FOR THE PEOPLE FOK EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY |A.l.ltll.| THE OOLOGIST FOR THE STUDENT OF BIRDS THEIR NESTS AND EGGS VOLUME XXXIll ALBION, N. Y. and LACON, ILL R. MAGOON BARNES, Publisher 1916 «&- "I ^OftO'^vj^'VU^X^ INDEX TO VOLUME XXXIII CONTRIBUTORS. Abbott, Gerald Alan 183, Baer, Alvin Bailey, H. H Barnes, R. M 1 8, 15, 24, 32, 34, 36, 62, 63, 64, 97, 99, 100, 101, 103, 104, 113, 114, 122, 144, 146, 167, 200, 202, 203, Baynard, Oscar E...17, 18, 19, Benjamin, W. H 176, Blincoe, Ben J 173, Bowles, J. H 33, 61, 151, Bryant, Wm. CuUen Brown, Cecil Burleigh, Thos. D Burnham, Stewart 97, 98, Burtch, Verdi 55, Campbell, I. D 164, Carryl, F. M Carter, .James B 51, 102, Cookman, Alfred Danforth, Stuart T De Groot, Dudley 90, Dickey, S. S 64, 65, 67, 68, 75, 77, 133, 155, Donahue, Ralph 96, Eastman, Lieut. Francis B. . . Edwards, H. A Ellis, J. B Fitzpatrick, Leverette... 74, 189, Flint, H. W 91, 92, 209, Flower, Frank R Giles, Roscoe 1 29, 110, 111, 118, 119, 132, 134, 140, Goelitz, Walter A.. 104, 146, 147, Green, Horace H Green, Horace 0...112, 113, 131, Graiiam, R 13, 31, 33, 34, 42, 76, 81, 137, 139, 170, 187, 185 88 12 31 83 112 191 210 23, 27 177 207 152 127 13 138 99 56 16; 12. 19( 122 177 91 73 160 178 124 125 50 24 207 210 210 112 141 153 57 132 181 41 171, 188 Guy, Edwin 163 Hanaford, A. W 173, 174, 176 Harrington, P 24, 141 Hoffman, Hilton J 78, 142, 178 Howes, Paul G 42, 43, 128, 129 Hess, Isaac E 175 Jackson, Ralph W 88, 90 Jackson, Thomas... 28, 32, 134, 138 150, 154 Kenworthy, E. M 72, 203, 204 Kohler, Louis S 70, 104, 106, 110 119, 120, 121, 137, 147, 149, 163 Love, Guy 12 Maxon, First. Sargt. G. E 172, 173 178, 205, 206 McConnell, Thos. L 114 McGrew, Albert D 72, 192, 193 194, 195, 196, 197 McLeod, J. R 171 McLendon, Chas. R 31 McMullen, Turner E 100, 101 Mercer, Miller T 79 Meyers, Harold 209 Miller, Richard 181, 183 Miller, Lyle D 185 Mills, Dr. R. H 25 Moffat, Earl E 13, 135, 136, 147 149, 153, 159 Moore, Chas. F 174, 175 Nicolls, Oliver C 128, 151 Osterhout, Geo. E 92, 93, 161 Peck, Geo. D 122 Perry, T. D 179, 182, 184, 186 Peyton, Sidney B 96, 97 Pope, E. F 159 Preston, J. W 11 Purdy, James B 8 Kcinecke, Ottomar 13, 104, 105 126, 127, 149 Reinecke, Edward 70 Sanford, Colin Campbell 26 Sharpies, R. P 207, 208. 209 Shepardson, D. I... 54, 93, 94, 95 96, 116, 117, 161, 162, 163 Simmons, Finlay 49 IV THE OOLOGIST Stone, C. F Stierle, J. F 59, 109, Stoner, Emerson A Strode, Dr. W. S...106, 107, 108, Shufeldt, R. W..84, 85, 86, 88, 145, 168, 169, 170, Strong, W. A.. 60, 113, 114, 116, 135, 139, 140, Sutton, Geo. M 60, Tarrington, Paul Treganza, A. O 44, 45, 47, Tufts, R. W 196, 198, 199, Tufts, Evelyn Smith Ulbert, Emil U. S. Biological Dept Van Kammen, I. J 156, 157, 171, Vos Burgh, Geo. W. H.. . 11, 26, 53, 92, 118, 119, 122, Vandercook, O. B 42, Walker, Alex Wharram, S. V 30, Willard, F. C 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, Williams, R. H Wilson, Ralph R... 30, 31, 42, 81, 82, 106, 107, ILLUSTRATIONS. Adult Birds. Hawk, Broad-winged Red-tailed Owl, Great Horned Pigeon, Passenger Woodpecker — Northern Pileated Young Birds. Eagles, Golden Gull, Herring Owl, Great Horned. 143, 148, 150, Woodpecker, Red-headed Eggs and Nest of Birds. Blackbird, Red-winged Eagle, Bald.... 17, 19, 21, 23, Golden 7, Gnatcatcher, Black-tailed .... Gull, Herring Guira Junco, Shufeldt's Merganser, Red-breasted 193, Plover Rail, Wagner's Clapper Shore birds Warbler, Mourning Willett Woodpecker — Northern Pileated 67. Miscellaneous Bohemian, mounted and pho- tographed 74 115 58 110 89 175 134 190 100 64 49 200 171 93 76 158 172 32 190 44 177 181 5 53 83 80 129 115 142 155 126 65 10 197 154 138 182 126 9 168 196 87 171 194 179 186 102 105 184 69 59 Cliff and Golden Eagle's nest. 5 Cotton artificial egg nest 41 Cut showing collection box. . 45 Drawer of eggs showing ar- rangement 49 Eggs of birds and reptiles. . . 89 False nest of Northern Pileated Woodpecker 73 Nesting cliff showing steep cliff, etc 4 Nesting site of Golden Eagle. 2 Shore bird skins 57 Tray arrangement of collec- tion of nest and eggs 55 Type collection of birds' eggs arranged in trays 43 White Oak snag near Waynes- burg, Pa., showing excava- tion of Pileated Wood- pecker 73, 75, 160 Well marked sets of birds of prey 51 Portraits. Oscar E. Baynard in Bald Eagle's nest in Florida.... 25 Dr. W. F. Blackmon, Presi- dent Florida Audubon So- ciety, with young Bald Eagles in his hands 27 Lieut. Francis B. Eastman, U. S. A., Forth Sam Hous- ton, San Antonio, Tex 126 INDEX— BIRDS. Ahinga 125 Auk, Great 158 Bittern 209 American 209 Least 82, 125 Bob-o-link 34, 79, 82, 141 Bob-white 114, 175 Blackbird, Brewer's 177 Red- winged 74, 82, 98, 125 134, 147, 175, 17: Bluebird 24, 79, 81,141, 17i 175, 182, 122 Western 122 Bunting, Indigo 88, 203 Painted 76. 79, 82, 203 Buzzard, Turkey 207, 208 Cardinal 72, 79, 81, 88 124, 171, 175, 181, 203 Texas 206 Catbird 72, 79, 98,175. 203 Chat, Yellow-breasted. . .106, 107, 153 iv^, 201 Chaparral 31 Chickadee .... 72, 110, 117, 164. 171 ISO Black-capped 74 Carolina 137, 175, 203 THE OOLOGIST Vs Oregon 122 Mexican 76 Chuck Will's Widow 173, 203 Coot 124, 125, 181, 183 American 137 Condor 159 California 161 Cowbird 81, 84, 107, 137 146, 147, 194, 203, 205 Crane 167 Sandhill 137 Creeper, Brown 164' Crow 74, 81, 119, 172, 173 203 181 American 141, 164, 17l! 175 Cuckoo 84, 125, 203 Yellow-billed 72, 108, 165, 175 Curlew 167 Eskimo 112, 122 Dickcissel 73, 82, 203 Dove, Mourning 72, 81, 82, 124 141, 163, 175, 181, 203 Ground 79, 181 Inca 206, 207 Duck 64, 152 Black 194 Mallard 110,177,181, 194 Ruddy 125 Wood 33, 78, 151, 167 Eagle 1, 112, 151, 158 161, 205 Golden 2, 3, 4. 5, 7 9, 10 Bald 8, 11, 17, 18, 19 21, 23, 25, 27, 31, 133 156, 157, 181 Egret, Snowy 181 Emu 86 Falcon 161 Finch. Purple 164,209, 210 Rosy 157 Flicker 64, 79, 141, 164, 203 Hybrid 161 Northern 190 Northwestern . 122 Red-shafted 90, 91, 161 Southern 181 Flycatcher, Adler 99 Crested 203, 209 Great Crested 72 Green Crested 203 Mexican Crested 125 Scissor-tailed 33, 82, 124, 137 153. 194, 203 Vermillion 205 Gallinule. Purple 185 Geese, Snow 116 Goldfinch 64. 137. 141. 164 171, 203 Goshawk 30 American 122 Gnatcatcher Blue-gray 72, 100, 169, Grackle Boat-tailed Great-tailed Bronzed 72, 82, Purple , Grosbeak, Cardinal Blue Pine Grebe, Pied-billed 125, Grouse, Oregon Ruffed Ruffed 29, 114, 152, 175, 108, 137, 141, 171, Sooty Guira Gull, Black-backed Great.... Bonaparte Franklin Herring 118, 137, 192, Mackerel Ring-billed Hawk 31, 81, 112, Broad-winged 29, 30, Cooper's 22, 26, 129, 144, Duck Ferrgu, Rough-leg Krider's 31, Marsh 26, 30, Northern Pigeon Red-shouldered 22, 79, 80, 101, 203, 137, Red-tailed 6, 11, 30, 101, 142. 203, Sharp-shinned 22, Sparrow 26, 30, 175, Swainson's Texas Night 124, 137, 175, Hen. Blue Heron. Black-Crowned Night. Great Blue. .104. 141. 175. Green 26. 125, Louisiana Yellow Crowned Night.... Hummingbird 88, 93 .^lien's Anna Broad-tailed , Black-chinned 82, Calliope Costa's 141. 196, 116, 173, 115, 29, 163, . 30 81, 97, 163. 29, 163, 22, 144, 29, 72, 79, 181, 12, 141. 205. 125. 181. 137. 161, . 89 89. 89, 89, 177 153 208 171 79 125 141 209 124 203 110 175 152 164 177 152 87 70 181 181 171 197 110 181 144 205 203 30 203 178 32 82 98 185 146 30 30 181 28 146 30 164 163 203 142 172 206 30 26 137 203 203 181 203 170 95 94 89 93 95 94 VI THE OOLOGIST Ruby-throated 89, Rufous Jaeger, Long-tailed Jay, Blue 79, 114, 141, 171, 175, Steller's Florida Junco Pink-sided Montana Slate-colored 72, 74, 171, Shufeldt's 92, White-winged Killdeer 79, 81, 85, 171, Kingbird 92, 98, 122, Kinglet, Golden Crowned.... Western Golden-crowned. . . Ruby Crowned Kingfisher 79, 84, 163, Belted 141, Kite, Mississippi Lark Horned Prairie Horned... 74, 141, Meadow 79, 81, 82, 122, 136, 141, 164, Longspur, Lapland Martin Purple 141, Merganser, American Red-breasted Mockingbird 72, 79, 124, 175, Nut-hatch, Brown-headed Red-breasted 140, White bellied White breasted 164, Osprey American 13, 30, Oriole, Orchard 72, Hooded Ouzel, Water Ovenbird 104, Owl 112, 144, 145, 146, Barred 44, 81, 86, 137, 144, 146, Barn 33, 100, 139, California Screech Dusky Horned Great Horned 24, 32, 143, 144, 203, 150, 152, Screech 32, 81, 100, 139, 146, 170, 203, Snowy Texas Barred Paroquet, Caroline 93, 141 94 . 83, 201 53, 164 181, 203 152 79 . 14, 92 . 92, 93 93 93, 141 , 175, 177 169, 170 92 125, 141 181, 203 141, 203 ,110, 164 171 122 122 171. 176 175, 181 203 74 . 74. 164 171, 203 103. 104 , 171, 203 181, 210 74 84 175. 203 ,171, 195 ,193, 194 81, 82 181. 203 ,170, 171 171, 203 ,140, 171 171, 175 181 79. 139 82, 203 205 161 106, 205 147, 205 100, 104 147, 149 176, 203 90, 92 152 . 70, 104 146, 148 154, 155 104, 137 171, 175 122 100 159 Partridge, Sealed 205 Petrel 171 Leach's Ill, 172 Socorro 121, 122 Pewee, Wood 141, 175, 203 Pheasant 29, 74 Phoebe • 34, 79, 81, 131 141, 181, 203 Pigeon 125 Band-tailed 6, 167 Passenger 112, 122, 126 129, 159, 181 Sea Ill Plover, Golden 85 Mountain 85 Semipalmated 181 Snowy 85 Upland 167 Wilson's 85, 79 Puffin Ill Quail 31, 91, 139, 140 Quillemot, Black Ill Rail, Carolina 209 King 149, 151 Sora 209 Virginia 209 Wayne's Clapper 186 Raven, Northern. . .196, 198, 199, 200 White-necked 172, 173, 205 Redpolls 149 Roadrunner 15, 31, 82, 124 137, 153, 205 Robin 79,101,131, 132 141, 171, 181, 189 American 203 Western 122 Redstart 106, 110 American 203 Sandpiper, Least 194 Bartramian 203 Solitary 108 Spotted 134,137,141, 175 181, 194 Shrike 141, 205 Loggerheaded 79, 181 Northern 164 Shearwater 171, 172 Snipe, Wilson's 137, 152, 209 Sapsucker, Red-breasted 122 Yellow-bellied 164, 190 Siskin, Pine 164 Snowfiake 24, 109, 164, 171 Skua 13 Sparrow 74, 124, 147 Black-throated 124 Bachman's 181 Cassin's 82 Dusky Seaside 181 English 134, 175, 203 Field 34, 203 Chipping 141, 175 THE OOLOGIST vii Fox ■ 164 Lark 81, 82, 203 Pine Woods 79 Grasshopper 73, 82, 88 90, 203 Rusty Song 122 Shumegan Fox 157 Song 72, 96, 134, 141 157, 171, 194 Swamp 185, 209 Tree 74, 164, 171 White-throated 164 White-headed English 113 Swallow, Chimney 135,136, 141 Barn 122, 124, 203 Bank 141 Cliff 114, 139 Tree 79, 108, 114, 124 141, 209 Swift, Vaux 162 Chimney 203 White-throated 161, 162 Starling 164 Tanager, Scarlet 141 Summer 203 Tern 132, 134 Artie 110, 111, 132 Black 135, 141, 181, 183 Caspian 141 Common .... 24, 110, 132, 141, 194 Thrasher, Brown 72, 175, 203 Curved Billed 205 Thrush 78 Hermit 171 Water 209 Wood 175, 203 Varied 122 Tit, Bush, California Bush Coast 116, 117 Titmouse, Tufted 81, 82, 137 164, 203 Teal, Blue-winged 176, 177 Green-winged 137,176, 177 181, 183 Towhee 79, 81, 141 Oregon 122 Red-eyed 117 Toucan 129 Veery 141 Verdin 124 Vireo, Bell's 72, 82, 203 Cassin's 168, 169, 170 Red-eyed 203 White-eyed 72, 81, 141, 203 Vulture 174, 187, 188 Barred 81 Black 153, 175, 178, 181 Turkey 24, 29, 74 79, 81. 137, 153, 159 170, 203, 175, 178, 181 Warbler 55 Black and White 106, 107, Black-throated Blue-winged Cerulean 104, Chestnut-sided 91, 106, Golden Swamp Green Hooded Kentucky Magnolia Mourning 104, 105, Myrtle 107, 141, Nashville Parula Prothonotary Yellow Swainson's Waxwing Bohemian Cedar 164, Widgeon, European 12, Willet 167, Woodcock 167, Whip-poor-will 29, 91, 141, 175, Woodpecker 14, Downy 92, 137, 141, 170, 175, Golden-fronted Hairy 29, 72, 171, 190, Northern Downy Northern Pileated 64, 65, 69, Red-bellied 79, 137, 181, Red-headed 72, 138, 141, 175, 178, 190, Wren, Cactus 124, Carolina 137, Canyon Bewick's Florida Golden House Long-billed Western Winter Winter 114, Vellow-legs 125, Greater Yellow-throat Florida Maryland 106, 107, Miscellaneous. Alligator Bats Beetles 120, Butterflies Cats 83, 145. Crocodiles Deer ,,......, 141 106 106 203 107 100 106 104 203 107 209 181 177 203 203 141 203 141 59 171 137 184 181 172 203 84 164 203 125 146 203 190 67 71 203 164 20 204 203 161 203 79 151 175 88 122 164 177 137 209 181 203 86 145 121 13 146 89 129 VIII THE OOLOGIST Faun Poxes Frogs Fish Gophers Grasshopper 145, Jack Rabbit Lizzards 84, 86, Mice 144, Mink Monkey Moles 8 Rabbit 145 157 Rats 144, 145, 146 Jgg Squirrel, Red 29 X45 Gray 125 178 Ground 144, 146 6 Spiders 120, 121 89 Snakes 84, 89, 108 145 Toads 129 110 Turtles 84, 86 129 Wasps 129 144 Wolf 8 The Qologist. Vol. XXXIII. No. 1. Albion, N. Y. Jan. 15, 1916. Whole No. 342 Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N. Y., and Lacon, III. '-\) G'- THE EAGLE'S FLIGHT. A grand, beautiful, wondrous sight, Wide sweeping circles of the Eagle's flight ; Strong, confident and boundless of sight King of the Air, by right and by might. Wider and wider, swing thee thy way, When and where. Oh, none can thee gainsay; On pinions sought in the Indian's day. To feather an arrow, to kill and to slay,. With speed of the wind, sail through the sky Cleaving the air with thy scream and thy cry; Meeting the sun, an eye for an eye A warrior bold, not afraid to die. With spiral windings through a rift in the cloud Now gowned in pure ether, floating silent and proud; Guardian thy erie, while young cry aloud; A knight and a soldier whom law hath not cowed. R. M. B. THE OOLOGIST General View and Nesting Site of Golden Eagles, showing white- washed rock. Photo taken at a distance of one-half mile, By F. 0. Willard THE OOLOGIST THE GOLDEN EAGLE IN COCHISE COUNTY, ARIZONA. by F. C. Willard, Tombstone, Ariz. , For some years after taking up my residence in Arizona I made an un- successful series of efforts to locate nests of the Golden Eagle (aguila chrysaetos). Previous to the year 1910, I had located but two. One was a deserted nest in Ramsay canon of the Huachuca Mountains, and the other was on an inaccessible cliff in Carr canon of the same mountains. In March, 1910, I was first success- ful in locating an occupied nest and on the 6th of that month secured my first set of eggs, two in number. This nest was in a niche in an overhang- ing cliff in the Dragoon mountains and was an immense affair, six feet one way by eight the other. Dried 'cactus' leaves comprised most of it but there were some sticks in the base, the most of these were well rotted showing that the nest must have been a very old one. The eggs were sparingly spotted and unusually large. The bird sat very close and would not flush until almost hit with a rock. As I was working alone the overhang of the rocks made securing the eggs a matter of some difficulty. The cliff was about 200 feet high and the nest was 75 ft. down from the top. I studied this nest for some time from an opposite cliff trying to be sure that there was a bird on it. The dark blotch in the midst of the sticks might be a shadow or a log for all I could tell even with the aid of a pair of binoculars. As I gazed thru the the glasses steadily, trying to make out the form of a bird, I noticed the head begin to turn very, very slowly toward me until the bill pointed straight in my direction. After look- ing at me for a minute or two the head was turned back into its original position parallel with the face of the cliff. I was the happy collector then and made short work of getting around the head of the canon and above the nest and then secured the eggs as above related. March 26th of the same year I se- cured another set close to the city of Tombstone. The nest was on a ridic- ulously low cliff and only 15 ft. down from the top. The eggs were easily secured. On account of the narrow- ness of the ledge the nest was small. Most of the sticks seemed to have fallen to the ground at the base of the cliff 35 ft. below. The eggs were fresh. The bird left the nest as soon as I appeared at the top of the cliff and returned but once during the time spent in trying to take some pictures and in taking the eggs. The successes of this season seemed to break the ice and I have taken one or two sets each year since then. I had supposed that the eagle was a rare bird in this section as I seldom sav,^ one but I have now located eight pairs within a radius of twenty miles from Tombstone. They seem to pre- fer rather barren mountains and nest on cliffs near the extreme top of the ridges. These cliffs are rarely over 150 ft. high but face very steep talus slopes which try wind and muscle greatly in making the ascent. At nearly every nest there is one special rock that is used as a perch and its white-washed side can be seen for miles. One such rock in the Dra- goons is visible from my window without the aid of a glass tho its airline distance is over ten miles. As previously remarked, the eagle, when flushed, flies straight away and rarely returns while the collector is around. I have never had an old eagle make any threatening move to- ward me even when the nest con- tained small young. On one occasion I was interested in THE OOLOGIST J ^^^B^^^^^ .1 ^ ^ IfH^^^^H I wt. 1 ^\: :: ; ~i^ <^ <^ : '-^""^ I •i wflBB^H H """iiiifiiMiiMriiHr""' * 1^ 1 wHHBKj?? jf T Typical Nesting cliff showing steep talus slope at its foot, and nest of Golden Eagle almost in exact center of the picture , —Photo by F. C. Wiliard THE OOLOGIST View of Cliff and Golden Eagle's Nest found March 6, 1910 —Photo by F. C. Willard 6 THE OOLOGIST watching one collecting sticks for its nest. It would alight in the top of a half dead juniper tree, walk clum- sily out on a dead branch and break off a stick with its beak. It carried this stick in its beak as far as I could see it, passing close by me en- route to its nest. I watched it make several trips, using a powerful glass to assure myself that it really carried the sticks in its beak and not in its talons. A short time there after I watched another eagle carrying dried "nigger-head" leaves in its talons. It was using them as lining. The rag- ged bunch of leaves hung down prom- inently and an occasional piece drop- ped off as the bird sailed toward its nest. Each pair has two or more sites for a nest which are usually quite close together tho sometimes a mile or more apart. One of these sites is the favorite and is used year after year unless they are disturbed. Then it is deserted for a year or two and one of the other sites is used. One pair I know has five old nests scat- tered along a single cliff within a dis- tance of half a mile. Sometimes the birds seem undecided which sites to use and fix up two of them at the same time. A few sticks are added and the lining renewed each year that the nest is used. The weak voice of the Golden Eagle is a disappointment to one who ex- pects to hear an eagle "scream." A Redtail Hawk does a much better screaming act. The only time that an eagle's note seems really fitting is when they are at play, gamboling in the air. I watched an immense big one doing some aeronautic stunts over the summit of the Huachuca moun- tains. Soaring to a height of some thousand feet, it closed its wings and dropped like a black bomb, head first, straight ^own, Withiu a short dis- tance from the tree tops it half open- ed its wings and, turning a sharp curve upward, shot straight up as far as its momentum would carry it. It then turned a back sumersault, caught itself with extended wings and soared away aloft to repeat the performance time after time. During all the time it was at play it gave frequent utter- ance to its call, the rather don't care tone fitting admirably with its antics. Fast as the Bandtailed Pigeon (col- umba fasciata) is, I have seen it fly- ing its fastest to get away from a pursuing eagle. While seated near the summit of the Huachucas watch- ing some warblers, a sudden rush and roar of wings startled me and close by, on a level with my eye shot a bandtailed pigeon. Its short, quick wing beats fairly made it sizzle as it dodged along close to the ground, under and among the towering pines. Almost within reach, followed a huge eagle, its motionless wings almost closed. In spite of its great size it fol- lowed accurately the track of the flee- ing pigeon, its swiftly moving bulk as it rocked from side to side, making a roar like an express train. I am hap- py to say that a few seconds later a thick clump of fir trees enabled the pigeon to dodge its pursuer and it dashed down the mountain side into the safety of the deep canon below. Most of the eagles' hunting takes place on the treeless plains at the foot of the mountains. Here a scanty growth of bushes offers little cover to its principal quarry, the Jack Rab- bit. In company with some friends one day, I watched a pair of these eagles hunting jack rabbits. They swooped down and drove the rabbit to cover under a mesquite bush. Then one alighted close by and began to walk toward the rabbit. He was so frightened he dashed from his shel- ter only to be snatched up by the other Typical Nest and Eggs of Golden Eagle In situ —Photo by F. C. Willard 8 THE OOLOGIST eagle which had been hovering close overhead. The cattlemen say they attack young calves and injure them so bad- ly that they die. They cannot carry the calf off and do not seem to feed on it after it dies. I have never seen such an attack made but Mr. William Lutley, an absolutely reliable man and accurate observer saw such an occur- ence and witnessed the death of the calf. What damage it does in this way is very insignificant however. Young fauns suffer severely and many of them go to fill the stom- achs of an eagle family. I saw two does and a faun race into the cover of a thicket of pine saplings and hide while the eagle, a minute late, sailed around overhead, waiting for them to come out. The faun in this case was some months old too. Eggs from this region are more sparcely marked than those from Cal- ifornia. 1 have taken several almost immaculate and one quite so. It is not uncommon to find one of the eggs unfertile. I have never taken or seen more than two in a nest. In but one instance have 1 any record of a nest being built any place except on a cliff. This nest was on the flat west of the Huachuca Moun- tains and was placed about twenty feet up in a large oak (quercus ari- aonica). This was in June and the nest contained two fully fledged young almost able to fly. NOTE — Of the foregoing halftones illustrating Mr. Willard's article those of the "Typical Nest and Eggs" and of a "Closer View of Nest and Eggs of Golden Eagle" and "General View of Nesting Site Showing White-washed Rock," all refer to the same nest. — Editor. tide illustrating the breeding of the Bald Eagle in Florida by Oscar E. Bayard, which we had hoped to pre- sent with this issue of The Oologist; but owing to the wealth of illustra- tions accompanying the same we have not room for it, and expect now to use it in the February issue which is ihe issue we had hoped to devote to Hawks. — Editor. PAUL G. HOWES. It is a pleasure to announce that Mr. Paul G. Howes of the Maplewood Biological Laboratory, Stamford, Con- necticut, and one of the stanchest friends the Oologist ever had, has re- cently been appointed Research As- sistant of the New York Zoological Society's new station in British Gui- ana and sails for South America Jan- uary 18th in company with C. William Beebee and G. I. Hartley. This expe- dition is not simply a collecting trip, but will take up every important ques- tion concerning the bird, animal and insect life of the region which will be studied in the minutest detail. We long ago predicted that in due time our friend Howes would be found in the head ranks of American Scien- tists and a reference to a flle of the Oologist will bear this out. We con- gratulate him upon his new assign- ment and hazard this further predic- tion with, it is merely one more step in what is destined to be a brilliant scientists career. THE BALD EAGLE. We have a splendidly illustrated ar- JAMES B. PURDY. Of Plymouth, Michigan, one of the oldest subscribers to The Oologist, renews for two years, and a sentence in his letter accompanying the sub- scription touches a soft place in the heart of the editor. It is, "I am growing old, and may not live to see my subscription expire; but in that event some of my family will THE OOLOGIST 10 THE OOLOGIST Young Golden Eagle Almost Ready to Fly —Photo by F. C. Willard THE OOLOGIST ir get The Oologist and I hope they will enjoy it as much as I do, and renew the subscription." Mr. Purdy is a veteran of the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted with Company F of the 24th Michigan In- fantry, and was one of the Guard of Honor at Lincoln't funeral when his remains were placed in their final' resting place in the vault at Spring- field, Illinois. Through all his years as a civilian and a soldier, this patri- arch has never lost his interest in the birds nor his friendship for our little publication. Eagle's Nest at Short Range. I am thinking to night of days long gone, mellowed by passing years. Those were glad times when boy- ish enthusiasm led for a field where Song of Wood-thrush and Oven-bird blended with rippling brook and leafy shade. The sky was bluer and the bird- song clearer then than now; yet some way memory clothes those halcyon days in gold. We associate eagles with forest and flood and Mountain crag, and their nesting with inacces- sible rock; with lofty trees remote from path of man; surroundings be- fitting so fierce a creature. But the following examples will show how varied are the habits of this great bird. It was in 1S73 I met with the first of these; a genuine Bald Eagle's nest placed twelve feet from the ground at the branching of a gnar- led, under-grown post-oak tree which stood in a brushy, hilly thicket a half mile from my father's house and not more than six rods from a public road. The nest also was of the modest form ; a small platform of twigs on which was placed a large cup-shaped nest smoothe and deep, of soft grass, shred- ded corn-husks and corn silk, a unique structure, compact and thick- walled; an ample home for the two eaglets which occupied it until they were big birds and deserted the hum- ble place for the high branches of a tall, dead red oak tree which stood on a great ridge where daily they could be seen. At the approach of an intruder they would fly screaming away, only to return after a time to their wanted perch. Only on the occurrence of a great ring hunt which frightened most of the "prairie chicken" and other game from the region and netted one wolf, did the Eagles take their departure for other parts. Another of these unusual nests I found during the spring of 1882 in a small elm tree in a wood where I frequently hunted for nests of the red- tailed hawk — of which splendid eggs I still retain a series, of these eggs Judge John N. Clark once said "they are the best of the kind I have ever seen." This nest was similar in every way to the first, but of its history I know little. Since then I have sought these great birds in their wildest haunts and been chased by them, and thrilled by the shrill scream, but nev- er have I been more interested than by boyish studies of these two lowly- born young Eagles. J. W. Preston. Bald Eagle. One day while sitting on the porch of a flat in Waterbury, Connecticut, I noticed some men across the street staring up into the sky and using a glass also. I crossed over to find what it meant, and looking up I beheld something grand to me, something I had wished to see, but had never had the opportunity. Away up in the blue ether, were a pair of magnificent Eagles, which the man with the glass said were Bald Eagles; around and 12 THE OOLOGIST around they sailed, always going high- er and higher every move, graceful- ness itself, higher and higher, until they were mere specks, and still high- er and higher till lost to sight com- pletely. I stood a long time and look- ed where I had last seen them even after they had disappeared from my sight, and then I wished I could see them longer though my neck ached like the toothache. Geo. W. H. vos Burgh. A Golden Eagle's Nest in Decator County, Kansas. The following notes will show how very near I came to taking a much desired set of Golden Eagle. The nest was seventy feet up in a very large Cottonwood at the head of a rather remote draw. Mr. N. S. Goss sites the nesting of the pair of Golden Eagles in Comanche County in his, "Birds of Kansas," pp. 273. May 10, 1906, climbed to a Golden Eagle's nest in a high cottonwood tree; nest built in forks of large hori- zontal limb, a very large structure, strong enough to hold me as I lay across it and showed signs of recent occupation. March 2nd, 1907, visited my Eagle's nest today. It has been rebuilt, one of the parent birds near the nest, but no eggs. March 15th, 1907, returned to the Eagle's nest; no eggs. A fellow killed one of the Eagles; am much disap- pointed, would surely have taken a set if the birds had been let alone. March 10th, 1908, viisted the Eagle's nest today; no eggs. No Eagles were in sight and the nest has not been rebuilt. March 8th, 1909, visited Eagle's nest; no eggs. Nest looks as if it had been rebuilt but no birds in sight. March 30th, 1910, visited Eagle's nest; no eggs. Nest in poor condition owing to hard wind storms during the past winter. February 28th, 1911, visited Eagle's nest; no eggs; no birds; nest in same condition as last year. March 4th, 1912, visited Eagle's nest; no eggs; nest almost in same condition as last year. April 13th, 1913, again visited the Eagle's nest; no eggs; no birds. A Swainson's Hawk has taken up her abode in the tree. Her nest is in the very top of the tree above the Eagle's nest. March 14th, 1914. The Eagle's nest is still a large nest but shows a neg- glect. Swainson's Hawk still at home. April 8th, 1915. Visited the Eagle's nest; had blown out during the win- ter, hopes of a set of Golden Eagle's eggs from this nest have now van- ished. Guy Love. EUROPEAN WIDGEON. (Mareca penelope) H. H. Bailey of Newport News, Vir- ginia, furnishes us the following un- published records relating to the Eu- ropean Widgeon in Virginia. December 4, 1911, Mrs. William Dex- ter and her son Phillip, shooting from the same blind on the property of the False Cape Club, Princess Anne Coun- ty, Virginia, killed two European Wid- geons (Mareca penelope). Mrs. Dex- ter states this record from the club score book and has not been hereto- fore published. They were both be- lieved to be male birds and neither were preserved. On December 28, 1915, Mr. L. D. Grinsted killed in the contributary of Bach Bay, Virginia, a male European Widgeon (Mareca penelope). It was the only duck killed that day and was sold to a store keeper where I happened to see it and purchased it. New Year's day was a fitting day to THE OOLOGIST la skin it and I presented it to my father for his collection. H. H. Bailey. Newport News. Va. American Osprey at Ft. Worth, Texas. As I was making a trip in R. Gra- ham's sailboat, "Sea Gull" on Lake Worth, nine miles north east of Fort Worth, Texas, I observed the Ameri- can Osprey in the act of catching fish. This country is in their breeding range, but is rarely ever seen around Fort W^orth. Earl E. Moffat. A GIFT FROM NATURE. Here is a gift from Nature. A gift that is perfect in its simplicity, beau- tiful in its meanest existence and harmless in its beauty. Nature has given to us beauty in abundance, the trees, birds, flowers, butterflies and all living things. Each living thing a volume of beauty and harmony. The humblest little worm in its crawling existence has grace and beauty, and will after the transforma- tion delight the eye in its wonderful blending of colors. A thing now of gentle harmony and beauty, as it smiles in the bright sunlight and ma- gestically sips the nectar of the flow- ers. And well it is said that as they sail and glide along among the gras- ses and flowers, they are telling the little worms of a life to come, but not of a life through Death but of a life through living. And a glad message it is because it is unconditional, ex- cept in one part, "Violate not the laws of Nature." Happy are they and well may they be so, because they are un- encumbered by superfluous laws. They have no moral laws because Nature knows no immorality. They have no debts except one, and that is that they live the life established by pre- cedence and then complete Nature's cycle by the reproduction of their kind. Cecil Brown, Pipestone, Minn. The foregoing accompanied one of the most beautifully prepared and per- fect glass encased specimens of the common Yellow Butterfly we have ever seen, and the sentiment accom- panying it is so charming, we pub- lish it here. — Ed. FRANK M. CHAPMAN. Last Friday, December 10th, Mr. Frank M. Chapman, the well known Ornithologist from the New York Mu- seum was to lecture before the Buffalo Society of Natural Science "From Lake Lerel to Snow Line in Mexico," with moving pictures. The previous day we received a telegram from his wife in Florida that he was seriously ill, had to undergo an operation and was confined in a dark room, and his engagement had to be cancelled. We all, that know Mr. Chapman, hope that he may recover from this ordeal. His place was taken by Dr. Cum- mings, an efficient member of our So- ciety. His topic was "Six months in New Zealand," illustrated. Ottomar Reinecke. Rarities. On the 3rd of December two of my friends from Niagara Falls came to Buffalo in their auto and brought me a flne adult specimen of a Skna or Sea Hawk which had been sicked up in the gorge of the falls. There is only one record of one being shot in 1886 by the late Charles Linden, Buffalo's naturalist. It is blackish brown, the feathers more or less tipped with chestnut spots; shafts of the wing and tail feathers, excepting toward the tip; more or Jess streaked with white and 14 THE OOLOGIST chestnut around the neck; under parts lighter; bill and feet blackish iris brown. It is very interesting to me, be- cause 1 have two sets of their eggs in my collection from the Orkney Is- lands in Scotland. Ottomar Reinecke. AN ORNITHOLOGICAL WONDER. Gentle reader, we are going to take you into our confidence but you must promise not to breathe a word to any- one of what we are about to tell you. He was seated upon a log in the woods and watching a wood pecker. Noting this apparent interest in the Class Aves we proceeded to get ac- quainted. The reward was some facts relative to birds such stupendous mag- nitude that it made us dizzy. His cranial end was a mine of ornitholo- gical knowledge. He described some common birds we never dreamed ex- isted and took apparent pleasure in over aweing one more modest in store of learning. He was positively shock- ed when we admitted that after some years of careful research we had seen no bats' eggs and considered them rare in collections. He had seen lots of them. The nests were made of sticks glued together and to the inside of a tree or chimney and the eggs were white without "any freckles on 'um." A very mild intimation that a differ- ence existed between a bat and a swift met with a storm of indignation and we never again questioned his statements. There was some consola- tion, however, in the discovery that he was a trifle deficient in a few minor details — for instance, he did not know whether the candal vertebra was situated in the liver or organs of respiration and was a little uncer- tain whether the intestinal canal was located in Michigan or California. Great as was hi& brilliancy it posed as an infant beside his egregious conceit but we found a conceit of such ab- normal proportions more amusing than oppresive and as he felt that we looked up to him with a sort of rev- erential awe a mutual liking took root that lasted into the following nesting season. So it came to pass that he condescended to honor us with his presence on our early hawking trips. He did no climbing but what he did not know about that art was unworthy of mention. Somehow we never exe- cuted an ascension that met with his full approval and from the start a volume of advise followed us to the first limb and from that point back to terra firma. Difficulties were often encountered and at such moments he would recollect how some far more expert climber fell not half the dis- tance and knocked his spirit into the great unknown. So while we worked and perspired, our friend sat in the cool shade and passed judgment with a bearing of ineffable wisdom and an expression that said plain as words, — "Someday 1 will become so disgusted that I will be obliged to take the irons and give you a few lessons." The season of high climbs was drawing to a close and we were put- ting the finishing touches to a par- ticularly difficult one when the irons tore loose and down we came. In- stead of sympathy the self appointed advisory board almost wept with in- dignation that we would not retain his advice in our empty head piece and despaired of ever learning us any- thing. If the reader thinks there is much joy in dropping fifteen feet and fondling a pair of skinned shins let him try it, anyhow, we were not over- whelmed with joyous emotion; be- sides, this unvarying, never ceasing, monotonous outpour of unsolicited criticism had commenced to under- mine our nervous system and this lit- THE OOLOGIST 15 tie drop brought things to a climax. We so far forgot out dignity as to say unkind things — sort of handled the English language in comprehensive terms emphasized as "rubbing it in." We even doubted his ability to per- form what he preached and put things so strong and forcible that he had either to give an exhibition of artistic climbing or acknowledge disgrace. When we started in he looked in- tensely surprised, then pained and finally his features took on an ex- pression of supreme contempt. We were so delighted when he commenc- ed to slowly strap on the irons that we tendered our services which were coldly rejected. He glanced about with critical eye and selected a syca- more— one of those big fellows about 15 feet around the base with the first limb up near the cloudland and sracoth backed as a poker chip. In- justice is not a part of our composition and we suggested a near by elm. He considered a moment and decided to follow our advice. Stroke by stroke he ascended. Six feet above the ground was a large knot but he mastered this with credible skill and higher and liigher he went. He went away up to almost 12 feet above the ground, then paused and looked down. Kind read- er, did you ever look at an object through a field glass and then view it through the other end? He was now getting the other end view of height. We had read somewhere that the cold increases with the distance from the earth and believed it because we had seen snow on mountain tops in summer time but with the tempera- ture at 85 degrees we were surprised at the intensity of cold only twelve feet up. He commenced to shake and shook so hard that owing to the im- mense size of the stately monarch he bestrode it also shook to the topmost branches fully 30 feet above his liead. His pedestals wabbled like a man sup- porting a small brewery and as he gazed a combination of pathetic yearning and forseen disaster beamed from his eagle eye. The cold be- numbed his fingers so that he could no longer hang to the bark and he gathered the tree in a tender embrace and followed suite with his legs and began to slide. All went well until the knot was reached. Here he got tangled up somehow but solved the difficulty by finishing the descent without any aid from the tree and wrong end up. An ordinary skull might have received injury but not so his opaque dome. He sat up and rub- bed it and gazed about at the dent it had made in the ground and inef- fable gratitude was depicted upon his countenance. We approached and sug- gested sycamores and with a look more eloquent than words he arose and started for home and has ever since regarded us as the perpetrater of some heinous crime. Moral — It is better to know too lit- tle than too much. J. Claire Wood. A Correction on the Road Runner. In the description of a Road Run- ner, page 182, November, 1915, number of The Oologist, where 1 said their feet were like Kingfishers. This is a mistake. 1 meant to say their feet were like most Woodpeckers. R. Graham. The March Issue, which we prom- ised to devote largely to the prepara- tion and arrangement of ornithologi- cal and oological specimens "provid- ed we could secure sufficient copy" is still in the making; but we are dis- tressed at the slowness of response to calls for copy on these subjects. If it is not up to standard, it will be be- cause of this failure, and not be- cause of any intent on our part. Ill THE OOLOGIST WANTED.-Bu]letin of the Cooper Orni- thologic Club, Vol. I, odd numbers W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, Calif. FOR SALE— Out of print Ornithological books by Bendire, Cones, Ridgway, Goss, Baird and Dawson. All bird magazines. W. J. ERICKSON, 208 West 40th St.. Savannah. Ga. FOR EXCHANGE.-Back volumes of the Auk in original cover; also American and foreign bird skins for A. 1. skins of Western and foreign birds. HENRY K. CO ALE. Highland Park, 111. WA A'l ED.— Books. Magazines and Pamph- lets about Birds and Natural History Sub- jects. In all cases state what you have and the lowest cash prices. No other prices con- sidered. Address FRANK BENDER, 128 Fourth Ave.. New York City. (3-14) TO EXCHANGE.-I have 1000 duplicates of Scientific periodicals [mostly Ornithologicall to offer for Ornithological publications, bird skins, eggs or cash. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn. Pa. 12-pJ WANTED.- Por cash. Osprey Vol. I Nos. 2 and 4; Vol. Ill Nos. 8-9-10-11-12. Also need many numbers of Bird Lore, Oologist, etc Send list of duplicate^ and receive mine. R W. GLENN, Room 107 Penna. Sta.. Pitts burgh. Pa. (1-p) FOR EXCHANGE.-Forcash, to best offer; Newman's British Moths and Newman's British Butterflies. Condition good. In- quiries answered. CHRIS FIRTH, Durham, Ont.. Canada. [1-p] WANTED.— Back numbers of Condor, Bird Lore and others. Exchange in other numbers a reasonable cash price. E. A. DOOLITTLE, Box 444, Painesville, O. FOR SALE BIRD LORE. -Lot A, Vols. I to XII inclusive without volume indexes: Lot B, Vol. II No, Ito Vol. XII No. 2. inclusive without volume indexes and Vol. II No. 2 missing. Will not break lots. State best cash offer. THOMAS L. McCONNELL, 1813 Huey St., McKeesport, Pa. FOR SALE. -Fishers Hawks and Owls; Birds of America, Audubon, Vol. 2 (tw ■ plates and binding injured) Vol. 4 good; Geological Survey West of 100 Mer,, 8 Vols.; Geol. Zoology, Botany, Archaeology, etc. complete sets; cash. GEO. W. H. VOS BURGH. Columbus. Wis. WANTED.— For exchange or cash. Plates from Studers Birds of N. A. Nos. 28, 60. 61, 68, 80, 81, 86, 87. 88, 107, 109 to 119. C. M. CASE, 7 Holcomb St., Hartford, Conn. FOR EXCHANGE. - Tobacco tags and coupons for eggs in sets or Bird Lore Vol. 7 No. 1. Vol. 10 No. 4, also sets of 339 and 360 for exchange. C. M. CASE. 7 Holcomb St., Hart- ford, Conn. WANTED,— In good condition; Nidiolo- gist Vol. 1, No. 6; Osprey of Washington. Vol. IV No. 3 and index; Vol. I New Series 1902 No. 4-5-7; Bird Lore Vol. 1 No. 2-3-4-6 and index; Vol. II No. 1-2-5; Vol. HI No. 1-2-3-6; Vol. IX No. 6 and index. How many back numbers Oologist, Osprey. Bird Lore, Museum and some others to exchange for any of abovel Will pay a reasonable cash price, and wil. sell any of my duplicates, cheap. JOHN WILLIAMS, Iowa City, la., R. No. 9. BIRD BOOKS bought and sold by John D. Sherman, Jr., 403 Seneca Ave., Mount Ver- non, N. Y. Important, New Catalogue ready February 1st. Sent to all interested. WANTED. -Ornithologist and Oologigist Vol. 1, No. 2 and 4. Bulletin Cooper Club, Vol. 1 No. 3. Address with price. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lincoln St., Boston, Mass. Books bought, sold and exchanged. High- est cash prices for books and m 'gazines about Birds and all otiier Natural History Subjects. Send list of what you have and state your lowest price. Correspondence on all matters relating to old books solicited. THf^ NEW YORK BOOK MART, 30 Lexing- ton Ave., New York, N. Y. WANTED.— For cash or exchange.— Bird Lore. Vol. 1 No. 2-3-4-5-6; Vol. 2 No. 1-2-3-4-5; Vol. 3 No. 1-2-3-4-5; Vol. 4, No. 1-2; Vol.5; No.l; Vol. 7 No. 1-5: Vol. 9 No. 3-5-6; Vol. 10 No. 1-3- 4-5-6; Vol. 11 No. 5-6; Vol. 12 No. 4-6; Vol. 13 No. 1-2-3-4-5; 14 1-2-3-4-5; Vol. 15 No. 4-6; vol. 16 1-2. I also will purchase Vols. 1-2-3-10-13-14-15 complete if seller prefers. Also The Auk, Vol. 1 to 13 and 31 and 32. The Condor, Vol. 1 to 7. The Osprey, Vol. 1-2-3. Blue Bird, Vol. 6. American Ornithology, Vols. 4-5-6. Ridgway's Birds of North and Middle Amer- ica, Vol. 1-2-3-4. W. H. BROOMHALL, Stock- port, Ohio. MISCELLANEOUS. FOR SALE AND EXC H A N GE.-Live Snakes, Lizards, Baby Turtles, also general line of Florida insects. NAT. P. FRY, Eureka. Marion County, Florida. (1-p) For Collectors, a fine collection of speci- mens, all large and very fine, one Chnstolite Tourquoix Matrix, Toursonite Tourmaline, Californite, Kuzite, Semi Opal, Amazon Stone, Opal Wulfernite. Opals are very fine, will sell for S5.00 cash with order. E. W. KELLY. Box 186, Seneca, 111. (1-p) Make nie offers on fine Sea Lion skins for mounting, also Sloth Bear from India. WIRZ. TAXIDERMIST. 1422 Gwinnett, St., Augusta, Ga. FOR SALE.— 5 x 7 photographs of the nests and eggs of 26 species of birds of this locality. Mr. I. E. Hess says they are as good as he has seen. Send 40c in stamps for one. E. PERRY, 610 Baylor St.. Austin. Texas. WANTED.— A good Stereopticon Lantern for which I will give good exchange in sets of bird magazines, books and mounted birds. Anyone having such please communicate with ARTHUR W. BROCKWAY, Hadlyme, Conn. WANTED.— A good Graflex Camera, either 4 x 5 or 5 X 7. Will give good exchange in sets, mounted birds, back volumes to Auk. Oologist. Condor and books on birds, ARTHUR W. BROCKWAY, Hadlyme. Conn, COLLECTORS ATTENTION.-A couple interested in Natural History who desire to spend the winter in the South, can act as care takers on farm in Virginia. Six room house, fire wood, and milk given, and a chance to collect. No pay. If interested ad- dress HAROLD H. BAILEY, 319 54th St., Newport News, Va. The OoLOGiST. Vol. XXXIII. No. 2. Albion, N. Y. Feby. 15, 1916. Whole No. 843 Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N. Y., and Lacon, III. The largest Bald Eagle's nest ever known in Florida, measuring 18 feet fror top to bottom and having been used over 40 years. — Photo by Oscar E. Baynard 18 THE OOLOGIST The Bald Eagle in Florida. Of all the birds that it has been my good fortune to study here in Florida during the past eleven years, none have been so baffling and unsatisfac- tory from the point of view of the Oologist as the Bald Eagle. Each year I promise myself that 1 will waste no more time chasing around after this bird, but every win- ter about November first I begin to look over my climbing apparatus and wonder if this year won't be a better one for me, and usually decide that it will so by December 1st I am chasing around every spare moment looking up all the old sites and hunting for new ones so that by the last of Janu- ary I have generally climbed into no less than 20 to 30 Eagle nests with the results that I usually have a very few sets (if I am real lucky) and a bunch of photographs that are general- ly unsatisfactory to me and an in- grown conviction that I will never waste another season on this noble bird of prey. Bald Eagles are what my late lamented friend Billy Crispin said once, "a darned unsatisfactory bird for the Oologist." However, one cannot spend as much time as I have in the past eleven years with any respect and rever it. I will record some of these facts for future ornithologists who might wish to study this bird, provided however, they don't put it off too long in the future, be- cause I am very much afraid that Bald Eagles will soon be classed with Paro- quetes and Sand Hill Cranes. Baldy usually nests here in Florida from early in December, (rarely be- fore) with the ones in the interior and Northern parts of the State, until Feb- ruary 15th with the ones of the Coast and the Keys in the Southern part. My idea of this great difference in time is account of the food supply, is the Eagles of the interior feed more gen- erally on Ducks and Rabbits, while his brother on the coast is more of a fish eater and not being so good a fisher- man as the Osprey waits until this bird begins to nest so as to have a sure supply of fish for its young, as I have noted that the Eagles of the in- terior do not as a rule harry the Os- prey nearly as much as the ones of the Coast. Eagles are becoming more scarce in all parts of the state, due partly to the settling up of the country, but mainly due to the fact that every man's hand is against this grand bird. Alas, the Eagle is fond of young "Razor Back Pig" and as the natives have been known also to like this dish, the Eagle naturally has to suffer. I have known of several instances where the farmer has waited until the nest contained young, cut the tree and destroy the young and at that time shoot the parents who are so soliciti- ous for the young that they lose their usual caution. Then again Eagles do not always lay every year, and as they usually lay one and two eggs, very rarely three, they naturally cannot in- crease very fast. Contrary to the con- clusions of most ornithologists I find that the Bald Eagle will many times lay the second set if the first one is collected and I know for a fact that this will happen with over 50 per cent, of the pairs. Only on one occasion did 1 ever find four young in a nest but a careful study of this pair showed that they had been unable to raise any young for three years and undoubtedly Nature helped them in this instance to sort of even up. For three years this pair had been broken up by our tim- berman cutting the tree in which their nest was located, each time this pair moved back in the timber about a mile and built and laid the next year and was cut each time until they moved beyond our timber operations. THE OOLOGIST 19 Oscar E. Baynard climbing to nest of Bald Eagle in Florida, December 26, 1910 Nest 125 ft, from the ground 20 THE OOLOGIST E. J. Court of Washington, wrote me about a nest of four he had observed and my late lamented friend Darling- ton almost made me envious when lie showed me his set of four the last time I was home. Sets of four are so rare that very few collections will ever have one, and a set of three will be just about as great a rarity and my personal opinion is that many of the sets of three are not authentic sets by any means. On eight different occasions I have found that an adult female will mate up with an immature male, but never have I seen an immature femalp mated up with an adult male. In each of these eight cases there was one in- fertile egg, and I never in all my ex- perience found an infertile egg in a set from a pair of adult birds. The female is much the braver bird about the nest and will take more chances than the male evei'y time. Never, though, have I been attacked by an Eagle, although I have climbed into a few, or at least it might be con- sidered a "few" by some folks, my notes show 259 Eagle nests in the past eleven years that I have been in. The nearest to being attacked was the time I spent the entire night in a nest with a young pair. See Bluebird, December, 1914. Except on the keys along the Coast, our Eagles here always use a live pine tree, deserting it usually when the tree dies. On the keys J have found them as low down as ten feet in the man- groves while in the interior ttey go as high as 140 feet. The preference for pine trees is shown very plainly on an island in the Gulf that is about 8 miles long and contains one little runty scrub of a pine about 18 feet high, this bush has an Eagle's nest in it and is yearly looted by boys, while on this same island there are thous- ands of better locations in the man- grove thickets that it would be almost impossible for any one to locate. I have had many thrilling experien- ces in climbing into these 259 Eagle nests, but a recital of these would make a story in itself, however, from the ornithologist's point of view I have gleaned the following facts, which when I compare them with the exper- iences of Billy Crispin the last time we were together, fitted in with his ob- servations to a nicety. If the pair of eagles are sitting around when you arrive at the nest tree, they have either not laid yet or there is young in the nest, previous observations on this nest as to time of eggs will be a help here to one. If one bird stays on the nest until the tree is rapped upon there will be a set of eggs, unless it is very cold or about daylight or sundown, when if they have really young they will stay on. and hover them. If the eagle is standing up in the nest when first seen, she has either one egg or is about to lay, so if you wcpt a full set from this nest refrain from climbing up for several days be- cause if you climb up and find one egg and leave it for a full set you will get left sure, as th-ey invariably break the egg and you will find the shell on your next visit. 1 find one exception to this, however, in one nest in which I left an egg when I went back I found the egg gone, no shell anywhere ot any sign on the lining of the nest where it had been broken, and to deepen the mys- tery the pair never were seen about this nest again that year. I always thought they moved it to another nest somewhere. As near as I can judge it takes five weeks for an eagle egg to hatch, and the young are born with their eyes open and up to a month old show no fear of man but will eat readily of any food that you give them that is usual- ly in abundance on the nest. The young are covered with greyish down and show no sign of feathers until three weeks old when their wings be- gin to sprout a few. While I am un- able to state exactly, it takes about 12 weeks from the time of hatching until the young can fly, and at that age are usually much larger than the parents. Oscar E. Baynard. December 26, 1915. THE OOLOGIST 21 Bald Eagle's nest and egr;s in situ, nest in pine 125 feet up — Photo by Oscar E. Baynard 22 THE OOLOGIST The Red-shouldered Hawk of Cayuga County, N. Y. In this locality of Cayuga County, New York, especially around the City of Auburn, the Red-shouldered Hawk is the predominating "Buteo". There are no woodlands as a rule large, or wild enough for the Redtail, Eliarp- shinned, or Broadwinged to breed in, although the latter are common mi- grants. However, there are exceptions to all rules. In the Southern part of our country we have a number of heavily wooded hillsides, and here the Redtail is found breeding to some ex- tent; also I have found the wild little Sharpshinned Hawk breeding in this locality, although very rare. I have known of no instances of the Broad- winged breeding. The Cooper's Hawk is a fairly common breeder with us and one can usually collect several sets of this species in the month of May. However, coming back to my topic, the Red Shouldered Hawk, I would say that this bird is generally found breeding very commonly in any siz- able woods, whether swampy or of a highland nature. In the swamps the bird invariably picks out the maple as a nesting place, sometimes other trees are used but very seldom. On the highland woods the beech is the favorite tree, and I think that the lat- ter is the common site for the Red Shouldered Hawk. Out of sixty-nine habited nests examined, thirty-eight were in beech trees, seventeen in maple, basswood, and elm and contain- ed three each, birch and sycamore, two each and evergreen, ash, iron wood and chestnut, one each. Occasionally this bird stays over winter with us. A case of this kind is seldom, and occurs no more than in the case of a Robin staying over, like the latter the Hawks confine them- selves generally to the densest swamps. In the case of an early spring, and an unusually mild winter, in the latter part of February a few Hawks appear from the South. This is an extreme case. Usually the Red Shouldered Hawk begins to appear from its winter home from the middle of March on to April when all of its kind should be with us. From now on to about April 12th is the nest building time. The earliest date for a set of eggs in this locality to my knowledge is April 8th and I have taken eggs not far advanced in incubation as late as May 17th. These are extreme cases. The time for col- lecting full sets of eggs of this spe- cies, is between the 20th and 25th of April. After breeding and living with us during the spring, summer and part of the fall months, the Hawks migrate to their winter homes around Octobei 15th. As to the number of eggs layed by the Red Shoulder, I would say that I think three is the average number in a set. Out of sixty-nine nests exam- ined, thirty-seven contained three eggs, nineteen contained four, thir- teen contained two. I have never taken a set of five eggs, but I know of two sets of that number taken in this county in one season. The nest of the Red Shouldered Hawk is very easy to locate for a per- son knowing the country in which they breed and to a person that has in the past studied the birds to some etxent. Instances are known in this country that this species has used the same nest for a period between twenty and thirty years. This is not saying that the same pair of birds used the nest, but the same pair of birds will invar- iably come back to their home nest if the latter is not destroyed or the female bird killed. In taking sets of eggs from year to year thus forming a series, a person can tell by the type THE OOLOGIST 23 Bald Eagle's nest 125 feet from the ground in which Oscar E. Baynard spent an entire night Christmas Eve, 1910. (For publishing account see "Bluebird" for December, 1910) — Photo by Oscar E. Baynard 24 THE OOLOGIST of egg when a new female bird has taken the nest for her home. This is shown by the distinct difference in shape or color of the new eggs. Seventy-five feet is the greatest lieight I have ever found a nest above the ground and twenty-feet is the least. The average height for sixty- nine nests is forty-one and one half feet. The nest of this Hawk is composed of sticks of all sizes and barks. Some nests that are repaired from year to year get to be very large, and conse- quently the bottom of some nests art a mass of decaying wood. The most common lining used is hemlock and grapevine, although feathers, corn husks, moss, cow and pig's hair, leaves, fine twigs, and dried ferns are commonly used. I have found nests lined with paper, milk- weed, fine vines, an old Oriole's nest and a piece of a grain sack, but the latter are exceptional cases. I am in such a position this year that it eliminates me from visiting the haunts of my old friends but the fever is upon me just the same, so I thought 1 would do the next best thing and write a few notes on the Red Shouldered Hawk. Carl F. Wright. An Albino Turkey Vulture. J. -B. Ellis of Florida, writes under date of December 12th, "I have just killed and prepared skin for mounting of an Albino Turkey Vulture. A few feathers are black, some oi' the wmg and tail feathers are white on one side of the quill and black on the other side, but nearly all the feathers are chalk white. I would like to know if any others are in existence, and if so, how many." We are sure that this is indeed a rare find and have never heard of an- other Albino of this species. — Ed. An Old One. Recently in the purchase of a collec- tion of eggs of the late Henry W. Beers, we received a set of eggs ac- companied by data on the blank of the late J. B. Canfield, filled out in Mr. Canfield's handwriting, for a set of two eggs of the Great Horned Owl, taken by Dr. W. S. Strode in Fulton County, Illinois, February 8, 1888. Not having the original data for this set, we wrote the Doctor regarding it, and he kindly forwarded us an orig- inal data for this set of eggs in his own handwriting, and has the follow- ing to say, which we publish without his knowledge or consent. It reads: "It has been a long while since I collected that set of eggs, but I recall the occurrence very well, as it was one of the hardest climbs I ever made. And when I got safely down with the eggs, I lay on the ground and panted for breath for quite a long while. I was all alone, and the tree stood in the bottom of a deep hollow about a mile from anywhere." Odd Finds. 1. Common Tern. One runt egg (96x83) found June 16, 1912, Georgian Bay, Ontario. The egg was deposited in a slight hollow of the ground, which formed the nest. It is of grayish color and marked only at the smaller end. 2. Bluebird. A nest of this species was found in a cavity of a dead birch a few feet from the ground. It contained three young a few days old and two fresh fertile eggs; one of which was an al- bino. P. Harrington. Toronto, June 2, 1912. The Stork. The well-known oologist, Gerald A. Abbott announces that a stork's egg THE OOLOGIST 25 Oscar E. Baynard in Bald Eagle's nest in Florida, holding Young Eaglets in his hands —Photo by Dr. R. H. Mills 26 THE OOLOGIST hatched at his home for the first time, January 5th, leaving Dan Arlington Abbott, weight eight and one half pounds. Oscar E. Baynard, the leading oolo- gist in Florida, is likewise celebrating a visit from the same wise bird. Our brothers are to be congratu- lated. Hawk Nests. April 7, 1915, Red-Shouldered Hawk. This nest was about 35 feet up on a Black Oak. The two eggs it contained were white with brown and purplish washes and streaks on them. Four days later when this set was coUectel there were four eggs; one of which was blotched with brown and one which was pure white. April 8, 1915. Red-Shouldered Hawk, Nest about 40 feet up in White Oak in woods along Des Plaines River and at this time was only half built. On the 16th it held one egg and on the 22d two eggs which were all they laid and so were left. The next visit to th3 nest was made on June 5th, when I took some friends over to photograph the young which were now about three weeks old. Some of the fresh green leaves in the nest were blood stained and a farmer nearby told us the hawks had been getting his baby chickens. April 18, 1915. Red-Shouldered Hawk. This was an old nest from which I took a set of three eggs last year, and on this date had a few feath- ers in it. On the 29th it held one egg and on May 15th two. 1 waited until June 5th before I visited it again and then I found only some broken egg shells in the nest. April 29, 1915. Cooper's Hawk. When this nest was found it had just been finished. It was about 45 feet up in a Black Oak and was build on top of an old crow nest. On May 9th it held one egg and on the 16th three eggs which I supposed were all they lay but when I visited the nest on June 5th there were four eggs. The next and last visit was on June 16th when two of the eggs were just hatch- ing. May 9, 1915. Sparrow Hawk. A nice set of five fresh eggs was taken from a hole about 20 feet up in a telephone pole. A set of Flicker eggs was taken from this same hole about three years ago. May 10, 1915. Sparrow Hawk. The birds were found today around a dead stub where they nest last year. On the 17th four eggs were found in the stub and on the 19th they were collect- ed. At the same time a pair of Blue- birds were nesting in the stub and on June 29th a set of Flicker eggs wa.s found in the old Sparrow Hawk nest. May 19, 1915. Marsh Hawk. While tramping around in a weedy patch on the edge of the Skopie Slough where a pair of Hawks nested last year, I flushed a female from a nest and five eggs. On May 25th after a heavy three day rain the nest was found in a foot and a half of water with eggs broken. About 25 feet from here an American Bittern's nest was found with three eggs which had also been flooded out. Out of the nine Red-shouldered Hawk nests found this year by a friend and 1, we were only attacked once while climbing to them. All the nests were found near Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois. Colin Campbell Sanborn. Evanston, 111. A Wisconsin Herony. Some twenty-five years ago I discov- ered a fair sized herony of the Black Crowned Night, and the green. It had just been shot up by some boys and the nest robbed; dead birds lay all about. I later obtained a few nice sets from here of each species. There THE OOLOGIST 27 Dr. W, F. Blackmon, President Florida Audubon Society, with young Bald Eaglets in his hands — Photo by Oscar E. Baynard 28 THE OOLOGIST was maybe a hundred nests of both kind. The boys kept shooting the birds and breaking the eggs until they entirely broke it up and I thought I had seen the last of the herons in this locality, because mainly the scarcity of suitable nesting sites; so, if you please, imagine my agreeable surprise when on Christmas Day, 1915, 1 dis- covered a new herony in a piece of virgin timber, containing about thirty nests, all in good condition and appar- ently of the Black Crowned variety. George W. H. vosBurgh. A Young Red-Tail. Madam Red-tail (Buteo borealis) certainly expressed wisdom when she selected the main flock of a giant ash as a nesting site and would have re- mained in undisturbed possession had she displayed an equal sagacity in va- cating at our approach but she calmly sat upon her lofty domicile regardless of the noise made by application of irons and clubs to the tree trunk ac- companied by a song and dance. It was no unconquerable craving to as- cend tall trees that inspired me to climb but a curiosity to ascertain how near the nest could be approached before madam would leave. The al- most imperceptible sound of the climbers alarmed her more than al' previous demonstration and scarcely ten of the seventy-five feet of limbless tree trunk was covered when she glid- ed silently away. I was inclined to call the climb off but my companion failed to see the matter in that light. He was anxious to learn what the nest contained and had no serious personal objection to sitting in the shade ana allowing me to ascend and lind out. As he was not addicted to the climb- ing habit his mind conceived no great- er labor in the ascension of a large tree than riding on a street car, but why weary the reader with detail. In brief, the nest contained two hand- some juveniles clothed in grayish white down with flesh colored legs, black beaks, yellowish green ceres and eyes with dark brown iris and dark blue pupils and one of these young- sters was abducted and the date was May 3d, 1903. On May 6th, 1 took the following data: Spread of wings from fleshy tips, not end of down, 12 inches and weight one pound. One week later to an house the above was repeated with the following result. Spread 18% inches; weight 1% pounds. It was my intentions to repeat this each week and also note further de- velopment, but the captive was so un- kind as to tumble from a second story window and now, above his lovely grave behind the woodshed, the in- questive citijien may read these pa- thetic lines: Window high Near sky Heard shout Rubbered out Big drop No step Stone walk Dead Hawk. J. Claire Wood. Detroit, Mich. J. Hoopes Mattack. Death has called another Pennsyl- vania Oologist, in J. Hoopes Mattack, who died January 1st, 1916. Mr. Mat- tack was born near West Chester, Sep- tember 28, 1832. During the period uf his greatest activity from 1870 to 1885 he was an ardent collector and suc- ceeded in getting together a very cred- itable collection of our local species, together with others acquired by ex- chanp:e. His collection did not boast of any very rare species, but he collected quite a good many that at the tirne THE OOLOGIST were considered very desirable, among tlie coterie of younger collectors who were then just beginners. He had a very fine set of five Sharp- shinned Hawk taken near by, which the writer was fortunate enough to acquire. He also secured the first set of Broad-winged Hawks recorded in this county and which at that time was really quite rare, compared with the present. The eggs of the Turkey Buiizard at that time were also consid- ered great prizes and he took probab- ly the first set in Chester County as well as those of the Whip-poor-will and Ruffed Grouse. Mr. Mattack was a man of abundant leisure and dur- ing the collecting season devoted much of the time to his hobby, much to the envy of some of the younger members of the fraternity, myself among them who only had a day off now and then. He retained most of his collection to the time of his death but it now prob- ably will be disposed of at an early date. Thomas H. Jackson. Cooper's Hawk. (Accipiter Cooperii) This Hawk is called common by very many and no doubt is in other localities but here the Red shouldered easily beats it. A description of the bird itself is unnecessary and the only excuse for these notes is that my ex- perience has been different from some others I have read in regard to its nesting and eggs. This Hawk was named by Bonaparte in his American Ornithology (1828) Cooper's Hawk, and bj' Audubon in his Orn. Bioy. (1831) Stanley Hawk. The name given it by Bonaparte stands today and I think few outside the very scientific world know what a Stanley Hawk was. I believe it to be the very greatest bird destroyers in this locality and am glad it is no commoner. The young, however, make fine subjects to photo on account of their contrasty color. Too many farmers call all Hawks Hen Hawks, but this one seems to be known to them and is hated by all who raise chickens, etc., and a pair of Cooper's Hawks in his neighborhood causes a farmer more worry than his money, for once they get a chicken from his yard, they will return for more every time. Like the claim of many medicines they are the "only original and genuine," — in this case poultry and game destroyers. A few years ago on the Wayland Meadows, I saw a Cooper's Hawk dash after a Hen Pheasant. The Pheasant hit it up pretty well but was soon overtaken but in the mixup the Plawk must have missed a hold on the Pheas- ant's back and caught her head, for I saw her drop and ran to where she fell and found that her head had been torn off. One morning in early May I was trying to open up a Hairy Woodpeck- er hole in a big Maple tree that wasn't very dead with a key hole saw that wouldn't cut. I had a regular monkey hold on the tree and was perspiring freely. High up in the top of the tree eating the buds was a red squirrel. He chatted to n;e while he ate and I cussed at him while I tried to saw. Suddenly a Cooper's Hawk brushed across the top of the tree and took the red squirrel with him and I thought to myself — those that laugh last, etc. The ideal place to look for this Hawk's nest here and where ninety per cent are found (in 1894 found my first one) is in a tall pine or cedar that stands in good big woods. Some nests have been only twenty feet up but more forty to sixty. Now in Maine, a very fine writer. Prof. Knight, states that an old Crow's nest or other large bird's nest is used but here a nice. 30 THE OOLOGIST large, new nest of dead sticks is made with a lining composed of a few small bits of bark. When a bird is broken up then a nest of another bird is patched up and used. To illustrate this, on the 29th day of April, one year, I took a set of five eggs from the usual brand new nest; May 16th took four eggs, which I believe to be the same birds that patched up an old Crow's nest two hundred yards from first nest anu June 18th took three eggs from a made over Crow's nest one hundred yards from the second nest. For a number of years I believed (as many books state) that the eggs of this Hawk were bluish white with faint markings of red or brown on some and had passed up Cooper's, as they are a drug on the market, until one day having found nothing up to nearly noon decided to start my luck with a set, as I saw a bird fly from a pine that to climb was a regular ladder. On looking at the set in the nest I saw that all were quite heavily spotted and wondered if I had found a new Hawk. They proved to be, of course, Cooper's. Since then 1 have found sets even better marked and a number with one to three marked nicely. In three out of five nests, five eggs is a set in my experience and nest in photos had five eggs, one being in- fertile. Roscoe I. Giles. Hawks of N. E. Ohio. Including the Osprey as a visitor here, we have ten species of Hawks to be found in this part of Ohio some- times during the year. They are — Os- prey, Goshawk, Red-tailed, Red-should- ered, Cooper, Sharp-shinned, Broad- winged, Marsh, Sparrow and Pigeon Hawk, which 1 conisder the most rare of the list as I have found but a few specimens of this bird here. The Gos- hawk is only a winter visitor, while the Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned are to be found here I have not found them nesting. The Cooper and Red- shoulder are our most plentiful hawks. While the Marsh, Harrier is next. The Red-tailed is becoming more scarce each year. 1 have a very few nesting sites left occupied, one in the top of a large beech tree eighty-five feet up. This hawk if undisturbed, will occupy the same nesting site for several years and the old nests when left are often used by the Red-shouldered as are al- so those of the Cooper. I have one site built four years ago by a pair of Cooper's and every season since it has been occupied by a pair of Red-shouldered. I have not known of the Marsh Hawk using the same nest a second time, but will nest for several years in the same swamp. Last year the State of Ohio saw fit to place a bounty of one dollar on the head of each Goshawk, Blue Hen, Cooper and Duck Hawk killed in the state, providing the trustees of a town- ship appropriated a fund for that pur- pose, which in many cases they failed to do. I have never seen a duck hawk in Ohio and would be glad to hear from anyone that has. S. V. Wharram. After Cooper Hawk Eggs. During the winter of 1914 and 1915 1 read every available bit of material about the nesting of this chicken thief and fully determined that I would hunt for nests in the spring. When spring did come 1 scoured every strip of woods that was accessible but it was not until May 2d, 1915, that I found my first nest. Early that morning I entered a ten acre strip of woods and saw several squirrel nests. While examining these I saw a Hawk's tail sticking over the THE OOLOGIST 31 edge of a nest in an oak and I threw a stick at it. I was delighted to see a Cooper Hawk pop off the nest and fly away. The nest was about thirty-five feet from the ground and there were dead limbs two-thirds of the distance, but I was soon at the nest and found that it contained one bluish white egg. As this was the first hawk nest I had ever found, I was surprised to find it to be such a pile of trash. It was lined with pieces of white oak bark as big as an ordinary watch and there was scarcely any cavity, the top being almost flat. On May 7th, I again climbed to the nest hoping to secure a full set of eggs but was completely disappointed in finding two eggs. I took the first one home and blew it out. It was fresh and measured 1.89 x 1.41. I vis- ited the nest again next day and found two eggs, so I took the second. It was fresh also and measured 1.76 x 1.41. I did not again go to the nest until May 16th. I did not see either Hawk. There was one egg in the nest and it was warm. I brought it home also; it was slightly incubated and measured 1.83 x 1.41. I suppose this was the second set of eggs for they generally lay five around here. Ralph R. Wilson. The Bald Eagle. On December 4th, 1915, I saw a Bald Eagle fiying over our farm. The bird was flying about 2.50 feet above the ground. The white tail and head were distinctly visible. This is the first eagle I ever saw here. This one was flying towards the Missouri River. Ralph R. Wilson. Hawks Slaughter Quail in Texas. Thousands of quail have been slaughtered in West Texas during the present hunting season by hawks and chaparral birds, according to San An- gelo, Tex., hunters, who say the supply of quail was less this year than in many years previous. Some hunters are advocating killing these birds, saying that for every hawk or "road-runner" killed at least fifteen quail are saved. — Star Tele- gram. Here is a clipping which might in- terest you. This is the Road Runner in a new light. Such things as this when published in a newspaper of good standing do more to destroy our bird life than a dozen boy hunters. Let's let off yelling "kill the cats" and sing "Educate the Editors." This thing of bad nature is getting to be a habit now days. Many a farmer boy will grab his "trusty rusty" and sole- ly on the strength of this bit of ignor- ance, go forth and leave a ruin of Hawks and "chapperals" in his wake. Chas. R. McLendon. It is just such silly half-baked copy as the foregoing drifting into the of- fice of the daily publications that is responsible for a great deal of the dense ignorance existing with relation to the Hawks and Owls of this coun- try. We agree with Brother McLen- don that something ought to be done to educate the editors. — Ed. A Krider's Hawk Trick. In March, 1915, while G. E. Maxon and myself were looking for some old hawks' nests a Krider's Hawk played a trick on us two different times. Mr. Maxon was climbing up to a nest and the Hawk fiew over him screaming. The nest had green leaves in it which was a good sign of eggs soon, so we left this locality not hunting in the other timber. Returning to the nest at a later date the Hawk was still there. After climbing up and finding no eggs things looked funny to us. We searched the surrounding timbers 32 THE OOLOGIST but had no luck. In April we happen- ed through this country again. The Hawk was still there, but no eggs. We watched her for a while and she disappeared over the hill. That gave us an idea to look in that direction. Going up the hill side about one-half mile we examined some small timber finding the nest with young ones in it. Her trick was when she saw us com- ing she would leave her nest and Hy over the old nest making us believe that it belonged to her. If we had found the new nest when first observ- ing the old one we could have collect- ed a fresh set of eggs. Ft. Worth, Texas. R. Graham. A Peculiar Set of 348. When Mr. Darlington received his last lot of 348 eggs, there was in it one set of four which seemed to me out of the ordinary. Three of the eggs were marked more or less evenly bul the fourth egg was fairly heavily marked on one side and plain white on the other. The separation was very marked, that is the markings stopped abruptly and the white began. I have often seen eggs marked on one end more than the other, but never on one side so pronounced as this egg is. E. M. Kentw^orthy. The Birds of Yuma County, Colorado. Mr. F. C. Lincoln of the Colorado Museum of Natural History has got- ten out for that institution a very com- prehensive list of birds of the forego- ing Yuma County. The list is thor- ough and shows much familiarity with the birds of that little known re- gion and is a credit to the institution responsible for its appearance. R. M. Barnes. 25th of April, I and my chum, or my chum and I, hard to tell which was the more enthusiastic, and the ever pres- ent tag, the kid his brother, hitched up old Charles and set out for a ride and to do a little hunting on the side, for early eggs. We, of course, headed for the old farm for I was not yet weaned from my boyhood haunts. We anchored the rig near the famous glen, of our old homestead, and started out for a hunt, almost immediately we dis- covered a hollow in a large tree trunk and, could I believe my eyes, the face of a screech owl filling the opening. I^ of course, shinned up, while my chum stood below and urged me on. I had to pull the old birds out by force and the nest contained two eggs, my, wasn't I happy, and wasn't my chum. Well, I took them and put them in my handkerchief and on the way home we stopped and showed them to a play- mate of mine. They were nearly ready to hatch but I blowed them and gracious, I wouldn't have taken five dollars a piece for them. They went the way of most early attempts in this line. Geo. W. H. vos Burgh. A Proud Day. One Easter Sunday, the Easier away back in the '80s, that came on the The Great Horned Owl. The Great Horned Owl has become one of our scarcest raptores. The last nest I have known was one from which I took two young about two weeks old on the second of April, about six years ago. Usually these birds select the most lonely portion of the woods for their home, but in this instance the nest was placed in a swamp oak in a meadow, close to a stream, and was about the last place I would think of looking for them to nest. Food seem- ed to be plentiful with them, as the nest, in addition to the young, contain- ed a crow and a robin, while plenty of squirrels and mice had helped to furnish their menu, judging from the THE OOLOGIST 38 bones and fur contained in the pel- lets lying around. A farm-yard with its stock of poul- try was nearby, but no complaint was made about the Owls disturbing them. I am inclined to think the meadow nearby with its swarms of mice, fur- nished the greater part of their food, which was also shared by a pair of Barn-owls that occupied a large oak tree, on the other side of the march, not a quarter of a mile away. Contrary to expectation these j^ouug owls proved very tractable and inter- esting pets. One of them, the larger — probably the female— was quite playful; the other rather morose and more free to use beak and claws when handled. Apparently their vision was just as keen by broad daylight as in the even- ing, and a small bird flying high above would instantly attract their attention. The presence of a cat would arouse their ire quicker than anything else, and their feathers would stand on end as shown in the accompanying pic- ture. Whenever pussy put in an ap- pearance, they would assume a defen- sive attitude, snap their beaks loudly and make an imposing display, but how far they would carry it, I never had a chance to see; for the cat got away as quickly as possible. In this part of the country, the Horned Owls generally use an open nest, that of a crow or hawk, some- times repaired and added to, and some- times just as the original owner left it. Out of upwards of fifty nests 1 have found but a single one in a hol- low tree. I greatly regret that these fine birds have become so scarce. There is no sound coming out of the deep dark woods more attractive to my ear than the solemn booming notes of these great birds, as they answer each other through the night; but it has been a good many years since I have enjoyed that experience. Thomas H. Jackson. Westchester, Pa. Mr. Jackson sends us a photo of the two young Owls described in the foregoing article but not having room for the same in this issue, it will ap- pear in the March issue. — Ed. Notes on the Wood Duck. My friend Dr. G. D. Shaver, of Ta- coma. Wash., owns a small lake near here, part of which he has fenced in as an enclosure for the study of dif- ferent kinds of wild ducks. All are in the best of health, but none are able to fly. Among them is a male Wood Duck, the mate to which was killed a few years ago, but during the past spring Dr. Shaver was interested to see that a wild female of that species would fly out of the enclosure nearly every time he visited it. After a while the visits of the female ceased, but later in the summer she again made her appearance, this time accom- panied by four fully fledged young ones. The above is the first breeding rec- ord that I have had for the Wood Duck in Western Washington in many years. In fact they have be- come so exceedingly rare as summer residents that I think the inference is fairly correct that the wild female mated with the captive male. J. H. Bowles. Tacoma, Wash., Dec. 13, 1915. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. A. O. U. 443 Muscivera forficata. To my estimation these birds are the most active of the fllycatchers and are plentiful here in the nesting season. I will try to give an accurate description of these birds as follows: They measure from twelve to fourteen and one-half inches. The male is gray 34 THE OOLOGIST with red or yellowish tinge on back. Middle of crown red. Tail is sliaped like scissors. And is nearly three times as long as the body. Tlie wings and legs are short. The female is somewhat like the male but is small- er and of a duller plumage. The song is "teezip," repeated. They are sel- dom noticed on the ground. Only when collecting material for a nest. The tail being long and feet short they And it more comfortable in the air. Most of their food is caught while in flight. They seem to be pretty good fighters as I have noticed them chas- ing hawks and crows and while exam- ining their nests both male and female play a tune over my head and many times came in reach. They arrive iiere in April and are found on the prairies looking for a nesting site in the scat- tered mosquite trees. I have found their nests on top of wind mills and telephone poles but they prefer the mosquite trees. The nests are large and bulky, made mostly of rags, strings, cotton, paper, and Indian to- bacco. This Indian tobacco is a weed named by the people of this country, believing that the Indians smoked it when they roamed the prairies here. This tobacco forms about half of the nest which is well made in the utmost tops of the trees. After a week's hard work four or five eggs are laid. The eggs are white with brown spots on the large ends mostly. Incubation be- gins and if not molested nearly every time they hatch the whole set. These birds breed from Texas north to Kan- sas. Spend the winter in southern United States. R. Graham, Taxidermist. Ft. Worth, Texas. County, Texas. I find them in the dry valleys northwest of here. These birds are not plentiful in this locality but are common in other parts of the state. They nested early in 1914. April 12th, I examined three nests of four eggs and one of five eggs. This date is a month early according to my back datas. These birds in this local- ity select a lonesome place out of sight and hearing of other birds and builds the nest in low grass and briers composed of grass and weeds and lin- ed with finer grasses. No. 2, Phoebe. April 11th, 1915, I found a Phoebe nest with three eggs in it, and on the 12th there were a set of four; no more eggs were laid. The nest was made of moss and grasses and was in a sand bank near a spring. The eggs were white and two of them had tiny brown specks on the large end. Phoe- bes are common birds but I have only three dates of them nesting in this county. No. 3, Bobolinks. May 17, 1915, I saw three bobolinks two males and one female. This is the first time they have been noticed here during the nesting season. They were in a flat of high grass near a creek. And were noticed there several dif- ferent times. It's hard to tell whether they nested there or not as their breeding range is from Kansas north- ward. R. Graham, Taxidermist. Fort. Worth, Texas. NOTES. No. 1, Field Sparrow. To my knowledge the field sparrow nests in only one part of Tarrant The Federal Bird Migration Law. The editor hopes every reader of this publication will do everything in his power to see the complete and lit- eral enforcement of the Federal Bird Migration Law during this coming spring. The only way that the water fowl of this country can be preserved from complete extinction is to enforce this very sensible law to the letter. — Editor. TheQologist. Vol. XXXIII. No. 3. Albion, N. Y., March 15, 1916. Whole No. 344 Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N. Y., and Lacon, III. This issue of THE OOLOGIST is devoted to things collectors should know, methods and the like. The most advanced and well known collectors have kindly contributed their mite to tell how it should be done, and it is at the request of considerable number of our readers that we re-publish the following article, from pages 78 and 135 of Vol. XXXI (1914) of this publication. A reference to page 10 of Volume XXXI of THE OOLOGIST will disclose an article descriptive of the methods and collections of a large number of prominent Eastern collectors. — R. M. Barnes. 36 THE OOLOGISt Collecting Birds' Eggs. What is needed — Preparing Specimens R. Magoon Barnes. It is useless, even wanton, to collect eggs of our birds unless with a definite purpose. Eggs are absolutely worth- less or worse unless properly collect- ed, prepared, preserved and recorded. To do these things one must be equip- ped with some things, chiefest of which is a settled determination to do whatever is done well. First of all you will want a note- book in which to record your observa- tions. Do not rely on memory for anything, the fuller and more com- plete the notes the better. From two to a half dozen egg drills and a blow- pipe or two are necessary. Get the "cut the lining" kind of drills of assorted sizes. These with the blow- pipes may be had of dealers in such instruments. They should be thor- oughly cleansed after each using. Some sort of a receptical, a cigar box filled with cotton or something of the kind is necessary to carry eggs in while afield and a safe and secure one in which to keep them after coming home. A copy of the American Orni- thologists Check List (The A. O. U. list) and either Bailey's "Birds of the Western United States," or Chapman's "Birds of Eastern North America," will be well nigh indespensible. Like- wise Charles K. Reed's "North Ameri- can Birds Eggs," or Oliver Davies' "Nests and Eggs of North American Birds," will be found some help. Assuming you have some or all of the above let us start out some bright morning in quest of specimens. The sun is bright and warm; there is a slight balmy south wind. Spring is wearing her splendid garb fresh, bright green and her brow is garland- ed with bloom of ritous color while perfume floats in the air. With collec- tor's box full of cotton slung over our shoulder and our note-book in our pocket we start out, full of anticipa- tion and life. We know the Woodpeckers nest in holes, and Meadowlarks on the ground while Robins in trees and Indigo Bunt- ings in bushes. We are starting a col- lection, and of course begin with the common varieties. Suppose we find a Robin's nest in an apple tree. Here is what we do or should do. First make absolutely sure it is a Robin — of course we know a Robin, but later we may find some nests where we do not know the birds. So begin right now to look and be certain of the identity of the owner of the nest. Then we climb up and peep into the nest. Only two eggs! An in- complete set so we leave them and pass on. Next we find a Blue Bird's nest in an abandoned Woodpecker's hole in a small dead limb of an apple tree. We are first very sure it is a Blue Bird. The identity of the bird is ALWAYS first. Then we look into the nest. Five fresh eggs! Good! Our first specimen for "our collection." How shall we get them out? Our hand is too large to get into the hole. It is not so very far to the house and we go back and borrow a saw. Slowly and very care- fully we saw the small limb off below the nest and lower it to the ground, turn it slightly over and take a spoon out of our pocket and lift out the beau- tiful blue eggs one at a time. These we roll separately in cotton and place in our cigar box. Then we take our note-book out and sit down and enter the following: "(1) 766 a-5. Nest 7 feet up in abandoned Woodpecker's hole in dead limb of an apple tree in an orchard. Birds seen, eggs fresh, nest saved. Remarks. This nest was on the south side of the tree and the opening was toward the south east. The cavity THE OOLOGIST 37 was 9 inches deep and the opening 2^/4 inches across. Nest typical, of fine grasses, weeds and feathers." Then we replace the note-book in our pocket and place the figure (1) on the nest stub, stand it up against the foot of the tree where we can get it when we return home, and pass on. Next we find a Phoebe's nest un- der a bridge across the road, stuck onto one of the projecting rocks of the retaining walls. The bird is gone in a fiash but we know her. The nest contains six eggs, a very unusual number, but they show signs of incu- bation, however we decide to chance it, so carefully remove the eggs and as with the Blue Bird's eggs, roll each one carefully in cotton and place them in our collecting box. Then, after removing the nest and wrapping it in a newspaper cornucopia and marK- ing it (2), we enter in our note-book: "(2) 456 a-6. Nest stuck on a pro- jecting stone of a retaining wall of a bridge across the Lacon and Hemy road 5 miles north of Lacon, 7 feet above the creek bed and 3 feet from bridge floor. Birds seen. Nest of root- lets, moss, fine grass and mud, lined with hair and feathers. Eggs, size a very unusually large number; incuba- tion commenced. Nest saved." We pass on and find a Kingfisher's nest in a hole in the cut bank of this same creek. As the birds fly about we admit we are for sure stumped. We remember reading in one of the Wood's books that the nest of this bird was almost untakable in its natural state and likewise have a vivid recol- lection of reading in THE OOLOGIST Vol. XXVI, page 92 of the tragic death of Richard Smithwick, who dug into a bank after a nest of this species and crawled into the hole he dug when the earth caved in on him and smothered him. But we must have these eggs! Are we not forming a collection of eggs and we have no Kingfisher's eggs yet? Well, we go to a nearby farm house and borrow a spade. As luck would have it the nest was not over three feet below the top so we scram- ble up to the nest hole and insert an arm full length without finding any- thing but air. Then we get a small switch and push it as far as possible with the same result. This makes ful- ly six feet of the tunnel we have ex- plored. Then we go on top and dig down to the burrow. To our surprise we find it at two feet and four inches, showing it slopes upwards. After cleaning away the dirt and digging al- most two times as much as was really necessary in the hot sun, we get where we can see the eggs. Seven of them at the enlarged end of this nine foot tunnel lying there on the soil with only a few straws about them. Disap- pointed? Yes! Where is the beauti- fully fashioned and delicately assem- bled nest of white fish bones and scales that we had been taught to ex- pect? A myth? Yes, and nothing more. Then the eggs were not as white at we had expected. Or are they dirty? Yes, and they, like Wood- pecker's eggs, must be the most care- fully cleaned both inside and out of all dirt, foreign matter and the last vistage of contents with perfectly clear water, else the taking of them is in vain. They will surely spot and blotch and ultimately become entirely ruined unless this care is used in pre- paring them. We pick these speci- mens, with more care and more cotton because they are larger and heavier. Then we carefully collect the few straws composing the nest, place them in some more newspaper marked (3) and in our pocket. Then we enter in our notebook: "(3) 390 a-7. Nest in a burrow 9 feet deep in the side of a creek bank 7 feet above the creek and 3 feet 38 THE OOLOGIST down from the surface in sandy soil, composed of a few straws at tlie en- larged end and sloping upward. Open- ing 4x3 inches. Birds seen; eggs dirty but fresh." Then we start home. Across the fields we travel when suddenly from under foot flutters a mass of feathers. Finally it arises awing and floats away. A Meadow Lark! Looking down we see a tuft of grass with a small opening in the side. Peering in, five fresh eggs are disclosed and trans- ferred, cotton wrapped, to our collect- ing box. Then we sit down beside the nest and enter in our note-book: "501 a-5. Nest on the ground in a pasture, partially sunk into the ground in the middle of a tuft of last year's grass, arched over and lined with fined grasses. Eggs fresh. Female flushed from nest. Nest saved." Nest saved! Yes. But how? As we are not far from our home we go there, get another spade and a small box 8 X 10 inches and three inches deep. We carefully cut the sod around the nest and under it to the same size and depth as the box, being careful at all times not to in the least disturb the nest or grasses about it, and slip the spade under it, setting the sod with the nest into the box. All the time we are handling the whole affair most delicately, else we ruin it. And if properly and carefully done, we have "' preserved one of the very hardest khid of specimens, — a ground sunken nest amid vegetation. We then go home for the day with four nests and four sets of eggs, hav- ing picked up our Blue Bird's nest on the way back. Having arrived home with a set of 5 Bluebirds, a set of 6 Phoebe, a set of 7 Kingfisher and a set of 5 Meadow- lark, the next thing is to prepare these specimens in such a way that they will last and make a desirable appear- ance when placed in the cabinet. The first thing to do is to lay aside each set of eggs separately on a cloth or layer of cotton batting, something that will prevent them from rolling; then procure a basin of water, a tumbler filled with water and the blow pipes and drills we have before men- tioned; sit down at a low table or on a door step or some similar place, so as to bring the basin above the object you sit upon. We will commence now with the preparation of the set of Blue Bird's eggs. Picking up one of the speci- mens, look it over carefully to see if there are any stains or any foreign matter on it which can not be re- moved, and if there is, that is the side we blow it on. First pierce the shell with a fine pointed pin or needle, then select the smallest of the drills, which should be No. 0, carefully insert the point of the drill in the hole left by the needle, and holding the egg be- tween the thumb and finger of the left hand, with the larger end away from you, and the second finger under the smaller end of the egg slowly twirl the drill back and forth with the thumb and finger of the right hand, gradually enlarging the oriface until you have drilled clear into the egg. If you have the right kind of a drill the rear end of the burr part of the drill will cut the lining as it enters the egg. If it does not do this, it will be necessary to draw the drill back until the rear of the burr comes in contact with the inner surface of the shell at the hole made by the drill. A few more twirls will then cut the lining. Then withdraw the drill, turn the egg over, still holding it between the thumb and finger of the left hand, take a small blow pipe and hold the point of the same near the oriface of the egg, turning the egg upside down over the basin of water. Then blow through the blow pipe and the air will THE OOLOGIST 39 gradually enter the egg and force the contents out of the same hole. After the entire contents of the egg has been blown out in this way, then take some water in the mouth from the tumbler of water standing near- by and blow the water through the blow pipe into the egg. Do this with some force, but not enough to destroy the egg shell. After the egg has been- blown full of water, then blow the water out of the egg. Repeat this two or three times until the contents of the egg are thoroughly cleansed out; for any foreign matter of any kind or any of the contents of the egg that may be left in surely stain the shell and ultimately destroy the specimen. After this has been done and you are sure that the contents of the egg is entirely out and the inner surface of the shell thoroughly cleansed, then lay the egg upside down with the hole resting on a piece of blotting paper. This should be clean and not ink stained. Continue the same process with each one of the eggs in this set, laying them side by side on the blotter when the blowing is completed. They should be left in this position until they are thoroughly dry and all the other eggs taken should be drilled in exactly the same manner, using care to see to it that the sets do not become mixed, and that each different set is kept sep- arately until marked. If the eggs are not thoroughly cleansed, their taking and prepara- tion will be all to no purpose, for they will finally become spotted and ulti- mately disintegrate. It is always im- portant to use the smallest drill pos- sible on each egg. The above is the proceeding for blowing all eggs which are fresh. Makes no difference whether they are the size of a goose egg or the size of a Hummingbird's egg. The same pro- ceeding is followed from the beginning to the end. Assuming now that all of the eggs we took on the day before mentioned have been blown and arranged on the blotter as directed, and have been left there long enough to become thor- oughly dry, the next thing is to mark them. The marking of specimens is one of the very important steps in their preparation. Care should be taken to mark each set legibly and ac- cording to the system used by Oolo- gists. They should be marked with a soft, pointed lead pencil unless you are a high class expert with India ink like E. J. Court at Washington and a few others of his kind, who are very rare indeed; but if you are then you may assay the use of India ink. The set of Bluebird's eggs should be marked as follows: Above the blow hole on the larger end of the egg and near the blow hole should be placed nearly the figures "766," which is the number of the bluebird in the Ameri- can Ornithologist's Union ("A. O. U.)" Check list of North American Birds. To the right of the blow hole should be placed a short straight line as near as may be opposite the center of the blow hole. Above this line should be placed the letter "a" and beneath the line the figure "5". The letter "a" in- dicates the fact that this was the first set of Bluebirds taken this year. And subsequent sets should be indicated by the letters b, c, d, etc. The figure 5 beneath this line will indicate the number of eggs in the set. If the set has been 4, 6 or 7 the numbers 4, 6 or 7, according to the number of eggs in the set would be placed beneath this line. And beneath the blow hole irshould be placed numbers designating the year in which the set was taken, as 1910, 1911 or 1912, or whatever the year might be. Each egg in the set should be marked in exactly the same way. 40 THE OOLOGIST In this way it is easy to keep track of the specimens. The A. O. U. num- ber will at once identify the speci- men, the set number "a-5" will show that it is the first set taken and tliat there were five eggs in it. The year number beneath the blow hole will show the year in which it was taken, and reference to the data and to the original notebook will disclose these same figures. Having marked all of the eggs taken according to the above method, the next important thing is to place them in a dark cabinet of some kind with closely fitting drawers that will ex- clude both dust and light. The light will cause many specimens to fade; in fact, nearly all. Dust if it settles up- on the egg and the atmosphere then gets damp, will set up a peculiar char- acter of fungus growth on the shell that will ultimately disfigure the eggs for all time; particularly those having solid color, like the Bluebird, Catbird, Wood Thrush, Woodpecker and the like. Of course it follows that the larger the egg the easier it is to blow. Like- wise the larger the egg, the same rules apply to prepare it with as small a drill as possible. Many times it will be found that the specimens taken are more or less in- cubated, though it is a bad practice to take incubated eggs unless they are specimens of unusual varieties in that case the taking is entirely justified. The blowing of a badly incubated spe- cimen is a matter of tedious hard work. Frequently you will have to use an embryo hook as well as a pair of very fine, sharp pointed embryo scis- sors and cut the embryo within the egg through the orifice made by the drill with the scissors and drag it out, piece at a time with the embryo hook, or force small pieces of it out by in- serting the point of the blow pipe en- tirely within the shell of the egg. To do this neatly and softly will require a larger hole in the shell and much patience and care. It is never very satisfying to at- tempt to use caustic potash or any similar substance for the dissolving of the contents of an incubated speci- men, as is sometimes recommended, for the reason that ultimately the shell of the egg so treated will disintegrate entirely and the strong alkaline action will injure the tint and colors on the shell. After a little practice it is not hard to become proficient in the preparation of specimens of this kind, and you will discover that your standing and rank as an oologist will depend very largely upon the character of your work in preparing your specimens. Accuracy, neatness and cleanliness above all things should be your motto. With each set of eggs — and a set is the number of eggs found in the nest — should be made out and kept and sent with the eggs whenever they are disposed of, a "data." Many forms of data blanks are in existence and they may be procured either of a local printer or of the advertisers in the columns of THE OOLOGIST; but freak datas should be avoided. They should neither be too large or too small. A data which will just neatly go into a number 6 envelope is recom- mended. On this data should appear the A. O. U. number by which the bird is known, its common and scientific name, the data of taking and the local- ity in which the set was collected, the number of eggs in the set, the set mark by which the set is identified, the state of incubation of the speci- men, the means by which the eggs were identified, the location and a general description of the nest follow- ed by any special matters of interest pertaining to the set under the head- THE OOLOGIST 41 THE OOLOGIST ing "remarks." This should be signed by tlie collector in his own handwrit- ing. Cotton Nests For Small Eggs. This is a great help when moving small eggs. It keeps you from taking each egg separately. These nests are easily made. Take a strip of card board three fourths inch wide and any length according to size of nest desir- ed. Bend it in a circle and tie or glue together. Take a piece of cotton two times as large as the card board cir- cle. Lay it flat on a table, then place circle in the middle of cotton, turn the cotton over the top and round into shape. This makes a good nest and is handy when moving eggs from one drawer to the other and saves all rif^ks of breaking. It takes a little time to make but when finished they can be used for a long time. It's a good idea to use white cotton for some nests and colored for others, according to the eggs that show up better in differ- ent colors. R. Graham. Worth, Texas. « ^ « A New Method of Arranging Eggs For The Cabinet. From time to time I have seen note.; in various Ornithological publications on the subject of egg arrangement. 1 have tried many of these ideas, but none of them ever proved entirely sat- isfactory in the long run. Others may have had the same experience and 1 therefore give a description of the method now used by me and which gives an extremely neat appearance to the collection. Instead of using cotton or sawdust, fill the tray half full of DRY plaster of paris. Now press it down with a card or other devise until flat and smooth and of the same depth in all parts of the tray. Be sure that the pressing devise is the same size as the interior of the tray, otherwise there will be ridges in the plaster. The eggs are then gently set in the soft substance and a label or number placed in the corner of the tray, according to the idea of the owner. The advantage of this method is that each egg is held in a cavity which ex- actly fits it, and prevents it from roll- ing about as is the case when cotton is used. It is also by far the neatest method that I have ever seen, each tray appearing as though it contained a solid immaculate block of pure white plaster, into which the eggs had been set. The accompanying photograph gives a fair idea of the appearance of a small type collection arranged in this manner. Paul G. Howes. Take Care of Your Calipers. If you have a pair of calipers do not allow them to become wet or to be left in a damp place. If you do, you will find that in a short time they will rust or tarnish. To prevent this, get some "Three-in-One" oil. Place a few drops on a cloth and rub your calipers thor- oughly. Do not pour the oil direct upon them, for a thorough rubbing is cufficient. The oil fills the pores of the metal and thus forms an impervi- ous guard against rust or tarnish. It is also well to wrap them in tissue paper when you will not use them for a length of time. Ralph R. Wilson. Unusually Large Set. On the 6th of November, 1915, three men were hunting in the Kas- kaska River bottoms about sixteen miles northwest of Odin. They were climbing trees which they thought might be a "coon" den and they claim- ed to have found one which was full of eggs. To verify this statement, they delivered to me a small bucket THE OOLOGIST 43 44 THE OOLOGIST containing nine eggs of the Barred Owl, claiming they were all in one tree when they found them. I found upon unpacking the eggs that they undoubt- edly were Barred Owls. They all ap- pear to be about the same size and shape, while some were very badly settled and dried while others contain ed some liquid matter. All appeared to have been fresh as I found no signs of embryo. One very noticeable thing was an unusually hard shell and quite a little thicker than the usual Owl egg. I took the drill and twirled it round and round until I got tired and hardly left a mark, so I sharpened the point of my pocket knife and scraped until I could see liquid oozing out or smell the "delicious perfume;" then I tried the drill again and found it the hard- est drilling I ever done. It required about three-quarters of an liour to make a hole 3-32 to 1-8 inch. I have not succeeded yet in getting them cleaned but they are slowly coming my way so I feel like I will be able to save them. I have no reason to doubt the men's word, having known them intimately for over thirty years, during which time one of them has assisted me in getting quite a few sets of Hawk; and Owls. While the shells are badly nest stained I hope I may be able to save them as I feel confident it is the largest set of Barred Owls in exist- ence. I have collected over one hun- dred sets and saw about as many more which I did not collect and I find two or three is generally the number, i have taken five sets with four and con- sider them very desirable. O. B. Vandercock. Preparation of Oological Specimens From Field to Cabinet. We venture this chronicon in re- sponse to the Editor's request in the November OOLOGIST. It never having been our good for- tune to spend a collecting season afield with any of the older or younger col- lectors of today, we know, therefore, little or nothing regarding the methods that maintain among those who are so privileged to associate and exchange ideas; and it is under this cowl of isolation we beg leniency should that which follows long since have been buried in the discard of obsoletes. To us it has been a rather slow pro- cess of evolution through a succession of events not unmixed with calami- ties; hence it seems befitting that we here record event and calamity num- ber one. Among the first of those with whom we exchanged was Edward J. Court of the Geological Survey, Washington, D. C. We sent our specimens in ad- vance, and rather self-satisfied, too, with the preparation of our material. Since the malady of ignorance is ig- norance, and self satisfaction is one of the symptoms of the malady, our first Oological shock arrived with the box of specimens shortly received for the ones sent. We have not here the courage to express the distress of shame felt, when we saw for the first time — immaculate preparation — and thought of the monocle-holed-deplor- ables we had offered. A solemn vow was then taken to reach as nearly a Court standard as our ability permit- ted. We have since learned to know and respect many other collectors for this same high standard of preparation; but it is to Mr. Court that we are in- debted for being at least once remov- ed from an inhibitory infiuence, and we can never look at specimens of his, either those of past years, or of our present day exchange — for our corre- spondence has never ceased, and his standard of excellence never dropped — without feeling a certain quality in THE OOLOGIST 45 b = *- 46 THE OOLOGIST the personality of the man indicative of that innate sense of the fitness of things. Else why the sincere respect he pays to Oology by his infinite care and painstaking preparation? We have come to recognize three fundamental principles for thorough and consistent care of Oological speci- mens: First, proper equipment for field work; second, patience, care and practice in both the removal of shell contents and inscription on shells for identification; third, prompt cabinet disposal. About February 15th of each year is commenced a thorough renovating of all our collecting paraphernalia, which, no doubt, consists of the same working equipment that is in general use. The following however, may be a slight departure and contain a sugges- tion for overhanging cliff work. A four strand self-locking block, and tackle of three-eighth inch Sampson spot cord fastened to the end of a heavy anchor rope and dropped over the cliff to the desired height. A can- vas seat swung below the lower block a sufficient distance to allow a strap around the body just under the arms and fastened to the block, gives per- fect freedom to both arms. One only hoists about one-quarter of his weight and whenever the hoisting strand is released the block automatically locks. With the aid of a jointed fishing pole at the end of which is attached a heavy cloth bag, the mouth of which is held in shape by a circular wire and provided with a thin puckering flap operated from the handle by a line; the bag inverted placed over the egg, the puckering line drawn taut slipping the egg up into the bag en- ables the collecting of many specimens otherwise impossible. The conditions under which we col- lect probably have much to do with the methods we have adopted. Few of our trips are less than twenty miles distant and many are eighty to ninety miles and remote from water or habi- tation. It is partially this no water question for the proper rinsing out and cleaning of shells that has brought us to the carrying home of all specimens for preparation. Then, too, we feel that better and quicker work can be accomplished when one may avail themselves of every possible conven- ience. Hill, cliff and tree climbing, or even moderate exercise keeps up a blood circulation that is certainly not conducive to the steady hand neces- sary for operating on small and deli- cate specimens. It is to Mr. H. W. Carriger we here owe a word of thanks for a safe means of specimen transportation, in the na- ture of a collecting box. Just how clearly we interpreted Mr. Carriger's written explanation and description of his box, we are not sure; but the cut here (Fig. 1) shows a box that may be depenbed upon for most rough treat- ment with positive assurance that its contents are perfectly safe. Each half of this box is filled with remov- able tubular compartments made by cutting into proper lengths exception- ally heavy mailing tube which are lined with perfectly fitting sacks of the best grade of eider down cloth glued to the tubes one-third of the way from the top leaving the other two- thirds free and swinging like a cradle. Thus when unpacking eggs, the tubes may be removed one at a time and a slight pressure into the cradle end pushes the egg out. It does not re- quire a very large assortment of tube sizes to accommodate all eggs from the largest to the smallest. Large and medium sized eggs are placed one in a tube, whereas smaller eggs may be packed several in a tube with a lay- er of cotton between. The box should be made so that both inside dimen- THE OOLOGIST 47 O) < . ° re (3 I il 48 THE OOLOGIST sions are divisible by the various di- ametered tubes to be used, tlien all tubes will be more or less interchange- able in part or in whole. One of the two boxes we now use is shallower than the other, as is also one-half of each box; thus four lengths of tubes are obtained and these compactly ac- commodate everything we take up to Goose eggs. A heavy card board lined on both sides with the same eider down cloth forms a fly leaf protection between the two halves of the box. A small box made to contain but four or five of these tubes offers very quick and effective packing, especially in cliff work, and afterwards they may be replaced in the larger box. That we may not carry home eggs that can not be prepared in a manner worthy of them, or perchance have to be thrown away due to excessive in- cubation, we test them using water as a medium; for this in no way retards the development of the embryo if the egg is too far advanced to take. Many eggs of which the shell density, lining, heavy or ground color make it impos- sible to determine the exact state of incubation any other way, succumb to the water test. A fresh egg sinks in fresh water, and it soon becomes an easy matter to determine the exact stage of incubation. Bringing material home for prepara- tion affords an additional advantage to us since we use water pressure for the removal of shell contents. Figure 2 shows a short piece of flexible tubing with one end slipped over a reducer which is screwed onto a cold or hot water hose bib over a sink, and a blow pipe fitted into the other end of the tubing. If the hose bib or valve is of a good compression cock type, the water can be adjusted to any degree of force to suit the size of egg, hole or state of incubation. The exact method of procedure is difficult to describe, as practice, judg- ment and discrimination are necessary factors in the blowing of each egg. The final rinsing is accomplished by a mouth blow pipe. Back from a three days' trip on the sloughs, we have averaged in an even- ing individually, one egg every two minutes; handling each egg but twice, once in the unpacking, second in the drilling, blowing, cleaning and placing ready to mark on the drying tray, the eggs ranging in size from Savannah Sparrows to Red-head Ducks, with holes from one thirty-second to three thirty-seconds inch diameter, depend- ing on the state of incubation. In the case of far advanced embryo, we pre- pare for the inevitable — time, patience and the necessary tools. Where a solvent is necessary we resort to con- centrated lye. One third lye and two- thirds water injected into the body of the embryo by means of a large needleed hypodermic syringe, taking care that the solution does not come in contact with the membrane lining of the shell — a wait of two or three hours — and the contents can generally be removed. It is advisable to first blow out the yolk, viscera, etc., before the lye is injected; otherwise a soft soap forms, which, however, may be disintegrated by a strong salt solu- tion. After years of interchange in cor- respondence and specimens we know that there are collectors who see no virtue in the hole made in an egg bearing some relation to the size of the egg. We honestly believe, how- ever, that the law of proportion and balance would have undoubtedly im- proved some material, that but for its rarity only, is now granted a place in our collections. Surely science would sacrifice nothing, if, in the case of beautifully marked specimens, the least attractive side received the hole. THE OOLOGIST 49 1 B"^ ^^^^H' f -'-^^fl^^^^^^^^^^l 1 1 Drawer of Eggs Showing Arrangement Adopted in Collection of Dr. Perry. Photo by Finlay Simmons 50 THE OOLOGIST and identifying inscription. It may be quite unethical to remove sucli foreign colors and matter, as mud coatings, lice markings, nest filth, etc., as may entirely conceal the eggs true ground color and markings — even so — there are times, when the ability to discern just what nature originally intended is very gratifying. After an egg has fulfilled all the demands of science there still remains something more, at least in those eggs that have pigment markings, for surely there is no phase of nature which offers more schemes or suggestions of wonderful and varied color combinations. Well might we apply many of these com- binations to our every day life, sup- planting much of the hideous, man- conceived color discord. Higgin's Water-proof India ink and a crow quill pen offers a good medium for small, compact and distinct iden- tifying inscription. A pencil is apt to rub and become dim, and many of the common writing inks will eventually fade, indelible pencils and inks indeli- bly deface an egg should they ever be subjected to moisture. In our earlier collecting we found that the greatest percentage of loss resulted^ from the multi-handling of specimens before they were blown- due to bunglesome equipment and lack of system in quick transmission to the cabinets; and much effort has been di- directed in minimizing this percent- age. Specially commendable is any short method in the field as it leaves more time for observations, notes, photos, rest, or more collecting. A, Owen and Antwonet Treganza. Preparation of Oological Specimens. I suppose that at some time or other, every collector has had the thought come to him, that it would be fine if the drill hole could be elim- inated entirely. Thinking along these lines I began to experiment with the result that I found two methods to come close to the desired object. The first of these consists in using a very thin mixture of No. 1 moulding plas- ter, and injecting it into the inside of the shell with the aid of a long necked medicine dropper, first wetting the in- side of the shell by squirting it full of water and emptying it again. After putting in the plaster mixture lay the shell with the hole down on a piece of glass, and in a few minutes time you will have a whole shell again, which only needs a touch of color to make it absolutely perfect. This method will be found of use where you wish to get rid of large holes in badly incubated eggs, and also to repair broken shells, (from the inside). The second method is one that must appeal to all students who care for neatness in the scientific preparations of their specimens, and as it is just as simple as the everyday way, there should be no excuse for not using it. It consists simply in the hiding of the hole with the A. O. U. number. Take for instance the common Phoebe, (A. O. U. No. 456), drill as small a hole as possible; when ready to mark, place the figure "4" in front of the hole, start your "5" just above the hole and end it by making the lower loop of it encircle the hole as far as it goes; then put the "6" behind it, and you will find that the hole is practi- cally invisible. As another example try a Summer Tanager's egg; in this case you have numbers "6, 1, 0." The figure "6" will go in first; the "1" in the middle ;and the "0" will encircle the drill hole. You will find that almost all the numbers will lend themselves to this system of marking, and the greatly improved appearance of the shell will more than pay you for your trouble, and prove a credit to you no matter which side happens to be up. THE OOLOGIST 51 ±0. Q. J3 p. O 4-> 1. (0 re 0) "^ ID (0 ^ 4> «^ "5 re 52 THE OOLOGIST Now a word in regard to the me- dium for marking: the old time hon- ored method, is by a soft lead pencil, which does very well for field use, but I wish to recommend a small steel crow quill pen, and a bottle of water- proof India ink. These two articles will cost you just fifty cents, and with them you can mark the smallest or largest specimens without the danger of breakage from pressing it too hard, as sometimes occurs with the pencil. With the knowledge that it will stay on until you wish to remove it, which is very quickly done by moistening the figures you wish to remove, with a touch of alcohol, and wiping with a damp ray, otherwise no amount of handling, wetting or polishing will smear them, as happens quite often with the soft lead pencil. Every col- lector knows that it is always a tick- lish job to mark a Hummingbird's egg neatly and yet small enough to look good on so small a shell. With the crow quill it is quite easy. Now one more thing before I quit: 1 received some specimens from corre- spondence, and wishing to change the progressive number to my own series, I started to wash them off, but alas! for they were written on with indel- ible, and the rest is too sad to tell. H. A. Edwards. Los Angeles, Cal. G. A. Abbott. After April 1, 1916, the address of Gerald A. Abbott, the well-known Chi- cago Oologist and business manager of the Wilson Ornithological Club will be, Portland, Oregon, care Marshall Wells Hardware Company, with whom he has accepted a position as traveling representative. Egg Preparation. I will tell you my plan by which 1 prepare my eggs at small holes very easily. I now never use any egg drill but the smallest drill made for any egg up to the size of the Red-tailed Hawk egg. Unless incubation is one- third on, all eggs up to the size of a Bob White I drill the hole in the egg the size I want, then I take a lining cutter of my own make and run it around in the hole drilled in the egg and cut out the little round plug which wants to keep the hole stopped up as all collectors know this lining bothers a lot about blowing the contents out of an egg. When this is done I then take a blow pipe of my own make and blow a small bit, all that will come out easily, then I take the egg between my finger and shake same until the yellow and white in the egg is thor- oughly mixed together and becomes then like water, then the contents of the egg can be blown out in a moment with ease. I only do eggs this way that is above the size of a Bob White egg. Where eggs are advanced in in- cubation and the embryo formed, 1 drill into them and blow out of them all 1 can, then I put water or alcohol in them enough to fill all the space in the egg, then I put the eggs in a safe place with holes up so water or alcohol will stay in them. I let them stand about twenty-eight hours, then I take them up and blow everything out of them I can and if the embryo has not become thin like blood so it will blow out all of it, I put the water or alco- hol in again until the egg is full, then let it stand twenty-four hours again and by this time the embryo is nearly always rotted to where it will come out very easily. This is my plan to prepare eggs to prevent having large holes in them. I do hate to see a fine valuable set of eggs with holes in them that look as if they were bored out with an inch drill like many I have in my collection taken by collectors in all parts of the THE OOLOGIST 53 United States. I can blow a fresh Brown Thrasher's egg and thoroughly clean it at a hole so small you can hardly find the hole. I use for wash- ing eggs out, a small oil can the size used for oiling sewing machines. This can I fill with water and hold the point of the can where the oil is to come out at near the hole in the egg; then knock the can to throw the water in the egg at the hole; or if the egg is large enough to let a medium size hole be drilled large enough, the point of the oil can can be inserted in the hole in the egg. The water can be easily pumped into the egg then, but this re- quires very careful work. This is much easier than to blow the water with the mouth through a blow pipe into the egg to wash it clean. After 1 wash an egg out clean, I then light a common lamp and hold the egg over the top of the lamp chimney until it is dry, with blow hole down; the heat from the lamp will also draw all the water out of the egg shell at once and you don't have to let the water drop on your hot lamp chimney. If you do, the chimney will break. I also have learned that drying egg shells by a lamp heat in this way prevents them from fading, which is of great import- ance as the shells of eggs of many birds are bad to fade and become very dull in color. Valuable. This issue of THE OOLOGIST will be a valuable hand book for those starting a collection of birds' eggs, as well as a reference mine for the older collectors. The Preparation and Arrangement of Specimens. While this field is a wide one I will not undertake to say much. I would like to speak about oological speci- mens only. If you are collecting or contemplating doing so, do it with sys- tem and elegance; carefully select each specimen or set of specimens and after taking all notes and measure- ments, just as carefully, as to identi- fication locality, situation, material in nest, etc., pack carefully for transpor- tation, all this if you are sure the set is complete. If you cannot make sure of this, better wait a day or two for completement, a week or more if necessary. When you prepare the eggs, use all care necessary to pre- pare a first class specimen, cleaned through a small, perfectly drilled hole, use water and rinse perfectly clean, be sure and remove all of the contents of every specimen: dry slowly and carefully on a card with various sized holes in, in which to rest each egg. In number use a soft A. W. Faber drawing pencil about BG or BB, have a point and make small numbers done with neatness. Measure carefully the nest, and bind it about with black thread, 50 cotton size, wrap in tissue paper or make a cartoon of a heavy paper and put carefully away unless you intend to use it in the cabinet. In a small collection, I like to use a cab inet of drawers and place each nest with its egg in the drawers, write out a full data with some notes on the back, always having the number of the egg and nest on each data, so as to avoid confusion. If you wish to use the name of the bird on the nest of eggs in the cabinet, print them or have them printed in neat small letters. Whatever you do, use neatness and system, for nothing looks worse than a poorly kept, disorderly collection. George W. H. vosBurgh. Marking Eggs. Among the numerous offerings you will doubtless receive giving methods and means used in the preparation of specimens, 1 would like to submit one on kindred subjects. 54 THE OOLOGIST One is the subject of marking speci- mens. I frequently receive sets with none of the eggs marked or at most but one. Specimens in this condition seem little better than nameless waifs. They are genuine as to species and are bona-fide sets but when once away from the hands of the man who col- lected them they assume a doubtful status. It seems to me each of the eggs in a set should have marks on it conveying three items of information, i. e., the species, a set mark peculiar to this one set, and the number of eggs in the set. The first should be shown by the A. O. U. check list number. The second may be selected at the dis- cretion of the collector. My set mark system at present is a consecutive col- lection number beginning at 1. In this way similar sets of different sea- sons are never confused by the same set mark. Until the series number reaches five figures it is not at all cumbersome. When 9999 is reached 1 intend to begin at 1 again and pre- fix "a" as the index of the new series. This method fits in very nicely with a loose leaf field note book I use where in each page is numbered. This page has on it only the notes referring to one particular set and the number of the page is the one given to that set as a set mark. The third mark is naturally the number above the hole toward the large end of the egg, and in the other two in the shape of a fraction at the opposite side of the hole, the numer- ator being the set index and the de- nominator the number of eggs in the clutch. Some collectors use only a set index, which has one serious objection. When separated from the note book of the collector containing the num- bers in regular order it is impossible to tell the species (in many instances) or the number of eggs in the set. W( should remember that we are prepar- ing eggs that will exist in collections after we are gone and they should be marked so as to leave no chance for confusion. Other collectors begin each season with number 1 and use a different letter each year to designate the year. Probably this is as good a plan as nine but doesn't fit my notebook sys- :em. There are several other systems in use which entail more writing on the eggs and therefore do not seem as desirable, though in the event of lost data the more facts concerning the set that are written on the eggs the better. There is one other point I would like space to mention. It is the almost universal habit of collectors sending nests by mail or express, to pack cot- ton either in the nests or around them or both, with nothing between the cot- ton and the nesting material. Many a wasted hour have I spent patiently picking the fuaz of cotton from a lichen-covered nest of one species or from the bark strips and straw of an- other. The wrapping from an orange or a bit of newspaper would make this unnecessary and the nests would ar- rive in as good if not in better shape. F. C. Willard. 1916. Spring is here, hie to the woods and fields. Report all the good things, the rare finds, and the interesting ob- servations to THE OOLOGIST. An Open Letter. Your promise in the November OOLOGIST to devote an entire num- ber to discussion of methods for the arrangement and preparation of speci- mens was of particular interest to me, and if carried out successfully should prove of benefit to collectors in gen- eral. THE OOLOGIST 55 O) O uu-t: eQ. ni ■tJ o =: M o u 4> ^ « I- 56 THE OOLOGIST It seems to me that there is a cry- ing need for more complete data, es- pecially for the rarer sets. Some years ago I received several large lots of European eggs, and was quite dis- gusted to find that as a rule the only data consisted of the name of the spe- cies, the date, and the locality. In the majority no reference was made to such obviously important items as the name of the collector, nesting-site, materials of the nest, incubation, etc. Fortunately we are considerably in advance of this method in America, but even here there is often much to be desired. Just recently I received a set, the data for which made no mention whatsoever of the locality where the eggs were taken. Such sets are of course of no value as scientific specimens. Some collectors merely sign their initials, or in other instan- ces write — "collected for" — so-and-so. This may be all right where the party for whom the set was taken is very well known but even then I think it would be better to show the full name of the collector proper. To write "nest in an oak tree" does not tell us anything. There is no ex- cuse for taking a set of eggs unless something is learned thereby of the nesting habits of the birds. Under the head of "Nest" should be written not only a description of the materials used, but also of the general shape and structure; whether a loosely con- structed platform or a skillfully woven cup, basket or whatever the case may be. The nesting-site itself is fully as important, and the height from the ground, distance out from the trunk, and whether in a fork, saddled on a limb, or suspended among the twigs, should all be given. Also the charac- ter of the country where the set was taken, whether open woods, river bot- tom, brushy hill-side, etc. If of a spe- cies nesting in the mountains the ap- proximate elevation above sea-level should be given whenever possible. When the set is a rare one no detail is so small as to be unworthy of rec- ord. Another point is the set-mark. Tak- ing the Robin as an example, the first set of three taken in any year will be numbered 1-3, the second 2-3, the third 3-3, etc. The following year the same thing occurs again, so that after a time there will be dozens of sets of the same species taken by the same collector, and all bearing the same set- mark. Then when you lose the data for a set and ask the collector for a duplicate he is up against it. A better plan is to write the year in which it was taken on every egg of each set; or better still to give each separate set an individual number in addition to the set-mark. This avoids a great deal of confusion,, especially to those who collect in large series. Looking forward to the publication of the promised number from which I am sure we all will glean something of value, I remain. Yours very truly, D. J. Shepardson. Look 'Em Over. Your collection should be looked over at least once a month, to keep watch for signs of deterioration, damp- ness, dust, insects and the like. My Way of Caring For Nests. In preparing nests for the cabinet 1 mount them on little boards 4^/^x5 inches, twenty-four of these just fit a drawer in my cabinet, which is 18 x 30 inches inside. Orange box covers make the best as they are about the right width. I cut them to the right size and leave them rough just as they come from the saw and stain them a dark moss green with a stain made of chrome green and drop of black made THE OOLOGIST 57 Shore Bird Skins Prepared and Photographed by Horace H. Green 58 THE OOLOGIST very thin with turpentine. The grain of the wood shows nicely and the rough finish is mucli more artistic than to have the boards plained and they harmonize with the bark of the branches on which some of the nests are placed. For the ground nests I make little wire baskets and fasten them to the little board mounts. The nests which are on a piece of the branch are fas- tened by putting a screw up through the bottom of the mount and into the branch, thus fastening the nest secure- ly to the mount. For Vireos nests and others that are in a forked branch I put a stand- ard on one side or in a corner of the amount and making a hole in the top of the standard fit the end of the branch into the pole in the standard. Several Hummingbirds nests can be mounted on one board by using stand- ards. The accompanying photographs shows one of the Warbler drawers in my cabinet. Reading from left to right the nests and sets are Golden- winged Warbler (2), Black-throated Blue Warbler (2), Magnolia Warbler (2) ; Second row, all Cerulean Warb- ler; third row, Cerulean Warbler (4). Northern Water Thrush, Blackburnian Warbler; fourth row, Mourning Warb- ler, Canadian Warbler and Black- throated Green Warbler (4). Verdi Burtch. Collecting Birds' Nests. There is nothing that enhances the value of a collection of eggs more than having the accompanying nests of the various species. The greatest objec- tion to the formation of a collection of nests is the fact that they are as a rule bulky or I am sure there would be more collectors who would make it a rule to obtain for their private col- lection at least one nest of each spe- cies. In collecting nests it is always desirable to secure the nest "in situ". By in situ is meant the procuring of the nest attached to the limb of the tree or any object on which the nest rests. Even the larger nests can quite often be secured "in situ" if one has the patience and time and means of conveyance for securing same. I se- sured my first of the larger nests, a crow's, after probably three hours' work. It was some thirty feet up in an oak and about % of a mile from my home, but with a common hand saw and a rope to let it down with I secured the most interesting speci- men, at least so to my visitors, that I had at that time. With certain sit- uations you may have some difficultj'. In one instance, I wanted a phoebe's nest showing the method of fastening to the side of a vertical surface. I found a nest thus attached on the side of a wooden beam under a low bridge. The beam was about a foot wide and two inches thick but I got the nest as originally fastened and also about a square foot of bridge after bringing the hand saw into play. I have also had difficulty in securing a nest of the green heron; the only nests of these birds I have found were in hawthorne tangles and I have as yet to secure one of these frail structures in pre- sentable condition. All birds have nests; even if the eggs are laid on the bare ground the spot where the eggs rest is the nest. To show that the species nests on the ground ,the soil, sand or gravel on which the eggs were deposited can, with a little care, be transferred to a shallow box of a size varying with the dimensions of the nest; the eggs after preparation being placed in situation as when found. A trowel or spade is necessary in getting these ground nests. If you live near the ocean, where, as in the case with certain ocean birds whose eggs are deposited on rocks, it is, of course, impossible THE OOLOGIST 60 THE OOLOGIST or impracticable to attempt to take the nest unless you are a prospector and have mining tools and dynamite to work with. But with the average col- lector who collects near his home he can soon work up a collection of nests of much educational value. The nests of birds such as wood- peckers can often be secured without much difficulty; when these birds nest in fence posts I have often taken the whole post home, sawed off the sec- tion containing the nest and put the rest of the post on the wood pile. Quite often some collectors saw a nest hole below the hole dug out by the birds to show the bed of the nest and the eggs. This is very satisfactory. Where the nest is small it is well to place it in your cabinet, as with hummingbirds, vireos, knatcatchers and and some warblers, as nests are great dust collectors and should be protected by the cabinet or a glass show case when possible. When your oological specimen is rare or you have no duplicates I should not advise the placing of the specimens in the nest as they are more liable to breakage than in the recesses of your cabinet and also light, continually falling on your specimens will cause the eggs to fade to some extent. However, the private collector will find much pleas- ure in forming a collection of this kind. Some of these little nests are beauties of nature and what is more wonderful than the nests of some of the small warblers, the vireos, the hummingbirds, marsh wren, and the Baltimore oriole? And you will have no trouble in their preparation as a nest needs no skinning nor blowing as in the case with other ornithologi- cal specimens. As most of the nests will be found in trees you will need only a good pocket knife or with others a hand saw. So let us have more nests in our collections. Emerson A. Stoner. Ant Poison. With one gallon of cheap syrup mix 1-3 ounce of Arsenate of Soda. Soak a sponge with the mixture and en- close it in a paper bag, perforated to admit the ants and paraflned to pro- tect the poison from the rain, small buckets or quart cans perforated near the top, will do. Tack the bags up where the ants will readily find them. Two or three bags should be placed in the infested territory. Replenish the bags with the poison at frequent intervals, as it is imperative that the entire colony be killed or the remain- ing ants will breed rapidly. If you find a bird's nest infested by ants place a few bags of poison where it will do the most good, otherwise the ants will eat the young birds. W. A. Strong. San Jose, Cal. Blood Stains. If I had known what I do now, about removing blood stains, I would have a good many more specimens on hand. One often hears or reads "Specimens too shot up or perhaps, bloody to save." Since I have used this method, which may be old, but which is new as far as I know, I have lost only one specimen, from its being too bloody, — an American Woodcock, whose head was all but shot off. Of course if feathers are riddles, or feet lost, this method will not save your bird, but at least try it on a bird which looks hopelessly bloody. Take for instance, an Owl whose facial disc is a mass of blood, and whose eyes are shot to nothing. Fol- low this course: Get some luke warm water, several rags, plenty of cotton and some Kingsford's Cornstarch. Now dampen the face thoroughly with water, and mop off as much of the blood as possible; continue this pro- cess until the feathers seem free from THE OOLOGISf 6i blood. Then lift them all up, and plug wounds with cotton, carefully fill up the space between the eyes and eye- lids with cotton, and wash again, very thoroughly. Now apply very liberally the cornstarch. It will form a paste probably. With a tooth brush, take this off, and apply more. Gradually the pastiness will discontinue, and the feathers will assume their individual shape. Now shake, apply more corn- starch and when the pastiness stops entirely, begin using your old tooth brush. Brush and shake. The feath- ers will become fluffy. Put more corn- starch on if necessary, and continue to brush and shake. Eventually you will not know the bird had been shot in the face. The gasoline-plaster paris method is no doubt good, but to me water is more agreeable than gasoline, and surely less expensive. The cornstarch is generally easier to get than gaso- line. George M. Sutton. Hints On Egg Blowing. By J. H. Bowles, Tacoma, Wash. The first set of eggs that I have on record as personally collected is that of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird N-2, taken by my brother and myself at Canton, Mass., in June, 1882. One egg was broken in blowing, so the remain- ing one was turned over to my father, who was successful in making a per- fect specimen of it (something of a feat for a man who had never even tried to blow an egg before.) I advanced gradually in the study of oology, evolving and discarding many strange ideas. Among these was the theory that an egg was at its best when blown with a good big hole, whether it was fresh or advanced in incubation (let me pause here to say that some collectors of modern times seem to be of that same opinion). This was especially true of big eggs, such as Red-shouldered Hawks. I thought these fine large eggs surely were wor- thy of the full capacity of my very largest drill. Happily I outgrew this stage before many years, gradually re- ducing the size of the hole until now I can prepare an egg in moderately presentable shape. An egg the size of that of the Crow, unless considerably advanced in incubation, should not require a hole larger than will admit the head of a common pin. A hole the size of the body of a pin is amply large for warbler eggs and the like. Per- sonally I like even smaller holes, but perhaps I am something of an extrem- ist in that direction. Another disastrous scheme was try- ing to have the hole free from the lin- ing of the shell. This utterly useless idea ruined several rare sets for me as first class material before I threw it into the discard. Blow your egg, clean it thoroughly with water, dry it, mark it with the A. O. U. number and the number of your own set-mark, and, if you have done your work neatly, no reasonable collector will find any fault with it. Mark the egg with small fig- ures, one number above the hole with the other below it. Some of our very best collectors use ink in marking their specimens, but I greatly prefer a very soft lead pencil for many rea- sons. Still another of my numerous mis- takes was in using small shot to re- move the membrane from an incubat- ed egg after the rest of the contents had been removed. Again eggs were made second class and much time wasted before I found that, by filling the egg with water and twisting a horsehair around in it, the membrane could be removed quickly and easily. In eggs of warbler size and smaller a fine hair should be used, and care should be taken that it does not dou- ble together inside the egg. I think that I can safely say that this method 62 THE OOLOGIST will be found a vast improvement up- on the use of shot. Removing the contents of an egg that is so nearly hatched that it is just short of being "pipped" is, I rather think, a rock upon which nearly all of us have foundered at times. I always test one egg from a nest if I am in the smallest doubt as to the stage of in- cubation, pricking a small hole with a pin where I should drill and testing the solidity of the contents with a grass stem. It is better to spoil one egg from a set in this way than to take the whole set home and then have to throw it away. It is unworthy of a true oologist for him to take a very hard set egg unless the species is so rare that he is unlikely to find another set. This rule should be ap- plied only to small eggs, because the size of Quail eggs, or larger, can be safely prepared if the collector is able and willing to take plenty of time. In preparing eggs in this condition I have tried many advocated chemicals with more or less success (generally less), but have discarded them all for the following very simple plan. Do not drill the eggs at all, but set them aside where they will not get broken and leave them for at least two weeks. They should be turned every day in order that the contents maj' not ad- here to the shell. By the end of two weeks, or more, drill the hole and the contents should become so softened that quite a little may be blown out, then fill the egg with water and set it aside for a day, continuing this treat- ment until the contents have been en- tirely removed. This method sounds much more tedious than it really is, and with the use of an embryo hook I have prepared with small holes eggs containing well feathered young of such Si;eLies as Mountain Quail, An- cient Murrelet, Peal's Falcon, etc. Heavily marked eggs, such as the fal- cons, can be badly discolored by using chemicals for dissolving the embryo, which fact I learned on a set of Spar- row Hawk. Be sure to let the con- tents get thoroughly softened before trying to remove the harder parts. If you are on a camping trip pack the eggs carefully and do not attempt to blow them until you get home. It will not hurt them if you do not look at them again for a month, as they will get turned sufficiently by the shifting of the camp equipment. Well, I will stop now and give some other fellow a chance. News For Bird Hunters. Bloomington, 111., Feb. 18. — [ Special] — P. F. Flanagan, deputy game warden for central Illinois, received advices today that federal authorities had de- cided not to enforce the migratory game bird law. conflicting, as it does, with the Illinois statute, and that hunters may shoot water fowl this spring, the same as in years prior to the adoption of the federal statute. The foregoing telegram appeared in one of the metropolitan Chicago dail- ies and is illustrative of the condition of law in the State of Illinois. Is it any wonder that the general public is getting disgusted with the law-making and law-enforcing officials throughout the land? The failure to enforce this Federal Statute would be an encour- agement to every illicit seller of liquor, counterfeiter, post office burglar, and violator of the Mann Act to continue violating Federal Law. It does seem that sometime, somewhere, some per- son should be placed in office who has the ability and the nerve to enforce the law as he finds it, and who is not always either looking for graft or en- deavoring to find a loophole through which he may avoid doing what it is his duty to do. The decision of the Federal authorities above referred to is an outrage and a disgrace. The OoLOGiST. Vol. XXXIII. No. 4. Albion, N. Y., April 15, 1916. Wholk No. 345 Oumed and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, S. Y., and Lacon, III. THE DOMESTIC CAT The State Board of Agriculture of Massachusetts has issued a Bulletin — No. 2, on the subject of the domestic cat. and all bird lovers should procure A copy of the same and peruse it as early as possible, and then make it a point to destroy every cat possible, regardless of race, color, or previous condition. The petted and pampered house tabby as well as the alley cat and the half wild cats of the woods are all exceedingly destructive of bird life. This bulletin shows the destruction of 170 species of birds of all sizes destroyed by cats, from the most diminutive species up to the size of the goose. The Bob-white. Grouse. Chipping Sparrow. Junco. Song Sparrow. Yellow Warbler, Catbird. Bluebird and Robin leading as to the number destroyed in the several species. KILL THE CATS AND SAYE THE BIRDS. 64 THE OOLOGIST The Federal Migration Law. Our reference to the enforcement of this law or its lack of enforcement along the Illinois Valley, one of the great highways for migratory water fowl has brought a reply from the Bureau of Biological Survey, which says that the Department has not sus- pended the regulations of the Federal Migratory Bird Law, "but proposes to enforce them to the best of its abil- ity," and asks THE OOLOGIST to an- nounce this fact in its columns. This we are glad to do, and we hope that the Department will not only "pro- pose" to enforce this law, but that it will enforce it. The manner of its enforcement along the Illinois River is a disgrace to the government. Hunting is pub- licly and continually carried on. Any- one traveling on the Rock Island rail- road or any of the roads running up and down the Illinois Valley, sees hunters fully equipped, carrying guns, wearing rubber boots, and with suspi- cious looking bags, getting on and off at all places. The boom of the guns can be heard in early morn and late evening from the office and home of the writer almost any day, and the fiagraucy of the violation is further evidenced by account in the Peoria Transcript of March 27th of one Thomas Thompson of 200 North Adams street, Peoria, who shot his left hand off the day before "while hunting ducks across the river yester- day forenoon shortly before 6 o'clock," as runs the account in the Peoria daily paper aforesaid. The Federal Migratory bird law is the one great corner stone for the pre- servation for the fast diminishing fam- ily of birds, and it is up to those whose duty it is to see that it is enforced. THE OOLOGIST will be glad to give them all aid within its power. Since writing the above the follow- ing is taken from the Lacon Home Journal of March 30th, which shows how the law is being enforced in this vicinity: "Shooting Ducks. "Some of the hunters are taking the risk and are shooting ducks in opposi- tion to the Federal law. A hunter passed our place Sunday with a bunch of eight or ten." Flicker. On May 10, 1915, I found a Flicker's nest twelve feet up in a dead elm con- taining three fresh eggs. My next visit to the nest was on the 18th of May and it contained thirteen eggs fresh. Now if the bird had laid an egg every day from the tenth until the eighteenth, that would account for eleven eggs. All the eggs were fertile but three were quite a bit larger than the rmaining eight. Therefore I think, as it is reasonable to suppose, that two different Flickers laid eggs in this nest. (Toronto). Goldfinch. On August 27, 1915, I flushed a Gold- finch from her nest about fifteen feet up on a horizontal branch of an oak. The nest contained four perfectly fresh eggs. (Toronto). Paul Tarrington. The Northern Plicated Woodpecker. (Phlaotomus pileatus abieticola) By S. S. Dickey. That scarlet-crested and attractive bird, the pileated woodpecker, known in some localities as Indian Hen, Log- cock, and Woodcock was once a toler- ably abundant species of woodpecker in most of the Eastern as well as the Central and Northern States. Years ago it is said not to have been uncom- mon to hear these wary birds as they uttered their flicker-like notes or paus- ed to hammer on some hollow tree trunk. At that time the birds inhab- THE OOLOGIST &5 Drawing illustrative of the Northern Pileated Woodpecker — Made by S. S. Dickev 66 THE OOLOGIST ited all forests. But with the vanish- ing of more cherished game, hunters began to persecute our great wood- pecker, shooting the birds at every op- portunity and leaving them as food for insects. As the country became more populated, the forests, necessarily, be- came smaller and smaller until the Indian Hen was compelled to seek refuge in the lesser timber tracts. Here, of course, their destruction was sure; for squirrel hunters, particularly slew each bird on account of its size and attractive coloration. So, today, we find the pileated wood- pecker driven by ruthless man, their greatest enemy, into the wilder and less frequented mountain slashings, primeval forests, or wooded tracts re- moved from the habitations of man. It is true that in some regions, where the birds are not molested, they will resort to woods quite near the dwell- ings of men. This giant woodpecker has been di- videdby scientists into two geographi- cal races, the Pileated Woodpecker, Phloeotomus pileatus pileatus. and the the Northern Pileated Woodpecker, Phloeotomus pileatus abieticola. The Northerner is said to be of a larger size than the species found farther south. It ranges from the southern Alleghany Mountains into the central parts of the Dominion of Canada; while the true Pileated ranges throughout the Southern States. The species are similar in habits. They flit about the darker forests, feeding extensively upon large ants, beetles, and larvae, thus ridding the trees of quite noxious inSect pests. Undoubtedly the birds are valuable to the forests. For nesting places these birds usual- ly select some dead, or partly dead, snag, hidden away in the deeper re- cesses of a forest or slashing. In this snag they excavate a cavity to a depth of from fifteen to twenty inches, en- larging it as they dig downwards. Up- on soft chips of wood they deposit from three to five pure white and glassy eggs. Early May is the usual time for completed sets in the North, while in the South the middle of April is the time for a full clutch. A nest found by the writer on May S, 1913, in Central Pennsylvania, was dug into a somewhat leaning red maple (Acer rubrum) snag which was secluded in a dense and wet timber slashing, deep down in a mountain valley. It was thirty feet above the ground and about seven feet below the top of the snag. The entrance hole faced the East. The bird was at home on four fresh eggs which appeared very beautiful, their intensely yellowish yolks giving them an attractive tinge of color. The eggs measured 1.30 x .99, 1.35 x .97, 1.27 x .96, 1.28 X. 96. For several years past I knew that the pileated woodpecker regiilarly in- habited some of the larger and more secluded woods of southwestern Penn- sylvania. Mr. J. Warren Jacobs had found them nesting many years ago. On May 22, 1904, I saw my first pileat- ed woodpecker. It was picking at the dead part of an apple tree that stood in an orchard bordering an extensive woods of huge oak, ash, and tulip trees. I felt sure that a pair of tho birds nested there each season ani was assured of it when my friend, M \ James Carter, noted in early June. 1906, an adult bird accompanied b / three well grown young. They crept up the side of a giant white ash tree and Mr. Carter watched them a sliort time. I made several searches for a nest with the result that I found a di- lapidated excavation, 10 feet up, in the top of a sugar maple snag that stood on a steep hillside. The excavation was not a deep one, being probably 8 or 9 inches. Since the preceding notes I have had no signs of the birds THE OOLOOIST 67 Nesting Stub of Northern Pileated Woodpecker in Red iVIapie tree, Huntington County, Pa., May, 1913 —Photo by S. S. Dickey 68 THE OOLOGIST and it is quite probable that they have gone the way of all worldly flesh at the hands of some squirrel hunter. I talk- ed with several men who roam the woods during Sundays and spare time and they have reported the pileated woodpecker as inhabiting several of the larger woods. An old man said he had seen a pair about 1907 and had shot one of the birds. I asked my friend, Mr. Guy Garrison, who lives some twenty-two miles southwest of Waynesburg, if he had seen these large woodpeckers in that region. He told me that he had at one time observed five in a bunch and had shot one bird. This happened in the summer several years since. I re- quested him to keep a close watch for the birds and late in the summer of 1913 he reported that he had seen one of them fly across a deep ravine be- tween two wooded hills, and just above his home. Late last March I again inquired about the birds and my friend told me they had been pound- ing in the woods above his house. When a few days had passed I went into that section of the county in search of Red-tailed Hawk's nests. Mr. Garrison directed me to the place where he had frequently heard the birds "pounding." I was not long in detecting numerous chips upon the ground, and peering up I discovered a newly made hole, 35 feet above the ground, in the dead top of a slender live sour gum (Nyssa sylvatica). This tree stood on a small flat and just be- low the crest of the ridge. The woods there was small but became more ex- tensive as it crossed the hill into a deep ravine. The day following I went home with high hopes of returning to this place when early May should come. On May 7, accompanied by Profes- sor R. C. Harlow, who had come to spend several days with the birds, I took the hack for Pine Bank, a post office seventeen miles away. From this point we tramped over the hills to the home of Mr. Garrison, arriving after dark. Early the following morn- ing we were all three at the base of the gum tree. Harlow said the nest looked fine; and 1 imagined the bird was sitting on her eggs. However, up- on ascending the tree, no bird appear- ed at the opening. I cut awaj' the tough outer bark and found that the cavity held many large chips and two black beetles alive. Such was the luck! We went down the hill to the house, not over an eighth of a mile away, and after an hour had passed we heard a pileated woodpecker calling from the vicinity of our false nest. I am unable to say whether the cavity had been dug for nesting purposes or whether it was one of the false holes sometimes prepared by woodpeckers. Guy told me that the birds had been there digging all through April and it seems strange that they should work so diligently on a false hole. We spent the next day in the neighborhood and twice heard pileated woodpecker's call notes. I found an old excavation in the top of a gum snag. Mr. .Tame ■ Carter visited the region a week later and saw one of the birds picking at an apple tree that stood in an orchard near the house. It soon flew away to the woods. On May 20 I was hunting for a nest of Whip-poor-will in a forest of huge oaks, that lay in a deep ravine, four miles from my home. In the top of a big white oak snag, and probably 25 feet above the ground, I spied a large and new entrance hole of the pileated woodpecker. There were chips on the ground beneath the cavity, so I ex- pected to find young birds in the nest. No amount of pounding on the snag produced a bird's head at the open- ing. Upon ascending to the hole I THE OOLOGIST 69 ^^^^\fj[ ■^ ra .-rX" ^^^H L^ ^^H- '.' ^ i^£-, f yi 1 ^^" '!;■'•/ Nesting Stub of Northern Pileated Woodpecker in Sour Gurn Tree in Southwestern Pennsylvania, May, 1914 —Photo by S. S. Dickey 70 THE OOLOGIST found that it held spider webs and many chips. However, the excavation had been made quite recently and was about 10 inches in depth. Now there still remain a few pairs of these elegant birds in our Green County woods. Perhaps sometimes I shall be so fortunate as to locate an occupied nest, and if so I shall be the happiest man in all these parts, for there is no bird that lends to me the attractiveness that does the noble pileated woodpecker. The Great Black-Backed Gull on the Hudson River. The Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) during the past winter has been rather common on the Hudson River from Yonkers to the Battery and even more so on upper New York Bay. On December 7th the first of the season appeared off Barclay Street, Manhattan and was feeding on the river in company with the Herring Gulls which were unusually abund- ant on this particular date. On the 17th two individuals were observed off Hoboken near midstream, both resting on the surface of the river. On the 23d one was seen near the Frank- lin Street piers, Manhattan. This also was resting on the river surface. In .January ten were recorded dur- ing the month. On the 5th, one was observed just west of Governor's Island. On the 10th, two were seen near the ship canal at Spuyten Duyvil and about an hour after one was ob- served near the Edgewater Ferry at 130th Street, Manhattan. On the 18th one was observed flying low over the river at Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. On the 26th, four individuals were seen near St. George, Staten Island. On the 29th one was recorded off Christo- pher Street, Manhattan. During February seven individuals were observed, two near Liberty Island on the 4th; one off the sugar refinery at Yonkers on the 8th; two near mid- stream just above Twenty-third Street, Manhattan, on the 10th, and two near the southern end of Governor's Island on the 14th. The above records constitute the most abundant season that the writer has experienced with these birds dur- ing the past decade and a half. Louis S. Kohler. Bubo Virginianus. The Great Horned Owl. I want to state my experience in ob- serving the nesting and collecting the eggs and young in the different sea- sons and dates from 1891 to 1912 and show the variation which in these years amounted to twenty-six days, in 9 years from one location: Set of 3 March 9th, 1891. Set of 2 March 9th, 1893. Set of 2 March 16th, 1894. Set of 2 March 9th, 1895. Set of 2 April 5th, 1896, in vacated nest of Hawk in nearby high pine. Set of 2 March 18th, 1901. Set of 2 March 16th, 1904. Set of 2 March 20th, 1911. Set of 2 March 20, 1912. Seven of these sets were taken from the same nest which was located in a large cavity produced by the break- ing down of a very large limb on an old elm tree, large enough so that I could stand erect in it, and one set in a nearby pine tree in a vacated Hawk nest after the elm tree was cut down. Later I found a nest of the Great Horned Owl which contained three very large young, and took them home. One of them I presented to Brother Crucius in Casisius College and it was a great favorite with the brothers. It was kept in the college and had free access to their dining room. When they called for "Hans" it came to them THE OOLOGIST 71 Nesting Stub of Northern Pileated Woodpecker, Huntington Co., Pa. —Photo by S. S. Dickey. 72 THE OOLOGIST and liberally fed. One day it flew out of the open window and led by her instinct went to a nearby chicken coop for some young chickens. The owner observed it and struck it a vicious blow with a heavy stick and broke the wing bones, which finished it. The other two are mounted, which makes a handsome group with a large Horned Owl. I have other sets in different locali- ties. Edward Reinecke. Buffalo, N. Y. Accipiter Velox. It is not often that a person gets the opportunity of observing a Sharp- shinned Hawk around Pittsburgh as these birds are exceedingly scarce in this vicinity. The last occasion I had of seeing one was not a very joyful one, yet it was intensely interesting. On the seventh of February while waiting for a shy Cardinal, which wa? rendered more shy by the proximity of the camera, to come to my feed-box I was suddenly surprised to see both Cardinal and several Song Sparrows go scudding to the shelter of some nearby brush. A moment later Acci- piter Velox shot past, about five or six feet above the ground, alighting in a tree some fifty feet behind me. A few minutes later he disappeared. I settled down again to wait for any more birds that might come within range of the camera. Five minutes or more passed without any sound except the distant notes of a few Chickadees, when behind me I heard a couple of weak chips and a brief scuffle. Turn- ing around I was greeted by the sight of the triumphant Hawk bearing its small feathered victim across the ra- vine to the opposite hillside where it doubtless meant to enjoy its repast. What the unfortunate bird was I could not make out, but I think it was a Slate-colored Junco. Albert D. McGrew. Birds of a Kansas Farm-Yard. While spending some time at home during June, 1915, was impressed with the large number of birds seen. On making a survey of the house-yard, orchard, cottonwood grove near barn yard and hedge fence through field, found twenty-four nests of the Mourn- ing Dove, some were on top of Grackle nests and one on top of a Brown Thrasher's; nineteen nests of the Bronzed Grackle were found, some had eggs, some young, but mostly empty. The air was full of Grackles, especial- ly with their "grackle." Orchard Orioles were next in exi- dence. They had six nests, three with eggs and young; three pair of Brown Thrashers in orchard and yard, two held young. A catbird had a nest in a plum patch and a Bell's Vireo had four well incubated eggs in another plum thicket, June 18th another pair was in the Cottonwood grove. A pair of Red-eye Vireos had one young in a Box alder near the house and an- other pair in a cottonwood near the barn yard. A pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers had eggs in the same hole in which they, or some other pair had nested last year. I cut into the nest hole the year before from the upper side of limb and saw the eggs and tied the bark with some twine, the young came out in due time. A pair of Kingbirds nested in the top of an apple tree; a pair of Grackles farther down and below it a Mourning Dove; all held eggs at the same time. A yellow-billed Cuckoo had two young in a peach tree and two other pair were in the hedge row. A Mocking bird's nest held three eggs in a peach tree in the back part of the orchard. A pair each of Downey and Hairy Woodpeckers were in the Cottonwood grove, also a pair of Chickadees and Great Crested Fly- catchers. Quite a number of Grass- THE OOLOGIST 73 False Nest of Northern Pileated Woodpecker, 22 miles southwest of Waynesburg, Pa. Hole made about May 8, 1914. —Photo by S. S. Dickey. 74 THE OOLOGIST hopper Sparrows were seen about the farm, also some Dickcissels. I found the neighboring farm yards to liave a like number of birds. One farm, however, having usual trees but no buildings had but one Brown Thrasher's nest and one Dickcissel's. This country, Saline County, was at one time a great prairie, except along rivers and water courses, the birds coming as the country was settled up. Albert J. Kirn. The American Vulture. Have you not noticed a marked de- crease in the number of Black and Turkey Vultures in the last year or so. Not only have I noticed the de- crease of one of our most common birds but also have had it brought to my attention by other naturalists of this section of the state as well as the southern portions. This does not mean that they are almost all gone but that they have begun to diminish in number greatly. I first noticed this a couple years ago and it has in- creased until now it is very noticeable. Even though declared disease car- riers by scientists, why should we sit calmly and "see this bird of prey be- come extinct so that our children will look back on it as we look on the Cal- ifornia Vulture and several other spe- cies that I could name with ease and that are now almost extinct but were once plentiful. Everything is for some good purpose. Why not the Vulture? Let us hear how your notes have run for the last couple years so that we may determine whether this de- crease is universal or if it is only local. My last trip was only for a day but in a whole day in the country i only recorded having seen five Turkey Vultures. Leverette Fitzpatrick. Waco, Texas. A Bird Roof Garden. Since January I have been finding large numbers of Horned and Prairie Horned Larks, Snowfiakes, Sparrows, Crows, Pheasants and Juncos and have secured in the meantime about one hundred fifty fine negatives of these birds in all sorts of places. One unique photo shows a Lapland Longspur feeding on weed seeds in company with female Redwing Black- bird and a Snowflake. Other photos show Larks, Snowfiakes and Spar- rows eagerly feeding on weed seed (clear weed seed obtained from grain elevators and I fed eight bushel of it). Also obtained many photographs il- lustrating spiteful attitudes, playful antics and other natural expressions of a bird's happy disposition. Besides these ground feeding spots 1 have a very choice assortment of old shrubs, evergreen, a log, an apple tree, branch with rotten apples attach- ed, all placed on the roof of my front porch and as I write this I look from by den window and within six feet of me are now feeding a noisy lot of Tree Sparrows who brust forth into a clear sweet whistling melody at fre- quent intervals. Several spic and span slate colored Juncos are also there, trilling incessantly. One of these Juncos has been so unfortunate as to nearly lose all the dark feathers of his tail, so that his tail is nearly all snow white on top, and so I call him silver-tail. He has visited this roof- garden now for over two weeks. Another bird who I am able to know every time is what I call the Black Chickadee. This Chickadee's sides and flanks are wholly black leaving but a narrow breast or belly streak of normal color. This bird's sides are as dark and pure colored as the dairk- est Junco. THE OOLOGIST 75 White oak snag near Waynesburg, Pa., showing excavation of Pileated Woodpecl a council of scoutmasters o^ the Boy Scout movement here last night, Joian H. Phillips, state game commissioner, sounded a warning from what he termed an invasion of robins. Mr. Phillips said the woods and fields of this entire section were filled with more robins than he had ever seen at this season before and unless mul- berry and other trees were planted to give them food they would attack fruit trees and become an expensive nuis- ance. Robins are protected by state law and have rapidly increased, while the trees upon whose fruit they formerly fed, have gradually disappeared as the forests were cut down. 102 THE OOLOGIST A few sets of Shore Birds in collection of James B. Carter, Waynesburg, Pa. The Oologist. Vol. XXXIII. No. 6. Albion, N. Y., June 15, 1916. Whole No. 847 (honed and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N. Y., and Lacon, III. THE MEADOWLARK His golden breast a-blaze in tlie sun Of the new born clay just begun; Wet with dew, his feet on the sod Of a meadow home; he carols to God. Facing the East with a clear, bright eye Watching morn's purple and gold mount high; He sends to his Maker with heart full of cheer A whistle freighted with love, mellow and clear. Again and again his glad song he repeats. His mate on her nest, her heart swiftly beats; She lists to the sound that through the mists drift Proud of her Lord and His heavenly gift. When suddenly awing, and sails he away, To the sweet little mate, whose heart he did sway; There in the meadow, diamond with dew Two little birds, their love they renew. R. M. B. 104 THE OOLOGIST Meadowlark — (Concluded). The above lines suggested them- selves to the Editor while lying in the hospital at Los Angeles in March of 1915. Every morning a Western Meadowlark came and lit on a tele- phone pole near the hospital and fac- ing the rising sun, bubbled over with melody for nearly an hour; when sud- denly he would wheel and fly off to- wards the Southwest. The regularity with which he did this, the joy with which he seemed posesssed and the unusual surround- ings of a noisy city thoroughfare se- lected by him, all impressed them- selves upon the Editor's mind. To this little bird we owe much for having taken our mind off of physical suffer- ing during our stay in that institution. R. M. Barnes. Mourning Warbler. This handsome Warbler comes in our section rather late. We never found it breeding before the first part of June. The head, neck and throat are bluish-gray, changing to black on the breast, rest of upper parts, wings and tail, olive-green, belly yellow. The eggs are white, speckled with reddish lots near the larger end. As can be seen by the photo. The nest is near the ground, surrounded by ferns, etc. We always found it in the Tonawanda Swamp about fifty miles from Buffalo. The Tonawanda Swamp is drained and no more such rare birds like Carulean Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Ovenbird will be found there now. We at one time could have purchased the section of six hundred acres where a colony of the Great Blue Heron nested and 1 at one time counted one hundred and ten nests, some as high as one hun- dred up in the high elms, for $6,000, but could not raise the money for this purpose. Now a corporation has charge of it, — too bad. Ottomar Reinecke. A Jinx. Until the present nesting season the owls have been my jinx. In the last five years of more or less consistent search I have never found an owl nest of any variety, not even that of the common Screech Owl. But the jinx is broken at last by a lucky find on February 27, 1916. On that date I went sixteen miles west of Champaign to the heavy timber along the Sagamon River. As I knew there were Great Horned and Barred Owls about, I was ready to climb every hol- low tree in the wood in order to find a nest. I soon found a promising-look- ing, round hole in an Elm tree, twenty- five feet up. Upon circling the tree I saw a crack on the opposite side from the hole and from it a long, soft owl feather protruded. Making quick work in strapping on the climbers I started up the tree. I had not taken more than six steps upward when an owl fiew out and settled on a nearby limb for a few seconds to inspect me. I instantly recognized it as a Barred Owl. 1 climbed the remaining dist- ance in record time, and in the cavity saw my first set of Owl eggs and the first set for 1916, consisting of five clean Barred Owl eggs. Incubation had just begun. Having no collecting box along I was forced to carry them in my sock cap upon my head on the sixteen mile journey home. Various other passengers on the interurban car showed much curiosity about the pe- culiar shape of my toque. Walter A. Goelitz. Champaign, 111. Nesting of the Wilson Warbler in New Jersey. On June 16th, 1915, while making observations along the trail to the north of Mud Pond, Passaic County, New Jersey, I located a nest of the Wilson Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) di- THE OOLOGIST 105 Nest and eggs of Mourning Warbler — Photo by Ottomar Reinecke. 106 THB OOLOQIST rectly on the ground under the shelter- ing branches of a hazelnut bush. This nest, at the time, contained a set of four eggs heavily incubated. The fe- male was covering them at the time of discovery and the male was perched in a cedar about a dozen feet off. The female was quite silent on being flush- ed and quickly disappeared in the surrounding undergrowth. The male, however, continually uttered a sharp metallic "chip" and was very nervous and excited while I was making obser- vations of the nest and contents. On two occasions, this feathered mite, actually flew directly at my face, com- ing within a few inches and then dodg- ing off to a nearby sapling. The nest, as above mentioned, was placed in a hollow in the turf of the bordering bank and was composed of strips of bark and weeds, and lined with plant down, fibers and a few slender grasses. The eggs were a cream-white heavily speckled with chestnut-brown principally at the cen- ter portions, both ends being only sparsely spotted. On the 20th, I again visited this nest and found it to contain four nestlings about a day old. Both parents were providing food for the young. This consisted wholly of insects which they captured on the wing. The female at this time had lost considerable of her former timidity and was coming to the nest at intervals of about four minutes and feeding while I was seat- ed on the ground about five feet off watching the proceedings. On the 22d I visited the nest and found it to contain only three of the young, the fourth having disappeared. The remaining three were progressing very rapidly and appeared quite heal- thy. The food brought this day was wholly insectivorous and like the form- er day, was caught by both parents on the wing. On the 27th the nest was again visit- ed for the purpose of placing bands of the American Bird Banding Associa- tion on the young, but found that the nest was empty and torn apart and the whole colony missing from the neighborhood. This is the only nest of this species that has thus far come to my atten- tion in this state. During the last fif- teen years, during the breeding and nesting seasons of the Mniotiltidae in this section of New Jersey, about a dozen pairs of this species have been observed up to the 15th of June, but in no instance was a nest or the sem- blance of one located, nor were the birds observed gathering nesting ma- terials. On two occasions copulations of the sexes of this species were ob- served in this immediate vicinity but that was as near as I ever succeeded in finding a home of this warbler. On the 16th nests of the Redstart, Black and White, Black-throated Green, and Blue-winged Warblers were found in this same locality. Imemdi- ately to the west of this pond, nests of the Maryland Yellowthroat, Yellow- breasted Chat, Yellow and Chestnut- sided Warblers and Ovenbird were located during the period between June 13th and 28th during this year, which indicates that the section is par- ticularly conducive to the nesting and rearing of the young of the Mniotilti- dae. Attempts were made to secure a dozen pictures with a small camera of the above Wilson Warbler nest, xmi failed most signally and did not se- cure one exposure of the twelve worth the trouble. Louis S. Kohler. Warblers in the Vicinity of Jonesburg, ■Missouri. Warblers are indeed hard to follow; some are here one day and are gone THE OOLOGIST 107 the next; again, some appear, remain a few days and tlien pass nortliward. A few are permanent residents and are indeed welcome, for as far as I liave observed and according to tlie best autliorities no maledictions are cast at them for bad habits. On the contrary they are rather pitied by some naturalists because of the fact that they are so imposed upon by -the detestable Cowbird (Molothrus ater.) Their plumage is, on the whole, bril- liant and no sight is ever so pleasing to me as several warblers hunting for food. The most abundant Warbler I have observed is the Myrtle Warbler; next comes the Northern Water Thrush; then the Maryland Yellowthroat, Yel- low-breasted Chat, Louisiana Water Thrush, Magnolia Warbler, Black-and- White Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Yellow Warbler. The Myrtle Warbler arrives about April 25th and is common by the next two days. It remains here until May 15 and then passes northward. On its return migration it passes through Jonesburg from October 20 until the 26th. Both the Northern Water Thrush and the Louisiana Water Thrush ap- pear about the last day of April and are common by May 2. They are all gone northward by May 10th. The Maryland Yellowthroat arrives April 25-27, is common by 26-28 and remains here during the spring and summer. I do not recollect seeing them after August 1st and have no notes of their presence after that date. The Yellow-breasted Chat arrives May 1-5, is common by May 7-15 and remains here during the remainder of May and the month of June. I have never observed it after July 1st. Of the other Warblers named I have scarcely observed their movements long enough to state with sufficient ac- curacy any dates relative to their mi- grations. Ralph R. Wilson. Jonesburg, Missouri. Pine Warbler (Dendroica vigorsi) at Bloomfield, N. J., During December, 1915. On the morning of December 19, 1915, in Watsessing Park, near Bloom- field Center, a male Pine Warbler was observed by the writer. The bird was in company with several Juncos and Golden-crowned Kinglets and seen among the shrubbery and on the ground feeding. The ground was cov- ered with about ten inches of snow and it was bitter cold at the time with the thermometer registering ten de- grees above zero. Under the shrub- bery were several patches of bare ground and it was on one of these patches this unusual visitor was feed- ing. On the morning of the 21st and 22d it was again seen at this point and then disappeared. The latest record I have of this species was made in 1912 at Haskell, New Jersey, on November 2d, and the earliest record was made on April 6, 1906. Louis S. Kohler. The Prothonotary Warbler. The Thompson Lake region on the Illinois River is probably the central breeding place of this beautiful warb- ler. The nearby lakes of Mud Grass and Flagg are also much frequented. Mud Lake is about a half mile long and an average width of two hundred yards and yet around this small body of water probably twenty-five pairs were breeding this year. The writer for about forty years has made a journey at least once a year to some one of these bodies of water to collect a few of these birds and their 108 THE OOLOGIST eggs; going about the 20th of May. On this date the present year accom- panied by a niece, an understudy in bird oology and taxidermy, we drove five miles to Thompson and securing a boat were soon rowing down the west side of the lake where the dead willows were in considerable number. The loud, clear weet! weet! weet! notes of the males were soon heard after leaving the boat landing. Many Tree Swallows too were all about us. very tame. Perhaps less than fifty yards was made before a beautiful male was secured falling in the water but was quickly retrieved and dried with corn meal and then wrapped in paper. After examining several cavi- ties in the dead snags and trees one was found that looked very promising and when Miss Edna stood up in the boat to peep into it a female flew out almost in her face and almost making her fall out of the boat. The dead bark and wood being removed, six eggs were found to be the comple- ment. This I have found to be the usual number; sometimes only five are laid. And three times in my ex- perience I have found sets of seven. The eggs are very beautiful, almost spherical, shell hard, markings exqui- site and varied, and usually each one of a set following the same pattern. A set mark is almost impossible as the egg is so covered with colorings. As a rule the female is not taken and a new set is produced in two or three weeks. When it can be had the nesi is often composed entirely of the green moss that grows on the nearby live willows. \NTien the lake is high and the moss covered up, dry grass, stems and stalks and fine rootlets are often used. The cavity is usually filled with this material to within four or five inches of the opening, and then a cuplike depression is made and the eggs laid. Sometimes the cavity is filled with moss all but a lining of grasses for the nest proper. A cavity over the water is preferred and one not over four to six feet above it. This, however, is not strictly adhered to as last year a nest was found six- teen feet above the water in a little live ash tree containing the usual six eggs, and this year one was found back on dry land quite a distance from the water line. Continuing down the lake several fine males were secured, using light loads of No. 12 shot, smokeless pow- der and a 20 gauge hammerless dou- ble barrel Utica N. Y. gun, which I have found to be about perfection for all kinds of collecting. Several more sets were taken, in all about seven or eight. A fine Solitary Sandpiper was seen picking on the moss covered v.ater and was easily secured. A good many Yellow-billed Cuckoos were in the willows and several were taken which proved to be males. Two sets of Tree Swallows eggs, one of five and the other of six and a pair cf the glossy greenish black males were secured. One nest of Prothono- taus containing six young was found but not disturbed. Bull, Black and Water Snakes were seen on many of the willows and some apparently searching for nests as they are not averse to a dinner of eight young birds or the eggs, as I have often discovered. A fisher brought me a few days ago a Bull snake that he captured on Grass Lake that was over seven feet long and on skinning it was found to contain a whole family of nearly half grown Bronze Crack- les. Returning to the landing and eat- ing our lunch we left the boat and went up the lake on land; finding up here the nests contained no eggs at all or only partial sets which we did not care for. In the top of a hollow 110 THE OOLOGIST stump and over the water a Mallard's nest was found containing fourteen eggs, the duck being on the nest. As they looked much incubated, they were not touched. Back in the dense big timber the fine notes of the Amer- ican Redstart was heard on every side. Two males were taken. A Car- dinal's nest was found in the Button Ball bush but not molested. Our dog Heine chased something through the dense bush with much bellowing, we supposed it to be a rabbit. Coming up to where he had treed it, we were surprised to find him twelve feet up in an old willow tree literally tearing the dead top out of it. It was limbed from the ground up and not hard to climb by an enter- prising dog. We were much surprised to see a large mink dislodged out of the top of it by the dog and which he barely missed. It ran down the tree and off to safety towards the lake, while the canine, who had to descend backwards, was quite a while reach- ing terra firma. Our half day's outing was success ful and satisfactory and we returned to our buggy and home. Dr. W. S. Strode. Lewiston, Illinois. Pine Grosbeak at Tea Neck, N. J. On January 9, 1916, Mr. B. S. Taub- enhaus, of New York city, and the writer found a pair of Pine Grosbeaks (Pincola enucleator leucura) among a group of conifers in the Phelps Es- tate at Tea Neck, N. J. These birds, a male and female, were in a hemlock about twenty feet from the ground and in a position to easily determine their identity. They were in company with several Golden-crowned Kinglets and Chickadees and remained in the vicinity for about ten minutes before they flew off and we had ample time to observe them. This is the first record which we have for this spe- cies in New Jersey. The Report of the New Jersey State Museum men- tions several records in the northern counties but none since 1904. We would be glad to know if other ob- servers have seen them at this point, or at other places in northern New Jersey, this winter. L. S. Kohler. Birds on Matinicus Rock, Maine. This small and nearly barren ledge is in the western part of Penobscot Bay, and is about twenty-five miles from the mainland. There is a light house on it which has twin lights and the people connected with it are the only inhabitants. Visitors are allow- ed, your name is requested and no fire- arms permitted. From the Rock eastward are a great many ledges and islands, most of them the home of some specie of bird in spring time. Wliile many of the birds are of the so-called common variety, they are very interesting to anyone living inland. The great size of some of their colonies and the prettiness of the scenery in Penobscot Bay. June is the best month in which to visit the Rock and an early morning start is advisable for there is general- ly a good swell on the water which seems to increase by afternoon. Ap- proaching the Rock a great many Common and Arctic Terns are seen coming and going. They are pari of the large colony living on it, which is estimated at over fifteen hundred pair. The greater part being the com- mon species. All Terns are called either Medricks or Mackerel Gulls by Maine people. Looking the place over, after you land, you find that one end is entirely covered with immense granite bould ers. Toward the other end there are little patches of soil between the THE OOLOGIST 111 rocks which are not spread on so thick. Tlie Terns live on the rocky end, and as you wander about upon them you are glad you wore rubbers for these boulders are hard to walk on, being slippery and tilted every way. No attempt is made to make a nest and their eggs lie about on the flat rocks anywhere and everywhere. Some tossed about by the wind are broken, others lie in crevices filled with rain water, but the greater pan are safe and will hatch. Two or three eggs are in most sets of both species. A set of four is rare and Dr. Dyar, the keeper, pointed out a set of five of the Common Tern to me once. The eggs vary greatly in color and marking. Many odd eggs may be found. When first you appear among them, the birds are much annoyed and per- sist in flying about directly over your head, uttering their noisy repeated chir-r-r-r and teat-r-r-r and this sound will stick in your head a long time after you have left. In a short time, however, many of them quiet down and return to their eggs. Formerly the Rock had but a single light, but a few years ago another was added. The Terns arrive about May 15th, and in the night and the keeper told me that the night they came after the second light had been Installed, they seemed to know they were at the right place for they kept flying about over the Rock but didn't know what to think of the new light and refused to land for three days. A good sized colony of Leach's Pe- trel breed there. They are seldom seen about their breeding grounds in the daytime so it is hard to estimate the size of a colony. It is said that one of a pair will feed out to sea all day returning at dusk to relieve its mate in the burrow. In the little soil patches, which is of a very light tex- ture, are the burrows in which they lay their single white egg. Dull white as a rule but often eggs will be found with a distinct wreath of fine red dots about the large end. As all the soil had been used here for the burrows many were forced to dig in under the smaller stones and by tipping over these stones you will generally find a Petrel and its single egg. The nest seems to be at the best only a few pieces of grass. Under the boulders on the highest part of the Rock a colony of perhaps forty pair of Black Guillemot breed; Sea Pigeons they are called there. The size of a colony may be fairly well determined by the number of birds noted sitting about on the rocks and in the water nearby, for they will all be males and each one will have a maid tucked away under the rockf^ on the eggs. Unless you can crawl in among these immense boulders you cannot move them and very often the eggs are placed where they cannot even be seen. When eggs are fresh there is very little to go by in look- ing for them but as Incubation ad- vances the bird white washes the rocks leading to them, making it easy to follow the trail. Sometimes a few broken mussel shells, but more often the one or two eggs lie on the bare rock. Occasionally an egg will be noted that appears from its position to have been pushed to one side and will be found to have either a crack or dent in it. The bird probably knows such an egg will not hatch and pushes it away. The eggs are very pretty and vary in size considerably. A few pair of Puffins formerly came to the Rock to breed but several years ago when I was there last Mr. Dyar said they remained about for a while that spring but felt sure they went up the coast to breed. As these birds and their eggs are well known to all, 1 submit these notes 112 THE OOLOGIST more as a list of the birds living on Matinicus Rock than anything else. Roscoe I. Giles. Notice. Owing to the unusual stress of im- portant law business the Editor has been unable to give any attention to oology during the last month or two; but shortly after the middle of June will take the matter up again and catch up with all correspondence. This notice is given that all those in- terested may govern themselves ac- cordingly. R. M. Barnes. A New England Collection. There is one collection of New Eng- land birds and animals that I have never seen mentioned in our Orni- thological literature and I think a few facts In connection with it may be of general interest, for in some respects it is a remarkable one. I refer to the collection in the private muesum of Mr. Dinsmore Green, the veteran taxi- dermist of Greenwood, Mass., who, by the way, is not a relative of the pres- ent writer, although a personal friend of many years standing, and one to whom I owe many a debt of gratitude for aid and information in regard to procuring specimens of our rarer birds. Mr. Green's Museum is a very large, well lighted room, an addition recent- ly built on his house and designed es- pecially for the purpose it now serves. His collection includes mounted birds and animals and big game heads, and represents Mr. Green's own individual efforts for nearly forty years, for not only has he mounted all his speci- mens himself but nearly all of them were collected by him on the numer- ous trips he has taken throughout New England and New Brunswick. The animals range in size from the small mice and moles to the Caribou and moose. The birds include many of our larger and rarer species, the Eagles, Hawks and Owls being well represented by specimens in full adult plumage, most of them taken by Mr. Green many years ago when they were very plentiful and it was possible to pick out birds in exceptionally good plumage. Many of his birds which were col- lected here in Massachusetts are now rare or extinct all over the country. His Passenger Pigeon is one of the best ones I have ever seen and is probably one of the very last of this species which was killed in this vi- cinity. A very fine specimen of Es- kimo Curlew is probably the rarest of his group of shore birds, although many other rare ones are represented there. Hawks and Owls, game birds and water-fowl form the bulk of the bird collection, very little space being given to common birds which are easily obtained. The taxidermist work is remarkably good, the forms and attitudes of both the birds and mammals being very life-like, which not only adds great value to this collection but also offers conclusive evidence that the owner has studied them closely and faithful- ly in their nature haunts. Very few taxidermists can show a collection of "personally taken" spe- cimens which can compare with this one, for at the present time one's op- portunities to collect rare material are necessarily limited by the de- crease in wild life. Although Mr. Green occasionally picks up a few rare specimens now, he devotes much of his leisure time to the making of bird houses and attracting wild birds to the vicinity of the museum. Dur- ing the last few years he has had quite a numerous colony of birds breeding nearby, thus affording visit- THE OOLOaiST iia ors a chance to study both live ones and stuffed ones also. Anyone who visits the museum al- ways receives a very cordial welcome from the owner, who is a very pleas- ant and entertaining man, to talk with, as his vast store of information was gathered from his own experi- ence in the woods and fields and along the shore. Mr. Dinsmore Green is a man much loved and respected by nature students and sportsmen, and as he formerly conducted a very successful taxidermist business here for many years, he has a very large circle of acquaintances and friends. We all wish that men of his kind and capabilities were more plentiful. Horace O. Green. Wakefield, Mass. Albino. I noted February 2, 1916, a White- lieaded English Sparrow in company with a few others eating the new sown l)arley. I observed it closely for a few moments at a short distance, when moving nearer it flew to the fence, then flew away and did not return. Head light grayish white, with wide bars on the wings, was in company of about 30 English Sparrows. 4-26-16. Young White-headed English Sparrow, head and neck white, no white on back, male bird, learning it to pick up its own food. W. A. Strong. San Jose, Cal. J. Parker Norris. J. Parker Norris, one of the best known of the old-time Oologists, died at his residence in Philadelphia on March 17, 1916. Mr. Norris had been suffering from the disease, which eventually killed liim, for several years. He continued, however, to keep up his interest in the "J. P. N." collection to the last. Mr. Norris was born in Philadelphia on November 2, 1847, and commenced to take an interest in Oology when twelve or thirteen years old. He form- ed a collection, and in the sixties wrote a series of articles on Ornithol- ogy and Oology for the Country Gen- tleman, one of which, about the col- lecting and preparation of eggs, was re-printed in the flrst number of THE OOLOGIST (Vol. I No. 1 Young Oolo- gist). Mr. Norris' first collection was a good one for the time and contained series of Short-eared Owls, Sandhill Cranes and other species that were quite rare then. L. Kumlien of Wis- consin, who afterward became well known, was one of his collectors. Mr. Norris at one time spent several days in Washington helping Spencer F. Baird arrange the Oological collection in the Smithsonian Institute. Shortly before his marriage, which occurred in March, 1870, Mr. Norris sold his first collection. About this time he began to take an active inter- est in Shakespeariana, and eventually accumulated a splendid library on this subject. In 1885 he completed a book on the Portraits of Shakes- peare, which to this day remains the standard authority on the subject. In the Fall of 1885 Mr. Norris' inter- est in Oology which had lain dormant for a number of years became active again and he started the Norris col- lection with his eldest son, J. Parker Norris, Jr., at this time fourteen years of age. One of the principal things to reawaken Mr. Norris' zest for Oology was a visit to Thomas H. Jackson at West Chester, and a sight of the lat- ter's fine, well arranged and interest- ing collection. Soon after this Mr. Norris met Samuel B. Ladd, Harry G. Parker and a number of other active Oologists of this period. In January, 1886, Mr. Norris became 114 THE OULOGIST one of the editors of the Ornithologist & Oologist and continued in that ca- pacity until the decease of that able journal in the Fall of 1893. A large number of well-written and interest- ing articles appeared in its columns from his pen. Mr. Norris was the first to point out the many erroneous statements about the number of eggs laid by Raptorial birds, notably the Swallow-tailed Kite, up to that time credited with laying four to six eggs. Years before this in 1868-1869 he sent specimens of the eggs of the Small Green Crested or Acadian Flycatcher to E. A. Samuels from which the first correct descrip- tion was published. For many years Mr. Norris built up the Norris collection, until it became one of the finest in the country. He took more interest in the eggs of the Warblers and Raptores than any other families and was a thorough believer in having the majority of the species represented in series. He was most particular about the identity of his npecimens. About 18P4 he turned over the col- lection to his son, J. Parker Norris, Jr., though still continuing to take an active interest in it. — Communicated. The Editor knew Mr. Norris by correspondence, long and well; and likewise had a personal acquaintance with him, growing out of a number of visits in Philadelphia during which we had the rare pleasure of inspect- ing this truly wonderful collection of eggs. We had formed a very high opinion of Mr. Norris, both as a man and a scientist, and the Oological col- lection whicli he leaves is without doubt the greatest monument of its kind in North America under private ownership. We have no doubt that his son, J. Parker Norris, Junior, will take pride in conserving, improving and increasing the same. — R. M. B. Bird Brevities. My notes for the last winter seem to show a scarcity of the Winter Wren for this vicinity. A hundred miles of bird hunting failed to find the saucy little fellow. In suitable places a few Ruffed Grouse still live in spite of an army of hunters. This game bird is undoubtedly growing scarcer in Alle- gheny county. The Bob-white, I have never seen in this county in five years time, although one of my friends noted a few in his back yard less than a block from my home. Very few Bluejays are to be found around here which is due perhaps to their prefer- ence to some localities. The Cliff Swallow has never made an entry in my notebook and 1 would like to find a colony of them in this county. The Tree Swallow appears not to nest in this vicinity, but this bird was very abundant around Cambridge City, Indiana, where 1 lived in 1910. The absence of some birds in cer- tain regions is one of the things that is impressed upon the bird student whetn he moves from one part of the country to another. There is a fas- cination about a new place which only a birdlover can appreciate. Thos. L. McConnell. McKeesport, Pa. Bird Tragedies in Oil. Waterfowl are not devoid of instinct by any means, and yet new conditions are with them, as with other "people," sometimes misleading, according to the following extract from the Stand- ard Oil Bulletin: "Among the Waterfowl tlie death rate do to misinformation supplied by instinct is appalling and the circum- stances are peculiarly pathetic: A f usher well — of a sort that have made the California oil fields famous the world over — is brought in, or gets be- yond the control of the drillers and col ^^1 116 THE OOLOGIST domes in of its own accord. To tank the enormous flow is out of the ques- tion, so the oil is run into sumps al- ready made, or held in canyons that are hastily dammed to meet the emer- gency. Sometimes these oil lakes cover acres, as in the case of the Lakeview gusher. In the dark of nighi or during the beautiful desert twi- light, and in the windless dawn when reflections are strongest, these tar- colored lakes appear as bodies of water. Instinct does not always save the birds. Men employed around the great Lakeview sump tell how the migratory waterfowl, flock after flock, dropped out of the turquoise sky and plunged into that lake of oil. Majestic peli- cans, deliberate of flight; snow geese, Hawkes, fast-flying canvassbacks and ducks of all varieties that take the an- nual trip from Alaska to the flats of the lower Colorado river, alighted by the thousands in that oil sump, never to rise again. When these struck, their feathers became saturated with oil and their flying days were over. Many would remain on the surface, to be soon overcome by the heat and fumes of rising gas. Others would dive when excited or closely pressed. One old watchman long in the fields maintained that they committed sui- cide. The sight of birds struggling in the oil and countless blackened bodies floating on the surface had not the effect of detej-ring others from making the fatal plunge." W. A. Strong. San Jose Mercury Hospital, San Jose, California. Some Western Birds. California Bush-Tit. Three species and sub-species of the Genus Psaltriparus, a truly western genus not ranging east of the Rio Grande in southern Texas, are found in California. But as all forms are similar in habits and differ but slightly in appearance, I shall in the present article deal mainly with the one mosi familiar to me, passing quickly over the others. In northern California, we have the Coast Bush-Tit (Psaltriparus minimuo minimus), which is the type species. The bird is from four to four and one- half inches in length; the plumage is brown, darker on the head and gray- ish down the back. The desert form of southeastern California is the Lead- colored Bush-Tit (Psaltriparus plum- beus). As its name would imply, this form is mostly bluish-gray in plum- age. The subject of this article, the Cali fornia Bush-Tit (Psaltriparus mini- mus californicus), is well distributed throughout the Transition and Upper Sonoran Zones of the balance of the State. It is of the same size as the Coast Bush-Tit and differs from the type species only in the general light- er tone of the plumage. In my home county of Los Angeles, Californicus is an extremely common resident throughout the year. Herein lies one of his main charms, for like the poor he is always with us. Gath ering in large flocks after the young are fledged, our little friends make themselves at home anywhere and everywhere, ranging high up in the mountains until the first flurry of win- ter snow drives them down to the warm valleys. Here they remain in the parks and gardens until the spring awakening of the mating instincL breaks up the jolly litlte bands. While not in a position to state posi- tively that they do so, I believe that the birds raise two broods a season, at least in the years when there is no heavy rainfall after early spring. At any rate eggs may be found from early March until late July, thus plac- ing the species among our earliest breeders. THE OOLOGIST 117 The nests are to be found every- where, from the swamp willows with- in a stone's throw of the Pacific to the buckthorn thickets at more than five thousand feet elevation in the moun- tains. Almost every clump of oaks harbors as many pairs as its size will permit, in fact these trees seem to shelter more nests than all other kinds combined. Pepper and sycamore trees are often built in, as are also several varieties of cacti and countless shrubs and bushes. As a nest-builder the Bush-Tit stands without a peer in North Ameri- ca. His home is one of the Seven Wonders of the feathered world. Much has been written of these beautiful structures, the weaving of which would seem to be a Herculean if not impossible task to the diminutive ar- tisans. These nests are long, pensile pouches from ten to fifteen inches in length; about two inches in diameter at the neck and four to five inches at tiie bottom. The entrance, a small round opening about the size of a dime, is placed in the side near the top. The materials used are oak blos- some, cowbews, plant down, fine gray mosses, grasses, fibres, and feathers. Sometimes the outside is covered with small gray and brown lichens. To give an idea of the amount of material used I may say that more than three hundred tiny feathers have been count- ed from one nest. About ten days is spent in the building, and so well are they constructed that some nests weather the wind and rain of two or tliree winters, although they are used but one season. Like the Gnatcatchers our Tit-Bit will sometimes find a spot more to his liking than the one where his half- completed nest is situated and then nothing will do but that he must move to the new location, tearing down the old nest and using its materials for the new. The eggs are pure white, in size averaging about .55x.40 inches. From four to nine constitute a set. Twelve days is required for incubation; the young are entirely naked when hatched. The birds call to each other almost continuously with a weak lisping note that is difficult to describe in words. Perhaps the well-known "tsit-tsit-tsit" of the Gnatcatcher is more like it than anything else. The male appar- ently has no "courting" song. The Bush-Tit ranks as one of the most beneficial birds to the agricul- turist, feeding on small insects, their eggs and larvae, and on several va rieties of harmful tree scale. I have often noted flocks of the birds in the bush to all appearances feeding upon weed seeds, although it is possible they found some insect food there that escaped my notice. A more confiding little fellow can- not be found anywhere. 1 have stood many a time so close that 1 could al- most put my hand on them as they fed in the oak boughs, searching over each twig carefully for food, and then drop- ping to the next upside down for all the world like a Chickadee. I have watched their home-building with my face scarcely a yard away from the pretty nest. So familiar and trusting a bird cannot fail to appeal to every lover of the wild things. D. I. Shepardson. Los Angeles, Cal. Red-Eyed Towhee. One of our most interesting birds is the Red-eyed Towhee, always lively and busy, sometimes kicking up as much racket as an old hen in their efforts to find food among the leaves and litter among the underbrush. The nest is nicely hidden among the grass beneath a bush or among the hazel bushes. I never succeeded in finding 118 THE OOLOaiST but one nest, which contained a very fine set of four almost fresh eggs. These birds eat an immense quantity of insects, I should judge for they are always hunting in the underbrush. The female is not quite so conspicu- ous as the male, because of her more quiet disposition and more sober col- ors and when nesting she sets very close. Geo. W. H. vos Burgh. No Man's Land, Maine. In Penobscot Bay, about a mile east of Matimicus is the island of No Man's Land. It is owned by the Audubon Society who protects the great col- ony of Herring Gulls that breed on it. The number of pair is supposed to be about fifteen thousand and is the larg- est colony in Maine. It is a good sized island. At one time a few spruce grew on it but sev- eral years ago when I was there last these were all dead, killed by the im- mense number of birds alighting on them I suppose. The soil, well ferti- lized by so many birds, produces a rank growth of grass, but much of the surface is pretty well studded with big boulders. The shore is very rocky and to make a landing with a good rough sea on is difficult except at one point on the western end locally called rum guzel. As in all colonies, the birds rise to greet you and here a few thousand gulls uttering their harsh cry make a noise that is wonderful. After the feeling produced by the sight of so many eggs quiets down you take note of things. The nests of course are everywhere and anywhere. Some are in the hollows formed by the sur- rounding rocks, some are tucked away under the boulders but the majority are placed in the thick grass. Many are bulky affairs composed of dry sea- weed and other water plants, many are made of dry grass and hundreds of them are just a spot in the rank grass the bird has matted down with her feet into what a nest should be. With nests placed so close together that you have to be careful where you step, how any bird can tell her nest after once leaving it is a mys- tery to me. That they sometimes do return to the wrong nest may be noted for at times one will see two or more birds fighting when one of them had sought to return to her eggs. A num- ber of adult dead Gulls may be seen lying about but whether death was due to these fights or to disease, I do not know. Throughout June and into July eggs may be found but the July eggs are badly incubated. Three eggs are in most sets but many sets of two are seen. Eggs decidedly lacking in col- oration and with a washed out look are generally infertile and are quite common. About the 20th of June the first eggs layed are ready to hatch. The young are helpless for a short time and remain in the nest if not dis- turbed. Along the last of June, if you go there, you can soon start the big- gest flock of various sized fowl run- ning you ever saw, of that kind. They try to hide in the grass and under the boulders. The cries of the young Gulls make a \vonderful noise. It seems to be con- cinuous. It was the last sound I heard it night on Matinicus, over a mile iway, and in the morning when 1 awoke, they were going full blast. When the fishermen clean their fish in the harbor at Matinicus, the old Gulls gather around to clean up the refuse. They are very interesting to watch for their cleverness in picking up the parts of the fish thrown away is wonderful. Quite often some Gulls would pick up a yard or so of this THE OOLOGIST 119s stuff and start off for some good place to eat it and following close behind would be another, not so lucky but de- termined to get a meal somehow. When close enough to the tail a firm hold would be secured with the bill and then the brakes applied. The first Gull drops the tid-bit, shakes her tail a few times then turns and wings back to try luck over again while the thief neatly scoops up the prize and makes for a secluded spot to enjoy it. Roscoe I. Giles. Notes on the Eggs and Food of the American Crow. During the breeding season of 1915, on a farm of sixty acres at Carman- town, Passaic County, N.Y.,the writer spent the greater portion of the period between April 10th and June 30th in intensive work on the bird residents of the section. In all, there were ten families of Crows reared on this farm during this period and ample opportunities and possibilities were afforded which per- mitted the writer to form, at least, a few definite conclusions. In addition to the parents of the broods which were reared, about seventy-five of this species, all of which were nesting within a radius of a mile, visited this tract almost daily and fed in some portion thereof. The farm was so divided that three fields of corn were necessary in order to raise it in paying quantities and these were one ten acre tract at the s-outheastern corner; another tract of eight acres at the northwestern corn- er and a third tract of twelve acres along the sounthern boundary about eight hundred feet from the first tract. On the 10th of April the first plow- ing for corn was made on the south- eastern tract. This tract had been heavily limed and fertilized prior to plowing. The grain was sown in this lot about April 25th because of the extremely early season prevalent this year. The young corn began showing through the earth about May 8th. On the 10th the entire assemblage of Crows began attacking this and con- tinued to do so until the second field was plowed and then a portion of them assembled at this field. On the Sth of May the tract at the northwestern boundary was plowed and about an average of twenty-five for ten days foraged over this and gathered a large percentage of the vertebrates, invertebrates and the lep- idoptera found in the food of the young. The grain was tarred in this case and planted on the 13th and 14th. After planting a few of the Crows re- mained here but they had entirely de- serted the field by the time the young corn began showing through on the 22d. The birds gave this field a wide berth and it was quite evident that the tar had its desired effect on them and their inroads. On the 10th and 11th of May the third and last tract was plowed and was planted on the 15th and 16th. The Crows visited this field daily in large numbers prior to the planting and after the young corn began to show through, their inroads were about equal to that in the case of the first tract. Prior to planting a goodly portion of the vertebrates, invertibrates and insectivorous food was gathered here. Considerable lime and fertilizer was used on this field, but in the case of the second field, only fertilizer was applied. The first nest with eggs was dis- covered in a cellar near the first tract of corn, about twelve feet from the ground and contained on the date of discovery, April 16th, four eggs uni- form in color and size. These four were rreenish white and heavily marked with brown and lavender and 120 THE OOLOGIST averaged 1.55 x 1.12. On the IStli an- other egg was deposited which was bluish white, much ligliter in color than the others and but sparsely speckled with light brown and lilac and measured 1.62 x 1.21. On the 31st the last egg deposited hatched first during the early morning. During the afternoon about four o'clock the other four hatched. This brood was allowed to be fed by the parents for eight days and when then one of the young was killed and dissected for examina- tion of the alimentary track. This stomach contained the follow- ing: Corn, 12%; Beetles, S%; Spiders, 227c; Orthoptera, 30%; Invertebrates, 5%, and Vertebrates 23%. On the twentieth day another young bird was killed and its alimentary track was examined and contained the following: Corn, 35%; Beetles, 30%,; Lepidoptera, 10%; Spiders, 12% and Vertebrates, 13%. On the same day the adult male was killed and its stomach contained on examiantion: Corn, 62%; Beetles, 23%; Vertebrates, 5%; Lepidoptera, 5%, and Invertebrates 5%. The second nest with eggs was found near the second tract on the 19th and contained a set of five eggs, all uniform in color and size and re- sembled the first four of the first set. This set averaged 1.58 x 1.14. The young all emerged on the 3d of May. The young of this brood was fed from the first tract largely from the time of hatching until the 9th and then the parents foraged on the second tract plowed until the planting and then from the first and third tracts. On the eighth day one of these youngsters was killed and stomach examined and differed but slightly from the first stomach examined ex- cept that the percentage of corn was 8% more and the percentage of Orth- optera was decreased by an equal amount, Another of the youngsters of this brood was killed and examined on the twentieth day and the following result was obtained: Corn, 42%; Beetles, 25%; Lepidoptera, 12%; Spiders 13%; Invertebrates 5% and Vertebrates 3%. On the same day of the last exam- ination, the stomach of four adult males were examined and the follow- ing average was obtained from these: Corn 72%; Beetles, 12% Vertebrates, 11%; Spiders, 2% and Invertebrates 3%.. The next two nests were located on the 23d about two hundred feet apart near the first tract and as in the first case in cedars about fifteen feet from the ground. The eggs in these two cases distinctly showed the effect of the lime in their coloration. In the two nests nine eggs were deposited and all were uniform in color. These eggs were bluish white and but sparse- ly spotted with brown and lilac and averaged 1.60 x 1.15. The young of these broods were fed from the first and third tracts and two stomachs examined at the age of twelve days contained the following: Corn, 30%; Beetles, 30%; Lepidop- tera, 4%; Vertebrates 20%; Spiders, 12%,, and Orthoptera 4%. In the fifth nest, which came to light on the 25th in an oak about forty feet from the ground near the second tract, the eggs were of the dark phase and averaged 1.58x1.14. No stomachs were examined in this brood because of the nests being inaccessible. The parents fed the young of this brood wholly from the third tract. In the sixth nest, which was in a cedar near the third tract and discov- ered on the 28th, a set of five eggs were deposited and, as in the case of the second and third, the eggs were of the light phase. In fact, but little of the bluish tinge was apparent. In- dicating clearly that the effect of the THE OOLOGIST 121 limed ground had had a material ef- fect on the coloration of the eggs. The young in this brood hatched about the 11th and on the 20th a young bird was killed and dissected and a result similar to the young of the second and third broods was obtained. Three stomachs of the adults were examined on this day and the average of the stomachs was as follows: Corn, 64%; Beetles, 15%; Vertebrates, 20% and Invertebrates 1%. The remaining four nests were lo- cated between the 28th and 30th and the eggs in each of these cases were of the light phase, but were all heavily speckled with brown and lavender and the eighteen eggs averaged 1.59x1.14. Four young were taken from these four nests at the age of eight days and their stomachs were examined and the following average was secur- ed: Corn, 35%; Beetles, 22% Lepl- doptera, 12% Vertebrates 5%; Orth- optera 20% and Invertebrates 6%. On the 18th of June five stomachs of adult males were examined and the following result obtained: Corn, 55%,; Beetles, 21%; Invertebrates, 12% and Vertebrates 12%. The foregoing observations and ex- aminations brought forth the follow- ing facts: First: That the eggs of the dark phase demanded a period of incuba- tion of approximately fifteen days and the light phase from thirteen to four- teen days. Second: That where the adult fe- males fed on limed ground for a per- iod of no less than two weeks, the ef- fect of the lime was clearly indicated in the coloration of the shell of the eggs. Third: That the food of the young birds at the age of eight days averag- ed: Corn, 29%; Beetles, 20.5%; Spid- ers, 8:5%; Orthoptera, 17.5%; Inver- tebrates, 4.25%; Vertebrates 13.25% and Lepidoptera 7%. Fourth: That the food of the young birds at the age of twenty days aver- aged: Corn 38.5%; Beetles, 27.5 7o; Lepidoptera 11%; Spiders, 12.5%; In- vertebrates, 2.5% and Vertebrates, 8%. Fifth: That the food of the adult males, thirteen stomachs in all, dur- ing the period between the 20th of -May and 18th of June, contained the following: Corn, 62%; Beetles, 17%; vertebrates, 13%; Invertebrates, 7%; Lepidoptera .4% and Spiders, .6%. Sixth: That, while the food of the young birds during their life while in the nest contained about one-third in corn, the remaining two-thirds were of a class which are helpful rather than detrimental to the corn grower in this section. On the other hand, the food of the adults, in which the corn diet approximated two-thirds, the birds in this case are proven detrimental dur- ing the early stages of the corn grow- ing and every safeguard against them and their inroads should be adopted to decrease this percentage. In all forty-six eggs were measured and the averages in size of these were 1.61x1.15. Louis S. Kohler. Socorro Petrel Captured at Sea. Last Saturday evening, April 1st, I was on the hurricane deck of the "Steamship Queen" bound for Los Angeles, when a heavy fog fell upon the deep. We were moving slowly in the Santa Barbara Channel and the islands could be faintly seen through the mist. Suddenly, a Socorro Petrel (Oceanodroma Socorroensis) flew into the cabin and dropped into a ladies lap. Believing the object a bat, she uttered a piercing scream. I ran be- low and captured the bird before the passengers could destroy it. It is a male species and is now in the Mu- seum of History, Science & Art in Los Angeles. 122 THE OOLOGIST Mr. Willet states that the Socorro Petrel occasionally straggles north- ward at least to San Diego. Mr. A. W. Anthony found it to be fairly com- mon during April and May, 1895. It breeds on the island off the coast of lower California from the Coronados Islands south. Alfred Cookman. Western Meadowlark in Wisconsin. In the spring of 1910, I was in the southern part of the state, Wisconsin, in Rock county, (very appropriately named.) It was here, I first heard the Western Meadowlark in Wisconsin; soon got to see them, but never found a nest. Every spring since then, I have noticed that they have been en- croaching on the domains of the East- ern Meadowlark, farther and farther to the east and north. Well they are welcome I am sure. They are in about equal numbers here now, but I have never yet succeeded in finding a nest here of the Western variety. I first heard the Western variety in Minnesota in Wandena County in 1907 and again in Marin County, California, where I finally found two nests in the Alpine meadows of the Coast Range In 1908. 'IJI Geo. W. H. vos Burgh. A Recent Addition to Our Collection. The Editor has recently purchased a large collection of mounted birds Intely belonging to Edward P. Car- man of Portsmouth New Hampshire, including therein such rare specimens lis Passenger Pigeon, Eskimo Curlew. Snowy Owl, American Goshawk, etc. Also beautiful albinos of the Barn Swallow and Kingbird. The following is quoted from a let- ter of Mr. Carman under date of May 1st, closing up the deal: "Sure there are some honest white men when it is such a hustle after (he dollars. I hope you have plenty of them; surely you ought to have, as a man so square as you havo been to me, I hope will never be in nead oi them." Gone Forever. For about a week during April we placed in the window of our law of- fice the specimen referred to in the following, accompanying it with this explanatory statement: R. M. BARNES. THE PASSENGER PIGEON, COM- MONLY CALLED WILD PIGEON (Ectopistes migratorius) This specimen of this rare and now extinct bird was killed and mounted near Bri[^hton, Maine, in the early '80's. The bird is now totally extinct, the last survivor hav- ing died in the Cincinnati Zoological Gardens in confinement in the Fall of 1915. Formerly the Passenger Pigeon was one of the most common birds in all North America, passing in its migrations from North to South and vice versa in fiocks containing mil- lions, at times darkening the sky. It formerly, in periods of migration, was very common in this country. The older resident have seen thou- sands of the birds. At one time there were 1,500 trap- ped birds shipped to Lacon and shot at a live bird shooting match on the river front west of the present water works. But a few dozen eggs and a few skins and mounted birds are all that remain of this most splendid game bird. As the result of perse- cutions it has ceased to exist. It was a martyr to the fool with the shot gun. Oregon Birds. Our birds have had a hard time; we have had a snow storm with cold weather. Here is a list of birds that I have observed from my window: Oregon Junco, Varied Thrush, West- ern Robin, Oregon Towhee, Rusty Song Sparrow, Northwestern Flicker, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Oregon Chickadee, Western Winter Wren, Western Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Slender-billed Nuthatch, Western Bluebird. The Western Bluebird I think are all dead. 1 found seventeen birds, I tried to feed them, but I think they starved. The Oregon Juncos are hardy fellows. We fed more than two hundred of them. They like corn meal. The Varied Thrush stands the cold better than the Western Robin. GEORGE D. PECK. The OoLOGisT. ^'OL. XXXIII. No. 7. ALBION, N. v., July 15, 1916. Whole No. 848 Owned and Published MoiUldy, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N. Y., and Lacon, III. 'L^Wm^r^'ffl^^m.*^^ .... rnil V: Photo Lieut. Francis B. Eastman, U. S. A., Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texasc, June 1916. 124 THE OOLOGIST A Soldier Ornithologist. News From the IViexican Border. That prince of bird men Lieut. Fran- cis B. Eastman, U. S. A., sends us tlie following note relative to the bird life near Fort Sam Houston, Texas. It is to be hoped that he returns without misfortune and that before returning he will give the readers of THE OOLOGIST the benefit of many ob- servations. "There is a chapparel grove near my camp which is simply alive with birds, but the heat makes it hard to do any- thing. The most common birds nest- ing in the grove are the Mourning Dove, Mockingbird, Cardinal, Verdin, Nighthawk, and some kind of sparrow. In two-thirds of the nests of the Spar- row and Verdin are one or two white eggs about the size and shape of the Bank Swallow. Please don't laugh at my ignorance, but I am not very well posted in Texas fauna, and my first attempt to get acquainted resulted in a good dose of chiggers, which most ate me up. "I am going to try to save some sets of the Verdin and also that sparrow, and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher if I can get some instruments. I saw a Road- runner's nest, too, in a cactus bush, with four addled eggs. It was desert- ed of course — I think because of a big storm we had here about a week be- fore. "I have only had two evening tramps in the brush, but hope to have some more now that I have cUred the chigger bites. It is too hot to go out in the afternoons and there is so much going on in the evening that it is hard to get out, — conferences, lectures, calling, etc." A Late Letter Says. On June 11th I went on a little ex- pedition to a small lake some eight miles west of here with a San Antonio friend, and got a pretty good idea of the local fauna. Mourning Doves and Mocking Birds are everywhere. I have noticed no less than twenty nests of each with a few hundred yards of camp, in the mesquite buhses. I have never seen half that many anywhere in so small an area. Cardinal Gros- beaks, Curved-billed Thrashers, Ver- dins. Black-throated Sparrows and Night Hawks are also nesting plenti- fully close to our camp. So you can imagine the chorus we have every morning and evening. Some of the birds sing at all hours of the day and night. On our trip of June 11th the first find was an Oriole's nest with four young, about 12 feet up in a mesquite tree. A little further along we found several Scissor-tailed Flycatchers' nests. One had 5 fresh eggs, one 4 young and the others well incubated eggs. All of these were in mesquite trees from six to twelve feet up. At our next stop we found a Cactus Wren with 4 slightly incubated and a Black- throated Sparrow with one egg, appar- ently fresh that morning. While look- ing for another nest in the chapparel, we flushed a Poor-will, which flut- tered along the ground as if she was just leaving her nest, but we could not find it. We reached the lake about 10 o'clock and started out in a row boat. The lake covers about fifteen hundred acres — I would say roughly — and contains numerous patches of saw grass, cat-tail weeds and willow trees growing in shallow places. Also a few scattered trunks of dead trees. Several pairs of Scissor-tailed Fly- catcher and Tree Swallows were nest- ing in these dead trees some distance from shore. The Swallow had young. Two of the Flycatchers nests had young; the others eggs from fresh to well advanced. The weeds were alive with Coots, THE OOLOGIST 125 Purple Gallinule, Red-winged Black- birds, and Great-tailed Grackles. Al- so saw one Least Bittern, numerous Green Herons and Black-crowned night Herons which were nesting in willow and mesquite trees, about six pairs Pied-billed Grebe, several Ruddy Ducks, one pair Yellow Legs, several Killdeer, a flock of Black Terns (not breeding), and a small colony of An- liinga. The following are some of the nest.s noted on the lake and not mentioned above: Purple Gallinule — One with 5 fresh eggs, several with from 1 to 3, and about fifteen new but empty; perhaps some of these were shams. Some were in the willow swamp, but most of them in the weeds. They were rather shal- low platforms made by bending down the grass and weaving it together. Red-winged Blackbird and Great- tailed Grackle — "We found nests of these two birds scattered all through the weeds, the former being the most numerous. Some were just commenc- ing to lay, while many had already hatched. A few had full sets of fresh eggs. Pied-billed Grebe — One set of \i slightly incubated. Ahinga — Four new nests apparently just completed, three with 1 egg each, two with 2 eggs each, one with 3 eggs and 1 Cuckoo, and one with 4 fresh. The nests were large, but not bulky — compactly built of sticks and willow leaves, lined with leaves and willow down. They were placed in crotches or on horizontal branches of trees from four to ten feet above the water. The Coots had not commenced nest- ing. On our way up from the boat, we found a set of 4 fresh Mexican Crest- ed Flycatchers, in a fence post. A set of Golden-fronted Woodpecker was taken from the same hole two weeks before. F. B. Eastman. Will Crispin and E. J. Darlington's Work. Mr. E. M. Ketttworthy into whose possession came the collection of E. J. Darlington after his untimely death, likewise the records and bird eggs of both Darlington and Crispin, gives us the following interesting information: "I have added the sets and eggs taken by each of these gentlemen and find that between the years 1898 and 1915 Mr. Darlington col- lected 298 sets, and 1031 eggs. And that Mr. Crispin between 1892 and 1913 took 811 sets totalling 2686 eggs." These figures are interesting as showing that both these collectors were moderate in their methods. MY LAST PIGEON HUNT. It does not seem possible but it was forty-six years ago last October, I was out after Gray Squirrels and had no idea of Pigeons, when I started up some dozen pigeons on a side hill where they were feasting on poke ber- ries and sweet acorns. They had be- come so scarce in Litchfield County, Conn., where I was at the time that finding them was a great surprise and all got out of range before I could shoot. They settled down about a half mile and 1 started for them. They were not at all wild and I got quite close to them and watched them feed and play for some minutes for I like to study every bird's habits when I get the chance. Finally hearing some one else in the woods close by, they all rose and as they flew over me I shot just one, and such a beauty. I wish they all lived once more; yet up to that last bird I had done my share of the killing. Several times later I could have killed more of them and now I am quite thankful I did not do so. Sup- pose all hunters had done the same, the birds, a few at least, would still be with us. F. M. Carryl. 126 THE OOLOGIST Pair Mounted Passenger Pigeons owned by Ottoman Reinecke, Buffalo, N. Y. Passenger Pigeon. Ectopistes migratorus. By Ottomar Reinecke. The photo of the above Pigeons re- calls recollections of their occurrence in this section of the state. When they flew in great swarms over the City of Buffalo, the gunners went on the flat roofs, and from the southeast corner of Genesee and Oak streets, quite a number were shot. A small flock lit on the roof of a one-story building on tlie northwest corner of Michigan and Genesee streets. The gunners went in large numbers in the woods near Genesee and Fongerou streets and shot a great many, mostly on Sundays, and the following day, Mr. Albert Liegele, our veteran brew- er, who occupied the Brewery on Gen- esee street, near the Tollgate, went into the nearby woods and picked up the Pigeons which were lying around dead and wounded, and his employees were glad to get such a dainty morsel to eat. The Buffalo Gunners had their shoot- ing grounds out Main street, men like Steve Roberts, Charles Gerber, Arthur D. Bissell, Ed. Fish, George Newman and others secured large crates full of live Wild Pigeons and it took some very good shots with their muzzle-load- ers. At that time we had no breech loaders to bring down the birds, which when released from the traps, flew away like greased lightning. At that time the Pigeons were in such large flocks from one end of the horizon to the other that they ob- structed the rays of the sun. From the Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico and from the Rocky Moun- tains to the East coast, the Passenger Pigeon inhabited all the states of North America. As our great Ornithologist, Audubon, said, it flies with great rapidity, from 300 to 400 miles in an hour, or much over one mile in a minute, which has been proven by the contents of her stomach, which contained rice from the fields of Georgia and the Carolinas when shot near New York. He wrote in the fall of 1813: THE OOLOGIST 127 "As I travelled several miles be- low Hardenburgli on the Ohio river across the dry plains, 1 no- ticed a flock of Passenger Pigeons that flew from northeast to south- west. I was tempted to count the flocks that passed the vision of my eye in an hour. 1 made a spot with a lead pencil on a piece jof paper, but gave it up. 1 found that in twenty-four minutes 1 had 163 dots, but the masses increased from there on and the sun was darkened. 1 tried to shoot some with my good rifle but they flew so high that they were not within reach. It is estimated that this fleck contained 1,115,136,000 Pigeons, and as each one con- sumes daily one-half pint of nour- ishment, the whole flock needed 8,712,000 bushels daily." As a species this incredible multi- tude has been ruthlessly extirpated by netting and by professional plund- ering of nests of the young. Near breeding grounds hogs were fatted on slaughtered pigeons. In New York city squabs have been sold by the barrel at a less price than potatoes. In early September. 1S91, I went with a party to Town Line where a buckwheat field surrounded by woods was alive with a large flock of Pigeons, and was fortunate to secure the handsome photographed male, and a week later my son Edward went to Sherkston, Ontario, and secured the other younger male. The upper parts are of a rich, bluish slate color, back and sides of the neck with metallic olive-brown. The American Audubon Society has offered a reward of $3000 to the per- son that can produce a verified state- ment of a pair of Passenger Pigeons in the territory of the United States. Books Received. D. APPLETON & COMPANY of New York have just issued a little volume of 160 pages by Frank M. Chap- man, entitled "The Travels of the Birds," price 40c, which is a popular presentation of the subject of migra- tion as applied to certain birds there- in referred to. It is an interesting lit- tle volume illustrated by a nmber of not very high class illustrations. To a Waterfowl. Whither 'midst falling dew. While glow the heavens with the last steps of day. Far, through their rosy depths, dost thou pursue Thy solitary way Vainly the fowler's eye Might mark thy distant flight to do thee wrong. As, darkly painted on the crimson sky, Thy figure floats along. There is a power whose care Teaches thy way along that pathless coast — The desert and illimitable air — Lone wandering, but not lost. All day thy wings have fanned. At that far height, the cold, thin at- mosphere. Yet stoop not, weary, to the welcome land. Though the dark night is near. Thou'rt gone: the abyss of heaven Hath swallowed up thy form: yet on my heart Deeply hath sunk the lesson thou hast given. And shall not soon depart. He who, from zone to zone, Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight. In the long way that I must tread alone Will lead my steps aright. — William Cullen Bryant. 128 THE OOLOGIST European War and the Birds. Major NicoUs of the British Army has long been an ardent student of or- nithology and collector of oological specimens. For many years he was located on the Bermuda Islands, and has been a reader of THE OOLOGIST far a long, long time. Our readers will be under obligations to him for the following: "You asked me sometime ago if I would relate my bird experience at the Front: I'm afraid the part of the Front I was on (Loos) was far too noisy for any birds. There wasn't one to be seen anywhere; in fact, near the firing line there was no animal vis- ible at all; that was a most curious effect. If one were to stand on any elevated place (out of bullet range!) and look over the trench region which was all in the plain, not one single living thing could be seen, and yet of course one knew that the ground one was looking at held simply tens of thousands. It made one feel very queer. The only bird I saw near the firing line was dead, and the sight was rather pathetic. In a small vil- lage where, like nearly all other small villages, every single house is a shape- less ruin, in one house which had no roof, and in fact only had two rooms left, one over the other, and two walls, in the top room were two rather pa- thetic articles: a baby's bassinette and a little cage lying on its side with a dead canary in it. One of course couldn't get at the room as there was no ladder at hand, and staircase and everything else had as usual, been blown away, so I turned my field glasses on to see what kind of bird the poor little mite had been. "The only experience I had in the oological line was that a large box of eggs from Salt Lake City (sent by Dr. D. Moore Lindsey) reached me in my Billet which was a ruined farm. They seemed rather incongruous in such surroundings, and I had to bring them back when I came home on promotion. "I am expected to be sent out again pretty shortly now, and if I should happen to come across any bird life I will of course note down data; but I'm afraid I am not likely to see any- thing. There is far too much "fright- fulness" in every direction for any bipeds except the featherless ones! I! "Oliver C. M. Nicolls, "Major R. G. A." From British Guiana. A letter from Paul G. Howes, who is at the Tropical Research Station of the New York Zoological Society at Kalacoon, Mazaruni River, British Guiana, , under date of June 5th, gives us among other things, the following: "We are situated on top of a hill overlooking this beautiful, mile wide river, which is dotted with islands grown with beautiful tropical foliage. At our back door lies the virgin jun- gle, and by walking six miles we can be in forest that probably no white man has ever visited. Hunting is superb and we live al- most entirely on game, including deer, currasow, tinamou, partridge, pigeon, agonti, monkey, laba, and tapir. Often while hunting, we run across an Indian hunter, naked except for his little scarlet band about the waist. His skiu is the most beautiful copper color, and to see him moving noiselessly under the forest giants among the tangle of lianos and jungle vegetation, bow and ai'rows ready, it is a sight that leaves a deep impression and makes one glad to be alive. "We have had tremendous success in our ornithological work. I have se- cured over 250 perfect. 5x7 photo- graphs of birds, nests, eggs, animals, vegetation and insects in all phases of their life, and the studies made by THE OOLOGIST 129 Beebe and Hartley of South American birds will prove of great value. "I had the honor of securing the first authentic set of eggs of Toucan, together with the first photos of young Trumpeter, and a full series of Hoat- zin, showing the reptilian characters of the young in detail. I have twelve photos showing day old Hoatzin craw- ling about among the branches w.ith the ease of a lizard; also old birds on nest, eggs, etc. "We have sent a fine collection of animals, birds and reptiles to the park, including Bushmaster, Boa, Per de Lance, monkeys, Laba, Sloth, Ant- eater, Haka Tiger, small rodents, frogs, lizards, toads, parrots, vultures, a host of small birds and above all, a live Cock of the Rock in perfect condition. This, I believe, will be the first live bird of this species ever to be shown fn The United Sattes. I am working in intensive entomol- jgy, working out the life histories o*" tiOuth American Wasps, and the si? aificance of their behavior and illus- trating my work with photos and col- or plates, charts, maps, etc. This seems to us the best way to show the importance of our new found field in Guiana. "One interesting event of the trip was a visit from Theodore Roosevelt, who is a close personal friend of Mr. Beebe. He spent two days with us at Kalacoon, hunted and tramped with us and made us all love him the more. "Would that I could give you full de- tails of all the above, but of course, we are reserving all of the "big stuff" for the Society, who will publish our work, and to whom we are all under obligations. "With best wishes and regards to you and THE OOLOGIST, "P. G. Howes." Cooper Hawk fifty feet up in a maple. The tree stood at the edge of a small slough in a comparatively dense woods. The nest bore the appearance of having been recently completed. On April 30th I again climbed to the nest hoping to find a full set of eggs but I was disappointed as the nest was empty. On May 7th, when I visited the nest I found one plain bluish-white egg. Ex- actly one week later I climbed the tree, confidently expecting to see a full clutch of eggs in the nest. But I was thoroughly disapopinted and sur- prised to see the same egg, dirtier than when I first saw it, lying in the bottom of the nest. By this time I was becoming disgusted with the hawks and finally concluded that there was no hope of my securing a full set of eggs, so I did not return to the nest. This is the first time that I ever heard of any species of hawk laying only one egg. It has never been my experience at least, and of all ac- counts of the nestings of the various species of hawks, which I have read, not a single one contained anything of a similar character. Perhaps some one has had such an experience, if so, I would like very much to hear of it. Ralph R. Wilson. Jonesburg, Missouri. A Strange Experience. On April 23, 1916, I found a nest of a J. Claire Wood. J. Claire Wood was born at Salina, Michigan, July 27, 1871, and died at his home at Detroit, Michigan, June 16, 1916. By his death the oological and ornithological fraternity of the United States loses one of their brightest and most beloved members. He was widely, well and favorably known throughout the length and breadth of this land as a careful, ac- curate observer and conscientious collector. And no man sent specimens 130 THE OOLOGIST into circulation which were held in higher esteem by the real scientists of the country. Mr. Wood was unexcelled in his preparation and his datas were with- out question works of real art. We have a number of such in our personal collection upon which hours must have been spent in decorating them with the pen. It is a sorrow to know that we must sometime part with such as he whom we hold as friends. In the fall of 1884, already being in- terested in natural history and already having started a boy's collection of birds' eggs, he answered an advertise- ment by Frank H. Lattin of Albion, New York, who then was advertising birds eggs for sale, and who then was publishing the first year of THE OOLOGIST, then called the "Young Oologist." From the date of the re- ceipt by Mr. Wood of an answer to that letter, the end blown eggs so far as he was concerned, were dis- carded, and he started to build up a collection scientifically arranged and prepared. At one time this reached the aggregate of something like 8,000 specimens. Later a large part of it was disposed of. In business, Mr. Wood was a sur- veyor by profession, and he was a bird man by natural inclination. A large number of the contributions from his pen appeared from time to time in THE OOLOGIST, and it is a pleasure to be able to present in this issue the last contribution made to the col- umns of the little journal that he read and loved so long, with this notice of his going into an unknown beyond. The following poetic contribution was only recently received from Mr. Wood, and is without doubt the last penned by him for publication any- where, which gives it a sentimental value in addition to its literary merit. The Egg Crank's View of Spring. (J. Claire Wood.) And now comes the spring poet A loaded up with verse. That sets some people wishing He was planted in a hearse; But a fellow can take his pencil, And escape the charge of crime. When he can not write poetry — .Just ordinary rhyme. But we admire the spring poet, And know just how he feels, And can not believe what people tell us About his head chucked full oi wheels; For if he's gone plumb crazy, We should feel most mighty blue. For then, to a dead certainty We've gone plumb crazy too. For everywhere about us We see the signs of spring A new warmth in the sunshine And the wild geese on the wing; And from the corn stalk stubble Comes the whistle of the quail, And a bluebird is a warbling From his perch upon a rail. And from the distant woodlands Comes the partridge's muffled drum And about the sunlit place The bees begin to hum And we see the gentle farmer with a gun upon his back, And hear him jawing at the crows, And the crows a jawing back But it is the wary Red-tail Away up in the sky That sets our pulse a throbbing As we hear his well known cry For it brings a flood of memories Of times down in the woods When we went and sort of borrowed His stock of household goods Say boys! get out your egg tools And blow off the winter dust And sharpen up the climbers And polish off the rust For the hawks are all a breeding Just where they did last year THE OOLOGIST 181 And the noise that they are making Is a pleasure to the ear. Of all the egging season Reaching away up to the fall The hunting of the Hawk's eggs Is purely best of all And we'll keep right on'a taking Some dozen sets or so And 'a minding our own business Even if some people blow For they know not the sweet pleasure That swells up in our breast At the mere sight of a hawk's tail A protruding from the nest Or when she leaps into the air And we see her on the wing How it sets our hearts a thumping like Well, just like everything And they tell us that we'll never Get beyond the golden gate That for villains of our stamp Is reserved another fate But we keep right on expecting A harp of sweetest tone And a sort of privileged station Right up next to the throne But if what people say is true And in punishment for our crime We'll enjoy a balmy climate Through all eternal time The prospect is a pleasure And not a grim despair For Wilson, Cones and Audubon And such like will be there And the editor of the Oologist And egg cranks by the score And times will be lively And no one'll be a bore And for a further comfort Just let us state the fact That if heaven admits only Those who keep the narrow track She is doomed to remain forever A vast solitary space Say Boys! we'll have for company The entire human race. Spotted Eggs of the Robin. Near a grove of fine trees in the Northern part of the town of Stone- ham, Mass., there stands the remains of an old, low building, now deserted but probably at some former time used to keep pigs in. During the winter I had found an old nest of the Phoebe on one of the rafters inside this structure so I oc- casionally looked in there during the early part of May, 1916, to see if the Phoebe had returned. But no signs of a new nest were visible and I gave up all hope of discovering any- thing of interest there this season. As I happened to be passing the end of this building on May 27th I was startled by the loud cry of a Robin as she flushed from a nest situated on a beam about eight feet from the ground. As I glanced in I saw a lot of new nests on the beams which sup- ported the rafters of the building, and I became curious to find out why so many nests had been constructed there, for an actual count revealed the fact that there were no less than four- teen built, new ones, all of them un- questionably the work of Robins. The nest from which the bird had flushed contained three eggs which were roll- ing around on a bare spot on the wood, with a very poorly arranged fringe of straws to keep them from rolling off the beam entirely. All the nests proved to be of the same style of architecture and were undoubtedly the work of the same birds which for some reason could not make a nest worthy of the name. After looking over all the other nosls I stepped up on a plank so that I could see more plainly into the one where the eggs were and I was very much surprised to find that two of the eggs were plainly and profusely spot- ted with pale brown, while the third one appeared to be normal in color, but on closer examination a few very small spots were noticed on this egg also. 132 THE OOLOGIST I visited this nest again May 30tli and found it deserted. I think that after building so many nests and leav- ing them as unsuitable to lay eggs in, the bird finally decided that the ono she had used was unfit to rear a fam- ily in and she had probably started again somewhere else. I never saw but one other set of the Robin which contained spotted eggs, and that was a set of four which i found about twenty years ago. I re- member very distinctly that three of them were decidedly spotted and the fourth was a plain blue one. I bo lieve these spotted eggs of the Robin are are very unusual here in eastern Massachusetts. Horace O. Green. Wakefield, Mass. Stratton and Bluff Islands. The Tern Colony All along the rocky coast of Maine the scenery is very pretty. The heavj^ surf, from an ever rough sea, is Iiurled up over immense boulders and churn- ed into foam in ever so many pi ices. The dark spruce and other similar It^ees en the mainland, and oi' many of the islands, are very noticeable. There are many bays along the coast wherein are located a groat num- ber of islands, some, just small barren ledges, some low, grassy one.5 and ethers large and wooded. Casco Bay alone has 365, — one for every day in the year, — and two of them lying close together are Stratton and Bluff. They are about two and one-half miles out from Prouts Neck which is a part of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Strattons is a low, grassy island and has a dairy farm on it. Bluff is much smaller, very rocky, and uninhabited. On them a colony of over one thous- and pair of Tern breed; the greater part of them are the Common Tern; the smaller, the Arctic. In most of the Maine colonies, the Common spe- cies will be found in much the greater numbers. They arrive at these is- lands in spring about May 15th and depart about September 15th. These dates seem to prevail on most of the islands and were obtained from the keepers, who, also said that the Terns always came in the night and departed in the night. They are very noisy when they arrive at their breeding places and at Strattons, the man in charge of the Jordon Dairy, said he was always awakened the night they came by their loud cries. It seems as though they must be guided in migration by light houses for they appear to prefer to live on some island where there is a light house or nearby. At night the great light on Cape Elizabeth may be plainly seen and these are the two nearest islands. Farther along up the coast this feature is noticeable and the big colony that breed on Matinicus Rock will refer to in other notes. Visitors are allowed on Strattons, your name ii requested and of course no firearm'^ are allowed. It was a wonderful sight to me, when I first visited an island where a large colony were breeding and even now, after seeing many of tliem, enjoy it and make them a call if I have time. They seem so pretty, so active, and so different from our inland birds. It is very interesting to watch a Te'-u coverhig her eggs in the pebbly shin- gle, with the hot sun shining down on her — (not leaving the incubating to the sun, as some have stated by the way) — and note the pretty little things ■she does. One thing they seem to like ,o do is to draw their bill through ,>.€ shingle like a person would in mak- ing marks with a stick. You can get vithin twenty feet of them by being careful. How much time they put in THE OOLOGIST 133 Nest of Bald Eagle on Susquehanna River, Pa., Feb., 1914. —Photo by S. S. Dickey 134 THE OOLOGIST incubating, I cannot say, but noticed r-articularly that in many such sets the eggs were well advanced in incu- bation and that it was not a case of iiiling out the set. Although, these two species are rat- ed as common, they are very interest- ing, and it is very fascinating to look over a large number of their eggs, to note the variations. Sets may be found having the very deepest ground color up to an almost white, and with different sized blotches and markings. Most sets contain but two or three eggs, larger sets of either species are rare in Maine Colonies. Here there are three distinct ways in which they place their eggs: First, on Bluff, where the landscape is rocky, the eggs are placed on the bare rocks. No nest is made; next on one end of Stratton, which is covered with a pebbly shin- gle, sometimes a slight depression is made to receive the eggs. The third way, is in the beach grass and wild pea, that grows back from the stony shingle. Here many nests are seen, substantially, though loosely made of dry grass and some hold together when taken up. Others have just a rim of grass around the eggs and resemble a straw hat minus the crown. Terns are always much annoyed when anybody walks about where their eggs are. They resemble a swarm nf bees as they fly about over your head and many dart down at you and come pretty close to your head sometimes. Their continuous cries gets on your nerves after the novelty of the sight wears away for it is a noisy repeated chir-r-r-r and tear-r-r-r. After they get quieted down and return to their eggs you are able to identify the two spe- cies apart, by their eggs alone you cannot. By June 10th the majority of sets are complete, but some of the birds from different causes lay earlier and some later so that during the whole month of June and even into July, eggs may be found. Young Terns are peculiar speckled little fellows when they first leave the shell and seem able to run about in a short time. They have all the agil- ity of young Sandpipers in hiding when in danger. The rest of the bird population of these islands are several pairs of Red- winged Blackbirds and Spotted Sand- pipers with one or two pair each of Song and Savanna Sparrows. Roscoe I. Giles. Spraying and Killing Birds. An imaginary story from some Sen- timental Bird Lover has been pub- lished as a fact. Sometime ago there appeared in var- ious papers a statement from some bird lover in which the poisoning of birds by spraying with poisonous com- pounds was declared to be "something awful" and that cats were killed from eating the poisoned birds. Consider- able interest was created by this statement, especially among fruit- growers who, of all persons, should be and are awake to the importance of protecting birds which eat insects that injure the trees or fruit and while this poisoning scare would be wel- rnraed as a truth in some localities where the English Sparrows are plen- tiful, it has transpired that there is ab- solutely no truth in the statement. One fruit-grower who sprays his own trees and largely his neighbors', says that he has never noticed any dead birds under the trees after spraying, and besides as it has been estimated that a man must eat about three bar- rels of apples which have been sprayed with arsenate of lead, in order to make himself sick, he can hardly believe in the bird poisoning story. In California where clean cultiva- THE OOLOGIST 135 tion is practiced during the summer months, and at the time much of the spraying with poisonous mixtures is done, any killing of birds would be readily detected, but no reports of dead birds as a result of spraying the trees has ever been made from the large apple districts where most of the arsenate of lead is done. In orchards where corn crops are grown or where the natural growth of alfalfa, brown clover, wild oats, etc., is allowed to get its growth before plowing, the forage is often mowed as wanted, and fed to the stock regardless of the fact that the evidence of arsenate of lead spray is visible. If any bad effects have ever appeared among the farm animals, they have not been made pub- lic. So it appears that in this case at least some over zealous and senti- mental bird lover has started a story which has been evolved from pure imagination and with no foundation in fact. W. A. Strong. San Jose, Cal. The Chimney Swift. By Earle Moffett, Marshall, Tex. The Chimney Swift, or, as it is prob- ably better known, among the people of the South as the Chimney "Sweep- er" or Chimney "Swallow," is a sooty, brownish black bird, measuring about 5% inches long, and has long, pointed wings, which is characteristic of the Swift family. Instead of the tail feath- ers being rounded, as in the case of most birds, they taper to a point, or in other words, the feathers are slight- ly rounded, with the main stem of the feather protruding about l-8th of an inch from the end. This acts as a prop, which enables them to stick to the sides of the chimney. It serves them much in the same way that climbers serve a telephone lineman. These birds build a nest which looks very much like a beautiful little bas- ket, being semi-circular in shape and made of small dead twigs, nearly about 2 inches long and held together and to sides of chimney with a glutin- ous saliva, which flows from the birds mouth. When the glue dries and hardens, it becomes so firm that when the nest is pulled loose from the wall of the chimney, pieces of mortar and hard soot to which it is fastened often ad- hers to the structure. The nest is placed down the chimney usually about 9 feet. Most of the nests I have found were placed on the east wall of the chimney. I have never seen the Chimney Swift light on a limb, chimney, twig or anything else; but it catches its food while on the wing, which con- sists mainly of insects, and will come glidding down over the surface of a lake or pond like an aeroplane, mak- ing a landing, and at the same time will have his mouth slightlj^ open, keeping about 2 or 3 feet over the water. Then suddenly he will barely hit the water and scoop up enough wurer to quench his thirst. Sometimes they will miss getting the water, and then will go back and make another attempt. They also collect twigs for the nest on the wing. In flying by the dead tops of trees, the bird will pause a few seconds in the air, (the same as Hummingbird) so as to break a little twig off with its bill. Often he will miss the twig and circle around and try it again, keeping this up until he succeeds in breaking the twig off. The Chimney Swift begins to lay the first week in June. Now about collecting their eggs and nest, it is merely a gambling game after all. I collect about five sets out of every ten that I try for. The best way I know of to get them, is to get a long pole, say about 18 feet long; find a cigar box and tack a piece of tin pn 136 THE OOLOGIST the front side of the box, protruding over the tip edge about 2 inches, nail the box on the back, or, opposite side lo the pole, load bottom of box with cotton, lower it down past nest, then come up slowly, keeping the tin side close to side of chimney. First thing you know it feels like you have struck a snag, but you have struck the nest. Right here is where a queer "shakey" feeling comes over you, fear some of the eggs have slipped between the tin and the chimney. But when you pull up the box and find out you have got the full set without breaking any, just consider yourself lucky. But, in the long run you will find out you are gambling, when it comes to getting a full set, without breaking two or three of them. Chimney Swifts may be seen on a bright sunny day (early in the morn- ing or more so, late in the evening) fiying very high over the city in search of insects, performing their wonderful aeronautical feats and uttering their unmusical twittering. But, on a dark, cloudy evening, when the black clouds are hanging low, they can be seen skimming low over back yards, and grassy pastures, in the act of catching the insects, but they give forth lit- tle twittering, if any, when fiying low on a day of this kind. The Chimney is a very common bird around Marshall, and I have seen dur- ing the mating season, as many as eight or ten hundred go to roost in the Court House chimney at one time, which would take an hour and a half for all of them to file in. The reason it takes so long for them to get in the chimney is that sometimes they don't get quite high enough over the top of the chimney, or some of the other birds get in their way, therefore they are often compelled to circle around and make another attempt at it, some- times as many as four or five times. To see these birds going to roost, would remind one of the contents of a huge funnel circling around and around, occasionally a few drops drop- ping down the spout. They will fly around in this manner until all suc- ceed in gaining entrance into the chimney, which is rarely accomplished before dark. Abundance of Sturnella Magna in Northern New Jersey During the Present Winter, 1915-16. On eight different dates since De- cember 15, 1915, the writer has found an unusual number of Meadowlarkc present in several sections of the northern half of New Jersey. On December 15th at Wayne, Morris County, near the powder works, a flock of twenty-four were observed feeding in the adjacent fields. On December 21st, a flock of ten were observed near Bi tier, Morris County. On tho 25th, while making the cen- sus for Christmas day, found three at Pomptou Plains, Mof:'!-j County, near the canal feeder. On Jan.iary 1st, ii''''G were observed at Hawtl'..')rne, Passai: County in the fields a-ljacent to Passaic River. On the 4th, on NBwark Meadows, Hudson County, near the Hackensack River, a flock of forty were observed roving about. On the 16th, seven observed at Great Notch, Passaic County. On the 22d, fourteen including a partly albino male, were observed at Midvale, Passaic County during the early morning. And on the 24th, four were observed at Lincoln Park, Morris County, in the open fields near the railroad. The above records constitute the most abundant year that I have ever experienced during my experience as an observer. L. S. Kohler. THE OOLOGIST 137 Notes From Camp Graham at Lake Worth, Nine Miles Northwest of Ft. Worth, Texas. By Ramon Graham. March 5, 1916. Ducks are plentiful, observed many, Green Winged Teal, Canvas BaBck and Widgeons on this date. March 7, 1916. Not many Pied-billed Grebes, observed one on this date and have noticed one at several other dates. March 9, 1916. Eight Geese ob- served flying north, too high to iden- tify. March 12, 1916. Six Black Crowned Herons, have noticed a few since this date. Earl Moffat collected 1-3 Barred Owl. I collected 1-3 Red Shouldered Hawk. March 13, 1916. Found Carolina Wren making herself at home in my tent. March 15, 1916. Observed 1 Wilson Snipe and have noted a few since this date. March 19, 1916. Observed 4 Goid finch, have not seen any since. March 24, 1916. Caught 2 flying Squirrels near Camps; found Screech Owl nesting in hollow tree 100 feet from Camps. March 27, 1916. Observed 4 Spot- ted Sandpiper, 1 Greater Yellow Legs Snipe, 1 Green Heron. March 28, 1916. Observed Sand Hill Cranes and Geese. April 9, 1916. Made an unusual faid for this locality. It was the nest of a Red-bellied Woodpecker and was the first I ever found nesting here. Nest in dead stub out in water 4 feet up, hole 10 inches deep, bird tame, pulled male bird out of hole, 4 fresh eggs were found, also 1-2 Red-should- ered Hawk. April 11, 1916. Found Carolina Chickadee nesting in natural cavity in Live Oak tree. This is unusual around here as they usually nest in pecked out holes in dead trees. Found nest and young of Southern Downey Woodpecker, very few of. these birds breed here. April 12, 1916. Turkej Vultures are scarce around the lake, 1 set of 2 eggs collected on this date. April 16, 1916. Tufted fitmouse found nesting in small Elm five feet up. Hollow, 5 inches wide and I foot deep facing the sky. Exposed to any kind of weather. '•'Je.^t of hair ind snake skin with a little moss, contain- ing 6 well incubated eggs; birds were shy at first, but became very tame after they found out we were not go- ing to get the eggs. This was an Un- usual nesting site. Around here they usually nest in natural cavities pro- tected from the weather. April 21, 1916. Noticed the arrival of Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. -i^. April 24, 1916. Noticed the arrival of Night Hawks. J April 25, 1916. Many Laughing and Herring Gulls around the lake. May 1, 1916. Observed hundreds of Cliff Swallows flying around and over the lake. May 13, 1916. (Lark Sparrow V. S. Cow Bird). Found nest of 3 Lark Sparrows with 2 Cowbirds eggs. The Lark Sparrow got the best of old lady Cowbird by one egg which made a lull nest. The Road Runner is holding out pre- ty well. Mr. Earl Moffett has col- lected two sets while at my camp. American Coots. Coots have bten plentiful on the lake from November up to April and quite a few are still here. Mr. A. L. Hartshorn, Game Warden of the Lake, fined a man .$22.50 the other day for killing a Cool. The man said he thought it was a flying fish as it fled and swlmmed all the same and could w-^lk gu th? water. 138 THE OOLOQIST Young Red-headed Woodpeckers, July 28, 1912 —Photo by Thos. D. Burleigh. THE OOLOGIST 139 Horneu and Barred Owls nave been scarce this year on account oi" the hunters killing them during tu',- win- ter. The Screech and Barn Owls are as plentiful as ever. They are in every hollow not in use. American Osprey. One bird observ- ed this year. Am still at the lake and will be all summer so all the bird lov- ers are welcome. Characteristics of the Quail. The natural food of the Quail con- sists of the seeds of the vast number of plants known as weeds, with a 'it- tie foliage of the same, especially 'n the winter when the leaves are young and tender. Considering how small io the amount of fruit usually found in the stomach of this bird, it is a su/'- prise to learn that it sometimes does serious damage to vineyards. Inves- tigation, however, shows that, as in most other similar cases, the injury results only when too many birds gather in a limited area. Nearly all the complaints against the Quail for eating fruit are that it visits vine- yard in immense numbers and eats grapes. When thousands visit a vine- yard, even if only occasionally, and each bird eats or spoils at least one grape, the result is disastrous. In the writer's interviews with California fruit growers, only one mentioned the Quail as harmful. His ranch was sit- uated along the hills on the side of a narrow valley, adjacent to wild graz- ing land with much chaparrel and for- est, among which the Quail lived. In this case the annual loss was estimat- ed at two or three tons of grapes. In the laboratory investiagtion of the food of these Quail, six hundred nineteen stomachs were examined. An- imal food, principally insects, amount- ed to three per cent, of the food and ninety-seven per cent, vegetable food The latter consists of seeds of plants, most of which are noxious or trou- blesome species. Ants appear to be a favorite food, but the Quail will eat caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, flies, spiders, snails and scale insects. In this connection the following ex- tract from a letter from Dr. W. G. Chambers of Los Angeles, is interest- ing: "Last May during the hatching sea- son one of my female Quail died a week prior to completing the hatch. An incandescent light of eight candle power was substituted, the result being tifteen baby Quail, very wild at first, not understanding human souls or language, but finally becoming as do- cile as pet chickens. They were rais- ed in my back yard, running at large after the first week. A number of Marguerite bushes which grew in pro- fusion in the yard were so infested with black scale that I had decided to uproot them and had postponed do- ing so as the Little Quail worked so persistently among the branches. Up- on investigation I discovered them eating the scale, and twittering hap- pily; they would swallow the fully de- veloped scale and thoroughly clean the branches of all those undeveloped. From numerous experiments and careful analysis of the food of the California Quail it is apparent that under normal conditions the farmer and fruit grower have nothing to fear from its ravages. When, however, large areas of chaparrel are cleared and brought under cultivation it is nat- ural that the products of garden and vineyard should be eaten to a greater or less extent by Quail, which abound in such localities. On the other hand, its seed-eating record is in its favor. Usually there is little difficulty in get- ting rid of superfluous game birds; in fact, in most cases the trouble is to prevent their exterminatigii. A bird 140 THE OOLOQIST so large, so easily trapped, so valuable for food, and withal one whose pur- suit affords such excellent sport as the Valley Quail, will rarely became num- erous enough to do serious damage, and then only locally and under unus- ual conditions. W. A. Strong. San Jose, Cal. Red Breasted Nuthatch. Passing through Massachusetts in their spring migration in large num- bers very few of these small Nut- hatches stop here to breed. In his book, "Birds of New England, (1857)", Mr. E. A. Samuels stated that he knew but one nest being found in this state up to that time. Others, writing, continue to mention it as a rare breeding bird here. I have had the good fortune to And it breeding locally in a few places but still consider it rare, although not quite so much so as in Mr. Samuel's day. -Quite a number of the birds he found to be rare, have since become fairly common (with decidedly so) and with others it has been the reverse. The Red Breasted Nuthatch is a bird of the Canadian fauna and may be found in Maine, from Knox County, northward. I have found it nesting fairly common in the woods along the coast where its choice of a nesting site and materials used are different from those in Massachusetts. Throughout nearly the entire year a few of these little birds may be seen here in their favorite localities — dense pine woods on the higher land, sel- dom in the low, swampy country. Whether or not they are the same birds that remain to breed here, or go north to breed and others come in mi- gration to take their places, I am un- able to say. We generally have a month or so of very severe winter weather soon after the first of January and think these Nuthatches go a little south of here during that period for seldom is one seen then, but when or- dinary winter weather prevails they re-appear. Ever looking for food, their sharpe notes of yauk or auk (which ever way you think it sounds to you) may be heard long before their little sombre colored bodies can be seen itching up or down some larger tree trunk. The course bark on the tree covering the hiding places of their food of in- sects, eggs, etc. The few places I have found them breeding here have been somewhat similar. High ledgery ground, covered with a dense growth of trees, mainly pine but with a few populars growing in the scant soil on the top of the ledges. Some of these populars live long enough to attain a diameter of six inches or so and then die. When the wood has decayed enough to be punky it is then suitable for the lit- tle Red Breasted. The hole they make is very similar to a Downy Woodpeck- er, although the entrance is a trifle smaller. From four to twenty feet up were the heights selected. The foundation for the nest is about a handful of pine needles, then a loosely constructed nest of fine, dry grass and bark strippings. The eggs in a set vary from four to seven and are white with reddish dots. In some sets these dots may form a wreath about the larger end, in others may be scattered over much of the surface; resembling the eggs of the Chickadee and are about the same size. The peculiar custom of smearing pine pitch on the outside bark directly under the entrance to nest and down- ward over a space perhaps two inches wide by six inches long is always fol- lowed but the reason for it, I do not know. The female is the most concerned THE OOLOGIST. 141 when you are near the nest and lingers nearby while the male selects a tree a little farther away but interrupts his feeding now and then to look you over and to utter a few encouraging notes to his mate. They nest here about May 10th and when disturbed lay a second set but think one brood a season is what they intend to raise. The last nest I found of the little Red Breasted she had for neighbors-, a Ruffed Grouse, who had scratched a few leaves together for her nest that contained thirteen eggs at the foot of a big pine, — a Phoebe had placed her nest, that had five eggs, under a shelv- ing bit of the ledge and in a little ten foot pine, six foot up, a Blue-headed Vireo had made a nest and layed two eggs. Making in all a very interesting group of bird-life. Roscoe I. Giles. Marlborough, Mass. Wasago Beach, Ontario. The following is a day's observa- tion at Wasago Beach, Ontario, July 24, 1915: A.O.U. 51 Herring Gull, common. 65 Caspian Tern, few. 70 Common Tern, common. 77 Black Tern, fairly common. 133 Black Duck, one brood. 194 Great Blue Heron, one. 263 Spotted Sandpiper, fairly com- mon. 273 Killdeer, fairly common. 300a (Can.) Ruffed Grouse, three. 316 Mourning Dove, one. 390 Belted Kingfisher, Common. 394 N. Downey Woodpecker, five young. 406 Red-Headed Woodpecker, one. 412a N. Flicker, common. 417 Whip-poor-will, one .several heard in evening). 420 Nighthawk, common. 423 Chimney Swift, three. 428 Ruby Throated Humming Bird>, one. 444 Kingbird, common. 456 Phoebe, common. 461 Wood Pewee, fairly common. 474b Prairie Horned Lark, few. 477 Blue Jay, five. 488 American Crow, common. 494 Bobolink, one. 501 Meadowlark, three. 511b Bronzed Grackle, common. 529 American Goldfinch, common. 540 Vesper Sparrow, common. 558 White-throated Sparrow, one (several heard). 560 Chipping Sparrow, fairly com- mon. 567 Slate Colored Junco, one. 581 Song Sparrow, common. 587 Towhee, one. 608 Scarlet Tanager, one. 611 Purple Martin, fairly common. 613 Barn Swallow, common. 614 Tree Swallow, two. 616 Bank Swallow, common. 619 Adar Waxwing, common. 622c Migrant Shrike, two. 624 Red Eyed Vireo, few. 636 Black and White Warbler, few. 652 Yellow Warbler, two. 655 Myrtle Warbler, few. 675 Water Thrush, one. 681 Maryland Yellow-Throat. 687 Redstart, fairly common. 704 Catbird, common. 705 Brown Thrasher, three. 721 House Wren, common. 735 Black Capped Chickadee, fairly common. 755 Wood Thrush, several heard. 756 Veery, few. 761 Robin, common. 766 Bluebird, few. Total, 56 different. This was a day's observation, from 6 a. m., until 6 p. m., and we drove about eighteen miles in the morning, thus covering a lot of ground. Paul Harrington, 142 THE OOLOGIST Redtailed Hawk. Mounted by M. J. Hoffman, Brooklyn, N. Y. A sample of high-class modern taxidermy. The OOlogist. Vol. XXXIII. No. 8. Albion, N. Y.,Aug. 15, 1916. Whole No. 849 Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N. Y., and Lacon, Til. ^■■■I^H ■M ^t^M ^H [ ''^^^■i^^T'^^^l ^Bfl ^K ^'"^^l ^H [' ^'^^-^^^im ^^^^1 ^^^^^Hfe^J^^HBjUT *S'' ^^^^^1 ^^H ^kj^^i^ji^^^^ ^^^^^H ^HHV/^^'.-jrV ^^B /-'-pyS||^BH| ^^^^^^1 ^^^^^^^^m, -4y j^ JJ ^^n P^^'^^H ^^1^1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^B i^.^^^^^H^^^I ^H| • ' - *M1 ^^^^H ^^^^^^^BAr mS^^I ^1 ^n ^fll l^^^l ^^^^^^^^H fM-l^F^Mfh L ^TH ^^^^^KraOH P —iS^S^S' ^^^^^^M^^^l ^^HH^^i hK ^^H Young Great Horned Owl, two weeks old — Photo by Thomas H. Jackson. 144 THE OOLOGIST Killing the Hawks and Owls. Not long since there was a display in Lacon (Illinois) in the window of a department store, a splendid specimen of Barred Owl which had been thoughtlessly killed by a citizen of this town, who did not know that in so doing he had destroyed one of man's best friends, and that in so doing, he had laid himself liable to a fine of a large amount for violating the laws oi the United States. And this law may yet be enforced against him. The bird destroyed never injures poultry. Not long since the Government of the United States, at a very large ex- pense, made an exhaustive investiga- tion into the food of the various Hawks and Owls of the United States, and after an examination of the contents of more than four thousand stomachs of these birds, killed in various parts of the United States, issued a book en- titled "The Hawks and Owls of North America," and in that book each spe- cies of both these families of birds was taken up and treated separately and the analysis of the contents of the stomachs of each of the 4200 spe- cimens was set forth and the Barred Owl was given a clean bill of health as an entirely beneficial, harm.less and non-destructive bird. A few days ago, driving from Peoria to Lacon, passing the place of one Herbert Bischel near Spring Bay, in Woodford Co. the writer saw i^ang- ing to the barbed wire fence, the dead body of a Red-tailed Hawk, another of the farmer's best friends, that had been thoughtlessly, perhaps, ignorant- ly killed by someone and hung on the fence, who supposed he had done a public service in destroying a "Chicken Hawk." This bird like the Barred Owl, is a beneficial bird and should never be killed under any con- ditions. True it is that the Red-tail when driven by stress of hunger and scar- city of his natural food, will occa- sionally take a chicken. But the con- clusion reached by the Government in its investigation was to the effect that for each chicken taken, this bird de- stroyed not less than one hundred field mice and many gophers and ground moles, in addition to its more desired food, the striped ground squirrel. And this bird, like the Barred Owl, is pro- tected by law, and the killer of the bird that hung on Herbert Bischel's fence is likewise liable to a heavy fine for violating the law in killing this bird, and it may be, will sometime be called upon to face Uncle Sam's legal department for so doing. Most of the killing of this class of birds is the result of the densest sort of ignorance. A failure or refusal on the part of the killer to inform him- self as to the character of the birds. There are in this part of the coun- try, but two birds belonging to the Hawks and Owls that should be de- stroyed. One, the large Great Horned Owl, the largest owl we have, with large round, yellow eyes and ear tufts that are called "horns." The other, the long slim, bluish-gray colored Hawk with feathers marked some- what like a Barred Plymouth Rock Chicken, with a long slim tail, known as the Cooper Hawk. Other than these, all the Hawks and Owls of this part of the country are beneficial, and should be protected; as they live al- most entirely upon man's enemies, vermin of some kind, mice, rats, moles, ground squirrels and the like. The Country Gentleman of October 30, 1915, contains an article by R. W. Schufeldt, one of the most prominent of American bird students, a resident of Washington, D. C, upon this same subject which is as follows: DON'T SHOOT THE OWLS They do Untold Good as Destroyers of Vermin. THE OOLOGIST 146! By R. W. SHUFELDT. There are forty-four different kinds of owls in the United States. Some are very small, as the pygmy owls of the southwest; while others, the great gray owl and the various horned owls, are as big as the largest hawks and falcons. These birds are, as a rule, largely nocturnal in habit, and this fact has doubtless had much to do with pre- serving their kind from utter exter- mination at the hands of man. Boys are encouraged to shoot them, because they are alleged to prey upon young chickens and other poultry of the farmyard. Where farms are much isolated, and in parts of the country where the bird is found, it is very likely that the great horlied owl will prey upon do- mestic fowls; but he will also destroy his share of such vermin as rats, weasles, mink, and so on. The pygmy owls, on account of their habitats and diminutive size, need not be taken into consideration here. Disregarding; these species, then, it may be said with the greatest certainty that there are few birds of greater use, and prac- tically none that perform more incal- culable services to the agriculturist in all parts of the country, than owls. Many hundreds of common barn owls are destroyed every year. When the farmer kills them on the plea that they steal his young chickens he is paying for slight losses by murdering some of his best friends. The late Charles Bendire, in his work on American birds, says of this owl that it is "one of the most useful and harmless bird of prey, subsisting almost entirely on noxious vermin, such as ground squirrels, rats, pocket gophers, mice and on shrews, bats, frogs, small reptiles, grasshoppers and beetles. Very rarely small birds are caught by them and occasionally a young rabbit varies the usual bill of fare. Looked at from an economic standpoint it would be difficult to point out a more useful bird than this owl, and it deserves the fullest protection; but, as is too often the case, man, who should be its best friend, is generally the worst enemy it has to contend with, and is ruthlessly destroying him." Further on he says: "The number of rats, mice and other noxious ver- min required by a pair of these owlfe to feed their family, usually consisting of from five to seven young, is almost incredible, and I am certain exceeds the captures of a dozen cats for the same period. The young owlets are always hungry and will eat their own weight in food daily, and even more if they can get it." WOULD PAY TO IMPORT OWLS In support of this last statement an- other witness at hand has published the fact that when "one of these birds has young it will bring a mouse to its nest about every twelve or fifteen minutes. But in order to have a prop- er idea of the enormous quantity of mice that it destroys, we must exam- ine the pellets that it ejects from its stomach in the pace of its retreat. Every pellet contains from four to seven skeletons of mice. In sixteen months from the time when the apart- ment of the owl in the old gateway was cleaned out there had been a de- posit of more than a bushel of pel- lets." Here doubtless 7,000 or 8,000 mice were destroyed by only one pair of barn owls in less than a year and a half. Any farmer may entertain a fairly correct notion as to how much grain 7,500 mice will consume in the course of a year. In rural districts where the barn owl is either very scarce or is not found at all it would prove a distinct benefit to import a few pairs and protect them by efficient legislation. They would be a terror to all rats, field mice and pocket gophers of the country all round, and they would keep the latter down to a minimum at all times of the year. Every time we slay a barn owl we give a lease of life to vermin to spread disease and to eat up the pro- ducts of the farm. Edward Howe Porbush, in a bulletin entitled Rats and Rat Riddance, pub- lifhed by the State Board of Agricul- ture of Massachusetts says: "Rats are the most expensive animal that man maintains — forerunners of famine, dis- ease and pestilence, disseminators ol the dreaded trichina and the terrible bubonic plague, or black death, which has slain its miserable horror-stricken millions since the dawn of history, and now has spread to the United States." In America we not only have no reg- 146 THE OOLOQIST ular government organizations whose work it is to destroy rats, but all over the country we are killing owls which prey upon rats! Rats not only consume hundreds of tons of grain in the United States every year but they likewise climb our fruit trees and eat any quantity of all kinds of fruit, of which they are very fond. They ruin houses; kill hundreds of people by spreading disease; flood farm lands by opening dikes; set houses on Are by nibbling matches; eat thousands of eggs; kill poultry; eat dressed meats and provi- sions by the ton; and they kill and eat all kinds of small pets and game. It has been shown that, upon the whole, the cat is a perfect failure as a destroyer of rats; while, were owls sufficiently numerous, they would de- stroy thousands every month. Farm- ers all over the land should favor the introduction and subsequent protec- tion of all medium-sized owls, the American Owl in particultr. The months of October, November and December are the months of mi- gration for the Hawk family and thousands of them wing their way southward. Most of those passing in October and early November are the Swainson Hawk, which is about the size of a large Redtail and has a white breast with a dark band across it. This bird is wholly harmless, easy to approach, fearless, and is ruthlessly killed by those who desire to destroy "chicken hawks," with little knowl- edge of the fact that they are destroy- ing one of their real good servants. Later in the fall and winter, the large Northern Hawks are to be seen sitting about on the fences and trees watching for furred animals, which is their natural food. These birds are harmless as to poultry, and should never be killed. They are usually larger than our big Redtail Hawk, gen- erally have a white breast and a dark brownish or black face and wing; sometimes they are seen with the dark plumage throughout, both above and below. ill It is to be hoped that some day the prejudice of the general public against Hawks and Owls as a class will be overcome, and that those who desire to kill for the fun of killing will be curbed. Ninety per cent, of the Red-tail Hawks in Marshall county have been killed off in the last twenty years, and we now have four times as many field mice and ground squirrels, moles, gophers and the like as we had twen- ty years ago as the result of this bar- barous practice. It is to be hoped that some day the laws against those who kill for the mere pleasure of killing will be en- forced and that the general public will then take the trouble to inform itself as to the difference between a harm- less and beneficial Redtail Hawk and a smaller, longer, slimmer Cooper Hawk; and also of the difference be- tween the harmless and beneficial Barred Owl and of the destructive Great Horned Owl. Not long since a citizen of Lacon, who makes great pretensions as to piety, enjoyed the sensation of ruth- lessly murdering four little young, harmless Screech Owls for the pure sake and fun of killing them. These birds are classed by the Government as being among by far the most bene- ficial of all birds found in North America. It is to be hoped that this killer, when he thinks of the great service he did to his community by destroying these harmless, beneficial little young birds will be satisfied with what his own conscience tells him of the work. R. M. Barnes. The Lazy Bird. Cowbirds have either become un- usually lazy or else overworked in this locality this year. June 21st of this year I found a fresh Cowbird egg in a Goldfinch nest that must have been THE OOLOOIST 147 two years old at least. Also earlier in the season I found a Cowbird egg lying in a field. Until this year I have never found the eggs of this bird in Red-wing nests, but in a little colony of some twenty- five pairs of Red-winged Blackbirds, 1 destroyed eleven Cowbird eggs on June 17th and six on June 27th of the present season. Walter A. Goelitz. ' Ravina, 111. Motes on the Chipping and Field Sparrows. During the breeding season of llUT) in the vicinity of Butler, New Jersey, from June 1st to 30th, I located fifty- two nests of the Chipping and Field Sparrows, either with eggs well incu- bated or with young a few days old. Being very much interested in the bird lianding movement, permitted each o'i these that had not as yet hatched to do so and kept a daily record of each hatching so that bands might be placed at the proper age on the youns; ])irds. But out of all these nests, bands were placed on only two young l>irds, because of the nestling becom- ing infested with a small mite similar to that which attacks young chickens and of the fifty-two nests one hundred and sixty-eight young birds succumbed to the inroads of these minute insects at the age of three or four days. Forty of these broods were hatched in nests in scrub cedars. The remainder with the exception of two were in smilax and blackberry tangles and the last two in huckleberry bushes. These were the only two not to be attacked rnd which survived. One of these liroods were destroyed by a house cat on the sixth day and in the other two birds reached the banding age of six days. This is the only record 1 have and the only one that inquirers among my bird loving friends has brought to light on this matter. Would be glad to hear from other oologists and orni- thologists in THE OOLOGIST who have been fortunate enough to observe a similar invasion of this species of insects among the different small spe- cies of the Fringillidae. Louis S. Kohler. Hunting Owl Eggs From a Boat. On February 19th, found Raymon Graham and myself scouting around in and out of the tree tops out to Lake Worth looking for Owl hollows. Lake Worth, or better known among the people of Fort Worth as the Reser- voir, is in a large tract of bottom land with the Trinity river flowing through it. So the city decided to throw up a dam or two and make a reservoir of it. By so doing, the river soon went out of its banks, took in all the trees that could be found in the bottom, leaving only the tops protruding from the water, making it a cinch to collect from a boat. (That is, the trees that are smaller in diameter than the one following). x\s I was saying, we were zig-zaging in and out of the trees, keeping a close watch out for good hollows. We had gotten no more than two hundred yards in the trees, when I happened to cast my optics on a good hollow down three hundred feet in front of us. Then we put on full steam ahead. Just as we neared the stub, the bow of the boat hit it, and out flew Mrs. Barred Owl. Right there a free for all scram- ble liked to have taken place, to see which would get up and see in the hollow first. Raymon tried first to get up to it, then 1 tried, tlien he, then my time again. It had no limbs on it, and was as slick as "glass, there- fore neither could "coon it" up. All this time our boat was doing the Hesi- tation. 148 THE OOLOGIST THE OOLOGIST 149 We happened to look down in the boat, and there we found about four feet of old rope tied to an old anchor. By putting the anchor over the end of one of the oars, we hooked it in the hollow, and I started up hand over hand, but — to our sad luck, the rope snapped in two, leaving the remaining ten inches in my hand, and the other three feet and the anchor fell down in the bottom of the cavity. Then we were guessing again how to get up. Raymon, after putting his wooden brain to work, suggested stacking some life belts, which we always car- ried along, up on the hood of the boat, by doing this it put me up about four feet. Then I held to the trunk until Raymon could get under me where I could stand on his shoulders, then I could hold the hollow with one hand and pulled myself up where I could look down in it. And lo and behold, after all this hard brain v/ork and labor, there was nothing in it but the bottom, and the pieces of rope and the anchor that fell over in it. Tough luck again. In my haste to get down on account of my hold growing tiresome, I forgot to remove the obstacles that fell in the hollow. Tired, scratched up and perspiring, we drifted on down through the woods meeting with very little luck. Getting back to camps late in the evening. On the 12th of March, found us back at the same hollow. On approaching when the boat hit the stub, nothing came out, but a few raps with an oar soon brought Mrs. Barred Owl out in a hurry. This time we were prepared to get to the top, as we brought along some cleats, nails and a hatchet. It took only a few minutes to nail the cleats on. Then I was on my way to- wards the apex. Upon looking down in the hollow, what should greet my eyes, but that anchor pushed to one side, and the rope coiled up, and in the middle of it was a well incubated set of three eggs. I sure was surprised to find a .set of eggs in this one hollow. Because; I thought by this junk being in the bot- tom, would interrupt their actions. But at any rate, they added the first set of Barred Owls to my collection. This one also being the .first set of eggs collected in and around Port Worth this year. The stub which contained this hol- low, was located a quarter of a mile from the nearest bank, and ■ was in twenty feet of water. Earl B.- Moffat. Fort Worth, Tex. Redpoll on Bloomfield, New Jersey, pn February 12th, 1916. Two male Redpolls and five females were observed at Bloomfield, Ess^x County, New Jersey, on the above da|;e by the writer, at noon, in a small copse of sassafras near the southern end of the town. When first observed, this flock was perched among the lower branches of the saplings in this growth and then soon all descended to the ground and began feeding upon the seeds of the dead vegetation about. Later on during the after,noon one male and two females were -again seen near this copse feeding on the ground. This is the first record the writer has made of this species since March 5, 1905, in this county. Louis S.' Kohler.; Raleus Elegans. America's great Ornithologist, Au dubon, called or rather named this the "King Rail" and he was well aware that this wjis the appropriate name for this harid- pome bird. The upper parts are brown or brown- ish black; the feathers margined with 150 THE OOLOGIST THE OOLOGIST 151 tawny-olive; wing and tail feathers varying from rufous to richest nut; top of head and hind neck plain dark brown, throat and line over the eye nearly white; breast and foreneck deep cinnamon or rufous; sides, flanks and axillaries brownish black, distinctly barred with white; under tail coverts white, coarsely spotted with blackish; bill dusky brown on top and tip, base, and lower mandible mostly yellowish brown; eyes reddish- brown; legs and bill tinged with red- dish in high plumage. Length, 17-19 inches. The eggs vary from a dull white to cream or pale buff, sparsely dotted and spotted with reddish brown and lilac. Size from 1.55 to 1.72 long by 1.25 broad, averaging 1.67 by 1.12. It is a fresh water species. It is very rare in our locality. To my knowledge only several sets were taken. In May, 1891, the late George Harris, in South Buffalo, shot a King Rail and brought it to me. In mount- ing it I was surprised to find a well developed egg in the body, which is now in my collection. May 30, 1894, my son Albert found a handsome set of ten eggs in rear of Point Abino, now a much frequented pleasure resort on the Canadian side near Buffalo. June S, 1902, my son Edward found a fine set of twelve eggs in the Tonawanda Swamp, Orleans Co., N. Y. The nest Avas composed of sedges on swampy ground. Now the Tonawanda Swamp has gone out of existence. Too bad. Besides these I have a fine set taken May 20, 1903, at Rail Lake, Cook Co., ty, 111., by G. A. Abbott. Ottomar Reinecke. goodly portion of Mr. Barnes' last visit there was spent in a hospital in Los Angeles, as the result of falling from a tree while hunting birds eggs. It is to be hoped that the nesting season for California birds is over and that this trip will not result similarly. From the European War. A further letter from Major O. C. C. Nicolls, R. G. A., gives us the sad information that he is at present con- fined in a hospital in London, and is uncertain as to when, if ever, he will get out. We are very sorry that mis- fortune has visited itself upon our friend Nicolls. The letter also contains among other things, the following: "I can add one other incident from a letter recently received from one of the oflficers out there (in Loos) in my old battery. He said a nest had been found in a huge shell which had the top blown off, but as he is not a con- noisseur in birds he merely described the eggs (four) as speckled, and as this includes those of a wide range, from the Golden Wren to the Golden Eagle, with many more beyond the latter limit, the event is not of much scientific interest I am afraid, except, perhaps, to show that even birds are getting callous out there. (They cer- tainly weren't when I was there) as this anxious mama apparently depos- ited her goods quite close to the firing line." In California. The Editor of this little magazine is spending a short vacation period at Hollywood, California, visiting his mother. It will be remembered that a Notes on the Feeding Habits of the Dusky Horned Owl. (Bubo virginianus saturatus). By J. H. Bowles, Tacoma, Wash. A short time ago I sent in to THE OOLOGIST a few notes on the breed- ing of the Wood Duck in western Washington. On the night of Novem- ber 12th, the male duck met with an unfortunate ending, as it was found 152 THE OOLOQIST floating in the water by Dr. Shaver close to shore. Tlie liead had been eaten, and previous experience at once suggested Horned Owls to the doctor. He dashed it liberally with strychnine and put it on the shore close to where "he found it in the morning. Upon visiting the spot on the morning of the 14th he found the duck with a few more bites taken out of it and on the shore near it a fine Dusky Horned Owl. While congratulating himself upon the results of his experiment he glanced up into the woods and some distance away saw a suspicious looking object at the foot of a large fir. Investiga- tion showed it to be another owl of the same species, probably the mate of the first one as dissection showed them to be male and female. Both birds had been poisoned by the same bait, which makes it seem likely that these birds may at times hunt in cou- ples. The female of this pair smelled so strongly of skunk, upon which she had undoubtedly made a recent meal, that I found it by no means a pleas- ing task to prepare her for my collec- tion. Dr. Shaver has had a great deal of trouble from the depredations of this species of owl upon his ducks, and during the past two years has killed eight or ten of them. A fine Mallard that was killed by them had been dragged through the brush to a large fallen fir, under which it was hidden. The doctor gave it the proper treat- ment and next morning showed a dead Horned Owl, its claws deeply liuried in the body of the duck. Re- turning to a kill seems to be a com- mon habit with them, but it was new to me that they hid their prey after they had eaten sufficiently. They are very large eaters, the stomach of one that I examined con- taining an entire house rat, about two- thirds grown, and a Wilson's Snipe that haw been torn into three pieces. At the base of a nesting tree, after the young had fiown, I have found the remains of Sooty Grouse, Oregon Ruffed Grouse, Ring-necked Pheasant, Steller's Jay, and the skull of one squirrel. All owls are on the protect- ed list in Washington, but, although I am considered somewhat of an extrem- ist on bird protection, I think that in the case of the Ducky Horned Owls our sympathy is for the most part wasted. An Expensive Set of Blue Gray Gnat Catchers. While looking for a Scarlet Tan- ager's nest, I noticed a Blue Gray Gnat Catcher fly from the top of a tall sweet gum tree, alighting on a small bush on the ground, collecting cob-webs. This bird coming near the ground was un- usual; as a natural rule they dwell in the utmost tops of the trees. By it coming near the ground I kept my eyes on the Gnat Catcher. She left the bush with cob-webs in her mouth flying straight up to the top of the sweet gum tree, alighting on a small limb about one inch in diameter and two feet from the trunk, which was about 58 feet up. I knew the nest was nearly completed as cob-webs are the finishing touch on their nests, so I sat down at a distance from the tree and saw her make three different trips to this certain limb. After convincing myself that the nest was there I re- turned home; then on May 23d I was back again expecting a full set. So strapping on my climbers I proceeded up the tree to where I thought the nest was, but not finding it there, I went on up ten feet farther, and while looking around for the nest there 1 recognized the small limb, then two feet from me was the nest which was a fine specimen of architecture and matched the limb so natural that it was difl^cult to find, as it resembled a THE OOLOGIST 158 small knot, and to my surprise it coii- tained five fresh eggs. As I was wrap- ping the eggs to lower them in my col- lection box, both birds appeared on the scene. They seemed very tame, coming within a few feet of my head. They showed no fighting ability, but would drop from the top branches down near me with the same antics as the Yellow Breast Chat, with the tail straight up; at the same time afford- ing me a good view of both birds. I then cut the limb off that had the nest on it with my pocket knife, tying both nest and collecting box together 1 lowered them 58 feet to the ground and started down the tree. As I was within about 25 feet from the ground I caught hold of a rotten limb which, of course, broke and sent me on a downward journey at a full rate of speed, head first. But as I was an acrobat in my younger days, I found a chance to use it here; giving my body a wiggle, I landed in a sitting down position. After I woke up and the smoke cleared away, I found my left arm sticking in the ground (you will hear of my arm later), pulling it out I wound up 65 feet of cord, dug a hole with my foot under the tree and buried my climbers (they are still there). I started home at my leisure, still looking for other nests. I met two of my friends, and after talking with them for about half an hour, 1 continued my trip home. Arriving at home I put up the 'iggs, washed my face and hands, got a newspaper and read awhile, then I happened to think about the condition of my arm. I went and saw a doctor about it. He pro- nounced it broken. After setting my arm he said, "$15.00 please." A short & Lattins catalogue prices the Blue Grey Gnatcatcher eggs at 35 cents each, the five eggs cost me at the rate of $3.00 per egg. How is this for paying a high price for cheap eggs? I blowed this set and others the next day with that broken arm of mine. I am at present spending my time in Fort Worth, Texas. I have met Mr. R. Graham, who runs a taxidermy shop here and has a collection of eggs, Emmett Maxon and several other egg collectors, and find them to be good fellows. I expect to hunt Turkey and Black Vultures, Road Runners and Scissor Tail Flycatchers next spring with Mr. Graham, and hope to send in an account of our luck. Hoping everyone good luck this com- ing season, I remain. Earl E. Moffat, Govt. Bird Censor for Marshall , Tex. Two Trials. There is nothing rare or especially interesting in a Blue Jay nest, but when two sets of eggs are collected from the same nest it becomes at once out of the ordinary and well worth mentioning. On April 25, 1816, I secured a set of five Jay eggs from a nest in the city park at Urbana Illinois. The nest was of the usual type, placed twenty feet up from a platform formed by the growth of a bunch of small twigs vertical to the trunk of a white oak. The eggs, which were alive, tan in color and spotted with darker brown and black, were taken, but the nest was left intact. May 23, 1916, I passed under the tree and saw a Jay brooding on the old nest. I ascended and found a fine set of six fresh eggs of the same gen- eral color as the preceding set. The nest had not been repaired nor enlarg- ed. It is a decidedly unusual occur- rence for a Jay or similar bird to lay two clutches in the same nest, is it not? Walter A. Goelitz. Ilavinia, 111. 164 THB OOLOOlSt The OoLOGiST. Vol. X.XXIII. No. 9. Albion, N. Y., Sept. 15,1916. Whole No. 850 Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Lacon, IlL Great Horned Owl on its nest near Waynesburg, Pa., 1910. —Photo by S. S. Dickey. 156 THE OOLOGIST Relative to the Bald Eagle in Alaska. How many of us have seen a flock of Bald Eagles? Very few I wager. In most sections of the country such a sight is not common. When one speaks of eagles as occurring in flocks he is rather looked upon with suspi- cion. Yet in Alaska, especially south- eastern Alaska, in the spring of the year, such a sight is not uncommon. In fact, at times the Bald Eagle is seldom seen unaccompanied by three or more of its fellows. Of the larger land birds only the raven exceeds it in point of numbers for from the most southerly part of the Alexander Archi- pelago to far out in the Aleutian chain the eagle is ever present. So plenti- ful is the eagle in the territory at pres- ent that it is becoming extremely ob- noxious and several Alaskan enter- prises which are suffering from its depredations are making efforts to bring about a reduction in its num- bers. In speaking of eagles in Alaska I do not wish to convey the impression that this bird appears only in flocks. This is not true. More often it is seen singly or in pairs. Only during the spring months does it go about in flocks and then only in certain parts of Alaska. While attached to the U. S. S. Manning the writer spent the spring of the current year in the south-east- ern section of the territory, and here had the opportunity of seeing the Bald Eagles moving about in flocks, and hovering about the bays and inlets in much the same manner as so many gulls. Especially at Sitka on Baranof Island were these flocks exceedingly abundant. Practically throughout the entire day could at least one be seen, each containing a score or more birds. On one occasion a flock of thirty-two were observed from the deck of the vessel, and I was told by a local natur- alist that flocks of forty and fifty were frequently seen at one time. At the time of my stay I estimated that there were not less than one hundred birds within a radius of three miles of Sitka. When not in flight the birds would remain perched in the trees on the small islands that surround the village, and not infrequently a score or more were observed occupying the upper branches of a dead white cedar. Fish is the great attraction that col- lects the eagles in bodies at this time of the year. In the spring the waters of south-eastern Alaska fairly swarm with the Herring and Salmon coming in to spawn, with the result that these birds come from miles around to engage in the great feast of the season. And feast they do for this food is obtained with the ex- penditure of but little energy. They themselves do but little fishing. Such work is evidently considered menial for when the gulls and cormorants are around they much prefer robbing them who are much more expert at capturing their finny prey. However, at times they are forced to fish them- selves, for not always is an opportun- ity afforded to pilver the waterfowl. When thus engaged the eagles walk about the beach at low tide in much the same manner as gulls and swoop out over the water whenever a school of herring or other fish is in evidence. Around the spawning grounds the eagles remain plentiful until the fish leave and only until this occurs do they return to their customary haunts among the mountains and along the streams and inlets further in the in- terior. It is only a few months that they frequent spawning waters in num- bers but even in this short time it is claimed that an enormous quantity of fish is eaten by them. The salmon, Alaska's most valuable fish, suffers the most. This has been shown by the investigations of the fish commission THE OOLOGIST 157 who have proved conclusively that the Bald Eagle is one of the strongest contributing causes in the destruction of the salmon during the spawning season, and recommend that a bounty be placed on the birds similar to the one now in force in British Columbia. Their contention is without doubt cor- rect. The evidence against the eagle is overwhelming for one only to see it at work along the streams to satis- fy himself that there must be thous- ands of salmon that become its vic- tims as they attempt to work their way up stream. The destruction of this number of salmon is a great economic loss and the recommenda- tion of the Bureau of Fisheries is only a logical one. Omitting further discussion relative to Bald Eagle flocks and the fish con- sumed by them let me now mention another instance where due to its abundance and pernicious habits this raptore is proving itself a pest. To the westward, from Kodiak to far out in the Aleutian chain, many Alaskans, both whites and natives, are engaged in what is known as fox farming, the breeding of the rarer foxes — blues, sil- ver-greys, and crosses — for the fur market. These farms are usually lo- cated on the smaller islands and in most cases the foxes are unprotected since the owners of these enterprises seldom live in the immediate vicinity. Our subject the eagle, cunning as he is, is well aware of this fact and does not hesitate to attack both the adult and young foxes whenever the oppor- tunity is afforded. All breeders of foxes in the open must contend with this plunderer. At Sand Point, in the Shumigan Islands, I was shown the badly mutilated skins of two blue foxes that had been victims of eagles raids. Both skins were hopelessly torn and practically worthless. When one considers that a blue fox skin brings from thirty dollars upwards in the fur market, it is little wonder that the fox breeders have become the sworn enemies of this unpopular bird. It is the worst foe with which they have to combat, and every effort is made toward its extermination. Every eagle is shot when possible, and nests found containing young or eggs are promptly destroyed. In the foregoing I have attempted to give some sort of idea of status of the Bald Eagle in Alaska. In concluding one other point should be touched up- on, which particularly concerns the ornithologist. This is relative to the slaughter of song and other birds by the above. P^om my observations no other reptore is more destructive to bird life. No member of the feathered tribe is immune from its attacks; botli land and water birds are treated alike. At Unalaska there was found at different times around several eagle eyries the feathered remains of nearly every species common to those parts indicating that seemingly a bird diet is as desirable as one of fish. Among the water birds found were puffins, auklets, murres, murrelets, gullimots, ducks, and several species of waders, while among the song bird victims were Alaskan Longspurs, Aleutian Rosy Finches, Western Savannah Sparrows, Shumigan Fox Sparrows, and a sub-species of the Song Spar- row. Indentification of many of these birds was difficult but in the cases of the Longspur and Rosy Finch it was comparatively simple for their beautiful markings could always be recognized. Birds captured by the eagle and not taken to the nest are usually carried to some cliff or knoll on an islet to be devoured. When rambling about the hills and cliffs in the vicinity of the village of Unalaska one frequently runs across these places that have been selected by the 158 THE OOLOQIST eagles as butchering grounds, each one strewn with the remains of their victims. In these places it seems that the Pigeon Gullimot's feathers are found most often. Fully half the birds found are of this species. I can only account for this by the fact that they are rather slow about diving and also that they seem to experience great difficulty in rising from the water. It would be quite easy for the white headed marauder to swoop down upon them when attempting the latter. From the above does it not seem that in order to preserve our more val- uable birds in Alaska the ranks of the Bald Eagle should be thinned out? Bird life would thrive much better without it. But little can be said in its favor. It has no economic value. Why then, should it be allowed to continue its depredations? In the Aleutians its abundance is in all prob- ability one of the reasons for the scar- city of bird life there. Besides its destruction of birds I have touched up- on two other cases where its pres- ense is undesirable. There are still others. Throughout Alaska it rapaci- ousness is notorious. It is to be re- greted that so handsome and majestic a bird causes so much havoc, but leav- ing aside sentiment one cannot get away from the fact that its presence is deleterious to the natural resources of the territory. I. J. Van Kammen. [The foregoing is certainly a splen- did contribution to our readers. We hope Mr. Van Kammen will "come again" and often. — Editor.] ■ ♦ ■ Alarming Scarcity of Vultures. By E. F. Pope. After an absence of three or four years the writer returned to Texas in 1911, and at once noted a marked de- crease in the numbers of both Catii- artes aura and Cathartes uruba. Each succeeding year the decrease in the number of these birds has been steady and more marked, until now, they are actually scarce. Eight or nine years ago it was no uncommon sight to see more than 100 vultures (about equal- ly divided as to species) gathered around a single carcass, with the re- sult that in a very short time nothing but closely picked bones were left to bleach in the sun, instead of a slow- ly decaying mass of flesh to menace the health of those living in the vicin- ity. Two weeks ago a neighbor's cow mired in a small creek near our home — too near for comfort, — became chill- ed over night and died. Water rend- ered cremation out of the question; the expected freshet in the creek to carry away the carcas never came, therefore the only thing left was to hire a bunch of negro laborers to bury the remains, — an expensive and * * * words fail us * * * proceeding. Dur- ing the ten or twelve days which elapsed between the death and burial of this unfortunate bovine only three vultures were observed at the carcass, two aura and a single uruba, which of course were entirely unequal to the task before them, and either through indifference which comes with satia tion or from disappointment at the failure of expected reinforcements, after a few hours visit for three suc- cessive days, the lonely trio took wing and were seen no more. Vultures no doubt convey germs of a deadly disease of cattle, for which single fault our wise(?) Legislators have legalized and encouraged their destruction, with the result that na- ture's chief scavangers, whose only price for their inestimable service to man is permission to breathe of the air which their very existence helps to keep from contamination, are now en- tering upon the same trail which has been traveled by the Great Auk, Pas- THE OOLOOIST 159 senger Pigeon, Carolina Paroquet and others. Permitting the extermination of the birds above enumerated is a hideous blot on the escutcheon of our Republic which can never be effaced. The very best and the very least that we can do from now on is to prevent the smear from spreading. We can do it, but will we? In the case of the Vultures the time to act is NOW! By the simple act of vaccination cattle may now be rendered practical- ly immune from the disease which the vulture has helped to spread and for which unwitting sin he has paid so dearly, so why not let the veterinar- ians do their work and protect the vultures while there are still a few to protect. Surely we should be able to profit by California's unspeakable shame in the case of her noble Condor. There are perhaps few if any oolo- gists who do not possess at least a small series of sets of the beautiful eggs of both aura and uruba. Hang on to your Vultures. Unless speedy action is taken to check the threat- ened extinction of these birds, vulture eggs will soon be as rare in Texas and other southern states as they are in Canada. Turkey Vulture Eggs. While looking through the rocky hills around Ft. Worth, I found one egg of the Turkey Vulture. This is the way I found it. The bird flew out and on looking under an overhanging rock I discovered what looked to be a set of two, but on closer examina- tion I found the bird was setting on one egg and a nearly round stone tlie same size of the egg, and a few broken egg shells laying just outside of the nest, or the spot where she was sit- ting, as though there were once two eggs in the set. And the thing I would like to know is this: The egg is so heavily spot- ted that 1 would like to save it as a set, but 1 don't know if this one egg would be counted as a set or not. So any information along this line in re- gard to it being a set, would be highly appreciated. Earl E. Moffatt. In a letter to Mr. Moffatt, under date of April 21, 1916, Mr. E. F. Pope of Colmesneil, Texas, says: "In reply to your letter of the 17th inst., would state that I have never found a nest of the Turkey Vulture corresponding in every particular with the nest you mention, although I have found several nests containing but one egg more or less incubated, as well as many nests with but one young, how- ever, the result of many years of close observation and study of our vultures, leads me to believe that a complete set of but one egg is very rare. In this instance the broken egg shells you observed near the nest are pretty good evidence that this set was composed of two eggs. The first egg laid may have been broken by being rolled around with the stone in the nest, or it may have been destroyed by one of the numerous prowlers which delight to feast upon eggs. Under the circumstances, I hardly think you would be justified in call- ing this egg a full set, but if the egg is a well marked specimen, as you state, it is well worth preserving, as the day is fast approaching when vul- ture eggs are going to be quite desir- able. Vultures in this section are becom- ing quite scarce and in localities where I once found dozens of nests, I am now fortunate to find one or two in a whole season. I would be glad to learn if you have noted any marked decrease in the numbers of vultures in your section of the country." 160 THE OOLOQIST White Oak Snag near VVaynesburg, Pa., containing excavation of Pileateo Woodpecker (the hole near the top). — Photo by S. S. Dickey. THE OOLOQIST 161 The Hybrid Flicker. The case of the Hybrid Flicker is not that there is an occasional hybrid among the Flickers along the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains but that liybrid birds are common. Dr. Elliott Coues in his Key to North American Birds, says of them: "A species, sub- species, variety, race, strain hybrid, or transitional form, in which the respec- tive characters of C. auratus and C. mexicanus are blended in every con- ceivable degree in different specimens. Moustaches red or black, or partly both, on one or both sides of the body, and present or absent in the g; red moustache present with yellow wings and tail, or black ones with red wings and tail. Red nuchal crescent present or absent; present in connection with red wings and tail." "Such Flickers prevail widely in the Rocky Moun- tains, in some parts to the exclusion of birds showing the proper charac- ters of either species." Here in Weld County, Colorado, fifteen miles from the foothills of the mountains, the Red-shafted Flicker is the common Flicker, and I have never seen the eastern Yellow-shaft, but the Hybrids are quite common. I have not seen the mixed moustache characters which Dr. Coues mentions, but I have noticed the yellow shafts, and the red nuchal crescent in the male. Dr. Coues' remarks are so entertain- ing and instructive that I quote fur- ther from him. "The case is unique in ornithology, and has proved refrac- tory to the machinery of zoological classification — tot homines, tot senten- tiae. It was first brought to light in 1843 when Audubon found the birds he subsequently named C. Ayersii at old Fort Union at the mouth of the Yellow- stone river, on the Missouri, at tlie present border between North Dakota and Montana; I have read in his man- uscript, penned on the spot, his naive expression of amazement at a phe- nomenon which has served to pique the curiosity and complete perplexity from that day to this." Geo. E. Osterhout. M^indsor, Colo. Some Western Birds. White-throated Swift. Aeronautes melanoleucus! What a charm the very name has for me. There is something about it suggestive of the wildness and freedom of tliii bird himself. White-throated Swift! To me it always brings a picture of a precipitous rock-wall above the foam- ing Santa Clara where I first met this dashing aeronaut; the memories of lofty pine meadows beloved of the Cal- ifornia Condor, and of boulder-strewn gorges where the murmur of falling waters mingled with the song of Can- yon Wren and Water Ouzel. Since that first memorable day I have met the handsome fellow many times, and learned to love him well. With the heart of an Eagle, the speed of a Falcon, and the trim neatness of a Hummingbird, he is indeed the very spirit of the storms that blow about his rocky fastness. In Southern California the White- throated Swift is a permanent resi- dent. During most of the year the birds remain in the isolated mountain- ous regions, coming down into the lower country only when driven by the wintry gales. Yet common as they are in chosen sections, so swift and sure is their flight that they defy the efforts of the most expert wing shot, and their eggs are seldom taken from the usually inaccessible crevices of the cliffs. The bird is from six and one-half to seven inches in length; black except for white throat and breast and white patches on wing and side of rump; the wing is from five and one-half to sijc 162 THE OOLOQIST inches in length; the forked tail is about half as long as the wing. This species lacks the spiny tail feathers of the Vaux Swift (Chaetura vauxi), which is sometimes found during the late fall in company witli our bird. As has been stated before, the White- throated Swift is preeminently a mountain-loving species, nesting in what are known as the Upper Sonoran and Transition Zones. Where some high bare-faced cliff rears its cresi; above the cool canyon depths, and there is little or no evidence of human existence, you are likely to find a col- ony of these birds, dashing and wheel- ing in mid-air, darting in and out of the nesting rannies; all the while twittering incessantly in their pecu- liar high-pitched voice. But few birds can compare wuth this Swift in powers of flight. He seems to be forever on the wing, now diving like a plummet straight down the mountain side, now shooting up into the bright sunlight with the speed of a rocket, pursuing his insect prey with almost incredible rapidity, or restless ly darting in and out of the crevices in the rock that perhaps conceals his nest. The bird is a comparatively late breeder in this vicinity, starting to build about the middle of May, and fresh eggs may be found from the last week in May to the latter part of June. The Swifts are always gregarious, from six to fifty pairs nesting to- gether. As they are somewhat erratic in their choice of a nesting site a cliff that shelters a large colony one year may be entirely deserted the fol- lowing summer. The nest is usually situated in some inaccessible crack or pocket in the face of a high cliff. It is no mean task to swing down fifty or a hundred feet at the end of a rope and try to get at a nest placed three or four feet back in an opening perhaps only three inches in width, and usually all but concealed from view by some project- ing point of rock. Vegetable fibers, straws, and large feathers are used in the construction, cemented together and to the rock by the bird's saliva. The nest forms a rather small shallow basket, irregular in shape to conform with the require- ments of the particular cranny in which it is placed. There is seldom any lining added, at most a few soft feathers are glued to the inside. The eggs are from three to five in number, pure white, and average about .84x.50 inches. Very frequently one or more eggs in a set are damaged by being struck with bits of rock dis- lodged from above the nest. Sometimes the White-throated Swift will be found nesting about some old mission or deserted adobe ranch house, but as a rule he does not take kindly to conveniences provided by man, preferring the secluded cliffs of his forbears. To this brave bird I offer the fol- lowing verses which will perhaps bet- ter express my sentiments than the preceding cold prose. Hail! You wild thing on restless wing, Free pilot of the air. You dart on high 'midst peaks that lie Above our valleys fair. You scorn the strife of urban life. The flatness of the plain. Along the marsh and desert harsh We look for you in vain. But far on high where earth and sky Are blended as in one; Where pinnacles kissed by storm- racked mist Each morning greet the sun. Where icy stream 'neath cliff does gleam And speckled trout to play, 'Tis there you swing on flashing wing Along the rock-walls gray. THE OOLOGIST 163 Long may you ride down mountain side With lieart tliat ne'er sliall fail, Long may you call from canyon wall, You Spirit of the Gale. D. I.Shepardson. Los Angeles, Cal. Collecting Kingfisher Eggs. I have read with interest in recent numbers of THE OOLOGIST articles on collecting Kingfisher eggs and would like to add a method of my own to the list. Any eggs that are laid at the end of a fairly straight tunnel as Swallows, etc., can be collected this way. As a rule these eggs are difficult to collect in fresh sets as being at the end of a small tunnel. It is hard to tell when the set is a complete fresh one, unless the hole is dug into and this is almost sure to make the birds leave the nest. 1 overcome this pretty well by the following method. First I get two mir- rors, one small one, the other any large hand mirror. Next I fasten a piece of wire a few inches long on the end of a long stick or cane and slip the wire through a small slit cut in the paper back of the smaller mirror and bend the wire so it will be about 45 degrees with the stick. Thrust the cane with the mirror end first into the nest hole and by flashing' sunlight on the smaller mir ror from the larger one which is held in the hand on the out side it is very easy, especially if the hole is only 4-7 feet deep, to see the eggs by looking in the small mirror which being bent at an angle forms a very good "peri- scope." As the sunlight is flashed on the eggs at the same time it is pos- sible to tell if the eggs are fresh or not. This way I have been able to see what was at the end of a few such nests, some of them pretty long ones. Edwin Guy. Camden, S. C. A February Day Afield. On the 6th of February, 1916, Mr. B. S. Taubenhaus and the writer made a trip on foot through the lower half of Passaic County, New Jersey, start- ing at Totowa and journeying through Laurel Grove, Little Falls, Lower Preakness, Preakness, Upper Preak- ness and to and around Pompton Lake, a jaunt of approximately twenty miles. The ground was covered with about five inches of wet snow at the out- start, but, as the day wore on, this rapidly decreased because of the ris- ing temperature. In all, twenty species of birds were observed. This number is about ten species less than is usually met with in this section at this period of the year, but, on the other hand, a num- ber of species were present which are worthy of more than passing interest. Below is an annotated list of the species observed and a few remarks pertaining to them: Mourning Dove — At Preakness, five of this species were observed perching in an apple tree about fifty feet from the roadside. As we approached them they flew off to another tree at the center of a large open field. This rec- ord is the only one which the writer has made of this species in New Jer- sey during the past decade and a half during the month of February. Marsh Hawk — One was recorded at Little Falls and one at Preakness. Cooper Hawk — One was seen flying over the northern end of Pompton Lake during the afternoon near sun- set. Red-shouldered Hawk — One was ob- at Little Falls and one at Upper Preakness. Sparrow Hawk. — One was ob- served near Laurel Grove Cemetery during the early morning. Another specimen was seen at this same spot on Sunday, January 30th. This wag probably the same bird. 164 THE OOLOQIST Hairy Woodpecker — One was ob- srved in the conifers just soutli ol; Pompton Lake in Upper Preakness. Downy Woodpecker — The first one was seen in Little Falls and the re- maining four in Preakness and Upper Preakness. Horned Lark — About twenty-five were first observed feeding on the ground in Preakness and shortly after about twenty more were seen also on the ground. Single birds were con- tinually passing overhead while walk- ing through this village. These are the first of this species the writer has observed since February 22d, 1914. These were in a flock of ten at Bloom- ingdale, Morris County. Blue Jay — Common at all places visited. American Crow — Common through- out the day. Starling — Common at all points vis- ited. Pine Siskin — Two males were ob- served in the conifers on the eastern short of Pompton Lake. These two and two more which were observed at Little Falls on the 30th of January are the only ones to be found this winter. Snowfiake — Twenty-five were ob- served in a field in Preakness. These were feeding on the snow and flying about near the ground while we were observing them. This is the first record the writer has made of this species since January 14th, 1910, on the east- ern slope of the Bearforts in West Milford Township, Passaic County. Tree Sparrow — During the day, ten individuals were observed at the dif- ferent points visited. Slate-colored — Ten individuals were observed in Laurel Grove, Little Falls and Lower Preaknesss. Northern Shrike — One was observed at Preakness at noon resting on a fence post near the road and afforded us an excellent opportunity to ob- serve him. This is the first to come to the writer's attention since Febru- ary 22d, 1909 when one male was ob- served at Midvale, Passaic County. White-breasted Nuthatch — Two were observed at Preakness and two in Up- per Preakness. This species was par- ticularly conspicuous because of its rarity during the day. Tufted Titmouse — Two were ob- served in Totowa, the only ones of the day's outing. Chickadee — Common at Little Falls, Lower Preakness, Preaknesss and Pompton Lake. There were a number species which were very conspicuous because of their total absence and the writer is at a loss to offer suggestion as to why we did not meet with them. These were the Goldfinch, Brown Creeper, Flicker, Meadowlark, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Bluebird, Purple Finch, Fox Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-bel- lied Sapsucker, Red-headed Wood- pecker, Ruffed Grouse and Winter Wren. Frequent trips in the section during the past decade and a half have brought these species to light and it is strange to have to note their ab- sence. Louis S. Kohler. Bloomfield, N. J. Late Dates. The following seemed unusually late dates for this locality: Bernardsville, N. J., August 6th, flushed a Vesper Sparrow from nest on golf course, (this nest was in the line of play and many people passed within a few feet of it daily.) On the 7th I collected 3 slightly incubated. New Hamburg, N. Y., August 15th, found 2 nests of the Cedar Waxwing in an orchard. One nest contained a fresh set of 4 eggs, the other 3, slight- ly incubated, one of these is marked entirely around the smaller end, leav- THE OOLOGIST 165 ing the upper end unmarked. Lake Mokegan, N. Y., August 16th, found a female Yellow-billed Cuckoo sitting on 2 heavily incubated eggs. This last date is the latest I have ever heard for this bird. I. D. Campbell. Good. M. L. Alexander has been appoint- ed by the governor of Louisiana to be the Commissioner of Conservation of the new Department of Conservation created by the legislature of that state during its last session. The Department of Conservation supersedes the former Conservation Commission of Louisiana, which was composed of three commissioners. The new department of state has but one head, the Commissioner. Mr. Alex- ander was the president of the former commission and his appointment to the head of the new conservation body is in the nature of a recognition of his efficient management of the old board. Business(?) In the course of a lifetime many amusing business experiences come to the lot of those who are so engaged, not the least of which is the following, viz: Some time before leaving for Cali- fornit we received a letter from a col- lector named J. J. Wirz at Augusta, Georgia, inquiring whether or not we would purchase certain specimens of birds eggs. We replied that if he would quote us the price on said spe- cimens we would then let him know wliether or not we could use them. July 24th after we had left for Cali- fornia a communication came to our office reading as follows: "Your letter Received. Im also Send- ing you one Set of Swainson war. let- ting you have them at 75c Per egg. if you can youse any more let me know at once. I have Several Sets More. Mr. Wirtz and I also have Some more Rear egg. I will let you have them at your own Price, these is what we have king fisher Set of 5 2 trail fly catcher Set of 3 SProfanitary Set of 5 Wood Pee Vireo Set of - - - 3 great cursted fly catch Set 4 % Set of Summer Red Bird 2 eggs 6 indigo Bunting Set of 3 1 Set of Painting Bunting with Dou- ble nest. 3 eggs in Bottom nest. 3 egg In top nest. These eggs all was found Perfectly fresh. Im the Proffessional Bird egg collector of Augusta Ga. We Receive your letter. Thanking yours kindly. I have one Extraordinary Set uf Swainson war on the Road, it is a Set of 4 very unusually find a Set of four. Answer at once Please. Yours Truly Johnnie Smith." August 1st there came to our office during our absence a telegram as fol- lows: "Please send check at once. Johnnie." This of course remained unanswer- ed because of our absence in the West, though it was forwarded to us there, and being an entire mystery, not having heard from the aforesaid Johnnie, it was ignored. August 14th another telegram came to our office during our absence, sent "Collect," as follows: "Please send check for Swainson Warbler eggs; answer. Johnnie Smith." Upon our return home the aforesaid Johnnie was written fully and his eggs returned to him unopened. 166 THE OOLOGIST Thus closes what has been one of our real amusing and Interesting busi- ness experiences. — Editor. many enjoyable trips this summer and made what to us were rare finds. L. E. Healy. Notice of Removal. Gerard Alan Abbott advises THE OOLOGIST that he bid farewell to the slopes of Oregon where he saw over one hundred breeding varieties. Mr. Abbott is on Lake St. Clair, Michigan, where he has been made Village Sup- erintendent of Grosse Shores. A Letter. I was always interested in collect- ing birds eggs and interested in birds, their habits. As a boy I had the usual boy's collection and as a young man back in 1895 I started a collection, however, not a scientific one, but one of these "holes-at-both-end" kind and T only collected two eggs of each kind. I didn't even know then that so many men made a very enjoyable past-time of the work. I knew nothing of THE OOLOGIST, didn't even suppose there was a paper devoted entirely to the subject printed. I knew most of the common birds about our town, knew their habits and songs which is more than one out of a thousand in this 'neck of the woods" knows. How much of life they miss and how very uninteresting the woods must seem not knowing the songs and undoubted- ly not even hearing the songs of our feathered friends. Since subscribing for THE OOLO- GIST, I have been awakened to a new and a more scientific study of birds and my spare time has been given over to a more thorough investigation; data has been taken, blow pipe used and full sets collected. I have been enthused the more by the earnestness with which my friend "Bud Kans" h9,s gone into the work with me. He is but a boy enthusiastic and a love of nature and the wilds. We have had A Remarkable List. During the season of 1915 I found the nests of these birds: Wood Duck, Least Bittern, American Bittern, Least Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Bl. Cr. Night Heron, Clapper Rail, Virginia Rail, Sora Rail, Black Rail, Florida Gallinule, Spotted Sand- piper, Killdeer, Mourning Dove, Tur- key Vulture, Red Shouldered Hawk, Broad Wing Hawk, Sparrow Hawk, Os- prey. Barn Owl, Horned Owl, Screech Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Hairy Wood- pecker, Downy Woodpecker, Flicker Woodpecker, Chimney Swift, King- bird, White-eye Vireo, White Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Maryland Yel- lowthroat. Catbird, House Wren, Crested Flycatcher, Phoebe, Wood Pe- wee, Acadian Flycatcher, ,Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Starling, Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Meadowlark, Baltimore Oriole, Pur- ple Grackle, English Sparrow, Seaside Sparrow. Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Spar- row, Towhee, Cardinal, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanager, Purple Martin, Tree Swal- low, Bank Swallow, Rough-wing Swal- low, Cedar Waxwing, Red-eye Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Ovenbird, Yellow Breaster Chat, Brown Thrasher, L. B. Marsh Wren. T. E. McMullen. Camden, New Jersey. Copy. We need — we must have copy. Can- not you, dear reader, help us? — Editor. The Oologist. Vol. XXXIII. No. 10. Albion, N. Y., Oct. 15, 1916. Whole No. 851 Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N. Y., and Lacon, III. The New Bird Laws All lovers of wild life are to be con- gratulated over the fact that the new Federal Migratory Bird Law has been construed by the regulations which were adopted and issued August 21, 1916, in such a way as will prevent all Spring shooting of water fowl. Also to protect Band-tailed Pigeons, Cranes, Wood ducks. Swan, Curlew, Willet, Upland Plover and the smaller shore birds until September 1, 1918, at which time it is to be hoped that those hav- ing charge of these matters will have sense enough to extend the closed sea- son for Cranes, Wood ducks, Swan, Upland Plover, Woodcock and similar birds indefinitely. Likewise bird lovers are to be con- gratulated over the fact of the ratifi- cation of the United States — Canadian bird treaty which protects 1022 spe- cies of migratory birds for all time. This is as it should be a move in the right direction, and will result in an estimable benefit to the agriculturists in both Canada and the United States, if it is enforced without fear or favor as it should be. Both the new Federal Migratory Bird Law and the United States-Can- adian Bird Treaty referred to, make proper provisions for reasonable scien- tfic collecting. — R. M. Barnes. Notice To Advertisers The holiday season will soon be here. THE OOLOGIST will, as it has since coming under the present man- agement, issue a specially attractive number for Christmas, which will be sent out to many who are not subscrib- ers as an advertising sample copy. All who desire to take advantage of this fact should get their advertisements to us early. — The Editor. 168 THE OOLOQIST Interesting Nests and Eggs. By Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, Washington, D. C. (Four photographs by the author.) Upon numerous occasions, during tlie past fifteen years, I have liad op- portunity to mention the exceptionally fine oological collection of Mr. Edward J. Court, of Washington, D. C. He has brought together not only a won- derful series of the eggs of North American birds, but his enthusiasm is responsible for what we find added to these in the way of eggs of the birds of the Philippines, South America, and especially Australia, of which last he probably owns the finest collection of any private individual residing at the National Capital. Of recent years he has paid no little attention to collect- ing the nests of many North American species, and these now number sev- eral hundred varieties. Very recently Mr. Court afforded me the opportunity to examine many of these nests, together with the clutches of eggs that had been taken with not a few of them; indeed I believe, in most instances where he has the nest of some species not commonly found in nidological collections, he also has to show the set of eggs that were col- lected with it. While going over many of these treasures the other evening, it occur- red to me that descriptions of a few of the rarer specimens of nests— and incidentally the eggs — of Mr. Court's cabinets might be quite worth the while. With this in view, and accept- ing his usual kind offer, I borrowed a number of specimens for study and description. Among these I find the following: First, an unusually beauti- ful nest and set of eggs of Cassin's Vireo (Lanivireo s. cassini). This is an elegant structure, even for a Vireo, — birds that build handsomely in any event. Its walls has an average thick- ness of about a centimeter and a half, being somewhat thicker below and in front than elsewhere. (Fig. 1). In form it is hemispherical. Its nearly circular entrance or opening is in the horizontal plane, with the margins cleverly woven round the forked twigs of a branch of a black oak tree, — the fork having an angle of about fifty degrees, — while in front a small twig is incorporated into the weave, which greatly adds to the support of the en- tire nest. There is but very slight contriction to the entrance, which has an average diameter of five and a half centimeters, the central depth being three and a half centimeters. This nest is heavily lined with a very fine wiry root of some kind or other, of a light tan color. As a lining, this pre- sents many advantages, for it is cool, strong, and not capable of retaining moisture for any length of time; so that, were it wet from a rain, it would quickly dry again. Externally, the builder first used rather longish pie- ces of what appears to be the bark of some reed or other; they are pale in color, vary in length, and woven in the most intricate manner possible. As it is not easy to say just what kind of plant furnished any part of the nest, I am compelled to describe it and place it as near as I can, so that, be- tween the figure and the description, a fair idea may be gained of the struc- ture as a whole. Not satisfied with this compact and commodious home, this vireo must needs undertake to decorate the outer surface of her nest, which, in this in- stance, has been done with tiny bits of some vegetable substance that re- semble the white sheaths to the buds of a sage-brush or artemesia. These dot the structure at irregular inter- vals all over, at average distances of half an inch or less apart. There Is also present a thin, almost impereep- Nest and Eggs of Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (Poiioptila caiifornica) —Photo by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. The ooLOGist 169 tible, broken net-work of an extremely fine vegetable wool of a tan color, which has been applied with extreme skill and neatness, and with the evi- dent purpose of keeping the aforesaid white bits in their respective places. As a matter of fact, both may have been gathered from the same brush or plant, and I am inclined to believe that they were. Mr. A. M. TngersoU collected this nest at Cuyamaca, San Diego County, California, on May 31, 1908; he also took with it the four fresh eggs that had been laid by the bird. It was about seven feet up; and when he vis- ited it, four days before collecting the specimen, it contained two eggs, and the bird was singing on the rim of the nest. (Set mark, 2163). The eggs are pure white, and meas- ure on the average 2x1.5 cms. Each is sparsely speckled with extremely fine little specks of a rusty brown color, chiefly about the larger end (Fig. 2.); in fact, there are no specks at the apical moiety of any one of them. Another very remarkable nest of this collection is a fine one of the Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), here shown, with the set of the four eggs it contained, in Figs. 3 and 4. This specimen was likewise collected by Mr. A. M. Ingersoll, in San Diego County, California, April 12, 1892. Its label states (Set mark, 1643) that the nest was in a white sage on a bushy hillside. The female was very tame, and allowed the col- lector to touch her several times be- fore she flew off the eggs. In its general form, this nest is of an elongo-pear-shaped form, snugly set in between the branching twigs of the bush in which it was built, having a moderate incline toward the centre of it. It has a length of nearly 10.5 cms., while its circular entrance has a di- ameter of but 3.5 cms., the rim being about a centimeter thick all around. There is a very slight contraction of the latter toward the center, while the depth of the concavity is about 3.5 cms. The general color of this nest is stone-gray, it being composed of densely woven, fine plant fibres, with whitish, young, shriveled leaves and bud-sheaths thickly covering its ex- ternal surface, particularly the lower half of the struciure. The four ovate eggs average 1.5x1.2 cms., and are of a pale blue color, fine- ly speckled with minute specks of tan. In two of them the specks are larger at the butt, near which they form a circlet, a character bnt very faintly seen in the other two. They surely are very small eggs to build such an elaborate nest for; but then, there are wide differences in such matters among birds. Shufeldt's Junco (Junco hyemalis connectens builds a nest closely re- sembling other members of the genus (Fig. 5.) The specimen in Mr. Court's collection was taken, with its five eggs, by Mr. J. H. Bowles, June 30, 1912, at Spanaway, Pierce County, Washington, it having been found in a dry prairie country with scattered fir and oak. In places, these were dis- tributed in small clumps, as it was at the edge of one of these, on the ground, at the foot of a fir four feet high, that the bird had selected as the site for its nest. The female was flushed from the nest by Mr. Bowles having brushed against the tree, and she at once became very demonstra- tive, remaining in the near vicinity of the spot. For some reason or other the male bird did not put in an appear- ance. This nest is composed entirely of fine, dry grasses, woven together in a most compact and intricate manner. 170 THE OOLOGI8T The lining material is but very slightly finer than what is used for the balance of the nest. As with other Juncoes, the form is circular and somewhat flat- tened from above downwards. Across the top it measures about 10 cms., the circle of the concavity proper having a diameter of 6 cms., and a depth ot about 3.5 cms. For the size of the bird, the pale blue eggs are rather large, measuring, on the average, 2.1x1.6 cms. A very few fine specks are on the body of the egg. while a well-pronounced circlet of rather pale, rusty brown dottings surround the butt, being about equally well marked in all specimens. Set mark, T. 56.) Our Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla) lays one of the smallest eggs of the Class Aves, it averaging but 1.4x1.15 in size. The eggs are almost white, being more or less thickly speckled all over with very minute specks of a pale, rusty-brown, chiefly at the larger end. This nest (Fig. 6) was taken by Mr. Court and Mr. George T\'oodruff from an old Downy Woodpecker's hole, found in the neigh- borhood of Point Lookout. St. Mary's County. Maryland, April 30. 1911. (Set mark. N-5). For a nest of this spe- cies, or, indeed, of any Nuthatch, it is in very perfect condition, for it is usually very loosely put together, and easily falls apart upon being taken out of the excavation where found. This one is composed of the fibrous bark of some vine or other, with consider- able blackish wool on one side, mixed with the thin, flaky, and very light and fragile bark of apparently some sort of grape-vine. All is very loose- ly held together, and flattens out con- siderably when placed on a hard, plane surface, as I ai ranged it for the pur- pose of making my negative. It shows very well, however, the component parts of the nest, and the beautiful set of eggs it contained. Legends for Figures. (Figures all natural size and repro- ductions of photographs by the author.) Fig. 1. Nest of Cassin's Vireo (Lan- ivireo s. cassini). Fig. 2. Eggs of Cassin's Vireo (Lan- ivireo s. cassini). Found in the nest shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3. Nest of Black-tailed Gnat- catcher (Polioptila calif ornica). Fig. 4. Egg.- of the Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica). Found in the nest shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5. Nest and eggs of Shufeldt's Junco (Junco h. connectens). Fig. 6. Nest and eggs of Brown- headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla). Texas Bird Notes. March 24, 1916— Screech Owl found nesting one hundred feet from camps, in a live elm. Hollow ten feet up, and one foot deep; small hollow. Tree near Hodgkins bayou of Lake Worth, on this date one egg in nest, an "■■ 'i;-^?^j^ % Nest and Eggs of Red-breasted Merganser Beside a Log on Goose Island, Lake Michigan —Photo, 1916, by Albert D. McGrew. Nests and Eggs of Red-breasted Merganser by a Log Covered with Down as the Bird Left it to Feed; Nest on Goose Island, Lake Michigan —Photo, 1916, by Albert D. McGrew. 196 THE OOLOQIST to be congratulated over the fact that P. M. Silloway, one of the best known North American naturalists has "come back" in this issue, and prom- ises us further copy. We hope for the benefit of our readers and subscribers that P. M. will not overlook keeping his promise. He is one of the most interesting of bird writers and owing to his wide field experience, much of it in very unusual places, his contri- butions will be looked forward to with much interest. Leo J. Miller of the American Mu- seum of Natural History, New York City, advises us that he has just re- turned from an over two years trip in South America. We are glad to hear of Mr. Miller's safe return, and trust that he will favor the readers of The Oologist with some of his obser- vations in due time. Northern Ravens in Nova Scotia. Last Spring I had an experience with a pair of Ravens which I feel might be of interest to the readers of The Oologist. In October, 1914, while ground shooting at Margaretville, a seaport village on the Bay of Fundy, I daily saw one or more Ravens. It was their regular appearance in the vicin- ity which aroused by special interest — an interest which grew more keen as I listened to the following story: I was visiting with a friend — a young farmer who has always lived in Mar- garetville, and I quite naturally asked him if he had ever found a Raven's nest. I was delighted to learn that he knew where they had nested for years, high up on a narrow ledge of rock, on the ragged, perpendicular cliff or sea-wall which at this place s ■ yv \ .•'T.Si- ■ "■' - ^^^.,_ m^' .a^\ '4 ■ 4 ^^ K~' --x^ 1 wf>% ;^--' t. ^ ■"■'•- ^^^ ^^' -' h- V ' KJ w^ •■''Air 'it* •■ ■'^•' m" K ''v Nests and Eggs of Herring Guli on Gravel Beach of Goose Island, Lake Michigan —Photo, 1916, by Albert D. McGrew. THE OOLOGIST 197 Two Young Herring Gulls just Hatched in Nest on Goose Island, Lake Michigan —Photo, 1916, by Albert D. McGrew. Young Herring Gull Eating its Dinner, Goose Island, Lake Michigan —Photo, 1916, by Albert D. McGrew, 198 THE OOLOGIST rises from 90 to 130 feet above the rocky beach of the Bay of Fundy. He said that when he was a small boy — over twenty years ago, his grandfath- er, a sea-captain of eighty odd years, had taken him along the beach and shown him the nest, and each year as he grew bigger, he and other village boys would amuse themselves by stoning the nest, but on account of its height most of their shots fell far short of the mark. His grandfather recalled having indulged in the same pastime when he was a boy, for the Ravens had nested on this ledge as far back as he could remember, and every spring had been known to kill their young lambs in the field along the bluff. These depredations would account in part for the hostility rhoAvn bv the farmers in the district to the birds. It was not possible to see th-e nest from above due to the fact that there was at this place a five- foot overhang of rock. I at once decided that I must have a set of eggs from that ledge. The following March, despite the protest that I was a month too early for any signs of nesting, I again visit- ed Margaretville, and with my friend set out for a walk along the beach. The cliff covered with hanging cas- cades of ice formed by the tiny wa- ter-falls, many of which in summer would hardly be noticeable, my friend felt certain that no birds could be nesting among such cold and uninvit- ing surroundings, but as we drew near the vicinity of the ledge, I was not surprised to see an old Raven soaring in Majestic circles over the cliff. As we drew to the place where he first appeared we caught only occa- sional glimpses of him. He would ap- pear just for a fraction of a second, high up over the brow of the cliff, and the alacrity with which he would flap his great wings in his efforts to get out of sight, seemed to tell of long years of persecution from rifles and shot guns. My guide was not sure that he could even flnd the old nesting site, on account of the ice, but from the way the old Raven was acting, I felt reasonably certain it could not be very far off. A few moments later, I saw another Raven leave the side of the cliff not forty yards ahead of us. Yes, this was the same old nesting place — ice all about — but none on the narrow ledge itself, due as I found later, to the fact that its surface sloped backwards and gave a natural drainage off into the crevice. Proba- bly one reason this site was original- ly chosen and so long favored was be- cause it was always so dry. We es- timated that the nest was about 70 feet and the cliff itself, as we learned later was 110 feet at this point. The next morning we set off with two ex- tra men, one of whom, a husky sail- or, had voh^nteered to reach the ledge by means of a strong rope which we were to make fast to a tree back over the brow of the cliff. He went up from the beach, sailor fashion, hand over hand, seldom stopping to rest, but we soon saw that this plan was a failure, as he was too far out, due to the overhang above, on which in our haste we had not calculated. We de- cided that a more elaborate scheme would be necessary. That afternoon was spent in preparing our equipment and next morning (March 24th, 1915) we loaded the outfit on a team and drove to the woods on the cliff just above the nest. To one end of a rope cable was fastened a sort of sailor chair and this was lowered to the beach. To prevent the rope from be- coming frayed and also from dislodg- ing the loose rocks, it was run over a roller which was fastened to twQ tHE dOLOGISt 199 parallel beams which protruded out over the edge, thus allowing the rope to run free. When all was ready, two of us started for the beach below — a mere distance of 110 feet, but entail- ing a three-mile walk by way of the nearest gorge or break in the sea- wall. Arrived below, climbed into the chair armed with a light two-tined pick. My companion who was to give the signals, when I was ready could scarcely make himself heard to those above on account of the blustering eastwind which was blowing accom- panied by occasional snow flurries. After some little delay I began to ascend in a spinning, dizzying fashion which was most disconcerting and equally unexpected. However, I soon arrived opposite the ledge and the sig- nal was given to hold fast. But though opposite the ledge, I was hang- ing fully five feet out, but from there I had a good view. The rocky shelf was about four feet deep and was partly covered with dead grasses. A little clump of three dwarfed raspber- ry bushes, rooted in a crevice as though striving for more light. But these things were secondary. What impressed me most was the array of nests — nests in all stages of dilapida- tion. I counted five corresponding to that number of years. Older than these were merely confused piles of sticks, matted and decayed. And there on my left was the new nest, whether empty or not I could not tell. Reaching out with the hook, I pulled myself in far enough to look into the nest. It contained only four eggs — a small set — but nevertheless 1 felt it was complete, since the bird had been sitting on the nest each time we had come. But the nest was farther- est from the edge and was still about four feet beyond my reach. My hold on the ledge was far from secure and I could feel it giving way. In a mom- ent 1 was swinging off into space again, as a shower of rocks clattered down below me. I needed two hooks, the second one to take a fresh hold fartherback. Again and again I tried to reach the nest, but the strain was too great — the overhang being only twenty-five feet above me, and the pick would not hold in the loose rocks. Finally I got a fairly good hold and pulled myself in far enough so that with my left hand I was able to seize the frail little raspberry stems close down at the roots. Slen- der as they were, they held long enough for me to reach out with the hook and get a new hold farther back in a crevice. Now with my left hand I could just reach the outer edge of the nest I pulled the whole thing toward me and with cold and trembling hands, I re- moved the four eggs — one at a time, in safety to the collecting box which was suspended about my neck. Swinging off again, the signal was given and I was gently lowered. The whole performance occupied about two hours and during that time the Ravens were rarely seen, and then only at a distance, when they would appear over the woods to the east- ward about one half mile away, give a croak or two and disappear. Upon subsequent examination and compar- ison I found that the eggs showed no signs of incubation and were consid- erably smaller than I had expected to find them, being but slightly larger than the largest crow's eggs in my collection. This set is now in the possession or Mr. John E. Thayer of Lancaster, Mass. Hoping that the birds might at- tempt to nest again in the same place, I revisited Margaretville on April 20th, but saw no sign of them in the vicinity of their old home. On 200 THE OOLOGISt May 7tli I received word from my friend that he liad discovered their new nest on tlie cliff, about a mile further down the Bay, and next day I set out to investigate. This time the site chosen was on a small shelf of rock and was absolutely inacces- sible. Being anxious to get one of these old Ravens for my collection, I decided to lie in wait till they re- turned for as in the other case both birds left at our approach. After much patient waiting and scheming I surprised the birds as they were re- turning to the nest and I succeeded in bringing one down. Its bare un- derparts — which were noted on pick- ing up the bird — instantly told me I had shot the sitting female and I must confess I was sorry, for I feared 1 had broken up the home. I had hoped to get the male bird. The fol- lowing day 1 visited the nest again from the beach and was surprised to see the faithful old male fly from the nest as I approached. With my glass- es, I hid behind a rock 300 yards away and waited. In about three quarters of an hour he appeared over the bluff, directly above the nest, but though 1 had not moved and consid- ered myself well concealed, he saw me and with a frightened "yelp" dis- appeared again in the direction from which he came. The following Sun- day, May 16th, my friend went to the nest and reported to me that there were two Ravens about the nest. The old male had taken himself a new mate. This incident was especially pleasing to me, for I had feared that with this ancient bird — as with that other Raven of renown — it might be a case of " nevermore." Some weeks later I learned that the young Ravens had flown and were four in number. When skinning the bird I had shot, I found three old scars from shot wounds on the breast. and the skull was exceedingly thick and quite filled with bony tissues. Summing up all the evidence, the small size of the eggs and only four in number; the exceedingly wariness of the birds; the scars on the bird I had shot and the fact that ledge had been so long occupied, leads me to the conclusion that the bird I have in my collection had survived the storms and famines of many a bleak Nova Scotia winter. Up to the present time I have no authentic data con- cerning the longevity of the Raven. Perhaps some reader of The Oologist can give me some accurate informa- tion on the subject. The general con- census of opinions seems to be that these birds attain great age. R. W. Tufts. Wolfville, Nova Scotia. The New Game Laws. We have had occasion to examine the "Conservation Laws of the State of Maryland" with reference to the question as to whether or not this law prohibits persons holding a cer- tificate permitting them to collect birds, their nests and eggs for strict- ly scientific purposes only, have the right to exchange the specimens so collected under such certificate to other persons engaged in the same character of collection, and who will use the specimens for the same pur- poses. It is the opinion of the editor, both as a scientist and a lawyer of some thirty years' standing, that this law does not prohibit a person who holds a certificate entitling him to collect birds, their nests and eggs for strict- ly scientific purposes from exchang- ing the specimens thus collected un- der such certificate with other per- sons engaged in making similar col- lections, and who will use them for strictly scientific purposes. fHE OOLOGIST 201 Any other construction of this law would tend to hinder scientific col- lecting and would result ultimately in much surreptitious violation of the law, and would extend it beyond the intent and import of the law at the time of its passage. One of the grave dangers that the laws relating to conservation gener- ally will meet is an effort on the part of those charged with the enforce- ment of such laws to arbitrarily and and unnecessarily extend the operation of said laws beyond their reasonable interpretation and thereby align against such laws any person who will be thus effected, and likewise to bring the laws and the reasonable en- forcement of the same into ridicule and disrepute. Officers charged with the enforcement of these laws will do well to realize that a person who is of the class entitling him to a certif icate to collect under such laws is a person to be trusted with the proper disposition of his specimens. R. M. Barnes. Some Rare Things. We have recently received from a collector located on the Northwest Arctic coast of Alaska a number of sets of eggs which are unusual in any collection, and have thought proper to record some of the facts with rela- tion thereto, viz.: These eggs were taken on or near the Arctic coast about three hundred miles Northeast of Bering Strait, and the nesting dates of the specimens taken as shown by the data accom- panying them is as follows, viz.: June 6, Yellow-billed Loon, Red- throated Loon, Long-tailed Jaegar, Point Barrow Gull, Pacific Eider, Black Brant, all being fresh except Long-tailed Jaegar, the eggs of which were long- advanced in incubation. June 10, Alaskan Longspur, fresh. June 12, Point Barrow Gull, Pacific Eider, Pectoral Sandpiper, Bairdi Sandpiper, Pacific Red-backed Sand- piper, Turnstone, all of which were fresh except the Pectoral and Red- backed Sandpiper, in which incuba- tion had begun, and the Least Sand- piper in which incubation was ad- vanced. June 13th, Turnstone. June 14, Red Phalarope and Pacif- ic Red-backed Sandpiper, both of which were fresh. June 15, Alaskan Longspur, fresh. June 16th, Turnstone, -rcubation slight. June 18th, Red-throated Loon, fresh. June 20th, Pacific Eider, fresii. June 22, Pintail Duck, Pacific Eider, Black Brant, Little Brown Crane, Northern Phalarope, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, all of which were fresh except that incubation was slight in the Pacific Eider and Buff-breasted, Sandpiper, and far advanced in the Northern Phalarope. June 23, Pacific Loon, Black Brant, Pacific- Golden Plover, all fresh ex- cept the latter, in which incubation was slight. June 24th, Pacific Eider, incubation slight. June 26th, Old Squaw, King Eider, Snowflake, the former fresh, the lat- ter incubation slight. July 3, Pallas' Murre and Stone Chat, the later fresh; the former in- cubation far advanced. July 5, Pallas' Murre, incubation slight. Stone Chat, fresh. July 7 , Horned Puffin, one fresh. Many sets found badly incubated. July 5-15, Many sets Pallas' Murre taken between these dates all of which were either fresh or the incu- bation very slight. NESTING LOCATIONS. The nesting locations of these vari- ous birds in this far away Northland THE OOLOGIST Were as follows: Yellow-billed Loon: Eggs laid on bare tussock or hummock surrounded by water on the tundra. Pacific Loon: Nest of wet grass on sandy bank near water in a lagoon. Rer-throated Loon: Nest of wet grass on a small island in marsh and at the edge of lagoon. Horned Puffin: Nest of dry grass in bottomm of a burrow near the top of a cliff. Pigeon Guillemot: Nests of dry grass on rocky cliff. Pallas' Murre: Eggs laid on the bare sand of beach. Pacif'j Kittiwake: Nests of dry grass on ledges of cliffs. Point Barrow Gull: Nest of dry grass, lined with down out on the tun- dra near lake. Long-tailed Duck: Nests of down from bird in grass on small island in a lagoon; others out in the open tun- dra moss, made of down, usually near water. Pacific Eider: Nests of down from the bird, built on niggerhead rocks near the sea; others of down made in the moss out on the tundra. King Eider: Nest of down from the bird sunk in the sand of the sea beach. Black Brant: Nests of down from the birds sunken in moss on small isl- and in a marsh; others of down sunk- en in the grass and moss near lakes out on the tundra. Little Brown Crane: Nest of dried leaves out on the tundra. Red Phalarope: No nests; eggs laid on the bare ridges of the tundra. Northern Phalarope: Nest of dry leaves of plants on the ground near water on the tundra. Pectoral Sandpiper: Nest of dry plant leaves out on the open tundra. Baird's Sandpiper: Nest of dry plant leaves near water on the open tundra. Pacific Red-backed Sandpiper; Nests mere depressions in the moss and grass of the tundra. Buff-breasted Sandpiper: Nests of dry grass on side hill of rolling tun- dra about seventy-five yards from a lake. Pacific Golden Plover: Nests of moss on slight ridge sunken in the moss of the tundra. Turnstone: No nests; eggs laid in depressions on mossy ridges of the tundra. Snowflake: Nest of dry grass lined with fine grasses and feathers on the ground; one nest under a building at the station. Alaskan Longspur: Nests of dried grasses and plant leaves lined with finer grasses in tufts of dry grass on the ground out on the tundra. Stone Chat: Nests of dry grasses lined with feathers; one under a building; another under a fiour cache. INDIAN NAMES. The Indian names of these birds so far as reported by our collector are as follows, viz.: Yellow-billed Loon Tu-d-lik Red-throated Loon Kak-son Pigeon Guillemot Ing-a-ray-uk Pallas's Murre Crow-bill Point Barrow Gull Now-yuk Pintail Ka-ru-gruk Old Squaw Duck A-ned-lik Pacific Eider A-man-lik Black Brant Nig-a-lik Pectoral Sandpiper Nov-vrek- yook Baird's Sandpiper Noov-yooruk Pacific Golden PloverToo-li-gak Among the freak specimens re- ceived with this shipment was an egg, dark green and entirely un- marked, and very smooth, of the Pa- cific Loon; another was a dwarf egg of Pallas's Murre measuring only 1.50x1.11 inches. And another was a giant egg of Pallas's Murre showing THE OOLOGIST 203 the extraordinary measurements of 3.37x2.25 inches. It is needless to say that these addi- tions to our collection were very glad- ly received. R. M. Barnes Nesting Birds, Copan, Washington County, Okla. Following is a list of such birds as I have a record of: Doubtless there are a number of others. Great Blue Heron, a few seen all summer. Green Heron, common along streams. Yellow Crowned Night Heron, a few nesting each season. Bartramian Sandpiper, a few seen all summer on prairie. Killdeer, fairly common. Mounring Dove, common every where. Turkey Vulture, quite common. Mississippi Kite, scarce nesting bird. Cooper's Hawk, not very many. Red-tailed Hawk, fairly common. Red-shouldered Hawk, our common- est Hawk. Broad-winged Hawk, very few. Sparrow Hawk, a few nesting. Barn Owl, scarce. Barred Owi, common. Screech Owl, common. Great Horned Owl, fairly common. Yellow-billed Cuckoo, common. Downy Woodpecker, commonest Woodpecker. Hairy Woodpecker, fairly common. Redhead, more common this year than other years. Redbellied Woodpecker, fairly com- mon. Flicker, a few nesting along upland streams. Chuck-Will's Widow, not uncom- mon. Night Hawk, fairly common. Chimney Swift, common in towns. Ruby-throat, a few seen all sum- mer. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, fairly common. Kingbird, fairly common. Crested Flycatcher, common. Phoebe, common. Wood Pewee, fairly common. Green-crested Flycatcher, quite common. Prairie Horned Lark, common. Blue Jay, fairly common. Crow, very common. Cowbird, very common. Red-wing, very common. Meadowlark, our commonest bird. Orchard Oriole, common in prairie woods. Goldfinch, common. English, Sparrow, very common. Grasshopper Sparrow, very com- mon. Lark Sparrow, not very common. Field Sparrow, very common. Cardinal, very common. Blue Grosbeak, fairly common. Indigo Bunting, common. Painted Bunting, very few. Dickcissel, very common. Summer Tanager, quite common. Purple Martin, very common in towns. Bam Swallow, a few nesting here, a numerous migrant. Loggerheaded Shrike, a fairly com- mon resident. Red-eyed Vireo, very common nest- ing bird in woods along river. White-eyed Vireo, very common in woods. Bell's Vireo, very common. Prothonotary Warbler, common near water. Swainson's Warbler, a few found nesting in suitable places in woods. Parula Warbler, not uncommon along river. 204 THE OOLOGIST Cerulean Warbler, very common. Kentucky Warbler, fairly common in woods. Maryland Yellow-throat, very com- mon. Yellow-breasted Chat, very com- mon. American Redstart, very common. Mockingbird, a few in towns and city. Catbird, a few in brushy woods. Brown Thrasher, fairly common. Carolina Wren, very common. Bewick's Wren, a few. White-breasted Nuthatch, very com- mon in woods. Tufted Titmouse, very common. Carolina Chickadee, very common. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, commonest woods nesting bird. Wood Thrush, common some years. American Robin, a few nesting in towns. Bluebird, common. Albert J. Kirn Some Western Birds — Cactus Wren. One of the most interesting exhibits at the Museum of History, Science and Art of Los Angeles County is a life group of the Cactus Wren (Heleodytes brunneicapillus couesi). Attractively arranged in a glass case, the group is intended to represent a section of the desert which the bird inhabits. "Grow- ing" from the sand is a large cholla cactus bearing a typical nest of the Cactus Wren, while on its thorny branches are perched a well-mounted pair of the birds. Eastern visitors whose acquaintance with the Wren family is confined to the small members of the genus Trog- lodytes are struck at once by the large size of Heleodytes. From eight to nearly nine inches in length, the bird has more the appearance of a thrasher than of a wren, and is indeed the con- pecting link between the two. The under parts with the exception of the brown belly are white with heavy black spots; the upper parts are brown with black and white streaking down the back; the middle tail feathers are brown, the rest black except that the outer ones are barred with white. The head is brown with a white supercil- iary stripe over the eye. The range is confined to the deserts of southern California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas south to the northern parts of Mexico and Lower California. Farther south is found the Bryants Cactus Wren (Heleodytes brunneicapillus bryanti). The birds are usually resident wher- ever found except that in the northern- parts of their range they are more or less migratory. In Los Angeles Coun- ty they are found in decidedly smaller numbers throughout the winter than in the summer. The breeding season here is from early April to late June; in southern Arizona they raise two and three broods a season and I have found eggs there late in August. The nesting-site is usually located in cactus, yucca or mesquite; some- times in trees such as elder-berry and live oak. The average height from the ground is about four feet. The nests are high types of bird-architec- ture usually placed horizontally with the entrance but slightly elevated, measuring from twelve to eighteen inches in length and seven to nine inches thick at the greatest diameter. The materials used are sticks, coarse dry grass, weeds, etc. The reddish tendrils of the plant known as fire- weed are used extensively whenever obtainable. Cosily lined with feathers, the nests afford ample shelter from sun, rain and wind. A number of dummy nests are built in the neighbor- hood of the real one; these are kept in repair during the winter and serve as THE OOLOGIST 205 a protection against inclement weather. The dummies are also oc- cupied sometimes by rats, mice, are various small reptiles. I have very frequently been startled by reaching into a nest with the expectation of taking a set of eggs, and instead pull- ing out a ten inch lizard. A full set of eggs is from four to seven, most commonly five. The ground color is creamy white, which is usually hidden by the heavy spots of reddish brown or salmon. The average measurements in inches are .95 X .65. One nest of the Cactus Wren found by myself this year was the most unique in several respects of any of the hundreds that I have examined. It was situated nearly fifteen feet from the ground at the end of a live oak bough. It was composed of thick sage stems and fresh green grasses, and was placed in a vertical position with the entrance directly at the top, be- ing very shallow and open as com- pared with the usual type. From the ground below it had all the ear-marks of a Shrike's nest. On reaching in I pulled out a small egg measuring but .50 X .35 inches, and then four very beautiful but normally sized eggs. This is the first and only set with a runt egg of this species that I have ever found, and it is one of the most treasured in my collection. The smaller relatives of Heleodytes far outshine him in vocal ability. His only note seems to be a low hoarse "chuck-chuck-chuck," seldom uttered. Grubs, worms and small insects make up the Cactus Wren's diet, with such few vegetable substances as may be found in the dry regions where he makes his home. Los Angeles, Cal. D. 1. Shepardson. A Soldier Ornithololgist In answer to your letter of the 19th, will say that I will be glad to give the Oologist all the notes that I can from this location, but my notes from this part of the state only go back to about May 10, 1916, when the militia was called out, our state is largest in the Union and one can be well acquainted with the birds from one portion of the state and unacquainted with them from another part. Arriving in Hot Wells, Tex., which was our first place of duty after leav- ing San Antonia, Texas we hit a coun- try that was of cactus, sage and sand, and no trees, the birds that I found to be the mmost common were the Wliite necked Raven, Scaled, Partridge Texas Night Hawk, Curved-billed Thrasher, Desert Spr, Oven Bird, Road Runners, Hooded Oriole, and Cow Bird, the Oven Bird proved to be the most common, its nest and eggs could be found in nearly every Soto cactus on the desert. I have found from 3 to S nests of this bird in one cactus, the Road Runner was also quite common and several nests were observed in the vicinity of our camps, the Raven was quite plentiful and several nests of this bird was found before I was aware of the fact that they were Ra- vens and not Crows, after finding out my mistake I went for a hunt and suc- ceeded in collecting two sets but not having any way to prepare them I packed them up in oat meal and they went through all right. On or about June 28th we were sent to Bouquillas, Texas, some 250 miles from Hot Wells, about 110 miles from a railroad, and right on the banks of the "Silvery Rio Grande" and here the birds changed again, the banks of the river are lined with rocky cliffs and cannon sand, here I found Cliff Swallows, Hawks, Owls and 2 paii-s of Eagles nesting, but unluckily for me the Eagles picked the Mexican side to nest in and a man THE OOLOGIST is taking cliances enough when he walks the American side of the Rio Grande with a uniform on so I de- cided I had all the little old common Eagle eggs I wanted (although my friends know that I haven't a single set). Bouquillas boasts of the only two cotton wood trees for hundreds of miles, with a spring right at the bot- tom of them which is a watering hole and shade for the birds for miles around, 1 found a nest of the Vermil- lion Flycatcher, Texas Cardinal, de- serted hawk's nest and several other nests that I didn't examine in the cotton woods. The Verdin was a new friend of mine on arriving in Bouquil- las and a good many of its nests were observed hut no eggs, the Texas Night Hawk were quite thick but were not found to be nesting. On July 17th we left Bouquillas for Terlingua, Tex., which is up the river about 65 or 75 miles air line over the mountain but our motor trucks had to go some 200 miles to get there, and on the trip I observed a good many birds that I was not acquainted with, on ar- riving there we saw a town of adobe huts and rocks, tin cans, sticks, cactus or just anything that was close to them when they were building their home. The town is about 14 miles from the river and right in there the desert and mountains, there were not many smaller birds but quits a few larger ones. The Chisos mountains are about 15 miles from there and I could see most any evening one or two pairs of Eagle coming or going to them and was told by one of the civilian scoutes that they nested there, and could show me their nest the first chance T got to make a patrol over that way, but I never got the chance for here I am at La Jitas again on the banks of the Rio Grande, but several hundred niiles from the last place I struck it, here is found about the same birds ex- cept there are a few more of the Ver- din and Mexican Ground Doves. If this note finds a place in your magazine I will try again for some more notes as I think we will move again pretty soon. G. E. Maxan. 1st Sergeant Co. A 4th Texas Infantry, La Jitas, Texas. Inca Dove — Scardafella inca, A.O.U. No. 321 This dove which is one of our small- est and most interesting species, seems to have now made Waco and its vicinity part of its range. Each year they have become more and more numerous until now they are a com- mon sight. One meets with two or three on most every hike to the coun- try. I also have noticed that they are as numerous in the outskirts of town as they are in the country. I really have observed more inside of the city limits of Waco, than any where else. I often watch them feed in my garden and I am some six or seven blocks from the limits, in a thickly settled part of the city. If you will refer to your records you will note that this Dove has not al- ways been a resident of this part of the state. The following paragraph was taken from John K. Streckers "Birds of Texas," published in 1912. As you may see it gives the former range limit and its initial appearance in this county. Inca Dove. Scardafella inca. Southern portion of the state. Some years ago Attwater record- ed a single specimen from San Antonio, but in late years this Dove is a regular visitor there. In the winter of 1904 large num- bers of these birds made their ap- pearance at Waco, remaining un- til the following April. In Novem- THE OOLOGIST 207 ber, 1905, they again appeared but in smaller numbers, this time remaining until the latter part of May, and as I am informed by re- liable parties, nesting in North Waco. They are said to breed near San Antonio at the present time. Schutze (The Condor VI 172) records the Inca Dove as now common in Travis and Comal - Counties and in the vicinity of Bryan, breeding. I first noticed the Inca Dove in the vicinity of Waco in the summer of 1914, and ot has continued to remain here in increasing numbers each year, being visible both summer and win- ter. This summer and spring (191G) I have observed this bird quite often in pairs, but never had the good for- tune to run across a nest. I observed the Inca Dove in Comal County in 1914, in large numbers, mostly feeding in droves and it only stands to reason that they were nest- ing there as my trip was in May and June. However I did not have the pleasure of seeing a nest. This may have been due to the fact that I was only making notes on birds, spending most of my time collecting mussell shells and reptiles, therefore did not spend much time looking for one. Leverette Pitzpatrick. Waco, Texas. Ralph Massengale of Fort Worth, Texas, reports an unusual incident in the killing of an Osprey by throwing a rock at it. Notes on the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher. During the spring migration of 1916 I observed the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher on several occasions in low bushes and in the under-growth of big timber. As it is seldom found in such places, a few notes on this bird of the tree- tops might be of interest. The first bird of this species noted this spring was seen on April 2nd and was about six feet from the ground in a bush at the edge of a road. The next time I observed this bird was on the afternoon of April 16th, when at least twenty and perhaps more were seen, all of which were singing freely. Although more were seen very near the ground several were noted about ten feet up. On April 23rd the most noticeable bird observed on a two mile hike was the Blue-Gray Gnathatcher. While some were seen high up in the trees they were numerous fairly low down, or at about ten to fifteen feet from the ground. It was on this occasion that they were so noticeable in the under- growth. A fine male bird was seen among the branches of a small cedar bush not more than five feet tall. Several were seen very near the ground In buck brush bushes which seldom grow more than three feet high. After the 30th of April the Gnat- catcher was found singly or in pairs and seldom seen except in the tree tops. Ben J. Blincoe. Bardstown, Ky. Please During 1917 whenever you write to The Oologist on business, try and en- close a short bird note, no matter how short if only a line or two referring to some interesting thing you have noticed in Birdom, it will help make a better Oologist. The Turkey Buzzard The grand old Turkey Buzzards are quite numerous in Chester County, T'ennsylvania, and though they are not protected by law, nobody even shoots them. If the winter is not too cold, they stay with us the entire year. Their getting ready to roost at night 208 THE OOLOQIST is quite an interesting sight. Possibly twenty to fifty birds will gather around a single tall tree, in the woods or in the open pasture and will go around and around it in gradually narrowing circles until at last one after another drops to nest. Then they draw the long bare head down be- tween the shoulders until it is entire- ly covered by feathers and out of sight. There they stay hunched up until morning. They will come back to the same tree night after night. When going away on a winter morn- ing, the ice which has collected on their broad backs in a sheet will fall noisily to the ground. About the time when the first rays of the morning sun appears, one bird after another takes flight. It starts out in a circle and with only an occasional flap of the wings they mount higher and higher, followed at intervals by its com- panions. The whold lot of them may be in circles not over two hundred feet in diameter. Wlien the first one gets up a mile or even more, it will start off on its days fiight to be fol- lowed by the others as they reach the same altitude. Egg laying time comes about the first of May around here. No nest is built, but a hole is scooped out under an overhanging rock or possibly in a hollow tree that has fallen. The birds will go back to the same spot time after time when they are ready to nest. Very many of them do not lay every year and the older ones some- times leaves several years go by with- out a nest. The two eggs are spotted and the markings of different pairs of eggs are very distinct, so that the different pairs of birds can be readily identified by these marks. Last Spring I wanted the eggs that were unusually heavily marked from a certain pair of birds. A friend went over to the hole and found but a single egg. He waited but three or four days but as no second egg appeared he gathered the one egg and sent it to me. About a month, later I went over and visited the quarry and found another single egg there. It was un- questionably from the same bird for I never saw such heavy marking, but it was much larger than the first egg. The two measured as follows: 3x2 inches and 2%x2 inches. The second egg had not been incubated.. Probably the great difference in size is account- ed for by the bird abandoning the nesting place when it was first dis- turbed and not paying again until she was compelled to do so. Then she deserted the nest. Not very far from town stands a hollow maple tree and in it is a cavity twenty feet above the ground that has for years at intervals harbored a pair of these birds and quits a number of young have been raised there. If the eggs are taken the birds do not lay a second set that year though they do not desert the place. The young when hatched are pure white. Incubation of eggs seems to be four weeks. When six weeks old, the pure black pin feathers begin to appear among the white down cover- ing the young birds. The nest is a dirty ill-smelling place, and if the young birds are disturbed, they will vomit the carrian flesh with which their craws are filled. This vomiting is probably the result of fright. I never knew a case of the old bird vomiting when disturbed. They go off quietly from the nesting place watching the intruder from a distance. I never heard an old bird make any vocal noise except occasionally as a bunch of them get to quarreling around a carcass, when they will at times make a hoarse grunting sound while picking savagely at each other. The young birds when disturbed be- THE OOLOQIST 209 fore they have learned to fly will run at an intruder and endeavor to strike him with the beak. They will drive a dog away in a hurry if he should get to be too familiar. They do not usual- ly learn to fly until early in Septem- ber. R. P. Sharpies. West Chester, Pa. Medina, N. Y., Nov. 25th, 1916. Some Orleans County, N. Y., Notes. During the spring of 1915, in com- pany with Mr. Roy Hill, a collector of earlier days, the Writer paid a vis- it to the old Heronry, in the Tonawan- da Swamp, near West Barre. Leav- ing the road, on foot we had very lit- tle difficulty in making our way along the banks of the ditch, which drained the swamp and several Gt. Blue's were noted flying to and from the rookery and soon we were among the nesting trees. The greater number of nests were above thirty feet up and four nests was as many as I counted in any one tree. The trees containing nests were all old and mostly rotten and dangerous climbing. I examined two nests, they contained three eggs each, both sets fresh and warm; 1 also heard young birds from the ground in other trees. Mr. Hill said there was about seventy pair in the rookery which would give it an in- crease of twenty pair since 1908, according to Mr. Eaton's notes (in Birds of New York) which said it contained about fifty pair then. Formerly, before the Farming Co. cut in the ditch the water was waist deep at this season but now is as dry as tinder. Later on I saw a Tree Swallow leave a hole in a dead stub on bank of ditch. On close examination, I found cavity was fresh cut by Wood- peckers and was surprised to find a set of eight fresh eggs, the yolks plainly showing through, on a nest of chips and a few grass stems and feath- ers. I think this set of eight was a little out of the ordinary. In the marshes further south I flushed a Least Bittern from rushes and found set of four fresh eggs on neat platform about one foot above water. Sora and Virginia Rails formerly nested here in large colonies, but the only results from a close search was an abandoned nest of Sora Rail with three punctured shells probably the work of Purple Grackles. On the higher knolls we found four completed nests of No. Yellowthroat and one of Mourning Warbler but was a little early for eggs. La. Water- thrushes and one pair or Crested Fly- catchers were seen, also Red Wings and Swamp Sparrows, which were quite common. I have been told boys here collect- ed Rails eggs by the bucket full and one lad found eight sets of Am. Bit- tern in one patch of swale. There is certainly a lot of bird life destroyed by Grackles in these parts and I thing they ought to be thinned out a few. — It's too bad. I have added a set of Wilson's Snipe, four eggs and patch of nest to my collection. Set was collected near West Barre, N. Y. Harold Meyers. Medina, N. Y. What Has Become of the Purple Finch? This hardy, social and beautiful bird has always been a favorite of mine and in this section at least is becom- ing quite rare. 1 have only seen one spring male during the past ten years. At my boyhood home in Deep River, Conn., during the early 70's they were abundant. In lower end of our gar- den grew a large crab-apple tree and 210 THB OOLOOIST in spring this tree was a bower of beauty with, luxuriant bloom. It was the resort of numbers of this bird and the contrast of their beauti- ful rosy pink dress with the snow white flowers furnished a sight well worth seeing. Our garden was infest- ed with "chick-weed" of which the Purple Finch seemed especially fond and I once caught five of them alive at one haul by setting an ash sifter supported by a clothes pin over a bunch of it with string leading to the house and pulilng out the pin at the proper time. In our front door yard grew two large ornamental fir trees over forty feet tall and almost in the very top of each a Purple Finch nested for a number of years in suc- cession and the only set of eggs of the species I have ever taken in forty years of collecting was here, and I have it yet. To my mind the Purple Finch is one of the very finest song- sters of our N. E. birds and their de- creasing numbers seems especially deplorable. Who sees them now and where? H. W. Flint. New Haven, Conn. Small Holes. A few years ago I was working in Cleveland, Ohio and while there I did some collecting. While blowing some eggs one evening one of the boarders in the house picked up one of my drills and said, "Why we make these in our shop." He was an employee of the Cleveland Dental Manufacturing Com- pany. I asked him to show me the different shapes of drills they made and he had some small cone shaped drills which I liked so I bought some to try them. I have used them for a number of years and find that they will cut the linings of eggs much cleaner than it can be done with the old bud shapes. This makes it pos- sible to blow an egg with a smaller hole in the same time. Now I know that cone pointed drills were used years before the bud points for drilling eggs, but they were all heavy long handled drills and of a size too large to use in this way on small eggs. The point which I wish to make is that these drills can be obtained in much smaller sizes than I have seen listed by dealers in oological supplies. The smallest of these drills measures a little more than 1-64 of an inch in diameter. The third size is 1-32 of an inch. I was unable to obtain the two smallest sizes in the cone points but he assured me that they were made in those sizes. The sizes are by num- bers. The largest I have measures 7-64 of an ich; the smallest cone is 22 1-2; 1-32 of an inch and two sizes smaller to 1-64. I have not the number of this size. Frank R. Flower. Accompanying the above communi- cation the writer sends to us two sets of eggs, one set of 5 Meadowlark and one set of 7 White-bellied Nuthatch, prepared with the drills described above, and we can truly say in our forty years experience in birds egg matters, we have never seen as beauti- fully prepared specimens no matter where they came from or who did the work. The preparation is absolutely perfect. Heretofore we had given such men as O. W. Howard, Virgil W. Owen, E. J. Court, Edward S. Coombs, Fred M. Dille, F. C. Willard and A. O. Treganza the credit of having reached the high- est possible stage of perfection in the preparation of specimens of this char- acter, but they have all got to take oft' their hats to Mr. Flower. / L The Oologist. BIRDS-NESTS-EGGS TAXIDERMY Vol. XXXIII. No. 1. ALBION, N. Y., Jan. 15, 1916. Whole No. 342 BRIEF SPECIAL. ANNOUNCEMENTS Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Etc., inserted in this department at 25 cents for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent. No notice in- serted for less than 25 cents. TAKE NOTICE. SUBSCRIPTION. 50 CENTS PER YEAR Examine the number on the wrapper of your Oologist. It denotes the time your subscription expires. Remember we must be notified if you wish it discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 342 your sub- scription expires with this issue. 329 .vour subscription expired with December issue 1914. Other expirations can be computed by intermediate numbers at the rate of one number per month. Entered as second-class matter De- cember 21. 1903, at the post office at Albion. N. Y., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1S79. In answering ad\'ertisements in these columns mention "The Oologist.' and thereby help us. as well as the ad- vertiser and yourself. We ^vill not advertise the skins, nests, eggs, or mounted specimens of North American Birds for sale. These columns are foi' the use of those desiring to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scieutllic collecting purpo- ses onlv. — EDITOR. BIRDS WANTED-Live American Wild Trumpet- er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, 111. WANTED. First class male skins, eastern collected of 394c, 393. 412a. 463, 501, 511, 615, 617, 627. 721. 735. Offer winter skins from this lo- cality. A. F. GANIER; 1301 17fh Ave. South, Nashville, Tenn. Exchange desired with collectors of Bird Skins who will give bird skins in exchange for mounting birds for them. I). V. HEM- BREE, Roswell.Ga. FOR EXCHANGE.- Freshly killed birds and animals mounted, skins tanned for birds eggs in sets with data. R. GRAHAM. Taxi- dermist, 401 W. Leuda St., Ft. Worth, Texas. .Mounted specimens, bird skins, ornitholo- gist magazines and books for exchange, or will trada for raw furs, M. .1. HOFMANN, 1818 Bleecker St., Brooklyn, N. Y. WILL EXCHANGE.-Several fine skins of Phasianias torquatus (Ring-necked Pheas- ant) and a few ducks for smaller species. STANLEY G. JKWETT. 582 Bidwell Ave. Portland, Oregon. WANTED.— To cor espond with Florida and northeastern gulf coast collectors of birds' skins. A. B. HOWELL, Covina, Cal, WILL EXCHANCiE. -Small collection of Idaho bird skins for long focus 4x5 foldiui; plate camera box with case and extra hold- ers. HENRY J. RUST, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, Box 683, (1-p) TO EXCHANGE. - Collection of North American birds. Collection contains 1340 specimens representing 440 species and sub species. 114 birds are mounted and the rest in skin form. PHILLIP LAURENT, 31 East Mt. Airy Ave., Philadelphia. Pa. Having completed my collection of N. A. Warbler's eggs, I have now decided to pro- cure a perfect skin of each species, male only, in full plumage, I will give exceptional value for these, especially the western forms. G. A. ABBOTT. 1543 E. 61st St., Chicago, 111. EXCHANGE.— Having lately unpacked my collection of birds and mammal skins, which have been stored several years, I can offer fine skins of water fowl. Marsh Rabbit and other species found in this section, in ex- cnange for sets of eggs, or books on orni- thology and mammalogy. H. H. BAILEY, Newport News, Va. II THE OOLOGIST BIRDS EGGS We are anxious at all times to secure rare bird skins and eggs. Send us a list of your list of material and of your wants. We can offer at present specimens as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Passenger Pigeon, Scarlet Ibis. Blue-headed Quail Dove, White and Gray Gyrfalcons. Black-capped Vireo. Golden cheeked Warbler and soon. Write us today. WARD'S NATURAL SCIENCE ESTAB- LISHMENT, Rochester, N. Y. Brant, Snow or Blue Geese, Eagles, Ducks, Prairie Chicken, Mountain Quail, Bob and Ring Tail Cats, Fisher, Wolverine, Gray Fox, Mountain Lion, Beaver, Snakes, Ling, Gar, and other fish. Fresh skins, in meat or alive, wanled for Public Museum, offer minerals, fossils, shells, curios, relic. Publication on cash, DEAN'S NAT. SCIENCE ESTAB- LISHMENT, Alliance, O, WANTED.— Excellently prepared skins of Lewis Ariz., White headed, (Jila and three toed Woodpeckers. Olive, Graces, Lucys and Virginias Warbler's; (male onlyl Massena Quail, Surf Bird, Chestnut Collared and Mc- Cowans and Longspurs; Spruce - l>r»'fi:i THE OOLOGIST, Lacon, 111. The Oologist. BIRDS-NESTS-EGGS TAXIDERMY Vol. XXXIII. No. 4. ALBION, N. Y., Arril 15, 1916. Whole No. 845 BRIKP SPECIAL. ANNOUNCEMENTS Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Etc., inserted in this department at 26 cents for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent. No notice in- serted for less than 25 cents. TAKE NOTICE. SUBSCRIPTION. 50 CENTS PER YEAR Examine the number on the wrapper of your Oologist. It denotes the time your subscription expires. Remember we must be notified if you wish it discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 345 your sub- scription expires with this issue. 329 your subscription expired with December issue 1914. Other expirations can be computed by intermediate numbers at the rate of one number per month. Entered as second-class matter De- cember 21, 1903, at the post ofRce at Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. In answering advertisements In these columns mention "The Oologist," and thereby help us, as well as the ad- vertiser and yourself. We will not advertise the skins, nests, eggs, or mounted specimens of North American Birds for sale. These columns are for the use of those desiring to make bona fide exchanges of sucii specimens for scientific collecting purpo- ses onlv. — EDITOR. BIRDS WANTED-Live American Wild Trumpet- er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, 111. Would lilie to exchange Pheasant Eggs suitable for hatching, for Prairie Chicken or Ruff Grouse eggs, fresh and handles so they will hatch. Would like to correspond with parties that can furnish these eggs. W. E. SURFACE, Decatur, 111. I have a lot of fine duck skins with heads folded over the back which I will exchange for skins of common small land birds. A. C. BENT. Taunton. Mass. Brant. Snow or Blue Geese, Eagles, Ducks, Prairie Chicken, Mountain Quail, Bob and Ring Tail Cats, Fisher, Wolverine, Gray Fox, Mountain Lion, Beaver, Snakes, Ling, (iar, and other fish. Fresh skins, in meat or alive, wanted for Public Museum, offer minerals, fossils, shells, curios, relic. Publication on cash. DEAN'S NAT. SCIENCE ESTAB- LISHMENT, Alliance, O, WILL EXCHANGE. -.Several fine skins of Phasianias lorquatus (Ring-necked Pheas- ant) and a few ducks for smaller species. STANLEY G. JKWETT. 582 Bidwell Ave., Portland. Oregon. We are anxious at all times to secure rare bird skins and eggs. Send us a list of your list of material and of your wants. We can offer at present specimens as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Passenger Pigeon. Scarlet Ibis. Blue-headed Quail Dove. White and Gray Gyrfalcons. Black-capped Vireo. Golden cheeked Warbler and so on. Write us today. WARD'S NATURAL SCIENCE ESTAB- LISHMENT, Rochester, N. Y. TO EXCHANGE. - Collection of North American birds. Collection contains 1340 specimens representing 440 species and sub species. 114 birds are mounted and the rest in skin form. PHILLIP LAURENT, 31 East Mt. Airy Ave., Philadelphia. Pa. FOR EXCHANGE- Mounted bird skins and eggs, want bird skins American and foreign, send lists. JESSE T. CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave., Detroit, Mich. WANTED.— A Mounted Albino Squirrel. Offer in exchange mounted specimens, skins or cash. O. S. BK JGS. San Jose, 111. WANTED. — Nests of North American Birds. Also eggs in sets and skins. Will appreciate list of what you have to exchange or sell. LEVERETTE FITZPATRICK, 1808 Webster St., Waco, Texas. u THE OOLOGIST e:ggs. In sending in your exchange notices for nests, skins and eggs, vte vrould ap- preciate it if you ^'ould arrange the numerals in your exchange notice In their numerical order, and not tumble them together hit and miss, as some of our readers are complaining, and we think justly so. I am always wanting lists of entire col- lections of North American Birds' Eggs which the owners desire to dispose of. None are too large and none are too small if they contain any material that I need. R. M. BARNES, Lacon. 111. Nice data blanks, 100 pages, book form with stubs, 30c. Samples all kinds printing. Arte & Crafts Exchange. J. J. WIRZ, 1422-142J Gwinnett St.. Augusta, Ga. Steel Specimen Cases, absolutely dust and insect proof. Designed for bird or mammal skins, or birds' eggs. For specifications and prices write W. HUBER, Gwynedd Valley, FOR EXCHANGE, -A pair of Eastern Model climbers and a few sets each of 289, 412, 498, 506, fill. 593. 601. 622 and &31 for birds eggs. R. C. MARTIN, Jr. Albemarle, La. FOR EXCHANGE.— Complete sets of Nova Scotia birds' eggs for hanimerless shot guns or rifles, in good condition. Parker gun pre- ferred. Write for my list and tell me what you have. R. W. TUFTS, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. WANTED. -All sets of my taking except Nos. 316. 326, 373b, 443. 452. 506. 511b, 552. 593, 601, 663, 703, 719c. ELTON PERRY. 610 Baylor St.. Austin, Texas. FOR EXCHANGE.-6 1-4, 30 1-1. 123b 1-2, 185 1-2, 197 1-3. 194 1-4, 219 1-6, 305 1-4, 325 1-1. 389 1-2, 352 1-1. 390 1-6. 423 1-4 1-5. 444 1-4, 477 1-4 1-5, 481 1-3, 1-5, 511 3-5. 542a 1-5, 563 2-4. 581c 1-3, 588b 1-4. 593c 1-3 and many others. E. A. WHEELER. East Randolph. N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE.-Fullsetsof 1.3. 11 16. 30, 32, 37, 49, 53, 65. 71, 77. fO >v 108. 117. 120c. 121, 122, 126, 141, 149, 155, 188 : :• J i ^ 197. 201, 203, 208, 212. 214, 219, 225, 226, 2ii -0 243, 261, 263, 264, 269. 275, 280, 293. 394. oo ^29. 331, 333. 335, 337, 337b, 339, 339b, 341, 343 -18 355. 359. 360, 360a, 362, and 364. OTTOMAR REINECKE, 400 Elm St,. Buffalo, N. Y. WANTED. -To correspond with collectors who take sets of the following species, A. O. U. 134. 140. 153. 192, 277. 299. 308 (or its species) , 309, 314, 317. 318. 344. 352a and many others. I have a list of over seventy five species to offer in exchange, most of them personally collected. F. C. WILLARD. Tombstone. Ariz. FOR EXCHANGE.-As I wish to increase my collection to 900 A. O. U. species will offer for new species in A l sets only, choice sets from my private series including Loons. Albatross. Anseres, Limicolas, Rapteres, in- cluding Kites. Eagles, Gryfalcons. Falcons, Owls, Goatsuckers, Warblers Kinglets. Also a few others if you prefer. All answered. A. E. PRICE, Grant Park, 111. BGGS EXCHANGE.- Who has any sets of birds of prey to exchange and what do you want? I want Nos. 575-378. S. V. WHARRAM, Austinburg, O. Will exchange mounted birds for eggs In sets with original data. Also have fine sets to exchange. MEARL B. WHEELER. East Randolph, N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE.-Eggs of Nova Scotia birds' eggs in sets, for high grade hammer- less shot gun, rifle or revolver. Send full particulars of same and get my list. R. W. TUFTS, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, FOR EXCHANGE.-273 2-4, 325 2-2, 337b 2-3 1-4, 339b 1-3, 373c 1-4, 385 1-3, 583 1-3, 588d 2-4. 751a 2-4 and many others with imall holes, for A-1 sets with small holes, M. C. BADGER, Santa Paula, Calif. Natural History Cabinet for sale or ex- change. Suitable for bird skins, eggs, botany , minerals or shells. Want back numbers of magazines. ALBERT LANO, Fayetteville, Arkansas. FOR EXCHANGE.-European and Asiatic bird eggs in sets with data for eggs of North American species needed for my collection, C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lincoln St., Boston. Mass. FOR EXCHANGE.-5 x 7 photographs of nests with eggs of 26 species of this locality with full sets of eggs of all common species on basis of 40 cents each. These are extra good photos. ELTON PERRY, 610 Baylor St., Austin, Texas. BOOKS. WANTED.-No. 7 of Volume 29 of The Oologist. For this we will give one year's subscription or pay 25c in cash. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. FOR SALE.-Bird Lore. No. 1 Vol. 4 to No. 6 V^ol. 17. Clean, complete and all indexes. $21.00 cash. ALFRED L. MAR- SHALL. Weeping Water, Nebr. WANTED. -Ornithologist and Oologist Vol. 1-5, Osprey Vol. 1 No. 2 and 4. Address write price. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lin- coln St., Boston, Mass. FOR SALE.-Bendire's "Life Histories of North American Birds" two volumes, newly bound half morocco; perfect condition, price $16.00. A. F. SMITHSON, Warrensburg. Mo. WANTED.-Hornaday, Two Years in the Jungle. Sport in the Crimes and Caucasus, Savage Svanetia, both by C. Phillips, Wooley. Address with price. WM. J. HACKMEIER, 645 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, Cal. Frank L. Burns' Bibliography of scarce or out of print North American Amateur and Trade Publications in existence. Price 25c. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. WANTED.-"The Auk," Vols. I and VI (inclusive) odd volumes or odd numbers. W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock. Los Angeles County, California. THE OOLOGIST III BOOKS — Continued MISCELLANEiOTJS. WANTED.-BuHetin of the Cooper Orni- thologic Club, Vol. I, odd numbers W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, CaliL FOR SALE— Out of print Ornithological books by Bendire, Cones. Ridgway. Goss, Baird and Dawson. All bird magazines. W. J. ERICKSON, 208 West 40th St.. Savannah. Ga. FOR EXCHANGE.-Back volumes of the Auk in original cover; also American and foreign bird skins for A. 1. skins of Western and foreign birds. HENRY K. COALE. Highland Park, 111. TO EXCHANGE.-I have 1000 duplicates of Scientific periodicals [mostly Ornithologicall to offer for Ornithological publications, bird skins, eggs or cash. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn. Pa. [2-pJ EXCHANGE.-A small collection of Indian relics; a few books on natural history, birds, biological survey publications and maga- zines for eggs in sets only. RALPH W. JACKSON, Cambridge, Maryland. R. 1. WANTED.— For cash "The Oologist" (this magazine) Volume 3 No. 4 and Volume 4 Nr. 1 to complete my personal file. CHARLES A. HEWLETT. Woodmere, N. Y. WANTED. -Back numbers of Condor, Bird Lore and others. Exchange in other numbers a reasonable cash price. E. A. DOOLITTLE, Box 444, Painesville, O. FOR SALE BIRD LORE. -Lot A, Vols. I to XII inclusive without volume indexes; Lot B, Vol. II No. 1 to Vol. XII No, 2. inclusive without volume indexes and Vol. II No. 2 missing. Will not break lots. State best cash offer. THOMAS L. McCONNELL, 1813 Huey St., McKeesport, Pa. WANTED.— A copy of Loomis' "California Water Birds, No. IV," for which I will pay any reasonable price. W. E. CLYDE TOOD, Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh, Pa. WANTED.— In good condition: Nidiolo- gist Vol. 1, No. 6; Osprey of Washington, Vol. IV No. 3 and index: Vol. I New Series 1902 No. 4-5-7; Bird Lore Vol. 1 No. 2-3-4-6 and index; Vol. II No. 1-2-5; Vol. HI No. 1-2-3-6; Vol. IX No. 6 and index. How many back numbers Oologist. Osprey, Bird Lore, Museum and some others to exchange for any of above. Will pay a reasonable cash price, and will sell any of my duplicates, cheap. JOHN WILLIAMS. Iowa City, la., R. No. 9. FOR EXCHANGE. -American Naturalist 1868. 1889. 1884. 1887. six volumes half leather. Wanted Smithsonian Annual Reports for 1900, 1901, 1903, 1904. 1905, 1906. JOHN THOMP- SON, Clinton, N. Y. FOR SALK.-Auk, Vol. 16 to 32 inclusive. Also several volumes of Condor, and Osprey. No reasonable offer refused. E. J. WHEEL- ER, 177 Pequot Ave., New London, Conn. EXCHAN(iE- Birds and all nature, March April, May, June and November 1899 for best offer. JOHN THOMPSON. Clinton, N. Y. Cuts of North American Birds wanted. Half tones preferred. Send proofs of those you have and state lowest cash price. ER- NEST S. NORMAN. Kalevala. Manitoba. WANTED.— A collecting gun; also5x71ong bellows camera and 8 x 10 lens; also 3J x 41 long focus, plate, hand camera with Dagor lens. A. D. DUBOIS, Dutton, Montana. FOR SALE.— One 4x5 long focus reversible back Premo; one 5x7 Crown Anastigmat F4.5 lens in Hex Acme shutter; one 4 x 5 plate tank, and other photographic accessories. A. D. DUBOIS. Dutton. Montana. Coati-Mundi (Nasua narica). These ani- mals are related to our Northern Racoons, but inhabit the tropic and sub-tropic regions. I have a specimen nicely mounted on a polished stand. Can probably furnish a photo. For full description, price, etc. ad- dress MILTON J. HOFMANN, 1818 Bleecker St., Brooklyn, N, Y, FOR SALE AND EXC H A N GE.-Llve Snakes, Lizards, Baby Turtles, also general line of Florida insects. NAT. P. FRY, Eureka, Marion County, Florida. (1-p) FOR SALE.— 5 x 7 photographs of the nests and eggs of 26 species of birds of this locality. Mr. I. E. Hess says they are as good as he has seen. Send 40c in stamps for one. E. PERRY, 610 Baylor St.. Austin, Texas. WANTED.— A good Stereopticon Lantern for which I will give good exchange in sets of bird magazines, books and mounted birds. Anyone having such please communicate with ARTHUR W. BROCKWAY, Hadlyme, Conn. FOR SALE.— Cocoons of the Promethea, Cocropia, Polyphemus lo, Luna and Cynthia Moths, in lots as desired. Prices upon ap- application. Will also exchange for species of the far west. Have lot of Devonian fossils in Oriskany sandstone also to offer in ex- change for others. LOUIS S. KOHLER. Bloomfield. N. J. Harrington & Richardson 44 Caliber Taxi- dermist shot gun. Also one in. 16 gauge. Snapping Turtle 1-33, 1-41, 1-46. Want A. I. sets with data. JAMES. O. JOHNSON. 310 North Main, Southington, Conn. WANTED.— I wish to purchase a second hand 22 caliber collecting gun. suitable for shot cartridges. R. P. SHARPLES. West Chester. Pa. FOR SALE— Revolving Back Cycle Graphic Camera and complete outfit for developing and finishing, almost new and In perfect con- dition. Lens and shutter equipment consists of Bausch and Lomb Zies Tessor No. 16 series, I C, F 4.5 and No. 2 Telephoto in Optimo shutter with speed up to 1-300 of a second. Bansch and Lomb Zies Protor series VII Nos. 3, 4 and 5 in No. 3 Compound shutter and Bansch and Lomb Zies Protor series IV No. 4 and series V N^o. 2 in No. 1 Volute shut- ter. Will sell the entire outfit or split it up for just k catalogue price. If you want some- thing of the best in this line write for par-, ticulars and sample photo. ELTON PEKRY 106 Baylor St., Austin, Texas. IV THE OOLOGIST STATEMEx\T OF OWNERSHIP, MAN- AGEMENT, ETC. Of theOolofeist. puhlished inonlh'y at Albi'in. N. Y.. required by tlie Act of August 24, 1912. Editor, R. M. Barnes, Lacon, 111.; Mana^riii;,' Editor. H. M. Barnes. I.acon, III.; liii'-ine^s Manager, R. M. Barnes, Lacon, III.: Publisher, R. M. Barnes. Lacon, 111. Known bond- holders, mortgagees, and other security holders, holding 1 per cent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other secur- ities. None. R. M. BARNES. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of April, A. D. 1916. ERNA THIEDOHR, Notary Public. WANPED.-I wish to purchase a second hand 22 caliber collecting gun. suitable for shot cartridges. R, P. SHARPLES. West C.'hester. Pa. 0 YS IN PRESS Extensive Catalogue Books on North American Birds JOHN H. SHERMAN, Jr., 403 Seneca St. Send 2c in stamps of a copy of "New Jersey Boy" A Newspaper for Boys All the News for All the Boys Published on the 1st and 15th of month. 2c Per Copy. 50c Par Year Address: 5 CENTRAL AVENUE Jersef City, N. J. ^IfE^CONDOR A Magazine of Western Ornithology Published Bi-monthly by the Coop:;r Ornithological Club of California Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth "The Condor" is strictly scientific but edited in such a way that a be- tfinner of "Bird Study"' can easily un- derstand it. The articles in "The Condor" are written by the leading Ornithologists of the United States and are illustrated by the highest quality of half tones. Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in the United States anJ $1.75 in a Foreign coun- try. Sample Co,)y .'iJc. AddresN MOUNT VERNON, N. Y. W. LEE CHAMBERS, L us. Manager, Eagle Rock. Los Anteles, Cat. 1 want one set each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 7. 35, 43, 77, 92, 103, 141.1, 167, 173, 192, 106, 258a, 261, 264, 286, 289a, SlOVa, 347, 247a, 351, 373b, .."iSV., 377, 384, 474b. 474e. 486, 511b 1-6. I. TS, 612, 627a, 736a, 758a, 759b. I want two sets each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 5, 26, 38, 131, 145, 160. 16:a, 171a, 172a, ISO, 222, 310b, 310c, 318, 339b 2-2, 466a, 536. 542b, 552, 581d, 5:.3a. 164, 615, 744, 768. I'\)r these I will allow twice Lattln's 1905 exchange rates, and I have a very iinu ;ual exchange list to select from. R. M. BARNES. La'^on. 111. THE OOLOGIST III BOOKS — Continued WANTED. -Ornithologist and Oologist Vol. 1-5, Osprey Vol. 1 No. 2 and 4. Address write price. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lin- coln St.. Boston, Mass. FOR SALE.-Bendire's "Life Histories of North American Birds" two volumes, newly bound half morocco; perfect condition, price 116.00. A. F. SMITHSON, Warrensburg, Mo. WANTED.— Sport in Crimes and Caucasus, Savage Svanetia, both by C. Phillips, Wooley. Address with price. WM. J. HACKMEIER, 645 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, Cal. Frank L. Burns' Bibliography of scarce or out of print North American Amateur and Trade Publications in existence. Price 25c. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. Who has any odd nnmbers of the 1913-1914 OOLOGIST to exchange? I have some odd numbers of the OOLOGIST and CONDOR. D. I. SHEPARDSON, 209 E. 37Ch St.. Los Angeles, Cal. WANTED.— "The Auk," Vols. I and VI Hnclusive) odd volumes or odd numbers. W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, California. WANTED. -Bulletin of the Cooper Orni- thologic Club, Vol, I. odd numbers W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, Calif. FOR SALE— Out of print Ornithological books by Bendire. Cones, Ridgway, Goss, Baird and Dawson. All bird magazines. W. J. ERICKSON, 208 West 40th St.. Savannah, Ga. FOR EXCHANGE.-Back volumes of the Auk in original cover; also American and foreign bird skins for A. 1. skins of Western and foreign birds. HENRY K. COALE. Highland Park. 111. TO E.\CHANGE.-I have lUOU duplicates of Scientific periodicals [mostly Ornithologicall to offer for Ornithological publications, bird skins, eggs or cash. FRANK L. BURNS, Berw.vn. Pa. 12-pJ EXCHANGE.— A small collection of Indian relics; a few books on natural history, birds, biological survey publications and maga- zines for eggs in sets only. RALPH W. JACKSON, Cambridge. Maryland. R. 1. Foil EXCHAX(;E. -American Naturalist IHfW, 1HS9. 1W4, WS7, six volumes half leather. Wanted Smithsonian Annual Reports for 1900, 1901. 11)03. I!H)4. 1905, 1906. JOHN THOMP- SON, Clinton, N. Y. FOR SALE BIRD LORE. -Lot A, Vols. I to XII inclusive without volume indexes; Lot B, Vol. II No, 1 to Vol. XII No, 2. inclusive without volume indexes and Vol. II No. 2 missing. Will not break lots. State best cash offer. TH(JM.\S L. McCONNELL, 1813 lUiey St., .McKeesport, Pa. WANTh;D.— A copy of Loomis' "California Water Birds, No. IV," for which I will pay any reasonable price. W. E. CLYDE TO( »I). Carnegie Museum. Pittsburgh. Pa. FOR SALE. -Auk. \o). 16 to :;2 inclusive. Also several volumes of Condor, and Osprey. No reasonable offer refused. E.J. WHEEL- ER, 177 Pequot Ave., New London, Conn. EXCHANGE-Birds and all nature. March. April. May. June and November 1899 for best offer. JOHN THOMPSON. Clinton, N. Y. WANTED.— Back numbers of Condor, Bird Lore and others. Exchange in other numbers a reasonable cash price. E. A. DOOLITTLE, Box 444, Painesville, O. WANTED.— For cash "The Oologist" (this magazine) Volume 3 No. 4 and Volume 4 N, . 1 to complete my personal file. CHARLES A. HEWLETT, Woodmere, N. Y. WANTED,— In good condition: Nidiolo- gist Vol. 1, No. 6; Osprey of Washington, Vol. IV No. 3 and index; Vol. I New Series 1902 No. 4-5-7; Bird Lore Vol. 1 No. 2-3-4-6 and index; Vol. II No. 1-2-5; Vol. HI No. 1-2-3-6; Vol. IX No. 6 and index. How many back numbers Oologist, Osprey, Bird Lore, Museum and some others to exchange for any of above. Will pay a reasonable cash price, and will sell any of my duplicates, cheap. JOHN WILLIAMS, Iowa City. la.. R. No. 9. UlISCEliLANEOUS. WANTED.-To buy an egg cabinet from some one in the vicinity of Boston. ED- WARD S. COOMBS, Boston, Mass. Cuts of North American Birds wanted. Half tones preferred. Send proofs of those you have and state lowest cash price. ER- NEST S. NORMAN, Kalevala, Manitoba. WANTED.— A collecting gun; also5x71ong bellows camera and 8 x 10 lens; also 3i x 4i long focus, plate, hand camera with Dagor lens. A. D. DUBOIS, Dutton. Montana. FOR SALE.— One 4x5 long focus reversible back Premo; one 5x7 Crown Anastigmat F4.5 lens in Ilex Acme shutter; one 4 x 5 plate tank, and other photographic accessories. A. D. DUBOIS, Dutton, Montana. Coati-Mundi (Nasua narical. These ani- mals are related to our Northern Racoons, but inhabit the tropic and sub-tropic regions. I have a specimen nicely mounted on a polished stand. Can probably furnish a photo. For full description, price, etv. ad- dress MILTON J. HOFMANN, 1818 P,leecker St., Brooklyn, N. Y, WANTED.- Fresh skins. Avocet, Curlew, Hisee, Sage Hens. Ringtail, Cat, Civit Prairie Dog, Possum, (iive Wood Duck, Snow,<>reat Grey Hawk Osvls, Foreign Skins, White Tail Deer, Scalps and Horns. Want Cocoons of Moths. Tarantulars, Centipedes. Mounted Wild Passenger Pigeon for sale. .\. TKAI*'- FOKD. Taxidermist, St. Eugene, Out. Canada FOR SALE.— 5 x 7 photographs of the nests and eggs of 26 species of birds of this locality. Mr. I. E. Hess says they are as good as he has seen. Send 40c in stamps for one. E. PERRY, 610 Baylor St.. Austin, Texas. WANTED.— A good Stereopticon Lantern for which I will give good exchange in sets of bird magazines, books and mounted birds. .Anyone having su(;h please communicate with ARTHUR W. BROCKWAY, Iladlynie. Conn. Harrington it Richardson 44 Calil)er Taxi- dermist shot gun. Also one in. 16 gauge. Snai)ping Turtle 1-33, 1-11, 1-46. Want A.I. sets with data. JA MES. O. JOHNSON. 310 North .Main, Southington, Conn. THE OOLOaiST IV IN PRESS Extensive Catalogue Books on North American Birds JOHN H. SHERMAN, Jr., 403 Seneca St. MOUNT VERNON, N. Y. THE CONDOR A Magazine of Western Ornithology Published Bi-monthly by the Cooper Ornithological Club of California Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth "The Condor" is strictly scientific but edited in such a way that a be- ginner of "Bird 8tudy"ican easily un- derstand it. The articles in "The Condor" are written by the leading Ornithologists of the United States and are illustrated by the highest quality of half tones. Our subscription rates are $1.60 per year in the United States and 91.76 in a Foreign coun- try. Sample Copy 30c. Address W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Cal. I want one set each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 7, 35, 43, 77, 92, 103, 141.1, 167, 173, 192, 196, 258a, 261, 264, 286, 289a, SlOYa, 347, 247a, 351, 373b, i75iA, 377, 384, 474b, 474e, 486, 511b 1-6, I. TS, 612, 627a, 736a, 758a, 759b. I want two sets each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 5, 26, 38, 131, 145, 160, 169a, 171a, 172a, 180, 222, 310b, 310c, 318, 339b 2-2, 466a, 536, 542b, 552, 581d, 593a, 164, 615, 744, 768. For these I will allow twice Lattin's 1905 exchange rates, and I have a very unusual exchange list to select from. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. THE OOLOGIST HI 'I'o the Editor of THE OOLOGIST: I wish to express, through the columns, of your most popular little publi- cation, the vast assistance I received through the insertion of my last two exchange notices. An Oologist, who has always been extremely particular in assembling a collection of birds eggs, will be disappointed when he notes the condition of many so-called "First class birds skins." I found it necessary to decline many skins that were far from perfect, yet these same correspondents knew what a perfect clutch of eggs consisted of. At this writing I am only lacking six first class male Warblers to complete a collection of skins to become identified with my now complete collection of Warbler eggs. These varieties are the Hermit, Olive, Grace's, Lucy's, Virginia's, and Painted Redstart. No doubt, these will be forthcoming soon, as I have located the men in the field who can get them for me. In the meantime, the advertising has brought to me one hundred and fifty additional rare and beautiful skins. Anything prepared by such ornithologists as Arthur T. Wayne, Apstin Paul Smith, W. W. Worthington, J. A. Weber, to- gether with Mr. Frank W. Wright's elegant work do honor to any cabinet collection Cordially, GERARD ALAN ABBOTT. I want one set each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 7, 35, 43, 77, 92, 103, 141.1, 167, 173, 192, 196, 258a, 261, 264, 286, 289a, SlOVa, 347, 247a, 351, 373b, 07514, 377, 384, 474b, 474e, 486, 511b 1-6, I. TS, 612, 627a, 736a, 758a, 759b. I want two sets each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 5, 26, 38, 131, 145, 160, 169a, 171a, 172a, 180, 222, 310b, 310c, 318, 339b 2-2, 466a, 536, 542b, 552, 581d, 593a, 164, 615, 744, 768. For these I will allow twice Lattin's 1905 exchange rates, and I have a very unusual exchange list to select from. R. M. BARNES, La^on, 111. IV THE OOLOGIST WANTED.-BuJletin of the Cooper Orni- thologic Club, Vol. I, odd numbers W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, Calif. FOR SALE— Out of print Ornithological books by Bendire, Cones, Ridgway, Goss, Baird and Dawson. All bird naagazines. W. J. ERICKSON, 208 West 40th St.. Savannah, Ga. FOR EXCHANGE.-Back volumes of the Auk in original cover; also American and foreign bird skins for A. 1. skins of Western and foreign birds. HENRY K. COALE. Highland Park. 111. WA^.'i ED.— Books. Magazines and Pamph- lets about Birds and Natural History Sub- jects. In all cases state what you have and the lowest cash prices. No other prices con- sidered. Address FRANK BENDER, 128 Fourth Ave.. New York City. (3-14) TO EXCHANGE.-I have 1000 duplicates of Scientific periodicals [mostly Ornithologicall to offer for Ornithological publications, bird skins, eggs or cash. FRANK L. BURNS. Berwyn. Pa. i2-pj EXCHANGE.-A small collection of Indian relics; a few books on natural history, birds, biological survey publications and maga- zines for eggs in sets only. RALPH W. JACKSON, Cambridge, Maryland, R. 1. EXCHANGE-Birds and all nature, March, April, May, June and November 1899 for best offer. JOHN THOMPSON. Clinton, N. Y. WANTED.— For cash "The Oologist" (this magazine) Volume 3 No. 4 and Volume 4 N . 1 to complete my personal file. CHARLES A. HEWLETT. Woodmere, N. Y. WANTED. -Back numbers of Condor. Bird Lore and others. Exchange i.i other numbers a reasonable cash price. E. A. DOOLITTLE, Box 444, Painesville, O. FOR SALE BIRD LORE. -Lot A. Vols. 1 to XII inclusive without volume indexes: Lot B, Vol. II No, 1 to Vol. XII No. 2. inclusive without volume indexes and Vol. II No. 2 missing. Will not break lots. State best cash offer. THOMAS L. McCONNELL. 1813 Huey St., McKeesport, Pa. WANTED.— A copy of Loomis' "(.'alifornia Water Birds, No. IV," for whicfi I will pay any reasonable price. W. E. CLYDE TOOL). Carnegie Museum. Pittsburgh. Pa. WANTED.— For exchange or cash. Plates from Studers Bird'* of N. A. Nos. 28, 60, 61, 68. 80, 81, 86, 87. 88, 107, 109 to 119. U. M. CASE, 7 Holcomb St., Hartford, Conn. FOR EXCHANGE. - Tobacco tags and coupons for eggs in sets or Bird Lore Vol. 7 No. 1. Vol. 10 No. 4. also sets of 339 and 360 for exchange. C. M. CASE. 7 Holcomb St., Hart- ford, Conn. WANTED.-In good condition: Nidiolo- gist Vol. 1, No. 6; Osprey of Washington. Vol. IV No. 3 and index; Vol. I New Series 1902 No. 4-5-7; Bird Lore Vol. 1 No. 2-3-4-6 and index: Vol. II No. 1-2-5; Vol. HI No. 1-2-3 6; Vol. IX No. 6 and index. How many back numbers Oologist, Osprey. Bird Lore, Museum and some others to exchange for any of above. Will pay a reasonable cash price, and will sell any of my duplicates, cheap. JOHN WILLIAMS, Iowa City, la., R. No. 9. WANTED. -Ornithologist and Oologigist Vol. 1. No. 2 and 4. Bulletin Cooper Club, Vol. 1 No. 3. Address with price. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lincoln St., Boston, Mass. Books bought, sold and exchanged. High- est cash prices for books and m gazines about Birds and all otder Natural History Subjects. Send list of what you have and state your lowest price. Correspondence on all matters relating to old books solicited. TH NEW YORK BOOK MART, 30 Lexing- ton Ave., New York, N. Y. WANTED.— For cash or exchange.— Bird Lore. Vol. 1 No. 2-3-4-5-6; Vol. 2 No. 1-2-3-4-5; Vol. 3 No. 1-2-3-4-5: Vol. 4. No. 1-2; Vol. 5; No. 1; Vol. 7 No. 1-5: Vol. 9 No. 3-5-6: Vol. 10 No. 1-3- 4-5-6; Vol. 11 No. 5-6; Vol. 12 No. 4-6; Vol. 13 No. 1-2-3-4-5; 14 1-2-3-4-5; Vol. 15 No. 4-6; vol. 16 1-2. I also will purchase Vols. 1-2-3-10-13-14-15 complete if seller prefers. Also The Auk. Vol. 1 to 13 and 31 and 32. The Condor. Vol. 1 to 7. The Osprey, Vol. 1-2-3. Blue Bird, Vol. 6. American Ornithology, Vols. 4-5-6. Ridgway's Birds of North and Middle Amer- ica. Vol. 1-2-3-4. W. H. BROOMHALL, Stock- port, Ohio. l\IISCEL,L,ANEOUS. FOR SALE AND EX C H A N G E.-Live Snakes, Lizards, Baby Turtles, also general line of Florida insects. NAT. P. FRY. Eureka, Marion County, Florida. (I-p) Make me offers on fine Sea Lion skins for mounting, also Sloth Bear from India. WIRZ. TAXIDERMIST, 1422 Gwinnett, St., Augusta, Ga. FOR SALE.— 5 x 7 photographs of the nests and eggs of 26 species of birds of this locality. Mr. I. E. Hess says they are as good as he has seen. Send 40c in stamps for one. E. PERRY. 610 Baylor St.. Austin. Texas. WANTED.— A good Stereopticon Lantern for which I will give good exchange in sets of bird magazines, books and mounted birds. Anyone having such please communicate with ARTHUR W. BROCKWAY. Hadlyme, Conn. WANTED.— A good Graflex Camera, either 4 X 5 or 5 X 7. Will give good exchange in sets, mounted birds, back volumes to Auk. Oologist. Condor and books on birds, ARTHUR W. BROCKWAY, Hadlyme. Conn, FOR SALE. -Fishers Hawks and Owls; Birds of America, Audubon, Vol. 2 (tw plates and binding injured) Vol. 4 good; (Geological Survey West of 100 Mer,, 8 Vols.; (ieol. Zoology, Botany, Archaeology, etc. complete sets; cash. GEO. W. H. VOS HUR(iH, Columbus, Wis. COLLECTORS ATTENTION. -A couple interested in Natural History who desire to spend the winter in the South, can act as care takers on farm in Virginia. Six room house, fire wood, and milk given, and a chance to collect. No pay. If interested ad- dress HAROLD H. BAILEY, 319 54th St., Newport News, Va. THE OOLOGIST FOR EXCHAXGE.-Double Barrel Shot Gun. Single Shot Rifle 22 031. revolvers. For sets of eags. P \HRMAN BROTHERS, 1011 Fourth St.. La Porte. Ind. OOLOGlSTS' tools and supplies, books and magazines, lists on request. Kindly note change in address, formerly Stephentown. N. Y.. now Gartield. X. Y. BENJAMIN HOAG. BIG B.\RGAINS.-I put you in touch with hundreds of persons who have articles to buy, sell, or trade. Describe your article to me. List of addresses cinching your sale, ten cents. J. E. HARRIS, Indianopolis, Ind.. Box 21. - FOR SALE.— I have a fine line of arrows and spears from Grime County, Texa«. Send 11.00 for a dozen perfect arrows. GEORGE E. DOERtiE, Navasota. Texas, BoxlSi. (1-p) WANTED— A high grade camera. 5x7 pre- ferred. Offer in exchange fine sets, high grade Ithaca hammerless gun. any gaugue, new from factory; or part cash. E F. POPE, Colmesneil. Texas. FOR SALE.— Cocoons of the Promethea. Cocropia, Polyphemus lo, Luna and C'ynrhia .Moths, in lots as desired. Prices upon ap- application. Will also exchange for species of the far west. Have lot of r)evonian fossils in Oriskany sandstone also to offer in ex- change for others. LOUIS S. KOHLEK. Bloonifield. N. J. IN PRESS Extensive Catalogue Books on North American Birds JOHN H. SHERMAN, Jr., 403 Seneca St. MOUNT VERNON, N. Y. THE CONDOR A Magazine of Western Ornithology Published Bi-monthly by the Coopor Ornithological Club of California Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth "The Condor" is strictly scientific but edited in such a way that a be- ginner of "Bird Study" can easily un- derstand it. The articles in "The Condor" are written by the leading Ornithologists of the United States and are illustrated by the highest quality of half tones. Our subscription rates are $1.80 per year in the United States and $L7S in a Foreign coun- try. Sample Copy 30c. Address W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager, Eagle Rock. Los Angeles, Cal. NOTICE AH subscribers whose sub- scriptions are unpaid sub- subsequenr to the first day of January, 1915, are with that issue dropped from the subscription list of The Oolo- gist as provided by law. We would be glad to have you all renew, but cannot carry such subscriptions on our books further, as to so do would violate the United States Statute. Better renew at once and not lose any issues of The Oologist, as many back numbers are al- ready unobtainable. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. VI THE OOLOGIST DO YOUR PART MR. READER, these words are meant for you because we believe you are interested in THE OOLOGIST and its future. To the usefulness of this future you can add your mite if you will. It is easy enough for each one of you to add at least one new subscriber to the subscription list for 1916. Candidly, we believe we are giving you more than your money's worth at ^oc per annum. We know that it is the belief of a very large percentage of our subscribers. This we are willing to continue to do, but would deem it to your advantage and a favor to ourselves, if you would take an interest in expanding our subscription list. A number of our subscribers have already done this. Many more of them have done nothing along this line This is a word personal to each subscriber to this maga- zine to assist us in enlarging its usefulness and sphere of influence. Will you do your part? EDITOR THE OOLOGIST IV FOR EXCHAXGE.-Double Barrel Shot Gun. Single Shot Rifle 22 cal. revolvers. For sets of eggs. PAHRMAN BROTHERS, 1011 Fourth St., La Porte, Ind. WANTED.— A pair of calipers marked in hundredths and any copies of the "Iowa Ornithologist." Also have a few common sets to exchange. EMERSON STONER, 432- 38th St., Oakland, Calif. (1-p) FOR EXCHANGE.-Butterflies and moths for eggs in sets or others, many common ones wanted. Would like a copy of "The Butterflies of the West Coast." JOHN GRAVES, 1057 62nd St.. Oakland, Cal. (1-p) WANTED.— To correspond with parties in Arizona ahd New Mexico who would collect Beetles for me for cash or exchange. W. E. SNYDER, Beaver Dam, Wis. (l-p) WANTED AT ONCE.-A specimen or the Red Fox in fine winter fur. Also skin or mounted specimen of the Varying Hare of Snow Shoe Rabbit in brown summer fur. A pair of Bald Heaaed Eagles in the down is also desired. Address, stating price. DI- KECTOR, THE CHICAGO ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. Lincoln Park, Chicago, 111. (1) FOR SALE.— I have a fine line of arrows and spears from Grime County, Texa.". Send $L00 for a dozen perfect arrows. GEORGE E. DOERGE, Navasota, Texas, Box 484. (1-p) Brazilian Beetles and small showy shells wanted. Will give skin of Snowy Owl. eggs. butterflies or cash. GEORGE KOSSITER, 52 Tiverton Ave.. Toronto. Canada. (1-p) WANTED— A high grade camera, 5x7 pre- ferred. Offer in exchange fine sets, high grade Ithaca hammerless gun, any gaugue, new from factory: or part cash. E F. POPE, Colmesneil, Texas. WANTED Fisher's Hawks and Owls All Kinds Of Bird Books STATE NAME AND AUTHOR ALSO YOUR LOWEST CASH PRICE NO OTHER PRICES CONSIDERED EARL M. MOFFATT Box 1016 FT. WORTH. TEX. THE CONDOR A Magazine of Western Ornithology Published Bi-monthly by the Coopar Ornithological Club of California Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth "The Condor" is strictly scientific but edited in such a way that a be- ginner of "Bird Study" can easily un- derstand it. The articles in "The Condor" are written by the leading Ornithologists of the United States and are illustrated by the highest quality of half tones. Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun- try. Sample Copy 30c. Address W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Cal. NOTICE All subscribers whose sub- scriptions are unpaid sub- subsequenr to the first day of January, 191 5, are with this issue dropped from the subscription list of The Oolo- gist as provided by law. We would be glad to have you all renew, but cannot carry such subscriptions on our books further, as to so do would violate the United States Statute. Better renew at once and not lose any issues of The Oologist, as many back numbers are al- ready unobtainable. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. THE OOLOGIST DO YOUR PART MR. READER, these words are meant for you because we believe you are interested in THE OOLOGIST and its future. To the usefulness of this future you can add your mite if you will. It is easy enough for each one of you to add at least one new subscriber to the subscription list for 1916. Candidly, we believe we are giving you more than your money's worth at ^oc per annum. We know that it is the belief of a very large percentage of our subscribers. This we are willing to continue to do, but would deem it to your advantage and a favor to ourselves, if you would take an interest in expanding our subscription list. A number of our subscribers have already done this. Many more of them have done nothing along this line This is a word personal to each subscriber to this maga- zine to assist us in enlarging its usefulness and sphere of influence. Will you do your part? EDITOR The Oologist. BIRDS--NESTS-EGGS TAXIDERMY Vol. XXXIII. No. 5. ALBION, N. Y., May 15, 1916. Whole No. 846 BRIKF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Etc., inserted In this department at 25 cents for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent. No notice In- serted for less than 25 cents. TAKE NOTICE. SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR Kiamine the number on the wrapper of your Oologist. It denotes the time your subscrijption expires. Remember we must be notified if you wish it discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 345 your sub- scription expires with this issue. 329 your subscription expired with December issue 1914. Other expirations can be computed by intermediate numbers at the rate of one number per month. Entered as second-class matter De- cember 21, 1903, at the post offlce at Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. In answering advertisements In these columns mention "The Oologist," and thereby help us, as well as the ad- vertiser and yourself. We will not advertise the skins, nests, eggs, or mounted specimens of North American Birds for sale. These columns are for the use of those desiring to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purpo- ses only. — EDITOR. BIRDS WANTED-Live American Wild Trumpet- er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, 111. Would like to exchange Pheasant Eggs suitable fur hatching, for Prairie Chicken or Ruff Grouse eggs, fresh and handles so they will hatch. Would like to correspond with parties that can furnish these eggs. W. E. SU RFACE, Decatur, 111. I have a lot of fine duclv skins with heads folded over the back which I will exchange for skins of common small land birds. A.C. BENT. Taunton, Mass. Brant, Snow or Blue Geese, Eagles, Duclis, Prairie Chicken. Mountain Quail, Bob and King Tail Cats, Fisher. Wolverine, Gray Fox, Mountain Lion, Beaver, .Snakes, Ling, Gar, and other fish. I<>esh skins, in meat or alive, wanted for Public Museum, offer minerals, fossils, shells, curios, relic. Publication on cash. DEAN'S NAT. SCIENCE ESTAB- LISH.NfENT. Alliance, O, WILL EXCIIANCil*:. -Several fine skins of Phasianias torqaatus i King-necked Pheas- ant) and a few ducks for smaller species. STANLEY G. JKWiOTT. 582 Bidwell Ave., Portland, Oregon. We are anxious at all times to secure rare bird skins and eggs. Send us a list of your list of material and of your wants. We can offer at present specimens as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Passenger Pigeon, Scarlet Ibis, Blue-headed Quail Dove, White and Gray Gyrfalcons, Black- capped Vireo, Golden cheeked Warbler and soon. Write us today. WARD'S NATURAL SCIENCE ESTAB- LISHMENT, Rochester, N. Y. TO EXCHANGE. - Collection of North American birds. Collection contains 1340 specimens representing 440 species and sub species. 114 birds are mounted and the rest in skin form. PHILLIP LAURENT, 31 East Mt. Airy Ave., Philadelphia. Pa. FOR EXCHANGE -Mounted bird skins and eggs, want bird skins American and foreign, send lists. JESSE T. CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave., Detroit, Mich. WANTED.— A .Mounted Albino Squirrel. Offer in exchange mounted specimens, skins or cash. O. S. BI( ;GS. San .lose. 111. WANTED. — Nests of North American Birds. Also eggs in sets and skins. Will uppieciate list of what you have to exchange or sell. LEVERETTE FITZPATRICK. 1808 Webster St., Waco, Texas. it THE OOLOaiST 066S. In sending In your exchanse notices for nests, skins and eflTKAi 'we vrould ap- preciate It If you would arrange the numerals In your exchange notice In their numerical order, and not tumble them together hit and miss, as some of our readers are complaining, and we think Justly so. WANTED- Sets of 6, 77, 224, 261, 273, 420, 388, 619 and many others for all kinds of Sea Birds' eggs. W. RAIN, 50 Waverly Road, Toronto, Canada. I am always wanting lists of entire col- lections of North American Birds' Eggs which the owners desire to dispose of. None are too large and none are too small if they contain any material that I need. R. M. BARNES. Lacon, 111. BIRDS' EGGS— I will collect strictly first class sets in this locality during the coming season in exchange for desirable postage stamps. GEORGE D. FRENCH, Ivoryton, Conn. Nice data blanks, 100 pages, book form with stubs, 30c. Samples all kinds printing. Arts & Crafts Exchange. J. J. WIRZ, 1422-142'' Gwinnett St.. Augusta, Ga. FOR EXCHANOE.-Eggs of Coots, Florida Galinules, Nisht Heron, T. B. Grebes, Least Bitterns, Black Terns. Killdeers,etc. DELOS HATCH, Oakfield. Wis. Steel Specimen Cases, absolutely dust and insect proof. Designed for bird or mammal skins, or birds' eggs. For specifications and prices write W. HUBER, Gwynedd Valley, FOR EXCHANGR,-A pair of Eastern M.)del climbers and a few sets each of 289, 412, 498, 506, 511, 593. 601, 622 and 631 for birds eggs. R. C. MARTIN, Jr. Albemarle, La. FOR EXCHANGE.— Complete sets of Nova Scotia birds' eggs for hammerless shot guns or rifles, in good condition. Parker gun pre- ferred. Write for my list and tell me what you have. R. VV. TUFTS, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. FOR EXCHANGE. -Full sets of 1, 3. 11, 16, 30, 32. 37, 49, 53, 65, 71, 77. 80 ' ■ 108, 117. 120c, 121, 122, 126, 141, 149, 155, 188, i9 ) 1 197. 201, 203, 208, 212, 214, 219, 22.'-i, 226. 22, :-0 243, 261, 263, 264, ■269, 275. 280, 293. 294. d) 329. 331, 333. 335, 337, 337b, 339, 339b. 341. 343 48 355. 359. 360, 360a, 362, and 364. OTTOMAR REINECKE, 400 Elm St,. Buffalo, N. Y. WANTED. -To correspond with collectors who take sets of the following species, A. O. U. 134, 140, 153, 192, 277. 299, 308 (or its species), 309, 314, 317. 318, 344. 352a and many others. I have a list of over seventy Ave species to offer in exchange, most of them personally collected. F. C. WILLARD, Tombstone, Ariz. FOR EXCHANGE. -As I wish to increase my collection to 900 A. O. U. species will offer for new species in A 1 sets only, choice sets from my private series including Loons, Albatross, Anseres, Limicolas, Rapteres, in- cluding Kitas, Eagles, Gryfalcons, Falcons, Owls, Goatsuckers, Warblers Kinglets. Also a few others if you prefer. All answered. A. E. PRICE, Grant Park, 111. EGGS WANTED.— All sets of my taking except Nos. 316, 326, 373b, 443, 452, 506, 511b, 552, 593. 601, 663. 703, 719c. ELTON PERRY, 610 Baylor St., Austin, Texas. ^^^^^ EXCHANGE.- Who has any sets of birds of prey to exchange and what do you want? I want Nos. 575-378. S. V. WHARRAM, Austinburg, O. Will exchange mounted birds for eggs in sets with original data. Also have fine sets to exchange. MEARL B. WHEELER, East Randolph, N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE.— Eggs of Nova Scotia birds' eggs in sets, for high grade hammer- less shot gun, rifle or revolver. Send full particulars of same and get my list. R. W. TUFTS, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, FOR EXCHANGE.-273 2-4, 325 2-2, 337b 2-3 1-4, 339b 1-3, 373c 1-4, 385 1-3, 583 1-3. 588d 2-4. 751a 2-4 and many others with small holes, for A-1 sets with small holes, M. C. BADGER, Santa Paula, Calif. Natural History Cabinet for sale or ex- change. Suitable for bird skins, eggs, botany , minerals or shells. Want back numbers of magazines. ALBERT LANO, Fayetteville, Arkansas. FOR EXCHANiil-:.- European and Asiatic bird eggs in sets with data for eggs of North American species needed for my collection, C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lincoln St., Boston, Mass. FOR EXCHANGE.-5 x 7 pho ographs of nests with e^gs of 26 species of this locality with full sets of eggs of all common species on basis of 40 cents each. These are extra good photos. ELTON PERRY, 610 Baylor St., Austin, Texas. FOR EXCHANGE.-6 1-4, 30 1-1, 123b 1-2, 185 1-2, 197 1-3, 194 1-4, 219 1-6, 305 1-4, 325 1-1. 389 1-2, 352 1-1. 390 1-6. 423 1-4 1-5. 444 1-4, 477 1-4 1-5. 481 1-3, 1-5, 511 3-5. 542a 1-5, 563 2-4. 58lc 1-3, 588b 1-4, 593c 1-3 and many others. E. A. WHEELER. East Randolph. N. Y. FOR EXC^HANGE.- CHEAP and in good condition. Stone and Crams American Ani- mals, Blanchan's Game Birds, Birds of Con- necticut, Flora of Coloiado, Coue's Birds of the Northwest, Michigan Birds Life, Chap- man's Handbook of Birds, Davies Nest and Eggs and a number of other best books on birds. Drop a postal to Emerson Stoner, 432 38th St„ Oakland, California. BOOKS. WANTED.— Back numbers of TheOologist: Vol. II No. 2; Vol. 3 No, 4; Vol. IV No. 3; Vol. XXXI No. 1. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. WANTED.- Several copies of No. 7 of Volum.^ XXIV (July 1912) of the Oologist. for which we will pay 25c each. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. WANTED.-No. 7 of Volume 29 of The Oologist. For this we will give one year's subscription or pay 25c in cash. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. FOR SALE.-Bird Lore. No. 1 Vol. 4 to No. 6 Vol. 17. Clean, complete and all indexes. $21.00 cash. ALFRED L. MAR- SHALL. Weeping Water. Nebr. The Oologist. BIRDS-NESTS-EGGS TAXIOeRMY Vol. XXXIII. No. 6. ALBION, N. Y., June 15, 1916. Whole No. 347 BRIEF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Etc., inserted in this department at 25 cents for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent. No notice in- serted for less than 25 cents. TAKE NOTICE. SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR Examine the number on the wrapper of your Oologist. It denotes the time your subscription expires. Remember we must be notified if you wish it discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 347 your sub- scription expires with this issue. 329 your subscription expired with December Issue 1914. Other expirations can be computed by intermediate numbers at the rate of one number per month. Entered as second-class matter De cember 21, 1903, at the post office ni Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congres.s of March 3, 1879. In answering advertisements in tliese columns mention "The OologisL." and thereby help us, as well as the ad- vertiser and yourself. We will not advertise the skins, ne3ts, eggs, or mounted specimens of North American Birds for sale. These columne are for the use of those desiring to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting Durijo- ses only.— EDITOR. BIRDS WANTED-Live American Wild Trumpet- er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, 111. Would like to exchange Pheasant Eggs suitable for hatchhig, for Prairie Chicken or Ruff Grouse eergs. fresh and handles so they will hatch. Would like to correspond with parties that can furnish these eggs. W. E. SU KFACE. Decatur, 111. I have a lot of fine duck skins with heads folded over the back which I will exchange for skins of common small land birds. A. C. BENT. Taunton, Mass. Brant, Snow or Blue Geese. Eagles, Ducks, Prairie Chicken, Mountain Quail, Bob and Ring Tail Cats, Fisher, Wolverine, (iray Fox, Mountain Lion, Beaver, Snakes, Ling, Gar, and other fish. Fresh skins, in meat or alive, wanted for Public Museum, offer minerals, fossils, shells, curios, relic. Publication on cash. DEAN'S NAT. SCIENCE ESTAB- LISIIMENT, Alliance. O, WILL EXCHANGE. -Several fine skins of Phasianias torquatus Ring-necked Pheas- ant) and a few ducks for smaller species. STANLEY G. JFWETT. 582 Bidwell Ave., Portland, Oregon. We are anxious at all times to secure rare bird skins and eggs. Send us a list of your list of ranterial and of your wants. We can offer at present specimens as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Passenger Pigeon. Scarlet Ibis. Blue-he.'ided Quail Dove. White and Gray Gyrfalcons. Black-capped Vireo, Golden cheeked Warbler and soon. Write us today. WARD'S NATURAL SCIENCE ESTAB- LISHMENT. Rochester, N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE -Mounted bird skins and eggs, want bird skins American and foreign, send lists. JESSE T. CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave.. Detroit. Mich. WANTED. - Nests of North American Birds. Also eggs in sets and skins. Will appreciate list of what you have to exchange or sell. LEVERETTE FITZPATRICK. 1808 Webster St., Waco, Texas. I notice The Oologist is improving each year. And I may say, with each number. I think all bird men ought to appreciate your efforts. And the improvements you have made. Whitfield Harrison. II THE OOLOQIST EGGS. In sending; iu your exchaasre notices ''iir nests, slvius sin«1 eii'B's, we ^vould up- preoiate it if you «-ould arrang^e tbe iiiiiiiersiis iu your t*x-olianKe notice iu llu-ir iiuiuerieal order, aad not tumble I Ill-Ill lo^etlier Iiit nud miss, as some of iiir readers are compiaining:, and we ililiiU justly so. Oologist Tools ana f^upplies. Books ana Magrazines of every description. Fishing Roas and Taokle. Lists, quotations prompt ly sent. BENJAMIN HOAG. 'Jarfield. N. Y. I am always wanting lists of entire col- lections of North American Birds' Eggs which the owners de»ire to dispose of. None are too large and none are too small if they contain any material that I need. R. M. BARNES, Lacon. 111. BIRDS' EGGS-I will collect strictly first class sets in this locality during the coming season in exchange for desirable postage stamps. GEORGE D. FRENCH, Ivoryton, Conn. Nice data blanks, 100 pages, book form with stubs, 30c. Samples all kinds printing. Arte & Crafts Exchange. J. J. WIRZ, 1422-142^ Gwinnett St., Augusta, Ga. FOR EXOHANGE.-Eggs of Coots, Florida Galinules, Nicht Heron, T. B. Grebes, Least Bitterns, Black Terns, Killdeers,etc. DELOS HAiCH. Oakfield, Wis. Steel Specimen Cases, absolutely dust and insect proof. Designed for bird or mammal skins, or birds' eegs. For specifications and prices write W. HUBER, Gwynedd Valley, FOR EXCHANGE. -Nests and sets of 31ti, 339, 360. 373. 443, 488, 498 505. 513. 552, 593. 604 633, 703, 704, 735. RAMON (iR.\HAM, -Taxider- mist," 401 W, leudaSt,, Fort Worth, Tex. (1) FOR EXCHANGE.— Complete sets of Nova Scotia birds' eggs for hammerless shot guns or rifles, in good condition. Parker gun pre- ferred. Write for my list and tell me what you have. R. W. TUFTS, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. FOR EXCHANGE. -Full sets of 1,3. 11. 16, 30.32, 37, 49, 53, 65, 71, 77, 80, 108, 117. 120c, 121. 122, 126, 141, 155, IS^S, 191. 197. 201, 203, 208, 212, 214, 219, 225, 226, 227, 228, 230, 243. 261, 263, 264, 269, 275. 280, 293, 294, 329. 331, 333. 335. 337, 337b, 339, 339b. 341, 343, 348. 355, 359. 360. 360a, 362, 364, 365, 366. 367, 373, 375, 375d, 378, 385, 387, 388, 390, 406. 409. 414, 41:-!, 416. 420. 423. 431. 444. 452. 456, 461, 466a, 467, 474b, 475. 477. 477a, 488, 494, 498, 501, 506, 513, 529, 540, 566. 584. 595, 598, 608, 611, 612, 613, 622, 627, 628, 631, 652, 656. 658, 659. 667, 674, 577, 679, 681, 683, 687, 704, 705, 713. 725. 735, 756, 761 and 766. OT- TOMAR REINECKE, 400 Elm St„ Buffalo, N. Y. (1-p) WANTED. To correspond with collectors who take sets of the following species. A. O. U. 134. 140. 153. 192, 277, 299, 308 (or its species), 309, 314, 317. 318, 344. 352a and many others. I have a list of over seventy five species to offer in exchange, most of ihem personally collected. F. C. WILLARD, Tombstone, .\riz. WANTED. --.\11 sets of my taking except Nos. 316, 326, 373b, 443, 452, 506, 511b, 552, 593, 601, 663, 703, 719c, ELTON PERRY, 610 Baylor St.. Austin, Texas. e:ggs EXCHANGE.— Who has any sets of birds of prey to exchange and what do you want? I want Nos. 575.378. S. V. WHARRAM, Austinhurg. O. Will exchange mounted birds for eggs In sets with original data. Also have fine sets to exchange. MEARL B. WHEELER, East Randolph, N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE.-Eggs of Nova Scotia birds' eggs in sets, for high grade hammer- less shot gun, rifle or revolver. Send full particulars of same and get my list. R. W. TUFTS, Wolfville. Nova Scotia. FOR EXCHANGE. -273 2-4, 325 2-2, 337b 2-3 1-4, 339b 1-3, 373c 1-4, 385 1-3. 583 1-3. 588d 2-4, 751a 2-4 and many others with imall holes, for A-1 sets with small holes, M. C. BADGER. Santa Paula. Calif. Natural History Cabinet for sale or ex- change. Suitable for bird skins, eggs, botany, minerals or shells. Want back numbers of magazines. ALBERT LANO. Fayettevllle, Arkansas. FOR EXCHANGE.-Europeanand Asiatic bird eggs in sets with data for eggs of North American species needed for my collection, C, W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lincoln St., Boston, Mass. FOR EXCHANGE. -5 x 7 photographs of nests with eggs of 26 species of this locality with full sets of eggs of all common species on basis of 40 cents each. These are extra good photos. ELTON PERRY, filO Baylor St., Austin, Texas. FOR EXCHANGE.- 6 1-4, 30 1-1, 123b 1-2, 185 1-2, 197 1-3, 194 1-4, 219 1-6, 305 1-4, 325 1-1. 389 1-2, 352 1-1, 390 1-6, 423 1-4 1-5, 444 1-4, 477 1-4 1-5. 481 1-3, 1-5, 511 3-5. 542a 1-5, 563 2-4, 581c 1-3, 588b 1-4, 593c 1-3 and many others. E. A. WHEELER. East Randolph. N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE. -CHEAP and in good condition. Stone and Crams American Ani- mals. Blanchan's (iame Birds, Birds of Con- necticut, Flora of Coloiado, Cone's Birds of the Northwest, Michigan Birds Life, Chap- man's Handbook of Birds, Davies Nest and Eggs and a number of other best books on birds. Drop a postal to Emerson Stoner, 432 38th St„ Oakland, California. FOR EXCHANGE.— As I wish to increase my collection to 900 A. O. U. species will offer for new species in A l sets only, choice sets from my private seiies including Loons, Albatross, Anseres, Limicolas, Rapteres, in- cluding Kites, Eagles, (iryfalcons. Falcons, Owls, (ioatsuckers. VVarblers Kinglets. Also a few others if you prefer. All answered. A. E. PRICE, Grant Park, 111. BOOKS. WANTED.— Back numbers of The Oologist: Vol. II No. 2; Vol. 3 No. 4; Vol. IV No. 3; Vol. XXXI No. 1. R. M. BARNES. Lacon. 111. WANTED.- Several copies of No. 7 of Volum.* XXIV (July 1912) of the Oologist. for which we will pay 25c each. R. M. BARNES. Lacon. 111. WANTED. -No. 7 of Volume 29 of Tbe Oologist. For this we will give one year's subscription or pay 25c in cash. R. M aARNES, Lacon, 111. The Oologist. BIRDS-NESTS-EGGS TAXIDBRMY Vol. XXXIII. No. 7, ALBION, N. Y., July 15, 1916. Whole No. t4S BRIEF SPECIAIi AlVXOUiVCEMEXTS Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Etc., inserted in this department at 25 cents for each 25 words for one issue; eacli additional word 1 cent. No notice in- serted for less than 25 cents. TAKE NOTICE. SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR Examine the number on the wrapper of your Oologist. It denotes the time your subscription expires. Remember we must be notihed if you wish it discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 348 your sub- scription expires with this isstie. 341 your subscription expired with December issue 1915. Other expirations can be compu ted by intermediate numbers at the rate of one tuimber per month. Entered as second-class matter De- cember 21. 1903, at the post offlce at AUiion, N. Y., under the Act of Consrtss of March 3, 1S79. In answering advertisements in these columns mention "The Oologist," and thereby help us, as well as the ad- vertiser and yourself. We will not advertise the skins, nests, eggs, or mounted specimens of North American Birds for sale. These columns are for the use of those desiring to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purpo- ses only, — KOITOU. lUUDS WANTED— Live American Wild Trumpet- er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, 111. Would like to exchange Pheasant l']ggs suitable for hatching, for Prairie Chicken or Kulf (Jrouse eggs, fresh and handles so they will hatch. Would like to corresi)ond with parties that can furnish these eggs. ^^'. 10. SUKFACE. Decatur. Ill, I have a lot of line duck skLus with heads folded over the back which I will exchange for skins ol common small land birds. A.C. P.ENT. Taunton, Mass, P.rant. Snow or Blue Ocese. Eagles, Ducks, i'rairie Chicken, Mountain Quail, Bob and Itiug Tail Cats, I'isher, Wolverine, (iray Fox, .Mountain Lion, lieaver. Snakes, Ling, ped Vireo. Golden cheeked \^'arbler and soon. Write us today. W.VHD'S NATURAL SCIENC^E ESTAB- LISHMENT, Rochester. N. Y, FOR EXCHANGE -Mounted bird skins and eggs, want bird skins American and foreign, send lists. JESSE T. CRAVEN. 811 Roosevelt Ave.. Detroit, Mich. WANTED. - Nests of North American Bids. Also eggs in sets and skins. Will appieciate list of what you have to exchange or sell. LEVERETTE FITZPATIIK'IC, l.SO.s Webster St.. Waco. Texas. FOI\ EXCH A NCiE-Good pair of the nearly extirpated Piping Plover for a good skin adult male Mangrove Warbler. C. L. PHIL- LIPS. 5 West Weir St., Taunton. Mass. II THE OOLOGIST BGGS. In ■endlna: In your exchance notices for neata, aklna and eggu, vre Trould ap- preciate it if you TTOuld arrange the nnmerala in your exetaance notice in tkelr numerical order, and not tumble them tog'etber hit and mlas, aa aome of oar readera are complaining:, and vre think juatly ao. Oologist Tools and Supplies. Books ana Magazines of every description. Fishing Rods and Tackle. Lists, quotations prompt ly sent. BENJAMIN HOAG. '^Jartield, N. Y. I am always wanting lists of entire col- lections of North American Birds' Eggs which the owners desire to dispose of. None are too large and none are too small if they contain any material that I need. R. M. BARNE8. Lacon. 111. BIRDS' EGGS-I will collect strictly first class sets in this locality during the coming season in exchange for desirable postage stamps. GEORGE D. FRENCH, Ivoryton, Conn. Nice data blanks, 100 pages, book form with stubs, 30c. Samples all kinds printing. Arts & Crafts Exchange. J. J. WIRZ. 1422-142'^ Gwinnett St.. Augusta. Ga. FOR EXCHANGE.--Eggs of Coots, Florida Galinules. Nisht Heron. T. B. Grebes. Least Bitterns, Black Terns. Killdeers.etc. DELOS HAICH, Oakfield.Wis. Steel Specimen Cases, absolutely dust and insect proof. Designed for bird or mamninl skins, or birds' eggs. For specifications and prices write W. HUBER, Gwynedd Valley. Pa. FOR EXCHANGE.-Nestsand sets of 81fi. 339, 3()0. 373. 443. 488. 498 505. 513. 552. 593. 604 633. 703, 704, 735. RAMON (iRAH.A.VI, "Taxider- mist." 401 VV. leuda St.. Fort Worth. Tex. il) FOR EXCHANGE.— Complete sets of Nova Scotia birds' eggs for haninierless shot guns or rifles, in good condition. Parker gun pre- ferred. Write for my list and tell me what you have. R. \V. TUFTS. Wolfville, Nova Scotia. FOR EXCHANGE.-Full setsof 1. 3. 11, 16, 30,32, 37, 49, 53. 65, 71. 77. 80. 108. 117. 120c, 121, 122. 126, 141, 155. 18H. 191. 197, 201. 203, 2(IS, 212. 214. 219. 225, 226, 227, 228. 230. 243. 261. 263. 264. 269. 275. 280. 293. 294. 329. 331. 333. 335. 337. 3371). 339. 339b, 341, 343. 348. 355. 359. 360. 360a. 3H2. 364. 365, 366. 367. 373. 375, 375d, 378. .385. 387. 388. 390. 406. 409. 414, 413, 416. 420. 423. 431. 444. 4.52. 456. 461. 466a. 467, 474b, 475. 477. 477a, 488, 494. 498. 501. 506. 513, 529. 540, .566. 584. 595. 598. 6(18. 611. 612, (il3, 622. 627. 628. 631. 652, 656. 658. 659. 667. 674. 577. 679. 681. 683. 687. 704. 705. 713, 725, 735, 756. 761 and 766. OT- TOMAR REINECKE, 400 Elm St., Buffalo. N. Y. (1-p) WANTED.— To correspond with collectors who take sets of the following species. A. O. U. 134, 140, 153, 192. 277, 299, 308 (or its species), 309, 314, 317. 318, 344, 352a and many others. I have a list of over seventy five species to offer in exchange, most of them personally collected, F. C. WILLARD, Tombstone, Ariz. WANTED.— All sets of my taking except Nos. 316, 326, 373b. 443, 452, 506, 511b. 552. 593, 601, 663, 703, 7190. ELTON PERRY 610 Baylor St.. Auetin, Texas. EGGS EXCHANGE.- Who has any sets of birds of prey to exchange and what do you want? I want Nos. 575-378. S. V. WHARRAM. Austinburg, O. Will exchange mounted birds for eggs in sets with original data. Also have fine sets to exchange. MEARL B. WHEELER. East Randolph, N. Y. FOR EXCHANGE.-Eggs of Nova Scotia birds' eggs in sets, for high grade hammer- less shot gun, rifle or revolver. Send full particulars of same and get my list. R. W. TUFTS. Wolfville, Nova Scotia, FOR EXCHANGE.-273 2-4, 325 2-2. 337b 2-3 1-4. 339b 1-3. 373c 1-4, 385 1-3, 583 1-3, 588d 2-4. 781a 2-4 and many others with small holes, for A-1 sets with small holes. M. C. BADGER, Santa Paula, Calif. FOR EXCHANGE.— European and Asiatic bird eggs in sets with data for eggs of North American species needed for my collection, C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lincoln St., Boston, Mass. FOR EXCHANGE.-5 x 7 photographs of nests with eggs of 26 species of this locality with full sets of eggs of all common species on basis of 40 cents each. These are extra good photos. ELTON PERRY. 610 Baylor St., Austin. Texas. FOR EXC HA NGE- 191 1-4. 299b. Ml. 291 1-11 293a 1-12. 293 1-11. 3I0c 1-12. 3261-2, 333 1-4. 337a 1-3. 335 13. 340 1-2. 341 1-3. 345 1-3. 368b 1-2. .373b 1-4. 416 1-2. 42) 1-2. 420c 1-2, 453 1-5, 487 1-5. 501a 1-5. 593c 1-3 1-4, 594 1-4. 630 n-4. 703 1-5. 717a 1-5 718b 1-.5. 732 1-6. 736a n-6. and others. The above all Al material, personally collected. E. F. POPE. Colniesneil. Texas. FOR EXf^ANGE.-CHEAP and in good condition. Stone and Cirams American Ani- mals, Blanchan's Game Birds, Birds of Con- necticut, Flora of C'oloiado. Cone's Birds of the Northwest. Michigan Birds Life. Chap- man's Handbook of Birds. Davies Nest and Eggs and a number of other best books on birds. Drop a postal to Emerson Stoner, 432 38th St.. Oakland. California. FOR EXCHAX(;E.-AsI wish to increase my collection to 900 A. O. U. species will offer for new species in A 1 sets only, choice sets from my private series including Loons. Albatross. Anseres. Limicolas. Rapteres, in- cludine- Kites, Eagles, Gryfalcons. Falcons, Owls, (xoatsuckers. Warblers Kinglets. Also a few others if vou prefer. All answered. A. E. PRICE. Grant Park. III. BOOKS. WANTED.— Back numbers of TheOologist: Vol. II No. 2; Vol. 3 No. 4; Vol. IV No. 3; Vol. XXXI No. 1. R. M. BARNES. Lacon. 111. WANTED.- Several copies of No. 7 of Volum.^ XXIV (July 1912) of the Oologist. for which we will pay 25c each. R. M. BARNES. Lacon. 111. WANTED. -No. 7 of Volume 29 of The Oologist. For this we will give one year's subscription or pay 25c in cash R. M aARNES, Lacon, 111. The Oologist. BIRDS-NESTS-EGGS TAXIDERMY Vol. XXXIII. No. 8. ALBION, N. Y., Aug. 15, 1916. Whole No. 349 BRIEF SPECIAL, AIVXOL NCEMEM'-S Wanted, Exchnnge, For Sale, Etc., inserted in this department at 25 cents for each 25 words for one ibsue; each additional word 1 cent. No notice in- serted for less than 25 cents. TAKE NOTICE. SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR Examine the number on the wrapper of your Oologist. It denotes the time your subscrijption expires. Remember we must be notified if you wish it discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 348 your sub- scription expires with this issue. 341 your subscription expired with December issue 1915. Other expirations can be compu ted by intermediate numbers at the rate of one number per month. Entered as second-class matter De- cember 21. 1903, at the post offiee at Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1S79. In answering advertisements in these columns mention "The OologisL," and tliereby help i^s, as well as the ad- \ertiser and yourself. AVe will not advertise the skins, nests, ey;gs, or mounted specimens of North American Birds for sale. These columns are for the use of those desiring to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purno- ses only. — EDITOR. BIRDS WANTED-Live American Wild Trumpet- er Swan. R. ,M. Barnes. Lacon, 111. Would like to exchange Pheasant Eggs suitable for hatching, for Prairie Chicken or Ruff Grouse eggs, fresh and handles so they will hatch. Would like to correspond with parties that can furnish these eggs. W. E. SUKFACE, Decatur, 1)1, I have a lot of fine duck skins with heads folded over the back which I will exchange for skins of common small land birds. A. C. BENT. Taunton, Mass. Brant, Snow or Blue Ceese, Eagles, Ducks, Prairie Chicken. Mountain Quail, Bob and Ring Tail Cats, Fisher, Wolverine, Gray Fox, Mountain Lion, lieaver. Snakes, Ling, Gar, and other fish. l''resh skins, in meat or alive, wanted for Public Museum, offer minerals, fossils, shells, curios, relic. Publication on cash. DEAN'S NAT. SCIENCE ESTAB- LISHMENT. Alliance. O. WILL EXCHANCiE. -Several tine skins of Phasianias lorquatus (Ring-nocked Pheas- ant) and a few ducks for smaller species. STANLEY G. JEWETT. 582 Bidwell Ave., Portland. Oregon. We are anxious at all times to secure rare bird pkins and eggs. Send us a list of your list of material and of your wants. We can offer at present specimens as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Passenger Pigeon, Scarlet Ibis. Blue-lieaded Quciil Dove. VVhite and Gray Gyrfalcons, Black-capped Vireo, Golden cheeked Warbler and soon. Write us today. WARD'S NATURAL SCIENCE ESTAB- LISHMENT, Rochester. N. Y. FOR p:XCHANGE -Mounted bird skins and eggs, want bird skins American and foreign, send lists. JESSE T. CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave., Detroit, Mich. WANTED. - Nests of North American Birds. Also eggs in sets and skins. Will app . 1 to complete my personal file. CHARLES A. HEWLETT. Woodmere. N. Y. WANTED,— In good condition: Nidlolo- gist Vol. 1, No. 6; Osprey of Washington, Vol. IV No. 3 and index; Vol. I New Series 1902 No. 4-5-7; Bird Lore Vol. 1 No. 2-3-4-6 and index: Vol. II No. 1-2-5; Vol. Ijl No. 1-2-1-6; Vol. IX No. 6 and index. How many back numbers Oologist. Osprey. Bird Lore, Museum and some others to exehange for any of above. Will pay a reasonable caih price, and will sell any of my duplicates, cheap. JOHN WILLIAMS. Iowa City, la., R. No. 9. MISCELLANEOUS. WANTED.— To buy an egg cabinet from some one in the vicinity of Boston. ED- WARD S. COOMBS, Boston. Mass. Cuts of North American Birds wanted. Half tones preferred. Send proofs of those you have and state lowest cash price. ER- NEST S. NORMAN. Kalevala. Manitoba. WANTED.- A collecting gun; also 5x7 long bellows camera and 8 x 10 lens; also 31 x 4i long focus, plate, hand camera with Dagor lens. A. D. DUBOIS. Dutton. Montana. FOR SALE.— One 4x5 long focus reversible back Premo; one 5x7 Crown Anastigmat F4.5 lens in Ilex Acme shutter; one 4 x 5 plate tank, and other photographic accessories. A. D. DUBOIS. Dutton. Montana. Coati-Mundi (Nasua narica). These ani- mals are related to our Northern Racoons, but inhabit the tropic and sub-tropic regions. I have a specimen nicely mounted on a polished stand. Can probably furnish a photo. For full description, price, etc. ad- dress MILTON J. HOFMANN. 1818 Bleecker St.. Brooklyn. N. Y. Wanted rare American Indian or ancient Egyptian relics. Can offer thousands of cut and polished precious and semi-precious stones suitable for mounting or the cabinet. also high grade cameras. L. V. CASE.Tarry- town. N. Y. (p-1) FOR SALE.— A very fine 50 drawer quarter sawed oak cabinet. At a bargain. Des- cription and price on request. Desirable Indian Relics from Arkansas localities. H. E. WHEELER, Jonesboro, Ark, IV THE OOLOQIST FOR EXCHANGE— Preserved specimens of Reptiles with U. S. Collectors only. C. A. CLARK,.60 Lynnfleld St., East Lynn Station. Mass; -.--■■ WA-NTED.— I wish to purchase a second hand 22 caliber collecting- gun. suitable for shot cartridges. R, P. SHARPLES. West Chester, Pa. WANTED.' Correspondence with collect- ors of butterflies. DR. T. W. RICHARDS, U. S. Navy, care of Navy Department, Wash- ing, D, C. (1-p) FOR SALE.-Twelve Room Martin House $3.50. Several bound volumes of The Oologist, Will also exchange bird skins, O. M. : GREENWOOD, Manchester, la. (1-p) EOR SALE.— Cocoons of the Promethea, . ocropia, Polyphemus lo, Luna and Cynthia- iMoths, in lots as desired. Prices upon ap- application. Will also exchange for species of the far west. Have lot of Devonian fossils in Oriskany sandstone also f^ offer in ex- change for others. LOUIS S. KOHLER. Bloomfield, N. J. IN PRESS Extensive Catalogue Books on North American Birds JOHN H. SHERMAN, Jr., 403 Seneca St. BOYS Send 2c in stamps of a copy of ''New Jersey Boy" A Newspaper for Boys All the News for All the Boys Published on the 1st and 15th of month, 2c Per Copy. 50c Par Year Address: 5 CENTRAL AVENUE Jersey City, N. J. THE CONDOR A Magazine of Western Ornithology Published Bi-monthly by the Cooper Ornithological Club of California Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth "The Condor" is strictly scientific but edited in such a way that a be- ginner of "Bird Study" can easily un- derstand it. The articles in "The Condor" are written by the leading Ornithologists of the United States and are illustrated by the highest quality of half tones. Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun- try. Sample Copy 30c. Address MOUNT VERNON, N. Y. W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Cal. I want one set each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 7, 35, 43, 77, 92, 103, 141.1, 167, 173, 192, 196, 258a, 261, 264, 286, 289a, 3101/4, 347, 247a, 351, 373b, o75%, 37«7', 384, 474b, 474e, 486, 511b 1-6, I. TS, 612, 627a, 736a, 758a, 759b. I want two sets each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 5, 26, 38, 131, 145, 160, 169a, 171a, 17:^a, 180, 222, 310b, 310c, 318, 339b 2-2, 466a, 536, 542b, 552, 581d, 593a, 164, 615, 744, 768. For these I will allow twice Lattin's 1905 exchange rates, and I have a very unusual exchange list to select from. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. THE OOLOGIST III BOOKS — Continued WANTED.— Back Volumes anrl numbers of Bird Lore, and Osprey. Cassinnia. W. H. BROO^fHALL, Stockport, Ohio. (1-p; FOR SALE.-Bird-Lore Vols. I to XIII No. 3. 3 inclusive complete with indexes in original covers *35.00. THOS. L. McCON- NELL. 1813 Iluey St.. McKeesport. Pa. (1-p) FOR SALE.— Bendire's "Life Histories of North American Birds" two volumes, newly bound half morocco: perfect condition, price $16.00. A. F. SMITHSON. Warrensburg, Mo. WANTED.— Sport in Crimes and Caucasus. Savage Svanetia. both by C. Phillips. Wooley. Address with price. WM, J. HACKMKIKR, 645 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco. Cal. Frank L. Burns' Bibliography of scarce or out of print North American Amateur and Trade Publications in existence. Price 25c. R. M. BARNES. Lacon, 111. Who has any odd ntimbers of the 1913-1914 OOLOGIST to exchange? I have some odd numbers of the OOLOGIST and CONDOR. J. I. SHEPARDSON, 209 E. 37th St., Los Angeles, Cal. WANTED.— "The Auk." Vols. I and VI Hnclusive^ odd volumes or odd numbers. W. LEE CHAMBERS, EagJe Rock, Los Angeles County. California. WANTED. -Bulletin of the Cooper Orni- tholngic Club, Vol. I, odd numbers W. LEE CHAMBERS. Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County. Calif. FOR SALE— Out of print Ornithological books by Bendire. Cones, Ridgway, Goss, Baird and Dawson. All bird magazines. W. J. ERICKSON, 208 West 40th St,. Savannah. Ga. ^____._________^__ FOR EXCHAN(iE.-Back volumes of the Auk in original cover: also American and foreign bird skins for A. 1. skins of SVestern and foreign birds. HENRY K. COALE, Highland Park. 111. T( t EXCHAN(;E.-I have lUOU duplicates of Scientific periodicals [mostly Ornithologlcall to offer for Ornithological publications, bird skins, eggs or cash. FRANK L. BURNS. Berwyn. Pa. |2-pJ EXCH.\.\GE.-A small collection of Indian relics: a few books on natural history, birds, biological survey publications and maga- zines for eggs in sets only. RALPH W. .TACKSON. Cambridge, Maryland, R. 1. FOR EXCHANGE. -American Naturalist 1868. 1889. 1884, 1887, six volumes half leather. Wanted Smithsonian Annual Reports for 1.900. 1901. 1903. 1904. 1905. 1906. JOHN THOMP- SON, Clinton. N. Y. FOR SALK.-Auk, Vol. 16 to 32 inclusive. Also several volumes of Condor, and Osprey. No reasonable offer refused. E. J. WHEEL- ER. 177 Pefjuot Ave.. New London, Conn. FOR SALE BIRD LORE.-Lot A. Vols. I to XII inclusive without volume indexes: Lot B, Vol. II No. 1 to Vol. XII No. 2. inclusive without volume indexes and Vol. II No. 2 missing. Willnot break lots. State best cash offer. THO.MAS L. McCONNELL. 1813 Huey St., McKeesport. Pa. WANTED.— A copy of Loomis' "California Water Birds. No. IV," for which I will pay any reasonable price. W. E. CLYDE TOOD, Carnegie Museum. Pittsburgh, Pa. EXCHANGE-Birds and all nature, March. April. May, June and November 1899 for best offer. JOHN THOMPSON. Clinton. N. Y. WANTED. -Back numbers of Condor, Bird Lore and others. Exchange in other numkers a reasonable cash price. E. A. DOOLITTLE, Box 444, Painesville, O. WANTED.— For cash "The Oologist" (this magazine) Volume 3 No. 4 and Volume 4 Nr. 1 to complete my personal file. CHARLES A. HEWLETT. Woodmere. N. Y. WANTED,— In good condition: Nidiolo- gist Vol. 1, No. 6; Osprey of Washington. Vol. IV No. 3 and index; Vol. I New Series 1902 No. 4-5-7; Bird Lore Vol. 1 No. 2-3-4-6 and index; Vol. II No. 1-2-5; Vol. HI No. 1-2-3-6; Vol. IX No. 6 and index. How many back numbers Oologist, Osprey, Bird Lore, Museum and some others to exchange for any of above. Will pay a reasonable cash price, and will sell any of my duplicates, cheap. JOHN WILLIAMS. Iowa City. la.. R. No. 9. MISCELLANEOUS. WANTED.— To buy an egg cabinet from some one in the vicinity of Boston. ED- WARD S. COOMBS, Boston, Mass. Cuts of North American Birds wanted. Half tones preferred. Send proofs of those you have and state lowest cash price. EK- NEST S. NORMAN, Kalevala. Manitoba. WANTED.— A collecting gun; also5x71ong bellows camera and 8 x 10 lens; also 3i x H long focus, plate, hand camera with Dagor lens. A. D. DUBOIS. Dutton. Montana. FOR SALE.— One 4x5 long focus reversible back Premo; one 5x7 Crown Anastigmat F4.5 lens in Ilex Acme shutter; one 4 x 5 plate tank, and other photographic accessories. A. D. DUBOIS. Dutton. Montana. Coati-Mundi (Nasua narica). These ani- mals are related to our Northern Racoons, but inhabit the tropic and sub-tropic regions. I have a specimen nicely mounted on a polished stand. Can probably furnish a photo. For full description, price, etc. ad- dress MILTON J. HOFMANN. 1818 Bleecker St., Brooklyn, N, Y. Wanted rare American Indian or ancient p]gyptian relics. Can offer thousands of cut and polished precious and semi-precious stones suitable for mounting or the cabinet, also high grade cameras. L. V. CASE. Tarry- town. N. Y. (p-l) WANTED.- Correspondence with collect- ors of butterflies. DR. T. W. RICHARDS, U. S. Navy, care of Navy Department. Wash- ing. D.C. (1-p) FOR SALE.— Cocoons of the Promethea, ocropia, Polyphemus lo, Luna and Cynthia - Moths, in lots as desired. Prices upon ap- application. Will also exchange for species of the far west. Have lot of Devonian fossils in Oriskany sandstone also t° offer in ex- change for others. LOUIS S. KOHLEK. Bloomfield, N. J. IV THE OOLOGIST FOR EXCHANGK— Preserved specimens of Reptiles with U, S. Collef^tors only. C. A. CLARK, 60 Lynnfleld St., East Lynn Station. Mass. WANTED.— I wish to purchase a second hand 22 caliber collecting gun. suitable for shot cartridges. R. P. SHARPLES. West Chester, Pa. IN PRESS Extensive Catalogue Books on North American Birds JOHN H. SHERMAN, Jr., 403 Seneca St. MOUNT VERNON, N. Y. BOYS Send 2c in stamps of a copy of "New Jersey Boy" A Newspaper for Boys All the News for All the Boys Published on the 1st and 15th of month. 2c Per Copy. 50c Par Year Address: 5 CENTRAL AVENUE Jersey City, N. J. THE condor" A Magazine of Western Ornithology Published Bi-monthly by the Coopsr Ornithological Club of California Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth "The Condor" is strictly scientific but edited in such a way that a be- ginner of "Bird Study" can easily un- derstand it. The articles in "The Condor" are written by the leading Ornithologists of the United States and are illustrated by the highest quality of half tones. Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun- try. Sample Copy 30c. Address W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Cal. I want one set each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 7, 35, 43, 77, 92, 103, 141.1, 167, 173, 192, 196, 258a, 261, 264, 2S6, 289a, UOVz, 347, 247a, 351, 373b, ;.75%, 377, 384, 474b, 474e, 486, 511b 1-6, I. TS, 612, 627a, 736a, 758a, 759b. I want two sets each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 5, 26, 38, 131, 145, 160, 169a, 171a, 172a, 180, 222, 310b, 310c, 318, 339b 2-2, 466a, 536, 542b. 552, 581d, 593a, 164, 615, 744, 768. For these I will allow twice Lattin's 1905 exchange rates, and I have a very unusual exchange list to select from. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. THE OOLOGIST III BOOKS — Continued WANTED.— Back Volumes anrt numbers of Bird Lore, and Osprey. Cassinuia. W. H. BROOMHALL. Stockport. Ohio. (l-p; FOR SALE.-Bird-Lore Vols. I to XIII No. 3. 3 inclusive complete with indexes in original covers *35.00. THOS. L. McCON- NELL, 1813 Huey St., McKeesport. Pa. (1-p) FOR EXCHANGE -191 1-4. 299b. 1-11. 2911-11 293a 1-12. 293 1-11. 310c 1-12. 32(i 1-2. 333 1-1. 337a 1-3, 3351-3, 340 1-2, 341 1-3. 345 1-3, 368b 1-2, 373b 1-4. 416 1-2, 421 1-2, 420c 1-2, 453 1-5, 487 1-5, 501a 1-5. 593c 1-3 1-4. 594 1-4. 630 n-4. 703 1-5, 717a 1-5 718b 1-5, 732 1-6, 736a n-6, and others. The above all Al material, personally collected. E. F. POPE, Colmesneil, Texas. FOR SALE.-Bendire's "Life Histories of North American Birds" two volumes, newly bound half morocco: perfect condition, price $16.00. A. F. SMITHSON, Warrensburg, Mo. WANTED.- Sport in Crimes and Caucasus, Savage Svanetia, both by C. Phillips, Wooley. Address with price. VVM. J. HACKMEIER, 645 Golden Gate Ave.. San Francisco, Cal. Frank L. Burns' Bibliography of scarce or out of print North American Amateur and Trade Publications in existence. Price 25c. R. M. BARNES, Laeon, 111. Who has any odd nnmbers of the 1913-1914 OOLOGIST to exchange? I have some odd numbers of the OOLOGIST and CONDOR. J. I. SHEPARDSON, 209 E. 37th St.. Los Angeles, Cal. WANTED.— "The Auk," Vols. I and VI I inclusive' odd volumes or odd numbers. W. LEE CHAMBERS. Eagle Rock. Los Angeles County, California. WANTED. -Bulletin of the Cooper Orni- thologic Club. Vol. I. odd numbers W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, Calif. FOR S.\LE— Out of print Ornithological books by Bendire. i ones. Ridgway, Goss, Baird and Dawson. All bird magazines. W. J. ERICKSON, 208 West 40th St., Savannah. Ga. FOR EXCHANGE. -Back volumes of the Auk in original cover; also American and foreign bird skins for A. 1. skins of Western and foreign birds. HENRY K. COALE. Highland Park. 111. TO EXCHANGE.- 1 have 1000 duplicates of Scientific periodicals f mostl.v Ornithologicall to offer for Ornithological pulilications, bird skins, eggs or cash. FRANK L. BURNS, Berw.vn. Pa. i2-pj EXCHANGE. -A small collection of Indian relics: a few books on natural history, birds, biological survey publications and maga- zines for eggs in sets only. RALPH W. JACKSO.N', Camliridge. Maryland. R. 1. FOR EXCHAN(;E. -American Naturalist 1868. 1889. 1884. 1887. six voliuues lialf leather. Wanted Smithsonian Annual Reports for 1900. 1901, 1903, 1904. 190r,, 1906. JOHN THOMP- SON, Clinton. N. Y. KOK SALE.- Auk, Vol. Hi to 32 Inclusive. Als(j se\'cral vol uiucs of Condor, and ( )spre.v. .\o reasonable offer refused. 10. J. VVHEEI.- ER. 177 Pequot Ave., New London, Conn. FOR SALE BIRD LORE.-Lot A, Vols. I to XII inclusive without volume indexes; Lot B, Vol. II No, 1 to Vol. XII No. 2. inclusive without volume indexes and Vol. II No. 2 missing. Will not break lots. State best cash offer. THOMAS L. McCONNELL, 1813 Huey St., McKeesport, Pa. WANTED.— A copy of Loomis' "California Water Birds, No. IV," for whicfi I will pay any reasonable price. W. E. CLYDE TOOD, Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh, Pa. EXCHANGE— Birds and all nature, March, April, May. June and November 1899 for best offer. JOHN THOMPSON, Clinton. N. Y. W ANTED.-Back numbers of Condor, Bird Lore and others. Exchange in other numbers a reasonable cash price. E. A. DOOLITTLE, Box 444, Painesville. O. WANTED.— For cash "The Oologist" (this magazine) Volume 3 No. 4 and Volume 4 Nr. 1 to complete my personal file. CHARLES A. HEWLETT. Woodmere. N. Y. WANTED,-In good condition: Nidiolo- gist Vol. 1, No. 6; Osprey of Washington, Vol. IV No. 3 and index; Vol. I New Series 1902 No. 4-5-7; Bird Lore Vol. 1 No. 2-3-4-6 and index; Vol. II No. 1-2-5; Vol. HI No. 1-2-3-6; Vol. IX No. 6 and index. How many back numbers Oologist, Osprey, Bird Lore, Museum and some others to exchange for any of above. Will pay a reasonable cash price, and will sell any of my duplicates, cheap. JOHN WILLIAMS, Iowa City, la., R. No. 9. MISCELLANEOUS. WANTED.— To buy an egg cabinet from some one in the vicinity of Boston. ED- WARD S. COOMBS, Boston, Mass. Cuts of North American Birds wanted. Half tones preferred. Send proofs of those you have and state lowest cash price. ER- NEST S. NORMAN, Kalevala, Manitoba. WANTED.— A collecting gun; also5x71ong bellows camera and 8 x 10 lens; also 3i x 4i long focus, plate, hand camera with Dagor lens. A. D. DUBOIS, Dutton, Montana. P'OR SALE.— One 4x5 long focus reversible back Premo; one 5x7 Crown Anasligmat F4.5 lens in Ilex Acme shutter; one 4 x 5 plate tank, and other photographic accessories. A. D. DUBOIS, Dutton, Montana. Coati-Mundi (Nasua narica). These ani- mals are related to our Northern Racoons, but inhabit the tropic and sub-tropic regions. I have a specimen nicely mounted on a polished stand. Can probably furnish a photo. For full description, price, etc. ad- dress MILTON J. HOFMANN, 1818 Bleecker St., Brooklyn, N, Y. Wanted rare American Indian or ancient Egyptian relics. Can offer thousands of cut and polished precious and semi-precious stones suitable for mounting or the cabinet, also high grade cameras. L. V. CASE. Tarry- town. N. Y. (p-1) WANTED. Correspondence with collect- ors of butterflies. Dl^ T. W. IMCHARDS, IJ. S. Niivy. care of Navy Department, Wash- ing, D, C, (1-p/ IV THE OOLOGIST STATEMEx>T OF OWNERSHIP. MAN- AGEMENT, ETC. OftheOolo^ist. published inonth'yat Albi'in. N. y.. required by tlie Act of August 24, 1912. Editor, R. M. Barnes, Lacon, 111.; jNIanat-'in;? Editor. H. M. Barnes, l.acou. III.: r>u-iiie^s Mauaijer, R. M. Barnes, Lacon, III.; Publisher, R. M. Barnes. Lacon, 111. Known bond- holders, mortgagees, and other security holders, holding 1 per cent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other secur- ities. None. R. M. BARNES. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of April, A. D. 1916. ERNA THIEDOHR, Notary Public. WANI'ED.-I wish to purchase a second hand 22 caliber collecting gun. suitable for shot cartridges. R. P. SHARPLES. West ('hester. Pa. 0 YS IN PRESS Extensive Catalogue Books on North American Birds JOHN H. SHERMAN, Jr., 403 Seneca St. Send 2c in stamps of a copy of "New Jersey Boy" A Newspaper for Bo^s All the News for All the Boys Published on the 1st and 15th of month, ^c Per Copy. 50c Par Year Address: 5 CENTRAL AVENUE Jersey City, N. J. "tISe" CO^N D d R A Magazine of Western Ornithology Published Bi-monthly by the Cooper Ornithological Club of California Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth "The Condor" is strictly scientific but edited in such a way that a be- ginner of "Bird Study"' can easily un- 'lerstand it. The articles in "The Condor" are written by the leading Ornithologists of the United States and are illustrated by the highest quality of half tones. Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in the United States unJ $1.75 in a Foreign coun- try. Sample Co.iy .'50c. Address MOUNT VERNON, N. Y. W. LEE CHAMBERS, I us. Manager, Eagle Rock. Los Angeles, Cal. 1 want one set each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 7. 35, 43, 77, 92, 103, 141.1, 167, 173, 192, 1C6, 258a, 261, 264, 286, 289a, SlOVo. 347, 247a, 351, 373b, .,151/., 377, 3S4, 474b, 474e. 486, 511b 1-6, I. TS, 612, 627a, 736a, 758a, 759b. I want two sets each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 5, 26, 38, 131, 145, 160. 16:a, 171a, 172a, ISO, 222, 310b, 310c, 318, 339b 2-2, 466a, 536, 542b, 552, 581d, 5:.3a, 104. 615, 744, 76S. i'or these I will allow twice Lattin's 1905 exchange rates, and I have a very uuu;ual exchange list to select from. R. M. BARNES, La-on, 111. THE OOLOQIST III BOOKS — Continued WANTED. -Ornithologist and Oologist Vol. 1-5. Osprey Vol. 1 Xo. 2 and 4. Address write price. C. W. CHAMBP:rLAIN, 36 Lin- coln St„ Boston. Mass. FOR SALE.— Bendire's "Life Histories of North American Birds" two volumes, newlj' bound half morocco; perfect condition, price $16.00. A. F. SMITHSON, Warrensburg, Mo. WANTED.— Sport in Crimes and Caucasus, Savage Svanetia, both by C. Phillips. Woolex'. Address with price. WM. J. HACKMEIER. 645 Golden Gate Ave.. San Francisco, Cal. . Frank L. Burns' Bibliography of scarce or out of print North American Amnteur and Trade Publications in existence. Price 25c. R. M. BARNES, l>acon, HI. Who has any odd numbers of the 1913-1914 OOLOGIST to exchange? T have some odd numbers of the OOLOGIST and CONDOR. D. I. SHEPARDSON, 209 E. 37th St., Los Angeles, Cal. WANTED.— "The Auk." Vols. I and VI (inclusive) odd volumes or odd numbers. W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, California. WANTED. -Bulletin of the Cooper Orni- thologic Club, Vol. I. odd numbers W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, Calif. FOR SALE— Out of print Ornithological books by Bendire, Cones. Ridgway, Goss, Baird and Dawson. All bird magazines. W. J. ERLCKSON, 208 West 40th St,. Savannah, Ga, ' FOR EXCHANGE.-Back volumes of the Auk in original cover; also American and foreign bird skins for A. 1, skins of Western and foreign birds. HENRY K. COALE. Highland Park, Hi. TO EXCHANGE. -1 have lUOO duplicates of Scientific periodicals [mostly Ornithologicall to offer for Ornithological publications, bird skins, eggs or cash. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn. Pa. 12-pJ EXCHANGE.— A small collection of Indian relics; a few books on natural history, birds, biological survey publications and maga- zines for eggs in sets only. RALPH W. JACKSON, Cambridge, Maryland, R. 1. FOR KXCHANtiE.- American Naturalist 1868, 1889, 1884, 1887, six volumes half leather. Wanted Smithsonian Annual Reports for 1900, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906. JOHN THOMP- SON, Clinton, N. Y. FOR SALE BIRD LORE.-Lot A, Vols. 1 to XII inclusive without volume indexes; Lot B, Vol. II No. 1 to Vol. XII No, 2. inclusive without volume indexes and Vol. II No. 2 missing. Will not break lots. State best cash offer. THO.MAS L. McCONNELL, 1813 Huey St., McKeesport, Pa. WANTED.— A copy of Loomis' "California Water Birds. No. IV," for which I will pay any reasonable price. W. E. CLYDE TOOD, Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh, Pa. FOR SALE. -Auk. Vol. Iti to 32 inclusive. Also several volumes of Condor, and ( >sprey. No reasonable offer refused. E. J. WHEEL- ER, 177 Pequot Ave., New London, Conn. EXCHANGE- Birds and all nature, March. April, May, June and November 1899 for best offer. JOHN THOMPSON. Clinton, N, Y. WANTED.-Backnumbers of Condor, Bird Lore and others. Exchange in other numbers a reasonable cash price. E. A. DOOLITTLE, Box 444, Painesville, O. WANTED.— For cash "The Oologist" (this magazine) Volume 3 No. 4 and Volume 4 N, . 1 to complete my personal file. CHARLES A. HEWLETT, Woodmere, N. Y. WANTED,— In good condition; Nidiolo- gist Vol. 1, No. 6; Osprey of Washington, Vol. IV No. 3 and index; Vol. I New Series 1902 No. 4-5-7; Bird Lore Vol. 1 No. 2-3-4-6 and index; Vol. II No. 1-2-5; Vol. HI No. 1-2-3-6; Vol. IX No. 6 and index. How many back numbers Oologist, Osprey, Bird Lore, Museum and some others to exchange for any of above. Will pay a reasonable cash price, and will sell any of my duplicates, cheap. JOHN WILLIAMS, Iowa City, la., R. No. 9. MISCELLANEOUS. WANTED.— To buy an egg cabinet from some one in the vicinity of Boston. ED- WARD S. COOMBS, Boston, Mass. Cuts of North American Birds wanted. Half tones preferred. Send proofs of those you have and state lowest cash price. ER- NEST S. NORMAN, Kalevala, Manitoba. WANTED.— A collecting gun; also 5x7 long bellows camera and 8 x 10 lens; also 3s x H long focus, plate, hand camera with Dagor lens. A. D. DUBOIS, Dutton, Montana. FOR SALE.— One 4x5 long focus reversible back Premo; one 5x7 Crown Anastigmat F4.5 lens in Ilex Acme shutter; one 4 x 5 plate tank, and other photographic accessories. A. D. DUBOIS, Dutton, Montana, Coati-Mundi (Nasua narica). These ani- mals are related to our Northern Racoons, but inhabit the tropic and sub-tropit' regions. I have a specimen nicely mounted on a polished stand. Can probably furnish a photo. For full description, price, etc. ad- dress MILTON J. PIOFMANN, 1818 Bleecker St., Brooklyn, N. Y, WANTED.— Fresh skins. Avocet, Curlew, Hisee, Sage Hens. Ringtail.Cat.Civit Prairie Dog, Possum. Give Wood Duck, Snow, (Jreat (irey Hawk Owls, Foreign Skins, White Tail Deer, Scalps and Horns. Want Cocoons of Moths, Tarantulars, Centipedes. Mounted Wild Passenger Pigeon for sale. A. TR AF- FORD, Taxidermist, St. Eugene, Ont. Canada FOR SALE.— 5 x 7 photographs of the nests and eggs of 26 species of birds of this locality. Mr. I. E. Hess says they are as good as he has seen. Send 40c in stamps for one. E. PERRY, 610 Baylor St., Austin, Texas. WANTED.— A good Stereopticon Lantern for which I will give good exchange in sets of bird magazines, books and mounted birds. Anyone having such please communicate with ARTHUR W. BROCKWAY, Hadlyme, Conn. Harrington it- Richardson 44 Caliber Taxi- dermist shot gun. Also one in. 16 gauge- Snapping Turtle 1-33, 1-41, 1-46. Want A.I. sets with data. JAMES. O. JOHNSON, 310 North Main, Southington, Conn. IV THE OOLOGIST STATEMEAT OF OWNERSHIP, MAN- AGEMENT, ETC. Of the Oologist, published monthly at Albion, N. Y., required by the Act of August 24. 1912. Editor. R. M. Barnes. Lacon. 111.; Managing Editor, R. M. Barnes. Lacon, 111.: Business Manager. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, 111.; Publisher. R. M. Barnes. Lacon. 111. Known bond- holders, mortgagees, and other security holders, holding 1 per cent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other secur- ities. None. R. M. BARNES. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of April. A. D. 1916. ERNA THIEDOHR. Notary Public. WANTED.— I wish to purchase a second hand 22 caliber collecting gun. suitable for shot cartridges. R. P. SHARPLES. West Chester. Pa. IN PRESS Extensive Catalogue Books on North American Birds JOHN H. SHERMAN, Jr., 403 Seneca St. BOYS Send 2c in stamps of a copy of ''New Jersey Boy" A Newspaper for Boys All the News for All the Boys Published on ttie 1st and 15th of month. 2c Per Copy. 50c Par Year Address: 5 CENTRAL AVENUE Jersey City, N. J. THE CONDOR A Magazine of Western Ornithology Published Bi-monthly by th« Cooper Ornithological Club of California Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth "The Condor" is strictly scientific but edited in such a way that a be- ginner of "Bird Study" can easily un- derstand it. The articles in "The Condor" are written by the leading Ornithologists of the United States and are illustrated by the highest quality of half tones. Our subscription rates are 91.80 per year in the United States and $1.76 in a Foreign coun- try. Sample Copy 30c. Address MOUNT VERNON, N. Y. W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Cal. I want one set each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 7, 35, 43, 77, 92, 103, 141.1, 167, 173, 192, 196, 258a, 261, 264, 286, 289a, 310y2, 347, 247a, 351, 373b, o75i/4, 377, 384, 474b, 474e, 486, 511b 1-6, I. TS, 612, 627a, 736a, 758a, 759b. I want two sets each of the following, viz: A. O. U. No. 5, 26, 38, 131, 145, 160, 169a, 171a, 172a, 180, 222, 310b, 310c, 318, 339b 2-2, 466a, 536, 542b, 552, 581d, 593a, 164, 615, 744, 768. For these I will allow twice Lattin's 1905 exchange rates, and I have a very unusual exchange list to select from. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. The OdLOGiST. BIRDS-NESTS-EGGS TAXIDERMY Vol. XXXIII. No. 9. ALBION, N. Y., Sept. 15, 1916. Whole No. 350 BRIEF SPECIAL, AXXOl XCEME.XTS Wanted. Exchange, For Sale, Etc., inserted in this department at 25 eents for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent. No notice in- serted for less than 25 cents. TAKE NOTICE. SUBSCRIPTION. 50 CENTS PER YEAR Examine the number on the wrapper of your Oologist. It denotes the time your subscription expires. Remember we must be notitied if you wish it discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 350 your sub- scription expires with this issue. 341 your subscription expired with December issue 1915. Other expirations can be compu ted by intermediate numbers at the rate of one number per month. Entered as second-class matter De- cember 21. 1903, at the post office al Albion. X. Y., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. In answering advertisements in these columns mention "The Oologist." and thereby help us, as well as the ad- vertiser and yourself. We will not advertise the skins, nests, eggs, or mounted specimens of North American Birds for sale. These columns are for the use of those desiring to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purpo- ses onlv. — EDITOR. BIRDS WANTED-Live American Wild Trumpet- er Swan. l\. M. Barnes. Lacon. 111. WANTED. - Nests of North American Birds. Also eggs in sets and skins. Will appreciate list of what you have to exchange or sell. LEVEKETTE FITZPATRICK, 1S0>< Webster St.. Waco, Texas. I have a lot of fine duck skins with heads folded over the back which I will exchange for skins of common small land birds. A.C. BENT. Taunton. Mass. Brant, Snow or Blue Geese. Eagles, Ducks, Prairie Chicken, Mountain Quail, Bob and Ring Tail Cats, Fisher, Wolverine, (Jray Fox. Mountain Lion, Beaver, Snakes, Ling, Gar. and other tish. Fresh skins, in meat or alive, wanled for Public Museum, offer minerals, fossils, shells, curios, relic. Publication on cash. DE.\N'S NAT. SCIi-NCE EST.VB- IJSH.MENT. Alliance. O, WILL EXCHANGE. -Several fine skins of Phasianias lorquatus Ring-necked Pheas- ant) and a few ducks for smaller species. STANLEY (i. JEWETT. 582 Bidwell Ave.. Portland. <»regon. We are anxious at all times to secure rare bird skins and eggs. Send us a list of your list of material and of your wants. We can offer at present specimens as the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Passenger Pigeon. Scarlet Ibis. Blue-headed QimU Dove. White and Gray Gyrfalcons. P.lackcipped Vireo. Golden cheeked Warbler and soon. Writeus today. WARD'S NATURAL SCIENCE ESTAB- LISHMENT. Rochester, N. Y. FOR EXCHANCiE -Mounted bird skins and eggs, want bird skins American and foreign, send lists. JESSE T. CRAVEN. 811 Itoosevelt Ave.. Detroit. Mich. Who wants three Golden Eagles and two I'.ald Eagles, hand raised. 3 and 4 years old? E. F. POPE. Colmesneil. Texas, FOR EXCH A N'iE-Good pair of the nearly extirpated Piping Plover for a good skin adult male Mangrove Warbler, C, L. PHIL- LIPS. 5 West Weir St.. Taunton. Mass. FOR EXCHAN(iE.— Mounted birds. No. 51. 137. 139, 230. 339. 3ti0, for eggs. RA.MON (iR.\HAM, 401 W, Leuda St.. Fort Worth, Texas. d-P) II THE OOLOQIST EGGS. In sending In yonr exchasKe notices for nests, skins and eSKs, we vrould ap- preciate it if yon vrould nrrangre the nnmerals in your excIianKe notice In their numerical order, and not tumble them togretber hit and miss, as some of our readers are complaining, and we thlnlc Justly so. Oologist Tools and Supplies. Books ana Magazines of every description. Fishing Rods and Tackle, Lists, quotations prompt ly sent. BENJAMIN HOAG, Garfield. N. Y. I am always wanting lists of •ntire col- lections of North American Birds' Eggs which the owners desire to dispose of. None are too large and none are too small if they contain any material that I need. R. M. BARNES. Lacon. 111. BIRDS' EGGS-I will collect strictly first class sets in this locality during the coming season in exchange for desirable postage stamps. GEORGE D. FRENCH, lyoryton. Conn. FOR lEXCHANGE.- Mounted Birds and finely prepared sets for Kntomology supplies and books. Send list to GUY LOVE, Oberlin, Kansas, R. R. No. 5. FOR EXCHANGE.-Eggs of Coots. Florida Galinules, Night Heron, T. B. Grebes. Least Bitterns, Black Terns. Killdeers, etc. DELOS HAiCH, Oakfleld. Wis. Steel Specimen Cases, absolutely dust and insect proof. Designed tor bird or mammal skins, or birds' eggs. For specifications and prices write W. RUBER. Gwynedd Valley, FOR EXCHANGE.-Nestsand sets of 316. 339, 360, 373. 443. 488. 498 505. 513. 552. 593. 604, 633, 703, 704, 735. RAMON GRAHAM. "Taxider- mist." 401 W. I euda St., Fort Worth, Tex. (1) FOR EXCHANGE.-Fullsetsof 1. 3. 11. 16, 30. 32, 37, 49, 53. 65, 71, 77, 80, 108, 117. i20c, 121, 122, 126, 141, 155, 188, 191. 197, 201, 203, 208, 212, 214. 219, 225, 226, 227, 228, 230, 243, 261, 263, 264, 269. 275. 280. 293. 294. 329. 331. .333. 335. 337, 337b, 339, 339b. 341. 343, 348, 355, 359. 360, 360a, 362. 364, 365. 366. 367. 373. 375. 375d, 378. 385, 387, 388, 390. 406, 409, 414, 413. 416, 420. 423. 431. 444. 452. 456. 461. 466a. 467. 474b, 475. 477, 477a, 488, 494, 498, 501. 506, 513. 529, 540, 566, 584, 595, 598. 608. 611. 612. 613, 622. 627. 628, 631, 652, 656, 658, 659. 667. 674. 577. 679. 681, 683, 687, 704, 705. 713. 725, 735, 756, 761 and 766. OT- TOMAR REINECKE, 400 Elm St., Buffalo, N. Y. (1-p) WANTED.- To correspond with collectors who take sets of the following species, A. O. U. 134, 140, 153, 192, 277, 299, 308 (or its species), 309, 314, 317, 318, 344, 352a and many others. I have a list of over seventy five species to offer in exchange, most of them personally collected. F. C. WILLARD. Tombstone. Ariz. WANTED.— All sets of my taking except Nos. 316, 326, 373b. 443, 452, 506, 511b, 552, 593, 601, 663, 703, 719c. ELTON PERRY 610 Baylor St.. Austin. Texas. NOVA SCOTIA. BIRDS EGGS.-A few per- sonally collected sets of eggs from this region, in beautiful sets of Nos. 228, 334, 459, 517. 567. 648a. 655, 657, 667, 740a. 748 and others. Write for my list. R. W. TUFTS, WoUville, Nova Scotia, EGGS Will exchange mounted birds for eggs in sets with original data. Al«o have fine sets to exchange. MEARL B. WHEELER. East Randolph, N, Y. FOR EXCHANGE.-Europeanand Asiatic bird eggs in sets with data for eggs of North American species needed for my collection. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN. 36 Lincoln St.. Boston. Mass. FOR ErxCHANGE.-5 x f photographs of nests with eggs of 26 species of this locality with full sets of eggs of all common species on basis of 40 cents each. These are extra good photos. ELTON PERRY. 610 Baylor St.. Austin. Texas. FOR EXCHANGE-1911-4, 299b, Ml. 291 1-11 293a 1-12, 293 1-11. 310c 1-12, 326 1-2, 333 1-4, 337a 1-3, 335 1-3, 340 1-2, 341 1-3, 345 1-3, 368b 1-2, 373b 1-4, 416 1-2, 421 1-2, 420c 1-2, 453 1-5, -487 1-5, 501a 1-5. 593c 1-3 1-4, 594 1-4, 630 n-4, 703 1-5, 717a 1-5 718b 1-5, 732 1-6, 736a n-6, and others. The above all Al material, personally collected. E. F. POPE, Colmesneil, Texas. Small collection Japanese eggs. 25 specieg- 42 sets 160 specimens, all carefully prepared, correctly named and with date, many very beautiful. Free by parcel post for $15 or would exchange for handsome sets A. O. U. 364 List sent. Address "Collector," 15 Beau- fort, West Balti, England. (9-3) First-class eggs in sets from this locality to exchange for Ornithological papers, N. A. Fauna's. Biological Survey r.ul!etin«. etc. CHAS. W. TINDALL, Independence, Mo. (1-p) Want southern and Western sets, some quite common. Have to exchange northern seabird sets, 4x5 camera etc. Climbers, and stamps. Write F. M. CARRYL, 19 Burnett St., Maplewood. N. J. (1-p) Wanted to exchange a few first-class sets of the American Ospriy. R. B. OVERING- TON. 120 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, Pa. n-p) WANTED.- 349 1-2 well marked for which I offer the following sets 352 1-2, 663 n-4, 4161-2. T. D. PERRY. Savannah. Ga. Will exchange for first class eggs only, singles or sets, including most Raptores, Warblers, Sparrows, sea-birds and water- birds, the following articles. 1 Stewart bang- jeaurine, 1 guitar, 1 mandolin, a kodak, a good 4 Volume Universal Dictionary and many school and college text books and cabi- net work. Best offer accepted. H. L. MOODY, Lake Wilson, Minn. Exchange desired with those having eggs in sets, bird and mammal skins and first class photos of birds and nests in situ. Offer sets, skins of water fowl taken in open season, many duplicate books and separates on birds; or cash. Small but complete collec- tions of your local bird skins desired for museum. THE BAILEY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 54th St.. Newport News, Virginia. (1-p) BOOKS. Will exchange telescope, French glass about 16 diameters, I'i inch diameter objective, brass mounting, slightly used— for Dawson's Birds of Ohio, Eaton's Birds of New York or similar work. T. L. McCONNELL, 1813 Huey St„ McKeesport, Pa, The Oologist. BIRDS-NESTS-EGGS TAXIDERMY Vol. XXXIII. No. 12. ALBION, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1916. Whole No. 358 BRIEF SPECIAL. AX>'OVACEME>TS Wanted, Exchang-e, For Sale, Etc., inserted in thi.s department at 25 cents for each 25 words for one issue; eacli additional word 1 cent. No notice in- serted for less than 25 cents. TAKE NOTICE. SUBSCRIPTION. 50 CENTS PER YEAR Examine the number on the wrapper of your Oologist. It denotes the time your subscription expires. Remember we must be notified if you wish it discontinued and all arrearages must be paid. 353 your sub- scription expires with this issue. 341 your subscription expired with December issue 1915. Other expirations can be compu ted by intermediate numbers at the rate of one number per month. Entered as second-class matter De- cember 21, 1903, at the post office a( Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. In answering advertisements in these columns mention "The Oologist, " and thereby help us, as well as the ad- vertiser and yourself. ^^ e will not advertise the skins, nests, eggs, or mounted specimens of North American Birds for sale. These columns are for the use of those desiring to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purpo- ses only. — EDITOIi. BIRDS WANTED-Live American Wild Trumpet- er Swan, R. M. Barnes. Lacon, 111. WANTED. - Nests of North American Birds. Also eggs in sets and skins. Will appreciate list of what you have to exchange or sell. LEVEKETTE FITZPATRICK. 1808 Webster St.. Waco, Texas, I have a lot of fine duck skins with heads folded over the back which I will exchange for skins of common small land birds. A, C. BENT, Taunton, Mass, EXCH.VNGE,— I want a pair each of strict- ly first-class skins of a number of eastern warblers and sparrows, including many common kinds, for which I can offer some western Oregon land birds. If interested, please send list. Who can use good skins of Mountain Beaver (Apladontia pacifica) for cash? ALEX WALKER. Hemlock. Oregon. (1-p) WILL EXCHANGK.-Several fine skins of Phasianias lorcjuatus King-necked Pheas- ant) and a few ducks for smaller species. STANLEY G. JKWKTT. 582 Hidwell Ave.. Portland, Oregon. WANTED.— Copies of North American Fauna series. Biological Survey bulletins, and certain Bird Lore's to complete series, for which I offer ornithological books and magazines, and rare Alaska bird skins. GEO. G. CANTWELL. Puyallup, Wash, q-p) FOR EXCHANGE - Mounted bird skins and eggs, want bird skins American and foreign, send lists. JESSE T. CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave., Detroit, Mich, Who wants three Golden Eagles and two Bald Eagles, hand raised, 3 and 4 years old? E. F. POPE, Oolmesneil, Texas. FOR EXCHANGE-Goodpairof thenearly extirpated Piping Plover for a good skin adult male Mangrove Warbler. C. L. PHIL- LIPS, 5 West Weir St., Taunton. Mass. FOR EXCiIAN(iE.— .Mounted birds. No. 51 137, 139, 230. 339, 360, for eggs. RA.MON (i RAH A.M. 401 W. Leuda St„ Fort Worth. Texas, d-P) 11 THE OOLOGISf EGGS. In seniline iu your exchangre notices Tor nests, skins iind e^'ss, rte would ap- preciate it if you Mould arrange the numerals in your exchange notice in llieir numerical order, and not tumble (hem together liit and miss, as some of our readers are complaining, and we think justly sn. J. W. PRESTON. Cheney. Washington, has a splendid exchange list. Send lists first. Collection of 120 sets for Parker 16 Gauge guns. Dr. A. H. GRUBB, West Chester. Penn. WANTED EGGS-Have collection Ohio Indian relics to exchange for first-class sets with data. Send list receive mine. B. K. BALES. Circleville. Ohio. Oologist Tools ana Supplies. Books ana Magazines of every description. Fishing Rods and Tackle. Lists, quotations prompt ly sent. BENJAMIN HOAG. Garfield, N. Y. I am always wanting lists of entire col- lections of North American Birds' Eggs which the owners desire to dispose of. None are too large and none are too small if they contain any material that I need. R. M. BARNES, Lacon. 111. BIRDS' EGGS-I will collect strictly first class sets in this locality during the coming season in exchange for desirable postage stamps. GEORGE D. FRENCH, Ivoryton, Conn. FOR EXCHANGE.-Eggs of Coots. Florida Galinules. Ni?ht Heron, T. B. Grebes, Least Bitterns, Black Terns. Killdeers.etc. DELOS HAiCH, Oakfield. Wis. Steel Specimen Cases, absolutely dust and insect proof. Designed for bird or mammal skins, or birds' eggs. For specifications and prices write W. HUBER. Gwynedd Valley. FOR EXCHANGE.-Fullsetsof 1. 3. 11, 16, 30. 32, 37, 49, 53, 65, 71, 77, 80. 108, 117. 120c, 121, 122. 126, 141, 155, 18M, 191. 197, 201. 203, 208, 212, 214. 219, 225, 226, 227, 2i8. 230, 243, 261, 263, 264, 269. 275. 280, 293, 294, 329. 331, 333. 335. 337. 337b, 339. 339b. 341. 343. 348, 355, 359. 360, 360a, 362, 364. 365, 366, 367, 373, 375, 375d, 378. 385, 387, 388. 390. 406. 409. 414, 413, 416, 420, 423. 431. 444. 452. 456. 461. 466a, 467, 474b, 475. 477. 477a, 488, 494, 498, 501, 506, 513. 529, 540, 566, 584, 595, 598, 608, 611, 612, 613, 622, 627, 628, 631, 652, 656. 658. 659. 667. 674. 577. 679. 681, 683. 687, 704, 705, 713, 725, 735, 756, 761 and 766. OT- TOMAR REINECKE, 400 Elm St.. Buffalo. N. Y. (1-p) WANTED.- To correspond with collectors who take sets of the following species, A. O. U. 134. 140. 153. 192. 277. 299. 308 (or its species). 309, 314, 317. 318. 344. 3j2a and many others. I have a list of over seventy five species to of^er in exchange, most of ihem personally collected. F. C. WILLARD. Tombstone. Ariz. WANTED. --All sets of my taking except Nos. 316, 326, 373b, 443, 452, 506, 511b, 552. 593, 601, 663,703,719c. ELTON PERRY 610 Baylor St.. Austin. Texas. Will exchange mounted birds for eggs in sets with original data. Also have fine sets to exchange. MEARL B. WHEELER, East Randolph. N. Y. NOVA SCOTIA BIRDS EGGS.-A few per- sonally collected sets of eggs from this region, in beautiful sets of Nos. 228, 334, 459, 517, 567, 648a, 655, 657, 667, 740a. 748 and others. Write for my list. R. W. TUFTS. Wolfville, Nova Scotia. FOR EXCHANGE.— European and Asiatic bird eggs in sets with data for eggs of North American species needed for my collection, C. W. CHAMBERLAIN. 36 Lincoln St., Boston, Mass. FOR EXCHANGE.-5 x 7 photographs of nests with eggs of 26 species of this locality with full sets of eggs of all common species on basis of 40 cents each. These are extra good photos. ELTON PERRY, 610 Baylor St., Austin, Texas. FOR EXCHANGE-191 1-4. 299b, 1-11. 291 1-11 293a 1-12. 293 1-11. 310c 1-12. 326 1-2. 333 1-4, 337a 1-3, 335 1-3, 340 1-2, 341 1-3, 345 1-3, 368b 1-2, 373b 1-4, 416 1-2, 421 1-2, 420c 1-2, 453 1-5, '»87 1-5, 501a 1-5, 593c 1-3 1-4, 594 1-4, 630 n-4, 703 1-5. 717a 1-5 718b 1-5, 732 1-6, 736a n-6, and others. The above all Al material, personally collected. E. F. POPE, Colmesneil, Texas. Small collection Japanese eggs. 25 speciei. 42 sets 160 specimens, all carefully prepared, correctly named and with date, many very beantitul. Free by parcel post for |15 or would exchange for handsome sets A. O. U. 364 List sent. Address "Collector," 15 Beau- fort, West Balti, England. (9-3) First-class eggs in sets from this locality to exchange for Ornithological papers, N. A. Fauna's. Biological Survey Bulletins, etc. CHAS. W. TINDALL, Independence, Mo. (1-p) Want southern and Western sets, some quite common. Have to exchange northern seabird sets, 4x5 camera etc. Climbers, and' stamps. Write F. M. CARRYL, 19 Burnett St., Maplewood, N. J. (1-p) WANTED.- 349 1-2 well marked for which I offer the following sets 352 1-2, 663 n-4, 4161-2. T. D. PERRY, Savannah, Ga. I have the following fine sets to dispose of. both in series and single sets.— 393. 394c, 409, 423, 465, 456, 511b, 546. 560, 563, 575a, 581, 587, 693, 598, 617, 619, 636, 642, 639, 652, 658, 674, 676, 677, 683, 686, 704, 718, 719, 727, 736, 751, 755, 761, 766. 316, 289, 263. 201. WANTED. -Sets of Sharp-shinned Hawk, 344, 354a, 393b, 395, 398, 399, 418. 439, 463. Also 249. 252. 260, etc. Rare sets offered in ex- change. J. HOOPER BOWLES. The Wood- stock, Tacoma, Wash. Will exchange for first class eggs only. singles or sets, including most Raptores, Warblers. Sparrows, sea-birds and water- birds, the following articles. 1 Stewart bang- jeaurine. 1 guiiar. 1 mandolin, a kodak, a good 4 Volume Universal Dictionary and many school and college text books and cabi- net work. Best offer accepted. H. L. MOODY. Lake Wilson, Minn. Exchange desired with those having eggs in sets, bird and mammal skins and first class photos of birds and nests in situ. Offer sets, skins of water fowl taken in open season, many duplicate books and separates on birds; or cash. Small but complete collec- tions of your local bird skins desired for museum. THE BAILEY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 54th St., Newport News, Virginia. (1-p) THE OOLOGIST III f ^ mm 1917 THE OOLOGIST HE coining year will see much improve- ment in the Oologist. T IS better than any other 5^0 cent maga- zine on earth now, but we will make it better yet. o UR readers can help us improve it by sending us copy and also sending us new subscribers. "^plHE Boy Scouts are every day having more interest in Birds and are every month adding to our Subscription List. THE OOLOGIST 50 cents LACON, ILL. VI V THE OOLOQIST ADVERTISERS THE OOLOGIST is by far the best advertising medium in America for all who have things to dispose of which interest those who make any branch of Natural History either a pro- fession or a hobby, Field glasses, cameras, cabinets, natural history books, and specimens of all kinds are in constant use by its readers. Asa medium of exchange between those having specimens it is without a peer. Place your 1917 contract now. '*It might interest you to know that my ad of last year netted me some- thing over fifty dollars and gained a number of regular and worthy cor- respondents who 1 would perhaps have known by name only had it not been for The Oologist." LOUIS S. KOHLER. January 3, 1916. "Please omit my exchange notice in the magazine as 1 have completely disposed of my duplicate sets." WALTER A. GOELITZ. "Your publication of last exchange notice brought immediate inquiries and 1 effected a prompt sale of my cabinet offered, it aho introduced me to new correspondents." REV. H. W. WHEELER, Jonesboro, Ark. THE OOLOGIST V." OUR FRIENDS Here is what just a few of our readers think of THE OOLOGIST. We have on file hundreds and hundreds of similar letters. Send us Fifty Cents now and before the end of 1917 you will write us a similar letter, we are sure. Dec. 11, 1915. "I like your paper very much." S. A. Douglas. Dec. 13, 1915. "I have taken the Oologist only one year, but now I could not get along without it. It is certainly a fine bird publication at a very low price. Rollin Buchanan. Dec. 14, 1915. "The paper improves every year." E. W. Kelly. Dec. 16, 1915. "I find much of interest in your little magazine and I hope it a very success- ful year." Wm. L. G. Edson. Dec. 16, 1915. "I enjoy readiU; g your magazine very much indeed. Chester S. Day. Jan. 24, 1916. "It wouM be hard to do without the Oologist." George D. Peck. Jan. 31, 1916. "I have taken it a good many years and do not want to miss a single num- ber. O. S. Biggs, Jan. 30, 1916. "Your valuable publication helps to keep me interested in my old hobby." A. M. Ingersoll. Jan. 4, 1916. "Let me thank you for your de- votion to all the brotherhood of Oolo- gists and ornithologists, in giving your time so cheerfully to the publication of our little journal." Paul C. Hawes. April 30, 1916. "I find your paper one of the most interesting publications on the subject of Oology." Alfred Cookman. March 2, 1916. "I wish to say that the March num- ber is the very best Oologist that has been issued. Horace O. Green. March 27, 1916. "You are to be greatly congratulated on the way you have increased the value of the paper and certainly we egg cranks owe you our best sup- port." A. E. Price. Dec. 30, 1915. "Your delightful little magazine is good, very good, interesting and a fount of instruction, and the "Supple- ment" of July 1915, "A Bibliography, etc," by. Mr. Frank L. Burns is as unique as it is interesting and useful, which I sincerely appreciate and heart- ily thank Mr. Burn for such a useful reference." Alfred- L. Marshall. Dec. 15, 1915. "Congratulations on the paper is- sued during the past year." M. C. Badger. "Tlie Oologist magazine." Jan. 5, certainly 1916. a fine Paul Harrington. Jan. 5, 1916. "Your magazine is improving every month." Caspar G. Burn. VI THE OOLOGIST Jan. 16, 1915. "I think the little magazine very good." A. Sidney Hyde. Jan. 12, 1916. "I can only reiterate my former sentiments regarding your publication as to its merits both as an advertising medium and a naturalists' guide and companion. During the past year there has been a wonderful improve- ment both as regards volume and wealth of excellent contributions by authorative writers and I trust and sincerely hope the coming year will see The Oologist still greater and bet ter. I can assure you I will endeavor to aid wherever possible." Louis S. Kohler. Jan. 19, 1916. "I might go without a meal but 1 cannot miss an Oologist." Alvin Baer. Jan. 22, 1916. "Bird study is my hobby. I have been taking your magazine for two years and 1 find it very helpful and entertaining." Noble Field. Sept. 16, 1916. "I am enclosing a little check for $1.50 to be applied on my Oologist ac- count. How I love the monthly ad- vent of this little periodical. Twenty two magazines find their way to my desk each month but no wrapper comes off so hurriedly and with such an exhibition of impatience as the envelope encasing the Oologist. I en- joy its every line. Each month I feel ashamed that I do not take a fuller part in keeping it going but my thanks are with tlie ones who do." Isaac B. Hess. July 22, 1916. "I may say that I thoroughly enjoy reading it. It is always interesting and informative." H. K. Henderson. June 16, 1916. "I must congratulate you on the il- lustrations used from time to time in The Oologist. They show some fine work." W. F. Nicholson. Sept. 11, 1916. "For eight months I have been a reader of the Oologist and certainly enjoy it." Ben J. Blincoe. Oct. 20, 1916. "Permit me to extend congratulations on the excellent standard attained by the October Oologist. You are mak- ing a real magazine of it and if you keep the pace, especially as to illus- trations, there should be no question as to its securing adequate support." B. S. Bowdish. Demarest, N. J. Nov. 27, 1916. " We cannot be without this little magazine.' . ' Pahrman Brothers, La Porte, Ind. Jan. 20, 1916. "I sent you an extra subscription last year also and hope many more friends of the Oologist will help by doing likewise. Each number of the Oologist when it arrives, I read from beginning to end, ads and all, before I do anything else. I like the stories, notes, etc. coming as I judge from unpaid writers better than I would from the professional paid space fil- lers." Roscoe I. Giles. IBE OOLOGIST VII BOOKS — Continued FOR SALE. JBird-Lore Vols. I to XIII No. 3, 3 inclusive complete with indexes in original covers *35.00. THOS. L. McCON- NELL. 1813 Huey St.. McKeesport. Pa. (1-p) WANTED.-Two copies of March 1916 Wll- son Bulletin. Will pay fifty cents each if in good condition A. F. GANIEK, 1221 17th Ave. South, Nashville, Tenn- (1-p) . FOR SALE.— "Some Bird Friends" by H. F. Pullen, illustrated, giving personal ob- servations of few western birds. FREE LANT'E PUBLISHING CO., 2056 Oak Bay Ave., Victoria, B. C. ^2-pj WANTED.— Sport in Crimes and Caucasus, Savage Svanetia, both by C. Phillips, Wooley. Address with price. WM. J. HACKMEIEK, 645 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, Cal. Franii L. Burns' Bibliography of scarce or out of print North American Amateur and Trade Publications in existence. Price 25c. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. Who has any odd nambers of the 1913-1914 OOLOGIST to exchange? I have some odd numbers of the OOLOGIST and CONDOR. D. I. SHEPARDSON, 209 E. 37th St., Los Angeles, Cal. WANTED.-"The Auk," Vols. I and VI (inclusive) odd volumes or odd numbers. W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County. California. WANTED.-Bulletin of the Cooper Orni- thologic Club, Vol. I, odd numbers W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, Calif. FOR EXCHANGE.-Back volumes of the Auk in original cover; also American and foreign bird skins for A. 1. skins of Western and foreign birds. HENRY K. COALE, Highland Park, 111. TO EXCHANGE. -I have 1000 duplicates of Scientific periodicals [mostly Ornithologicall to offer for Ornithological publications, bird skins, eggs or cash. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn. Pa. (2-pJ WANTED.— A copy of Loomis' "California Water Birds, No. IV," for whicn I will pay any reasonable price. W. E. CLYDE TOOD, Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh, Pa. WANTED. Correspondence with collect- ors of butterflies. DR. T. W. RICHARDS U. S. Navy, care of Navy Department, Wash- ing, D.C. (1-pi Bird Magazines and Stamps.— Send in your name and address and I will offer cheap reading for winter evenings. Will send stamps on approval to collectors. LAUREN TREMPER, 136 N. Dewey St., Philadelphia. Penn. (2-p) WANTED.-Copies of J. Warren Jacob's booklets on Colonization of Purple Martin, Gleanings No. 2, (Cleanings No. 5 and supple- ments thereto. Quote on any you have. K. A. HEMPHILL. 326 Union Ave., Elizabeth, N.J. WANTED.-Backnumbersof Condor. Bird Lore and others. Exchange in other numbers a reasonable cash price. E. A. DOOLITTLE, Box 444, Painesville, O. W\A.NTED.-32 Cal. Auxiliary for 20 bore shot gun. J. A. MUNRO, Okanagan Land- mg, B. C. WANTED. -Pair Muskox horns in the rough, unmounted, state size, condition, price, etc. ALBERT J. KIRN, Copan, Okla. HUNTERS' NOTICE.-Birds and animals mounted, skins tanned, rugs made. Send for price list. RAMON G KAHAM, Taxider- mist and Tanner, 401 W. Leuda St., Ft. Worth, Texas. ' FOR EXCHANGE.— Live Promathea and Polyphemus cocoons for Cocoons or other natural history specimens of other localities, or for desirable postage stamps. KENT SCIENTIFIC MUSEUM, Grand Rapids, Mich. (p-1) FOR SALE.-Nidologist full file bound in two books. Museum full file, Osprey, Vols. 1 to 5 inc.. Auk Vols. 1 to 5 inc., N. S. Vol. 1. Nos. 1 to 6 inc.. Auk Vols. 13 to 23, Nos. 1 to 6 inc. Birds and Nature Vols. 2 to 16 inc. and back Vols, and odd Nos. of Bird-Lore, Con- dor, American Ornithology and many others. E. E. JOHNSON, R. R. 1. Hebron, Maine. ' RALPH W. JACKSON, R. No. L Cam- bridge, ^Maryland, desires to correspond with collectore of butterflies and moths who would like to make exchanges during 1917. Could use first-class eggs in sets. WANTED. -Osprey Vol. 1 (new series) Nos. 2-3 4-7; Oologist Vols. 26 and 28. Also certain numbers of Bird Lore, Nidologist, etc. I have for exchange Nutall's Birds of U. S. (New); Geol. Survey of Ohio. Vol. IV (containing Wheaton's Birds of Ohio;. About 20 different numbers Birds and Nature and other magazines. ROBERT W. GLENN, 509 Orchard Ave., Avalon, Penn. MISCELLANEOUS. WANTED.— To buy an egg cabinet from some one in the vicinity of Boston. ED- WARD S. COOMBS, Boston, Mass. WANTED.— I wish to purchase a second hand 22 caliber collecting gun. suitable for shot cartridges. R. P. SHARPLES. West Chester, Pa. FOR SALE.-The Osprey Vol.1 to Vol. 5 complete in original covers or will exchange for eggs in sets and other Bird Magazines. C. M. CASE. 16 Burton St., Hartford. Conn. Butterflies and Moths of this locality for others not in my collection, or for eggs in sets or foreign postage stamps. JOHN GItA VES, 1057 62nd St.. Oakland, Calif. (1-p) WANTED to correspond with persons wishing to exchange photographs of birds or nests and eggs. I have pictures of 4 x 5 and post card sizes. WALTER A. GOELITZ, 509 Chalmers St., Champaign, 111. (1-p) TO EXCHANGE.-I am "long" on arrow heads from (Jhio, Ind., and Georgia, also on broken pottery from mounds in central Iowa. Fragments from one inch to four inches square. Would like to exchange with col- lectors. Send me what you have to spare, and tell me what you want, and I will send you equally as good, or I will send to you and you do the trading. Would like arrow points from other states. F. S. SMITH, Nevada, Iowa. VIII THE OOLOOIST REA D **Blue-Bird" Published in co-operation with the Cleveland Bird-Lovers' Association, and devoted to Bird Study and Conservation $1.00 a Year lo Cents a Copy AGENTS WANTED Address EDITOR BLUE-BIRD, Dept. R. 1010 Euclid Ave. CLEVELAND, OHIO THE CONDOR A Magazine of Western Ornithology Published Bi-monthly by the Cooper Ornithological Club of California Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth "The Condor" is strictly scientific but edited in such a way that a be- ginner of "Bird Study" can easily un- derstand it. The articles in "The Condor" are written by the leading Ornithologists of the United States and are illustrated by the highest quality of half tones. Our subscription rates are $1.60 per year in the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun- try. Sample Copy 30c. Address W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Cal. Karl W. Kahmann Taxidermy of Merit Chicago's Foremost Taxidermist Real, life-like execution, scientific preservation and moth-proofing, artistic finish and prompt service. Fish, Birds, Animals, Large Game Heads, Fur Rugs and Tanning Specialist on scientific skins, mounting from skins and entire museum and educational groups and specimens. An unusually complete stock of ornithological and oological material on hand at all times. 2513-2515 Lincoln Avenue., Chicago, 111. THE OOLOGIST HI BOOKS — Continued h'OR SALy. -Bird-Lore Vols. I to XIII No. 3, 3 inclusive complete with indexes in original covers *35.00. THOS. L. McCON- NELL. 1813 Huey St.. McKeesport. Pa. (1-p) WANTED.-Two copies of March 1916 Wil- son Bulletin. Will pay fifty cents each if in good condition A. F. GANIEK, 1221 17th Ave. South. Nashville, Tenn. (1-p) SiFOR SALE.— "Some Bird Friends" by H. F. Pullen, illustrated, giving personal ob- servations of few western birds. FREE LAN?E PUBLISHING CO., 2056 Oak Bay Ave., Victoria, B. C. (2-b) WANTED.— Sport in Crimes and Caucasus, Savage Svanetia, both by C. Phillips, Wooley. Address with price. WM. J. HACKMEIER, 645 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, Cal. Frank L. Burns' Bibliography of scarce or out of print North American Amateur and Trade Publications in existence. Price 25c. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. Who has any odd nnmbers of the 1913-1914 OOLOGIST to exchange? I have some odd numbers of the OOLOGIST and CONDOR. D. I. SHEPARDSON, 209 E. 37th St., Los Angeles, Cal. WANTED.— "The Auk." Vols. I and VI (inclusive) odd volumes or odd numbers. W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, California. WANTED. -Bulletin of the Cooper Orni- thologir Club, Vol. I, odd numbers W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, Calif. FOR EXCHANGE.-Back volumes of the Auk in original cover; also American and foreign bird skins for A. 1. skins of Western and foreign birds. HENRY K. COALE. Highland Park, 111. TO EXCHANGE.-I have 1000 duplicates of Scientific periodicals f mostly Ornithologicall to offer for Ornithological publications, bird skins, eggs or cash. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn. Pa. |2-pJ WANTED.— A copy of Loomis' "California Water Birds, No. IV," for which I will pay any reasonable price. W. E. CLYDE TOOD, Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh, Pa. WANTED. Correspondence with collect- ors of butterflies. DR. T. W. RICHARDS, U. S. Navy, care of Navy Department, Wash- ing, D. C. (1-pi Bird Magazines and Stamps.— Send in your name and address and I will offer cheap reading for winter evenings. Will send stamps on approval to collectors. LAUREN TREMPER, 136N. Dewey St., Philadelphia. Penn. (2-p) WANTED.— Copies of .J. Warren Jacob's booklets on Colonization of Purple Martin, Gleanings No. 2, Gleanings No. 5 and supple- ments thereto. Quote (jn any you have. F. A. HEMPHILL. 326 Union Ave., Elizabeth, N.J. WANTED.-Back numbers of Condor. Bird Lore and others. Exchange Li other numbers a reasonable cash price. E. A. DOOLITTLE, Box 444, Painesville, O. EXCHANGE-Birds and all nature, March . April, May, June and November 1899 for best offer. JOHN THOMPSON. Clinton. N. Y. WANTED.— For cash "The Oologist" (this magazine) Volume 3 No. 4 and Volume 4 N . 1 to complete my personal file. CHARLES A. HEWLETT, Woodmere, N. Y. FOR SALE.-Vols. 10, 11 and 12, Journal Maine Ornithology 1903, 1904, 1905 and 1906. Guide to Nature, Vols. 1. 3, 4, 5, and 6. Also odd numbers. Odd numbers the Oologist. Also cocoons of the Cecropia. lo, Cynthia, Promethea, Luna, Polypemus and Eagles Moths. Also numerous Devonia fossils. LOUIS S. KOHLER, 98 Watsessing Ave., Bloomfield, N. J. WANTED,-In good condition: Nidiolo- gist Vol. 1, No. 6; Osprey of Washington, Vol. IV No. 3 and index; Vol. I New Series 1902 No. 4-5-7; Bird Lore Vol. 1 No. 2-3-4-6 and index; Vol. II No. 1-2-5; Vol. HI No. 1-2-3-6; Vol. IX No. 6 and index. How many back numbers Oologist, Osprey, Bird Lore, Museum and some others to exchange for any of above. Will pay a reasonable cash price, and will sell any of my duplicates, cheap. JOHN WILLIAMS, Iowa City, la., R. No. 9. MISCELliANEOUS. WANTED.— To buy an egg cabinet from some one in the vicinity of Boston. ED- WARD S. COOMBS, Boston, Mass. WANTED.— I wish to purchase a second hand 22 caliber collecting gun. suitable for shot cartridges. R, P. SHARPLE.s. West Chester. Pa. FOR SALE.-The Osprey Vol. 1 to Vol. 5 complete in original covers or will exchange for eggs in sets and other Bird Magazines. C. M. CASE. 16 Burton St., Hartford, Conn. Butterflies and Moths of this locality for others not in my collection, or for eggs in sets or foreign postage stamps. JOHN GRAVES, 1057 62nd St.. Oakland, Calif. (1-p) WANTED to correspond with persons wishing to exchange photographs of birds or nests and eggs. I have pictures of 4 x 5 and post card sizes. WALTER A. GOELITZ, 509 Chalmers St., Champaign, 111. (1-p) Mounted Horned Frogs, 50c each postpaid. A Souvenir from Texas, used by many as paper weights on otfice desks. Place your order for one or more. Will exchange frogs for birds' eggs. RAMON GRAHAM, Taxi- dermist, 401 W. Leuda St., Ft. Worth, Tex. (1-P) Correspondence solicited with those who can procure fine Indian Relics. Choice min- erals, American and exotic land shells, and eggs of Ra^/tores wanted. REV. H. E. WHEELER, Jonesboro, Arkansas. TO EXCHANGE.— I am "long" on arrow heads from Ohio, Ind., and Georgia, also on broken pottery from mounds in central Iowa. Fragments from one inch to four inches square. Would like to exchange with col- lectors. Send me what you have to spare, and tell me what you want, and I will send you equally as good, or I will send to you and you do the trading. Would like arrow points from other states. F. S. SMITH, Nevada, Iowa. IV THE OOLOQIST Subscribe FO R_ The Oologist The best of all bird maga- zines. Send it to some friend who is interested in Birds for a Christmas Present. 30 CENTS THE CONDOR A Magazine of Western Ornithology Published Bi-monthly by the Coopor Ornithological Club of California Edited by J. Grinnell and Harrv S. Swarth "The Condor" is strictly scientific but edited in such a way that a be- ginner of "Bird Study" can easily un- derstand it. The articles in "The Condor" are written by the leading Ornithologists of the United States and are illustrated by the highest quality of half tones. Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun- try. Sample Copy 30c. Address W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager, Eagle Rock. Los Angeles, Cal. Karl W. Kahmann Taxidermy of Merit Chicago's Foremost Taxidermist Real, life-like execution, scientific preservation and moth-proofing, artistic finish and prompt service. Fish, Birds, Animals, Large Game Heads, Fur Rugs and Tanning Specialist on scientific skins, mounting from skins and entire museum and educational groups and specimens. An unusually complete stock of ornithological and oological material on hand at all times. 2513 15 Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 111. THE OOLOGIST III BOOKS — Continued Have a very desirable lot of books on birds, mammals, shells, etc., to exchange for books and papers on insects. L. K. REYNOLDS, 2971 Pacific Ave., San Francisco, Calif. WANTED.- Back Volumes and numbers of Bird Lore, and Osprey. Cassinnia. W. H. BROOMHALL, Stockport, Ohio. (1-p; FOR SALE Bird-Lore Vols. I to XIII No. 3, 3 inclusive complete with indexes in original covers *35.00. THOS. L. McCON- NELL. 1813 Huey St.. McK^ esport. Pa. (1-p) FOR SALE.-Bendire's "Life Histories of North American Birds" two volumes, newly bound half morocco; perfect condition, price $16.00. A. F. SMITHSON, Warrensburg, Mo. WANTED.- Sport in Crimes and Caucasus, Savage Svanetia, both by C. Phillips. Wooley. Address with price. WM. J. HACKMEIER. 645 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, Cal. Frank L. Burns' Bibliography of scarce or out of print North American Amateur and Trade Publications in existence. Price 25c. R. M. BARNES, Lacon, 111. Who has any odd numbers of the 1913-1914 OOLOGIST to exchange? I have some odd numbers of the OOLOGIST and CONDOR. J. I. SHEPARDSON, 209 E. 37th St., Los Angeles, Cal. WANTED.— "The Auk." Vols. I and VI • inclusive) odd volumes or odd numbers. W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County. California. WANTED. -Bulletin of the Cooper Orni- thologic Club, Vol. I, odd numbers W. LEE CHAMBERS, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles County, Calif. FOR SA.LE— Out of print Ornithological books by Bendire. Cones. Ridgway, Goss, Baird and Dawson. All bird magazines. W. J. ERICKSON, 208 West 40th St.. Savannah, Ga. "for EXCHANGE.-Back volumes of the Auk in original cover; also American and foreign bird skins for A. 1. skins of Western and foreign birds. HENRY K. COALE. Highland Park, 111. TO EXCHANGE.-I have 1000 duplicates of Scientific periodicals [mostly Ornithologicall to offer for Ornithological publications, bird skins, eggs or cash. FRANK L. BURNS, Berwyn. Pa. l2-pj FOR EXCHAXGE.-American Naturalist 1868, 1889, 1884, 1887, six volumes half leather. Wanted Smithsonian Annual Reports for 1900, 1901, 1903, 1904. 1905, 1906. JOHN THO.MP- SON, Clinton. N. Y. P'OR EXCHAN