds. Write your reiiuire- ments and send list. O.SCAR E. BAYNARD, Micanopy. Florida.
WANTED.— Fresh skins. PMrst class for mounting. One pair each of Valley. Mount- *in. Oambels. Massena, .Scaled (Juail. Will pay cash or exchange. PHILO W. SMITH, JR., Eureka Springs, Ark.
FOR SALE-Auk and Nuttall Bulletin. Complete up to and including 1907. Thirty two Vols, in all. The entire set is bound in half morocco excepting the last two Vols, of the Auk. An extra fine set. Price one hun- dred dollars for the set. PHILIP LAURENT, 31 East Mt. Airy Ave., Philadelphia, Penn.
WANTED.-No. North America. Arbor. Mich.
6 of Studer's Birds of W. B. HINSDALE, Ann
Have time again to correspond and ex- change. Wish to hear from all old corres- pondents and live new ones. All answered and a good list for exchange. A. E. PRICE, Grant Park. 111.
At the close of the season I shall have for exchange a rare lot of eggs. Many Arctic taken .sets, vultures and hawks. Send your lists before disposing of your stocks. All the older collectors remember. J. W. PRESTON. 1411 13th Ave,, Spokane, Wash.
Apr. 3. t.
FOR EXCHAN(iE.-The following new fur rugs, felt lined. I want A 1 skins, bird and mammal literature. Coon half head, $6,00; Red Fox half head, $10.00; Wild Cat half head, $10.00; Wolf, open mouth $15.00: Grey Fox, tanned skin, $2.00 Til OS. B. TIPTON, Richards, Mo.
WANTED. -Wilson Bulletin, No's. 4. 6. 8. Oregon Naturalist, Bird Lore Vol, 2, Iowa Ornithologist, Curlew Oologist by Willard 1875 to 1880, Condor Vol. 1. Will exchange or pay cash. C. M. CASE. 100 Ashley St., Hart- ford, Conn.
FOR EXCHANGE. -In first class sets the following: 202 3-4, 263 1-4, 261 1-3, 332 1-5. .333 1-3, 3371) 1-2, 339 3-3. 342 1-3, 343 1-3, 364 2-2, 378 1-8, 394b 1-5, 394c 1-5. 494 1-4 1-5, 641 1-4, 659 3-4, 681 3-4, 707a 1-3, for other good sets. Rare Warblers prefered. IL C. MILLS. Box 218, Unionville, Ct.
EXCHAN(;E.- Nature Library, 10 vols. New with bookcase, rare books on orni- thology, fine field glass, butterflies in mounts, sets, etc. Want good sets, especially Penna. and New Jersey ones. D. E. HARKOWKR. Swarthmore, Pa.
50
THE OOLOGIST.
THE FIRST REAL BIRD DAY.
By Jay (t. Sigmund.
All winter long the naturalist has been. In a torpid semi-sleeping state. Content to see the birds in magazines, Content to set and read of them till late. Content to learn what other "bird-men"
know. Rather than venture through the drifts of
snow.
But spring has come, the real bird days are
here. The naturalist wakes up and looks around. The chirps, and songs, and twitters far and
near. Are to his listening ears a joyful sound; With field-glass, note-book, box and camera
too. He sallies forth to meet his bird friends true.
High in the air the quack of ducks is heard, (A flock has lingered far behind the rest) And looking where a clump of brush has
stirred. We get a glimpse of Towhee at his best; To Water-Thrush, and Chat and sly Cuckoo. We're glad to give a welcome warm and true.
And when the evening shadows close around. And warn us that the first bird day is done. We heave a sigh and wend our homeward
way. And vainly wonder where the time has gone; Of all the days that make the year we say. The best one is the first bird-day.
THE BIRDS
OF MAINE
This is a work of about 700 pages, illustrated by 26 half tones and a
Faunal Map of Maine.
It is the most complete contribution to local faunal literature ever published The book contains keys for identifica- tion of the various species, full descrip- tions of various plumages, habits of the birds, descriptions of nests and eggs, food, songs and other details of bird life. Nearly all the species of birds found in New England and New Brunswick have been taken in Maine, so this work will be most valuable to and should be in the library of every ornithologist of these sections. It is also a work which should be desired by almost any ornithologist oroologist in North America. Sent prepaid on receipt of price, $3.50.
Address all orders to
ap-4t
Foreign Eggs
In Choice Cabinet Sets, with full and accu- rate data, from
Mexico. Canada and Europe.
For sale very cheap. Satisfaction a pleas- ure. List for 2c. stamp.
457 Greene St..
Augusta, Ga
Dr. M. T. CIccklcy,
WORLD'S GREATEST COLLECTORS' MAGAZINE
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An unimitated expensive meritorious feature is the publication in each number of illustrations of leading collectors and dealers of the world. A possessor of complete files has a valuable and interesting collection, worthy of preservation.
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HAND EGG BLOW-PIPE PERFECTED.
jBSt the thing for blowing eggs with small or large holes. Can be used without water- blower. Indorsed by a great many oologists and collectors. Satisfaction guaranteed. Sent postpaid with directions for $1.00. DR. M. T. CLECKLEY,
Augusta. Ga.
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THE OOLOGIST.
51
STILL LEADING
FIFTH EDITION LATTIN'S STANDARD CATALOGUE OF North American Birds Eggs
With Oologist One Year, Both fer 50c.
Compiled by Frank H. Lattin and E-rnest H. Short, with the assistance of many prominent American Oolo- gi»t3.
A Complete Up-to-datie Check List of North American Birds, including Introduced Species, giving correct ex- change values on all species whose eggs are procurable at this time. Ar- ranged according to A. O. U. Nome-
clature, but giving Ridgway's aad Coues' numbers also. Ptrinted on one side of page only leaving it In convenient form for making notes tn or using for labelling purposes. Bound in light board covers. Neat in style. Handy in sihape (just goes in- to full government envelope).
Postpaid 25c each. Six for $1.25.
Address ERNEST H. SHORT, Manager Oologist, Chili, N. Y.
Learn Taxidermy.
Naturalists, Oologists and Sportsmen should all know how to correct- ly mount all kinds of birds and animals. WE TEACH TAXIDERMY BY MAIL. Complete course in 15 lessons. This _ is one of the most de-
lightful and fascinating of arts. Easily learned. STANDARD METHODS. En- dorsed by all leading taxidermists. Many of the best known naturalists of the country are numbered among our students. If you want to learn TAXIDERMY, we desire to submit ourproposition in full. Send TODAY for our new illustrated CATALOG and sam- ple copy of The TAXIDERMY MAGAZINE. BOTH FREE. THE N. W. SCHOOL OF TAXIDERMY, 76 Farnam St.. Omaha, Neb.
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I furnish collections covering one or several oranches of Natural History for study or museum purposes at Special reduced rates. Don't fail to write me. I will quote you on your line of wants or I will furnish a general assortment that will fit your purse and be sure to please.
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THE CONDOR.
A Magazine of Western Ornithology.
Official Organ Cooper Ornithalogical Club.
In Articles by Active Ornithologists Half- tones from Life Make-up.
The Delight of Bird Students and Bird Lovers Everywhere.
Volume 10. (1908) Better Than Ever.
Published Bi-monthly.
Aunual subscription, 11.50, net, in advance. Single copies, 30 cents. Foreign subscription.
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Oologists and Ornithologists Attention !
An illustrated Brochure" In the Haunts of the Swainson's Warbler," giving migration, song habits, geographical distribution, des- cription of bird, nesting, habits, etc., with plates from photographs of nests and eggs in situ. Sent postpaid for 35c.
DOCTOR M. T. CLECKLEY,
Augusta, •».
52 THki OOLiOOIST.
OOLOGY OF NEW ENGLAND
By E. A. CAPEN.
A Full and Complete Description of the Eggs, Nests and Breeding Habits of all the Birds known to Breed in New England
Complete in One Quo.rto Volume
—WITH —
Three Hundred a-nd Twenty Three (323) Full Sized LithograLphic Ill\istraLtions, Colored True to Na.ture,
This magnificent volume was published in 1885 at $15.00 net and has k)ng been out of print.
Last summer among the effects of the late E. A. Capen a few copies of this valuable work uncut, untrimmed and unbound, were unearthed.
We had them strongly and attractively
BOUND IN CLOTH.
While they last we offer them at $5.00 NET.
W. B. CLARKE CO. '
BOSTON, . . - - - MASS.
Good Luck Post Cards
The " Swa-stikaL " Interpreted.
EIGHT DESIGNS in Colors.
The Oologist nine months, to December, 1908, Free Exchange Coupon and One Dozen of above beautiful Souvenir Cards,
ALL FOR 38 CENTS, Postpaid.
Cards alone, loc. per Dozen.
ERNEST H. SHORT,
CHILI, N. Y.
The OoLOGiST.
Vol. XXV. No. 4.
Albion, N. Y. Apr., 1908.
Whole No. 249
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication Devoted to
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXl- DEEMY.
FKAITE H. LATTIN, FuWsher,
ALSIOK, N. T.
XaKEST H. SHORT. Editor and Manager.
Oorrespondence and Items of interest to the •tndent of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited from all.
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Nothing inserted for less than 25 cents. No "special rates," 5 cents per line is "net," "rock bottom," "inside," "spot cash" rate from which there Is no deviation and no commlsHlon to agents. If you wish to use 5 lines or less space it wlU cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50. "Trade" (other than cash) adver- tisements will be accepted by special arrange- ment only and at rates from double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in ad- vertising wlU be honored only at legrular rates In force at the date of issuance of said bill or card.
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ALONG THE ARNASAS PASS.
The Aransas Pass is a territory lo- cated some seventy miles Northwest of San Antonio, Texas, and has the greatest elevation of any spot in the United States for so southern a point. I spent .January to March of this year
in what appeared to be a little por- tion of Colorado or New Mexico which had been transplanted ini this south- western part of Texas. The altitude was greater than that in any other part of the state — far above what might be expected of Texas.
The country abounded in creeks and rivulets', and it was at a stage, or part of the year when many of the bird residents were ones which have their homes in the northern portions of the United States. Birds from both east and west of the Missisisippi River were found wintering there. The Gray-tailed Cardinal, Baird'S Wren, Southern Downy Woodpecker seemed to enjoy loitering about the yard at the place where I was stop^ ping. Among the brush piles and thickets the Slate-colored Junco, Tow- hee. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Roibin, and Myrtle Warbler could be seen -at any time.
In striking contrast to these species one could note various birds that were strictly Western, such as the Western forms of the Lark Sparrow, Meadow Lark, Williamson's Sapsuck- er and Lark Bunting.
Not a Thrasher, save the Mocking Bird wintered in the community, al- though the mountain sides and ele- vated pastures were full of what 1 took to be nests of this family, and certain sparrows.
The accompanying illustration with so ])rominent a bluff was a typical re- fuge for the Western Horned Owl, Turkey and Black Vulture. The lit- tle Texan Kingfisher darted up and down this place, and its flights were
54
THB OOLOGISl
almost as rapid as those of a Hum- mer.
Although there was no verdure in evidence during February save such as the Juniper and Live Oak, a great many migrants seemed to arrive from the South at an earlier date than usual, hecause of the mild winter.
In early March 1 observed a Black Vulture emerging from a hollow among immense boulders( and after crawling through a space only large enough to permit admittance for a man of shadowy appearance), I found the eggs deposited on the bare rocks at a distance of some fourteen feet from the entrance, and in almost ab- solute darkness. A week or so later while scaling a perpendicular cliff on the border of a stream, I found un- der the shelter of a small crevice, a Turkey Vulture's nest, showing that she was unusually early with the du- ties of incubation. A Duck Hawk had her nest on a little shelf over-hanging the water, and had resorted to the same spot annually. It was a typi- cal erie, and contained four eggs, by the twentieth of March.
While riding along the trails I was afforded an opportunity for the first time, of witnessing the manouvers of a Road Runner, and eventually locat- ed a nest of this bird in a juniper growing parallel with a winding road. In construction, the nest reminded me of a Mourning Dove's, but of course much larger.
Referring to illustration in last month's Oologist, this was one of the manj^ brambles from which the Mexican Wild Turkeys sal- lied forth shortly after sun-up, and their coarse gobble was' often uttered in response to the gobble of a domes- tic turkey, and not infrequently the Wild Turkeys would be found mingl- ed among the tame ones close to the ranch houses, particularly during the months of February and March when
this polygamous bird is mating with several birds of the opposite sex. The tame birds act as great decoys at cer- tain seasons of the year, when they are attracted to within easy gun range, simply by the notes, which to the human ear seem different entire- ly, from those of the wild fowl, and yet, this is the only way in which the wary game bird can be secured by the gunner.
In as immense hilly pasture the turkeys ventured forth in the vicini- ty of one conspicuous point, and pros- pects were quite bright for an oologi- cal find. Great growths of briers, al- galita and scrub oak made progress quite laborious, hut I eventually dis- closed a large nest containing thir- teen fresh eggs under the shelter of a fallen tree. The eggs were sur- rounded and almost covered with down and feathers, and reminded one of a Wild Duck's abode. This was my best take while in the Aransas Pass region, and I was obliged to re- turn North at a period when many of the breeders in that vicinity were just returning, and the Pinon Jays, Red-tailed, and Swainson's Hawk were exhibiting signs of nidiflcation. Gerard Allen Abbott.
Chicago, 111.
Great Blue Heron.
In Sept., '07 issue, Mr. C. S. Thomp- son refers to Mr, Peabody's letter on the measurements of eggs of the Gt. Blue Heron.
As the eggs are so common in col- lections, I did not think the size of the eggs would be of much interest to collectors, but find there is some de- sire to know how the eggs vary in size according to locality.
I have 17 sets of Gt. Blue Heron in my collection, nearly all taken in Delaware. They lay five eggs as a
THE OOLOGIST.
55
rule, sometimes six when tlie sets are complete.
They build here in large oak trees about 80 feet from the ground.
I ha^e measured six sets and they run as follows: 2.52 x 1.79, 2.50 x 1.80, 2.45 X 1.74. 2.55 x 1.82, 2.59 x 1.79, 2.56 X 1.81— aver. 2.53 x 1.79; 2.76 x 1.75, 2.79 X 1.78. 2.76 x 1.80. 2.84 x 1.78, 2.80 X 1.7S, 2.80 X 1.81— aver. 2.79 x 1.78; 2.;37 x 1.78, 2.54 x 1.75. 2.54 x 1.80, 2.54 X 1.7S. 2.54 x 1.78— aver. 2.51 x 1.78; 2.70 X 1.69, 2.78 x 1.65, 2.70 x 1.70, 2.65 X 1.64. 2.66 x 1.65— aver. 2.69 x 1.67; 2.63 X 1.80, 2.72 x 1.78, 2.72 x 1.80, 2.72 X 1.80, 2.55 X 1.84,— aver. 2.67 x 1.80; 2.37 X 1.70, 2.52 x 1.76. 2.50 x 1.77, 2.65 X 1.75, 2.52 X 1.75 — aver. 2.69 x 1.75. Aver, for six sets, 2.61 x 1.76.
From the above it would appear that Mr. Davie's average of 2.50 x 1.50 was ^way off.
My longest egg is 2.84 and narrow- est 1.64.
Full sets can be found here about April 20th, when they lay their first brood; the second brood is laid in May.
Why the Northern birds lay larger eggs than the Southern I do not know, as I have none from the South.
[I dont think they do. The con- trary is probably correct. — Ed.]
My friend, Mr. Crispin and I have taken in the last few years in New Jersey and Delaware, a great many eggs of the Gt. Blue Heron. A great many of these were broken for var- ious reasons. We have one rookery^ in Delaware that we intend to protect, as their nesting sites are fast being broken up by woodsmen.
E. .1. DARLINGTON.
Philadelphia county, Pennsylvania, years ago. He gives the record as unique; stating, by the way, that he made it "before (he) began to keep a note-book." Inferentially, then, it was also before he began to verify his findings. One cannot but regret the chronicling of doubtful instances like this; even in a journal which does not aim at critical exactness. (Much the same sort of inexact observation is instanced in The Condor for January, 1908, wherein a well-known observer cites the Arkansas Kingbird (Western King Bird), as nesting, one pair near the top of an adobe bluff, "in a little cavity;" the other "on the end of the ridge-pole of (a) cabin." Now, in the two cases here given, the birds in question were, beyond the vestige of a doubt, just Say Phoebes. The West- ern Kingbird has never been proven to nest in this manner; which is, how- ever, thoroughly normal with the Say Phoebe.
As to "Albino" Marsh Wren Eggs."
Editor Oologist.
Dear Sir: — In The Oologist for March, 1907, Mr. Richard Miller has recorded the suppositious finding of a nest of the Carolina Chickadee in
It is incomprehensible that any per- son, whatsoever, of the least exper- ience in collecting, should confuse, under any conceivable circumstances, the nests and the eggs of our two American Marsh Wrens. In the first plact, the nests of the short-bill are always, (normally), on dryer ground; are invariably made of dry materials; with exteriors almost always of dry grasses, only. As for the eggs: the most perfectly-albinistic eggs imag- inable of the Long-billed Marsh Wren would most certainly be found to be of a cream-color; while the eggs of the Short-bill are invariably dead- white. As for shapes there is noth- ing •"diagnostic." .As most people know, the eggs of the Long-bill tend to rounded contours. Contrariwise^ the e.ggs of its cousin average to be
56
THE OOLOGIST.
THE OOLOOIST.
57
markedly ovate; being thus, in bdth shape and color, just like liliputian examples of normal eggs of a Leg- horn hen. All this, however, one side: If it be worth while to collect at all is particularly worth while to verify all one's findings. The time thus spent will be found invariably fruitful in the acquisition of new ele- ments of knowledge; and in delight- ful experiences. To say nothing as to the essential differences in size, form and color between the two marsh- wren forms one need but to contrast the blithe, light and crisp "Chip-chip- cher-chee-chee-chee" of the upland- meadow-frequenting short-bill with the more raucous and deliberate notes of his fellow of the cat-tails.
P. B. PEABODY.
Another Odd Nesting Site.
Seeing the article in The "Oologist" by Richard C. Harlow, "The Crested Flycatcher on Strange Grounds," re- minds me of an experience I had.
I was going across a plowed field one hot day last summer and stopped un- der a small Locust tree for shade, while talking to the negro plowman. On leaning heavily against the tree I was surprised to hear the familiar call of the Crested Flycatcher, and looking up to see where the call had come from, noticed a tin can hanging or thf stub of a limb some three feet ?l)Ovo my head. As the can was slightly swaying, I decided to inves- tigate, and on reaching the ground with the can found a well made nest and five fresh eggs of the Crested Fly- catcher. The negro plowman inform- ed me that he had hung the can there some two weeks before, while plowing that part of the field, so work must have commenced in short order. The can was twelve inches long by four
by six. and while hanging on the stub of limb the bottom was slightly lower than the mouth, which was entirely open, although close to the tree trunk, thus making the entrance mostly con- cealed. The date was May 29th, quite late for them to have fresh eggs in. this locality, and as one in a can was quite a novelty, kept this as a show addition to my collection. The nest contained the usual amount of snake skin.
Spotted Robin's Eggs.
In several years of collecting and bird observation in Fulton county, I have only found one set of eggs of the American Robin that were mark- ed in any way whatsoever.
On May 19, 1904, Alan Wright and I, while out for a walk south of GIov- ersville, X. Y., discovered a robin's nest in a willow tree, two feet above the ground. The nest was perfectly normal, both in size and construction, but the eggs, three in number, were immediately noticable because of their unusual appearance. They were typ- ically 'robin's egg' blue in ground col- or, quite heavily spotted and blotched about the larger end with a peculiar shade of olive brown. The set was a trifle smaller in size than the aver- age, the eggs measuring: (1) 1.03 x ..77 in.; (2) 1.01 x .78 in.; (3) 1.03 x .75 in. The female bird was flushed directly from the nest, so that mistake as to identity is impossible. I would be very glad to hear more about this phase of the robin's economy.
CHAS. P. ALEXANDER.
An Egg of the California Vulture Com- pared with Those of Other Vultures.
Eggs of Cathartidae are unusually handsome; the present example being no exception to the rule.
58
THE OOLOGIST.
The shape is elongate, tapering evenly and gradually toward the smaller end, being long in proportion to its width. Others that I have ex- amined were not different in this re- spect. The color is plain grayish- white with a faint greenish tinge as seen in some eggs of the Mallard Duck. On looking through the shell, toward the light, the color appears al- most copperas. The surface is decid- edly glossed, finely and evenly pitted over the entire shell, except in one small tract at the larger end where the pittings are so crowded as to re- semble a blotch. About the smaller end are a few scattered shell-warts, slightly paler than the general surface, but bearing the same glossed appear- ance.
The color and outline being so plain makes this one of the neatest and most attractive eggs in my whole col- lection.
The exact measurements are 4.37 x 2.63. Nestling beside it is a magnifi- cent egg of the Andes Condor carry- ing these dimensions, 4.52 x 2.69.
The color is creamy-white, with not the slightest trace of greenish; while quite generally over the surface are scattered blotches of pale lavender or bran color, partaking of creaminess of the ground plan. The surface is also pitted but not so finely as in the for- mer, and this pitting has more of a scarred appearance, and the gloss, though far less apparent, is present. There are a few shell warts about the larger end.
This egg is splendidly shaped, but is more- rotund or even bulging. On looking over these fine samples of eggs, one can but wish that the be- hests of nature had been accomplish- ed in them.
How small in comparison with these giants do the eggs of our common vultures appear! Although in beauty
of coloration the latter are not at all behind. My series of Catharts Aura and Catharista Urubu are very complete and extensive, and it may be said that in point of beauty they are not excelled by the series of eggs of the Golden Eagle in which the markings are unusually choice.
Measurements of 26 eggs of C. Urubu give an average of 3.01 x 2.01, while the series of C. Aura averages 2.88 x 1.90, the eggs being less taper- ing than the former; the coloration being more evenly distributed over the surface and averaging heavier; many having a reddish "blush" mak- ing them decidedly rich in appearance.
Some sets are indistinguishable from the former. In C. urubu many eggs are almost plain white, one being entirely so. Usually the markings pre- dominate at the larger end; a few are wreathed fine, dark pencil lines as delicate as on an oriole's egg. Some have delicate, dark-brown specks and splashes on a very clear ground. One has the shape and appearance of a gull's egg. Another resembles a mur- re's egg. Those which were fresh when taken are exceedingly delicate In color, contrasts and the tendency to an elongated outline makes them a strikingly desirable series. Eggs of both the latter species are glossed to some extent and the pitting is very faint.
J. W. PRESTON,
Spokane, Wa^^h.
Dear Mr. Short: —
Many have been the discussions on the ability of Owls to see by day-light, and as I was interested in this matter, I thought the best way to solve the ])roblem for myself, at least, was to test it personally. So one clear, sun- ny day last September, I invaded an old apple orchard, where the cavities in the trees furnished manv hidiag
THE OOLOOIST.
59
places for the Screech Owl. It was not long before I had pulled a sleepy, ialf-dead looking Owl from the depth of a hole, and took him to an open space near the middle of the orchard. I tossed him gently into the air. He went up with closed wings, but when "he started down his wings shot out, and he started circling the orchard. Suddenly he dove straight for a nar- row hole in one of the trees, and, closing his wings just before reaching the opening, he slid through smoothly and was gone. This was on a bright day, with the sun shining brilliantly. This at least seems to show that the Screech Owl's power of sight by day is not so weak as is thought by many people.
Sincerely, DAVID E. HARROWER.
From Ashtabula Co., Ohio.
After leading in the Oologist so many articles from dilferent parts of the country on birds and bird life I am persuaded to take up my pen and send a few sketches of my own ob- servation on ornithology in this coun- ty. In all I have identified 120 species of birds here. Although I am told there are 125 species here. Be that as' it may I have seen but the 120 and many of these are not known to nest here. Of the birds of prey we have a good supply numbering about 20 species in all. Of these 20 species the American Barn Owl is the great- est rarity. I have never known of but two specimens of this interesting bird being taken in this county, one of which is in my collection, and is a fine specmen. Next on the list of rare raptores' is the Snowy Owl (nyctea) in 1M5 they put in their appearance in November which is the earliest I have ever known of their being here. Four specimens of this noble bird were taken near here last season, the
first in Novemiber and the last the later part of January. Of the Heron family we have the gi-eat blue, the green, the black-crowned Night Her- on, American bittern and least bit- tern.
This summer bird lovers had the pleasure of seeing the Great "\ATiite Heron about the water of Grand river. This bird has not been seen in this part of the State before. I saw one on several occasions and at one time saw three about a pond.
We have comparatively few game birds. The quail and the grouse are nearly all gone, in spite of strict game laws and shrewd game wardens which is a good thing, but for all that these birds do not seem to increase as winter is their worst foe. If this finds' its way in print I will soon tell you about a learned game warden. S. V. Wharram.
I recorded a wood thrush in a piece of woods in the vicinity of Greenport on Nov. 28th, Thanksgiving day. I believe that this is about six weeks later than usual for eastern Long Is- land. As far as I can learn the 14th of Octoher is their latest appearance.
Very truly yours, L. Is., N. Y. K. B. Squires.
TAVERN CURIOS.
Great Auk's Egg Fetches a Beggarly Price.
Part of the world-famous curio col- lection removed from the Edinburgh Castle tavern, London, England, ow- ing to the recent death of its proprie- tor, Mr. T. G. Middlebrook, was offer- ed for sale yesterday at Messrs. Deb- enham, Storr and Sons' rooms. Such a strange mixture of objects has sel- dom been seen in a London sale-room, and many sightseers gathered to watch the celebrated Great Auk's
60
THE OOLOOIST.
Egg, w'hich was bought for the record price of 300 guineas, and other won- ders, come to the hammer. The auc- tioneer, however, experienced the ut- most difficulty in getting bids for some of the treasures on which their late owner had set such store, and they were knocked down at beggarly prices.
By the time the ornithological and natural history collection was reached bidders appeared to have overcome the reluctance to bid, which made the earlier stages of the sale so tedious, but with regard to prices they remain- ed unrepentant. Only ten shillings wa soffered for a valuable stuffed go- rilla, while a fine specimen of the blue- faced monkey changed hands for 3s. less. A whole case of tropical birds of brilliant plumage went for £8 8s.
As 2 o'clock, the time announced for the sale of the Great Auk's Egg, ap- proached, the room rapidly filled, but it was half-past the hour before the most remarkable feature of the sale was reached. The late Mr. Middle- brook made a quiet corner in auk's eggs during his lifetime, and from an average of about £75 the price of this, his finest specimen, had risen to the record sum of £315 ($1512.00), w'hen he purchased it by auction in 1899. Yesterday, as was expected, there was a conisderable slump in value, the last bid being £110 ($5'28.- 00).
An egg of the -^Epyornis sold for £30 ($144.00).
T. REED,
London, England.
OUR NATIONAL FLAG.
The official flag of the United States bears forty-five stars (one for each state) in a blue field, arranged in six rows — the first, third and fifth rows- having eight stars each, the alternate even rows having seven stars each. The garrison flag of the army is made of bunting, thirty-six feet fly and twen- ty feet hoist; thirteen stripes, and ia the upper quarter, next the staff, is; the field or "union" of stars, equal to the number of states, on blue field, over one-third length of the flag, ex- tending to the lower edge of the fourth, red stripe from the top. The storm flag is twenty feet by ten feet, and the recruiting flag nine feet nine inches by four feet four inches. The Ameri- can "Jack" is the union or blue field of the flag. The Revenue Marine Ser- vice flag, authorized by Act of Con- gress, March 2, 1799, was originally prescribed to "consist of sixteen per- pendicular stripes, alternate red and white, the union of the ensign bearing^ the arms of the United States in dark blue on a white field." The sixteen stripes represented the number of states which had been admitted to the Union at that time, and no change has been made since. Prior to 1871 it bore an eagle in the union of the pennant, which was then substituted by thirteen stars in a white field, but the eagle and stars are still retained.
June 14th, the anniversary of the adoption of the National fiag, is cele- brated as Flag Day in the public schools, and by the display of the em- blem on public buildings and private houses in a large part of the Union.
THE OOLOGIST. 61
9 TTWWJWTrWTWYTf ▼¥▼▼▼¥▼▼▼▼▼▼▼ ▼▼TTTVTTVTTTTTTTTVVTTTTVV
CombinaLtion Offer.
We Offer Oologist one year
and Reed's "North American Birds Eggs,"
New illustrated Key, $2.50 postpaid, all prepaid $2.60
Oologist one year
and Chapman's "Color Key,"
New Color Key to North American Birds, $2.50 postpaid,
all prepaid $2. 60
Oologist one year
and "Frederick Young"
The Natural History Novel, prepaid $ .90
Oologist /oMf years, Jan. 1905 to Dec. 1908,
and "North American Birds Eggs" or "Color Key,"- ••$3,25 Oologist /owr years, as above, ^ and a copy of our new "Standard Catalogue" of North
» American Birds Eggs $1.00
^ Oologist /b«r years and "Frederick Young," $1.40
% The Oologist 4 years, and "Land Birds," Baird, Brewer & Ridg.;
^ New Edition, Colored Plates, price $10.00, for ;^8.6o.
^ Address
t ERNEST H. SHORT.
^ Manager Oologist Chili. N.Y.
• AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Birds and Bird Homes
"AS THEY WERE SNAPPED."
Our portfolio of fine Half Tone reproductions of twenty-three
good photos of
Birds and Birds' Nests from Nature
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS
Includes Studies in
PROTECTIVE COLORATION BIRD ARCHITECTURE AND YOUNG BIRDS. : : : : :
COVER IN COLORS. UNCUT EDGE. TIED BACK
Postpaid, 25 cents. With The Oologist one year, both 50 cents. Address MANAGER OOLOQIST, CHILI, N. Y.
62 THE OOLOGIST.
JUST OUT !
A NEW UP-TO-DATE
I Check List of North American Birds {
Contains all new additions and changes to A. O. U. list ^ arranged according to A. O. U. Nomenclature and giving both
0 common and scientific names. i6 pages on good paper.
PRICE
1 3c each. 30c per dozen. $2.00 per hundred
ADDRESS
OOLOGIST, Albion, N. Y. or ERNEST H. SHORT, Chili, N. Y.
t
GUN FOR SALE.
A new unused Stevens double barrel, breech loading shot gun. Especially made with re- inforced breech for smokeless powder. Top lever, rebounding locks, choke bore, J 2 ga., 30 in. bbls. $14.50 cash gets it.
ERNEST H. SHORT, Chili, N.Y.
THE OOLOGIST. 63
NEW POLICY
Svibscribers, Advertisers
N OTIC E
FIRST. In line with the decision recently published by the "Condor" and for the same reasons, i e. That the provision for scientific collecting under the Song Bird Law did not contemplate commercial collecting.
The Publisher and Manager of this paper, the "Oologist," hereby announce that, beginning November last, they will, hereafter decline all advertisements or sale notices offering to buy or sell, N. American bird skins or eggs for cash except skins of game birds and birds of prey.
SECOND. Hereafter the "Oologist" will be sent only to subscribers whose subscriptions are fully paid in advance.
All premium offers except as printed in this issue or hereafter are hereby withdrawn. A statement of account to date will soon be sent all who are in arrears and those who have not settled in accordance with terms thereon by January ist will be dropped.
Canadian Subscribers Notice. Owing to the increased Canadian postage, combination and premium offers will not apply to Canada sub- scriptions unless accompanied by 12 cents per year extra.
F. H. LATTIN. E. H. SHORT,
Publisher. MeLnaLgdr.
64
THE OOL.OGIST.
52nd Thousand ! 52nd ! BIRD GUIDE.
BY CHESTER A. REED, S. B.
Author of North American Birds Eggs, and with Frank M. Chapman of Color Key to North American Birds Editor of the American Bird Magazine.
This is a popular pocket guide and text book to ALL THE LAND BIRDS EAST OF THE ROCKIES, from the Parrots to the Bluebirds. It is prepared especially for
teachers and students, after years of study as to their needs. It has the following points of superiority over any other Bird Book:
COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS.— Every bird is shown in natural colors, including females and young when they differ.
SCOPE. — All the land birds east of the Rockies are included. It gives the range and habit of each bird, their songs as nearly as they can be written, and description of their nests and eggs.
SMALL SIZE. — It can easily be carried in the pocket, measuring but 3x5 inches. 200 pages, bound in flexible sock cloth or leather. We have made the price of the book as low as possible considering the good workmanship and material that is used. It is s© low that anyone can afford it, but no one can afford to be without it
IT NAMES THE BIRDS FOR YOU
Bound in flexible sock cloth, postpaid
so CENTS
Five cloth bound copies for $2.00 postpaid
Bound in flexible leather, 75ct6. Five copies for $3.00 postpaid.
We want agents in every city, town and school. Good commissions. Send for prospectus of Bird Books and sample copy of the AMERICAN BIRD MAGAZINE.
CHAS. K. R££D.
WORCESTER.. MASS.
The OdLOGiST.
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO
OOLOGY. ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXIDERMY.
WANTS, FOR SALES AND EXCHANGES.
Brief Special announcements "Wants," " Exchanges," " For Sales," inserted in this d»- Dftrtment for 25 cents pei 25 words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate of 1-2 cent for each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25 cents. Terms, cash with order.
Strictly first-class specimens will be accepted in payment at 1-3 list rates.
Vol. XXV. No. 5.
ALBION, N. Y., MAY, 1908.
Whole No. 250
Take Notice.
Examine the number following your name on the wrapper of this month's Oologist. It denotes when your sub- scription expired or will expire.
Remember we must be notified if you wish paper discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 209 your subscription expired Dec. 1904 250 vour subscription expires with this issue 287 " " " " Dec, 1908
Intermediate numbers can easily be determined. If we have you credited wrong we wish to rectify.
Entered as second-class matter De- cembed 21, 1903, at the post office, at Albion. N. Y., under the Act of Con- gress of March 3, 1879.
EXCHANGE. -Fine sets of Sage (irouse, Woodhouse's .Jay, Desert and Prairie Horned Larks, etc. Want sets of Sharp-shined and Broad-winged Hawks, etc. Also male Albino skin of Prairie Horned Lark to exchange for sets of above. W. H. BINGA.NiAN. K. No. 5, Algona, Iowa.
WANTED.— Hammerless shot gun, prefer- ably 16 or 12 gauge. Remington new or 2d hand, also bird books. Offer extra value in splendid sets. About 200 species, many rare, as 355. i5>). .349, 347a, 632, 230, 424, 763, etc. CHARLES S. THOMPSON. Box 214, Buena Vista, Colo.
E.VCHANGE.— Fine eggs in sets for same. J. CL.\IKE WOOD, 179 17th Street, Detroit, Mich.
WANTED.— Fresh eggs of species of Wild )uck9. Geese. Quail, Prairie Chickens, Jrouse and Pheasants. E.xchange. state
DuCR.a. ■uit-c.^c.
Grouse and Phe.
quantity. Exchange
mammals, fossils, shel..,. ^
F. A. W. DE.VN, Alliance, Ohio.
uiiy. r.iruiiiige |.50.00 steriopticou. mammals, fossils, shells, skins, curios, etc.
VV nFAV Allhitipp Ohio
COLLK( 'T( »i;S-Kresh, perfect skins wanted of marsh and beach birds. Cash or exchange. Also Hawks and Owls. Eggs also. Taxi- dermy work in exchange. Solicit corres- pondence. K. R. ADAMS, Taxidermist, Hox 196. Canton, Mass.
FOR SALE-Auk and Nuttall Bulletin. Complete up to and including 1907. Thirty two Vols, in all. The entire set is bound in half morocco excepting the last two Vols, of the Auk. An extra fine set. Price one hun- dred dollars for the set. PHILIP LAURENT, 31 East Mt. Airy Ave., Philadelphia, Penn.
Have time again to correspond and ex- change. Wish to hear from all old corres- pondents and live new ones. All answered and a good list for exchange. A. E. PRICE. Grant Park, 111.
At the close of the season I shall have for exchange a rare lot of eggs. Many Arctic taken sets, vultures and hawks. Send your lists before disposing of your stocks. All the older collectors remember. J. W. PRESTON. 1411 13th Ave,, Spokane, Wash.
Apr. 3. t.
GET PHOTO POST CARDS of famous Snake Dance and Flute Ceremony of Hopi Indians of Arizona. They dance with live rattlesnakes held in the mouth. Best Indian cards published. Placed on sale for first time. Don't miss it. Set of ten for 50c. EARLE R. FORREST, 357 N. Main St., Washington, Penn.
WANTED.— Eggs of snakes, lizards and turtles. State price. JOS. P. BALL, M. D., Frankford. Phila, Penn. May 4 2.
Gundlach Manhattan Rapid Convertible Lens. (3 focus F. 8. 4 x ^) in anto shutter. A first f>lass R. R. lens. New, cost $15.00. Sell for 110.00 cash. C. E. WEBSTER, N. Yakima Wash.
I WANT Delaware collected sets of every variety. Nests with all small kinds, offer Florida sets in exchange. OSCAR E. HAY- NAKD, Mican(ipy, Fla.
FOR SALE.
Mounted Moose Elk, Caribou and Deer heads. .VLso horns and scalps. Buffalo horns, robes, etc.. at trade prices. References and descriptions upon reiiuest.
EDWIN DIXON, Taxidermist, Unionville, Ontario.
66
THE OOLOGIST.
Ws Greatest Collectors' Paper Foreign Eggs
Ten cents for three months for the oldest, largest and best collectors' monthly for all kinds of Hobbies: Natural History and American Historical Discoveries: Coins, Stamps, Curios, Relics, Photography, Miner- als, Sciences, Illustrated Souvenir Post Cards, Rarities and New Finds for all Kinds of Collectors. Over 15,000 Ads. past two years.
The Philatelic West and Collectors' World Superior, Nebraska, U. S. A.
Greatest of its kind in the world. Fifty cents entitles you to a year's subscription and a free fifteen word exchange notice in the largest exchange department extant. Over 3,600 pages in last two years.
This Illustrated 100-Page Monthly
Was established in 1895, and has the largest circulation of any collectors' monthly in the world, and in size has no rival. More ads, in the WEST than in all other American Col- lector monthlies combined. The best-paying medium for advertisers. Rates small, re- sults large. One cent a wo'-d. It will pay you to write us about it. OUR MOTTO: "The best and lots of it." Invest ten cents judiciously by sending it to
L, T. BRODSTONE, Publisher- Superior, Nebraska, U. Si A.
THE BIRDS
OF MAINE
This is a work of about 700 pages, illustrated bj' 26 half tones and a
Faunal Map of MainCi
It is the most complete contribution to local faunal literature everpublished The book contains keys for identifica- tion of the various species, full descrip- tions of various plumages, habits of the birds, descriptions of nests and eggs, food, songs and other details of bird life. Nearly all the species of birds found in New England and New Brunswick have been taken in Maine, so this work will be most valuable to and should be in the library of every ornithologist of these sections. It is also a work which should be desired by almost any ornithologist or oologist in North America. Sent prepaid on receipt of price, $3.50.
Address all orders to
ap-4t
In Choice Cabinet Sets, with full and accu- rate data, from
Mexico, Canada and Europe.
For sale very cheap. Satisfaction a pleas- ure. List for 2c. stamp."
457 Greene St..
Augusta Ga,
Dr. M. T. Clecklcy,
TAXIDERMISTS' MANUAL.
This is a complete and practical work, giv- ing full and complete instructions for collect- ing, preparing, preserving, stuffing and mounting all birds, animals and insects. It is written in popular language, so that even any intelligent child can understand and apply its instructions. It is not, however, an amateur's guide— it is a standard with professional taxidermists, and gives all the secrets and processes of the profession. It is illustrated with many fine engravings and descriptive diagrams. 12 mo. Paper cover. Price 50 cents. Address orders United Specialty Co., Dept. 718, Chicago.
Its Great ! Fishermen's Alarm Bell.
Tells you when the fish bites. Easy to use. Nothing to break. Fasten to log or pier. Mr. Fish takes a nibble and bell rings. Keeps you posted all the time. To introduce our big catalog we send Alarm Bell, postpaid, for only 12 cents. UNITED SPECIALTY CO., Dept. 717 CWcago.
ORA WILLIS KNIGHT.
No. 84. Forest Avenue.
BANGOR. MAINE
My up to date formulas and time and labor saving methods enables you to do this interesting and profitable work without ex- periment or risk. You can tan all kinds of hides and fars, make robes and rugs with mounted heads, mats, etc. This interesting and profitable art is easily and quickly learned. I guarantee your success. Formu- las and complete instructions are only $3.00
EDWIN DIXON,
Taxidermist and Furrier,
Main Street, Unionville, Ontario.
T. Reed & Co., 4 Duke St., Charing Cross, London, W. C, England
Have for sale rare Asiatic. African, Austra- lian, St)uth American and European birds' eggs and skins. List 1 cent stamp. May 2 t.
OC NICE POST CARDS Ifk OFMTQ ^^ Pretty Girls, Views, '^ UtIM I d Fruits. Flowers, Marine, Love. Luck, Ani- mals, Motto, (ireetings. Grotesque, etc. No cards alike. All cut apart. Big Catalog and 25 cards all postpaid. 10 cents. Order today. Agents wanted. UNITED SPECIALTY CO.. Dept. 716 Chicago.
THE OOLOGIST.
67
STILL LE Aiding
FIFTH EDITION LATTIN'S STANDARD CATALOGUE OF
North American Birds Eggs
With Oologist One Year, Both for 50c.
Compiled by Frank H. Lattin and Ernest H. Short, with the assistance of many prominent American Oolo- glsts.
A Complete Up-to-date Check List of North American Birds, including Introduced Species, giving correct ex- change values on all species whose eggs are procurable at this time. Ar- ranged according to A. O. U. Nome-
clature, but giving Ridgway's aad Coues' numbers also. Printed on one side of page only leaving it In convenient form for making notes In or using for labelling purposes. Bound in light board covers. Neat la style. Handy in sihape (just goes in- to full government envelope).
Postpaid 25c each. Six for $1.2S.
Address ERNEST H. SHORT, Manager Oologist, Chili, N. Y.
Learn Taxidermy.
Naturalists, Oologists and Sportsmen should all know how to correct- ly mount all kinds of birds and animals. WE TEACH TAXIDERMY BY MAIL. Complete course in 15 lessons. This is one of the most de- lightful and fascinating of arts. Easily learned. STANDARD METHODS. En- dorsed by all leading taxidermists. Many of the best known naturalists of the country are numbered among our students. If you want to learn TAXIDERMY, we desire to submit our proposition in full. Send TODAY for our new illustrated CATALOG and sam- Dle copy of The TAXIDERMY MAGAZINE. BOTH FREE. THE N. W. SCHOOL OF TAXIDERMY, 76 Farnam St.. Omaha. Neb.
TO ALL INTERESTED. REMEMBER.
I furnish collectionscdveringoneor several oranches of Natckal History for study or museum purposes at Special reduced rates. Don't fail to write me. I will Quote you on your line of wants or I will furnish a general assortment that will fit your purse and be sure to please.
Box
ERNEST H. SHORT. I 73 Rochester, N.
THE CONDOR.
A Magazine of Western Ornithology.
Official Organ Cooper Ornlthaloglcal Club.
In Articles by Active Ornithologists Half- tones from Life Make-up.
The Delight of Bird Students and Bird Lovers Everywhere.
Volume 10, (1908) Better Than Ever.
Published Bi-monthly.
Annual subscription, $1.50, net, in advance. Single copies, 30 cents. Foreign subscription, $1.75.
J. EUGENE LAW, Business IVIanag«r. Holiywood, Cai.
Wanted.
BACK NUMBERS OOLOGIST.
Vol. Ill, No's. 4 and 6. Vol. IV. No's 1 and 3-4. Vol. V, No. 6.
Y. MGR. OOLOGIST, Chili, N.Y.
68 THBi OOL.OGIST.
OOLOGY OF NEW ENGLAND
By E. A. CAPEN.
A Full and Complete Description of the Eggs, Nests and Breeding Habits of all the Birds known to Breed in New England
Complete in One Qua-rto Volume
—WITH —
Throe Hundred a.nd Twenty Three (523) Full Sized LithogrsLphic IIlvistraLtions, Colored True to Na-ture.
This magnificent volume was published in 1885 at $15.00 net and has long been out of print.
Last summer among the effects of the late E. A. Capen a few copies of this valuable work uncut, untrimmed and unbound, were unearthed.
We had them strongly and attractively
BOUND IN CLOTH.
While they last we offer them at $5.00 NET.
W. B. CLARKE CO.
BOSTON, ... - - MASS.
LIFE IN THE WOODS. THE SHELL BOOK.
Tells how to make and bait all kinds of By Julia E. Rogers. Traps, how to catch Mink, Skunks, Weasels,
Foxes, Birds, etc. How to skin Animals. Just out and the only work of its class. An
Dress and Tan Skins, Furs and Leather. authoritive, illustrated, readable work on
How to Breed Mink, how to catch fish, etc. Shells (sea. land and fresh water). EightfuU
Contains hints, helps and suggestions for page colored plates, 473 cuts. Nicely printed
campers. Gives directions for making all and bound. Postpaid $4.40. Address
kindsof FISH LUKES, etc. A great book FRNFST H <?HORT RnehPAtpr N Y
for only 10 cents, postpaid. tttlNtai M. dMUK I , KOonesteP, IN. T.
UNITED SPECIALTY CO., Dept. 719 Chicago. „^^p ^qq BLOW-PIPE PERFECTED.
J«st the thing for blowing eggs with small
or large holes. Can be used without water-
EXCHANGE EXTRAORDINARY! blower. Indorsed by a great many oologists
and collectors. Satisfaction guaranteed. I offer choice cabinet sets from Europe, Sent postpaid with directions for $1.00. Canada, Mexico and the United States for DR. M. T. CLECKLEY,
sets with nests, large rare singles and sets Augusta, Ga.
not in my collection. Wanted especially
Calif. Condor, Swallow-tailed Kite, Bald
Eagle. Plovers, Sandpipers, Phalaropes and FOR EXCHAN(TE.-The following new fur
Warblers. May3t. rugs, felt lined. I want A 1 skins, bird and
mammal literature. Coon half head, $6.00;
no M X r>i cni/i cv Red Fox half head. $10.00; Wild Cat half head,
UK. m. I. L.LtOKLtT, IIQOO; Wolf, open mouth $15.00; Grey Fox.
.^, ^ ^, . . „ tanned skin, $2.00 THUS. B. TIPTON.
457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga. Richards. .Mo.
The OoLOGiST.
Vol. XXV. No. 5.
Albion, N. Y. May, 1908.
Whole No. 250
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication Devoted to
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXI- DEEMY.
FKAITK H. LATTIN, FublUher,
ALBION, N. Y.
EEKEST H. SHORT, Editor and K&nager.
Correspondence and items of interest to the ■tndent of Birds, their Nests and Bggs, solicited from aU.
TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION:
Single subscription 50c per amiam
Bample copies 5c each
The aboTe rates Include payment of postage.
Bach subscriber la given a card good for a Want, Exchange or For Sale Notice. (This card la redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.)
Sabscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OOLOGIST can be fur- ■lahed at reasonable rates. Send stamp for de- •criptions and prices.
Remember that the publisher must be noti- fied by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stopped, and all arrearages must be paid.
ADVERTISING RATES:
S cents per nonpareil Une each Insertion.
12 lines In every inch. Seven Inches In a col- nmn, and two columns to the page.
Nothing Inserted for less than 25 cents. No "special rates," 5 cents per Une is "net," "rock kottom," "inside," "spot cash" rate from which there is no deviation and no commission to agents. If yon wish to use 5 lines or less space It will cost yon 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50. "Trade" (other than cash) adver- tlaements will be accepted by special arrange- ment only and at rates from doable to five times cash rates. Due BUla and Cards payable In ad- vertising will be honored only at tegular rates In force at the date of Issuance of said bill or card.
Remittances should be made by Draft, Ex- press or Poetofflce Money Order. Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U. S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for sums ander one dollar. Make Money Or- ders and Drafts payable and address all snb- scriptlons and commanlcations to
BRNBST H. SHORT, Editor and Manager, ChiU, Monroe Co.. N. Y.
Pileated Woodpecker.
In April, 1907 while vvalldng through the wood of North Boston Erie Co., X. Y., we discovered the trunk of a beech tree, about ten feet high, which bore the unmistakable evidence of having been the object of attack of a power-
ful bird. On investigation, it was found that the tree had been excavat- ed and cut away in several places, forming hollows more than a foot deep. At the foot of the tree was heaped a mound of chips of the wood, some of which were of considerable size.
A work of this kind was obviously beyond the reach of any of the com- mon woodpeckers, and it w'as, there- fore, evident that it had been done by the Pileated Woodpecker, a bird which is extremely rare in this local- ity. Shortly after the discovery of the tree the birds were seen. The male was heard calling in the woods a short distance away and Identified, but unfortunately a working train was on a side-track of a railroad, and on Sundays the Italians were out shoot- ing at every bird they came across. The Pileated Woodpeckers were un- doubtedly shot. The bird is very large, about 18 inches long and more than two feet from tip to tip of wing. The general color is a dull black, the side of the neck and breast being white, with a slight yellow tinge. The conspicuous feature is the red crest which stands up boldly on the top of the head. This bird, while compara- tively common at one time through- out the northern hemisphere, is one of the first to disappear with the clearing away of the forests in ad- vance of civilization.
The woodpeckers are a very inter- esting family of birds, presenting a number of features in common, among which are the hard powerful bills, capable of cutting away very solid
70
THE OOLOGISl
Pleated Woodpecker.
Cut Kindly Loaned by Buffalo "Sunday Express."
THE OOLOGIST.
71
material, and the fact that the toes are arranged two in front and two be- hind, instead of three in front and one behind, as is the case, with most birds. They commonly feed on the larvae which live in the trees just be- neath the bark and possess wonderful instinct in determining the burrows of these creatures, making a hole through the bark at the precise spot through which their long barbed tongue must be inserted to draw out the grub into their mouth.
The largest of the family is the Ivorj-billed, so called from the color of the beak. This bird is now practi- cally extinct.
The Woodpeckers are of inestimable value to the farmers, in keeping down the insect pests that are so destruc- tive to our forests. The pair of Wood- peckers at work on the beech tree shown in the picture were in search of the larvae of the horn-tail, a very destructive insect. All of the work shown on this tree was done in the space of a few days by these birds.
Owing to this fact, the tree was of great interest, as proving the enor- mous strength of this bird, as well as its presence in this locality. For this reason arrangements were made to cut it down, bring it to Buffalo and place it in the room of the Buffalo So- ciety of Natural Sciences, where it can be seen by all interested.
O. REIXECKE.
PREPARATION OF BIRD SKINS.
Having ventured, in the Issue of the Oologist for March, last( to take up the cudgels in behalf of greater care, among younger students, in the matter of identifications, I now add a few suggestions for the benefit of those to whom some, at least, of the book suggestions and directions for making up bird skins, may have left much unsaid;
One should be careful to learn, early in his career as a bird-killer, exactly the killing and the tearing power of a given charge of powder and shot. This care, observed in the field, will usually result in a minimum of birds blown to pieces and, on the other hand, in a maximum of birds secured. It is hard to say which could be cause of the greater chagrin: to have a rare bird shot out of all semblance by a too-near shot; or to see escape some hird of no intrinsic value, of itself, and which hence would have done just as well if badly shot-up, — which yet, in its escaping, has left unauthenticated a unique nesting record, — not, mind you, mere- ly for a single State; but for the en- tire Union!
Few beginners know how wonderful a help to clean work, in taxidermy, is to be found in the use of soft, ab- sorptive newspaper. Fat is the great enemy of this craft; and it must be removed, and removed often, bit by bit, with most overmastering patience if the bird on which one is working is to have any scientific or aesthetic value. (But I have forgotten to meas- ure my bird. So, indeed, has the oth- er fellow. The three greater measure- ments, Wing, Length and Extent, are matters of obligation. And let us re- membei : that quarter-inches measure not, definitively. Who knows but that some day, a series of one hundredth- inch niceties may evolve, somewhere, another of Dr. Dwight's satirically nick-named "millimeter" races.)
One common default in bird-skin preparation lies in scantiness, or lack, of poison. The nasal cavity, while it ought to receive especial treatment often receives, in point of fact, scarce- ly any. The preservative should be carefully worked in to the nares. It should also be thoroughly crammed into the bases of the tail feathers.
In making the skin it is a great
72
THE OOLOGIST.
Tree Showing Work of Pileated Woodpecker, near Buffalo, N, Y.
("ourtesy of O. Reinecke. Cut Kindly Loaned by Buffalo "Sunday Express."
THE OOLOQIST.
73
help to tie together the two ulnar wing-bones that are allowed to re- main. The connecting thread should approximate the normal distance in the natural bird. I have found the very best method of the shaping of the skin to lie in the use of a narrow band of paper pinned into a cylinder the normal girth of the bird's body. The object of making the cylinder narrow is to admit of the grooming of the entire plumage into normal shape.
Under no conceivable circumstances ought birds of any size to be made up without a re-inforcing of the neck. For this purpose the older onitholo- gists used to use small sticks or splints. The invariable result of such use, ancient or modern, is a stiff-neck- ed specimen. (Perhaps Dille will deny this). My own way, — which may not prove helpful to others, — is to use annealed wire, — copper wire, when to be had. This is prepared for insertion thus:
After the smooth, moderately-com- pressed body of cotton is ready, the section of wire, which is cut about three-fourths the length of the bird, has a loop made at one end. This loop is closed down upon the neck- piece of cotton; which, at the front end, has been rolled over and over upon itself until, as held compressed by the forceps, it may be squeezed into the skull-cavity. As inserted, this entire contraption lies with the wire below the cotton. The body is now inserted; set not too far forward; the neck cotton is flattened out; the wire is drawn backward until the bird-neck is just the right length; and the "slack" end of the wire is then looped, and bent tightly over the back end of the body-cotton. One who had never tried this method of set- ting and making rigid the limp skin of a bird of medium or small size could form no idea of the immense
help in the shaping which results from the use of the wire, in the neck- cotton: (to say nothing of the stength- ening of the neck.) To illustrate the value of this neck reinforcing I will repeat here a story as told to me, one day, over our hot weiners, (in Mrs. Dille's absence), by F. M. D., himself: with a merry twinkle in his eyes:
We had a mutual correspondent; a man than whom no living mortal can make better bird skins. Truly, they are better shaped than the birds, themselves. But he uses no neck- strengthener. One day, in order triumphantly to confute F. M. D., in the latter's spirited defence of the neck-stick, he sent to his Denver friend a valuable skin, made up with- out neck-re-inforcing. It arrived with the neck broken. And now P. B. P. and F. M. D. are most thoroughly agreed on at least one point.
Very few preparers of bird skin pay the right sort of attention to the shaping of the eyelids. About five per cent, of the skins' one sees have too much cotton in the eyes; and pretty nearly ninety per cent, don't begin to have enough. Moreover, the same is true, — only more so, — with the shaping of the throat. A big pro- portion of the skins have the goitre; while another big share have the con- sumption. A very neat trick. — though not an easy one, — ^by the way, — is to introduce into the throat, after the skin is made, just enough cotton, placed in just such a way as that, when the skin dries and shrinks, the throat will be naturally rounded. Just here comes in another trick: After the throat cotton is placed, why not close the mandibles, and keep them closed, by inserting a pin at the ra- mus of the lower mandible; and run- ning it up into the nares? In a few hours this pin may he withdrawn; its quick and effective and neat use, in
74
THE OOLOGIST.
the meantime, proving a boon, in- deed, to tlie previously perplexed manipulator.
A hint about tags: None more fit could be devised than those recom- mended to the writer by Dr. Bishop of New Haven. They are made of tough, thin linen. They are about three-fourths of an inch wide and about three inches long. (By caliper measure I find; that they are exactly .55 X 2.82 inches). On these slips are neatly printed certain detail out- lines; which are immensely helpful to the busy preparator.
One closing suggestion I would fain print in display capitals; and set, over and over again, in endless repet- ition, on every page of a whole issue of the Oologist: In making any re- cord, in the making of ALL records.
Last year the writer had occasion to go over a parcel of skins, — a few of them rich in suggestion and local interest, that were taken by him in Rice county, Minnesota, and in Mani- tou Park, Colorado, thirty, odd, years ago. With few exceptions these skins had all to be re-labelled; chiefly be- cause the ink originally used had fad- ed: some of it, utterly so. A power- ful reading glass, onl, made it possi- ble to transcribe and to preserve, the precious data. The shape of the tags used, moreover, was bad, in most cases, beyond portrayal. In replacing then, those old odd, clumsy and much- in-the-way labels, with their long, dangling, tangling concomitants of string, the neat, narrow Bishop-style tags were neatly fastened to the crossed juncture of the tarsi of the skins; just enough of the connecting thread being left between the tag and juncture to enable the student to ex- amine the tag favorably. Only strong silk was used; of a size not too large. Tihe combined result made some of the skins in question, — they being
strictly 'prentice work,' — look bum, enough. But one had the satisfaction of knowing that, under any probable set of conditions, the data for those skins will be just as legible to my grandsons, — if I should have any, — as they are to myself, today.
Pardon one more preachment: the very hardest thing, the most tantaliz- ing slow thing, about the making of bird skins, will always be the shap- ing. Here acquired skill will always set its mark. And no student who aspires to do the very best possible work will ever weary in his well-do- ing, herein, until his work will pass muster, anywhere. To illustrate what a conscientious perseveringness can accomplish, in these directions, I will say that 1 have, among the first skins for which I ever exchanged, a few that were prepared by T. E. Slevin of San Francisco. It was among his very first work, I imagine; and it would be hard to find poorer made skins. But, am I not glad, today, that I did not follow up a rather re- cent impulse, born of accrued critical- ness, and burn those skins. For, a:aiong the large mass of material left extent by Mr. Slevin, in his dying, a-'-e skins in large number that are wonderfully marked for their fastidi- ously dainty and perfect shaping. And thereby, my fellow boys, there hangs a moral.
P. B. PEABODY. Livermore, Iowa, April 20, 1908.
THE NEXT WORLD'S FAIR.
Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition a*. Seattle, in 1909, Now Claims At- tention— Management Surprises Country by Not Asking for Gov- ernment Aid — Its Progress to Data.
By Frank L. Herrick. Now that the Jamestown Ter-Cen- tennial Exposition has closed, all eyes
THE OOLOGIST.
75
are turned toward the next great world's fair, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition which will be held at Seat- tle, Washington, opening June 1 and closing October 15, 1909.
This exposition will be held in a section of the country where world's fairs are new and for that and many other reasons it is expected to be a success, beneficially, educationally, artistically and financially.
Work on the grounds and buildings of the exposition is well under way and the management is determined to have everything in readiness by open- ing day. This has been written about all expositions in late years, but the promise has never been completely fulfilled. The officials of the Alaska- Yukon-Pacific Exposition, however, liave started out with a completed-on- opening-day idea above everything else, and if they do not carry out their plans it will not be because west- ern energy has not been expended in the task.
The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposi- tion promises to be different from for- mer world's fairs in many ways, but one policy stands out so far above any of the rest that the entire press of the country is commenting favor- ably about it. No mony will be asked from Uncle Sam to carry on the work! That policy must be conceded as ori- ginal. All the management desires is for the United States government to participate in the same manner as foreign countries and the different states, by erecting buildings; and in- stalling exhibits therein. Former ex- positions have been aided by the gov- ernment in many different ways. Out- right gifts of large sums of money bave been made by Congress to some world's fairs, while others have nego- tiated loans from Uncle Sam, some of which were paid back and some of which were not. Some expositions "have received both donations and
loans. As stated before, the Alaska- Yukon-Pacific Exposition will ask for neither. A clause pledging this poli- cy has been inserted in the congres- sional bill making provision for parti- cipation only by Uncle Sam.
Since the United States government began to patronize expositions down to the .Jamestown fair, Congress has appropriated a total of $28,752,251 for world's fairs. Only $485,000 of this money has been spent west of the Rocky Mountains, the Lewis and Clark exposition, one of the most suc- cessful ever held, receiving the bene- fit of that amount.
The bill that has' been introduced at the present session of Congress pro- vides an appropriation of $1,175,000 to enable Uncle Sam to take advantage of the opportunity for effective adver- tising. The money will be apportion- ed as follows:
Buildings Exhibit
Government $200,000 $350,000
Alaska 100,000 200,000
Philippines 75,000 75,000
Hawaii 50,000 75,000
Fisheries 50,000 *
* The fisheries exhibit is included in the general government display.
On .Tune 1, last before a crowd of fifteen thousand persons, ground breaking ceremonies were held, with many prominent men making ad- dresses, among whom was Hon. John Barrett, director of the International Bureau of American Republics, repre- senting President Roosevelt. Prom that date to the present time work has been going on rapidly upon the exposi- tion grounds. Most of the grading and clearing has been finished. All of the principal roadways, avenues, circles and plazas have been complet- ed. The Administration Building has been erected and occupied by the exe- cutive force for several months. Con- tracts have been let for the construc- tion of five large buildings and sever- al small ones'. Among these are the
76
THE OOLOGIST.
Manufactures building, Agriculture building, Auditorium, Palace of Fine Arts and Machinery Hall. The three later buildings will be permanent structures, built of buff brick with terra cotta trimmings. The "A-Y-P," as it is sometimes called in Seattle, will differ again from some former fairs in that some of its exhibit palaces will be permanent structures'. The grounds are located on the prop- erty of the Washington University, a state institution, and after the expo- sition is over the permanent buildings and those substantially built will be taken over by the college to be used for educational purposes.
The purpose of the exposition, which is to exploit Alaska and Yukon and the countries bordering on the Pacific Ocean, is receiving much fav- orable comment throughout the coun- try.
E. H. Short, Rochester, N. Y.,
Dear Sir:— While collecting to-day I made an interesting little find which, I thought, might interest some of your "Oologist" readers.
It was the nest of a Great Horned Owl about 50 feet from the ground in an elm tree. The nest, which con- tained three, nearly full-grown young, measured nearly 5 feet one way by three the other, and had evidently been used many years. And under the nest, on the ground, was a collec- tion of material which would nearly warrant the erection of a glue fac- tory on a paying basis. For curiosi- ties sake we piled the bones and feet, heads, etc., of a like kind to-gether and this is what we found. Thirty- three feet of Am. Coot, eight feet of ducks and several heads (two mallard and a spoonbill), heads of three chickens and no less than forty-sev- en hind legs of rabbits and six of squirrel. Besides all this, there were two half eaten rabbits in the nest and
part of a King Rail. I have found many such "grave-yards" of the Horned Owl, but nevei', such an enor- mous amount of material as this. The nearest ponds to the nest are nearly a mile, and the water fowl must have been secured here in the night while the birds were at roost. I also flush- ed two wood cock to-day — the first birds of this kind that I have ever seen in this vicinity in over eight years collecting.
Sincerely yours, GERALD B. THOMAS.
A Question.
Will the irrigation of the arid and desert lands of the West and the draining of our great Eastern swamps, both colossal works now in progress, for the redemption or reclamation of the land for agricultural purposes, ef- fect our birds, materially, so as to cause an extinction of a species, or with the changes of environment will there occur a change in the habit of the birds that inhabit these regions?
R. F. M. Oologist.
We note that Massachusetts is seri- ously approaching the problem of Bird Preserves. The attempt is worthy of careful trial as deforestation is the greatest of all setbacks to our birds these days acting against the increase of forest birds as the cat does against the birds of the open fields. Of course, it will not be possible to make much progress without extensive preserves under different conditions, some high and dry and some swampy, some marsh land and some brush land. — Editor.
THE OOLOGIST. 77
\ CombinsLtion Offer.
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and Reed's "North American Birds Eggs,"
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Postpaid, 25 cents. With The Oologist one year, both 50 cents. Address MANAQER OOLOGIST, CHILI, N. Y.
78 THE OOLOGIST.
JUST OUT I
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Contains all new additions and changes to A. O, U. list arranged according to A. O. U. Nomenclature and giving both common and scientific names. i6 pages on good paper.
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ADDRESS OOLOGIST, Albion, N. Y. or ERNEST H. SHORT, Chili, N. Y.
t
GUN FOR SALE.
A new unused Stevens double barrel, breech loading shot gun. Especially made with re- inforced breech for smokeless powder. Top lever, rebounding locks, choke bore, l2 ga., 30 in. bbls. $14.50 cash gets it.
ERNEST H. SHORT, Chili, N.Y.
THE OOLOGIST. 79
NEW POLICY
Svibscribers, Advertisers
N OTIC E
FIRST. In line with tiie decision recently published by the "Condor" and for the same reasons, i e. That the provision for scientific collecting under the Song Bird Law did not contemplate commercial collecting.
The Publisher and Manager of this paper, the "Oologist," hereby announce that, beginning November last, they will, hereafter decline all advertisements or sale notices offering to buy or sell, N. American bird skins or eggs for cash except skins of game birds and birds of prey.
SECOND. Hereafter the "Oologist" will be sent only to subscribers whose subscriptions are fully paid in advance.
All premium offers except as printed in this issue or. hereafter are hereby withdrawn. A statement of account to date willGsoon be sent all who are in arrears and those who have not settled in accordance with terms thereon by January ist will be dropped.
Canadian Subscribers Notice. Owing to the increased Canadian postage, combination and premium offers will not apply to Canada sub- scriptions unless accompanied by 12 cents per year extra.
F. H. LATTIN, E. H. SHORT,
Publisher. MoLnaLger.
80
THE OOLOGIST.
72nd Thousand ! 72nd ! BIRD GUIDE.
BY CHESTER A. REED, S. B.
Author of North Amertcan Birds Egys, and with Frank M. Chapman of Color Key to North American Birds Editor of the American Bird Magazine.
This is a popular pocket guide and text book to ALL THE LAND BIRDS EAST OF THE ROCKIES, from the Parrots to the Bluebirds. It is prepared especially for
teachers and students, after years of study as to their needs. It has the following points of superiority over any other Bird Book:
COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS.— Every bird is shown in natural colors, including females and young when they differ.
SCOPE. — All the land birds east of the Rockies are included. It gives the range and habit of each bird, their songs as nearly as they can be written, and description of their nests and eggs.
SMALL SIZE. — It can easily be carried in the pocket, measuring but 3x5 inches. 200 pages, bound in flexible sock cloth or leather. We have made the price of the book as low as possible considering the good workmanship and material that is used. It is se low that anyone can afford it, but no one can afford to be without it
IT NAMES THE BIRDS FOR YOU
Bound in flexible sock cloth, postpaid
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Five cloth bound copies for $2.00 postpaid
Bound In flexible leather, 75cts. Five copies for $3.00 postpaid.
We want agents in every city, town and school. Good commissions. Send for prospectus of Bird Books and sample copy of the AMERICAN BIRD MAGAZINE.
CHAS. K. R£E:D,
WORCESTER., MASS.
The Oologist
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXIDERMY.
WANTS, FOR SALES AND EXCHANGES.
Brief Special announcements " Wants," " Exchanges," " For Sales," inserted in this de- partment for 25 cents per 25 words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate of 1-2 cent for each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25 cents. Terms, cash with order.
Strictly first-class specimens will be accepted in payment at 1-3 list rates.
Vol, XXV. No. 6.
ALBION, N. Y., JUNE, 1908.
Whole No. 251
Take Notice.
Examine the number following your name on the wrapper of this month's Oologist. It denotes when your sub- scription expired or will expire.
Remember we must be notified if you wish paper discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 209 your subscription expired Dec, 1904 251 vour subscription expires with this issue 3EW •■ " •' •• Dec. 1908
Intermediate numbers can easily be determined. If we have you credited wrong we wish to rectify.
Entered as second-class matter De- cembed 21, 1903, at the post office, at Albion. N. Y., under the Act of Con- gress of March 3, 1879.
I HAVE FOR EXCHANGE.-For species new to my collection. Choice sets of 327, liKi, 35;^, 354, :354a, :J58.1. 359.1, 362, 370a. 376, 3S9, 421, 455, 744a, 7ti3, etc. THOMAS H, .lACKSON, 304 N. Franklin St.. West Chester, Pa.
WANTED. Nests of birds. Particularly common varieties. State price. .TOS. P. BALI., M, I>. Frankford Phila, Pa.
FOi; SALE. -Alligator eggs. A fine lot, l!t(W take. Four selected eggs sent anywhere on receipt (jf one dollar. OSC.\K K. BAY- XAKD. .Nncanopy. Fla.
F'OR S.\LE.-.V collection of Natural His tory specimens catalogued over $1200. Will sell for f3.)0. Une for nuiseum. I-". T. C()KI.ESS.><04 E. 14 N., Portland. Or.
.June(> t.
WANTED. -"Bailey's Birds of Western V. S." Will exchange ""i^lanchan's Bird -Neigh- bors," good skins or foreign coins. C. L. PHILLIPS. 5 West Weir St., Taunton. .Mass.
I WISH to exchange my photos of birds' eggs, nests, etc., for yours. Will be pleased to correspond with amateur photographers. Eyerybody come. HAKKY CAMPBELL, Shunk, Pa.
WANTED —111 condition for mounting. Otter, Fisher. Martin. Wolverine, Alleghen- ian Least Weasel, offer and price. Write E. W. CAMPBELL, 323 Wyoming Ave. Pittston. Pa.
Have time again to correspond and ex- change. Wish to hear from all old corres- pondents and live new ones. All answered and a good list for exchange. A. E. PRICE, Grant Park, 111.
At the close of the season I shall have for exchange a rare lot of eggs. Many Arctic taken sets, vultures and hawks. Send your lists before disposing of your stocks. All the older collectors remember. J. W. PRESTON. 1411 13th Ave,, Spokane, Wash.
Apr. 3. t.
(iET PHOTO POST C.'VRDS of famous Snake Dance and Flute Ceremony of Hopi Indians of Arizona. They dance with live rattlesnakes held in the mouth. Best Indian cards published. Placed on sale for first time. Don't miss it. Set of ten for 50c. EARLE R. FORREST, 357 N. Main St.. Washington, Penn.
W.\NTED.— Eggs of snakes, lizards and turtles. State price. .TOS. P. BALL, M. D.. Frankford, Phila, Penn. May 4 2.
EXCHANGE EXTRAORDINARY !
I offer choice cabinet sets from Europe. Canada. .Mexico and the United States for sets with nests, large rare singles and sets not in my collection. Wanted especially Calif. Condor, Swallow-tailed Kite, Bald Eagle, Plovers, Sandpipers. Phalaropes and Warblers. May3t.
DR. M. T. CLECKLEY, 45 7 Greene St., Augusta, Ga.
82
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THE BIRDS
OF MAINE
This is a work of about 700 pages, illustrated by 126 half tones and a
Faunal Map of Maine.
It is the most complete contribution to local faunal literature everpublished The book contains ke.ys for identifica- tion of the various species, full descrip- tions of various plumages, habits of the birds, descriptions of nests and eggs, food, songs and other details of bird life. Nearly all the species of birds found in New England and New Brunswick have been taken in Maine, so this work will be most valuable to and should be in the library of every ornithologist of these sections. It is also a work which should be desired by almost any ornithologist or oologist in North America. Sent prepaid on receipt of price, $3.50.
THE SHELL BOOK.
By Julia E. Rogers.
Just out and the only work of its class. An authoritive, illustrated, readable work om Shells (sea. land and fresh water). Eight full page colored plates, 473 cuts. Nicely printed and bound. Postpaid $4.40. Address
ERNEST H. SHORT, Rochester, N. Y.
FOR SALE.
Mounted Moose Elk, Caribou and Deer heads. Also horns and scalps, Buffalo horns, robes, etc., at trade prices. References and descriptions upon request.
EDWIN DIXON, Taxidermist, Unionville, Ontario.
60 YEARS' lENCE
Address all orders to
ap-4t
ORA WILLIS KNIGHT.
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LIFE IN THE WOODS.
Tells how to make and bait all kinds of Traps, how to catch Mink, Skunks, Weasels, Foxes, Birds, etc. How to skin Animals. Dress and Tan Skins, Furs and Leather. How to Breed Mink, how to catch fish, etc. Contains hints, helps and suggestions for campers. (Jives directions for making all kinds of FISH LUKES, etc. A great book for only 10 cents, postpaid.
UNITED SPECIALTY CO., Dept. 719 Chicago.
HAND EGG BLOW-PIPE PERFECTED.
J«st the thing for blowing eggs with small or large holes. Can be used without water- bloM'er. Indorsed by a great many oologists and collectors. Satisfaction guaranteed. Sent postpaid with directions for $1.00. DR. M. T. CLECKLEY,
Augusta, Ga.
THE OOLOGIST.
83
STILL LE AIDING
FIFTH EDITION LATTIN'S STilNDARD CATALOGUE OF
North American Birds Eggs
With Oologist One Year, Both f«r 50c.
Compiled by Frank H. Lattin and Ernest H. Short, with the assistance of many prominent American Oolo- gists.
A Complete Up-to-date Check List of North American Birds, including Introduced Species, girinig correct ex- change values on all species whose eggs are procurahle at this time. Ar- ranged according to A. O. U. Nome-
clature, but giving Ridgway's antf Coues' numbers also. Printed <m one side of page only leaving it ta convenient form for making notes iB or using for labelling purposer Bound in light board covers. Neat in style. Handy in shape (just goes ift- to full government envelope).
Postpaid 25c each. Six for $1.2S,
Address ERNEST H. SHORT, Manager Oologist, Chili, N. Y.
Learn Taxidermy.
Naturalists, Oologists and Sportsmen should all know how to correct- ly mount all kinds of birds and animals. WE TEACH TAXIDERMY BY MAIL. Complete course in 15 lessons. This
is one of the most de-
liffhtfol and fascinating of arts. Easily learned. STANDARD METHODS. En- dorsed by all leading taxidermists. Many of the best known naturalists of the country are numbered among our students. If you want to learn TAXIDERMY, we desire to submit ourproposition in full. Send TODAY for our new illustrated CATALOG and sam- ple copy of The TAXIDERMY MAGAZINE. BOTH FREE. THE N. W. SCHOOL OP TAXIDERMY, 76 Farnam St., Omaha. Neb.
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I furnish collections covering one or several Dranches of Natural History for study or museum purposes at Special reduced rates. Don't fail to write nie. I will quote you on your line of wants or I will furnish a general assortment that will fit your purse and be sure to please.
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Box 173
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Wanted.
BACK NUMBERS OOLOGIST,
Vol. Ill, No's. 4 and 6. Vol. IV, No's 1 and 3-4. Vol. V, No. 6.
MGR. OOLOGIST,
Chili, N.Y.
Foreign Eggs
In C^hoice Cabinet Sets, with full and accu- rate data, from
Mexico, Canada and Europe.
For sale very cheap. Satisfaction a pleas- ure. List for 2c. stamp.'
457 (jreene St.,
Augusta Ga,
Dr. M. T. Cieckley,
T. Reed &. Co., 4 Duke St., Charing Cross, London, W. C, England
Have for sale rare Asiatic, African, Austra- lian, South American and European birds' eggs and skins. List 1 cent stamp. May 2 1
84
THhl OOLOQIST.
Prices for Back Numbers of the YOITNG OOLOGIST AND THE OOLOGIST
will, during 1908, remain as below:
After which the prices of many num- bers will be advanced and possibly not obtainable at any price. Should you desire back numbers to complete your file, NOW is the time to purchase. You can never obtain them for less money and possibly not at any price, as our stock ranges from only 1 to 25 copies of an issue.
Prices for 1907-08 Are as Follows:
Complete file, $12.00.
Nos. 1.14, 18. 31, :i4-:35. 42. 53. 86, 89. 111. 130, 132 137, 139, 140, 153, 158. are 50 cents each;
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SIF"A11 other numbers 5c. per copy.
For $12 will send prepaid a copy of every issue ever published. No. 1 to 145. This offer inchides your subscription through 1908.
My prices for back numbers of the YOUNG OOLOGIST and OOLOGIST in volumes, are as follows:
Vol. I, 1884-5, Nos. 1 to 12 $ .90
Vol. II, 1885, Nos. 13 to 14 50
Vol. Ill, 1886, Nos. 15 to 20 90
Vol. IV, 1887, Nos. 21 to 25-26 1.00
Vol. V, 1888, Nos. 27 to 38 1.50
Vol. VI, 1889, Nos. 39 to 50 75
Vol. VII, 1890, Nos. 51 to 62 75
Vol. VIII, 1891, Nos. 63 to 74 75
Vol. IX, 1892, Nos. 75 to 86 90
Vol. X, 1893, Nos. 87 to 98 1.00
Vol. XI, 1894, Nos. 99 to 110 50
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Vol. XXIV. 1907, 234, to 245 50
For $5.25 I will send prepaid a copy of every issue published, Nos. 1 to 209, inclusive, except the twenty-nine, (29), 25c., 50c. and 75c. copies.
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Or, if you order the two volumes at one time, we will send them by return mall for only $1.75. Every student of birds, their nests and eggs, should have these two volumes In their Hbrary. The valuable information they contain. Si worth many times the price.
Address plainly,
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CHILI, N. T.
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The OoLOGiST.
Vol. XXV. No. 6.
Albion, N. Y. June, 1908.
Whole No. 251
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication DeTOted to OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXI- DERMY. FRANK H. LATTIN, PubUslier. ALBION, N. Y. XRNEBT H. SHOKT, Editor and XuikC«r. Oorrespondence and Items of interest to tbe •tad«nt of Birds, their Nests and BgKS, solicited from all.
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ERNEST H. SHORT, Editor and Manager, Chill, Monroe Co.. N. Y.
An Arizona Hunt.
Our party consisted of three, we de- cided to go for a little outing and as Oology was our hobby thought it best to hunt over a strip of desert land, about twenty-five miles west of Phoe-
nix, between the irrigated lands and the Aqua Fria (water cold) river. This part of the desert is covered with a growth of small cacti, sage brush, mesquite and paloverde trees.
We took a light camping wagon and left Phoenix about three p. m., April 20th, 1907. Two miles had hardly gone by when we came to a row of large Cottonwood trees dividing a pas- ture. They had been cut off about eight or ten feet from the ground and were sprouting up again from the old stumps, leaving a lot of dead limbs and knot holes. In one of these holes we found a set of four Screech Owls, bird on. Not knowing what bird of this family it was we had to kill it, and afterwards identified it as the "Mexican Screech Owl," (Megascops asio aikeni). It was getting late in the season for the Screech Owls as this set was unblowable on account of incubation, two other badly incu- bated sets were found in addition ta the nest containing young birds.
Several trees down the row we found a set of five Desert Sparrow Hawks, (Falco peninsulae sparverius). slightly incubated, two of the eggs were almost round.
Farther up the road we saw a hole in a dead limb about oO feet above the ground. One of my companions proceeded to climl) the tree while within a few feet of the hole a Screech Owl of the same variety as above mentioned flew off disclosing a hole lull of young birds almost ready to leave the nest.
Presenitly we saw a Sparrow H.;n'> ciiclc around over head and li^lr »'e
THB OOLOOISl
a dead branch of a tree immediately across the road from the Screech Owl's hole. We looked on the other side of the tree and found a hole con- taining five eggs.
Five or six miles on we found a set of three fresh Vermillion Fly- catchers, (Pyrocephalus rubineus mexicanus). The nest was situated on the extreme end of a dead branch and was very shaky, however we got them to the ground in safety.
When within a few miles of our destination we found another set of Sparrow Hawks, four eggs, fifteen feet up in a dead cottonwood stump.
We reached the border of the des- ert by dusk and spent the night there by an irrigation canal. This section abounds in snakes and numerous var- ieties of lizards so we brought fold- ing cots with us. We awoke the next morning at daylight and were under way by six o'clock. A friend from a nearby ranch accompanied us through the day. He knew nothing about bird eggs but helped us considerably, as he went horseback. and could go many places where we could not in the wagon. Our route for some dis- tance lay along a row of cottonwoods.
[n a limb, six inches in diameter and fifty feet from the ground, we found a set of five Bairds Woodpeck- er, (Dryolates scalaris lucasanus); al- so two Sparrow Hawks' holes, each containing the incomplete set of three, one of which was in a stump not over five feet high and used as a fencepost.
Our friend now left us for a little scout while we turned towards the desert. He returned in about an hour bringing a set of three fresh Palmer Thrashers, (Toxostoma aurivirastris palmeri), and stating that he saw two hawks' nests in the tops of tall cottonwoods, one contained young birds the other young and eggs.
Shortly after he returned we came
across an adobe house, unoccupied. Upon going over to investigate a large Sparrow Hawk fiew from a hole between the window sill and the adobe wall. The hole went in two feet and contained a set of four fresh eggs.
Xo Bendire Thrashers (Toxostoma cinerus) were found, although, in the vicinity of Phoenix they are fairly common. Sets of four Palmer Thrash- ers are not common but we succeeded in getting two sets of that number on that trip, and found two other sets of four around Phoenix during the rest of the year.
After eating lunch we tied the horses and hunted on foot for a while, going in pairs, two North and two South. I was with the couple going North. We hunted for a long time without finding anything but a set of Western Mocking Birds. I do not be- lieve I ever saw Partridges so plenti- ful. We were fiushiug them all day, but could find no nests, but finally luck turned our way. A large female flew from a bunch of sage brush and there we found a set of eleven eggs. A short distance on we found a sec- ond set of the Gambels Partridge, (CaJlipepla montezumae), having about as much as we could carry we went back to the wagon and found our companions there with a set of four Palmer Thrashers and a set of five Gilded Flickers, (Colaptes chry- soides). During the afternoon on the desert we found three sets of Phaino- peplas, (Phainopepla mitens,) in ad- dition to the other eggs.
We next turned East to the long rows of cottonwoods and there found a set of three and a set of five Gila Woodpeckers, (Melanerpes uropygia- lis.)
A colony of Burrowing Owls, (Speotyeo cunicularia hypogea) was found. We dug into three holes the first two contained two eggs each.
THE OOLOGIST.
87
and the last one three eggs. Showing that it was too early for them.
Late that afternoon we started for home, went part way and finished the trip next day, finding a set of two Vermillion Flycatchers, incubation ad- vanced, a set of six Sonoran Redwings taken on account of size of set, and another set of five Sparrow Hawks.
We also found sets of the following •eggs but as our boxes were already •crowded we left them. They are: Cactus Wrens, Aberts Towhees (Bul- locks Orioles, Doves, Arkansas King- birds and Roadrunners.
Chas. Winfield Hartranft.
P.S. — I have been very much inter- ested in the accounts on finding sets of three doves' eggs. A friend of mine has just written fom Arizona, stating that he has found two nests of Mourn- ing Daves each containing three eggs and a set of three White-winged Doves, (melopela leucoptera.
C. W. H.
Pennsylvania.
The rarity of this species in South- ern Pennsylvania, makes it advisable to place on record the recent capture of an individual of this variety. It was taken during September, 1904, at Fort Washington by Mr. James Cam- blos. At the time of its capture the bird was sitting on the limb of a tree standing in an open field and proved very easy to approach. Mr. Camblos, recognizing the rarity of the bird, had it mounted and afterward generous- ly presented the specimen to the writ- er. It is now in my collection and is a fine male in the blue back plumage. This is, so far as I am able to ascer- tain, the only record of this bird in southeastern Pennsylvania for a num- ber of years.
Richard C. Harlow.
Some Arizona Nesting Sites.
Photos by Hartrauft.
THE OOLOGIST.
Nesting of the Wood Duck in Jersey.
New
A few years ago old residents used to come across nests of the Wood Duck, but little did I ever dream that I would be foi-tunate enough to find
one, but such is the case. On April 25th, this year, I went out with my rifle with the expectation of getting some "sprigs." As I stood quietly among the trees near a pond in the woods there came circling around a wild duck. Waiting with my finger
THE OOLOOIST.
89
on the trigger every minute for it to settle in the pond when I could secure a good shot I noted it appeared to set- tle in the top of a sour gumtree about 40 feet up. Cautiously I walked to the tree, but no duck could I see. I splashed the water, rapped the tree, shook the bushes and fired a shot in the top of the tree but no duck flew from the tree.
As it was getting dark I could not discern any cavity in the top of the tree, so I secured the pair of climbers that I had fastened to my wheel and proceeded to investigate. As I near- ed the top of the tree out ran two grey squirrels and when about 6 feet of the top out flew Mrs. Duck. As I peered down the cavity I beheld elev- en eggs that I could count in the twi- light but I could not reach them by a foot or more, and the wood was so hard I could not break it with my climbers, although it was no more than one inch in thickness. By look- ing down on the outside I found a knot-hole about a foot below the nest large enough for me to insert my hand and now the ticklish part commenced As I was holding on with one hand I picked a small hole in the bottom of the nest with the other and the eggs commenced to roll, all seemed to want to come out in "jig" time, and great care was needed to keep them from bumping against each other. I counted twelve and lost the count. When I got home I found I had 16 in- cubated eggs. With hard work and potash I saved them first class. Tak- ing up Davis I found I had secured a very large set. The nest was compos- ed of a few di-y pine oak leaves mixed in with the down..
While I was securing the eggs the female flew against me and flew whistling off to the pond and it sound- ed real dismal at that time as I never had heard their whistle before. It sounded something like the whistle
of a man.
I never collected a set of eggs that I so disliked to take as this-, owing to their rarity and the consideration I have for bur most heartiful game bird.
W. B. Crispin, N. J.
Mr. Ernest H. Short,
Ed. Oologist: — I wish to report to the capture of a Kirkland's Warbler on May 15, 1908 by Mr. Wm. P. Holt at Port Clinton. This is' our first rec- ord of this rare warbler in our locali. ty. Also the capture of a pair of Cape May Warblers on May 16. These wai'blers are rare in this section. On May 15, we took a specimen of the Northen Parula Warbler another of our rarer warblers. During the two days that we were at Port Clinton 82 species of birds' were observed. The weather was favorable and birds were very plentiful although the warblers were more common on May 15 than on the 16th. I also wish to report the capture of the Lark Sparrow, Chon- destes grammacus, by George Chiesa on May 2, this is our first record of this more southern bird. Mr. Chiesa took a beautiful specimen of a parti- ally Albino Tree Sparrow March 22. It had white specked throuh the chestnut head and also back and tail. The first primary of each wing was white or nearly so.
Yours truly, A. C. Read, Toledo, Ohio.
By an oversight in making up April No. of current volume of Oologist, Ml-. Bailey of Xew])ort News, Va., was not credited with the article on "Odd Nesting Site," (see page 57, April), which he contributed. It's another case where the manager apolo2:i7,eK for another's mistake. — E. H. S.
90
THE OOLOGIST.
Double Nest of Catbird. Toronto, Ont.
Photo by L. B. Brown.
Nesting of the Northern Yellow-throat
in Muskoka, Ont., during the
Summer of 1905.
Rising early one morning June 11th 1905 as the sun was showing up in the east, I took a short walk in the woods intending to pass the morning with my friends, the birds. Many Redstarts flitted about among the lower brances of the trees like bits of flame color as though they would set the trees on fire. Over my head came the tap, tap of a woodpecker on a hollow limb of a tree and on glanc- ing up saw that it was a Red-headed Woodpecker busy at work searching for the insects that might be hidden there in the wood, once it flew into the air after a passing insect in the
manner of a fly-catcher, bringing the insect back to the tree in his beak, where he killed and swallowed it. Many other birds were there such as the Red-eyed Vireo, Least Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Wilson's Thrush, etc. I left the woods, and began crossing a meadow with a small brook run- ning through the center with willow bushes and long coarse grass grow- ing on both sides. As I walked along the edge of the brook I heard the Northern Yellow-throat's familiar song of witchity, witchity, witch. It was not long before I saw a male yel- low-throat flitting here and there among the willow bushes like a bit of sunshine peering out through his black mask. He was soon joined by his mate who began to scold me. I
THK OOLOOItT.
91
sat down on the edge of the bank near the brook in order to see if the female would return to her nest; I waited for nearly fifteen minutes before she fin- ally quieted down and after all was <juiet flew down in the grass where she disappeared, after waiting for five minutes and hearing nothing from lier, I suspected she must be on her nest. So quietly stepping over to the spot from whence she disappeared, a'he slipped off her nest and ran mouse-like along the ground and flew into a bush from where she began scolding me as before. I gently part- ed the grass with my hand and reveal- led a beautiful nest sunken in the ground made of dry grass lined with Lair and arched over which contain- ed four white eggs, speckled with Tjrown, that were partly incubated. That same day I found two more of their nests. While searching every tuft of grass at a time within my reach (the yellow-throats scolded me all the while from some nearby "bushes). I discovered a nest, it was not sunken in the ground and arched over as the other nest was, but was Tiuilt about two inches above the ground in the center of a large tuft •of grass, while two yards away I found another nest in a tuft of grass. They each contained four eggs, incu- bation had just begun.
Signed,
GEORGE GERALD.
The Starling in Pennsylvania — By Richard F. Miller.
Early in November, 1907, a gunner shot two Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) on the Delaware river marshes at Tacony. Phiadelphia county, Pa. The writer examined one of them, a fine male, in the shop of a local taxider- mist.
They were not escaped cage birds,
but had come westward from the vi- cinity of New York City with a flock of Blackbirds. This is my theory of their occurrence which is' evidently the correct one.
It is well known that the Starling is Inceasing and spreading through- out New Jersey from the vicinity of New York City, but these are the first birds to reach Pennsylvania to my knowledge.
A Few Observations on Eggs of Gar- ter Snake, Thamnophis sirtelis, var. ordinatus.
On May 16th, this year, the Editor of the Oologist captured and dissect- ed a very large female of this species, length 39 inches.
Prof. Surface in his excellent "Ser- pents of Penn." gives them as ovivivi- parous. Eggs forming in May and young maturing to the point where they are ejected by the mother ready to break the membranous shell in middle of July to first of August.
Now my Snake contained many more eggs than the authorities give some hardly developed to the stage where they could be counted to a cer- tainty, but S4 well developed eggs were found, and futhermore they were not developing together.
Some were just forming and they ranged from these up to an egg l^^ in. long containing a well developed snake over 4 in. long that must have l)een expelled soon, probably before .June 1st, certainly long before July.
The Snake had met with an acci- dent in the ])ast as indicated by three scars on outside of body and in one ovary was an encysted, dried up, dead young located under one of the scars. Evidently case wasr ruptured and young killed but was encysted and dried up without causing serious trouble.
Either this is an unusual case or
92
THE OOLOQIST.
else it would seem that these snakes mature and are expelled in a series reaching over a considerable period.
This case would also indicate that they produce many more young than has been supposed unless we concede the possibility of numbers of the later eggs failing to mature.
Ernest H. Short.
By some oversight our printer placed Mr. Thomas' address in article in May Oologist under Mr. Peabody's article. Mr. Peabody is still in Kan- sas. Please note correction. [Ed.] The Pigeon Hawk in Montgomery Co.,
Bobolinks and Snowbanks.
During the recent untimely blizzard in Western New York April 30th and May 1st and 2nd the Editor noted Snowbanks a foot deep and four male Bobolinks in sight at once.
This is the only occurrence of such an anomaly we remember.
Ernest H. Short.
Winter Wren.
Mr. E. W. Camp'bell reports finding fm. of this bird incubating set of four eggs in town of Mehoopany, Wyo Co., Pa., on May 23, 1908. Nest in base of fallen hemlock protruding over water of Summer Brook. Composed of moss, hemlock stems and inner bark of poplar. Lining of Grouse feathers.
Mockingbird.
On May 28th, I saw a ^ Mimus polyglottus. I did not collect it, but the idenity was certain, for it was sit- ting in the road about ten yards away from me, and I have collected five seasons in South Florida, where they are very abundant, and you can imag- ine my surprise at seeing him so far from his supposed range. He was
with a Galeoscoptes carolinensis who seemed to be anything but friendly towards him.
Yours truly, C. W. Shaw, Buckfield, Me.
The Editor Oologist,
Dear Sir: — I am enclosing in this a photograph of a very interesting nest taken by myself last season. The ac- companying photograph is that of a double nest of the Catbird. It was taken on the 8th of June, 1907, in a wild vine about 6 feet from the ground and when found the parent bird was flushed from the upper nest that contained only 2 eggs, slightly incubated. One often sees the double nests of the ordinary Yellow Warbler but it would be interesting to hear if any other collectors have ever found such a double nest before.
Lewis B. Brown, Toronto, Canada.
You Should KnoNv
That cold rain water and soap will remove machine grease from -wash- able fabrics.
That fish may be scaled much easier by first dipping them into tott- ing water for a minute.
That milk which has changed may be sweetened or rendered fit for use again by stirring in a little soda.
That kerosene will soften boots and shoes that have been hardened by water, and will render them as pliable as new.
That salt will curdle new milk^ hence, in preparing porridge, gravies, etc., salt should not be added until the dish is prepared.
That salt fish are quickest and beat freshened by soaking in sour milk.
That boiling starch is much Improv- ed by the addition of sperm or salt or both or a little gum arable di»- solved.
THE OOLOGIST. 93
CombinaLtion Offer.
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t ERNEST H. SHORT.
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94 THE OOLOOIST.
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THE OOLOGIST. 95
NEW POLICY
Svibscriberst Advertisers
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FIRST. In line with the decision recently published by the "Condor" and for the same reasons, i e. That the provision for scientific collecting under the Song Bird Law did not contemplate commercial collecting.
The Publisher and Manager of this paper, the "Oologist," hereby announce that, beginning November last, they will, hereafter decline all advertisements or sale notices offering to buy or sell, N. American bird skins or eggs for cash except skins of game birds and birds of prey.
SECOND. Hereafter the "Oologist" will be sent only to subscribers whose subscriptions are fully paid in advance.
All premium offers except as printed in this issue or hereafter are hereby withdrawn. A statement of account to date willDsoon be sent all who are in arrears and those who have not settled in accordance with terms thereon by January i, 1908 will be dropped.
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F. H. LATTIN. E. H. SHORT,
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THE OOLOGIST.
72nd Thousand ! 72nd ! BIRD GUIDE.
BY CHESTER A. REED, S. B.
Author of North American Birds Eggs, and witti Frank M. Chapman of Color Key to North American Birds Editor of the American Bird Magazine.
This is a popular pocket guide and text book to ALL THE LAND BIRDS EAST OF THE ROCKIES, from the Parrots to the Bluebirds, it is prepared especially for
teachers and students, after years of study as to their needs. It has the following points of superiority over any other Bird Book:
COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS.— Every bird is shown in natural colors, including females and young when they differ.
SCOPE. — ^ii the land birds east of the Rockies are included. It gives the range and habit of each bird, their songs as nearly as they can be written, and description of their nests and eggs.
SMALL SIZE. — It can easily be carried in the pocket, measuring but 3x5 inches. 200 pages, bound in flexible sock cloth or leather. We have made thie price of the book as low as possible considering the good workmanship and material that is used. It is so low that anyone can afford it, but no one can afford to be without it
IT NAMES THE BIRDS FOR. YOU
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We want agents in every city, town and school. Good commissions. Send for prospectus of Bird Books and sample copy of the AMERICAN BIRD MAGAZINE.
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The Oologist
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXIDERftY.
WANTS, FOR SALES AND EXCHANGES.
Brief Special announcements " Wants," " Exchanges," " For Sales," inserted in this d^ partment for 25 cents pei 25 words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate of 1-2 cent for each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25 cents. Terms, cash with order.
Strictly first-class specimens will be accepted in payment at 1-3 list rates.
|
Vol. XXV. |
No. 7. |
ALBION, N. Y., |
, JULY, |
1908. |
Whole No. 252 |
Take Notice.
Examine the number following' your name on the wrapper of this month's Oologist. It denotes when your sub- scription expirerl or will expire.
Remember wo must be notified if you wish paper discontinued and all arrearage.! must be paid. 209 your subscription expired Dec, 1904 252 your subscription expires with this issue 2er7 •' ■■ '• " Dec, 1908
Intermediate numbers can easily be determined. If we have you credited wrong we wish to rectify.
Entered as second-class matter De- cembed 21, 190.3, at the post office, at Albion. N. Y.. under the Act of Con- gress of March 3. 1879.
I HAVE KOK p:X('HAN(iE.-For species new to my collection. Choice sets of 327, 'Mii. 3.53. 354. :i54a.:«S.l.:«!t.l.:i(i2. 370a. 376. 389. 421. }.i5. 744a. 7H3, etc. TIIO.M.AS H. .TACKSON. 304 N. Franklin St.. West Chester. Pa.
FOR SALE. -A collection of Natural His tory specimens catalogued over $1200. Will sell for $3.50. Fine for museum. F". T. CORLESS. .S04 E. 14 N., Portland. Or.
.Tune (i t.
I''Oi: K.\C1I.\X(;K.-The following sets: 1. .30. 37. S.'>. r<'). 70. 77. so. 120. 122. 132, 1-13. I4(;, 190. 191. li»4. 201. 202. 212. 214. 219, L'2-S, 243. 2(i3. 209, 273, 300. 30H, 310, 326. 3L'it. 331, 333. .335, 337, 339, 341, 342, 3.55. 300. 373. .To. 37s. 3><5. .3^7. 3SN. 400. 412, 414, 410, 42(1, 423, 444, 452, 401. 4HS. 494. 4IIS. .529, .5.50, 5S1, 584, .5S7. 5 5. m^. 012, 013. 014. 010. 0.52. (i5.S. 0.59, 074. 077, (179. (Wl. 0M7, 7l'5. 727. 7.35. 7.51. 7.5fi. < ). HKINK- CKH.400 Kim St.. P>iiffal(). \. Y.
Fi;EE."Karc coin over l(Ji) years old. Send 6 cents for mailing. I.OI'IS H(»H.\. 702 Duff St., Pittsburg. Pa.
I have for e.xcliange a Ilk gold hunting case watch, handsomely engraved, with tine 17 jewel Klgin movement. Want bird skins, old tire arms, ciirios. (jr first class prehistoric relics. .1. K. i;.\I.PH,511 So. 7 St., .Miimeap- oJis, .Minn.
Have time again to correspond and ex- change. Wish to hear from all old corres- pondents and live new ones. All answered and a good list for exchange. A. E. PRICE, (irant Park, 111.
FOR EXCHAN(tE.-I have 32 mammal skins; back numbers of 32 natural history magazines comprising 351 numbers, includ- ing such desirable ones as eight volumes Ameriban Naturalist, several volumes Orni- thologist and Oologist, many copies of Nid- ologist and Osprey, three books and twenty namphlets on various natural history sub- jects. I will exchange this lot. whicn aggre- gates considerably over one hundred dollars in value, for sixty pullets either S. C. White Leghorns or White Wyandottes. or for light caliber repeating rifle and part cash, or will sell for cash. List on application. Write at once. K. P. DKOWNE. Chilesburg, Caroline Co.. \'irginia.
ST.V.MP bargain, completeo.lg. setof Domi- nium Kep.. 1902 issue, catalogued at 30 cents, post-paid only s cents, li) sets for 70 cents. Apjirovals 6 per cent, discount. LOUIS BO MX. .Tr., 702 Duff St.. Pittsburg. Pa.
W-ANTKl).— Eggs of snakes, lizards and turtles. State price. ,IOS. P. P.ALL, M. D.. Frankford. Phila. Penn. May 4 2.
W.VNTED. -Series of 387. 388, 49S, 501, 019. 703, 7til. Several sets each of 214. 289. 201, 04, Kspccially want sets of American Osprey. OHcr7]-2. 21 1-1. 49 1-2. 42.11-1. 471-1, 125 1-3, 194 1-1 1-5, 223 1-4. 22() 1 4. 230 1-4. 243 1-4. 285 1-2. 310 1-1,325 1-2. .337b 1-2 2-3. 339a 2-3, 342 1-3, .347 1-4, :'>19 1-2. 3.55 1-3. 307 1-4 Am.. 420a 1-2, 431 n-2, 434 n-2. 44fil-3, 457 1-5. 402 n-3. 409 1-4, 470 1-7. 48(1 I-:; 1-5. 492 1-3. 49S(1 1-4. .505 1-5. 533 n-3 n-4, 507c 1-4. 578 1-4. 5!tlb 1-4. .597 1-4. 007 n-3, 010a 1-3, 029 l-4,<)29a n- 1.032 1-4. 010a 1-31-4,0,571-3 1-41-5, 063 1-1. 077 n-5. 702 1-4. 70S 1-3. 715 1-5 1-6 1-7. 719 l-<i, 719(1 1-0, 7.Hc 1-5. 735c 1-4, 754 1-3, 759a 1-4. 703 1-3. Besides above wants, I want Am. Woo.lcock 1-4. .No others. CHARLES S Tin i.M I'SON. I!ox214. 1'.uena Vista. Colorado.
Ornithologists and Oologists.
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It is the most complete contribution to local faunal literature ever published The book contains keys for identifica- tion of the various species, full descrip- tions of various plumages, habits of the birds, descriptions of nests and eggs, food, songs and other details of bird life. Nearly all the species of birds found in New England and New Brunswick have been taken in Maine, so this work will be most valuable to and should be in the library of every ornithologist of these sections. It is also a work which should be desired by almost any ornithologist oroologist in North America. Sent prepaid on receipt of price, $3.50.
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I offer choice cabinet sets from Europe, Canada, Mexico and the United States for sets with nests, large rare singles and sets not in my collection. Wanted especially Calif. Condor, Swallow-tailed Kite, Bald P'agle, Plovers. Sandpipers, Phalaropes and Warblers. MaySt.
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Just the Ihing for blowing eggs with small or large holes. Can be used Vvithout water- blower. Indorsed by a great many oologists and collectors. Satisfaction guaranteed. Sent postpaid with directions for $1.00.
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Was established in 1«95, and has the largest circulation of any collectors' monthly in the world, and in size has no rival. More ads. in the WE^T than in all other American Col- lector monthlies combined. The best-paying medium for advertisers. Kates snuill, re- sults large. One cent a woi-d. It will pay you to write us about it. OVK MOTTO: "The best and lots of it." Invest ten cents judiciously by sending it to
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THE OOLOGIST.
STILL LE APING
flflH EDITION LATTIN'S STANDARD CATALOGUE Of
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With Oologist One Year. Both for 50c.
Compiled by Frank H. Lattin and Ernest H. Short, with, the assistance of many prominent American Oolo- gista.
A Complete Up-to-date Check List of North American Birds, including Introduced Species, srivlng correct ex- change values on all specie-s whose eggs are procurable at this time. Ar- ranged according to A. O. V. Xome-
clature. but giving Ridgway's »mA Coues' numbers also. Printed om one side of page only leaving it Ik convenient form for making notes 1b or using for labelling purpose*. Bound in light board covers. Neat l» style. Handy in shape (just goes i»- to full government envelope").
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Address ERNEST H. SHORT, Manager Oologist Chili, N. Y.
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Naturalists. Odogists and Sportsmen should all know how to correct- ly mount all binds ot birds and animals. WE TEACH TAXIDERMY BY MAIL. Complete (.curse in 15 lessons. This
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llebtful atid fasoijiating of arts. Easily learned. STAN1>.\KD METHODS. En- dorsed by all leading taxidermists. Many of the best known naturalists of the lountry are numbered among our students. If you want to learn TAXIDERMY, we desire to submit ourproposition in full. Send TODAY for our new illustrated CAT.\LOG and sam- Dle copy of The TAXIDERMY .MAGAZINE BOTH FREE " "- " "
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BACK NUMBERS OOLOGIST-
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MGR. OOLOGIST. Chili, N.Y.
Foreign Eggs
l:i Choice Cabinet Sets, with full and accu- rate data, from
Mexico. Canada and Europe.
For sale very cheap. Satisfaction a pleas- ure. List for -(.■. stamp.*
Dr. M. T. Cleckley. «' ^^•;?^7:;f;G.,
T. Reed A Co., 4 Duke St., Charinf Cross, London, W. C, England
ILive for sale rare .\siatic, .\frican. .\.ustn»- liaii. South Ameriixin and European birds' etss and skins. List 1 cent stamp- May 2t.
100
THhJ OOL.OOIST.
Prices for Back Niunbers of the YOUNG OOLOGIST AND THE 00L0GI8T
will, during 1908, remain as below:
After which the prices of many num- bers will be advanced and possibly not ebtainable at any price. Should you desire back numbers to complete your file, NOW is the time to purchase. You ean never obtain them for less money and possibly not at any price, as our stock ranges from only 1 to 25 copies of an issue.
Prices for 1907-08 Are as Follows:
Complete file, $12.00.
Nos. 1,14. 18, 31, 34-:?5, 42. 53, 8ti, 89, 111, 130. 132 137. 139. 140. 153, 158, are 50 cents each;
Nos. 9, 66-67, 76, 77, 78, 79, 88, 90, 100, 113, 138, 146, are 25 cents each.
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aiF'All other numbers 5c. per copy.
For $12 will send prepaid a copy of every issue ever published, No. 1 to 145. This offer includes your subscription through 1908.
My prices for back numbers of the YOUNG OOLOGIST and OOLOGIST in volumes, are as follows:
Vol. I, 1884-5, Nos. 1 to 12 $ .90
Vol. II, 1885, Nos. 13 to 14 50
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Vol. XIII, 1896, Nos. 123 to 127 50
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Vol. XV, 1898, Nos. 140 to 149 60
Vol. XVI, 1899, Nos. 150 to 161 75
Vol. XVII, 1900, Nos. 162 to 171 50
Vol. XVIII, 1901, Nos. 172 to 183.. .50
Vol. XIX, 1902, Nos. 184 to 195 50
Vol. XX, 1903, Nos. 196 to 197 10
Vol. XXI, 1904, No. 198 to 209 50
Vol. XXII, 1905, Nos. 210 to 221 50
Vo!. XXIII, 19()(). 222 to 233 55
Vol. XXIV, 1907, 2:i4, to 245 50
For 15.25 I will send prepaid a copy of every issue published, Nos. 1 to 209, inclusive, except the twenty-nine, (29), IBc., 50c. and 75c. copies.
For $■! 50 I will send prepaid every copy published, Nos. 1 to 209, inclusive, except the sixty copies priced above at 10c or over.
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CHILI, N. T.
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In printing our "Standard Cata- logue" we had a lot of Datas printed on what would otherwise have been waste paper and have decided to give our patrons the benefit of our gain.
We can furnish five (5) styles and will send prepaid, your choice, at 12c. per 100 of $1 per 1000. The small- est size or No. 1, at 10c. per 100 or 75c. per 1000. Special rates, any style, on 5,000 or 10,000 lots.
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The OoLOGiST.
Vol. XXV. No. 7.
Albion, N. Y. July, 1908.
Whole No. 252
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication Devoted to
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXI- DERMY. FBANS H. LATTIN, PubUsher, AI.BIOK, H. Y. EaNEST H. SHORT. Editor and ICuiagec. Oorrespondence and items of interest to tbe ■tndcnt of Birds, their Nests and Kgga, solicited from all.
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ERNEST H. SHORT, Editor and Manager, ChiU, Monroe Co.. N. Y.
The Whistling Swan on Niagara River.
The Whistling Swan, (Olar colum- bianus), is a rare migrant along Niag- ara River. It may be said to occur regularly about the miclcUe of March
and casually in the fall. Its capture, however, would scarcely be possible, were it not for its proneness to float down the river to injury or death at Niagara Falls.
I am told by observers living at Ni- agara Falls, in a position to know, that scarcely a year passes without one or more swans being sacrificed at the cataract. In March, 1906, about a score made the fatal plunge, and iu the same month, 1907, five were taken, but no such catastrophe in the- swan world has ever been described as that which happened on March 1-5, 1908, when more than 100 of these majestic birds, journeying toward tlieir summer home near the Arctic Cii'cle, came to an untimely end.
A severe rain storm, accompanied by thunder and lightning, prevailed during the greater part of that day (March 15, 1908). About 11 o'clock in the morning, between showers, Wm. LeBlond of Niagara Falls, On- tario, was engaged in removing from the ice bridge, a temporary structure that had been used during the winter season as a soouvenir and refresh- ment stand, when he was startled by a loud cry. Turning around, his at- tention was first attracted to a swan struggling in the water at the upper edge of the ice bridge, but on look- ing toward the falls, he saw a great company of swans in distress com- ing toward the bridge. The scene that followed was a sad one for any bird lover to contemplate.
These splendid birds, helpless after their terrible plunge over thecataract, w^>re dashed against the ice bridge by
102
THE OOLOGISl
Ike swift current, and cakes of loose ice which were constantly coming down from the upper river. Some had heen killed outright by the falls. Oth- ers, unable to fly because of injury to their wings, attempted to stem the rushing waters, but here their won- derful swimming powers were of no avail. They were soon imprisoned in lie ice where their frightful cries were heartrending.
The game laws of Ontario still per- mit the taking of geese and swan in the spring until April 30th. and it was not long before men and boys, armed with guns and sticks, availed themselves of the privilege and be- came the chief factors in the closing scene of nature's great tragedy — the sacrifice of the swans.
Tlie news of a '"Great Slaughter of Wild Swan" appeared in the Buffalo
newspapers on March 17th, and the writer started for Niagara Falls forth- with to investigate the matter. As nearly as could be ascertained from in- terviews' with various participants in the "slaughter," the number of swans taken on March 15th was one hundred and two. Not all of these were taken on the ice bridge. A number were pulled out of Bass Rock Eddy, just below the power house of the Ontario Power Company, and within 150 yards of the Horseshoe Falls.
On the morning of the ISth of March, two more swan were taken at the ice bridge and a third was picked up alive at Bass Rock Eddy. This latter bird I secured within half an hour after it was found and the pic- ture shows it still in the arms of its captor.
Injured Swan, American Falls in Background. Photograpli? by the Author.
THE OOLOGIST.
103
It was unable to stand on its feet or to use its wings, and was taken in that condition to Buffalo, and placed under the care of the curator of the Zoo in Delaware Park. It quicklj' re- covered from its bruises and shock, and now (March 25th). may be seen floating gracefully on Park Lake.
On March 22nd I went again to the Falls, and saw five more swans that had just been taken by LeBlond, while six had been picked up at Bass Rock eddy early that morning. Three others were seen in the gorge but were able to mount into the air and fly over the falls to the upper river. I went up the river to the historic village of Chippewa, hoping to find a rem- nant of this swan brigade, but there was not one to be seen on the river below Xavy Island . A flock, various- ly estimated to number 20 to 60 indi- viduals had been seen by a number
of people the day before. I was un- able to learn that any swans had been shot above the Falls, although they had been seen there almost every day for a week.
Rev. .J. Hibbert Langille in his book, "Our Birds in Their Haunts," tells of finding a dead swan on the shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of John- son's Creek, which he says, "by some means unknown, had perished in the course of its long migration." I have little doubt that it met death in the cataract of Niagara.
Mr. L. J. Davison says in his "Bii'ds of Niagara County, N. Y.," nearly ev- ery season a number of this species (Whistling Swan) are taken in a wounded condition in Niagara River, below the falls. They are probably wounded in flying into the falls dur- ing storms while migrating during the night. I have also been told that
Canadian Rapids from Ice Fender of the Ontario Power Company.
104
THE OOLOGIST.
dead specimens have been found on the shore of Lake Ontario near Niag- ara River, after the ice had been bro- ken up in the spring." While it may be true that birds sometimes fly into the falls from the gorge below^, I know that the swans in the present instance went over the precipice from the upper river. They were seen above the rapids before eleven o'clock in the morning of March loth.
After a long tiresome flight from Chesapeake Bay, the open water of Ni- agara River would be a welcome sight to this ill-fated flock of Wild Swans. Resting from their labors, they probably dropped down stream unsuspecting danger until to late to save themselves fi(.m plunging into the turbulent watcs of the Canadian Rapids.
These rapids begin abruptly with a drop of about ten feet in a line run- ning across the river from the head of Goat Island to the gate house of the Ontario Power Company on the Canadian shore. I have watched gulls float down over the crest and spring into the air from the descending wa- ter. "Swans being so large and heavy cannot easily take wing, but are oblig- ed to force themselves over the wa- ter against the wind by rapid and powerful beats of the wings and feet until obtaining the requisite momen- tum, they are lifted into the air." "The Wild Fowl of the United States," by Daniel Girard Elliott. When they reach this line ot breakers they are probably carried down and complete- ly submerged, after which, by reason, of confusion cr inability, they can-
Bass Rock Edriy at extreme left, Ice Bridge and American Falls in
distance.
THE OOLOOI8T.
105
not fly, but are rushed forward and a minute or two later are carried over the brink of the precipice and plunged 160 feet into the gorge below.
Swans are not the only water fowl that are sacrificed at Niagara's shrine. On the occasion of my visit March 18th, I saw a handsome male Canvas- back Duck (Aythya valisneria, Wils.) come down against the ice bridge. It was unable to fly but succeeded in extricating itself from the moving ice and gaining a foothold on the bridge at a point where to attempt to catch it alive would have been a perilous undertaking. Later in the day I saw an American Golden-eye Duck (Glau- cionetta clangula americana, Bonap.), struggle out of the foaming water be- low the Horseshoe Falls into Bass Rock Eddy, and with great difficulty reach the shore. It niade no attempt to escape when picked up. While no external injury was. apparent, it was unable to walk or fly. It recovered, however, from its shouck by the time Buffalo was reached, and when oppor- tunity was given, it flew oif as strong as ever in the direction of the river.
Regarding the disposition made of all these swans, which in the aggre- gate, would approximate a ton in weight, I will say that the cj^gnets were nearly all selected at once for the table, and many a tough old bird as well. A large number, however, have been preserved by the taxider- mists of Niagara Falls and Toronto. Five fine specimens secured by Mr. Ottomar Reinecke are being prepared as a splendid group for the Museum of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sci- ences by its taxidermist, Herman Grieb. The latter reports that the stomachs of the birds examined by him were empty. One specimen, a female, and not the largest, measured 51 1-8 inches in length and 81 inches from tip to tip of its extended wings. I saw no less than 50 of these dead
birds, and looked them over carefully, thinking that possibly there might be a Trumpeter Swan (Olor buccina- tor, Rich.), among them, but none was found.
While the killing of the wounded swans at the ice bridge was techni- cally lawful, and in a certain light might be regarded as an act of mercy, inasmuch as without human interfer- ence most of the birds would probably have perished from their injuries or by starvation, yet it is greatly to be regretted that as many of the birds as possible were not taken alive and given opportunity to recover. I believe that fully one-third of the swans ta- ken would have survived if given proper care. But the impulse to kill was stronger than the spirit to save, and not even a pair of these unfortun- ate birds was secured from nature's doom and restored to nature's free- dom.
JAMES SAVAGE,
Buffalo, N. Y. . — t m •
A Novel Prize.
E. W. Campbell, taxidermist, is en- gaged in mounting a beautiful white swan, and the bird will soon be pla'> ed on exhibition in the window of Farrer & Peck's drug store, on Watei* street. There is some interesting his- tory in regard to this swan. It is the property of .John L. Davies, of Sharon, Pa., a former resident of this place, who is engaged in the ^jlumb- ing business in Sharon. Mr. Davis was at Niagara Falls a short time ago, attending a convention of plum- l)ers. and while there a rather remark- able incident occurred. A flock of whistling swans, apparently in flight from the south of Canada, was seen hovering over the city. A few minutes later the whole flock, num- bering 228 in all, apparently having become exhausted, fell into the Niag- ara river, just above the falls, and all
106
THE OOLOGIST.
of the birds were carried over the falls. There was a scramble for the birds among the people who happened to be along the river below the falls. The birds were injured and helpless and only a single one escaped alive-. Mr. Davies and several friends man- aged to secure a boat and captured several of the swans. The one that fell to the lot of Mr. Davies was an exceptionally fine specimen, being as white as snow and measuring 56 inches long, being somewhat above the average size. Mr. Campbell has mounted the bird in an artistic man- ner.— Pittston, Pa. Gazette, April 2, 1908.
Death Roll.
Editor Oologist.
Dear Sir:— In the Oologist of last April, some writer makes the state- ment that the Arkansas Kingbird nev- er has been proven to nest in such a manner as on the ridge-pole of a cab- in or adobe bluff. He says that nests of this bird, mentioned by Mr. E. R. Warren in the Condor, for January, 1908, as being located in the above situations, were "beyond the vestige of a doubt, just Say's Phoebe."
I cannot speak from experience as to the nest in adobe bluff, but in Cen- tral Washington I have many times found the nest of the Arkansas King- bird in almost any place on the out- side of a house, where it could safely be placed, and two nests were built inside of barns on beams against the wall of the building. I also found a nest on the end of a roll of wire fencing for hen yards that had been left standing upright against the side of a small cabin. Apart from this it seems quite beyond belief that any or- nithologist could mistake either nest or birds of the Say's Phoebe for those of the Arkansas Kingbird.
.1. H. BOWLES,
Taconia, Wash.
Louis W. Hahn, Naturalist, Silver Creek, N. Y.
Dr. F. N. Damon. Shells and Ind. Relics, Scituate, Mass.
W. E. May, Oologist, Detroit, Mich.
Isaac S. Kirk, Mineralogist, Notting- ham, Pa.
August Koch, Williamsport, Penn., Oologist and Ornithologist.
W. E. Shepherd,. Boston, Mass., Veteran English Glass Eye Manufac- turer.
Messrs. Hahn, Damon, Kirk and Koch were "old timers" on our sub- scription books.
A Corection
In regard to Mr. Pea'body's crit- icism in the "Oologist," for April, 1908, regarding what he dubs the sup- positious finding of a Carolina Chick- adee's (Penthres carolinensis) nest in Philadelphia county, Pa., by the wri- ter:
There is nothing doubtful about it or I would not have written it, for I do not write merely to see my name in print.
To be sure the nest was discover- ed before I began keeping a note- book or verifying my observations. It was found when I was 15 or 16 years of age and when I had known the Chickadee for about 5 years, for I knew all the common birds years be- fore I commenced keeping a note- book.
If Mr. Peabody thinks, as I infer he does, that the nest I found was a House Wren's, he is grievously mis- taken, for even if the bird (which flushed from the nest) was not seen, the composition of the nest, size and color of the eggs would hardly have been confused by the casual novice for Troglodytes aedon.
One point which Mr. Peabody over- looked is that I did not record the
THS OOIXKHIT.
107
discovery of the nest until years after- ward when I became fully informed upon the status of the Chickadees of this locality, and knew what I was writing about when I gave the record as unique for Philadelphia county. The Black-capped Chickadee (Pen- thres atricapillus) does not breed in Philadelphia county, Pa.
RICHARD F. MILLER, Philadelphia, Pa.
Hunting Eagles' Nests.
Mr. Crispin, a celebrated tree climb er and Oologist of Salem Co., N. J., and the writer having contemplated a trip after Bald Eagles' eggs for some time, have the following notes to sub- mit to the readers of this paper. A friend of mine, well acquainted with the country, volunteered to go along with us; that made a "crowd" which was full of the right spirit that ulti- mately leads to success.
Mr. Crispin had been over some of the ground before and therefore was not a total stranger as to where the Bald Eagles nested. He collected an addled egg about three years ago from one nest that we visited j-esterday, also a young bird, but since then they have deserted the place and from in- formation and experience we gained were led to believe they do not re- turn to a nest after it has been robbed of its young.
Having failed on our first attempt, we walked some three or four miles to another nest that Mr. Crispin had taken two eggs from two years ago after going up 100 feet from the ground. As we approached the place and could not locate the nest, Mr. Crispin went to a nearby farm house to make inquiry regarding the tree, and they informed him that it was cut down in order to destroy the nest. This was bad news for us after trav- eling first IS miles by train, six miles
by wagon and ten miles on foot. The farmer next informed us that two Bald Eagles were building '"just over thar," which proved to be not more than 500 yards from the house. We could not see the nest at first owing to the dense woods, but soon noticed one of the birds sitting in a tree, and when we neared the nest the other flew away. The nest was placed in a pin-oak, 7.5 feet from the ground and impos- sible to climb owing to its large size and the many small dead branches that covered the trunk.
The nest was an immense affair, made of coarse sticks that were much darker in color than the one we had visited earlier in the daj% after being exposed to the weather for several years; the nest being new was much shallower than the one that had been used several times and rebuilt. As it was impossible to climb the tree a consultation was held and it was de- cided that Mr. Crispin climb a gum tree that grew near it and look into the nest. It was necessary for him to go up to the top, some 80 feet, and after great effort he was able to de- clare that the bird had not com- menced to lay.
March 5th was the date decided on to go this year because the set taken two years ago on March 10th, was badly incubate^, and both eggs were broken while trying to blow them. The severe winter this year no doubt made the birds late owing to the sticks be- ing frozen fast and having a new nest to build.
We went back to the farm house and had a little talk with three boys who lived there, and after some good advice and a pecuniary reward they promised to get the eggs later on. Our next move was to hire a team and drive about five miles lower down the bay. where we found a man who declared he knew of eight or ten
108
THE OOLOQIST.
Eagle nests about nine miles farther on. We made him an offer for the whole lot and he promised he would go after them this week. If he gets them I will give the readers of Oolo- gist full details of his experience. I have not given the exact location of these Eagles nests because it might excite the curiosity of some collectors to such an extent that they might be foolish enough to go over the same ground and suffer the same exper- ience as we did.
E. .J. DARLINGTON,
Wilmington, Del.
Oological Freaks.
Believing you have other i-eaders of "The Oologist," who are, like my- self, especially interested in oologi- cal freaks and abnormals, I think the following "finds^' this season will be of interest to them:
On May 16th, I found a Field Spar- row's (A. O. U. .563) nest containing two young about two days old, and one egg measuring .46x.39. This egg had the usual markings of eggs of this species except that it is spotted on the small end instead of the large end.
On .lune 20th, I found a nest of Brown Thrasher (A. O. U. 705) con- taining three fresh eggs and on re- turning to it two days later it contain- ed five eggs in the nest and one egg on the outer rim. These are, with- out doubt the eggs of two birds, as two of them were darker and heavier spotted than the others. Also two fe- males and one male approached with their usual actions when the eggs were being taken. I have never se- cured more than five eggs of this spe- cies from one nest before.
On June 21st I found a nest of In- digo Bunting (A. O. U. 59S) contain- ing six fresh eggs. Three of them were partly covered by the lining of the nest and the other three were
placed in the nest, as usual. The three lower eggs were probably aban- doned and the parent bird, partly cov- ering them with more grasses laid the others. Would you call this one set of six eggs or two sets of three?
On June 22nd, I found a nest of Yellow-breasted Chat (A. O. U. 683) contained 3 lightly incubated eggs, one of which was almost pure white, having only three very faint spots of brown, another well spotted, and the other one sparingly spotted. This clutch is a series in itself.
On June 27th I found a nest of Blue- bird (A. O. U. 766) containing four lightly incubated, pure white eggs. Of the many clutches of this species I have examined, this is the first one of pure white eggs I have ever found. This nest was in an abandoned Red- headed Woodpecker's hole, in a fence post, about four feet from the ground. In April of this year I found a clutch of five badly incubated eggs of this species in this hole, but left them to hatch.
W. L. GRIFFIN. Ky.
Suspended Nidificatibn.
RICHARD C. HARLOW. On July 26th, 1907, I discovered a Goldfinch's nest which the female bad just started to build in a small cotton- wood. On account of the favorable situation for observation the nest building was closely watched, and probably for this reason the nest was apparently deserted when just about completed. Several times within the next two weeks I looked in the nest but to all outward appearances it was deserted. For some time then it was not visited, and my surprise may therefore be judged when on passing the tree on August 31st, I beheld a Goldfinch upon the nest. On inves- tigation it was ascertained that it held four incubated eggs which were al- lowed to hatch. The eggs could not have been laid earlier than August 20th and an interesting problem is here presented. The nest was finish- ed on July 30th and therefore a period of 20 days elapsed between the com- pletion of the nest and the laying of the first egg. Who can enlighten us on the subject?
Edge Hill. Pa.
THE OOLOGIST. 109
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Will Irrigation Alter Bird Fauna?
E. H. Short.
Dear Sir: — Seeing in the Oologist a question regarding irrigation, drain- age and birds, I will say a few words.
I believe that irrigation will make some difference in the birds of a local- ity, i.e., will add new birds to the list of that locality. But as there is not enough water to irrigate anywhere near all the arid land and semi-arid land, it will not make a great differ- ence as a whole.
Since coming here in the spring of 1906, I have noticed nearly as many common kingbirds (444) as Arkansas kingbirds (447), which is the western variety. Nearly all books say of 444, "rare west of the Rockies," so I think irrigation has something to do with it.
There are not many birds here ex- cept along the rivers, though the
"boosters" will tell you that there are lots of birds here.
There are quite a lot of English Sparrows here already, (though noth- ing like they are in the east) but in- stead of trying to get people to kill them off the paper here states that they are a much maligned bird, will not move out of the towm into the country, or bother other birds, etc. That shows about how much they know of the English Sparrow out here — not much, surely.
By looking up the Youth's Compan- ion of .June 11th, you will find an ac- count on page 284 of how^ a man caught an eagle (golden) near North Yakima last winter. The eagle was on exhibit here for several weeks and was then shipped to the capital at Olvmpia.
C. E. WEBSTER. North Yakima, Wash.
THE OOLOGIST. Ill
NEW POLICY
Svibscribers , Advertisers
N OTIC E
FIRST. In line with the decision recently published by the "Condor'' and for the same reasons, i e. That the provision for scientific collecting under the Song Bird Law did not contemplate commercial collecting.
The Publisher and Manager of this paper, the "Oologist," hereby announce that, beginning November last, they will, hereafter decline all advertisements or sale notices offering to buy or sell, N. American bird skins or eggs for cash except skins of game birds and birds of prey.
SECOND. Hereafter the "Oologist" will be sent only to subscribers whose subscriptions are fully paid in advance.
All premium offers except as printed in this issue or hereafter are hereby withdrawn. A statement of account to date willGsoon be sent all who are in arrears and those who have not settled in accordance with terms thereon by January i, 1908 will be dropped.
Canadian Subscribers Notice. Owing to the increased Canadian postage, combination and premium offers will not apply to Canada sub- scriptions unless accompanied by 12 cents per year extra.-
F. H. LATTIN. E. H. SHORT,
Publisher. M8Li\aLger.
112
THE OOLOGIST.
72nd Thousand ! 72nd !
BIRD guide:.
BY CHESTER A. REED, S. B.
Author of North Amaican Birds Egs%, and with Frank M. Chapman of Color Key to North American Birds Editor of the American Bird Mag-azine.
This is a popular pocket guide and text book to ALL THE LAND BIRDS EAST OF THE ROCKIES, from the Parrots to the Bluebirds. It is prepared especially for
teachers and students, after years of study as to their needs. It has the following points of superiority over any other Bird Book:
COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS.— Every bird is shown in natural colors, including females and young when they differ.
SCOPE. — All the land birds east of the Rockies are included. It gives the range and habit of each bird, their songs as nearly as they can be written, and description of their nests and eggs.
SMALL SIZE. — It can easily be carried in the pocket, measuring but 3x5 inches. 200 pages, bound in flexible sock cloth or leather. We have made the price of the book as low as possible considering the good workmanship and material that is used. It is so low that anyone can afford it, but no one can afford to be without it
IT NAMES THE BIRDS FOR. YOU
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We want agents in every city, town and school. Good commissions. Send for prospectus of Bird Books and sample copy of the AMERICAN BIRD MAGAZINE.
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WANTS, FOR SALES AND EXCHANGES,
Brief Special announcements " Wants," " Exchanges," " For Sales." inserted in this d»- oartment for 25 cents per 25 words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate of 1-2 cent for' each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25 cents. Terms, cash with order.
Strictly first-class specimens will be accepted in payment at 1-3 list rates.
Vol. XXV. No. 8.
ALBION, N. Y., AUG., 1908.
Whole No. 253
Take Notice.
Examine the number following your name on the wrapper of this month's Oologist. It denotes when your sub- scription expired or will expire.
Remember we must be notified if you wish paper discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 209 your subscription expired Dec. 1904 253 vour subscription expires with this issue 297 '• " '• " Dec. 1908
Intermediate numbers can easily be determined. If we have you credited wrong we wish to rectify.
Entered as second-class matter De- cembed 21, 1903, at the post office, at Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Con- gress of March 3, 1879.
I HAVE FOR EXCHANGE.-For species new to my collection. Choice sets of 327, 316, 353. ;i54. 3.54a. :i58.1. 359.1. 362, 370a. 376. 3><9. 421. 455. 744a. 763. etc. THOMAS H. .JACKSON. 304 N. Franklin .St.. West Chester. Pa.
FOR SALE.-A collection of Natural His tory specimens catalogued over 11200. Will sell for $:350. Fine for museum. F. T. CORLESS. mi E. 14 N.. Portland. Or.
.Tune 6 t.
Ornithologists and Oologists.
.Send 2 cent stamp for Bulletin. T. KKKD AND CO.. 4 Duke St.. Charing Cross. London, Kngland. .July 2. t.
W.ANTKI).— Kggs of snakes, lizards and turtle.s. State r-rice. JOS. P. 15ALL. M. D.. Frankford. Phila, Penn. .May 4 2.
KXCIIAN( >K.-For first class sets all com- mon western species. Am. Bird .Magazine. Vols. I-III; Dept. Agricultural Kcr>orts 1,S87- 8: Hird Skins, etc. F. SEYMOLK HKIJSEY, Taunton. .Mass.
;-ets wanted in exchange for Vol. VI Con- dor. Vols. I. 11. in. IV. Vof Osprey. Ex- cepting No. 2 and 4, Vol. 1, and Nos. H. 9 and 10 of Vol. III. Vol. XIII Birds and Nature Also many Separates. Slate and Local Lists. W. H. BINGAM AN, Irvington, Iowa.
THE New Series of "The Bulletin" con- tains particulars of Ornithological, Oolog- ical. Entomological, Ethnographical, Pal- eontological and Pre-historic Specimens, Post free for 2 cent stamp. Post Cards not replied to. Address, The "BULLETIN," 4 Duke St.. Adelphi. London W. C. England, Aug. 3. t.
EXCHANGE.-Seis of 498f. 581c. 5671.588b, and 719a. 743 for common sets as 624. 622. 443, 508 and ,'S52. Send list. All answered. STAN- LEY G. JEWETT. 514 Lexington Ave., Port- land. Oreg.
An Eastman No. 4 Bullet Camera. 4x5. Tri- pod, etc. In a 1 condition, to exchange for good sets. W. H. BINGAMAN. Irvington, Iowa.
For Sale at Reduced Prices
Moose. Elk Caribou, Antelope and Deer Heads. New stock. Newly mounted or mounted to your order. I use the modern museum methods, which guarantees lasting specimens that always hold their appear- ance and look good. Satisfactory references to American sportsmen who have purchased heads, promptly furnished. It will nay you to write for my list and prices. All heads guaranteed true to description, or return- able.
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Taxidermists, Sportsmen, Nature Lovers.
KOi; S.\LK.-My carefully chosen stock of Moose. Klk. Caribou. Antelope and Deer Horns and Scalps at close cut quick sale jirices. .\1I goods guaranteed true to de- scription or no sale. Write today, stating as near as you can what you want and price you can pay. I'll quf)te prices and hold goods subject to your acceptance or refusal. EDWIN DIXON,
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114
THE OOLOGIST.
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FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE. - Beagh Hound, 2 mo., from fine hunting stock, for Indian relics, eggs or Nat, Hist, books, value $10. FLOYD S. MORSE, Woodstock. 111.
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BACK NUMBERS OOLOGIST.
Vol. Ill, No's. 4 and 6. Vol. IV. No's 1 and 3-4. Vol. V. No. (i.
MGR. OOLOGIST,
Chill, N.Y.
T. Reed &. Co., 4 Duke St., Charing Cross, London, W. C, England
Have for sale rare Asiatic, African. Austra- lian. South American and European birds' eggs and skins. List 1 cent stamp. May 2 t.
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116
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In printing our "Standard Cata- logue" we had a lot of Datas printed on what would otherwise have beea waste paper and have decided to give our patrons the benefit of our gain.
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The OoLOGiST.
Vol. XXV. No. 8.
Albion, N. Y. August, 1908.
Whole No. 253
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication Deroted to
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXI-
DEEMY.
TXAKK H. LATTnr, Pa^UAtr.
ALBIOV, K. T.
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Nesting of the Broad-winged Hawk in Delaware Co., Pa.
RICHARD C. HARLOW. The season of 1908 was a memor- able one to me for several reasons, but chiefly because of my unusual
luck in ferreting out the nesting pla- ces of our native hawks. Here in Pennsylvania vve are wont to become discouraged over the absence of this class of birds, and I fear I have often cast a sigh as I read of the exper- iences of collectors in the west. Dur- ing my short period of collecting they had invariably been a stumbling block to me, but somehow this year the mist cleared away from before my eyes and when I packed up my irons for another year I found that I had ta- ken fine sets of Cooper's, Sparrow, Broad-wing, Osprey and Duck Hawks. As I recall the various trips and suc- cesses my blood courses through my veins once more with the enthusiasm of the hunt, and I long for the days gone by. And prominent among the list stands the day spent in search of Broad-wings, the 16th of May. From time to time, my friend had told me of their breeding in the vicinity of Wayne, and when I jumped off the train at that place on the 16th, I was prepared to do or die.
Discouraging news awaited me. The hawks had not been seen lately, and had apparently disappeared. But what .study teaches one to fight down de- spair more than ornithology? As we struck off across the fields the dew was still clinging to the grass, and in a short time we were thoroughly drenched, but what cared we, for there ahead of us lay the chosen haunt of the Broad-wings, the wood- covered hills merging into a valley through which a stream dashes on its way. As we pushed through, our eyes eagerly scanning the tree tops,
118
THE OOLOGISl
the songs of the birds were heard on every hand, the notes of the Red-eyed Vireo and the rollicking song of the Kentucky Warbler being especially noticeable. Several limes did my pulses quicken momentarily at the sight of old nests, but never a hawk did we see. At last my eye caught sight of a bulky mass some 40 feet up in a double crotch of a beech. A rap on the tree failed to scare a bird, but instinctively I knew it to be a Broad-wing. The irons buckled on, I hurried up and eagerly looked over the edge. There I found — nothing. It was a new nest, even to the lining of fresh green beech leaves, but for some reason it was later deserted, though not disturbed in the least. In speaking of this matter with Mr. Frank L. Burns, he mentioned that it was by no means a rare trait of the Broadwings to leave a nest after com- pleting it.
And so the day wore on, and my spirits began to sink. Farther and farther we roamed and still not a hawk did we see. Entering another woods we struck along the top of a ridge, commanding a view of the steep hillsides on either hand. Some dis- tance ahead and far down the hill I saw a nest. On closer approach the tail of the bird was seen over the edge and I knew that at last success had crowned my efforts. A rap on the tree and she was gone. It was an ugly climb, but nothing less than chains could have kept me from that nest. Gradually, the distance to the nest grew less, and the ground rapid- ly receded. Over broken limbs, pro- jections and several "bulges" of the trunk I struggled, and at last looked over the edge. Do you older collec- tors remember your first set of Broad- wing's? If so, you can sympathize with me. The eggs were packed and the nest measured ,and I returned to
the ground a gladder and wiser man. Then while my friends unstrapped my irons I pulled out my notebook and wrote: "The situation was on a steep hillside within 10 yards of Darby Creek, and the nest was at least 75 feet up in a Shellbark which leaned slightly towards the creek. Bird flushed when I tapped on the tree; several times she circled back near the tree, making no outcry of any kind. The nest was built in a two- pronged fork and was very substan- tially built, evidently by the birds themselves. Constructed of corn- husks, sticks, and lined with pieces of bark, a few downy feathers and green oak leaves. Outward diameter 30 inches, cavity 6 inches across and 3 inches deep, being much better de- fined than my Cooper Hawk's nests. The eggs were three in number and handsomely marked with blotches of reddish-brown and shell markings of lavender and stone-gray." Later de- velopments showed them to be incu- bated about nine days.
An so ended my day with the Broad-wings in the verdant hills of Delaware countj*. I have found the nests with young in Bucks county, but nowhere does it appear common in the Keystone State, unless it be Ches- ter county, where I understand a num- ber of sets have been taken.
Four Sets of Eggs From One Bird's Nest.
RICHARD F. MILLER.
On May 29, 1906, a set of three fresh eggs of the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) were taken from a nest at Holmesburg, Pa., which was' saddled to a horizontal wild cherry branch, along the edge of a wood at the bot- tom of a railroad embankment.
On June 7th, another set of three fresh eggs were taken from the same nest.
THE OOLOGIST.
119
On June Ifith, a third set of three fresh eggs were collected, also from the -same nest.
Oq, June 26th, a fourth set of three fresh eggs were removed from this nest.
No nest egg was left in the nest to induce the bird to continue laying, for in such a case, in all probability, the bird would have deserted or incubated the egg left in the nest.
There can be no doubt but that the four sets were laid by the same fe- male, as only one pair of birds in- habited the wood, a small and isolated grove of about one-quarter acre in area; for the eggs are alike in shape, size and color, and show no diminu- tion in size, the last set being as large as the first.
Nine days elapsed after the taking of the first set until the laying of the second set; nine days between the second and third sets; and ten days between the third and fourth comple- ment.
When the first set was taken the nest was thinly lined, the bare walls being plainly visible through the lin- ing of rootlets, but before the laying of the second set the birds had lined it thickly with this material.
Several years ago there was a Wood Thrush's nest in the same situ, from which a set of eggs was taken, and it would be interesting to know whether they were laid by this bird, but as they have passed out of my collection it is, of course, impossible for me to say.
Subtracting three days for the de- positing of the eggs, for the Wood Thrush lays an egg every day until the set is laid, we have a minimum period of six days for the bird to get "into condition" to lay each set, which seems to me a remarkably short time; and in 2S days the bird laid 12 eggs!
The nest was not afterward seen until late in the summer and appear- ances then indicated that a brood of young had been raised in it, undoubt- edly by the same pair of birds, who laid a fifth set and managed to hatch them.
(These notes are interesting as bear- ing on the much discussed question as to whether disturbing a set of fresh, eggs tends to prevent breeding that season, but taking so many sets from one pair could only be justified as a rare experience. — Ed. )
Another Set of Five Robin.
Ernest H. Short.
Dear Sir: — May not this be of inter- est to at least some of the Oologist readers, though it is a taking of seven years ago.
During an afternoon's search for Siskins, on June 26, 1901, and without results in the way of the little hair-lin- ed nests, I was finally rewarded with a lucky find. It was a nest of the West- ern Robin (Merula migratoria propin- qua). The nest was eight feet up and near the end of a 15-foot spruce limb, on the edge of a small swampy gulch.
As I was not in line for taking sets of this common yearly resident, it must have been my poor success in finding Pine Siskins for the day, that gave me an egger's feeling to see something with eggs in it, so I just took a peep into this nest. It con- tained five fresh eggs. The eggs are fine specimens of Western Robin, everyone being of an unusually dark bluish-green cast and perfectly uni- form in size and shape. Nest was of usual structure, mud and dry grass, lined with fine grass. This is the only set of five eggs of Western Robin, I have ever seen.
C. IRVIX CLAY,
Eureka, Cal.
120
THE OOLOGIST.
Anent the Cardinal.
On October 29, 1906, at Cornwell's Station, Bucks County, Pa., a nest of the Cardinal Grosbeak was found six feet up in a clump of green briars in a wood, containing a rotten egg, which was collected and is now in my col- lection.
It is, of course, impossible to tell how long the nest had been deserted, (as it was), and the exact time the egg was laid, but judging from ex- perience, the time necessary for an egg to addle and rot does not exceed six weeks, then we can safely admit that the egg was deposited about Sep- tember 16th, or even allowing a long- er period for its decomposition, and supposing it to be about eight weeks old, it could then have been laid about September 1st, which is remarkably late nesting for this handsome bird in this vicinity.
But the Cardinal is an erratic breeder, albeit, for I have found new nests as early as March 30, 1902. and April 1, 1908, and collected fresh eggs as late as August 17, 1904; and ex- amined young almost fledged August 2.5, 1899. I have found eggs and young birds in nests of Cardinal in April, May, .June, July and August, and am of the opinion that the bird rears two broods in one season, al- though most ornithologists seem to think that only one brood is raised. Of course, when a nest containing eggs is destroyed, the bird will build another and lays a clutch of eggs in it, but I do not regard this as a second "brood," as I have known some orni- thologists to so style it.
RICHARD F. MILLER, Frankford, Phila., Pa.
search of food? The only time I have known it to do this was on July 5, 1908, when the bird covered a space of from 3 to 4 feet and then stopped to sing his full set of notes once. He continued the performance several times, at last flying to a near-by ever- green to sing for five minutes or so. On June 6th, I found a set of three Chipping Sparrow's in a large single rose bush in yard. The eggs were fairly heavily marked over entire sur- face with brown and lilac, principally with brown, but the usual wreath was quite plainly visible above the other spots.
Is this not also an uncommon oc- currence?
CHAS. A. HEWLETT.
The Song Sparrow sings on the wing quite commonly. Eggs of the Chipping Sparrow showing spotting over entire surface are not common. —[Ed.]
Chimney Swifts Nesting in Hollow Trees.
Woodmere, L. I., July 8, '08. Dear Mr. Short: —
Is it not an uncommon event for the Song Sparrow to sing while in
The Chimney Bird unquestionably in early times nested in hollow trees, but now such a habit is a curiosity. While in Warren county in June of this year, I found three of these birds, two females and a male, sailing around over a slashing; full- five miles from anywhere. Presently the birds were noticed going in and out of a tall, hollow tree, and they had every appearance of having selected it for a nesting site. A friend of mine reports having observed the same state of affairs in a hollow tree standing on the edge of a Xew York lake, last sea- son.
R. P. SHARPLES. West Chester, Pa.
THK OOLOQIST.
121
The Mourning Warbler.
In company with my friend, Thos. H. Jackson, I liad an interesting time hunting the nest of the Mourning Warbler in Warren county, Pa., this spring. The nest is very hard to lo- cate, although we succeeded in two Instances. Both nests were in low blackberry bushes on the edge of tall timber. It was with great difficulty that we could see the parent bird ■when she flushed. She would creep quietly off into the neighboring brush and make no fuss whatever. Once, when the nest was being photograph- ed, and we were near it for quite a time, the mother bird did come back and scold a little. The five eggs in this nest were slightly incubated. The other nest had but one egg in it, and when found, about June 1st, was near- ly ready to hatcb
When hunting the nest it is useless to try to locate it by watch- ing the parent birds. They are most extremely cautious in approaching it, and while the male will stay and sing in the neighborhood, I never saw him go near the nest, and he made no pro- test when we found it.
R. P. SHARPLES,
West Chester, Pa.
Big State Game Farm.
The state game farm, near Auburn, is now the busiest place in Illinois. Al- ready this month 8,000 baby birds liave made their appearance and 2,000 more are expected. Mother birds are sitting patiently on that number of eggs, and every day another is made liappy by the arrival of chicks. Thirty thousand eggs of game birds were pla- ced this spring at the farm. They in- <;luded pheasants, native quail, ducks, turkeys and all other kinds of game that inhabit this state. In addition to
the eggs which were placed under the hens at the farm, the game warden. Dr. J. A. Wheeler, sent throughout the state, 30,000 eggs for private use. The farm is now producing from 900 to 1,000 eggs a day from the 1,400 hens.
"Game birds in Illinois came through the winter remarkably well," said Dr. Wheeler. "We have had the most encouraging reports from every section of the state. The pheasant is proving itself to be an ideal bird for Illinois. You cannot starve it. It will eat the bark on a tree before it will quit. I have been surprised at its hardiness." — Macomb, 111., Journal.
E. H. Short: —
My son and a friend have just re- turned last night 13th, from up the Susquehanna River, fishing. They bring me a young, in down, of the Semi-palmated Sandpiper (No. 246). I have mounted and saved it. So this bird breeds in Pennsylvania, as well as the Least Sandpiper. I sent you data a while back on "Least." I have that young one safe as well as this one. I may yet, some day, find a young unable to fly of No. 256. It will be no surprise to me to do so, as the Solitary does breed in Pennsylva- nia, sure.
Sincerely,
E. CAMPBELL.
Man-0-War.
Mr. Reynolds says: "Reed, in his Bird Guide, speaks of the Man-o-War Bird as possibly breeding on some of the Florida Keys. There is quite a large colony of them breeding on Bird Key, near Veteran, Fla., which they share with Fla. Cormorant and Brown Pelican."
July 25, 1908.
122
THE OOLOGIST.
My Dear Mr. Short: —
A little Incident that came under my observation in Phoenix, Ariz., last winter, may prove of interest to your renders.
Two holes were discovered within 75 feet of each other. One contained one egg of the Desert Sparrow Hawk and the other two of the Mexican Sci-eech Owl, both birds on. Several days later the birds had exchanged nests. Nest No. 1 (Sparrow Hawk's) had two hawk's eggs, and owl on nest. No. 2 (Owl's) two owl's eggs and one hawk, hawk on. Later, nest No. 1 was vacated, and one of the two eggs broken. No. 2 contained four owls and one hawk. This seems very queer to me, as both birds are fight- ers.
Sincerely yours, C. WINFIELD HARTRANFT, Devon, Pa.
Ho/i/ to Clean Enamel Paint.
Soap never should be used la clean- ing paint, especially white enamel or any painl with a gloss, as it removes the gloss, which is its chief charm. If In washing- enameled woodwork a cup- ful of common carpenter's glue is melt- ed and poured into a pail of warm wa- ter It not only will facilitate the clean- ing, but will leave a high gloss such as new paint has. If once used this com- mon glue will become a household ne- cessity.
How to Clean Enamel of Stains.
To clean and remove all stains from enamel )-ub well with salt moistened with vinegar. This will clean equally •well enameled pots and pans, no mat- ter how burned or discolored.
How to Keep Vegetables Fresh.
Cfreen vegetables can be kept fresh for days by wetting them and then rolling them up in paper, screwing the ends to keep out the air.
How to Keep Feathers Fluffy. The expense of keeping either an ostrich feather boa or an ostrich feath- er laden hat looking like new re<luces itself to nothing at all and very little trouble when one knows the way. The straightest feathers may be curled "without ripping," as the old ads. used to say, and boas require only a little shaking. Boiling water and dry heat are the two essentials, and the method of treating either hat or boa is the same. An old fashioned teakettle ■with long spout is best for the boiling water. Either a radiator or the top. of a stove is usually best for the dry heat. A register seldom sends out suf- ficient volume. In any event, both kinds of heat must be ready at the same time. When the kettle boils the feathers should be waved to and fro in its steam until they have gathered a little moisture, not so much, however, as to be wet. At the time when the last lingering remnant of curl disap- pears they are usually ready for the dry heat. It is this which curls the feathers, and hat or boa should be held as close to it as can be without burn- ing, and either should be shaken gent- ly every moment. .
How to Make Dainty Neckwear.
As it is absolutely necessary for a woman to wear some form of a neck trimming to be considered well dress- ed, the woman of limited means will look about for a way to construct some of the fussj', fluffy little bows and ja- bots at home. It is wonderful how cheaply these can be made at home compared to the tremendous price which one must pay for these in the shops. Hemstitched handkerchiefs with dainty colored borders may be had for moderate sums, and these, with the addition of a little Valenciennes lace, may be made into charming ja- bots. The lace edge should be whipped on all around the handkerchief, which is then laid in small plaits and press- ed. It is then divided about two inches above the center, and the short end is folded over the longer one to form a jabot effect. All white handkerchiefs with barred borders may be treated in this same way with charming results.
THE OOLOOIST.
123
RENOVATING OF PILLOWS.
How to Fill Them With Feathers Without Losing Many.
Renovating pillows is of vast impor- tance during tbe house cleaning sea- son. Stuffing in more feathers when your pillows wear soft is a thing most inexperienced housekeepers dread, and with good reason, for unless it is done just so the feathers fly every which way, bits of the soft down clinging to hair and dress and everything in the room with a persistence remarkable in such apparent]5- yielding things. When that necessary time comes around, ihut yourself up in as empty a room as you can get (a small one is best), taking all the pillo"\\'S which need fill- ing, a case full of feathers (or another pillow from which you purpose to re- plenish the others), strong thread and stout needles and a knife for the rip- ping.
Tuck your hair up- under a cap or tie a big handkerchief over it. Don't wear a cloth dress to do the work in, even though you take the precaution to put on a big work apron— the kind that covers you up from throat to hem. Tliose feathers have a way of creeping along the floor— the slight drafts of air caused by your movements being suffi- cient excuse— and attaching them- selves to the hem of your dress.
Close doors and windows before you begin your work. Then with your knife rip open the end of a pillow and the end of the one whose contents are to be divided among the others. An old method was to transfer the feath- ers by handfuls, pressing each little lot well down before taking another. But a better way is to insert the ripped end of the pillow to be emptied into that of thi! one to be filled and then to Shake down enough to make it fairly- but only fairly— hard. Then slip your hand inside and push the remaining feathers far back, at the same time •working the edges of the ticking to- gether. When you finally separate them there Avill be fewer feathers set flying around aimlessly than in any other way.
Pin the seam of the filled pillow to- gether and begin on the next, doing all of them before you sew up any, but seaming them all before yow leave the room.
How to Renovate an Old Waist.
Last season's waists were made much narrower in the shoulders than this year's, and the sleeves simply were immense. If j'ou have a waist which has sleeves made of the same material as your waist and which are' too large, it probably also has a yoke of some shape of net. Maj'be your- waist, especially if it is of silk or satin,, is worn under the arms. If you have a few pieces of velvet or silk you can: make your waist as good as new and in a pretty, up to date style. Rip the sleeves out and cut the armhole from two to four inches larger, or enough larger so that all the worn part is cut away. Cut the neck round, if it was V shaped or square, and finish it with a half inch wide band of velvet or silk and sew a band of the same material into the large armhole. This band should be two or two and a half inches wide. Make a belt of the same ma- terial. If the old waist blouses too much it should be let down an inch or so. This will give you a pretty, mod- ern overblouse, which may be worn over lingerie, net or lace blouses.
How to Amuse Children. When children become restless on a rainy day a good way to keep them amused is to give them an old tomato basket, some white cloth and thread. They can make little rafts, canoes and boats out of the basket, using the cloth for sails, and with the use of the bathtub will keep themselves busy the rest of the day.
How to Soothe Tender Feet.
It is a clean and dainty habit to be as particular about the condition of the feet as the hands. In many cases the same preparations may be used on both. Daily baths in camphorated oil or cologne water are refreshing if the feet are tender and sensitive.
124
THE OOLOGIST.
CARE OF METAL PIECES.
How to Clean Brasses, Bronzes and Wrought Iron.
To clean brasses quickly and eco- Miomically, rub them well with vinegai and salt or oxalic acid and salt. Wash immediately after the rubbing, and polish with tripoli and sweet oil. Un- less the acid is washed off the thing will tarnish so quickly that its last estate will be worse than its first. Copper kettles and saucepans, brass and irons, fenders, candlesticks and traj'S are best cleaned with vinegar and salt. Cooking vessels in constant use need only to be well washed after- ward. Things for show, even pots and pans, need the oil polishing, which gives a deep rich yellow luster, good for six mouths.
Oxalic acid and salt is the thing for furniture brasses. If it touches the "wood around it, it only improves the tone. Wipe the brasses well with a wet cloth, and polish thoroughly with oil and tripoli. Sometimes powdered rottenstone does better than tripoli. Rub after using either with a dry cloth or leather until there is no trace of oil. No matter what sort of brass is to be cleaned, it must first be freed completely from grease, caked dirt and grime. Wash witli strong ammonia suds, rinse and dry before beginning with the acid and salt.
The best treatment for wrought iron or wrought steel, which both have a knack of grovring gray and lusterless, is to first wash it very clean with a stiff brush and ammonia soapsuds, rinse well, dry— by heat if possible- then oil plentifully with sweet oil, and dust thickly with powdered (luicklime. Let the lime stay on two days, then brush it off with a clean very stiff brush. Polish with a softer brush and rub with cloths until the lus- ter comes out. This ought to give the color of iron in daily use, which is nearly the most beautiful in the whole range of metals. By leaving the lime on iron and steel may be kept from rust almost indefinitely.
Before wetting any sort of bric-a- brac, and especially bronzes, remove all the dust possible. The less dust water finds about fine lines and cran- nies the less it can leave there. After dusting wash well in strong white soapsuds and ammonia, rinse clean, polish with just a suspicion of oil and rottenstone, and rub off afterward every trace of the oil. Never let acid touch a bronze surface unless one wishes to eat and pit it for antique effects.
How to Weigh the Baby.
Use the basket in which baby's toi- let articles are kept, supposing it is av- erage size. Buy five yards of webbing —an extra heavy tape. Cut two strips each sixty-four inches long. Pass one under the basket diagonally and fasten securely at corners. Do same with other strip, fastening at opposite cor- ners. Join the ends over the top. This leaves ample space to slip baby under. In one end of the remaining piece of tape sew a loop large enough to pass one prong over the chandelier. On the other end sew the ring of your ordinary hook scales at such a height that when the loops on the basket are hooked into the scales the basket will skip the bed or table by six inches. Place a pillow and set of clothing in basket and weigh. Place the baby in and after weighing him subtract the weight of basket and Clothing and you have baby's exact weight.
How to Slip House Plants.
To slip house plants, fill a dish with sand. Cut slips away from anj^ kind of house plants, taking care the slip Is made from a young green shoot and the cut is made slanting. Keep sand wet all the time. Place in a sunny win- dow. They Avill begin to show little foots in from two to three weeks. Aft- er roots are formed put in small pots and shift into larger pots as they need it. Water each day. To enrich plants water with a solution of 150 grains of glue in about two gallons of water.
t
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THE OOLOGIST.
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Vol. XXV.
No. 9.
ALBION, N. Y., SEPT., 1908.
Whole No. 254
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Entered as second-class matter De- cembed 21, 1903, at the post office, at Albion. N. Y., under the Act of Con- gress of March 3. 1^70.
I HAVE FOR EXCHAN(iE.-For species new to my collection. Choice sets of 327, 'Mii. ,"i5;{, 351. 354a, 3.58.1, 359.1, 362, 370a, 37fi, .3S!I. 421, 455, 744a, 7(i3. etc. THOMAS H, .JACKSON, 304 N. Franldiii St., West Chester, Pa.
FOR SALE. -A collection of Natural His tory specimens catalogued over !fil2()(). Will sell for $3.50. Fine for museum. F. T. COKLESS, 804 E. 14 X., Portland. Or.
.June fi t.
WHO will furi'ish me with first class sets of 10. -.'8.67. 113.1. 116, 124, 167, 1!I6. 277, and a a52a,37i. 405. 4.55a. 4.53a. 463, 5 7, 566, .574a, 5!)7a. 627a. 660. 662. 724, 7.5sa. and a whole lot more. A. E. Pi;iCK. (iratit Park. III. S. 2. t.
W.VNTEI).— Fine condition se s with data, <)2. 131 with down, 161 with down 242, 2.55. 261. Liberal exchange in European. .American, Iniliaii and others. I';ggs. skins, etc. CH.\S. .lEFFEltKVS, Tctbury. Olos. Knglaiul. S.3.t.
How would some line mounted North Da- kota sr>et'im(!iis suit you '.' I would like to exchange with others from other pai-ts of the country. I>('t me hear from you. SatisfMction guaranteed. .MARTIN M. (iULLFSOX. Tax- idermist. Rutland. N. Dakota. S. 3 t
Bird skins and a few sets to exchange for sets new to my collectinn. .Maiiv common sets wanted. O.K. BROWN, !I0 Cniversity Street.
THE New Series of "The Bulletin" con- tains particular.-* of Ornithological, Oolog- jcal. Entomological. Ethnographical, PjiI- edntological and Pre-historic Specimens. Post free for 2 cent stamp. Pos Cards not replied to. Address, The "BULLKTIX," 4 Duke St., Adelphi. London W. C. Kngland, Aug. 3. t.
WAXTED.— Warblers and (iuail from Ari- zona and New Mexico. Please write. A. H.\LL, 14505 Detroit Ave.. Lakewood. Ohio.
COLLECTORS. -I want to get acquainted with Oologists, Taxidermists and others in- terested in Ornithology. Am especially in- terested in taxidermy, and anything you may have of interest, 1 would like to hear of. Have been an oologist for nine years and am well acquainted with bird life jn this country. Send me a card if interested. L. V. M EDICUS, 3002 Chestnut St., K C. Mo.
Bargains ui nicely mounted birds. .Vlany species. Also new relief twenty dollar gold piece. Roman numerals. $30. List for stamp. A. R. S.NriTfl. Edge Hill, Pa.
Foi; H:XCHAN(;K.-.Sets of 12, 41.3a, 464, 474g,4!l8f,517.-i, 540b, 554b, .^)67b, 58le, 588lj, 607. (i2ila. 616a. 6.-.6. 725a, 728, 741, Pugei. So md B'ish Tit. 7isa, 75S. 761a, 722a. Want especially sets of 1S3, 204. 21N. 24i). 418, 486, 751a, 75 and rare warblers with nests. .1. 11. P.OWLFS. 401 South (i. S .. Tacoma. Wash.
Will the ;;entleman who wrote me from the "I'in.er Lakes'" region regarding exchanging eggs for biitterfiies please write. igam. l^eiter was lost. DaVID K. HAKOKEK, Swarth- more. Pa.
I have for exchange rare sets of south Cali- fornia birds eggs with data. trade by Lattin's 5tli edition siandard catalogue. CIIAS. S. .MOO HE. Texas and Monroe Sts., •■■^an Dieg(j. ( 'alif.
Photographic Apparatus and Material.
I mi)i>rted to ordei- at less than usual prices. Anastigniat lens a s[)ecialty. Pri(es from $12.00 up. Write for prices and descriptions stating what you need.
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130
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FOR SALE OR EXCHANGE. - Beagb Hound, 2 mo., from fine hmiting stock, for Indian relics, eggs or Nat. Hist, books, value $10. FLOYD S. MORSE. Woodstock, 111.
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NEW C.VTALO(;UE now ready. Showing the most complete line of taxidermists' sup- plies ever listed, (iLASS Eyes, Tools. Felt. Wire. Skulls. Shields etc. We sell to the leading ta.xidermists' all over the country, for our goods and prices are right. We want every user of supplies to have our new catalog now. Mailed free for asking. Write for catalog. No. 52. We also mount all kinds of specimens, and sell game heads.
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THE OOLOGIST.
131
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The Oologist.
Vol. XXV. No. 9. Albion, N. Y. September, 1908. Whole No. 254
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication Devoted to
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXI- DERMY.
FBAKK H. LATTIN, Pa^Ushei,
ALBION, Ji. Y.
EBNEST H. SHOKT. Editor and XaBacec.
Correspondence and itemg of Interest to the ■tndent of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited from all.
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SIDE-LIGHTS ON THE RALLID/C.
Some of the following anecdotes disclose the facts, that while the rails are very retiring, and seclusive in their habits, they are not so shy and timid as a great many aquatic
birds, and generally speaking, I should say they were rather unsuspi- cious creatures.
For many years I have resided within a mile of their haunts. The marshes and sloughs to which they confine themselves while breeding, are often traversed by thoroughfares and car-lines. These encroachments do not seem to effect the constant re- turn, in equal numbers annually, of these birds which might well be term- ed the connecting link between land and water fowl.
The King Rail is appropriately named for he outshines all others of his tribe. During the balmy nights of May and June, it is not an uncom- mon occurrence to hear one of these birds about the door yard, a mile from his actual abode. Frequently they will stand under an el&ctric light and give vent to their clucking. I know of one instance, wherein one of these King Rails wandered into the parlor of a private residence during the early morning hours when the doors were ajar, and house-cleaning was in progress. Generally speaking, the King is a droll bird, and some of his antico during courtship are on a par with those of the Flicker.
The Virginia Rail though two-thirds smaller than the King, is quite similar in habits and disposition. He seems very fond of warbling and amusing himself by uttering a series of notes alternating by a rising and falling inflection of the voice. The song of the Red-eyed Vireo conveys an im- pression not unlike that produced by this monologist.
The Sora is not so local in its range
134
THE OOLOGISl
as the other two varieties and fre- quently wanders, or appears out of its environments.
Several years ago, I received a tele- phone call at my office one morning, from a friend whose headquarters are in the very center of Chicago. On entering his suite, he found wander- ing about the room cf a ten story building, one of these Carolina Rails. The bird manifested no fear or dis- comforture in association of human beings. The little fellow was captur- ed and placed in a waste basket await- ing my arrival.
The Sora has been observed, on prairies about farm houses, feeding in company with chickens. Their flute- like notes are uttered in ascending scale, after the manner of our field sparrow.
The Florida GaUinule is known lo- cally as the Rice Hen. They are very wary and probably the noisiest of the family. Frequenting deeper water than the true Rail, they rarely expose themselves except when actually flush- ed. Where the marshes are transvers- ed with telegraph lines,this bird seems to have the misfortune of flying against the wires and frequently suf- fering fatal injury.
These four members of the Ralli- dae are extremely nocturnal and the discordant sounds issuing from their throats, produce as much confusion as a quantity of domestic ducks, geese, turkeys and chickens together on a poultry farm. All have a habit, especially the King, of postponing nest building until the eleventh hour. I have found a single egg lying in what appeared to be nothing but a very small mass of wet vegetation. As the bird continued laying, she add- ed to the size of her nest and when the complete compliment of eggs, ranging from seven to fourteen are laid, the nest is found to be a well
built structure, and quite compact for a bird of this nature.
In seasons of heavy rain fall, par- ticularly during the spring of 1902, I recall vividly, how the King Rails, after being deprived of their first set- ting by the unusually high water re- treated to the meadows and timothy fields. In a radius of one-fourth mile, I found six nests, during the last week of May. The sites were hill sides, twenty-five feet above the n]arsh where the water had flooded their first abode.
I quote a few extracts from my note book which are quite becoming to the eccentric disposition of the King Rail.
"May 11th, 1902, found nest com- posed of dead rushes, built on a float- ing mass cf the same in water two feet deep. Location, fifty feet in the rear of barn and within one hundred yards of several residences. Bird swam from nest which contained ten fresh eggs. May 25, 1902. Female flushed from eggs. Nest compactly built of dry grass stems, and placed two feet from the ground in willow tree situated in center of small la- goon. Eggs ten and perfectly fresh. June 19th, 1902. Female lifted from nest containing ten incubated eggs. Nest dry grass and slightly hollowed. Location on ground in timothy hay field, twenty-five yards on either side of Oak Grove or Pond. Four nests within radius of few rods. June 19th, 1902. Flushed parent. Nest well con- structed and built almost entirely of dead oak leaves. Situated in same field as the last described nest, but nearer to the grove and almost under the shelter of an oak tree.
Typical nests of the King Rail are well concealed in some tussock of rank grass, and perhaps not to exceed one hundred feet, from a road, or car track.
THE OOLOGIST.
135
The King, Virginia and Sora Rails are very sociable and naturally gre- garious. I have found them nesting in colonies and this is particularly true of the Sora. The latter variety often deposits her eggs at intervals of more than one day apart. A com- plete set, ranging from seven to four- teen eggs vary greatly in the develop- ment of their contents. Eggs of this variety show greater variation than the products of the other Rallidae.
Many domicles of the Virginia are adeptly concealed, under the weather beaten masses of marsh grass. They can be found only l)y uncovering the last year's growth, as you make your way through the vegetation.
These nests are reached by the birds in a round about way. A little tunnel seems to exist which permits a bird to vacate her nest without be- ing seen by the observer until she is at a point perhaps twelve feet from her treasures
This trait is most characteristic of the Virginia. The King, or Red-breast- ed Rail invariably weaves a canopy over her nest, but the artificial meth- od employed thus can be detected by a trained eye many yards away, and is only a tell tale sign, to the collec- tor, but probably serves its purpose in concealing the sitting bird from raptores and is also a relief from the beating rays of the noon-day sun.
The Carolina Rail and Florida Gal- linule construct their nests very much along the same lines and choose situations quite similar. Typical nests of both the later varieties have the characteristic run-ways or path leading over the edge of the nest in- to the shallow water. This path is constructed from the same material as the nest proper. The larger bird, swims quietly from her eggs, when disturbed. The Sora exits quietly on foot. Occasionally I have met
with the little Yellow Rail whose eggs are by far, the handsomest of marsh birds. A set of nine in my collection are marked exclusively and en- tirely on the large end with lavender, heliotrope and hrown. The back ground for a space not to exceed one- half inch in diameter is completely hidden by this beautiful combination of specks. The immaculate portion of deep cream, almost approaching a salmon tint.
I have never had the fortune of personally disclosing a nest of this bird, nor can I claim such an ac- quaintance with the still smaller and rarer Black Rail. The latter variety is represented in my collection by a set of 8 eggs, light cream in color, dotted evenly over the entire surface, though rather sparingly, with mark- ing of dark brown.
Gerard Alan Abbott.
Bird Notes from El Rancho, Va.
Migration is now in full swing, Kingbirds, Orioles, Swallows, Swifts, Purple Martins and Grosbeaks have left us. Nighthawks, Bobolinks, Coopers, Red-tailed and Sharp-shin- ned Hawks are passing through and these moonlight nights, one can hear at any time the notes of birds pass- ing overhead, the loudest, but not most attractive, that of the Night Heion. From Sunday, Aug. 23nl un- til the 29th we had almost continual rain.
The Purple Martins seemed to suf- fer most — the young seeking shelter from the wet in almost any sheltered place. The Martin box on the front lawn made a fine shelter for them and was sometimes literally covered with bii-ds — while inside, the twelve holes were filled. On the porches of the box on the protected side they sat huddled closely together the greater
136
THE OOLOGIST.
part of each clay and seemed to have stopped migrating, but Saturday the 29th in the afternoon the sun came out and soon all had disappeared. Al- though the nights are now cool, the Chuck wills Widow and Whip-poor- wills are still with us. The berries on the black gum, holley and dog- wood trees are abundant this year, all serving as excellent food for the Rob- ins and Flickers during their stay in this section. A late pair of Ospreys in my back woods still have young un- able to fly. They must hurry or frosty nights will catch them ere they can fish for themselves.
H. H. Bailey.
Denver, Colo., May 13, 190S. Editor "The Oologist",
Dear Sir,
In the April Oologist the Rev. P. B. Peabody takes occasion to criticize the Condor and also the well known scientist, Mr. E. R. Warren, of Colo- rado Springs, in connection with an alleged incorrect statement regard- ing the nesting habits of the Arkan- sas Kingbird.
He concludes his criticism with these words "Now in the two cases here given the birds in question be- yond the vestige of a doubt were Say's Phoebes. The Western Kingbird has never been proven to nest in this manner, etc."
Upon what facts or authority Mr. Peabody bases this unequivocal state- ment would be interesting to know, but to one who is intimately acquaint- ed with the habits of Tyrranus ver- ticalis, his lack of information on this subject is certainly surprising, es- pecially for one of his standing in Ornithological matters.
Mr. Peabody's statement that the Western (or Arkansas) Kingbird has never been proven to nest in the man- ner mentioned is hardlv tenable in
the face of standard authorities. Davies mentions a number of various nesting sites, including fence posts, frame work of a windmill, cornice of a house, etc., while Bendire, quoting ;Mr. Wm. G. Smith one of the most careful and accurate Colorado observ- ers says that they "nest occasionally on ledges" and further gives numer- ous instances of similar nesting sites. These two authorities alone are with- out doubt stifficient to "prove" almost any point upon which they both agree perfectly, and a close study of their opinions oh this question will be' much more conclusive than anything I might say on the subject.
The writer's intimate acquaintance with T. verticalis has extended over a period of ten years and covers not only eastern and western Colorado, but also numerous localities in Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Oregon, and I have no hesitancy in saying that throughout this vast stretch of coun- try, the Western Kingbird nests fully as often about buildings, fences, etc., as it does in trees, and this is not the result of examining a few nests only, for I have literally seen hundreds of nests in the past several years.
Throtighout western Colorado, Ne- vada and Idaho it is seldom indeed that a stockyard, or corral is to be found without one or more pairs of these birds nesting in one of the many nooks perfectly suited to their needs. In the prairie region of east- eirn Colorado windmills are a favorite nesting site, and in the mountainous portions of the state a large majority of the abandoned cabins ftirnishes a nesting site for these birds.
I have fotind their nests many times between the two upright posts of a pole fence immediately adjoining heavily timbered ground and there can be no possible question but what sitr-s of this kind or about buildings
THB OOLOOIST.
137
are selected through choice and not through lack of suitable trees for nesting purposes.
Among all the birds with which the state of Colorado is blessed there is no species (including even the Say's Phoebe) which varies so greatly in its choice of a nesting site as T. ver- ticalis and as I have been unable to detect any difference in the habits of Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Xevada birds it is very surprising that Mr. Peabody has failed to observe these characteristic traits of such an abun- dant bird.
Respectfully, Robt. B. Rockwell, Associate Editor The Condor. Colorado Springs, Colo. May 21, 190S.
Editor, The Oologist,
Dear Sir. —
Mr. Robert B. Rockwell has called my attention to Mr. Peabody's com- munication in the April Oologist, and his criticism on my remarks of cer- tain nesting sites of Ti/rainius vctiea- //•<(. Mr. Rockwell also sent for my approval the manuscript of the reply to Mr. Peabody which accompanies this. At first I thought I would ask him not to send it, preferring to fight my own battles, but as on reading it I found so much information on the nesting of this bird I thought better of it. and only write this short note to affirm what I said in my Condor article.
The nest in the adobe cliff was found by my assistant, J. W. Frey, when fishing in Fortification Creek, near Craig, Routt county, Colo., and who called my attention to it. Both of us saw the parent birds and they were Western Kingbirds, and not Say's Phoebes, as Mr. Peabody guesses. They were Yellow-breasted Kingbird whose outer tail feathers had a distinct whitish edging, and this was also the case with the birds
which had the nest on the ridgepole of a cabin. The nest, was almost di- rectly over the door of the cabin, and we camped in that cabin three days and had abundant opportunity to ob- serve the birds. I will say that I have lived in Colorado nearly twenty- seven years, and have known both the Phoebe and the Kingbird most of that time, and I knew something about birds before I came here, hav- ing collected and studied in Massa- chusetts.
Edward R. Warren.
WE NOTE
That our old correspondent, Chas. W. Bowman, now writes from De- witt. P. O., Calif.
As many of our friends have en- quired for Mr. Bowman in the last four years we thought this item might be of interest.
Dr. M. T. Cleckley, of Augusta, Ga.. reports considerable damage to his collection by the recent flood.
The regular yearly number of "'The Warbler" comes to hand from John Lewis Childs. It is notable as contain- ing a complete catalogue of the Childs Library of Natural History.
A pair of Orchard Orioles reared a brood of young the past season in a pine tree in the door-yard of W. C. Yoke near Chili Center, Monroe Co.. X. Y.
My second record of this bird for Western New York.
Editor.
To the Editor of The Oologist.
Dear Sir: — As to Warbling Vireb singing on the nest my experience is the same as yours. I have found many Warbling Vireos nests by going out early in the morning and, guided bj- the song, find the bird on the nest singing. I think that it would be safe to say that it always sings on the nest. I do not know which bird does the singing, but think that the male takes a turn at sitting in the early morning, and that it is he that does the singing.
\T:RDI BURTCH.
Branchport, X. Y.
138
THE OOLOGIST.
The Editor Has Lately Noted
First — A Black-crowned Night-Heron flew over our liead one smoky, foggy morning in mid-September. A very rare bird in Western New York.
Second — In a neglected school yard on Sept. 14th 1 found an Olive- backed Thrush that was a victim of some unexplained accident. The right wing had been thrown clear forward so that the -bird's head protruded be- tween the three outer primaries and the balance of the wing. The bird was unable to fly and could not ex- tricate itself from the embarassing predicament.
Glad I happened along before Mr. Tom Cat. On drawing the wing fur- ther forward the bird promptly drew its head out and flew away and a tragedy was averted.
Third — New York State gives the New Pheasant Law its first trial next month; This law allows a licensed hunter to kill male Pheasants every Saturday and Thursday in October provided he only kills a total of 3 birds in the month. He is to report his take to his city or town clerk in a sworn affidavit and, — shades of Blackstone, — this patched up freak finally asserts that "the burden of proof shall rest entirely with accus- sed" in case of any claim of violation. Suppose a man hunts alone and kills a Pheasant can he be certain that he can prove to everyone's satisfaction that he did so legally? In Mexico, I am told they hold a man dishonest until he proves the contrary. Is that rule becoming infectious?
Fourth — Let no reader of the Oolo- gist who buys or exchanges speci- mens of any kind forget that the mat- ter of Postal reforms in an indirect issue in the present political cam- paign that must possess a live inter- est for him since nothing but the at-
titude of our last Senate stands in the way.
Must we have a Hughes to whip them into line or must we dispense with them?
Fifth — Several parties are evidently getting into line for our "Black List. '
We would particularly warn the two gentlemen in N. W. Canada that they must "hurry up."
E. H. Short.
Large Sets of Merula Migrator! Pro- pinqua; Western Robin.
As large sets of the Robin either M. migratoria or M .m. propinqua are rare the following notes may be of in- terest to some oologists:
On April 29, of the present season, I found a nest of the Western Robin, placed twelve feet up in a small Fir, containing five fresh eggs. The nest was a little larger than usual with less mud and more grass and weed stems. The five eggs are perfectly uniform in size and shade and are without doubt laid by one bird.
Set No. 2 is still better. On June 1.5, one of our neighbors told me there was a Robin's nest in her back yard and if I wanted the eggs to come over. I jokingly remarked that if it contain- ed 5 eggs I certainly would like it. On •June 20 great to my surprise and al- so delight the little girl from our neighbor's house come in and told me her Robin's nest had six eggs in it. Xeedless to say I got excited at once and upon climbing the tree saw the six eggs all perfectly uniform and slightly larger than average Robin eggs. That was Set No. 2 added to my rarities.
Set No. 3. On June 22nd the same liair that gave be the set of six start- ed building a new nest in an apple tree within twenty feet of the first nest and on July 1 had three eggs. I
THE OOLOGIST.
139
left on a fishing trip and upon return- ing July 10 went over to investigate the Robins doings. The nest contain- ed five eggs of the same type as Set No. 2, but were too far advanced to save. This pair of Robins was watch- ed every day, by a young lady inter- ested in birds and we both are posi- tive the eggs were laid by one bird.
I had never seen a set of more than four eggs of either the common Robin or our Western variety before, al- though I have examined and talven notes on about three hundred nests in Oregon and Washington in the past five years and have also collected a good many sets in (New Brunswick, Canada,) cf the eastern Robin. This ssason has certainly been a red let- ter year with the Robins' nests for me. In some future paper the writer hopes to tell some of the readers of the "Oologist" about the Black-throat- ed Gray Warblers he found this sum- mer.
Yours truly,
Stanley G. Jewett, Portland, Oregon.
Gave Him All the Lot.
"So that is your final word?'" said the rejected cue. "^'ery well, then, Ara- bella lu your presence I will end the life you have blighted."
He drew forth a small bottle la- beled "Poison," drank off the contents and fell senseless at her feet. Did she sink beside him sobbing with remorse? No. She hastily left the room and in two minutes had returned and was kneeling beside him. Then she forced between his lips the following: Half a cup of turpentine, one pint of milk, a cup of warm soapsuds, a tablespoonful of aromatic ammonia, a cup of black coffee, a gkiss of mustard and water, a gill of vinegar, the juice cf a lemon, the beaten whites of six eggs and one cup of flour and water.
"Algernon." she observed coldly as he slowlj- opened his eyes, "it is evi-
dent you had forgotten that I am a graduate of a correspondence course m first aid. My one regret is that, as I could not on the instant ascertain whether you had taken an acid or an alkali, I was compelled to administer all the antidotes I had learned."— Lon- don Scraps.
A Picture Romance. It is said that one of the most beau- tiful ladies in French society today was first revealed to her husband on the walls of the salon. It was while visiting the salon in 1S78 that the youthful Marquis de C. was sti'uck by the childish beauty of a young girl, one of the prominent figures in a pic- ture of a village fete. Her tumbled golden locks, her dancing blue eyes and the freshness and graceful aban- don of her figure so fascinated him that he sought out the artist and learn- ed from him that the "little w^itch" was the daughter of a poor peasant near Avranches, where the picture was painted. To seek out the peasant and to make the acqiiaintance of his fas- cinating daughter, child of nine sum- mers, was soon accomplished, and the marquis lost his heart even more com- pletely to the real than to the pictured maid. With the father's approval he had the girl educated at one of the best schools in Paris, and nine years later, on her eighteenth birthday, the maid of the village fete blossomed Into the still more lovely Marquise de C.
How to Scale Fish Properly. When sculiui'' lish hold them under water in a dishpau. The scales will not lly all over if this is done, but will fall to the bottom of the pan. When the water has been poured off of them they can easily be transferred into the garbage pail. The kitchen will 1 1!.' free from the scales, which fly about if the fish is scaled in the ordi- nary way. and a great deal of extra and troublesome labor is saved. Dip- ping the fish in boiling water for a moment and then into cold will make the scales come off without trouble or delay.
140
THE OOLOGIST.
How to Test DresG Gocdc. Of The goods sold as "all wool" there is not one-tenth that is genuine. Gen- erally the main component is cotton. The test for this is simple. All that is necessary is to pull out a few threads and apply a lighted match. Cotton will go off in a blaze; wool will shrivel up. To distinguish pure linen from counterfeit is even easier. The in- tended buyer need but wet her finger and apply it lo the goods. If they are pure linen, the moisture Avill pass straight through. The spot touched will be soaked at once, and almost im- mediately one side will be as wet as the other. Frauds are more numerous in silk than in any other fabric, but here also the material of adulteration is cotton. Its presence can readily be discovered. Draw a fev/ threads out. The pieces of cotton will en;ip off short when pulled, while the silk will stretch and permit a considerable pull before breaking.
Hew to Get Cinders Out of Eyes.
When travelers will open car win- dows instead of leaving them dov.n, as all the wise ones do, there is the constant danger of cinders, which ir- ritate the eyeball Those who travel two or three times a day on the train; ■• find that their eyes are in a bad con- dition about this time of the yer.r. He!'e is a good bit of .advice from one who knows: Restrain the impulse to rub the eye and insert a flat linseed in the corner of the eye. Close the lids and the seed will slide painlessly around the eyeball and soon come out at the other corner, bringing the cinder with it. The best part of this remedy is that it does not leave any chance of inflammation. The oil of the seed covers the eyeball and takes out all ir- ritation. It is advisable for those who use the trains constantly to carry a few of these seeds in the pocketbook.
blood vessels of the brain. In many persons fainting never goes so far as a loss of consciousness or loss of con- trol of the limbs. And in these the sudden weakness is often brought to an end by a sneeze caused by nature herself without any external aid. A grain or two of pepper, snuff or tobac- co introduced into the nose or tickling its interior lightly will usually insure a sneeze. These simple procedures or others similar in character may prove invaluable when smelling salts and other elegant aids are absent.
How to Preserve Pretty Feet. A perfect foot is a great rarity, and so is a pretty foot. While it is not possible for one to obtain a perfect foot, one can cultivate a pretty foot. One should be just as dainty in the care of the foot as of the hand. The toes should not be cramped and squeezed until they are crooked in shape and overlap one another. The foot should be as white as any other part of the body, but the heel and the tips of the toes should be rosy and pink. Callouses and hard spots should be rubbed away with a piece of toilet pumice. It requires but little care to keep the feet soft, white and dainty.
How to Remove Iron Rust. Iron rust may be removed from clothing by holding the stained spot over a bowl of water to which a little ammonia has been added and applying with a small glass rod or a little piece of wood 18 per cent muriatic acif?. The Instant the stain disappears irtimerse the spot in the water, thereby prevent- ing the acid from changing the texrcive of the goods. Before using the muri- atic acid it is best to test it on one cor- ner of the goods.
How to Cure Fainting Spells. There is no more sure cure for an attack of faintness than a hearty sneeze. It immediately stimulates t
How to Mend Breaks In Plaster.
For breaks in plaster mix together one-lialf pint powdered lime, one gill plaster of paris and cold water to make a thick paste. Fill the holes with this and smooth the surface with a knife, working quickly. Mix only a little at a time, as it hardens rapidly.
THE OOLOGIST.
141
BARGAINS
IN
DATA
BLANKS
In printing our "Standard Cata- logue" we had a lot of Datas printed on what would otherwise have been waste paper and have decided to give our patrons the benefit of our gain.
We can furnish five (5) styles and will send prepaid, your choice, at 12c. per 100 of $1 per 1000. The small- est size or No. 1, at 10c. per 100 or 75c. per 1000. Special rates, any style, on 5,000 or 10,000 lots.
Send 1c. stamp for sheet of sample styles
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Address as you prefer either
ERNEST H. SHORT, Rochester, N. Y. or FRANK H. LATIN, Albion, N. Y.
Prices for Back Numbers of the YOUNG 00L0<t1ST AND THE OOLOGIST
will, during 1908, remain as below: After which the prices of many num- bers will be advanced and possibly not obtainable at any price. Should you desire back numbers to complete your file. NCW is the time to purchase. You can never obtain them for less money and possibly not at any price, as our stock ranges from only 1 to 25 copies of an issue.
Prices for (907-08 Are as Follows: Complete file. $12.00. . Nos. 1,14. 18, 31, 34-35, 42, 53, 86, 89. Ill, 130, 132 137. 139, 140, 153, 158, are 50 cents each;
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Nos. 19, 20, 22, 27, 28, 38, 39, 40, 45, 50. 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 70, 74, 80, 93, 114, 115, 126, 133, 135, are 10 cents each. S^~A11 other numbers 5c. per copy. For $12 will send prepaid a copy of pvery issue ever published. No. 1 to 145. This offer includes your subscription through 1908.
My prices for back numbers of the YOUNG OOLOGIST and OOLOGIST in volumes, are as follows:
Vol. 1, 1884-5, Nos. 1 to 12 $ .90
Vol. II, 18P5, Nos. 13 to 14 50
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Vol. XV, 1898, Nos. 140 to 149 60
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Vol. XVII, 1900, Nos. 162 to 171 50
Vol. XA'-III, 1901, Nos. 172 to 183.. .50
Vol. XIX, 1902, Nos. 184 to 195 50
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Vol. XXI, 1904, No. 198 to 209 50
Vol. XXII, 1905, Nos. 210 to 221 50
Vol. XXIII, 1906, 222 to 233 55
Vol. XXIV, 1907, 234, to 245 50
For $5.25 I will .send prepaid a copy of every issue published, Nos. 1 to 209, inclusive, except the twenty-nine, (29). 25c., 50c. and 75c. copies.
For $250 I will send prepaid every copy published, Nos. 1 to 209, inclusive, except the sixty copies priced above at 10c or over.
— BOUiND VOLUMES — Can be furnished, strongly bound In cloth nnd hoard.s, as follow= : Vol. I and II YOUNG OOLOGIST bound In
one volume $1.00
Vol. IX. The OOLOGIST for '92, 208 pages of valuable and instructive Oologlcal and Ornithological matter with many
full page illustrations, $1.00
Or. if you order tlie two volumes at one time, we will send them by return mail for only $1.7.'5. Every student of birds, their nests anil eggs, should have these two volumes in their library. The valuable Information they contain. Is worth many times the price. Address plainly,
ERNEST H. SHORT.
Manaerer of Oologist.
CHILI, N. Y.
TFIE OOLOGIST.
How to Keep Cut Fruix Fresh. Often a housewife does not wish to use the whole of a fruit or vegetable at once, and in such cases as these the problem arises as to how the fruit can be kept fresh after it has been cut. Often a watermelon, pineapple or cu- cumber is too large for one meal, and one wishes to Icnow how to keep the remainder fresh. This can be done by cutting the amount you wish to use straight across one end without first peeling it and then standing the re- mainder of the fruit flat down on a china plate or enameled dish of suffi- cient size that no air can penetrate be- tween the dish and the fruit. The fruit should be stood on the cut end. Never use a tin dish for standing it on.
How to Keep Food at Its Best. Green vegetables should be put in the Icebox as soon as they are deliv- ered. Salad greens should be thrown into water or wrapped in a damp cloth
and theu in newspaper and left in the air If they are not to be used imme- diately. Proper receptacles of glass or tin should be provided for the cereals, and they should be emptied where they belong at once and closely covered to prevent insects g<'tting in them. Cof- fee should go at once into an air tight canister or it will lose its aroma. Salt, soap and cheese should be kept in a dry place, and olive oil should be kept cool.
How to Make Linoleum. A good, strong linoleum may be made from old brussels carpet that has not been worn through. Tack the carpet right side down on the floor and then apply paint, giving it a large number of coats, the last few coats to be of the desired color, allowing each coat to dry well. If the paint begins to wear apply a fresh coat of paint. The effect of mosaic tile may be produced by dotting the last coat with differ'^nt colors of paiii<-
Out May 1906
A NEW UP-TO-DATE
Check List of Norlli American Birds
Contains all new additions and changes to A. O. U- list arranged according to A. O. U. Nomenclature and giving both common and scientific names. i6 pages on good paper.
i
3c each.
R R I C E
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ADDRESS
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THE OOLOGIST. 143
NEW POLICY
Svibscribers, Advertisers
N OTIC E
FIRST. In line with the decision recently published by the "Condor'^ and for the same reasons, i e. That the provision for scientific collecting under the Song Bird Law did not contemplate commercial collecting.
The Publisher and Manager of this paper, the "Oologist," hereby announce that, beginning November last, they will, hereafter decline all advertisements or sale notices offering to buy or sell, N. American bird skins or eggs for cash except skins of game birds and birds of prey.
SECOND. Hereafter the "Oologist" will be sent only to subscribers whose subscriptions are fully paid in advance.
All premium offers except as printed in this issue or hereafter are hereby withdrawn. A statement of account to date will soon be sent all who are in arrears and those who have not settled in accordance with terms thereon by January i, 1908 will be dropped.
Canadian Subscribers Notice. Owing to the increased Canadian postage, combination and premium offers will not apply to Canada sub- scriptions unless accompanied by 12 cents per year extra.
F. H. LATTIN. E. H. SHORT,
Publisher. MaLnacger.
144
THE OOLOGIST.
72nd Thousand ! 72nd ! BIRD GUIDE.
By CHESTER A. REED, S. B.
Author of North American Birds Eggs, and witti Frank M. Chapman of Color Key to North American Birds Editor of the American Bird Magazine.
This is a popular pocket guide and text book to ALL THE LAND BIRDS EAST ■OF THE ROCKIES, from the Parrots to the Bluebirds. It is prepared especially for
teachers and students, after years of study as to their needs. It has the following points of superiority over any other Bird Book:
COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS.— Every bird is shown in natural colors, including females and young when they differ.
SCOPE. — All the \and birds east of the Rockies are included. It gives the range and habit of each bird, their songs as nearly as they can be written, and description of their ne-ts and eggs.
SMALL SIZE. — It can easily be carried in the pocket, measuring but 3x5 inches. 200 pages, bound in flexible sock cloth or leather. We have made the price of the book as low as possible considering the good workmanship and material that is used. It is so low that anyone can afford it, but no one can afford to be without it.
IT NAMES THE BIRDS FOR. YOU
Bound in flexible sock cloth, postpaid
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Five cloth bound copies for $2.00 postpaid
Bound in flexible leather, 75cts. Five copies for $3.00 postpaid.
We want agents in every city, town and school. Good commissions. Send for prospectus of Bird Books and sample copy of the AMERICAN BIRD MAGAZINE.
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The OoLOGiST
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXIDERMY.
WANTS, FOR SALES AND EXCHANGES.
Brief Special announcements " Wants," " Exchanges." " For Sales." inserted in this de- •nartment for 25 cents per 25 words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate of 1-2 cent for each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25 cents. Terms, cash with order.
Strictly first-class specimens will be accepted in payment at 1-3 list rates.
Vol. XXV. No. 10.
ALBION, N. Y., OCT., 1908.
Whole No. 255
Take Notice.
Examine the number following your name on the wrapper of this month's Oologist. It denotes when your sub- scription expired or will expire.
Remember we must be notified if you wish paper discontinued and all arrearages, must be paid. 254 your subscription expires with this issue 25.^, " •• ■• ■• Dec. 1908
Intermediate numbers can easily be determined. If we have you credited wrong we wish to rectify.
Entered as second-class matter De- cembed 21, 1903, at the post office, at Albion. N. Y., under the Act of Con- gres:5 of March 3, 1879.
I HAVE FOR f:XCHAN<iE.-For species new to my collection. Choice sets of 327. 31(), 353. 3.51. 3.>la.;i>S.l. 359.1. .31)2. 370a. 37B. 3S9, 421. 45,5. 744a. 7fi3. etc. THO.MAS H. .lACKSOX. .304 N. Franklin St.. West Chester. Pa.
FOR SALE. -A collection of Natural His tory specimens catalogued over 11200. Will sell for $:i50. Fine for museum. F. T. CORI>ESS. S04 E. 14 N., Portland. ( tr.
.Tune (i t.
WHt) will furnish me with first class sets of 10, 2s.ti7, 113.1. IHi, 124, l<i7, 10(i, 277, and a 352a, .372. 4(15, l.Via. 4.53a, 4t;3. 5 7. Stifi. 574a. 5M7a. 627a. Wio. f;ti2. 724. 75sa. and a whole lot more. A. E. PKIt'E. (irant Park. 111. S. 2. t.
W.WTEI).— Fine condition se s with data. ■62. 131 with down, IKl with down 242. 2.5.5. 261. Liberal exchange in European. American. Indian and others. Eggs, skins, etc. CH.VS. .TEI'FEIJEVS. Tetbury. (ilos. En|J-an(l. S.3.t.
How would some fine mounted North Da- kota specimens suit you ? I would like to exchange with others from other parts of the country. Let me hoar from you. Satisfaction guaranteed. M.MrriN M. (iFLLESC )N. Tax- idermist. Rutland. X. Dakota. S. 3 t
Bird skins and a few sets to exchange for sets new to my collection. Many common sets wanted. D.E. BROWN. 90 University Street. Seattle, Wash.
THE New Series of "The Bulletix" con- tains particulars of Ornithological, Oolog- jcal. Entomological, Ethnographical, Pal- eontological and Pre-historic Specimens. Post free for 2 cent stamp. Post Cards not replied to. Address, The "BULLETIN." 4 Duke St., Adelphi, London W. C. England,
Aug. 3. t.
WANTED. -For cash. Nidologist Vol. L Osprey luimbers 7 and 9 of Vol. V. JOHN H. FLANA(iAN. 10 Weybosset St., Provi- dence. R. I.
Stamps sent on approval, 50 per cent, dis- count. Five different coins. 10c: 10 different coins. 10c. DEWITT SCOBLE. 22 Poplar Place. New Rochelle. N. Y.
Attention Collectors. I wish to dispose of my entire collection of lSO first class sets and pair climbers. What am I offered? JOHN B ECKER. 2407 No. Dupont Ave.. Minneapolis, Minn.
Collectors. I have a large number of fine sets with data, to exchange for strictly A 1 sets new to my collection. Send lists and receive mine. CLARENCE H. LUTHER, D. D. s. Fayetteville. Ark.
WANTED.- Bright, showy shells, corrals, etc. Let "me hear from anyone having the same for sale. FRED TRUESDALE. Shan- don. Calif.
WANTED.— Eggs of reptiles, also nests of birds with or without sets. State price. J. VS. P. Ball, -M. I).. Kraiikford, Phila. Pa.
P U B L I C .V T I ( ) .\ S : Several ci^mplete volumes of Auk. ( )ologist, Nidologist. Ameri- can Ornithology, Osprey and other publi- cations, also odd numbers. Lantern slides of birds. Correspondence waiued with those desiring to huv. sell or exchange publications and slides. B. S. P.oWDlSH. 141 Broadway. New York city. N. V.
W.V.NTED.- To exchange Natural History Specimens in any branch. Ornithology, Oology. Conchology. Entomoloiry. .Miner- ologv." Paleontology, or .Misc. Zoology: for Printing or can use a small hand press with type. E. H. SHORT, Box 173, Rochester. N. Y.
146
THE OOLOGIST.
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FOR S>LE.— Bird Lore, nine volumes; American Ornithology, six volumes; .Mu- seum, vol. 4; Natural science News. vol. 1, 2; Oologist complete since 1894; odd numbers of Recreation, Focus, Osprey, Nidiologist, Mu- seum, Art Students Magazine, Shields Mag- azine, Popular Science News, Photo-Minia- ture The Nat ralist. Naturalist ami Collect- or, Philo artist News and Camera Craft, American .Magazine of Natural Science, Bird- Lore, The Taxidertnist, Atlantic Slope Nat- uralist. T. S. HORTON. Hyde Park. N. Y.
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Illustrated Booklet 10c. stamps.
o.3t
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I WANT perfect specimens of the folio wing in full breeding plumage only. One pair (male and female) mounted; and one pair of skins, and two nests in situ on natural branch, one at least a foot long, and the other may be some shorter, all in perfect condition, suitable for "life groups" of the following: species :
42(3 Rivoli Hummingbird
427 Blue-throated Hummingbird
429 Black-chinned Hummingbird
4:^2 Broad-tailed Hummingbird
43f) Caliope Hummingbird
437 Lucifer Hummingbird
4:iS Reiffer's Hunimiir.bird
43!) Buff-bellied HummingDird
440 Xanthus Hummingbird 440.1 White-eared Huinmiiigbird
441 Broad-billed Hummingbiid
Any person having all or .\Ny part of this- material, commutuc.ite with me. Best ex- changes.
R. M. BARNES,
Lacon.
Ill
EGGS AND SKINS.
Choice sets, European, Indian. Australian etc. i'lnest qualitv. lowest prices. Lists. 2ce..ts. S.li. t.
JEFFERY'S NATURALIST, Tetbury, Glos., England.
THE OOLOGIST.
147
STILL LEADING
FIfTH EDITION LATTIN'S STANDARD CATALOGUE OF North American Birds Eggs
With Oologist One Year, Both for 50c.
Compiled by Frank H. Lattin and Ernest H. Short, with the assistance of many prominent American Oolo- gista.
A Complete Up-to-date Check List of North American Birds, including Introduced Sp^ecies, giving correct ex- change values on all species whose eggs are procurable at this time. Ar- ranged according to A. O. U. Nome-
clature, but giving Ridgway's and Coues' numbers also. Printed on one side cf page only leaving it In. convenient form for making notes in or using for labelling purposes. Bound in light board covers. Neat in. style. Handy in shape (just goes in- to full government envelope).
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Address ERNEST H. SHORT, Manager Oologist, Chili, N. Y.
GLASS EYES
AND TAXIDERMIST' SUPPLIES.
NEW CATALOGUE iiuw ready. Showing the most complete line of taxidermists' sup- plies ever listed, (iLAss K\Es, Tools. Kelt. Wire, Skuij.s, Shields etc. We .sell to the leading taxidermists' all over the country, for our goods and prices are right. We want every user of supplies to have our new catalog now. .Mailed free for asking. Write for catalog. N'o. 52. We also mount all kinds of specimens, and sell game heads.
Northwestern School of Taxidermy,
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Stei^crs, Chicago's Ground Gainer.
Coacji Stiiu'; of CIii-.-;i,"z:o is iiiakiu;,' Captain Wnltev Peter Stelfons. the brainy grnnnd painer. pun tor and droj) kiclier, the conter of all offensive tac- tics. Sfefifons has averaged 90 per cent of nil goals from all angles in drop Idckiii'.; up to forty-five yards and is said to be even hotter than Eckersall. the former star at Chicago.
Lcarn Taxidermy.
Naturalists, Oologists- and Sportsmen should all know how to correct- ly mount all kinds ot birds and animals. WE TEACH TAXIDERMY BY MAIL. Complete course in 151essons. This is one of the most de- lighLiul and fascinating of arts. Easily learned. STANDARD METHODS. En- dorsed by all leading taxidermists. Many of the best known naturalists of the country are numbered among our students. If you want to learn TAXIDERMY, we desire to submit ourproposition in full. Send TODAY for our new illustrated CATALOG and sam- yle copy of The TAXIDERMY MAGAZINE. BOTH VHEK. THE N. W. SCHOOL OF TAXIDEKMY,7() Farnam St. OmaJia, Neb.
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148 THIS OOLOGIST.
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The Oologist.
Vol. XXV. No. 10. Albion, N. Y. October, 1908. Whole No.' 255
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication Devoted to OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXI- DERMY. FKAITK H. LATXIN, FnbUaher, ALBIOir, K. Y. EaNEST H. SHOST. Editor and Kanager. Correspondence and items of interest to the student of Birds, their Nests and BgKS, solicited from all.
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ERNEST H. SHORT, Editor and Manager, Chill, Monroe Co., N. Y.
WE NOTE.
The Co-operative Ornithology plan advocated by Rockwell of Denver, Colo., in current issue of "The Con- dor" would be great if individual orni- thologists all over the country were uniformly unselfish enough to freely
volunteer the results of their observa- tion and study for that purpose and incidentally it would certainly boom "The Condor."
A Brown Thrasher was well seen by the Editor at Chili Center, Monroe Co., N. Y., on the morning of Sept. 28th last. Our second individual rec- ord for Western New York in 22 years.
A copy of the last Report of New Jersey State Museum comes to hand completely covering the Mammals of New Jersey and a supplementary re- port on the Fishes, etc. Well gotten up and illustrated by many fine plates, it forms an appropriate and valuable addition to the reports for 1905 and 1906.
So far as we can judge, that the clause in New York's new game law, establishing an open season for Pheasant shooting is working out as we feared it would. There are not game protectors enough to prevent unscrupulous hunters from bagging both cocks and hens far in excess of the legal limit.
William Savage.
We reprint below some extracts from an article on the work of Wm. Savage, the Iowa "Recluse Ornitholo- gist," taken from the "Des Moines Register," soon after his death last July. Of his family our older read- ers remember David L. Savage as iniblisher of the defunct "Iowa Orni- thologist."
A native of England, Mr. Savage came to New York at the age of 15,
150
THE OOLOGISl
and six years later removed with liis wife to the Iowa homestead.
To the majority of settlers of that early time the prairie lands were most alluring, but true to the instincts of his nature he chose the wooded wilds on the banks of the Big Cedar creek in Van Buren county. Here, far re- moved from the public highway and almost inaccessible, nestling beneath sentinel oak and graceful elm, here, among his friends of the forest, the feathered and furry tribes, he builded his home.
Fashioned from logs of the "forest primeval," each crevice chinked up with plaster, roofed with clapboards, split out with mallet and frow, the chimney constructed of stones leading out from the old style fireplace. Here he lived, and here his children, three sons and a daughter, were born.
Within a stone's throw of the house and surrounded by the same dense growth of trees and underbrush the workshop stands. Crude and un- plastered, yet affording for his treas- ures ample protection against the ele- ments.
It is this workshop that furnishes a direct clue to the personality of the man.
In the accumulated conglomeration of odds and ends, some useful and others not, we see the economy of the former generation, which picked up every pin, and c'.3red away all rem- nants with an eye to the future pos- sible use. This in direct contrast with the wasteful extravagance of the present age.
The apparent confusion and disor- der which prevails tliroughout the room, indicates the careless disregard of the occupant for conventional housekeeping, yet there is an absence of accumulated dirt, and these scat- tered articles were probably consid- ered by Mr. Savage to be just within convenient reach.
An Odd Shop.
On one side of the workshop are hanging traps of various sizes and kinds. With these he caught the wild marauders who often visited his place.
Of guns there are a sufficient num- ber to start a small arsenal, conspic- uous among them is a flintlock pistol of ancient pattern, but which is still in shooting order.
Above the rude home-made table which served as his desk, an old style grain cradle hangs.
The bench on which he sat was cushioned with a piece of sheepskin, fastened on with an old suspender.
The desk was littered with pencils, brushes, paints, etc., and while these are of the best and finest materials it is possible to purchase, there was not a palette in evidence. The colors were all mixed on pieces of broken dishes, and one pattern of plate in particu- lar must have been at least fifty years old.
In one corner is a cot where he was wont to rest when fatigued by his various occupations, for this artist, naturalist, and ornithologist, was also trapper, farmer, horticulturist, taxi- dermist and by trade a tailor.
In this workshop Mr. Savage paint- ed his bird pictures. Over 200 por- traits are preserved in this collection, which consists of a reproduction of almost every bird which has ever vis- ited this section, whether as a resi- dent or migrant.
The birds were shot or captured by ^Ir. Savage and his friends and after most careful and minute measure- ments of the subject have been drawn on white paper without any thought of background or perspective. The colors are then applied, great care being taken to mix them in such manner as to make an exact repro- duction of the bird in size, color, form and outline. And more marvelous still the texture of the feathers is wonderfully true to nature.
THE OOLOGIST.
151
Mr; Savage would spend days in search of a rare or strange bird of which he had caught a glimpse, and rarely if ever failed to capture his quarry.
Some neighbors almost resented this intrusion of their premises and the slaying of their feathered friends, but no sacrifice was too great nor ef- fort too strenuous which enabled him to secure a coveted bird for his col- lection.
On one occasion a "red snowbird" was creating considerable comment among the residents of an adjoining- neighborhood. He was soon on its track and secured — a cardinal gros- beak, which had probably been de- serted by its migrant companion and was wintering in company with snow
birds.
We may regret the eccentricity
which prompted so talented a man to live in such apparent seclusion. Yet did he not accomplish more than many whom the world rates as suc- cessful?
In no other place could he have studied bird life so auspiciously as in this retreat, under conditions which he created and maintained.
It is hoped that his successors may honor his memory by keeping invio- late this wildwood home, where birds congregate in larger numbers and sing and mate with greater freedom than in any other section of the state.
It is largely through the persistent personal interest and effort of Mr. E. R. Harlan of Des Moines, that Mr. Savage was persuaded to sell his col- lection intact to the state board of trustees.
He looked at them for the last time, as he said, and packed them away for shipment just a few days i)rior to his death.
The pictures have not yet been sent, but it is the nurpose of the son, John Savage, to carry out his father's
intentions and the offer of the histor- ical department based on the report of Professor Paarman of the State University of Iowa will be accepted.
Thus the state will come into pos- session of the only collection of this kind in existence and of an artistic and scientific value beyond estima- tion.
On the other hand the lifework of a conscientious, painstaking toiler will be properly cared for in the magnifi- cent new building of the historical so- ciety.
Some day soon this man's lifework will be brought to Des Moines to take the place it deserves in the museum of the state historical building, ar- rangements having been completed for its purchase.
Mountain Climbing.
My brother, his wife, and myself, while up at Sacandaga Park, on our vacation, this June, were one day seiz- ed with a great ambition to try our skill at mountain climbing. The foot- hills of the Adirondack Mountains lay just back of our cottage, and one or them known as Gifford's Mt., at once attracted our attention, as being the largest within easy reach, and accord- ingly, the morning of the 25th found us en route for this destination.
I, as the scientific man of the ex- Ijedition, had my hands full with the birds, butterflies and other insects, which constantly fluttered along in front of us. We followed a country load for a couple of miles and then cut across the fields westward, di- rectly for the mountain, which loomed u]) before us like a gigantic pyramid. We passed through rocky fields and swamjjy fields (where we sank above our ankles in a moss-like grass) and after a couple of hours' walk, ari'ived at the base of the mountain. In a small pine tree, in a rocky field, I
152
I'HE OOLOGIST.
found a nest of the song sparrow con- taining fve very large and apparent- ly fresh eggs. In a pasture field, very exposed, a vesper sparrow's nest with four, well incubated eggs was observed. A Maryland yellowthroat's nest with three young birds, about eight days old was found at the base of a willow sapling in swampy ground.
We followed the dried up bed of a mountain torrent, and for the first three or four hundred feet, the asceiU was by no means difficult. Then the country became wilder, the trees thicker, and soon the path up which we were to plod seemed very nearly perpendicular. A stout stick that we carried, proved of much use until we struck the wall-like barrier, when it was discarded, because swifter and safer progress could be made by grasping the stout saplings and pull- ing one's self up by sheer force. We had a few bad knocks and hard falls among the jagged rocks, but after a while w^e caught the knack of this sort of walking and made very good time in the ascent.
At about 700 feet from the base of the mountain 1 flushed an oven-bird, Seiurus aurocapillus, from its nest among the leaves; the nest contained four fresh eggs which I measured. They seem to be typical of this bird; (1) and (2) .77x.58 (exactly the same); (3) .72x.59; (4) .74x.57 in, rounded-oval, fine in texture, of a del- icate pinkish-white, spotted, blotched and ringed about the larger end with rich reddish-brown, the ring inter- spersed with lilac-grey. At the sum- mit of the mountain is a ledgy rock, from which point, places scores of miles away are brought into view. A steel plate and a flag were placed in this rock by the state surveyor. About the summit, birds seemed to be very scarce. A few oven-birds, a pair of hermit thrushes, white-breasted
nuthatches, and three or four red-eyed virecs were noticed.
About 4 o'clock we started the de- scent, and if the ascent had been steep, the downward one seemed dou- bly so. The sun was in the back of the mountain which shut out the light in such a manner that the woods seemed filled with a sort of dim half- light. After several falls, stumbling and other acrobatic stunts, we emerg- ed from the dim shadows into the sun- light, where birds were singing, and the sun was still high in the heav- ens. We now followed a cow-path, and stopped at a farm house for a drink of cool milk. Completely ex- hausted we dragged ourselves into our cottage at sunset.
Although my attention was very much taken up with the bird fauna, I still carried my insect-net and several interesting beetles were captured. Among the bushes at the base of the mountain, three species of Lam- pyrids, or fire-flies, were secured; Ce- letes basalis, Trypherus latipennis, and Malthodes niger, both male and female; also an Elaterid, Melanotus leonardi and a beautiful Mordelled, Mordellistena arnica. In the damp re- cesses of the higher altitudes, many fungous growths were found and ex- amined. These yielded several rove beetles, Staphylindae, sp., such as gyrohaena sp.; Bolitobius axil-
laris and B. cinticollis; also nu- cotretus sanguinipennis. Say.
CHAS. P. ALEXANDER.
The Ruffed Grouse and Some of His Habits.
The Ruffed Grouse, commonly call- ed the Partridge in the north, is the game bird most sought for by sports- men in the east.
It's favorite resorts are heavily tim- bered districts, although they are of-
THE OOLOOI8T.
153
ten found in swales and low, wet wocds of hemlock, pine, etc.; also in birch thickets, and are seen occasion- ally during September and October feeding on the berries of the Winter- berry, a bush that grows along the edges cf rivers and streams.
On entering the woods look for them on logs or brush piles or on the ground under bushes, also among brambleberry bushes or dead ferns out in the open. In the latter case their plumage harmonizes so well with their surroundings, trusting as they do to the dead leaves and ferns, that one may approach quite near to them before they take wing.
In September and October they feed in beech trees on beech nuts and in poplar trees on leaves as well as on the ground for clover leaves, wild berries of many different kinds whether ripe or green. The green ber- ries are eaten by them when ripe ber- ries are to be had. Insects also form part of their food.
In the cold weather they often come out on the edges of woods or clearings to sun themselves or to have a dust bath to rid themselves of lice or other vermin.
During rain they seek shelter un- der bushes or in trees.
When a human being approaches near, both male and female partridges make a sort of hissing sound which sounds most like wheat, wheat, wheat, rapidly repeated. Sometimes a male partridge, if he has been hunted a few times and has become wild, will whistle (I have never heard the fe- male whistle), as an inti'uder tries to see him through the overhanging branches or through the bushes catches even a glimiTse, he will in- stantly flv with a whirr from his wings in«^ the air like a rocket, fly- ing sometimes into a tree, but is most likely to fly but a short distance only to drop into cover again and run ra-
pidly along the ground for a few yards and hide until all danger is past.
Ruffed Grouse are more abundant some years than others, as hard win- ters and wet springs, besides foxes and squirrels and ether animals have much to do to decrease their numbers.
Observations on the Ruffed Grouse were made in Muskoka, Ont.
GEORGE GERALD,
Toronto, Can.
A White-eyed Vireo's Peculiar Method of Feeding.
On September 6, 1906, I saw a White-eyed Vireo at Wissinoming, Pa., feeding in a unique manner. When first seen the bird was searching for food low down in the shrubs along a bush-fringed running brook, and was not particularly observed as it exhib- ited no unusual traits or habits. I was just about to turn my attention to some other bird which I heard in a pile of brush behind me, when to my astonishment the Vireo deliberately plunged from its perch — a small alder shrub on the brink of the brook — in- to the water, returning almost imme- diately to its perch, where it sat for several seconds, and then made an- other plunge. This it repeated a third time, after a brief rest. The plunges only partially submerged the bird, but the immersions were brief, as they were performed kingfisher fashion — head first into the water.
After the third plunge the bird preened its feathers, flying into the bushes as I approached to ascertain the cause of its unusual method of feeding, for such I inferred it had been doing.
The water of the stream where the bird made its puzzling' plunges was fairly covered with Water "Striders" (Ilygrotrechus remigis) and Gyrinus
154
THE OOLOGIST.
sp., but whether the bird could have been feeding on these insects I can- not say, as I was too far away to perceive whether the bird captured any, and I certainly did not see it eat any on its perch, after the plunges. Surely, it could not devour the hard- shelled Gyrinus, but in no other way could the bird have captured these two species of insects than by plung- ing, as both are remarkably agile and run with surprising rapidity on the water. Anybody who has tried to cap- ture any of these insects knows how hard it is, and it would not be an easy matter for a bird to secure one, except by plunging.
It is well known that the White- eyed Vireo feeds on the ground, un- like its relatives, and that it devours many different kinds of insects not eaten by the other Vireonidae, in gen- eral, but I never suspected that it fed on water insects, for I cannot assign any other reason for the bird's pecul- iar plunges than to capture the "Wa- ter Striders," although 1 did not ex- actly see any taken.
It certainly was a unique perform- ance, and if the bird was not captur- ing insects, what was it's object in plunging into the water?
RICHARD F. MILLER,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Dr. Morris Gibbs.
Dr. Morris Gibbs, of Kalamazoo, Mich., in times gone by, a prolific and valuable contributor to our columns, both reading and advertising, died Sept. 18th. last, at his home.
As an interesting writer on Bird topics and the originator and persist- ent advocate of the Gibbs' embalming process in taxidermy, Dr. Gibbs will be instantly recalled by all our older subscribers.
We append below some extracts from an article in the Kalamazoo Telegram":
"Dr. Robert Morris Gibbs, aged 52 years, died this morning at 2:30 at his home, 128 East Lovell street, of paralysis. For the last 21 years he had been disabled as the result of pa- ralysis, and that, added to complete physical break-down, was the cause of death.
Dr. Gibbs was born and died in the same room in the same house, and all but four years of his life, spent at Howard City (where he "enjoyed the excitement of country practice") was spent in this city, and his residence has been at the family home, 128 East Lovell street, during this time. He was educated at the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the class of 1877, and at Rush Med- ical College, Chicago, from w^hich place he graduated in 1879.
He was a naturalist of a national reputation, being the author of sever- al books on the birds of Michigan, on which subject he was considered an authority. He held the chair of pro- fessor of natural science at Kalama- zoo College for several years, and car- ried on much exi^erimental work along scientific lines, even after he was dis- abled.
"While deprived of the use of his limbs for the past 21 years, he found much joy in life, and it was often his custom to spend hours at a time in watching spiders and ants at work. He was a clear and close observer of natural phenomena, and at this time has a book in press at Lansing, deal- ing with his favorite subject, "The Birds of Michigan." He was also an extensive writer for magazines and scientific publications. He compiled two large collections of specimen birds, one of which is in the Russel museum at the University of Mich- igan, the other being in Lansing."
THE OOL.OGIST.
155
Bird Notes from El Rancho.
This has been a fine season for the tirds. With the exception of a se- vere thunder storm on April 13th, which destroyed a large number of nests in trees, especially those of the Blue Gray Gnatcatcher, the weather has been ideal for the rearing of young. As I sit at my desk writing, a young Chimney Swift sits on the andirons in the fireplace, his eyes not yet open, but his mouth continually so, crying for food. This is even the Swifts second brood, notwithstanding they were broken up once at the be- ginning of the season. Chipping and Field Sparrows have raised three broods to my knowledge, while the Kingbirds have followed second with two broods, in fact nearly everything in this section has raised two or more broods; among them Cardinals, Chats, Carolina Wrens, Blue Grosbeaks, In- digos, Prairie Warblers and Orioles, besides those already mentioned. This year I have tried one or two test cases with the birds. Last year I had a pair of Orioles (orchard) and King- birds build a nest in a Dogwood tree near the front porch. This spring I watched for them to return and wasn't surprised to see what I took to be the same pairs of birds commence build- ing on the same limbs as the previous year. These sets I took to see results, and both species began building again in the same tree — each on the limb above where the first nest had been located. The Oriole not only raised this second setting, but two more, all in the same tree, nine birds in all. The Kingbird raised tw^o broods of three each. I think this clearly dem- onstrates that there is little harm in breaking up a setting, providing the old birds are not molested. All these young birds since leaving the nest have been busily engaged in keeping my garden and orchard free from in-
sects, the young Orioles though de- stroying a large amount of grapes by picking a single hole in many of the grapes in each bunch. This loss though I'm willing to stand, as I know I gained in other ways. On the 31st of May I found a nest and three eggs of the Swainson's Warbler. The nest was placed between two or three upright shoots of a second growth bush about 5i^ feet above ground; 9 flushed. The nest was about 100 feet from the head of a mill pond in clump of second growth bushes. Two weeks later I again visited this local- ity and found a finished nest which I presume had been built by the same pair of birds, but although I didn't touch the nest or any branch within several feet of it, the nest was never occupied. This is the first breeding l)air of Swainson's Warbler I have seen in this section, and is, I believe, a record for north of James River. On May 23d my father secured at the place a set of two eggs and female of Chuck Wills. Since then I have seen several pair flying aJlDout at dusk, but previous to this date we have never found them breeding on the peninsula. I believe this to be another record for north of James River. The Bob Whites are now all large enough to fly well, the dry sea- son allowing full covies', and we expect a record numlber in this section. Aug. 17th, 1908.
H. H. BAILEY, Newport News, Va.
Birds of IVIaine.
"Birds of Maine," published by the author, Ora W. Knight, B. S., Bangor, Me., 1908, 693 pj)., cloth. $3. .50 post- paid.
Written somew.hat in Key style but sui)i)lemented by a mass of valuable notes for which the author admits his
156
THE OOLOQIST.
indebtedness to about 50 correspond- ents, in addition to his own notes.
The worli is much more than a mere state list with key and notes. It con- tains analytical key to families and key to species occurs as an introduc- tion to each family.
Following the text of work proper is a hypothetical list, chapter on Faunal Areas, Biography and an ex- haustive index.
Illustrated by a faunal map of
Maine, two plumage charts, and 28
half-tones, some unusually good. It
is by far the most pretentious of state
lists published, and reflects much
credit on its author, though it may not
prove as successful financially as its
merits deserve.
E. H. SHORT.
Carolina Chickadee in Pennsylvania.
I wish to back up Mr. Miller in his contention (see Oologist, July, '08), that the Carolina Chickadee does breed in Pennsylvania.
I have a female of a pair caught in a hole in a birch stub under Camp- bell's Ledge, Luzerne Co., Pa.
It was taken iby Harry C. Schooley when with me hunting Duck Hawks eight years ago. They were nest build- ing late in May.
Mr. Schooley is stil alive. Dr. B. H. Warren in "Birds of Pennsylvania," pp. 320, gives records of takes of this bird as follows by Dr. Hartman:
In 1866, Willow Swamp, Street Road and later in same swamp which female was identified at Smithsonian for John Krider.
I was talking this matter over with Dr. Hartman on Sept. 4th last.
B. W. CAMPBELL,
Luzerne Co., Pa.
The Editor Has Lately Noted.
morning in mid-September — a very rare bird in Western New York.
Second. — In a neglected school-yard on Sept. 14th, I found an Olive-backed Thrush that was a victim of some un- explained accident. The right wing had been thrown clear forward so that the bird's head protruded be- tween the three outer primaries and the balance of the wing. The bird was unable to fly and could not extri- cate itself from the embarassing pre- dicament.
Glad 1 happened to pass along be- fore Mr. Tom Cat. On drawing the wing further forward, the bird prompt- ly drew its head out and flew away and a tragedy was averted.
Third. — New York State gives its. new Pheasant Law its first trial next month. This law allows a licensed hunter to kill male pheasants every Tuesday and Thursday in October.
First, a Black-crowned Nightheron flew over our head one smoky, foggy
Mr. E. H. Short, Chili, N. Y.
Dear Sir: — We had what I consider a curiosity here last month. A Yel- low-billed cuckoo nested along the Susquehanna River here the middle of September. The two young birds were incubated on September 13th or 14th. I enclose a very poor print which I snapped on September 18th — you can just make out the young birds reaching up with mouths wide open. The nest was built in a low tree which was covered with a grape Vine and was situated about six feet from the ground. Nest was of the usual loose construction of twigs. We are situated on the northern boundary of Pennsylvania. Is it not very unusual to find this species or any other spe- cies nesting so late?
H. E. BISHOP, Sayre, Pa.
The print sent was too poor to ad- mit of use for half-tone. Such late nesting is unusual, but is occasionally reported of such species as Mourn- ing Dove, both Am. Cuckoos, Song Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, English Sparrow and the introduced Pheas- ants,
E. H. SHORT.
THE OOLOGIST.
157
BARGAINS
IN
DATA
BLANKS
In printing our "Standard Cata- logue" we had a lot of Datas printed on what would otherwise have been waste paper and have decided to give our patrons the benefit of our gain.
We can furnish five (5) styles and will send prepaid, your choice, at 12c. per 100 of $1 per 1000. The small- est size or No. 1, at 10c. per 100 or 75c. per 1000. Special rates, any style, on 5.000 or 10,000 lots.
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Prices for Back Numbers of the YOUNG 00I.03IST AND THE OOLOGIST
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Or, if you order tlie two volumes at one time, we will send tliem by return mall for only J1.7.'). Kvery student of birds, their nests and eggs, slionld have these two volumes In their library. The valuable Information tliey contain. Is worth many times the price. Address plainly,
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158
THE OOLOGIST.
Dugan May Ride Abroad. C. E. Durnell makes the announce- ment that he has I'eceived a telegram from A. J. Joyner, trainer for Harry Payne "Whitney, inquiring at what figure Durnell would sell his contract on Eddie Dugan. the jockey. Durnell says he sold only first call on Dugan for the present New York season to Mr. Whitney a year ago and that his contract on the boy runs until May 15, 1909. He has telegraphed to Joyner that he would take $7,500 for the re- maining time the contract has to run. Durnell believes that Joyner is plan ning to take Dugan to England with him.
Moran Wants Another Chance.
Owen Mora us manager was not sat- isfied with the outcome of the battle with Abe Attell recently, in which the men fought to a draw, and is seeking another go with the featherweight chamnjoni This time ha. ws-qts the
fight to be at forty-five rounds, ne thinks the Englishman can dispose of the American in a longer battle. At- tell is willing to sign articles again, but refuses to agree to battle more than twenty-five rounds, which he says is sufficient for him.
Samse to Star on the Stage.
Leroy Samse. formerl.v world's cham- pion in the pole vault, intends to enter the theatrical world via the vaudeville route. The ex-Indiana university star, whose great feat of 12 feet 4% inches at the western interconference meet at Evanston in 1906 stood as the world's mark until broken by Gilbert of Yale, is looking for a partner in the triple parallel bars.
fudge — You said the defendant turned and whistled to the dog. What folloAved? Intelligent Witness—The- dog.— Philndelphia Inquirer.
\
Out May 1906
A NEW UP-TO-DATE
Check List of North American Birds
Contains all new additions and changes to A. O. U. list arranged according to A. O. U. Nomenclature and giving both common and scientific names. i6 pages on good paper.
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THE OOLOGIST. 159
NEW POLICY
Svibscribers, Advertisers
N OTIC E
FIRST. In line with the decision recently published by the "Condor" and for the same reasons, i e. That the provision for scientific collecting under the Song Bird Law did not contemplate commercial collecting.
The Publisher and Manager of this paper, the "Oologist," hereby announce that, beginning November last, they will, hereafter decline all advertisements or sale notices offering to buy or sell, N. American bird skins or eggs for cash except skins of game birds and birds of prey.
SECOND. Hereafter the "Oologist" will be sent only to subscribers whose subscriptions are fully paid in advance.
All premium offers except as printed in this issue or hereafter are hereby withdrawn. A statement of account to date will soon be sent all who are in arrears and those who ha\'e not settled in accordance with terms thereon b\' January i, 1908 will be dropped.
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F. H. LATTIN, E. H. SHORT.
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160
THE OOLOGIST.
72nd Thousand ! 72nd ! BIRD GUIDE.
BY CHESTER A. REED, S. B.
Author of North American Birds Egg>, and with Frank M. Chapman of Color Key to Norih Ajnerican Bfirds Editor of the American Bird Magazine.
This is a popular pocket guide and text book to ALL THE LAND BIRDS EAST OF THE ROCKIES, from the Parrots to the Bluebirds. It is prepared especially for
teachers and students, after years of study as to their needs. It has the following points of superiority over any other Bird Book:
COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS.— Every bird is shown in natural colors, including females and young when they differ.
SCOPE.— yUnhe land birds east of the Rockies are includtd. It gives the range and habit of each bird, their songs as nearly as they can be written, and description of their ne-ts and eggs.
SMALL SIZE. — It can easily be carried in the pocket, measuring but 3x5 inches. 200 pages, bound in flexible sock cloth or leather. We have made the price of the book as low as possible considering the good workmanship and material that is used. It is so low that anyone can afford it, but no one can afford to be without it.
IT NAMES THE BIRDS FOR YOU
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Brief Special announcements "Wants," *' Fjxchanges," " For Sales," inserted in this de- partment for 25 cents pei 25 words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate of 1-2 cent for each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25 cents. Terms, cash with order.
Strictly first-class specimens will be accepted in payment at 1-3 list rates.
Vol. XXV. No. 11.
ALBION, N. Y., NOV., 1908,
Whole No. 256
Take Notice.
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Remember we must be notified if you wislj paper discontinued and all nr'oarage? must be paid.
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determined. If we ha\e you credited wrong wo wish to rectify.
Entered as second-cla=;s matter De- cemlied 21, 1903. at tiie post office, at Albion. N. Y., under the Act of Con- gres;? of March 3, 1S79.
I HAVE FOR EXCHAN(;E.-For species new to my collection. Choice sets of 327, 3IH, 353, 354. :5.54a, ;j5S.1,3.-)9.1..3(>2, 370a, 37fi, :3S9. 421, 45.5, 744a, 7(i3. etc. THO.MAS H. .JACKSON. 304 N. Franklin St.. West Chester, Pa.
FOR SALE. -A collection of Natural His tory si>ecimens catalogued over !fl200. Will sell for $;i50. Fine for museum. F. T. CORLESS. 804 E. 14 N., Portland. Or.
.June fit.
WHO will furnish me with tir*t class sets of 10. JS, ii7, ll.i.I. llfi, 124, 167. lltii. 277. and a 3.12:1, 372. 41).). 455(1. -i:)3a, 463, 5 7. SWi, 574a, 597a, f>27a. (ICO. 6(12. 724. 7.jsa. and a whole lot more, .V. E. I'lnciO. (irant Parl<, HI. S. 2. t.
W.V.VTED.— i'"inc condition se s witli data, 112 131 with down. 161 with down 212, 2.55. 261. Liberal exclKinge in European, .\mf>ricHn, Indian and others. Eggs, skins, etc. CH.AS. .lEFFEREYS, Tetbury, (Jlos. England. S.3.t.
How would some linn mounted .North Da- kota specimens suit \ on ? I would like to exchange with others from otiier parts of the country. Let mc h(>ar from you. Satisfaction guaranteed. .MARTIN .M. (iCLLESOX, Tax- idermist. Rutland. \. Dakota. S. 3 t
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W.V.NTED.— r(j exchange Natural History Specimens in any branch. Ornithology, Oology. Conchology, Eiitomolo:,'.v, Miner- ology. Paleontology, or .Misc, Zoology; for Printing or can use a small hand press with type. E. II. SHORT. Box 173, Rochester, N.
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162
THE OOLOGIST.
i i
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JEFFERY'S NATURALIST, Tetbury, Glos., England.
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Out May 1906
A NEW UP-TO-DATE
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'HE OOLOGIST
163
STILL LEADING
FIfTH EDITION LATTIN'S STANDARD CATALOGUE OE North American Birds Eggs
With Oologist One Year, Both for 50c.
Compiled by Frank H. Lattin and Krnest. H. Short, with the assistance of many prominent American Oolo- -rists.
A Complete Up-to-date Check List of North American Birds, including iritrcduccd Species, giving correct ex- change values on all species whose e'-;gs are procurable at this time. Ar- t-anged according to A. O. U. Nome-
clature, but giving Pidgway's and Coues' numbers also. Printed on one side cf page only leaving it In- convenient form for making notes ia or using for labelling purposes Bound in light board covers. Neat ia style. Handy in shape (just goes in- to full government envelope).
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The V.'crlc's Railway:. North Ai;:eri(:i lirs. s])ea'.u!ig in roumi terms, 2i;n.r(; ; inile.-< of railway, of Avliich 22.").n(!i) are found in the I'liiteJ States. i:ia-niK>. as a whole h i ■; V.) )«;(» ) miles, or ,';,",(U1<') miles less than those In the rnit"(l State; alnic. Asia has r-J.nCd miles. Africa lT.<iii(i and .\ustra- lia ail 1 the adjacent islands of Oc«auia ll.r.v.)
Learn Taxidermy.
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The OoLOGiST.
Vol. XXV. No. 11. Albion, N. Y. November, 1908.
Whole No. 256
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication Devoted to OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXI- DERMY. FRANK H. LATTIN, Publisher, ALBION, N. Y. EKNEST H. SHOKT, Editor and Kanager. Correspondence and Items of interest to the student of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited from all.
TERMS OP SUBSCRIPTION:
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ERNEST H. SHORT, Editor and Manager, Chill, Monroe Co. N. "Y.
EDITORIAL.
We regret being unable to use at ])resent many valuable photos for half- tone work.
We wish to extend our sincere thanks to several of the friends of The Oologist who have gone to extra
lengths to help our little periodical along during the past year, and sin- cerely deplore the fact that lack of time to devote to the matter, has re- sulted in injustice to them in some in- stances.
In piesenting some extracts from an article by C. L. Rawson, in Nor- wich, Conn. "Bulletin," appearing seme time ago, we would add that we hope to present an old timer's view of some recent legislation in our next is- sue, which will be a personal issue. ERNEST H. SHORT.
Around the Flambeau.
My trip in 19'05 to this country was only a scouting excursion which ser- ved to acquaint me with the insectiv- erous and seed-eating birds that occu- py the coniferous forests in upper Wisconsin near the Lake Superior re- gion. LTpon returning to this terri- tory in .June, 1908, I felt fairly confi- dent of success, having acquainted myself previously with the lay of the land, and the songs and notes of these birds, while contrary to the water fowl, are particularly shy and evas- ive while nesting.
It 'is not unusual to find our various Warblers and Sparrows frequenting our shaded trees and parks during the semi-annual migi-ations, when they are of a fearless attitude and quite tame. The water birds, especially ducks and geese, are exceedingly warj' while stopping on their 'northern and south- ern flights, but to meet them during the period of nidification, they seem little concerned regarding the pres- ence of man and frequently appear
166
THE OOLOGIST
in habited sections, from the upper United States, northward.
The Flambeau River is used exten- sively for floating logs, and like many of these northern streams, is excell- ent for trout fishing. About the edges of the tim'ber and in the wild berry bushes, in rather open situations, the Chestnut-sided Warbler was almo-t as conspicuous as our summer Yellow- bird in Illinois. Shaded portions of the second growth timber seemed fair- ly well populated with the vivacious Red Start, and his notes were inter- mingled with the peculiar tell-tale song of the Oven Bird.
I was working with both hands to ward off the ever present mosquitoes, and as I passed among a dense growth of ferns, adjoining the blue-berry marsh, a Peabody bird. White- crowned Sparrow, hopped to a dead limb aind chirped saucily. I parted the vegetation and found five extremely handsome eggs of this large sparrow, in a nest imbedded in the long green moss.
In my efforts to follow a Ruffed Grouse, who had been '•drumming" at early morn cm a poplar ridge, I at- tempted to locate the female. Pro- gress was very laborious for this pari
0 fthe timber contained many fallen tree trunks piled cross-wise, four to ten feet high. A Canadian Warbler flitted from beneath the fallen hranch- es ten feet ahead and from the way he moved about twittering nervously,
1 felt tempted to search for the mate, although the verdure was very dense. I moved about on my knees for half an hour and finally parted the green fern stems on the bank of a little ra- vine only to discover that I had put my hand on the mother bird who was incubating five of her delicately speckled eggs.
Slate-colored Juncos, Yellow-bellied Sap Suckers, Magnolia Warblers, •Scarlet Tanagers and Chimney Swifts
were all breeding in the heavy timber which was composed of spruce, hem- lock, pine, cedar, balsam, tamarack, maple and elm. In two instances I noticed the male Rose-breasted Gros- beaks sitting on nests. Several Brown Creepers were in evidence, and I ob- served one Arctic Three-toed Wood- 1 crker. The Vlrecs were always in ev- idence, particularly the Warbling and Red-eye varieties.
In the afternoon, I was strolling leisurely near a lake of considerable size, my eyes were attracted by a Mourning Warbler as he moved about among the swamp grass and reeds in a manner typical of our Yellow-throat.
Suspended from a horizontal limh of a wild plum tree at a height of ten feet above the ground was a new Vir- eo's nest that I could look into, when standin gon a fallen log. The nest contained but a single freshly laid egg. I visited this nest several times at subsequent dates, and on each oc- casion found a pair of Philadelphia Vireos in possession of this domicile. Either of the birds sitting om the nest showed no suspicion at my approach, and would allow me to touch them before vacating their treasures. This nest contained three eggs, when the birds commenced to incubate.
The Olive-back and Wood Thrushes were about equally distributed and both were partial to extremely thick places where a little sunshine reach- ed the earth. The beautiful Black- burnia.n Warbler could be seen glean- ing about the foliage where the thrushes had their nests. In a springy soil frequented by the red deer, I se- cured my first clutch of Water Thrush. The eggs were imbedded in the deer moss on a little embankment dampened by a spring pool.
One of the first birds that I became acquainted with was the Black-throat- ed Blue Warbler. The song of the male
THE OOLOGIST.
167
is very distinct and original. Open pla- ces in the woods, where the maples grow from one to ten feet above the ground, sem to be infested with some- thing edible and particularly fascinat- ing to this (laintily-hued bird. I had almost resolved that the wood-lands contained nothing but bachelors of this strikingly handsome warbler un- til with the aid of opera glasses, I discerned a female Black-throated Blue acting suspiciously about a clump of maples. After carefully searching, I found a large, bulky, but artistic nest containing four eggs of this variety.
My companion visited a place some miles to the east, but in the vicinity of the same rivulet. He had the pleas- ure of becoming personally acquaint- ed with the Myrtle and Black-throated Green Warblers, also the White- crowned Sparrow. His red letter day was brought to a climax while "still fishing" in the shady portion of a lit- tle bay, late one afternoon. A large Buff-breasted Duck flew past his boat, skimming the water's surface and ar- riving upon a dead pine stub (imbed- ded in a gravelly part of the beach, on a little point), her feet dangling in the air, she dropped out of sight into the old stuni]). On examining this old remnant of a once stately pine, the bark was found to be in such a state of decomposition that it was easy to remove the exterior of the stub, and the parent bird could be seen sitting on a level with the eye, .and probably three and one-half feet below the entrance. There were twelve eggs of the American Mergan- ser in this hollow, and indications showed there were numerous layers of dow.n, and the bird had evidently resorted to the same place for years. GERARD ALAN ABBOT.
THE QUAIL TRAP.
C. L. Rawson.
In Norwich, Conn. Bulletin.
The Quail Trap, Oct. 15.— If over one 'hundred men with shotgunrj are to be legally turned loose yearly in every country village in Connecticut there are reasons worth mentioning why the season should not open till Oct. 1.5. The few young quail are not laige enough to shoot, the fall flight of woodcock from the north has not begun, the second litter of gray squir- rels are only half grown, and rabbits are not in prime co'ndition for the ta- ble till the green summer food is elim- inated by heavy frosts.
The most convincing argument to the true sportsman is that leaves are now too thick to allow them to prop- erly sight and kill ruffed grouse. The snap shots taken by ear or guess through screening foliage, wing or wound many partridges that are left unretrieved to slowly die of their hurts. On October 1st, the day the law was off, a grouse raised in the town limits, was driven from the woods bleeding with gunshot wounds to die on a piazza on Beech street. Two badly wounded and dying chick- en partridgges were taken from the stone walls here, driven afield by hunters who could not follow their line of flight on account of leaves. I have in mind a house near here be- tween two leafy swamjis where grouse were raised this year and last season. Driven from one grove towards the other by dogs and guais, some of these birds, blinded by terror, are dashed to death against this house. Some old local shots, because of inability to see flushed grouse, say they will not go into the woods till the last of Octo- ber. They say it has been too hot in the fields for the dogs and too close in the woods.
168
THE OOLOGIST.
Still more to the point this year,
young quail at the north are too small '^.o shoot. The New London gunners who crocked the ferry Oct. 1, 2, and 3, into Cedar Groton, Long and Bushy Points and Poquonnoc Plains, report seme covies of quail half grown, soime two-thirds grown, and ome big bunch ao larger than sparrows. But 600 un- scrupulous local shots are licensed to go out Oct. 1 and kill these bob-white fledglings, which when brought to bag are only tiny bunches of feathers. Full grown young robins, wacups and meadow-larks, fat and fit for the ta- ole, are protected by law all the year, while a half-grown quail which could do more good to the farmer than a dozen thrushes, can now be legally blown to pieces.
..Seventy-four hunting licenses and three non-resident were issued in Ston- ington up to Oct. 7, and there were many more applications. I personal- ly know of a few immature quail in the north part of this town which are now legal game for this licensed crowd. They can also slip over into Groton after the tiny quail reported by the early gunners from New Lon- don. But up to the 8th, Groton itself had licensed 150 people to help on this work of extermination. The Groton 'erryboat daily carries across some of the 214 New London licenses, includ- ing a number of aliens. Up to the Gth of October Woodstock had sent into our woods G6 licensed shooters, and still a big demaoid for more blanks.
Norwich should be very proud of her work in this line on sending 383 resi- dent hunters into her fields and woods with 3 non-residents so far and 8 aliens! Mr. Holbrook adds, "If they all go and can hit anything, there won't be much game left." Too true, alas! But suppose each one of this regiment kills the 3.5 birds allowed by
law, any bird-lover can figure out the frightful result.
A respectable squad go out only for fox and coon, but 9 out of 10 gunners fhoot at every useful hawk cr owl they run across. They one an dall dis- dain to touch a red squirrel — the most pestiferous enemy of small breeding birds. Some licensees may never use their permits; and no doubt in the general scramble others take out li- censes simply because they somehow feel that the yare to be deprived of a piivilege they never before cared to exercise. This last sophistry impels the same class to drink in strictly no- license towns. I find in the list of li- cemsees the names of some aliens whom the law was passed to exclude. An unlicensed Italian was last week fined on Fishe>s Island for shooting a Belgian hare. But what shall we do with the licensed Italiaos whc are sure to fill their bags with snml] hi'ds?
Our own half-mile strip of home woods, near the Massachusetts line, is overrun by gunners from East Wood- stock, Village Corners, West Parish, and Southbridge. With this hot cross fire and the leaves still on, it is not prudent to go chestnutting just at present. I am not overfond of pick- ing No. 11 shot from my skin and clothing, saving still too vivid re- membrances of being twice pricked in the old autumn days when every No- ank boy on Fort Hill or Long Point blazed away at everything from a swallow up to a bar-post on the side of a harn.
Some of the younger licensed re- cruits appear to think that they can now shoot anywhere at will. They should be reminded that neither gov- ernor nor president armed with 20 li- censes can s'hoot on my land or your laud without permission. A farmer with no papers can shoot game in his own cabbage ))atch. Init he may not
THE OOLOQIST.
169
follow his quarry over on his neigh- bor's territory.
I repeat that the present shooting license gives no inivilege that a gun- ner did not have before. It will not excuse trespass of any kind. Oinly Saturday last, although he had been warned, an alien Quinebaug factory hand persisted in shooting gray squir- rels in a dooryard. In two instances near us small groves 'near houses, w"hich have hitherto been held im- mune and protected by common con- sent, have so early this season been completely cleaned out of gray squir- rels. Several times lately, when the graytails were roaming the fields for nuts and sweet apples. I saw gunners sitting in the public road waiting for this small game to come and feed. I lost control of my horse by a sudden shot from one of these men. A village farmer had a partly tame gray squir- rel living in his unused old gristmill, and cme of these sidewalk gunners de- liberately came and shot it. A little too promiscuous and too short range, my friends.
On Long Island the season for quail, grouse, rabbits and squirrels does not open till November 1. As I write on the 15th of October, dense foliage still fills the local woods and swamps. On proepr presentation of these facts, it would seem as if the legislature would proclaim close game season till Octo- ber 15, and the act would surely be approved by all true sportsmen throughout the state.
C. L. R.
How to IVIake an Automatic Egg Blower for 50 Cents.
Every one who does much oological collecting should have an automatic egg blower and take blowing easy, in- stead of using up all his breath with
one set of eggs. The first thing to do is to secure the following materials:
A small block of wood will not cost anything.
One rubber syringe bulb $ "5
Two feet of glass tube 10
One-half foot of rubber tube large enough to fit the brass
and glass tube 5
Small piece of brass tube iO
Total $ .50
All these things can be purchased at a drug store except the brass tube, which can be purchased at a hard- ware store. Take the block of wood and bore a small hole in it. Then yet a square piece of wood i/2X% inche.-; square, and 3 or 4 inches high, boi'u a hole through it large enough to in- sert the brass tube, then whittle the other end small enough to stick it in the hole in the block of wood. Attach the bulb to one end of the tube and a piece of the rubber tube an inch long on the otker.
Then take a foot of the glass tube and heat the middel of it red hot in the gas jet, (this will only take a mia- ute) ; then pull on each end of the tube; it will pull out thinner and thin- ner as long as you pull. When it is as thin as j-ou want it take it out and break it in the middle, then hold the thin part where you want to bend it up, in the edge of the gas until it bends down by its owu weight. Then take it out and fit the large end in the little piece of rubber tube. By this method you can make your blowers much finer than you can buy them, and you can keej) the hole in your eggs very small. Then the machine is complete. Be sure to get the air through the end. If you do not have it this way it will not work, because it cannot take air through the small blow pii)e, which is in the egg. I hope this will save many collectors some money ,and also their breath. P. G. HOWES,
Stamford, Conn.
170
THE OOLOGIST.
Large Set of Florida Gallinule.
On July 10, 1908, I collected a nest and 18 eggs of the Florida Gallinule at Port Richmond, Philadelphia, Pa., whidh I believe is the largest set on record, at least it is the biggest I have any record of.
As generally happens with big sets it could not be preserved entire, as incubation was advanced in the ma- jority of the eggs, being actually pip- ped in some, and with the most care- ful and liberal use of caustic potash, I could save only nine and two of these were i-otten.
Two of the eggs were of abnormal size, one of these was rotten and was blown, Init the other was lost, being pipped; they being fully one-third lar- ger than average-sized eggs of the Water Hen.
Several others were below the aver- age size, but not small enough to be considered abnormal. In shape and color tihey exhibited the most uniform- ity, precluding the possibility of their being the product of two females. Fur- thermore, only one pair of birds in- habited that part of the marsh, which was a small one between an unopened street and a dump, and the birds' two previous sets were collected by me in May and .June. These were precisely like the last in shape and coloration, none of the eggs exhibiting a tenden- cy to abnormalism.
RICHARD F. MILLER, Frankford,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Malformed Bill of Catbird.
On July 5, 1906, I saw a female (?) Catbird at Frankford, with a malform- ed bill. The upper mandible was bent entirely backward into the air, the point rising straight upward from the forehead in a perpendicular position.
The bird was well seen at its nest
and from observatiom, the curious formed bill seemed to have been the result of an accident.
I intended to secure the bird, but boys rifled the nest before I could re- turn and the bird deserted the locali- ty as I couldn't find it afterward. Con- sequently, I lost an opportunity to study the cause of the malformity and ascertain how it was done,
RICHARD F, MILLER, Frankford, Philadelphia, Pa,
The Wood Thrush.
Editor Ooologist,
Dear Sir: — Last spring a pair of Wood Thrush (No. 755) built a nest and. reared a brood of three young in an apple tree about .30 feet from our door, and the birds gathered the material for the nest and food for the young from the garden and dooryard. The nest was of the usual structure, leaves, weeds and a rag, which were formed into the nest wet. This is the first nest out of dozens that I have examined in which no eggs of the cow- bird were deposited. The birds were very tame and paid no attention to me when I worked in the garden. This is inside the city limits and I think a little unusual, a? I have always found them breeding in dark thickets along the creek, and are rather shy. W. C, P„
Crawfordsville, Ind.
January 1, I had brought to me an adult male Ajn, Goshawk. The crop was empty, hut the bird could hardly have been any fatter.
I have been informed by a corre- spondent that in the season of 1907, there were collected in Florida four- teen sets of eggs of the Swallow-tailed Kite, more than were ever taken be- fore in one season so far as is known. This was possible only because of the
THK CJOLOGIST
171
great drought which rendered regions, orrlinarily Impenetrable, ac- cessible to collectors.
^\ishing you all success for 1908, I am. Very truly yours.
B. G. WILLARD,
Millis, Mass.
Three Freaks.
During the past summer 1 added three interesting freaks to my collec- tion.
The first was a perfectly white wocdchuck. It is a half-grown fm; is snow-white, not a dark hair anywhere. Its eyes were pink; even the toe-nails and bottom of its feet were pink. It was killed in an old slashing back in the mountains nearly five miles from the nearest farm, by a dog belonging to a friend, who at the time was on his way to attend to some gas wells.
The second was also a woodchuck. This one was black. It was seen by a friend who told me about it. So, a few days later I went to that locality and lay in ambush in the edge of a piece of woods along the river. After spending the best part of the day the chuck came out and 1 shot it. This one was an old fm., black as a bear, excei)t the face, which is gray.
The third freak is a meadow-lark. It is very light-colored and has a fad- ed-out whitish appearance. Its wings are dull white.
R. B. SIMPSON,
Warren, Pa.
Notes on the Black-billed Cuckoo.
(C'occyzus erythrophthalmus).
The Black-billed Cuckoo (coccyzu.s erythroijhthalmus), is in my opinion one of the most beneficial ])irds, as it consumes a great number of the ap- ple-tree tent caterpillars, (riisiocami)a
americana), a hairy species which many birds will not try to feed upon. These caterpillars do a great deal of damage to the youmg buds of apple anl cherry trees, the eggs hatching so early that the young larvae feed upon them before they have time to o.en, thus destroying all the leaves i:: ca:h bud
I once watched one of these cuckoos- feasting upon a horde of the caterpil- lars, and so fond of them was he, that. I approached within a foot of him be- fore he noticed my presence, and vent- ing his anger with a loud "kow ou," retreated to the nearest tree.
The birds arrive in the locality dur- ing the third week in May but do not commence to build until the first week in June, although I have a set taken May 23rd, 1894.
The nest is a rather loosely con- structed affair of small twigs, leaves, and sometimes a feather or two, and in my experience has always been lined with maiden-hair ferns. It was a great surprise to me when I found a nest lined with this material in a locality in which I have many a time looked in vain for this fern. This seems to show that they sometimes take their material from some little distance from the spot selected for the nest.
The place selected for the nest is a small tree or bush usually in a fairly dry location and is built from six inches to twenty feet above the ground, and is of such small size that it is not at all conspicuous.
The nest which I mentioned above,. I found in a scrubly apple tree at the foot of a hay-covered field, while out searching for meadow-larks on .Tune 12th, 1907. T happened to look up and among the foliage noticed a small nest at the extremity of a limb about 15 feet above the ground, and on climb- ing up, saw the female bird leave the nest, which contained two eggs.
172
THE OOLOGIST
The = e, of course, I left, and on return- ing c-n the 16th of June, found no more eggs Eo I concluded that it was a full set.
The eggs are either elliptical or glcbular hi form, and are about the color of those of the Blue-birds, and sometimes covered with a yellowish- brown stain.
The song of this bird, though not considered beautiful; to me in the early morning hours, while starting on a collecting trip, is one of charm and fascination. Two sets which I meas- ured are as follows: Set No. 1, two eggs, 1.02x80' and .95x.T9. Set No. 2, three eggs, l.Oox.TT; l.OSx.Tl and 1.01 X . I '6.
The birds leave for the south the lait week in September.
P. G. HOWES,
Stamford, Conn.
W
ADAM AND EVE.
HEN Adam was created He dwelt in Eden's shade,
As Moses has related, And soon a bride was mado.
The Distance We Dance.
Dancing is a ytreirr.'.>r..; exercise. Cal- culations show the distances negotiat- ed in a night by fair enthusiasts and their partners to be worthy the per- formance of athletes. Thus the aver- age waltz turn will require a dancer to travel over 1,300 yards. Other round dances in their accomplishment in- volve: The mazurka, 1,050 yards; the polka, a trifle under the thousand; the pas de quatre, barely 900 yards. Quad- rilles, howeA'er, hold the record, siu'^e dauciu;; of one entails on each of the eight persons in the set the achieve- ment all unwittingly of a constitution- al a mile and a qurirter long, while dancing the full card, inchisive of the cotillon, at a ball begiuuiug. say, at 10 o'clock at night and winding up at 5 o'clock the following morning necessi- tates the taking of 28,000 steps, or a to- tal distance covered of over eleven miles.— Harper's Weekly.
Pewter cciarca orc»oa
A. pewterlike api>earance may be Im- parted to brass by boiling the castings in a cream of tartar solution contain^ Ing a Bmall amount of chloride of tin.
He had no conversation,
Er.t seemed to be alone Till to his admiration
He found he'd lost a bone.
Great was his exultation AVhen first he saw his bride;
Great was his elevation To see her by his side.
He spoke as in a rapture, "I know from whence she came;
From my left side extracted, And woman is her name."
The woinan she was taken
From under Adam's arm. So she must be protected
Frt"! injury and harm.
The \oman she was taken Fror 1 near to Adam's heart,
By which we are directed That they must never part.
Likewise that he should love her And treat her as a friend;
Prize notiiing else above her Till life shall have an end.
The woman was not taken From Adam's head, we see.
So she is not to rule him. The meaning seems to be.
— Anonymous.
A IVIathenriatical Puzzle.
Most people are fond of good puz- zles, and many are not entirely happy until they have solved them, but the man v. ho resolves not to go to bed un- til he has found a divisor watLout a remainder (other than 1 and itself) for 1,111,111,111,111,111.111 will be able to earn a good liA'ing afterward as a sleep- less wonder. For nobody in the world yet knows whether that nuiuber has a divisor or not.
Traveling Toothbrush Case. A traveling case for a toothbrush is •veithin the powers of unskilled fingers. In making this use a piece of rubber cloth two inches wide and more than double the brush length. Form it into a long, narrow bag to be slipped into a second bag fashioned from silk or ribbon. The mouth of the second or outer bag is llnished neatly, and there Is a drawstring of narrow cord.
THE OOLOGIST.
J7S
BARGAINS
IN
DATA
BLANKS
:i> iiirtini; our "Standard Cata- I.i^iii-" wo had a lot of Datas printed (■;i wliat would otherwise have been w.'sto pa; er and have decided to give oar iiatinns the benefit of our gain.
We can furnish five (5) styles and will sen;l prepaid, your choice, at 12c. per 100 of $1 per 1000. The small- est size 01- .\'o. 1, at 10c. per 100 or T."c I ei- 1000. Special rates, any sty!f. on C.OOO or 10,000 lots.
Send 1c. stamp for ."^heet of sample styles
Quctations Good for this lot and Un- til Present Stock is Exhausted Only
.■\ Ifiress as you prefer either
ERNEST H. SHORT, Rochester. N. Y. or FRANK H. LATIN, Albion. .\. V
Prices fcr Bf.ck Numbers )f the YOUNG OOLOJiST AND THE OOLOGIST will, during 1908, remain as below: .\ftoi' wliicli tlio prices of many num- bers will be udvaiioe'l and possibly not <il)t:i inable at any price. Should you iiesii'e back numbers to complete your file. NOAV is the time to purchase. You can nexer obtain them foi- less money and possil)l\- not at an>' pi-ice, as our siook ranges from only i to 25 copie.* of an issue.
Prices for 1907-08 Are as Follows: Complete tile, $12.00.
X<w. 1,1 1 18. 31, 34-3), 42, 53, 86, 89, 111. 130, 132 i:!7 139. 140. 1.^3. 158, are 50 cents each:
.\us. !». r,0-(i7. 7G, 77, 78. 79. 88, 90, 100 M;;, l:;s. MG. are 25 cents eacli.
Nos. n. 13. 14, 15, 16, 54, 55, 56. 75, ^7. 12.'',. 127, I2S, 129, 144. 149. are 15 '<Miis e.,ch.
Xos. i;i. 20. 22. 27, 28. 38, :!9, 40, 45, ■.o. 60. ni. 63, 6 1. 6.-,. 70. 74. SO, 93, 114, !!;.. 126. 133, ]:;.",. are 10 cer.ts each. 9^.'' 11 other nu iibers 5c. per copy. For $12 will send prepaid a copy of e\'ei-y issue ever published. Xo. 1 to 145. Thi.s offer includes your subscription through 1908.
.\ly jiriees for back numbers of the VOCNC OOLOGIST and OOLOd iST in volumes, are as follows:
\'ol. I, |S^.l-.T, Nos. 1 to 12 $ HO
\'ol. I!. is«r,. Nos. 13 to n 50
\'ol. III. I,SS6, Nos. 15 to 20 90
\'nl. r\'. ISS;. Xos. 21 to 25-26.. . l.OO
\'ol. V. 18SS, Nos. 27 to 38 1.50
Vol. VI. l<;so, Nos. 39 to 50 75
\'nl. VI 1, 18!)0. Nos. 51 to 62 75
Vol. VIM. 1S:1I. Nos. 63 to 7-1 . 7.->
Vol. IX. 1 802, Nos. 75 to S6 90
\'ol. X. 1893. Nos. 87 to 98 100
Vol. X:i, 189 I. Nos. 99 to 110.... 50
Vol. XII. ISO.". Nos. 11! to 122... 1 OO
Vol .Vjil. 1^116. Nos. 123 to 127 50
\'oi >;i\', 18<j7. Nos. 128 to i::n.... l.OO Vol. XV, 189S. Nos. 140 to IPt.... 60 \'ol. XVI, 189;). Nos. 150 to 161 7.",
Vol. XV'll, 1900. Nos. 162 to 171 .j(l.
Vol. XVm, 1901. Nos. 172 to 183 50
\'ol XIX, 1902, Xos. 184 to 195.. 50
Vo]. XX, 1903, .\os. 196 to 197 10
Vol. XXI. 190 1. Xo. 198 to 209 50
Vol. XXIT. 1905. Nos. 210 tf> '''^l 5n
Vol. XXriI. 1906. 222 to 2.33. r,^
Vol. XXIV. 1907.234. to 245. ...'.■.■. .W ^ . ^ .'.■.■ .' 50 For $5.25 I will Feud prepaid a copy of ev(.'ry issue published, Nos. 1 to 209, inclusive, except the twenty-nine, (29), 25c., 50c. and 75c. copies.
For $2 50 I will send prepaid ever.v copy published, Nos. 1 to 209, inclusive, except the sixty copies priced aboxe at 10c or over.
— i;oii.nI) volumes —
Clin lie fmni.shed, stronjily boiiml In ploth and hojirrts, as follow?: Vol. I and TI YOUNO OOI.OOIST Imiuid In
one voliinip !fl 00-
Vol. IX. The OOI.OIJIST for '92. L'i.S pag'e.« of valiialilo and iiistnictivp (ii-loKical and Ornitliologlcal matter witii m.in.v
full papp illnsf rations $l.nn
Or. if yoii older tlip two vohinips at one time. «p will send tlieni l).v rptnrn ni.iil for onlv fl.".'). Kvvry student of Oird.s, tlii-lr nisis anil' eet's, slionld liavp tlipsp two vohinics in llictr lltirary. The valiiablp Information 'hey conraln.. Is worth many timps the price. .iildress plainly.
ERNEST H. SHORT.
Managrer of Ooloe-ist,
CHILI, N. Y.
174
THE OOLOGIST.
FARM FOR WOMEN ONLY.
Fruits and Flowers to Be Grown Each Month by Electricity.
Long Island is to have an "Adamless Edeu." ]Mme. Uavidofc, a native of Russia, but now a resident of Ne\^ York city, is establishing an experi- mental farm at Bellecrest, near North- port, N. Y., which will be operated by women. Men will be barred from the greenhouses, where fruits and flowers are to be grown every month in the year by the aid of electricity. While similar experiments have been made by this and other governments, Mme. DavidofC believes her experiments will prove more successful than those car- ried on bj' the bureau of plant indus- try of the department of agriculture.
Mme. Davidoft is a writer for maga- zines. She says the experiments will be based on the theory that the growth of vegetable matter, which ceases at sundown, will continue through the night if proper artiticial light is sup- plied to stimulate the developing pow- ers of plants. Fruits and flowers that are grown near New York only in the spring and summer months, she be- lieves, can be cultivated during the ■entire year by supplying the necessary artificial heat through the electrical process that will be adopted.
"This is not intended as a money making enterprise," said Mme. David- off the other night. "While, of course, we expect the experiments to prove successful and the farm to be self sup- porting, yet my object is to make it a philanthropic enterprise with the view of helping members of my own sex as well as to prove the scientific value of the plan with which I have been ex- perimenting for several years. There is no connection between my venture iiud the utterances of Sir Oliver Lodge, the English savant, relative to the in- fluence of electricity on plant life. The two systems differ chiefly from the fact that all of my experiments are made under glass and under certain conditions a static machine is used in addition to dynamos."
Active_work on the farm at Belle- crest will begin, she says, within one month, upon the completion of the nec- essary buildings and the installation of the electrical apparatus.
CHURCH BUSINESS MANAGER.
Innovation to Be Tried by Methodists In Cleveland.
The Epv.orth Memorial Methodist church in Cleveland, O., has decided to try a new system of church manage- ment. A b'lsiness manager has been appointed, who will give his entire time and attention to the finances of the church. As executive secretary he will collect the benevolences, dues of members, sub.scriptions, etc., and pay all expenses. He will serve as seci'e- tary of the standing committees of the church and keep a record of their business for transmission to the offi- cial board. This, it is expected, will leave the pastor free to give attention to the larger plans of the work and to his pulpit and pastoral duties.
Epworth Memorial has the largest membership of all the Protestant churches in Cleveland. It has an ex- tensive charity work and handles over $35,000 in contribution;; every year. Dr. G. K. Morris, district superintend- ent, strongly commends the innova- tion. "To my mind." he says, "it is the ideal of church government. I ex- pect to see the plan adopted in many other cities "
Jerusalem Pudding.
Stir into one pint of heavy cream that has been whipped stiff a half package of gelatin which has been soaked for a half hour in one cup cold water, then dissolved over the kettle. Add one-half cup pulverized sugar, one-half cup boiled rice, one-quarter cup chopped figs, one teaspoonful va- nilla and preserved ginger and hickory or almond nut meats to taste. Mold and allow it to become perfectly chilled. Serve in high glasses with candied cocoanut balls and candied gin2,er. Sot the glasses on a plate with a d<illy betwesMi glass and plate.
THE OOLOGIST. 175
NEW POLICY
Svibscribers, Advertisers
N OTIC E
FIRST. In line with the decision recently published by the "Condor" and for the same reasons, i e. That the provision for scientific collecting under the Song Bird Law did not contemplate commercial collecting.
The Publisher and Manager of this paper, the "Oologist," hereby announce that, beginning November last, they will, hereafter decline all advertisements or sale notices offering to buy or sell, N. American bird skins or eggs for cash except skins of game birds and birds of prey.
SECOND. Hereafter the "Oologist" will be sent only to subscribers whose subscriptions are fully paid in advance.
All premium offers except as printed in this issue or hereafter are hereby withdrawn. A statement of account to date will soon be sent al! who are in arrears and those who have not settled in accordance with terms thereon by January i, 1908 will be dropped.
Canadian Subscribers Notice. Owing to the increased Canadian postage, combination and premium offers will not apply to Canada sub- scriptions unless accompanied by 12 cents per year extra.
F. H. LATTIN, E. H. SHORT.
Publisher. MaLnoLger.
176
THE OOLOGIST.
72nd Thousand ! 72nd ! BIRD GUIDE.
BY CHESTER A. REED, S. B.
Author of North American Birds Eggs, and with Frank M. Chapman of Color Key to North American Birds Editor of the American Bird Magazine.
This is a popular pocket guide and text book to ALL THE LAND BIRDS EAST OF THE ROCKIES, from the Parrots to the Bluebirds. It is prepared especially for
teachers and students, after years of study as to their needs. It has the following points of superiority over any other Bird Book:
COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS.— Every bird is shown in natural colors, including females and young when they differ.
SCOPE.— J ?nhe land birds east of the Rockies are included. It gives the range and habit of each bird, their songs as nearly as they can be written, and description of their ne>ts and eggs.
SMALL SIZE. — It can easily be carried in the pocket, measuring but 3x5 inches. 200 pages, bound in flexible sock cloth or leather. We have made the price of the book as low as possible considering the good workmanship and material that is used. It is so low that anyone can afford it, but no one can afford to be without it.
IT NAMES THE BIRDS FOR YOU
Bound in flexible sock cloth, postpaid
50 CENTS
Five cloth bound copies for $2.00 postpaid
Bound In flexible leather, 75cts. Five copies for $3.00 postpaid.
We want agents in every city, town and school. Good commissions. Send for prospectus of Bird Books and sample copy of the AMERICAN BIRD MAGAZINE.
CHAS. K. REED,
WORCESTER. MASS.
The Oologist.
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION DEVOTED TO
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXIDERMY.
WANTS, FOR SALES AND EXCHANGES.
Brief Special announcements "Wants," " ELxchanges," " For Sales," inserted in this de- partment for 25 cents pei 25 words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate of 1-2 cent for each additional word. No notice inserted for less than 25 cents. Terms, cash with order.
Strictly first-class specimens will be accepted in payment at 1-3 list rates.
Vol. XXV. No. 12.
ALBTON, N. Y., DEC, 1908.
Whole No. 257
Take Notice.
Examine the number following your name on tho wrapper of this month's •Oologist. It denotes when your sub- scription expired or will expire.
Remember we must be notified if you wish paper discontinued and all arrearage? must be paid. 257 vour subscription expires with this issue 269 •• •' " •• Dec, 1909
Intermediate numbers can easily be determined. If we have you credited wrong we wish to rectify.
Entered as second-class inatter De- cembed 21, 1903, at the post ofTice, at Albion. N. Y., under the Act of Con- gress? of March 3, 1S79.
FOR .SALl'..— My entire collection of anti(iue guns, swords and pistols. Many flint locks. Will send prints and descriptions to interested collectors of fire arms. J. JAY WISLKK. Columbia. Pa.
W.VNTFD.-Vol. 1 and 2 (complete) of the Condor, in good condition. Will pay good cash price <jr exchange fine sets for same. CLAKFXCK 11. LUTHFK, D. 1). S. Fayctte- ville. Ark.
TO F.XCIIANGE.-Bird skins, sets of eggs and wild cat skins for Ornithological magazines, bird skins. Ridgways Rirds of North and Middle America, first A vols. Brewster's P.irds of the Cape Region of Lower California, and others. Will also pur- chase the above. \.2.t. II. H. KIMBALL. 1527 .M. St.. Fresno. Cal
FOi; SALE OR KXClIAXriE.-Youman's "Class Book of Chemistry." Pleasonton's "Blue and Sunlights" Hawthorne's "Practices and Principles of .MediriMc." 2nd edition. Second liand copies. Also a few curios. N.2.t. KICHARl) F. MIM.KR. 207:5 East Tioga St.. Pbi ::delr)hia. Pa.
WAXTEl>.-.\t once, copies of Oologist Vol. -\'IV No. .1. .May l«)7: and .\'V1 No. !l, Sept. 1S99 one or more copies. Write stating condition. EKNEST 11. SHORT, .Manager Oologist. Box I7.'J. Rochester. N. V.
PUBLICATIONS: Several complete volumes of Auk, Oologist, Nidologist. Ameri- can Ornithology, Osprey and other publi- cations, also odd numbers. Lantern slides of birds. Correspondence wanted with those desiring to buy , sell or exchange publications and slides. B. S. BOWDISH. HI Broadway, New York City. N. Y.
I HAVE FOR EXCHANGE.-For species new to my collection. Choice sets of 327, 316, 353, 354, 354a, 358.1, 359.1, 362, 370a, 376, 3.S9, 421, 455, 744a, 763, etc. THOMAS II, JACKSON, 304 N. Franklin St.. West Chester, Pa.
WHO will furnish me with first class sets of 10, 28. 67, 113.1, 116, 124, 167, 196, 277, and a 352a, 372. 405. 455a. 453a, 463, 5 7, 566, 574a, 597a, 627a. 660, 662, 724, 758a, and a whole lot more, A. E. PRICE, Grant Park, 111. S. 2. t.
BOOKS.-Random Notes, 1,1 to4; II, 3, 4- 12: III. 4 to 6, 9 to 11: all inclusive. Oregon Naturalist, vol. I: Oologist, Utica and Rock- ville. vol?I: II, 1 to 3: V, 7 to 9; one or set; Separa eiK^ (in birds from Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. etc. Want to b 'y these and others. Send t^s'ices to W. C. BRAISLIN, 556 Wash- ington Ave, Brooklyn, N. Y.
FOR SALE OiiEXCHAN(iE FOR SETS.- Vols. 6. 7 and 8 CoiMi'i.KTR. Nos. 4, 5 and 6 of ^'ol. 5 Condor. Wanted Vol. 1, complete. PI. H. P.AILEY, 321-54 St., Newport News. Va.
W.WTEI). -Jacob's "Summer P.irds of GrcciuM 'ointv. Pa ."and Col ton's "/oology." KICHAIM) F. MILLER, 2073 East Tioga St., N. 2. t. Philadelphia, Pa.
W.\NTED.— Firss class skins of most of the game birds and birds of prey, also mam- mals in tiesb or skins. Can offer mounted deer beads and birds, skins. Natural History books and publications. (iEO. F. GFELF, Taxidermist. P.rockport, N. V.
M.ANY RARE SETS can now be secured in exchange for common species. I collect in large series and offer many "artics," etc. This is an unusual opiiortunity. Twenty- five years expci-ienc(!. Scud lists of iill your pci'sonally collected material. \\'ill pay cash for very tine sets. I). 2. t. J. W. PRES- TON, 1411 liilb .Vvc, Spokane, Wash
178
THE OOLOGIST.
WANTED.— A. 1. skins of foreign birds with full data, also eggs in sets. Cash or ex- change. HENRY K.COOLE. 136 Washington St., Chicago.
WANTED.— Fine condition se^s with data. 62. 131 with down, 161 with down 212, 255, 261. Liberal exchange in European, American. Indian and others. Eggs, skins, etc. CHAS, JE FEE KEYS, Tetbury, Glos. England. S.3.t.
WANTED.— (^ne to several fine sets of each of the following, viz. 7. 10, 54 series, 5X series, 59series, 61, 106, UOand down,20.s, 211, 81, 81, 228, fine dark set, 249, 261 series, 264, 273 series, 288. oil, 3S7, 83, 388, 364 series. 444, 452 series, 477. 334, 55>!, 601, 611, 619 series, 498 series, 667, 697, 704, 71S, 735, 755 756. Only extra fine sets wanted, preferably from the collector thereof. I offer 11 1-2, 211-1. 421-3 >m„47 1-3, 82 1-1, 108 1-1, 121 1-4 1-5. 194 1.4. 200 1-4, 204 1-1. 206 1-1, 212 1-7, 214 1-9, 226 2-4, 227 1-4, 230 1-3 2-4, 260 1-4, 269 2-4, 294 1-12, 325 1-2. 337b 1-2 1-3, 339a 1-3, 342 1-3, 347 1-4, ;347a 1-3, 348 1-3 1-4, 359 1-4, 367 1-3 1-4 Am., 432 n-2, 446 1-3, 476 1-6, 487 1-5 1-6, 593b 1-3, 657 1-4, 663 14, 722a 1-5, 764 1-5. Also want sets with Cowbirds. No postals. CHAS S. THOMPSON, Box 35, Glenwood Springs. Col(jrado.
TO ALL INTERESTED. REMEMBER.
I furnish collections covering one or several oranches of Natural History for study or museum purposes at Special reduced rates. Don't fail to write me. I will quote you on your line of wants or I will furnish a general assortment that will fit your purse and be sure to please.
ERNEST H. SHORT, Box 173 Rochester, N. Y.
FOR THE
We Build Them.
il
Tweity-five years' experience t;g,i^i^-»5i. ^ in the study of
f;?aicn^ . "' 'M these fine birds,
^ri?;. and success in
' ■• their colonization
I ;l has tang, t us the
Ml exact require-
ments of the House Martins, and enables us to construct ideal boxes for their use.
The JJarren Jacobs Bird Hoese Co.
WAYNESBURG, PA.
Illustrated Booklet 10c. stamps.
o.3t
EGGS AND SKINS.
Choice sets, European, Indian, Australian,, etc. Finest quality, lowest prices. Lists,. 2 cents. S. 6. t.
JEFFERY'S NATURALIST, Tetbury, Glos., England.
BOOKS FOR THE NATURALIST.
North American Land Birds, Baird, Brewer and Ridgway. New edition, 3 vols., pub. price, 110.00 My special price with Oologist, one year, both prepaid $8.50
Color Key to North American Birds, Chap- man. Pub. pricfe, $2.50, my special price with Oologist one year, both prepaid $2.60
North American Birds Eggs, Reed, pub. price, $2.50, special with Oologist one year, both prepaid. $2.60
Taxidermists Manual, Reed (ncM') prepaid $1.75, special with Oologist, one year, both prepaid $1.90
Guide to Wild Flowers, Reed, leather, 75c,' special with Oologist one year, both pre- paid $1.00
Birds of Maine, Knight (new) $3.50. Good for New England and Middle. States. Ontario and E. Canada. Special with Oologist one year, both prepaid $3.60
Familiar Fish. McCarthy, pub. price $1.50- special with Oologist one year, both pre- paid $1.70
Art of Taxidermy.Rowley, pub. price, $2.00, special with Oologist one year, both pre- paid $2.10
Handbook of Birds of E. North America' Chapman, $3.00, special with Oologist one year, both prepaid $3.16
Nests and Eggs of N. American Birds, Davie, last edition, $2.00, special with Oologist one year, both prepaid $2.10
Butterflies and Moths, Holland, two vols, in colors, pub. price, $7.00. special with Oologist one year, both prepaid $7.20
Trees and Their Leaves, Mathews (new) illus., pul). price $1.93. special with Oologist one year, both prepaid $2.11
The Mammals, Ingersoll, illus., pub. price, $2.20, special with Oologist one year, both prepaid $2.45
Reptiles. Ditmars, illus., pub. price $4.00 special with Oologist one year, both pre- paid $4.15
Shells, Rogers, illus., pub. price, $4.00, special with Oologist one year, both pre- paid .$4.15
"Penikese" Personal Memoirs of the Azassiz Natural History Camp. Paper, 25c., special with Oologist one year, both pre- paid 50c
Standard Catalogue of N. American Birds and Eggs. Lattin and Short, paper, 25c., special with the Oologist one year, both pre- paid 50c
Birds of W. New York, Short, 2d edition, paper, 25c., special with Oologist one year, both prepaid 50c
ERNEST H. SHORT
Box 1 7 3 Rochester, N. Y.
THE OOLOGIST. 179
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clature, but giving Ridgway's and Coues' numbera also. Printed on one side of page only leaving it in convenient form for making notes in or using for labelling purposes. Bound in light board covers. Neat in style. Handy in shape (just goes in- to full government envelope).
Compiled by Frank H. Lattin and Ernest H. Short, with the assistance of many prominent American Oolo- gists.
A Complete Up-to-date Check List of North American Birds, including Introduced Species, giving correct ex- change values on all species whose eggs are procurable at this time. Ar- ranged according to A. O. XJ. Nome- ' Postpaid 25c each. -Six for $1.25
Address ERNEST H. SHORT, Manager Oologist, Chili, N. Y.
Out May 1906
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The OoLOGiST,
Vol. XXV. No. 12, Albion, N. Y. December, 1908. Whole No. 257
THE OOLOGIST,
A Monthly Publication Devoted to
OOLOGY, ORNITHOLOGY AND TAXI- DERMY.
FSAlfK E. LATTIN, FubUshei,
ALBION, N. Y.
SaVEST H. SHORT. Editor and lUnagex.
Correspondence and items of interest to the student of Birds, their Nests and Eggs, solicited from all.
TERMS OP SUBSCRIPTION:
Single subscription 50c per annum
Sample copies 5c each
The aboTe rates include payment of postage.
Bach subscriber is given a card good for a Want, Exchange or For Sale Notice. (This card Is redeemable at any time within one year from date thereon.)
Subscriptions can begin with any number. Back numbers of the OOLOGIST can be fur- nished at reasonable rates. Send stamp for de- scriptions and prices.
Remember that the publisher must be noti- ■ed by letter when a subscriber wishes his pa- per stopped, and all arrearages must be paid.
ADVERTISING RATES:
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12 lines in every inch. Seven inches in a col- umn, and two columns to the page.
Nothing inserted for less than 25 cents. No "special rates," 5 cents per line is "net," "rock bottom," "inside," "spot cash" rate from which there Is no deviation and no commission to agents. If you wish to use 5 lines or less space It will cost you 25 cents; 100 lines, $5.00; 1000 lines, $50. "Trade" (other than cash) adver- tisements will be accepted by special arrange- nent only and at rates from double to five times cash rates. Due Bills and Cards payable in ad- vertlsinx will be honored only at tegular rates la force at the date of Issuance of said blU or card.
Remittances sbonld be made by Draft, Ex- press or PoBtoffice Money Order. Registered Letter or Postal Note. Unused U. S. Postage Stamps of any denomination will be accepted for sums nnder one dollar. Make Money Or- ders and Drafts payable and address all sub- scriptions and communications to
ERNEST H. SHORT, Editor and Manager, CblU, Monroe Co.. N. Y.
BETWEEN US.
With the New Year, the ownership and control of "THE OOLOGIST" passes absolutely to the undersigned. For the past three years it has been purely a "labor of love," and for part
of that time has been issued at a pos- itive financial loss.
During the past year it has been my intention to discontinue it with this issue.
My many other interests have often delayed its issue, sometimes simply because I could not devote enough at- tention to it to see that it was gotten out in its order after I had sent the copy to our printer; and again errors and oversights, aggravating to both contributors and advertisers, as well as the manager, crept in, usually at- tributable to my not being able to personally oversee the final make-up before going to press.
But on mentioning the probable fate of our little journal to several corre- spondents, I called forth a universal protest, and in some cases, the Oolo- gist's friends, old and new, refuse to consider such a fate as possible.
Again too, I am in receipt of much interesting material, original articles, photos, etc., that would seem to indi- cate more interest in its welfare than I anticipated.
Therefore, I have decided to place the Oologist in the hands of its friends for at least one year.
All the five, four and three-year spe- cial offer subscribers with few unim- portant exceptions, expire with this number.
No copies will be sent to anyone unless paid in advance. Recent pos- tal rulings make this necessary.
All subscriptions must be at 50c. per year in United States and 62c. in Canada and Europe.
I will still give the 25-word adv.
182
THE OOLOGISl
coupon with each year's subscription.
A few changes have been suggest- ed.
Manj- wish it mailed flat. If I get financial support sufficient to warrant this I will do so.
Some desire it to be issued as a new series, to begin all over at Vol. I., No. 1.
I hardly see how ths would add to its value.
Others ask for a complete index from Vol. I. to date. This would be too bulky to mail as one issue, and would entail considerable extra ex- pense.
How much demand is there for it?
In the immediate future, at least, I expect to he able to give the Oologist more of my personal attention.
I hope to present through its col- umns a new check list of N. Am. Birds, giving the changes and addi- tions since 1906; to use more of the excellent photos now in my hands for half-tone illustrations ,and also to be- gin at the beginning of the A. O. U. list with the Grebes, and devote about one page each month to the descrip- tion of one or more ibirds, showing habitat, nesting and eggs and index to contributions, treating of same, in back issues of the Oologist.
There are three back numbers that I experience great difficulty in getting enough for files wanted. I hope to be able to reprint these in the near fu- ture.
I have always tried to protect our readers from unscrupulous advertis- ers. I have a few cases under investi- gation now. It will not do to rush in- to print with matters of this kind, as there is often another side to such complaints.
In a few cases, where actual fraud seems proved, the aggrieved party has not consented to publication of the facts.
It is needless to state that unless we are assured that restitution has been made such persons, further ad- vertising will be declined.
If during the past year you have fail- ed to receive a copy or more due you, I will gladly supply you with a dupli- cate on demand.
Any one whose subscription expired during the past year, and who sends me $1.00 for two years in advance, can liave the intervening issues of 1908, from the last copy received up to De- cember, sent free by mentioning the fact when sending in subscription.
In closing I repeat that the "Oolo- gist's" future is entirely experimental, and its fate rests with you. I do not care for promises. I want cash sub- scriptions, fresh, breezy notes on up- to-date subjects, patronage for our ad- vertising columns.
If I get these the Oologist will be self-supporting, and I ask no more.
Hereafter all communications of any nature relating to the Oologist should be addressed to me at Box 173, Roch- ester, N. Y.
ERNEST H. SHORT.
0 ■
Petershurg, Va., Sept. 17, 1907. Editor Oologist.
Dear Sir:— On June 5, 1904, I found a nest of the Ruby-throated Humming- bird with a newly hatched bird in it. The nest was situated on a small limb of a cedar tree, about twenty feet up. Returning to the nest a few days later I secured the young bird, and as it was so young, I took the nest also. I kept it for about a week and a half, when it became strong enough to leave the nest, and as soon as it did so, I placed it ill a small cage. The bird became very tame in a short time and would come from the cage and sit upon my finger to drink the sweetened water with which I fed it, and would chirp very loudly when it was hungry. It
THE OOLOGIST.
183
soon proved to be a very fine male with an exquisite plumage. Several times during its captivity it escaped to the open air, but never went too far away for me to catch it and return it to the cage. As the bird grew larger (it now being two months old) I thought that some honey would be more suitable food for it, but I soon found to my disappointment that I had made a mistake, for it died after being fed only a few times on it.
I would like to know if any other subscriber has had an experience in raising hummingbirds, and how he suc- ceeded.
Yours truly, D. H. BURGESS,
Petersburg, Va.
The Henslow's Sparrow in Philadel- phia County, Penn.
There are no records of the Hens- low's Sparrow (Ammodronus hens- lowi) being seen or taken during re- cent years in Philadelphia county, Pa.
At least, I have heard tell of none, and offer the following two records as the only ones to my knowledge of the bird's occurrence in this small county.
On September 29, 190.3, one was ob- served near the Friends' Asylum, at FVankford, in a railorad cut, perched on a dead willow sapling branch, sev- eral feet up, not ten feet away from me, where it alighted, when frighten- ed from a small stream that flowed through the cut, where it had been drinking. It flew away into a near-by field, w'hen I apjiroached too near, as I did, to obtain a better view, and it was well seen and identified posi- tively.
The other bird was seen on April 20, 1906, at Holmesburg, in a grassy field, over a mile from the Delaware river, and on high ground. It was
flushed out of the grass by my Fox- terrier and alighted onto a ibare wild cherry branch, where it afforded a clear, unmolested view, with its rec- ognition marks plainly discernible in the clear light, and at the close prox- imity of about five feet. It remained perched 'barely half a minute, but I was so near that I could readily distinguish it and not mistake it for a Grasshopper or any other Sparrow, then flew into the bushes (a row of shrubs, etc., in a field), where it was impossible for my dog to flush it.
These two birds are the only ones I have positively identified as Ammo- dromus henslowi, for I have seen sev- eral other of the FringillidaB that looked like this species, but was al- ways unable to secure a good, clear view of them, as in these two cases, consequently they cannot be included on account of their doubtful authen- ticity.
On October 6, 190S, my brother, William Mc K. Miller, shot at Harrow- gate, Philadelphia county. Pa., with a sling shot, a Henslow's Sparrow (Am- modronus henslowi), thus establishing an authentic record of its occurrence in this small county. The bird was a male in fall plumage and its skin is now in my collection. On two other occasions I have seen and positively identified the Henslow's Bunting in this county, but the capture of a bird places beyond all possibility of a doubt the authenticity of its occur- rence.
RICHARD F MILLER, Frankford, Philadelphia, Pa.
A Raven's Nest in a Barn.
One nice sunny day in April, a friend and myself went on a collect- ing tri]), using a horse and buggy for convenience. We had not been gone over an hour before we came to a
184
1"KE OOLOGIST.
large oak tree, where a Pacific Horn- ed Owl had its nest, and my friend climbed the tree and found two large young owls.
Then we started on, and came to two large oak trees. A Western Red- tail flew off a nest and I went up to the nest, which was placed 80' feet up, and found two eggs, badly incu- bated.
Then we soon came to an old barn from which a Raven flew out, and I looked at the corner of the barn and saw a good looking nest. My friend went up to it and found five fresh eggs. I saw a Barn Owl come out of a box, and went to the box and found eight eggs, five fresh and three with incubation just started.
We then went over the hills to some large cliffs, and got a set of six Raven.
I also found a nest of Am. Raven in a barn with young. Is that not a queer place for Ravens to nest?
I also found a set of Desert Spar- row Hawks in a pigeon box, and a set of Eagle's eggs in an old hawk's nest.
I have been interested in Oology for several years and these are new records for me.
I have a set of 6 Ark. Kingbird, and took a set of 8 Calif. 'Shrike, but they were badly incubated.
Please let me know if this is a new place for ravens to nest, or is it com- mon?
FRED TRUE SD ALE,
Shandon, Calif.
The Am. Raven could hardly be call- ed a common breeding bird anywhere in the United States.
Their utilizing barns was undoubt- edly a matter of convenience, as with the Chimney Swift, Phoebe, and Cliff Swallow.— EDITOR.
Here and There.
On board S. S. Rappahannock, Liv- erpool, off the coast of Ireland, July 11, 190-6. I was awakened this morn- ing about three o'clock by the scream of a gull, and it was not long till I was on deck, eager for my first glimpse of land. To the northeast, like a cloud, was the coast of Ireland, dim in the morning twilight, but grow- ing larger and plainer as we drew nearer. As yet there were few gulls, but when within a mile of the shore — along which we coasted most of the day — they circled around the ship by the thousands, and hovered in count- less numbers over the rocks. It was a fine sight for the 'bird-man; and any- one else would find interest in the lit- tle white villages nestled away in the valleys; or in the grim castles and watch towers clinging to the rocks. The gulls were very bold and I suc- ceeded in "snapping" one, but the weather was too cloudy for good re- sults. The gulls almost entirely disap- pearded with the Irish coast, a few ducks being about all that was seen in passing Wales.
* * * * *
Thursday, Aug. 2. About 500' miles from land. About 10 a. m., Wilson's (or Stormy) Petrels made their ap- pearance by the dozens, fore and aft. Sailors call them "Mother Gary's chickens." They are graceful birds, long-winged and medium legs; they appear to stand on the water some- times and never fly high over it, gen- erally keeping to the lee side of the ship, though they seem to have no dif- ficulty in flying against the wind. Flight is quick and easy, usually soar- ing, with quick wing-beats of short du- ration every few seconds.
^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Are Phoebes common in other lo- calities? They have almost entire- ly disappeared here. A few years ago
THE OOLOGIST.
185
they were found to be breeding in al- most any out-house, and under bridges, but they disappeared with the Blue- birds. The Blue-birds cariie back, and are now as common as ever, but the Phoebes still remain away. It is a pity, too, they are such friendly birds; here, a forerunner of spring rather than the Blue-bird, which remains during the winter; and among the first of the smaller birds to breed. I have found them as early as March 7th. I found only one nest last year; this year none, and don't remember of hav- ing seen a single bird.
As to whether birds in general are growing scarcer is a hard question. It seems to me that there is little no- ticable change. Perhaps, though, the decrease of one species is more mark- ed than the increase of others. As I have said, the Phoebe has almost en- tirely disappeared, while the Wood Thrush is much more abundant than formerly; and may this tribe continue to increase, for the Mocking-bird in all his glory, cannot compare with the Wood Thrush in song. All the semi- domesticated birds, Chipping Sparrow, Cat-bird, Brown Thrasher, Humming- bird, etc., seem to be holding their own in spite of that "rat of the air," English Sparrow.
JACOB BOSTIAX, Statesville, N. C.
More Notes on the Swamp Sparrow.
In reply to Mr. Miller's article in the June Oologist, I desire to make the following statement.
First, I believe the Swamp Sparrow to be a more common resident in Virginia than in any other Atlantic state, for the reason that it is nearer the center of the breeding territory, and has a greater number of rivers and marshes than any eastern state.
As Mr. Miller seems to fear some- what that I have mistaken the Song Sparrow for the Swamp Sparrow, I can assure him that there is absolute- ly no doubt about the identity of this species, as nearly all the nests I have were taken from tall grasses, partly submerged by several inches of wa- ter; and none of them over ten feet from water; moreover, female birds were often flushed from nests, after- ward alighting on the ground in some nearby grass.
The nest of the Swamp Sparrow is generally composed of dead marsh grasses entirely, but at times it var- ies widely, using almost anything available, such as leaves, sticks, bits of paper and the down of cat-tails. On several occasions I have found nests lined carefully with fine grass and horse-hair. The depth and construc- tion of these nests vary immensely. Some are so loose and fragile as to nearly drop to pieces when removed from nesting site, while others are heavy and compactly built. The earl- iest date I record is a set of five eggs taken May 6, '06; while the latest set contained four eggs, taken July 12, '06.
Out of a series of nine sets in my collection, all collected from Chester- field county, in 1906, five sets contain four eggs, and four contain five. I believe in a large series sets of four and five would be equally common, al- though a collector recently stated that the only three sets he had ever found contained five eggs each. Sets of three are unrecorded in this locality.
Mr. Miller's wholesale robbery would be very slight compared to a heavy freshet washing down the river. In June and July, especially, the water often raises 8 or 10 feet in the James River after a heavy rain and often leaves the high grass flat on the marsh. Then what becomes of the
186
THE OOLOGIST.
nests? There are often several weeks of dry weather and just as the sea- son is in its height a heavy rain washes everything away and when the high grass is leveled out, empty nests can easily be found that were entirely •out of sight before.
I take the James River marshes as an example, as the Swamp Sparrow appears to be commoner, and a larger -colonizer here than any other marsh I have visited. Just after sunset a large number of these birds can be seen running along the ground, and making short flights among the cat- tails.
The marking of the eggs of this spe- cies vary to a great extent. They in no wise closely resemble the eggs of the Song Sparrow fonnd in this local- ity. Most of the latter are so covered, blurred and splotched with reddish- brown as to give them almost a choc- olate color, while the eggs the Swamp Sparrow are clearly and d istinctly marked on a pale hlue ground color, the markings never . covering more than one-third of the entire area, and often less, while I have one set of the Song Sparrow so obliterated with brown as to render the ground color almost invisible. The eggs of the Swamp Sparrow average a trifle lar- ger than the Song Sparrow and do not appear to have the glossy surface of the former. In conclusion I would say the sets of the Swamp Sparrow before me now in their original nests, make the finest showing in my collection of more than two hundred sets, and I be- lieve one particular set contains the most beautiful eggs I have.
THOS. SEMMES, JR.
Blue Rapids, Kas., Nov. 19, '08. Dear Mr. Short: —
May I comment, as briefly as possi- ble, on the "rounding-up" which Messrs. Rockwell and Warren have
given me in The Oologist for current September?
In the matter of the domestic hab- its of the Western Kingbird, their criticisms are well founded; and I take my medicine, therefore and there- for, with all alacrity. Yet the last word is not said;
That statements, as to outre or lit- tle-known nesting conditions are to be found, unverified, in Davie's Work on Oology proves nothing. My only con- fession, in this one matter is, that I did not notice, in Davie, the Shields citation as authority for statements as to the domestic nesting-habit of the Western Kingbird. Had I done so, the citation would have been made in my notes in "Nesting Ways;" and my strictures in the Oologist would never have heen written. The same excuse must maintain as regards the Life History citations for the Western Kingbird. With thousands of refer- ences to look up, in connection with my current work on the nesting hab- its of North American Birds, it may be considered fairly excusable that one should overlook important items with regard to species which he, him- self, has familiarly studied. My error lay in concluding that the habits of the Western Kingbird in Southern Minnesota, (where it has hut recently found a wing-hold), were uniform with those which maintain in regions of settled habitance. This is an error for which one really onght to be ashamed.
In the matter of the Western King- bird-Say Phoebe ledge-nesting con- troversy, I am intimately familiar with both birds in question, in their breed- ing haunts. Yet I would not presume to pronounce on the identity of a sup- positious specimen of either, at some little distance, on the wing: (unless the bird's note were heard). More- over, were I to see, at some distance,
THE OOLOQIST.
187
without hearing the bird's call, a nest on a ledge having a bird possibly of either of the above species near by, only the most intimate verification would induce me to pronounce as to the identity in question. Anj' careful observer would bear me out in tak- ing this position. Contemporary rec- ords are so full of snap-shot identifica- tions and second-hand identifications that one is entirely justified in re- quiring ample verification in any case of doubt. One can well afford to be captious in the quest of truth, that he ■should occasionally err, through over- sight, may be forgiven.
This question is of so burning an importance that I venture to cumber the pages of the Oologist with this ex- planation. I could tell your readers of items appearing in Condor, Bird- Lore and The Auk which, on the face of them, will not stand for critical scrutiny. The same is true of pub- lished records in both Davie and in the later work covering the same field. One can find errors, more or less grave, in almost every other page of these two books. To call atten- tion to these, to run the risk of being considered naggy and over-critical in the incessant demands one must make for verification is deliberately worth the while; if only it lead even a few of our younger bird students to a habit- ual exactness and ci-iticalness of spir- it, with regard to their own investi- gations. If, as I know to be true, there are a few men of national repute, as bird students, who cannot verify a few of their own past pub- lished records, it well becomes the smaller fry among us, (including the writer hereof), to be humble to a de- gree.
My own estimate of Messrs. Rock- well and Warren needs no other com- ment than this: Every germaine note, published by either, has been incorpo-
rated, long since, in the manuscript of "Nesting Ways." Mr. Rockwell's val- uable article on the Western and Cas- sin Kingbirds had been cited, given full personal credit, some time before the September Oologist reached me. I here tender to both the gentlemen in question sincere thanks for the addi- tions to our knowledge which are made in the Rockwell-Warren article which has called forth the present re- joinder. Neither of these observers need fear any outbreak of what Browning so aptly called "goose-criti- cism," if only they will take the pains, hereafter, to assure readers of their articles of something more fully en- titled to ones respect than mere bird- in-the-bush indentification.
P. B. PEABODY.
The House Sparrows as Flycatchers.
Has this plebian of the city streets aspired to act the role of the aristo- cratic Flycatcher? Such seems to be the fact, for at times, certain of these individuals can be seen to rise from the chimneys and telegraph poles, hover in the air over some in- sect, and return to the vantage point in the precise manner of the Kingbird or Pewee, when in search of meals.
If, in conjunction with their servi- ces as street scavengers, these obnox- ious pests would undertake the duties of followers of aerial prey, although it is doubtful if the house-fly has any aerial aspirations, they would do much to ameliorate the conditions caused by their extreme aggressive- ness.
I was witness of a case where two of these tatter-de-malions attempted to capture a June-bug much too large for their efforts. I was apprised of the disturbance ^by the fall of the in- sect near where I was standing, fol- lowed by the two birds. The defensive
188
THE OOLOGIST.
armor of the insect seemed to to be impervious to the attacks of the birds, but the arrival of more sparrows fin- ished the career of the helpess in- sect.
This is the first case coming under my observation in which sparrows were so pugnacious as to attack an insect as large as the June-tbug, al- though I have often observed them attack house-flies upon the wing. FRED T. THORPE,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Raine's Camp, near Lethbridge, Alberta, N. W. C, May 24. Dear Mr. Short: —
My son and I came up here on a collecting trip, and the hest thing we have run across so far is a colony of Richardson's Merlins, nesting in a wood of poplars down on the flats of the Belly River. There appears to be about 20' pairs nesting here. We have found some nesting in old Magpies' inests, others nest in cavities of tree trunks where old branches have brok- en off, while a few nest in holes in trees like the American Sparrow Hawk. The female sits very close, in some cases allowing me to climb half way up the tree before she leaves her nest. Then she flies out of the nest with a scream and the male bird then appears on the scene, also screaming. The birds are so bold that they are easily shot. The eggs are very beau- tiful and rich in color and are of the same character as eggs of the Euro- pean Merlin, but average somewhat larger in size. As you are aware, very few sets of this rare little Falcon have been taken by Oologists, and none have been taken outside of Alberta. This region seems to suit his habits, and- the reason this bird hreeds in col- onies is because trees do not grow on the prairie; the only place trees are found is in the sheltered river bot-
toms. Therefore the birds for miles around have to resort to the river hot- toms and the old Magpie nests which, abound here seem to offer them suit- able nesting sites. This is the reason so many pairs are found nesting so close together.
From here we go to Northern Al- berta to the breeding haunts of the Lesser Yellow-legs and Solitary Sand- piper, and after that we intend to pro- ceed to Banff in the Rockies to col- lect eggs of birds that nest in the mountains, and expect to be back in Toronto about July 1st, when I will write you a short account of our west- ern trip.
Yours truly, W. RAINE.
GAL ONE — Oologist
Late Nesting of Song Sparrow.
On Sept. 3, 190S, I found here a Song Sparrow's nest containing one young bird. On Sept. 12th, it was found dead in the nest. Later on Sept. 26th, I found in Sharon a deserted nest of this species, containing 1 egg, which blew as easy as a fresh one, and whose contents seemed quite fresh. This egg, it would seem, must have been laid this month, as its contents were not in the least rotten.
SIDNEY F. BLAKE, Stoughton, Mass.
THFl OOLOGIST.
189
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THE OOLOGIST.
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THE OOLOGIST. 191
NEW POLICY
Svibscribers, Advertisers
NOTICE
DECEMBER I, I908.
FIRST. In line with the decision recently published by the "Condor" and for the same reasons, i e. That the provision for scientific collecting under the Song Bird Law did not contemplate commercial collecting.
The Publisher and Manager of this paper, the "Oologist," hereby announces that, beginning November last, he will hereafter, decline all advertisements or sale notices offering to buy or sell, N. American bird skins or eggs for cash except skins of game birds and birds of prey.
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192
THE OOLOGIST.
72nd Thousand ! 72nd ! BIRD GUIDE.
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