GLH 7/ P7 •NRLF SB flDS flflM PROVINCIAL MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY AND ETHNOLOGY. VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE, PROVIHCE Of BRITISH COLUMBIA PRINTED BY AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. OKIA B. I • .1)., Prim. i 1909. Excellent Majesty. COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE DAVIS, CALIFORNIA PROVINCIAL MUSEUM — OF — NATURAL HISTORY AND ETHNOLOGY. VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA. PRINTED BY AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. T'/ VICTORIA, B. C.: Printed by RICHARD WOLKEXPBX, I.S.O., V.D., Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty 1909. The Honourable H. E. Young, M.D., LL.D., Provincial Secretary and Minister of Education, Victoria, B.C.: Sir, — I have the honour, pursuant to your instructions, to submit for your approval the following Visitors' Guide to the Natural History and Ethnological Collections in the Provincial Museum. The economic importance of the knowledge concerning all forms of life is especially valuable in this Province, where the great bulk of our wealth is drawn directly from the hands of Nature, and there is reason to believe that the preparing of this Guide will greatly facilitate the study of animal life by our visitors, especially the young, whether pursuing systematic studies in Natural History and Ethnology, or from a desire to merely acquire casual information. I have the honour to be, Sir Your obedient servant, FRANCIS KERMODE, Curator, Provincial Museum. January 2ist, 1909. INTRODUCTION. MUSEUM is an institution for the preservation of those objects which best illustrate Nature and the works of man, and the use of these for the increase of knowledge, and for the culture and enlightenment of the people; its special functions being to preserve and utilise objects of nature and works of art and industry. It supplies a need which is felt in every intelligent com- munity and which cannot be supplied by any other agency; it does not exist except among highly enlightened peoples, and obtains its highest development only in great centres of civilisation, and is a necessity in every highly civilised community. The growth of a Museum from day to day may seem to be small, but the growth from year to year may be very large, so during the past it has often seemed as if little was being accomplished, whereas the last five years, taken as a whole, have been the most fruitful in the history of the Museum. During the last ten years the specimens in the Museum have, under the energies of the late John Fan n in, and the present Curator, Frank Kermode, been practically renewed, while during the last five years many valuable additions have been made, notably: Fannin's Mountain Sheep (Ovis fannini, Hornaday); Stone's Mountain Sheep (Ovis stonei, Allen) ; and Kermode's White Bear (Ursus ker model, Hornaday), captured in May, 1904, at Gribbel Island. The visitor, looking at the various animals and then at the labels, is almost lost in wonder at the immense distances from which the specimens were obtained, some possibly at great risk of danger to the life of the hunter, who has to be a sure shot, and have a keen eye and strong nerve to attack, for instance, a Grizzly Bear. If in your travels you should visit Victoria, Vancouver Island, be sure you see the Provincial Museum. You will there see many strange and wonderful things, and if you have time to listen, stories will be told you, woven about these " Exhibits," that will make your 6 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, visit a not-to-be-forgotten pleasure. Do you care for the glories of the chase? Go into the great hallway devoted to British Columbia's big game, and learn from the Curator the history of the Giant- Moose, the Caribou and the Bear. Are you a lover of the weird and mysterious? The Indian legends told on the many totems here brought together would, if written down, fill a series of large volumes by themselves. Would you read from the fossils the history of successive periods since the world wras young? The page is open to your gaze. Are you expert with the rod? If so, you will be glad to hear the truly "• big fish " stories the Curator can tell you. Care you to know the extent of British Columbia's mineral, or fishery or forest wealth? Ask questions and examine specimens. It was on the 2nd of December, 188(5, that the Museum was form ally opened up in a room 20x12, with no workshop attached. The Curator, Mr. John Fannin, was simply told that he must make the most of it until better quarters were provided, and for the first three years of the Museum's life nearly all the work was done at Mr. Fannin's private rooms after the Museum closed for the day. On the 24th of May, 1889, the Museum was removed to the Old Supreme Court Building, and the work of bui'ding up the institution com menced in real earnest. Gradually, but surely, the development of the Museum advanced until again the accommodation was totally inadequate. Then, in 1898, it was moved to its present quarters in the eastern section of the Parliament Buildings; but it has out- grown these premises, and there should be erected now a building, twice as large and specially designed for Museum purposes; and until such a house is secured, the perfection of the collection must naturally be retarded. The Provincial Museum (being essentially a British Columbia Museum) necessarily contains only those specimens obtained within its borders, hence none of them were procured by exchange with other parts of the Continent, so that the value of a collection so truly local in its formation is incalculable. The collection is worthy of a large building, and is a credit not only to the Government under whose direction it is managed, but to the people of the Province, whose individual efforts have done so much to assist its growth in the way of contributions, as very many specimens now in the Museum have been presented by friends to the institution from every portion of the Province. < DC w ~d w . D CQ H - M 0 > K - < g 3 (/) 0) > C X' §• 0 VICTORIA, B. C. 7 The Ethnological Collection contains over fifteen hundred specimens of the skill of (he natives of this Province, and illustrates the common life of them from a remote past, the age of which we have no means of ascertaining, up to the introduction of European manufactures and implements, and the consequent disappearance of the older arts. The advent of iron, steel and brass appears to date from about one hundred years ago or even earlier, and was probably followed for some time by an improvement in wood carving, such ;is may he expected from the use of sharper tools. This collection is another department where much requires to be done, and that quickly. Every day increases the difficulty and cost of procuring relics of the fast disappearing original occupants of the land, where legends told of many totem poles are as curious and deeply interest- ing as any histories of bygone nations can be. Though in the midst of a collection area unrivalled in the world, little is being done, or !ias been, to take advantage of the golden opportunity of the present. The collection, although incomplete, is at the same time a most inter- est ing study, embracing as it does some relics of almost every known Indian tribe of British Columbia, either extinct or still existing. The jade implements are especially deserving of attention, as well as one piece of jade weighing upwards of twenty-five pounds, no doubt the largest specimen ever found on the Pacific Coast. The grouping of mammals and birds, wrhich is now the principal feature in all Museums, has been initiated here, and groups shown with their natural surroundings, at a glance teach a person as to their habits and life history. The Museum contains good collec- tions, embracing, as it does, many fine and rare specimens. The Ornithological, or Bird Collection, too, is admirable and com- plete, not only ever}' familiar feathered friend being met with, but s}t>cimens being on view of birds entirely new to British Columbia, if not to the Pacific Coast; and the Museum Collection intelligently read offers incontrovertible evidence of the constantly changing distribution of the birds of the world. The fislies of the Province are fairly well represented, both in alcoholic specimens and gelatine casts, the latter method being now almost entirely employed in representing the fishes, and so far with satisfactory results. The fish of British Columbia waters offer a very varied list of specimens from the Smelt (Osmerus thaleichthys, Ayres) to the Halibut (H ippoylossus vulgaris, Fleming). Here we 8 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, have a Tyhee or Spring Salmon (Oncorliynclius tscliawytsclia, Wai baum), weighing seventy pounds, caught in Campbell River with rod and line. Then there is the Kamloops Trout (Salmo gairdneri kain- loops, Jordan), a truly fine, big fish. Then we have the Hand-saw fish (Alepisaurus borealis, Gill), a peculiar long and narrow fish; also the Oolachan or Candle fish (Thaleichthys pacificus, Richardson). This fish is so naturally oily that when dried it is used as a candle by the Indians. This is followed by an immense White Sea Bass(Cf/MO- scion nobilis, Ayres) ; then comes the Ribbon fish (Eques lanccsla- tus, Linnaeus). This fish was caught in fish traps at Sherringham Point in 1907. It is an interesting fish of a beautiful and singular colouration, resembling that of a chaetodont and is some six feet in length; also the Calif ornian Bonito (Sarda chilensis, Cuvier and Valenc.), taken at Rivers Inlet, B.C.; then the Chub Mackerel (Scomber colias, Gmelin). This is the Spanish Mackerel of England, is widely distributed north to England, Maine and San Francisco, very common in the Mediterranean and in Southern California, smaller than the common mackerel and inferior to it, although a food-fish of importance; then the California Barracuda (^friii/ru'iia argentea, Gaird), a long and slender fish, an important food-fish with flesh rich, firm and delicate — a southern fish. Next comes the Prow fish (Zaprora silenus, Jordan) ; this is the type, there having been two caught and both of them in our waters. These are the only two known, a very curious fish indeed. In fact we might go on enumerating the different species that are to be obtained in our waters indefinitely. The Crustacea Collection contains most of the larger species of British Columbia. Some of the crabs are grotesquely ornamented with spines and knobs, and others, when alive,, were even more strongly decorated with sea-weeds and zoophytes to conceal them from their enemies. The " stone " crabs are especially well repre- sented, including the large so-called " king " crab and small ik turtle " crab, which is so hidden by its shell that none of its legs are visible from above when it withdraws them. Many of the small Crustacea have yet to be collected. Star fish and sea urchins are well repre- sented in the collection which also contains some exceedingly rare and remarkable specimens. Of Sea-weeds or Marine Algae there are about one hundred specimens; also some sponges. 3- w - Q £ 0 3 S $. E 3 • M n en 3 Q co §« « a K >. u t VICTORIA, B. C. 9 Although the Shell Collection is a fine one, the Museum is in lack of land and fresh water sjiecies from the whole Province. It must be premised that the collection of fossils is in its infancy; The first glance will show the truth of Sir A. Geikie's statement, that marine mollusca form the alphabet of Paleontology, the science treating of the forms of animal life in the rocks of the earth's crust. The first animal remains to be mentioned, however, belong to the vertebrates, and are believed to have lived during the existence of the Glacial period of our history. Then we have also several mam- moth teeth, mostly found in the Province, and almost without doubt belonging to the hairy mammoth. Marine shells of the ice age are shown from Comox, Sucia Islands and Victoria. The Pliocene system, or the most recent tertiary, is represented by a small collec- tion from sea cliffs near Sooke. Near these shells is a formation con- taining brown or soft coal, the layers exposed on the beach being mostly water-worn logs perforated by teredo. To the Miocene period belongs the collection of fossil shells from Carmanah Point, at the entrance to the Straits of Fuca. The specimens are, with few exceptions, identical with those found in rocks of similar character at Astoria, on the Columbia River. The Cretaceous period contain- ing the productive coal measures of Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands is not marked off from the P^ocene tertiary by any great break. The plant remains are essentially similar, and the trees which flourished at the same time as the vegetation forming the coal we now use as fuel, belonged to such recent orders as the poplar, birch, elm, oak and willow, together with a palm (Saballm- Itcridlix] and several ferns. Nanaimo, Comox, Sucia, Hornby Islands, Cumshewa and Skidegate are the richest and most access- ible localities for fossils of this time and there are here numerous species from each place. According to the ordinary classification the Secondary Age may now be left for the Primary or Paheozoic. Rocks of this age have been distinguished by means of their fossils at various places on Vancouver Island and Mainland. It is sup- posed that the hard crystalline diorites and limestone of Vancouver Island, and the Coast Range of the Mainland, are composed of materials belonging to the carboniferous system, as fossils have been found at Home Lake and the Ballinac Islands, indicating this to be the fact. The Cambrian period is represented by fossils from Mount Stephen in the Rocky Mountains. At this place exists one of the most interesting assemblages of organisms yet found in the Province, 10 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, for excepting some obscure organic remains obtained from earlier strata, they are the earliest forms of life yet discovered in the world's history. The Entomological collection is both valuable and instructive., Here you will find types of many species discovered on Vancouver Island and the Mainland; and the butterflies, moths and beetles form a very inspiring sight, arranged, as they are, scientifically according to classification. At the taxidermists laboratory many mammals and birds were finished last year, including some fine groups in cases. a o , *• J 0 0 £ U ' w 8 sf 52 o ^ 0 C5 Q -3 0 C . '> K g W (X U Q fi Q a W 3 J g 3 0 VICTORIA, B. C. 11 ENTRANCE HALL. Here we find three Indian totem or heraldic poles. The one on the right of door as you enter is the giant cedar (Thuja gigantea), carved and painted in red and black. Of the three figures repre- sented the upper and principal one is a raven. The middle of the pole was cut away below to provide a doorway for the house in front of which it stood. This is from Bella Bella. The next on the right is a totem pole made of giant cedar, carved and painted to represent various figures. This formerly stood at the back of "The house which chiefs peep at from concealment " (feeling their inferiority), at Skidegate, Queen Charlotte Islands. It belonged to the chief " Though younger brother must be obeyed," of the " Rotten House " division of the Eagles of Skidegate, and shows some of his principal crests. The upper figure is a raven with two frogs hanging from its mouth, and below it is the mythical mountain hawk. The pole faced the door of the house in front of which, outside, stood the high pole which showed not only the crest of the chief, but also his wife's. At the top are three small male figures wearing high-crowned hats, then comes the raven with dog-fish below it, both eagle crests; and at the bottom is a killer-whale which belonged to the wife, who was of the raven division. Then following around the wall, in the next corner, is a heraldic house pole, which formerly stood at the back of " The house so large that people must shout to make themselves heard in it." This belonged to Chief Nestakana, of the " Great House " division of the Eagles of Skidegate, Queen Charlotte Islands, and shows two of his crests. The upper figure is the raven with its beak broken and bent down, as told in one of the stories of its adventures; and below is a whale. The smaller figures are used to fill up space ornamentally. On the high pole at the entrance are also shown two of the chief's crests; the raven above and the dog-fish next. At the bottom is a gri/zly bear, a crest of his wife who belonged to the principal raven family of Skedans. HERALDIC OR TOTEM POLE (No. 1). HERALDIC OR TOTEM POLE (No. 2). 14 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, The next is the figure of the man who first brought copper to the Indians. The man is standing with a piece of copper, painted in a totemic design, in his arms. He is wearing a chief's hat with two extra crowns. This is also made of giant cedar and is from Bella Bella. There are three or four raven masks, with movable jaws, used in dancing. They are also from Bella Bella. 16 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, MAMMALS. Entering the Museum on the left are seen various kinds of deer. Moose (Alee gigas, Miller). Of all the big animals of the North, the " Giant " Moose appeals most strongly to the imagination of everybody in general, and to the sportsman in particular. It is truly the colossus of the North. American Elk "Wapiti" (('crnix citnaflcnsis, Erxleben). Look at its majestic head, crowned by a pair of mighty antlers ! This animal is distributed over the south-eastern portion of the Mainland, the West Coast of Vancouver Island, in the Comox Dis- trict, and to the Northward. Mountain Caribou (Rangifer montanus, Thompson-Set on '). Found in the Algach Mountains and White Cap Mountains; a grand bull, and its cow and calf. They range throughout the entire Mainland, from the Southern to Northern Boundary. Osborn's Caribou (Rangifer asbumi, Allen). Found in the Atlin District, and headquarters of the Stikine River. Queen Charlotte Caribou (Rangifer dawsoni, Thompson-Seton ) . Found at Virago Sound, Graham Island, of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Caribou, in a state of nature, live on " Reindeer moss," tree-moss, and lichens, and they love ice-covered lakes and ponds as much as any boy. Their loose-jointed and wide- spreading hoofs and enormously developed " dew-claws " have been specially designed by Nature to enable these animals to run freely, as if on snow-shoes, over snow which to any small-hoofed deer would be quite impossible. VICTORIA, B. C. 17 Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus, Kefinesque). This fine animal is universally known throughout the Kocky .Mountain region, which constitutes its home. In Manitoba this animal is called the " Jumping Deer," because, when running at a gallop, it makes a series of stiff-legged jumps or " bucks " of great length. To anyone who sees this gait for the first time it is quite astonishing. When it dashes out of a clump of stunted cedars, and goes flying down the crest of a bare ridge, it bounds past in full view for a quarter of a mile, reaching out with its fore-feet, but for each leap its springs into the air with stiffened legs and goes bound- ing forward as if the ground were an indiarubber cushion that throws it upward and forward every time it touches it with its feet. In reality its knees do bend a trifle just as its feet touch, to lift his body upward again, while its strong hind-legs thrust it forward. Having now reached the end of the mammals on the left we cross over to the right, and here we find a case containing a group of Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus columbianus), in a snow-scene with a painted background. These specimens were obtained at Englishman's River, Vancouver Island, B.C., November, 1907. They range west of Cascades from Wash- ington to Alaska, including all the larger islands except the Queen Charlotte Group. White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)^ It ranges through the southern portion of the Province, east of the Cascade Mountains. American Panther (Felts concolor, Linn). Known also by the following names : — Cougar, California Lion, Puma and Mountain Lion. They are common on Vancouver Island and lower portion of the Mainland. Bank Beaver (Aplodontia rufa, Kafin). It ranges east of Cacsades, west along the Fraser to Chilli- whack. Beaver ( Castor fiber, Linn ) . Range: The greater portion of the Mainland and Island. 18 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, Western Porcupine (Erethizon eplxantlms, Brandt). It ranges the Mainland at large. Then follows a case of small mammals, among which we find Minks, Skunks, Moles, Eats, Mice and Bats, etc., truly a heteroge- neous lot. Among them will be seen the Jumping Mouse (Zapus trinotatus). Raccoons (Procyon lotor, Linn). These animals are somwhat clumsy and deliberate in their movements as compared with the majority of the wood-dwellers. Their thick fur enables them, like the bears, to rifle bee-trees in comparative safety, and to dig bumble-bees and hornets out of the turf. They are here shown feeding in a wild crab-apple tree. White Goat, or Antelope Goat (Oreamnos montanus, Ord), It is found on nearly all the mountains of the Mainland, its abundance centreing along the summit of the Coast Kange. Ball's Mountain Sheep (Ovis dallii, Nelson), ram and ewe. These were obtained at Cook's Inlet; its range is North-West British Columbia and Alaska. Then follows type specimen of Fannin's Mountain Sheep (Ovis fanninii, Hornaday). This fine sheep was taken near Dawson City, North-West Terri- tories, and ranges through into the Atlin District, B.C. The next case contains a pair of Black Bears (Ursus americanus, Pallas), Taken at Sooke, Vancouver Island, and Bridge River. It ranges throughout the whole of British Columbia, and is to be found very plentiful in the fall of the year along the banks of the rivers feed- ing on salmon that die by the thousands after spawning or on the way to the spawning ground. These are followed by the Queen Charlotte Black Bear (Ursus carlotte, Osgood). It is from Skidegate, Queen Charlotte Islands. Kermode's White Bear (Ursus kermodei, Hornaday). This new type specimen was captured at Gribbel Island, B.C., in May, 1904, and now the species is represented by a group of five specimens. Then passing up the next aisle, to the right, we find a case of RACCOON. PROCYON LOTOR (LINN.) Group in Provincial Museum, Victoria, B. C. VICTORIA, B. C. 19 Hoary Marmots (Arctomys caligatus, Esch). Taken at Lillooet, B.C. They range Vancouver Island and Mainland. Coyote, Prairie Wolf (Canis latrans, Say). To be found on the Mainland, east of Cascades. Next we come to a case containing a model of a Killer Whale (Orca pacifica). It is a young one, and was taken from its mother, which was found drifting near Trial Island. Bay Porpoise (Phoccena vomarina, Gill). Taken in the Straits of Georgia. Then conies a case containing a group of Stone's Mountain Sheep (Ovis stonei, Allen), ram, ewe and lamb. They were taken at the head-waters of the Iskoot River, B.C., in 1905. Turning to the right here, and following down on the left, we have a case containing a fine group of Big-horn Mountain Sheep (Ovis canadcnsis, Shaw), male and female, with two lambs. These range the mountains of the Mainland, except the Coast Range, from Kootenay to Cassiar, and have been taken at Cassiar, Similkameen, Bridge River and Chilcotin. These are followed by a Raccoon (Procyon lotor, Linn). Ranges the coast line of the Province. American Badger (Taxidea americana, Zimm). Taken at Okanagan. Mink (Lutreola vison, Briss). Ranges the Island and Mainland, east and west of Cascades. Sea Lion (Eumetopias stelleri, Less), Taken in a salmon trap, near Point Roberts, B. C., September 1897. This animal ranges from the southern coast of Vancouver Island to Alasaka. 20 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, Hair Seal (Phoca vitulina, Linn). Group taken at Khutze Inlet. Fur Seal (Callorhinus ursinus, Linn). Group. These valuable fur-bearing animals migrate in great numbers along our Pacific border to Alaska. Land Otter (Lutra canadensis). Kange: The Island and Mainland, east and west of Cascades. Pacific Walrus (Odobcenus obesus, Allen), Conies from Icy Cape, Alaska. Grizzly Bear (Ursus horribilis, Ord). Taken at Eevelstoke, B. C., and which ranges over the whole of the Mainland from the Coast to the Rocky Mountains. Grey Wolf (Canis occidentalis, DeKay). Found at Sooke, Vancouver Island, and common throughout the whole Province. Dusky Wolf (Canis occidentalis, DeKay var nubilus}. Taken at Clinton, B.C. Then conies a case with a Silver Fox just about to jump on to a rabbit. On the other side of the stairs is a fine Musk Ox (Ovibos moschatus, Zimm), Found in the barren grounds of Northern Canada. Common Lynx (Lynx canadensis, Kerr). Taken at Grand Prairie, B.C. Ranges over the Mainland at large. Bailey's Lynx (Lynx baileyi), Ranges the southern portion of the Mainland, east of the Cascade Range. Wild Cat (Lynx rufa). Ranges the Mainland, west of the Cascades. VICTORIA, B. C. 21 Upstairs we have the Ornithological Collection. In the first case there is the ORDER PYGOPODES. DIVING BIRDS. FAMILY PODICIPEDID.E. GREBES. ./ECHMOPHORUS. (Cones). Western Grebe (.Vcliino/iliorus occidental-is, Lawr). This is a remarkable Grebe, the largest of this country, and one requiring comparison with no other for its determination. It is a fine-looking bird on the water, has a trim and shapely aspect, like a clipper-ship. They are not shy, and have great power of diving. It is an abundant resident throughout the Province, and a winter resi- dent along the Coast, where in some localities, such as Howe Sound and Burrard Inlet, it appears in great numbers. We have four other Grebes in British Columbia, they are the COLYMBUS. (Linnaeus). American Red-necked Grebe, Holboell's Grebe (Colijmbus hol- bcplli, Reinh). A common winter resident along the coast of Vancouver Island and Mainland. Winter resident on Okanagan Lake. Horned Grebe (Coly tabus auritus, Linn). A common winter resident on the Coast, and very common in the Straits, near Victoria, in April. Breeds on the lakes from Okana- gan to Dease Lake. * American Eared Grebe (Colymbus nigricollis californicus, Heerm). Taken at Kamloops. Found breeding on lakes at Kamloops. PODILYMBUS. (Lesson). Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps, Linn). Common resident on Vancouver Island and Mainland. It breeds on lakes close to Victoria and throughout B.C. generally. FAMILY GAVIIDJE. LOONS. G AVI A. ( Forster ) . Great Northern Diver, Loon (Gavia imber, Gunn). The skin of the Loon is used in Russia to make caps for the head and clothing, etc. Garments made of these are very warm, never 22 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, imbibing the least moisture, and are more lasting than could be imagined. These birds build their nests at the edge of small islands or margins of lakes or ponds ; they lay only two eggs, and it is very common to find only one pair and their young in one sheet of water; a great proof of their averison to society. Found throughout the Province ; an abundant resident. Black-throated Loon (Gavia arcticus, Linn). Taken at Burrard Inlet. Pacific Loon (Gavia pacificus, Lawr). Taken at Comox, Chilliwhack and Victoria, toria. Red-throated Loon (Gavia lumme, Gunn). Taken at Esquimalt Harbour, West Coast of Vancouver Island and Chilliwhack. FAMILY ALCIDJ3. AUKS, MURRES, and PUFFINS. LUNDA. (Pallas). Tufted Puffin (Lunda cirrhata, Pall). Common along the coast of Vancouver Island, Queen Charlotte Islands, and Mainland, and on Bare Island, near Sidney, B.C. Breeds throughout its range. FRATERCULA ( Brisson ) . Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata, Naum). Bare at Masset, Queen Charlotte Islands. CERORHINCA. ( Bonaparte) . *Rhinoceros Auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata, Pall). Coast of Vancouver Island and Mainland. Breeds on Islands, in Gulf of Georgia. PTYCHORAMPHUS. (Brandt.} *Cassin's Auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus, Pall). Entire coast line of the Province and West Coast of Vancouver Island. J O < PQ Q. . "-" 08 CO '£ D 5 21 ° O . 5 £ « S 2 w 41 s CO ^ D "3 to -r « C w c ffl •" ft ^ S o g <; o VICTORIA, B. C. 23 SYNTHLIBORAMPHUS. (Brandt). Ancient Murrelet (Synthliboramphu* antiqus, Gmel). Not common. West Coast of Vancouver Island and irv 1he Straits, near Victoria. BRACHYRAMPHUS. (Brandt). Marbled Murrelet (llracliyramphus marmoratus, Gmel). An abundant resident along the coast of British Columbia and Queen Charlotte Islands. Breeds on Vancouver Island and some of the smaller islands in the Gulf of Georgia and along many of the inlets of the Mainland. CEPPHUS. (Pallas). Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba, Pall). An abundant resident along the coast from Kace Rocks to Alaska, and quite common in Skidegate Inlet, Queen Charlotte Islands. URIA. ( Brisson ) . California Murre, Guillemot (Uria troile californica, Bryant). A resident along the coast of Vancouver Island and Mainland. Breeds on West Coast of Vancouver Island. ORDER LONGIPENNES. LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS. FAMILY STERCORARIID.E. SKUAS and J^GERS. STERCORARIUS. ( Brisson ) . Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus, Temm). Taken near Victoria. Long-tailed Jaeger (Stercorarius longicaiidus, Vieill). Sumas Lake. Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus, Linn). Victoria and Comox, Vancouver Island. 24 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, FAMILY LARI D JE. The GULLS and TERNS. PAGOPHILA. (Kaup). Ivory Gull, Snow Gull (Pagophila alba, Gunn). Dease Lake, Cassiar; Okanagan Lake. RISSA. (Stephens). Pacific Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla pollicaris, Ridgw). Taken at Discovery Island and at Queen Charlotte Islands. LARUS. (Linnaeus). Glaucous-winged Gull (Lams glaucescens, Naum). An abundant resident on the Coast. Breeds on some of the islands in the Gulf of Georgia; also found at Okanagan Lake. Point Barrow Glaucous Gull (Larus barrovianus) . Found at Comox. Western Gull (Larus Occident alls, And). An abundant resident on the Coast during the winter months. Taken at Chilliwhack. Breeds in Similkameen Valley. American Herring Gull (Larus argent at us smitJisonianus, Coues). An abundant resident on the Coast. It breeds in the interior of Mainland. Common at Metlakatla, Chilliwhack and Okanagan. California Gull (Larus calif ornicus, Lawr). A common winter resident on the Coast. Common in the Lower Fraser Valley and Okanagan Lake in winter. Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis, Ord). Common along the coast of Vancouver Island and Mainland, and in winter at Okanagan Lake and Chilliwhack. Breeds in the interior, especially to the northward. Short-billed Gull (Larus brachyrhynchus, Rich). Common winter resident along the coast of Vancouver Island and Mainland. Common in Lower Fraser Valley and on the lakes in the Cariboo District. VICTORIA, B. C. 25 Heermann's Gull, White-headed Gull (Larus hcrnianni, Cass). Common along the southern coast of Vancouver Island during July and August. Bonaparte's Gull (Larus Philadelphia, Ord). An abundant resident throughout the Province, and found in great numbers about the inlets and rivers in March and April. It breeds in the interior of the Province. XEMA. (Leach). *Sabine's Gull (A'ema sabinii, Sab). Okanagan Lake. STERNA. ( Linnaeus. ) Common Tern (Sterna liirundo, Linn). West coast of Vancouver Island, Cowichan Gap. Arctic Tern (Sterna pamdiswa, Brunn). From Dease Lake, south to Okanagan Lake. HYDROCHELIDON ( Boie) . Black Tern. (Hydrochelidon nigra surinamcnsis, Gmel). Not common. Sumas, Okanagan Lake, Burrard inlet, Fraser River and interior of Mainland. ORDER TUBINARES. TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. FAMILY DIOMEDEID^E. ALBATROSSES. DIOMEDEA. (Linnaeus). Black-footed Albatross (Diomedca nigripes, Aud). West coast of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo, and on Queen Char- lotte Islands. Short-tailed Albatross (Diomedea albatrus, Pall). Common near Cape Beale, Vancouver Island; but more abund- ant on the West Coast. 26 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, FAMILY PKOCELLAKIID^E FULMARS and SHEARWATERS. FULMARUS. (Stephens). Pacific Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis glupischa, Stejn). Taken at Cheuiainus and Victoria. PUFPINUS. (Brisson.) Black-vented Shearwater (Puffinns opisthomelas, Cones). Not common. Albert Head, Vancouver Island. Dark-bodied Shearwater (Puffinns griseus, Gmel). Common during migrations on whole coast line of B. C. Slender-billed Shearwater (Piiffimis tenuirostris, Temm). Common during migrations on whole coast of B. C. OCEANODROM A. ( Reichenbach ) . Gray Fork-tailed Petrel (Oceanodroma furcata, Gmel). Found along both coasts of Vancouver Island, but more com- mon on the Pacific Coast. Leach's Fork-tailed Petrel. White-rumped Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorrhoa, Vieill). West Coast of Vancouver Island. ORDER STEGANOPODES. TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS. FAMILY PHALACROCORACID^E. CORMORANTS. PH ALACROCORAX. ( Brisson ) . White-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax dilophus cincinnatus, Brandt) . Common on both coasts of Vancouver Island and coast of Main- land from Race Rocks to Alaska. Brandt's Cormorant, Pencilled Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pen- cillatus, Brandt). Not common. Vancouver Island. VICTORIA,, B. » 27 Violet-green Cormorant < PhaJtn-rt,r«/raf pelagictis robust us, Rid<:\v . Abundant on both coasts of the Island: has been taken as far north as Port Simpson. Breeds on Islands close to Sidney Island. FAMILY PELECANIILE. PELICANS. PELK» A N is. i Linnanis i . American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, Gmel ». Not common. Sicamous. Alexandria Bridge, Tranquille, Comox, Chilliwhack and Okanagan. California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus californicus, Ridgw). Not common. Race Rocks and Sumas Lake. ORDER ANSERES. LAMELLIROSTRAL SWIMMERS FAMILY ANATIU^E. MERGANSERS. DUCKS, GEESE and SWANS. MERGANSER. ( Brisson I . American Merganser (Merganser ainericanus, Casst. Found throughout the Province. Taken on West Coast of Van- couver Island in May : also on Queen Charlotte Islands in July and on Okanagan Lake all winter. Red-breasted Merganser (Merganser serrator, Linn). The red-breasted Merganser inhabits mast parts of the north of Europe on the continent and as high as Iceland: also in the Russian dominions about the great rivers of Siberia. It is said to be frequent in Greenland, where it breeds on the shores. The inhab- itants often take it by darts thrown at it. especially in August, being then in moult. At Hudson's Bay. according to Hutchins, they come in paii*s about the middle of June, as soon as the ice breaks up. and build soon after their arrival, chiefly on dry spots of ground on the islands : lay from eight to thirteen white eggs the size of those of a duck ; the nest is made of withered grass and lined with down of the breast. An abundant resident. 28 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, LOPHODYTES. ( Reicheiibach ) . Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucitllatus. Linn). This is also an abundant resident and more common than the last named species. Nests in holes of trees. ANAS. (Linnaeus). Mallard (Anas boschas, Linn). This is the original of the common domesticated duck which is so serviceable to man. Its flesh is in general and high estimation, and the ingenuity of man in every country where it frequents has been employed in inventing stratagems to overreach these wary birds and procure a delicacy for the table. It is an abundant resident. Breeds in almost every suitable portion of the Province. CHAULELASMUS. (Bonaparte). Gadwall, Gray Duck (Chaulelasmus sterpera, Linn). Not common. Victoria, Chilliwhack and Okanagan. MARECA. (Stephens). European Widgeon (Mareca penelope, Linn). Rare. Victoria and Saanich. American Widgeon (Mareca americana, Gmel). A common winter resident on the coast. Found also in Chilli- whack and Okanagan. Breeds on lakes above Clinton. NETTION. (Kaup). Green-winged Teal (Xcttion carolinensis, Gmel). Common throughout the winter near Victoria. Rare on Queen Charlotte Islands. Breeds in the interior of the Mainland. QUERQUEDULA. (Stephens). Blue-winged Teal (Qucrqitedula dlscors, Linn). Not common on the coast. Taken at Chilliwhack. VICTORIA, B. C. 20 Cinnamon Teal (Qner (/) C « c > 3 . 3 w -3 X.- o CO c •7 > X o 1-1 t, IS. (Kaup.) White-faced Glossy Ibis (Pleyadis yuuraunu, Linn). Only two specimens known to be taken in the Province; one at Sardis, B. C., the other at mouth of Fraser River. FAMILY ARDKTILE. HERONS AND BITTERNS. BOTA URUS. ( Hermann . ) American Bittern (Kotunrns laitiyinosus, Montag). \\'lien the Bittern is disturbed at his meditation he gives a vigor- ous spring, croaks at the moment in a manner highly expressive of his disgust, and flies off as fast as he can, though in rather a loose, lumbering way. He is very easily shot on the wing. Easily hit and dropping at a touch, even of fine shot. When winged he croaks painfully as he drops, and no sooner does he touch the ground than he gathers himself in defensive attitude to resent aggression as best •he can. He fights well, and with more spirit and determination than he might be expected to show. He has a very ugly way of pointing his resistance with quick thrusts of his spear-like bill, capable of inflicting no slight wound on an incautious hand. It is common throughout the greater portion of the Province. Breeds both east and west of Cascades. ARDEA. (Linnaeus). Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias, Linn). Wherever placed, on tree, bush or rock, the nest of the Heron is a large bed of twigs, more or less matted together with grasses and weeds, some two feet in diameter and about one-third as high. Two or three eggs are laid, they measure 2.50 by 1.50, and are rather narrowly elliptical, with both ends of about the same shape; the colour is a pale, dull, greenish-blue, varying in shade in different specimens, not always uniform over the same eggs. It is a common resident on the Coast and is quite common at Sumas Lake and Okanagan. Breeds throughout its range. 34 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, North-west Coast Heron (Ardea herodius faiiniui, Chapman). This bird, named after the late John Faunin by Frank M. Chap- man, is quite a common species found at Skidegate, Queen Charlotte Islands, during the month of August. EGRETTE. ( Forester ) . Snowy Heron (Egrette candidissima, Gmel). Rare in British Columbia. Two specimens collected at Burrard Inlet. ORDER PALUDICOLAE. CRANES, RAILS, Etc. FAMILY GRUIDyE. CRANES. GRUS. (Pallas.) *Little Brown Crane (Grus canadensis, Linn). The Little Brown Crane, when proceeding from one favourite resort to another or when migrating, flies high, and not infre- quently their approach is heralded, before they are in sight, by their incessant whooping clamour. While feeding they are gener- ally silent. Such ponderous bodies, moving with slowly beating wings, give a great idea of momentum from mere weight of force of motion without swiftness, for they plod along heavily, seeming to need every inch of their ample wings to sustain themselves. One would think they must soon alight fatigued with such exertion, but the raucous cries continue, and the birds fly on for miles, in Indian file, under some trusty leader, who croaks his hoarse orders, implic- itly obeyed. Each bird keeps his place in the ranks, the advancing column now rises higher over some suspected spot, now falls along an open sandy reach, swaying meanwhile to the right or left ; as it passes on the individual birds are blended in the hazy distance, till, just before lost to view the line becomes like an immense serpent gliding mysteriously through the air. It is common throughout the Province during migrations. Sandhill Crane (Grus mexicana, Mull). Common throughout the Province ; it breeds in the interior of the Mainland. Numbers pass over Victoria in the spring and autumn migration. w . 2, ffl 2 & r -P W o > H o § i u S w -s K « <: 2 h d VICTORIA, B. C. 35 FAMILY RALLIDJE. RAILS AND COOTS. R ALLUS. ( Linnaeus. ) Virginia Rail (Rallus rirf/inianus. Linn). Tolerably eoniiiion on Island and Mainland ; breeds close to Vic- toria. Taken at Chilliwhack and Okanagan. PORZAXA. (Vieillot.) Carolina Rail (Poranza Carolina, Linn). Found on Vancouver Island and Mainland. Rare on Queen Charlotte Islands. Common east of Cascades. FULICA. (Linnaeus.) American Coot, Mud-hen (Fulica aincricana, Gmel). Xot only is the Coot extensively and very generally dispersed over North America, but, unlike most water birds, its breeding range is almost equally wide. There is a regular migration in the spring and fall, when, in company with other water-fowls, most of the Coots are on their way to or from the rather northerly regions where they especially breed, only a few lingering in suitable places along the route to nest. Some birds leave the Province in the fall to winter in the south, penetrating into Mexico, the West Indies and Central America. The nest is said to be sometimes a floating one, moored to the stems of reeds, rising and falling with the^tide. It is a com- mon resident on Vancouver Island and Mainland. Breeds through- out its range. ORDER LIMICOLAE. SHORE BIRDS. FAMILY PHALAROPODIDJE. PHALAROPES. CRYMOPHILUS. (Viellot.) Red Phalarope (Crymophilus fulicarius, Linn). Taken at Clover Point, Victoria. PHALAROPUS. (Brisson.) Northern Phalarope (PJialaropus lobatns, Linn). Abundant along the coast of Island and Mainland in the spring and autumn. Taken at Chilliwhack, Okanagan and Burrard Inlet. 36 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, STEGANOPUS. (Vieillot.) Wilson's Phalarope (Steganopua tricolor, Vieill). Found at Chilliwhack. FAMILY SCOLOPACID.E. SNIPES, SAND-PIPERS, ETC. GALLINGO. (Leach.) Wilson's Snipe (Gallinayo delicata, Ord). Common throughout the Province, on Island and Mainland.. Breeds in interior. MACRORHAMPHUS. (Leach.) Long-billed Dowitcher, Red-breasted Snipe (Macrorhamphus scolopacens, Say). Tolerably abundant throughout the Province and West Coast of Vancouver Island. Taken at Chilliwhack and Metlakatla. The nest of this bird is a simple hollow in the ground in the centre of a marshy spot on the border of a lake, with scarcely any lining what- ever— nothing in the shape of a nest to bring away. MICROPALAMA. (Baird.) Stilt Sandpiper (Micropalama him ant opus, Bonap). Taken at Chilliwhack. TRINGA. (Linnaeus.) Knot, Robin Snipe (Tringa canutus, Linn). Abundant during migrations. ACTODROMAS. (Kaup.) Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Actodromas acuminata, Horsf). Taken at Masset, Queen Charlotte Islands. Pectoral Sandpiper (Actodromas maculata, Vieill). Taken along the Coast during migrations, at Chilliwhack and Okanagan. VICTORIA, B. C. 37 Baird's Sandpiper (Actodronidx Iminlii, Coues). Distributed along the coast of Vancouver Island and Mainland. Taken at Chilli whack and Okanagan, and at Clover Point, Victoria. Least Sandpiper (ActadronuiK in hint ilia, Vieill). Common along the coast of Island and Mainland. This little bird is one of several species that collectively inhabit all the world and resemble each other very closely. PELIDXA. (Cuvier.) Dunlin (J'clhliHi in. Tolerably common throughout the Province. Winters oil Coast. Taken at Chilliwhaek and Okanagan. HELODROMAS. » Katip. » Solitary Sandpiper (Helodroinas solitarius, Wil> Common. Western Solitary Sandpiper (Helodroinas solitarius cinnamomeus, Brewsten. Taken at Chilliwhaek and Okanagan. STMPHEMIA. (Rafinesque.^ *Western Willet (Symphemia semipalmata inornata, Brewsten. Found at Clover Point, Victoria. HETERACTITIS. ( Stejneger) . Wandering Tatler (Heteractitis incanus, Gmel). Tolerably common along the coast of Vancouver Island and the Mainland. Taken at Clayoquot and at Skidegate. Queen Char- lotte Islands. BARTRAMIA. ( Lesson \ . Bartramian Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda, Bechst). Taken at Comox. Vancouver Island, and at 150-Mile House, Cariboo Road. TRYXGITES. ( Cabanis) . Buff-breasted Sandpiper {Tryngites subruficollis, Vieill). Not common. Taken at Chilliwhaek. ACTITIS. (Illiger*. Spotted Sandpiper (Act it is macularia. Linn). Found along the entire coast. Taken at Clayoquot, Vancouver Island, and at Skidegate, Queen Charlotte Islands. Taken also at Chilliwhaek and Okanagan. VICTORIA, B. C. 39 NUMENIUS. (Brisson). Long-billed Curlew (Numenius longirostris, Wils). This bird is by no means confined to the vicinity of the water, but on the contrary is often seen on extensive, dry plains, where it feeds on various molluscs, insects and berries, which it deftly secures with its extraordinarily long bill. The length and curve of this member, measuring sometimes eight or nine inches in length, gives the bird a singular and unmistakable appearance, either in flight or when gathering its food. Its voice is sonorous and not at all musical ; during the breeding season in particular its harsh cries of alarm resound when the safety of its nest or young is threatened. In the fall, when food is plenty, it becomes very fat and affords deli- cate eating. Rare on the Coast, but more common in the interior of the Mainland, south through the Okanagan. Hudsonian Curlew (Numenius hudsonicus, Lath). Not common on Island and Mainland. Taken at Clayoquot, Port Simpson and at Cadboro Bay, near Victoria. FAMILY CHARADRIID^E. PLOVERS, Etc. CHARADRIUS. (Linnaeus). Black-bellied Plover (Charadrius squatarola, Linn). Abundant during migration along the Coast. Taken at Chilli- whack and Okanagan. American Golden Plover (Charadrius dominions. Mull). Common on the Coast during migration. Taken at Chilli whack, Okanagan, Metlakatla and Port Simpson. * Asiatic Golden Plover (Charadrius dominions fulvus, Gmel). Found at Comox. ^EGIALITIS. (Boie). Kildeer Plover (sEgialitis vocifera, Linn). Found throughout the Province. Taken at Chilliwhack and Okanagan. Semipalmated Plover (sEgialitis semipalmata, Bonap). Not common. Taken on the West Coast of Vancouver Island at Ucluelet and Clayoquot; also at Cadboro Bay, Victoria. 40 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, FAMILY APHKIZID^E. SURF-BIRDS and TURXSTOXES. APHRIZA. ( Audubon ) . Surf-bird (Aphriza virgata, Gmel). Not uncommon along the entire coast line of the Province. Taken at Clayoquot and Port Simpson. ARENARI A. ( Brisson ) . Turnstone (Arenaria interpres, Linn). Along the entire coast line, but not common. Taken at Port Simpson and Sidney Island ; also Sumas Lake. Black Turnstone (Arenaria melanocepliala, Vig). Common along the entire coast of the Province. Taken at Clayoquot, Skidegate, Queen Charlotte Islands, and near Victoria throughout the winter. FAMILY H^EMATOPODID^E. OYSTER-CATCHERS. HJEMATOPUS. (Linnaeus). Black Oyster-catcher (Hcematopus bachmani, Aud). Abundant along the entire coast of Island and Mainland. Common at Skidegate, Queen Charlotte Islands. Breeds throughout its range. ORDER GALLINAE. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. FAMILY TETRAONID^E. GROUSE, PARTRIDGES, ETC. OREORTYX. ( Baird ) . Mountain Partridge (Oreortyx pictus, Dougl). Common on Vancouver Island. Introduced from California. LOPHORTYX. ( Bonaparte) . California Partridge (Lophortyx californicus, Shaw). Common on Vancouver Island. Introduced from California. VICTORIA, B. C. 41 us. (Elliot). Sooty Grouse (l)cnflr C .^ 3 o> $ Hi -o a . 0 i z 5 <• o "55 w .- E * c < o g *£« r! 5 3 O 05 C U •- o (0 & g g 3 05 gj! [j «j « 3^ »* 3 e 0 o o C E ^ 0 '" IB 5 5 VICTORIA, B. C. 43 ECTOPISTES. ( Swainson ) . *Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes mignitarinx, Linn). ZENAIDURA. (Bonaparte). Mourning Dove (Zenaidura macnmm, Linn).. Not common on Vancouver Island. Common in the Okanagan. Taken at Chill hvluick and Metlakatla. ORDER RAPTORES. BIRDS OF PREY. FAMILY CATHARTID.E. AMERICAN VULTURES. CATHARTES. ( Illeger) . Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura, Linn). Tolerably common on Vancouver Island and Mainland. Taken at Chilliwhack and Okanagan. GYMNOGYPS. (Lesson). ^California Vulture (Gymnogyps calif ornianus, Shaw). Found at mouth of Fraser River. FAMILY FALCONID2E. FALCONS, HAWKS, EAGLES, ETC. CIRCUS. (Lacepede. Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius, Linn). Common on Vancouver Island and Mainland. Taken at Chilli- whack and Okanagan. ACCIPITER. (Brisson). Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter velox, Wils). Abundant on Vancouver Island and portions of the Mainland. Taken at Chilliwhack and Okanagan. Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii, Bonap). Found on Vancouver Island and Mainland. Taken at Sicamous, Chilliwhack and Okanagan. American Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus, Wils). Rather common in interior of Province. Taken on Vancouver Island, Chilliwhack and Okanagan. 44 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, Western Goshawk (Accipitcr atricapillus striatitlns, Ridgw). Common throughout the Province. Taken at Skidegate, Queen Charlotte Islands. BUTEO. (Cuvier). Western Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo borealis calums, Cass). An abundant resident on Vancouver Island and Coast of Main- land. Taken at Chilliwhack and Okanagan. Rare at Masset, Queen Charlotte Islands. *Red-bellied Hawk (Buteo lineatus elegans, Cass). Burrard Inlet and Chilliwhack. Swainson's Hawk (Buteo smiinsoni, Bonap). Not common on Vancouver Island. Taken at Victoria, Union, Chilliwhack and Okanagan. ARCHIBUTEO. (Brehm). American Rough-legged Hawk (Archibuteo lag op us sancti- johannis, Gmel). Not common. Found on Vancouver Island and Mainland. Taken at Chilliwhack and Okanagan. AQUILA. ( Brisson ) . Golden Eagle (Aquila clirysaetos, Linn). Found throughout the entire Province. Rare on Vancouver Island. A resident. HALI^ETUS. (Savigny). Bald Eagle (Haliueetus leucocephalus alascanus, C. H. Townsend). An abundant resident throughout the entire Province, on Island and Mainland. Common on Queen Charlotte Islands. Breeds throughout its range. FALCO. (Linnaeus). White Gyrfalcon (Falco islandus, Briin). Saanich, Vancouver Island. Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus gyrfalco, Linn). Taken at Comox and Chilliwhack. VICTORIA, B. C. 45 Prairie Falcon | l-'alcn uic.ricaniix, Schleg). Taken at Chilliwhack and Kamloops. Duck Hawk ( l-'ulrtt /in Tjiriinix ana hint, Bonap). .More common on Mainland than Vancouver Island. Taken in the Okanagan country. Peale's Falcon I ' Falco jtcrrf/riiins pealci, Kidgw). Found chiefly along the Coast of Mainland and Vancouver Island. Taken at Cadboro Bay, near Victoria; at Chilliwhack and Metlakatla. Pigeon Hawk ( Falco culinnliarius, Linn). Apparently more coninion east of the Coast Range. Has been taken on the coast; also at Chilliwhack and Okanagan. Black Merlin ( i'alco colnnibfirlns suckleyi, Kidgw). Abundant in summer on Vancouver Island and portions of the Mainland. Taken at Chilliwhack. Richardson's Merlin (Falco richardsonii, Kidgw). Not common on Vancouver Island. Taken near Victoria, Chilli- whack and Okanagan. Desert Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparvcrins phalwna, Lesson). Abundant throughout the southern portions of the Mainland, including Vancouver Island, from the coast to Rocky Mountains. PAXDION. (Savigny). American Osprey. Fish Hawk (Pandiori Imlmtns carolinesis. Gmel). . Common throughout the Province on Mainland and Island, including Queen Charlotte Islands. Their nest is a huge heap of sticks usually on the broken top of a tree. FAMILY BUBONID^E. HORNED OWLS, ETC. Asio. (Brisson). American Long-eared Owl (Asio wilsonianus, Less). This bird is frequently seen abroad during the day, but is not remarkable for its voice or habits. It is not common in the Province. Taken at Vancouver Island, Chilliwhack and Okanagan. 46 PROVINCIAL MUSEUM, Short-eared Owl (Asio accipitrinus, Pall). Common throughout the Province on Island and Mainland. Bather common near Victoria throughout the winter. SYRNIUM. (Savigny). *Northern Spotted Owl (Syrnium occidcntalis coiirhiiun, Mer- riam). Chilliwhack. SCOTIAPTEX. (Swainson). Great Grey Owl (Scotiaptex nebulosa, Forster). Kare in the Province. Taken at Vernon, Stuart Lake and Chilliwhack. CRYPTOGLAUX. (Kichmond). Richardson's Owl (Cryptoglaux tengmalmi richardsoni, Bonap). Okanagan and Chilliwhack. Saw- whet Owl (Cryptoglaux acadica, Gmel). Not common on Vancouver Island; common in winter at Okanagan. Taken at Chilliwhack, Victoria and Okanagan. Northwest Saw-whet Owl (Cryptoglaux acadica scotcea, Osgood). Queen Charlotte Islands. MEGASCOPS. (Kaup). Kennicott's Screech Owl (Megascops asio kennicottii, Elliot). Abundant throughout the Province. Breeds in the neighbour- hood of Victoria. *Macfarlane's Screech Owl (Megascops asio macfarlanei, Brewst). Southern portion of the Province, east of Cascade Mountains. Puget Sound Screech Owl (Megascops asio saturatus, Brewster). BUBO. (Dumeril). *Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus, Gmel). Chilliwhack and Victoria. Western Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus pallescens, Stone). Common on Vancouver Island and Mainland. Taken at Chil- liwhack and Okanagan. NORTH-WEST COAST HERON. ARDEA HERODIUS FANNINII (CHAPMAN). Group in Provincial Museum, Victoria, B. C. VICTORIA, B. C. 47 Arctic Horned Owl (Knlxt rir J-l. Red Rock Trout (Hc.nnjruiniimx xniH-n-Uinxns, Pallas). Victoria. Starry Rock Trout (Hexagram nios decagrammus, Pallas). Victoria. Blue Cod (Ophiodon elotiyatus, Girard). Victoria. Very abundant, reaching a weight of thirty to forty pounds, and one of the most important food fishes on the Coast. Broad-fin Cod (Zaniolepis lutijiiiinis, Girrard). Victoria. Painted Cod (Oxylcbius pictus, Gill). Victoria. Abundant, but rare in collections, being seldom taken in nets. A most beautiful and active little fish. FAMILY ANOPLOPOMATID^E. Black Cod or Skil (Anoplopina finibria, Pallas). From Cape Flattery to Queen Charlotte Islands. FAMILY SCORP.ENID^B. Jack Fish (Sebastodes paucispinis, Gill). Black Sea Bass (Sebastodes melanops, Girard). Victoria. Red-sea Bass (Sebastodes ruber, Ayres). Saanich Striped-sea Bass (Scbastodcs nigrocinctus, Ayres). Saanich and Victoria. Yellow-backed Rockfish (Sebastodcs maliger, Jordan & Gilbert). Victoria. 5 I as U, •a 0 5 ffl g "o 0 a VICTORIA, B. C. 87 Red Rockfish < »sV7x/-s'/o