X
I'H CONGRESS, 1 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. j Ex. Doc.
U7 Session. j j No. 5G.
REPORTS
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS,
ASCERTAIN THE MOST PRACTICABLE AND ECONOMICAL ROUTE FOR A RAILROAD
FROM THK
MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
MADE UNDER THE DIRECTtON OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, IN
1853-5,
ACCORDING TO ACTS OF CONGRESS OF MARCH 3, 1853, MAY 31, 1854, AND AUGUST 5, 1854,
VOLUME XII.
BOOK II,
WASHINGTON:
THOMAS H. FORD, PRINTER
1 8GO.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES— FEBRUARY 14, 1855.
Kesclved, That there be printed, for the use of the House, ten thousand copies of the reports of surveys for a railroad to the
Pacific, made under the direction of the Secretary of War, embracing the report of F. W. Lander, civil engineer, of a survey
of a railroad route from Puget's Sound, by Fort Hall and the Great Salt lake, to the Mississippi river ; and the report of J. C.
Fre'mont, of a route for a railroad from the head- waters of the Arkansas river into the State of California ; together -with the
maps and plates accompanying each of said reports necessary to illustrate them.
Attest: J. W. FORNEY,
Clerk of the Home of Representatives of the United States.
THIRTY-SECOND CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION— CHAPTER 98.
SECT. 10. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, authorized, under the direction cf the
President of the United States, to employ^such portion of the Corps of Topographical Engineers, and such other persons as he
may deem necessary, to make such explorations and surveys as he may deem advisable, to ascertain the most practicable and
economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi river to the Pacific ocean, and that the sum of one hundred and fifty
thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be, and the same is hereby, appropriated out of any money in the
treasury not otherwise appropriated, to defray the expense of such explorations and surveys.
Approved March 3, 1853.
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION— CHAPTER 60.
Appropriation : For deficiencies for the railroad surveys between the Mississippi river and the Pacific ocean, forty thousand
dollars.
Approved May 31, 1854.
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION— CHAPTER 267.
Appropriation: For continuing the explorations and surveys to ascertain the best route for a railway to the Pacific, and for
completing the reports of surveys already made, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
Approved August 5, 1854.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES— MARCH 25, 1860.
Rtsdved, That there be printed, for the use of this House, ten thousand extra copies, in addition to the usual number, of
Governor Steveng's final report of the exploration and survey of the northern route for a Pacific railroad.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME XII-BOOK II.
PARTS II AND III OF THE NARRATIVE AND FINAL REPORT BY ISAAC I. STEVENS, GOVERNOR OF
WASHINGTON TERRITORY, UPON THE ROUTE NEAR THE FORTY-SEVENTH AND FORTY-NINTH
PARALLELS.
a"*
I2.~tle
PART II,
1 k>
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC
OCEAN.— WAR DEPARTMENT.
ROUTE NEAR THE FORTY-SEVENTH AND FORTY-NINTH PARALLELS," EXPLORED BY I. I. STEVENS,
GOVERNOR OF WASHINGTON TERRITORY, IN 1853- '55.
BOTANICAL REPORT
WASHINGTON, I). C.
1860.
'CONTENTS.
***
No. 1.
REPORT UPON THE BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.
No. 2.
CATALOGUE OF PLANTS COLLECTED EAST OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS.
BY. PROF. ASA GRAY.
No. 3.
CATALOGUE OF PLANTS COLLECTED IN WASHINGTON TERRITORY.
BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.
2t
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PLATE I.— A. ASTRAGALUS FILIFOLIUS.
Page.
FIGURE 1. Pistil enlarged. 2. Cross section of the ovary enlarged. 3. Legume transversely divided. 4. Same
longitudinally divided 38
B. ASTRAGALUS BISULCATUS.
FIGURE 5. Fruit with a leaf, &c. 6. Fmit, with the calyx, &e., transversely divided, enlarged to thrice the natural
size . 38
PLATE II.— MUSENIUM DIVARICATUM.
FIGURE 1. Vertical section of a flower. 2. Fruit. 3. The same, with the mericarpa separating. 4,5. Cross sections
of the fruit and seeds. The details variously magnified . ........ ,.z 39
PLATE III. — ENDOLEPIS SUCKLEYI.
FIGURE 1. Staminate flower. 2 Vertical section of the same, with the lobes of the calyx inflexed. 3. Pistillate
flower, with the involucre entire. 4. Same, with one side of the closed involucre cat away. 5. A 4-leaved
calyx of a pistillate flower. 6. Pistillate flower with its 3-leaved calyx, the involucre removed. 7. Pistil, with
its ovary divided. 8. Fruit in its involucre. 9. Same, with one side of the involucre cut away. 10. The Beed
with its funiculus ; the micropyle has become superior. 11. Embryo detached. The details all variously mag
nified 43
PLATE IV.— OBIONE SUCKLEYANA.
FIGURE 1. Staminate flower spread open. 2 Pistillate flower in its involucre. 3. Same vertically divided. 4. Fruit
in its involucre. 5. Cross section of the same. 6. Longitudinal section of, the same. 7. The seed vertically
divided. Details variously magnified ._ ,_ ... 43
PLATE V.— ASTRAGALUS (HOMALOBUS) SEROTljNUS.
FIGURE 1. — Vexillum, wing, and a keel petal. 2. Stamens, &c. 3. Calyx and pistil. 4. Legume transversely
divided, &c. The details magnified .. ..1 — — . 47
PLATE VI.— OROBUS LITTORALIS
FIGURE 1. Vexillum, wing, and a keel petal. 2. Calyx. 3. Stamens, 4. Pistil. 5. Inner face of the style.
6. Legume. 7. Same with one valve removed. All the details except 6 and 7 enlarged 54
No. 1.
REPORT ON THE BOTANY OF THE ROUIE.
BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.
THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS.
The most superficial examination of the natural productions of Washington Territory cannot
fail to show that it possesses a remarkable variety of botanical and zoological regions, each
distinguished by more or less peculiar forms of life. A concise and systematic account of
them, as far as they fell under my observation, seems necessary to complete the scattered notes
on the distribution of species which I have already given. Reversing the usual order, I com
mence with the most elevated region, which was one of the first I visited.
At an elevation of 5, 000 feet above the ocean we found the vegetation and animals subalpine
in character, but still with a preponderance of those belonging to the lower country. On the hills,
there but partially covered with forests, we found, during our visit in the first week of August,
a profusion of berries of several kinds, which the Indians were engaged in collecting. Among
them was a huckleberry not before seen, (V. myrtilloides? Michx.,) with fruit nearly as large
and as finely flavored as a grape. Two kinds of pine, (P. monticola. Dougl.,) resembling the
white pine, and (P. ponderosa, Dougl.,) with a magnificent species of mountain spruce, (A. nobilis,
Dougl.,) were the characteristic trees, replacing, to some extent, those of the lower regions.
Blue, purple, red, yellow, and white flowers, in rich profusion, ornamented the surface; and
the whole region looked more like a garden than a wild mountain summit, covered for nearly
half the year with snow.
On the morning of August 9, a rain having extinguished the burning of the forests below
us, and cleared away the smoke which had for several days obscured the view, there was
revealed to us a scene probably unsurpassed in magnificence by any in America. Five snowy
peaks surrounded us, rising many thousand feet above our camp; and we found that we were
still far below the limits of perpetual snow. From a distant view I supposed that dwarf vege
tation continued on these peaks for a thousand feet higher, forming the truly alpine region,
and I much regretted that time did not permit me to explore this. Months might be well
spent in collecting in this most interesting region, even above the limits of the forest growth.
It is well known to have even a group of large animals peculiar to it — such as the mountain
sheep and goat, white grouse, and probably others. A dwarf glaucous juniper, (J. COMMUNIS,)
with large berries, spreading like a carpet on the summit of the highest point I ascended, was
the most characteristic subalpine plant, and seemed to be limited to that region, as none
occurred lower down. This point was, by the barometer, nearly 5,103 feet above the sea.
The vegetation of August, at this height, corresponded to that of May at Vancouver, many of
the same plants occurring in flower, though of a more stunted growth. But spring, summer,
14 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
and autumn are so crowded into the space of three to five short months that even the subalpino
region may be said to have but two seasons — first, that of vegetation, and secondly, winter,
continuing for the rest of the year, while the ground is covered with snow. Though the days
were very warm during our stay there, ice formed at night one-third of an inch thick at our
camp : and we had a violent and cold hailstorm, which for a short time buried the flowers, thus
in an hour changing summer into winter.
The precise limits of the seasons cannot be definitely fixed, and probably vary much in
different years and on the different exposures of the mountains. About the 12th of the
following October snow fell in the Nachess Pass during Lieutenant Hodge' s journey across it,
its elevation being nearly the same, 4, 890 feet above the sea. Snow is known to fall at this
height in every month between September and May, but it does not lie constantly for so long
a time, and vegetation probably goes on during both those months, and even for a month or
two longer. But the local differences are very great and must amount to a month or more,
according to the exposures of surface to sun and rain even at the same elevation. There is no
dry season at this height, as clouds are almost constantly hovering about the peaks, and rain can
be seen even from the valleys below, falling at all seasons, especially on the more westward parts
of the range.
I found animals more abundant in this cool elevated region than below. The large herbivo
rous quadrupeds had sought the fresh spring-like herbage, and were probably followed by
many beasts of prey. Ducks, geese, and cranes abounded, with the interesting little phalarope,
seeking these cool regions to raise their young; but in our hasty journey across I could merely
glance at the multitude of new beings which surrounded me.
The moist hollows between the mountains were densely covered with rank grass, promising
rich pasturage for the herds which, when the country becomes more settled, will doubtless be
driven there during the summer, when the plains eastward are parched by drought. In healthi
ness and beauty of scenery these mountains cannot be excelled.
On the llth of August we commenced to descend the eastern slopes of the Cascade range
near the base of Mount Adams, and at once found ourselves in quite a different natural region
from any before seen. Although forests continue as on the western slopes, they are composed
of entirely distinct species of trees, and have a very different appearance. Instead of spruces,
one pine almost exclusively prevails, (P. PONDEEOSA, called " Yellow Pine, ' 7 ) growing usually
over a hundred feet high, with a straight clear trunk three to five feet thick, branching at the
height of about forty feet. Its bark is thick, reddish, and deeply furrowed, like that of the
chestnut. The wood is said to be unusually heavy and useful for many purposes, besides being
excellent fuel. A few of the smaller "White Pine" and stunted larches are mixed with this
on the higher parts of the slope, and descending below, about the elevation of 3, 500 feet, the
oak began to reappear.
There is so little underbrush in these forests that a wagon may be drawn through them without
difficulty, forming a striking contrast to the dense thickets of the western slopes, to be here
after described. The level terraces, covered everywhere with good grass and shaded by fine
symmetrical trees of great size, through whose open light foliage the sun's rays penetrate with
agreeable mildness, give to these forests the appearance of an immense ornamental park.
Almost the only shrub is a Ceanothus, (0. VELUTINUS, Dougl.t) with beautiful shining foliage
and a strong aromatic odor something like cinnamon, growing in scattered thickets.
This beautiful forest continued for about twelve miles eastward from Mount Adams. It
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 15
occupies a zone along the eastern side of the mountains between the heights of 2,500 and
5,000 feet at the Columbia river, and becoming lower as we go northward, until at fort Colville
and on the Okanagan river, at latitude 49°, it extends quite down to the level of the rivers,
occupying all the surface except some small prairies in the valleys.
At the mountain gaps of the Columbia and Yakima rivers trees also extend further down
along the streams, but in small numbers. The well marked and usually abrupt lower limit of
these forests evidently corresponds to the degree of moisture derived either from the rains of
the mountain summits, or from the rivers. The moist winds from the ocean, intercepted by
the highest ridges, pass through the two gaps above mentioned, and to a small extent favor the
growth of trees lower down. Doubtless the cessation of fires on the dry plains will be
followed by a further increase of forests in such places.
North of latitude 48°, the country being generally hilly, is better supplied with rains; and
on the northern slopes of the hills I observed dense forests, while frequently their soutJiern
exposures were bare, showing the direction of the prevailing winds and consequent moisture.
This fact was also noticed by others among the western spurs of the Rocky mountains. The
same effect is well marked southward on Cape Mendocino, in California; while thirty miles
south of San Francisco trees almost entirely of a distinct and southern group grow chiefly on
the southern slopes, indicating a corresponding difference in the direction of the moist winds.
The dry season was already far progressed, and I found, therefore, but few plants in a con
dition for preservation, though those collected happened to be of peculiar interest. — (See Phce-
lipoea comosa, Erigeron Douglasii, Poeonia Brownii, Spraguea umbellata, Acer glabrum, &c.) The
entire vegetation seems to belong to the Rocky mountain group much more than that of the
western slopes, although several of the plants are, as far as- known, peculiar to this range and
the Sierra Nevada.
A corresponding group of animals also first appeared there, such as the coyote, badger, and
Say's striped squirrel; but large game continued very scarce, and the season was unfavorable
for birds, which seemed to have almost all deserted these forests during August.
To complete their description, I extract from my journal the notes on these forests as they
appeared further north, and at later seasons.
On September 13 I rode from the camp on the Yakima about fifteen miles up its valley,
and found the forest commencing about six miles up, at an elevation of about 2, 200 feet, as
abruptly as where we left it before, with exactly similar vegetation and the same dreary absence
of animal life.
On the 20th the expedition crossed the ridge separating the waters of the Yakima and
Pisquouse rivers. There, 5, 750 feet above the sea, we found a scattered belt of forest, in
which the larch, (L. OCCIDENTALS, Nuttal) appeared, of great size, and about equal in abund
ance with the pines. This magnificent tree sometimes excels the latter in size, and its feathery
foliage, just beginning to fade yellow, gave it a beautiful appearance in contrast to the deep
green forest around it. With these were a few scattered spruces of several species, which I
could not well determine, finding no cones.
From the summit of this ridge we had a panoramic view of a vast extent of country on all
sides of us. Towards the west the numberless irregular peaks of the Cascade range looked
like the confused waves of a rough sea. Below their highest snow-capped peaks the belt of
forest could be plainly seen extending down on spurs to the Ot)lumbia, but crossing it only at
a far distant point near the northern boundary of the " Great Plain," which extended eastward
16 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
as far as we could see. But large portions of the ridges west of the river were also bare of
trees to an apparent height of about 3, 000 feet. Further north we met with none but scattered
patches of forest, until reaching the high ridges bounding the valleys of the Methow and Okan-
agan rivers, where, as well as along their banks, trees are grouped in beautiful groves, forming
a sufficient supply for the population which must in time inhabit these picturesque valleys.
I have already noticed the prevalence of the forests near the 49th degree along the Columbia,
and most of the country thence south to latitude 38° 30' is occupied by them.
From Fort Colville, southward, to the Spokane river, we found a pleasing country of mixed
forests and prairies, with a fertile soil, which is evidently in part due to the intermingling of
spurs of the Cascade mountains with those of the Bitter Root range, which appear towards
the east well covered with forests on their higher parts. They intercept and precipitate
over these northern tracts sufficient moisture to make them highly fertile.
The lowest points on the Great Plain where trees are found in any abundance are about 2,000
feet above the sea. This most elevated division of the great forest regions of the Territory,
covering only the mountain slopes and summits, botanically and zoologically constitute a south
ward extension of the more northern flora and fauna following the mountain ridges, and thus
irregularly interlocking with the third great region of plains. Towards the east and south a
dryer climate is found to diminish the extent of forests, until gradually rising higher and
higher towards the line of perpetual snow, at length they almost disappear on some of the
eastern slopes of the Rocky mountains and on the ranges of southern Oregon and Utah.
GEEAT PLAIN OF THE COLUMBIA.
Although the great forests west of the Cascade range might most naturally follow in the
description of regions after those just mentioned, being allied to them in products and in rela
tion to climatic agencies, I prefer to give here the brief and incomplete observations which I
was able to make during our journey over the Great Plain, occupying the central portion of the
Territory.
This region, characterized by an entire absence of trees, occupies an intermediate place in
elevation between the mountain forests and the lowlands. Though its name gives the impres
sion of a surface uniformly level, it has (as remarked in my preliminary report) its mountains and
valleys, which cannot be separated by any peculiarities of natural products, and must, in a
technical sense, be considered as a part of the "plains" region. Thus, on the divide between
the Yakima and Pisquouse, I noticed that the forests did not appear until near its summit, at
nearly 5,000 feet elevation.
East of Mount Adams the greatest height of the woodless regions is 3,000 feet, at the Spokane
river about 2,600 feet, and the lowest point near the centre of the Columbia plain, at Walla-
Walla, is 409 feet above Vancouver. Though the canon of the Columbia is cut down through
the elevated plain to the level of 119 feet at the Dalles, the general surface around is much
higher, and at the lower points there is little doubt that trees would grow freely if protected
from fires, being encouraged by the constant supply of moisture carried through the gap of the
mountain by the prevailing strong west winds.
I may therefore assume an average elevation of from 500 to 2,500 feet for the dry region of
the central portion of the Territory, where trees will not grow without artificial irrigation.
This Great Plain of the Columbia is bounded on the north by an irregular line running between
the parallels of 48° and 49°, north of which it is presumed that but few branches of it extend,
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 17
the country becoming very mountainous, and therefore well wooded. Southward it is continuous
with the central plains of Oregon, through them with those of Utah, and through the South
Pass with the vast plains extending eastward to the Mississippi river.
In order to show the peculiarities in the vegetation of the plain region, I have included the
plants collected there in a separate list. Though made at an unfavorable season, and few in
number, they show a marked dissimilarity from those obtained west of the mountains, yet many
of the latter belonging to the prairies west of the mountains are also known to be found on the
plains of the central districts.
One peculiar group of shrubs represents in this region the forest trees, and are characteristic
of all the plain regions between the eastern base of the Rocky mountains and the Pacific.
(PursJiia tridentata, Artemisia tridentata, Linosyris albicaulis, L. viscidiflora, Sarcobatus ver-
micularis.)
As the most characteristic animals, I refer to the badger, coyote, or barking wolf, cock of the
plains, or sage fowl ; sharp-tailed grouse, or prairie chicken, and other smaller kinds, mentioned
more particularly elsewhere. The antelope, buffalo, prairie dog, and some others found in other
parts of the plains, doubtless are sometimes to be met with in this Territory, though we neither
saw them nor heard of them as being common.
The various divisions of the plains due to differences of elevations, soil, and moisture, have
each their peculiarities, which would require a long description, had my opportunities been
sufficient to make it complete. A short notice of the most striking may not be without interest
here.
The high ridges forming spurs of the Cascade range, extending \vith a gradual slope from
the pine forests down to the Columbia on each side the Yakima valley, between its branches, are
too dry to serve as anything but a grazing region. Some portions near their summits are also
very rocky and barren, but these are comparatively small. The greatest obstacle to cultivation
is the absence of means of irrigation, but there can be little doubt of the success of winter
grains on many parts of these ridges. The Spokane plain, between that river and the Snake,
west of longitude 118°, resembles, in soil and elevation, the lowest part of these ridges, being
from 500 to 2,500 feet in elevation. But being a great plateau, it has the advantage of retaining
moisture, and in many parts are tracts sufficiently irrigated naturally for general cultivation.
Alkaline lakes and marshes, and some very rocky portions, are all that cannot be made use of,
but these seem to occupy comparatively a small extent of it.
On all the branches of the northern Columbia crossed by us we found valleys of various
extent, which form the best portion of the plain region. Terraces varying in height from five
to two hundred feet above the water border these valleys, and present various soils, from the
very dry gravel of the ridges down to the fertile alluvium of the river banks. The change in
the native vegetation from one to another of these is very remarkable, indicating an adaptation
for various crops. Long rank grass covers the moister portions of the bottoms, and there is
always some timber close to the water, except towards the mouth of the Yakima. Those valleys
north of latitude 48° are doubtless the best in soil and climate, crops doing admirably at Fort
Colville without any irrigation.
The lands immediately along the Columbia itself, from just below the mouth of the Spokane
to near the Dalles, and all the adjoining region below the elevation of about 2,000 feet, seem
available only for grazing without the assistance of irrigation. But it has, as well as the higher
valleys, great advantages for effecting this object in the terraces which often partially form a
3t
18 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
dam, and, with the immense and inexhaustible timber on the mountains, can be made to retain
a supply of water both for this purpose and to assist in navigation in the mode suggested by
Mr. Ellct, in the Smithsonian Contributions, for improving the navigation of the Ohio. The
natural accumulation of alluvial soil in the lowest places would, Avithout doubt, make the banks
of this river the most fertile instead of the most barren of all, were it not for the extreme
dryness of the climate. Like the rich valley of the Nile, it may, by irrigation, hereafter
support a population as great and flourishing as that of Egypt in her palmiest days. It has
also the advantage that the worst land of the Great Plain is far superior to the deserts which
border the Nile valley. In the chapter on the climate of the country along the route this
question of cultivation will be found more fully discussed, and compared with other countries.
The relations of climate to the natural productions of the central division of the Territory
are very interesting, and although the data are still incomplete, they show that moisture must
be the only thing wanting to produce a luxuriant vegetation.
There being little rain, of course snows must be light, but, north of latitude 48°, begin early
and cover the ground throughout winter, forming an excellent protection for winter grains,
besides advantages for travelling, and do not become so deep as to prevent grazing. While at
Fort Colville, as early as October 24, we had a fall of about six inches of snow, almost the first
storm of the season. This, however, melted off in twenty-four hours, and we found that south
of the Spokane river it had been replaced by rain. After October 1 there is a fall growth of
grass, especially where the surface has been burnt over, and we found the hills near the
Okonagan in October, and near the Walla- Walla in November, covered with the richest green
herbage. As early as February 19, 1854, Lieutenant Grover found the grass " springing up
plentifully" on the Spokane plain, while the forests he had just left north and east of that
river were still obstructed by deep snows. The growing season begins and ends early, extending
from about March 1 to June, like that of the fertile valleys of California.
The time during which I collected on the central plains of the Territory, extending from
August 16 to November 17, was the worst period of the year for that purpose. Yet in the
small collection of eighty species of plants there are two new ones, (Astragalus seratinus and
Malacothrix crepoides, ) besides several others of interest, showing that at more favorable seasons
the botsnist may still obtain novelties in a field already mote explored than any other west of
the Rocky mountains. Among mammals, all kinds of which were scarce, I can only mention
one as new, (Hesperomys austerus.} Of birds, one is new, (Podiceps occidentalis^} others scarcely
before known, (Picus alpolarvatus, Sittapygmaea,} although I never saw a region so poor in
these animals during summer. After October the fall migration began to bring southward
many interesting species, which our rapid travelling during the short days did not allow me
time to collect.
Dr. Le Conte has found several new insects among those obtained there, and the few reptiles
and fish I succeeded in preserving furnish several new and interesting species.
REGION WEST OF THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS.
I now return to the western region of the Territory, including the entire surface west of the
Cascade range, which I have left for the last description because it occupies the lowest portions
of the Territory, and because my residence in it of two years gives me the means of describing
it the most fully. Occasional extracts from my journal may show its striking peculiarities in a
stronger light than mere methodical description alone. In descending the Columbia from the
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 19
Dulles, on November 17, we found the mountains to rise very rapidly in height and become
suddenly densely wooded ; the trees observed being usually of the species prevailing on tho
western slopes of the range.
This great mountain gap, unequalled in depth and extent by any on the continent, presents
in some parts the perpendicular walls of the canon, in others the gradual slopes of a narrow
valley.
Even from the Dalles we could perceive a thick fog hanging in the gap, but were quite
unprepared to find a heavy rain, which we entered long before reaching the Cascades, and
which continued unceasing during the whole day and night following, when we reached
Vancouver. Even after entering this rain we could see the bright unclouded sky of the plains
eastward, but I thought the moist and milder air more agreeable than the cold dry climate we
had just left. The change in the appearance of the country in the distance of a few miles was
almost as great as I have since observed between New York and the isthmus of Panama in
January, as we left the ground at the Dalles covered with snow, and entered a region of
perpetual spring, with gigantic evergreen forests, tropical looking shrubs, and large ferns,
Avhere several spring flowers were still blooming. Even the perpendicular rocks supported a
green covering of mosses, <fcc., over which cascades, unbroken for a thousand feet, fell from
the mountains directly into the river.
This change in the character of tho scenery, so strongly observable in passing from the
central plains to the western region, prevails over the whole of the latter, though less marked
in portions of a drier climate. The '• Cascades" are noted for rain, which prevails there at all
seasons, being caused by the precipitation among the surrounding cold mountain summits. This
moisture assimilates the vegetation of the gap to that immediately on the coast, and the shores
of the Columbia everywhere below show less of the regional peculiarities than are observed a
little distance from them.
These, though not sufficiently extensive and well marked to constitute regions, are yet
divisions important enough for separate descriptions. As a whole, the region has a surface
mountainous and hilly, interspersed with fine valleys, lying between the level of the sea and
an elevation of about 2,000 feet at the summits of the Coast range, and perhaps somewhat
more on the western slopes of the Cascade mountains.
PRAIRIES OF THE WESTERN REGION.
The first division which I shall describe is that of the prairies, which naturally follow after
the central plains, of which they may be considered branches, closely similar in vegetation,
and, to some extent, in animal products. They form, too, the division most important to the
settler, who, in the western section, finds the absence of trees as desirable as is their presence in
the open country of the interior. The prairies generally occupy the lowest lands only, and are
divisible into several kinds, differing in soil, vegetation, elevation, and in the causes which
produced them. To commence with the lowest, we find about the mouths of rivers running
into the ocean extensive tracts of "tide-lands," resembling the salt meadows of the eastern
coast, but much superior in soil and products. They are overflowed by the tide only at its
highest periods, about two or three times annually, and this may be easily and entirely pre
vented by embankments. At all other times they may be traversed without difficulty, and are
so dry as to produce excellent vegetables of many kinds. Potatoes and almost all garden vege
tables succeed admirably with a little care, and even good crops of wheat have been raised on
20 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
them.* Naturally they produce luxuriant crops of grass from two to four feet high and of fine
quality, which is green all summer, affording excellent pasturage at the very time when the
upland prairies are dry and parched. The floods that do occur are in winter, when they do
little harm.
Such tide prairies are most extensive about Shoalwater bay and near the Straits of Fuca.
They are less extensive up the sound and on the Columbia and Chehalis, where the water is
fresher, and are often covered with a dense growth of small spruces, crab -apple, and other
bushes.
Ascending through these to the waters entirely fresh, we find on the Upper Chehalis and
Columbia, near Vancouver, tracts of meadow lying below the line of summer inundation, and
therefore overflowed in many years from June to August. This has been the greatest obstacle
to their cultivation, until the plan was adopted of waiting for the floods to subside, after which
crops are found to flourish quite as well as if put in the ground earlier. Embanking is only
partially successful, as the water soaks up from below. In most years, however, the flood
produced by the melting snows is so short and partial as to be of more service than injury.
The soil is very productive, and most of the plants similar to those of the tide lands. Between
these meadows and the rivers there is usually a ridge, rarely overflowed, and covered with
trees, which conceal the view of the prairies from the water. The absence of trees is on all
these evidently due to their occasional inundation either by salt water or the ice-cold flood from
the mountains.
Small prairies, constantly marshy from springs, are found about the heads of rivers, especially
among the mountain summits, which produce either a tall, coarse grass, or, where drier, are
covered with thickets of low bushes. Such are the cranberry marshes along the coast, where
we find precisely the same group of plants as on the mountains 5, 000 feet higher, as well as in
the most northern parts of this continent and other parts of the world.
The next and a more interesting kind of prairies consists of those which are constantly dry.
These are perhaps less rich than the preceding, though varying in this respect. The best are
those occupying the river bottoms about Shoalwater bay, the Chehalis, and small rivers run
ning into Puget Sound. On Whidby's island, and other places adjoining the Straits of Fuca,
are similar rich prairies, with the appearance of having been formed by a similar alluvial
deposit from rivers, though now more than a hundred feet above the water. The rich, black
soil is on all these from one to three feet deep, and almost entirely vegetable in composition.
It of course produces everything adapted to the climate in luxuriant profusion, though often
too rich for grain, especially in the moist climate west of the Coast range. Prairies, with a
drier and poorer soil, exist in a narrow strip along the sandy sea-beach, and at an elevation of
several hundred feet above tide-water about the head of Puget Sound, where their soil is
either sandy or gravelly, producing the same plants as those near the sea-beach, and mostly
quite different from those of the rich alluvium.
I give some extracts from my notes to show the general appearance of these prairies at
different seasons, and at the same time some idea of out-door life in the Territory.
March 26, 1854, I made an excursion in a sailboat up the Willopah, a river running into the
north end of Shoalwater bay. "I wras more pleased with this little river and its valley than
with any I had yet seen. It has not, of course, the grandeur of the Columbia, but the variety
*In Nova Scotia lands precisely similar, but more subject to overflow, form the best agricultural tracts of the province. —
(Dawaon's Acadian Geology.)
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 21
and rich luxuriance of vegetation is more striking as we pass close along the banks, and at
every bend are new scenes of rural beauty as pleasing because uncommon in a new and wild
country. For ten or twelve miles meadows, covered even now with fine green grass, occur
alternately on either side, with intervening points of higher land covered with trees. Above
the limits of tide-water is a change in the vegetation and surface, the upper valley being com
posed chiefly of the richest prairies, surrounded by the usual dense forests."
On the 18th of July following I went with a party to explore a route through this valley to
the sound. "Very few of the Indians knew anything of the trail, as it had not been used for
twenty years, or since the whole tribe of Willopahs inhabiting the valley were exterminated
by smallpox. Reaching the first prairie, at the head of tide-water, we loaded a pack-horse
with our provisions and blankets, and, each equipped with axe or gun, started on our pedes
trian adventure. The morning was delightful ; the prairie covered with grass full three feet
high, and adorned by a great variety of flowers. It yet scarcely showed any effects of the dry
season which was just commencing. Ten of these prairies, varying from a quarter of a mile to
a mile in extent, occur in this valley ; their soil excellent and surface generally level, though
sometimes undulating, and making the most beautiful of farms with scarcely any labor. The
rest of the valley is also excellent in soil, but covered with trees, and along the river bank
sometimes overflowed in winter."
Crossing the Coast range (to be hereafter more fully described in the account of the forests)
we soon struck prairies on the upper Chehalis river. Here the gravelly soil characterizing the
whole valley between the Coast and Cascade ranges, together with a drier climate, had pro
duced much more of the effects of the dry season than in the Willopah valley, and the grass,
naturally shorter, was quite brown, while a very distinct group of flowers, still blooming in
abundance, made it seem as if we had in the distance of a few miles reached an entirely new
country. I recognized at once the characteristic plants of the dry prairie near Vancouver and
along the Cathlapoot'l river, where the preceding summer I noted, in July, that "we passed
through, in the distance of fifty miles, seven prairies from one to four miles in width, generally
with abundant grass, rich soil, and forming a charming contrast to the almost impenetrable
forests."
We rested a day at " Boisfort prairie," so called by a Canadian settler, the name being a
French translation of the Indian name of tho oak, which first appears here in going eastward.
"It is one of the most beautiful of the little prairies we meet, like oases, in this wilderness
of forest. Oval in form, about two and a half miles long by one in width, its surface gently
undulating in long, terraced slopes. Near its centre stands a remarkable mound, conical and
about fifty feet high, probably formed by the action of water, though looking very much as if
built purposely by ancient inhabitants for a citadel.
"The fine fields of grain just ripe, numerous cattle, and comfortable houses, with all the
pleasant appliances of rural life, gave the place the air of an old settlement, although the
twelve families there had been settled less than a year."
At short intervals, all along the upper Chehalis, and beyond it to Steilacoom, we passed
through similar fine prairies, which occupy a large portion of this valley between the Coast
and Cascade ranges.
The "Nisqually plains," about thirty square miles in extent, lie in irregularly oval form
between Puget Sound and the Cascade range, with the Nisqually river on the south and the
Puyallup north of them. Their surface is smooth and level, rising in successive terraces from
22 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
ten to forty feet high, and generally parallel to the mountains. At short intervals occur lakes,
small but beautifully clear, though usually without visible outlet, the gravelly soil rapidly
absorbing the water during the dry season. Few, however, dry up completely, and they
become neither muddy nor stagnant, thus indicating, perhaps, a subterranean flow. Around
these are beautiful groves of poplar, aspen, ash, maple, and a few pines and oaks. Scattered
over the surface are rounded hills, looking like islands in the level plain, and covered with
groves of the usual fir, which also sometimes grows on the slopes of the terraces. The whole
plain looks like a magnificent park ornamented by the highest skill of the landscape gardener,
while to the southeast, and in full view from all parts of it, stands the majestic Mount Rainier,
forty miles distant, though in appearance not more than five.
On the much discussed subject of the mourds so abundant on the praries about Puget
Sound, I must make a few remarks, since Mr. Gibbs has suggested that they might have been
produced by the immense growth of the "giant root," (Megarhiza Oregana,) forming a nucleus
around which the soil has been gradually washed away. — (Vol. I, p. 4G9.) I have noticed this
plant quiteas often on level ground and in hollows as on these mounds, and have found deep
cavities where its roots have decayed. I cannot, therefore, consider it a cause any more than
roots and stumps of other kinds, which never produce mounds so symmetrical and uniform as
these are found. I would suggest that they may have been produced by eddies and ivldrlpools,
probably at a time when this sound formed the estuary of a great river like the Columbia, or
perhaps these prairies were branches of the great system of northwest sounds, which extends
from the Columbia river to Sitka, or further. I have seen such whirlpools in the narrow inlets
of the sound, during the violent ebb of the tide, that seemed to me quite capable of thus
raising mounds of gravel, just as is done by the eddies of the wind with the light sand along
the sea shore and on the plains. Any vegetable origin must be quite inadequate to produce
such mounds as I have seen along Black river, which I believe were never seen by Mr. Gibbs.
There they stand so close together that it is impossible to walk between them without stepping
on the adjoining slopes, and, while standing at their bases, I could not see over them. Such
covered the surface for miles near the western border of the prairies, there being i one in the
adjoining forest. Their form, as is there most distinctly marked, is very perfectly circular ;
height from a scarcely perceptible swell to eight feet, and diameter at least six or eight feet.
Their bases do not coalesce, though close together when they are well marked. The low ones
seem to have been partially covered, so as to conceal their bases, and form level intervals
between the summits that still protrude.
NOTE. — Mr. Gibbs, in his Geological Report, dated two months later than the above reference,
(Vol. I, p. 486,) says that their origin "is clearly due to water."
In a journey up the Chehalis and down the sounds to the Straits of Fuca, in March, 1855, I
found vegetation as far advanced as is usual in May at New York. Strawberriest <fec., were
beginning to flower, and many summer birds had arrived, including the delicate humming bird,
swallows, and warblers. Indeed, the mildness of the winters makes the prairies more green
and beautiful at that season than in summer, and up to the end of December, 1853, I found
several flowers still blooming about Vancouver.
Many of the richest prairies are much injured by a dense growth of fern or brake, which
grows on them eight feet high, and as it also occurs about two feet high on the poorer soils,
becomes a sure indication of richness. It is said that by cutting off for a few times at a height
of several inches the stems will "bleed" to death, the sap running so as to exhaust the roots.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 23
The other vegetation of these prairies is too varied for special enumeration here. Most of the
plants found in them are mentioned in my list of those collected west of the Cascade range.
Of the 360 species there given, more than 150 are peculiar to these prairies, being a very large
proportion considering their small extent in comparison with the forests. It is also observable
that these are of a group characteristic of the Great Plains and California, of which botanical
regions these prairies form the northwestern outskirts.
From February to July they look like gardens, such is the brilliancy and variety of the flowers
with which they are adorned. The weary traveller, toiling through the forests, is sure to find
in them game, or, at least, some life to relieve the gloomy silence of the woods.
The narrow strip of sandy prairie along the sea beach is particularly interesting to the
botanist, for there he finds many beautiful plants not seen elsewhere, which, wandering from
more southern climes, meet in the adjoining cranberry marshes the cold-loving northerners
before alluded to as common in the swamps. — (See Abronia arenaria and umbellata, Orobus
littoralis, Cymoptenis? littoralis, Fragaria Chilensis, JFranscria, (two species,) Calystcgia, Solda-
?iella, &c.)
A few remarks are necessary upon the origin of the dry prairies so singularly scattered
through the forest region. Their most striking feature is the abruptness of the forests which
surround them, giving them the appearance of lands which have been cleared and cultivated
for hundreds of years. From various facts observed I conclude that they are the remains of
much more extensive prairies, which, within a comparatively recent period, occupied all the
lower and dryer parts of the valleys, and which the forests have been gradually spreading over
in their downward progress from the mountains. The Indians, in order to preserve their open
grounds for game, and for the production of their important root, the camas, soon found the
advantage of burning, and when they began this it was only those trees already large that could
withstand the fires. Occasionall}" gigantic fir trees, isolated or in groups, show, by their immense
size, that these prairies have not been produced by, nor always exposed to, fires, for they must
have attained a considerable age before they could have resisted fire.
The introduction of the horse, about the beginning of this century, was a further inducement
for burning, and doubtless also caused an increased settlement in the prairies by these people,
hitherto accustomed to travel mostly by water, and to depend upon fishing for their subsistence.
On some prairies near Vancouver and Nisqually, where this burning has been prevented for
twenty years past, young spruces are found to be growing up rapidly, and Indians have told me
that they can remember when some other prairies were much larger than at present. That
they never were covered with forest is shown by the perfect smoothness of their surface; while
in places very completely cleared of forests by fires is always found mounds and hollows, left
by stumps, and an immediate growth of shrubs and trees follows, showing a tendency to return
to forest, instead of to form prairies. Great changes must have occurred in the conformation
and climate of this part of the coast since forests began to cover a surface once probably as
bare as that of the Central Plains.
Several kinds of animals are closely confined to these prairies or their borders. Among them
are the deer, rabbit, gopher, meadow-mice, and, in less degree, probably, the sewellel, (Aplo-
dontia.) mole, prairie-mouse, (HESPEROMYS AUSTERUS,) which seems, like the plants, to have
wandered from the east side of the Cascades to Steilacoom. Wolves and foxes are scarce
compared to their numbers on the plains, while their associates there, the badger, coyote, and
other species, have not been found west of the Cascades.
24 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
Pew birds are strictly peculiar to them, though almost all the smaller species, shunning the
dense forests, frequent their borders. The shore lark and Savannah sparrow are, perhaps, the
only land birds never seen in the woods, while some waders frequent their marshy portions,
with the brown crane and the Canada goose, which are never or rarely seen along the sea shore.
The prairie chicken, sage fowl, Oregon and California quails are worthy of introduction.
FORESTS OF THE WESTERN REGIONS.
The forests of the western regions deserve a particular description since, though they are
less important than the prairies to the agriculturist, they are one of the principal sources of
commercial wealth to the Territory.
As I believe no attempt has been yet made to point out in a systematic manner their natural
characters, distribution and useful properties, I will here mention each species in the order of
its importance.
It will be observed that they are nearly all of different species from those constituting the
forests east of the Cascade range, though some of them are supposed to extend much further
eastward, north of the Territory, as they reappear upon some of the highest parts of the most
eastern Rocky mountains.
The country bordering on the lower Columbia has been celebrated ever since its discovery
for the gigantic growth of its forests. Even species so nearly resembling those of the Atlantic
States as to be generally considered identical attain a much greater size.
The mild climate and abundant moisture causing a longer growing season may be con
sidered, perhaps, as one cause of this increase in size. It seems certainly to have an influence
upon many smaller plants, and most strikingly so on cultivated vegetables, whose seeds we
know to have been brought from the east. The great height to which trees grow may also be
due to the rarity of lightning, as it is well known that thunder-storms, though common on the
mountains, are very rare in the valleys.
CONIFEROUS TREES.
The tree most abundant, and therefore most characteristic of these forests, is that of which
varieties are known in the Territory as "red" and "black fir," (ABIES DOUGLASSII.) It is, at
the same time, the species most generally useful. Its foliage resembles that of the white spruce
of Canada, but the leaves are larger and longer. Its cone is also very different from that of
any other spruce, being ornamented with three-parted bracts between the scales, which at once
distinguish it. Its trunk is straight, commonly without branches for fifty feet or more, and
covered with a thick bark, resembling, in its ashy color and deep furrows, that of the chestnut.
The wood is rather coarse-grained and liable to shrink, but is more used for lumber than any
other, being adapted for all kinds of rough work exposed to the weather. It also forms excel
lent fire-wood, even when green, and in dead trees the bark and wood are often so full of resin
as to burn like a torch. From its combustibility extensive tracts of this forest get burnt every
year, taking fire from friction or any other slight cause. During our ascent of the western
slopes of the Cascade range we passed for days through dead forests, perhaps burnt by ignition
from the hot ashes which were thrown out from Mount St. Helen's several years before; but
large tracts were on fire at the same time, filling the air with smoke, so that we could not see
the surrounding country for several days. Large tracts of the eastern slopes of the Coast range
are also desolated by the same cause.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 25
The fir forms the mass of forest growth on the dry, gravelly soils, from an elevation of
probably 3,000 feet on the Cascade range, entirely across the valley to the summits of the
Coast range, west of which it is almost entirely replaced by another species, and it is not found
at all on lands subject to inundation. It is only where it abounds that extensive tracts are
found killed by conflagration.
The tree known as "yellow fir" in the country (A. GRANDIS) I have met with only on the
sandy alluvial river banks between the Cascade and Coast ranges, to which limits I believe it is
very strictly confined in this Territory. I do not know its highest limits, but suppose that the
influence of salt water may determine its most western range along the rivers, as it is strictly
limited by tide-water. Its foliage is denser and darker than that of the preceding, and it is a
fine looking tree, growing much higher than any other, often exceeding 300 feet. This, with
the shortness of its branches, which gives its top a cylindrical shape, easily distinguish it at a
distance. Its wood is much finer grained, tougher and more elastic, than that of the red fir,
being especially adapted for the enormous masts and spars which are now exported from the
Territory even to Asia and Europe. Much lumber, of fine quality, is also made from it along
the Columbia river. Its bark is thinner and finely grooved, of a pale gray hue ; the cone oval,
about three inches long, and destitute of the peculiar bracts of the preceding species.
The "black spruce" (A. MENZIESII) is the characteristic tree of the coast slope, where we
find it very strictly limited to the neighborhood of tide-water, though a moist climate and soil
seem to be the most essential conditions for its growth, as it reappears upon the higher parts
of the Cascade range, and does not extend up Puget Sound, (where the soil and climate are
dry,) though common at the Straits of Fuca. It is remarkable for growing on brackish marshes,
sometimes overflowed, and on inundated islands of the Columbia.
This tree has sometimes a diameter of eight feet, but is less lofty than the red fir, which is
distinguished west of the Coast range by overtopping this the prevailing species. Its bark is
dark reddish and scaly, not unlike that of the wild cherry of the Atlantic States, (C. SEROTINA.)
Its branches commonly commence about thirty feet from the ground, and grow more densely
than in any other species, while its leaves, growing in several rows entirely around the twigs,
form a thick, dark green foliage, with bluish reflections when their glaucous under surface is
turned upward by the wind. The cones grow near the ends of the branches, and are about
two inches long, of a fine bright purple color when young. Its wood is very tough, and when
not too knotty makes good masts and planks for vessels, but is poor fuel, excepting the young
branches, which are very resinous. The long, tough, fibrous roots are used by the Indians to
make very strong baskets and bags. It resembles the "Norway spruce" of our gardens, in
general habit, more than any other.
The tree probably most generally diffused, though nowhere forming forests alone, is the
"Oregon cedar," (THUYA GIGANTEA,) more nearly allied to the arbor-vitsB than to the juniper,
commonly called cedar eastward. This, like the other trees, grows to an immense size, being
often from twelve to fifteen feet in diameter, but is not equal to the spruces in height. Its
trunk is often straight and branchless for twenty feet, but the top is so knotty as to be of
scarcely any value. In lightness, softness, and durability, its wood excells any other, but is
deficient in strength and elasticity. It is used chiefly for shingles, rails, and fine inside
finishing. For most purposes for which the redwood of California is used it is superior, and
is therefore much exported from the Territory. A backwoodsman, with his axe alone, can, in
a few days, make out of one of these cedars a comfortable cabin, splitting it into timbers and
4t
26 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
hoards with the greatest ease. This the Indians did long before an iron axe was known among
them, using stone, hatchets, and wedges of the crab-apple. They also make from its trunk
those celebrated canoes, which have an elegance and lightness superior to any other except
the fragile shells of birch bark used further north. The following facts will show the wonderful
durability of the wood of this cedar, which excels that of its eastern relatives, as seen in the
peat-bogs of New Jersey, (Gupressu-s Thuyoides, the "white cedar :'7)
In the damp, dark forests close to the coast I have seen its trunks lying prostrate with several
spruces, from three to four feet in diameter, growing upon them, having evidently taken root
in the decaying bark, and extended their roots into the ground adjoining, while the interior of
the log I found still sound, though partially bored by insects. Judging of the age of the
spruces by ordinary rules, this log must have thus lain hundreds of years exposed to the full
action of one of the most moist of climates.
On some of the tide-meadows about Shoalwater bay dead trees of this species only are
standing, sometimes in groves, whose age must be immense, though impossible to tell
accurately.
They evidently lived and grew when the surface was above high-water level, groves of this
and other species still flourishing down to the very edge of inundation. But a gradual, slow
sinking of the land (which seems in places to be still progressing, and is perhaps caused by the
undermining of quicksands) has caused the overflow of the tides, and thus killed the forests,
of which the only remains now left are these cedars. This wood is perfectly sound, and so
well seasoned as to be the very best of its kind.
Continued and careful examination of such trees may afford important information as to the
changes of level in these shores. That these have been numerous and great is further shown
by alternating beds of marine shells and of logs and stumps, often in their natural position,
which form the cliffs about the bay to a height of 200 feet. But while these remains show
that the changes to*ok place in the latest periods of the miocene tertiary epoch, there is no
evidence in the gigantic forests living on these cliffs that any sudden or violent change has
occurred since they began to grow — a period estimable rather by thousands than by hundreds
of years.
This cedar is most abundant near the coast, but common also in damp forests nearly to the
top of the Cascade range, and is known to extend northward to the western slope of the Rocky
mountains, growing at a high elevation along their summits into Utah. It is recognizable by
its foliage and cones, both resembling those of the arbor-vitas of Canada, but larger. Its
bark, too, is thin, coming off in long riband-like strings, of which the Indians make bags and
articles of dress. It has been suggested as a good material for the manufacture of paper.
The hemlock spruce (ABIES CANADENSIS?) is generally considered the same species as that
found in the Atlantic States, but which does not extend north or west of Lake Winnipeg. It
differs on the western coast only in superior size, which is often from six to eight feet in
diameter and over a hundred and fifty feet in height ; while three feet diameter and eighty feet
high seem to be the maximum size of those near the Atlantic. It is found scattered through
the forests from the subalpine regions down to the coast, mostly in the dampest portions, but
nowhere forming forests by itself.
The "Oregon yew," (TAXUS BREVIPOLIA,) also much larger than that of Canada, though
perhaps of the same species, and much more like the European yew than that is, grows
commonly in damp soil, about the edgpa of meadows, springs, &c. It is a tree thirty feet
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 27
high and a foot in diameter, though commonly smaller, the largest being about Puget Sound.
Its wood has all the toughness and elasticity of the European yew, and, like it, was formerly
used for bows by the natives. Its larger and brighter leaves, smooth red bark, and coral-red
sweet berries, easily distinguish it from the hemlock, which it much resembles in growth and
foliage. I have seen it at a height of about a thousand feet on the Cascade mountains.
But one other coniferous tree is common in the western region — a pine (P. CONTORTA) so much
resembling the "Jersey scrub pine" (P. INOPS) as to be commonly considered identical. It
grows in dry, sandy prairies, forming groves along the sea beach and also high up the
mountains. It grows forty feet high and two in diameter, but is of little value as timber.
The range of the Jersey pine is widely separated from it, and none occur in the interval from
Kentucky to the Rocky mountains.
Besides these seven species, which compose the bulk of the forests, there are a few other
coniferous trees which I shall briefly mention, as they occur only in scattered localities, and
are therefore of little value.
A tree called "white spruce," but very distinct from that so named in Canada, found in
small numbers about the sound, becoming scarcer towards the Columbia river. It has smooth,
white bark, when old becoming dark; very long, shining, dark green leaves, arranged mostly
in a single series; and as it branches at regular intervals and in symmetrical whorls, forms one
of the most beautiful trees of this family. I never could obtain cones, as they fall to pieces
after ripening, but from the characters of its leaves have little doubt of its being ABIES
TAXIFOLIA, Lambert. It is certainly entirely distinct from the Douglass or red fir.
A few stunted trees of the yellow or heavy pine, (P. PONDEROSA,) already described, are
found on the dry, gravelly plain near Steilacoom, but are so stunted as to be scarcely
recognizable as the same tree so majestic on the eastern slope of the Cascade range.
A "white pine" is said to grow abundantly on the Olympia range and along the west side
of Hood's Canal, where, I believe, it is sawed into lumber. I could never ascertain whether
it was the species found on the Cascade mountains (P. MONTICOLA) or some other.
The Nootka cypress (CUPRESSUS NUTKATENSIS) is doubtless found in the Territory, as it grows
both northward and far south on the Cascade mountains of southern Oregon, where it was
found by my friend Dr. Newberry. From the general similarity of its foliage to that of a
juniper, it seems probable that the tree seen by Mr. Gibbs, "in swamps at the mouth of the
Snohomish river," was the former, which is much more likely to grow in such a situation than
a true juniper.
A second species of arbor-vitas (THUYA PLICATA) is said by Nuttall to be found on the islands
north of the Straits of Fuca, and probably extends within the Territory. "Cedars" on
Whidby's and other islands resemble it in their smaller size and denser branching, but I
attributed the variety to soil and did not preserve specimens.
BROAD-LEAVED TREES.
Forests almost exclusively composed of the evergreen conifer® produce, of course, but few
trees of other classes; but those found in the Territory are well worthy of special notice, on
account of their valuable properties.
The ' \foliaceous" trees there grow almost exclusively on the borders of prairies, river banks,
and such open situations; never in the thick forests of evergreens, though sometimes in scattered
28 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
localities when not much shaded. They are thus, like the spruces, much limited by natural
boundaries to particular districts.
The same oak (QUERCUS GARRYANA) which I have mentioned as found in small numbers east
of the Cascade range, is more abundant in the valley between it and the Coast range, west of
which I do not think there is a single oak tree. On the Columbia, Oak Point is its lowest
locality, and a corresponding point on the Chehalis is near the mouth of Black river, where a
few stunted oaks occur, covered with long moss, and evidently suffering from the excess of
moisture in the vicinity of the coast. At the same place, and from the same cause, the
"black spruce" begins to grow, and the "yellow fir" disappears.
The wood of this oak, though inferior to tsorne kinds of the Atlantic States, is useful for
many purposes to which oak wrood is applied. It rarely grows more than fifty feet high and
two in diameter, branching low like an apple tree, so that at a distance groves of it look
much like orchards, giving to the prairies where it grows a rural and home-like aspect. It is
rare on the prairies near the Straits of Fuca, but is said to extend further north. It is,
however, one of the more southern group of plants which I have mentioned as belonging
to the prairies, and is crowded out by the extension of the spruces over them. In the partial
shade of these it sometimes grows slender and tall, like the oak of our eastern forests.
The "white maple," (ACER MACROPHYLLUM,) quite different from any eastern species, is the
most beautiful of its family in North America. It is frequently eighty feet in height, and
attains a diameter of six feet, with smooth, white bark and pale green leaves from six to
twelve inches in breadth. Its long racemes of yellow flowers appear with the young leaves in
May, giving the tree an elegant appearance. Its wrood is superior in beauty of veining to
either the "curled" or "birdseye" varieties, and is capable of a high polish. Sugar has
been made from its sap at the Cascades, and may yet become an important product. This
maple grows from a high elevation on the mountains to the ocean; but I did not see it east of
the Cascade range, where it seems to be replaced by the third species of the Catalogue, (A.
GLABRUM,) a species of the Rocky mountain forests.
The "vine maple," (A. CIRCINATUM,) so called from its prostrate and tangled growth, forms
almost impenetrable thickets in damp parts of the forests. It grows only twenty or thirty feet
high, with a diameter of a foot at most, and is used chiefly for fuel, and boat timbers, for
which its crooked stems are well adapted. Its rich purple flowers are very ornamental
in April, and its leaves are the only kind that turn scarlet in autumn, like those of so many
eastern trees.
The "Oregon alder" (ALNtis OREGONA) inhabits a similar extent of country, but is most
abundant near the sea, where its light green foliage and white bark contrast agreeably
with the dark hue of the spruce forests. It grows sixty feet high, has very soft white
wood, excellent for carved work, furniture, &c. In the dry soil of the Valley it is rather
scarce, but is said to reappear on the western slopes of the Rocky mountains.
Another smaller alder, (A. VIRIPIS, ) little more than a shrub, grows in small numbers near
Steilacoom, and is, perhaps, that mentioned by Nuttall ("A. rubra") as occurring near Oak
Point.
The "Oregon ash" (PRAXINUS OREGONA) grows in moist, sandy soil, on river banks, in the
valley between the Cascade and Coast ranges, but, like the yellow fir, stops at brackish water;
and although a few are found down to the mouth of the Columbia, none grow along other rivers
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 29
west of the Coast range. It is a larger tree than the eastern white ash, and has all the
elasticity and lightness for which that tree is so well known.
The "Oregon dogwood" (CORNUS NUTTALLII) is still more strictly limited to the above
valle}T, and seems to disappear north of Steilacoom. It much resembles that of the Atlantic
States, but is of much larger size in all its parts, and quite equal in toughness and strength.
Its white flowers, sometimes six inches in breadth, ornament the forests in April.
With a similar range, but extending quite to the Straits of Fuca, is the beautiful arbutus,
(A. MENZIESII,) often called laurel. Its smooth cinnamon-colored bark and shining evergreen
leaves have almost a tropical appearance among the northern spruces, and it is, indeed, like
the oak, one of the few southern trees which extend from southern California northward in the
prairies. It grows almost luxuriantly on gravelly points and banks at the sound, but never
west of the Coast range. It attains forty feet in height and two in diameter, and its wood is
very strong and heavy, so that crooked pieces are used to make anchors by binding them
aground stones.
Two, and perhaps more, species of poplar form the forest growth on the inundated river
banks from an elevation of 5,000 feet down to tide-water. They are also found on all the
rivers running from the Rocky mountains, and perhaps entirely across the continent. The
latter is the "cotton-wood," (PoruLUS MONILIFERA.) The other, distinguished as "balsam," or
"bitter" poplar, is peculiar to the western half of the continent, (P. ANGUSTIFOLIA.) The wood
of both is of little value, but they grow rapidly and are ornamental. The islands and low
shores of the Columbia are covered with these trees, of larger size than I have ever seen them
elsewhere.
Another poplar, (P. TREMULOIDES,) the "American aspen," common across the continent,
grows on the high mountains, and in small numbers about the lakes near Steilacoom, but not
west of the Coast range. It is more abundant northward and east of the Cascades. Its wood
is of little value, and rarely grows more than a foot in diameter, with a height of forty feet.
Many species of willow grow along the rivers, but only two or three attain the size of trees.
One, (SALix SPECIOSA,) with very large and long leaves, seems mostly limited to the streams
east of the Coast range. East of the Dalles this and a small hackberry (CfiLTis RETICULATA) are
the only trees seen for hundreds of miles along the Columbia.
The second (S. SCOULERIANA) is most abundant west of the Coast range, and grows thirty feet
high and one in diameter, but is of little value. Its leaves are large and oval, and its flowers
among the first to appear, opening as early as February 20.
The willows along river banks, by their thickly matted roots and stems, support the sandy
soil, and accumulate it until it becomes high enough for other trees to grow on it.
The wild cherry (CERASUS MOLLIS) attains a height of thirty feet, and in appearance closely
resembles the cultivated kinds, which may be advantageously grafted on it. Its wood is of
little value, and its fruit small and bitter.
The "Oregon crab-apple," (PYRUS RIVULARIS) grows sometimes twenty feet high and one in
diameter, but usually forms low, tangled thickets, equal to the tropical mangroves in impene
trability. Its wood is hard and tough, used for wedges, <fec., and its fruit, though small, is
abundant and well flavored, ripening in October. At Astoria excellent apples have been
produced by grafts on this tree.
The "Oregon buckthorn," (FRANGULA PURSHIANA,) one of three distinct plants called "bear-
berry " in this Territory, grows on mountain sides and open ravines to the height of thirty feet,
30 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
but is less ttan a foot in diameter, and I believe of no especial value as timber. The berries
have violent cathartic properties, and, though eaten greedily by bears, are not used by the
Indians as food.
A birch (B. OCCIDENTALS ?) is said to be common north of the straits, but I did not meet with
it. A low, shrubby species, east of the Cascade mountains, exudes from its branches a bitter
resinous substance, (B. GLANDULOSA.)
SHRUBBY UNDERGROWTH.
To complete the description of the forests, I must notice briefly the numerous shrubs which
constitute an almost impassable underbrush in most parts of them, and are nearly all of use
either for their wood or fruits. In their distribution they are even more local than the trees,
and different groups characterize very fully the districts into which the forests are divisible.
East of the mountains I have remarked that a peculiar group takes the place of forests on the
Great Plains. There is also another group belonging to the Rocky mountain forests which
grow along the higher river banks, but, not being in a good condition during my visit there, do
not appear in the list of plants collected, though I identified the following species among them :
RHUS DIVERSILOBA, Torr. & Gray] CRAT^EGUS SANGUINEA, Pall., and another species, CERASUS
VIRGINIANA?; ROSA CINNAMOMEA, Linn.] RIBES AUREUM, (a fine yellow currant;) R. CEREUM ;
CLEMATIS LIGUSTIC^FOLIA, Nuttall.
The hazel, (CORYLUS AMERICANA,) red cornel, or "willow," (CoRNUS DRUMMONDII,) and bar
berry, are also found on both sides of this range. This latter shrub, absurdly called "Oregon
grape," (BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM, the "holly leaved barberry,") extends west to the Coast range
only. It produces a blue berry, eatable when cooked, and is much cultivated in the Atlantic
States as an ornamental plant. This, with a spira3a, (S. ARLEFOLIA,) a ceanotlms, (C. OREGONUS, )
and the hazel, form most of the underbrush of the "fir" forests between the Cascade and
Coast ranges. A "mock orange" is also common from the Columbia to Puget Sound, (PmLA-
DELPHUS.) Three species of raspberry are also found, mostly in this region, (RuBUS NUTKANUS,
LEUCODERMIS, and MACROPETALUS,) but to some extent also west of the Coast range. Three
species of gooseberry have similar limits, though they do not grow in the shade of forests.
(RiBES DIVARICATUM, NIVEUM?, and SANGUINEUM,) and a peculiar rose is found only on the borders
of the fir forest, (RosA GYMNOCARPA.) On Whidby's island are found two shrubs of much
interest on account of their locality, SHEPHERDIA CANADENSIS and a RHODODENDRON, closely
resembling R. MAXIMUM, but perhaps distinct, which extends along the Cascade range into
southern Oregon. — (Dr. Netuberry.)
Near Steilacoom, and in other scattered localities, some of the shrubs belonging to the
Rocky mountain group are occasionally found, (Rnus, CEANOTHUS VELUTINUS, OREOPHILA MYRTI-
FOLIA.) On the dry prairie two shrubs are met with — the service berry (AMELANCHIER CANA
DENSIS, var.1 ALNIFOLIA) of the northern group, and an elder (SAMBUCUS GLAUCA) which belongs
to the plains. In the adjoining forests, and often very near it, grows its northern representa
tive, (S. PUBENS, var.T) meeting it here just as it does the allied elder of the Atlantic States
near New York. Of the shrubs more characteristic of the black spruce forests, but which
occur also on the higher and moister parts of the Cascade range, many are evergreen, giving
these gloomy forests an undergrowth of almost tropical appearance, though belonging to alpine or
boreal families of plants. They do not generally obstruct these forests so much as the pre
ceding group, and, except close to the ocean, they can be easily penetrated along the uplands.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 31
Probably the most abundant shrub is the "sallal," (GAULTHERIA SHALON,) important to the
Indians from bearing a fine berry which forms much of their winter stock of provisions.
This fruit has, when fully ripe, much the same flavor as a summer apple. The sallal is not
uncommon in the fir forests, where, however, it grows only one or two feet high, while near
the coast it attains the height of eight feet. Its large, dark evergreen leaves and rose-colored
flowers are very ornamental, and in general appearance somewhat resemble the eastern large
laurel, (KALMIA,) which it here takes the place of.
Three species of huckleberry have the same range. The first (VACCINIUM OVATDM) is ever
green, with leaves much like a myrtle, and flowers from January to May, producing a black,
sweet berry, which remains on it all winter.
The second, (V. OVALIFOLIUM,) with small deciduous leaves, bears a red acid fruit, tasting much
like a cherry. The third (V. PARVIFOLIUM) bears a blue acid berry less agreeable in flavor.
Three kinds of gooseberry grow with these, but their fruit is not eatable, (RiBES LAXIFLORUM,
BRACTEOSUM, and LACUSTRE.)
Another shrub, allied to the huckleberries, produces a dry capsule, instead of a berry,
(MENZIESIA FERRUGINEA.)
The most remarkable shrub of this region is the ECHINOPANAX HORRIDUM, allied to the Aralia
of the eastern States, and, like it, called "Devil's Walking Stick." Its elastic thorny stems,
six feet high, and crowned at the top only by a numbe»r of very large leaves, shaped like those
of a maple, are very unpleasant to encounter in the woods, as they are generally felt before
they are seen in the damp thickets where they grow.
A beautiful evergreen species of wax myrtle (MYRiCA CALIFORNICA?) occurs rarely about salt
marshes at the coast and straits, wrhich seems near its most northern limit, as I never could find
on it either flowers or fruit.
I have already mentioned a group of plants which characterize the sphagnous swamps and
cold springs at the coast as well as on the mountain tops, and in the most northern parts of the
world, among which some are shrubby, (VACCINIUM MACROCARPON, LEDUM PALUSTRE, KALMIA
ANGUSTIFOLIA.)
There is a remarkable scarcity of climbing shrubs in these forests — one only, a honeysuckle,
(LoNiCERA OCCIDENTALS,) occurring rarely in the fir forests, though several herbaceous climbers
assist in obstructing them, (MEGARHIZA OREGONA, VICIA GIGANTEA, LATHYRUS POLYPHYLLUS, and
others.)
The last group of shrubs to be mentioned is that growing on inundated river banks, often
in the shade of poplars, and forming generally dense thickets. None of these are evergreen,
and in winter these poplar woods become quite bare, while the adjoining forests are green
above and below.
I have referred to the many shrubby willows which form the first growth at the edge of the
water, and are often partly submerged during most of the year. Next to these is found the
red cornel, already mentioned, closely resembling one belonging to the northeastern States.
Another species (C. PUBESCENS) is less common in similar situations, and has a green stem. On
ground a little higher, but below the summer inundation, grow two species of snowberry,
(SYMPHOBICARPUS.) Still higher grow the excellent salmonberry, (RuBUS SPECTABILIS, ) a kind of
raspberry, Avith purple flowers and a yellow or red fruit of delicious flavor. The crab-apple,
hawthorn, wild rose, (RosA FRAXINIFOLIA,) and fly blossom, or "bearberry," (LONICERA INVOLU-
CEATA,) form thickets with these. All of these also occur in damp, open places and wet
32 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
prairies, where sometimes a spirasa (S. DOUGLASSII) entirely covers the surface, and closely
resembles the eastern "hardback."
One shrub, allied to the cherry, but, unlike any eastern kind, (NUTTALLIA CERASIFOEMIS,) grows
in damp places, and most abundantly under spruce trees on the brackish marshes.
To call these varied and magnificent forests by the general name of "pine," as is often
carelessly done by travellers, neither conveys a correct idea of them to strangers nor does
justice to their importance. "Spruce" would be better, but is the term applied in the Territory
to the forest of black spruce west of the Coast range, while "fir" is the general term for those
between this and the Cascades. Pines are truly characteristic of the forest on the eastern
side of this range.
I need not here particularize the animals of these forests, since nearly all the quadrupeds
collected west of the range belong to the forest exclusively. Of these, the most peculiar to
them are the red lynx, (L. FASCIATUS,) bushy-tailed rat, (NEOTOMA OCCIDENTALIS,) and several
little shrews and mice; while the panther, black bear, raccoon, skunk, fisher, marten, mink,
weasel, Oregon tree squirrel, ground squirrel, and flying squirrel, nearly resemble eastern
species; and being all climbing arboreal animals, except the skunk, are almost entirely limited
to the forest.
The elk and deer may be considered inhabitants of the prairies, as they obtain most of their
food there; and the little rabbit of the Territory is never found in the dense forests. Few
birds inhabit their gloomy recesses, and especially in summer their silence is rarely broken,
except by the harsh voice of the jay, the screaming of the hawk, or the barking of the squirrel,
which, though not loud, is audible for miles. Occasionally the blue grouse or the pheasant
startle the traveller with their loud whirring flight, or an owl silently glides past him, astonished
at so unusual a visitor; but it is rare for the traveller to see any of the larger animals, unless
provided with good dogs. The Indians, from fear of the panthers and of "skookums" or
spirits, fear to go through the dense woods, except in large parties, and they are, therefore,
generally a pathless and solitary wilderness. Such we found them when ascending the western
slopes of the Cascade range, and the same character prevails throughout the still denser forests
of the Coast range. The occurrence of many animals was a sure indication of an approach to
prairies or openings.
CLIMATE OF THE WESTERN REGION.
I have already alluded to the influence of climate on the distribution of trees east of the Cas
cade mountains, and also to the same cause as affecting the growth of species on the opposite
sides of the Coast range. As a means of comparison, I here quote the records kept at Van
couver, by which it appears that in 1852 the total fall of rain amounted to 52.45 inches; in
1853, 42.04 inches; the mean of which is 46.49 inches; while at the Dalles it was but 14.70
inches. It also appears that rain fell during every month of 1853, and that more fell at Puget
Sound than at Vancouver.
West of the Coast range it is well known that more rain falls than east of it. The "Hyetal
charts," accompanying the Surgeon General's Meteorological Register, illustrate the difference
in a very striking manner. These show the difference at Astoria to be 5 inches more in spring,
10 in autumn, and 10 in winter, giving about 60 inches for the year; while at Vancouver it is
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 33
45. In summer there is little or no difference recorded. In addition to this, the nature of the
soil causes the retention of much more moisture near the coast, there being often a very
tenacious clay at or near the surface. Near the mouth of the Columbia there is also much
more rain than at a distance of a few miles north or south of it. I .have stated that towards
the summit of the Cascade range there is also a much greater precipitation of moisture, which
is accompanied by the reappearance or greater luxuriance of the trees and other plants of the
coast forests, and this is especially well marked in the gap of the Cascades.
I have already mentioned the difference observed in the temperature both of summer and
winter at the Dalles and at Vancouver, which are in nearly the same latitude. By the same
records it appears that the mean annual difference between Vancouver and Steilacoom, a
hundred miles further north, is exactly two degrees, each season being a little cooler at the latter
place. The same or a greater difference exists along the coast, but has not been recorded.
The effect, however, of these differences on vegetation is scarcely appreciable, and the amount
of moisture is by far the most influential. Of cultivated crops no statistics are at hand, but I
have observed that in the wet summer of 1854 they did best east of the coast range ; while
that of 1855, being much dryer, they succeeded best west of it.
I have alluded to the mildness of the winters, and, in addition to the published records, some
notes on its effects in relation to natural history may be interesting.
At Vancouver, from November 18 to January 4, 1853, the weather was very mild and rainy,
though with many bright, warm days. There was often slight frost at night, but vegetation
continued, and flowers of several kinds were constantly to be found on the prairie. I thought
December pleasanter than the month I had spent there after my arrival in the middle of June,
as it was cooler and not much more rainy.
On January 5 there was a fall of two inches of snow, and the rest of the month was clear
and cool for days together, an easterly wind taking the place of the usual winter sea breeze.
More snow fell on the 13th, 16th, 20th, and 24th, making in all about six inches, which covered
the ground for two weeks. By the 2Gth the Columbia was closed with ice nine inches thick,
which broke up on February 10. The thermometer did not fall to zero during the winter, and
the lowest I noted was 15°.
On February 20 I went to the mouth of the Columbia, and remained there and at Shoalwater
bay the spring following. On the 25th the native willow and chickweed (STELLARIA BOREALIS)
were in flower and winter at an end, although there was a light fall of snow afterwards, and
spring came slowly. This winter was one of the coldest ever known at Vancouver, where it is
rare for the river to freeze at all. Its effect on the migration of birds was marked, as it drove
southwards the immense flocks of swans, geese, and ducks, which usually make the Columbia
their winter resort. A few birds, too, seemed to have crossed from the colder eastern side of
the Cascades, (PicicoRVUS,) but the greater part of the land birds, as usual, remained constantly
at their summer homes, including more than twenty species.
The next winter I spent at Shoalwater bay, and made the following notes regarding it: There
was white frost first on the 7th of October, and afterwards much clear frosty weather up to the
last week in December, with northeast wind, unusual at this season. The last week of the
year was marked by a continued and severe storm, not cold, but with heavy rains from the
southwest. On December 21 I saw the large brown salamander still crawling actively about,
and the same week noticed a warbler and snipe.
1855. — The new year began clear and cold, like the last. January 2d it snowed a little, but
5t
31 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
this was washed away by a rain following after it. It again snowed on the night of the 5th,
and cleared off so cold that ice formed along the shore of the bay. On the 9th the warm
southwest winds again prevailed, and there was scarcely any cold weather afterwards.
January 14. — It was so warm that a bat came out and flew about the house for some hours
before dark. "January 27. The weather has been, lately, growing daily warmer, with a SE.
wind. Observed to day many frogs and striped snakes, and the large slugs and salamanders
are crawling about. In the evening frogs are piping their serenade, the pleasant harbinger of
early spring. The myrtle-leaved huckleberry is beginning to blossom, and the buds of trees
are bursting ; everything seems as advanced as in April at home."
This clear, warm weather continued until February 1, when it rained again, almost constantly
for two weeks. Then came another mild, clear term, followed by cold Aveather, ice forming
^-inch thick.
February 20. — " Nardosmia palmata, Eubus spedabilis, and Trillium grandiflorum are in
flower." On the 23d I went up the Chehalis river, and to Puget Sound, which I soon after
descended as far as the Straits of Fuca. There, as early as March 17, I found that the delicate
little humming bird, swallows, and warblers had already reached the extreme northwest corner
of the Territory, and I was disappointed in my hopes of obtaining some rare winter visitors from
the north. The flowering currant, strawberries, and many other flowers were there blooming,
and the winter was, of course, ended. During this winter more than twenty land and sixteen
aquatic species of birds were almost constantly about the bay, some leaving only for a few days
during the coldest part of January. A comparison of these numbers and species of birds with
those remaining through winter in the same latitudes on the eastern coast will show very
strikingly the difference in climate on the opposite sides of the continent.
FRESH WATERS OF THE TERRITORY.
Some general remarks upon the waters of the Territory, and their peculiar relations to their
animal and vegetable productions, are necessary to complete these notes on the natural regions.
Taking the fresh waters first, they being, with few exceptions, branches of the Columbia,
and those which are not so being small and few, I shall treat of them as if they were, knowing
but few differences in their natural products. Closer examinations will, doubtless, disclose the
fact that these different waters have many animals, especially small fish, peculiar to each of
them, but those which are amphibious can migrate from one to another, and plants are generally
extended throughout them by means of their seeds, which are transported by birds, winds, <fec.
I have already alluded to the fact that an extensive group of plants inhabiting marshes were
of identical species with those found in similar places throughout the northern part of this
continent, and even of Europe and Asia. A smaller series, more truly aquatic, presents the
same fact in a remarkable manner, (Scirpus lacustris, Typlia latifolia, Polygonum amphibium,
and others.)
The low temperature of the rivers, and .of the springs which form most of the marshes,
accounts in great measure for this similarity in vegetation at the level of the sea, and at a
height of 5, 000 feet on the mountains. The original source of all these waters (except those
arising in the Coast range south of the Chehalis) is in the perpetual snows of the mountains,
and in their rapid course to the sea they become heated only in those few places where
expanded into small lakes and sloughs. The very perfect drainage of the country prevents
the formation of extensive swamps, and no doubt accounts for the remarkable healthiness of a
country exposed to such great moisture from rains. An inspection of the map will show that,
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 35
especially west of the Cascade range, the rivers, though small, are exceedingly numerous.
Many, too, of quite large dimensions during the rainy season, become nearly or quite dry in
summer, particularly east of the Cascades. Their water is almost always exceedingly clear,
though some are turbid during the summer floods, especially the Columbia and Cowlitz, which
has then a bluish, milky hue.
I have seen very few that presented the dark hue arising from decomposed vegetation. One
of these is the Okanagan, east of the Cascades, wrhich, unlike all the others on that side, is dark,
slow, and broad, having many lakes in its course caused by its expansion. The temperature
of this river on September 27 is stated by Lieutenant Mowry as "much higher77 than that
of the Columbia near its mouth, which was 52°. To this fact I attribute the occurrence in it
of several interesting species of mollusca, of which I had hitherto found but three species in
the rivers.
Again, on the west side of the range is the Black river, much smaller, though apparently
deeper, and perhaps conveying as much water. Around this is the most extensive swamp I
have seen in the Territory, partially covered with forest, and doubtless producing many plants
not to be found elsewhere. I had no opportunity of collecting anything there.
It is observable that both of these, as well as the Willamette and that part of the Columbia
from the Cascade to the Coast ranges, flow nearly parallel instead of transverse to the mountains,
and, having slow currents, are consequently deeper, warmer, and more expanded than the other
streams. In June, 1853, I found the Willamette warm enough to bathe in at Portland, while
the Columbia at Vancouver, then high from the summer floods, was entirely too cold. The
published record of its temperature during the freshet of 1854 shows that at the commence
ment, on May 8, the temperature of the river at Vancouver was only 40°. It can scarcely be
supposed to have been warmer previously, as the rains had not ended nor the weather become
hot. From 40° it rose and fell alternately until July 20, when the record terminates, the
highest temperature being, on June 30, 55°. It is somewhat singular that the rise in tempera
ture corresponded with the rise of the water, and vice versa during June, wyhich may have been
due to warm rains. But as the water fell, during July, the warmth gradually increased from
47° to 53°. 5, the points given for the first and twentieth of the month. It, doubtless, continued
to increase afterwards during the lowest stage of the river, which is between July and
December.
It is, however, hardly probable that the warmest portions of the Columbia attain a \varmth
much above 60°, which is allowing an increase of eight during its course from the mouth of the
Okanagan to Vancouver, while it is continually receiving branches from the mountain snows.
The temperature of 52°, observed at the former point on September 27, is, doubtless, about
the highest it reaches there, since that period was at the very middle of the dry season, and
the snow-flood had long since ceased.
In connexion with this low temperature, and with the fact that in most winters the streams
west of the mountains rarely freeze, thus limiting the temperature of the year between about
35° and 60°, we find that, though abounding in fish of many species, all those constantly
inhabiting it belong to but two families, SALMONID^I and CYPRINID^E, excluding those which
merely enter the river in summer to spawn, as the sturgeon, lamprey, &c. Eeptiles and
mollusca are also rare, being confined almost exclusively to the lakes, marshes, and sloughs
near the river, which become warmer in summer.
36 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
The Columbia continues fresh so near its mouth that I have found the water drinkable even
at high tide, and in August, just within Cape Disappointment, less than a mile from the
breakers outside the bar.
To this fact is attributable the scarcity of such animals as usually inhabit estuaries. Though
I visited the place at all seasons I never found on the shores of Baker's bay but two species of
mollusca, while in Shoalwater bay, only a mile or two north of it, are more than twenty. But
several species are known to inhabit the deep water about the bar of the Columbia, where they
were dredged up by the Exploring Expedition. It is probable that the water is much salter at
that depth than near the surface.
Aquatic mammalia, such as beaver, muskrat, otter, and seal, abound in the fresh waters;
and one seems to be peculiar to the Territory, the water shrew, (NEOSOREX NAVIGATOR,) caught
while swimming a foot below the surface of one of the lakes at the head of the Yakima river,
and at least 2,500 feet above the ocean.
SALT WATERS OF THE TERRITORY.
The salt waters of the Territory constitute a botanical and zoological region, equal in
importance to the others described, and, in their great variety of animal life, far surpass the
corresponding portions of the Atlantic coast. A short description of the peculiarities in the
conformation of the shores will, in some degree, account for this fact. Commencing with the
northwest sounds, we find there a large body of water from twenty to sixty fathoms deep, with
shores almost everywhere bold and hard, so that the largest ships can literally tie fast to the
trees along shore in many portions where they cannot readily anchor on account of the depth.
This great body of water is nearly as salt as the ocean itself, and is renewed twice in each day
by tides, which range between the limits of eighteen feet, each alternate tide being less than
the preceding, until it is reduced to a rise or fall of less than a foot, when it begins to
increase again, the other series decreasing in its turn. By this arrangement it happens that
the extreme low tides occur about once in every fortnight.
The high mountains, and generally steep cliffs on each side, completely protect the sounds
from storms, so that calms are almost constant in their inner labyrinths, and they are thus as
admirably fitted for the production of animal life as the most carefully constructed aquarium.
In very short visits and hasty voyages on the sounds I had little opportunity for collecting, and
obtained, I believe, nothing new. But the great number of animals obtained by others, and
most of which exist in abundance, show its richness in zoology, while it may be safely estimated
that a third of its inhabitants are yet unknown to science.
A long residence at Shoalwater bay allows me to speak of it more particularly. It is
twenty-five miles long and from three to seven wide, thus including an area of more than a
hundred square miles. Of this large surface two-thirds may be said to become bare at ordinary
low tide, and probably more than three-quarters at the lowest semi-monthly ebbs, of which
those of May and June are even lower than the others, though all less in their extremes than
those of the sounds.
The least depth of water on the bar is, by the Coast Survey charts, three and a quarter
fathoms, which increases just within it to seventeen fathoms, and varies in the channels from
this depth to three fathoms at the mouths of the larger rivers. There are five rivers emptying
into the bay, which bring down a large amount of fresh water, and six large creeks, which,
though wide at high water, become almost dry at medium ebb-tides, and were caused by the
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 37
tides flowing through channels in the meadows originally formed by small brooks. The
Willopah is navigable for about fifteen miles; the other rivers from four to twelve. There is,
of course, a large mixture of fresh water with the salt in the bay, while, at the same time, the
rivers are all more salt at their mouths than the Columbia, and for a proportionately much
greater distance up them. The bottom of the bay is composed of sand, hard near its mouth,
but becoming more and more mixed with mud towards the mouths of rivers and its south end,
where it is too soft to bear a man's weight. There are several hard, sandy or gravelly points
about the bay, and isolated rocks in a few places.
Such a variety of "stations" produces a corresponding variety of molluscous and other
animals, which are fully spoken of elsewhere with regard to their distribution. I may remark
that while all the same varieties of station occur in the sounds, and produce a corresponding-
series of animals, the greater depth, saltness, and more rocky bottom of those waters, favor the
existence of many additional species.
The immense numbers of waterfowl that frequent this bay at almost all seasons is also referred
to in my notes on them, and it will be remarked that nearly all of them are of the same species
as on the Atlantic coast, though some, like the pelican, reach a much more northern latitude.
The variety of fish is apparently greater than in the Columbia, though less than in the sounds.
A single large starfish, occasionally washed up from deep water, is the only radiate animal I
have seen there.
Grey's harbor has, apparently, much less variety of animal life than Shoal water bay. Its
bottom is more sandy, and the water probably salter than in the bay; and I have remarked that
the tides flow up it for forty-five miles, though it does not taste brackish at that distance up.
The shore of the ocean, from the Columbia to Gray's harbor, which is the only part I have
visited, is shallow and sandy, and produces less variety of animals than might be expected from
visiting the other waters. Though I have walked the whole distance of forty miles twice, and
part of it oftener, and at all seasons, I have obtained little more than I did in the bay. I also
made a voyage outside, from the Columbia to Shoalwater bay, in a small schooner, being two
days and two nights out, but I observed nothing not before seen.
There are several animals peculiar to the ocean, which are worthy of special reference, being
more fully described in my notes on species elsewhere given.
The sea otter, inhabiting the rocky coast further north and south, is the most interesting and
important, being a close link between the otters of fresh waters and the seals, of which one or
more species abound along the coast, and go far up the rivers Allied to these are the cetaceans,
of which small kinds, called "humpback" and "finback" whales, are constantly to be seen
at a distance of a mile or two from the shore, and are sometimes washed up on the beach,
supplying a rare feast to the Indians, as well as a supply of oil to the whites. One of these,
some years ago, is said to have entered Shoalwater bay, and spouted about there for several
days, while the few inhabitants had no weapons to attack it with. Occasionally the large ' ' right
whale" is said to be washed ashore along this beach. Porpoises are common in summer, and
enter the bays; and the species called by whalers the "killer" has been rarely washed up,
one of them in the summer of 1855.
Several birds are peculiar to the ocean. The albatross and several little known auks, of
singular forms, are seen out of sight of land, but never enter the bays and rarely ever approach
the beach, though said to be abundant on rocky islands along other parts of the coast. At
38 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
the lofty rocky promontory of Cape Disappointment I found two or more species rarely seen
within the mouth of the Columbia, though frequenting the outside of the cape in immense
numbers — (GKACULUS and APHRIZA.)
Of the fish peculiar to the ocean I know little, though the large skate found at the mouth of
Shoalwater bay seems to be one of them. Immense numbers of small cod, and of an excellent
kind of anchovy, are sometimes washed up near and within the mouth of the Columbia.
A peculiar radiate (SPATANGUS) is found along the beach, and one mollusc, only, that I have
not'found elsewhere, (MACHAERA,) called there the razor clam, and considered the best of the
bivalves for the table.
The vegetation of the salt waters is almost as interesting as its animals, although, being of a
low organization, it has not yet attracted so much attention.
The immense "kelp" of the Pacific, (MACROCYSTIS,) rivalling the gigantic forest trees of the
coast, sometimes said to be 300 feet in length, and growing at both ends of that ocean, is a
most remarkable object as it lies extended along the beach like an immense serpent, or, coiled
in tangled masses, it floats about, carrying attached to its roots stones of many pounds weight.
In the sound this seaweed grows plentifully, as well as in the deep sea, but not on sandy parts
of the coast.
Mr. Ashmead has kindly noticed two other interesting species of Algae collected on the
coast in my catalogue of plants. The plants of higher orders growing close to or in salt water
illustrate the same fact in respect to distribution as those found along rivers, &c., most of
them being of very wide distribution both on this continent and in other parts of the world.
( Lathy rus maritimus, Potentilla anserina, Ligusticum scoticum, Plantago maritima, Armeria
vulgaris, Glaux maritima, Zostera marina, Ruppia maritima, and several others.)
In regard to the temperature of the salt waters I can only say that it prooably varies much
less than that of the fresh, since the currents of the oceans coming from the northwest keep
it cool in summer, while it never freezes, except where largely mixed with fresh water, and in
shallow bays. It is well known, too, that the vast body of the North Pacific is warmer than
the Atlantic in the same latitudes, and that icebergs are never seen anywhere near the coast of
the Territory.
SCENERY OF THE WESTERN REGIONS.
'The natural features of Washington Territory are strikingly different throughout from those
of a corresponding portion of the Atlantic coast, owing both to its mountainous character and
peculiar products. To a traveller approaching the coast by sea the whole country appears
mountainous and densely clothed with dark green forests from the water level to the limits of
perpetual snow. Far above this tower in indescribable majesty and beauty the brilliant snow-
clad peaks of the Cascade range, in strong relief against the deep blue sky, and seemingly
close to the sea, although Mount St. Helen's, the nearest, is one hundred miles inland. At
sunset the softening mist which often hangs over them becomes tinted with the most delicate
hues, gradually changing through the shades of rose, purple, and lilac, until in the moonlight
they become like monuments of shining silver.
On nearing land this noble scenery is found to be accompanied by a proportionately gigantic
vegetation, and, indeed, everything seems planned on a gigantic scale of twice the dimensions
to which we have been accustomed. The Columbia, unequalled in grandeur even by the
"Father of Waters," is bordered by lofty cliffs and mountains, clothed from base to summit
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 39
with perpetual verdure, and supporting on almost every foot of surface trees of astonishing
magnitude. At every bend constantly varying scenes of the wildest beauty burst upon the
view, while the calm silence is often unbroken, save by the screaming of the panther or the
shrill cry of the eagle soaring far overhead.
The universal and gloomy forest soon becomes monotonous, and it is a relief to see the canoe
gliding silently along, the log-cabin of the pioneer on the shores, or to hear the shrill whistle
of the steamboat echoing from bank to bank, and starting the savage inhabitants of the woods.
Though few signs of inhabitants may be seen, there are usually a few yards back of the line
of the poplars that edge the river large and fertile prairies, and farms well stocked with the
products of the soil.
On the smaller rivers a striking variety in scenery is observed, as in a few miles we pass
from the sandy sea-beach through luxuriant meadows, upland prairies, and forests with all
their different vegetation, until reaching the end of navigation we find a mountain torrent,
walled in by precipitous sides, and falling in successive cascades for hundreds of feet. All
this is seen within ten miles of the ocean, on the "Copalux river," as well as on some running
into Puget Sound.
Entering by the Straits of Fuca the scenery is quite different but no less interesting.
The calm blue waters of the sounds lie placid as a lake in the basin formed by their steep
shores with an ever varying outline of points and bays, and dotted with islands of every form
and size. Prairies are often visible to the water's edge, interspersed with evergreen forests,
and extending as an elevated plateau to the base of the rugged and snowy mountains that rise
like walls on the east and west.
With all this magnificence there is not wanting scenery of a milder and more home-like
aspect. The smooth prairies, dotted with groves of oaks, which in the distan3e look like
orchards, seem so much like old farms that it is hard to resist the illusion that we are in a
land cultivated for hundreds of years, and adorned by the highest art, though the luxuriant
and brilliant vegetation far excels any natural growth in the east. Nothing seems wanting
but the presence of civilized man, though it must be acknowledged that he oftener mars than
improves the lovely face of nature.
The sea-beach, too, has peculiar attractions for one accustomed to live in its vicinity. Its
broad hard sand forms an excellent road, smooth and solid as the floor, on which are often to be
found objects of interest and value, free gifts from the domains of Neptune. The constant
roar of the surf forms a pleasant relief to the silence of the surrounding forests, and in solemn
tones unceasingly it speaks of that Power who created all these things, "whose path is in the
great waters, and whose footsteps are not known."
No. 2.
CATALOGUE OF PLANTS COLLECTED EAST OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS,
BY PROFESSOR ASA GRAY.
PLANTS COLLECTED EAST OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS.
This collection was made by Dr. Suckley from the Mississippi river westward to Fort Benton,
and Lieutenants Donelson and Mullan along the Missouri river from near St. Louis to Fort
Union. All the plants were collected between May 10 and the end of August. This collection
all belongs to one and the same region, physically and botanically — that of the plains of the
northwestern portion^of the great Mississippi basin. The species may, therefore, be enume
rated without regard to their particular localities, which, moreover, are not always recorded in
the collection. Little novelty was to be expected in a collection made in rapidly traversing a
district already so repeatedly and thoroughly investigated. The species are, therefore,
enumerated in the form of a classified list, such remarks or descriptive observations as are
requisite being appended, as are the characters of some new plants ; for this collection is
found to contain three undescribed species and one new genus.
CLEMATIS YIEGINIANA, Linn. Vermilion river, Mo.
PULSATILLA PATENS, DC.
ANEMONE PENNSYLVANIA, Linn.
ANEMONE CYLINDRICA, Gray.
THALICTRUM CORNUTI, Linn.
RANUNCULUS DIVARICATUS, Schrank. This is the Ranunculus aquatilis in part of Linnseus
and of American authors, and R. circinatus, Sixth. It is the only species of the section
Batrachium which I have seen in this country.
RANUNCULUS ABORTIVUS, Linn.
RANUNCULUS RECURVATUS, Poir.
RANUNCULUS REPENS, Linn.
AQUILEGIA CANADENSIS, Linn.
DELPHINIUM TRICORNE, Michx.
DELPHINIUM AZUREUM, Michx.
ACT^EA RUBRA, Bigelow.
MENISPERMUM CANADENSE, Linn.
PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM, Linn.
ARGEMONE MEXICANA, Linn. var. ALBIFLORA.
CORYDALIS AUREA, Willd.
NASTURTIUM SESSILIFLORUM, Nutt.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 41
NASTURTIUM PALUSTEE, DC.
NASTURTIUM OBTUSUM, Nutt.
NASTURTIUM LIMOSUM, Nutt.
ARABIS HIRSUTA, Scop.
SYSIMBRIUM CANESCENS, Nutt. A nearly glabrous variety.
ERYSIMUM CHEIRANTHOIDES, Linn.
ERYSIMUM ASPERUM, DC.
STANLEYA INTEGRIFOLIA, James. Without much doubt this is a mere state of S. pinnatifida.
STANLEYA PINNATIFIDA, Nutt.
SINAPIS NIGRA, Linn. (Introduced.)
CAPSELLA BURSA-PASTORIS, DC.
LEPIDIUM YIRGINICUM, Linn.
LEPIDIUM INTERMEDIUM, Gray, PI. Wright.
DRABA MICRANTHA, Nutt.
CLEOME INTEGRIFOLIA, Torr. & Gray.
VIOLA CUCULLATA, Ait.
YIOLA PALMATA, Linn.
VIOLA CANADENSIS, Linn.
ELODEA VIRGINICA, Nutt.
MCEHRINGIA LATERIFLORA, Fenzl.
CERASTIUM ARVENSE, Linn.
CERASTIUM MUTANS, Raf.
MALVASTRUM COCCINEUM, Gray. One hundred miles above Fort Pierre.
LINUM PERENNE, Linn.
LlNUM RIGIDUM, Pursll.
GERANIUM MACULATUM, Linn.
OXALIS VIOLACEA, Linn.
OXALIS CORNICULATA, Linn.
ZANTHOXYLUM AMERICANUM, Mill.
RHUS TOXICODENDRON, Linn.
RHUS AROMATICA, Ait. White river, Nebraska.
AMPELOPSIS QUINQUEFOLIA, Michx.
CEANOTHUS OVALIS, Bigel., var.
STAPHYLEA TRIFOLIA, Linn.
NEGUNDO ACEROIDES, Moench.
POLYGALA ALBA, Nutt.
VICIA AMERICANA, Muhl.
LATHYRUS LINEARIS, Nutt.
LATHYRUS POLYMORPHUS, Nutt,
LATHYRUS VENOSUS, Muhl.
AMPHICARPA MONOICA, Ell.
GLYCIRRHIZA LEPIDOTA, Nutt.
PSORALEA LANCEOLATA, Pursll.
PSORALEA ARGOPHYLLA, Pursh, and var. DECUBENS. Less silvery and silky-hirsute; sterns
slender, decumbent or diffuse; stipules mostly near equalling the short petiole j leaflets ellip-
Gt
42 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
tical or narrowly oblong, (1-lj inch long, £-£ inch wide,) some glabrate above, flowers smaller.
Little Muddy river, August 10. This is perhaps the P. campestris, Nutt., which I have never
seen; but the leaves of that species are said to be only one or two lines broad. Fruiting spe
cimens are desirable.
PSOKALEA CUSPIDATA, Pursh.
PSORALEA ESCULENTA, Pursll.
AMORPHA FRUTICOSA, Linn.
AMORPHA NANA, Nutt., (mycrophylla, Pursh.)
AMORPHA CANESCENS, Nutt.
PETALOSTEMON VIOLACEUM, Michx.
PETALOSTEMON CANDIDUM, Michx.
TRIFOLIUM STOLONIFERUM, Muhl.
TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE, Linn.
TRIFOLIUM REPENS, Linn.
HOSACKIA PURSHIANA, Benth.
ASTRAGALUS CARYOCARPUS, Ker.
ASTRAGALUS GRACILIS, Nutt.
ASTRAGALUS MISSOURIENSIS, Nutt.
ASTRAGALUS ADSURGENS, Pall., var. ROBUSTIOR, Hook. Astragalus striatus, Nutt. in Torr. and
Gray, Fl. 1, p. 230. Apparently very abundant on the Upper Missouri, the specimens in flower
only; fruit not seen. This is evidently only a larger form of Hooker's A. adsurgens, which
seems to be that of Pallas also. The lower stipules cohere more or less opposite the petiole,
but the upper ones are distinct.
ASTRAGALUS CANADENSIS, Linn. ? in flower only.
ASTRAGALUS RACEMOSUS, Pursh.
ASTRAGALUS BISULCATUS, Gray. (Plate I.) Phaca bisulcata, Hook. Fl. Bor.-Am., 1, p. 145,
Specimens with mature Iruit, of which I give a figure.
ASTRAGALUS PECTINATUS, Dougl. Phaca pectinata, Hook., 1. c. 54. The ripe fruit is much
blunter and thicker than in Hooker's figure.
ASTRAGALUS FILIFOLIUS, (Plate I.) Phaca longi/dia, Nutt.; Psoralea longifdia, Pursh. The
name longifolius being preoccupied in Astragalus, this may take the more characteristic name
of A. filifolius.
OXYTROPIS LAMBERTI, Pursh. Various forms, doubtless including more than one of Nuttall's
species.
OXYTROPIS SPLENDENS, Dougl. A most elegant plant, with its crowded silvery silky-villous
foliage and spikes, and deep blue corollas. It was gathered on the Chippewa river.
DESMODIUM NUDIFLORUM, DC.
LESPEDEZA HIRTA, Ell.
LUPINUS PUSILLUS. Pursh.
LUPINUS PERENNIS, Linn.
SOPHORA SERICEA, Nutt.
THERMOPSIS RHOMBIFOLIA, Nutt.
GLEDITSCHIA TRIACANTHOS, Linn.
SCHRANKIA UNCINATA, Willd.
CERASUS VIRGINIANA, DC.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 43
GEUM VIRGINIANUM, Linn.
GEUM STRICTUM, Ait.
GEUM TRIFLORUM, Pursh.
SANGUISORBA ANNUA, Nutt.
CHAJLERHODOS ERECTA.
POTENTILLA NORVEGICA, Linn.
POTENTILLA PARADOXA, Nutt.
POTENTILLA PENNSYLVANIA, Linn.
POTENTILLA CANADENSIS, Linn.
POTENTILLA ANSERINA, Linn.
POTENTILLA ARGUTA, Pursh.
FRAGARIA VESCA, Linn.
RUBUS STRIGOSUS, Michx.
RUBUS VILLOSUS, Ait.
ROSA BLANDA, Ait. ; Fort Clark, Neb.
CRAT^GUS COCCINEA; Fort Union, Neb.
AMMANIA LATIFOLIA, Linn.
(ENOTHERA BIENNIS, Linn.
(ENOTHERA ALBICAULIS, Nutt.
(ENOTHERA CORONOPIFOLIA. Torr. & Gray.
(ENOTHERA C^ESPITOSA, Nutt.
(ENOTHERA SERRULATA, Nutt.
GAURA COCCINEA, Nutt.
ClRC^EA LUTETIANA, Linn.
MENTZELIA (BARTONIA) ORNATA, Torr. & Gray.
ECHINOCYSTIS LOBATA, Torr. & Gray.
RIBES HIRTELLUM, Michx.; fifty miles above Fort Union, Neb.
RlBES ROTUNDIFOLIUM, Michx.
RIBES FLORIDUM, L'Her.; near Fort Union, Neb.
RIBES AUREtfM, Pursh. ; one hundred miles above Fort Pierre, Neb.
OPUNTIA MISSOURIENSIS, DC.
HEUCHERA RICHARDSONII, R. Br.
SANICULA MARYLANDICA, Linn.
OSMORRHIZA LONGISTYLIS, DC.
CYMOPTERUS GLOMERATUS, DC.
MUSENIUM DIVARICATUM, Nutt. (Plate II.) The specimens in this collection, from various
localities, all have smooth ovaries and fruit, and therefore belong to the typical form of the
species. We give a figure to illustrate the plant. The variety Hookeri, Torr. & Gray, M.
Hookeri, Nutt. ined. , and NuttalPs J\L tracJtyspermum and M. angustifolium appear to be all one
species, having shorter as well as scabrous fruit, and probably distinct from M. divaricatum;
but my present means of comparison do not suffice for determining this point. The number of
the vittffi, whether one or more in each interval, rarely affords valid characters; and Musenium
will probably be merged in Tauscliia; but this question should perhaps be deferred to a general
recension ot unbelliferous genera, which is greatly needed. The leaves of M. divaricatum are
not all opposite, the uppermost being usually alternate.
44 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
ARALIA NUDICAULIS, Linn.
CORNUS SERICEA, Linn. ; Fort Clark, Neb.
CORNUS STOLONIFERA, Michx. ; Fort Clark, "Kinnickinnick."
SYMPHORICARPUS OCCIDENTALS, R. Br.
SYMPHORICARPUS VULGARIS, Michx.
GALIUM APARINE, Linn.
GALIUM TRIFIDUM, Linn.
GALIUM TRIFLORUM. Michx.
GALIUM BOREALE, Linn.
LlATRIS PUNCTATA. Hook.
EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM, Linn.
KUHNIA EUPATORIOIDES, Linn. ; broad-leaved variety.
ASTER SERICEUS, Vent.
ASTER MULTIFLORUS, Ait.
ERIGERON PUMILUM, Nutt.
ERIGERON C^ESPITOSUM, Nutt.; var. radiis flavidis. This is exactly Nuttall's Erigeron ccespito-
sum, or its var. grandifloruw , except that the rays are light yellow in the dried specimens; so
decidedly so that one can hardly suppose them to have been pure white when living; yet this
is possibly the case.
ERIGERON PHILADELPHICUM, Linn.
ERIGERON CANADENSE, Linn.
SOLIDAGO RIGIDA, Linn.
SOLIDAGO INCANA, Torr. & Gray. •
SOLIDAGO MISSOURIENSIS, Nutt.
SOLIDAGO GIGANTEA, Ait.
APLOPAPPUS SPINULOSUS, DC.
APLOPAPPUS LANCEOLATUS, Torr. & Gray.
GRINDELIA SQUARROSA, Duval.
CHRYSOPSIS VILLOSA, Nutt.
SILPHIUM LACINIATUM, Linn.
SlLPHIUM PERFOLIATUM, Linn.
EUPHROSYNE XANTHIFOLIA, Gray.
IVA AXILLARIS, Pursh.
AMBROSIA CORONOPIFOLIA, Torr. & Gray.
AMBROSIA TRIFIDA, Linn., and var. INTEGRIFOLIA.
XANTHIUM ECHINATUM, Murr.
HELIOPSIS L^EVIS, var. SCABRA, Torr. & Gray.
ECHINACEA PURPUREA, Mcench.
ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA, DC.
LEPACHYS COLUMNARIS, Torr. & Gra}% and varieties.
HELIANTHUS PETIOLARIS, Nutt. A diminutive state of this species, common in the collection,
is perhaps the H. pumilus of Nuttali.
HELIANTHUS RIGIDUS, Desp.
HELIANTHUS MAXIMILIANI, Schrceder.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 45
HELIANTHUS STEUMOSUS, Linn.
GAILLARDIA PULCHELLA, Foug%.
HYMENOPAPPUS TENUIFOLIUS, Pursh.
ACTINELLA ACAULIS, Nutt.
ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM, Linn.
ARTMEISIA DRACUNCULOIDES, Pursh.
ARTEMISIA CANADENSIS, Hichx.
ARTEMISIA CANA, Pursh.
ARTEMISIA LUDOVICIANA, Nutt.
ARTEMISIA BIENNIS, Willd.
ARTEMISIA FRIGIDA, Willd.
ANTENNARIA PLANTAGINIFOLIA, Hook.
SENECIO AUREUS, Linn., and vars.
SENECIO LOBATUS, Pers.
CIRSIUM UNDULATUM, Spreng.
CIRSIUM HOOKERIANUM, Torr. & Gray, var. Leaves mostly pinnately-parted, the segments
lanceolate or linear, sparingly spinulose-toothed. — L'Eau qui Court. (Flowers apparently
ochroleucous.)
CIRSIUM DRUMMONDI, Torr. & Gray. Only the heads, with their naked peduncles, were
gathered, so that the species is scarcely determinable.
LYGODESMIA JUNCEA, Don.
TROXIMON CUSPIDATUM, Nutt.
TROXIMON GLAUCUM, Nutt.
MULGEDIUM PULCHELLUM, Nutt.
LOBELIA SPICATA, Lam.
SPECULARIA PERFOLIATA, DC.
CAMPANULA ROTUNDIFOLIA, Linn.
CAMPANULA LINIFOLIA, Lam.
PLANTAGO MAJOR. Linn.
PLANTAGO YIRGINICA, Linn.
PLANTAGO GNAPHALIOIDES, Nutt.
LYSIMACHIA CILIATA, Linn.
APHYLLON FASCICULATUM, Torr. & Gray. The name "P. glabra," of Pursh, is a little subse
quent in date to NuttalPs P. erianthera ; but the latter can hardly be said to be characterized
in Fraser s catalogue, and the name is badly chosen, the anthe's being very slightly hairy,
that Pursh' s name may properly enough be preferred. This very handsome species has
recently been found by Hooker under the name of P. Gordoniamis. This genus (ANOPLON,
Waller, or AXOPLANTHUS, Endlicher, but long ago called APHYLLON by Mitchell) will perhaps
be merged in PHELYP^EA, Tourn.
PENTSTEMON GRANDIFLORUS, Nutt
PENTSTEMON GLABER, Pursh.
PENTSTEMON GRACILIS, Nutt.
PENTSTEMON ALBIDUS, Nutt.
VERONICA PEREGRINA, Linn.
CASTILLEJA SESSILIFLORA, Pursh.
46 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
VERBENA AUBLETIA, Pursli.
LYCOPUS SINUATUS, Ell.
MENTHA CANADENSIS, Linn.
HEDEOMA HISPIDA, Pursh.
MONARDA FISTULOSA, Linn.
BLEPHILIA CILIATA, Raf.
LOPHANTUS ANISATUS, Benth.
SCUTELLARIA PARVULA, MicllX.
STACHYS SYLVATICA, Linn.
TEUCRIUM CANADENSE, Linn.
ONOSMODIUM MOLLE, Michx. In this, as I have observed in the too closely allied genus
Macromeria, there is, if I mistake not, a dimorphism of the flowers, affecting the form and
length of the corolla and filaments.
LlTHOSPERMUM CANESCENS, Lehm.
LlTHOSPERMUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM, MicllX.
PENTALOPHUS LONGIFLORUS, A. DC.
ECHINOSPERMUM PATULUM, Lehm.
ECHINOSPERMUM (LAPPULA) FREMONT!!, Torr. (n. sp.) : "Stem erect, branching above ; leaves
oblong-lanceolate, clothed with stiff, incumbent hairs j fructiferous pedicels erect ; disk of the
nutlets flattish, tuberculate ; prickles in a double series, slender, the interior ones longer than
the diameter of the nutlets — differs from E. patulum in its double row of prickles, and con
siderable larger fruit : from E. Lappula in the much longer prickles and flattish disk, which
often has a number of small prickles along the axis. Colonel Fremont collected this plant in
his second journey (1844) on Pass creek, near the southern extremity of the Sierra Nevada." —
Torrey.
CYNOGLOSSUM MORRISONI, DC.
ELLISIA NYCTELEA, Linn.
HYDROPHYLLUM VIRGINICUM, Linn.
HYDROPHYLLUM APPENDICULATUM, Michx.
COLLOMIA LINEARIS, Nutt.
PHLOX DIVARICATA, Linn.
PHLOX PILOSA, Linn.
PHLOX ARISTATA, Michx.
PHLOX HOODII, Richards.
CALYSTEGIA SEPIUM, R. Br.
PHYSALIS HIRSUTA, Dunal.
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM, Linn.
APOCYNUM ANDROSAEMIFOLIUM, Linn.
ACERATES VIRIDIFLORA, Ell.
ASCLEPIAS SPECIOSA, Torr. (A. Douglassii, Hook.)
ASCLEPIAS NIVEA, Linn.
FRAXINUS VIRIDIS, Michx.
ASARUM CANADENSE, Linn.
OXYBAPHUS NYCTAGINEUS, Sweet.
ATRIPLEX HASTATA, var. (Chenopodium subspicatum, Nutt.)
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 47
"ENDOLEPIS, N. Gen.
"Flowers monoecious ; the male ebracteate, in glomerate terminal spikes ; the female solitary
and sessile in the axils of the leaves. Masc. Calyx gamosepalous, urceolate, five-lobed ; the lobes
thin, triangular — subulate strongly inflexed, each with a fleshy, protuberant gibbosity at its base
outside. Stamens five ; filaments subulate, short ; anthers oblong, large scarcely exserted. No
rudiment of an ovary. Fern, bibracteate ; the bracts ovate, mernbranaceous, inappendiculate,
united to the summit, forming a compressed theca which encloses the flower. Calyx of three
distinct sepals. No stamens nor staminodia. Ovary ovate ; styles two, distinct, filiform, slightly
exserted ; ovate erect. Utricle ovate, compressed, enclosed in the membranaceous theca. Seed
ovate, rostellate at the summit, vertical, embryo nearly annular, very slender ; radicle superior.
An annual low herb, in aspect resembling Chenopodium or Atriplex, with lanceolate acute,
entire leaves.
"ENDELOPIS SUCKLEYI, n. sp. (Plate III.) As a genus this is characterized among Atriplices
both by the remarkable calyx of the staminate flowers, and by the presence of a manifest
three-sepalous calyx in the fertile flowers. The species is dedicated to my former pupil, the
discoverer." — TORREY.
OBIONE CANESCENS, Moquin.
OBIONE ARGENTEA, Moquin ?
OBIONE SUCKLEYANA, Torr., n. sp. (Plate IV.) "Annual, stem branching, prostrate; leaves
suborbicular on long petioles, acutely repand-deutate, pale-green both sides, nearly glabrous ;
glomerules axillary, monoecious bracts of the sessile fruit deltoid, united to the summit, the
margin narrowly winged, crenate-denticulate. Very distinct from every other North American
species of Obione, but having some resemblance to 0. ,argentea. It is remarkable for the
roundish leaves, very long petioles, and the large and much compressed nearly glabrous fruit.
The male flowers were tetramerous." — TORREY. This was collected in the Milk River valley,
August 19.
EUROTIA LANATA, Moq.
ERIOGONUM FLAVUM, Nutt.
POLYGONUM AVICULARE, Linn.
POLYGONUM RAMOSSISSIMUM, Michx.
POLYGONUM VIRGINIANUM, Linn.
POLYGONUM AMPHIBIUM, Linn.
RUMEX VENOSUS, Pursh.
RUMEX CRISPUS, Linn.
RUMEX PERSICARIOIDES, Linn.
RUMEX SALICIFOLIA, Weinm.
SHEPHERDIA ARGENTEA, Nutt. Yellowstone river, Nebraska.
COMANDRA UMBELLATA, Nutt.
EUPHORBIA MARGINATA, Pursh.
EUPHORBIA PLATYPHYLLA, Linn.
URTICA DIOICA, Linn.
PILEA PUMILA, Gray.
MORUS RUBRA, Linn. Vermillion river, Mo.
POPULUS MONILIFERA, Ait.
48 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
SALIX ANGUSTATA, Pursh. Near Fort Union, Nebraska.
JUNIPERUS YlRGINIANA, Linn.
ARUM TRIPHYLLUM, Linn.
ALISMA PLANTAGO, Linn.
SAGITTARIA VARIABILIS, Engelm.
CYPRIPEDIUM PUBESCENS, Ait.
IRIS VERSICOLOR, Linn.
SISYRINCHIUM ANCEPS, Linn.
SMILAX HEBRACEA, Linn.
POLYGONATUM GiGANTEUM, Dietrich. P. canoHiculatum ; but the name is a bad one. The
species is, I think, distinct from P. multiflorum of Europe.
SMILACINA STELLATA, Desf.
SMILACINA RACEMOSA, Desf.
ALLIUM CANADENSE, Linn.
ALLIUM RETICTJLATUM, Nutt.
YUCCA ANGUSTIFOLIA, Nutt.
LILIUM PHILADELPHICUM, Linn.
LILIUM CANADENSE, Linn.
CALOCHORTUS ELEGANS, Pursh.
UVULARIA GRANDIFLORA, Smith.
ZYGADENUS GLAUCUS, Nutt.
JUNCUS TENUIS, Willd.
TRADESCANTIA YIRGINICA, Linn.
CAREX ROSEA, Schk.
CAREX MUHLENBERGII. Schk.
CAREX STRAMINEA, Schk.
CAREX CRISTATA, Schw.
CAREX STRICTA, Lam.
CAREX FILIFORMIS, Linn.
CAREX SHORTIANA, Dewey.
CAREX DAVISII, Schw. & Torr.
CAREX GRISEA, Wahl.
CAREX ANCEPS, Willd.
CAREX ARISTATA, R. Br.
PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA, Linn.
CALAMAGROSTIS CANADENSIS, Beauv.
CALAMAGROSTIS LONGIFOLIA. Hook.
STIPA SPARTA, Linn.
STIPA CAPILLATA, Linn.
VILFA CUSPIDATA, Torr.
SPARTINA CYNOSUROIDES, Willd.
BOUTELOUA OLIGOSTACHYA, (Atheropogon ; Nutt.}
SESLERIA DACTYLOIDES, Nutt.
FESTUCA TENELLA, Willd.
KOELERIA CRISTATA, Linn.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 49
REBOULEA PENNSYLVANIA, Gray.
POA PBATENSIS, Linn.
POA CROCATA, Michx.
TRITICUM REPENS, Linn.
ELYMUS CANADENSIS, Linn.
HORDEUM PUSILLUM, Nutt.
HORDEUM JUBATUM, Ait.
PANICUM CLANDESTINUM, Linn.
PANICUM XANTHOPHYSUM, Gray.
ANDROPOGON SCOPARIUS, Michx.
EQUISETUM HYEMALE, Linn.
CISTOPTERIS FRAGILIS, Bernh.
WOODSIA OBTUSA, Torr.
ASPLENIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM, Pursh.
ADIANTUM PEDATUM, Linn.
BOTRYCHIUM YlRGINICUM, Swartz.
7t
No. 3.
BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.
PLANTS COLLECTED IN WASHINGTON TERRITORY.
NOTE. — In order to show the marked dissimilarity in the Floras of the opposite sides of the
Cascade range, I have made separate lists of the plants collected by me in the two regions.
Though that from the east side (including a few from the summit of the range) presents a
comparatively small number of plants, still it seems to indicate something of the striking
distinctions referred to, those from the west having been collected during two seasons, and
being a comparatively complete list of the most characteristic plants. Most of the plants
common to both regions are inhabitants of the prairies, and it is but just to mention that many
of such as inhabit the western prairies have been found by other collectors in those east of
the range, though at an -earlier season than I visited them. I have made some notes on the
distribution of these in the chapter on the trees, &c.
The whole of the first collection was examined and named by Professor Gray. Most of those
of the latter collections were also named by him or Professor Torrey, who, as well as Mr. G.
Thurber, have kindly assisted me in their determination. I have marked such species with the
initials G. and T., where the authority rests on Professors Gray and Torrey.
I am also indebted to Mr. Gibbs for much assistance in collecting, and to Miss. E. Lincoln, of
Astoria, Oregon Territory, for a very well prepared collection of plants from the vicinity of
Cape Disappointment, Washington Territory, containing several species which I did not myself
obtain.
The four hundred or more species enumerated does not include probably more than a third
of the plants of the Territory, and in the little known alpine regions of the several mountain
ranges much novelty doubtless remains for the botanist.
I limited my notes on plants to such additions or corrections as I could make to the already
very complete descriptions contained in Torrey and Gray's Flora of North America; in Hooker's
Flora Boreali-Americana, and the other works cited in the lists. The localities, range within
the Territory, and notes of size, colors, &c., are, however, always given as far as known tome.
In some instances the only specimens of species collected were the seed and their envelopes.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 51
PLANTS COLLECTED FROM THE SUMMIT OF THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS,
EASTWARD TO THE UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER, AND NORTHWARD TO THE
FORTY-NINTH DEGREE OF LATITUDE, BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER,
1853.
RANUNCULUS ALISMAEFOLIUS, Geyer, var? In a marsh not far southeast of Mount Adams;
August 12; rare.
DELPHINUM SIMPLEX, DougL Common in prairies; from Vancouver eastward; August 12.
ACONITUM COLUMBIANUM, Nutt. (A. Nasutum, Fischer.) Two varieties found on borders of
mountain streams on eastern slope of Cascade range; August 13; rare, 4 feet high, flowers deep
blue.
NASTURTIUM LYRATUM, Nutt. Along banks of Columbia river, near the Dalles; November;
common.
CLEOME LUTEA, Hooker. South bank of Columbia, from Walla- Walla to the Dalles; not seen
northward; November 8 to 15.
SPRAGUEA UMBELLATA, Torr. High on Cascade mountains, east of Mount Adams; August. A
single depauperate specimen. "It was known only from the base of the Sierra Nevada in
Upper California, where Fremont gathered the specimens described and figured by Dr. Torrey
in his Plants Fremontianae." — GRAY.
SIDALCEA MALVAEFLORA, Gray. Small form. (8. Oregona,) Nutt. in Fl. of'N. A.) Common
along both sides from the height of 4,000 feet downwards; August 12; 2 feet, purple.
MALVASTRUM MUNROANUM, Gray. Near mouth of Okanagan river; October 4. Second
flowering on land lately burnt over; orange red. "J/. Thurberi, Gray, (Plantse Thurberianse,)
is the same as this, or at least is the M. fasciculata, Nutt., which has been referred to M.
Munroana. ' ' — GRAY.
ERODIUM CICUTARIUM, L'Her. Common along streams on the higher parts of the range east
of the summit; August.
GERANIUM INCISUM, Nutt. Not very common at the same time and place. Two feet high,
flowers pale purple.
ACER GLABRUM, Torr. (A. Douglassii, Hook.} Not abundant. On the mountains east of the
summit only; fruit nearly ripe in August; a small tree.
VICIA AMERICANA, Muhl. (V. Oregana, Nutt.) Common in damp places.
LATHYRUS PALUSTRIS, Linn., var. Several varieties common with the preceding, but in
damper soil.
HOSACKIA PURSHIANA, Benth. and varieties. Common, but out of flower except in shady
and damp spots.
ASTRAGALUS (HOMALOBUS) SEROTINUS, n. sp., PL V. Near the Columbia river, about latitude
48°. Rare; probably a second growth on burnt ground; October.
"Description. — Cinereous, with a minute strigulose pubescence; stems branching from the
perennial root, ascending, slender, angled, often flexuous, (8-15 inches high; stipules triangular-
acuminate, more or less united opposite the petiole; leaflets 9-21, linear (rarely oblong-linear
or oblanceolate) mucronate, not rigid, glabrous, or nearly so above, $ie terminal one resembling
the others; peduncles exceeding the leaves; racemes loosely many-flowered, virgate; bracts
much shorter than the at length spreading or recurved pedicels; calyx campanulate minutely
52 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
pubescent, its teeth very short; corolla purple; the legume sessile in the calyx, linear,
acute, glabrous, or minutely puberulent, 8-10 seeded; the narrow valves considerably convex.
Two forms occur, one rather smaller and more cinereous than the other. Leaflets half an inch
to one inch long, varying from half a line to two lines wide. Corolla four or four and a half
lines long. Legume nine or ten lines long, a line and a half wide; neither suture in the least
introflexed or tumid; the funiculi short. To none of Nuttall's too numerous species of
Homalobus can this be referred. It most resembles his H. decumbens, but is less rigid, not
silky-canescent, and has very much shorter and blunter calyx-teeth. It may possibly be the
obscure Astragalus miser of Douglas, but the pubescence of the calyx is seldom and slightly
blackish." — GRAY.
LUPINUS SERICEUS, Pursh. Common on higher parts of eastern slopes in the pine forest,
growing three feet high, and in August nearly past flowering.
L. LEUCOPHYLLUS, Lindl. In similar localities. A very beautiful plant three feet high, with
long spikes of blue flowers.
SPIREA BETULAEFOLIA, Pallas. Collected near 49th° on the Okanagan river, flowering a second
time in October. Seen also on summit of range in July; 3 feet high.
POTENTILLA GRACiLis, Dougl. Abundant on the prairies mostly east of the range.
EPILOBIUM PANICULATUM, Nutt. Common along streams; August; 4 feet high.
OENOTHERA ALBICAULIS, Nutt. A single specimen found in flower along the Okanagan river,
in October, on ground lately burnt over.
MENTZELIA (BARTONIA) LAEVICAULIS, Torr. & Gray. Found in flower on the plains from the
Wenass river north, to the 49th°; August; 2 feet; yellow.
GALIUM RUBIOIDES, Linn. Common in damp soil, flowering in August.
BRICKELLIA OBLONGIFOLIA, Nutt. Common on branches of the Columbia; flowering August
20. Odor peculiar and not unpleasant.
MACHAERANTHERA CANESCENS, Gray, var. (Dieteria divaricata. Nutt,) Common on gravelly
shores of the Yakima, and other rivers; flowering in August.
ASTER SALSUGINOSUS, Rich, var. Rare on banks of Yakima river. Flowering in September;
a foot high; flowers purple.
A. MULTIFLORUS, Willd. Two varieties collected on the plains in October. Two feet high;
flowers white.
ERIGERON DOUGLASSII, var ? eradiatum. Sandy pine forest on the table-land, east of Mount
Adams; August. "As far as can be judged from the poor specimens, this accords pretty well
with E. Douglassii, TORR & GRAY, except that the heads are rayless. — GRAY.
SOLIDAGO GIGANTEA, Aiton. Common along streams on east side, growing 6 feet high.
LINOSYRIS ALBICAULIS, Torr. & Gray. Near Yakima and its branches, flowering in September,
when this and a few other composite were the only plants showing signs of life; 5 feet high
and very ornamental.
L. VISCIDIFLORA, Hook. Found common along Snake river in November, but not seen
northward. Accords with L. viscidiflora, except that the flowers in these specimens were not
viscid. A large shrub much less beautiful than the last.
GRINDELIA DISCOIDEA, Ni^tt. Banks of the Columbia, near latitude 48°; flowering in Septem
ber a foot high. "Not the species so called by Hooker and Annot; which is G. anomala, DC.
This specimen has heads as large as those of G. squarrosa, from which, except in the want of
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 53
rays, it is hardly distinguishable. Indeed, this and G. nana. Nutt. (wrongly joined to G.
humilis, Hook. & Arn.) are probably to be referred to G. squarrosa." — GKAY.
CHBYSOPSIS VILLOSA, Nutt. Yakima valley, August 15.
XANTHIUM STRUMARIUM, var. Canadense, Torr. & Gray. Yakima valley, August 20 ; common,
2 feet high.
HELIANTHUS LENTICULARIS, Dougl. Banks of Columbia, near latitude 48°; September 20.
Common ; growing 6 feet high.
GAILLAEDIA ARISTATA, Pursh. Abundant on prairies from Vancouver eastward; June to
October.
HELENIUM AUTUMNALE, Linn. Collected in flower on southern banks of the Columbia ;
November, common.
ARTEMISIA CANADENSIS, Michx. Common on the Upper Columbia and its branches ; collected
in flower about September 1.
A. DRACUNCULOIDES, Pursh. Noticed only on sandy hills near mouth of the Okanagan river;
October 3, in flower.
A. TRIDENTATA, Nutt. A shrub 3 to 7 feet in height, with stems six inches in diameter at
the base. Commonly called "Wild Sage," but with more of the flavor of turpentine, combined
with intense bitterness, which it imparts to the flesh of the "Sagefowl" feeding on its leaves,
as well as to meat laid on it for a short time. Common on the sandy plains of the interior,
commencing to flower in October.
A. TRIFIDA, Nutt. In general appearance and leaves much resembles the last, but is only
2 to 3 feet high, and not strongly scented. The top appears to be herbaceous. Seen only on
the Okanagan river, in flower, October 3.
A. DOUGLASIANA, Nutt. Common in the valley of the Yakima river. Herbaceous, 2-3 feet
high, flowering August 20.
A. LUDOVICIANA, Nutt. In valleys near the Columbia. September 18.
A. FRIGIDA, Willd. Met with only on the upper part of the Okanagan river, near latitude
49°; in flowers October 9.
ARNICA CHAMISSONIS, Less. In flower on southern bank of the Columbia, near the Dalles,
November 10.
MALACOTHRIX CREPOIDES, (n. sp.;) "glabrous, subcaulescent; stems numerous from an appa
rently perennial root, slender, diffuse, (a span or more in length,) sparingly dichotomously
paniculate, the slender naked branches or peduncles bearing single heads; leaves mostly radical,
lanceolate, runcinate pinnatifid, tapering into a petiole, the few cauline sessile by a hastate or
auriculate base, mostly small and bract-like ; involucre somewhat pubescent, of lanceolate,
subulate scales, with a few setaceous calyculate bracts ; achenia somewhat contracted at both
ends, strongly ribbed, the coroniform border obsolete ; bristles of the pappus consimilar and
equally deciduous. Radical leaves thin, 3 or 4 inches long, including the short and margined
petiole. Stems or scapes weak, sometimes sparsely hairy at the base, not much surpassing the
leaves. Heads not larger than those of M. obtusa, Benth. Involucre three lines long. Flowers
yellow. Achenia a line long, fusiform-oblong, being somewhat contracted at the base and apex,
the terminal areola therefore smaller than the greatest diameter of the achenium. Pappus of
very soft and fine bristles, which are barbellulate at the base and early deciduous, with no
stronger and more persistent ones intermixed." — GRAY.
Collected near the Columbia river, about latitude 48°, in September.
54 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
MULGEDIUM PULCHELLUM, Nutt. In Yakima valley, flowering August 20 ; common.
CAMPANULA LINIFOLIA, Lam. Collected near summit of Cascade range, but common in prairies
from Vancouver eastward.
PYBOLA DENTATA, Smith, var. Integra. On high wooded hills, east of Mount Adams ; August
12 • in fruit. "This is just the Pyrola dentata figured by Hooker, only that the oblong obvo-
vate leaves are entire, or, at most, with mere vestiges of a few teeth, in some cases." — GRAY.
PHELIPCEA COMOSA, Torr. & Gray, ined. Tahk prairie, ten miles from base of Mount Adams ;
August 12. Corolla pale purple.
"This, the Orobanclie comosa, Hook, is certainly a Phelipcea, and a close congener of P.
Calif ornica and Ludoviciana ; but it invalidates the character of Aphyllon (Anoplantlius, Endl.)
as to the bracts, rendering it probable that this genus may be merged in Phelipcea, since some
species of the latter have a nearly regular corolla. These specimens, as to the corolla, corre
spond better with Hooker's character than with his figure ; indeed, the three lower lobes are
not even emarginate. The notch of the upper lip varies in depth, as it does in the allied
species." — GRAY.
PENTSTEMON PROCERUS, Dougl. Common along the banks of the Yakima and its branches ;
flowering in August, purple ; a foot high.
P. RICHARASONII, Dougl. On the higher parts of the Cascade range eastward ; August ;
purple.
MIMULUS LUTEUS, Linn. Common along the banks of streams.
MIMULUS MOSCHATUS, Dougl. Collected, August 9, on a branch of the Yakima river, but
also found in damp, shady places on both sides of the mountains.
M. PRIMULOIDES, Benth. Found only, August 12, on the higher part of the Cascade range ;
yellow.
ORTHOCARPUS BRACTEOSUS, Benth. On the low prairie near the Yakima. August ; flower
purple.
CASTILLEJA MINIATA, Dougl. On the bank of the Columbia, about latitude 48°. Flowering
a second time September 20.
MENTHA BOREALIS, Linn. Common on the Yakima and branches, as well as west of the
Cascade range. August.
STACHYS CILIATA, Dougl. With the preceding and more common,
PHLOX SPECIOSA, Pursh. Collected in October on burned prairies, along the Okanagan,
flowering a second time. Also found in flower near the Dalles, in November. Six inches high.
COLLOMIA LINEARIS, Nutt. Not uncommon on prairies of the Yakima in July, but mostly out
of flower.
GILIA PULCHELLA, Dougl. Common on eastern side of Cascade mountains, but rarely found
in flower after June.
G. INCONSPICUA, Dougl. With the preceding, and also westward.
POLEMONIUM PULCHERRIMUM, Hook. Found only near the 49th degree, near banks of streams,
in gravelly soil, a few plants having a second growth of flowers on them.
APOCYNUM ANDROSAEMIFOLIUM, Linn. Common east of Cascade range, and also along the
Columbia to Vancouver, more rarely.
ASCLEPIAS SPECIOSA, Torr. Found flowering in Yakima valley in August. Plant 4 feet high,
flowers yellowish white.
ABRONIA MELLIFERA, Dougl. Collected in flower on the sandy desert south of the Columbia,
near Walla- Walla, and noticed nowhere else. November 12; flowers white.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 55
EEIOGONUM NIVEUM, Dougl. Found abundantly near the Columbia, about latitude 48°,
growing in dry soil on hill- sides, which looked as if covered with buckwheat in flower. A
pretty species, a foot high ; flowers large, white. September 22.
E. MICBOTHECUM, Nutt. Common in the Yakima valley, flowering in August. Flowers
small, and very caducous ; not ornamental.
E. HERACLEOIDES, Nutt. On the wet, stony shore of the Columbia, about latitude 48°.
Second flowering ; stems two feet high, woody; flowers pale yellow, large. September 25.
E. NUDUM, Dougl. A common species on the higher slopes east of the mountains. Stems
four feet high, naked ; leaves mostly radical and large, nearly all faded ; flowers white, with
purple veins. August 12.
EUPHORBIA MACULATA, Linn. Collected, apparently indigenous, and of very large size, on
the sandy desert south of the Columbia. November 8.
SPIRANTHES CERNUA, Richardson. Abundant on damp prairies on top of the Cascade range,
and westward. August 10.
CALOCHORTUS ELEGANS, Pursh. A single specimen only, found under pines on the top of the
Cascades. August 8.
C. MACROCARPUS, Dougl. Common in flower in the pine forest east of Mount Adams, growing
two feet high ; the flowers single, but very large, and rich purple. August 12.
PLANTS COLLECTED WEST OF THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS DURING 1854-' 55.
NOTE. — S. or G. indicates that Dr. Suckley or Mr. Gibbs collected the plant or the informa
tion as to its range and uses. Twelve species, included in brackets, were collected only by
Dr. Suckley at Fort Steilacoom.
RANUNCULUS AQUATILIS, Linn.; var. lieteropliyllus, T. & G., (T. ;) on mud prairie, near Steila
coom ; June 1, rare.
R. REPTANS, Linn., (G. ;) wet grounds near Puget Sound and coast.
R. OCCIDENTALIS, Nutt., (G. ;) dry prairies about Puget Sound, common; March 28 to June,
2 feet high.
R. RECURVATUS. Poir. ; spring on Whidby's I.; April 20, rare.
R. ORTHORHYNCHUS, Hook.; wet grounds in shade, near Steilacoom.
[R. TENELLUS, ? Nutt., (G. :) Steilacoom, S.]
AQUILEGIA CANADENSIS, (Linn. ;) var. formosa, Fischer. Common everywhere on dry prairies
to elevation of 4,000 feet; April to August. [Steilacoom, S.] "Root edible," G.
DELPHINIUM MENZIESII, (DC.;) Whidby's I.; April 20, 1 foot, rare; a large form, flowers
deep blue.
D. AZUREUM, (Mich.) Common in prairies near Columbia river and eastward.
ACT^A ARGUTA, (Nutt.) Common in fir forests, Vancouver to Olympia • 4 feet high. Flowers
in May, white ; fruit ripe in July, both red and white on different plants.
BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM, (Pursh.) Abundant in fir forests and across Cascade mountains east
ward, not west of Coast mountains ; flowers in March, fruit ripe in July ; called ' ' Oregon
grape ;" eatable when cooked. Fort Steilacoom, (S.)
56 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
B. NERVOSA, (Pursh.) With the preceding, west of Cascade mountains, (only?) flowering at
the same time ; the flowers only differing in their larger size. Both are similarly fragrant ;
stems creeping beneath the surface, the ends only rising a few inches.
ACHLYS TRIPHYLLA, (DC.) Vancouver to Olympia, in fir forests. Flowers May 1, common.
"A decoction of the root used for pains in the breast." (G.)
NUPHAR ADVENA, (Aiton.) Ponds on mountains and near coast, April.
CHRYSEIS CALIFORNICA, (Hkr. & Arnott.) Garden near Steilacoom. Introduced? Agrees
nearer with this than C. Douglassii, which I did not meet with in the Territory. Flowers 3
inches wide, orange ; June.
DIELYTRA FORMOSA, DC., (G.) Common in rich grounds; Cascades to coast. April to July.
CORYDALIS SCOULERI, Hkr., (C.) Rocky edges of brooks in mountain forests, 3 feet;
June 15.
NASTURTIUM CURVISILIQUA, Nutt., (T.) Steilacoom ; common in wet grounds on prairie, 2 feet
high ; June.
N. PALUSTRE, DC. Marshes along coast, common ; June.
BARBAREA VULGARIS, R. Br., (G.) Abundant in damp meadows, everywhere to coast; May.
ARABIS HIRSUTA, Selys., (T. & G.) Common in dry prairies, Steilacoom and Shoal water
bays ; May.
CARDAMINE ANGULATA, Hkr., (C.) March 4 to May. Common in shady rich woods every
where.
C. HIRSUTA, Linn., vars. /9. & 7-., (G.) Abundant in wet grounds everywhere ; April.
C. OLIGOSPERMA, Nutt., (T.) April; Whidby's I. Less common.
DENTARIA TENELLA, Pursh. Whidby's I., in damp woods ; April; tuberous, flowers purple.
SISYMBRIUM CANESCENS, Nutt., (T.) Prairies, Whidby's I.; April. Common, 2 feet high.
SISYMBRIUM DEFLEXUM, Harvey, (G.,) var? (not in Fl. of N. A.) Sandy prairie at Shoal water
bay, not common, June, 4 feet high ; May to July. ' ' This seems to be a very luxuriant state
of the species of Coulter's California collections. Having been collected by Dr. Parry in
California, it will be characterized in the botany of the Mexican boundary survey." Gray.
ERISYMUM ASPERUM, DC. (T.) Dry prairies near Steilacoom, not common ; June 1.
DRAB A NEMORALIS, Ehrh. var. /9., (T.) Prairies on Whidby's island; March 20; common.
CAPSELLA BURSA-PASTORIS, Moench., (T.) Prairies on Whidby's island. Introduced?
VIOLA ADUNCA, Smith, (G.) "Probably the same specifically as V. canina." — GRAY. Dry
sandy prairies, Whidby's island and coast ; blue ; March 5. (Steilacoom, S.)
V. NOTTALLII, Pursh., (T.) Dry prairies, Whidby's island ; March 20 ; common ; yellow.
V. GLABELLA, Nutt., (G.) Damp, shady woods, near coast; 10 inches; May 1; yellow.
DROSERA ROTUNDIFOLIA, Linn. Sphagnous swamps, near mouth of Columbia river ; July.
HYPERICUM SCOULERI, Hooker. Common in praries everywhere ; June.
PARONYCHIA RAMOSISSIMA, (DC.,) (G.) Sandy prairie along coast at Shoal water bay.
SPERGULARIA RUBIRA, Persoon, (G.) Sandy prairie along coast at Shoal water bay ; May.
HONCKENYA PEPLOIDES, Ehrh. var. oUongifolia, Torr. <& Gr., (G.) Sandy salt marsh, with the
preceding ; September.
SAGINA PROCUMBENS, Linn., (G. ) With the two preceding; May.
M^EHRINGIA LATERIFLORA, Linn., (T.) Dry prairie near Steilacoom: June.
(ARENARIA TENELLA, Nutt., (G.) Steilacoom, S.)
(A. MACROPHYLLA, Hook. Steilacoom, S.)
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 57
STELLARIA NITENS, Nutt. (T.) Dry prairies; June; 6 inches; white.
STELLARIA BOREALIS, Bigelow, (crispa. Cham. & Schlecht,') (G-.) Damp grounds near coast;
March 1; common. (Steilacoom, S.)
CERASTIUM ARVENSE, Linn. (T.) Dry prairies; everywhere common; May to August. — (S.)
SILENE SCOULERI, Hkr. Prairie near Vancouver and on mountains; July; common.
CALANDRINIA MENZIESII, Hkr. (T.) Wet ground prairies near Steilacoom; not common; May.
Also a dwarf hirsute variety in dry sandy soil, Str. De Fuca; April 5.
CLAYTONIA ALSINOIDES, Sims. (G.) Common in shady wet grounds; May. (Steilacoom, S.)
C. PERFOLIATA, Donn. (G.) In similar situations.
(C. PARVIFLORA, Dougl. (G.) Steilacoom, S.)
C. PARVIFOLIA, Moeh. (G.) On wet rocks, logs, <fec., on coast; Shoalwater bay; July.
C. SPATHULATA, Dougl. (G.) Sandy soil, among logs, &c., on coast; Shoalwater bay; June.
C. CHAMISSONIS, Esch. & Ledeb. (C. aquatica, Nutt.,) (T.) Wet ground near Steilacoom;
rare; May 20; creeping.
C. DICHOTOMA, Nutt. Wet prairie, Whidby's island; May 23; rare; two inches high.
GERANIUM CAROLINIANUM, Linn. (T.) Abundant on prairies; June to December.
G. ALBIFLORUM, Hooker. Common in woods near Vancouver; June.
IMPATIENS FULVA, Nutt. (T.) Mouth of Columbia river; July; seen nowhere else.
OXALIS OREGONA, Nutt. Shady woods along Columbia river, &c. ; June; common.
MALVA BOREALIS, Linn. (T.) (Not in Fl. of N. A.) A single specimen found at Johnson's
Point, Puget Sound; August 26; in flower; purple; six inches high; introduced. (?)
SIDALCEA MALVAEFLORA, Gray. (G.) Along edges of brackish marshes, near coast; six feet
high; flowers one and a half inch in breadth; an elegant plant. The specimens collected on
Cascade mountains, in 1853, are only about one-third these dimensions; the S. oregona, Nutt.,
now merged in above.
ACERMACROPHYLLUM, Pursh. (G.) " White maple ;" common in the forests, from Cascade
mountains to coast; flowers May 15; leaves just expanding; forty to ninety feet high. (Steila
coom, S.)
A. CIRCINATDM, Pursh. (G.) "Vine maple.'7 Wet woods from mountains to coast: flower,
reddish purple, April 20; leaves turn scarlet in autumn.
A. GLABRUM, Torr. (T.) Smooth maple. Found west of Cascade mountains, only on
Whidby's island; rare; flowering March 27; male flowers only found; greenish, in axillary
fascicles, with very short pedicels; there only a shrub, but collected in 1853, east of the moun
tains, in fruit, growing thirty feet high.
OREOPHILA MYRTIFOLIA, Nutt. Rare in woods near Fort Steilacoom; flowering in May; strag
glers from the eastern mountains.
FRANGTTLA PURSHIANA, DC. (G.) Common on borders of forests; called "bearwood;" berries
eaten by bears, but not by the Indians. "Rhamnus purshianus, DC., Hkr., &c. A genuine
Frangula. ' ' — GRAY.
CEANOTHUS OREGONUS, Nutt. Common in thickets about Vancouver, &c. ; June.
C. THYRSIFLORUS, (?) Esch. (T.) Found by me only on gravelly banks near Steilacoom; differs
from the California plant in size, (only four feet;) round branches and white flowers; May 15.
VICIA GIGANTEA, Hooker. Common along coasts and at Steilacoom in sand, climbing for 20
feet over bushes, <fec. ; May 10; seeds eatable.
V. OREGONA, Nutt. (T.) "Small form." A variety of V. americana, according to Dr. Gray.
8 t
58 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
LATHYBUS MAEITIMUS. Bigel. (G.) Abundant on sandy prairies along sea-shore; April to
July.
L. POLYPHYLLUS, Nutt. (T.) Abundant in fir forests from Columbia river north, presenting
several varieties; June to July: purple.
L. VENOSUS, Muhl., var. (T.) Fir forests Vancouver to Steilacoom; June; common.
L. PALUSTEIS, Linn. (G.,) vars. a. ft. -Common everywhere in wet ground; May to October.
L. (?) VILLOSUS, Torr. (Expl. Exped. coll. ined.,) (T.) Dry, shady fir forest near Steilacoom;
May 23; rare.
OROBUS LITTORALIS, Gray, PLATE VI. Astrophia littoralts, Nutt. Sandy sea-shore near
mouth of Columbia river at high water mark, common; flowers pale blue and white; seeds few,
as large as small peas; collected in flower May 23. "Villous; canescent all over; stems
numerous from creeping root stocks, decumbent or ascending; stipules almost as long as the
leaf, ovate or oblong, obtuse, the upper seinihastate; leaflets one to three pairs, and with a
usually smaller or imperfect terminal one or a pair of such, linear spatulate; racemes, five to
ten flowered, dense, on an elongated peduncle; legume oblong, villous. Astrophia littoralis,
Nutt. in Torr. & Gray, Fl. 1, p. 278. The specimens are in blossom, (while those of Nuttall
were in fruit,) and the flowers are just those of Orobus, to which genus the plant undoubtedly
belongs. The style accords with that of Orobus vernus, except, perhaps, the dilated and
flattened portion extends further down; nor does the pod furnish any distinctive character." —
GRAY.
PSORALEA PHYSODES, Dougl. (G.) Common on prairie near Steilacoom; June; whitish yellow,
(S.) "Leaves used as a poultice." — GIBBS.
TRIFOLIUM MICROCEPHALUM, Pursh. (G.) Common on inland prairies; two feet high. (Steila
coom, S.)
T. FIMBRIATUM, Lindl. var. (G.) Prairies of interior and dry parts of marshes near coast;
June, flowers purple, very variable, 1 — 2 feet, (S.)
T. PROCUMBENS, Linn. (G.) Cultivated ground; probably introduced; June.
(MEDICAGO SATIVA, Linn. (G.) Steilacoom, introduced, S.)
MELILOTUS PARVIFLORA, Desf. (G.) About houses, Shoal water bay, introduced.
HOSACKIA BICOLOR, Dougl. (G.) Common on prairie near Steilacoom; June, in wet soil,
flowers yellow and white.
H. DECUMBENS, Benth. In dry soil with preceding; June, flowers yellow and red, (S.)
H. PARVIFLORA, Benth. (G.) On sandy prairie, Steilacoom and along the coast; June, flowers
very small, red and yellow.
LUPINUS MICRANTHUS, Dougl. (T. <fc G.) Common in gravelly soil under shade, on prairie
near Steilacoom; May 20th, flowers blue, white, or pink on different plants, size and shape of
leaves variable.
L. LEPIDUS, Dougl. (G.) Open gravelly prairies about Puget Sound. About a foot high, in
flower; June 10th, violet purple. The only fragrant species I found. — (S.)
L. POLYPHYLLUS, Lindl. (T.) Common in damp, rich woods near Steilacoom; June, often 5
feet high, the raceme \\ foot long, color light or dark purple.
L. NOOTKATENSIS, Dough (G.) Sandy prairie along coast north of Columbia river; May 20th,
flowers blue, with white keel. Differs from the description in wanting the ' ' red and yellow
veins," and the leaflets are pubescent on both sides. Stems procumbent, spreading, 2 feet
long. The only species I found along the coast. The L. littoralis, Dougl., somewhat resembles
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 59
this, but I met with none of which the roots were used by the Chenooks as food. They do dig
in the same place the roots of an Abronia, which he may have mistaken for those of lupine.
This species is said to grow on "rocky shores" which I have never examined.
L. LAXIFLORUS, Dougl. (T.) Very abundant on dry prairies of the interior, forming shrubby-
looking tufts two feet high, the whole plant with a grayish appearance. Flowers pale purple,
blue, or white, in racemes 6 — 12 inches long; June 10th, Steilacoom, (S.)
L. FLEXUOSTJS, Lindl. ? A more shrubby species, growing only in dry woods, and flowering a
month earlier near Steilacoom. Flowers, larger, more ornamental, violet. Plant three feet
high.
OERASUS MOLLIS, Dougl. (G.) A common tree on the borders of woods, &c., 25 feet high.
Bark and form of tree very similar to the cultivated cherry. Flowers, April 1st, large, fragrant
Fruit, black, bitter; as large as a pea; ripe in June.
C. DEMISSA, Nutt. (T.) Banks of brooks near Steilacoom. White, June. Flowers large,
many staminate only.
NUTTALLIA CERASIFORMIS, T. & G. (G.) A common shrub in wet grounds, especially on
the brackish marshes of the Chehalis above tide water, <fec., 6 feet high; flowers in March.
Whole plant with the odor of Stapsliylea trifolia. Berries black, bitter; ripe in July.
SPIREA OPULIFOLIA, Linn. Not rare along brooks, &c. ; Steilacoom, May 15th.
S. DOUGLASSII, Hkr. (G.) Abundant in wet grounds, on prairies, &c., throughout forest
regions; July, 5 feet high. Besides the distinctions mentioned, I find the leaves only half as
large as in S. tomentosa, and the small branches purplish, instead of rusty brown. Panicles
smaller and denser.
S. MENZIESII, Hooker. Rare on damp prairie near Steilacoom, near woods. Flowers, June
20th. Stem simple, two feet high only, ending in large panicles of pale rose colored flowers;
leaves in this specimen much paler below than above, 1^ inch long and \ inch wide; flowers
larger than in S. salicifolia, as found in New Jersey. Whole appearance intermediate between
this and S. tomentosa.
S. ARIAEFOLIA, Smith. A common shrub about Vancouver, but rare near Puget Sound; 12
feet high; June 15th, (Steilacoom, S.)
S. ARUNCUS, Linn. (G.) Abundant on exposed clay banks, along coast, and at Puget Sound;
July 1st.
GEUM MACROPHYLLUM, Willd. (G.) Common in wet shady grounds; May 15th.
GEUM TRIFLORUM, Pursh. (T.) Rare, on Whidby's island, (Penn's cove,) April 12th. Flowers
richer purple than common.
POTENTILLA NoRVEGiCA, Linn, "var., carpels glabrous," (T.) Rare on dry prairie near
Steilacoom, June 20th.
P. GRACILIS, Dougl. (G.) P. fldbdliformis, Nutt. Abundant on dry prairies of the interior;
Steilacoom, May 15th, (S.)
P. ANSERINA, Linn. (G.) Abundant in salt meadows along the coast; June to August. I
never met with var {3. grandis.
COMARUM PALUSTRE, Linn. (G.) In brackish marshes, Shoalwater bay; July 10th, not very
common.
FRAGARIA VIRGINIANA, Ehrh. According to Professor Gray both this and the next two species
are found in Washington Territory. My specimens, from various parts of the Territory near
the coast, present so many shades of variety that, ivithout the fruit, I cannot decide on more than
60 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
two species. On the interior prairies they begin to flower in February, and continue till July,
the fruit ripening from May 1 to August. (On summit of Cascade mountains.)
F. VESCA, Linn. (G.) Certainly grows on the prairies of the interior.
F. CHILENSIS, Ehrh. (G.) On sandy prairie along the coast. Flowers much larger than the
others are, commonly; open in May. Fruit ripe in July, small, but I have not found it more
"villous" than the other species; flavor the same. (Steilacoom.)
RUBUS NUTKANUS, Moc. (G.) Abundant in dry hilly woods, everywhere; May 1. Fruit
ripe in July, dry and acid.
R. LEUCODERMIS, Dougl. Common in dry open grounds, burnt woods, &c. ; May. Fruit ripe
in July, like the common "blackcap." but larger and covered with a white bloom.
R. SPECTABILIS, Pursh. (G.) In damp, shady places, especially along the coast. The
bright purple flowers expand in February to April. Fruit ripe in July; very fine in good
situations.
R. TRIVIALIS, Michx. Not common. Wet, shady woods near Olympia. Flowers in May;
much resembles R. hispidus, Pursh. Fruit not seen. Differs from description, in its far
northern locality, in its leaves, which are not coriaceous, and in being more villous. " A form
very like it occurs in Sonora." — THURBEE.
RUBUS MACROPETALUS, Dougl. (G.) Common on dry hills, forming prostrate branches, and
resembling R. Canadensis, Linn. Fruit very good; June.
ROSA FRAXINIFOLIA, Bork. (G.) Common in wet ground, everywhere; June 16; 6 feet.
ROSA GYMNOCARPA, Nutt. On borders of woods in dry soil, (Vancouver and Puget Sound.)
Not rare; May 20. Flowers small, dark red, and inodorous.
PYRUS RIVULARIS, Dougl. Oregon crab -apple. Wet grounds everywhere west of Cascade
mountains; April, May. Fruit small, but good; ripe in July. Very useful for grafting on.
P. AMERICANA, DC. Mountain ash. On higher parts of Cascade mountains; rare. Fruit
collected in July, ripe, larger than common, and of a bright orange color.
AMELANCHIER CANADENSIS, Linn., var., y., Torr. & Gray. Abundant on borders of woods of
the interior, but rare along the coast; May. Whole plant larger, and fruit much larger and
finer than in New Jersey. " Service berry," (Steilacoom, S.)
EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM, Linn. (G.) Exceedingly abundant, especially in the dead forests,
where its bright flowers color the surface for miles together in July; flowers from June to
October, purple. (Steilacoom, S.)
E. TETRAGONUM, Linn. (G.) Not uncommon in large prairies near the coast; July.
E. COLORATUM, Muhl. Abundant in wet grounds everywhere ; June to October.
E. MINUTUM, Lindl. (G.) Rare on the dry prairies near Steilacoom in shade; June 10; flowers
very small, pale purple; plant somewhat decumbent, branching from the base; leaves nearly
linear; flowers much smaller than in E. paniculatum, which it seems to resemble much. — (S.)
E. PANICULATUM, Nutt. (G.) With E. coloratum, but less common; June to August. (E.
luteum, said to be found there, I never met with.)
E. LUTEUM, Pursh. ? (G.) Without flowers. (Steilacoom, S.)
(ENOTHERA BIENNIS, Linn. (T.) Very common on every prairie throughout the country. A
very large flowered variety grows in meadows at the mouth of the Columbia, with low, spread
ing, slender branches, not more than a foot in length, in habit resembling (E. fruticosa.
(E. VINOSA, Lindl. (G.) O. Romanzovii? On the prairies near Vancouver and Steilacoom
I collected two quite distinct purple species, growing in the same soil, and apparently holding
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 61
their characters well. The present grew two feet high, slender; leaves distinctly pedimcled,
lanceolate, linear, an inch long or more, alternate; capsule sub-pedunculate, as long as the
leaves, very narrow; tube of the calyx half as long as the petals; flowers an inch in breadth,
pale purple, not spotted. The other :
GE. QUADRIVULNERA, (G.) Dougl. (0. amcena? 0. Lyndleyi? more branching and shorter;
leaves sessile, oblong, lanceolate, half as long as in the preceding; capsule much thicker,
shorter, closely sessile, pubescent; calyx half as long as the dark purple petals, which have a
deep red spot at their base.
But vary much in size with soil, but seem always to be in company, and to show the same
relative distinctions. Neither is found west of the Coast range. The color of the stigma, I
think, varies with the time of expansion, and thus several species appear to have been made
of these two. My specimens do not agree exactly with the descriptions of either of those they
are referred to, but have some characters of the others quoted with them. (Steilacoom, S.)
(E. VINOSA, Lindl. ? (G.) (Steilacoom, S.)
CE. LEPIDA, Lindl. (G.) (Steilacoom, S.)
CIRC^BA ALPINA, Linn. Not rare in dark, damp woods about Puget Sound; July.
MEGAEKHIZA OREGONA, Torr. & Gray. (G.) Common in the western portions of the Territory.
On the dry prairies about Puget Sound it forms bushy tufts, two feet high and four or more
wide, being evidently somewhat stunted. Where the soil is richer, and in the shade, it climbs
thirty or forty feet over trees, &c., and has much larger leaves. Though nearly ripe, the fruit
in July is as large as the fist, round, with three or four grooves and scattered, weak, soft
prickles. The rind is about £ of an inch thick, and the inside entirely filled by the large seeds;
root sometimes large enough to fill a flour barrel, tough, white, and very bitter. It is said to
have strong cathartic properties. That of the California plant has been used to make
"Stoughton's bitters!"
RIBES DIVARICATUM, Dougl. (G.) The most abundant species throughout the forest region,
growing on borders of woods, shores, &c. ; flowers in April; color deep purple, sometimes
yellowish; fruit ripe in July, small, but good.
R. NIVEUM? Lindl. A species grows in the Coast mountains, about the head of the Chehalis,
which may be this. I saw the unripe fruit in July, then as large as a musket ball, slightly
crisped, and said to be excellent when ripe; plant shrubby, spiny; leaves small, trifid, and
toothed. It is now cultivated by Mr. Durgin in his nursery, by Mr. Gibbs and others.
R. LACUSTRE, Poir. Whidby's island, in damp woods; rare; April 15; also in the higher parts
of the mountains southward.
R. LAXIFLORUM, Pursh. A common species in damp maple groves along the coast; flowers
April 1; lurid purple, smell unpleasant; fruit nauseous, small.
R. BRACTEOSUM, Dougl. (G.) Dark woods, along streams, from Cascades to coast. Flowers
yellowish green; fruit black, as large as a pea, unpleasant; April 1.
R. SANGUINEUM, Pursh, (G.) Abundant in open fir forests; March 15; very beautiful in
flower: fruit small and tasteless, bluish. (Steilacoom, S.)
SEDUM SPATHULIFOLIUM, Hook. (G.) On bare rocks about mouth of the Columbia; July;
yellow. The S. Oregona I did not find there, but think I saw it on the top of the Cascade
mountains, in August, 1853.
SAXIFRAGA INTEGRIFOLIA, Hook. (G.) Prairies of middle region; March 20 to June; leaves
62 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
much thinner and more entire than in S. Virginiensis; scape fewer flowered and more racemose ;
flower smaller. (Steilacoom. S.)
HEJJCHERA MICRANTHA, Dougl. Common in moist woods; May; flowers white.
H. CYLINDRICA, Dougl. (T.) Not very common in dark woods near Steilacoom; June 11;
flowers greenish yellow; scape three feet high. (S.) "Leaves bruised and applied to boils by
the Nisquallies." (G.)
TOLMIEA MEJTZIESII, Torr. & Gray. Common in wet, shady woods, along rocky streams;
June and July; flowers purple.
TELLIMA GRANDIFLORA, Dougl. (G.) Not rare on damp clay banks, &c. , at Puget Sound and
along the coast; May 1; flowers cream color, handsome, very similar in appearance to those of
Silena stellata.
LITHOPHRAGMA PARVIFLORA, Nutt. Abundant on prairies of Whidby's island, «fcc. ; March 25.
TIARELLA TRIFOLIATA, Linn. (G.) Common in dark, damp woods, especially near the coast;
May to July.
CHRYSOSPLENIUM GLECHOM^POLIUM. Nutt. (G.) Rare, in wet woods about Shoalwater bay;
June 4; yellowish green.
PHILADELPHIA GORDONIANUS, Lindl. Very common in dry, open grounds' about Vancouver;
rare about Puget Sound; six feet high; July. As strongly scented as the garden "mock
orange. " The distinctions of this and P. Lewisii seem obscure. "Leaves used by the Indians
instead of soap." (G.)
SANICULA MENZIESII, Hook. & Ark. (T.) Prairies, common; April 20 to June; yellow, 1£
feet high.
S. BIPINNATIFIDA, Dougl. (T.) Rare on prairies at Penn's Cove, Whitby's island; April 20;
purple flowers.
S. BIPIN-NATA, Hook. & Arn. var. (T.) Prairie near Steilacoom; June; flowers yellow, two
feet high.
EDOSMIA GAIRDNERI, Hook. & Arn. (G.) Common on prairies near Puget Sound. (Steila
coom, "root eaten by the Nisqually Indians, and called S' hah 'got," S.)
OENANTHE SARMENTOSA, Nutt. (G.) Common in wet grounds along coast; rarer at Steilacoom.
July to September; flowers white.
LIGUSTICUM SCOTICUM, Linn. (G.) Not rare along coast at Shoalwater bay; July. "Green
stems peeled and eaten by the Indians." (G.)
CONIOSELINUM FiscHER-i, Weim. & Grab. (G.) Common in moist sandy prairies, both on coast
and interior; July to September; flowers white. Plant with the odor of anise when in dry soil,
but disagreeable in moist ground. (Steilacoom, S.)
ARCHANGELICA PEREGRINA, Nutt. (G.) Wet alder groves at Shoalwater Bay; rare; 6 feet
high; July to September. "Apparently not the same as the plant of the coast of New England,
referred to this species, though nearly allied to it. Both exhibit a more or less manifest
involucre. ' ' -^-GRAY.
CYMOPTERUS? LITTORALIS, (n. sp. :) "Low, subcaulescent ; petioles elongate, dilated, and
sheathing at the base, above with the peduncles and rays tomentose-villous ; leaves coriaceous,
deeply 3-lobed or more commonly trisected ; the divisions roundish, callose-serrulate, often
3-lobed or 3-parted, densely tomentose beneath, glabrous and finely reticulated above, the
veinlets impressed ; umbels shorter than the leaves ; leaflets of the involucre and involucel
subulate, the Tatter equalling the glomerate (whitish) flowers ; calyx-teeth short and subulate ;
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 63
wings of the fruit equal, (broad and white.) On the sands of the sea-shore at Shoalwater
bay, scarcely rising above the surface, where its leaves lay prostrate. These are dark green
and glabrous, and nearly white below, drying up, but not deciduous ; flowers gray and white ;
ripe fruit, white." — Dr. Cooper. "Root thick, petioles stout, a span long. Leaflets and
divisions of the leaf 1 or 2 inches long ; peduncle 1 to 2 inches long .; rays 10 to 12, half an
inch to an inch in length ; umbellets capitate, many-flowered. The very little fruit gathered
is imperfect, but accords with that of Cymopterus, (except that the vittas were not made out,)
but the foliage is widely different from that of any species -before known." — GRAY.
PEUCEDANUM LEIOCAEPUM, Nutt. (G.) Prairies generally ; on sandy sea-shore varies with
leaves broader and shorter; stem coarse, 1 to 2 feet; June. "The green stems are peeled
and eaten." (G.)
P. FCENICULACEUM, Nutt. (T.) Prairies about Puget Sound; March 15 to June — ; common;
flowering when two inches high to one foot. "Root boiled and eaten." (G.)
HERACLEUM LANATUM, Michx. (G.) Abundant on sandy prairies along coast; May.
DAUCUS PUSILLUS, Mich. (G.) Rare on sandy prairie near mouth of Columbia; July.
(Steilacoom, S.)
GLYCOSMA OCCIDENTALIS, Nutt. (T.) Common on rich prairies in shade ; June to August.
CONIUM MACULATUM, Linn. "Large form of the northwest coask" (T.) Abundant every
where in wet grounds, the large variety mostly near the sea, 8 feet high ; June to October.
ECHINOPANAX HORRIDUM, Smith, (G.) Common in springy woods, from the highest parts of
the Cascade mountains to the coast; May 15. (Steilacoom, S.)
CORNUS DRUMMONDII, (G. A. Meyer,) C. sericea, var.? Torr. & Gray. Abounds along the
edge of rivers, in sandy soils, down to tide-water. I think this is distinct from the following,
though my specimens are too incomplete to decide from.
C. PUBESCENS, Nutt. (T.) Not very common, in damp woods, Steilacoom ; May 28 ; 15-20
feet high. Bark greenish, twigs dark purple, leaves from two to four inches long, one to two
and a half wide, ovate, obtuse or mucronate, glabrous, petals white.
C. NUTTALLII, Aud. (G.) Common in the fir forests, about as far north as Steilacoom ; May
1. Very similar to C. Florida, and about twice as large in all parts. Much more ornamental
in flower.
C. CANADENSIS, Linn. Cascade mountains, 4,000 feet to the mouth of Columbia; May.
LINNEA BOREALIS, Gronovius, (G.) Common in the same situations as Cornus Canadensis;
June. (Steilacoom, S.)
SYMPHORICARPUS RACEMOSUS, Mich. (G.) Common along river banks down to tide-water ;
June. (Steilacoom, S.)
S. OCCIDENTALIS, R. Br. (T.) With the preceding, but less common ; June to August.
LONICERA OCCIDENTALIS, Hook. Not uncommon about Puget Sound or borders of prairies.
Resembles L. sempervirens in habit and growth, but the flowers are much less beautiful and
smaller ; orange ; May 1 to June. Limbs of the corolla slightly unequal.
L. HISPIDULA, Dougl. Not very common ; woods near mountains ; May- June. Flowers rose.
L. (XYLOSTEUM) INVOLUCRATA, (Rich.) Wet ground, Cascade mountains to coast, especially
about brackish marshes ; April to July. Corolla bright yellow, bracts purple, becoming much
larger and brighter as the fruit ripens. Berries united, dark rich purple. A variety collected
in flower, April 22, on Whidby' s island, has all parts much smaller, the leaves ovate-lanceolate,
flowers paler, and bracts green. The larger form seems rare near Puget Sound.
64 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
SAMBUCUS PUBENS, Mich. var. (S. racemosa, Hkr.) (G.) Common in the forests, growing 20
feet high ; April 20.
S. GLAUCA, Nutt. Plains and prairies on both sides of Cascade mountains ; most common
eastward. Not west of Coast range ; June 20 ; Steilacoom. Berries much more pleasant than
those of C. Canadensis ; ripe in July ; blue.
GALIUM TRIFIDUM, Linn. (G.) Common in the thickets, &c. • June.
G. TPJFLOEUM, Mich. (G.) In similar places everywhere ; June.
(G. APARINE, Linn. (G.) Steilacoom, S.)
VALERIANA CAPITATA, Willd. Rare; on rocky banks of "Stab-chess" river, near Olympia ;
May 1 ; 3 feet high ; flowers pink, fragrant.
PLECTEITIS CONGESTA, DC. (G.) Sandy soil along sea-shore and Straits of De Fuca; common.
Flowers pink; June and July. Sometimes 3 to 4 feet high, decumbent. (Steilacoom, S.)
NAEDOSMIA PALMATA, Hooker, (G.) Common on the sloping clay banks bordering Shoalwater
bay and Puget Sound ; March 15.
ASTER DOUGLASSII, (G.) This seems to be the only species of this numerous genus common
west of the Cascade mountains, in this Territory. It grows in moist meadows, from two to
five feet high ; the latter on the coast. This large variety has leaves 4 inches long and 1 broad,
and, except in the want of "canescent pubescence," seems to approach A. Menziesii, Lindl.
Rays bright or dark purple ; July to September.
ERIGERON SPECIOSUM, DC., var. /?. (T.) On dry prairies near Puget Sound. Rare ; July; 2
feet. Flowers pale purple.
(ERIGERON CANADENSE, Linn. (G.) Steilacoom, S.)
SOLIDAGO CONFERTIFLORA, DC. (G.) Abundant on the sandy sea-shore prairies in dry soil ;
September ; not more than two feet high ; raceme very large and dense, 6 inches long.
(Steilacoom, S.)
S. ELONGATA, Nutt., var. (T.) Not abundant ; in open spots, along Columbia river and sea
shore ; not seen near Steilacoom ; July ; 4 feet high.
• GRINDELIA INTEGRIFOLIA, DC. Common on wet meadows near the sea ; var. /9. near mouth
of Columbia river ; July. (Steilacoom, S.)
FRANSERIA CHAMISSONIS, Lesson; /?. cuneifolia, Nutt. (G.) Common in sand hills near edge
of salt water along coast ; July.
F. BIPINNATIFIDA, , Nutt. (G.) In the same situations near mouth of Columbia. Common.
Both form bushy, prostrate tufts in the sand. I observed no intermediate forms of the leaves.
BALSAMORHIZA DELTOIDEA, Nutt. (T.) Common on moist prairies of the interior, nearly to
top of Cascade range, not west of Coast mountains; July; near Puget Sound. "Root
edible." (G.)
BIDENS CERNUA, Linn. (G.) Not common; in swampy salt marshes along sea-coast; September.
BAHIA LANATA, Nutt. (G.) Common on dry plains east of Coast range; June. (Steilacoom, S.)
MADIA RACEMOSA, Torr. & Gray, (G.) (Steilacoom, S.)
ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM, Linn. (G.) Abundant everywhere in dry soil. (Steilacoom, S.)
COINOGYNE CARNOSA, Lesson. (G.) Common on the edge of salt marshes among Salicornia,
from which it is not easily distinguished when not in flower; July to September; flowers bright
yellow.
TANACETUM HURONENSE, Nutt. (G.) Sandy soil along sea-shore and interior prairies; July.
ARTEMISIA DOUGLASIANA, Bess. (C.) On steep clay banks about Shoalwater bay; September.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 65
The only species of the genus I found west of the Cascade mountains; 5 feet high, very stout:
ower leaves somewhat serrate-toothed on each side; scarcely trifid.
GNAPHALIUM DECURRENS, Ives. (G.) var. ? Californicum, DC. Common on sandy prairies
along sea-shore; August; 2 feet.
G. LUTEOALBUM, Linn. (G.) var.? Sprengelii, Hook. & Am. In similar situations along sea
shore; August and September; 1 foot.
G. PALUSTRE, Nutt. (G.) In wet sandy soil along sea-shore; not common; August.
G. PURPUREUM, Linn., var. ? ustulatum; Nutt. (T. & C.) Not common; in dry prairie near
Puget Sound, and with the preceding along coast; July; 1 foot. "A remarkable white floccose
variety. ' ' — Gray.
ANTENNARIA MARGARITACEA, R. Br. (G.) A very large leaved form, 4 feet high; along coast;
not rare; September.
A. PLANTAGIFOLIA, Hooker. (T.) Dry prairies about Puget Sound; common; July.
CROCIDIUM MULTICAULE, Hooker. (T.) On grassy hill sides; Straits of De Fuca; April 1;
flowering when only two inches high, and continuing until a foot high in June; Steilacoom;
common.
ARNICA AMPLEXICAULIS, Nutt. (G.) On rocky banks of streams among the coast mountains;
July; 2 feet.
CIRSIUM UNDULATDM, Spreng. (T.) "A smoothish form;" common in open dry grounds near
Columbia river, &c. The only native species west of Cascade mountains; 3 feet high. "The
root is eaten." — Gibbs. Canada thistle.
HIERACIUM SCOULERI, Hook. (G.) Common in dry open grounds, burnt woods, &c. ; June;
rays white; 2 feet high.
MACRORHYNCHUS LACINIATUS, Torr. & G. (T.) and var. /?. Common on dry prairies about
Puget Sound; June and July. Flowering; from 4 inches to 2 feet high. "Root edible." (G.)
M. HETEROPHYLLUS, Nutt. (G.) (Steilacoom, S.)
M. LESSINGII, Hook. (G.) Prairies along sea-shore; June.
MULGEDIUM LEUCOPILEUM, DC. (G.) Common in dry open woods, &c. ; August.
SONCHUS ASPER, Yieill. (G.) Common about cultivated ground. Introduced?
CAMPANULA LINIFOLIA, Hkr. Prairies east of Coast range; common; June 10.
C. SCOULERI, Hkr. (G.) In shade of fir forests; common; June 20; 2 feet. (Steilacoom, S.)
SPECULARIA PERFOLIATA, A. DC. (G.) Prairies; common; June. (Steilacoom, S.)
HETEROCODON RARIFLORUM, Nutt. (T.) Prairie near Steilacoom; rare; growing in cultivated
grounds in spreading tufts a foot wide. Flowers either purple or white; June.
GITHOPSIS SPECULARIOIDES, Nutt. (T.) (Trans, of Amer. Phil. Soc., new series, p. 225.
With the preceding, and similar in growth, but smaller; Juno 20; purple.
YACCINIUM MACROCARPON, Aiton. (G.) Swamps near coast; abundant; June.
Y. PARVIFOLIUM, Smith. (G.) Forests: common; flowers greenish purple; April; fruit red;
July.
Y. CAESPITOSUM, Mich. Prairies of interior; abundant; April; 6 inches high.
Y. OVALTFOLIUM, Smith. Dark forests; not abundant; flowers greenish, March; fruit blue,
sour; August.
Y. MYRTILLOIDES, Mich. Cascade mountains over 4,000 feet high; fruit good; ripe in August;
brownish purple.
9 f
66 BOTANY OP THE ROUTE.
Y. OVATUM, Pursh. (G.) Forests; evergreen; flowers pink; February to May; fruit black,
sweet; September to December.
AKBUTUS MENZIESII, Pursh. (G.) Gravelly shores and banks, in fir forests; April; white.
ARCTOSTAPHYLOS TOMENTOSA, Pursh. Rare in fir forests; Vancouver to Cascade mountains;
fruit unripe in July.
A. UVA URSI, Linn. (C.) Abundant on sandy prairie, from sea-shore eastward; May.
MENZIESIA FERRUGINEA, Smith. (G. Along coast; not abundant; 10 feet high; flowers in
May; purplish.
M. EMPETRIFORMIS ? Gm. Seen on Cascade mountains, at 4, 000 feet elevation, flowering in
August; rare.
GAULTHERIA SHALLON, Pursh. (G.) Abounds west of Cascade range; flowers in May; fruit
resembles the harvest apple in flavor.
RHODODENDRON MAXIMUM ? Linn. Common only in woods on Whidby' s island, but said to
extend along Cascade range southward. In dry gravelly soil 12 feet high. Flowers in April,
(Port Townsend, S.)
KALMIA ANGUSTIPOLIA, Linn. (G.) Common in sphagnous swamps; June. A variety approach
ing K. glauca, var. ovata.
PYROLA ROTUNDIFOLIA, var. bracteata, Linn. (G.) Woods; June; common. (Steilacoom, S.)
"This with P. asarifolia, MX.; P. uliginosa, Torr.; P. occidentalis, B. _5r., and P. picta,
Hook., I take to be but one species.77 — Gray.
P. ELLIPTICA, Nutt. In similar situations less common; June. "A poultice made of the
leaves raises blisters." (G.)
MONESES UNIFLORA, Linn. (G.) Woods, on logs, &c., along coast; rare; June.
CHIMAPHILA UMBELLATA, Pursh., (G.) Dry woods; common; June. (Steilacoom, S.)
PTEROSPORA ANDROMEDEA, Nuttall. Woods; Steilacoom; June; Cascade mountains at 4,000
feet; in August; not common.
MONOTROPA UNIFLORA, Linn. (G.) Forests; rare; July; near Chehalis river.
PLANTAGO MAJOR, Linn. A very large variety in an opening of the forest; Chehalis river;
July; apparently indigenous.
P. MARITIMA, Linn. (G.) Sea-shore; common; June 20.
P. PATAGONICA, Jacq. (T.) var. Gnaphalioides. Prairie, head of Chehalis; July 4; rare.
ARMERIA VULGARIS, Willd. (G.) Abundant on sandy prairie along coast, coloring large
patches of a fine rose color when in flower; June; one foot high; rare; near Steilacoom.
DODECATHEON MEADIA, Linn. (G.) (D. dentatum, Hkr.) Common on prairie; March; one
foot high.
TRIENTALIS EUROPEA, Linn. (G.) (T. latifolia, Hlcr.} Common in shady forests; April.
(Steilacoom, S.)
GLAUX MARITIMA, Linn. (G.) Common on sea-beach; June.
APHYLLON UNIFLORUM, T. and G. Prairie near Steilacoom; common; May 15.
LINARIA CANADENSIS, Linn. (G.) Common on prairies everywhere; June. (S.)
SCROPHULARIA NODOSA, Linn. (G.) Common in damp ground along coast; June; a large
variety.
COLLINSIA GRANDIFLORA, Dougl. (T.) Prairie near Steilacoom; April; common; one foot.
O, PARVIFLORA, Dougl. (T.) Gravelly shores of Puget Sound; March; blue. These two
species seem to run together, both presenting several varieties.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 67
MIMULUS LUTEUS, Willd. (G.) Wet banks and springs in forests; common; May to July.
M. MOSCHATUS, Dougl. (G.) Wet shady woods; common; May to July; one foot. (Steilacoom,
G. S.)
M. FLORIBUNDUS, Dougl. (T.) Steilacoom, in wet ground; rare; June 20; one foot.
SYNTHYRIS RENIFORMIS, Benth. (G.) Prairies along Willopa river; March 18; flowers blue.
VERONICA ANAGALLIS, Linn. (G.) Wet shady woods; common; June.
Y. SCUTELLATA, Linn. (G.) Common in open marshes; June.
CASTILLEJA PALLIDA, Kunth. (T. and G.) Several varieties, and perhaps another species,
abound on the prairies; April to June.
ORTHOCARPUS TENUIFOLIUS, Benth. (G.) Sandy prairies along sea-beach; July; rare. (Stei
lacoom, S.)
0. HISPIDUS, Dougl. ? (T.) Steilacoom; May; rare.
MENTHA CANADENSIS, Linn. (G.) Common on wet prairies; June.
MONARDELLA ODORATissiMA, Benth. (G.) Coast prairies; June.
BRUNELLA VULGARIS, Linn. (G.) Common on prairies; June; a large form. (Steilacoom, S.)
"Mixed with grease and applied to swellings by the Indians." — G.
SCUTELLARIA LATERIFLORA, Linn. (T.) Eiver bank; July; very large.
MICROMERIA DOUGLASSII, Benth. (G.) In woods near Steilacoom; July; fragant. (S.)
STACHYS PALUSTRIS, Linn. Wet grounds; June; three feet high.
S. CILIATA, Dougl. (G.) var. "more hairy.7' In similar situations, and more common; June.
AMSINKIA LYCOPSOIDES, Lehm. (G.) Sandy sea-shores, &c. ; 2 feet; yellow. August to July.
(Steilacoom, S.)
MYOSOTIS VERNA, Nutt. (T.) (inftexa, Engl. stricta, Lin.) Dry prairie, Steilacoom; May 15,
rare, 2 feet, blue.
ERITRICHIUM FULVUM, A. DC. (T.) Gravelly banks of brooks; Steilacoom; common. Flowers
May 15, very fragrant; white but turns fulvous in drying.
E. CHORISIANUH DC.? (T.) Dry prairies near Puget Sound; June; rare.
(E. SCOULERI, A. DC. (G.) Steilacoom, S.)
HYDROPHYLLUM MACROPHYLLUM, Nutt.? (T.) var. A variety with trifid leaves resembling H.
canadense. Shady river banks; July.
H. CAPITATUM, Benth. (G.) In similar situations; common. July; 2-3 feet; white. (Steila
coom, S.)
PHACELIA CIRCINATA, Jacq. (G.) Abundant in dry openings of the forest; June.
EUTOCA MENZIESII, Benth. (G.) Prairies near Puget Sound, rare; June; 1 foot. (Steila
coom, S.)
NEMOPHILA PARVIFLORA, Benth. (T.) Woods near Puget sound; June and July; rare.
POLEMONIUM MICRANTHUM, Benth. (T.) Rich soil, prairie, Whitby's I. ; April 12; rare.
COLLOMIA GRANDIFLORA, Dougl. (G.) Common on prairies of interior; June; 2 feet, (S.)
C. GRACILIS, Dougl. (T.) Common in the same situations as the last.
GILIA ACHILLL&FOLIA, Benth. With the preceding; common; July.
G. MICRANTHA, Steud. (T.) With the preceding; June, common, (S.)
G. TRICOLOR, Benth. (G.) In cultivated ground on coast. Introduced?
NAVARRETIA HETEROPHYLLA, Benth. (T.) Prairie near Puget Sound; June; rare, (S.)
CALYSTEGIA SOLDANELLA, R. Br. (G.) On sandy sea-beach near salt water, common; June 20.
Flower large, purple; plant prostrate.
68 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
CUSCUTA UMBROSA, Beurick. (G.) " ex- Hooker." Common among Salicornia on sea-coast.
September.
SOLANUM NIGRUM, ' Linn. (G.) A large form, growing chiefly around cultivated grounds
Introduced ? July to December.
FBAXINUS OREGONUS, Nutt. Ash. River bank above tide -water; June.
ASARUM HOOKERI, Gray. (G.) A canadensis, var. Hook. Forests; not common; June. (Steila-
coom, S.) "The specimens are not in flower, but it is no doubt a distinct species." — GRAY.
SALICORNIA HERBACEA, Linn. (G.) Salt marshes; abundant.
CHENOPODIUM ALBUM, Linn. (G.) Several varieties about cultivated grounds on sea-shore.
Introduced?
BLITUM RUBRUM, Linn. var. B. humile, Mov. (T.) Salt marsh at Shoal water bay; May.
Branches decumbent, fleshy; 6 inches long.
ABRONIA ARENARIA, Menz. (G.) Sandy sea-shore nearest to water, spreading. Flowers in
June and July; orange yellow, and with the odor of orange blossoms.
A. UMBELLATA, Lamk. (C.) With preceding, a smaller plant; flowers pink, expanding in
September; scentless.
POLYGONUM PARONYCHIA, Cham. (G.) Common on dry sandy prairies along sea-coast; July;
2 feet; rose-colored.
P. PERSIC ARIA, Linn. (G.) About cultivated grounds. Introduced? July.
P. TENUE, Michx. (G.) Sea-shore prairies; June.
P. AMPHIBIUM, var. AQUATICUM, Linn. (T.) In lakes about Puget Sound, common; June.
RUMEX SALICIFOLIUS, Weinm. (G.) About salt marshes, etc., common; June.
R. DOMESTICUS, Hartm. ex-Hook. (G.) Introduced? not common. (Steilacoom, S.) "Leaves
boiled and eaten by Indians." — (G.)
R. PERSICARIOIDES, Linn. (G.) Common about salt marshes. June; 1 foot.
R. ACETOSELLA, Linn. Becoming common in cultivated prairies. Introduced 20 years since
at Nisqually farms, and is now spread for miles around, crowding out everything else in the
poor gravelly soil. — (S.)
SHEPHERDIA CANADENSIS, Nutt. Found only on banks near Straits of Fuca; flowering March 10,
QUERCUS GARRYANA, Dougl. White Oak. The abundant and sole species of oak, in prairies.
Flowers, May 25.
CORYLUS AMERICANA, Walter. (C.) Hazel. An abundant shrub in the fir forests ; March.
MYRICA CALIFORNICA ? Cham. (G.) Not common in marshes along coast ; leaves evergreen,
inodorous; flowers and fruit not found.
ALNUB OREGONA, Nutt. (A. rubra? Bong.) Alder. Common near coast. See notes on trees.
A. VIRIDIS, DC. (T.) A shrub 20 feet high, rare ; Steilacoom.
SALIX BRACHYSTACHYS, Benth. Scouleriana, Barratt. (G.) Common along coast, &c. ; Feb.
20, yellow, 25 — 30 feet high. Specimens of several other species were collected, but in the
uncertain state of our knowledge of western willows, cannot be confidently named.
POPULOUS TREMULOIDES, Michx. Common on mountains and around lakes near Puget Sound.
P. ANGUSTIFOLIA, Torr. Abundant on river banks above tide-water. The specimens do
not certainly identify the other species, but they are probably P. balsamifera, Linn., and
P. monilifera, Ait.
URTICA GRACILIS, Ait. (G.) Nettle. Abundant in wet woods ; July.
PINUS PONDEROSA, Dougl. Yellow pine. Prairies near Steilacoom, not common ; stunted.
BOTANY OF THE ROUTE. 69
P. CONTOBTA, Dougl.? Scrub pine. Damp sandy soil, sea-coast and interior. (Steilacoom S.)
ABIES CANADENSIS, Michx. Hemlock. Damp forests, common ; April.
A. DOUGLASSII, Sabine. "Red" and "Black Fir." See notes on forest trees. March;
yellow.
A GKANDIS, Dougl. "Yellow Fir." Young cone green and resinous.
A. TAXIFOLIA,? Lambert. "White Spruce." Undoubtedly a distinct species.
A. MENZIESII, Lambert. "Black Spruce." April ; flower and cones red.
THUJA GIGANTEA, Nuttall. "Cedar."
TAXUS BEEVIFOLIA, Nuttall. "Yew." (Oregona in plate.) April ; yellow.
SYMPLOCABPUS KAMSCHATICUS, Bong. (G.)- Wet grounds, in forest; sea-shore to 3,000 feet
high on mountains. Flowers March 21. Spathe white. (Steilacoom, S.)
TYPHA LATIFOLIA, Linn. (G.) Common in wet grounds.
SPARGANIDM BAMOSUM, Smith (G.) Banks of streams, rare ; June.
ZOSTEBA MABINA, Linn. (G.) Common in bays, in shallow water or mud.
RUPPIA MABITIMA, Linn. (G.) With the preceding ; common.
TEIGLOCHIN MAEITIMUM, Linn. (G.) About the edge of high water in mud, common.
SAGITTABIA SAGITTIFOLIA, ? Linn. Tubers sent by Dr. Suckley from Steilacoom, said to be of
this plant, are eaten by the Indians, under the name of " Wappatoo."
CALYPSO BOBEALIS, Salisb. (T.) Common in dark, damp fir forests, on Whidby's island ;
April 5.
PLATANTHEBA LEUCOSTACHYS, Lindl. (G.) Common in moist prairie near Steilacoom ; June.
Flowers white, 4 feet high. (S.)
P. HYPEBBOBEA, Lindl. Steilacoom, not common ; June, 2 feet high.
SPIBANTHES CEBNUA, Rich. (G.) Common in prairies everywhere ; July to October.
S. DBCIPIENS, Hook. (G.) (Steilacoom, S. )
SISYRINCHIUM ANCEPS, Linn. (G.) Abundant in prairies.
S. GBANDIFLOBUM, Dougl. (T.) Rare. Straits of Fuca, March 18, one specimen ; flower rich
purple ; 1 foot high.
TEILLIUM GBANDIFLORUM, Salisb. (G.) Forests in damp shade everywhere ; August 1.
T. OVATUM, Pursh. (G.) (Steilacoom, S.) "Root used as a poultice." (G.)
SMILACINA RACEMOSA, Desf. (T.) Common in wet woods; May. "The berries are sometimes
eaten." (G.)
S. BIFOLIA, Ker. var. TBIFOLIA, (G.) Common in woods, mostly along coast; May 15.
LILIUM CANADENSE, Linn. (G.) Prairies of interior, June and July; 5 feet high. Flowers
smaller, leaves broader than common. (Steilacoom, G.) "Root edible." (G.)
EBYTHBONIUM GBANDIFLOBUM, Pursh. Prairies of interior, March 18. Common.
FBITILLABIA LANCEOLATA, Pursh. With preceding. Whidby's island, April 18. "Root
edible." (G.)
PBOSARTES MENZIESII, Hook. (G.) Spruce forests along coast; May. Common.
P. HOOKEBII, Torr. (T.) P. lanuginosa, {3. major, Hook. Prairie, Whidby's island, in shade,
rare; April 12.
STBEPTOPUS AMPLEXIFOLIUS, DC. (G.) Common in spruce forests; May. (Steilacoom, S.)
ANTICLEA DOUGLASSII, Torr. (T.) (In JVhipple's Rept. P. R. R. Vol. IV.) Prairie at Steilacoom;
June. Rare.
A. NUTTALLII, Torr. (T.) Prairie on Whitby's island; April. Rare.
70 BOTANY OF THE ROUTE.
VERATRUM ESCHSCHOLTZII, Torr. V. viride, var.1 Woods near Vancouver, June ; 6 feet. Flowers
white.
HESPEROSCORDON HYACINTHINUM, Lindl. (T.) White. Prairies at Steilacoom; June. Common;
3 feet high. "Root edible." (G.)
DICHELOSTEMMA CONGESTUM, Kunth. (G.) With the preceding. Common; June. 2 feet,
purple. (S.) "Poison Camass;" Bah-kah of Nisquallies. (G.)
BRODIEA GRANDIFLORA, Smith, (G.) Rare, on prairie near Puget Sound; June. Purple, (S.)
"Root edible." (G.)
CAMASSIA ESCULENTA, Lindl. (T.) " Camass." Common on prairies everywhere; March 15.
Blue.
LUZULA PARVIFLORA, Desvaux, (G.) Dry hills, common; 3 feet high.
L. CAMPESTRIS, var. Desv. (T.) Wet meadows, June; 1 foot high.
JUNCUS BALTICUS, Willd. (G.)
J. BUFONIUS, Linn. (G.) Together about salt marshes; July.
ELEOCHARIS PALUSTRIS, var.? (E. SCABRA, R. Brown.) "Without perigynous bristles." (T.)
Marshes.
SCIRPUS LACUSTRIS, Linn. (G.) Common in marshes along coast. "Tule."
S. MARITIMUS, Linn. (G.) With the preceding.
ERIOPHORUM VAGINATUM, Linn. (Chamissonis,? Meyer.) Rare in cranberry marshes.
CAREX BROMOIDES. Schkur. (G.) On dry hills along coast; not common.
C. SCOULERI, Torr. (G.) Common in wet grounds, April and May; 2 feet.
C. SITCHENSIS, Bongard, (G.) Abundant in salt marshes, July; 3 feet.
C. MACROCEPHALA, Willd. (G.) Sandy prairies of sea-shore, common; May. 1 foot.
C. TERETIUSCULA, Good. " or very near it; spike shorter." (T.)
ALOPECURUS GENICULATUS, Linn. (T.) Wet ground at Steilacoom; June. Introduced.?
A. ARISTULATUS, ? Michx. " between the two;" (T.) With the preceding.
KOELERIA CRISTATA, Persoon, (T.) Dry prairies; June.
POA BOREALIS, Hook. (G.) Dry hills on coast; June.
P. ANNUA, Linn. (T.) Prairies. Introduced.?
HORDEUM PRATENSE, Kunth. (G.) With preceding.
AIRA ELONGATA, Hook. (G.) Damp prairies and salt meadows, where it is the common grass.
A. LATIFOLIA, Hook. (G.) With preceding, but less common.
FESTUCA MYURUS, Linn. (G.) Steilacoom. (S.)
PANICUM. Uncertain species. (T.) Steilacoom.
CERATOCHLOA BREVIARISTATA, Hook. (T.) Dry prairie at Steilacoom; June. Common.
BERATOCHLOA GRANDIFLORA, Hook. (T.) Salt meadows; 3 feet high. Common.
LOLIUM TEMULENTUM, (T.) "Near L. MULTIFLORUM." Near summit of Cape Disappointment.
POLYPOGON. " New species. ?" (T.)
ELYMUS ARENARIUS, Linn. (G.) Sandy sea-shore prairies, 6 feet; July. (Steilacoom, S.)
CALAMAGROSTIS STRICTA, Nutt. (G.) With the last; 2 feet high; July.
EQUISETUM FLUVIATILE, Linn. Damp woods, common. — (S.)
PTERIS AQUILINA, Linn. (G.) Abundant on prairies everywhere. (Steilacoom, S.)
POLYPODIUM VULGARE, Linn. (G.) var. occidentcde. P. falcatum, Kellogg, in Proc. Cal. Acad.
Sciences. Among moss or wet rocks, and dead trunks.
ADIANTDM PEDATUM, Linn. (G.) Not rare; in shady, damp woods. (S.)
BOTANY OP THE ROUTE. 71
ASPIDIUM SPINULOSUM, Willd. " ex-Hooker." (G.) Woods; 4-6 feet high.
A. MDNITUM, Kunth. (G.) Woods, common; forming dense tufts 3 or 4 feet high and wide.
BLECHNUM BOKEALE, Swartz. (G.) Spruce forest at coast, not rare; 2 feet high.
MARCHANTIA POLYMORPHA, (Hepatiaz,) Linn. (Steilacoom, S.)
I have received the following letter from Mr. Samuel Ashmead, relative to two interesting
marine plants, which were submitted to him for examination.
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES,
Philadelphia, April 20, 1857.
DEAR SIR: I received the two specimens of marine Algge from Washington Territory, and as
they do not decompose in fresh water, I transferred them to new papers and marked the names
thereon.
PHYLLOSPORA MENZIESII, Ag. This plant was first discovered by Mr. Menzies in the deep
waters of Nootka Sound, where it sometimes grows to an enormous length. The specimen you
send is much injured by transportation; hundreds of the marginal leaves were broken off. It
is a fertile specimen having "receptacles," which renders it very interesting. You will find
it accurately described by Harvey in his Nereis Bor. Am. p. 62, vol. 3, or 5, Smithsonian Con
tributions to Knowledge. Collected in Puget Sound, by Dr. G. Suckley, U. S. A.
CALLOPHYLLIS LACINIATA, Kutz. This plant is exceedingly rare on the American coast; the
species is subject to considerable variety of form, but it is easily recognized under the micro
scope, by the peculiar internal structure of the frond. You will find it also described by
Harvey, Nereis Bor. Am. p. 171, vol. 3, or 5, Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge. Col
lected at Shoalwater bay, by Captain C. J. W. Russell.
As I had not before seen either of these species, I am much pleased to be able to add them
to my collection.
Very truly, yours, <fec.,
SAMUEL ASHMEAD.
Doctor COOPER.
INDEX TO BOTANICAL REPORT.
Abies ....... . ....
Page.
69
Bahia
Page.
Abronia
54,68
Balsaroorhiza
Aconitum
51
Barbarea ...... . .
K(f
Acer
51,57
Bear- wood.. .
*\7
Acerates
46
Berberis .
56
Achillea
45,65
Bidens .
Achlys
56
Blechnum . . ..... .
41
Acteea ..............
40 56
Blephilia
Actinella . ..... . ,
45
Blitum .
64
Aira
71
Botrychium
. . .. 49
Adiantum .
49 71
Bouteloua
48
Alistna....
48
Brickellia
c,]
Alliurn
48
Broad-leaved trees
27
69
Brodiea
64
Alopecurus ......
70
67
Ambrosia ... . ..
44
Callophyllis
71
Amelanchier..
60
Calamagrostis
4g 71
Amorpha . .... . . . ..
42
Calandrinia
57
Ammannia . . .
43
Calochortus
Ampelopsis .... . .
41
Calypso
69
Amsinckia.... .. ...
67
Calystegia _
46.68
Ampliicarpasa. . .
41
Camassia
...... 70
Andropogon .... ....... .
49
Campanula
45 54 65
Anemone . . ...
40
Capsella
41 56
Anoplon ...... ..
45
Carex
48 70
Anoplanthus . ............ ...
45
Cardamine
56
Antennaria ... ........
45,65
Cascade mountains ..
13
Anticlea . ...... ..
70
Castilleja
45 54 67
Aphyllon... ......... . .. ..
45 67
Ceanothus
41 57
44
Cerastium
41 57
Apocynum ..... . .
46,54
... 42 59
Aquilegia.... ............ .
... . 40 55
Ceratocbloa.. ..............
71
Aralia .. .. . .......
44
Chenopodium
68
Arabis...... ........ . ....
40 56
Chamasrhodos ..... ...
43
Arbutus ... ....
66
Chimapbila ..
66
Archangelica ....
62
Chryseis
56
Argemone . .
40
Chrysopsis
44,53
Armeria .................. ........
.. .. 67
Chrysosplenium ...
62
Arctostaphy los
66
Circsea ... . ...
43 61
Arenaria ............ ..
57
Cirsium . ...... ..... .
45,65
53 65
Cistopteris ...... ..... ... . ....
49
Artemisia...... ...... ......
45 53 65
Claytonia.... ...... .... .... ...... ..
57
Arum ......... .
48
Clematis ...... ...... ...... ...... ..
40
46 68
41,51
Aspidium ...... ....... ..
71
Climate of western region...... ......
32
Asplenium ............
49
Coinogyne...... ...... ...... .... ....
65
Asclepias
46 54
67
Aster.... ...... .... ........ .......
44 51 64
46,54,68
Astragalus
42 51
Comandra .... ...... ...... ...... ....
47
A triplex ...... ............. .... ....
46
60
lot
74
INDEX.
Page.
24
Githopsis...... ...... ...... ...... ..
Page.
66
62
Grindelia .. ... . . ..
44,51,64
Conium ........ .....
63
Gleditschia . . ..
42
Cornus .... ...
44,63
Gly cirrhry za .... .... ...... .........
41
40,56
Great Plain of Columbia . .
16
69
Glaux...... ...... ... .........
67
43
Glycosma . .. ..
63
65
Gnaphalium.... . .....
65
68
46
43,63
Heleiiium ....... .. ...........
53
Cynoglossum .
46
44 53
Cypripedum .......... ...
48
Heliopsis ...... ...... ...... . -
44
Daucus...... ............ . ....
... 63
63
Delphinium ........... ...........
40,51,55
70
Dentaria .. . ..
56
Heterocodon .... ...... ...... ...
66
Desmodium . .....
42
Heuchera...... ................. .
43,62
Dichelostemma. ..........
. 69
Hieracium ............
65
Dielytra
56
Honckenya. . ........ ..........
56
Dodecatheon
67
Hordeum...... ...... ...... ...... ..
49,70
Draba ....... .. .. ....
41,56
Hosackia
42 51 58
Drosera . .
56
Hydrophyllum ............ ...... ...
46,67
Echcacea...... .......... ....
44
Hymenopappus .............. .
45
Echinocystis ...
43
Hypericum ........ ...... ...... ....
56
Echinopanar . . ...... .
63
Im nations .... . .. .
57
Echinospernium .
46
Iris .
48
Edosmia
62
I va... ............... ....... ..
44
Ellisia
46
Juncus ... .. . .. . ....
48,70
70
Juniperus.... .... . . ...... ....
48
Elodea ...... .... .... . .
41
66
Elymus .... ...... ......
49 71
Koeleria ...... ...... .... ......
48,70
Endolepis...... .... ......
47
Kuhnia . . ...... . . ...
44
Epilobium...... .... ......
51 60
Lathy rus .......
41,51,58
Equisetum .
49 71
Lepachy s . ..
44
Erigeron ... ......
44 51 64
Lepidium
41
Eriogonum ....
54
Lespedeza
42
Eriophorum ......
70
Liatris . . ...... .
44
Eritricliium
fi7
62
Erodium...... ...
51
Lilium
48,69
Erysimum ... .
40 56
67
Erythrouium .... .
70
63
Eupitoriuui...... . ...
44
41
Euphorbia...... ..
47 U
51
Euphrosyns...... .. . . .
44
Lithospermum .....................
46
Eutoca
68
Lithophragma ..... . ....
62
Eurotia...... ............
47
Lobelia.... ...... ...... ....
45
Fcstuca
48 71
Lolium .... ...... ...... .... ...... ..
71
Forests of western region .
24
Lonicera ...... .... ...... .... .......
64
Fragaria ... ...
41 60
Lophanthus .......... .............
46
Frangula ... . ....
57
42, 51 58
Franseria.... ..........
64
70
Fraxinus . ......
46 68
.... 45
Fresh waters ,
.. .. 34
Lygodesmia ...... . ..
45
Fritillaria
70
Ly simachia .
45
45 53
51
Galiuui . .
44 51 64
Macrorhynchus ...... ....
65
Gaultheria......
66
Madia ... . .. .... . .
65
Gaura
43
Malacothrix .
53
Geranium
41,51,57
Mai va.... ..................... . .
57
Gcuni . .
43 59
Malvastrum ..
41 51
Gilia
54,68
Maple...
57
INDEX.
Marchantia
Medicago
Megarhiza.... --
Menispermum . .. . . .... .
Mentha 45,54,67
Mtntzelia . .... . . -
Menziesia . . ...... - -
Microraeria — .. . ..
Mimulus 54,67
Mcehringia - 41, 57
Monarda --
Honardella.. . .... .. . — .... . — ---- --
Moneses
Monotropa -
Horns
Mulgedium 45,54,65
Musenium
Myrica — ..
Nardosmia . . ... —
Nasturtium 40,51,56
Navarretia -
Negundo
Nemophila .. — .. — • . •-•
Nuttallia
Nuphar
Obione -
Oenanthe • -
Oenothera 43,51,60
Onosmodium
Opimtia
Oreophila
Orobus --•-
Orthocarpus 54, 67
Osmorrbiza -
Oxalis 41,57
Oxybaphus -
Oxytropis .
Panicum 49,71
Pentalopbus
Pentstemon.... ..
Petalostemon -
Peucedanum - -
Pbalaris
Pbelypcea 45,54
Pbiladelphus
Phlox 46,54
Pbacelia
Pbyllospora
Pbysalis
Pilea
Pirms
Plantago 45,66
Platanthera
Flectritis
Poa 48,70
Podophyllum
Poletnonium. . 54, 68
Polygala
Polygonatum
Polygonum - 47,68
Page.
71
58
61
40
,54,67
43,51
66
67
54,67
41,57
46
67
66
66
47
,54,65
43
69
64
,51,56
68
41
68
59
56
47
62
,51,60
46
43
57
58
54,67
43
41,57
46
42
49,71
46
45,54
42
63
48
45,54
62
46,54
68
71
46
47
69
45,66
69
64
48,70
40
54,68
41
48
47.68
Polypodinm
Page.
71
Polypogon
71
Populus . ........
47 69
Potentilla
43,51,59
Prairies of western region.. . .....
19
Prosartes
70
Psoralea . ...
42,58
Pteris
71
66
Pulsatilla.... ...... .......... .
40
Pyrola.... ...... .
54,66
60
Quercus...... .... ...... .... ....
68
Ranunculus ...... .... ...... ...... .
40,51,55
Reboulea ...... . ...........
49
Region west of mountains .... ...
18
Rhamnus . ...
57
Rbododendron . . . . ... ....
66
Rbus...... ............ .........
41
43,61
43,60
Rubus...... .. ...... ....... ...... .
43,60
47,68
Ruppia .... .... ...... ...... .... ....
69
Sagina ...... .... ...... .... ...... ..
57
Sagittaria ...... ............ ...
. 48,69
Salicornia .............. ...........
68
Salix
4S,69
Saltwater...... .............. ...
36
Sambucus ...... ...... .... .... .... ..
64
Sanguisorba ...... . ...... .... ....
43
Sanicula.... . .. ...
43,62
Saxifraga ...... . ......
62
Scenery ...........................
38
Scirpus .... .... ...... ...... .... ....
70
Scbrankia .. ............ .......
42
67
46,67
Sedum ................ ............
62
Senecio...... .... ...... ...... ......
45
Sesleria . . ........ .. ........
48
Shepberdia ....... . .............
47,68
Shrubby undergrowth .... ........
30
Sidalcea . . ...................
51,57
57
Silphium ...... ...... ...... .... ....
44
41
Sisymbrium ...... .... ...... ...... .
40,56
Sibyrinchium . .... .... .... .... ...
48,69
48,69
48
68
44,51,64
65
42
69
48
45,66
56
Spiraea .. •
51,59
76
INDEX.
Spiranthes .
Page.
54,69
Triticum ....... ...
Page.
49
Spraguea .
51
Tradescantia
48
Stachys
46,54,67
Tri folium
42 ^a
Stanleya
41
Trillium
KQ
Staphylea
41
Tvoximon
4.R
Stellaria _
57
Typha
69
Stipa
48
47 fiQ
Streptopus
70
Aft
Symjihoricarpus
44,63
RR
Symplocarpus
69
CA
Synthyris — ..
67
AH
Tanacetum
65
Taxus
69
A P; RT
Tellima .
62
Teucrium
46
Vilfa
AQ
Thuya
69
Viola
A 1 Z.R
Tiarella. .'
62
W^oodsia
A.Q
Tlialictrum
40
Xanthium
a ^^
Thermopsis
42
Yucca
AQ
Tolmcea . ...
62
Zanthoxylum
4.1
67
Zostera
69
Triglochin
69
Zygodenus...
48
MUSENIUM D1VARIGATUM
BOTANY - PLATE ISA
OBIONE SUCKLEYANA
PART III
EXPLORATIONS AND SURVEYS FOR A RAILROAD ROUTE FROM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TO THE PACIFIC
OCEAN— WAR DEPARTMENT.
ROUTE NEAR THE FORTY-SEVENTH AND FORTY-NINTH PARALLELS, EXPLORED BY I. I. STEVENS,
GOVERNOR OF WASHINGTON TERRITORY, IN 1853- '55.
ZOOLOGICAL REPORT.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
1860.
11 t
CONTENTS. •j"l/-ul!j 1JW"
-*>*-
PREFATORY NOTE. -
No. 1.
REPORT UPON THE INSECTS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY.
BY JOHN T. LECONTE, M. D.
No. 2.
REPORT UPON THE MAMMALS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY.
CHAPTER I.
REPORT BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.
CHAPTER II.
REPORT BY DR. G. SUCKLEY, U. S. A.
CHAPTER III.
REPORT BY DR. G. SUCKLEY AND G. GIBBS, ESQ.
No. 3.
REPORT UPON THE BIRDS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY,
CHAPTER I.
LAND BIRDS, BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.
CHAPTER II.
WATER BIRDS, BY DR. G. SUCKLEY, U. S. A.
VI CONTENTS.
No. 4.
REPORT UPON THE REPTILES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY.
BY J. G. COOPER, M. D
No. 5.
EEPORT UPON THE FISHES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY,
BY DR. G. SUCKLEY, U. S. A.
CHAPTER I.
REPORT UPON THE SALMONID^E.
CHAPTER II.
REPORT UPON THE FISHES EXCLUSIVE OF THE SALMONIDyE.
No. 6.
REPORT UPON THE MOLLUSCA COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY.
BY WILLIAM COOPER.
JVo. 7.
REPORT UPON THE CRUSTACEA COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY,
BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIOIS.
INSECTS.
Page.
PLATE I. — Fig. 1-19 72
PLATE II.— Fig. 1-16 72
MAMMALS.
PLATE II. — Fig. 1. Lynx fasciatus, Red or Barred Lynx 90
Fig. 2 . Felts concolor, young ? Panther. (Possibly of the preceding specie?) 74
PLATE V. — (Fig. 1. Dipodomys ordii, Pouched Jumping Mouse ; Fort Laramie, south.) Fig. 2. Tamias townsendii var.
cooperi, Cooper's Ground Squirrel 80
PLATE VII. — Sciurus dougla&sii var. smkleyi, Suckley's Pine Squirrel . 79
PLATE VIII. — (Fig. 1. Ilesperomys texanus, Texas Mouse.) Fig. 2. Perognathus flavus, Yellow Pouched Mouse, Nebraska. 101
Fig. 3. Ilesperomys boylii, Boyle's Wood Mouse; Washington Territory to California . 84
PLATE IX. — (Fig. 1. Dipodomys agilis, Pouched Jumping Mouse; California, Oregon?) Fig. 2. Neoloma occidenlalis,
Bushy Tailed Rat ; Coast of Washington Territory..... _ _..,. ... 85
PLATE XV. — Lepus washingtonii, Red Rabbit . . 87
NOTE. — For figures of the following species here mentioned, see other volumes Pacific Railroad Report.
In Volume X:
PLATE XIV. — Lepus trowlridgii, Trowbridge's Rabbit . .... 86
PLATE XVI. — Antilocapra americana, Prong- horned Antelope . 137
In Volume VIII:
PLATE XXVI. — Sorex vagrans, The Wandering Shrew 73
Neosorex navigator, Cascades Water Shrew 73
PLATE XXVII. — Sorex suckleyi, Suckley ' s Shrew _ _. 89
PLATE XXVIII. — Urotrichus gibbsii, Gibbs's Shrew Mole „ 89
In Volume VI, also, from Dr. Cooper's specimen :
PLATE XXIX. — Mephitis bicolor, Little Striped Skunk 76
PLATE III. — Fig. Spermophilus beecheyi, California Ground Squirrel _ _ 81
Plates illustrating the anatomy and osteology of most of the species will also be found in Volume VIII.
BIRDS.
PLATE XI — Falco nigriceps, Western Duck-Hawk 142
PLATE XVI. — Buteo cooperi, California Hawk 148
PLATE XXI. — Corvus carnivorus, Northern Raven _ 210
PLATE XXIII. — Corvus americanus, American Crow — . — ..... . 211
PLATE XXIV. — Corvus caurinus, Northwestern Fishcrow _. 211
PLATE XXV. — Pica hudsonica, Black-billed Magpie _. 213
PLATE XXVIII. — Fig. 2. Passerculus sandwichensis. (Fig. 1. Junco dorsalis, New Mexican Snow Bird) 199
PLATE XXXVIII. — Podiceps occidentalis, Long-necked Grebe 281
NOTE. — Figures of the following species here mentioned will be found in other volumes :
PLATE XXVI. — Pica nuttallii, Yellow-billed Magpie, Volume VI 213
PLATES II and III. — Buteo elegans, Red-bellied Hawk, Volume X 147
PLATE IV. — Passerculus alaudinus, Lark Sparrow, Volume X - - - ._ 149
Pi ATE VII. — Strepsilas melanocephalus, Black-headed Turnstone, Volume X 234
PLATE VIII. — Podiceps californicus, California Grebe, Volume X . , — 282
PLATE XIII. — Buteo swainsonii, Swainson's Hawk, Volume X 288
PLATE XXXII. — Eremophila cornuta, Sky Lark, Volume X - 195
PLATE XXXIII. — Fig. 5. Sitta aculeata, (head, ) Slender-billed Nuthatch, Volume X 143
REPTILES.
PLATE XII. — Crotalus confluentus, Prairie Rattle Snake 295
PLATE XIII. — Eutainia faireyi, Fairey's Garter Snake . ............ - -- 299
PLATE XIV — Entainia haydenii, Hayden's Garter Snake - 298
PLATE XV. — Fig. 1. Eutainia cooperi, Red Striped Garter Snake. Fig. 2. Eutainia concinna, One-Striped Garter Snake.. 296
V11I LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Page-
PLATE XVI. — Eutainia faireyi, young, Prairie Water Snake...... ........ ..... 297
PLATE XIX. — Fig. 1. Regina grahamii. Fig. 2. Cduia amoena, Missouri 299,302
PLATE XX. — Fig. 1. Bascanion vetustits, Blue Racer, Washington Territory. Fig. 2. Regina Kirtlandii, Kirtland's Snake. 297
PLATE XXL— Pituophis sayi, Prairie Bull Snake 300
PLATE XXII. — Scotophis vulpinus, Fox Snake - - .- 299
PLATE XXIII. — Fig. 1. Rana hatecina, Spotted Frog, b, under surface of head ; c, under surface of left fore foot ; d,
under surface of left hind foot. (Fig. 2. Rana boylii, Boyl's Frog, California, a, b, lateral and under views ; c,d,
as in preceding. Fig. 3. Rana boylii, Boyl's Frog, young, b c as c and d in preceding. Fig. 4. Rana septentricmalis,
Northern Frog, Fort Ripley, Minnesota, a, b, etc., as in preceding. Fig. 5. Rana catesbiana, Catesby's Frog.
References as in Fig. 2. Not yet published) 306
PLATE XXXI. — Fig. 1. Ambystoma tenebrosum, Black Mudpup. b, head from above. Fig. 2. Ambystoma ingens, The
Huge Mudpup. a, full view ; b, side of head ; c, head above ; d, from below ; «, /, g, as seen from below. Fig. 3.
Ambystoma macrodadylum, Astoria, Oregon. Fig. 4. Ambystoma vehiculum, Astoria, Oregon. Fig. 5. Batrachoseps
attenuatus, California. (Not yet published.)
NOTE. — For the following species see Volume X, Pacific Railroad Report:
PLATE I. — Emys marmorata, (var. nigra,) Western Turtle 293
PLATE XVII. — Eutania vagrans . . ....„ 297
PLATE XLIV — Fig. 1. Siredon lichenoides, Ground Puppy 306
Details of anatomy, &c., are given in plates of the same volume.
FISHES.
PLATE I — Ambloplites aeneus, Black Bass, &c .- - . 350
PLATE XI. — Fig. 1-4. Labrax chrysops, Bass of the Mississippi. Fig. 5-8. Stizostedion boreus, Okow or Pike Perch 351
PLATE XV. — Fig. 1. A tpicottus bison, Buffalo Sculpin. Fig. 2. Leptocottus armatus, Slender Sculpin . 353
PLATE XVI. — Fig. 1. Scorpaenichthys marmoratus. Fig. 2, 3. Leiocottus hirundo, (Vol. X, pp. 62, 64.)
PLATE XIX. — Chi.opsis conttcllatus, Starry Chiropsis, (Vol. X, p. 42.)
PLATE XX. — Fig. 1-4. Chiropsis pktus, Painted Chiropsis. Fig. 5-8. Chiropsis gultatus, Speckled Chi ropsis, (Vol. X.)
PLATE XXXII. — Fig. 1-5. Embiotoca perspicabilis, The Sapphire Perch ._ 357
PLATE XXXIII. — Fig. 1-5. Damalichthys vacca, Silvery Perch 358
PLATE XLII. — Fig. 1-3. Pimelodus olivaceus, Olive-Colored Cat Fish. Fig. 4-6. Pimdodus catulus, Kitten Fish 359
PLATE XLIV. — Fig. 1-3. Pimdodus ailurus, Blunt-tailed Cat Fish 359
PLATE XLV . — Fig. 1 - 4. Hylocheilmfraterculus. Fig. 5—8 . Mylocheilus lateralis 359
PLATE L. — Fig. 1-4. A comus ladarius, Milk River Sucker. Fig. 5. Young of the same 360
PLATE LI. — Fig. 1-4. Catostomus sucklii, Nebraska Sucker. Fig. 5. Young of the same _ 360
PLATE LV. — Fig. 1-6. Pogomchthys communis, Nebraska Dace, (Vol. X, p. 247.)
PLATE LX. — Fig. 1-4. Richardsonius bal/eatus, Steilacoom Killy. Fig. 5-8. R. lateralis, Spotted Killy 361
PLATE LXIII. — Fig. 1-5. Cheonda cooperi, Vancouver Chub. Fig. 6-9. Cyprinoid (undetermined) . 362
PLATE LXVII. — Fig. 1-4. Salmo quinnat, (young,) Quinnat Salmon . 321
PLATE LXIX. — Fig. 1-4. Salmo gibbsii, (T. tsuppitch, GRD.,) Gibbs's Salmon- Trout 332
Fig. 5-8. S'jlmo itellatus, Star-spotted Brook Trout 346
PLATE LXXII . — Fig. 1-4. Salar leu-mii, Lewis's Missouri Trout 349
PLATE LXXVI.— Fig. 1-4. Thaleichthys pactfkus, The Eulachon 349
Fig. 5-8. Osmerus p]-etiosus, Pacific Smelt, (Vol. X, p. 324.)
NOTE. — Figures of the following species will be found in other volumes. In Volume VI :
PLATE XXI16 — Fig. 5, 6. Arttdius notospilotus, Ayre's Sculpin 353
PLATE XXV6. — Fig. 6,7. Gunnellus ornatus, Banded Mud Fish 355
In Volume X :
PLATE XXVfc.— Fig. 4,5. Cebidichthys violaceus, Violet Monkey Fish 355
PLATE XXV6. — Fig. 1-3. Lumpenus anguillaris, Eel-shaped Lumpenus ..... 356
PLATE VIII. — Fig. 1-4. P&motis luna, Northern or Moon Sunfish 350
PLATE XVII. — Fig. 5, 6. Zaniolepis latipinnis, Rough-skin Sculpin 353
PLATE XXIII. — Amblodan grunniens, Buffalo or Grunting Perch 355
PLATE XXV. — PoricMtys notalus, Porous Cat Fish 356
PLATES XXXV, XXXVI, Fig. 1-4 ; PLATE XXVI, Fig. 7-8, young, —ffokonotus rhodoterus, Golden Barred Perch 358
PLATE XLVIII- -Fig. 1-4. Carpiodes damalis, Deer-nosed Carp 359
PLATE L11I. — Fig. 5-8. Ifi/bognathus argyritis, Silvery Minnow — 3d
PLATE LX1V. — Fig. 5-9. Ptychocheilus oreyonensis, Oregon Carp 3(53
PLATE LXX. — fario aryyreus, Satsup Salmon 32G
PLATE IXXl — Fig. 5-8. Salmo masoni, (Fario clarhi, Gun.,) Mason's Trout , 345
PLATE LXXV. — Fig. 5—7. Meletta coerulea, Puget Sound Herring 363
PLATE LXXV. — Fig. 1-4. Ilyodon tergisus, Missouri Herring _ 364
PUVTE XXIX. — Fig. 5-9. Gobio gelidus, will be found in United States and Mexican Boundary Fishes 361
PREFATORY NOTE TO PART III,
The information collected by the expedition in the department of natural history is embodied
in this part of the report. It is proper to state that much of the credit for whatever of value
the papers may contain is due to the Smithsonian Institution. Professor Henry, the secretary,
has afforded every assistance in his power to the expedition, in the way of office rooms, of free
access to the library, and to the natural history collections of the institution, and of the time
and personal assistance of its officers. The instructions of the zoological collectors; the classi
fication of the materials collected; and the elaboration of their scientific descriptions and names,
are all the work of Professor Baird, the assistant secretary, and of his immediate assistants.
This gentlemen has also attended to the proper selection of subjects for illustration, and to the
proper expenditure of the money set apart by me for this purpose. The engravings have been
made by competent artists within the walls of the institution, and their excellence is the
guarantor of the personal attention and interest of Professor Baird.
The collectors of the party, Dr. Suckley and Dr. Cooper, have availed themselves of every
opportunity to enhance the value of the collection, both while in the field and subsequently
while residing in the west. They have also devoted much time to comparing and arranging the
materials collected, and to adding to Professor Baird' s scientific descriptions many interesting
notes upon the habits and peculiarities of the different species. These notes will be found in
the several sub-reports prepared, with the exceptions above mentioned, by these two gentlemen,
and herewith presented.
ISAAC I. STEVENS.
No. 1.
REPORT UPON INSECTS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY.
BYJOHNT. LECONTE, M.D.
INTRODUCTORYREMARKS.
As early as the year 1829, many Coleoptera of the western coast of North America were made
known by Eschscholtz, in his Zoological Atlas. This work was intended to contain descriptions
of the copious scientific treasures collected by him during the voyages of Captain Kotzebue, of
the Imperial Russian navy, during the years 1823-'26, and the results of the expedition, as
well as the promptness with which they were made known, afford a lasting monument of the
liberal policy pursued by the Russian government in the encouragement of intellectual pursuits,
which, though not immediately connected with physical prosperity, are yet an unfailing
standard of mental elevation.
The death of Eschscholtz unfortunately prevented the completion of the work ; and from want
of opportunity, his collections remained undescribed for several years. In the meantime, in
1843, Mannerheim published a Coleopterous fauna of California and Russian America, which
contained descriptions of three hundred species. This was followed, at intervals, by three
supplements, devoted to the Coleoptera of Russian America , and by the last of these, published
in 1853, the total number of species known from that part of the continent was brought up to
540 species ; and by his labors, that portion of the fauna has indeed been more completely
developed than that of any other part of this continent. Papers by Motschulsky, also published,
like those of Mannerheim, in the Bulletin of the Imperial Society of Naturalists of Moscow,
contain valuable additions to the entomology of Pacific North America.
Our knowledge of the Coleoptera of Oregon and Washington Territories is still less complete,
and with the exception of a few species collected by Dr. J. K. Townsend, and described by
Harris, Erichson, G-ermar, and Reiche, consists of new material obtained almost entirely through
the influence of the enterprising and zealous naturalists, Drs. Cooper and Suckley, of the present
expedition. To George Gibbs, esq., of Steilacoom, I am deeply indebted for a beautiful collec
tion, which, through the kindness of Dr. Suckley, arrived in time to be incorporated in the report.
To Colonel George A. McCall, late Inspector General U. S. A., I owe my warmest acknowledge
ments for a valuable series collected by him while performing his official duties in Oregon.
Many years ago I examined the collection of Coleoptera made by Dr. Pickering and Mr.
Titian Peale, during the expedition of the Peacock and Vincennes, under Captain Charles
Wilkes, U. S. N. Among them were a considerable proportion of species found in Oregon and
California, which at that time were new. The report has not been published ; but on looking
over the notes made at the time by me, I find that there are in the collection very few species
that have not since been obtained from other sources, and which are, therefore, comprised in the
catalogue here given.
1Q
2 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — 47TH PARALLEL.
Nearly one half of the species found in Kussian America have become known to me hy the
kind exertions of my scientific friends, Baron Chaudoir and Colonel Motschulsky ; and to the
latter I am indebted for his careful comparison of a set of the Californian Coleoptera collected
by me, with the original types of Eschscholtz, Mannerheim, and Menetries, by which I have
been enabled greatly to increase the accuracy of my investigations.
The species which remain unknown to me are marked in the catalogue with an inverted
comma before the locality, to show that they are placed in the catalogue on the authority of
other writers.
The materials present, for actual investigation, in compiling this report, are therefore :
1. A series of more than two hundred species from Kussian America, examined and named
by Count Mannerheim, sent me by Baron Chaudoir.
2. A smaller series, containing similar species, together with some Californian types of
Eschscholtz, sent me by Colonel Motschulsky.
3. About fifty species collected by the late J. K. Townsend, M. D., in Oregon, and given me
by Mr. Edwin Willcox.
4. A collection made at Fort Vancouver, by Colonel McCall.
5. The collections of Dr. Cooper, made in various parts of Oregon, but chiefly at Vancouver
and Shoalwater bay.
6. The collections of Dr. Suckley, made principally at Steilacoom.
*T. A collection made by George Gribbs, esq., at Steilacoom.
8. The collections made by myself, at San Francisco and San Jose.
9. Two collections made in the valley of the Sacramento by Mr. J. Wittick, and presented to
me by S. S. Kathvon, esq., of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
10. Two collections made, the one in the Sacramento valley, the other at San Francisco, by
Mr. J. Child, also given me by Mr. Eathvon.
11. A small but valuable collection from the vicinity of San Francisco, given me by Mr. J.
P. Wild, of Baltimore.
The Staphylinidae are represented in the catalogue by species previously described ; the new
species collected by me are so numerous, and frequently so closely allied to species of the
Atlantic slope of the continent, which are also undescribed, that it appears to me of no advan
tage to science to make them known separately, but rather to await the opportunity of time to
place them in a general synopsis of the Staphylinidae of the United States by genera and tribes.
I have, however, made use of them in constructing the tables of distribution of genera, num
bered I and II.
Several Curculionidae in my collection have not been described, for the reason that, with the
arrangement given by Schonherr in his ' Genera et Species Curculionidum,' I am quite unable
to refer them to appropriate genera, while the specific characters do not appear sufficiently
remarkable to render them easily identified.
The collections of Drs. Cooper and Suckley, as made during the survey of the 47th parallel,
were placed in my hands for examination by the Smithsonian Institution, to which I am also
under great obligations, for the opportunity of examining many other North American insects.
The distribution of species in the northern part of the region which furnishes the materials
for this report, presents no remarkable phenomenon. As in other northern lands, certain tribes
like Adephaga, Staphylinidae, and Elateridae assume a greater preponderance in the fauna,
from the fading out, of the groups more characteristic of warmer climates, while a greater
INSECTS COLEOPTERA 3
number of species are found common to both continents. Of these latter, about one half are
found on the Atlantic slope of America, while the other half have not yet occurred there.
The number of species occuring on both sides of America is also largely increased in these
northern regions, but with the exception of Epiphanis cornutus and Priognathus monilicornis,
the genera of such species are distributed on both continents.
On proceeding southwards to Oregon (and Washington Territory, which is, for purposes of
convenience, always included when Oregon is referred to in these pages) similar phenomena
may be observed, though on a diminished scale. The species of the eastern continent, not
found on the Atlantic slope of America, have entirely vanished, and of the species common to
both sides of both continents, but four remain. The number of species common to the Atlantic
and Pacific slopes of America has greatly diminished, and among them Haplocliile pygmaea,
Ligyrus gibbosus, Alaus myops, and Microrhopala vittata are the only representatives of American
genera.
Finally reaching California, the species common to the two continents are reduced to Silpha
lapponica and Dermestes vulpinus, the species common to Atlantic and Pacific America have not
diminished absolutely in number, but from the more complete and copious fauna known to us
their relative proportion is much lessened. Among them, however, are found but few which
extend their range to the Atlantic States proper, while the greater proportion are not found
east of Kansas. Of American genera, Amblychila cylindriformis, Lachnophorus elegantulus, and
Eurymetopon atrum are found in Kansas, or New Mexico, while Ligyrus gibbosus and two
species of Diabrotica also extend to the Atlantic.
Having thus passed in rapid review the distribution of species, as illustrated by tables III
and IY, the much more important subject of the distribution of genera remains to be considered.
The phenomena afforded by the study of seven of the most numerous families, I have endeavored
to express in a numerical form in tables I and II.
In Russian America the genera seem to follow to a certain extent the course already pointed
out of the species, that is : the genera common to both continents have a much greater relative
proportion, and among them a by no means insignificant part have not yet been found in
Atlantic America ; but as some of them are characteristic of high northern latitudes, there is
reason to believe that the number will be reduced by more thorough explorations in Labrador,
Newfoundland, and the regions near Hudson's Bay.
Of genera confined to America, but six or seven occur in Russian America ; of these but
three, Pristodactyla, Epiphanis, and Priognathus, have been detected on the Atlantic slope.
Pristodactyla might, indeed, be for the present excluded from the list of peculiar American
genera, for two reasons : 1, a certain number of species classed by Dejean, with Agonum, and
remarkable for having but two dorsal punctures, are in reality Pristodactylae, and until the species
of Siberia are thoroughly revised, we are warranted in supposing that some of them may also
be included ; but, 2, because the distinctions between Calathus and Pristodactyla, as observed
by Lacordaire, are hardly sufficient to warrant the retention of the latter genus.
In Oregon the eastern genera, not found in the Atlantic States, have diminished in number,
but among them occurs Callisthenes, which is found in Kansas. The number of American
genera has largely increased, even with our limited collections ; of them 14 are found in the
Atlantic States, 2 in Kansas, while 8 are peculiar to Pacific America ; of the 14 found in the
Atlantic States, Haplochile, Dichelonycha, Anelastes, and Alaus are the only ones not found
within the tropics.
4 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL
In California the genera of the eastern continent have increased absolutely, from more exten
sive collections, over those found in Oregon, but do not attain the same relative proportion as
those found in Russian America ; among them is one, Tryssus, a genus heretofore known only
from Madagascar, and is thus far the sole representative of the tribe of Scarabaeidae, to which
it belongs on this continent.
The number of American genera has greatly increased, partly by the addition of genera found
within the tropics, and partly by the introduction of a few peculiar genera ; the most remark
able addition, however, is that of eighteen genera of Tenebrionidae, of which but two, Nosoderma
and Blapstinus, extend into the Atlantic States, while only four others extend into Kansas or
New Mexico. The genera found in the Atlantic States, and not in the tropics, are Thalpius,
Axinopalpus, Dichelonycha, Anelastes, Perothops, and Melanactes.
Another fact of great interest is the distribution of species within narrow limits observed in
California. I am not able to exhibit the results in a tabular form, as collections have not been
made with minuteness at a sufficient number of localities to give any definite results, but I can
merely state my own experience, that but few species occurred at more than one place, and call
attention to the fact that, in every collection made at a fresh locality, a large proportion of new
species is found, while in Oregon, at points equally distant from each other, a greater unifor
mity is seen.
The analysis, therefore, conducts to the same results announced by me, in 1851, at the meeting
of the American Association for the Advancement of Science ; the fourth proposition was,
unfortunately, announced in too absolute terms, as the only two genera then known to me,
Thalpius and Axinopalpus, were not considered as of sufficient importance to modify the result.
Thalpius, indeed, is so closely allied to Diaphorus, that we may well expect some of the species of
the latter genus to belong to it, while Axinopalpus is by many entomologists not separated
from Dromius. The other four American genera common to California and Atlantic America,
not found in the tropics — Dichelonycha, Anelastes, Perothops, and Melanactes — upon which I
am now obliged to modify the assertion, were subsequently obtained.
The four propositions stated by me in the essay mentioned are :
1. California constitutes a peculiar zoological district, with sufficient relation to the other
districts of America to prove that it belongs to the same continental system.
2. This zoological district is divided into several sharply defined sub- districts, having a very
close resemblance to each other.
As the same mode of distribution obtains in the groups of islands adjacent to the western
coast of America, we are led to believe —
3. That the local distribution of a small number of species is the characteristic of the eastern
Pacific region, as the extensive distribution of a large number is the prevailing feature of the
Atlantic basin .
4. The genera occurring in, but not peculiar to, this district belong to two classes : either
(with the exception of Ergates) they occur on the Atlantic slope of both continents, or, if peculiar
to America, they are (with the few exceptions above noted) also found within the tropics.
[NOTE.— The Coleoptera collected by me at San Diego and other localities in the southern part of California have not been
included in this report, as they more properly belong to the fauna of the Mexican Boundary, and will be contained in the
report of the survey made by the Boundary Commission.]
INSECTS — COLEOPTERA.
TABLE I. — Genera common to the Eastern and Western Continents.
Names of families.
Total number
of Genera.
Russian America. Oregon.
California.
In Atlantic
States.
In Atlantic
States.
In Atlantic
States.
Adephaga ..._...--.-.
46
11
42
9
9
6
17
16
27
8
25
2
5
1
11
6
4
3
25
2
Not collec.
4
9
3
13
10
2
1
35 + 2?1
3
30
7 + I2
7
4
10
13
1
1
Silphales ...... -- __..-
1
Elateridae - - -- - - ---
1
2
1
Cerambycidae ...... ._.--.---
1
2
1
Clirysomelidae .. .. - -
Calleida, Patrobus.
2 Sinodendron : a species from the Atlantic States, is described by Beauvois.
The genera of the above table, which have not been found in the Atlantic States, are :
In Russian America. — Miscodera, Leistus, Pelophila, Trachypachys, Necrophilus, Sphaerites, Lyrosoma, Bolitochara, Synto-
mium, Phloeonaeus, Arpedium, Deliphrum, Rosalia.
In Oregon. — Callisthenes, Trachypachys, Necrophilus, Ergates, Rosalia, Timarcha.
In California. — Anillus, Necrophilus, Tryssus, Calcar, Ergates, Mesosa, Timarcha.
TABLE II. — Genera peculiar to America.
Names of families.
Total number
of Genera.
Russian America.
Oregon.
California.
In Atlantic
States.
Not in Atlantic
States.
In Atlantic
States.
Not in Atlantic
States.
Ill Atlantic
States.
Not in Atlantic
States.
Adep aga
18
2
7
8
19
6
4
1
A.
B.
2
Not col.
4
3
2
1
2
A.
B.
3
6+1?
A.
1
B.
7
1
1
1
12
1?*
Staphylinidae .... ...
1+1?
Not col.
Scarabaeidae ... . .
6
4
2
1
4
Elateridae ..... ....
1
Tenebrionid ae
1
2
2
1
4
43
C eramby cidac
Chrysomelidae
i
8 Triorophus, Eurymetopon, Eleodes, Coniontis.
Oenemona ?
The columns headed A contain genera found in the central desert regions of Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas, although
not extending into the Atlantic region proper. Those headed B, therefore, contain the genera peculiar to the Pacific slope.
The genera of the above table which are found in the Atlantic States, are :
In Russian America. — Pristodactyla, Epiphanis.
In Oregon. — Anisodactylus, Haplochile, Ligyrus, Diplotaxis, Dichelonycha, Canthon, Anelastes, Alans, Asaphes, Nosodenna,
Blapstinus, Tetraopes, Saxinis, Microrhopala.
In California. — Diaphorus, Thalpiue, Lachnophorus, Casnonia, Axinopalpus, Anisodactylus, Pasimachus ? Ligyrus, Cremas-
tochilus, Diplotaxis, Dichelonycha, Camptorhina, Canthon, Anelastes, Perothops, Monocrepidius, Melanactes, Nosoderma,
Blapstinus, Tetraopes, Chlamys, Saxinis, Diabrotica, Microrhopala.
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
TABLE III. — Species common to the Atlantic and Pacific slopes of the continent.
NOTE. — The species are divided into three sets, according to locality ; those which are found in two of the sets are noted
by the number corresponding to the number of the set in which they occur. Species found in the interior regions— Kansas,
New Mexico, and Upper Texas — are noted with a (C.) Those found in Europe, (E.)
1. Species found in Russian America.
Hydnobius punctostriatus.
Aleochara bimaculata, 3.
Philonthus aterrimus, (E.)
Quedius molochinus, (E.)
Ips Dejeanii.
Dermestes vulpinus, (E.) 2, 3.
Byrrhus cyclophorus. _
Chrysobothris trinervia, 2.
Epiphanis cornutus.
Clerus undulatus.
Priognathus monilicornis.
Lepidophorus lineaticollis.
Lepyrus gemellus.
Hylurgus rufipennis.
Hylesinus rufipennis.
2. Species found in Oregon.
Ligyrus gibbosus.
Polyphylla 10-lineata, (C.) 3.
Ancylochira rusticorum, 3.
Chrysobothris femorata ?
Chrysobothris trinervia, 1.
Elater phoenicopterus.
Adelocera aurorata.
Alaus myops.
Ellychnia corrusca ?
Trichodes ornatus, (C.) 3.
Clerus sphegeus, (C.) 3.
Serropalpus substriatus.
3. Species found in California.
Silpha ramosa, (C.) 2.
Staphylinus villosus.
Hister immunis.
Saprinus lugens, (C.) 2.
Saprinus oregonensis, (C.) 2.
Phalacrus penicellatus, (C.)
Dermestes vulpinus, (E.) 1, 2.
Ligyrus gibbosus, 2.
Polyphyilla 10-lineata, (C.) 2.
Ancylochira rusticorum, 2.
Trichodes ornatus, (C.) 2.
Clerus sphegeus, (C.) 2.
TABLE IV. — Species found in Russian America and in the eastern continent, not introduced and
not found in Atlantic America.
Platynus octocolus.
Platynus bembidioides.
Pterostichus orinomum, (E.) 2.
Amara impuncticollis.
Ochthedromus biinaculatus.
Elaphrus californicus, 3.
Laccophilus truncatus, (C.)
Hydroporus griseostriatus, (E.)
Agabus phaeopterus.
Agabus bicolor.
Agabus semipunctatus.
llybius picipes, 2.
Dytiscus confluens.
Dytiscus anxius, 2, 3.
Silpha lapponica, (E.) 2, 3.
Cicindela vulgaris.
Pterostichus orinomum, (E.) 1.
Chlaenius sericeus.
Haplochile pygmaea.
Calosoma calidum.
Laccophilus truncatus, (C.) 1, 3.
Dytiscus anxius, (C.) 1, 3.
Silpha lapponica, (E.) 1, 3.
Silpha ramosa, (C.) 3.
Saprinus lugens, (C.) 3.
Saprinus oregonensis, (C.) 3.
Nitidula ziczac.
Amblychila cylindriformis, (C.)
Lachnophorus elegantulus, (C.)
Elaphrus californicus.
Hydroporus striatellus, (C.)
Hydroporus parallelus, (C.)
Hydroporus vilis, (C.)
Laccophilus truncatus, (C.) 1, 2.
Dytiscus anxius, (C.) 1, 2.
Hydrophilus triangularis.
Philhydrus diffusus, (C.)
Necrophorus marginatus.
Silpha lapponica, (E.) 1, 2.
Xyloterus bevittatus.
Bostrichus septentrionis.
Tetropium cinnamopterum.
Semanotus Proteus.
Leptura vexatrix.
Leptura liturata.
Monohammus scutellatus, 2.
Eumolpus vitis, (E.)
Hippodamia 13-punctata, (E.) 2.
Hippodamia parenthesis.
Coccinella 12-maculata, (E.)
Coccinella trifasciata, (E.)
Coccinella transversoguttata, (E.)
Ehyncites bicolor, 3.
Tetropium cinnamopterum.
Clytus undulatus.
Monohammus scutellatus, 1.
Chrysomela scripta.
Chrysomela Bigsbyana.
Galleruca canadensis.
Microrhopala vittata.
Anisosticta vittigera, (C.) 3.
Coccinella trifasciata, (E.)
Hippodamia 13-punctata, (E.)
Eurymetopon atrum, (C.)
Cistela sericea ?
Mordella scutellaris.
Ehyncites bicolor, 2.
Centrinus confusus ?
Tetropium cinnamopterum, 1, 2.
Diabrotica 12-punctata.
D&brotica vittata.
Anisosticta vittigera, (C.) 2.
Coccinella abdominalis.
Platynus Bogemanni.
Carabus vietinghovii.
Colymbetes dolabratus.
Necrophorus rnortuorum.
Olisthaerus megacephalus.
Elater nigrinus.
Coryrnbites confluens.
Helodes variabilis ?
Dinoderus substriatus.
Serropalpus striatus.
Chrysomela lapponica,
Chrysomela viminalie.
LIST OF SPECIES.
CICINDELIDAE.
OMUS Esch.
californicus Esch., (infra) ... . Cal.
Audouini Reiche, (infra) Or.
Dejeanii Reiche, (infra) Or.
AMBLTCHILA Say.
cylindriformis Say .-'Cal.
ficcolominii Reiche.
CICINDELA Linn.
vulgaris Say, (var. viridis) Or.
obliquata Dej.
oregona Lee Or. Cal.
n. sp., indeterm Or.
californica Minitri&s. . . ' Cal.
? tenuisignata Lee.
CARABIDAE.
BEACHINUS Weber.
Tschernikhii Mann Cal.
GALERITA Fabr.
californica Mann Cal.
DIAPHORUS Dej.
tenuicollis Lee Cal.
THALPIUS Lee.
rufulus Lee., Trans. Am. Phil. Soc., x, 373. Cal.
Enaphorus rufulus Lee.
LACHNOPHORUS Dej.
elegantulus Mann. _ _ Cal.
Tachypus mediosignatus Me'n.
CASNONIA Latr.
picta Chaud. 'Cal.
LEBIA Latr.
cyanipennis Dej. _ Cal.
cyanella Lee _ Cal.
Lamprias cyanellus Motsch. Car. Russ!., 42.
METABLETUS Schmidt,
nigrinus Lee Cal.
Dromius nigrinus Mann.
Bomius nigrinus Lee.
AXINOPALPI! Leo.
fusciceps Lee Cal.
californicus Lee. . Cal.
Dromius ealifomicus Motsch.
CAIXEIDA Dej.
croceicollis Mtnit ' Cal.
var. Calleida chloridipennis Motsch., Car. Eussl. 39.
? Philotecnus ruficollis Lee.
PHILOTECNUS Lee.
ruficollis Lee. Cal.
nigricollis Lee Cal.
? Calleida cyane/i Motsch. Car. Russl., 39.
CTMINDIS Latr.
viridis Dej., Sp. Gen. 5,325, Mann. Bull. Mosc.
1843, 183 'Cal.
TRECHUS Clairv.
spectabilis Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1852 'R.
chalybeus Dej R.
oblongulus Mann . 'R.
ovipennis Motsch _. R. Cal.
californicus Motsch _. R.
TACHTS Lee.
rivularis Motsch. Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853 _'R.
CALATHUS Bon.
ruficollis Dej. Cal.
Berensii Mann. < Cal.
quadricollis Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. vii, 37 Cal.
ingratus Dej R.
incommodus Mann R.
Vix a prceced. differt.
PRISTODACTYLA Dej.
lenis Lee . __ft.
Anchomenus lenis Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853.
mollis Lee. _. j^
Agonum motte Dej.
? dulcis Mann. (Anchomenus) B. M. 1853 'R,
PLATTNUS Bon. (emend. Brulle*.)
cinctellus Lee. Proe. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 37 Cal.
maurus Motsch. (Anchomenus) _ . ..' Cal.
ovipennis Mann. (Anchomenus) < Cal.
Anchomenus rotundipennis Motsch .
rugiceps Mann . (Anchomenus) < Cal.
Anchomenus ovipennis Motsch.
brunneomarginatus Mann. (Anchom.) 'Cal.
micans Lee ...Cal.
8
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
Anchomenus micans Men.
Scaphiodactylus micans Chaud.
;neolus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 45 Or.
californicus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 47 Cal.
Anchomenus californicus Dej.
ferruginosus Dej. (Anchomenus) ' Cal.
frater Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 49 Cal.
quadratus Ltc. ibid. 7, 50 Or.
maculicollis Lee Cal.
Agonum maculicollis Dej.
Anchomenus maculicollis Mann,
variolatus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 56 Cal.
Agonum limbatum || Motsch.
deplanatus Lee - Cal.
Agonum deplanatum Men.
brevicollis Dej. (Agonum) 'Cal.
fossiger Lee. Cal. Or.
Agonum fossiger Dej.
Anchomenus fossiyer Mann.
famelicus Mene'tr. (Agonum) ' Cal.
strigicollis Lee - - R. Or.
Anchomenus strigicollis Mann.
Bogemanni - . ' R.
Harpalus Bogemanni Gyll.
Agonum Bogemanni Dej.
Anchomenus Bogemanni Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853.
octocolus Mann. (Anchom.) B. Mosc. 1853 'R.
? Playtinus stigmosus Lee. Proc Acad. 7, 58.
bembidioides Lee. Proc. Acad. 7, 57 'R.
Sericoda bembidioides Kirby.
Anchomenus bembidioides Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853.
gratiosus Mann. (Anchomenus) ibid. 1853 'R.
fragilis Mann. (Anchom.) ibid. 1853 'R.
exaratus Mann. (Anchom.) ibid. 1853 'R.
striatus Dej. (Anchom. ) - ' Cal.
sulcatus Dej. (Anchom.) 'Cal.
PTEROSTICHUS Bon. (emend. Er.)
contractus Lee. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2nd ser. 2, 237... Cal.
congestus Min. (Feronia) ' Cal.
castanipes M£n. (Feronia) - ' Cal.
Menetriesi Motsch. (Brachy stylus) ' Cal.
Brachystylus megas Chaud.
Pterostichus ater JMen.
herculaneus Mann - 'R.
validus Mann R-
Feronia valida Dej .
vicinus Mann Cal.
Pterostichus californicus £ Lee. (fide Chaudoir)
muticus Lee Cal.
californicus Mann. -- - Cal.
Feronia calif arnica Dej .
Pterostichus simplex Lee.
planctus Lee. Journ. Acad. 2nd ser. 2, 239 Or. Cal.
algidus Lee. ibid. 2, 239 Or.
amethystinus Mann. R. Or.
castaneus Mann R.
Feronia castanea Dej.
brunneus Mann -
Feronia brunnea Dej.
angustus Mann _ - Cal.
Feronia angusta Dej.
Pterostichus linearis Lee. (fide Chaudoir.)
longicollis Lee. Journ. Acad. 2nd ser. 2, 239 Or.
fatuus Lee. R.
Oryobius fatuus Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853.
riparius Mann R.
Feronia riparia Dej.
vindicatus Lee R.
Cryobius vindicatus Mann. B. M. 1853.
hyperboreus Mann. (Cryobius) ibid 'R.
subexaratus Mann. (Cryobius) ibid 'R.
ventricosus Mann. R.
Poecilus ventricosus Esch.
Feronia ventricosa Dej.
pinguedineus Mann R.
Poecilus pinguedineus Esch.
Feronia pinguedinea Dej.
empetricola Mann . R.
Feronia empetricola Dej.
subcaudatus Lee — R.
Cryobius subcaudatus Mann. B. M. 1853,
fastidiosus Lee. R.
Oryobius fastidiosus Mann. ibid. 1853.
rugulosus Mann. (Cryobius) ibid. 1852 . ' R.
similis Mann. (Cryobius) ibid. 1852 'R.
ruficollis Mann. (Cryobius) ibid. ^1853 'R.
rotundicollis Mann. (Cryobius) ibid. 1853 'R.
quadricollis Mann. (Cryobius) ibid. 1853 'R.
lustrans Lee. Jour. Acad. 2nd ser. 2, 241 Or. Cal.
linearis Mann. (Argutor) B. M. 1853 'R.
rufiscapus Mann. (Omaseus) ibid. 1853 _ 'R.
fusco-aeneus Mann 'R.
Omaseus fusco-aeneus Chaud.
vitreus, Lee — JT . R.
Feronia vitrea Dej.
orinomum Lee. R. Or.
Omaseus orinomum Kirby.
Bothriopterus orinomum Mann. B. M. 1852.
adstrictus Esch. _ _ R.
Feronia adstricta Dej.
commixtus Cliaud. (Bol hriopterus) 'R.
sexpunctatus Lee. R.
Bothriopterus sexpunctatus Mann,
seriepunctatus Mann - R.
HOLCIOPHOKUS Lee.
ater Lee. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2nd ser. 2, 250 Or. Cal.
Feronia air a Dej.
Pterostichus ater Mann.
Feronia lama Menetr.
Pterostichus aterrimus Motsch.
POECILCS Bon.
occidentals Lee. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2nd., 2, 253 — Cal.
Feronia occidentalis Dej. (fide Chaud.)
Pterostichus occidentalis Maun.
AMARA Bon.
stupidaZ^c. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 347 Cal.
infausta Lee. ibid. R.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA.
JLeirus rufimanus || Motsch.
Leirus carinatus { Mann.
melanogastrica Dej - R-
Eschscholtzii Lee. , R-
Leirus Eschscholtzii Chaud.
obtusaZec. Proc. Acad. 7, 348 R-
Amara Eschscholtzii Mann.
oregona Lee. Proc. Acad. 7, 349 Or.
glacialis Mann. (Brady tus) B. M. 1853 'R.
scitula Zimm Cal.
longulaZec. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 350 Cal.
insignis Dej. Or. Cal.
impuncticollis Say, (fide Mann. B. M. 1853) ' R.
littoralis Mann? Lee. Proc. Acad. 7, 351 R.
inepta Zee. Proc. Acad. 7, 351 -Or.
conflata Lee. ibid Cal.
erratica Sturm, (fide Mann.) 'R.
Celia erratica Zimm.
Amara punctulata Dej.
californica Dej. — Cal.
remotestriata Dej R.
Celia remota Zimm.
Celia rducens Mann.
amplicollis Mann. (Celia) Bull. Mosc. 1853 ' R.
indistincta Mann. (Celia) ibid. 1853 _-'R.
rectangula Lee. Proc. Acad. 7, 353 Or.
aurata Dej. _ . Cal.
.Cal.
AGAOSOMA Me'ne'tr.
californicum Niniir., (infra).
Stenomorphus calif ornicus Chaud.
ANISODACTYLCS Dej.
dilatatus Lee. Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 383 Cal.
Harpalus dilatatus Dej.
Dicheirus dilatatus Mann.
brunneus Dej. (Harpalus) ' Cal.
obtusus Lee . . Cal.
Dicheirus obtusus Lee.
hirsutus Minitr. (Diplocheirus) — ' Cal.
villosus Motsch. (Dicheirus) ' Cal.
irregularis Motsch. (Dicheirus) .' Cal .
piceus Lee Cal.
Diplocheirus piceus M&netr.
Dicheirus paralldus Lee.
consobrinus Lee .Or. Cal.
confusus Lee.
californicus Dej. Or. Cal.
similis Lee. . .. .. .Or.
alternans Lee. Cal.
amaroides Lee. ...Cal.
BRADYCELLUS Er.
obesulus Lee. Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 385 Or.
Harpalus obesulus Lee. Ann. Lye. 5, 185.
nigrinus Lee. .. .R.
Harpalus nigrinus Dej.
axillaris Lee — ....... ..........R.
Acupalpus axillaris Mann. B. M. 1853.
longiusculus Lee . ... ....R.
2 Q
Acupalpus longiusculus Mann. ibid.
conflagratus Mann. (Acupalpus) ibid _.'R.
nitidus Mann. Cal.
Acupalpus nitidus Dej.
HAKPALUS Latr.
fraternus Lee Or.
ful vilabris Mann R. Or.
curtatus Mann — . ' R.
albionicus Mann . ..' Cal.
cautus Dej Or. Cal.
ad vena Lee Or.
somnolentus Dej. R.
hirsutus Menhir ' Cal.
alternans Motsch. < Cal.
porosus Motsch. (Ophonus) 'Cal.
STENOLOPHUS Dej .
limbalis Lee. (infra) Cal.
anceps Lee. (infra) Cal.
unicolor Dej. . Cal.
tener Lee. (infra) Cal.
californicus Lee. (infra) Cal.
symmetricus Motsch. Car. Russl. 23 Cal.
BADISTER Clairv.
ferruginous Dej. <Cal.
CKLAENIUS Bon.
viridifrons Esch. ' Cal.
sericeus Say .... Or.
Carabus sericeus Forster.
CHaenius perviridis Lee.
variabilipes Esch ' Cal.
an C. asperulus Me'ne'tr. ?
asperulus Minitr, Cal.
obscurus Lee.
harpalinus Esch. Cal.
pubescens | Mann ' Cal.
PASIMACHUS Bon.
californicus Chaud. ' Cal.
CLIVINA Latr.
punctulata Lee. ._ . Cal.
DYSCHIRIUS Bon.
transmarinus Mann. B. M. 1853 .'R.
frigidus Mann, ibid ' R.
consobrinus Lee. .. . ......Cal.
HAPLOCHILE Lee.
pygmaea Lee. Or.
Mono pygmaeus Dej .
MISCODERA Esch.
insignis Mann. B. M. 1852. 'R.
americana Mann. B. M. 1853 ... 'R.
METRIUS Esch.
contractus Each Cal.
10
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
PROMECOGNATHUS Chaud.
laevissimus Chaud. (infra) .....Cal.
AXILLUS Duval.
debilisZec. Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 10,397 Cal.
OCHTHEDROMUS LeC.
iiidistinctus Lee Cal.
Bembidium indistinctum Mann.
glabriusculus Mann. (Bembid.) B. M. 1853 'R.
nigripes Mann. J (Notaphus) B. M. 1852 R.
undulatus Sturm. (Bembid.) ' E.
Notaphus undulatus Mann. B. M. 1853.
quadraticollis Mann. (Notaphus) ibid. 'R.
Manncrheimii Lee. Cal.
Bembidium transversale J Mann.
pictus Lee Cal.
bimaculatus Lee _ . 'R.
Peryphus bimaculatus Kirby ; Mann. B. M. 1853.
lucidus Lee _R.
nitens Lee _.R.
Peryphus picipes J Mann. B. M. 1853.
tetraglyptus Mann. (Peryphus) ibid. 'R.
complanulus Lee. __R.
Peryphus complanulus Mann. ibid,
incertus Lee __ R.
Notaphus incertus Motsch.
brevis Motsch. (Peryphus) _ . ' R.
planiusculus Lee. __R.
Bembidium planiusculum Mann.
Kuprianovii Mann. (Bembidium) 'R
Peryphus ovipennis Motsch.
biimpressus Mann. (Bembidium) 'R.
quadrifoveolatus Mann. (Bernb. ) 'R.
fortistriatus Motsch. (Omala) 'R.
politus Motsch. (Omala) ' Cal.
dubitans Lee Cal.
cruralis Lee Cal.
iridescens Lee. _ Cal.
mundus Lee Cal.
? Lopha bifasciata Motsch. Car. Russl. 12.
angulifer Lee. Cal.
connivens Lee Cal.
concolor Motsch. (Peryphus) Car. Russl. 9 'Cal.
elongatus Mann. (Tachypus) B. M. 1853 'R.
PATROBUS Dej.
fossifrons Dej _ _R.
P latysma fossifrons Esch.
longiventris Mann. B. M. 1853 R.
ful vus Mann. ibid. ..'R.
angusticollis Mann, ibid <R.
foveocollis Dej ._ __R_
Platysma foveocollis Esch.
aterrimus Dej. __R
californicus Motsch. Mem. Acad. St. Petersb. 131, 1842. .'Cal.
CYCHRCS Fabr.
velutinus Menetr __< Cal.
angusticollis Fischer . .Or. R.
angulatus Harris ..'Or.
cristatus Harris.. < Or.
? reticulatus Motsch. . 'R.
marginatus Dej Or. R.
ventricosus Dej. Esch. Cal.
striatopunctatus Chaud.
interruptus Mentlr ,Cal.
ventricosus J Chaud.
cordatus Lee. Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 10,399 Cal.
constrictus Lee. ibid. 10,398 Cal.
tuberculatus Harris (infra) Or.
CARABUS Linn.
VietiDghovii Adams; Mann. B. M. 1852 ..'R.
taedatus Fair, (infra) _ Or. R.
baccivorus Fischer.
seriatus Wiedemann.
oregonensis Lee. Proc. Acad. 7,16 (infra) Or.
Chamissonis Fischer R.
brachyderus Wiedemann.
truncaticollis Esch. Zool. Atl. 5,22 R.
CALOSOMA Fabr.
calidum ? Fabr. (infra) Or.
tepidum Lee. Or.
semilaeve Lee Cal.
cancellatum Esch. (infra) Or. Cal.
aenescens Lee. Proc. Acad. 7, 16.
discors Lee. (infra) Cal.
CALLISTHENES Fischer.
Zimmermanni Lee. .Or.
Carabus Zimmermanni Lee.
j Wilkesi Lee Or.
moniliatus Lee ..Or.
.R.
LEISTUS Frb'hl.
ferruginosus Mann. _
ferrugineus Esch. Dej.
NEBRIA Latr.
metallica Fischer R.
Gebleri Esch. Dej. ' R.
gregaria Fischer R
Mannerheimii Fischer _ R.
Sahlbergii Fischer Or. R.
Rathvoni Z/ec. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 400 Cal.
bifaria Mann. B. M. 1853 'R.
carbonaria j Mann.
Eschscholtzii Menttr. Cal.
PELOPHILA Dej.
californica Motsch. Mem. Acad. St. Petersb. 1842, 72.. 'Cal.
Eschscholtzii Mann. - - - R.
NoTiormiAJS Dum.
sylvaticuK E chsch. R.
semiopacus Eschsch Gal.
nitens Lee. (infra) Or.
TRACHYPACIIYS Motsch.
inermis Motsch. Car. Russl. 16, (infra) Cal. ? Or. R.
Holmberai Mann. B. M. 1853.
INSECTS — rOLEOPTERA.
11
OPISTHIUS Kirby.
Richardsonii Kirby Or.
LORICERA Latr.
semipunctata Esch - — R. Cal.
foveata Lee. - -Cal.
decempunctata Esch R.
congesta Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
BLETHISA Bon.
oregonensis Lee. Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 401.. Or.
ELAPIIRCS Fabr.
obliteratus Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853 'R.
laevigatus Lee. ..... . Cal.
californicus Mann. R. Cal.
graliosus Mann. B. M. 1853.
AMPHIZOIDAE.
AMPHIZOA Lee.
insolens Lee. (infra) . Cal.
DYTISCIDAE.
CNEMIDOTUS Illiger.
callosus Lee. Cal.
HALIPLUS Latr.
pantherinus Aub£ 'R.
HYDROPORUS Clairv.
obscurellus Lee. . -Cal.
erythrostomus Mann. B. M. 1852 _-R.
striatellus Lee. _ . .Cal.
planatus Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853 ' R.
signatus Mann. B. M. 1853 R.
truncatus Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
humeralis Aub6 . . R.
contractulus Mann. B. M. 1852 R.
oblongus Aub& 'R.
parallelus Say. ..... ....Cal.
catascopium Say.
interruptus Say.
griseostriatus Aub6 . . — . 'R.
subpubescens Lee .... Cal.
hirtellus Lee.
nigellus Mann. B. M. 1853 R.
vilis Lee Cal.
ruficapillus Mann. B. M. 1852 R.
rufinasus Mann. B. M. 1852 ' R.
decemlineatus Mann. B. M. 1853 ... R.
lutescens Lee. .. . Cal.
.R. Or. Cal.
LACCOPHILUS Leach,
truncatus Mann. B. M. 1853 .......
vix a L. maculoso differt.
AQABUS Leach,
subopacus Mann. B. M. 1853... -_._____. ............'R.
dubius Mann ...................... R.
tristis Aubl R.
hypomelas Mann R.
scapularis Mann. B. M. 1852 ' R.
anthracinus Mann. B. M. 1852 R.
morosus Lee. Cal.
lutosus Lee Cal.
phaeopterus Kirby, Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
bicolor Kirby, Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
semipunctatus Kirby, Mann. B. M. 1853 'R.
atratus Mann. ibid. _ 'R.
brevicollis Lee. (infra) Cal.
irregularis Mann. B. M. 1853 'R.
ILTBIUS Er.
quadrimaculatus Aub6. . R. Or.
picipes, Mann B. M. 1853 'R.
Cblymbetes picipts Kirby.
COLYMBETES Clairv.
divisus Aubi R. Or. Cal.
obscuratus Mann. (Cymatopterus) B. M. 1853 'R.
dolabratus Er. Mann. (Cymatopterus) ibid. 'R.
Dytiscus dolabratus Payk.
ACILIUS Leach.
abbreviatus Alike R. Or.
latiusculus Lee. (infra) Cal.
DYTISCUS Linn,
confluens Say . — R.
Ooligbukii Kirby, Mann. B. M. 1852 and 1853.
parvulus Mann. ibid. 1853 R.
anxius Mann . R. Or. Cal.
marginicollis Lee.
sublimbatus Lee. (infra) Or.
GYRINIDAE.
GYRINUS Linn.
picipes Aubi ... ........ R.
consobrinus Lee Cal.
HYDROPHILIDAE.
HELOPHORUS Fabr.
obscurus Lee ... — .. — . — .. Cal.
auricollis Esch. .. — ....'R.
inquinatus Mann. B. M. 1852 . ........R.
• consimilis Mann. B. M. 1853.
an auricollis Esch ?
angustulus Mann. B. M. 1853 . — .........'R.
OCHTHEBIOS Leach.
Holmbergi Mann. B. M. 1853 R.
LACCOBIUS Er.
ellipticus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 363 Cal.
BEROSUS Leach.
punctatissimus Lee. ... - Cal.
maculoBUS Mann, . ....................... -...'R.
12
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
HYDROPHILTJS Geoffrey.
triangularis Say ------ ..... ----------------- .. ---- Cal.
Hydrophilus lugubris Motsch.
Stethozus subsulcatus Lee.
californicus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 367 .......... Cal.
ellipticus Lee. ibid 7, 368 .......................... Cal.
PHILHTDKUS Sol.
carinatus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 370 ------------ Cal.
diffusus Lee. ibid ..... .. .............. ... _____ . ---- Cal.
HYDROBIUS Leach.
seriatus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 372 ............. Cal.
?futipes J Mann. B. M. 1853 ................... ' R.
CERCYON Leach.
fimbriatum Mann. B. M. 1852. ................... R. Cal.
limbatum Mann ........ . ....... ------ ...... -------- R.
fulvipenne Mann. B. M. 1852 . ....................... R.
adumbratum Mann ............. ____________ ...... ___ R.
posticatum Mann. B. M. 1552 _____ ....... _________ ___ R.
lunigerum Mann. B. M. 1853 ...... _______ ...... ____ 'R.
SILPHALES.
NECROPHORUS Fabr.
marginatus Fabr ------------- ..... . ........ ________ Cal.
guttula Motsch ..... . ...... ___________ .............. Cal.
nigrita Mann ..................................... Cal.
pollinctor Lee. (infra) ...... ._ ...... ________________ Or.
tardus Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853 ...................... 'R.
maritimus Mann. B. M. 1843. ________________________ R.
infodiens Mann. B. M. 1853 ................... .R.
confessor Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7,19 ......... Or.
Vpollinctar Mann. B. M. 1853 .................. 'R.
defodiens Mann. . ....... _________ .......... ________ 'R.
mortuorum Fabr. Mann. B. M. 1853 ................. ' R.
SrtPHA Linn.
lapponica, Linn. ............................ R. Or. Cal.
caudata Say.
tuberculata Germ.
calif arnica Mann.
ramosa Say ................................... Or. Cal.
cervaria Mann.
sagax Mann. B. M. 1853 ............................ 'R.
NECROPHILUS Latr.
hydrophiloides Mann ................. . ....... R Or. Cal
ater Motsch. var.
latus Mann. B. M. 1852 ................. ____________ R.
SPHAERITES Duftsch.
politus Mann
LYEOSOMA Mann.
opaca Mann. B. M. 1853 _____ ..... _________ ..'R.
CATOP3 Payk.
cadaverinus Mann ................. . ................. R.
cryptophagoides Mann. B. M. 1852 ................... 'R.
brunnipennis Mann. B. M. 1853 ............. ..R.
luridipennis Mann. B. M. 1853 II,
californicus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6 ... .Cal.
? Frankenhaeuseri Mann. B. M. 1852.. 'R.
COLON Herbst.
inermis Mann. B. M. 1852 'R.
magnicollis Mann. B. M. 1853 'R.
clavatus Mann. B. M. 1853 'R.
ANISOTOMA Illiger.
lateritia Mann. B. M. 1852 ' R.
laeta Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
curvata Mann, ibid . . . . ' R.
HYDNOBIUS Schmidt.
punctostriatus Mann. B. M. 1853
Leiodes punctostrialus Kir by.
R.
AGATHIDIUM Illiger.
angulare Mann. B. M. 1852. R.
pulchrum Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6,286 Cal.
concinnum Mann. B. M. 1852 __ ..R.
effluens Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
mandibulatuD Mann. B. M. 1853 __'R.
rotundulum h inn. B. M. 1852 R.
bnmnipenne Lee — ..R.
Litochrus brunnipennis Mann. B. M. 1852.
CLAMBUS Fischer,
oblongulus Mann. B. M. 1853 R.
SCYDMAENIDAE.
AEGIALITES Mann,
debilis Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
Elosomo ? cali/ornica Motsch.
EUTHEIA Stephens,
scitula Mdklin, Bull. Mosc. 1852 'R,
SCYDMAENUS Latr.
sparsus Lee. Proc. A.cad. Nat. Sc. 6,151 Cal.
angustus Lee. ibid. Cal.
gracilis Lee. ibid. Cal.
biformis Mdklin, B. M. 1852 ' R.
californicus Motscn. 'R. Cal.
PSELAPHIDAE.
CTENISTES Reichenb.
pulvereus Lee Cal.
TYCHTJS Leach.
puberulus Lee. Cal.
tenellus Lee. . _ .Cal.
BATRISUS Aubd.
albionicus Aubi Cal.
BRYAXIS Leach.
compar Lee — . CaL
albionica Motseh. .. 'R. Cal.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA.
13
EUPLECTUS, Leach.
parviceps Mdklin, Bull. Mosc. 1852 'R.
clavicornis M'dklin, (Trimium,) ibid 'R.
STAPHYLINIDAE.O
BOLITOCHAKA Mann.
notata Mann. B. M. 1852..
MTRMEDONIA Er.
angularis Mdklin, B. M. 1853
'R.
R.
HOMALOTA Mann, (emend. Er.)
granulata Mann. R.
comparabilis Mdklin, B. M. 1853 R.
maritima Mann. -- R.
littoralis Mdklin, B. M. 1853 R.
fucicola Mdklin, B. M. 1853 R.
Tachymafucicola Miiklin, B. M. 1852.
picipennis, Mann. — ...R.
vasta Miiklin, B. M. 1853 'R.
laevicollis Mdklin, B. M. 1852 'R.
cursor Miiklin, ibid _ 'R.
nitens Mdklin, ibid 'R.
moesta M'dklin, ibid. 'R.
pratensis Mdklin, ibid 'R.
geniculata Mdklin, ibid. R.
planaris Mdklin, ibid ' R.
breviuscula Mdklin, ibid. — 'R.
OXYPODA Mann,
irrasa Mdklin, B. M. 1853
-R.
ALEOCHARA Grav.
castaneipennis Mann. R.
bimaculata Grav. Mdkl. B. M. 1853 R,
sulcicollis Mann. R.
cognata Mdklin, B. M. 1852 R.
GYROPIIAENA Mann,
geniculata Mdklin, B. M. 1853.
.R.
OTHIUS Stephens,
macrocephalus Er R.
californicus Mann ..'R.
R. Cal.
THIXOPINUS Lee.
pictus Lee. , (infra).
Trichocanlhus variegatm Motsch.
STAPHYLINUS Linn.
villosus Grav ..................................... Cal.
bicinctus Mann ................ _ ..... . ...... R. Or. Cal.
tarsalis Mann ........................... . .......... 'R.
crassus Mann ------ ...... ___________________________ R.
PIIILONTHUS Leach.
Siegwaldi Mann. .. ............. .. ............... Cal. R.
albionicus Mann ...... . ....... _________ ........ ___ ' Cal.
aterrimus Er. M'dklin, B. M. 1853 ...... . ............. ' R.
picipennis Mdklin, B. M, 1852 ........... _____ ..... ' R.
femoralis Mdklin, B. M. 1853 ..... . ................... R.
canescens Mdklin, ibid .............. __________ R. Or. Cal.
Leach.
plagiatus Mann. --------- ....... ______ ..... _______ 'R.
longipennis Mann. __________________________________ R.
pediculus Er ....................................... R.
erythrogaster Mann. B. M. 1853 ...................... R.
melanocephalus Mann, ibid ----- .. ..... ______ _______ 'R.
brunnipennis Mdklin, B M. 1852 ..... ---- .......... __'R.
rufipennis Mdklin, B. M. 1853 ......... ______ ...... ___ ' R.
aenescens Mdklin, B. M. 1852 _______ ........ __________ R.
sublimbatus Mdklin, B. M. 1853. ..................... _R.
marginalis Muklin, B M. 1852 ........................ R.
molochinus Grav ............. .. ......... .. ...... _.'R.
hyperboreus Er -------- ............... ------ ..... ..'R.
LIPAROCEPHALUS Maklin.
brevipennis Mdklin, B. M. 1853
R.
TACHINUS Grav.
nigricornis Mann. R.
instabilis Mdklin, B. M. 1853 ' R.
frigidus Er R.
circumcinctus Mdklin, B. M. 1853 R.
inaculicollis Mdklin, ibid — _ R.
propinquus Mann 'R.
Elongatus Gytt ._ 'R.
apterus Mdklin, B. M. 1853 'R.
BOLITOBIUS Stephens.
poecilus Mann. B. M. 1852. R.
biseriatus Mann 'R.
MYCETOPORCS Mann.
insignis Mdklin, B. M. 1853 'R.
nigrans Mdklin, B. M. 1853 'R.
* Only the described species are mentioned in the Catalogue. I have not included the numerous species collected by me
in California, nearly all of which are nondescript, since subseqent investigations would be much confused if they were to be
made known separately.
STENUS Latr.
maritimus Mofsch R.
adspector Maklin, B. M. 1852 ' R.
parallelepiped us Mdklin, ibid. . 'R.
congener Mdklin, B. M. 1853 R.
immarginatus Mdklin, B. M. 1853. 'R.
cariniceps Mdklin, B. M. 1852 'R.
brevipennis Mdklin, B. M. 1852... . R.
BLEDIUS Leach.
longipennis Mdklin, B. M. 1852 'R.
albonotatus Mdklin, B. M. 1853. 'R.
OXYTELUS Grav.
fuscipennis Mann. R.
PHLOCONAEUS Er.
biimpressus Mdklin, B. M. 1852 R.
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
SYNTOMIUM, Curtis,
confragosum Maklin, B. M. 1852 'E.
OLISTHAERUS Er.
megacephalus Er. Mann. B. M. 1853 - E.
ANTHOPHAGCS Grav.
laticollis Mann - _ ' E.
LESTEVA Latr.
fusconigra Maklin, B. M. 1853 ' E.
Phlaeopterus fusconiger Motsch. Et. Ent. 1852, p. 78.
ARPEDIUM Er.
estaceum Mann. B. M. 1843. E.
maculicolle Mann -'E.
LATURIMAEUM Er.
subcostatum Maklin, B. M. 1852 E.
finietarium Mann. B. M. 1852 E.
Omalium fimetarium Mann.
Anthobium fimetarium Er.
ACIDOTA Stephens.
Frankenhaeuseri Miiklin, B. M. 1853. ..
'B.
OLOPHRUM Er.
latum Maklin, B. M. 1853 'E.
parvulum Maklin, ibid 'E.
convexum Miiklin, ibid. E.
marginatum. Miiklin, ibid E.
DELIPHRUM Er.
brevicolle Maklin, B. M. 1853 E.
Arpedium brevicolle Maklin, ibid 1852.
OJIALITJM Grav.
plagiatum Mann. . — 'E.
strigipenne Maklin, B. M. 1852 E.
humile Miiklin, B. M. 1853 ' E.
flavipenne Maklin, ibid. 'E.
planipenne Maklin, ibid. 'E.
tumidulum Maklin, ibid. 'E.
foraminosum Maklin, B. M. 1852 E.
exsculptum Maklin, B. M. 1852 ' E.
laesicolle Maklin, ibid . E.
segmentarium Maklin, ibid 'E.
longulum Maklin, ibid E.
callosum Maklin, ibid. .' R.
ANTIIOBITJM Stephens.
pothos Mann. E.
rugulosum Maklin, B. M. 1853. 'E.
PROTEINUS Latr.
limbatus Maklin, B. M. 1852 E.
basalis Maklin, B. M. 1852 E.
MEGARTHRUS Stephens.
pictus Motsch. ....E.
atratus Miiklin, B. M. 1852 ... E.
angulicollis Mdklin, B. M. 1852 R.
MICROPEPLUS Latr.
costatus Maklin, B. M. 1852 ' E.
laticollis Mdklin, B. M. 1853. E.
brunneus Mdklin, B. M. 1852. ' E.
costipennis Mdklin, B. M. 1853 E.
TEICHOPTEEYGIA.
TRICHOPTERYX Kirby.
laticollis Mdklin, B. M. 1852 E.
insularis Mdklin, B, M. 1852. E.
sitkhaensis Aliibert, Eev. Zool. 1847, 196 'E.
Ptilium sitkaense Motsch. B. M. 1845, 526 ; tab. 10, f. 13.
rotundata Motsch. (Achratrichis.) _.Cal.
PTILIUM GYLL.
collani Mdklin, B. M. 1853
.'E.
PTENIDIUM Er.
pullum Mdklin, B. M. 1852
.E. Cal.
-Cal.
SCAPHIDILIA.
SCAPHISOMA Leach,
castaneum Lee. —
Scapidium castaneum Motsch.
HISTEEIDAE.
HJSTER Linn.
sellatus Lee. , (infra.) Cal.
sexstriatus Lee. ........Cal.
immunis Er Cal.
californicus Marseul, Ann. Ent. Soc. Fr. 3d, 2, 544 'Cal.
SAPRINUS Er.
interceptus Lee Cal.
interstitialis Lee . Cal.
obscurus Lee . Cal.
lugens Er. ........... Or. Cal.
californicus Mann.
oregonensis Lee. . Or. Cal.
insertus Lee. Cal.
obductus Lee Or.
vestitus Lee Cal.
lubricus Lee. . Cal.
fimbriatus Lee. . Cal.
estriatus Lee. (infra) — Or.
lucidulus Lee Cal.
sulcifrons Mann . Cal.
TERETRIUS Er.
obliquulus Lee. (infra) CaL
PHALACEIDAE.
PHALACRUS Payk.
penicellatus Say, Or. Cal.
OLIBRDS Er.
rufipes Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 8 Or.
obtusus Lee. ibid. ... Cal.
aquatilis Lee. ibid .. Cal.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA.
15
N1TIDULIDAE.
COLASTUS Er.
.Cal.
tinctus Lee.
Strongylus ? tinctus Mann.
CAKPOPHILUS Leach.
hemipterus Stephens (mcrcat. Hiatus) _.R. Cal.
dimidiatus Er. (mercat. Hiatus) ..'K.
EPURAEA Er.
nubila Lee. (infra) _ Cal.
convexiuscula Mann R.
placida Maklin, B. M. 1853 'R.
adumbrata Mann. B. M. 1852 _ R.
ambigua Mann 'R.
truncatella Mann R.
planulata Er R.
nigra Maklin,^. M. 1853 'R.
flavomaculata Maklin, ibid. 'R.
linearis Macklin, ibid 'R.
infuscata Maklin, ibid 'R.
NITIDTJLA Fabr.
ziczac Say, Or.
OMOSITA Er.
inversa Lee. (infra) -Cal.
MELIGETHES Steph.
rufimanus Lee. (infra) Cal.
moerens Lee. (infra) . Or.
seminulum Lee. (infra) Or.
IPS Fabr.
Dejeanii Kirby, _ R.
sepulchralis Randall, (Maiue.)
RHIZOPHAGUS Herbst.
dimidiatus Mann — . R.
scalpturatus Mann. B. M. 1852 _'R.
abbreviatus Motsch Cal.
TROGOSITIDAE.
TEMXOCHILA Westwood.
cblorodia Lac. Gen. Col. 2, 341 Cal.
Trogosita chlorodia Mann,
viridicyanea Lac. ibid Or. Cal.
Trogosita viridicyanea Mann.
TROGOSITA Oliv.
mauritanica Oliv. (mercat. illata) ..R. Cal.
? pusillima Mann. -_'R.
PELTIS Kug.
Pippingskoldii Mann. B. M. 1852, R. Or.
PELTASTICA Mann,
tuberculuta Mann. B. M. 1852, R.
COLYDH.
RlIAGODERA Er.
tuberculata Mann _ .Cal.
CERYLON Latr.
simplex Lee. (Infra) Cal.
CUCUIIPES.
Cucuius Fabr.
puniceus Mann . R. Or.
BRONTES Fabr.
truncatus Motsch _ _ _R. Cal.
DENDROPIIAGUS Schonh.
Cygnaei Mann 'R.
americanus Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
LAEMOPHLOEUS Lap.
longipennis Mann .'R.
PEDIACUS Shuckhard.
subcarinatus Mann. B. M. 1852 ..B.
SILVAN us Latr.
dentatus Say (mercat. Hiatus) R. Cal.
surinamensis Stephens (mercat. Hiatus) R. Cal.
CRYPTOPHAGIDAE.
CRYPTOPHAGUS Herbst.
californicus Mann _ < Cal.
octodentatus Maklin, B. M. 1852 _. _. 'R.
quadridentatus Mann _ 'R.
tuberculosus Maklin, B. M. 1852 'R.
quadrihamatus Maklin, B. M. 1853 ..'R.
bidentatus Maklin, B. M. 1853 ' R.
punctatissimus Macklin, B. M. 1853 ' R.
PARAMECOSOMA Curtis,
serrata Er — 'R.
Cryptophagus serratus Gyll.
ATOJIARIA Stephens.
ferruginea Er. .'R.
Cryptophagus ferrugincus Sahib.
vespertina Maklin, B. M. 1853 ' R.
planulata Maklin, ibid < R.
Kamtschatica Motsch. Maklin, ibid. « R.
fuscicollis Mann. B. M. 1852 • R.
fulvipennis Mann R.
lepidula Maklin, B. M. 1852 R.
laetula Lee. (infra) Cal.
ANTHEROPHAGUS Latr.
suturalis Maklin, B. M. 1853 ' R.
LATHRIDIIDAE.
CORTICARIA Marsham.
spinulosa Mann. B. M. 1852 'R.
prionodera Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7,300 ..Cal.
tenellaZec. ibid. 7,301 Cal.
herbivagans Lee. ibid. 7,302 Cal.
rufula Lee. ibid. 7,303 Cal.
canaliculata Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
16
U. S. P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
orbicollis Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
deleta Mann, ibid — . . ' R.
exigua Mann. ibid. 'R.
? trisignata Mann. B. M. 1852 -R.
LATHRIDIUS Herbst.
quadricollis Mann R.
protensicollis Mann. R.
costicollis Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7,303 Cal.
sobrinus Mann. B. M. 1852 R.
cordicollis Mann. ' R.
cinnamopterus Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
fulvipennis Mann, ibid 'R.
incisus Mann. ibid. 'R.
strangulatus Mann. ibid. 'R.
minutus Mann. 'R.
parallelocollis Mann ' R.
curtulus Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
crenatus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7,304 Cal.
parviceps Lee. ibid — Cal.
MYCETOPHAGIDAE.
MYCETOPHAGUS Hellw.
pluriguttalus Lee. Cal.
LITARGUS Er.
transversus Lee. -- Cal.
DERMESTIDAE.
BYTURUS Latr.
grisescens Lee. (infra) - Cal.
DERMESTES Linn.
Mannerheimii Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7,107 Cal.
marmoratus J Mann.
talpinus Mann - Or. Cal.
rattus Lee. Proc. Acad. 7, 108 Cal.
vulpinus Fair - R- Cal.
lupinus Mann.
ATTAGENUS Latr.
angularis Mann. B. M. 1853 'R.
CRYPTORHOPALUM Gue"r.
triste Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7,111 Cal.
ANTHRENUS Fabr.
lepidusiec. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc Cal.
varius Fabr. Er. (mercat. illatus) Cal.
? apicalis Mann ' Cal.
BYRRHIDAE.
BYRRUUS Fabr.
cyclophorus Kirby, Mann. B. M. 1852. .'R
SYNCALYPTA Stephens,
setulosa Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R
PEDILOPHORUS Steffh.
acuminatus Lee. (infra) R.
Morychm acuminatus Mann. B. M. 1852,341.
oblongus Lee. (infra) Or.
acuminaius\ Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 115.
SIMPLOCARIA Stephens.
nitida Matsch " „ . . R.
metallica Er. Mann. B. M. 1853 R,
AMPEICYRTA Er.
dentipes Er Cal.
Eucyphus hylosoroides Mann.
chrysomelina Er. (infra) Or.
simplicipes Mann. B. M. 1852 ' R.
PARNIDAE.
LARA Lee.
avara Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6,43 Cal.
HETEROCERIDAE.
HETEROCERUS Fabr.
tristis Mann. B. M. 1853 'R.
SCARABAEIDAE.
LIGYRUS Burm.
gibbosus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 8 Or. Cal.
Scarabaeus gibbosus De Geer.
Podalgus variolosus Burm.
Bothynus obsoletus Lee. (var.)
CREMASTOCHILUS Knoch.
angularis Lee. (infra) Cal.
POLYPHYLLA Harris,
decemlineata Lee Or. Cal.
Melolontha 10-lineata Say.
TRYSSUS Er.
? comatus Lee. (infra) Cal.
DIPLOTAXIS Kirby.
brevicollis Lee. (infra) Or.
subangulata Lee. (infra) .Or.
DICHELONYCHA Kirby.
valida Lee. (infra) Cal.
fulgida Lee. (infra) Or.
SERICA McLeay.
anthracina Lee. (infra) Or. Cal.
CAMPTORIIINA Kirby.
serotina Lee. (infra) Cal.
HOPLIA Illiger.
irrorata Lee. (infra) Or. Cal.
PLEOCOMA Lee.
fimbriata Lee. (infra) .... Cal.
CANTHON Illiger.
simplex Lee. (infra) „ Or. Cal.
APHODIUS Illiger.
aleutus Esch. . 'R.
ursinus Mann. B. M. 1853 _. __R.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA.
17
congregatus Mann. B. M. 1853 — R
guttatus Esch. ' R-
pectoialis Zee.. (infra) -. Cal.
rubidus Lee. (infra) - Cal.
pardalis Lee. (infra) _ Cal.
subaeneus Lee. (infra) - Cal.
cadaverinus Er. Ins. Deutschl. 880 ' Cal.
Oxyomus cadaverinus Mann.
AEGIALIA Latr.
caelata Lee. (infra) - — Cal.
crassa Lee. (infra) -- Cal.
cylindrica Mann. B. M. 1853 R.
Oxyomus cylindncus Mann.
TROX Fabr.
fascifer Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7,213
.Cal.
PLATYCERUS Geoffrey.
oregonensis Westwood, Tr. Eut. Soc. 4, 277 .
tab. 20, f. 9.
SIXODEXDRON Fabr.
rugosum Mann, (infra)
Or. Cal.
.Cal.
BUPRESTIDAE.
ANCYLOCHKIRA Esch.
Gibbsii Lee. (infra) Or.
Langii Lee. (infra) ._ - Or.
Buprestis Langii Mann,
rusticorum Lee Or. Cal.
Buprestis (Anoplis) rusticorum Kirby.
laeviventris Lee. (infra.)
adiecta Lee. Proc. Acad. 7,17 (infra) Or.
lauta Lee. ibid, (infra) Or.
radians Lee. ibid, (infra) Or.
? placida Lee. ibid. Or.
BUPRESTIS Linn,
angulicollis Lee. (infra)
-Cal.
MELANOPHILA Escb.
Drummondi Lee. . --R. Or.
Buprestis (Trachyteris) Drummondi Kirby.
Apatura Drummondi Lap.
Melanophilaguttulata'l Mann. B. M. 1853.
consputa Lee. (infra) - -Cal.
appendiculata Mann ' R.
Buprestis appendiculata Fabr.
ANTIIAXIA Esch.
expansa Leu. (infra)
CHRYSOBOTHRIS Esch.
femorata Fabr. (Buprestis; var ? Or.
trhitirvia Mann. B. M. 1853 R. Or.
Buprestis (Odontomus) trinervia Kirby.
Chrysobolhris scabripennis Lap.
Chrysobothris cicatricosa Motsch. Et. Ent. 1852.
DICERCA Esch.
pectorosa Lee. (infra) Or.
crassicollis Lee. (infra) Or.
3Q
POLYCESTA Esch.
californica Lee. (infra) Cal.
ELATERIDAE.
EPIPHANIS Esch.
cornutus Esch R.
ANELASTES Kirby.
Latreillei Lee. Proc. Acad. 6,46 Or. Cal.
PEROTIIOPS Er.
Witticki Lee. (infra) Cal.
ATIIOUS Esch.
scissus Lee. (infra) Or.
vittiger Lee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10,427 Or.
ferruginosus, Esch R.
pallidipennis Mann. R. Or.
rufiventris Esch 'R.
triundulatus Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
LIMOXIUS Esch.
hispidus Zee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 432 Cal.
ornatulus Lee. (infra) Or.
CORYMBITES Latr. (emend. Lee.)
nubilus/vec. Tr. Am. Phil Soc. 10, 438. Cal.
sericetis Esch. (Ludius) Mann. B. M. 1853 _.'R.
glaucus Germ _ Or.
decoratus Mann. (Diacanthus) B. M. 1853 _'R.
parvicollis Mann, ibid 'R.
bombycinus Germ ' Or.
di versicolor Esch. (Ludius) ' Cal.
coniungens Lee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10,440 Cal.
Suckleyi Lee. (infra) Or.
carbo Lee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10,439 Or.
lateralis Lee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10,439 Or.
confluens Gebler. (Elatcr) . _ ' R.
Diacanthus confluens Mann,
umbripennis Lee. Cal.
Corymbitesnubilipennis||Zfc. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 441.
resplendens Each R.
furtivus Lee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10,442 .Cal.
festivus Lee. (infra) Or.
obscurus Lee Cal.
cribrosus Lee. .Gal.
maurus Lee _ Or.
lobatus Mann. B. M. 1853 R. Or.
Diacanthus lobatus Mann. B. M. 1846.
CorymbeUs telum Lee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10,445.
urnbricola Mann. R.
Ludius umbricola Esch.
caricinus Germ. 'R.
Diacanthus caricinus Mann
volitans Mann * R.
Ludius volitans Esch.
semiluteus Lee . Cal.
saggitticollis Lee - --R.
Ludius saguticollis Esch.
angularis Lee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10 Or,
18
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS— ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
spectabilis Mann. B. M. 1852 < R.
serricornis Mann. (Diacanthus) ' Gal.
angusticollis Mann. (Diacanthus) ' R.
leucaspis Germ. (Diacanthus) ' Or.
rupestris Germ ' Or.
ASAPHES Kirby.
inorio Lee. Tr. Ani. Phil. Soc. 10, 450
.Or
AORIOTES Esch. (emend. Lee.)
subustusZec. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 458 ............. Cal.
sellatus Mann. (Dolopius) B. M. 1852 ................ 'R.
californicus Mann. (Dolopius) ................... ..'Cal.
macer Lee. (infra) ...... . .......................... Or.
ANCHASTUS Lee.
recedensiec. Tr. Arn. Phil. Soc. 10, 460 ............. Cal.
puberulus Lee. (vix a praeced. differt.) _____ .......... Cal.
Cryptohypnm puberulus Mann.
cinereipennis Mann. (Cryptohypnus) ................ ' Cal.
ELATER Linn, (emend. Esch.)
phoenicopterus Lee. ............................ ____ Or.
Ampedus phoenicopterus Germ.
rhodopus Lee. (infra) ............................... Or.
carbonicolor Esch. . ................... . ............ R.
nigrinus Payk. Mann. B. M. 1853 ................ ____ ' R.
caprella Lee. (infra) __________ ...................... Or.
CRATONYCHUS Er.
oregonensis Lee. Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 480 ........ Or.
MOXOCREPIDIIJS Esch. (emend. Lee.)
comis Lee. 1. c. 10,484 _____ .......... . ............ Cal.
CRYPTOUYPNUS Esch.-
littoralis Germ ..... . ....... _____ ................... R.
squalidus Lee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 487 ............ Cal.
nocturnus Dej _____________________________________ <R.
Ilypolithus nocturnus Esch.
limbatus Mann. B. M. 1852 .......................... R.
musculus Mann. . ....... _ ........ ______ ........... < R.
Elater musculus Esch.
hyperboreus Dej. Mann. B. M. 1853 ................. ' R.
impressicollis Mann. B. M. 1853 ..................... (R.
scarificatus Mann. B. M. 1853. ........................ R.
fallax Mann, ibid ........... ______ ...... _____ ..'R.
vestitus Mann. ibid.. ............ _____ ..... __'R.
lucidulus Mann, ibid ........................... ____ <R.
restrictulus Mann, ibid ............................. 'R.
ADELOCERA Latr.
aurorata Zee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10 ................... Or.
Elater auroratus Say.
MELANACTES Lee.
densus Lee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 494 ............... Cal.
ALA us Esch.
myops Esch ..... .. ...... .. __________ ,..0r.
Elater myops Fabr.
CARDIOPUOEUS Esch.
latiusculus Esch.
tumidieollis Zee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 498 Or.
californicus Mann _ < Cal.
tencbrosus Lee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 498 Cal.
tantillus Mann ,'Cal.
transfugus Lee. Tr. Am. Phil. Soc. 10.500 Cal.
ATOPIDAE.
STENOCOLUS Lee.
scutellaris Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6, 229 Cal.
CYPHONIDAE.
HELODES Latr.
concinna Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6,353 Cal.
variabilis Gue"r. Mann. B. M. 1853 'R.
LAMPYRIDAE.
ELLYCHXIA Lee.
facula Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 17, (infra) Or.
corrusca Lee. ibid, 5, 333, (fide King.) ' Or.
Lampyris corrusca Linn.
TELEPHORIDAE.
SILIS Charp.
pallida Mann. R. Cal.
lutea Lee. Mels. Cat. 78.
pattens Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 5, 339.
TELEPHORUS Geoffr.
lautus Lee. Proc. Acad. 5, 340 Cal.
grandicollis Lee. ibid .Cal.
divisus Lee. ibid. Cal.
notatus Lee Cal.
Cantharis notata Mann,
larvalis Lee. (infra) Or.
» PODABRUS (Fischer) Westwooil.
pruinosus Lee. Proc. Acad. 5, 344 Or.
piniphilus Dej. — R. Or.
Rhagonycha piniphila Esch.
sericatus Mann. , (Rhagonycha) 'R.
binodulus Mann. , (Rhagonycha) _ 'R.
anthracinus Mann., (Rhagon.) B. M. 1853 'R.
LYCIDAE.
ANARHYNCUS Gue'rin.
hamatus Mann. , (Dictyopterus) ' B.
simplicipes Leo. ._ R.
Dictyopterus simplicipes Mann.
MELYLIDES.
COLLOPS Er.
histdo Er Cal.
MALACIIIUS Fabr. (emend. Er.)
auritus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6, 165 Cal.
ATELESTUS Er.
? collaris Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6, 168 Cal.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA.
19
DASYTES Fabr.
canescons Mann Cal.
laticollis Mann ' Cal.
parvicollis Mann. ' Cal.
rotundicollis Lee. Pr. Acad. 6, 170 ..Cal.
difficilis Lee. ibid - Cal.
CLERIDAE.
TERILYPUS Spin,
carbonarius Spin -' Cal.
COLYPUUS Spin.
signaticollis Spin -' Cal.
cinctipennis Spin - ' Cal.
rufipennis Spin ' Cal.
interceptus Spin. ,. --' Cal.
CYJIATODERA Gray,
angustata Spin. - _ - Cal.
TRICHODES Herbst.
ornatus Say — Or. Cal.
Douylassianus White, Brit Mus. Cat. 60.
Harlwegianus White, ibid.
CLERCS Gcoffr.
sphegeus Fabr. Or.
exiniius Mann. Cal.
kolosericeus White, 1. cit.
undulatus Say. R.
Tlianasimus abdominalis Kirby.
Thanasimus piclus Spin.
EXOPLIUM Fabr.
dichroum Lee. (infra). Cal.
CORYNETES Fabr.
rufipes Fabr. , (mercat. illatus) Cal.
ruficollis Fabr. , (niercat. illatus) R. Cal.
marginellus Chevr ' Cal.
ACKEPIS Lee.
maculata Lee. Cal.
PTINIORES.
PTINUS Linn.
fur Linn. , (mercat. allatus) B. Cal.
interruptus Lee., (infra) Cal.
DINODERUS Stephens.
substriatus Sleph. Mann. B. M. 1853 _.'R.
Apate subslriata Paykull.
SINOXYLON Duftschin.
declive Lee. , (infra) _. _ Cal.
EXOPS Curtis.
Stoutii Lee. Cal.
Alloeocnemis Stoutii Lee. Proc. Acad. 6, 232.
ovicollis Lee. , (infra) _ Cal.
ANOBICM Fabr.
paniceum Fabr. , (mercat. allatum) R. Cal.
Cis Latr.
vitulus 3.rann Cal.
tridentatus Mann. B. M. 1852 R.
biarmatus Mann. B. M. 1852 R.
americanus Mann. B. M. 1852 'R.
ephippiatus Mann. B. M. 1853 'R.
TENEBR10NIDAE.
TRIOROPHUS Lee.
rugiceps Lee. Cal.
EURYMETOPON Esch.
rufipes Each - - - -Cal.
atruiu I^ec Cal .
ochraceum Esch — ' Cal.
NYCTOPORIS Esch.
galeata 7/ec. , (infra) _ Cal .
cristata Esch. Cal.
aequicollis Esch Cal .
DYSMATHES Mann.
Sahlbergi Mann. B. M. 1853. , ' R.
CENTRIOPTERA Mann.
caraboides Mann - ' Cal.
NOSODERMA Sol.
diabolicum Lee. , (infra) Cal.
porcatum Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6, 235 Or. Cal.
USECIIVS Motsch.
lacerta Motsch ' Cal.
ELEODES Esch.
grandicollis Matin Cal.
gigantea Mann - Cal.
quadricollis Esch. Cal.
dentipes Each - Cal.
connexa Lee. , (infra) _. Or.
sulcipeunis Mann — ..Or. Cal.
Fischeri Mann - Cal.
niarginata Esch. Cal.
granulata Lee. , (infra) Or.
producta Esch - Cal.
humeralis Lee. , (infra) Or.
planata Esch Cal.
refl exicollis Mann. ' Cal.
parvicollis Esch Cal.
clavicornis Esch ' Cul.
rotundipennis Lee. , (infra) \ Or.
strictaiec., (infra) Or.
subligata Lee. , (infra) Or.
intricata Mann. Cal.
cordata Esch. Cal.
tuberculata Esch Cal.
pimelioides Mann Or. Cal.
AMPIIIDORA Esch.
littoralis Esch Cal.
HELOPS Fabr.
rugulosus Lee _ _ ,, , .. Cal ,
20
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
californicus Mann. . . ........ - ..... - ........ ---- Or. Cal.
laetus Lee. , (infra) . ..... . ........... ------- ....... Or.
APOCRYPHA Esch.
anthicoides Esch. . ....... . ...... ___ . .............. Gal.
dyschirioides Lee. .. ...... . ........ . ............... Cal
CONONOTCS Leo.
sericans Lee. , (infra) . ...... ________ ............... Cal.
pvjnctatus Lee. ______ _____________________________ Cal.
CONIONTIS Esch.
viatica Each. _______ ................. ----- ...... — Cal.
puncticollis Lee. ____ ______________________________ Cal.
affinis Lee ..... ---- ..... --------- ............... - -Cal.
Eschscholtzii Mann ...... .. ...... .. ...... ----- ..... Cal.
ovalis Lee. _ ........ ------ .- ........ ------- ....... Or.
nemoralis Escli. -. ...... ------ .................... Cal.
subpubescens Esch ..... ---- - ....... . ....... ------- Cal.
COELTJS Esch.
ciliatus Esch. .. ........... . .............. --------- Cal.
NOTIBIVS Lee.
puncticollis Lee. ___________ ..... _____ ............. Cal.
seriatus Lee. ...... ............. ... ...... _ ........ Cal.
BLAPSTINUS ( 4 Dcj.) Waterhonse.
brevicollis Lee. ____________________________________ Cal.
pulvernlentus Dej ...... . ........... _ ......... . .Or. Cal.
Emmenastm rugosus Motsch. , (fide Mann.)
EULAEIS Esch.
rufipes Esch ...................................... Cal.
bicarinata Esch. __________________________________ Cal.
CALCAR Latr.
estriatus Lee ..... ____ _ ....... . ......... . ...... ___ Cal.
Tenebrio estriaius Lee.
TENEBRIO Linn.
molitor Linn. , (mercat. allatus) . .................... 'E.
HETEKOPHAGA.
mauritanica Mann. B. M. 1852, (inercat. allata) ...... .'R.
Tenebrio mauritanicus Fabr.
CIBDEUS Mann.
Blaschii Mann ...... . ...... _ ...................... Cal.
NYCTIBATES.
GXATIIOCERA Thunb.
cornuta Mann. (Cerandria) B. M. 1852, (mercat. ill.) — ' R.
Trogosita cornuta Fabr.
maxillosa Mann. (Cerandria) ibid, (mercat. illata) ' R.
Trogosita maxillosa Fabr.
PLATYDEMA Lap.
oregonense Lee. , (infra) Or.
PHALERIA Latr.
globosa Lee. , (infra) — Cal.
picta Mann 'E.
CISTELA Fabr.
sericea Say, var.? Cal.
MELANDEYADAE.
SERROPALPUS Payk.
obsoletus Hald Or.
? an var. substriati Hald.
striatus Hellenius, Mann. B. M. 1853 ' E.
DIRCAEA Fabr.
Holmbergii Maim. B. M. 1852 'R.
HALLOMEXXIS Payk.
basalis Mann. B. M. 1853 ' E.
STEJJOTRACHELUS Latr.
obscurus Mann. B. M. 1852 'E.
PYTHO Latr.
deplanatus Mann. B. M. 1853 'R.
PRIOGNATHUS Lee.
monilicornis Lee R.
Pytho Sahlbergi Mann.
Dytilus monilicornis Randall.
PYROCHEOIDAE
PEDILTJS Fischer,
punctulatus Lee Cal.
DENDROIDES Latr.
ephemeroides Lee. E.
Pogonocerus ephemeroides Mann. B. M. 1852.
ANASPIS Latr.
luteipennis Lee. Cal.
atra Lee ..Cal.
™->(inl Or- pallescens Mann R. Or.
sericea Mann. __E.
COELOCNEMIS Mann.
raagna Lee. . :
Cal.
dilaticollis Matin. ._ Cal.
californica Mann < Cal.
TRIBOLIUM Macleay.
ferruginemn Macleay, (mercat. allatum) R. Cal.
Trogosita ferruginea Fabr.
MORDELLA Fabr.
scutcllaris Fabr.
MELOIDAE.
MELOE Linn.
strigulosus Mann. B. M., 1853 .................... R. Cal.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA.
21
LYTTA Linn.
Cooperi Lee. Proc. Acad. 7, 18, (infra.) Or.
Childii Lee. (infra) -. Cal.
moerens Lee - - -Cal.
cyanipennis Lee. Or.
smaragdula Lee. Proc. Acad. 6,335 Cal.
stygica Lee. . . Or.
Rathvoni ie::. Proc. Acad. 6,335 ..Cal.
chalybea Lee - — Or.
puncticollis Lee - Or. Cal.
Epicauta punclicollis Mann.
oblita Lee -- Cal.
maura Lee. Cal.
NEMOCNATHA Fabr.
apicalis Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6,345. Or.
dubiaZec. ibid, 346 Cal.
decipiens Lee. ibid. 347 Or.
scutellaris Lee. ibid. 347 Cal.
ANTHICIDAE.
NOTOXUS.
cavicornis Lee Cal.
talpa Ferte. 'Cal.
elegantulus Ferte. .-. ' Cal.
AxTiiicrs Fabr.
n-itidulus Lee Cal.
californicus Fertf, Cal.
punctulatus Lee. Cal.
nigrita Mann. B. Mosc. 1853 R.
biguttulus Lee. - Cal.
nigritulus Lee Cal.
obscurellus Lee - - Cal.
quadrilunatus Ferte -. ' Cal.
squamosus Ferte ' Cal.
lugubris Fetit. ' Cal.
OEDEMERIDAE.
DITYLUS Fischer.
quadricollis Lee. (infra) Or.
consors Lee.
gracilis Lee. Pr. Acad. 7,18 (infra) Or.
vestitus Lee. (infra) Or.
ASCLEKA Schmidt,
bicolor Lee. - - Or.
NACERDES Steven.
quadrimaculata Mann. B. M. 1853 — ' R. Cal.
Probosca l-maculata Motsch. Et. Ent. 1852, 78.
SALP1NGIDAE.
SALPINGUS Illiger.
elongatus Mann. B. M. 1852 R.
RHINOSIMUS Latr.
aeneirostris Mann. B. M. 1853 _.'R.
TANYRHIXUS Mann,
singularis Mann. B. M. 1852 ' R.
CURCULIONIDAE.
BIIUCHUS Linn,
pauperculus Lee. (infra) Cal.
RHYNCIIITES Herbst.
bicolor Herbst. cum. var Cal. Or.
Attdabus bicolor Fabr.
Glastinus Lee. (infra) Cal.
APION Herbst.
cuprcscens Mann. 'R.
crassinasum Lee. (infra) Or. Cal.
proclive Lee. (infra) Cal.
troglodytes Mann Cal.
cribricolle, Lee. (infra) _ Cal.
cavifrons Lee. (infra) Or.
protensum Lee. (infra) Cal.
SITONES Germ.
californicus Schb'nh. Or. Cal.
seniculus Mann. Cal.
vittat js Lee. (infra) Cal.
sordidus Lee. (infra) Cal.
TBIGOXOSCUTA Motsch.
pilosa Motsch Cal.
ALOPIIUS Schb'nh.
constrictus Lee. (infra) Or.
aUernatus J Mann. B. M. 1843 R.
seriatus Mann. B. M. 1853 R.
didymus Lee. (infra) Or.
LIOPIILOEUS Germ,
inquinatus Mann. B. M. 1852 _ _.R.
LEPIDOPIIORUS Kirby.
lineaticollis Kirby R.
LISTRODERES Schonb.
teretiirostris Lee. (infra) — Cal.
oregonensis Lee. (infra.)
HYLOBICS Germ.
? taeniatus Lee. (infra) Or.
? torpidus Lee. (infra) Or.
LEPYRUS Geim.
gemellus Kirby Mann. B. M. 1853 ' R.
LEPOSOMA Motsch.
californicum Motsch _ Cal.
TRACHYPIILOEUS Germ.
? incomptus | Lee. Cal.
? squalens | Lee - Cal.
? dilatatus j Lee - Cal.
PTOCHUS Schb'nh.
saccatus Lee. (infra) Or.
globiventris Lee. (infra) Cal.
OTIORUYNCHUS Germ.
segnis Lee. (infra) - Or. Cal.
? naso Lee. (infra) Or.
2-2
U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY GENERAL REPORT.
TTLODERES Sch.
gemmatus Lee. (infra) Or.
EMPHVASTES Mann,
fucicola Mann. B. M 1852 (infra) E. Cal.
PHYTONOMUS Schonh.
geriatus Mann. B. M. 1852 < E.
PLIXTIIUS Germ,
carinatus Schonh. _.E. Or.
Heilipus scrobiculatus Mann.
Lixus Fabr.
auctus Lee. (infra) _ -Or.
poricollis Mann ' Cal.
modestus Mann ' Cal.
PISSODES Germ
costatus Mann E. Or.
MAGDALIXUS Germ.
imbellis Lee (infra) Or.
gracilis Lee. (infra) Cal.
ERIRHIXUS Schonh..
morio Mann. B. M. 1853 E.
rufulus Mann. ibid. — E.
luridus Mann. ibid. 'E.
subsignatus Mann, ibid ' E.
vostitus Mann. ibid. 'E.
BALANINUS Germ,
uniformis Ltx. (infra)
ANTIIONOMUS Germ,
brunnipennis Mann „ . . ' Cal.
TRACIIODES Germ.
ptinoides Germ _ E.
horridus Mann. B. M. 1852 E.
quadrituberculatus Mann, ibid E.
Sthereus i-tuberculatus Motsch.
CE.NTRIXUS Schonh.
confusus Say. Mann. B. M. 1843 'Cal.
BARIDIUS Schonh.
macer Lee. (infra) Cal.
seriatus Lee. (infra) Cal.
CEUTORIIYKCIIUS Schiippel.
pusio Mann. B. M. 1852 E.
ANALCIS Schonh.
morbillosus Lee. (infra) Cal.
BHYNCOPIIORUS Sclionh.
asperulus Lee. (infra) .Cal.
SPHEXOPHORUS Sch.
discolor Mann. Cal.
subcarinatus Mann Cal.
gentilis Lee. (infra) Cal.
SITOPHILUS Schonh.
oryzae Schonh. (mercat. allatus) E. Cal.
Curculio oryzae Linn.
Cossoxus Clairv.
piniphilus Schonh _ ' Cal.
EIIYNCOLUS Creutzer.
brnnneus Mann _ E.
HYLASTES Er.
rugipennis Mann. B. M. 1852 — . E.
Hylurgus ruyipennis Mann,
nigrinus Mann. B. M. 1852 E. Or.
Hylurgus niyrimis Man. ibid,
pumilus Mann. B. M. 1852 E.
Hylurgus pumilus Mann.
subcostulatus Mann. B. M. 1853 E.
cristatus Mann. B. M. 18153.. E.
HYLURGUS Latr.
rufipennis Kirby, Mann. B. M. 1853. ._ 'E.
obesus Mann, 'E.
DEXDROCTONUS Er.
valens Lee. , (infra) Cal.
similis Lcc. , (infra) Or.
HYLESINUS Fabr.
sericeus Mann. B. M. 1852 ' E.
Hyluraiis sericeus Mann.
rufipennis Mann. B. M. 1853. 'E.
Apale (Lepisomus) rufipennis Kirby.
POLYGRAPHUS Er.
saginatus Mann. B. M. 1853 'E.
XYLOTERUS Er.
bivittatus Mann. B. M. 1853 ' E.
Apale bivithila Kirby.
cavifrons Maim. B. M 1852 'E.
Bostrickus cavifrons Mann.
BOSTRICIIUS Fabr.
interruptus Mann. B. M. 1852 ' E.
tridens Mann. ibid. 'E.
concinnus Mann. ibid. ..E.
semicastaneus Mann, ibid __'K.
septentrionis Maim. 'E.
terminalis Mann. Cal.
affaber Mann. B. M. 1852 ' E.
nitidulus Mann. B. M. 1852. 'E.
pubipennis Lee. , (infra) Cal.
CRYPIIALUS Er.
striatulus Mann. B. M. 1853. 'E.
CORTIIYLUS Er.
scutellaris, Lee. , (infra) Cal.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA.
23
CERAMBYCIDAE.
SPOXDYLIS Fabr.
upiformis Mann ................... . .......... R. Or. Cal.
EROATES Serv.
spiculatus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 218, (infra) ..Or. Cal.
Trichocnemis spiculatus Leo
Fabr.
californicus Motsch ........................ — R. Or. Cal.
crassicornis Lee.
ASEMUM Serv.
atrum Esch ..... .- ........ - .................... Or. Cal.
moestum Hold, Mann. B. M. 1853 ................... ' R.
asperum Lee. , (infra) ............... . .............. Or.
CRIOCEPHALUS Muls.
productus Lee. ------------------------------------ Or.
OPSIMUS.
quadi iiiacatus Mann. , (infra) ..................... R. Or.
TETROPIUM Kirby.
cinnamopterum Kirby, Mann. B. M. 1853, (var.?).R. Or. Cal.
SEMAXOTUS Muls.
Proteus Lee ..... •-.. .............. -------- ......... 'R.
callidium Proteum Kirby, Mann. B. M. 1853.
amethystinus Zee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6,234 ......... Cal.
ligneus Lee. , (mercat. Hiatus) ........... --- ....... - -Cal.
Callidium liyneum Fabr.
CALLIDIUM Fabr.
aeneum Lee. , (infra) ..... ------ .................... Or.
Mannevheimii Lee. , (infra) ..... _. ................ R. Or.
dimidialum || Mann.
variurn Fabr. , (mercat. illatum) .............. . ..... Cal.
vulneratum Lee. , (infra) ..... .. .................... Cal.
decussatum Lee. , (infra) . ............... . ........... Cal.
antennatum Newm --------------------- ------------ Cal.
cicatricosum Mann. B. M. 1853 ------------------- : — R.
CROSSIDIUS Lee.
? hirtipes Lee. Pr. Acad. 7, 18 (infra). ................. Or.
ROSALIA Serv.
f unebris Motsch. (infra) ............................ R. Or.
OEXEMOXA Newm.
pulverulenta Motsch. Et. Ent. 1852, 7G ...... . ...... ' Cal.
Flagithmyzus pulverulentus Motsch.
CLYTITS Fabr.
undulatus Say ------------------------------- ______ Or.
Sayi Lap.
undatus Kirby.
nauticus Mann. -------------------------------- Or. Cal.
aramineus Hald.
coniunctus Lee. (infra) ----- .................. . ..... Cal.
ULOCIJAETES Lee.
leoninus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7,82 (infra) Or.
DESMOCERUS Serv.
auripennis Chevr. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. April, 1855 Or.
RIIAGIUM Fabr.
investigator Mann. B. M. 1852 R. Or.
inquisitor Fabr. (mercat. Hiatus ?) 'R.
ACMAEOPS Lee.
coriaceus Lee. Pr. Acad. 7. 2 19.. (infra) Or.
Piodes coriacea Lee.
fuscus Lee. (infra) _ Cal.
lugens Lee. (infra) Cal.
californicus Lee Gal.
ater Lee. Or.
subcyanea Lee. (infra) Cal.
subaeneus Lee -Cal.
tumida Lee. (infra) Cal.
marginalis Lee Or.
subpilosus Lee. Or.
militaris Lee -Or.
TOXOTUS Serv.
flavolimbatus Lee. Proc. Acad. 7,18 (infra) Or.
spurcus Lee. (infra) Or.
vestitus Hald. . _ Or. Cal.
LEPTURA Linn.
(f STRANGALIA Serv.)
obliterata Lcc. Or.
vitiosa Lee. (infra) Or.
impura Lee. (infra) .Cal.
molybdica Lee. - Cal.
amabilis Lee (infra) Or.
laeta Lee. (infra) Or. Cal.
instabilis Lee. Or.
Pachyta instabilis Hald.
convexa Lee. Or.
vexatrix Mann. (Pachyta) B. M. 1853 ' R.
fulvipennis Mann. (Pachyta) B. M. 1853 'R.
(-j-f LEPTURA Serv.)
valida Lee. (infra) _ .Or.
subargentata Kirby Mann. B. M. 1853 'R,
crassipes Lee. (infra) Or.
fuscicollis Lee. (infra) Cal.
Frankenhaeuseri Lee. R.
Anoplodera Frankenh. Mann B. M. 1853.
macilenta Lee. R.
Anoplodera macilenta Mann. B. M. 1853.
? liturata Kirby (Pachyta) Mann. B. M. 1852 'R.
militaris || Chevr. Rev. et Mag. de Zool. April 1855 Or.
PLECTCRA Mann,
spinicauda Mann. B. M. 1852 — 'R.
producta Lee. Pr. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7,19 (infra) Or.
MOXOHAMMUS Latr.
scutellatus Hald. Mann. B. M. 1853.. R. Or.
U. S P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
TETRAOPES Dal man.
Oregon en sis Lee. Pr. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7,19 (infra) Or.
basalis Lee. - .Cal.
SAPERDA Fabr.
One species in coll. exp. of Capt. Wilkes Or.
MESOSA Serv.
Guexi Lee. (infra) Cal.
CHRYSOMELINAE.
DONACIA Fabr.
Germari, Mann. R.
flavipennis Mann. R.
pyritosa Lee. (infra) Or.
SYNETA Esch.
carinata Mann R. Or.
albida Lee. (infra) Or.
simplex Lee. (infra) , Or.
SAXIJUS Lee
saucia Lee. (infra) . Or. Cal.
CHLAMYS Enoch.
conspcrsa Mann. Cal.
rugulosa Motsch. ' Cal.
CRYPTOCEPHALUS Fabr.
sanguinicollis Suffr. Linn. Ent. 7,78 Cal.
chalconatus Mann. Cal.
PACHYBRACUYS Suffr.
signatifrons Mann ' Cal.
melanostictus Suffr. Linn. Ent. 7,191 'Cal.
hybridus Suffr. ibid. 7, 157 Cal.
viduatus Suffr Or.
Cryptocephalus viduatus Fabr.
Cryptocephaliisbivittalus Say.
EUMOLPUS Kugellan.
vitis Fabr. Mann. (Bromius) B. M. 1853 ' R.
PACHNEPHORUS Redt.
smaragdulus Lee. (infra) — - Cal.
CHRYSOCUUS Redt.
cobaltinus Lee. (infra) Or. Cal.
TIMARCHA Redt.
iniricata Hold. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6,363 Or. Cal.
inieriexla Hald. (var.) ibid.
CHRYSOMELA Linn.
Bigsbyana Kirby Or.
subsulcata Motsch ..R.
vidua Rogers. Proc. Acad. Nat Sc. 8 .. Or.
scripta Fabr - _.0r.
confluens Rogers. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 8 Or.
lapponica Linn. Mann. (Lina.) B. M. 1853 ' R.
viminalis Linn. Mann. (Gonioctena) B. M. 1853 ' R.
arotica Roger*. Proc. Acad. 8 R.
Gonioctena arctica, Mann. B. M. 1853.
Gonioclcna affinis J Mann. ibid. 1852.
californica /foyers. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 8 Cal.
caesia Rogers. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 8 Cal.
interstitialis Mann. (Phratora) B. M. 1853 ' R.
HALTICA Fabr.
maritima Lee Cal.
Disonycha maritima Mann.
puncticollis Lee. (infra) Or. Cal.
limbicollis Lee. (infra) Cal.
californica Lee Cal.
Graplodera californica Mann.
pragma Lee. (infra) Cal.
plicipennis Lee. . Or. Cal.
Graptodera plicipennis Mann.
obolina Lee. (infra) Cal.
lazulina Lee. (infra) Or.
tombacina Mann. B. M. 1853 'R.
cerina Lee. (infra) Cal.
subglobosa Lee _ Cal.
Aphthoma subglobosa Motsch.
aereola Lee. (infra) Cal.
subcrinita Lee. (infra) _ .Cal.
ligata Lee. (infra) Cal.
subaenea Lee. (infra) -Cal.
albionica Lee. (infra) Cal.
Icpidula Lee. (infra) Cal.
LONGITARSUS Latr.
californicus Motsch. (Thyamis) ' Cal.
PSYLLIODES Latr.
par vicollis Lee. , (infra) Cal.
convexior Lee. , (infra) Cal.
CIIAETOCNEMA Stephens,
irregularis Lee., (infra) Cal.
DlABROTICA.
duodecim-punctata, var .Cal.
Galleruca \2-punctata Fabr.
vittata, var. Cal.
Galleruca vittata Fabr.
Diabrolica triviUata Mann.
LI;PERUS Geoffr.
varipes Lee., (infra) Cal.
longulus Zee., (infra) Or.
GALLERUCA Geoffr.
rudis Lee., (infra) Or.
putctipennis Mann. Cal.
luctuosa Mann. B. M. 1852 « R.
consputa Lee. , (infra) Cal.
guttulata Lee. , (infra) Cal.
rnorosa Lee. , (infra) Cal.
canadensis Kirby, var. ? Or.
flavolimbata Mann _ Cal.
MlCRORHOPALA.
vittata. . ..Or.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA.
25
Hispa viUaia Fabr.
rubrolineata Mann. (Odontota) Cal.
CASSIDA Linn.
nobilisLinn. Mann. B. M. 1853, (mercat. illata?) 'B.
novem-maculata Mann. Cal.
aurisplendens Mann. , (Coptocycla) ' Cal.
COCCINELLIDAE.
.Or. Cal.
ANISOSTICTA Redt.
vittigera Lee
Hippodamia vittigera Mann.
Naemia viUigera Muls.
HIPPODAMIA Muls.
tredecim-punctata Muls. Mann. B. M. 1853 'B.
Coccindla 13-punctata Linn.
ambigua Lee. Proc. Acad. 6, 131. Or. Cal.
punctulata Lee. ibid Cal.
extensa Muls. 'Cal.
sinuata Muls. _ 'Cal.
parenthesis Lee. Mann., (Adonia) B. M. 1853 'E.
Coccinella parenthesis Say.
Ooccinella trident Kirby.
Hippodamia lunatomaculata Motsch.
Adonia parenthesis Muls.
moesta Lee. Pr. Acad. 7, 19 Or.
COCCINELLA Linn.
12-maculata GeU. Mann., (Harmonia,) B. M. 1853 'E.
'incarnata Kirby.
trifasciata Linn. Mann. B. M. 1853. . 'E.
transverse- guttata Fold. Mann. B. M. 1853 'E.
5-notata Kirby.
monticola Muls. Or.
Menetriesi Muls. . ' Cal.
californica Mann. Cal.
Bubversa Lee. Proc. Acad. 7,19 Or.
abdominalis Say Cal.
MYZIA Muls.
BathvoniZec. Proc. Acad. 6,132 Cal.
subvittata Muls. ' Cal.?
PSYLLOBOBA Muls.
taedata Lee. , (infra) Cal.
CHILOCOEUS Leach,
fraternus Lee. , (infra) . ... Cal.
HTPERASPIS Eedt.
annexa Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6,133 Cal.
quadrioculata Muls. Cal.
Ezochomus quadrioculatus Motsch.
SCYMNUS Kug.
guttulatus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6,136 ..Cal.
pallens Lee. ibid. 137 Cal.
debilis Lee. ibid. .. . Cal.
marginicollis Mann. . . .... Cal.
SACIUM Lee.
decolor Lee. Proc. Acad. 6,145 Cal.
ENDOMYCHIDAE.
EPIPOOTS.
laetusia. Proc. Acad. ...Cal.
DESCRIPTION OF GENERA AND SPECIES-
OMUS Esch.
0. Dejeanii, aeneo-ater, opacus, thorace latitudine breviore, trapezoides, depresso, profunde
intricato-rugoso, ad apicem striato, elytris punctatis subrugosis, foveisque profundis irregulariter
impressis. Long. *7 — '8. Tab. I, Fig. 1.
Reiche, Annales de la Soc. Entom. France, 7,297 ; Tab. 10, Fig. 1.
Fort Vancouver, Dr. J. G. Cooper ; Steilacoom, Dr. Suckley.
0. californicus, ater subopacus, thorace latitudine baud breviore, trapezoides, modice
convexo, profundissime intricato-rugoso, elytris profunde punctatis, punctis vix inaequalibus.
Long. -6. Tab. I, Fig. 3.
Eschscboltz, Zool. Atlas, 5, 4 ; Tab. 4, Fig. 1 : Reiche, Ann. Ent. Soc. Fr. 7,301 ; Tab.
10, Fig. 3. (copied) : Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1843, 182.
San Francisco ; found by me in February, floating in pools of water ; a female was liberally
presented to me by Mr. J. Ph. Wild.
0. Audouinii, ater, subopacus, thorace latitudine non breviore, trapezoides, modice convexo,
intricato-rugoso, minus profunde in disco, margine apical i sublaevi, elytris subrugosis,
punctatis, punctisque maioribus dispersis impressis. Long. '55 — '7. Tab. I, Fig. 2.
Reiche, Annales de la Soc. Entom. France, 7,297 ; Tab. 10, Fig. 2.
Oregon, at Fort Vancouver, Dr. Cooper. Only males were procured, but for a female, col
lected by the late J. K. Townsend, M.D., I am indebted to Dr. T. W. Harris.
These three species, the only ones known, form two natural divisions, according as the
thorax is short and depressed, (0. Dejeanii,) or oblong and moderately convex. The two
species of the latter division resemble each other closely in form, size, and sculpture, the less
deeply rugous thorax of 0. Audouinii at once distinguishes it ; the head of that species is also
less deeply rugous between the eyes than in 0. californicus ; the elytra are more distinctly
rugous, and there is an obvious difference in the size of the punctures of the elytra ; on close
inspection, a similar character may be seen in 0. californicus, but much less distinctly.
PRISTODACTTLA Dej.
P. lenis, piceo-nigra, subnitida, thorace subquadrato, postice paulo angustiore, lateribus
rotundatis margine subreflexo, angulis posticis obtusis rotundatis, ad basin utrinque late
foveato, elytris thorace latioribus, tenuiter striatis, bipunctatis, antennis pedibusque rufo-
piceis ; unguibus ad basin paulo serratis. Long. '44.
Anchomenus lenis Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853.
Kadjak, Russian America ; Baron Chaudoir. This species is closely allied to P. advena Lee.,
but is larger. The thorax is more narrowed behind, and the sides are less broadly reflexed.
I was much surprised to find the ungues of this species finely serrate from the middle to the
28 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
base, believing that such a character could hardly escape the acute observer who described it,
but much greater was my surprise to find the same character in P. mollis ; on examining the
tooth of the mentum, I found that it was bicuspid, as in other species of Pristodactyla, and I
am now convinced that all species placed by authors in Platynus, (Anchomenus and Agonum,)
which have but two dorsal punctures on the elytra, must be removed to Pristodactyla.
AGAOSOMA Menetries.
A. californicum, valde elongatum, nigrum, nitidum, fronte profunde bifoveato, utrinque
parce punctato, thorace latitudine plus duplo longiore, lateribus late rotundatis, utrinque
angustato, sed postice angustiore, ad basin utrinque, et ante basin medio vage foveato, elytris
thorace vix latioribus, ad basin truncatis; profunde striatis, interstitiis paulo convexis. Long.
•69, Tab. I, Fig. 5.
Menetries, Bull. Acad., St. Petersburg, 1843, 63: Mann. ibid. 1845, 108.
Stenomorphus californicus Chaud. Bull. Mosc. 1844, 4Y8.
Sacramento ? California ; a specimen collected by Mr. Woznessensky, the only person by
whom it has been found, was sent me in exchange by Dr. Klug, of Berlin. On comparing
with a Texan species of Stenomorphus, yet undescribed, I find that the differences in the pos
terior tibise, to which attention was called by Mannerheim, exist in part, but hardly to the
extent indicated in his comparison between this species and S. angustatus Dej. The rows of
spines visible in Stenomorphus are replaced by stout hairs, but the deep grooves on the inner
face of the hind tibise are also present in the Texan species. In the one now under considera
tion, the anterior tibias are internally fringed with long dense white hair, (Tab. — Fig. a,)
while in Stenomorphus only a few scattered bristles can be seen. This difference, with that of
the form, seems to indicate that the genus Agaosoma should be preserved, at least for the
present.
STENOLOPHUS Dej.
S. limbalis, olivaceo-niger, aenescens, nitidus, thorace subquadrato, latitudine breviore, lateri
bus modice rotundatis, basi utrinque punctulato et late foveato, limbo toto anguste testaceo, elytri
thorace paulo latioribus, apice sinuatis, striis sat profundis, postice profundioribus, interstitiis
planis, tertio unipunctato, epipleuris, antennarum articulo Imo, pedibus, coxisque anterioribus
testaceis ; palpis piceis apice testaceis. Long. '26.
Very abundant at San Jose, California. The anterior and middle tarsi of the male are
dilated, and the last joint is deeply bilobed, as in S. versicolor, which this species closely
resembles in form. The foveae of the thorax are broader, and the base more punctured ; the
posterior angles are much more distinct.
S. anceps, nigro-piceus, nitidus, thorace latitudine paulo breviore, subquadrato, lateribus
rotundatis, postice subangustato, angulis posticis obtusis rotundatis, basi laevi utrinque late
foveato, limbo toto rufo-testaceo, elytris cyaneo-micantibus, sutura margineque rufo-testaceis,
thorace paulo latioribus, striis impunctatis, 2nda unipunctata, ad apicem oblique subsinuatis,
antennarum basi, pedibus coxisque testaceis. Long. '24.
San Francisco. Closely allied to S. ochropezus, but the thorax is less deeply foveate at the
base, and not at all punctured ; the striae of the elytra appear less deep.
INSECTS — COLEOPTERA. 29
S. tener, valde elongatus, depressus, piceus nitidus, thorace elytrorum margine et apice rufes-
centibus, illo subcordato, latitudine non breviore, postice angustato, lateribus subsiiiuatis,
angulis posticis rectis, ad basin utrinque foveato, vix punctate, elytris thorace paulo latioribus,
parellelis, ad apicem oblique subsinuatis, striis sat profundis, 2nda unipunctata, antennarum
basi, palpis pedibusque testaceis. Long. *16.
One specimen found at San Jose, California. Resembles in form S. alternans Lee. — (Trans.
Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 386 ; Aepus et Badister testaceus Lee.}
S. californicus, niger, nitidus thorace subquadrato, latitudine paulo breviore, postice angus-
tiore, lateribus rotundatis, angulis posticis obtusis vix rotundatis, ad basin punctulato utrinque
subfoveato, elytris thorace latioribus, elongatis, parellelis ad apicem haud sinuatis, striis pro
fundis, 3ia unipunctata, stria scutellari nulla ; antennis piceis, palpis pedibusque flavis.
Long. '10.
Found in every part of California. Belongs to the division of the genus which contains
most of the North American species of Acupalpus described by Dejean ; the tarsi of the male
are hardly dilated.
PROMECOGNATHUS Chaud.
P. laevissimus, niger, nitidissimus, mandibulis porrectis, capite haud brevioribus, capite
utrinque bistriato, thorace latitudine longiore, postice angustato, et lateribus subsinuato, angulis
posticis subobtusis, ad basin marginato, et utrinque subfoveato, elytris thorace latioribus, ovali-
bus postice valde declivibus. Long. *43 — '46. Tab. I, fig. 4.
Chaudoir, Bull. Mosc. 1846, 524.
Eripus laevissimus Dejean, Sp. Gen. 4, 11 : Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1843, 210.
San Jose, California, on rocky hills, under stones. I have failed to perceive any relation
ship between this genus and Stomis, near which it is placed by Baron Chaudoir. By the form
of the mentum and labrum, as well as by the structure of the antennae, it seems closely allied
to Pasimachus and Scarites, although differing by the anterior tibiae, which are not palmate.
CYCHRUS Fabr.
C. tuberculatus, ater, opacus, capite valde rugose punctato, piano, lateribus subcarinatis,
fronte late bisulcato, et medio elevato, thorace profunde confluenter punctato, ad apicem et basin
truncate, postice angustato, angulis posticis obtusis, ad basin transversim impresso et utrinque
foveato, elytris ventricosis, tuberculis parvis nitidis obsitis, tuberculisque maioribus serie triplici
positis, quarum tuberculo intermedio postico maior. Long. '88. Tab. I, fig. 6.
Harris, Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist, 2,200.
A specimen collected in Oregon by the late Dr. J. K. Townsend was given to me by Mr.
Willcox.
CARABUS Linn.
C. taedatus, niger, thorace latitudine breviore, minus convexo, postice subangustato, lateribus
antice rotundatis, pone medium anguste reflexis, angulis posticis modice productis ad apicem
rotundatis, disco parcius lateribus et basi dense punctato et intricato-rugoso, elytris saepe piceo-
purpureis, thorace sesqui latioribus, elongatis, subtiliter dense striolato-punctatis, foveisque
magnis minus profundis, serie triplici impressis. Long. -92. Tab. I, fig. 7.
30 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
Fabr. Ent. Syst. emend. 1, 127; Syst. El. 1, 174: Oliv. Ins. 35. tab. 2, fig. 11; Enc.
Meth. 5, 328.
Carabus baccivorus Fischer, Entom. 1, 87 ; tab. 7, fig. 11 ; 3, 221 : Esch. Bull. Mosc. 6, 99 :
Dej. Spec. Gen. 2, 167.
Carabus seriatus Wiedeinann, Germ. Magazin, 4, 109.
Eussian America and Oregon, abundant. This species long ago described by Fabricius,
probably from the collection of Captain Cook's voyage, has been lost sight of in modern times,
or rather has been made known under other names ; the insect described by Fabricius was in
Sir Joseph Banks' collection, and the figure given by Olivier is quite recognizable.
C. oregonensis, cyaneo-niger, thorace fere opaco, latitudine vix breviore, minus convexo,
utrinque angustato, lateribus rotundatis, angulis posticis modice productis, apice rotundatis,
lateribus pone medium subreflexis, elytris thorace fere duplo latioribus, subtiliter striolato-
punctatis, foveisque minus profundis serie triplici impressis. Long. '85.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 16.
One male from Prairie Paso ; Dr. Cooper. Closely related to C. taedatus, but the thorax is
proportionally much smaller and narrower, and much more densely and finely rugose ; the
rugae of the head are also smaller, and the impressions less deep ; the striae and foveae of the
elytra are less deeply marked.
CALOSOMA Fabr.
C. calidum Fabr. A specimen collected at Steilacoom, by George Gibbs, esq., cannot, after
much examination, be separated from this common species. It is rather narrower than any
other specimen I have seen, and the coppery foveae of the elytra are larger and less numerous.
C. cancellation, nigro-aeneum, crassiusculum, thorace latitudine plus duplo breviore, dense
intricato-rugoso et punctato, basi utrinque late foveato, lateribus latius rotundatis pone medium
modice reflexis, angulis posticis paulo productis rotundatis, elytris oblongis, thorace parum
latioribus, saepe virescentibus, seriatim punctatis, transversim rugosis, foveisque aeneis serie
triplici impressis, interstitiis catenatim paulo elevatis, tibiis interrnediis rectis. Long. '8.
Tab. I, fig. 8.
Eschscholtz, Zool. Atlas, 5, 23 : Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1843.
Calosoma aenescens Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 16.
Fort Vancouver, Dr. Cooper ; Sacramento, California, Mr. Wittick. Shorter and less convex
than C. calidum, approaching in form some species of Callisthenes ; the thorax is hardly nar
rowed behind, and the posterior angles are distinctly, though broadly produced. The wings
are well developed, and the other joints of the antennae are equably pubescent. The intervals
between the rows of punctures of the elytra are marked with a few transverse striae ; the spaces
between the impressed foveae are distinctly elevated, and smoother than the other parts of the
elytra.
The specimens collected by Dr. Cooper, in Oregon, differ from those found in California, by
the less distinct green tinge of the elytra, which are also less densely rugous ; on this account
I was disposed to regard them as indicating a species different from that of Eschscholtz, but
the subsequent receipt of two specimens from California, which, with many other valuable species,
were presented to me by Mr. S. S. Kathvon, enables me now to pronounce these differences as
INSECTS COLEOPTERA 31
merely individual. One of the characters mentioned by Eschscholtz, that the spaces between
the rows of punctures of the elytra are alternately more elevated, seems liable to variation : in
one specimen it is seen ; in another, the middle interval in each space between the catenated
rows appears a little broader than those next the elevations ; but in the other specimens no dif
ference in breadth or elevation can be perceived.
C. discors, apterum, minus elongatum, nigrum, thorace brevi, valde intricato-rugoso, lateri-
bus valde rotundatis^ margine subdepresso, basi emarginato, medio truncate, elytris ovalibus
thorace paulo latioribus, confertim substriatis, striis interstitiisque uniseriatim punctatis,
foveisque obsoletis serie triplici impressis. Long. '75 — '82. Tab. I, fig. 9.
San Francisco, Mr. Child ; Sacramento, Mr. J. Wittick. This species, by its short robust
form, and by the absence of wings, simulates Gallisthenes, but the antennae are as in other
species of Calosoma.
Body black, without metallic lustre. Head elongated, rough with confluent wrinkles and
punctures ; antennae with the third joint strongly compressed, twice as long as the fourth,
fifth and following joints entirely pubescent. Thorax more than twice as wide as the head,
and fully twice as wide as its length, not convex, margined, with the sides somewhat depressed
behind, but not reflexed ; base transversely impressed, and faintly bifoveate ; middle part
truncate, posterior angles moderately produced, hardly acute at apex. Elytra oval, moderately
convex, a little wider than the thorax, marked with faint approximate striae, which are strongly
punctured ; the narrow interstices are also marked, each, with a row of punctures equal to those
of the striae ; in certain lights three rows of very indistinct foveae may be seen in the usual
position.
NOTIOPHILTJS Dumeril.
N. nitens, aeneus, fronte multistriato, thorace transverse, quadrate, postice vix angustato,
toto subtiliter rugoso, limbo late punctulato, elytris stria scutellari duplici, suturali dorsali-
ousque septem remotis subtilibus punctatis, (duabus externis fere obliteratis,) externa ad apicem
exarata, et cum suturali iuncta, interstitiis nitidis, tertio fovea ante medium duabusque versus
apicem impresso, antennis basi testaceis. Long. '21.
One specimen, Prairie Paso, Oregon, Dr. Cooper. The punctures are much finer than in
any of the species known to me from the Atlantic States, and the thorax is less narrowed towards
the base. The striae are not impressed as in N. sylvaticus, but are merely rows of punctures.
TRACHYPACHYS Motsch.
T. inermis, nigro-aeneus, oblongo-ovalis, capite aequali, fronte lateribus marginato, thorace
transverse, lateribus antice rotundatis, postice transversim impresso et uniseriatim punctato,
utrinque profunde foveato, et extrorsum subcarinato, elytris seriatim punctatis, ad latera et
apicem laevibus. Long. '2. Tab. — fig. 10. Motsch. Carab. Eussl. p. 16, (note.)
Trachypachus Holmbergi, Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1853.
Two specimens, Shoalwater Bay, Oregon, Dr. Cooper. This interesting genus was founded
upon Blethisa Zetterstedtii Gryll., a rare insect of northern Europe. From the rarity of this
species, authors who have not had an opportunity of examination have much mistaken the
haracters of the genus. So far from being allied to Blethisa, it has the anterior acetabula
32 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
dehiscent, and the mesosternum at the tip compressed and carinate as in Notiophilus. From
the latter genus it differs by the very short emarginate labrum, by the more distinct, but also
bicuspid mentum-tooth, and by the less prolonged prosternum. Of the anterior tarsi of the
male, the first and second joints are dilated ; the third and fourth are small an equal.
AMPHIZOIDAE.
Coleoptera pentamera, pedibus ambulatoriis, antennis filiformibus; prothoracis episternis a
noto sutura divisis, acetabulis anticis postice hientibus ; coxis anticis et mediis globosis, posticis
transversis ad marginem corporis extensis, contiguis, antice truncatis, postice ad insertionem
pedum elevatis ; mento magno emarginato, cum gula omnino connate, (sutura nulla ;) maxillis
lobo interno curvato acuto, intus parce spinoso, galea elongata palpiformi exarticulata ; abdo-
mine sex-articulato, articulis anterioribus tribus connatis.
In the above diagnosis I have placed an assemblage of characters which seem fully to justify
the establishment of a separate family for the reception of the very remarkable Amphizoa
insolens. A detailed description may be found in the 6th volume of the Proceedings of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, (p. 227;) I there express the opinion that it would
not enter any family of Adephaga as then constituted, and brief allusion was made to the large
size of the posterior coxae, which cut off all connexion between the metathorax and the ventral
abdominal segments, as indicating an affinity with the Dytiscidae, a view which, also, seemed
to be confirmed by the subglabrous antennae ; at the same time the ambulatorial legs showed a
tendency towards the Carabidae. Since there appeared to be, however, no very strong resem
blance in the structure of the legs, though ambulatorial, with those of Carabus, I did not insist
very strongly on the latter affinity.
Lacordaire has, in the excellent work now being published by him on the Genera of Coleoptera,
(Vol. 1, p. 409,) introduced an abstract of the description given by me, but not considering
the characters sufficiently important to define a new family _, has placed the genus as a tribe of
Dytiscidae, equal in value to Pelobius. A misunderstanding of some expression used by me
has, unfortunately, led him to place in the diagnosis of the tribe, ' hanches posterieures . .
non contigues au cote interne;' which is not the case ; the coxae come
together on the median line, as in Pelobius, Dytiscus, &c., but differ in the anterior margin
being transverse and rectilinear, while in all true Dytiscidae (Haliplus and Cnemidotus being
excluded) the anterior outline is rounded ; the posterior lobes above the insertion of the hind
feet are more distant and less elevated. The second ventral segment is prolonged anteriorly
in an obtuse angle, and articulates with the coxae, so that the first segment is entirely lateral,
as in Carabidae. From this it results that no part of the metathorax reaches the ventral
segments of the abdomen, all communication being cut off by the coxae extending to the sides
of the body.
Another character not found in any other Adephagous insect, is the complete union without
any visible suture between the gula and mentum ; this fact is of great importance, and upon it
the argument for the separation of this as a new family must to a considerable extent rest. I
regret that it was omitted in my former description, although observed while making a re-
examination for the present report ; to Dr. Schaum, also, I owe my acknowledgments for a
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 33
very interesting letter on Amphizoa, in which my attention was called to this omission, and to
the misstatement that the galea of the maxillae is biarticulate ; a more careful view shows that
it is in reality undivided, and that I was deceived by a cross reflection of light.
With regard to the affinities towards the Tenebrionidae, upon which Dr. Schaum lays great
stress, I confess that I have failed to appreciate them ; the sculpture of the femora and tibiae
are, indeed, similar to that of Tentyria, but the joints of the tarsi are puffed out below, and not
concave, with a marginal series of short spines, as in Tentyria and Carabidae. The anterior
coxae are entire in all Tenebrionidae, while in Amphizoa they are open ; the posterior coxae are
also entirely different in form and position from all Tenebrionidae known to me.
The antennae, as observed by Dr. Schaum, though nearly glabrous, are not those of a Dytiscus,
but still less are they those of a Tenebrionite ; still it must be admitted that the homogeneous
structure of the outer articulations, without any lateral spongy portion resembles more nearly
what is seen in Dytiscidae, than in any other family of Coleoptera.
To conclude then this portion of the essay, I would briefly state, that the anomalous structure
of Amphizoa is such as to exclude it absolutely from any known family, and that its position must
be in a new family, between Carabidae and Dytiscidae, without any distinct point of osculation
with either ; Pelobius on the one hand, and Opisthius on the other being the nearest allies.
As these conclusions are much at variance with those duduced by others, I take the liberty
of transcribing a portion of Dr. Schaum's letter, with a view to hasten as far as possible the
time of harmonizing the diverse results, which are always obtained in a case of such difficulty.
ee Amphizoa has, indeed, the posterior coxae of Pelobius, but there seems to be a greater dif
ference between its coxae and those of the typical Dytisci than between its coxae and those of
Ozaena, for instance. This is, however, the only character which I can find to agree with any
Dytiscus. The antennae are glabrous, but they are the antennae of a Heteromerous insect,
and not those of a Dytiscus. All the other characters seem to me to be at variance with the
water beetles ; configuration of prosternum, metasternum, legs, number of visible abdominal
segments, and above all the parts of the mouth ! The legs are also different
from the type of the Carabidae ; they are glabrous and the joints are prefectly those of Tentyria.
Even the dilatation of the coxae is found in the the Heteromerous tribe. But what now is this
most anomalous insect? In my opinion a most extraordinary Carabus with many characters of
the Heteromera. In spite of the exarticulated exterior lobe (of the maxillae) it must be referred
to the Adephaga on account of its mentum, the number of united abdominal segments, and the
number of tarsal joints. I prefer much more to put it among the Carabi than among the
Dytisci, on account of the constricted thorax, the sternal segments, the number of abdominal
segments, the texture and structure of maxillae, and the ambulatorial legs. The analogies to
the Heteromera are most striking ; antennae, legs, even the coxae are those of Tentyria. It is
interesting that this form occurs in California, where the Heteromerous type is so prevalent."
Having now laid both opinions before the reader, I leave the subject to the consideration of
systematists, illustrated by the excellent figures made by Mr. Hitchcock of the various parts of the
under surface, PI. I, fig. 11, a and 6, the antennae 11 c, anterior leg 11 d, and posterior leg 11 e.
AMPHIZOA Lee.
Antennae 11-articulatae filiformes glabrae, articulis internis punctatis ; palpi breves articulis
5 Q
34 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS - ZOOLOGY - 47TH PARALLEL.
cylindricis ; prosternum postice productum rotundatum, mesosternum antice carinatum declive,
postice late excavatum ; tarsi articulo ultimo elongate, subtus ad apicem utrinque emarginato,
et medio rotundatim producto (sicut in Carabis,) postici articulo primo secundo sesqui longiore,
omnibus subtus convexis, pubescentibus hand setosis ; unguiculi simplices.
A. insolens, atra, opaca, subvirescens, glabra, thorace scabro, canaliculate, antrorsum angustato
later ibussuberratis, ad medium subangulatis, postice subangustato, angulis posticis acutis elytris
ovalibus, substriatis, scabro-punctatis, thorace duplo latioribus. Long. 52°. Tab. — , fig. 11.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6, 288.
Sacramento ? California ; collected by J. Child, esq, and given me by Mr. S. S. Ratbvon.
Color dull black, tinged with greenish, without lustre. Head irregularly rugous and punctulate,
with two shallow impressions between the antennae. Labrum covering the obtuse mandibles,
slightly and broadly biemarginate in front. Thorax twice as wide as the head, flat, scabrous,
sides subserrate, strongly narrowed from the middle to the apex, slightly narrowed and subsinuate
behind ; base very broadly bisinuate, posterior angles acute ; disc channelled, with a shallow
impression each side at the base, and a broad transverse one before the middle. Elytra broadly
oval, slightly convex, nearly twice as wide as the thorax, scarcely one half longer than wide,
scabrous with shallow punctures, striate with nine slightly impressed grooves, which appear
coarsely and indistinctly punctured. Scutellum flat, broad, acute at apex. Under surface of the
body covered with shallow confluent punctures and wrinkles. Legs scabrous with fine elevated
punctures. No sexual difference was observed between five specimens.
Leach.
A. brevicollis, obtuse ovalis minus convexus, totus niger vix aenescens, (mas alutaceus, femina
subtiliter reticulata,) thorace latitudine triplo breviore antrorsum valde angustato, lateribus late
rotundatis cum elytris angulum haud formantibus, his seriebus solitis punctorum minus dis-
tinctis. Long. '35 — '44.
Upper Sacramento river ; Mr. Child. Resembles in form A. stagninus, but is very different
in its color and other characters. The punctures of the elytra are less numerous than usual,
and the rows become indistinct towards the tip — not by being confused, but from the roughness
of the surface.
ACILIUS Leach.
A. latiusculus, ovalis minus convexus, supra piceo flavoque irroratus, capite thoraceque
maculis solitis flavis, elytris (feminae) punctulatis, limbo fasciaque postica irregulari flavis,
sulcis utrinque quatuor exaratis, primo breviore, alterisque ad basin hand extensis, subtus
cum pedibus testaceis, suturis fuscis. Long. *52 ; lat. *31.
One specimen from the Upper Sacramento ; Mr. Child. This species is broader than A.fra-
ternus, and the outer furrows of the elytra are a little longer ; the pale color of the under
surface will at once distinguish it from that species, and from A. simplex Lee,, found in southern
California. A. abbreviates Mann., which was found by Dr. Cooper at Fort Vancouver, is testa
ceous beneath, but the form of body is still narrower than in A.fraternus.
DYTISCUS Linn.
D. sublimbatus, elongato-ovalis, postice vix latior, supra nigro-piceus, thorace latitudine
triplo breviore, lateribus subrotundatis late testaceis, linea angusta subapicali alteraque minus
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 35
distincta basali medio latiore signato, elytris testaceo-marginatis pone medium versus margi-
nem longitudinaliter leviter impressis, lineis solitis punctatis distinctis ; subtus cum pedibus
testaceus, suturis abdominisque lateribus fuscis ; coxarum posticarum laciniis brevibus valde
divergentibus rotundatis. Long. 1.03.
One male, Prairie Paso; Dr. Cooper. Narrower and less convex than usual, and thus
resembling in form D. conformis, perplexus, &c., of Europe. The thoracic basal yellow mar
gin is slender, it bends forwards half way between the basal angle and the scutel, and is then
continued across parallel with the base, forming the outline of such a mark as is seen in
D. anxius ; the basal edge and the scutel are reddish-yellow ; the line at the apex touches the
margin only towards the angles ; in the middle it is bounded by the line of punctures ; the
sides converge anteriorly, and are very broadly but regularly rounded. The elytra are very
thickly punctulate, except towards the base, where they become almost smooth ; the submar-
ginal longitudinal impression extends from the middle half way to the tip, but it is not well
defined ; the subapical yellow band, usually seen on the elytra, is entirely wanting.
NECROPHORUS Fabr.
N. pollinctor, niger, thorace ovali transverso, marginibus late depressis, disco tenuiter canali
culate, fortius transversim impresso, elytris parcius punctatis, macula latterali ad medium in
epipleuram extensa, alteraque parva lunata ante apicem rubris ; pectore flavo-pubescente ;
abdomine breviter griseo-ciliato, tibirs posticis rectis. Long. -58.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 19.
Collected by Dr. Cooper, on the journey from Fort Vancouver to Yokolt Plains. Resembles
in the form of the thorax, N. sexpustulalus, but the impressions are deeper. The margin is
punctured ; the disc in one specimen is smooth, in another, obsoletely punctulate. The
antennae are entirely black. I have not changed the name of this species, since N. pollinctor
Mann, appears merely a slight variation of N. maritimus.
THINOPINUS Lee.
T. pictus, testaceus vel pallidus, capite thoraceque nitidissimis hoc fascia interoculari ad
latera postice flexa ochroleuca nigro-variegato, thorace postice subangustato, macula utrinque
maxima aunulari postice interrupto nigra, elytris obsolete strigosis, annulo lato nigro ad
humerum interrupto signatis, thorace duplo brevioribus, abdomine supra biiariam nigro-sig-
nato. Long. '55 — '75, Tab. I, Fig. 12.
Lee. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist, of New York, 5,216.
Trichocantkusvariegatus, Motsch. Etudes Entom., 1852, p. 78 ; Mann. Bull. Mosc., 1853.
Found on the sea coast of California, as far south as San Diego ; on the wet sand below high
water mark, on the open ocean shore ; also found in Russian America, according to Motsch-
ulsky. The very short elytra, which overlap each other at the suture, as in Xantholinus,
and the absence of wings, renders this very distinct from every other genus of the tribe of gen
uine staphylinidae.
HISTER Linn.
H. sellatus, oblongo-ovalis convexus niger nitidus, thorace latitudine duplo breviore bistriato,
interstitio antice punctis paucis notato, lateribus et apice longe flavo-ciliatis, elytris rubris,
36 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — 47TH PARALLEL.
margine apicali maculaque communi scutellari nigris, striis utrinque tribus externis integris,
reliqiiis obliteratis ; tibiis anticis bidentatis, posticis seriebus transversis extrorsum spinulosis.
Long. *25.
One specimen from San Francisco, given me by Mr. Wild. Smaller and narrower than
H. arcuatus, to which it is allied. The thighs are entirely black, arid the posterior tibire are
more compressed. The sutural stria is entirely wanting, and the epipleime are marked with a
single lateral stria ; the pygidium is equably and coarsely punctured.
SAPRINUS Leach.
S. estriatus, oblongo-rotundatus, eeneo-niger, thorace confertissime aciculato, callo utrinque
rotundato, spatioque basali sublaevibus, elytris confertissime aciculatis striis dorsalibus nullis,
macula pone basin subsuturali altera humerali tertiaque intermedia minore nitidis lasvibus,
stria externa elongata flexuosa parum distincta. Long. '13.
One specimen from Oregon, collected by Dr. Townsend. This species belongs with S. fra-
ternus, mancus, bigemrneus, &c., to group 8 of my division of the genus, (Proc. Acad. Nat.
Sc. 6,) in whicli the front is transversely margined and angularly impressed, and the proster-
num compressed with the striae distinct. The anterior tibise were probably four-toothed, as in
S. bigemmeus, but the teeth, with the exception of one at the middle are entirely worn off.
TERETRIUS Er.
T. dbliquulus, oblongus, cylindricus, niger nitidus punctatus, elytris striola obliqua ad basin
versus humeros impressis ; anteiinarum clava, pedibusque piceo-rufis, tibiis anticis subito
dilatatis, sexdenticulatis. Long. *13.
Sacramento ; Mr. Wittick. This species resembles in form T. piclpes, but is considerably
larger, being fully twice as long ; that species is more finely punctured, and has no oblique
stria at the base of the elytra.
EPURAEA Er.
E. nubila, elongato-ovalis, testacea, punctulato-rugosa, subtiliter flavo-pubescens, thorace
antrorsurn angustato, lateribus rotundatis depressis, angulis posticis subrectis, elytris anguste
marginatis, macula utrinque ad medium nigro-picea ornatis, ad apicem singulatim rotundato-
truncatis. Long. "10.
One specimen, San Jose, California. This species is a little wider than E. parallela Lee.,
but is narrower than usual ; the thorax is about twice as wide as its length ; the base is
broadly rounded in the middle, and slightly sinuate towards the basal angles, so that the
latter become nearly rectangular, and not rounded. The elytra are about one-half longer
than wide.
OMOSITA Er.
0. inversa, nigra, opaca, subtiliter griseo-pubescens, confertim subtilius punctata, thorace
piceo-rufo, latitudine plus duplo breviore, antrorsum magis angustato, lateribus rotundatis late
depressis, disco canaliculato et utrinque subfoveato, elytris testaceis, macula utrinque basali,
INSECTS — COLEOPTERA. 37
punctoque ad medium, maculisque pluribus ad marginem et pone medium nigris confluentibus
variegatis, apice coniunctim rotundatis. Long. '13.
San Jose, California. Larger than 0. colon, and distinguished by distinctly channelled and
less convex thorax, by the greater number of the dark spots of the elytra being behind the
middle, while in 0. colon the reverse is the case.
MELIGETHES Steph.
M. rufimanus, ovalis, virescenti niger subnitidus, dense subtilius punctatus, breviter cinereo-
pubescens, thorace lateribus antice rotundatis, angulis posticis obtusis tibiis anticis rufis paulo
dilatatis extrorsum serrulatis, posterioribus dilatatis dense spinulosis. Long. '09 — '10.
San Jose, California, on the flowers of Ranunculus. The thorax is nearly twice as wide as
long ; the sides are almost parallel behind the middle, but converge anteriorly, and are con
siderably rounded ; the elytra are broadly rounded at tip, and are one-half longer than their
width.
M. moerens, ovalis, nigro-virescens, subnitidus dense subtilius punctatus, tenuiter griseo-
pubescens, thorace lateribus rotundatis angulis posticis obtusis, tibiis anticis minus dilatatis,
ad basin subtilissime, ad apicem distinctius crenulatis, posterioribus dilatatis extrorsum dense
spinulosis. Long. '10.
Oregon. Very similar to M. rufimanus, but differs in the sides of the thorax being more
rounded, with the posterior angles more obtuse ; the anterior tibiae are narrower, and the
crenulation towards the base becomes so fine as to be hardly visible.
M. seminulum, ovalis convexior, niger nitidus, thorace sat dense subtilius punctato, tenuiter
marginato, latitudine plus duplo breviore, lateribus rotundatis, angulis posticis obtusis, elytris
subtilius sat dense punctatis, tibiis omnibus modice dilatatis, anticis versus apicem subtiliter
crenulatis posterioribus extrorsum spinulosis. Long. '08.
Oregon, one specimen. The pubescence has probably been removed by the alcohol in which
the specimen was preserved. Smaller and more convex than the others, and the margin of
the thorax is narrower ; the thorax itself is wider and more rounded on the sides. The
anterior tibiae at the base appears smooth.
AMPHICYRTA Er.
A. chrysomelina, aptera, longius ovata, antice angustior piceoaenea, nitida convexa, dense
subtiliter punctulata, tarsis piceis, tibiis anticis extrorsum obtuse angulatis. Long. "35.
Tab. — , fig. 14.
Erichson, Germ. Zeitschr. 4, 40 ; Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 116.
Oregon : collected by the late Dr. J. K. Townsend, and given me by Mr. Edwin Willcox.
CREMASTOCHILUS Knoch.
C. angularis, ater opacus, breviter setosus, thorace confertim punctato, lateribus antice rotun
datis, postice obliquis, angulis anticis foveatis acutis, posticis productis elevatis acutis, impres-
sione obliqua definitis, elytris punctis minus profundis ellipticis ; mento concavo postice acumi
nate. Long. '5.
One specimen from Sacramento, collected by Mr. Wittick. This, in form, size, and general
38 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
appearance, resembles C. canaliculatus, but the mentum is of a different form, and on compari
son many other differences may be seen. From C. Schaumii, Lee. (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 6, 231)
it differs by the smaller size, less rounded sides, but more acute angles of the thorax, and by
the posterior angles being separated by a small but deep oblique impression ; near the margin
of the elytra may be seen a few whitish tran verse undulated lines.
TRYSSUS Er.
T? comatus, nitidus, capite obscuro, confluenter punctato, clypeo concavo rotundato, fortiter
marginato, thorace luteo-ferrugineo, marginibus longissime flavo-pilosis, lateribus valde rotun-
datis, angulis anticis acutis, confertim punctato, versus latera utrinque foveato, elytris piceo-
testaceis, ad marginem flavo-pilosis, obsolete punctatis, stria suturali profunde exarata, propy-
gidio dense punctato, pubescente, pygidio parce piloso et punctulato, nitido : subtus ferrugi-
neus, femoribus et pectore longe pilosis, abdomine glabro, articulo sexto postice parce fimbriato.
Long. -68.
One specimen, Sacramento, Mr. Wittick. This is the first appearance of the group Macro-
phyllidae in America ; it differs from the genuine Melolonthidae by the segments of the abdo
men being separate, with distinct sutures. On account of the 9-jointed antennae with three
jointed club, I have referred it to a genus constructed by Erichson (Ins. Deutchl.) for some
South African species ; the ungues are cleft, (as required by his description,) each division being
broad and acute, the inferior one is a little short ; the tarsi are longer than the tibiae, and the
last joint is armed with a small tooth beneath, near the tip. The labrum is large and emargi-
nate, and the epimera of the metathorax are broad.
DIPLOTAXIS Kirby.
D. brevicollis, ferrugineo-picea, oblonga nitida, capite confertim punctato, sutura frontali
distincta, clypeo late emarginafco, margine anguste reflexo, thorace latitudine triple breviore,
punctato, antrorsum angustato, antice transversim impresso, ad angulos posticos foveatim exca-
vato elytris serie suturali, quatuor per paria approximatis, quinqueque externis punctatis,
interstitiis inter paria et suturam disperse punctatis ; pygidio grosse punctato. Long. '45.
Steilacoom, Washington Territory ; George Gibbs, esq. One specimen.
D. subangulata, oblonga, nigra nitida, clypeo confertim punctato marginato, lateribus obli-
quis ad apicem late truncate, thorace sub-hexagono, sat punctato, latitudine plus sesqui brevi
ore antice angustiore, lateribus medio obtuse angulatis et rotundatis, angulis posticis obtusis
vix rotundatis, elytris oblongis thorace latioribus, punctis minus subtilibus seriatim digestis
(seriebus internis confusis); pygidio confluenter grosse punctato. Long. *34.
Oregon. Similar in appearance to many others, but readily known by the characters given.
DICHELONYCHA Kirby.
D. valida, elongata, nigro picea, supra parce subtus densius albopubescens, thorace brevi
hexagono, inaequaliter grosse punctato vage impresso, modice canaliculate, elytris confertim
rugose punctatis, fusco ameis viridi tinctis, margine, antennis pedibusque testaceis. Long. '55.
One specimen ; San Francisco, Mr. Child. Larger than any other species known to me.
The New Mexican D. sukata, Lee., (report of Captain Pope's expedition,) has the thorax
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 39
unequally punctured, but the impressions and dorsal channel in that species are much deeper,
while the elevated spaces are almost smooth.
D. fulgida, elongata, rufo-picea, cinero pubescens, thorace pube subflava densius vertito,
punctato subcanaliculato, latitudine sesqui breviore, antrorsum angustato, lateribus rotund atis,
pone medium sinuatis, postice parum angustato, angulis posticis prominulis, elytris thorace
paulo latioribus rugose punctatis, lineis duabus solitis parum distinctis, viridiseneis, epipleuris
rufo piceis, pedibus testaceis, tibiis tarsisque obscuris. Long. '37.
Steilacoom ; Dr. Suckley. A little broader than Z>. elongata, and having the thorax formed
as in D. testacea and Backii, from which it differs in color.
CERYLON Latr.
C. simplex, castaneum nitidum, elongatum minus depressum, thorace latitudine paulo
longiore, lateribus postice parallelis, antice rotundatis, sat dense punctato, elytris striis
punctatis fortiter impressis, interstitiis subconvexis. Long. "10.
San Jose, California. The elytra are regularly although slightly convex transversely, and
not at all flattened on the disc, as in C. castaneum and unicolor. The intervals between the
strire are somewhat convex, very finely and sparsely punctulate. The thorax is without disc-
oidal impressions, and even the basal ones are hardly perceptible.
ATOMARIA Kirby.
A. laetula, oblonga, nigra, convexa, nitida, minus dense punctata, parce albo-pubescens,
thorace convexo, rufo, antrorsum angustato, ad basin late rotundato et transversim impresso,
elytris convexis, rufis, fascia lata nigro-picea ad medium ornatis, antennis pedibusque rufo-
testaceis. Long. '06.
Variat supra nigra, elytrorum apice late rufo-testaceo.
San Jose, California. Belongs to the second division of Erichson (Ins. Deutsch. 385,) having
the antennas more distant from each other than from the eyes ; near the European A. unifas-
ciata, from which it differs by the less dense punctuation.
PEDILOPHORUS Steffahny.
P. acuminatus, ovatus apterus, convexus, utrinque attenuatus, supra aeneus nitidus, cinereo-
pubescens, thorace subtilius, elytris paruius punctatis ; subtus niger fortius punctatus cinereo-
pubescens, tarsis piceis articulis tertio longe lobato. Long '16.
Moryehus acuminatus, Mann. Bull. Mosc., 1852, 341.
Sitkha, Baron Chaudoir. Much broader than the next species, and gradually narrowed each
way from the base of the elytra ; the latter are more sparsely punctured, and the pubescence,
though not dense, is coarser.
P. oblongus, oblongo-ovalis, apterus, antice subacutus, convexus aeneus nitidus, subtilius
cinereo-pubescens, thorace subtiliter, elytris distinctius punctatis ; subtus niger, fortius puncta
tus, cinereo pubescens, tarsis piceis articulo tertio longe lobato. Long. '18.
Pedilophorus acuminatus J Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 115.
Oregon. The body is acutely narrowed from the base of the thorax forwards ; the thorax is
a little more finely punctured than the elytra ; the latter are nearly parallel on the sides, and
obtusely rounded behind.
40 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY — 47TH PARALLEL.
SERICA McLeay.
S. anthracina, ovata, nigra fere opaca, cyaneo-micans, clypeo punctate, valde marginato,
lateribus fere parallelis, ad apicem late emarginato, thorace brevi confertim punctate, antrorsum
valde angustato, lateribus rotundatis, elytris striatis, punctatis, ad apicem late truncatis.
Long. '25 — *35.
Oregon, Dr. Townsend and Col. McCall ; San Francisco, Mr. Child ; Sacramento, Mr.
Wittick. The small specimen is reddish brown, but is perhaps immature.
CAMPTORHINA Kirby.
C. serotina, oblonga, obscure ferruginea, capite punctate, margine reflexo, antico late biernar-
ginato ; thorace subtiliter punctato, linea dorsali fere laevi, convexo, lateribus valde rotundato,
elytris leviter sulcatis, sulcis confertim punctatis, interstitiis punctis paucis notatis, pygidio
confertim punctato. Long. '42.
One specimen, Sacramento, collected by Mr. Wittick. Of the size and form of C. vespertina
Lee. (Serica vespertina Schonh. Camptorhina atricapilla Kirby,} but with the thorax finely
punctured, and the elytra less sulcate and less coarsely punctured.
HOPLIA Illiger.
H. irrorata, oblonga, nigra, squamulis griseis setisque intermixtis vestita, clypeo antice
truncate, thorace antrorsum angustato, lateribus valde rotundato pygidio abdomineque densius
squamosis, tibiis anticis bidentatis, tarsis anterioribus unguiculis fissis, interiore duplo breviore.
Long. -28.
Oregon, Dr. Townsend ; California, Mr. Child. The antennae are 9-jointed. The elytra are
sometimes reddish brown.
PLEOCOMA Lee.1
P. fimbriata, latiuscula, ovalis, parum convexa, nigra, nitida supra glabra, capite inter cornua
excavato laevi, occipite subtiliter rugose punctato, thorace latitudine fere triple breviorej an
trorsum valde angustato, lateribus rotundatis, parce punctulato, antice rnodice declivi, elytris
stria suturali, alterisque 8 per paria approximatis punctatis parum distinctis, interstitiis sat
dense punctatis ; ad marginem et subtus, dense et longe flavo-villosa. Long. 1.05. Tab. I,
fig. 13, (antenna 13a.)
Mas capite antice in capite furcato protenso, vertice breviter cornuto. Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat.
Sc. 8.
Antennae (maris) 11-articulatae, articulo 3io elongate, 4to intus, ad basin producto, 6-11 laminatis, clavam hepta-
phyllani formantibus. Maxillae et mandibulae invisae, minutae.
On the eve of my departure from tbe country, perfect specimens of tbis most curious genus have arrived, but do not, in
the hasty manner in which I am obliged to study them, throw much light upon its affinities. Although agreeing with
Gcotrupidae in the eleven-jointed antennae, the form of the antennae is entirely anomalous in that and allied groups, and
the small size of the oral organs would seem to indicate a new group between Geotrupidae and Copridae.
These specimens are much smaller than the other one, being only .8 of an inch long. The figure is made from the one
first obtained, but the antennae are supplied from the smaller specimens, those of the former being very imperfect, though
still sufficiently preserved to be correctly described in the text, having only four long leaves, and one short one in the
club. These differences may be sexual, at least no adequate specific difference on comparison, unless it be in the thorax>
which, in the large specimen, is very finely and sparsely punctured, while in the small ones it is quite densely punctured
and clothed sparsely with long hairs like those on the margin.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 41
One specimen, California, Dr. Heermann ; given me by Mr. Haldeman. As the oral organs
and the abdomen are destroyed, I cannot tell whether this genus belongs to the Dynastides or
Geotrapides ; in either case the four-jointed antennae club is equally remarkable. The affinities,
as far as I can understand them, seem to be rather with Geotrupes.
CANTHON Illiger.
C. simplex, latiusculus, minus convexus, niger alutaceus opacus, thorace lateribus integer-
rimis, medio angulatis, disco parce subtiliter punctato, elytris parce subtilius punctatis, striis
obsoletis vix impressis; crypeo antice reflexo, sexdentato, dentibus mediis magnis, lateralibus
parvis; pedibus anticis in fossulis haud receptis. Long. '22 — '36.
Oregon and California. Kesembles in appearance C. nigricornis, but the elytra are less
narrowed behind. The small tubercle, which interrupts the margin of the thorax on the under
surface before the middle in the other species, is here entirely wanting, and the under surface is
hardly excavated for the reception of the anterior feet.
APHODIUS Illiger.
A. pectoralis, oblongus convexus, niger nitidus, capite subtiliter punctulato, quadri-tubercu-
lato, clypeo tenuiter marginato, lateribus obliquis ante late truncate, thorace punctulato et
disperse punctato, ante medium subangustato, et lateribus modice rotundato, ad basin late
rotundato et subtiliter marginato, angulis posticis obtusis, elytrorum striis crenulatis, interstitiis
subplanis, vix obsoletissime punctulatis; mesosterno alutaceo, ad medium striolato. Long. *21.
One specimen, San Francisco. The terminal fringe of the hind tibire is formed of spines
equal in length, and the species belongs to the same division (G. of Erichson, Ins. Deutschl.
814,) as A. congregatus and ursinus; the only representative in the Atlantic States is the intro
duced A.foetidus Fabr. (tenellus Say.) The tubercles of the head are very distinct, the anterior
one is a small transverse carina, and the three posterior ones are connected by an indistinct
elevated line.
A. rubidus, oblongus ferrugineus, nitidus, clypeo antice bicuspi, medio late emarginato, laevi,
thorace antrorsum subangustato, lateribus rotundatis, angulis posticio valde rotundatis, disco
parcius punctato, punctulis vagis intermixtis, elytris striis profundis crenulatis, interstitiis vage
punctulatis. Long. '28 — '32.
San Francisco, not common. Resembles A. laevigatus, and belongs to the same division of
the genus ; the clypeus is more emarginate, and the angles are subacute ; the thorax is distinctly
narrowed in front and punctured as in A. oblongus; the striae of the elytra are more finely
crenulate than in either.
A. pardcdis, niger oblongus, clypeo testaceo-nebuloso punctulato, antice vix late emarginato,
thorace lateribus cum angulis rotundatis, subtilius vage punctato, punctisque maioribus inter
mixtis, lateribus late testaceis ; elytris testaceis nigro variegatis, striis fortiter punctatis, inter
stitiis paulo convexis, obsolete vage punctulatis, pedibus flavis. Long. '16.
San Francisco. Resembles A. served Say; the clypeus of the male has three posterior tubercles
and a slight anterior transverse elevation.
A. subaeneus, oblongus, aeneo-niger, nitidus, clypeo subtiliter punctato, late emarginato,
thorace subtiliter punctato lateribus, antice rotundatis pone medium parallelis, angulis omnibus,
6 Q
42 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — 47TH PARALLEL.
rotundatis, elytris striis subtiliter punctulatis, interstitiis planissimis obsolete punctulatis, 2ndo
(et 3io, 4toque saepe ad basin) margine basali apicalique tetaceis ; pedibus piceis. Long. '16.
San Francisco. The spines of the apical fringe of the posterior tibiae are somewhat unequal
in size. The clypeus is not tuberculate in either sex.
AEGIALIA Latr.
Ae. crassa, ovata, crassa, convexa, nigra nitida, subtus flavo-setosa, clypeo scabro, thorace
punctato, apice laevi, lateribus valde rotundatis vageimpressis, elytris striis punctatis, interstitiis
parum convexis laevibus. Long. *17. -4
San Francisco. The thorax is very short and much narrowed in front, less punctured on the
sides than in the middle ; the general form is that of Trachyscelis.
Ae. caelata, ovata convexa, nigra nitida, subtus flavo-setosa, clypeo valde scabro, thorace brevi
lateribus valde rotundatis, fovea media sulcisque duabus transversis interrupts grosse punctatis
(posteriore profunda), elytris inflatis, striis profundis fortiter crenatis interstitiis parum convexis
laevibus, subtus pedibusque piceis. Long. '13.
San Francisco, abundant. The impressions of the thorax are very coarsely punctured, the
elevated parts are smooth ; the apical coriaceous margin is testaceous, varies with the elytra,
and feet rufous.
SINODENDRON Fabr.
S. rugosum, piceo-nigrum nitidum, thorace grosse, elytris confluenter foveatim punctatis vix
obsolete striatis. Long. '48 — '55.
Mas capite punctate, cornu elongate antice protenso, superne parce ciliato paulo concavo,
armato ; thorace ad medium antice subito declive, transversim carinato, denteque medio armato ;
parte anteriore concavo, dense punctato. Tab. I, fig. 15.
Femina capite rugose punctato tuberculo frontali munito, thorace aequaliter grosse punctato,
convexo linea dorsali antice abbreviata et elevata, calloque utrinque parum elevato sublaevibus,
ad apicem transversim impresso.
Mann. Bull. Mosc., 1843.
California, sent me by Colonel Motschulsky.
ANCYLOCHIRA Esch.
A. Gibbsii, viridiaenea, elongata, capite purpurascente punctato, fronte carinato, thorace
latitudine sesqui breviore, punctato, lateribus subparallelis, basi bisinuata, elytris purpureis,
macula magna obliqua antica (puncto humerali aeneo includente), macula transversa postica
suturam haud attingente, alteraque ante apicem rufo-flavis, striis profundis punctatis, interstitiis
parce punctatis ad apicem emarginatis bidentatis, labro antennisque testaceis, his articulo primo
aenescente. Long. *6. Tab. I, fig. 17.
One specimen, collected at Steilacoom, by Mr. George Gibbs, to whom I dedicate it with much
pleasure. The second spot of the elytra is situated about one-third from the apex, and extends
from the margin nearly to the suture ; the posterior one is near the apex, it also extends nearly
to the suture, but is dilated along the margin.
A. Langii, laete viridiaenea, vel cupreo-aenea, capite confertim punctato, thorace latitudine
breviore antrorsum sensim angustato, subcanaliculato, versus latera foveato, confertim punctato,
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 43
/
minus dense pone medium ; elytris striis profundis punctatis, interstitiis convexis parce punctatis
et rugulosis, (macula obliqua parva lobata palide flava), pone medium saepe ornatis ; antennis
obscure cupreis ; elytris ad apicem vel truncatis vel subbidentatis. Long. -68 — '77. Tab. I}
fig. 16.
Buprestis Langii Mann. Bull. Soc. Imp. Nat. Mosc., 1843.
Oregon, Dr. Cooper, at Shoalwater Bay ; Steilacoom, Mr. Gibbs. Of this species I have seen
three specimens ; one is bright copper colored; the second is green, with the elytra immaculate;
the third is bright green with an oblique yellow lobate spot behind the middle of each elytron ;
the apex in one is truncate, in the others slightly bidentate.
A. laeviventris, nigro-aenea, subtus nitidior, abdomine vix obsolete punctato, lateribus parce
albo-pilosis, segmento ultimo macula utrinque transversa sanguinea notato ; thorace latitudine
haud breviore, antrorsum angustato, lateribus rectis, angulis omnibus subacutis, disco sat grosse
punctato, linea longitudinal! plagisque utrinque duabus sublaevibus ; elytris minus nitidis,
sulcato, striatis, macula trilobata utrinque prope basin ultra medium extensa, alteraque ad
dodrantem transversa fulvis ornatis. Long. '78.
Northern California, Mr. Child. Allied to A. Nuttalli, but is narrower ; the thorax is longer
and the punctures of the abdomen are very indistinct. The anterior spot extends from near
the base for two-thirds the length of the elytra, and is composed of three confluent spots, each
of which is sub-triangular. Specimens will probably occur in which these spots are not united.
A. adjecta, supra splendide viridiaenea, dense punctata, crassiuscula, thorace latitudine fere
triple breviore, antrorsum angustato, lateribus late rotundatis cuprascentibus, late canaliculate,
elytris sutura anguste, margine late cupreis, costis utrinque quatuor scutellarique cum sutura
elevata confluente laevibus nitidis, costa altera subsuturali fere integra adjecta, interstitiis dense
punctatis, ad apicem subemarginatis. Long. '6.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc., 7, 17.
One specimen found by Dr. Cooper, on the journey from Fort Vancouver to Yokolt Plain, in
July. This species is allied to the two next, as well as to A. aurulenta and striata, but differs
from them all by having obsolete costae between the ordinary ones, and by having an addi
tional costa extending nearly from base to apex between the first dorsal and the suture. The
head is glabrous, and uniformly punctured ; the under surface is bright coppery, tinged with
green, moderately punctured ; the prosternum is broadly impressed between the coxae, and is
not hairy.
A. lauta, supra splendide viridiaurea, dense punctata, fronte fere glabro non concavo, thorace
latitudine plus duplo breviore, antrorsum angustato, lateribus late rotundatis cuprascentibus,
late canaliculate, elytris sutura anguste margine late cupreis, costis quatuor alteraque scutel-
lari cum sutura elevata confluente laevibus nitidis, interstitiis dense granulatovpunctatis, ad
apicem vix truncatis. Long. '58 — "75.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc., 7, 17.
Abundant in Oregon, whence it has been brought in every collection made. Eesembles the
brilliant variety of A. striata, but is distinguished by its more robust form, and by the impunc-
tured costae of the elytra ; varieties occur, having a broad blue vitta extending from the first to
the third costa. The body beneath is coppery, somewhat hairy, and the prosternum is impressed
between the coxae ; the front is marked with a very narrow nearly smooth medial line.
44 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND- SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
A. radians, supra splendide viridiaurea, dense punctata, fronte concavo longe albo-piloso,
thorace latitudine vix duplo breviore, antrorsum angustato, lateribus late subrotundatis cupra-
scentibus, disco late canaliculate, elytris sutura margineque cupreis, costis quatuor scutellarique
cum sutura elevata confluente nitidis laevibus, interstitiis dense granulate punctatis, ad apicem
subtruncatis. Long. '6.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc., 7, 17.
One specimen, Fort Vancouver, Dr. Cooper. Perhaps, not distinct from A. lauta, but the
body is narrower, being of the form of A. striata; from the latter it differs by the concave and
pilose front ; the pectus is as in the preceding, but is densely clothed with long white hair ; the
under surface is coppery golden, more densely punctured than in A. lauta.
BUPRESTIS Linn.
B. angulicollis, aenea, depressa, capite excavato, canaliculate, grosse cicatricoso, thorace
latitudine breviore, lateribus postice parallelis, ante medium angulatis, inaequali, versus
angulos posticos late excavato, punctato, partibus elevatis costaque dorsali lata elevatis nitidis,
elytris sutura, costisque solitis elevatis, secunda late tridilatata, et callo basali instructa,
quarta breviore tenui postice late dilatata, partibus elevatis laevigatis nitidis, impressionibus
punctatissimis, lateribus haud serratis. Long. 1.13.
Sacramento, Mr. Wittick. Larger than B. virginica, in which also the sides of the thorax
are sometimes angulated, but never to such an extent as in this species ; the dilatations of the
second and third elevated lines of the elytra are much wider.
MELANOPHILA Esch.
M. consputa, elongata depressa, atra opaca, capite rugose punctato, thorace tenuiter canalicu
late, disco subtiliter transversim rugoso, lateribus punctato et lineis elevatis aciculato, angulis
posticis longius carinatis, elytris postice oblique angustatis confertim granulato-punctatis, guttis
utrinque quatuor obscure croceis ornatis ; subtus aeneo-nigra. — Long. '47.
Northern California, Mr. Child. This species has nearly the form of our common M. longipes,
but is a little narrower ; the tips of the elytra are separately rounded and not at all acuminate.
The spots on each elytron are arranged ; one a little before the middle, one-third from the
suture ; another just behind the middle, one-third from the margin ; then, two on a transverse
line, one-third from the apex ; they, therefore, form, with those of the opposite side, a figure
rounded anteriorly, with a straight posterior outline.
ANTHAXIA Esch.,
A. expansa, lata depressa, atra, opaca vix aenescens, thorace latitudine duplo breviore,
lateribus, valde rotundatis depressis, reticulatim punctato, elytris thorace haud latioribus, con
fertim granulato-punctatis, fortius marginatis, postice suboblique attenuatis ad apicem rotun
datis, ad basin elevato-marginatis. — Long. '28.
Oregon and California. Resembles a species found in New Mexico, which I consider as
A. aeneogaster Lap., but is still broader, with the sides of the thorax more rounded, and the
posterior angles more obtuse. The base is not truncate as in most Anthaxiae, but is slightly
obtuse at the middle ; this character, with the sculpture of the thorax and elytra, indicates a
passage towards Melanophila.
INSECTS — COLEOPTERA. 45
DICERCA Esch.
D. pectorosa, supra obscure fusco-aenea, capite inaequali grosse punctate, thorace latitudine
plus duplo breviore, valde canaliculate, fere bicostato, (costis laevibus), ad latera inaequali,
grosse confluenter punctate, lateribus valde rotundato-dilatatis, postice breviter sinuatis, angulis
posticis acutis, elytris thorace angustioribus lateribus parallelis, postice prolongatis integris,
foveatim striato-punctatis, rugosis, interstitiis dense punctatis, spatiis parvis irregularibus
nitidis parum elevatis, praecipue versus scutellum notatis. Long. '64.
Oregon, Dr. Suckley, Somewhat similar to D. tenebrosa, but the thorax is much more
dilated, and the smooth spaces of the elytra are not distinct, and are irregularly connected.
The terminal segment of the abdomen is truncate, strongly bicostate, with four deep subapical
foveae. The under surface is dark brassy, with large rugous punctures of a brighter color.
D. crassicollis, supra obscure cinereo-aenea, capite inaequali grosse punctato thorace latitudine
plus duplo breviore, fere quadricostato, costis exterioribus interruptis, utrinque late excavato,
lateribus valde dilatatis, postice longius sinuatis, angulis posticis paulo acutis ; elytris thorace
haud latioribus, humeris rotundatis lateribus subparallelis, postice breviter caudatis et sub-
bidentatis, grosse indistincte striato-punctatis, interstitiis densissime punctatis, alternatim
plagis oblongis elevatis laevibus ornatis. Long. '66.
Steilacoom, Dr Suckley. The elytra are sculptured exactly as in D. tenebrosa, but the rows
of punctures are less obvious ; the posterior prolongation is shorter, and slightly bidentate ; the
thorax is much more dilated on the sides, and more deeply excavated ; in one specimen a small
callus is seen in the middle of the dorsal channel. The terminal ventral segment of the male is
rounded, but in the female has two acute narrow incisures.
POLYCESTA Esch.
P. californica, nigro-aenea, elongata, capite grosse confluenter cribroso, haud excavato,
thorace brevissimo antrorsum angustato, lateribus obtuse angulatis, angulis posticis obtusis
haud rotundatis, inaequaliter cribrato, vage tricanaliculato, canalis externis antice abbreviatis,
ante scutellum linea brevi longitudinal! impresso ; elytris margine basali, costisque quatuor
elevatis, interstitiis confertim punctatis et biseriatim grosse punctatis lateribus antice late
rotundatis, dein parallelis, humeris obtusis. Long. '75.
Sacramento, Mr. Wittick, one specimen. This species much resembles a larger one found in
Texas and a smaller one from Alabama ; but from each it is distinguished by the front not
being concave and by the more regularly and densely punctured spaces between the costae of the
elytra ; the series of punctures adjacent to the costae are smaller and more regular ; the three
inner costae are smooth, while the external one is punctured ; the tips of the elytra are broken,
some of the small teeth of the lateral serration yet remain.
PEROTHOPS Esch.
P. Witticki, piceus, undique fusco sericeus, confertissime punctulatus, vertice transversim
profunde excavato, thorace latitudine duplo breviore, canaliculate valde convexo, ad basin
declivi, antrorsum valde angustato, lateribus valde rotundatis, elytris striatis interstitiis paulo
convexis. Long. '82. Tab. I, fig. 18.
46 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
Sacramento, Mr. Wittick. In form this species resembles P. mucidus, but the pubescence
is brownish gray and more sericeous. The thorax is more convex ; and the deep transverse
impression between the eyes is very different from the vague rounded one seen in P. mucidus.
The discovery of a second species of this curious genus is of great interest, and it gives me pleasure
in naming it to commemorate the disinterested services of the gentleman by whom it was
collected.
ATHOUS Esch.
A scissus, ater nitidus, tenuissime pubescens, thorace latitudine longiore, confertim punctate,
lateribus fere rectis parallelis modice reflexo-marginatis, angulis anticis oblique truncatis ; elytris
profunde striato punctatis, interstitiis parce punctatis, antennaruin articulo 3io triangulari quarto
paulo breviore ; tarsis haud lobatis. Long. "58.
One specimen, Oregon, Dr. Cooper. Smaller and a little narrower than A. reflexus Lee.
(Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 427,) but nearly allied to it.
LIMONIUS Esch.
L. ornatulus aeneo-niger, griseo-pubescens, clypeo late emarginato vix concavo, thorace
confertim punctate, latitudine longiore, antrorsum paulo angustato, lateribus late rotundatis
elytris striis bene impressis punctatis, interstitiis punctatis parum convexis, macula utrinque
oblonga basali suturaque fulvis, pedibus piceis, tibiis testaceis ; antennis nigris, articulis 2 et
3io aequalibus 4to coniunctis haud longioribus. Long. -2.
San Francisco, Mr. Child, one specimen. This species belongs to the division in which the
lateral suture of the prosternum is excavated anteriorly. It may be placed in the vicinity of
L. basillaris, Lee., (Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 431,) though the legs are only in part testaceous.
The posterior angles of the thorax are rectangular and slightly testaceous.
COKYMBITES Latr. (emend. Lee.)
C. Suckleyi, niger glaber, nitidus longiusculus, thorace latitudine longiore, lateribus late
rotundatis, ante medium subangustato, angulis posticis vix divericatis, antice dense, postice in
medio obsolete punctato, pone medium canaliculate ; elytris thorace haud latioribus, fortius
marginatis, subtiliter rugosis striis tenuibus punctatis, interstitiis paulo convexis parce punctu-
latis, macula elongata marginali ante medium intus curvata, et ad suturam fere extensa,
alteraque transversa lunata ad dodrantem ornatis ; scutello dilatato griseo-piloso ; antennis
articulo 3io haud dilatato, 4to sequente vix maiore. Long. -53.
Steilacoom, George Gibbs, esq., one specimen. It affords me much pleasure to dedicate this
beautiful species to Dr. Suckley, my esteemed friend, who, by his active and scientific zeal,
has added so many new objects to the fauna of the regions explored by him.
Although resembling in many characters, as well as by its form, C. aratus, Lee., (Trans.
Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 438,) this species seems, from its dilated scutel and glabrous body, to indi
cate a new section of the genus, to be placed between the first and second established by me.
C. festivus, crassiusculus, vix tenuiter pubescens, niger, thorace quadrato, modice convexo,
lateribus antice rotundatis, angulis posticis paulo divaricatis, confertim punctato sanguineo,
vitta lata dorsali, margine laterali prosternoque nigris ; elytris testaceis, sutura (antice latiore,)
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 47
macula elongata a humero fere ad medium extensa, fasciaque postice concava pone medium
nigrisj strigaque postica submarginali fusca ornatis striis profunde punctatis, interstitiis parce
punctulatis ; abdominis lateribus sanguineis, pedibus ferrugineis, antennis fuscis, articulis
tribus baseos ferrugineis. Long. '53.
One specimen, Steilacoom, George Gibbs, esq. Nearly related to E, cruciatus of Europe
and to C. pulcher Lee., (Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 440,) but sufficiently distinct by the fore
going characters. The red margin of the abdomen is gradually widened behind, so that the
last joint is red with a large basal black spot ; each segment is also margined with red ; the
anterior lobe of the prosternum is partly red, and the black extends beyond the prosternum
upon the pleuras, which are thus red with black margins, as in C. pulcher.
AGRIOTES Esch. (emend. Lee.)
A. macer, valde elongatus, ater opacus pubescens, thorace latitudine sesqui longiore, lateribus
parallelis, antice paulo rotundatis, confertim punctato, transversim minus convexo, elytris
striis punctatis, interstitiis sat dense punctatis, antennis articulis 2ndo et 3io coniunctis 4to
aequalibus. Long. '32.
Shoalwater Bay, Dr. Cooper. Very closely resembles A. oblongicollis, (Dolopius oblongi-
collis Mels. ,) but the thorax is less convex transversely, and the feet are black.
ELATER Linn, (emend. Esch.)
E. rhodopus, ater breviter griseo-pubescens, thorace confertim punctato, postice subcanali-
culato, elytris striis vix impressis punctatis, interstitiis confertim rugose punctulatis, pedibus
antennisque ferrugineis, his articulo 3io secundo fere duplo longiore. Long. '45.
Steilacoom, George Gibbs, esq., one specimen. Of the same form as E. luctuosus, Lee.,
(Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. 10, 466,) but differs from that, as from all the species there described,
by the less deep elytral striae, which, towards the tips, are represented only by rows of punc
tures.
E. caprella, elongatus, ater cinereo-pubescens, thorace latitudine longiore, antrorsum angus-
tato, lateribus antice rotundatis, sat dense punctato vix canaliculate ; elytris macula basali,
altera angulata ante medium, tertiaque rotundata ad dodrantem flavis, striis punctatis, inter
stitiis planis rugose punctatis, antennis articulis 2ndo et 3io aequalibus, pedibus testaceis.
Long. '25.
Shoalwater Bay, Dr. Cooper. Very similar to E. stigmosus Lee., (Trans. Am. Phil. Soc.
10, 4T2,) but the strise of the elytra are not so deep, and the basal spot is not connected with
the angulated spot, which rises along the suture nearly to the scutel ; the posterior spot is
larger and more rounded ; the thorax is more distinctly narrowed anteriorly. Varieties were
found in which the basal and angulated spots are obsolete, or even entirely wanting.
ADELOCERA Latr.
A. aurorata. A specimen found at Steilacoom by Mr. Gibbs agrees in every respect with
the description made by me from the typical specimen found in New Hampshire by Dr. Harris ;
as I have not a specimen in my collection, I cannot assure myself of their identity by a direct
comparison.
48 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — 47TH PARALLEL.
ELLYCHNIA Lee.
JZ.facula, elongato-elliptica, atra tenuiter pubescens, thorace latitudine vix breviore disco
convexiusculoj lateribus et apice concavis reflexis punctatis, macula submarginali lunata rosea
ornato, elytris dense punctulatis, linea unica dorsali obsoleta utrinque notata. Long. '52.
Prairie Paso, Dr. Cooper, one specimen. Differs from E. corrusca by its less dilated form
and longer thorax, and by the elytra having only one obsolete line.
TELEPHORUS Geoffr.
T. larvalis, flavo-testaceus, subtilissime pubescens, thorace glabro nitido, latitudine longiore,
lateribus parallelis, angulis posticis baud rotundatis, disco antice ad latera excavato, medio late
canaliculate, pone medium sub-binodoso, elytris substriatis scabris, antennis ad apicem fuscis,
articulis 2ndo et 3io aequalibus. Long. '31.
Shoalwater Bay, Dr. Cooper, one specimen. Eesembles T. longulus Lee. (Proc. Acad. Nat.
Sc. 5, 343,) but the thorax is not narrowed, the excavations are larger and deeper, and the
second joint of the antennae is not shorter than the third.
ENOPLIUM Fabr.
E. dichroum, elongatum laete rubrum, pube erecta nigra vestitum, thorace latitudine longiore,
convexo, lateribus antice parallelis, postice angulatis, angulis anticis rotundatis, posticis obtusis,
parce punctato, obsolete transversim biimpresso, medio breviter canaliculate, ad basin fortiter
marginato ; elytris thorace parum latioribus, cyaneo-nigris, opacis valde punctatis, ore antennis
pedibusque nigris. Long. -4.
Sacramento, Mr. Wittick, one specimen. This species belongs to the division named Pelo-
nium, by Spinola, and although, by the colors of the upper surface, it immediately recalls E.
damicorne, on comparison they are found to possess hardly a single character in common.
PTINUS Linn.
P. interruptus, niger vel fuscus, thorace postice valde constricto, antice obsoletius tuberculato,
longe albo-setoso, elytris (maris) elongatis parallelis, striis punctatis, ad apicem laevigatis,
seriatim cinereo-pilosis, antice, versum apicem et prope suturam albo-pubescentibus ; subtus
aequaliter cinereo-pubescens, pedibus saepe ferrugineis. Long. '10.
San Francisco, on flowers, May. Resembles very closely P. quadrimaculatus Mels., but the
thorax is very slightly tuberculate, and hardly constricted at the apex.
SINOXYLON Duftschmidt.
S. declive, nigro-piceum, capite punctulato, thorace globoso antice tuberculato et exasperato,
postice parce punctato, lateribus postice laevigatis saepe ferrugineis, elytris glabris confertim
subrugose punctatis, ad apicem oblique declivibus vix tuberculatis, et versus suturam late sul-
catis impunctatis, denticulo subsuturali parvo superne armato ; pedibus antennisque rufis.
Long. -22— -25.
Sacramento, Mr. Wittick. Differs from several species in my collection by the elytra having
merely one very small acute tooth near the suture, at the upper part of the oblique posterior
declivity.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA 49
EXOPS Curtis.
E. ovicollis, piceo-ater pubescens, capite thoraceque opacis, dense granulato-punctatis, pills
nigris erectis vestitis, hoc ovato, posticeangustato, convexo, subcanaliculato, antice transversim
vage impresso, elytris confertim punctulatis. Long. '73. Tab. I, fig. 19.
San Francisco ; given me by Mr. J. P. Wild. This species differs from E. Stoutii Lee. by the
thorax being more convex, opaque, and as strongly granulate in the middle as at the sides,
while in E. Stoutii the middle of the disc is shining and not very densely punctured.
Upon E. Stoutii I formerly constructed a Genus Allococnemis, which I considered allied to
Nemosoma, but, on finding it to be identical with Exops, made the necessary correction ; but in
doing this I was misled by Erichson's opinion, in Agassiz Nomenclator Zoologicus, that Exops
is synonymous with the previously described Polycaon Laporte ; the latter, as I am assured by
Prof. Lacordaire, is an entirely different genus, which really belongs, as stated by Erichson, to
the Melyridae.
NYCTOPORIS Esch.
N. galeata, atra, opaca, capite cristato, varioloso, thorace confluenter varioloso, quadrifoveato,
foveis internis profundioribus, lateribus antice valde rotundatis, elytris cristis interruptis aequa-
liter elevatis. Long. -5 — '6. Tab. II, fig. 1.
Very abundant at San Francisco, under bark of oak trees. Resembles N. cristata'Esch., but,
on comparison with a specimen of the latter, sent me by Col. Motschulsky, I find the following
differences : The thorax is wider than long, and considerably rounded on the sides before the
middle, while in N. cristata the length is equal to the breadth, and the sides are only moderately
rounded. The tubercles, into which the crests of the elytra are broken, are much closer, and
the crests are less elevated ; the intervals are each marked with a row of elevated punctures.
NOSODERMA Sol.
N. diabolicum, nigrurn opacum cataphractum, thorace latitudine longiore, latins canaliculato,
disco utrinque impresso, partibus elevatis granulis nitidis parce notatis, margine crenulato,
elytris, inaequalibus ante apicem subretusis, macula humerali alteraque apicali sordide cinereis.
Long. -6— -8. Tab. II, fig. 2.
Lee. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist, of New York, 5, 130.
San Jose, Sacramento, and San Diego, under oak bark.
ELEODES Esch.
E. connexa, elongata, nigra, nitida, thorace latitudine breviore, postice angustato, modice
convexo, parce punctulato, lateribus rotundatis, angulis anticis acutis prominulis, posticis obtu-
sis, ad basin late rotundato, elytris thorace sesqui latioribus, elongatis ovalibus, postice declivi-
bus subacutis, striis muricato punctatis, interstitiis subconvexis rugosis (prrecipue versus latera)
et parce muricato-punctatis ; femoribus anticis dente acuto armatis. Long. '9 ; lat. elytr. '32 ,
thor. -23.
Prairie Paso ; Dr. Cooper. Forms one of a series of species connecting E. sulcata and E.
obscura ; distinguished from the former by the more convex, more rugose, and less deeply striate
elytra, and from the latter by the smaller thorax, with prominent anterior angles.
TQ
50 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
E. sulcipennis. I formerly considered this as a geographical variety of E. obscura, but it
differs in having a larger and less convex thorax. I am not yet sufficiently advanced in the
study of this very difficult genus to determine whether it should be placed as a species or as
a race.
E. granulata, elongato-ovata, nigra parum nitida, capite thoraceque subaequa liter punctatis,
hoc subquadrato, minus convexo, latitudine paulo breviore, lateribus rotundatis, ad basin vix
simiatim rotundato, angulis posticis obtusis rotundatis, elytris thoracelatioribus, ovalibus apice
valde declivibus subacutis, dorso minus convexis seriatim granulatis et parce muricato-punctatis,
versus suturam subseriatim punctatis ; humeris subproductis ; prosterno postice producto ; femo-
ribus muticis. Long. '58.
Oregon ; Col. McCall. This and the next species are somewhat similar in form to E. quadri-
collis, but are less convex. The sculpture of the elytra is peculiar, being formed of small, some
what shining, flat tubercles, arranged in series, with intervening scattered acute elevated
punctures.
E. humeralis, longior ovata, atra opaca, capite thoraceque densius punctatis, hoc parum
convexo, latitudine paulo breviore, subquadrato, postice angustiore, lateribus rotundatis, ad
basin fere truncate, angulis posticis obtusis, elytris ovalibus, thorace latioribus, obsolete striatis
dorso clepressis ad apicem subacutis valde declivibus, granulis subacutis parvis minus confertim
inordinatim positis, versus suturam punctatis ; prosterno postice perpendiculari, femoribus
muticis; tibiis anticis calcari interne duplo longiore. Long. '57 — '65.
Wenass river to Fort Colville ; Dr. Cooper. Readily distinguished by the foregoing char
acters. By the larger size of the spur of the anterior tibias, it tends towards E. tricostata, and
several nondescript species.
E. cordata. Specimens of three forms, allied to this species, were obtained in Oregon, and,
although evidently differing from those collected by me in California, I am not able to decide
regarding the propriety of separating them. They may be known by the thorax being more
broadly dilated, and more regularly rounded on the sides, although equally densely and
coarsely punctured ; the posterior sinuation is therefore much shorter, although the basal angles
remain rectangular. The other distinctions are as follows :
1. E. rotundipennis. Thorax very much constricted behind, fully one-half wider than lo ;
elytra as coarsely, but less densely punctured. Length, '45 — '55.
2. E. stricta. Thorax less suddenly, but very much constricted at base, fully one- alf
wider than long ; elytra more coarsely and less densely punctured. Long. '62.
3. E subligata. Thorax only moderately constricted at base, scarcely wider than long ;
elytra punctured as in E. cordata. Length, '44.
HELOPS Fabr.
H. Icelus, supra piceo-aeneus pernitidus, capite thoraceque confertim punctatis, hoc lateribus
fortius marginatis, margine rufo-piceo, angulis anticis valde rotundatis, posticis subrectis sub-
rotundatis ; elytris striis profundis, interstitiis parce punctulatis, ante medium lateribus paulo
concavis ; subtus rofo-piceus. Long. '33.
One specimen, Steilacoom, Mr. Gibbs. Somewhat allied to If venustus Say, but smaller and
broader, with the sides of the thorax broadly margined, and the spaces between the stride of the
elytra less convex.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA.
CONONOTUS Lec.
C. sericans, testaceus, subtiliter confertissime punctulatus, griseo pubescens, thorace latitudine
apicali sesqui longiore, postice regulariter valde augustato, utrinque truncate, elytris elongato
ellipticis, parum convexis. Long. '13. Tab. II, Fig. 3.
Lec. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist, of New York, 5, 137.
San Jose, and San Diego, California, under stones. This genus is allied to Apocrypha, but
the form is very different.
NYCTIBATES Esch.
N. serrata, atra opaca, capite thoraceque confluenter punctatis, hoc transverse, cordato?
lateribus valde rotundatis pone medium subserratis, postice angustato, angulis posticis acutis
prominulis ; elytris thorace latioribus fortius punctato-striatis, dense punctatis ; tibiis rectis,
antennis breviusculis. Long. '9. Tab. II, Fig. 5.
Mann. Bull. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscou, 1843.
Oregon. Nearly allied to a nondescript found in the northern Atlantic States, but differs by
the less coarse punctures of the head and thorax, as well as by the latter being much narrowed
towards the base. The punctures of the stride of the elytra are finer and more closely placed.
This genus may be distinguished from its allies by the mentum being transverse, broader
anteriorly, .and obtusely rounded, flat or slightly concave.
PLATYDEMA Laporte.
P. oregonense, ovale convexum, nigrum nitidum, capite subtiliter punctate, ore clypeoque
rufo-piceis, thorace brevi antrorsum angustato, lateribus marginatis vix rotundatis, basi
bisinuato, angulis posticis rectis, subtiliter punctate ; elytris striis punctulatis, inter'stitiis
paulo convexis disperse subtiliter punctulatis, epipleuris piceis ; pedibus antennisque ferrugineis,
his articulo ultimo pallidiore. Long. '22.
Fort Vancouver, Colonel McCall. The elytra are slightly dilated from the base nearly to
the middle, then gradually narrowed and rounded.
PHALERIA Latr.
P. globosa, rotundata convexa, testacea, capite thoraceque confertim punctatis, hoc antrorsuni
angustato, lateribus valde rotundatis, ad basin utrinque striola brevissima notato ; elytris pro-
funde striatis, interstitiis confertim rugosis et punctatis, guttis parvis ad basin versus
scutellum, maculis duabus ante medium linea angulata connexis, alteraque ad dodrantem
nigris ; postpectore abdomineque obscuris ; antennis ultra thoracis basin extensis. Long. '12.
Tab. II, Fig. 4.
San Francisco, given me by Mr. J. P. Wild. Seems to resemble P. picta, but the thorax
of that species is said to have two basal striae each side, and only one elytral black spot.
LYTTA Linn.
L Cooperi, atra capite thoraceque Irete fulvis nitidis leevigatis, illo basi subemarginato, ante
oculos nigro, hoc pentagonali, latitudine breviore, angulis lateralibus acutis, dorso deplanato ;
52 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
elytris lineis elevatis grosse reticulatis ; antennis extrorsum incrassatis, articulis rotundatis,
tibiis posticis calcari externo longiore dilatato. Long. "78. Tab. II, Fig. 6.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 18.
Wenass Kiver to Fort Colville. I have, with great satisfaction, dedicated this beautiful
species to Dr. Cooper, by whom it was collected, and to whose industry we are indebted for
many important collections in Oregon. It belongs to the group (A — b) of my synopsis of
Meloidae (Proc. Acad. 6, 334) near L. vulnerata.
L. Childii, atra opaca, capite thoraceque parce punctatis, illo gutta vertical! conspicus flavo,
hoc latitudine longiore, lateribus antice rotundatis, elytris thorace sesqui latioribus scabris ;
antennis extrorsum crassioribus articulis rotundatis, ultimo plus duplo longiore acuminato ;
tibiis posticis calcari externo crasso cylindrico. Long. '6 — '68.
San Francisco, collected by Mr. J. Child, to whom I dedicate it as a slight memorial of the
many valuable species made known by his scientific zeal.
Nearly of the same form as L. nitidicollift Lee., but, from its uniform black color, resembling
L. moerens Lee. From the latter it differs by the thick cylindrical outer spur of the posterior
tibiae ; the last joint of the antennae is longer than in either.
DITYLUS Fischer.
D, quadricollis, ater subtiliter nigro-pubescens, confertim subtiliter punctulatus, thorace lati-
tudine fere breviore subquadrato, postice subangustato, ad basin marginato truncato, ad apicem
late rotundato, lateribus antice rotundatis, postice subobliquis ; elytris thorace fere duplo latiori
bus lineis quatuor obsoletis elevatis. Long. '65.
Lee. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist, of New York, 5, 157.
Steilacoom, Dr. Suckley and Mr. G-ibbs. The description first published by me was taken
from a specimen in which, by injury, the thorax had been flattened so as to become square with
parallel sides ; but in the others since obtained the sides converge slightly behind, but not nearly
so much so as in D. coeruleus.
D. vestitus, ater subaenescens, pube fusca subsericea dense vestitus, capite thoraceque conier-
tim subtiliter punctatis, illo linea verticali sublaevi, hoc latitudine longiore postice subangustato,
ad basin marginato truncato, ad apicem late rotundato, lateribus ante medium rotundatis postice
subsinuatis ; elytris thorace sesqui latioribus dense scabro-punctatis, lineis elevatis quatuor
obsoletis. Long. '59. Tab. II, fig. 7.
Shoalwater Bay, Dr. Cooper ; one specimen. Kemarkable by the dense brown pubescence
with which it is covered ; the body is slender, as in D. gradUs, but the thorax has no discoidal
impressions.
BRUCHUS Linn.
B. pauperculus, oblongus, ater, undique cinereo-pubescens, thorace antrorsum angustato,
confertim punctate, elytris profunde striatis interstitiis planis. Long. "045 — '06.
San Jose and San Diego, California. By the small size, entirely black color, and uniform
pubescence, this is easily distinguished from all others known to me.
RIIYNCHITES Herbst.
B. glastinus, elongatus niger, supra nigro-cyaneus, griseo-pilosellus, capite parce punctato,
inter oculos sulcato, sulco antice furcato et ad rostri apicem fere extenso, occipite transversiin
INSECTS — COLEOPTERA. 53
rugoso, thorace latitudine vix longiore punctato ; elytris fortiter seriatim cribratis, interstitiis
uniseriatim punctatis ; rostro valido brevi ad apicem latiore. Long. '15.
San Francisco, May. The rostrum is hardly longer than the head, and besides the two
diverging grooves which unite between the eyes, there is a slight fovea between the antennae.
Belong to Schonherr's Stirps 2, Manipulus 2.
APION Herbst.
A. crassinasum, nigrum minus subtiliter cinereo-pubescens, capite subtilius punctato, inter
oculos profunde sulcato, rostro thorace vix longiore, crassiusculo ad basin paulo dilatato, punc-
tulato ad apicem laevi, thorace confertim cribrato latitudine non longiore, lateribus paulo
rotundatis, ad apicem subtubulato, ad basin medio profunde foveato ; elytris subovatis longius-
culis subaenescentibus, convexis, striis valde crenatis, interstitiis subrugosis, uniseriatim
punctulatis, ad basin subtruncatis humeris rotundatis ; antennis versus rostri basin insertis.
Long. -08.
One specimen, San Francisco ; another found by Dr. Cooper at Prairie Paso. Belongs to
Schonherr's Stirps 1, near A. Sayi, but is much smaller and more elongate, being nearly the
shape of A. proclive.
A. proclive , nigro-subaeneum fere opacum, parce cinereo-pubescens, capite punctato, inter
oculos sulcato, rostro corporis dimidio haud breviore, tenui cylindrico paulo arcuato, utrinque
ad latera postice unistriato ; thorace latitudine haud longiore antrorsum angustato, lateribus
parum rotundatis, ad apicem transversim paulo constricto, grosse punctato, basi medio foveato ;
elytris convexis ovatis, huraeris obtuse rotundatis, thorace duplo latioribus, striis crenatis,
interstitiis subplanis subtilissime rugosis ; antennis versus rostri basin insertis. Long. 08..
San Francisco, June, not rare. The foregoing characters will enable it very readily to be
recognized. It may be, perhaps, A. cuprescens Mann., but the description of the latter is not
very definite, and its locality is Sitkha.
A. cribricolle, nigrum (capite fracto,) rostro crassiusculo subarcuato, thorace paulo longiore,
subtiliter rugose punctulato ; thorace latitudine haud breviore confertini cribrato-punctato, ad
apicem angustato et subconstricto, lateribus subparallelis, pone medium canaliculato ; elytris
virescentibus fere nitidis, striis crenatis, interstitiis planis subrugosis, subtilissime uniseriatim
pubescentibus, convexis longius ovatis, ad basin subtruncatis, humeris obtuse rotundatis ;
antennis ad rostri medium insertis. Long. *07.
San Francisco, one specimen.
A. cavifrons, nigrum parce subtiliter cinereo-pubescens, capite punctato, inter oculos
tenuiter carinato utrinque longe excavate, rostro thorace paulo longiore, crassiusculo cylindrico,
versus basin opaco ; thorace latitudine haud breviore, antrorsum angustato, lateribus paulo
rotundatis, confertim cribrato-punctato linea dorsali profunde antice paulo abbreviata ; elytris
ovatis longiusculis convexis fere nitidis subvirescentibus, striis fortiter crenatis, interstitiis vix
rugulosis, uniseriatim punctulatis, ad basin subtruncatis humeris obtuse rotundatis ; antennis
versus rostri medium insertis, articulis baseos duabus rufis. Long. -08.
Prairie Paso, Dr. Cooper. Only one specimen was obtained of this very interesting species ;
the thorax is not at all constricted at the apex.
A. protensum, valde elongatum, nigrum, capite punctato inter oculos subfoveato, ante oculos
54 U. S P. R R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
transversim impresso, rostro thorace longiore, tenui punctulato ad apicem laavi, pone medium
paulo dilatato ; thorace latitudine sesqui longiore, ad medium paulo rotundato, ad apicem
subtubulato, grosse punctato, postice canaliculate, elytris elongatis subovalibus, convexis, striis
crenatis interstitiis rugosis biseriatim subtilissime punctulatis ; antennis pone rostri medium
insertis. Long. '08.
San Francisco. The elytra are twice as wide as the thorax, and are almost regularly oval ;
more than twice as long as their greatest width.
SITONES Germ.
S. vittatus, elongatus niger, dense cinereo squamosus, fronte sulcato, rostro extrorsum late
concavo. thorace latitudine longiore, fusco bivittato, subcanaliculato punctato, elytris striatis
interstitiis 2 ; 4, 6 et 8vo fuscis, reliquis cinereis uniseriatim setulosis ; oculis parum pro-
minulis. Long. '17.
San Francisco and San Diego. Of the size, shape, and sculpture of S. seniculus , but differs
by the regular vittse of the elytra, and by the entirely black antenna? ; the rostrum is concave
only beyond the extremity of the frontal groove.
S. sordidus, longiusculus niger, dense sordide squamosus, fronte sulcato, rostro ad apicem
concavo, thorace latitudine haud longiore, punctato vix vittato ; elytris striatis interstitiis
alternis uniseriatim setulosis ; antennis ad basin ferrugineis ; oculis parum prominulis.
Long. '2.
With the preceding. Larger and less slender than S. seniculus, and distinguished by the
rostrum being slightly narrowed at base, and flat above as far as the end of the frontal groove,
and then concave to the apex. In S. seniculus the rostrum is concave for nearly its entire
length, and is not at all narrowed at the base. The color of the scales is cinereous in S. seni
culus, and dirty yellowish brown in the present species.
ALOPHUS Schonh.
A. didymus, niger, ochreo fusco subtiliter dense pubescens, rostro canaliculate, thorace dense
punctato, latitudine vix breviore, antice profunde constricto, lateribus antice paulo rotundatis
tenuiter canaliculate, vitta utrinque sublaterali pallidiore ; elytris thorace sesqui latioribus,
dense subtiliter rugose punctulatis, ochreo nigroque subtesselatis, gutta utrinque ante medium
alteraque ad dodrantem densius pallide pubescentibus. Long. '48.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sciences 7, 20.
Oregon, Dr. Townsend. Smaller and narrower than A. alternatus Say, and readily distin
guished by the different form of the thorax, and by the absence of elytral stride.
A. conslrictus. On comparing a specimen from Sitkha, sent me by Baron Chaudoir, and one
collected by Dr. Cooper on the journey from Vancouver to Yokolt, with A. alternatus Say,
found at Lake Superior, I find them entirely different. The species from Oregon and Kussian
America has the sides of the thorax subserrate and the apex strongly constricted ; the body is,
also, more elongate, and the thorax is much smaller. A. didymus approaches it more nearly ;
the thorax of that species is not at all narrowed towards the base, and the sides are not serrate.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 55
LISTRODERES Schonh.
L. teretrirostris, niger oblongus, cinereo-sordide squamosus, capite rostroque confertim punc-
tatis, illo thorace paulo breviore paulo arcuato, cylindrico, dense argenteo squamoso baud
carinato, fronte sufoveato, tborace latitudine longiore, lateribus rotundatis, confertissime punc
tato, parce nigro-punctato et pilosello ; elytris tborace latioribus, latitudine fere duplo longiori-
bus ad basin late emarginatis, humeris rotundatis, nigro-variegatis striis punctatis interstitiis
parce uniseriatim nigro-punctatis et setulosis ; antennis piceis, articulo 3io secundo plus sesqui
longiore. Long. *24.
One specimen, San Francisco. Two other specimens were found, of a much smaller size,
(•15 — '18,) but I can find no character upon which to separate them, except that the scales
upon the thorax appear more flat, so that no scabrous appearance results.
L. oregonensis, niger oblongus, sordide squamosus, rostro thorace vix breviore, confertim
punctato et rugoso, subtiliter carinato, capite confertim punctato, thorace grosse confertissime
punctato, latitudine vix breviore, lateribus rotundatis, antrorsum angustato ad apicem trans-
versim paulo impresso, elytris thorace latioribus ad basin truncatis, latitudine sesqui longiori-
bus, humeris paulo rotundatis, striis punctatis, interstitiis confertim punctulatis ; antennis
nigris, articulo 3io secundo fere duplo longiore. Long. '27; lat. elytrorum '11.
One specimen, Shoalwater Bay, Dr. Cooper. The scales are nearly all removed by the
spirits in which it was preserved.
HYLOBIUS Germ.
HJ taeniatus, elongatus, ater opacus, tenuiter flavo-pubescens, rostro 5-sulcato, ad apicem
latiore, thorace inaequali grosse valde punctato, latitudine vix longiore, lateribus late rotun
datis, irregulariter late canaliculate, et antrorsum vago impresso ; elytris thorace sesqui latiori
bus, ad basin subtruncatis, punctis magnis quadratis striatim positis, interstitiis granulato-punc-
tatis, quinto macula ad quadrantem, alteraque ad dodrantem flavo-pilosis, macula subhumerali
scutelloque flavo-pilosis ; antennis elongatis, femoribus, muticis. Long. '53.
One specimen, Vancouver, Colonel McCall. The middle groove of the rostrum commences
in a fovea between the eyes, and extends to the apex ; the lateral grooves are in front of the
eyes, they are broad behind, and gradually narrowed anteriorly, vanishing a little beyond the
middle ; the intermediate grooves are vague and anterior. The antennal grooves extend to the
inferior part of the eyes, and are deep ; the two basal joints of the funiculus are elongate, the
second is one-half longer than the first, and twice as long as the third. This species cannot be
a Hylobius, but I do not know where to place it ; and while the family of Curculionidae is in
such inextricable confusion as has been produced by the generic descriptions of Schonherr, it is
absurd to establish any other genera, except upon the most remarkable characters. The
characters, however, seem to be nearly those of Geonemus.
H. torpidus, ater, capite cum rostro confertim punctato, hoc subtiliter carinato, ad apicem
incrassato, thorace profunde canaliculate, latitudine baud longiore subrotundato, rude rugose
punctato, interstitiis punctatis, elytris connatis ovalibus, postice perpendiculariter declivibus,
thorace baud sesqui latioribus, dense nigro-squamosis, breviter setulosis, punctis magnis oper-
culatis striatis, postice versus latera squarnulis luteis variegatis ; femoribus muticis, tibiis
anticis curvatig intus serratis. Long. *3 — '32.
56 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY — 47TH PARALLEL.
Oregon, Dr. Townsend and Mr. Gibbs. The specimen collected by Dr. Townsend was given
to me by Mr. Willcox, as Barynotus torpidus of the Berlin Museum ; but the species belongs as
little to Barynotus as to Hylobius. The prothorax is lobed behind the eyes ; the rostrum is
longer than the head, with the antennal groove very short and slightly flexed. The antennae
are slender, with the first and second joints of the funiculus elongate, the others rounded, short
and equal.
PTOCHUS Schonherr.
P. saccatus, ater cinereo-pubescens, capite cum rostro confertissime punctate, canaliculate,
hoc ad basin impresso, ultra medium concavo, thorace latitudine plus duplo breviore, lateribus
parum rotundatis, confertim sat grosse punctato ; elytrls globosis, punctis quadratis striatis, in-
terstitiis punctulatis. Long. '2.
Oregon, Dr. Cooper. The scales and most of the pubescence have been removed.
P. globiventris, ater, supra parce viridi-argenteo squamosus, capite thoraceque cinereo-pubes-
centibus, illo cum rostro profunde punctato, fronte fovea oblonga impresso, rostro piano ; thorace
latitudine breviore, lateribus rotundatis, grosse sat dense punctato, elytris globosis punctato-
striatis, interstitiis obsolete punctulatis. Long. '2.
San Francisco, one specimen. The antennal grooves are very short, and on the upper surface
of the rostrum, which at tip is hardly emarginate. The body beneath is thinly clothed with
cinereous hair, and greenish white scales. The antennal club is longer than in the preceding
species.
OTIORIIYNCHUS Germ.
0. segnis, elongatus niger, squamulis cinereis fuscisque vestitus, capite rostroque confertim
punctatis, hoc capite paulo longiore, vage longitudinaliter impresso, ad basin transversim im
presso, thorace latitudine vix longiore, ovali lateribus rotundato, densissime punctato, vix obso
lete canaliculate, elytris elongato-ovalibus, postice valde declivibus, thorace parum latioribus,
punctis rotundatis operculatis striatis ; tibiis anticis valde curvatis, intus parce serratis.
Long. -4.
Sacramento, Mr. Wittick ; Prairie Paso, Dr. Cooper.
OJ naso, alatus niger (cinereo? squamosus), capite rostroque confertim punctatis, hoccarinato,
capite duplo longiore ad apicem valde dilatato ; thorace latitudine baud breviore, antrorsum
angustato, lateribus paulo rotundatis, confertissime punctato, elytris ad basin thorace sesque
latioribus, humeris obtusis distinctis, punctato-striatis, interstitiis punctulatis ; tibiis anticis
curvatis, intus subserratis. Long. -36.
Oregon, Col. McCall. Certainly not Otiorhynchus. The thorax is not lobed behind the
eyes ; the ungues are distant and free, and the antennae are as in Otiorhynchus. The form of
body is somewhat as in Phyllobius or Brachystylus, and still more as in Platyomus ; the anten
nal grooves are slightly deflexed, but become obsolete posteriorly ; the divergence of the apical
lobes of the rostrum is as great as in Otiorhynchus.
TYLODERES Schonherr.
T. gemmatus, ater, breviter parce setulosus, dense sordide cinereo-squamosus, rostro carinato,
capite plus duplo longiore, ad apicem latiore ; thorace latitudine sublongiore, lateribus rotunda
tis, antrorsum paulo angustiore, tuberculis nitidis obsito, profunde canaliculate, canali lateri-
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 57
busque pallidioribus ; elytris conDatis ovalibus, postice perpendiculariter declivibus, sutura cos-
tisque tribus densius, interstitiis parce tuberculatis. Long. '3t — "45.
Shoalwater Bay, Dr. Cooper. Seems to agree more nearly with Tyloderes than with any
other genus, but the thorax is very slightly lobed behind the eyes.
EMPHTASTES Mann.
E. fucicola, nigro-piceus, testaceo limbatus, vel totus testaceus, glaber, oblongus ; rostro
sulcis utrinque duabus postice convergentibus, sulcoque antico notato, thorace rotundato sub-
transverso parce punctato ; elytris ovalibus convexis postice subacutis striatis interstitiis convexis,
rugose punctulatis punctisque magnis sparsis impressis, pedibus testaceis genubus tibiarum apice
tarsique infuscatis. Long. '3. Tab. II, fig. 8.
Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1852.
Sitkha and San Francisco, near the sea shore under sea weed. This genus is very remarkable
by the tibiae being thick, and much dilated at the apex. A smaller species was found by me at
San Diego.
Lixus Fabr.
L. auctus, elongatus ater, dense cinereo-pubescens, flavo-pollinosus, frontepuncto impresso ;
thorace punctis nigris nitidis paucis notato, latitudine baseos haud breviore, antrorsum angustato,
lateribus fere rectis, dorso late minus profunde sulcato ; elytris punctis grossis striatis, ad apiceni
singulatim longe acuminatis ; femoribus muticis. Long. -5.
Oregon, Dr. J. K. Townsend. One specimen given to me by Mr. Willcox under the above
name.
MAGDALINUS Germ.
M. imbeUis, piceo-ferrugineus, rostro sat dense, capite confertim punctate, inter oculos breviter
canaliculate, thorace latitudine haud longiore, antrorsum angustato, lateribus rotundatis, angulis
posticis acutis prominulis, confertissime punctato, subcarinato ; elytris parallelis apice rotundatis,
dense rugosis parce squamulosis, fortiter punctato striatis ; postpeotore abdomineque nigris ;
femoribus subtus unidentatis. Long. '24.
One specimen found by Dr. Cooper on the journey from Vancouver to Yokolt.
M. gracilis, magis elongatus niger opacus, capite rostroque confertim punctatis, thorace
quadrato, lateribus parallelis antice subserratis, ad apicem subito angustato, et subtubulato,
confluenter punctato, linea antica vix laevi notato ; elytris thorace parum latioribus, elytris
striis crenatis, interstitiis connexis rugosis uniseriatim albo-setulosis ; femoribus unidentatis.
Long. '16.
San Francisco, not rare. Sufficiently distinct by the above characters from any found in the
Atlantic States.
BALANINUS Germ.
B. uniformis, piceus, undique densissime fulvo-pubescens, concolor, rostro ferrugineo, corpore
paulo breviore, arcuato laevigato, thorace latitudine breviore, antrorsum valde angustato,
lateribus paulo rotundato ad apicem subtubulato, elytris latitudine haud sesqui longioribus, a
humeris postice sensim angustatis, striato punctatis ; femoribus subtus acute dentatis. Long. -28.
Sacramento, Mr. Wittick ; Steilacoom, Dr. Suckley. Resembles much a species which I con-
8 Q
58 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
sider as S. nasicus Schonh., but the rostrum has only a very few punctures near the base, the
thorax is more generally rounded in front, and the elytra are more regularly narrowed from
the base and less rounded on the sides ; the color of the pubescence is almost entirely uniform.
BARIDIUS Schonherr.
B. macer, niger nitidus, elongatus, capite rostroque confertim punctatis hoc ad basin transversim
impresso arcuato, [thorace paulo breviore ; thorace latitudine hand longiore, a basi sensim, ad
apicem subito rotundatim angustato, sat dense grossius punctate, linea dorsali vix conspicuo ;
elytris vix impressis, striis profundis leviter punctatis, interstitiis uniseriatim punctulatis,
pygidio grosse confluenter punctato. Long. '13 — '15.
San Francisco ; belongs to Schonherr 's Stirps 1.
B seriatus, elongatus, niger subnitidus, capite parce punctulato, opaco, rostro rugose punctato,
arcuato, thorace vix breviore, ad basin transversim impresso ; thorace grosse punctato ; latitudine
vix longiore, lateribus subparallelis ante medium valde rotundatis ; elytris striis impunctatis
profundis, interstitiis uniseriatim fortius punctulatis. Long. '09.
One specimen found at San Francisco ; belongs to the same division as the preceding.
ANALCIS Schonherr.
A. morbillosus, elongatus ovalis, niger, thorace latitudine paulo longiore, lateribus pone
medium, subparallelis ante medium rotundatis, disperse at profunde foveatim punctato, spatio
dorsali sublaevi haud elevato, guttis utrinque ad medium albo-pilosis, elytris maculis albopubes-
centibus variegatis, seriatim foveatim punctatis, interstitiis subrugosis. Long. '2.
One specimen found at San Francisco. Nearly allied to A.foveolatus, (Tyloderma foveolatum
Say,} but distinguished by the thorax being not carinate, much less densely foveolate and not
narrowed or rounded on the sides behind the middle ; also by the spots being formed of white
instead of yellow pubescence.
EHYNCOPHORUS Schonherr.
R. asperulus, elongato-ovalis, niger nitidus, fronte foveato, rostro ad latera punctato, thorace
latitudine longiore, minus subtiliter punctato, punctis ad latera asperatis, linea dorsali vix
distincta ; elytris striis fortiter punctatis, interstitiis uniseriatim subtiliter punctatis, seriebus
saepe paulo confusis. Long. '5.
One specimen, Sacramento ; Mr. Wittick. The punctures of the thorax become gradually
muricated towards the sides, where they are acute and terminated by a very short bristle.
SPHENOPHORUS Schonherr.
S. gentilis, piceo et rufo-piceo variegatus, nitidus, elongatus, rostro cylindrico, punctato, ad
basin canaliculate, canali in fovea frontali desinente ; thorace latitudine longiore, lateribus paral-
lelis antice rotundatis, ad apicem breviter tubulato, dense grosse punctato, linea latiuscula
dorsali laevi ; elytris striis valde profundis, modice puactatis, interstitiis uniseriatim subtiliter
punctatis. Long. '28 — '36.
San Jose, California ; belongs with most of our native species to the division of the genus
with narrow tarsi and cylindrical rostrum, but differs from all others in my collection by the
thorax being without impressions, and having only a single elongated dorsal smooth space.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 59
DENDROCTONUS Er.
D. valens, rufo-piceus, flavo-hirtus, capite rugose punctate, thorace latitudine breviore,
lateribus postice fere parallelis antice convergentibus, ad apicem sinuato, ad basin late bisinuato,
confertissime punctate, linea tenui dorsali pone medium sublaevi, antice vage transversim
impresso, subtubulato ; elytris cylindricis confertim granulato-punctatis, striis vagis, foveatim
punctatis. Long. '34.
One specimen, San Francisco ; Mr. Child. Much larger and broader than trie next species,
and differs from the large species of the Atlantic States by the finer and denser punctuation of
the thorax.
D. similis, rufo-piceus, flavo-hirtus, capite rugose punctato canaliculate, canali interrupto,
thorace latitudine breviore, a basi antrorsum sensim angustato, lateribus rotundatis, ad apicem
profundius sinuato, ad basin late bisinuato, confertissime punctato, antice vage transversim im
presso subtulato ; elytris cylindricis confertim granulato-punctatis, striis vagis foveatim punc
tatis. Long. '25.
Oregon, abundant ; collected by Col. McCall and Dr. Cooper.
BOSTRICHUS Fabr.
B. pubipennis, cylindricus longiusculus, nigro-piceus, thorace latitudine sesqui longiore, ante
medium tuberculato et exasperate parce puberulo, pone medium parce punctulato, elytris subti-
lissime punctulatis dense flavo-puberulis et parce setulosis, postice oblique declivibus baud
armatis ; capite piano marginibus longe flavo-pilosis. Long. •!.
San Jose, California.
CORTHYLUS Er.
C. scutellaris, cylindricus, piceo-niger, nitidus, capite convexo scabro, thorace latitudine baud
sesqui longiore, ante medium sensim asperato ; elytris versus basin indeterminate rufo-piceis,
subtiliter subseriatim parce punctatis, postice declivibus, granulis tribus vel quatuor parvis
armatis ; pedibus antennisque run's, his clava obscuriore. Long. *13.
One specimen, San Jose, California. Less elongate than 0 .fasciatus.
ERGATES Serv.
E. spiculatus, elongatus piceus, capite profundissime canaliculate, tuberculo suboculari valde
acuto, elytris rugose punctatis. Long. 2415 — 2'55. Tab. II, fig. 9.
Mas antennis longioribus, extrorsum attenuatis, articulis 3 — 4 punctis elevatis exasperatis,
thorace latitudine duplo breviore subtiliter dense scabro, vage inaequali antice biiinpresso, late
ribus serratis, femoribus anticis subtus tranversim rugosis. Fig. 9a.
Femina, antennis corpore duplo brevioribus, articulis punctatis, thorace antrorsum angustato,
lateribus inaequaliter longe spinosis, dense fortius scabro inaequali, antice utrinque subcalloso.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 218.
Tricliocnemis spiculatus Lee. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2nd ser. 2, 110.
Oregon and California. The genus Tricliocnemis was established by me upon the female of
this species, under the belief that the pubescence of the anterior feet differed from that of
Ergates. But on comparing with the European species, I find no sufficient reason why they
should not be placed together, and it therefore gives me pleasure to make the necessary correction.
60 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
ASEMUM Serv.
A. asperum, nigro-piceum, tenuiter pubescens, capite scabro-punctato, oculis magnis valde
emarginatis, thorace latitudine breviore rotundato punctate, medio late excavato, versus latera
punctis elevatis exasperate, elytris subtiliter scabris, lineis duabus obsoletis vix distinctis.
Long. -7 — '9.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sciences, 7, 18.
Prairie Paso, Dr. Cooper, found in July and August. This fine species seems intermediate
between Criocephalus and Asemum ; the eyes though as large as in the former genus are deeply
emarginate ; the antennae are hardly half as long as the body, and pubescent. The discoidal
excavation of the thorax does not extend much in front of the middle.
OPSIMUS.]. Esch.
0. quadrilineatus, piceus pubescens, capite punctato, canaliculate, thorace confertissime
punctulato, canaliculate, lateribus medio spina acuta retro tendente armatis, pone spinam con-
cavis, ante spinam rotundatis ; elytris elongatis, saepe fusco-testaceis, densissime punctulatis,
lineis utrinque duabus tenuibus elevatis, tertiaque externa obsoleta ; femoribus crassis, oculis
divisis. Long. '37. Tab. II, fig. 10.
Mann. Bull. Mosc.
Sitkha, Baron Chaudoir and Col. Motschulsky ; Oregon, Dr. Cooper. The genus Opsimus
was founded upon this species, but I have not found any description of it in print. It is closely
allied to Tetropium (Criomorphus Muls.) in the form of the head and eyes, but the maxillary
palpi are much longer than the labial, and the anterior coxae are not transverse, and but slightly
angulated externally ; the antennae taper gradually outwards, and are quite hairy, much longer
in the male than in the female.
CALLIDIUM Fabr.
O. aeneum, aeneo-piceum, parcius pubescens, thorace latitudine breviore, rotundato punctulato,
antice posticeque marginato, elytris thorace paulo latioribus, nitidissimis, parce punctatis, femo
ribus valde clavatis, antennis ad basin rufescentibus. Long. *3.
Phymatodes aeneus Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 18.
One specimen found by Dr. Cooper on the journey from Vancouver to Yokolt Plain. This
species somewhat resembles in appearance C. aereum Newm.
C. Manner Jieimii, piceum subtiliter dense pnbescens, thorace latitudine breviore, lateribus ro
tundatis, utrinque angustato, dense punctulato, linea dorsali sublaevi, elytris a basi ad dimi-
dium obscure ferrugineis, femoribus ad basin rufo-piceis. Long. '44.
Callidium dimidiatum\\ Mann. Bull. Mosc. 1846.
One specimen, Steilacoom, Dr. Suckley. Kesembles C. dimidiatum Kirby, (palliatum Hald.,)
but differs in the thorax, being narrowed before as well as towards the base.
C. vulneratum, nigro-piceum nitidum, capite thoraceque fortius punctatis, hoc latitudine vix
breviore, lateribus late rotundatis, ad basin angustato, parce pilosello ; elytris a basi ad medium
fortiter minus dense punctatis, obscure ferruginus, dein subtiliter punctulatis nigro-piceis,
fascia transversa albicante subelevata ad medium notatis. Long. '35.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 6J
One specimen, found at San Francisco by Mr. Child. The whitish fascia is slightly elevated,
and is directed slightly forwards from the margin to the suture.
C. decussatum, piceum nitidum parce pubescens, capite dense, thorace fortius punctate, lati-
tudine vix breviore, lateribus rotundatis, antice posticeque angustato, antice transversim
impresso, linea dorsali sublaevi, elytris parce fortiter punctatis, versus apicem sensim laevibus,
ad basin pallidioribus, fascia postice obliqua ante medium, alteraque antice tendente pone
medium albicantibus subelevatis ornatis. Long. '25.
One specimen, Sacramento, California, Mr. Wittick. The two fasciae, with those of the
opposite side, produce a figure nearly like the diagonals of a square ; the anterior one is
suddenly angulated near the margin.
CROSSIDIUS Lee.
CJ hirtipes, ater, thorace confertim punctato latitudine breviore, lateribus obtuse armatis,
ad basin marginato, disco utrinque pone medium subfoveato ; elytris confertim subtilius punc
tatis,, fulvis sutura basique nigromarginatis, abdomine sanguineo ad basin obscuro ; subtus
parcius longe pilosus, tibiis intus dense pilosis. Long. '5.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. *7, 18.
One specimen, found by Dr. Cooper on the journey from Wenass river to Fort Colville. The
palpi and antennae are destroyed ; it should possibly form a separate genus, as the mandibles
are emarginate at tip, as in Crossidius, while the thorax, as in Purpuricenus, is obtusely armed
at the sides. The upper surface may have been hairy, but the hair has been entirely removed ;
the elevated lines are hardly visible.
The genus Crossidius was constructed by me upon a pale yellow hairy insect from San Diego,
having the antennae 12-jointed, the mandibles emarginate, the thorax rounded, the elytra not
truncate, and the body very hairy.
KOSALIA Serv.
E. funebris, supra holosericea, capite atro, thorace cinereo, macula magna ovali dorsali alter-
aque utrinque minore nigris, 4-tuberculato ; scutello cinereo, elytris atris, fascia ante medium,
altera pone dodrantem, margineque apicali cinereis, punctoque sublaterali pone medium saepe
ornatis; subtus cinereus holosericeus, antennis cinereo-annulatis. Long. 1'OS — 1'32. Tab.
II, fig. 11.
Motschulsky, Bull. Mosc. 1845, 1, 87, tab. 2, fig. 8 ; Mann. ibid. 1852.
Rosalia alpina (err. typog.) Lee. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2d ser. 2.
Oregon, at the Dalles, Dr. Suckley, and at Steilacoom, Mr. Gibbs. Found at Sitkha, according
to Motschulsky. Varies with the lateral whitish dot of the elytra wanting ; also, with the pos
terior fascia interrupted at the suture, and not extending to the margin ; the fasciae vary much
in breadth, and are sometimes dilated at the suture.
CLYTUS Fabr.
C. conjunctus, niger, thorace latitudine paulo breviore, margine antico flavo, dorso longitudi-
naliter elevato, et carinulis quatuor vel quinque transversis notato ; elytris annulo basali
interrupto ad suturam extendente, fasciisque duabus posticis linea suturali connexis pallide
62 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
flavis ; abdomine flavo, nigro annulate ; femorum basi tibiis tarsis antennisque ferrugineis,
femoribus posticis modice elongatis. Long. *65.
One specimen, San Francisco, Mr. Child. Similar to C. capraea, but, besides slight differences
in the form of the basal yellow ring-like mark, the two posterior fasciae are connected by a
yellow sutural line.
ULOCHAETES Lee.
Caput deflexum, fronte quadrate perpendiculari, pone oculos subito at parum constrictum ;
oculi emarginati ; antennae inter oculos pone medium insertae ; palpi breves articulis turbinatis
subaequalibus ; antennae corporis dimidio aequales, articulis 3io et 4to conjunctis 5 to aequali-
bus. Thorax transversus lateribus et dorso acute tuberculatus, densissime pilosus. Elytra
abbreviata, scabra ad apicem subacute rotundata, humeris valde elevatis. Tarsi posteriores
articulo Imo sequentibus conjunctis aequali. Alae abdomine longiores rectae.
This genus contains but one very remarkable species allied to Necydalis. It differs, however,
by its much less elongate form, by its less constricted neck, and also by the different propor
tions of the joints of the antennae ; the elytra diverge posteriorly, showing a tendency to a
subulate form.
U. leoninus, niger, capite griseo-pubescente, thorace antrorsum angustato densissime longe
griseo-piloso, antice valde transversim impresso, postice paulo constricto, elytris opacis adapicein
late testaceis ; tibiis testaceis apice nigris ; antennis basi obscure testaceis, alis fuliginosis.
Long. -96. Tab. II, fig. 12.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 82.
One specimen, found at Prairie Paso by Dr. Cooper. The scutel is smooth and shining, with
the sides hairy ; the pectus is thinly clothed with grayish hairs.
ACMAEOPS Lee.
A. coriacea, nigro-picea, crassa, parum nitida, thorace lateribus acute tuberculatis, elytris
postice obtusis, rugosis. Long. '75. Tab. II, fig. 13.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 219.
Piodes coriacea Lee. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2d ser. 1, 318.
Oregon. From its large size and stout form this insect resembles in appearance a small
Prionus, and was, therefore, placed by me as a separate genus ; on a careful reconsideration, I
could find no characters of importance by which to retain it as distinct from Acmaeops.
A. fusca, pubescens, fusca, capite confertim punctato, canaliculate, thorace confirtim punctato,
latitudine vix breviore, antrorsum angustato et ibi lateribus rotundato, ad apicem vix constricto
fortius marginato, linea dorsali postica laevi ; elytris sat dense versus basin paulo fortius ad
apicem subtilius punctatis, parallelis postice obtusis. Long. '5.
Sacramento, Mr. Wittick. Allied to A. californicus Lee., but is larger and stouter, with
the thorax less rounded on the sides, which are parallel behind the middle ; the thorax is also
more strongly margined and less constricted at the apex ; the punctures of the elytra towards
the base are smaller and more dense than in that species, and the humeri are less prominent.
A. lugens, atra pubescens, capite confertim punctato canaliculate, thorace confertim punctato,
linea dorsali postica laevi, latitudine breviore, lateribus antice valde rotundatis, ad apicem
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 63
fortius marginato, subito constricto et breviter tubulate; elytris sat dense postice subtilius
punctatis, parallelis postice obtusis. Long. '5.
One specimen, found at Sacramento by Mr. Wittick. Resembles the preceding, but the form
of the thorax is very different.
A. subcyanea, nigra parce pubescens, capite thoraceque minus dense punctatis, hoc linea
dorsali sublaevi, latitudine haud breviore, antrorsum subangustato, lateribus antice paulo
rotundatis, ad apicem constricto breviter tubulato ; elytris antice fortiter minus dense, postice
subtilius punctatis, obscure cyaneis, parallelis postice obtusis. Long. *41.
San Francisco, Mr. Child. Also related to the preceding and to the next species, but differs
by the thorax being less densely punctured. The elytra are more coarsely and less densely
punctured towards the base than in A. lugens and fusca, resembling in this character A. sub-
aenea Lee., from which it differs by the thorax being broadly rounded, and not angulated at
the sides.
A. tumida, cyaneo-atra pubescens, capite thoraceque confertim punctatis, hoc linea dorsali
laevi, latitudine breviore, convexo, lateribus postice parallelis, antice valde rotundatis, ad
apicem valde constricto et tubulato ; elytris antice fortiter minus dense, postice subtilius punc
tatis, a basi paulo angustatis postice obtusis. Long. *42.
One specimen, San Francisco, Mr. Child. The thorax is formed as in A. lugens, but the
elytra are punctured as in A. subcyanea.
TOXOTUS Serv.
T. flavo-lineatus, niger flavo-pubescens, thorace antice posticeque valde constricto, nitido
parcius punctulato, canaliculate, lateribus tuberculo magno acuto armatis ; elytris a basi
angustatis, thorace duplo latioribus dense punctulatis et rugosis, margine a basi fere ad apicem
vittaque utrinque dorsali postice evanescente antice abbreviata ornatis ad apicem oblique sub-
truncatis. Long. I/O.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 18.
One specimen, found by Dr. Cooper on the journey from Vancouver to Yokolt Plain. The
elytra on each side of the yellow discoidal vittae are marked with a distinct elevated line.
T. spurcus, testaceus, supra parce subtiliter pubescens, capite canaliculato, subtiliter thorace
evidentius rugose punctate, hoc canaliculato latitudine paulo longiore antrorsum angustato,
utrinque transversim valde impresso, lateribus spin a valid a acuta armatis ; elytris thorace duplo
latioribus parallelis postice obtusis spina brevi suturali armatis, antice fortius postice subtilius
punctatis, gutta submarginali ad medium strigisque duabus posticis nigricantibus. Long. '96.
Steilacoom, one specimen, Mr. Gibbs. Of the same form as T. Schaumii Lee., but the elytra
are not obliquely truncate at tip. The elytra of the male are therefore probably slightly nar
rowed from the shoulders. The fourth joint of the antennae is a little shorter than the third,
and one-half as long as the fifth.
LEPTURA Linn.
L. vitiosa, nigra, flavo-pubescens, capite rufo-variegato, thorace confertim punctato, latitu
dine breviore antrorsum angustato, lateribus subangulatis basique subito depressa testaceis,
angulis posticis productis, disco nigro subcanaliculato, postice utrinque oblique impresso ; elytris
punctatis, flavis macula laterali ad medium apiceque late nigris, a basi angustatis ad apicem
64 CT. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
oblique emarginatis ; pedibus testaceis, femoribus, tibiis que posticis ad apicem, genubus tar-
sisque nigris, antennis pallido annulatis. Long. '7.
Strangalia vitiosa Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 18.
Fort Vancouver and Prairie Paso, Dr. Cooper. In one specimen the third joint of the
antennae is entirely black ; in the other it is pale at the base, like the following ones. This
species closely resembles L. obliterates, but the thorax is shorter and more broad behind. The
impressions are much stronger, and the disc is separated from the base by a sudden declivity.
The basal margin is yellow ; and on the elytra there is no trace of the two spots before the
middle, seen in S. obliterata, and the apex is not at all rufous.
The testaceous sides of the thorax and annulated antennae were not mentioned in the descrip
tion given by me of Strangalia obliterata, (Journ. Ac. Nat. Sc. 2d ser. 1, 328,) as, on account
of the very dark color of the only specimen then known to me, they were not observed.
L. impura, longiuscula, sordide testacea, flavo-pubescens, capite thoraceque obscuris dense
punctatis, illo linea frontali subtili, thorace latitudine paulo longiore, convexo, lateribus postice
parallelis ad medium subangulatis, ad apicem breviter constricto ; elytris confertim punctatis,
macula rotundata submarginali ad medium nigricante notatis, a humeris postice subangustatis
ad apicem oblique truncatis. Long. '4.
One specimen, without antennae, sent by Mr. Wittick from Sacramento. Quite distinct from
every other species known to me, and, although of a slender form, seems to belong to the (A — 7)
division of Strangalia. — (Vide Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2d ser. 1, 332.)
L. laeta, crassiuscula nigra dense sericeo aureo-pubescens, thorace convexo, utrinque con
stricto, lateribus valde rotundatis, medio tuberculatis ; elytris nigris, fasciis quatuor latis flavis
aureo-pubescentibus, fasciis secunda et tertia ad suturam connexis ; pedibus ferrugineis, anten
nis corporis dimidio haud longioribus crassis, oreque obscure ferrugineis. Long. '6.
California, at Sacramento, Mr. Wittick ; Steilacoom, Mr. Gibbs. A very beautiful species,
allied to L. nitens, but very distinct. The anterior yellow fascia is curved, and sometimes con.
nects with the second at the suture.
L. amabilis, elongata nigra, supra parce subtiliter pubescens, capite thoraceque confertissime
punctatis, hoc latitudine haud longiore, antrorsum angustato, lateribus rotundatis, ad apicem
constricto, ante basin transversim impresso, angulis posticis acutis ; elytris intra humeros
longius impressis, confertim punctatis, macula rotundata prope scutellum, fascia postice obliqua
ante medium, altera latiore ad trientem ab apice, et macula rotundata ante apicem pallide
flavis, postice subangustatis, ad apicem oblique emarginatis ; antennis pedibusque obscure
ferrugineis, femoribus infuscatis. Long. '3.
A very beautiful little species, of which a single specimen was collected by Mr. Gibbs at
Steilacoom. It belongs, with the preceding, to division (A — 7) of Strangalia.
L. valida, elongata, testacea, subtilius pubescens, thorace parvo latitudine longiore, ante
medium angustato, utrinque constricto, canaliculate, dense subtilius punctato, parceque grosse
punctato ; elytris thorace duplo latioribus, nebulis duabus ante medium, duabus ad medium
alteraque maiore ante apicem fuscis, parallelis postice obtusis, spina suturali prominula. Long.
1-05. Tab. II, fig. 14.
One specimen, from Shoalwater Bay, Dr. Cooper. Of the anterior spots, the inner is larger ;
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 65
but of the pair at the middle, the outer one is larger, near the margin, and placed in advance
of the inner one.
L. crassipes, elongata, nigra, capite thoraceque longius flavo-pilosis, hoc latitudine longiore,
convexo, antrorsum, parum angustato, utrinque constricto, lateribus medio valde rotundatis ;
elytris fortius punctatis, breviter pubescentibus, intra humeros longius impressis, luteis mar-
gine termi, macula subhumerali altera ad medium trienteque postica nigris, macula flava
rotundata ante apicem signatis, postice subangustatis ad apicem oblique truncatis ; pedibus
crassiusculis testaceis, antennis validis nigris. Long. '44.
Steilacoom, Mr. G-ibbs. The black spots of the elytra are all connected by a narrow black
margin. The elytra are shaped as in L. octonotata Say, but the thorax is deeply constricted
at each end ; this species, with the next, and Franlcenliaeuseri and maoilenta, form a group not
represented in the Atlantic States, somewhat approaching Centrodera Lee. in form.
L. fuscicollis, elongata testacea, capite thoraceque nigro-fuscis, breviter pubescentibus,
densissime punctatis, hoc latitudine longiore, antrorsum angustato, utrinque profunde con
stricto, lateribus medio obtuse tuberculatis, subtiliter canaliculate, elytris fortius punctatis,
glabris, testaceis a humeros subangustatis, intra humeros impressis, ad apicem vix truncatis ;
antennis elongatis fuscis. Long. '48.
One specimen, San Francisco; Mr. Child.
PLECTRURA Mann.
P. producta, nigro-picea, parce griseo-bupescens, guttulis flavo-pubescentibus parce adspersa,
confertim rugose punctata, thorace callo dorsali parvo, elytris callis nitidis seriebus quinque
digestis, ad apicem non crenulatis, singulatim longe acuminatis. Long. '5. Tab. II, fig. 15.
Lee. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 19.
One specimen, collected by Dr. Cooper at Fort Vancouver. Differs from the description of
P. spinicauda by the tips of the elytra being not crenulated, as well as by the different arrange
ment of the tubercles of the elytra. They form five series, of which only the outer one is entire ;
the others contain only three or four tubercles ; the sutural one is indistinct, the second ends
just behind the middle, the third and fourth commence about one- third from the base, and end
at one-fifth from the apex ; the scutellum and a little thoracic line anterior to it are densely
clothed with yellow hair.
TETRAOPES Dalman.
T. oregonensis, niger, capite thorace elytrisque coccineis (pallide pubescens ?) thorace punctis
4 nigris, disco subito elevato, antice posticeque valde constricto, lateribus subito valde dilatatis,
parcius punctato, elytris parce punctatis, puncto humerali duobus ante medium, altero utrinque
pone medium, scutelloque nigris ; pedibus antennarumque articulo primo coccineis, tarsis,
genubus, tibiisque posticis nigris. Long. *55.
Lee. Proc.^Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 19.
Wenass river to Fort Colville; Dr. Cooper. This species has the form of T. femoratus Lee.,
but the thorax is still more dilated on the sides. From T, basalts, in which the basal joint of
the antennae is also red, it is easily distinguished by the sudden elevation of the middle of the
thorax. The pubescence has been removed by the alcohol in which the specimens were pre-
9 Q
66 U. S. P. II. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — ZOOLOSY 47TH PARALLEL.
served, and I cannot, therefore, know whether the antennee are black or annulated. The black
spots are very small, those of the elytra are in the usual position, and, with the exception of
the humeral one, disappear in many specimens.
MESOSA Serv.
M. Guexi, atra dense breviter cinereo-pubescens, thorace parce pnnctato antice modice con-
stricto, lateribus breviter tuberculato, elytris thorace plus sesqui latioribus, parce punctatis
versus basin scabris, maculis duabus transversis undulatis nigris utrinque ornatis, antennis
annulatis. Long. '8. Tab. II, Fig. 16.
Lee. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. 2d ser. 2, 166.
A female found by me, at Benicia, and two males collected by Dr. Heermann, in California.
The male has longer and more hairy antennae, and the elytra slightly narrowed behind the
humeri.
DON ACT A Fabr.
D. pyritosa, elongata, cupreo-zenea, capite non toroso, thorace confertissime rugoso, postice
haud angustato, angulis omnibus subprominulis, canaliculato ante basin transversim impresso,
tuberculo laterali, parvo, distincto, parurn prominulo ; elytris convexis parallelis, dense rugosis,
punctato-striatis, vage biimpressis postice rotundatis ; antennis fusco-nigris, crassiusculis,
articulis 2 — 4 sensim longioribus, feinoribus posticis clente acuto armatis ; pedibus ferrugineis,
femoribus ad apicem infuscatis. Long. '32.
One specimen, Shoal water Bay ; Dr. Cooper. Closely resembles D. pusilla, but the thorax
is not narrowed behind ; the anterior lateral tubercles are smaller and less prominent ; the
elytra are broader and more finely rugous.
SYNETA Esch.
S. albida, pallida elongata, capite thoraceque grosse punctatis, hoc lateribus medio acute
tuberculatis, utrinque constricto, antrorsum subangustato ; elytris confertim seriatim punctatis,
costa dorsali obsoleta alteraque a humero ad apicem extensa. Long. '28.
Oregon ; Mr. Townsend and Dr. Suckley.
S. simplex, testacea, capite thoraceque paulo obscurioribus confertim punctatis, hoc latitudine
vix breviore lateribus medio obtuse tuberculatis, utrinque modice constricto, elytris fortius vix
ordinatim punctatis, costa parum elevata a humero extensa postice obsoleta ; antennis obscuris
ad basin pallidis. Long. '27.
Steilacoom, Dr. Suckley ; one specimen.
SAXINIS Lac.
S. saucia, ovata convexa, chalybea nitida, thorace antrorsum valde angustato, lateribus
rotundatis depressis, medio valde convexo, subtilissime, lateribus fortius punctulatis, ad basin
marginato bisinuato, medio late subtruncato, elytris subconfuse punctato-striatis, macula
magna humerali rufa ornatis ; subtus pygidioque cinereo-pruinosis. Long. '3.
A fine and large species found in Oregon and California.
INSECTS — COLEOPTERA 67
EUMOLPUS Kugellan.
E. smaragdulus, supra viridi aeneus nitidus, confertim punctatus, pube brevi rigida alba parce
vestitus, capite aequali, thorace convexo lateribus rotundato, elytris fortius inordinatim punc
tatis. Long. '15.
One specimen, Sacramento, Mr. Wittick. Resembles in generic characters several other
species, which, in form, appear like Pachnephorus, but they are distinguished by the posterior
tibiae being not toothed, while the claws are strongly toothed. I have not found any descrip
tion or name for this genus, which is readily known by these two characters, and by the thorax
not being lobed behind the eyes.
CHRYSOCHUS Eedt.
C. cobaltinus, splendide cyaneus vel viridi-cyaneus, nitidus, thorace parce punctulato et dis
perse grosse punctato, lateribus postice parallelis, antice subito rotundatis, angulis anticis
prominulis, elytris modice punctatis. Long. '45.
Oregon and California. Larger than C. auratus, and distinguished by the sides of the thorax
being more suddenly rounded near the apex, and by the elytra being less sparsely and more
distinctly punctured.
HALTICA Fabr.
H. puncticollif}, flavo-testacea, ovalis modice convexa, thorace latitudine breviore, antrorsum
angustiore, fortius punctato, guttis quatuor nigris ornato, scutello, elytrorum vitta suturali,
altera sub marginali ad apicem connexis, dorsalique postice paulo abbreviata nigris ; labro,
palpis, antennis tibiis tarsisque nigris ; metasterno testaceo, postice nigro. Long. *3 — '35.
Oregon and California. Kesembles closely H. alternata, but differs by the thorax being much
more distinctly punctured, and by only the posterior part of the metasternum near the middle is
black. I have adopted the name under which it was sent me by Col. Motschulsky.
H. limbicollis, elongato-ovalis, nigra, capite parce punctulato, lateribus et basi marginatc,
limbo toto flavo, elytris subtilius sat dense punctatis, vittis duabus margineque tenui flavis ad
apicem connexis. Long. *3.
Sacramento, Mr. Wittick. Similar to H. pensylvanica, but narrower, with the thorax sparsely
punctured. The elytra are not sulcate, and the yellow vittae are broader.
H. prasina, olivaceo-aenea, thorace latitudine breviore, antrorsum haud angustato, lateribus
subrectis marginatis, punctato, postice transversim sulcato ; elytris subsulcatis punctulatis, costa
submarginali postice ad suturam flexa. Long. '23.
San Francisco. Narrower than H. plicipennis, and distinguished by the more strongly punc
tured thorax not being narrowed anteriorly, and by the elytra being feebly sulcate.
H. obolina, oblonga, cupreo-aenea, thorace nifeido convexo, latitudine breviore, antrorsum
paulo angustato, lateribus vix rotundatis, parce punctulato, postice transversim sulcato, elytris
sat dense punctatis haud costatis. Long. '17.
San Francisco, not common. The more convex thorax distinguishes this from some allied
species in my collection.
H. lazulina, oblonga, viridi-cyanea, nitida, thorace latitudine breviore, antrorsum subangus-
tato, lateribus paulo rotundatis, subtiliter punctulato, postice transversim subtilius impresso ;
elytris subtiliter fere obsolete punctulatis. Long. '15.
68 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
Steilacoom, one specimen, Mr. Gibbs. Kesembles in size and form H. punctipennis, Lee.,
(Report of Capt. Pope's Expedition,) but is distinguished by the blue color and the obsoletely
punctured elytra.
H. cen'na,.flavo-testacea, nitida, ovalis convexa, thorace parce subtiliter punctulato, convexo,
lateribus rotundatis ; elytris subtiliter punctato-striatis, ad latera et apicem laevibus ; ore post-
pectoreque paulo infuscatis. Long. '06.
One specimen, San Jose, California. This species seems to belong to the division named
Crepidodera, by Chevrolat, but the thorax has no posterior impression.
H. aereola, oblonga, cupreo-aenea, nitida, capite angulatim impresso, occipite laevi, thorace
subrugoso, grosse confertim punctato, postice transversim sulcato, et striola brevissima utrinque
insculpto ; elytris fortiter striato-punctatis, interstitiis subtilissime punctulatis, antennis pedi
busque ferrugineis. Long. '1 — '13.
San Francisco ; allied closely to H. helxines, but the thorax is more punctured and less convex,
and the posterior transverse impression is less deep, and does not extend beyond the short basal
striae.
H. subcrinita, oblonga, obscure aenea, capite angulatim impresso, occipite laevi, thorace
confertim punctato, postice transversim sulcato et fovea parva basali utrinque notato ; elytris
cinereo-pubescentibus, fortiter striato-punctatis, interstitiis parce rugosis et punctulatis ; anten
nis pedibusque testaceo-piceis, femoribus posticis obscuris. Long. '05 — '07.
San Francisco. Allied to H. pubescens, but narrower and less pubescent ; the thorax is less
coarsely and less densely punctured.
H. ligata, elongata, nigra glabra, thorace latitudine breviore, sat punctato, piceo-nebuloso,
lateribus late rotundatis, versus latera postice obsolete impresso, elytris sat dense punctatis,
stria suturali obsolete impressa, vitta dorsali lata testacea utrinque ornatis, antennis pedibusque
piceo-testaceis, femoribus posticis nigris. Long. '15.
One specimen, San Jose, California. Belongs to the division Systena, of Chevrolat, and is
allied to H. elongata Fabr., (tceniata Say,) but the thorax is shorter and more gradually
rounded on the sides.
H. subcenea, elongata, aeneo-nigra glabra, capite parcius, thorace sat dense minus subtiliter
punctato, latitudine fere sesqui breviore ; elytris sat dense minus subtiliter punctatis ; antennis
pedibusque fusco-testaceis, illis articulo primo, his femoribus obscuris, posticis autem nigris.
Long. '15.
One specimen, San Jose, California. Belongs also to the division Systena, and is similar in
appearance to H.frontalis, but the thorax is broader and strongly punctured.
H. albionica, oblongo-elongata, aeneo-nigra, nitida, capite parcius, thorace elytrisque minus
subtiliter punctatis ; thorace latitudine breviore antrorsum angustato, antennis pedibusque
nigris. Long. '08.
San Jose and San Diego, California. Of the size of H. striolata, but narrower and less
convex.
H. lepidula, oblonga, aeneo-nigra, nitida, capite parcius, thorace elytrisque minus subtiliter
punctatis, thorace latitudine breviore antrorsum angustato ; elytris utrinque vitta dorsali
postice paulo flexa, et fere ad apicem extensa pallida ornatis ; antennis pedibusque nigris.
Long. '11.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 69
San Jose and San Diego. Similar in form and sculpture to H. albionica ; the fifth joint of
the antennas of the male is conical and dilated.
PSYLLIODES Latr.
P.parvicollis, elongato-ovalis, antice angustior, aeneo-nigra, capite parce punctulato thorace
confertim punctato, antrorsum angustato, angulis anticis oblique truncatis ; elytris striato-
punctatis, interstitiis paulo convexis punctulatis ; antennis fuscis ad basin testaceis, tibiis tar-
sisque piceo-testaceis. Long. '09.
San Jose, California. Of the same form as P. punctulata Mels., but with the stride of the
elytra deeper, more finely and closely punctured.
P. convexior, ovalis antice angustior, aeneo-nigra, capite parce, thora ce confertim punctato
antrorsum subangustato, angulis anticis oblique truncatis ; elytris pernitidis convexis punctato-
striatis, interstitiis planis parce subtilissime punctulatis ; antennis fuscis ad basin testaceis,
tibiis tarsisque fusco-testaceis. Long. '10.
San Jose, one specimen. Larger and more convex than the preceding, but agreeing in form
with a nondescript found at Lake Superior ; it differs, however, in having the thorax more
convex and less narrowed in front, and the elytra more rounded on the sides.
CHAETOCNEMA Stephens.
C. irregularis, oblonga, griseo-aenea, capite thoraceque fortius punctatis, hoc latitudine
breviore, antrorsum haud angustato, spatio parvo dorsali postico laevi ; elytris subparallelis
convexis fortius confuse punctato-striatis. Long. -08.
San Jose. Very distinct from the other species known to me, not only by the form, but by
the irregular confused rows of punctures of the elytra.
LUPERUS Geoffr.
L. varipes, elongatus, supra cyaneo-viridis, haud politus, thorace quadrato, latitudine haud
breviore, angulis rectis, lateribus antice paulo rotundatis sat dense punctato ; elytris punctatis ;
subtus niger, pedibus anticis testaceis, tarsis et femorum dimidio basali nigro-fuscis, antennis
fuscis ad basin fusco-testaceis. Long. '19.
San Francisco. Very different from the other species known to me, by the square punctured
thorax.
L, longulus, elongatus niger, thorace capiteque cyanescentibus, illo polito quadrato, latitudine
fere longiore, subtiliter praecipue versus latera punctato, angulis rectis, lateribus subsinuatis ;
elytris virescentibus, subtiliter scabro-rugosis, versus latera obsolete striatis ; pedibis anten-
nisque nigris, his articulo secundo subpicescente. Long. '2.
One specimen, Oregon. Also very distinct from any other North American species known
to me.
GALLERUCA Geoffrey.
G. rudis, picea, ovata, convexa supra glabra, capite thoraceque rude punctatis, hoc late
canaliculate, bifoveato, inaequali, antrorsum angustato, lateribus subangulatis ; elytris sutura
elevata costisque quatuor sublaevibus, interstitiis sulcoque marginali profunde rude punctatis.
Long. *4.
17. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
A very fine species found by Mr. Gibbs at Steilacoom. Belongs to the group named Adi-
monia ; I am not prepared to adopt it as a genus, as I have failed to discover sufficient reason
for its separation.
G. consputa, elongata, luteo-testacea_, pubescens, confertim minus subtiliter punctata, capite
linea media nigra, thorace canaliculato et untrinque ad latera vage impresso, vitta dorsali
nebulaque laterali nigris ; elytris intra humeros oblique, et versus latera a humeros postice late
impressis, sutura elevata guttisque plurimis parvis nigris; subtus fusca, pedibus testaceis nigro-
punctatis. Long. '15.
San Jose, California. The lateral impression of the elytra extends from the humerus for two-
thirds their length, running a little inwards from the margin, and becoming obsolete ; the black
spots along its inner margin are frequently confluent into a vitta.
G. guttulata, elongata, fusco-testacea, valde cinereo-pubescens, dense fortius punctata, thorace
brevi late canaliculato, ad latera inaequali ; elytris intra humeros oblique impressis, ad mar-
ginem late sulcatis, guttis rotuudatis nigris parce subseriatim notatis. Long. '19.
One specimen, San Francisco. Larger than the preceding, with the suture not elevated, and
not black.
G. morosa, elongata, piceo-nigra, tenuiter cinereo-pubescens, capite subtiliter dense punctate,
callis duobus supra antennas laevibus, thorace valde punctato, inaequali, medio profunde, versus
latera vagius foveato ; elytris thorace parum latioribus convexis, confertim minus subtiliter
punctatis, sutura elevata, versus scutellum plana. Long. '25.
One specimen, San Francisco.
PSYLLOBORA Mills.
P. laedata, rotundata, supra pallida, thorace maculis quatuor obscuris, elytris subtiliter
parcius punctulatis, maculis niagnis testaceis nigro-variegatis confluentibus ; subtus testacea,
parapleuris pedibusque pallidis. Long. '10.
San Francisco, abundant. Smaller than P. 20-maculaia Muls.; the elytra are less strongly
and less densely punctured ; the spots are larger and confluent, of a paler color, with only some
portions' black ; the parapleurae are also entirely white.
CHILOCORUS Leach.
C. fraternus, niger, nitidus, thorace lateribus rotundatis, elytris macula rotundata rubra
utrinque ornatis, disco vix conspicue, versus marginem distinctius punctatis abdomine rufo,
segmento primo medio nigro ; epipleuris oblique declivibus parum concavis. Long. '2.
One specimen, Sacramento, Mr. Wittick. Eesembles in every respect C. bivulnerus Muls.,
except that the punctures of the elytra are less distinct and almost obsolete, and by the epipleurae
being less concave anteriorly.
HIPPODAMIA Muls.
H. moesta, rufescente-nigra nitida, dense subtiliter punctulata, macula rhomboidea frontali,
thoracis margine laterali antice posticeque latiore, linea dorsali antica, guttisque dorsalibus.
duabus albis ; elytris thorace latioribus, macula laterali alba triangulari ad dodrantem ornatis
Long. -3.
INSECTS COLEOPTERA. 71
Lec. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 19.
Prairie Paso, Dr. Cooper. The ungues are acutely toothed, as in most species of the genus ;
the white lateral spot of the elytra is between one-fourth and one-fifth from the apex, and in
one specimen is slightly dilated along the margin.
COCCINELLA Linn.
C. siibversa, hemispherica, nigra, capite ante oculos albo (ore clypeoque feminae nigris,) thorace
Bubtiliter punctulato, lateribus rotundatis, macula quadrata utrinque ad angulos anticos apiceque
albis ; elytris distincte et subtiliter punctulatis, praecipue. macula nigra obliqua utrinque ad
medium notatis, scutello nigro. Long. '2.
Lec. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. 7, 19.
Fort Vancouver. This species closely resembles C. californica, but is smaller, and much more
distinctly punctulate on the elytra.
72 U. 8. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS ZOOLOGY 47TH PARALLEL.
KEFEKENCES TO THE PLATES.
PLATE I.
Fig. 1. Omus Dejeanii Eeiclie.
2, Audouinii ReicTie.
3. californicus Esch.
4. Promecognathus laevissimus Chaud.
5. Agaosoma californicum Qfenetries. a. anterior tibia.
6. Cychrus tuberculatus Harris.
T. Carabus taedatus Fabr.
8. Calosoma cancellatum Esch
9. discors Lee.
10. Tracbypachys inermis Motscli.
11. Amphizoa Insolens Lee.
lla. under view of head.
lift. under view of trunk; c. Antenna; d. anterior leg; e. posterior leg.
12. Thinopinus pictus Lee.
13. Pleocoraa fimbriata Lee. a. antenna.
14. Amphicyrta chrysomelina Er.
15. Sinodendron rugosum Mann.
16. Ancylochira Langii Lee.
IT. Gibbsii Lee.
18. Perothops Witticki Lee.
19. Exops ovicollis Lee.
PLATE II.
Fig. 1 . Nyctoporis galeata.
2. Nosoderma diabolicum.
3., Cononotus sericans.
4. Phaleria globosa.
5. Nyctobates serrata.
6. Lytta Cooperi.
T. Ditylus vestitus.
8. Emphyastes fucicola.
9. Ergates spiculatus 9 .
9a. $ .
10. Opsimus quadrilineatus.
11. Rosalia funebris.
12. Ulochaetes leoninus.
13. Acmaeops coriacea.
14. Leptura valida.
15. Plectrura products.
10. Mesosa Guexi.
JNofciCT:.; i-'LATK i
r
f
TJ S P R R.EXP. & SURVEYS - - 47™ & 49 -
I .
laranyvMajor & 'KnappLith 449 Brcactway¥Y
No. 2.
REPORT UPON THE MAMMALS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY.
CHAPTER I,
REPORT BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.
NEOSOREX NAVIGATOR, Cooper.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 11.
Sp. CH. — Fur much longer than the ears. Palms and soles margined by a fringe of bristles. Hind feet nearly as long as the
skull. Tail one-half longer than head and body. Color above, dark sooty brown, mixed with hoary ; beneath, greyish white ;
tail silvery white beneath. Head and body 2.10 ; tail 3.
But one specimen of this species was obtained during the expedition ; this, according to the
label now attached, was found at Fort Vancouver, but I am inclined to consider this a mistake,
and that it was really taken while swimming under water in a lake near the summit of the
Cascade mountains, August 31, 1853.
SOREX VAGRANS, Cooper.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 15.
SP. CH. — Third upper lateral tooth smaller than the fourth. Above, olive brown, washed with hoary ; beneath, dusky
yellowish white ; sides a little paler than the back. Head and body 2 inches ; tail 1.75. Hind foot about .47 of an inch.
Specimens were obtained at Shoalwater Bay, W. T.
SCALOPS TOWNSENDII, Bach.
Oregon Mole.
Scalops townsendii, BACH. J. A. N. S. Ph. VIII, 1839, 58.
AUD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. Ill, 1853, 217 ; pi. cxlv.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 65.
SP. CH. — Teeth 44. Eye small, but not covered by the integument. Tail rather scantily haired. Nostrils opening on the
upper surface of the tip of the snout. Palm large and broad. Color nearly black, with faint purplish or sooty brown reflection.
(Sometimes, perhaps, glossed with silvery?)
Moles are not common in any part of the Territory I have visited. Two specimens were
obtained at Shoalwater Bay, where they burrow more like the gophers than the S. aquaticus,
throwing up little mounds at a yard or two apart, though they sometimes in soft ground formed
continuous galleries just beneath the surface.
10 Q
74 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — 47TH PARALLEL.
FELIS CONCOLOR, L.
American Panther.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 83.
The cougar, incorrectly called panther, and American or California lion. This ferocious and
blood-thirsty animal is very common in the Territory, where numbers are killed every year. It
is more dreaded for its depredations on stock, however, than for a disposition to attack man, of
which I never heard of an instance unless when it was wounded or in defence of its young. The
Indians have a great fear of it, partly, no doubt, mixed with the superstitions which influence
them so much. But in California, where it is abundant and grows to a great size, the hunters
agree that it will always "vamose" when met with, while, if a hunter suddenly meets a "grizzly,"
he considers it the "better part of valor" to "vamose" himself. I prepared a skin and skull
of a young male cougar that was killed in February, 1854, at the "Cascades" of the Columbia.
It had stolen a large hog, and when pursued and shot at several times, finally leaped on to a high
stump, whence a rifle ball through the forehead soon brought it down. It being the rainy
season, and no means at hand of drying the skin artificially, it was unfortunately spoiled.
This one measured 7 feet 4 inches from nose to tip of tail, the tail itself being 2 feet Y inches
long. Height at fore shoulder 3 feet. Many have been reported in the papers as measuring
from 9 to 11 feet in total length. The old idea that no feline animal will voluntarily take to
the water, though now contradicted by many proofs, is still prevalent. In this animal we have
an instance to the contrary. A steamboat descending the Columbia river met with one swim
ming across where the river was at least a mile and a half wide, and without difficulty the men
succeeded in capturing it by means of noose thrown over it. It was sent to California, where
I saw it exhibited in December, 1855. It was then full grown, very fat, and with beautiful
glassy fur of a rich brown color. A few of the black stripes, more marked in southern specimens,
could be seen along the sides and legs where the white of the under parts joined the brown. It
was restless and playful, but with that treachery characteristic of the race in every movement.
Its keeper ruled it with a rod of iron, to which it always showed strong objections by growling,
spitting, and obstinately refusing to obey his commands as long as it dared to resist.
Though thought to be common in many places where I have hunted, I never had the satisfaction
of meeting with one in its native wilderness or even of hearing its terrible scream.
LYNX FASCIATUS, Raf.
Red Cat.
Lynxfasciatus, RAF. Am. Month. Mag. II, Nov. 1817, 46.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 96,
Tiger cat, LEWIS & CLARK, Travels, II, 1814, 167.
SP. CH. — Fur very soft and full. Ears pencilled. Color, rich chestnut brown on the back, a little paler on the sides and on
the throat. A dorsal darker collar on throat, as dark as the sides. Region along central line of belly (rather narrow
one) dull whitish, with dusky spots extending to lower part of sides. No spots or bands discernible on the upper part of sides.
Ears black inside, with a very inconspicuous patch of grayish. Terminal third of tail above, black.
The tiger cat of Lewis and Clark is very abundant in the forests of Washington Territory.
The numbers that will resort to a farm yard, in a retired situation, for prey, is wonderful.
One man told me that he had killed at his place, during one season, no less than fifteen, a
large herd of young pigs being the attraction. His dog, but little larger than the wild cats,
would boldly attack them, and though sometimes severely scratched, always came off victor.
All that I have seen were very thin, so that they probably do not find much food in their forest
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS. 75
haunts, where the blue grouse must be the largest game they can capture. In the fall they,
no doubt, feast, like many other animals, on the multitudes of dead salmon washed up on river
banks.
I only once saw one alive, which was walking along a fallen trunk of a tree, whose top lay
in the water, trying to get at a flock of half-fledged sheldrakes. It was so intent on the game
that it did not notice our canoe silently and rapidly approaching it. The Indian in the bow
startled it from its pursuit by lodging a charge of buck-shot in its side. It fell into the water,
but soon recovered and attempted to climb out again. A stroke of a paddle stunned it, but it
was sometime before it died, showing great tenacity of life.
While travelling on the Columbia, I have heard in the densely forest clad mountains near
its mouth, a loud screaming, answered from the hills around, which I was told was caused by
the wild cat. This was always before sunrise, and the number was too great to have been
caused by panthers.
LYNX RUFUS.
American Wild Cat.
Felis ruffa, GULDENSTAEDT, Nov. Comm. Petrop. XX, 1776, 499.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 90.
Lynx rufus, RAF. Am. Month. Mag. II, 1817, 46.
AUD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. I, 1849, 2 ; pi. i.
Sp. CH. — Fur moderately full and soft. Above and on sides pale rufous, overlaid with grayish ; the latter color most preva
lent in winter. A few obsolete dark spots on the sides, and indistinct longitudinal lines along the middle of the back. Collar
on the throat like sides, but much paler. Beneath, white spotted. Inside of fore and hind legs banded. Tail with a small
black patch above at the end, with indistinct subterminal half rings, inner surface of the ear black, with a white patch.
In California the wild cat is no less numerous than in Washington Territory. During a stay
of six weeks in that country, in the fall of 1855, 1 saw two, and heard of many others being
killed. The country being more open, they are much more easily hunted than in the north, and
often appear in the open prairie in the day time. One I met with while hunting hares, about
noon, and where I had been shooting several times the same morning. Two of us tried to steal
upon it from opposite sides, but, as there was no shelter, it saw us and galloped off rapidly
to a dense thicket near by. The same day, having obtained dogs, it was "treed" and shot.
Many had been already killed near by as they came down from the wild mountains to the farm.
They often sat in some thicket convenient to the house, and during the day succeeded in
catching many fowls that unwarily approached their lair, as the occasional screaming and
confusion among the poultry testified. When the owner had dogs, there was generally no
difficulty in driving the cat up a tree, and there shooting it.
CANIS OCCIDENTALS.
Large Wolf.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 104.
One or more species of wolf is found west of the Cascade mountains, but I could never obtain
a specimen. They are of very large size, and howl in a loud dismal tone, very different
from the yelping bark of the "coyote/' which I never heard in the forest covered regions.
They are said to be of a light gray color, and instances are related of their pursuing and
devouring men, especially in cold winters. It seems strange that while two or three species of
wolves, besides foxes, are very abundant in the prairies and deserts east of the Dalles, where
there is no game larger than hares and sage fowl, they seem to shun the regions inhabited by
elk and deer west of the mountains. They have, however, become more common since the
introduction of sheep in some districts.
76 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — 47TH PARALLEL.
PVULPES MACROURUS, Baird.
Red Fox.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 130.
The same remarks apply to foxes as to wolves, respecting their range. I never saw even the
skin of one killed west of the Cascade Range, though they are undoubtedly found in small
numbers. The great difficulty of hunting such animals in the dense forests is one reason, and
the general substitution of strychnine for traps another why their skins are less often seen,
many being needlessly afraid to skin an animal killed by strychnine.
MUSTELA PENNANTII, E r x 1 .
Fisher.
BAIRD, G n. Rep. Mammals, 1657, 149.
"Fisher " skins are brought by the Indians from the mountains. They do not, however, seem
to be common, and of their habits or distribution I have obtained no information.
? ? MUSTELA AMERICANA, T u r t o n.
Sable.
While on the Cascade mountains I saw among the Indians a few skins of the size of that of
the ermine, but without the black tip to their tail and of a cream yellow color. They were
used as ornaments, and in trade, and valued very highly. They were said to be obtained only
on the mountains.
LUTRA CALIFORNIA, Gray.
California Otter.
BAIED, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 187.
The otter is abundant in every stream in the Territory, numbers living even at Cape
Disappointment at the junction of the salt with the fresh water, where they have formed paths
leading up the almost perpendicular rock to the dense thickets above, and quite inaccessible to
the hunter. Though I have often watched for them, I never saw one, so nocturnal and cautious
are they in their habits.
ENHYDRA MARINA, Fleming.
Sea Otter.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857,189.
The sea otter is not found near the mouth of the Columbia river, as it prefers rocky coasts
and islands. From the "Quinailt," a small river emptying about 50 miles north, to Cape
Flattery, numbers of skins are brought, for which the Indians, obtain an extravagant price — in
goods, often as much as $30 to $40.
MEPHITIS OCCIDENTALS, Baird.
California Skunk.
? Mephitis mesomelas, ST. HILAIRE, Voy. de la Venus, Zoologie, I, 1855, 133 ; plate.
Mephitis occidentalis, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 194.
SP. CH. — Size of a cat. Tail vertebrae two-thirds the length of head and body. Bony palate with small narrow emargina-
tioii in the middle of its posterior edge. Color black, with a white nuchal patch, bifurcating behind and reaching to the tail,
which is entirely black.
ZOOLOGY — MAMMALS. 77
Skunks are very common in the country west of the Cascade mountains, frequenting the
borders of woods and settlements. I have often seen them both alive and dead, and all appeared
to be of the common eastern species. The commonest markings were black, with a narrow
white stripe running back from each shoulder. To show the persistence of the smell, I will
mention that wishing to obtain a skull, I took a stick and tried to separate it from what was
then only a mass of fur and bones, the animal having been dead about a year, but such an
overpowering odor arose that I was glad to retreat without the specimen. I afterwards got one
in California, where, being exposed to the sun, the scent had almost entirely left the dried
carcass.
MEPHITIS BICOLOE.
Little Striped Skunk.
Mephitis bicolor, J. E. GRAY, Charlesworth 's Mag. N. PI. I, 1837, 581.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 197.
Mephitis zorilla, LICHTENSTEIN, Ueber Mephitis, Abh. Akad. Wiss. Berlin, for 1836, (1838,) 281 ; tab. ii, f. 2.
AUD. & BACH N. Am. Quad. III., 1854, 276, (not figured.)
Sp. CH. — Smallest of North American species. Tail vertebrae, less than half the body ; with the hairs not much more than
half. Black, with broad white patch on forehead, and crescent before each ear; four parallel dorsal stripes interrupted and
broken behind ; a shorter siripe on side of belly, running tnto a posterior transverse crescent, which are all white. Tail black
throughout, to base of hairs, except a pure white pencil at the end.
This little skunk is abundant in Santa Clara valley, south of San Francisco. They are
commonly known by the name of pole cat, to distinguish them from the larger species of skunk.
The peculiar smell seems somewhat less strong than in that species, but in habits they much
resemble it, being very destructive to poultry and eggs, which their smaller size enables them
to get at easily by entering the buildings at night. As an offset to this mischief they probably
do much good by destroying the still more destructive " ground squirrels " of California, as I
attempted to prove to the farmers. They are exactly suited in size for pursuing the squirrels
into their holes, though I never heard that they had been seen doing so. Being nocturnal and
able to see in the dark, they can take them also at a disadvantage — while they are asleep.
The one I obtained I poisoned with strychnine placed on meat in a hen house, which they
were in the habit of frequenting nightly. They also often came to a butcher's shop to steal
meat and feed on the offal thrown away from it. The eyeballs are excessively prominent, and
shine after death with a fiery glare. The pupil is circular, and was much dilated, probably
by the strychnine — length 5£ inches ; tail 4 ; iris black ; nose flesh color.
TAXIDEA AMEKICANA, Waterh.
Badger.
BAIRD, Gen. . Mammals, 1857, 302.
The American badger is very abundant in the plain country east of the Cascade mountains,
its burrows perforating the ground thickly in many places to the great danger of both horses and
riders. Yet our party never met with but two badgers by daylight, one of which I obtained. This,
by the recommendation of some of the hunters, was cooked, but though some could eat it, the
strong "doggy" flavor disgusted me, not to mention its extraordinary toughness and leanness.
It is unknown west of the Cascade mountains, though in California a species is said to be found.
78 U. 8. P. R. R EXP. AND SURVEYS 47TH PARALLEL.
PROCYON HERNANDEZII, Wagler.
Black Footed Raccoon.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 212.
The raccoon is not an abundant animal in any part of the Territory. I have but rarely seen
their peculiar foot tracks in the mud, and never saw the animal itself in the woods. The skins
are not often seen among the Indians. I had, however, an opportunity of observing a tame
one at Portland, Oregon, which, as well as one I afterwards saw in California, had precisely
the same habits, impatient cry, and sagacious inquisitiveness, as one which I once kept for
many months, and allowed to have perfect liberty. The colors, size, and proportions also showed
no appreciable differences.
Though this animal has a reputed fondness for oysters, I never saw any signs of its visiting
the extensive beds at Shoalwater bay, though it sometimes walked along the banks of creeks
emptying into the bay.
URSUS AMERICANUS, Pallas.
Black Bear.
RAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 225.
The common black bear of the United States is quite abundant in the wooded portions of the
Territory, where it is found varying much in color, from which circumstance some authors have
supposed that there was more than one species ; I knew, however, of an instance of a black fe
male being killed with a number of cubs, all differing in color. One of them, which I saw, was
of a light yellowish hue. The color, then, does not even indicate a different race, as it varies
in the young of one litter.
I have seen bears at a distance, but never got near one, which it is almost impossible to do
without dogs, in the dense forests and thickets that they frequent. It is said that before lying
down they always walk some distance with the wind, so that anything following their track
must necessarily approach to windward and thus give them a chance to escape. From the
abundance of " signs" in almost every thicket, and the quantities of berries devoured by them,
they seem to be extremely common, and their food must be almost entirely vegetable. I have
seen in low springy grounds a kind of "skunk cabbage" torn up by them and the leaf stalks
devoured. They sometimes also take pigs and other small stock from the farmer, and devour
the dead salmon on river banks in spring and fall. They are almost always fat, unlike their
more carnivorous relatives. Several different shrubs are called "Bear berry"* and "Bear
wood," from their fondness for the fruit, which is, I believe, in every instance uneatable by man.
URSUS HORIBILIS, 0 r d .
Grizzly Bear.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 219.
The " Grizzly" is not found in the western wooded regions, nor, I believe, anywhere west of
the Rocky mountains in this Territory.
PHOCA.
Seal.
Seals frequent the bays and rivers of the Territory in great numbers, ascending the Columbia
* Jjrbutut Uva-Ursi; Xylosteum involucratum ; Rhamnus Purshianus.
ZOOLOGY — MAMMALS. 79
to the Dalles, and the smaller streams almost to their heads, probably in pursuit of salmon.
As they always sink, when shot in deep water, I never obtained a specimen. Many are killed
by the settlers for their oil, and the Indians sometimes have a hunt for them, killing them
while asleep on sand bars in the bays, but I never was present on ove of these occasions in time
to secure a skin, as they roast the animal with its skin on.
SCIURUS RICHARDSONII, Bach.
Richardson's Squirrel.
Sciurus richardsonii, BACHMAN, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. VI, 1838, 100.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 41.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 273.
Sp. CH. — Size larger tnan the Hudson's Bay squirrel. Ears with long hairs, presenting the appearance of tufts. Tail
shorter than the body. Under surface of feet hairy from heel to metatarsals ; then nearly naked. Above, reddish brown,
varied with annulations of black, lighter on the sides ; beneath, dull white ; a dark line separating colors of sides from belly.
Tail bushy, sub-cylindrical, dark reddish brown in the centre, entirely of a pure glossy black at tip. The hairs all long and
coarse. Hairs on the tail generally, (except at tip,) glossy black beyond the rufous portion, and more or less tipped with paler
rusty.
One specimen of this species (No. 10) was obtained on the Spokane river, October 30, 1853.
SCIURUS DOUGLASSII, Bach.
Oregon Red Squirrel.
Sciurus douglassii, (" GRAT,")' BACHMAV, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. VI, 1838, 99.
(" BACH.") AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 370 ; pi. xlviii.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 275.
Sciurus belcheri, J. E. GRAY, Ann. & Mag. N. H. X, 1842, 263.— IB. Zoology of the Sulphur, 1844, 33 ; pi. xii,
fig. 2.
Sciurus suckleyi, BAIRD, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. VII, April, 1855, 333.
Size that of Sciurus hudsonius, or a little larger. Ears well tufted ; tail shorter than the body, scarcely flattened. Soles
naked in the centre. Above dull rusty, and black, mixed ; the latter quite predominant ; beneath, clear bright buff, without
mixture of dark or annulated hairs. A dark stripe on the sides. Tail dull chestnut centrally, darker above ; then black and
margined all round with rusty white. Hairs at tip of tail entirely black, except at their extremity.
More northern specimens in winter have the soles densely hairy to the toes, the fur much fuller and softer, the under parts
with dusky annulations, the general hue grayer. Size about that of S. hudsonius, or a little larger. Head short, broad.
Whiskers longer than the head ; black. Thumb, a mere callosity ; ringers well developed, the central two longest, and nearly
equal ; the inner rather longer than the outer ; claws large, compressed, and much curved ; palms naked. On the hind feet the
inner toe is shortest, reaching only to the base of the claw of the outer, which comes next in size ; the fjurth is longest, the
third and second little shorter. Claws all large and much curved. In summer the soles are naked, except along the edges and
the extreme heel ; in other words, there is a narrow central line of naked skin from near the heel ; they are more hairy in
winter. The ears are moderate, with short close hairs on their concavity ; the back of the ear is covered with long hairs, those
near the upper margin longest, and projecting beyond nearly five lines in some specimens ; these tufts are nearly black. The
tail is small, shorter than the body, moderately flattened ; the hairs rather short, and, as on the rest of the body, coarse
and stiff.
The little Pine Squirrel I found quite abundant in all the wooded parts of the Territory on
both sides of the Cascade mountains, and obtained specimens from very distant localities which
seemed to agree closely in habits, cries, and colors. They have the same loud and petulant
chatter as the eastern species, and descend, fearlessly, to within a few feet of every intruder,
scolding and showing their anger in various ways. In the mild climate, west of the Cascade
mountains, they do not hybernate, but as they are found also on the summits of these moun
tains, they probably there retire for winter, to hollow trees, and live on their hoarded stock of
provisions.
In summer they inhabit nests of leaves and sticks built among branches and vines. They
do not seem to be troublesome to the farmer, as they live on the pine nuts, acorns and hazel
nuts abundant in the woods. Probably if Indian corn was a common crop they would not be
long in discovering its valuable properties.
80 U. S. P. R R EXP. AND SURVEYS— 47TH PARALLEL.
The only difference in the color of the male and female seems to be a deeper hue of the
orange colored under parts of the latter.
Length from nose to tip of tail, 14 inches.
PTEROMYS OREGONENSIS, Bach.
Columbia River Flying Squirrel.
Pteramys vregmensis, BACHMAV, Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. VIII, 1839, 101.— IB. in Townsend's Narrative, 1839.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quod. I, 1849, 133 ; plate x
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 290.
SP. CH. Much larger than Pleromys volucella. Tail, with hairs, longer than the body alone ; shorter than head and body.
Plying membrane very broad, its antero-external corner exhibiting a conspicuous angle. Color above yellowish brown, beneath
dull white ; the hairs plumbeous at base. Tail becoming more plumbeous towards the tip. Length, 7 inches ; tail with hairs,
65 ; hind foot, 1£ inches.
The only specimens I ever saw were obtained in August, near the foot of Mount St. Helens.
In turning over a log, a nest was found under it containing four young, still blind. The mother
in attempting to escape was killed by a pistol ball, and was lost before I could see it. It was
much larger than the P. volucella of the eastern States. I never heard of one having been seen
in the country nearer the coast, and think it is confined to the mountains.
TAMIAS TOWNSENDII.
Townsend's Striped Squirrel.
Tamias townsendii, BACHMAN, Jour. Phila. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. VIII, i, 1839, 68. — IB. in Townsend's Narrative,
1839, 321.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. 1, 1849, 159 ; pi. xx.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 301.
Tamias cooperii, BAIRD, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila. VII, April, 1855, 334.
SP. CH — Larger than T. striatus. Tail, with hairs, nearly or quite as long as the body. Sides of head striped. Above and
on the sides rufous brown, with five dark stripes reaching to the tail, the intervals between which are scarcely or but seldom
paler than the ground color ; beneath, dull white. Ears dusky brown, hoary posteriorly. Tail bright chestnut beneath,
margined with ashy white, within which is a band of black. Length 5 to 6 inches. Hind foot 1.40 to 1.50.
Varies in rather paler colors, ash-colored interspaces, and sometimes the back with black hairs interspersed, so as to obscure
or nearly conceal the dorsal stripes
The ground squirrel, or " chipmunk," inhabiting the neighborhood of the coast in Washington
Territory, resembles closely in its habits that common on the Atlantic border. It differs, however,
considerably in colors, and has not the shrill cry of the eastern species. About the first of
April it emerges from its winter nest and soon after great numbers are seen where none appeared
before. In summer they will often sit on some prominent stump or rock, and make a shrill
barking noise for hours together, answering each other from distant parts of the woods. They
become very mischievous in the garden, being especially fond of peas either green or ripe, for
which they will come from their burrows several rods distant, as I have observed from the scattered
pea-vines growing along the path where they have dropped the seed from their overloaded cheek-
pouches. In November they retire to their burrows to sleep through the long rainy season,
though it is probable that in the warm weather, often occurring in the winter of this coast, they
come out to breathe the fresh air from time to time.
The ground squirrels obtained on the summit of the Cascade mountains differ in some respects
from those near the coast. As I observed these animals in abundance in all the wooded regions,
and saw no marked differences in their appearance or habits, I supposed all to be of one species,
varying slightly in size and colors from differences of climate, which, between the perpetual
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS. 81
spring of the western regions and the edges of perpetual snow on the mountains, would he
equal to many degrees of latitude on the eastern coast, and judging from analogous facts should
have an influence on these characters. Their principal food on the eastern slopes of the Cascade
mountains was the pine nut, and during September I observed them very busy extracting these
from the still hanging cones, ascending the trees to a considerable height, though at other times
they rarely leave the ground. I find it stated in my notes that they had there a similar shrill
cry to that of the eastern species.
Specimens from Shoalwater bay measure : male, head and body, 5| inches ; tail, 4 to 5 inches ;
head, 1^ ; ear, f — f . From Steilacoom, Pugel/s Island: male, 5^ ; tail, 4£ ; fore leg , 2£; hind leg,
3 inches. Female, 6 ; tail, 4 ; fore leg, 3 ; hind leg, 3^ inches.
SPERMOPHILUS BEECHEYI.
California Ground Squirrel.
Jlrctomys (Spermophilus) beecheyi, RICHARDSON, Fauna Boreali-Americana, I, 1829, 170; plate xii, B.
Spermophilus beeclie , F. CUVIER, Suppl. Buffon, I, Mamm. 1831, 331.
BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. VII, 1855, 334.— IB. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 307.
Sp. CH. — Size of the cat squirrel, S. cinereus. Ears large, prominent. Tail more than two-thirds as long as the body.
Above mixed black, yellowish brown, and brown in indistinct mottlings ; beneath, pale yellowish brown, Sides of head and
neck, hoary yellowish, more or less lined with black, a more distinct stripe of the same, from behind the ears on each side,
extending above the shoulders to the middle of the body. Ears black on their inner face. Dorsal space between the stripes
scarcely darker than the rest of the back. Length, 9 to 11 inches ; tail, with hairs, 7 to 9. Hind feet, 2 to 2.30 inches.
The marmot squirrel, called ground squirrel in Santa Clara valley, is found in incredible
numbers in all the level or low land southward from San Francisco bay. It is one of the greatest
pests to the farmer, destroying immense quantities of grain, and in spite of poisoning,
drowning-out, shooting, and trapping, seems rather to increase than diminish in numbers. In
travelling along the public road in a s age coach they are to be seen on every side, sitting
boldly at the mouth of their burrow as the vehicle passes within a few yards, as if defying
danger, those furthest off raised on their hind legs to have a better view, and looking like short
gray stumps, so motionless do they sit.
If one is fired at it disappears as if by magic, and even if you are fortunate enough to shoot
it at a distance from any burrow, it will spend its last breath in the attempt to reach one, so
that unless its head is shot off by a rifle ball, the chance of getting it is very small. But they
may often be recovered by feeling for them with the ramrod when dead near the mouth of the
burrow.
They are very fine eating, and formerly sold well in San Francisco market, but since strych
nine has been used to kill them, no one will buy them for fear of being poisoned.
When startled and about to run into their burrow, they make a shrill screaming cry, somewhat
like that of our eastern striped squirrel, when frightened.
It is said that these animals will often destroy 30 or 40 acres of wheat in a field, cutting off
the heads and leaving none behind in their progress. Magazines of theirs are found in digging
wells, thirty feet below the surface, and from the large pile of earth thrown out at the mouth of
their burrows they must be very extensive. There are commonly two or three entrances near
together, which probably communicate, and in many places these holes occur every few yards,
so that there may be several hundred in an acre, and many appear to inhabit one burrow.
They are very hard to drive away from their homes, remaining in the fenced gardens and
about houses until they are killed. Being entirely diurnal in habits, and appearing most
abundantly in the hottest part of the day, they are exposed to many enemies besides man, and
11 Q
82 U. S. P. K. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS 47TH PARALLEL.
it is wonderful how they continue so numerous. Except in the very lowest ground, overflowed
by tides, there is no part of Santa Clara valley where they cannot be seen at any time,
scampering over the ground and watching at their burrows. Where it is practicable, the
farmers combine in the commencement of the rainy season and build dams in the water courses,
so as to overflow the land and drown out the squirrels.
Length 10 inches; tail 7 inches.
SPERMOPHILUS LATERALIS, Rich.
Say's Striped Squirrel.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 312.
I shot a single specimen of a striped squirrel, near the eastern base of Mount Adams, in
August, 1853, where it was in company with the common Tamias, which swarms in those pine
forests. Its large size and something peculiar in its general appearance induced me to shoot it,
and I have now no doubt that it was this animal. I unfortunately lost the specimen, and did
not meet with another. It was excessively fat.
APLODONTIA LEPORINA, Rich.
Sewellel.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 353.
The " Sewellel" of Lewis & Clark, appears to be an abundant animal in some districts
west of the Cascade mountains, but from various causes I never could obtain a specimen. At
the time of their visit to the country the Indians used the skins as clothing, and as it required
a large number of skins to make an ordinary sized blanket, the numbers of the animals caught
must have been great. It was caught by stone fall-traps, but with what bait I do not know,
probably some root. The Indians assured me that none were found nearer to the coast than
the Cowlitz valley, but as they have been obtained at Astoria, the statement was not altogether
correct. They seem to prefer the soft alluvial river bottoms, where they are said to burrow,
and probably thus follow down the Columbia. Now they are rarely caught by the Indians, as
their skins are not bought by the Hudson's Bay Company, except when passed off on a " green"
clerk as muskrat skins. Of their habits I could learn little. An old Indian hunter, who is
now a shepherd in the employ of Dr. Tolmie at Puget's Sound, told him that he had frequently
seen them running over the snow in the Nisqually valley, so that they probably do not
hybernate. A young man who had kept school at Astoria told me that the children sometimes
caught them about the school house, where they burrowed, and that they could be caught by
running after them, as they did not run fast. When taken they did not offer to bite, and ate
vegetable food readily. The specimen sent from there was found drowned in a tanner's vat.
CASTOR CANADENSIS, Kuhl.
Beaver.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 355
The beaver is abundant in many of the streams of the wooded regions, and is said to have
become more so since trapping has become unprofitable. Near the coast they live in the close
vicinity of farms, but are very rarely seen. I have often watched at evening, hoping to see them
at work, but they never appeared. The only one I ever obtained was while descending the
Chehalis river, where, about sunrise, one of the Indians saw it swimming close to the bank, with
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS. 83
only its nose above water. He shot it, and on getting it into the canoe it proved to he a very
large one, extremely fat. We soon after landed, skinned, and cooked it, the Indians con
sidering it a great delicacy, but, though hungry, I thought it barely eatable. A fishy flavor
pervaded every part of it, and it was very tough. The Indians were much disappointed at my
keeping the tail with the skin, as they are very fond of it ; but the taste that can fancy such a
compound of gristle and fish oil must be acquired by long trials.
Dimensions of specimen. Head and body, 3 feet long. Tail, one foot long, 4f inches wide,
3^ inches round at root. Eye black. Skull preserved. Female.
In California I saw a much larger skull of a beaver from the San Joaquin, but resembling
this exactly in other respects. It is in the collection of the California Academy of Sciences.
JACULUS HUDSONIUS.
Jumping Mouse.
Dipus hudsonius, ZIMMERMANN, Geographische Geschichte, 1780, 358, (based on Pennant's long-legged mouse of
Hudson's Bay.)
Meriones hudsonius, AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. II, 1851, 251.
Jaculus hudsonius, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 430.
SP. CH. — Above, light yellowish brown, lined finely with black ; entire sides yellowish rusty, sharply defined against the
colors of the back and belly. Beneath, pure white ; feet and under surface of tail, whitish. Body measuring 2.75 to 3.50
inches ; tail, 4.50 to 6. 00 inches ; hind feet, 1.10 to 1.30 inches.
A single specimen of this species was collected in Washington Territory.
HESPEROMYS GAMBELII, Baird.
Western Deer Mouse.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 464.
SP. CH. — Very similar to H. leucopus in size and proportions. Ears larger, feet shorter. Tail generally a little less than
head and hody. Above, yellowish brown, much mixed with dusky, but without a distinct broad wash of darker on the back.
Entire exterior of fore leg below the shoulder, white.
This wood mouse is common in the forest regions. Near the coast, where the common mouse
has not been introduced, it takes up its residence in houses, and is quite as mischievous as the
latter. It has, however, one habit not observed in that species — that of making stores of provi
sions in any place it finds suitable, though with little apparent foresight. It is not uncommon
in the morning to find a handful of rice, &c., in your boots, and often it has been brought a
considerable distance during the night, showing that several mice must have been industriously
employed in collecting it. They will also make a storehouse of your bed while you are asleep,
piling the grain about your feet, but never biting or awaking you. It is strange that though
you may empty out their stores every day, they are sure to make another deposit each night
for weeks.
HESPEROMYS AUSTERUS, Baird.
Black Mouse.
Hesperomys auslerus, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VII, April, 1855, 336.— IB. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 466.
SP. CH. — Fur full and soft; rather smaller than H. leucopus; feet larger in proportion.
Young, dark slaty plumbeous. Adult, dark sooty brown, slightly pervaded by yellowish brown on the cheeks and lower part
of the sides, the dusky of the sides extending even in the adult to the wrist ; both feet above, and under parts, white ; tail well
haired, as long as head and body, lower half white.
I obtained a specimen of this mouse at the camp August 11, on top of the Cascade mountains.
84 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — 47TH PARALLEL.
This drowned itself in a pail of water. At this time there was ice formed every night at
our camp.
The second specimen I obtained was also found drowned in a pail of water at our camp on
the great Spokan Plain, October 31, 1853. There being no trees within many miles of us, this
species probably lives entirely among the grass of the prairies. As we had snow and severe
frosts at that time, it probably remains active all winter.
HESPEKOMYS BOYLII, Baird.
Long Tailed Mouse.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 471.
Sp. CH. — Body stout. Ears very large, almost naked. Tail stout, considerably longer than head and body, with long hairs
at the end, and 32 vertebrae. Above, mixed brown and yellowish brown ; paler on the sides. Outside of fore leg colored to
the wrist.
One specimen was collected at Shoalwater Bay, Washington Territory.
HESPEROMYS CALIFORNICUS.
Mus californicus, GAMBLE, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. IV, August, 1848, 78, (Monterey.)
Hesperomys californicus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 478.
Sp. CH. — Very large. Size of a third grown rat. Ears very long, angular. Tail rather longer than body. Color above,
sooty brown, passing on the sides to fulvous. Under parts white, tinged with fulvous and ashy. Feet white. Tail brown,
a littler darker on the dorsal line. Soles entirely naked.
In a trap set for wood rats I caught, one night, a mouse, which though very similar in
proportions and appearance to the rat, proved to be quite different, and even of another genus.
I afterwards got two more of them from an old rat's nest that I burned down. There were
three or four in it, and they remained until there was scarcely a stick unburnt before deserting
it. N$ rats were in this nest, and I have always found that not more than one or two of those
surrounding a tree were inhabited by them, the rest having a dilapidated appearance, and being
left to their smaller relatives, these wood mice and field mice.
Of the habits of this wood mouse I know nothing further. They probably much resemble
those of the numerous species found in the United States. I may remark here that up to my
departure from California, on December 1, I saw no signs of hybernation of any of the small
rodentia, except a striped squirrel, which I only saw out once, and having watched often
afterward, concluded it had retired for the winter. There was then very little frost.
Dimensions. — Nose to tail, 4| inches. Tail, 4f . Hind foot, 1 inch. Fore foot to wrist, £
inch. Ear, f inch long, £ wide.
NEOTOMA FUSCIPES, Cooper, Mss.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 495. (From Mss. of J. G. Cooper.)
Sp. CH. — Larger than the house rat (Mus decumanus). Tail nearly as long as the head and body, compressed at tip
Color above, yellowish rusty brown, lined with black. Beneath, soiled white. Hands and toes of hind feet white ; the
upper part of metatarsus dusky. Tail uniformly dusky all round.
I found the wood rat of California extremely common in all those parts of Santa Clara valley
more or less covered with groves of oak and different shrubs. Almost every tree, either of the
evergreen or deciduous species of oak, had from one to six of their buildings under it. These
are built of short sticks, chips, and sometimes bones, piled with such skill as to shed rain — the
upper layers projecting downwards. Their form is conical, and height generally from four to five
feet, having about six entrances at the ground, and burrows extending beneath it as a retreat
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS. 85
in case their house is demolished.* I tore down several, hut could not hy that means ohtain
any of the rats, though, from the warmth of their nest, they had evidently just left it. This
nest is composed of fine grass, bark, and leaves, is about large enough to fill a hat, and placed
near the middle of the building, about a foot above the ground. By means of galleries and
openings like windows in the sides of the pile, they watch the approach of danger from their
nest without being seen.
I succeeded in shooting several rats at last, by burning down their houses, and watching for
them as they came out. They would stay till the last moment — often until they were much
singed. If another nest was near, they ran for it ; if not, ascended the nearest tree, and sat
stupidly gazing at the destruction of their home, dazzled by the blaze.
I also caught some in a steel trap, baited with biscuit, of which they seemed very fond.
They are mostly nocturnal in habits, but sometimes come out in the daytime, when all around
is quiet, and then fall a prey to the numerous hawks that are watching for them and the
squirrels. This wood rat lays up large stores of acorns, &c., in hollow trees, and has been
known to kill, and carry to this retreat, a whole broad of chickens. It is, however, not very
troublesome to the farmer, and never makes its residence in houses.
All that I obtained from their nests were males, and in no nest did I find more than two
together. The females probably have a nest in hollow trees, where they produce their young,
as I was told that they were sometimes driven out with the young clinging to them, as do those
of the wood mouse. A hunter told me that when encamped near these rats' nests, he once had
a large quantity of ship biscuit stolen by them, and for a long time he suspected the Indians of
the theft, until he thought of searching the premises of his four-legged neighbors, where he
found the whole of the plunder carefully piled away.
I found these rats quite active up to the 1st of December, and their hybernation is short, if
any, in the lower valleys.
Size. — Nose to tail, 9 inches ; tail, 8 to 8^ ; circumference at root, 1 inch. Hind foot, If
inches ; fore foot to elbow, 2£. Ear, 1 inch long, 1£ wide. Head, 2^ inches long.
NEOTOMA OCCIDENTALS, Cooper.
Bush-tailed Rat.
Neotoma occidentalis, (Co iper MSS.,) BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VII, April, 1855, 335.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 496.
Neotoma drummondii, AUD. & BACH., N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 223 ; pi. xxix.
Sp. CH. — Size of Norway rat. Fur harsh. Tail densely hairy, the vertebras as long or longer than the body, exclusive of
the head. Color above, broadly grayish lead color, the basal wool but little lighter. Posterior third of soles furred. Body
above, brownish plumbeous, with a slight mixture of yellowish brown. Under parts of body and tail, with feet, bluish white.
The "wood rat," as it is called near the coast, inhabits the wooded regions west of the
Cascade mountains, but is more abundant in some places than others. I did not hear of it at
Puget's Sound, where I inquired for it. At the Cascades of the Columbia I was first told
of such an animal, and am inclined to think it prefers the mountains rather than a level
country, like that at the Sound and Vancouver. At Shoalwater bay, in July, 1854, I first
obtained a specimen. Having occasion to sleep in a log house, at the foot of some high hills,
the owner told me that the wood rats were very troublesome to him, eating everything vege
table they could get at, and carrying off articles that they could not use. The house being
uninhabited most of the time, we found on entering that they had made a nest on the bedstead,
* An Australian rat of a different genus is described as building houses of the same kind. — ( Hapalolis conditor, Gould )
86 U. S. P. K. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — 47TH PARALLEL.
and collected a pile of fresh elder leaves, grass, and other food, together with a pair of broken
iron hinges, brushes, bones, and other useless articles. We saw none until night, when they
began to come in, and one climbed up to the bed, where,, finding strangers in possession, he
retired behind a rough board with which the joints of the logs were covered inside. Here he
kept up a curious ticking sound for some time as if to show his anger at our intrusion. Having
got a light, I watched him through a crack, but could not see how he made the " mysterious
rapping." I then sharpened a stick and speared him with it as he sat.
Afterwards a family of these rats took up their residence in a house where I lived. They
had much the same mischievous habits as the common rat, but were less cunning. I could only
catch them in traps by placing these in their way, as they refused cheese, bread, and other
baits. We finally succeeded in killing the whole family of seven, which were all full grown.
One poisoned itself by eating part of a bird skin preserved with arsenic. We afterwards found
the nest made of oakum among a pile of flour barrels. A strong and disagreeable smell was
perceptible about it. I never heard these rats squeal or make any sound when frightened or
wounded.
The largest specimen measured as follows: Male, head and body, 10 inches. Tail, 8£.
Fore leg, 4f ; hind leg, 5£ inches. Ear, 1 inch long, 1^ wide. Female smaller.
ARVICOLA TOWNSENDII, Bachman.
Oregon Ground Mouse.
Arcicola townsendii, BACHMAN, J. A. N. Sc., Phila. VIII, i, 1839, 60 — IB. In Townsend's Narrative, 1830, 315.
WAGNER, Wiegmann's Archiv. 1843, 11, 53
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1853, 209 ; pi. cxliv, fig. 1.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 527.
Sp. CH. — Very large, (head and body 5£ inches.) Ears large ; two-thirds as long as hind foot ; well furred. Tail, including
the hairs, rather less than half the head and body ; the tail yertebrse twice the length of hind foot. Thumb claw conspicious.
Toes long ; one-third the whole foot. Fur measuring a little over one-third of an inch, with a slight gloss. Above, dark
fuscous brown, with but little yellowish brown visible. Sides paler ; beneath, ashy white. Tail almost uniformly brown
throughout. Feet liver brown. Skull, 1.27 -|- 71, or as 100 : 56.
This meadow mouse is abundant on the meadows of Shoalwater bay, where it appears
to have much the same habits as the species common in the Atlantic States. It forms summer
nests of grass on the surface of the ground, commonly close to a root or log. Though I
have frequently examined these, I never found young in them. It also makes galleries or
paths through the grass, cutting off closely every stalk that stands in the way. During the
annual floods which cover these meadows, great numbers of mice come out on the higher grounds,
and thousands are doubtlessly drowned, which assists their many animated enemies in keeping
down the numbers of a prolific and destructive animal.
ARVICOLA OBEGONI, Bachman.
Arvicola oregoni, BACHMAN, J. A. N. Sc. Phila. VIII, i, 1839, 60.— IB. in Townsend's Narrative, 1839, 315.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1853, 232 ; pi. cxlvii, f. 3.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 537.
Sp. CH. — About the size and shape of rfrvicola pinetorum (3| inches). Skull .92. Fur short (.3 of an inch). Head short,
broad. Ears moderate, barely concealed, quite naked, with a few scattered inconspicious white hairs. Antitragus small.
Tail vertebrae not one-third the head and body, longer than the head, one and one-half times the hind feet. Soles hairy for
posterior third (.65 long).
Above, dark brown, without any rufous tint. Hairs with obscure tips of yellowish brown. Beneath, lustrous hoary plum
beous ash. Tail corresponding in color to the body, but not sharply bicolored. Feet grayish brown.
One specimen of this species was collected at Shoalwater bay.
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS. 87
FIBER ZIBETHECUS, Guv.
Muskrat.
BAIRD, Gen Rep. Mammals, 1857, 561.
The muskrat appears to "be rather scarce in the western portions of the Territory, where
I never saw any signs of their existence. I have been told, however, by credible persons that
they were sometimes found, though scarce.
I can only account for this scarcity of an animal so abundant even in the thickly settled portions
of the Atlantic States, by supposing that the beaver, where abundant, keeps them away. We
find many instances of animals of similar habits thus holding possession by the right of the
strongest; of which I will only cite one example among rodentia, that of the Norway rat, which
has so far dispossessed every native species in countries where it has been introduced.
LEPUS WASHINGTONI!, Baird.
Red Hare
Lepus washingtonii, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. VII, April, 1855, 333.— IB. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 583.
Ears shorter than the head ; hind feet much longer than the head. Size about that of L. sylvaticus, or a little larger.
Fur very soft and full on the body and beneath the feet. Tail very short. Back, sides, and throat reddish brown ; the
former with many glossy black hairs. Tail lead color above, rusty white beneath. Abdomen pure white. Ears black on
the posterior margin and tip of their inner surface ; the rest of this surface pale reddish brown, except on the exterior band .
This small species of hare seems peculiar to the forest region west of the Cascade mountains.
I have never found it common, however, at any point except about Fort Vancouver or the
Columbia, where, on account of the dense bushes they frequented, I found it very difficult to
shoot them. They also occur on the borders of prairies in other western parts of the Territory,
but are nowhere so abundant as the little Virginian hare is in the rural districts of the middle
States. I observed them in winter, when the ground was covered with snow, and there was then
no change in their color. A species with black ears and tail is said to be found at the Cascades
of the Columbia. During our journey east of the Cascade mountains we saw scarcely any hares,
and the Indians told us that some disease had killed nearly all of them. Dimensions of specimen :
length, 17 inches.
LEPUS TROWBBIDGII, Baird.
Lepus trowbridgii, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VII. April 1855, 333.— IB. Gen Rep. Mammals, 1857, 608.
Sp. CH. — Size small, less than that of L. auduboni. Head small. Ears about equal to it in length. Tail very short, almost
rudimentary ; hind feet very short, well furred, considerably shorter than the head. Color above, yellowish brown and dark
brown; beneath, plumbeous gray. Sides not conspicuously different from the back, but paler. Back of neck pale rusty. Ears
grayish and black on the external band ; ashy gray elsewhere, with little indication of darker margin or tip.
The little hare, or " rabbit," of California, abounds in bushy, dry ground in Santa Clara Valley,
and has much the same habits and appearance as the common Virginia hare in the middle States.
It sits during day under the shelter of some thicket, and about dusk ventures out cautiously to
feed. If started, it runs a short distance only, seeking the nearest concealment — unlike the large
species, which trust more to their speed for escape. It is easy to shoot numbers of these little
animals, either early in the morning or evening, by watching near their resorts. I have never
observed them about wet grounds, and it is said that they do not frequent the hills, like the
large hares, but keep entirely in the level prairies.
88 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — 47TH PARALLEL.
Length, 13 to 15 inches. Ear, 3 inches. Heel, 3 inches. Fore leg, below elbow joint, 3£.
Head, 3 inches.
I was told of another kind of small rabbit of a bluish tint, shorter ears, and which burrowed
in the ground, but I could not get any. The accounts of it were also conflicting.
CERVUS CANADENSIS, Erxl.
Elk.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 537.
The elk is abundant in the dense forests of the Coast Range, and found in less numbers in
the other wooded portions of the Territory. It is very wary, and difficult to kill at most times,
but is often shot on the small prairies, near the heads of rivers, where it feeds in the evening
and early morning. In severe winters, also, when they leave the mountains, and in large
herds descend to the warmer prairies along the coast, they are tracked in the snow to their
lairs, and shot. Many frequent these prairies every winter, returning in early spring to the
mountains. In some places the Indians formerly surrounded the herds, and by gradually
narrowing their circle, succeeded in killing many. It is almost useless to hunt them in the
forest, where the dense underbrush gives them every advantage over their pursuer.
An intelligent farmer, who formerly hunted elk in New York State, told me that he con
sidered these a different animal, being much larger, and having larger and differently formed
horns.
CERVUS COLUMBIANUS, Rich.
Black-tailed Deer.
Cervus macrotis, var. colwnbianus, RICHARDSON, F. B. Am. I, 1829, 255 ; pi. xx.
Cervus columbianus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 659.
SP. CH. — About the size of C. virginianus, or less. Horns doubly dichotomous, the forks nearly equal. Ears more than
half the length of the tail. Gland of the hind leg about one-sixth of the distance between the articulating surfaces of the
bone. Tail cylindrical, hairy and white beneath ; almost entirely black above. The under portion of the tip not black.
Winter coat with distinct yellowish chestnut annulation on a dark ground. Without white patch on the buttocks. There
is a distinct dusky horse-shoe mark on the forehead anterior to the eyes.
I have only seen one species of deer in the Territory, and this only west of the Cascade
range. It is not abundant, except in a few places, the most remarkable of which is Whitby's
island, at the Straits of De Fuca, where extensive and luxuriant prairies support large numbers
of them, now, however, becoming scarce under the continual slaughter kept up at all seasons
by the settlers.
While there, in March, 1855, I saw a great many frequently in open daylight, but more
commonly at dusk. The fact observed by Lewis and Clark, that when started they always go
away by a succession of jumps, with all four feet striking the ground at once, I have often
noticed, but have also seen them trot very leisurely away when they perceived the hunter at
some distance off. A mottled, and sometimes entirely white variety, is not uncommon on this
island and on the coast. I preserved a perfect specimen of this deer.
Dimensions. — Nose to tip of tail, 5 feet 8 inches ; tail, 11 inches ; height at shoulder,
3 feet. Male : Iris dark brown, horns budding.
CHAPTER II,
REPORT BY DR. GEO. SUCKLEY, U. S. A.
SOREX TROWBRIDGII, Baird.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 57, 13.
SP. CH. — Above, sooty brown, slightly variegated with hoary ; beneath a little paler, but differing only slightly from tho
back. Head and body %% inches ; tail 2, hind feet over .5 of an inch.
Two specimens were procured at Steilacoom.
SOREX SUCKLE YI, Baird.
BAIRD. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 18.
SP. CH. — Abjve, light chestnut bro^rn ; baneath, greyish white. Length 2^ inches ; till l.J. Hind fjot .46 of an inch.
Two specimens were procured at Fort Steilacoom, where it is not rare. (One numbered 24.)
SCALOPS TOWNSENDII, Bach.
Oregon Mole.
Scalops townsendii, BACH. J. A. N. S. Ph. VIII, 1839, 58.— IB. in Townsend's Narr. 1839, 314.
ACD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. Ill, 1853, 217 ; pi. cxlv.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 65.
SP. CH. — Teeth 44. Eye small, but not covered by the integument. Tail rather scantily haired. Nostrils opening on the
upper surface of the tip of the snout. Palm large and broad. Color nearly black, with faint purplish or sooty brown reflection.
(Sometimes, perhaps, glossed with silvery ?)
Four specimens collected at Steilacoom in 1856, (21, 85, 119.)
UROTRICHUS GIBBSII, Baird.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1657, 76.
Muzzle prolonged into a cylindrical tube, continued some distance beyond the incisors, terminating in a simple naked bulb.
Nostrils cylindrical, opening in the side. Eyes and ears concealed. Tail long and hairy. Fore feet moderately large, shorter
than the hind feet. Upper and under surfaces of both covered with small plates.
Tail as long as the body (exclusive of tho head.) Color uniform dark sooty plumbeous. Body about 2j inches long.
A specimen was collected July 15, 1854, by Mr. G-eo. Gibbs, in White River Pass of the
Cascade mountains, Washington Territory, north of Mount Rainier. (15.)
FELIS CONCOLOR, Linn.
The American Panther.
Felts concolor, LINN. Mantissa, 1771, 522 ; pi. ii.
ACD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. II, 1851, 305 ; pi. xcvi.xcvii.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 83.
SP. CH — Body considerably larger than that of the common sheep. Tail more than half the length of head and body. Gen
eral color above, a uniform pale brownish-yellow, finely mottled by dark lips to all the hairs. Beneath, dirty white. A black
patch on the upper lip, separated from the nose by a trianguhr white space. Convexity of ear black ; tip of tail dusky. No
spots or blotches on the body in the adult ; a few obsolete ones in the half-grown young. Kittens with tho body densely spotted
and the tail ringed.
12 Q
90 U. S. P. E. E. EXP. AND SURVEYS 47TH PAEALLEL.
Specimens of the young, (62, 69,) and of the adult (10, 115) were collected at Steilacoom.
They are called panthers by the settlers, and are tolerably abundant, a half dozen having been
obtained in the neighborhood within a year.
LYNX FASCIATUS, Kaf.
Red Cat.
Lynx fasciatus, RAF. Am. Month. Mag. II, Nov. 1817, 46.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 96.
Tiger cat, LEWIS & CLARK, Travels, II, 1814, 167.
SP. CH. — Fur very soft and full. Ears pencilled. Color, rich chesnut brown on the back, a little paler on the sides and on
the throat. A dorsal darker band collar on throat, as dark as the sides. Region along central line of belly (rather narrow one)
dull whitish, with dusky spots extending to lower part of sides. No spots or bands discernible on the upper part of sides.
Ears black inside, with a very inconspicuous patch of grayish. Terminal third of tail above, black.
Specimens were obtained at Fort Steilacoom, (114, 97, 87, 63,) at Olympia, and at Port
Townsend, W. T. (134.) This species is called Pish Pish by the Nisqually Indians.
CANIS OCCIDENTALIS, var. GEISEO-ALBUS.
Gray Wolf.
" Cants (Lupus) griseus, SABINE, in Franklin's Journal, 654." (Gray.)
AUD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. Ill, 1854, 279. (Gray.)
Canis (Lupus) occidentalls, var. griseus, RICH, F. B. A. I, 1829, 66. (Gray.)
Canis occidentalis, DEKAY, N. Y. Zool. I, 1842, 42 ; pi. xxvii, f. 2. (Gray.)
" Canis (Lupus) albus, SABINE, in Franklin's Jour. 652." (White.)
AUD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. II, 1851, 136 ; pi. Ixxii. (White.)
var. /?, RICH. F. B. A. I, 1829, 68. (White )
Canis occidentalis, var. griseo-albus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 104.
SF. CH. — Color of various shades from gray to white.
Four skin's were obtained at Fort Dalles, 0. T, in 1854, (47, 48, 49, 58.)
Mountain wolf shot on Fifteen Mile Creek, near Fort Dalles, in December.
These wolves are very abundant in the neighborhood of the sources of the streams flowing
into the Columbia from the Cascade, and Blue mountains. In the winter, until March, they
come down into the valleys, where they are very destructive to horses, hunting them singly or
in packs. They destroy the largest horses by hamstringing them while running. This is their
favorite way of hunting. They are about 3 feet high. A skin which I saw at Fort Vancouver
was much lighter, but otherwise agreed with this specimen. It was from the Columbia, west
of the Cascades.
CANIS OCCIDENTALIS, var. NUBILUS.
Dusky Wolf.
Canis nubilus, SAT, in Long's Exped. R. Mts. I, 1823, 168.
DOUGHTY 's Cabinet Nat. Hist. II, 1832, 265 ; plate xxiii.
Canis occidentalis var. nubilus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 111.
Sp. CH. — Color, light sooty, or plumbeous brown.
One specimen obtained at Steilacoom, (66.)
CANIS LATRANS, Say.
Prairie Wolf; Coyote.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammak, 1857, 113.
A skin of the young of this species was obtained at Bois de Sioux, Minn., in 1853, and a
skull in Washington Territory.
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS.
*
VULPES MACROURUS, B a i r d .
Prairie Fox.
Vulpes macrourus, BAIRD, in Stansbury's Exploration Great Salt Lake, (published June, 1852,) 309. — IB. Gen. Rep.
Mammals, 1857, 130.
Vulpes Utah, AUD. & BACH., Pr. A. N. Sc. Ph. V, for June 30,1852, (published July, 1852,) 114.— IB. N. Am.
Quad. Ill, 1853,255; pi. cli.
? Vulpes fulvus, MAXIM. Reise, II, 1841, 98.
Sp. CH. — In size, length of fur and tail, exceeding the Vulpes fulvus. Tail vertebrae, usually 18 inches in length ; breadth
between lateral hairs eight to nine inches. Colors of the light variety, similar to those of the red fox, but yellower, and with more
white beneath.
Specimens were collected at Fort Dalles, 0. T. (40, 43, 56,) and at Fort Boise (25).
Dimensions of 43. — Male.
Inches.
lines.
24
0
15
G
19
6
4
6
G
o
45
VULPES MACROURUS? var. DECUSSATUS.
Oregon Cross Fox.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 127.
Sr] CH. — Legs and belly black. Above, grayish, with dusky cross on shoulders.
Specimens were collected at Fort Dalles, 0. T., January 1855, (57, 58.)
VULPES MACROURUS? Var. CINEREO-ARGENTATUS.
Black or Silver Gray Fox.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 128.
Sp. CH. — Black ; the hairs on the hind part of the back with silvery tins.
Two specimens collected at Fort Dalles in 1855, (41, 67.)
VULPES (UROCYON) VIRGINIANUS.
Gray Fox.
Coins virginianus, ERXLEBEN, Systema Regni-Animalis, 1777, 567 (from Catesby).
Vulpes virginianus, AUD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. I, 1849, 162 ; pi. xxi.
Vulpes (Urocyon*) virginianus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 138.
Sp. CH. — Head and body a little over two feet in length. Tail rather more than half as long. Tail with a concealed mane
of stiff bristly hairs. Prevailing color mixed hoary and black ; convexity and base of ears, sides of neck, edge of belly, and
considerable portion of fore legs rusty or cinnamon. Band encircling the muzzle, much dilated on the chin, black. Throat
and lower half of face pure white. Tail hoary on the sides ; a distinct stripe above and the tip black ; rusty beneath.
Specimens obtained at Fort Vancouver in 1855, (54, 55.)
This fox is called Loot-zah by the Des Chutes Indians.
92 U S. P K. K. EXP. AND SURVEYS 47TH PARALLEL.
•
MUSTELA PENNANTII, Erxl.
Fisher; Black Cat.
Muslela pennantil, ERXLEBEN, Syst. An. 1777, 479. (Based on Fisher of Pennant.)
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 149.
Muslela canadensis, SCHREBER, Siugt. Ill, 1778, 492 ; tab. cxxxiv. (Pekan of Buffon.)
ADD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. I, 1849, 3U7 ; pi. xli.
Sp. CH — Legs, belly, tail, and hinder part of back, black ; the back with an increasing proportion of grayish white to the
head. Length, over two feet. Vertebra: of tail exceeding twelve inches.
Specimens were collected at Fort Dalles, (53,) and Steilacoom, (45.)
They are found quite plentifully in the thickly wooded districts, along the eastern and,
probably, the western base of the Cascade Range, on the parallel of Fort Dalles. Their favorite
localities are forests, in the neighborhood of streams.
MUSTELA AMERICANA, Turton.
American Sable ; Pine Marten.
Mustela americanus, TURTON'S Linnaeus, I, 1806, 60.
JUusttla americana, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 152.
Mustela martes, Jos. SABINE, Zool. App. to Franklin's Journey, 1823, 651.
AUD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. Ill, 1853, 176 ; pi. cxxxviii, (Huron.)
Sp. CH — Legs and tail bla'ki>h. General color reddish yellow, clouded with black; above becoming lighter towards the
head, which is sometimes white. A broad yellowish patch on the throat, widening belo>v so as io touch the legs. Centrnl line
of belly so • etimes yellowish. Tail vertebra;, about 5 the head and body. Outstretched hind feet leach about to the middle of
the tail with the hairs. Feot densely furred.
Specimens were obtained from Cape Flattery, (139 ;) Snoqualme river, 0. T., (118,) and
Fort Boise, (26.)
PUTORIUS PUSILLUS.
Least Weasel.
Putorlus vulgaris, RICH. F. B. A. I, 1829, 45.
Mustela pusilla, UEKAY, N. Y. Zool. I, 1842, 34; pi. xiv, f. 1.
Putorius pusillus, AUD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. II, 1851, 100 ; pi. Ixiv.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 159.
Sp. CH. — Smallest of American weasels. Length about six inches to root of tail. Tail vertebras one fifth to one-sixth the
head and body. The terminal hairs about one-third the vertebrae, which do not exceed two inches. Tail slender, not tufted
at the tip. Above, almost liver brown ; beneath, white. No distinct black tip to the tail, though this is sometimes darker.
Specimen collected at Steilacoom.
PUTORIUS CICOGNANII.
Small Brown Weasel.
Mustela cicognanii, BOVAP. in Fauna Italica, Mamm. 1838. Under head of Mustela boccamela.
Putorius cicognanii, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 161.
Musiela fusca, ACD. & BACH., J. A. N. Sc. Philada. VIII, n, 1842, 288.
Putorius fuscus, ACD. & BACH., N. A. Quad. Ill, 1853, 234 ; pi. cxlviii.
Sp. CH. — Length to tail, 8 inches or less. Tail vertebra;, one-third this length. Black of tail, two-fifths its length. Out
stretched hind feet reach the end of the vertebra;. In summer, brown above, whitish beneath ; edge of upper lip white. Jn
winter, white ; tail with black tip.
One specimen collected at Puget's Sound.
ZOOLOGY — MAMMALS.
PUTORIUS RICHARDSONII.
Muslela richardsonii, BONAP. in Charlesworth's Mag. N. H. II, Jan. 1838, 38. (" Jtf. erminea, RICH. F. E. A.")
Putorius richardsonii, Bp. in RICH. Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, Mammalia, 10.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 164.
Putorius agilis, AUD. & BACH., N. A. Quad. Ill, 1853, 184 ; pi. cxl.
Sp CH. — Length to tail, 9 inches or less. Tail vertebra) about half this length. Black of tail nearly one-half to one-third
its length. Outstretched hind feet reach to the middle of the tail (with hairs) or a little beyond. In si mmer, dark chestnut
brown above; whitish beneath. Whole upper jaw brown. In winter, white. Tail with black tip.
Specimen collected at Fort Steilacoom, August 18, 1854. (20.)
Measurement when fresh.
Around the ears 3 inches.
PVom front of fore foot to the end of hind foot extreme extension l^i "
Total from snout to tip of tail 15 "
Tail 6
Fore arm 3 "
Around chest behind shoulders 3J "
PUTORIUS LONGICAUDA.
Mustela longicauda, BONAP. in Charlesworth's Mag. N. H. If, Jan. 1838, 38. (Based on Richardson's description.)
Putorius longicauda, RICH, (ex BONAP.) Zoology Beechey's Voyage to Pacific, 1839. Mammalia, 10.
BAIRU, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 169.
Muslela (Putorius) erminea, RICH. F. B. A. I, 1829, 46. ("Carlton House variety, with long tail.")
Sp. CH. — Length to tail about eleven inches. Tail vertebrae about half this length. Black of tail about one-fourth its length.
Above, light olivaceous brown ; beneath, brownish yellow ; edge of upper lip and chin white. In winter, white; tail with black
tip. Light space on belly much wider than in P. noveboracensis. Muzzle broad.
Milk river, Neb., August, 1853.
PUTORIUS VISON.
Common Mink.
"Mustela lutreola, FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, 371."
" SABINE, in Franklin's Narr. 1823, 652."
Mustela vison, BRISSON, Quad 1756, 246.
Putorius vison, GAPPER, Zool. Jour V, 1830, 202.
DEKAY, N. Y. Zool. I, 1842, 37 ; pi. xi, f. 1.
AUD & BACH. N. A. Quad. I, 1849, 250 ; pi. xxxiii.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 177.
SP. CH — Tail about half as long as the body. General color, rather dark brownish chestnut. Tail nearly black. End of
chin white, but not the edge of the upper jaw.
Disputed island, near Vancouver's island, (64) ; Klamath Lake ; Fort Steilacoom, August 10,
(18;) Cape Flattery, (137, 146, 138, 140.)
ENHYDRA MARINA, Flem.
Sea Otter.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 189.
The imperfect skin collected was procured at Steilacoom, although I could not learn its precise
locality. Almost all the skins of this otter now gathered by the Hudson Bay Company, come
from the Indians north of the 50th parallel.
94 U S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — 47TH PARALLEL.
MEPHITIS MEPHITICA.
Skunk.
Mephitis mephitica, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 195.
Viverra mephilica, SHAW, Museum Leverianum, 1792, 172; plate. — IB. Gen. Zool. J, 1800, 390.
Mephitis chinga, TIEDEMANN, Zool. I, 1808, 362. (In part.)
AUD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. I, 1849, 317 ; pi. xlii.
Sp. CH. — Soles naked, except on the posterior third. Tail vertebrae half the length of head and body, with hairs considerably
1 ess. Color black ; a narrow frontal line, a broad triangular nuchal patch, continuous with a narrow line on either side of the
back nearly to the tail, and a tuft at the end of the tail, white. The dorsal stripes sometimes broader ; sometimes wanting, as
also the nuchal patch.
Bois de Sioux. (3.)
MEPHITIS OCCIDENTALS, Baird.
California Skunk.
Mephitis occidentalis, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 194.
? Mephitis mesomelas, ST. HILAIRE, Voy. de la Venus, Zoologie, I, 1855, 133 ; plate.
Sp. CH. — Size of a cat. Tail vertebrae two-thirds the length of head and body. Bony palate with small narrow emarginatio"
in the middle of its posterior edge. Color black, with a white nuchal patch, bifurcating behind and reaching to the tail, whic
i s entirely black.
Fort Steilacoom.
TAXIDEA AMERICANA.
American Badger.
Ursus taxus, SCHREBER, Saugt. Ill, 1778, 520, fig. 142, B. (From Buffon.)
Meles taxus, var. (J americanus, BODDAERT, Elenchus Anim. I, 1784, 136.
Meles americanus, (" BODD.") ZIMMERMANN, Pennant's Arktische Zoologie I, 1787, 74.
Taxidea umericana, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 202.
Meles Labradoria, MEYER, Zool. Archv. II, 1796, 45.
AUD. & BACH. N. A. Quad. I. 1849, 360 ; pi. xlvii.
Sp. CH. — Head grizzled gray, black on the end of snout, and along the eyes. A median white line from near the nose to the
nape. Legs and a crescentic patch before the ears black. Cheeks and under parts generally white.
Three specimens were collected on the Upper Missouri.
PROCYON HERNANDEZII, Wagler.
Black-footed Raccoon.
Procyon hernandezii, WAGLER, Isis, XXIV, 1831, 514.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 212.
SP. CH. — Larger than P. lotor. General color grayish white, with a tinge of yellowish ; long hairs tipped with black. Under
fur dark brown. A large oblique black patch on the side of the face continuous with a paler one under the chin. Sides and
under part of the muzzle, posterior margin of the cheek patch, and the ear, whitish. Tail tapering to tip, with five or six annuli
and the tip black ; the annuli half as wide only as the rusty whitish interspaces. Hind feet exceeding four inches ; the upper
surface mostly dark brown. Naked part of the soles three inches.
Varies in lighter colors and substitution of rusty brown or chestnut for the black tints.
Fort Steilacoom ; two specimens. No. 4, killed January 26.
URSUS AMERICANUS.
Black Bear.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 225.
One skull collected at Steilacoom.
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS.
SCIURUS FOSSOR, Peale.
California Grey Squirrel.
Sciurusfossor, PEALE, Mamm. and Birds, U. S. Ex. Ex. 1848, 55.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1854, 264 ; pi. cliii, f. 2.
BAIRD, Gen Rep. Mammals, 1857, 264.
Sciurus heermanni, LECONTE, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VI, Sept. 1852, 149.
SP. CH. — Size of S. vulpinus, but more slender. Tail vertebra as long as the body, with the hairs, much longer. Five upper
molars. Above, grizzled bluish grey and black ; beneath, white, without any differently colored separating line. Tail black,
with the exterior white ; the whole under surface finely grizzled. Back of ears and adjacent tuft on the occiput, chestnut.
Fort Dalles, 0. T., January, 1855.— (Nos. 36, 37, 38.)
No. 36 ; January 17, 1855. — Large grey squirrel of Lewis & Clark.
Ears long ; fur of ears, on their anterior border, whitish and sparse ; inside thinly covered
with whitish ; outside sparsely covered with fulvous fur. Edges of eyelids sparsely covered
with yellowish white. Whiskers jet hlack. Tip of nose black, with a dark stripe leading to
the forehead. Cheeks and throat white, tinged with fulvous, with a few fine black hairs inter
spersed on the cheeks. Fur of top of head (gray ?) at the base, for one-half its length, then
black, subterminally white, tipped with white, with some longer black hairs interspersed.
Fur of the back the same, only longer, and with scattering long hairs of jet black. Inside of
legs and the throat, chest, and belly, white. The hind legs have less white. In stroking
smooth and flattening the tail a broad subterminal bar of black is seen its whole length on
each side, followed by a tip or edging of white ; two other lesser bars are found nearer the
roots of the hair on each side of the median line, when the tail is flattened.
Female having young was seen March 25th.
Dimensions offresk skin.
Inches.
Lines.
14
G
12
6
15
6
2
9
3
6
2
This squirrel inhabits the oak groves in the neighborhood of Fort Dalles, and is also found
in the high pine trees in the neighborhood of the oaks.
Wasco name, Cow ten.
They are most excellent eating ; and average, when full grown, 2 pounds in weight.
96 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — 47TH PARALLEL.
No. 37 ; January 18. — Sciurus ; male.
Measurements.
Length from point of nose to the insertion of tail
From insertion of tail to end of vertebra
Of hairy tip
From tip of longest nail of fore foot to do. of hind foot, extreme
stretch
Length of oar, measured posteriorly
Of space between ears
From heel to end of longest nail of hind foot
th of head from occipital protub. to end of nose
Length of whiskers
Space between eyes
Length of hand, including longest nail
Width of tail, spread out
4th toe longest ; weight, 2 Ibs.
Inches.
11
10
14
20
I
1
3
3
3
1
1
7
Lines.
No. 38 ; January 1 . — Female.
Inches.
Lines.
11
G
11
14
3
19
3
Weight, 2 Ibs.
SCIURUS RICHARDSONII, Bach.
Richardson's Squirrel.
Sciurus richardsonii, BACHMAN, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. VI, 1838, 100.— IB. Charlesworth's Mag. N. H. Ill, Aug. 1839,
385.— IB. Jour. Ac. N. Sc. Phil. VIII, i, 1839, 64.— IB. Townsend's Narrative, 1839, 318.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 41 ; pi. v.
BAIR.D, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1837, 273.
Sn. CH. — Size lirger than the Hudson's Bay squirrel. Ears with long hairs, presenting the appearance of tufts. Tail
shorter than the body. Under surface of feet hairy from heel to metatarsals, then nearly naked. Above, reddish brown,
varied with annulations of black, lighter on the sides ; beneath, dull white ; a dark line separating colors of sides from belly.
Tail bushy, sub-cylindrical, dark reddish brown in the cnntre, entirely of a pure glossy black at tip. The hairs all long and
coarse. Hairs on the tail generally, (except at tip,) glossy black beyond the rufous portion, and more or less tipped with paler
rusty.
Specimens collected at St. Mary's Mission in 1853. — (No. 3.)
SCIURUS DOUGLASSII, Bach.
Oregon Red Squirrel.
Sciurus douglassii, (" GRAY,") BACHMAN, Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. VI, 1838, 99.— IB. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. VIII,
i, 1839, 63.— IB. Charlesworth's Mag. N. H. Ill, 1839, 331.— IB. Townsend's Narrative,
1829, 317.
WAGNER, Suppl. Schreb. Sa'ug. Ill, 1843, 177.
SCHINZ, Syn. Mam. II, 1845, 10.
(" BACH.") AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 370 ; pi. xlviii.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 275.
Sciurus swkleyi, BAIRD, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. VII, April, 1855, 333.
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS. 97
Size that of Sciurus hudsonius, or a little larger. Ears well tufted ; tail shorter than the body, scarcely flattened. Soles
naked in the centre. Above, dull rusty asd black, mixed ; the latter quite predominant ; beneath, clear bright buff, without
mixture of dark or annulated hairs. A dark stripe on the sides. Tail dull chestnut centrally, darker above ; then black and
margined all round with rusty white. Hairs at tip of tail entirely black, except at their extremity.
More northern specimens in winter lave the soles densely hairy to the toes, the fur much fuller and softer, the under parts
with dusky annulations, the general hue grayer. Size about that of S. hudsonius, or a little larger. Head short, broad-
Whiskers longer than the head ; black. Thumb, a mere callosity ; fingers well developed, the central two longest and nearly
equal ; the inner rather longer than the outer ; claws large, compressed, and much curved ; palms naked. On the hind feet
the inner toe is shortest, reaching only to the base of the claw of the outer, which comes next in size ; the fourth is longest, the
third and second little shorter. Claws all large and much curved. In summer the soles are naked, except along the edges and
the extreme heel ; in other words, there is a narrow central line of naked skin from near the heel ; they are more hairy in
winter. The ears are moderate, with short close hairs on their concavity ; the back of the ear is covered with long hairs, those
near the upper margin longest, and projecting beyond nearly five lines in some specimens ; these tufts are nearly black. The
Lail is small, shorter than the body, moderately flattened ; the hairs rather short, and, as on the rest of the body, coarse and
, ,ff.
Many specimens of this species were collected at Fort Steilacoom. The food of the present
species differs from that of those collected in the Rocky mountains, (/S. richardsonii,) in being
confined to the cone seeds of the fur and spruce, whereas in the Rocky mountains the squirrels
live on the seeds of the red pine. Both species have the same habits and peculiarities of the
red squirrel of the middle States, very familiarly chatting and " scolding" when disturbed by
the presence of man, when they become easy prey to the gunner. I have observed them here
in mid-winter running about in the woods as actively as in warm weather, and they, therefore,
do not become torpid and hybernate. Specimen No. 13 was killed about the first of July.
TAMIAS QUADRIVITTATUS.
Missouri Striped Squirrel.
Sciurus quadrivittatus, SAY, in Long's Exped. R. Mts. II, 1823, 45.
Tamias quadrivittatus, WAGNER, Suppl. Schreb. Ill, 1843, 234.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 195 ; pi. xxiv.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 297.
SP. Ch. — Tail, with the hairs, nearly or quite as long as the body. A grayish white stripe along the top of the head, with
branches passing above and below the eye. The stripe bordered above and below by darker ones, and separated behind the
eye by a dark line. A gray or hoary patch behind the ears. Sides of body deep ferruginous ; back with five about equi
distant dark stripes, nearly black on the posterior part of the body, their intervals forming four grayish white lines of similar
dimensions to them. Tail, when flattened out, ferruginous externally, then black, then ferruginous. Body beneath, dirty
grayish white. Length, 4 to 5 inches. Hind foot, 1. 20 inch.
Blue Mountains, 0. T., October, 9, 1854.— (No. 30.)
This specimen measured 4.50 inches to the root of the tail ; the tail 4.25. Another (lost) was
of the same size.
TAMIAS TOWNSENDII.
Towusend's Striped Squirrel.
Tamias townsendii, BACHMAN, Jour. Phila. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. VIII, i, 1839, 68. — IB. in Townsend's Narrative,
1839, 321.
WAGNER, \Viegmann 's Archiv. 1843, 11, 44.
ACD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 159 ; pi. xx.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 301.
Tamias cooperii, BAIRD, Pr. Ac. Nat. Sc. Phila. VII, April, 1855, 334.
SP. CH. — Larger than T. striatus. Tail, with hairs, nearly or quite as long as the body. Sides of head striped. Above and
on the sides rufous brown, with five dark stripes reaching to the tail, the intervals between which are scarcely or but seldom
paler than the ground color ; beneath, dull white. Ears dusky brown, hoary posteriorly. Tail bright chestnut beneath, margined
with ashy white, within which is a band of black. Length 5 to 6 inches. Hind foot 1.40 to 1.50.
Varies in rather paler colors, ash-colored interspaces, and sometimes the back with black hairs interspersed, so as to obscure
or nearly conceal the dorsal stripes.
Many specimens of this species were collected at Steilacoom. It hybernates in winter.
13 Q
98 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS 47TH PARALLEL.
SPERMOPHILUS DOUQLASSII.
Columbia Ground Squirrel.
Jlrctomys Spermophilus douglassii, RICH. F. B. A. I, 1829, 172.
Spermophilus douglassii, F. CUVIER, Suppl. Buff. I, Mamm. 1831, 333.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 373 ; pi. xlix.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 309.
Sp. CH. — Similar in most all respects to S. beecheyi, but with the space on the nape and back, between the light colored
more lateral patches, of a uniform dark brown, nearly black.
Fort Dalles, 0. T., January and April, 1855.— (39, 52.)
39. Squirrel or marmot, called at Fort Dalles the rock squirrel ; Indian name, woskee. (Walla-
Walla.) Ears extremely fulvous, with scattering, long, black hairs ; inside well covered with
pale brown, darker near the tip ; anterior edges, extremely dark brown ; posterior, pale. Eyelids,
white. Face, brownish white, the hairs posteriorly becoming varied. Chin and fore thoat,
brownish white, becoming more foxy on the breast. The hairs of the latter are dusky at the
base.
General aspect of back and sides. — Sides silvery from below the ears to false ribs. These
silvery patches are separated on the back by a dark stripe about f of an inch in width, along
the middle from the forehead, running posteriorly to the posterior half of the body, where it
becomes expanded into the general brown color of those parts. The whole is varied with
irregular whitish and brown wavy lines, their interspersions giving in certain lights a mottled
appearance. Tail, brownish white, each hair with 3 black bars. Inside of legs fulvous. They
are exceedingly numerous about the Dalles, become very fat, and are excellent eating.
D intensions . — Male .
Inches.
Lines.
12
3
3
9
6
15
9
1
2
2
6
o
7
J
6
7
Female. — April 7, 1855, No. 52. — Five teats on each side.
Dimensions. — Nose to insertion of tail, 10£ inches. End of caudal vertebras, l*7f inches.
End of hair, 19f inches.
SPERMOPHILUS TRIDECEM-LINEATUS.
Striped Prairie Squirrel.
Sciurus tridecem-lineatus, MITCHELL, Medical Repository, XXI, Jan. to June, 1821, 248.
Spermophilus tridectm-linealus, AUD &. BACH. N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 294 ; pi. xxxix.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 316.
Sp. CH. — About the size of Sciurus hudsonius. Ears very short. Tail vertebrfe about half the length of body, or a little
longer. Claws long ; that of thumb rather diminutive. Above dark brown, with light stripes and lines of liglit spots alter
nating with each other, six of the former and five of the latter generally very distinct. Tail with a brownish yellow margiu
and tip, and within this a border of black. Length, 5 to 6 inches. Tail vertebrae, 3.50 to 4 inches. Hind foot 1.30 to 1.40.
Minewakan, Minnesota, and the upper Missouri.
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS.
99
CYNOMYS LUDOVICIANUS.
Missouri Prairie Dog.
Jlrctomys ludovicianus, ORD, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. Ed. II, 1815, 292, 302.
Spermophilus ludovicianus, " LESSON, Manual, 244, 658."
F. CUVIER, Suppl. Buffon, I, Mam. 1831, 316.
AUD. & B\CH. N. Am. Qund. II. 1851, 319 ; pi. xcix.
Cynomys ludovicianus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. M;immals, 1857, 331.
Size of fox squrrrel, Sc. vulpinwt, but heavier ; ears very short, not projecting above fur. Tail short, with the hairs, about
one-third the length of body. Claws long, very stout; the thumb of fore feet armed with a long claw instead of a flat nail.
Soles with a patch of hair. Color above, reddish brown or cinnamon, with the tips of the hairs lighter and with scattered black
hairs interspersed ; beneath, brownish white or yellow. In winter of a more grayish cast above. Hairs on the upper part lead
color at base, then pale cinnamon white to cinnamon. Tail like the back, its tip black, with the hair light colored at base-
Length about 12 inches ; tail, with hairs, 4 inches ; hind foot about 2.25 inches.
Upper Missouri.
ARCTOMYS FLAVIVENTER, Bachman.
Yellow-Footed Marmot.
Jlrctomys flaviventer, AUD. & BACH. Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila, I, 1841.— IB J. A. N. Sc. Phila. VIII, n, 1842, 309.— IB. N.
Am. Quad. Ill, 1853, 160 ; pi. cxxxiv.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 343.
Sp. CH. — Size of common woodchuck. Above, yellowish brown, somewhat grizzled with gray. Under parts of body and
tail, and the legs all round, inside and^ ut, reddis chestnut.
This specimen, (60) an adult female, was obtained on the north side of the Columbia, opposite
Fort Dalles, May 20, 1855 ; is not found, so say the Indians, on the south side of the river, at
least in the vicinity of Fort Dalles. They prefer rocky places ; utter a shrill chirp or whistle
when discovered.
Measurement of specimen No. 60, procured May 19, 1855.
Inches.
Lines.
14
g
4
6
2
o
1
7
2
10
1
6
Iris, hazel; muzzle and chin, hair short, grayish white. Hairs on crown of head, brown, some
tipped with whitish. Scattering long black hairs are found interspersed. Fur on back of the
neck, blackish brown at the base for £ an inch, then foxy, then dark brown, the greater por
tions are tipped with white, these white ends being of irregular length, a few are tipped with
brownish black.
Hair on anterior portion of back, shorter as if worn off. Hairs of posterior portion of back
similar to those of the neck, except that the brown is lighter and the general appearance more
ferruginous. Fur of breast, shoulders, fore arm, inside of thighs, legs, and belly, foxy yellow,
with lighter tips and darker bases in many situations. Soles of feet black. Tail,, reddish brown
above, some of the hairs near the insertion tipped with whitish. Under surface of tail darker.
Posterior surface of ear sparsely covered with short grayish white hairs. The edges of the ears
are black.
A light band in front of the eyes from lore to lore. Teeth white.
100 U. 8. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS 47TH PARALLEL
APLODONTIA LEPORINA, Rich.
Sewellel; Shotw'l.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 353.
Sp. CH. — Size of muskrat. Tail scarcely appreciable. Color reddish brown.
Three specimens collected at Steilacoom — (11, 93, 92.)
They are found in considerable numbers on the Cowlitz rivers, as well as in other localities
near here. Being about the size of muskrats, their skins were formerly palmed off to the
Hudson Bay Company's agents by the Indians as skins of that animal, thereby frequently
deceiving the new and inexperienced employes of the company. Mr. Gibbs (who presented
me with the specimen sent) has handed me the following notes concerning it :
"The specimen I send you was obtained at Seattle, where it was killed in a garden. Its
name, in the Nisqually language, is Showt'l, (Shoivhurll, Suckley.) Color gray; hair short and
coarse ; legs short; eyes small; tail almost wanting. This animal burrows extensively in the
ground. It chiefly frequents spring heads in rich moist places, and is found as far up as the
dividing ridge of the Cascade mountains and on both sides of the divide. I noticed their bur
rows in 1853 at the top of the main Yakima pass. Near their abodes were small bundles of
pome herb or plant cut with nicety and laid out on logs to dry or wilt. The Indians trap them,
and value their meat very much as food."
The Nisqually Indians formely made garments by sewing together a number of the dried
skins of this animal. They are caught generally by traps resembling in action our "figure
4" traps.
CASTOR CANADENSIS, Kuhl.
Beaver.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 355.
Milk river, Neb.
DIPODOMYS PHILLIPII, Gray.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 412.
Sp. CH. — Above yellowish brown ; beneath white, with a white stripe across the thighs. Tail much longer than the body ;
black, with a white stripe on each side.
Walla- Walla, 1854, No. 51. Called Sim-ttip-tup by the Wasco Indians. They are also
found near the Dalles, at the bases of the eastern spurs of the Cascades mountains.
The Indians say that they find them most plentiful about the berry patches on the eastern
slope of the Cascades. That from Walla-Walla was probably found in the Blue mountains.
THOMOMYS DOUGLASSII.
Columbia Gopher.
Geomys douglassii, RICH. F. Bor. Am. I, 1829, 200 ; pi. xviii, C, fig. 1-6. (Skull.)— IB. Zool. of Blossom, 1839, 12.
LECONTE, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VI, 1852, 162.
Jlscomys douglassii, WAGNER, Suppl. Schreb. Ill, 1843, 392.
Pseudostoma douglassii, ACD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1853, 24; pi. cv.
Thomomys douglassii, GIEBEL, Saugt. 1855, 531.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 394.
SP. CH. — Cheek pouches large ; [sparsely haired on the outer wall. Tail, one-third to nearly one-half the body. Upper
nciaors nearly plane in front, with a distinct and sharp groove. Hand large ; clawe very large and stout ; palm and digits
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS. 101
very short. Middle claw 5| lines above ; below, occupying nearly two fifths of the hand •, its toe about two-eighths. First
finger or thumb very short, barely reaching over two-sixths the hand.
Color. — Above, dusky chestnut brown, but slightly mottled on sides and beneath with an ashy brown tinge. Cheek pouches
whitish at the bottom, the line of demarcation indistinct, and the brownish color of the marginal region running down into
the pouch. Tail grayish ; dusky above.
Many specimens were collected at Fort Steilacoom, (8, 840 ;) also several at Fort Dalles, (59.)
No. 59, Female.— Dalles, April 25.
Inches.
5
Lines.
4
Tail
1
10
1
4
4
7
7
PEROQNATHUS FASCIATUS, P r . Max.
Perognathus fasciatus, PR. MAX. Nova Acta C. L. C. Acad. XIX, i, 1839, 369 ; tab. xxxiv. — IB. Reise innere Nord-
Amerika, I, 1839, 449.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1854, 341.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 420.]
Sp. CH. — Considerably larger than the house mouse. Tail as long as the body without the head. Antitragus conspicuously
lobed. Soles naked. Above reddish yellow, closely lined with black ; fore legs all round, feet and under parts white ; a pale
reddish yellow immaculate band on each side.
This animal was found in the vicinity of Fort Union, Nebraska.
PEROGNATHUS MONTICOLA, Baird.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 422.
Sp. CH. — Antitragus lobed ; soles naked. About as large as the domestic mouse. Tail rather shorter than the head and body,
fully coated with hair. Hind feet rather short. Color above mixed cinnamon and dusky ; flanks scarcely clearer, beneath
white ; tail colored to correspond with these regions. Hairs below, as well as above, plumbeous at base, those above exhibiting
this color for nearly two-thirds their length. Outside of fore leg dusky to the wrist.
St. Mary's Mission, Rocky Mountains.
PEROGNATHUS FLAVUS, Baird.
Perognalhusjlavus, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VII, April, 1855, 332.
Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 423.
Sp. CH. — Considerably less than the common mouse. Tail equal to or less than the head and body, scarcely different in
color above and below. Hind feet short. Above, yellowish buff, with dusky tips to some of the hairs ; clearer on the sides.
Beneath, snowy white to the roots of the hair. Fore leg white to the shoulders. Hairs on the back plumbeous only on their
basal half.
Found between Milk and Maria rivers, Nebraska.
JACULUS HUDSONIUS.
Jumping Mouse.
Dipus hudsonius, ZIMMERMANN, Geog. Geschichte, II, 1780, 358.
Meriones hudsonius, AUD. & BACH., N. Am. Quad. II, 1851, 251 ; pi. Ixxxv.
Jaculus Hudsonius, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 430.
Sp. CH. — Above, light yellowish brown, lined finely with black ; entire sides yellowish rusty, sharply defined against the
colors of the back and belly. Beneath, pure white ; feet and under surface of tail whitish. Body, 2.75 to 3.50 inches ; tail,
4.50 to 6.00 ; hind feet, 1.10 to 1.30.
Specimens collected at Steilacoom.
MUS DECUMANUS, P ail as.'
Brown Rat; Norway Rat.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 438.
This species was unknown at Steilacoom until about five years ago, when it was introduced
102
U. S. P. B. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS 47TH PARALLEL.
probably by the Hudson Bay Company's ships, and other merchant vessels. They are now exceed
ingly abundant in the storehouses of the Hudson Bay Company and the garrison. Before that,
the hairy-tailed rat was alone found. The Indians (Nisqually) have given it the hairy- tailed
rat's name, Squaivt hun, or large mouse. — (No. 9.)
HESPBROMYS GAMBELIT, Baird.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 464.
SP. CH. — Tail a little less or about equal to head and body. Above, yellowish brown, much mixed with dusky, but without
a distinct broad wash of darker on the back. Entire outside of fore leg, below the shoulders, white.
Dalles, Oregon Territory, 1855.— (42.)
Dimensions.
Inches.
Lines.
3
10
Total length to tip of tail, (about)
7
6
5
2
7
51
5
9
1
3
6
HESPEROMYS AUSTERUS, Baird.
Oregon Mole.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 466.
SP. CH. — Sooty brown, slightly mixed with yellowish brown on the cheeks and lower part of sides ; the dusky color extending
to the wrist. Feet and under parts white. Tail well haired, as long as head and body ; lower half white.
Many specimens of this species were obtained at Steilacoom. — (4, 5, 22, 86.)
HESPEROMYS SONORIENSIS, Leconte.
Hesperomys sonoriensis, LECONTE, Pr. A. N. Sci. Phila. VI, October, 1853, 413. (Sonora.)
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 474.
Jlrvicola (Hesperomys) sonoriensis, AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 854, 296 (from Leconte.)
? Jtfus leucopus, RICH. Zool. Jour. III. 1828.— IB. F. B. Arn. I, 1829 142.
SP. CH. — Young, light ashy gray ; adult, with a tinge of yellow h brown ; neither is there any dorsal stripe. Tail
scarcely longer than the body, exclusive of the head. Posterior tubercle of sole small, rounded, far forward. Soles hairy
for half their length. Tail white, except a narrow line above of dusky. Ears large, with long hairs ; one-half of the ear
hoary, in strong contrast with the dusky of the remaining portion.
Specimen obtained at St. Mary's Mission, Rocky mountains.
NEOTOMA OCCIDENT ALIS, Cooper.
Bushy-tailed Rat-
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 496.
SP. CH. — Size of Norway rat. Fur harsh. Tail densely hairy; the vertebrae as long or longer than tho body, without the
head. Color above, brownish plumbeous, mixed with yellowish brown. Beneath, with feet, bluish white.
New Dungeness, Straits of de Fuca. — (149.)
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS. 103
NEOTOMA CINEREA.
Rocky Mountain Rat.
Neotoma drummondii, RICH. F. B. A. I, 1829, 137.
JVeotomu cinerea, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 499.
SP. CH. — Size of Norway rat. Fur very soft. Tail densely hairy ; the vertebra shorter than the body, exclusive of head.
Above, light yellowish brown, deeper on the sides. Beneath, with feet, snowy white.
Milk river, Nebraska.
ARVICOLA TOWNSENDII, B a c h m a n .
Oregon Ground Mouse.
Jrvicola townsendii, BACHMAN, J. A. N. Sc. Phila. VIII, i, 1839, 60. — IB. In Townsend's Narrative, 1830, 315.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1853, 209 ; pi. cxliv. fig. 1.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 527.
Sr. CH. — Very large, (head and boJy 5| inches.) Ears large ; two-thirds as long as hind foot ; well furred. Tail, in
cluding the hairs, rather less than half the head and body ; tail vertebrae twice the length of hind foot. Thumb claw
conspicuous. Toes long ; one-third the whole foot. Fur measuring a little over one-third of an inch, with a slight gloss-
Above, dark fuscous brown, with but little yellowish brown visible. Sides paler; beneath, ashy white. Tail almost
uniformly brown throughout. Feet liver brown. Skull, 1.27 -\- 71, or as 100 : 56.
Puget's Sound, W. T., 1856.
The field mice of Washington Territory, with other vermin, are exceedingly destructive in
the gardens. It is scarcely possible to raise either melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, or squash,
owing to the depredations of these little animals. Seed after seed is planted, and as
regularly dug up and eaten by them in a few days, scarcely one in many sowings being allowed
to grow.
ABVICOLA OREGONI, B a c h m a n .
Arvicola oregoni, BACHMAN, J. A. N. Sc. Phila. VIII, i, 1839, 60.— IB. in Townsend's Narrative, 1839, 315.
ACD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1853, 232 ; pl.cxlvii, f. 3.
Jlrvicola (Chilotus) oregoni, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 537.
SP. CH. — About the size and shape of Jlrvicola pinetorum, (3k inches.) Skull .92. Fur short, (.3 of an inch.) Head short,
broad. Ears moderate, barely concealed, quite naked, with a few scattered inconspicuous white hairs. Antitragus small. Tail
vertebra not one-third the head and body, longer than the head, one and one-half times the hind feet. Soles hairy for posterior
third, (.65 long).
Above, dark brown, without any rufous tint. Hairs with obscure tips of yellowish brown. Beneath, lustrous hoary plumbeous
ash. Tail corresponding in color to the bo y, but not sharply bicolored. Feet grayish brown.
Steilacoom, W. T., 1855.
FIBER ZIBETHICUS, Cuv.
Mnskrat.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 561.
Two specimens of the well known muskrat were collected at Steilacoom, (5, 117.) No. 5,
killed January 28.
LEPUS WASHINGTONII, Baird.
Red Hare.
Lepus washingtonii, BAIRD, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. VII, April, 1855, 333. — IB. Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 583.
Ears shorter than the head ; hind feet much longer than the head. Size about that of L. sylvaticus, or a little larger. Fur
very soft and full on the body and beneath the feet. Tail very short. Back, sides, and throat reddish brown ; the former with
many glossy black hairs. Tail lead color above, rusty white beneath. Abdomen pure white. Ears black on the posterior
margin and tip of their inner surface ; the rest of this surface pale reddish brown, except on the exterior band.
104 U. S. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — 47TH PARALLEL.
Specimens of this species were obtained at Steilacoom (7, 133), and at Vancouver. Two
white winter skins and one summer (140, 144, 142) of this, or a closely allied species, were
obtained from the latitude of 54° 40'.
LEPUS CAMPESTRIS, Bach.
Prairie Hare.
us campestris, BACH. J. A. N. Sc. Phila. VII, 11, 1837, 349.— IB. VIII, i, 1839, 80.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 585.
Lepus townsendii, BACHMAN, J. A. N. Sc. Phila. VIII, i, 90 ; pi. ii.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. I, 1849, 25 ; pi. iii.
gp. CH. — Larger than Lepus americanus. Ears about one-fifth longer than the head. Fur soft and full, especially in winter.
Tail as long as the head. Hind feet considerably longer than the head ; somewhat longer than the ears.
In summer, back, rump, sides of limbs, external and internal bands of the ear, and the throat, yellowish gray, varied more
or less with brown. Beneath, white. Tail entirely white, above and below ; in some specimens only with a faint wash of ash
above. Nape and interior surface of ears white, except as stated ; the latter tipped with black.
In winter, pure white all over, with a yellowish tinge. Ears white, tipped with brown ; the external and internal bands
rusty gray. Fur on the ears and elsewhere much longer and fuller than in summer. Fur on the upper part and sides pure
white on the basal half.
Missouri river, at Fort Union. No. 29 was obtained on Burnt river, of Snake river, 0. T.,
on its left bank, one hundred miles north of Fort Boise. It was a male, killed October 5 ;
weight, 6£ pounds ; stretch, 38£ ; tip of snout to end of tail, 25f ; tibia, 6 ; femur, 5 ; heels
to end of toe_, 5f ; from shoulder joint to tip of toes, 10.
This species is supposed to turn white in winter.
LEPUS CALIFORNICUS, Gray.
California Hare.
Lepus californicus, GRAY, Charlepw Mag. N. H. I, 1837, 586, (named only in Pr. Zool. Soc. Lond. IV, 1836, 88.)
ACD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1853, 53 ; pi. cxii.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 594
gp> CH. — Size large. Ears and hind feet much longer than the head, (the ears longest.) Tail as long as the head. Limbs
elongated ; not very densely furred. Fur rather soft. Upper parts light cinnamon and black. Sides of the body anteriorly,
chest, and outer surfaces of limbs cinnamon, with a slight mixture of black. Under parts whitish cinnamon on the median
line, darker externally and on the inner surfaces of the limbs. Tail dull cinnamon ; the upper part and a line running up a
short distance on the rump, black. Extremity of the dorsal surface of the ear, with the adjacent edges, black, internal and
external bands, dusky ; rest of the dorsal surface of the ear, with the posterior edge, fulvous white ; rest of the external surface,
with the anterior fringe, pale cinnumon. Under surface of the head lighter than the chest. Bases of the hairs and fur above,
grayish white ; below, white ; on the sides, light plumbeous. Nape, dusky grayish.
Fort Jones, California, (TO.)
? LEPUS CALLOTIS, Wagler.
Jackass Rabbit; Texas Hare; Black-tailed Hare.
Lepus callotis, WAGLER, Nat. Syst. Amph. 1830, 25. — IB. Isis, 1831, 511.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. II, 1851, 95 ; pi. Ixiii.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 590.
SP. CH. — Rather smaller than the European hare. Ears very long and broad; nearly one-third longer than the head and
one-fifth longe: than the hind foot. Hair on the buttocks short and close. Color above, yellowish gray, blotched and lined
with black. Upper surface of tail and central line of rump, black ; tail beneath, grayish white. Sides of rump, clear ash
gray. Legs, ashy. Nape, black, (sometimes whitish?) Beneath, dull whitish, wiih a yellowish brown color on the throat.
A light ring round the eye. Tip of the posterior surface of the ear black.
Boise river, Oregon Territory, September 27, 1854. — 27, 28.
No. 27. — Male ; September 27th. Dimensions. — Stretch, 26£. Fore arm, 3f ; tibia, 5£ ;
femur, 4|-. Ear from plane of occiput, 5£. Heel to end of toes, 4£. From snout to tip of
tail, 22£. From shoulder joint to tip of fore foot, 8 inches.
ZOOLOGY MAMMALS.
105
These hares are exceedingly abundant on the left bank of the Boise river. They are so
numerous that our command of GO men subsisted on them for nearly a week. In a short ride
of an hour's duration to see 30 near to the trail was nothing remarkable. The natives
(Diggers) make garments by sewing many of their skins together. This hare breeds in great
numbers on the vast sage plains to the south of Boise river, between it and Snake river. They
are said to turn white in the winter. The flesh is rather bitter, owing probably to the sage on
which it feeds.
LEPUS ARTEMISIA, Bach man.
•
Sage Rabbit.
BAIBD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 602.
SP. CH. — Similar to the common rabbit, Lepus sylvaiicus, but smaller and grayer.
Fort Union, Nebraska.
Fort Dalles, Oregon Territory, 1855.— 35, 50.
50. — March 2. Length to root of tail, 12 inches ; tail to end of vertebras, 2.00 ; 9f
hairs, 2.50.
35. — January 12, 55. Under surface of tail, I am told by Indians, is white ; that of
this specimen was lost. It does not turn white it winter. Name, in dialect of the Wascos,
La-Lik.
Dimensions.
Inches.
Lines.
Length from nose to root of tail ... _........._........._._......-
15
Heel to point of longest nail. . . _._. . ............
3
8
Height of ear above plane of crown ........................
3
3
2
10
1
4
4
2
Extreme stretch between fore and hind toes _............_....
24
Ear as long as the head. Small intestines ; about 6 feet 9 inches long ; stomach, about 3 ;
cascum very long. Ileum contained 4 tsenise.
ALOE AMERICANA, Jar dine.
Moose.
BAIBD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 631.
Horns were obtained from some point north of Steilacoom
CERVUS CANADENSIS, Erxleben.
Elk.
BAIKD, Gen. Rep. 1857, 638.
A portion of a skull obtained in Washington Territory.
14 Q
U. S. P. B. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS — 47TH PARALLEL.
CERVUS LEUCURUS, Douglass.
White-tailed Deer.
Cervus kucurus, DOUGLASS, Zool. Jour. IV, Jan. 1829, 330.
RICHARDSON, F. Bor. Am. I, 1829, 258.
ACD & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1853, 77 ; plate cxviii.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 649.
Long-taikd red deer, LEWIS & CLARK.
SP. CH. — Horns and gland of the hind legs as in C. virginianus) tail, appreciably longer; hoofs, long and narrow; fur,
compact. General color above, in autumn, yellowish gray, clouded and waved, but not lined with dusky. Chin, entirely
white, with only a small dusky spot on the edge of the lip. Ears gray, with a basal white spot behind. Anal region and
under surface of the tail, but not the buttocks, white. Tail, reddish above, without exhibiting any dusky.
A pair of horns obtained from Whidby's Island.
CERVUS COLUMBIANUS, Rich.
Black-tailed Deer.
Cervus macrotis, var. columbianus, RICHARDSON, P. B. Am. I, 1829, 255 ; pi. xx.
Genus columbianus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 659.
Cervus lewisii, PEALE, Mammalia and Birds U. S. Ex. Ex. 1848, 39.
Cervus richardsonii, AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. II, 1851, 211.— IB III, 1853, 27 ; pi. cvi.
Slack-tailed fallow deer, LEWIS & CLARK.
SP. CH. — About the size of 0. virginianus, or less. Horns doubly dichotomous, the forks nearly equal. Ears more than
half the length of the tail. Gland of the hind leg about one-sixth of the distance between the articulating surfaces of the
bone. Tail, cylindrical, hairy and white beneath ; almost entirely black above. The under portion of the tip not black.
Winter coat with distinct yellowish chestnut annulation on a dark ground. Without white patch on the buttocks. There
is a distinct dusky horse-shoe mark on the forehead anterior to the eyes.
Steilacoom, W. T., 1856. (90.)
APLOCERUS MONTANUS.
Mountain Goat.
Ovis montana, ORD, Guthrie's Geography (2d Am. Ed.) II, 1815, 292, 309.— IB. J. A. N. Sc. I. i, 1817, 8.
Aplocerus montanus, RICHARDSON, Zool. of Herald ; Fossil Mammals, II, 1852, 131 ; pi. xvi-xix. Osteology.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 671.
BAIHD, Rep. U. S. Pat. Off. Agricultural for 1851, (1852,) 120 ; plate. (From Rich.)
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1853, 128 ; pi. cxxviii.
Rocky Mountain Sheep, JAMESON, "Wernerian Transactions, 111,1821,306."
Mountain Goat, Mountain Sheep, White Goat, Sfc. , VULGO.
SP. CH. — Entirely white. Horns, hoofs, and edge of nostrils black. Hair long and pendant. A beard-like tuft of hair on
the chin.
Three specimens were obtained in the Cascade mountains north of Mount Rainier, by
Lieutenant Nugen, United States army ; another from the Upper Nisqually. (89.)
CHAPTER III,
REPORT OP DR. GEO. SUCKLED U. S. A., AND GEO, GIBBS, ESQ.
SCALOPS TOWNSENDII, Bach.
Western Mole.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 65.
[For Sp. Ch. see chap. 2, p. 88.]
This animal is quite abundant in the vicinity of Puget Sound, and probably extends
throughout those portions of Oregon and Washington Territories situated between the Cascade
range and the coast. I never saw it east of the Cascades.
It is very common near Puget Sound, where I got a half dozen specimens. One, obtained
alive at Mticklesnoot prairie, I kept for some time in a box, upon the bottom of which was a
quantity of rich black loam. When disturbed it instinctively endeavored to escape by burrowing
in the earth of the box, using its long pointed nose as a wedge to pioneer the way. The
excavation was performed by its broad stout hands, which, surmounted with their long sharp
claws, seemed admirably adapted for the purpose. The fore paws were worked alternately as
in swimming, the hind feet acting as propellers. Although the earth in the box was very soft
and friable, it was nevertheless a matter of astonishment to see how rapidly the little creature
could travel through it. When he slept it was in a sitting posture, with the body curled
forward and the neck strongly flexed, so that the nose rested between the hind legs. He thus
assumed a ball shape, evidently his usual natural position when asleep.
This mole, being subsequently killed, was duly measured, and the measurements recorded in
my note book, as follows :
No. 85. $ . Length from nose to base of tail 6. 75
Length of tail. 1. 50
From occiput to tip of nose 2. 00
Length of hand, including middle nail 1.10
Extreme reach from longest claw of hind foot to ditto of fore foot 7. 87
Penis concealed in its sheath. Glans flattened. Eyes scarcely apparent before skinning.
They live in the more rich and open grounds, making burrows near the surface resembling
closely those made by the common garden mole in the Atlantic States. — S.
NOTE. — During Dr. Buckley's absence from the United States, chapter 2 of the present section was published. It was
found afterwards that many notes and memoranda had been mislaid, or had, from some other cause, escaped insertion. It
was therefore determined to join the unpublished material with a number of valuable notes which had been kindly furnished
by George Gibbs, esq., and to print the whole, as thus connected, in the present chapter. Care has been taken to avoid
useless repetition of any of the matter which appears in chapter 2 ; but, when necessary, a reference is made to the page in
the first report, as well as to that of Professor Baird's general report on the mammals of the routes of the different surveys. — S.
108 ZOOLOGY.
CONDYLURA?
Star-nosed Mole.
In 1852 I saw a very large star-nosed mole, which had been killed at Orleans bar, on
Klamath river. — G.
Dr. Cooper saw at Vancouver, W. T., in 1 853, a decayed specimen, which had the appear
ance of having a radiated excrescence on the nose ; but being crushed and nearly destroyed,
the specimen was unfit for preservation.
FELIS CONCOLOR, Linn.
The American Panther; Cougar; California Lion.
Fills concolor, LIKN. Mantissa, 1771, 522; pi. II
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 83.
[For Sp. Ch. see chap. 2, p. 88 ]
The cougar, or, as it is frequently called, "California Lion," is common in Oregon and
Washington Territories. They are quite abundant in the mountains of the Klamath. The
Indians there sew two skins together, and wear the robe thus formed as a blanket, the tails
trailing behind. Two skins of the young panther were obtained by me from a man at Steila-
coom. They are marked much like the wild cat, but have a longer tail. The living animals
were about the size of weaned kittens. — G.
NOTE. — I have several times heard of some large animal of the cat kind said to differ from
the cougar. One was reported to have been seen in California by some mining acquaintances
I made there. It was described as stouter than the cougar, deep chested, with a dark tawny
mane! Lately a very intelligent man, Mr. Samuel Woodward, of Shoalwater bay, W. T.>
informed me that he had seen in that neighborhood an animal standing higher upon its legs
than a cougar, with erect ears and a short tail. The Indians of the Willamette have a story of
some terrible animal inhabiting the woods bordering the Columbia on the south, which is not
a cougar. It may be that there are imaginary differences, but the subject deserves investiga
tion. Perhaps these animals are straggling specimens of the northern lynx. — G.
The cougar is quite abundant in the thickly wooded sections of Washington Territory, near
the coast, being especially abundant on some of the heavily timbered river valleys, such as
that of the Cowlitz, Chehalis, Nisqually, and others. Near Fort Steilacoom a few are killed
every year, occasionally quite near the garrison. There have not, as yet, been any instances in
that vicinity of human beings having been attacked by them. They are, however, destructive
to young calves and other small animals. They are said to utter shrill screams, and at times
loud whistling sounds, at night. Perhaps these, when much heard, proceed from the amatory
conflicts and spiteful sanguinary courtships which, it is fair to suppose, exist as much among
them as with their cousins, our domestic dependants.
I am indebted to Major James Tilton, United States surveyor general of Washington Terri
tory, for the present of the finest and most complete skin of this species I have ever seen from
the northwest coast. It is now in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution.
Townshend speaks of the indication of a second and nearly allied species on the Columbia.
His opinion is based upon a peculiar skull and one foot of an animal he there obtained.
Perhaps this may have belonged to the "terrible animal" to which Mr. Gibbs alludes. The
ZOOLOGY. 109
kitten skins obtained by Mr. Gibbs were got in August; and it is fair to suppose that they
were littered in July. The Indians speaking the Nisqually dialect'call this animal swo-iuali. — S.
LYNX FASCIATUS, Raf.
Western "Wild Cat; Red Cat.
Lynx fasciatus, RAF. Am. Month. Mag. II, Nov. 1817, 46.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 96.
Tiger Cat, LEWIS & CLABK, Travels II, 1814, 167.
[For specific characters in detail of this species see chap. 2, p. 90.]
The western wild cat is abundant in the thickly wooded districts bordering the lower
Columbia and Puget Sound. Lewis and Clark, in speaking of this animal, call it the "tiger
cat," and say that it is much larger than that of the States, with much finerTfur. They
remark that the Indians made robes out of four skins.
The name of this animal in Yakima (a dialect of the Walla-Walla language) is Pitzeni. and in
Nisqually Pish-pish. The older settlers say that there are two kinds of wild cat in the neigh-
borhorhood of Puget Sound — one being the species now under consideration, the other called
the brindled cat. I saw a specimen of the L. fasciatus at Olympia in 1856. It was about twice
the size of the common wild cat. Tail short, ears black, with gray spots upon""them like
"thumb marks.7' The Skokomish Indians call it Clitbuk. The Indians say that there^are two
cats besides the cougar, thus corroborating the statements of the settlers. A very intelligent
settler, a keen hunter, and an observing man — Judge Ford, of the Chehalis river — says that
there is a third kind, which is spotted black and white, and is much more slender than the
common wild cat of the country. — G.
The barred lynx is a very abundant species in the thickly wooded districts of Washington
Territory; so much so that I obtained a half dozen specimens during the last year I resided
there. One of these (a female) was shot in a barnyard near Fort Steilacoom. It and a com
panion were standing near some calves, whisking their tails, and apparently bent upon mischief.
It is not often that they attempt to take such large prey; but usually they content themselves
with young pigs, or other small delicacies that may fall in their way near the settler's home.
When not depending upon what can be stolen from the farmer or shepherd, they subsist upon
younp; fawns, rabbits, ruffed grouse, small birds, squirrels, &c.
There may be two kinds of wild cats in the Territory north of the Columbia, the present
species and the Hudson Bay lynx. The latter Townshend says inhabits Oregon. The Indians
about Puget Sound, when asked, always say that there are two lynxes or wild cats. One of
these they call Bellopes; but the Bellopes is the raccoon, (Procyon liernandezii.} Undoubtedly
these natives have not studied comparative anatomy very extensively. After removing the
Bellopes and asking how many other kinds of wild cats exist in their country, they answer
only one, pointing to a skin of the red cat of the present article. The kind spoken of by Mr.
Gibbs as having been seen by Judge Ford may perhaps be a partially grown cougar, which
we know are spotted when young; or it may be a young individual of the Hudson Bay lynx,
or even a new and undescribed species. I have friends on the lookout for the animal, so that,
if at all abundant, I shall probably ere long receive a specimen.
The Indians eat the red lynx whenever obtained. Upon their recommendation I tried a steak
broiled, but have no hesitation is pronouncing the creature not good. A prominent mark of
this species is the gray "thumb mark" on the ears.
110 ZOOLOGY.
Measurements of specimens.
No. 121.— Fort Steilacoom, October 10, 1856. Female.
From nose to base of occiput 7.00 inches.
From nose to base of tail 33.50 "
Tail vertebras , . , 6. 87 "
From base of tail to end of hairy tip 7. 50 "
Span of fore and hind foot — extreme stretch 65.00 "
Easy girth behind shoulders 18. 25 l '
This cat was fat and in good order.
Another. No. 114 was a male killed in a farmer's yard, near Fort Steilacoom, August 8,
1856. It had committed many depredations upon the poultry and young pigs of the establish
ment.
From occiput to nose - • • 6.50 inches.
From nose to base of tail 31. 50 ' '
Tail vertebrae • 6.75 "
Tail to end of hairy tip 7.25 "
Span of fore and hind legs — extreme reach 5^.00 "
Fore arm, about < . G. 00 "
Another. Male; Port Townshend, December 18, 1856. No. 134.
From nose to occiput 7. 25 inches
From nose to base of tail 32. 00 ' •
Tail vertebras 8.00 "
Tail to end of hairy tip -f 8.50 "
The locality from whence this specimen was obtained shows that the range of the species
extends on both sides of Puget Sound, and among the spurs of both the Cascade and Coast
range of mountains. — S.
NOTE. — For several skins of this lynx, and for many other scientific as well as personal
favors, I am indebted to my friend the popular and highly esteemed secretary of Washington
Territory, his excellency the Hon. Charles H. Mason.
CANIS OCCIDENTALS, var. GRISEO-ALBUS.
Gray Wolf.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 104.
SP. CH — Color of various shades, from gray to white Some skins are much tinged with brown.
The Gray Wolf occurs on the Clatsop Plains, near the mouth of the Columbia, and also upon
the Nisqually Plains, Puget Sound. It attains a very large size, and is too much for any
single dog. It is called by the Chinooks Ileakhum, and is the Spilyer of the Yakimas.
A black wolf was seen by me in the mountains between Scott's and Shasta valleys, in northern
California, in 1851. Several were together. A "black wolf," perhaps the same, perhaps the
C. nubilus, or "dusky wolf," is found on the Nisqually Plains, Puget Sound. Some skins are
grizzled. — G.
Owing to the variety in the shades and colors of the wolves of Oregon, the settlers at the
Dalles, mistaking varieties for species or "kinds," consider that there are more species than
the examination of many skins in the Smithsonian collection seems to justify.
There is considerable difference of opinion among the white inhabitants as to the number of
ZOOLOGY. Ill
these species. Some make four species : two large or mountain wolves, and two small or coyotes.
The mountain kinds are the black (probably Canis nubilus) and the red, (most likely the Canis
occidentalis, which frequently is tinged with ferruginous.) Whether the "Hoc* wolves" are
Hack, I consider doubtful. Settlers, however, have positively assured me that they have seen
wolves "perfectly Hack." Frequently the black hairs on the back of the Canis occidentalis,
seen from a distance, may; in certain reflections, cause the animal to have a general dark or
black appearance. This would be the case with the wolf having such a skin as the one in my
collection marked 47.
A few memoranda concerning this species, made in connexion with the skin last mentioned,
(47,) may be found in my partial report, chap. 2, p. 90. They are exceedingly numerous in
Oregon and Washington Territories, from the Cascades to the Rocky mountain divide, and
probably extend much further north, east, and south. They are sparingly found west of the
Cascades, occurring, according to Mr. Gibbs, on the Clatsop Plains, and have been obtained
by me from the elevated plateau at the western base of the Cascade mountains, upon which
Muckleshoot prairie is situated. — S.
CANIS OCCIDENTALIS, var. NUBILUS.
Dusky Wolf.
BAIED, Gen Hep. Mammals, 1857, 111.
[For synonymy and specific characters see work last quoted ; also chip. 2, p. 90.]
The skin obtained by me of this species (or variety?) was from the Nisqually Plains.
Formerly this wolf was quite abundant in that vicinity, much to the detriment of the sheep of
the Puget Sound Agricultural Company, but, of late years, owing to the persuasive influence
of strychnine, they, together with the wolf-like Indian dogs, have become quite scarce. — S.
CANIS LATRANS, Say.
Prairie Wolf; Coyote.
BAIKD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 113.
Coyotes, apparently identical with the prairie wolf of the plains on the Platte river, I saw
in great numbers in Scott's valley in 1851. I also shot one high up in the mountains of Eel
river, in California, far from the coast; and in 1854 I again met with them in the Yakima valley,
in Washington Territory, north of the Columbia and east of the Cascade mountains. The
Chinooks call it Italipus, and believe it to be a sort of demon or deity. — G-.
The coyote is common in central Oregon, where it subsists on small game, carrion, <fcc., but,
on the vast desert plains of the interior, more especially upon the dead salmon washed up on
the shores of the rivers and streams. At Fort Dalles they are very numerous. There, in
1854, an individual, apparently rabid, entered a stable and bit a horse in the nose. The horse
was, in a short time, taken with every symptom of hydrophobia, and in a few days died. In
1853, during the small-pox epidemic among the tribes north of the Columbia, the natives,
frightened, left their dead unburied. These were devoured by the coyotes, who shortly became
afflicted with a terrible skin disease, in which the hair fell off, and the whole surface of the
body became covered by scabs and putrid sores, which, irritated by the sun, wind, and sand,
were a dreadful annoyance to the miserable brutes, who undoubtedly perished in great numbers.
The double voice of the coyote, by which one single individual can make noises as if several
are barking or yelping at once, is a singular peculiarity, which is well known to mountain men. — S.
112 ZOOLOGY.
DOGS.
The dogs of the Indians on the Pacific coast differ greatly among themselves. Some common
kinds are believed to be a cross of the coyote. On the Klamath is a dog of good size, with a
short tail. This is not more than six or seven inches long, and is bushy, or rather broad, it
being as wide as a man's hand. I was assured they were not cut, and I never noticed longer
tails on the pups. They have the usual erect ears and sharp muzzle of Indian dogs, but are
(what is unusual with Indian dogs) often brindled gray. Throughout Oregon the native dog is
largely intermingled with imported dogs; but the Clallams, on Puget Sound, have a white dog,
with very soft hair, which is sheared like the wool of sheep, and of which they make blankets.
The fur or hair is at present generally intermixed with the ravellings of old English blankets
to facilitate twisting with yarn. These are stretched over a frame and then interwoven, leaving
a fringe (when finished) where the ends are separated. — G.
NOTE. — I sent to the Smithsonian one "dog's wool blanket," made of this material, and
one of dog's wool and duck feathers mixed. All the Clallam dogs that I saw were pure white;
but they have the sharp nose, pointed ear, and hang-dog, thievish appearance of other Indian
dogs. — S.
The question of intermixture of the dog and coyote is, I suppose, an unsettled one; at least
I do not know whether naturalists admit the perpetuation of the hybrid. It is, however, a
matter of popular belief.
Lewis and Clark speak of the dogs as being remarkably small. They are much smaller than
the Sioux dogs; ears erect and pointed like the wolf; hair short and smooth, except on the tail,
where it is long and straight, like that of an ordinary cur; head long; nose pointed; eyes small;
colors, parti-colored, black, white, brown, and brindie predominate, (I have noticed brindle
principally in California.) None of the Oregon Indians eat their dogs; they use them for
driving elk and deer.
I met one peculiar looking dog on Eel river, in the interior of northern California, among
very wild Indians. It had short legs and long body, like a turnspit. — G-.
The Indian dogs about the Dalles of the Columbia are so varied in appearance that no special
description can be given. We might, hoAvever, make two types. The large, (yellow or brindled,)
about the size of a foxhound, but much more slender, and the small, resembling the ' ' turnspit
kind," of which Mr. Gibbs speaks. The latter are generally white, or spotted liver and white,
or black and white. This kind is kept more as a playmate for the children and a pet for the
women. There are besides all sizes and colors, the result of crossing with each other and with
imported animals.
The native dogs of Oregon subsist well upon fish, which they even do not hesitate to eat raw.
Salmon, which is their common food, will make any blooded dog from the States very ill;
scarcely one dog out of ten recovers. This "salmon sickness," as it is called, attacks the dog
but once. It may, after all, be nothing more than the common dog distemper. — S.
VULPES MACROURUS, Baird.
Western Fox.
VuJpes maerourus, BAIHD, in Stansbury's Eep. June, 1852, 309.
IB., Gen. Eep. Mammals, 1857, 130.
[For synonymy and sp. ch. see chap. 2, p. 91.]
Foxes are very numerous near Fort Dalles, Oregon, and are apparently all of the long-tailed
species. Good specimens are contained in my collection, marked 25, 33, 34. In examining a
ZOOLOGY'. 113
collection of 25 skins of the red or common variety in the possession of a trader, I noticed that
scarcely two could be found in which the tints and shades of color were precisely alike, although
all conformed to one general plan of coloration, and were evidently of one and the same species.
Owing to the diversity produced by the three varieties — red, cross, and silver — with inter
mediate grades of all shades, there is much confusion among the settlers at the Dalles as to the
number of species which exist. In all probability there is but one, varied in color, however, as
above.
A very good typical specimen of this species (excepting its small size, it being a young male
scarcely grown) is the one whose measurements are given in chapter 2, p. 91.
On the Columbia well dried, good skins can be readily purchased for 25 cents apiece, and in
the way of trade are even bought by the storekeepers for much less. They are principally
taken in traps or killed with strychnine. — S.
VULPES MACROURUS, VARS. DECUSSATUS AND CINEREO ARGENTATUS.
Silver Fox, Black Fox, and Cross Fox.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 127 and 128.
The Hudson Bay Company's traders think that the different foxes hybridize largely, and
that in this manner the diversity of fur found in the "cross" and "silver" varieties is
produced. — G.
Specimens of both these varieties were obtained by me at Fort Dalles, Oregon. I say
varieties, because I entertain no doubt upon the subject. Air. Sinclair, who for many years
had been engaged in the fur trade, and in 1855 residing at the Hudson Bay fort at Walla-
Walla as officer in charge of the post, a man that I can vouch for as a reliable, intelligent
gentleman, assured me that lie has seen in the same litter of young foxes individuals of the three
varieties — red, cross, and silver-gray.
The silver-gray variety is at times so dark as to give the fox an entire black appearance.
Nathan Olney, esq., at the Dalles, told me that he had once seen one of these in that vicinity
which was completely black, with the single exception of the snow-white tip to its tail so common
to all of the species.
On the other hand, the Wasco Indians say that the silver-gray is a distinct fox; that the dog,
or male, is of the silver color, the female being reddish. — S.
YULPES (UROCYON) YIRGINIANUS.
Gray Fox ; Kit Fox.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep Mammals, 1857, 138.
[For Sp. Ch. see chap. 2, p. 91.]
A very handsome light-gray fox, smaller than the red fox, is common on the Klamath river,
and occurs also in Oregon, as I have seen them from the Dalles. I shot one on Salmon river,
California, which had been yelping for several nights in succession around my cabin. The fur
of this species is not so fine as that of the silver-gray, but is very showy. — G.
The only skins of the gray fox which I obtained on the Columbia were those alluded to in
my partial report in chapter 2, p. 91, of this volume. They were found among some rubbish in
a closet at Fort Vancouver, and their history was wrapt in obscurity. They had probably been
obtained from southern Oregon. The Des Chutes Indians told me that it is found in the Cascade
15 Q
114 ZOOLOGY.
mountains of southern Oregon, and that it is called, in their language, (the Walla- Walla,) the
Loot-zaJi.
An old trapper (M. Dofer) says that it is the "medicine wolf" of the Indians of the " Great
Plains," who believe that its cry brings trouble and bad luck. It lives in burrows, like other
foxes. — S.
BASSARIS ASTUTA, L i c h t .
Civet Cat; Raccoon Fox
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 147.
The ring-tailed bassaris, often called raccoon fox, is common in California, where the people
tame it. When domesticated it is said to kill rats and mice like a cat. I could get no distinct
account of its habits from the natives, as I could only communicate with them with difficulty.
In 1852 I found their skins quite common on the lower Klamath river, where they appeared to
be considerably valued by the Indians, and are made into "breech-clouts," &c., by them. — G.
MUSTEL A PENNANTII, E r x 1 .
Fisher; Black Cat.
[See chap. 2, p. 92.]
The skin of the fisher is much prized by the Klamaths for quivers. The length of the
body of the full-grown animal is about two feet long; form slender; fur black and rather fine;
claws much curved and white.
Lewis and Clark say that the black fox, or fisher, (an animal jet black, except a white spo*
on the breast,) "climbs trees after squirrels, raccoons," <fec. — G.
Found in the Cascade and Blue mountains. The Indians who hunt in those ranges are fond
of making quivers of the skins of this animal. — S.
PUTORIUS RICHARDSONII, Bonap.
Richardson's Weasel.
Futorius Richardsonii, BP. in Rich. Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, Mammalia, 10. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 164.
[See chap. 3, p. 93.]
The specimen of Richardson's weasel, sent by me from Fort Steilacoom to the Smithsonian
collection, and of which measurements are given in my partial report, (see chapter 2, page
93,) was obtained from Mr. Gibbs's farm, Chet-lak, near Fort S. It was killed among some logs
and fallen trees on the 18th of August, 1854, and kindly sent to me by Mr. Gibbs. The
animal had a pungent, acrid, musky odor, the result of either the emission of some secretion of
the anal glands or from the discharge of urine during its death struggles. There is a slight
typographical error in the measurements given on page 93. The girth behind the shoulders
should read 3£ inches instead of 3| inches. The chest, being readily compressible, would
allow its passage through any hole which would admit the creature's head. This I believe is
generally the case with all species of the genus. — S.
PUTORIUS LONGICAUDA, Bonap.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 169.
[See chap. 2, p. 93.]
This weasel, mentioned by me in the partial report, (chapter 2, page 93,) was obtained in
Nebraska, on the valley of Milk river. In the incomplete report above mentioned some
ZOOLOGY. 115
careful measurements in detail of this individual were omitted, which make my excuse for
again introducing the animal, as I can throw no light upon its habits beyond that it was killed
in a cottonwood forest on the banks of the river.
Measurements of specimen.
Length from nose to base of tail 11.00 inches.
Caudal vertebra? 5.50 "
Tail to end of hairy tip 6.60 "
Girth around ears 4.60 ' '
Girth of thorax behind shoulders 4.00 "
Girth of loins 4.00 "
Length of forearm from end of olecranon 1.12 "
Length of femur 1.40 "
Length of tibia 1.25 "
S.
PUTORIUS YISON.
Common Mink.
[See chap. 2, p. 93.]
The mink is common throughout our northwestern Territories. They were obtained by me
from the Rocky mountains, from the vicinity of Fort Boise, in central Oregon, and from Puget
Sound. I found them most abundant in the neighborhood of the latter, being common on both
the shores of fresh water lakes and those of the salt sound itself. They are almost as aquatic
in their habits as the otter and the muskrat. One which I shot near Fort Steilacoom was
swimming in a fresh water lake, and at first was taken by me for one of the latter animals.
On some of the islands of Puget Sound, and upon those between Bellingham bay and Van
couver's island, they are very numerous, and are said in such localities to subsist almost entirely
upon shell-fish.
Within a few years past the fur of minks has come extensively into fashionable use, and in
consequence their skins have risen several hundred per cent, in value. — S.
LUTRA CALIFORNICA, Gray.
California Laud Otter.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 187.
The land otter is becoming more abundant in Oregon and Washington Territories since the
decline of the fur trade. This animal is called by the Yakima Indians nook-ski. — G
I obtained several land otter skins from the Puget Sound region, which were killed near
White river, in the Cascade mountains. They are abundant on the streams of the Cascade
mountains, and, as Mr. Gibbs observes, are increasing in numbers. My skins were, unfor
tunately, lost on their passage to Washington city. — S.
ENHYDRA MARINA, Fleming,
Sea Otter.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 189.
The sea otter extends south along the coast of California to some distance at least below
Cape Mendocino. They are abundant at Port Orford, Oregon, and a few are taken at the
mouth of the Columbia. — G.
116 ZOOLOGY.
This animal, according to the officers of the Hudson Bay Company, are leaving the coast,
being found now in much smaller numbers than formerly. They fancy that the majority have
gone to the Japan and Russian coasts. The few now* obtained by the company are generally
from Fort Simpson, on the coast of Russian America, wlrere it is still rather plentiful. They
are found so abundantly near Cape Mendocino, and along the coast between that point and
Port Orford, that several companies have been organized and equipped in San Francisco
expressly for their capture. The average length of the skins of full grown individuals is about
6 feet. A very fine skin which I saw in the collection of furs in the Hudson Bay fort at
Vancouver, Washington Territory, measured 74 inches in length. A test of the value and
compactness of the fur is, that when blown upon strongly with the breath the hairs cannot be
sufficiently separated to show the least portion of naked skin at the bottom. Skins of full length,
and in prime condition, cannot be purchased at the Hudson Bay storehouse for less than $100
apiece, and then only as a favor. They are in good demand in the Chinese markets, being
considered among the wealthy celestials as affording the most luxurious and recherche attire.
Through the kindness of Dr. Glisan and Lieutenant Kautz, of the United States army, I
obtained a sea otter skull from Port Orford, Oregon. Attached to the skull was a memorandum
stating that it was that of a female two years old. This was sent to the Smithsonian collection,
but I have not as yet heard from it.
The sea otter is called by the Nisqually Indians Dah-hahtt, — S.
MEPHITIS OCCIDENTALS, B a i r d .
California Skunk; Western Skunk
Mephitis occidentalis, BAIRD, Gen. Eep. Mammals, 1857, 194.
[See chap. 2, p. 94.]
Skunks are plentiful throughout Washington Territory, Oregon and northern Cali
fornia. — G.
The California skunk is extremely abundant throughout the western portions of Oregon and
its sister Territory. At the Dalles of the Columbia they are so abundant as to be a pest to the
settlers. Major Rains, of the United States army, assured me that during a two years' residence
at Fort Dalles he killed 33 skunks, almost all of which had been living beneath the ground-
floor of his house.
At Puget Sound they are also very numerous, living frequently under the houses of the
settlers, and subsisting upon offal, carrion, dead fish, or any other edible substances which
chance throws in their way. They are frequent attendants upon the heaps of fish tails, bones,
fins, and other offal, at the Indian salmon fisheries. They are generally nocturnal in their
habits, and at those times, especially when travelling long distances, prefer the beaten roads
and trails.
The skunk is thought to be a very brave animal by the Sioux, Blackfoot, and other wild tribes
east of the Rocky mountains, and the tail of the animal, or its skin, is considered a trophy or
badge of distinction, only to be worn by the acknowledged " braves7' of the tribe. I am not
aware whether this custom prevails among the Indians of the Pacific coast, but presume not.
I have been called upon, professionally, to order treatment for men suffering from the sudden
introduction of the peculiar stinking discharge of this animal into their eyes. It is violently
irritating, temporarily causing intolerable smarting, photophobia, &c., the symptoms following-
its introduction being very similar to those caused by the application of tobacco juice to the
same delicate organs. I have usually found that washing the eyes in simple cold water is the
ZOOLOGY. 117
best treatment, and that after a short space of time the unpleasant symptoms all disappear.
Have heard that bathing" the eyes in weak vinegar and water is also very efficacious. The
skunk is said to cast its anal secretion upon its bushy tail, and that, with a dexterous jerk, it
then throws it upon its pursuer. The settlers say that if a skunk is lifted up by the tail, he
cannot, while thus suspended, throw the secretion upon his captor. This is an experiment
which I confess I have not had the hardihood to make.
A large fat skunk, carefully prepared, I saw cooking in a camp on the Blue mountains of
Oregon. The meat seemed so savory that I asked the gastronomic experimenter who owned
it to give me a piece to taste. He did so, and I, finding the creature so much to my fancy,
made a hearty dinner off of it. When carefully prepared, the anal glands and "scent bag"
having been completely removed, they are certainly very good eating; the slightly strong flavor
resembling much that artificially given by a skilful chef de cuisine with onions or garlic.
The settlers on the lower part of Puget Sound say that there are there two species of skunk;
one of these, the larger kind, of which specimen marked No. 125, in my collection, is an
example, is the M. occidentalis. The other is a small species not more than one-third the size
of the first. [This is probably the M. Ucolor, Gray.] It is a very pretty animal, not striped
like the other, but of a black color, mottled or spotted on the back with white, as if with digit
marks of white paint. This statement is made on the authority of several respectable citizens
of the vicinity, who all unite as to the truth of the facts stated. Perhaps they may be in error
by taking the young of the common kind for a second species. They say that the small skunk
is not often found in winter, and that it is supposed that they hibernate. Also, that the small
kind climb well, like rats, and do not of ten cast their odor. Mr. Madison, a settler at the Straits
of Fuca, says that the habits of the two kinds are so different that he is sure that they are not
identical.
The frequent residence of skunk under the ground floors of the settlers' houses has already
been alluded to. Living and breeding in these situations, they keep the atmosphere always
slightly stimulating to the nostrils. Mirablle dictu! it seems that some people becoming accus
tomed to the scent rather acquire a fondness for it, upon the same principle, I suppose, that
certain chemists become fond of the odor of sulphuretted hydrogen ! The Nisqually Indians
call the skunk skum-meoh, and have some very amusing traditions concerning it. — S.
TAXIDEA AMERICANA, Baird.
American Badger.
[See chap. 2, p. 94.]
The badger is very common on the dry, barren plains on the Yakima river, Washington Terri
tory, also on the timberless mountains between the Yakima and the Columbia. I have never
seen any badgers ivest of the Cascade mountains. It is called by the Yakimas WeehtUa. — G.
During my residence in Washington Territory I obtained but one skin of the badger, although
the animal is, as Mr. Gibbs remarks, very plentiful in the open country east of the Cascade
mountains. In certain sections, as, for instance, the Simcoe valley, their burrows are so numerous
that it is exceedingly dangerous to ride fast lest your horse should, by stepping in one, fall, at
great risk to both himself and the rider. This is also the case on the plains of the buffalo
regions in western Minnesota (now Dacotah) and Nebraska. In the first mentioned Territory
their burrows are inhabited in midsummer by vast numbers of a gregarious species of garter
snake. I have seen at times, at the bottom of a vacated "hole," a dozen or more in a knot —
the writhing excessively serpentine mass disgusting all but the naturalist.
118 ZOOLOGY.
Doctor Cooper, in his note, says that the badger "has a strong "doggy" flavor, "not to men
tion its extraordinary toughness and leanness." The doctor must have been unfortunate in his
choice of a specimen to experiment upon. Those that I have seen are generally too fat, and
one that I ate, in company with some Nez Forces Indians, on the southern slope of the Blue
mountains of Oregon, I thought exceedingly good; so good that I allowed the savage banquet
to replace my ordinary dinner.
The skin of the specimen obtained in Washington Territory was unfortunately lost on its way
to the Smithsonian museum. As Professor Baird has examined skins from the west side of the
Rocky mountains, and pronounced the species of both sides to be identical, I feel at liberty
to give the range of the T. Americana in the northern sections of our country, as follows:
Found sparingly in the eastern portion of Minnesota ; becoming more abundant near the
Missouri. From thence, after entering Nebraska, it extends almost all the way to the dividing
ridge of the Cascade mountains, near the Pacific coast. Further west it does not go, at least
north of the Columbia. I have seen it in the St. Mary's valley, at the western base of the
main chain of Rocky mountains, and as far south in Oregon as the vicinity of Fort Boise, on
the Snake or Lewis river. They are most abundant (north of Utah) in the vicinity of Powder
river, Oregon, and the Yakima, one of the northern tributaries of the Columbia. The speci
men obtained in Minnesota was so fat that I had much difficulty in skinning it properly for
preservation. — S.
PROG YON HERNANDEZII, Wagler.
Black-footed Raccoon.
Procyon hernandezii, WAGLBB, Isis, XXIV, 1831, 514.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 212.
[See chap. 2, p. 94.]
How far east the black-footed raccoon extends is still a matter of some doubt. In 1855 Mr.
Sinclair, a gentleman then in charge of the Hudson Bay fort at Walla- Walla, informed me that
the "raccoon" does not extend north of the 50th parallel. But as Mr. Sinclair had spent the
greater part of his life in the Saskatchewan and Red river regions, it is probable that his remark
applied only to the P. lotor, the common species east of the Rocky mountains. The P. hernandezii
is found quite abundant on Puget Sound, as far as 48° north, and probably extends along the
coast to a point at least as high as the 55th parallel. This opinion the mildness of the winters
of that section of the northwest coast seems to justify.
I obtained many specimens of this species while at Fort Steilacoom. They are quite abundant
in that vicinity, having much the same habits as the common raccoon of the Atlantic States;
taking to trees when pursued too closely by dogs; feeding and moving about occasionally in the
day, but most frequently at night; frequenting the borders of ponds at night in pursuit of
frogs, dead fish, <fec. ; more or less gregarious in their character, and when wounded, or at
night while engaged in combats or courtships, filling the air with their noisy, snarling, cat-like
screams. In these and in all other habits they resemble "that same old coon" at home.
Mr. Sinclair, whose long experience in the fur trade entitles his statements to respect, gave
me some interesting statistics concerning the valuable part that the fur of the raccoon takes in
that lucrative business. He stated that several years ago, at one of the great regular semi
annual fur sales at London, over 730,000 raccoon skins were sold, of which the majority were
ZOOLOGY. 110
from the different private American traders and companies, only 2, 000 being annually collected
by the Hudson Bay Company. At the great sale mentioned they brought from 11 pence to 2
guineas each, and were collected during the previous year. They were principally in demand
for the Germans and Prussians, who use them for caps, &c., &c.
The raccoon is the bettopes of the Nisqually Indians, and by them is considered the second
species of wild-Gat which inhabits their country!
A fine male P. hernandezii was obtained by me at Fort Steilacoom October 21, 1856. It
measured as follows :
?Nose to base of tail 32.00 inches.
Vertebra of tail H-50
Tail to the tip of hair 13. 25
Easy girth behind shoulders 13. 25
S.
URSUS HORRIBILIS, 0 r d .
Grizzly Bear.
Urstts harribilis, ORD, Outline's Geography, 2d Am. Ed. II, 1815, 291, 299.
SAY, in Long's Exped. II, 1823, 53.
Ursuiferox, (" LEWIS & CL\RK,") RICHARDSON, F. B. A I, 1829, 24 ; pi. i.
AUD. & BACH, N. A. Quad. Ill, 1853, 141 ; pi. cxxxi.
White bear, BARTON, Phila. Med. and Phys. Jour. I, 1805, 75.
Grizzly, gray, ivhite, and brown bear, LEWIS & CLARK, passim.
gp. CH — Size very large. Tail shorter than ears. Hair coarse, darkest near the base, with light tips. An erect mane
between the shoulders. Feet very large ; fore claws twice as long as the hinder ones. A dark dorsal stripe from occiput to
tail, and another lateral one on each side along the flanks, obscured and nearly concealed by the light tips ; intervals between
the stripes lighter. All the hairs on the body brownish-yellow or hoary at tips. Region around the ears dusky ; legs nearly
black. Muzzle pale, without a darker dorsal stripe.
BEARS.
White or Grizzly : Yellow Bear; Brown or Cinnamon.
There is great diversity of opinion whether these are the same bears under a different
condition of peltry, age, &c., or not. It is certain that the young of the grizzly do not necessarily
differ in color from the old, as I have seen gray or white cubs as well as old bears, and the two
varieties inhabit the same district of country. Lewis and Clark suppose them to be the same,
and mention a peculiarity that I never thought of noticing, i. e., their bearing the testicles in
separate bags, from two to four inches apart, pendant from the belly, and further forward than
those of the black bear. Both are abundant throughout California. I saw great numbers in
1851 upon the true Coast range of that State, or the one lying between Russian and Eel rivers
and the Pacific. They are abundant, also, upon the "Bald Hills," between Humboldt bay and
the Klamath, and on the mountains between the Klamath and Trinity rivers ; in fact, almost
everywhere that the oaks and manzanita (shrubby arbutus) furnish acorns and berries. Of
the berries of this manzanita, which resemble, in size and character, those of the arbutus uva
ursi, they are very fond. They also dig up the nest of the "yellow jacket wasp," which
abounds in the mountains. More to the northward they become scarce near the coast. I have
never heard of them on the Coast range between the Willamette and the sea. Neither are
they found to the north of the Columbia, though the Chinooks have a separate name for them,
120 ZOOLOGY.
(esiamb,) and say that they have seen them. I do not think they exist in the Olympic range, as
the skins I have seen on Puget Sound are all of the black bear. On the eastern slope of the
Cascades north of the Columbia they are found, though but rarely.
The grizzly bear of California has been known to attain the weight of 1,600 pounds, and, it is
said, even of 2,000, a size almost incredible. The white grizzly seems to bear the same relation
to the cinnamon that our black does to the brown bear of Europe. I consider them myself as
different, but they, perhaps, hybridize, which gives rise to the intermediate shades of color.
The hunters have some very curious notions concerning bears generally. They say that no one
has ever found a female with young in her, no matter at what season they have killed them, •
even when hybernating. Another is, that when the bear goes into winter quarters he contrives
to stop his fundament with clay, which remains there during the whole winter, nothing passing
him while asleep. In the spring the clay comes out, being first softened by a black liquid which
oozes from the animal ! Both these stories are evidently common hunters' opinions, having
been told me by persons who have never had communication with each other.
NOTE. — Mr. Gibbs, since writing the foregoing, has communicated, in a letter to Dr. Suckley,
the following additional information concerning the geographical range of the large bear:
" The broivn bear is found in the Olympic range, and grows as big as a cow 1 So says Me.
N , who brought me a fine Hack bear skin the other day, and has promised me a brown one.
He says that the hair of the last mentioned is coarser and shorter than that of the black
species."
An absurd idea, similar to the story about the bear's habit of closing his anus with a " ball
of clay," prevails among the Indians at the Dalles, with the variation, however, that the ball
is composed of hard pine resin 1
Excepting what Mr. Gibbs states of the probable occurrence of the grizzly or the large
brown bear in the Coast range, I have never received any intimation of its existence in the
western part of Washington Territory; but in the Rocky mountain portion it is rather common.
They are very abundant in northern Nebraska along the Missouri river ; and I was told, by the
half-breed hunters and guides of our exploring party, that they are found as far east as the
Devil's lake, (or Miniwakan,) a large salt lake in the northwestern part of Minnesota. In
California they are very abundant, and, in San Francisco, at the menagerie, I have seen nearly
a dozen at a time. They were quite tame; even the largest performed various amusing tricks
with the readiness and intelligence of a New Foundland dog. — S.
URSUS AMERICANUS, Pallas.
Black Bear.
BAIKD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 225.
The common black bear is quite abundant throughout the wooded portions of Oregon and
"Washington Territories. In the latter they are especially abundant in the timbered districts
near the coast. I obtained at Fort Steilacoom several fine skins of adults, and one very perfect
skin of a cub, whi^h was presented me by my kind friend Dr. J. B. Webber. Their habits
seem indentical with those of their brethren east of the Rocky mountains.
In the Chinook jargon this animal is called itshoot.
ZOOLOGY. 121
SCIURUS FOSSOR, Peale.
Western Gray Squirrel.
Sciunufossor, PEALE, Mamm. and Birds, U. S. Ex. Ex., 1848, 55.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 264.
[For description and measurements see Buckley's partial Report, chapter 2, p. 95.]
Immense numbers of the California gray squirrel exist on the Klaraath river. They frequent
oak groves, and the neighborhood of the bay-leaved juglans. — G.
Concerning this species I have nothing to add to what is written on page 95. It has appa
rently not crossed the Cascade mountains to the west, in Oregon, and it is a matter of some
doubt whether the species is found at all in Washington Territory. — S
NOTE. — Mr. Gibbs, in a letter to me, says that he has seen in a cage, tamed, a gray tree
squirrel, not the $. fossor, but smaller, which had been brought from California. He saw
another dead, lying on the ground in the Willamette valley. — S.
In 1853, when descending the Flathead river, a tributary of Clark's Fork of the Columbia,
which meanders through the Bitter Root chain of the Rocky mountains, I saw from my canoe a
black squirrel ascending a tree on the bank. From some cause or another I did not obtain the
specimen, and was reluctantly obliged to move on, consoling myself with the hope that I should
ere long fall in with another. But in this I was disappointed. The squirrel was much of the
same size and general appearance as the common black squirrel of the Atlantic States. — S.
SCIURUS RICHARDSONII, Bach.
Richardson's Squirrel.
[ForSp. Ch. and synonomy see chap. 2, p. 96.]
The Richardson's squirrel holds the same place in the Rocky mountains that the Douglass
squirrel does in the Cascades. In common with the last mentioned species, they have many
similarities and habits, showing a marked affinity with the red squirrel.
This species subsists principally on the seeds of the red pine of the Rocky mountains, ? Pinus
ponderosa. — S.
SCIURUS DOUGLASSII, Bach.
Oregon Red Squirrel; Pine Squirrel.
[For Sp. Ch., &c., see chap. 2, p. 97, or Baird's Gen. Rep., Mammals, 1857, p. 275.]
The western pine squirrel is found on both sides of the Cascade mountains. It feeds indif
ferently on the seeds of the pine, fir, and arbor- vitae. — G.
The Douglass pine squirrel, in the western part of Washington Territory, takes the same
position that the red squirrel does in the Atlantic States, having much the same size, habits,
and (excepting color) general appearance. When disturbed by the too close approach of man
it manifests displeasure much like the red squirrel, by chattering, "scolding," &c. It remains
active throughout the winter, and is a very abundant resident.
A fine male specimen of this species, killed at Fort Steilacoom, June 17, 1856, measured as
follows :
No. 99. Nose to occiput 2.00 inches.
Nose to base of tail 7.50 "
Tail vertebra 4.50 "
Tail to end of hairy tip 6.00 "
Hand to end of longest nail 1.36 "
16 Q
122 ZOOLOGY.
?PTEROMYS OKEGONENSIS, Bach.
Oregon Flying Squirrel.
BAIBD, Gen. Hep., Mammals, 1857, p. 290 ; also chap. 1, p. 80.
I have heard of several flying squirrels that have been found in the Puget Sound region.
One was kept alive for some time as a pet in a family residing on the Nisqually river.
Mr. Packwood, one of the oldest and most reliable settlers on Puget Sound, informed me that
the animal there found is much larger than that of the Atlantic States; approaching much more
the size of an ordinary gray squirrel. — S.
TAMIAS TOWNSENDII, Bach.
Townsend's Striped Squirrel; Western Chipmonk.
[For Sp. Ch. and synonomy see chap. 2, p. 97, or Baird'a Gen. Rep., Mam , 1857, p 300.]
This squirrel is exceedingly abundant in the Cascade mountains and in the forest regions of
Puget Sound and the lower Columbia. In habits it closely resembles its near relative the
T. quadrivittatus, as well as the common " chipmonk" of the Atlantic. Like these species, it
probably spends the cold season in torpor. — S.
NOTE. — T. quadrivittatus, Say, chap. 2, p. 97. This species is to be looked for on the eastern
slopes of the Cascade mountains, in Washington Territory, as it occurs near Klamath lake, and
in the Blue mountains of Oregon. Dr. Cooper thinks that the differences noticed on page 81,
chap. 1, in their cries, may indicate that those seen by him near the Yakima river were, in
part, at least, of this spcies.
SPERMOPHILUS BEECHEYI, Rich.
California Ground Squirrel.
BAIHD, Gen. Rep., Mammals, 1857, 307 ; also chap 1, p. 81.
I saw the California ground squirrel in the valley of Clear Lake — a large sheet of water
between Russian river and the Sacramento — and afterwards I saw them in immense numbers
on the Salmon, a branch of Klamath river. They inhabit the "foot-hills" which extend down
to the terraces, or, as they are called, "high bars," on the river, which are everywhere marked
by their trails leading to water, which are beaten as plainly as those of deer. They are in
body about the size of the gray squirrel, but shorter, their fore legs being very short. — General
color mottled gray, with a black patch, or broad stripe, between the shoulders.
They are inveterate thieves, impudently entering the huts and tents of the miners to steal
flour, bread, rice, &c. I have had large cakes of baked bread carried, or more probably rolled
by them from one end of my cabin to the other. To make amends, they are delicious eating;
the flesh, very white and tender, resembles more nearly frogs' legs than anything else to which
I can compare it. In autumn they are fat enough to fry in their own grease. I have heard
that they extend as far north as the Willamette valley, but I never saw them there myself.
Their tails, like those of the white-footed rat, (Neotoma occidentalis,) are sparsely covered with
hair.— G.
SPERMOPHILUS DOUGLASSII, Cuvier.
Columbia Ground Squirrel.
[See chap. 2, p. 98.]
The Columbia "ground squirrel" is found very numerous on the open plains and the scrub
oak foot-hills, at the eastern bases of the Cascade mountains. Near Fort Dalles they are very
ZOOLOGY.
123
abundant, and animals apparently identical are quite common in the Blue mountains of Oregon.
No individuals of this species were observed by either Dr. Cooper or myself north of the
Columbia. They hibernate during winter, and are not seen until about the 1st of April, when
they make their appearance on fine days. At first they are apparently feeble and still very
sluggish in their movements, so that if they venture a short distance from the mouths of their
burrows they are readily killed with sticks or stones. Later in the season they are quite active,
and very rat-like in their movements and habits, which, however, are principally diurnal. In
summer they are quite fat, and are said to be very good eating when cooked. Their burrows
are entered by small round holes, which are but little larger around than the bodies of the full
grown animals.
They do not burrow, like prairie dogs, in villages, at least they are not. markedly gregarious,
but seem to be governed in their choice of localities by the abundance of food. From their
marked preference for oak groves I should judge that acorns form a considerable part of their
sustenance. — S.
CYNOMYS LUDOVICIANUS, B a i r d .
Prairie Dog.
[See chap. 2, p. 29.]
In 1849 the mountaineers told me that this animal is confined to the vicinity of the waters
which flow into the Missouri, and that upon crossing the water-shed and entering Oregon they
are replaced by a "large squirrel," living in the rocks, which resembles the "dog," but does
not "bark." The Indians, they say, make robes of its skin. Probably this latter is the
Douglass spermophili which exists in great numbers on the Columbia, east of the Cascades. — G-.
In crossing the continent by land, in 1853, our party found "prairie dogs" in great numbers
all along its route through Nebraska, following the line of the Upper Missouri and its tribu
taries. They occurred in the Rocky mountains themselves, on the Dearborn river, and far up
the Blackfoot Pass, on the eastern slope of these mountains, to a point not far from the
"divide." They may cross and extend a short distance in Washington Territory, but I think
that the western slope of the mountains is too heavily timbered for them.
Townsend speaks of their being found in Oregon, but this active and really praiseworthy
naturalist allowed his specimens and notes to become so "mixed up," that at last, finding so
many of his statements erroneous, naturalists sometimes doubt his testimony, unless further
backed up by that of others. I have inquired of many old settlers and others, reliable men,
none of whom corroborate Dr. Townsend' s statement. In Nebraska their "towns" are situated,
in many instances, long distances from water, in places where it frequently does not rain for
six or eight months at a time, and where dew scarcely falls. It is for this reason supposed that
they burrow sufficiently deep to reach water. One kept alive by me rapidly became tame.
Measurements of three specimens obtained on Milk river, Nebraska Territory.
Length from nose to base of tail (in inches)
A.
11.50
B.
11.00
C.
10.75
Tail, to hairy tip .. . ...
4.50
3.75
3.00
2.75
Girth behind shoulders
7.75
Girth around loins .. .
12.25
Girth around head, over the ears .....
5.33
Length of forearm
1.75
Tail vertebra;
3.00
2.25
Eyes black. — S.
124 ZOOLOGY.
NOTE. — Lewia and Clark speak so positively of the occurrence of a "barking squirrel" in
the plains of tjje Columbia, that we cannot entirely pass their statement by without notice.
According to Mr. Ord, in Guthrie's Geography — "These animals form in large companies like
those on the Missouri, occupying with their burrows sometimes two hundred acres of land; the
burrows are separate, and each possesses, perhaps, ten or twelve of these inhabitants."
Perhaps the species mentioned by them may have been, as Professor Baird suggests, the C.
gunnisonii, or it may have been the C. ludovicianus. If the latter, why did it not "bark," like
those on the Upper Missouri.
I have made several inquiries of individuals well acquainted with the interior of Oregon, but
have never met with any who have seen the animal, and I have not heard mention of the ' ' dog
towns" spoken of by Lewis and Clark. Neither have I seen any indication of the existence of
the species during my own journey over nearly the same route as that pursued by those
travellers.
May not these animals have formerly existed until some disease having occurred they became
exterminated? Such an epidemic, according to Mr. Gibbs, broke out among the prairie hares
at Walla-Walla, nearly destroying the species in that vicinity. — S.
ARCTOMYS FLAVIVENTER, Bach.
Yellow-footed Marmot, Western Woodchuck.
BAIRD, Gen.fEep., Mammals, 1857, 343.
In May, 1855, I obtained at Fort Dalles a couple of specimens of the yellow-footed marmot.
One was an old female, the other a young individual about two-thirds grown. They were
brought to me alive by an Indian, who stated that he had caught them among the basaltic
rocks on the Washington Territory side of the Columbia, opposite Port Dalles, and that in that
immediate vicinity they are not found on the south side of the river.
From the appearance of the young individual I should judge that it had been littered about
the middle of February. I kept them alive for some days in a barrel. They were exceedingly
wild, and apparently untameably savage. Snarling and snapping whenever the lid of their
barrel was removed, at the same time uttering a very sharp shrill cry, which Mr. Nuttall would
have probably described as like chek, chek. The skin of the female is now preserved in the
Smithsonian collection; it is much worn, many of the hairs having fallen out, as if sfye was then
changing her coat. — S.
While in the vicinity of the Straits of Juan de Fuca, in 1855, I bought a quantity of skins
which appear to belong to an animal the western representative of the woodchuck of the Atlantic.
All the skins bought want heads and tails, having been sewed into robes. The fur, thick and
soft, is of a silvery gray on the back. Tail and belly reddish brown. Tail about five or six
inches long; its hair quite coarse. — G.
APLODONTIA LEPORINA, Rich.
Sewellelj the Show'tl of the Nisqually Indians.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep., Mammalg, 1857, 353.
SP. CH. — Size that of Fiber zibethiau. Tail very short, color reddish brown. Male, length to base of tale, about 13 inches'
Tail vertebras, 1. 50. Penis osseous — knobbed at the extremity and obscurely bifurcated. Testes concealed, no scrotum apparent
externally. Female slightly smaller. Half-grown young of a brownish lead color.
I noticed the burrows of the show'tl in 1853, at the top of the main Yakima Pass, in the
Cascade mountains, at an elevation of 3,500 feet, and again in 1854, at the Nahchess Pass in
ZOOLOGY.
125
the same mountains. The Indians trap them, and value their flesh highly as food. The Yakima
Indians call it Squallah. Its range in the Territory is quite extensive, from high mountain
elevations to near the salt water.
Colonel Simmons, one of the earliest settlers in Washington Territory, confirms the statement
of the Indians that the show'tl, like the prairie dog, lives in companies. He has frequently
seen them sitting at the entrances of their burrows early in the morning, and whistling some
thing in the manner of the prairie dog.
Lewis and Clark say that this animal "mounts a tree and burrows like a squirrel." The state
ment that it "mounts a tree" is probably an error. — G-.
In 1856 I obtained at Fort Steilacoom four specimens of the show'tl, of which three were
adults. The other half-grown individual was caught June 25. It is probable that the Aplodontia,
like many other rodents, has several litters of young during the season.
The Nisqually Indians, in their mythological traditions and obscure stories concerning the
creation, say that the show'tl was the first animal created with life. I cannot find out whether
the}r undergo a regular torpid hybernatiou. The natives say that they move about a little
during the winter, but do not Income decidedly active until late in the spring. They live in bur
rows, in small companies of a dozen or more, and subsist on roots, berries, &c. The Indians
say that the show'tl of the Cowlitz river has a white breast and belly. Those at Nisqually, having
the under parts dark, are said to retain the same coloration throughout the year, of which the
specimens bearing the private marks 92, 93, and 94, are good examples.
They are considered by the Indians to possess high gastronomic excellencies. To ascertain
this I had one roasted secundum artem. I found it excellent; tasting much like chicken, or
perhaps more like a well-roasted sandhill crane; far superior to woodchuck, neotoma, raccoon,
or beaver — "de gustibus non eat disputandum."
Measurements of specimens.
No. 92, male.
No. 93, male.
No. 94, female.
From tip of nose to base of tail ................ ....
Inches.
12 75
Inches.
13 00
Inches.
19 2'1
Vertebrae of tail . .. ..___................._...
1 50
1 50
1 50
2.37
1 25
2 25
From occipital protuberance to tip of nose .
3 00
Nearly 3 00
Nearly 3 75
Distance between ears . . ..
2 75
Height of ears posteriorly, about .. . .
75
75
Easy girth of head, measured around the ears
7. 36
Olecranon to wrist ._v .....
2. 50
2. 25
Middle nail of fore paw, about ...
.50
From wrist to end of longest nail .
1. 60
1 87
Easy girth behind shoulders . .
7. 12
7 76
Extent from most projecting toe nail of hind foot to ditto of fore foot,
extreme stretch
18 00
17 75
18 00
From heel to end of middle toe nail . ..
2. 12
2.25
Longest whiskers, about . .
3.00
Hind feet of all the specimens very destitute of hair; fore feet more hairy. Tongue fleshy.
Eyes small, (about .36 of an inch in diameter.) Cheeks and lips very thick and fleshy. Teeth
126 ZOOLOGY.
yellow. Males: Penis osseous, obscurely bifurcated, knobbed; testes concealed; no external
scrotum.
They prefer to make their burrows in the rich ground near springs, perhaps partly influenced
in choice of this selection by proximity to certain kinds of food. Before blankets and civilized
clothing had become extensively used by the Indians of the northwest, many were in the habit
of making robes and garments of the skins of these animals, by stitching them together.
Habitat. — Washington Territory, from the eastern bases of the Cascade mountains west to
the ocean. ? Northern Oregon.
Three specimens sent by me to Washington arc now in the Smithsonian collection. Several
others, which I had preserved in alcohol for dissection, &c., were subsequently lost on their
passage to the above named city. — S.
NOTE. — Mr. Gibbs writes: " I find the Lewis and Clark's name of Sewellel for A. leporina is
an error. The Chinook name for the animal itself is o-cjwool-lal. Slie-wal-lal (Sewellei, corrupt)
is their name for the robe made of its skins."
CASTOR CANADENSIS, Kuhl.
Beaver.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep., Mammals. 1857, 355.
The beaver and the land otter, particularly the former, have multiplied rapidly since the fur
trade has become of such little value. I am told that they are now in greater numbers than
they have been at any time since the first flush of the trade. The natives no longer seek them,
as they get clothing from the whites, and also because the skins bring such small returns, a
dollar being the present price of a large beaver skin in the stores. The Hudson Bay Company
give much less for them in trade. — G.
I sent several hunters' skins of the beaver, which I had obtained in Washington Territory,
to the Smithsonian museum. Beavers are very common on the small streams in the Cascade
mountains, and, as Mr. Gibbs says, are apparently increasing. I saw a "beaver dam" at the
outlet of a small pond near Cedar river, W. T., which in all essential particulars resembled
those I saw of the same animal in the Rocky mountains. — S.
THOMOMYS DOUGLASII, Giebel.
Columbia Gopher; Pouched Rat.
[For extended synonymy and Sp. Ch. see chap. 2, p. 100.]
The pouched rat is very abundant on the Nisqually plains. It is very destructive to potatoes,
while in the ground, carrying off large quantities of the smaller ones and cutting the vines. — G.
The natives at Fort Steilacoom (Nisquallys) call the gopher mes-ka-dah, or the thief. These
animals are very abundant on the gravelly prairies near Nisqually. They prefer the richer and
less gravelly portions in the hollows and swales, as well as spots along the edges of the
prairie brooks where the soil is good. In fact, the settlers look upon the presence of their
peculiar mounds or hillocks as a sure indication of rich soil. These mounds are about three
inches in height at their summits, and from nine to fifteeen inches in diameter — rarely,
however, exceeded ten or twelve. Although, on account of their tendency to "cave in,"
they are somewhat dangerous for horses to travel over, they, nevertheless, are not near so
dangerous as similar heaps thrown up by the gophers of Minnesota, which will rarely stand the
pressure of a horse's foot, as they are larger, and their cavities greater than those of the
present species. In Minnesota these "gopher hills" are extremely common on the buffalo
ZOOLOGY. 127
hunting grounds, where the hunters frequently suffer severe injuries from their horses falling
after treading on one while at full speed.
At Fort Dalles the Columbia gopher is also quite abundant. I obtained many specimens
during the spring of the year, which had been turned up in ploughing. — S.
DIPODOMYS PHILLIPII, Gray.
Kangaroo Rat.
BAIIID, Gen. Eep. Mammals, p. 412.
The kangaroo rat is quite common on Salmon river, a branch of the Klamath.
While crossing the "Plains" in 1849 I killed, near the Platte river, a small animal belonging
to the rat family, resembling the jerboa in the length of its hind legs. — G.
Dr. Cooper thinks that this was probably the D. ordii, which is very common at Fort
Laramie, on the Platte, where he obtained several specimens in 1857.
The only specimen of this Dipodomys which I obtained in Oregon is the one mentioned in
my partial report, chapter 2 of this volume. It is called sim-tup-tup by the Walla-Wallas, and
is said by them to be abundant in the berry patches on the slopes and foot-hills of the Blue
mountains of Oregon. — S.
JACULUS HUDSONIUS, Baird.
Jumping Mouse.
[See chap. 2, p. 101.]
The jumping mouse is very abundant in the vicinity of Puget Sound. I obtained several
specimens in our camp on Muckleshoot prairie, about 20 miles from the sound. A temporary
flooring of boards having been laid in our tents, it was not long before these little creatures
availed themselves of the advantages thus furnished for a comfortable residence. In habits,
food, &c., they much resemble the small field mice and their relatives. — S.
HESPEROMYS GAMBELII, Baird.
Gambel's Mouse.
[See chap. 2, p. 102.]
Gambel's mouse was obtained by me at Fort Dalles, 0. T., where it is considered a great
pest, both by whites and Indians, on account of its passion for cutting and gnawing holes in
blankets, shawls, clothing, and all sorts of woollen fabrics. It is almost impossible to secure
such articles from the attacks of these little animals. The individual obtained by me, whose
skin is now carefully preserved in the Smithsonian collection, gained his present obituary and
scientific distinction by gnawing an enormous hole in the middle of a new uniform coat belonging
to a brother officer, having surreptitiously gained access to a chest of drawers supposed to
have been mouse -proof. — S.
HESPEROMYS AUSTERUS, Baird.
White-bellied Mouse.
BAIRD, Gen. Eep. Mammals, 4C6.
The white-bellied mouse is met with at a very high elevation in the Cascade mountains, as
well as upon the Nisqually plains, which are not more than 200 feet above the level of the
sea. — G.
128 ZOOLOGY.
Quite abundant near Fort Steilacoom, but seemingly not so fond of cutting blankets, cloth
clothes, flannels, and other woollen fabrics, as the preceding species. — S.
NEOTOMA OCCIDENTALS, Cooper.
Jliishy or Hairy Tailed Rat; Oregon Wood Rat; White-footed Rat.
[See chap. 2, p. 102.]
The hairy-tailed or white-footed rat is a very large species ; the tail thickly covered with
hair ; feet and belly white ; fur dark and pretty fine ; legs very short in proportion to the size
of the body. — G-.
When I was first at Astoria, in 1849 and 1850, they were very abundant and troublesome,
carrying off immense quantities of things, transporting quarts of rice, coffee, &c., which they
stored in boots and other articles hung up in the shops and warehouses. Lately they have
become more scarce, having been driven off, I presume, by the ship rat, (Mus decumanus.)
It is, I think, like the other species of its genus, properly a wood rat. Lewis and Clark say
that the rats which inhabit the Rocky mountains, like those on the borders of the Missouri,
(the N. cinerea,) have "the tail covered with hair." They do not mention the white feet and
large size of the Oregon neotoma, but evidently confound it with the wood rat, now so rare in
the Atlantic States, of which I caught a specimen many years ago in Massachusetts. — G-.
This neotoma is common in Washington Territory west of the Cascade mountains. A few
years ago it was a frequent inhabitant of the houses of the settlers, and still is in such places,
as the Mus decumanus, or the common brown rat, has not as yet reached. Upon the arrival of
this latter, the much more harmless neotoma, although fully as large and stout as his adversary,
soon vacates the premises, either betaking himself to his native wilderness, the forest, or to
that "bourne from whence no traveller returns." In regard to the habits of this creature,
much of interest is related by the settlers. All confirm the accounts given by Mr. Gibbs and
Dr. Cooper of their thievish practices.
I obtained a very fine male specimen at New Dungeness, on the Straits of Juan de Fuca. It
was killed by Mr. Madison, a settler in that locality, who gave me the following account of
their habits, which he has had many opportunities of observing : He says that when irritated
or alarmed they have a habit of stamping with their hind feet like rabbits. When sitting at
rest, or while feeding, they assume the peculiar sitting posture of the squirrel, but differ in the
manner of carrying the tail, not curling it like the latter animal, but carrying it straight and up.
They make nests or beds of soft materials, which are frequently as large as a half bushel
measure. The rat does not burrow into this, but lies in a depression on the top — the A\hole fabric
resembling a bird's nest. In dwelling-houses this nest is composed of all sorts of material,
embracing feathers, cotton, bits of calico, fragments of blanket, strips of cloth, shavings, and
anything else that is light and soft. It is a great thief, magpie-like, stealing articles of which
it can make no possible use. Mr. M. says that he has known one of these rats carry to its
magazine, in the course of a single night, two bushels of unshelled peas, from a point 100 yards
distant. He thinks that these stores are intended for winter consumption — in my opinion a
very just conclusion.
My friend, E. D. Warbass, esq., of Bellingham bay, informs me that he has frequently found
their "caches" of stolen articles — a very heterogeneous mixture of bits of leather, buttons,
nails, rice, coffee, half dollars, <fcc.
ZOOLOGY. 129
These "caches" are capriciously selected. At the cascades of the Columbia I was told by
a storekeeper that boots, empty kettles, &c., would be chosen, and that he had found in a boot
a pint of rice, together with other things which had been brought together, grain by grain,
and bit by bit, by these industrious animals. Like other rats, it is principal!}'- nocturnal in its
habits.
Before the advent of the brown rat skunks were their principal enemies, who still, where
they exist, hunt them indefatigably, under and in the houses and outbuildings of the settlers.
I was told that the specimen I obtained, of which the measurements are given below, was not
so large as are sometimes seen. From the appearance of the teeth, &c., of my specimen, I
judge that it was a full-grown adult.
Measurements of specimen 149, male, killed at New Dungeness, W. T., Straits of Fuca, Jan. 21, 1857.
From nose to occiput 2.38 inches.
From nose to base of tail 9.75 do.
Tail vertebra3 • 7. 12 do.
Tail to end of hairy tip 8.38 do.
Height of ear posteriorly (from plane of occiput) 1.30 do.
Hind foot, heel to end of longest claw • 1.75 do.
Fore foot, heel to end of longest claw 1.12 do.
All the feet, belly, under surface of tail, and inside of legs white. Top of head plumbeous,
brownish gray. Sides of back brownish gray; middle of back darker. Upper surface of tail
plumbeous. White hairs of the flanks plumbeous at their bases; those of the middle of the
breast white to their bases, but tinged with yellow on the surface, especially a spot about the
size of half a dollar around the umbilicus, which is quite of a soiled yellow appearance. The
settlers say this spot is persistent, being found on all specimens. — S.
ARVICOLA TOWNSENDII, Bach.
Oregon Ground Mouse ; Oregon Salt Meadow Mouse.
[See Baird, Gen. Rep p. 527.]
Townsend's meadow mouse, also called the salt-marsh rat, is found on the tide prairies and
salt meadows bordering Puget Sound. It is very common on the salt meadows along the Straits
of Fuca, where, at New Dungeness, I obtained a specimen. On the potatoe fields on the rich
"bottom lands" in the neighborhood of these marshes they are quite destructive to that vege
table. The marshes are very much ' ' cut up ' ' by narrow little trails and paths which they
travel upon. These are about 2 inches wide and well beaten, looking much like buffalo trails
in miniature. These mice are very numerous at Dungeness, so much so that Mr. Madison
informs me that he has killed several hundred in a day while ploughing.
Measurements of specimen 150, obtained ly me at New Dungeness, January 27, 1857; maU.
From nose to occiput, about 1.50 inches.
From nose to base of tail 5. 87 do.
From base of tail to end of vertebra 2. 56 do.
From base of tail to end of hairy tip 2.68 do.
17 Q
130 ZOOLOGY.
Extreme span of hind and fore feet 8.50 inches.
From heel to end of roost projecting toe-nail 1.12 do.
From wrist to end of most projecting toe-nail .56 do.
Ears hidden by the long fur of the head; they are quite large and nearly naked; whiskers
very short; eyes small; teeth yellow.
NOTE. — The note published in my partial report, chapter 2, of part 2, this volume, was
inserted by mistake; it was intended to apply to the other species of field and meadow mice. — S.
FIBER ZIBETHICUS, C u v .
Muskrat.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 561.
J have obtained several specimens of the common muskrat from the lakes and fresh waters
near Fort Steilacoom, Puget Sound. Two skins of these were sent to Washington, and are now
in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. I have seen some of their stack-like houses
on lakes near Fort S. The Indians of the interior carry many muskrat skins to the Hudson
Bay trading establishments, where they obtain one charge of powder and ball for each. They
take the animal in traps, ammunition being too valuable to expend for them.
Indian women on the Cowlitz river use the skin of a muskrat in childbed, as a sort of "smel
ling salt" to assist labor. — S.
LEPUS WASHINGTONII, Baird.
Western Red Hare.
[For synonymy and description of this species, see chap. 2, p. 103.]
This species seems to replace the Lepus sylvaticus in the forest regions bordering the coasts
of northern Oregon and Washington. One specimen (No. 142) obtained by me from British
America, near the fifty-fifth parallel of north latitude, shows that this hare has a considerable
range north and south. I doubt very much whether the species turns white in winter. The
Indian from whom I obtained No. 142 assured me positively that it never turns white, and
seemed to think with me that the other two skins, which were white, purchased at the samj
time, belonged to a different species. I have obtained the Lepus Wasliincjtomi at Puget Sound
at all seasons; those killed in mid-winter showing no trace of a white winter coat. It may be
that some hares have the property of changing the color only during very severe cold weather,
such as is rarely experienced in the vicinity of Puget Sound — the degree of cold, perhaps, regu
lating the change.
I preserved a specimen in June, 1856, which was killed on White river, near Puget Sound.
No. 104. — Measurements.
Head to root of tail 16.50 inches.
Tail vertebrae, about 1.60 do.
Tail to hairy tip 2.50 do.
Head to tip of nose 4.00 do.
Height of ears from plane of occiput 3. 87 do.
Outstretched ears, from tip to tip 8. 25 do.
Folded ears project beyond nose .50 do.
Easy girth of head in front of ears 5. 75 do.
ZOOLOGY. 131
Length from olecranon to end of longest nail. 5.3G inches.
Length from heel to end of longest toe-nail 4. 50 do.
From greater trochanter to end of toe-nail 11.00 do.
Span of fore and hind legs, extreme reach 29.00 do.
Length of longest whisker bristle 3. 60 do.
Chin and upper portion of throat white. A white linear streak under each nostril, below
which a line of the same color as the cheeks. Whiskers, some black ; the others white ; the
latter longest. Toe-nail "coverts" white. External (posterior) edge of concave surface of
ear ivhite upon a subterminal edging of black. Hairs of breast and abdomen white to their
bases. Eyes full.
This hare is frequently found in the very thickest of the sombre Oregon forests. It also is
plentiful among the shrub-oak bushes near the small lakes, on the Nisqually plains, where their
well-beaten trails or "run ways" are very apparent. They are also fond of the woody edges
of the prairies of that vicinity. In habits they much resemble the common wood hare of the
middle States, (L. sylvaticus.)
I have frequently heard of a hare that is found at the cascades of the Columbia, which, the
settlers say, has a black tail. I never obtained a specimen from that locality, although I got a
skin of the Lepus Washingtonii from a point only forty miles further down the river. I appre
hend that the "black-tailed hare" of the settlers is nothing more than the latter species, the
dark lead color of the tail being mistaken by inaccurate observers for black. — S.
LEPUS CAMPESTRIS, Bach.
Prairie Hare; Townsend's Hare.
[ForSp. Ch., see chap. 2, p. 104.]
The big hare, or jackass hare of the plains, is abundant on the plains of the Columbia east
of the Cascades. In 1853 we were informed by the Yakima Indians living north of the
Columbia that a very fatal disease had recently prevailed among these animals, which had cut
them almost all off. — G.
Townsend's hare was obtained by me from two points quite remote from each other: the
Missouri river, near the mouth of the Yellowstone, and the eastern slope of the Blue mountains
of Oregon! — (See notes on these, chap. 2, p. 104.)
Between the two points mentioned I saw in very cold weather, in the second chain of Rocky
mountains, near Clark's fork of the Columbia, a large hare, which was pure white, running
through the forest on the snow. I have but little doubt that the individual belonged to the
present species, which tends to settle the doubt, if any had previously existed, whether the
kind varies in winter. The Missouri specimen was scarcely as large as that from Oregon, and
was probably immature. Measurements: forearm. 4.75 inches; femur, 4.75; tibia, 5.50. — S.
? LEPUS CALLOTIS, Wagler.
Jackass Rabbitt; Texas Hare; Black-tailed Hare.
[See chap. 2, p. 104.]
These hares are exceedingly abundant on the left bank of Boise river, where they were so
plentiful that a party of sixty men, to which I was attached, subsisted chiefly upon them for a
132 ZOOLOGY.
week. In a short ride of an hour's duration I have frequently seen as many as thirty individuals
either running about the trail or sitting among the "sage" bushes on either side. Sometimes
three or four might be seen at once. I presumed at the time that they were thus abundant in
that immediate vicinity by reason of its proximity to water, the great drought having driven
them in from the vast arid sage plains of the surrounding countr}7. I saw none on the left
bank of Snake river, and met with no hares after crossing that stream from the opposite side
(at the mouth of Boise river) until, in going northwest, we had proceeded about seventy miles,
when I fell in with a specimen of L. campestris at Powder river.
These hares breed in great numbers on the sage plains south of Boise river, and, I was told,
turn white in winter. Concerning this point there may be a mistake, my informants taking the
L. campestris for this species.
The flesh is rather bitter, as in the case of the sage cock, owing probably to the artemisia
upon which it feeds. — S.
LEPUS CALIFORNICUS, Gray.
California Hare.
[See chap. 2, p. 104.]
I saw a large species of hare at the head of Russian and Eel rivers, California. I also killed
one of great size in the mountains, between Salmon and Trinity rivers. There is a bluish hare
very common around Humboldt bay, where the Indians make blankets or robes of their skins,
by cutting them into strips, which are twisted with ropes, and then stretched on a frame and
woven. — G-.
LEPUS ARTEMISIA, Bach.
Sage Hare.
BAIRD, Gen. Eep. Mammals, 1857, 602.
SP. Cn — Similar to the common rabbit, Lepus sylvaticus, but smaller and grayer.
Ilab. — Interior of Oregon and Nebraska.
The little sage hare is very abundant in the open central region of Oregon. It is, as its name
implies, especially fond of the vicinity of bushes of the so-called "wild sage," or artemisia,
under which it sits motionless and invisible, in almost perfect security. Several specimens
were brought to me at Fort Dalles, the skins of which were preserved, and the measurements
recorded.
Measurements of specimen.
No. 50. March 2. Length to root of tail, 12 inches; tail to end of vertebrae, 2; of hairs, 2.50.
No. 35. January 12, 1855. Under surface of tail, I am told by Indians, is white ; that of
this specimen was lost. At the time this individual was brought to me I was told that the
species does not turn white in winter. Name, in dialect of the Wascos, La-lek.
Length from nose to root of tail 15 inches, 0 lines.
Heel to point of longest nail 3 do 8 do.
Height of ear above plane of crown 3 do 3 do.
Ear to point of nose 2 do 10 do.
Tail vertebras, about • , 1 do 4 do.
From olecranon to end of longest nail 4 do 2 do.
Extreme stretch between fore and hind toes 24 do 0 do.
ZOOLOGY. 133
Ear as long as the head; small intestines, about 6 feet 9 inches long; stomach about 3; coecum
very long; ilium contained 4 taenio. — S.
NOTE. — There are three species of hare said to occur in Oregon, to which I can gain no clue.
These are the Lepus palustris, Lepus Nuttalli, and Lagoniys princeps, or Little Chief Hare.
The first of these, known in the Atlantic States as the marsh hare, is contained in Townsend's
list of Oregon Mammals. Doctor T. was probably in error, mistaking the L. Washingtonii, or
the present species, for it. — S.
ALOE AMERICANA, Jar dine.
Moose.
BAIRD, Gen. Hep. Mammals, 1857, 631.
I belieye that moose are found west of the Rocky mountains, to the north, but do not think
that they occur at present west of the Cascades, and it is even doubtful whether they formerly
existed there, although I have heard of horns of the species being found, but have never seen
them. The Indians say that there is another large animal of the deer kind, not the elk, which
is found in the timbered district between Puget Sound and the sea, on the Quinatt stream.
Their statements cannot be much relied on. — G-.
NOTE. — I have obtained from Dr. Webber, of Steilacoom, a skull of an animal of the deer
kind which the Indians say was formerly very plentiful, but now exterminated, and which they
call in the Chimook jargon the massache maivitch, or bad deer. Several similar skulls have been
obtained on the Steilacoom Plains. This skull was sent to Washington, but was unfortunately
lost on the way.
The carriboo is said by the employes of the Hudson Bay Company to extend in the Rocky
mountains as far south as the Kootenay country, which lies near the 49th parallel. — G-.
It is said by the residents on Bellingham bay that the moose is found on the Nooksahk river.
Perhaps the animal they refer to is the carriboo, or reindeer. I have never seen the horns of
either in the vicinity of Puget Sound, except a pair of moose horns which I brought myself
from another part of the country, which had been obtained in the most eastern part of Wash
ington Territory, near the St. Mar}-'s valley, in the Rocky mountains. These I showed to a
number of Indians about Fort Nisqually, Puget Sound, who all appeared much astonished, and
declared that they knew nothing about the animal.
The same horns are now in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution. I am told that moose
are very common in the Rocky mountains near where these were obtained, and that they attain
a very large size. — S.
CERVUS CANADENSIS, Erxl.
American Elk.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1837, 638.
The elk extends throughout the mountainous timbered districts of Washington and Oregon
Territories, and all the way down the coast to San Francisco. I suppose that the range of the
species from the Rocky mountains to the Pacific has been by the line of the heavil}T timbered
Cascade mountains. In the mountains west of Astoria they are as abundant as they were in
the days of Lewis and Clark.
Judge Ford, long a settler in Washington Territory, and an enthusiastic hunter, says that
the elk of the Pacific coast is not the elk of the "plains,77 but has a larger and coarser head.
He has been, through life, familiar with game, and is positive that they are different animals. — G.
134 ZOOLOGY.
Elk are found in the Rocky, Cascade, and Coast ranges of mountains. They are, perhaps,
most abundant on the last mentioned chain throughout its whole course through Oregon and
Washington Territories. In the latter they are especially abundant on the headwaters of the
branches of the Chehalis river, and also upon the northern slope of the Coast range, back of
Port Discovery and Sekwim bay. Near the last locality they are very abundant during the
winter, being driven down by the snows on the mountains. They run in large droves, following
well beaten trails, and at that season are an easy prey to the hunter. In January, 1857, two
men in the vicinity of Sekwim bay killed eleven fine elk in one day. I obtained but one skin
during my stay in the Territory. This was found at an Indian lodge, at the mouth of the
Lummi river, a few miles from the coal mines on Bellingham bay. The skin is now in the
Smithsonian collection, but I fear is in too imperfect a condition to admit of accurate comparison
with others from the east side of the Rocky mountains. Elk are abundant in certain sections
of California, and I myself saw a very handsome pair of half-grown individuals exhibited alive
in a menagerie at San Francisco. They were a handsome symmetrical pair of beasts, of a cream
or light fawn color, and were quite tame and in good order, apparently bearing their confine
ment well. Elk were killed by our men in Minnesota as far west as the Red River of the
North. They were then not seen until we reached the Missouri, but became quite plentiful as
we approached the Rocky mountains, frequently going in large bands. — S.
CERVUS VIRGINIANUS, Boddaert.
Virginia Deer.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, p. 643.
Among a number of deer skins from Fort Steilacoom, sent by me to the Smithsonian collection,
were several apparently belonging to this species. I regret that their imperfect condition
precluded absolute determination. — S.
(See notes on next species.)
CERVUS LEUCURUS, Douglas.
White-tailed Deer.
Cervus leucurus, DOUGLAS, Zool. Jour. IV, Jan. 1829, 330.
RICHARDSON, F. Bor. Am. I, 1829, 258.
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1853, 77; plate cxviii.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 649.
Long-tailed red deer, LEWIS & CLARK.
Sp. CH. — Horns and gland of the hind legs as in C. virginianus; tail appreciably longer; hoofs long and narrow; fur compact.
General color above, in autumn, yellowish gray, clouded and waved, but not lined with dusky. Chin entirely white, with
only a small dusky spot on the edge of the lip. Ears gray, with a basal white spot behind. Anal region and under surface ot
the tail, but not the buttocks, white. Tail reddish above, without exhibiting any dusky.
The white-tailed deer is well known to the Indians near Fort Steilacoom; at least they
describe a deer not the C. columlianus, which they call slcehgrouts. Another species, not the
black-tailed, is known as the long-tailed deer, and is called spt Jco-lsh. The latter, they say,
inhabits the small groves and the shrubby borders of the lakes on the prairies of that vicinity.
About these distinctions in species they are positive. Perhaps one may be the red deer, (C.
virginianus J of which Professor Baird seems to think there are indications among the skins in
my collection. A pair of horns, apparently belonging to the C. kucurus, Dougl., were obtained
by me at Whidby's island, Puget Sound. — S.
ZOOLOGY. 135
CERVUS MACROTIS, Say.
Male Deer.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 656.
Several experienced hunters have assured me that the mule deer has been killed by them on
the eastern slope of the Cascade mountains, within the limits of Washington Territory. — S.
CERVUS COLUMBIANUS, Rich.
Black-tailed Deer.
Cervus macrotis var. columbianus, RICHARDSON, F. B. Am. I, 1829, 255 ; pi. xx.
Cervus columbianut, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 659.
Cervus lewisii, PEALE, Mammalia and Birds U. S. Ex. Ex. 1848, 39.
Cervus ricliardsonii, AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. II, 1851, 211 — IB. Ill, 1853, 27 ; pi. cvi.
Black-tailed fallow deer, LEWIS &. CLARE.
Sp. CH. — About the size of C. virginianus, or less Horns doubly dichotomous, the forks nearly equal. Ears more than
half the length of the tail. Gland of the hind leg about one-sixth of the distance between the articulating surfaces of the
bone. Tail cylindrical, hairy and white beneath ; almost entirely black above. The under portion of the tip not black-
Winter coat with distinct yellowish chestnut annulation on a dark ground. Without white patch on the buttocks. There
]s a distinct dusky horse-shoe mark on the forehead anterior to the eyes.
Lewis and Clark includes this species among the three kinds of deer which, they say, inhabit
Oregon. The other two of these are the common red deer and the mule deer.
The black- tailed deer I found the most common kind on the Klamath mountains and in
Shasta valley. The Klamath mountains sustain a mixed and rather open forest of pine, oak,
and other trees, both evergreen and deciduous. The black-tail, though much larger than the
red deer, is inferior for the table, the meat being generally dry and of indifferent flavor.
I have seen it stated that a characteristic of the black-tailed species is, that the horns
bifurcate equally, each of the double prongs having points. This is certainly not universal j for,
although I have seen horns forked in that manner, I have seen more tJutt were single. — G.
NOTE. — As a general rule it may be observed, that American Oregon is not a hunting
country, especially that portion of it west of the Bitter Root and Blue mountains. What few
fur-bearing animals there were once are now again increasing, especially the beaver. The
Indians, however, are greatly diminished in numbers, and, moreover, hunt much less than
formerly. With their natural improvidence they have, on the other hand, destroyed the deer
in certain districts, as, for example, that on the eastern slope of the Cascade mountains'.
The possession of fire-arms has been, in many respects, an injury to the savages, leading
them to the wanton slaughter and destruction of the deer during heavy snows. — G-.
The black-tailed deer is, by far, the most numerous species in the heavily-wooded districts
west of the Cascade mountains. Its range, in all probability, extends from as far north as the
northern limits of the dense forests of the coast to near San Francisco, in California, and, per
haps, still further south in the Sierra Nevada mountains. On Puget Sound, although appa
rently not the only species, it far exceeds any other kind in numbers. It frequents the dense
forests of Douglas fir which there exist, and, unless hunted with dogs, is generally very difficult
to obtain. During several years' residence at Fort Steilacoom I had occasional opportunities
of seeing this deer, either alive or dead. It has nearly the same habits as the red deer, and
although, at times, fond of visiting the borders of prairies, or the weedy edges of ponds and
lakes, its principal residence is in the sombre forests of the region. In winter they approach
the coast or the vicinity of the salt water, probably having found, by experience, that the
136 ZOOLOGY.
temperature is much warmer, and their chances of obtaining a full supply of food much greater
there than in the interior. In April or May they retreat to the interior, and to the foot-hills
and spurs of the Cascade mountains, where they remain until the next cold weather — during
the interval rearing their young. The fawns are usually dropped about the last of May, the
dam frequently having two at a birth. They are spotted with white, resembling closely the
young of the Yirginian deer.
A fine male black-tailed deer was killed near White river, about thirty miles northwest of
Fort Steilacoom, on the 28th of March, 1856. The skin was preserved and sent to Washington
city. This deer had no horns, having apparently recently shed them. Its ears, when mutually
abducted their fullest extent, measured, from tip to tip, 23 inches; from occiput to tip of nose,
16 inches; circumference behind shoulders, 3 feet 7 inches. The buck was considered very
large.
The name of the black-tailed deer, in the Nisqually language, is stiib-eli-o-otl. — S.
NOTE. — The deer of Whidby's island, Puget Sound, are remarkable for the fact that frequently
white and mottled individuals are found among them. To what species they belong 1 am
uncertain, but presume they are mere varieties or albinoes of the present species, which cer
tainly exists in great numbers on that island. In this opinion Mr. Gibbs coincides with me. — S.
ANTILOCAPRA AMERICANA, Ord.
Prong-horn Antelope ; Cabree.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, p. 666.
Lewis and Clark mention that the antelope exists on the great plains of the Columbia,
though by no means as abundant as east of the Rocky mountains. I suspect that they are
nearly if not quite extinct there, as I have never met them. Neither have I ever heard of
them in Oregon ivest, of the Cascades. I however saw them in large droves in the Shasta
valley, and suppose that they occur on the plains of California generally. — G-.
The antelope is, without doubt, sparingly found in Oregon; but unless stragglers occur on the
Spokane plains, it is doubtful whether it enters Washington Territory. Townsend corroborates
Lewis and Clark's statement that they are found in Oregon, and I myself have been on expedi
tions in the vicinity of Snake river when some members of our party have seen them. They
are said by the Indians to have been formerly quite plentiful at the Dalles of the Columbia,
but they are now nearly exterminated in that locality. A few, however, are still found at the
warm springs near the sources of John Dea's river, about 100 miles from Fort Dalles. — S.
APLOCERUS MONTANUS.
Mountain Goat.
Ovis montana, ORD. Guthrie's Geography (2d Am. Ed.) II, 1815, 292, 309.— IB. J. A. N. Sc. I, i, 1817, 8.
Jlploctrus montanus, RICHARDSON, Zool. of Herald; Fossil Mammils, II, 1852, 131 ; pi. xvi-xix. Osteology.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 1857, 671.
Capra americana, BAIRD, Rep. U. S. Pat. Off. Agricultural for 1851, (1852,) 120 ; plate. (From Rich.)
AUD. & BACH. N. Am. Quad. Ill, 1853, 128 ; pi. cxxviii
Rocky Mountain Sheep, JAMESON, " Wernerian Transactions, III, 1821, 306."
Mountain Goat, Mountain Slieep, White Goat, &fc., VULGO.
Wow of the Yakima, Walla-Walla, and Klickatat Indians.
SP. CH. — Entirely white. Horns, hoofs, and edge of nostrils black. Hair long and pendant. A beard-like tuft of hair
on the chin.
This animal, described by Lewis and Clark, vol. 3, pp. 117, 118, is the American mountain
ZOOLOGY. 137
goat, common to both the Rocky and Cascade mountains, and is woolly, somewhat like the
domestic sheep. The fact that the explorers above mentioned had only seen sldns accounts for
their imperfect descriptions, as well as for the inconsistent accounts they give of their horns.
There is a curious story, common among mountain men, that in leaping from precipices it
alights on its horns and rebounds without injury ! I have never heard of this species in
California, though they may exist in the Sierra Nevada. The Yakimas and Snoqualme Indians
get them in the Cascade mountains, north of the Columbia, in latitude 47° 30'. They were
formerly, if not now, abundant on Mount Hood. — See Lewis and Clark's narrative. — G.
I have obtained several hunters' skins of the mountain goat from the localities north of the
Columbia river mentioned by Mr. G-ibbs. Mr. Craig, an old Indian trader, and at present
United States Indian agent, among the Nez Perces, says that these animals are quite abundant
in the mountains near the Kooskooskia and Salmon rivers, streams which empty into Snake
river, and that in the country of the Nez Perces, about forty miles from his residence, they are
found in great numbers on the bald hills and bare mountains of the locality, and that upon these
they can be seen from a great distance feeding in "large droves." He says that the male is
wldte, the female similar but tinged with yellow, and that the horns are strong and of a beautiful
jet black.
I have seen dozens of hunters' skins of these animals in the lodges of the Indians on
Whidby's island, Puget Sound. They were obtained from the Indians living about Mount
Baker, in the Cascade range. Skins obtained by the late Lieutenant John Nugen and myself
are now in the Smithsonian collection. — S.
OVIS MONTANA, C u v .
Bighorn ; Mountain Sheep.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, p. 673.
The Bighorn Sheep. — There are several rocky prominences in northern California which,
among the old hunters and trappers, have the name of "Sheep rocks," where the bighorn
exists, or did exist until recently. One of these lies to the north and east of Shasta butte, (or
Mount Shasta,) in the range bordering Shasta valley on the east. Another locality is a singular
and conspicuous point between Scott and Shasta valleys. It also exists, I am told, in the
recesses of the Cascade mountains, but of this fact, or of its being found in the Olympic (Coast)
range, in Washington Territory, I am uncertain. The natives of the northwest coast north of
54° 40' make spoons from a substance which I suppose to be their horns, and if so, they
undoubtedly exist as far north as that point. An old trapper told me that he had once witnessed
an encounter between a bighorn and a black bear, in which the latter was worsted and had to
retreat, the ram having knocked him down three times. — G.
The Mountain Sheep, (Tinoon of the Walla- Wallas ?) is said to be found on Mount Hood, near
Fort Dalles, Oregon. I once saw a large horn in use as a plaything by some Indian children at
the Dalles, which appeared to belong to this animal, but was much smaller than is common. I
have eaten the mutton killed in the Rocky mountains, west of the dividing ridge, within the
limits of Washington Territory. The flesh is very good, tasting much like the mutton of tame
sheep, having the same peculiar flavor, only a little stronger. They are said to abound in the
Black Hills and "Mauvaises Terres of Nebraska." — S.
18Q
138 ZOOLOGY.
BOS AMERICANUS, G m e 1 i n .
American Buffalo ; Bison.
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Mammals, 682.
TJie American Buffalo. — Jedediah S. Smith says that prior to 1830 the most western limit of
this animal was at the head of the river Malade, (a branch of Snake river,) heading in the
Salmon River mountains. Angus McDonald, esq., of the Hudson Bay Company, tells me that
he found a buffalo skull in the canon of Snake river, at the foot of the Great Shoshonee Falls,
eight miles above Rock creek. Wilkes, or Fremont, gives the Pont Neuf as their boundary in
1841. In 1845 they left the valley of Bear river, and I doubt whether they now cross Green
river, or even come through the South Pass. Formerly, it is said, they were quite plentiful
in the British possessions west of the Rocky mountains. I was told in 1853, by an old Iroquis
hunter, that a lost bull had been killed twenty-five years before in the Grand Coulee; but this
was an extraordinary occurrence, perhaps before unknown. — G.
The only buffalo that I have heard of which has been killed within late years north of the
South Pass and west of the Rocky mountains was a "lost" bull, which was seen and killed at
Horse Plain, at the junction of the Flathead and Hell Gate rivers, on the day I passed it on my
canoe voyage in November, 1853. The Indians were in great glee, saying " The buffalo are
coming back among us I" a hope in which, it is needless to say, they have been disappointed.
Their remark, however, would indicate that these animals formerly were abundant in the valleys
on the headwaters of Clark's Fork of the Columbia. — S.
ANIMALS INTRODUCED INTO OREGON AND WASHINGTON TERRITORIES.
Horned Cattle.
Horned cattle of the wild Spanish variety were introduced into Oregon from California a few
years ago by the Hudson Bay Company. Having increased rapidly, in 1850 there were about
4,000 head on the Nisqually plains. Although private property, they have become so wild that
they have to be hunted and killed on horseback, like buffalo. Owing to the rapid settlement of
the country and to other causes, these wild cattle are now (1855) becoming rapidly exterminated.
The jargon word for cattle is Moos-moos, and is a corruption of Moos -moos -chin, the Walla-Walla
word for buffalo. — G.
The California cattle are now done away with to a great extent in both our northwestern
Territories, having given place to the better breed of domestic stock which have been driven
across from the valley of the Mississippi. It is said that a cross between the two kinds adds
great hardiness to the stock, and that a dash — say one-fourth or one-eighth — of the Spanish
blood is really an improvement to the breed. — S.
The Horse.
The Yakimas (living north of the Columbia) say that they first obtained the horse from the
Flatheads. The latter probably got them from the Snakes, who, in their turn, probably obtained
them from the Comanches. Garry, the Spokane chief, cannot say how long it is since his tribe
got them. Lewis and Clark's description of the standard of the Oregon horse is far superior
to that of the present stock. It is probable that they have much deteriorated by promiscuous
breeding, and by the introduction of the white horse.
Tig. 2
R .Metzeroth
.;< Parallel,
.-arallel.
Mammals :
Plate YE.
JHSiiard del.
Surveys.
RJCetzeroftb.sc.
ZOOLOGY. 130
%
Lewis and Clark Kiy, "some of these are pied, the greater part, however, are of a uniform
tinge, marked with stars, white feet," <fec. At present, although there are some really fine
individuals among them, the mass are in a great measure white, with "glass" or "wall" eyes,
<fcc. It would be interesting to decide where the white stock came from. The California
horse shows but little of the white admixture. — Gr.
There are old men now living at the Dalles and among kindred tribes in the vicinity who
say that they remember seeing other old men who were living when the horse was first
introduced among them. They say that the first horses obtained were looked upon as great
curiosities, and as their use was not known, the animals were kept merely for show and as
pets. They were led about in the festive processions, and were present at all dances and
fetes. This must have been about 125 years ago.
Camotrispellum, the old war-chief of the Cayuses, says that they were obtained of the Snakes,
thus confirming Mr. Gibbs's supposition. They are a hardy race, and remarkably free from
disease, lameness, or other ills that horse flesh is liable to. An instinct which appears universal
among them is to jump "stiff-legged," or "buck-fashion," when first mounted for breaking.
This vice is said to be rare among the horses of the older States. — S.
NOTE. — Other domestic animals have been introduced into Oregon and Washington
Territories. Among these are sheep, asses, goats, eastern horses, dogs, pigs, cats; all of
which thrive very well. The sheep, however, owing to the abundance of wolves, as a general
rule, require guarding by shepherds, especially east of the Cascades. On the Nisqually plains,
the Puget Sound Agricultural Company (an oifshoot of the Hudson Bay Company) possess a
large number, their flocks in 1855 containing 11,000 individuals. — S.
JVo. 3.
REPORT UPON THE BIRDS COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY.
CHAPTER I.
LAND BIRDS, BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.
ORDER I. IxAPlOllES, Birds of Prey.
Family VULTUKIDAE. The Vultures.
C ATHARTES AURA, 1 1 1 i g e r .
The Turkey Buzzard, or Vulture.
Vultur aura, LINN. Syat. Nat. I., 122, (1766.)
Gathartes aura, ILLIG. Prod. Syst., p. 236.
Cathartes aura, (LINN.) CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 4.
C. *eptentrimalis, DE WEID, Reise, I, 162, (1839.)
FIGURES.— Wilson Am. Orn. IX, pi. 75, fig. 1 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 151, oct. ed., I, pi. 2.
SP. CH. — Bare skin of head and neck, red. Female : length about 30 ; wing, 23 ; tail, 12 inches. Male smaller, (as in all
rapacious birds.)
The turkey buzzard is very abundant during summer in all parts of the Territory I have
visited, frequenting the vicinity of prairies and river banks, and never appearing along the
coast. They arrived at Puget Sound about the middle of May, and flocks of them could be
seen daily about the carcasses of sheep; but I never observed any other species in company
with them. I have not seen their nests, but have no doubt that they build in the Territory. — C.
The turkey vulture was found by me both at Fort Dalles, Oregon Territory, and on Puget
Sound, Washington Territory. It is, however, but sparingly abundant. On the Nisqually
plains I frequently saw them in couples, or sometimes in small groups of half a dozen,
surrounding dead sheep or other carrion.
On the route of the Northern Pacific Railroad survey I shot one of these birds on the Boi
des Sioux river, which is a tributary of the Red River of the North, and not far far from
Pembina, thus corroborating Mr. Say's statement of having observed them in that place. — S
ZOOLOGY. 141
CATHARTES CALIFORNIANUS, Cuvier.
The California Vulture*
Vultur californianus, SHAW, Nat. Misc., pi., 301, (1779.)
Vullur columblanus, ORD, Guthrie's Geog., II, 315, (1815.)
Cathartes vulturinus, TKMM. Pla. col. I, pi. 31, (1820.)
Cathartes californianus, CBVIER, Regne An. ed. IB. 2, p. 316.
BAIRD and CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds.
FIGURES. — Aud. B. of Am., pi. 411, oct. ed. I, pi 1 ; GRAY, Gen. of Birds, I, pi. 2.
The largest rapacious bird of North America. Head and neck bare, with a semicrrcular spot of short black feathers at the
base of the upper mandible, and a few straggling, short, or hair-like feathers on other parts of the head. Plumage commencing
on the neck, near the body, with a ruff of long lanceolate feathers continued on the breast.
Entire plumage black, lustrous on the upper parts, duller below; secondary quills with a grayish tinge; greater wing coverts
tipped with white, forming a transverse band on the wing. Bill yellowish white; iris carmine; head and neck in living bird
orange yellow and red.
Total length, 45 to 50 inches; wing, 30 to 35; tail 15 to 18 inches.
Hab. Western North America. Spec, in Nat. Mus. Washington, and Mus. Acad. Philadelphia.
The California!! vulture visits the Columbia river in fall, when its shores are lined with great
numbers of dead salmon, on which this and the other vultures, besides crows, ravens, and many
quadrupeds, feast for a couple of months. While the expedition was travelling near the upper
Columbia, in the fall of 1853, I saw none of this species, though turkey buzzards were common,
and I concluded that these did not extend their wanderings eastward of the Cascade mountains.
On our return to Vancouver, November 1 8, none were to be seen there, and as the rainy season
had set in I supposed they had retired south. In January, 1854, I saw, during a very cold
period, a bird which I took for this, from its great size, peculiar flight, and long bare neck,
which it stretched out as it sat on a high dead tree, so as to be scarcely mistakable for any other
bird. The river being then frozen solid, and the ground covered with snow, it did not appear
to admire the scenery and soon started off towards the south. During several voyages on the
Columbia, in summer and spring, as well as a long residence near its mouth, I never again saw
this bird, and must consider it only a visitor at certain seasons, and not a resident even during
summer. Townsend supposed he saw its nests along the Columbia, but did not examine them,
and was probably mistaken. I neither saw it nor heard of its occurrence at Puget Sound. — C.
The Californian vulture, according to Nuttall, (see Manual, 2d ed.,) is a summer resident of
Oregon; Townsend and Audubon also speak of its occurrence there. It was my misfortune to
be absent from the main salmon fisheries at the annual period, when this bird is said to be
abundant, and I was therefore unable to obtain, or even see, a single individual. I do not doubt
the correctness of Mr. Nuttall' s statement, and am pleased to bear testimony to the great
general accuracy of his recorded observations concerning the natural history of Oregon. Since
his manual was written the old "Territory of Oregon'7 has been divided, and its northern
portion, or all that lying north of the Columbia and east of Walla- Walla, of the 46th parallel,
now forms the Territory of Washington. The fauna of both Territories is very similar, and,
with but few exceptions, the statement that a bird or quadruped is found in one is very pre
sumptive evidence that it is, at least, accidental in the other. — S.
142 ZOOLOGY.
Family FALCONIDAE. The Falcons.
Sub-Family FALCONINAE. True Falcons.
FALCO NIGRICEPS, C as sin.
The Western Duck Hawk.
Falco nigriceps, CASSIN, Birds of CaL and Tex. I, p. 87, (1853.)— IB. in Gilliss's U. S. Astron. Exped. II, (18">5,)
pi. xiv. — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 8.
SP. CH. — Above bluish cinereous, narrowly banded with black ; below reddish, with circular spots, and bands of black on sides
Crown and cheeks nearly black. Female: length 15 to 17£ inches; wing, 11 to 12; tail, 6 to 6J.
Younger: above dark brown; tail barred with rufous on inner webs; beneath reddish yellow, with broad stripes of black
Adult : resembling the common duck hawk of the eastern coast, (jP. anatum,) but smaller, and with the bill disproportionately
weaker. Head and neck above black, and a large black space on cheeks.
Specimen No. 8501, original No. 63. Dimensions when fresh: Length, 17.25; extent, 39.50. Iris hazel, bill whitish blue, fee*
yellow. Plate xi (birds) represents this specimen.
Of the western duck hawk I have seen only two pairs, which, in March, 1854, frequented a
high wooded cliff at Shoalwater bay. Often as I passed underneath they would fly round over
my head, and I succeeded in shooting two of them, which were marked exactly alike. The
other two, from their larger size, I supposed were females, and they soon after left the
neighborhood. I supposed from their keeping about^the same spot that they intended to build
there. — C.
In the summer of 1856 Mr. George Gibbs, of Steilacoqm, W. T., presented me with a
specimen of this bird, killed near his farm. This was forwarded to the Smithsonian Institution
museum. I know nothing respecting its habits. — S.
FALCO COLUMBARIUS, Linnaeus.
The Pigeon Hawk.
Falco columbarius, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 128, (1776.)— WILSON, Am. Orn. II, pi. xv, fig. 3.— BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen.
Rep. Birds, p. fl.
Falco columbarius and termerarius, AUD. B. of An. pi. Ixxii and xcii; oct. ed. I, pi. xxi.
Hypotriorchis columbarius, Newberry, P. R. R. Rep. Vol. VI, p. 74, (Birds.)
SP. CH — Small and stout in form; above bluish slate color, with black lines; beneath pale yellowish or reddish white, each
feather with a black stripe. Tail with one wide dark band, and several (about three) narrower bands of black.
Younger: dusky or light brown; sometimes with ferruginous markings; beneath dull white, with light brown stripes. Tai
pale brown, with about six white bands.
Young: brownish black, the white parts dusky, stripes wider, sides with black bands and white spots; quills and tail nearly
black, the tail with about four white bands, or unspotted.
No. 4476, adult female, Straits of Fuca, April, 18.~>5. Length, 12 50; extent, 27 inches.
No 4475, adult male, Santa Clara, CaL, November, 1855. Length, 11.75; extent, 23 50.
No. 4477, young male, Shoalwater bay, August, 1855. Length, 10.25; extent, 22 50.
Iris brown, bill bluish black, cere and feet yellow, in all the specimens.
The pigeon hawk seems to be rather uncommon in the Territory. I shot one in June, 1853,
and did not see another until April, 1855, when they had just arrived at the Straits of De
Fuca. I was surprised one day by an unusual screaming of some bird close to the house, and
going out I found that one of these hawks had just caught an unfortunate flicker, which
probably feared no assault from a bird no larger than itself. Its weight brought the hawk to
the ground, where I immediately shot it. On picking it up the flicker, though unhurt either
U S PRRE3S> & Surveys 47 ^Par allel .
Birds Plate XI
ZOOLOGY. 143
by the hawk or my shot, was so frightened that it made no effort to escape from the claws
which still held it with the grasp of death. When I released it it flew to a tree near by, and
for some time showed its astonishment and joy by loud cries.
As the pigeon hawk is found in summer, it doubtless breeds in the Territory. In August,
1855, I shot one of a small family of young which had but lately left the nest. They probably
migrate southward in winter, as I found them abundant in California in October and
November. — C.
About the 1st of August this bird becomes very abundant in the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom.
W. T. During the summer and autumn of 1856 I obtained a number of specimens in different
stages of plumage. Several of these had regular oval spots of rust or cinnamon color on the
inner vanes of the primaries. In this character these birds appear to resemble the bird
noticed by Cassin in the birds of "California, Texas," <fec., among the "doubtful and obscure"
North American species. Falco obscurus, GDI. — (Cassin' s work, page 118, vide quotations from
Pennant.)
I think that near Puget Sound this species breeds in the recesses of the Cascade mountains,
not coming down upon the open plains until late in the summer. — S.
FALCO POLYAGRUS, Cassin.
The Lanier Falcon.
Falco polyagrM, CASSIN, B. of Cal. and Texas, I, p. 88, pi. 16, (1853.)
BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 12.
Sp» CH. — Above brown, quills and tail grayish, tail with white bands. A brown strip from the corner of the eye downwards,
and narrow brown stripes and spots below ; also a large brown patch on breast near shoulder and another on flank?. Forehead,
cheeks, and under parts white.
The young has the white parts much more obscured with brown ; upper parts paler brown, with rufous streaks.
Female : length, 18 to 20 inches ; wing, 13 to 14 ; tail 7| to 8.
This hawk is not at all rare in Oregon. I was fortunate enough to obtain a specimen of it at
Fort Dalles, 0. T., in the beginning of the winter of 1854-' 55, which was killed while in the
act of carrying off a barnyard fowl, of about its own weight, that it had just seized from near
the door of a dwelling-house. This action of the bird seemed to denote that, as a species, it is
not inferior in strength, resolution, and ferocity to either the other falcons or the buzzards. — S.
FALCO SPARVERIUS, Linnaeus.
The Sparrow Hawk.
Falco sparverius, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 128, (1766.)
BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 13.
F. dominicensis, cinnamoniensis, and isabellinus, SWAINSON, Cab. Cycl. p, 281.
Figured in Wilson's Am. Orn. II, p. 16, f. 1 ; Aud. B. of Am. oct. ed.
Tinnunculus sparverius, NEWBERRY, P. R. R. Rep. vol. VI, p. 74.
Sp.Cn. — Easily distinguished .by its small size, rufous or ferruginous upper parts, beautifully variegated with black and
white. The young has the back much more barred, and numerous narrow bars on tail ; a large blue patch on shoulders ; spots
beneath larger and mingled with stripes. Female larger and more like the young in colors than the male.
Male : length, 9^ to 11 ; wing, 6 to 7 ; tail, 4£ to 5|.
Female : length, 10^ to 12 ; wing, 7 to 8£ ; tail, 5 to 5$ .
The sparrow hawk is extremely common during summer about prairies, even at the summit
144 ZOOLOGY.
of the Cascade range, but I have never observed it in the forests or near the sea shore. I
noticed their arrival at Puget Sound early in May, and have only once seen what I suppose
to have been this bird after October, although at that time I noticed diiferences of form and
flight, which led me to think it might be another species. In my notes it is recorded that, in
the snowy January of 1854, at Vancouver, "I saw a haA\7k colored like the sparrow hawk, but
apparently of a stouter form and different mode of flight." I saw it only a few times, and
was unable to obtain it.
I remarked nothing in its habits not observed in the very complete accounts given of it as
occurring in the Atlantic States. — C.
I obtained several specimens of the F. sparverius both at Puget Sound and Fort Dalles.
They do not vary materially from those of other parts of North America, although, as in other
situations, individuals vary slightly. In Oregon they are particularly numerous in the "oak
openings" at the base of the Cascade mountains. I found this bird exceedingly abundant
along the upper Missouri and its tributaries, wherever there was timber, or, at least, where
the timber was sparse. They are not generally abundant in the thickly-wooded districts; and
I never met them in a broad prairie country, unless in the vicinity of " timber islands " or
wooded streams.
It is exceedingly abundant on the Nisqually plains, Puget Sound, principally affecting the
vicinity of small clusters of the oak. Those that I have noticed striking their prey, such as
finches, small larks, &c., generally do so in the following manner: The hawk soars around and
about the prairies at a short distance above the ground; upon discovering his victim quietly
feeding in the grass, he makes a sudden downward sweep, and generally succeeds in carrying
off his victim. This hawk appears to delight in soaring about, in, and out of low trees, ap
parently for mere pastime. It also spends much time on the ground, probably in quest of
grasshoppers and other insects. It is easily approached and killed. Two specimens sent from
Puget Sound to the Smithsonian museum measured as follows: No. 346, $ , April 20, 1856, 11,
23; No. 399, 9 , May, 1856, 11£, 23| inches.— S.
Sub-family ACCIPITRINAE. Slender Hawks.
ASTUR ATRICAPILLUS, Bonaparte.
The Goshawk.
Falco atrieapillus, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 80, pi. 52, fig. 3.
•frstur atrieapillus, BONAF. Oss. Cuv. Reg. An. p. 33.
Ji. atrieapillus, (WILSON,) BAIRD and CASSIN, Gon. Rep. Birds, p. 15. — NEWBERRY, P. R. R. Rep. vol. VI,
Zoology, p. 74.
Falco palumbarius , LINN. Aud. B. of Am. pi. 141 ; oct. ed. I, pi. 23.
Sp. CH. — Above colored much like F. nigriceps, but much larger ; and with the under parts mottled with narrow transverse
lines of whit and light ashy brown.
Young: above dark brown, mottled with light reddish ; tail light ashy, with five wide brown bands; underneath white or
tinged with red or yellow ; every feather with a brown stripe, mostly ending in an ovate spot.
Female: length, 22 to^24 ; wing, 14 ; tail, 10| to 11 inches.
Male : length, 20 inches ; wing, 12| ; tail, 9j inches.
No. 4516 (120) Shoalwater bay, January 20, 1855.
Young female : length 24 ; extent, 44 ; tail 11.50.
Iris yellow, bill bluish black and white, feet greenish yellow.
ZOOLOGY. 145
This bird I met with in a dense spruce forest, where it was devouring a squirrel on the
ground. It flew into a tall tree, and was so closely concealed that I only discovered it after a
long search by seeing its tail move. I afterwards shot a beautiful specimen in full plumage,
which came darting like lightning through the dark forest, and alighted so near me that I could
see its flashing eye; but not being killed at once, it managed to escape among some underbrush
and logs, where I sought it for an hour in vain. It would seem to be the special frequenter of
dark woods, where other hawks are rarely seen. — C.
I obtained several specimens of the American goshawk, both at Fort Dalles and at Fort
Steilacooni. The specimens collected were in different stages of plumage, one being a very
fine specimen of the adult.
This hawk is bold, swift, and strong. It does not hesitate to sweep into a poultry yard, catch
up a chicken and make off with it almost in a breath. The manner of seizing its prey is by a
horizontal approach for a short distance, elevated but a few feet from the ground, a sudden
downward sweep or side glance, and then, without stopping its flight, making its way to a
neighboring tree or its nest with the struggling victim securely fastened in its talons.
Considering the size of this bird, for strength, intrepidity, and fury, it cannot be surpassed,
these qualities almost rendering it feline in its character. It is also quite cunning, seizing very
opportune moments for its attacks. It was not until many days that I was able to have a bird
of this kind killed, although men were constantly on the watch for him. So adroit was he at
seizing opportunities to make his attacks, that he would regularly visit our poultry yard twice
and oven thrice in a day, and yet always contrived to escape unmolested.
This species is frequently known among the Oregonians as the liUue hawk." The goshawk
is found earlier than the others, and three specimens which I obtained were in most elegant
adult plumage. Why the birds of this family become so plentiful for a few months I am unable
to say, but think that, as above stated, having bred in the retired recesses of the Cascade and
Coast ranges of mountains, they remain until their young are well able to fly, when they all
descend to the open plains, where they can obtain a more abundant supply of food, such as
finches, larks, robins, doves, band-tailed pigeons, meadow mice, moles, gophers, young rabbits,
and even grasshoppers. — S.
ACCIPITER COOPERI, Gray.
Cooper's Hawk.
FaJco Cooperii, BONAP. Am. Orn. II, 1, (1823.)
Acdpiter Stanleii, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 186, 1830.
Accipiter Cooperi, GRAY, List Brit. Mus., p. 38; Gen. B. 8p. 6. (Bos ) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 16.
Aslur Cooperi, NEWBKRRY, P. R. R. Rep., vol. VI, Zool. p. 74.
FIGURES.— Bonap. Am. Orn. II, pi. 10, f. 1. Aud. B. of Am., pi. 36, 141, f. 3; oct. ed. 1, pi. 124.
SP. CH. — Above, ashy brown, darker on head and mixed with white ; below, white, throat with narrow streaks, the rest with
light rufous bars. Tail, dark cinereous, with four wide black bars. Young, pale bnbwn above, mottled with white and rufous ;
beneath, white, with narrow light brown stripes.
Female: length, 18 to 20 inches; wing, 10 to It; tail, 8.50. Male: length, 16 to 18; wing, 9.50 to 10; tail, 8 inches.
This hawk is commonly confounded with others, under the name of "chicken hawk.'7 It is
very abundant in summer, and often killed about farm yards, where it seizes on chickens before
the very eyes of the owner, darting down like lightning and disappearing again before he can
19 Q
146 ZOOLOGY.
see what has disturbed his poultry yard. I believe it to be a constant resident, and to build
in the Territory. — C.
Cooper's hawk is a common bird of prey in Oregon and Washington Territories. I obtained
numerous specimens of it at Puget Sound and Fort Dalles. The characteristic variations in
size and color of this bird hold good in Oregon, scarcely any two specimens being there found
that are alike. An undoubted specimen of the A. Cooperi, shot at Fort Steilacoom in September,
1856, No. 5846, (590,) measured: length, 19; extent, 30 inches.— S.
ACCIP1TER MEXICANUS, Swain son.
Blue-backed Hawk.
Accipiter mexicanus, Sw. Faun. Bos. Am. Birds, p. 45, 1831.)
BAIRD AND CASMN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 17.
SP. CH. — Almost exactly like A. Cooperi, but smaller; back more brownish; tbroat and under tail coverts white; other
under parts more rufous, with white bars and spots; dark streaks only on breast. Youug much tinged with reddish above;
underneath, yellowish; each feather streaked and often barred near its base. Female: length, 17 to 18 inches; wing, 9£ to 10 >'
tail, 9; extent, about 30. Male : length, 15 to 16 inches; wing, 9; tail, 8. — C.
This species of hawk I at first took for small individuals of the A. Cooperi, but the smaller
size, the larger proportionate size of the tarsi, and other peculiarities, induced me to examine
the bird more carefully. Upon comparing the specimens with Cassin's description of A. Mex
icanus I found that they accorded.
An individual killed in the summer of 1856, at Port Townsend, Puget Sound, was shot near a
salt marsh. While soaring about it resembled in its motions the common marsh hawk, or hen
harrier. — S.
ACCIPITER FUSCUS, Bonaparte.
The Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Fakofuscus and F. dubius, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 280, 231, (1788.)
Accipiter fuscus, BONAPARTE, Comp. List, Birds, p. 5.
A.fuscus, (GM.) BAIRD and CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 18. — NEWBERRY, P. R. R. Rep., vol. VI, Zool., p. 74.
Falco velox and F. pennsylvanicus, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 116, pi. 45, f. 1, and VI, p. 13, pi. 46, f. 1.
SP. CH. — Almost exactly like the two preceding in color, but much smaller. Young: above brown, beneath like young of
A. Cooperi in color.
Female: length, 12 to 14 in.; wing, 7J to 8; tail, 6£ to 7 inches; extent, about 25 inches.
Male: length, 11 to 12 ; wing, 6 to 6£ ; tail 5 to 5£.
No. 8514, (94,) Shoalwater bay, September, 1854. Length, 11.50; extent, 21.50 inches; male.
This hawk I have not found common, and have observed only in the colder months. It has
habits and flight much like the preceding, but, of course, preys on smaller birds. Its small
size and long tail, besides its greater swiftness of wing, make it easily distinguishable from the
pigeon hawk when flying. — C.
The sharp-shinned hawk is quite common near Fort Steilacoom during the latter part of
summer and in early autumn. Like the pigeon hawk, they are quite scarce during the breeding
season in the more open country about the head of Puget Sound. They appear to descend
from the mountains as soon as the young birds are well able to fly, and, in company with many
other species of hawk, remain on the prairies for several aionths before retiring to the south.
A few remain throughout the winter. — S.
ZOOLOGY. 147
Sub-Family BUTEONIN AE.— T he Buzzards.
BUTEO MONTANUS, Nuttall.
The Western Red-tail Hawk.
Buteo mcnlanvs, NUTT., Manuel I, 112, (1840.) — BAIRD and CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 26.
Falco buteo, (LiNN.,) AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 508, pi. 372, oct. ed., p. — , pi. — , (young.)
Buteo Swainsonii, CBovAp.,) CASSIN, Birds of Ca'.. and Tex., I, p. 43.
SP. CH. — Back brown; tail red, with a black band and a white tip; throat and breast dark brown, mixed with while; rest
of under parts deep rufous, or abdomen sometimes nearly white.
Female: 22 to 25; wing, 16 to 17; tail, 9 to 10 inches. Male: 19 to 22; wing, 15 to 16; tail, 8* to 9 inches.
Young: tail ashy brown, with numerous bands of darker shade, and white tip; back mottled with white; underneath
numerous large dark spots on all parts.
No. 8534. Yakima river, August 4, 1853. (8.) Length, 22; extent, 48 inches. Female?
No. 8535. Shoalwater bay, March 21, 1854. Length, 22; extent, 48 inches. Male.
No. 4521. Santa Clara, Cal., November 10, 1855. Young male. Length, 20.50; extent, 51 inches. Iris hazel; bill
bluish gray; feet yellow.
This is an abundant and resident species in every part of the Territory I have visited, and I
have no doubt that it builds there; though, as many hawks build only in the thick evergreen
forests, it is very difficult to discover their nests. I have observed it also common in California.
I have not observed any difference between its habits and those of its eastern congener. — C.
Quite numerous at Puget Sound; scarcer on the Upper Columbia, east of Cascade mountains.
While I was stationed at Fort Steilacoom. I noticed that the poultry yards were as much
harassed by this buzzard as by the goshawk, neither of which hesitated to seize poultry from
the very doors of dwelling-houses. A slight difference is thus noticed in their habits from
those of the eastern States, which, according to Nuttall, are not thus bold except in winter.
This may be accounted for by the fact that, on Puget Sound, they are more unsophisticated,
and that, although hawks as a class are more numerous, small birds to support them are less so
in proportion. — S.
BUTEO ELEGANS, Cassin.
Red-bellied Hawk.
Buteo elegans, CASSIN, Proc. Acad. So. Phil. VII, 281, (1855.)
BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 28.
Figured in P. R. R. Rep. Vol. X. PI. II, adult.; Ill young plumage.
SP. CH. — Breast nearly brick red, unspotted; rest of under parts with numerous reddish white bars.
Female: length, 20; wing, 13; tail, 9 inches.
Male: length, 18£; wing, 12|; tail, 8 inches.
Young female: every feather beneath with a wide irregular brown band, and sagittate mark at its tip. Back brow*,
mottled, shoulders more or less ru ous. Tail with ten or twelve narrow dark bars and white tip.
Young- male: shoulders, under wing coverts, and tibia darker rufous.
No. 4520. Killed at Santa Clara, Cal., October 23, 1855; measured length, 19.50; extent, 41 inches; female.
As most probably belonging to this species, I will here mention a hawk which I saw October
25 at the town of Santa Clara: "I have lately seen a hawk which looks and flies like an oivl,
but has the loud scream and high-sailing habit of the winter hawk at midday. Its back is
gray, breast reddish, tail red, (?) and in flying it shows a large dark spot under the middle of
148 ZOOLOGY.
each wing. A pair keep about the town, and often fly up together, circling around and chasing
each other in sport. Their wings are remarkably short and broad."
The shape of the wing, apparently smaller size, and rapid flapping flight, differed from the
red-tail's, as I remarked at the time. I tried on several days to get near one, but without
success, as it had begun to be shy at the approach of man, whose murderous intentions most of
the hawks on that coast had apparently not yet learned. — 0.
BUTEO COOPERI, Gas sin.
California Hawk.
Buteo Cooperi, CASSIN, Proc. Acad Philad. VIII, 253, (1856.) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 31.
"About the size of Buteo borealis, but belonging to the same group as Buteo erythronolus of South America, (genus Tachytri-
orchis, Kaup, as restricted by Bonaparte, Conspectus Avium, p. 17.") — CASSIN.
SP. CH. — Immature plumage. — Back feathers white at bases, the rest brownish, tinged with cinereous; upper tail coverts
white, barred with dark brown and rufous; a general pale ashy tinge above. Tail white at base, outer webs cinereous, some
inner white and mottled rufous (on middle feather ; a subterminal band of dark brown, and tip rufous and white. Under
parts white, with numerous dark stripes on throat, neck, and flanks. A large brownish black spot on under wing coverts.
The adult in full plumage, which has not yet been obtained, probably has the upper parts of a light ash color, (like that
of the old marsh hawk,) and the tail white.
No. 8525. Santa Clara, Cal., Nov. 1855. Young female? Length, 20.50; extent, 51 inches. Iris, dark brown; bill,
bluish; feet and cere, yel'ow.
Plate XVI, (Birds,) represents this specimen.
In October and November, 1855, I spent six weeks in Santa Clara county, California, where
I met with many new and interesting animals. On November 10, I find it noted in my journal,
' ' Shot a hawk of a kind now quite common here, which keeps about the groves of low oaks,
and has much the same cry, habits, and flight, as the red-tail. This specimen appears to be
changing its plumage, but has still the brown iris, characteristic of young hawks." I saw
frequently what 1 took for the same species up to the time of my departure from California,
about December 1. As they were not shy, I might have shot several more, but although new
to me, I supposed that the many collectors who had preceded me in California must certainly
have obtained numerous specimens of the immature bird, and I tried without success to find
more perfect specimens. On the 29th November I observed a pair of them sitting on the
ground in a perfectly level prairie, at a distance from any covert by which I might approach
them. These had the light ashy gray color much more distinct than in the specimen, though I
could perceive that they too had some of the mottlings of the immature plumage. They
seemed to have nearly white tails. — C.
ARCHIBUTEO LAGOPUS, Gray.
Kough-legged Hawk.
Falco lagopus, GMELJN, Syst. Nat. I, p. 260, (1788.)
WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, pi. XXXIII, fig. 1, young.
ADD. B. of Am. pi. 422, fig. 2, adult?
Jlrchibuteo lagopus, GRAY, Gen. ed. 2, p. 3.
A. lagopus, (Gia.) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 32.
SP. CH. — Head above yellowish, with reddish stripes; back pale cinereous, sometimes very white, with bands of white and
dark brown; beneath white, stripes on throat, and large spots and stripes of brewn on breast; numeous bands of same on
abdomen, tibia, and tarsi. Tail coverts and tail at base white; the rest of the tail cinereous, with a broad black band near
tip, and two others above it. Blackish spots, and a large ashy brown space on under wing coverts.
Female: length, 21 to 23; wing, 16 to 17; tail, 9 inches.
Male: length, 19 to 21; wing, 15 to 16; tail, 8 to 8£ inches.
ZOOLOGY.
Young much more brown ; a wide brownish black band on abdomen ; other under parts yellowish, with a few brownish lines
and spots. Tail white, with a ligM brown band near tip.
A large hawk, with legs densely feathered to the toes, and which cannot be easily confounded with any other American,
species. It is distinguished from the young of the black hawk (A. Sandi Johannis) by its smaller size and fewer dark spots
on the under parts. — CASSIN.
No. 8549. Shoalwatcr bay, October 31, 1854:, (109.) Length, 21 ; extent, 52 inches. Iris, pale brown ; bill, slate colored
and yellow ; foot, yellow.
In October, 1854, I found a large number of the rough-legged buzzard on a low point near
the sea-coast, covered with small pines, where they were sitting likeVwls on tLe dead tree tops,
occasionally darting down after a mouse, and alighting a short distance off. Sometimes they
called to each other with a loud scream, but usually sat for hours motionless and silent. They
varied considerably in the amount and distribution of the white feathers, but the specimen shot
seemed to be one of the most perfect. One only was of a general dark chocolate color. Some
remained all winter, and I think a few build near the mouth of the Columbia, where I saw
young birds in July, 1855. — C.
Specimen 6853, (581,) killed at Fort Steilacoom October 20, 1856, measures : length, 21^ ;
extent, 52^ ; wing, 16^ inches. Cere and tarsus, yellow ; bill, black ; iris, grayish yellow. — S.
ARCHIBUTEO FERRUGINEUS, Gray.
Squirrel Hawk.
JButeo ferruginous, LIGHT. Trans. Acad. Berlin, 1838, p. 428.
Archibuteo ferrugineus, GRAY, Gen., p. 8.
A. regalia, GRAY, Gen. I, pi. 6, (plate only.)
A. ferrugineus, (LiCHT.,) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Eep. Birds, p. 34.
Buteo calijornicus, Hutcbin's Cal. Magazine, 1857.
Figured in Birds of Cal. and Texas, I, pi. 26.
SP. CH. — Above entirely dark brown, and light rufous ; tall reddish while, mottled with ashy brown; pale beneath. Under
parts white, with narrow brown streaks and spots on breast, transverse and mixed with black on abdomen ; flank and axillse
bright ferruginous.
Female: length, 23 to 25 ; wing, 17 to 17 \ ; tail, 9 inches.
Male, smaller. Young: paler, upper tail coverts while, spotted with brown ; fewer streaks below ; under whig coverts and
edges of wing white — C.
I shot an adult specimen (female) in December, 1854, in the vicinity of Fort Dalles, 0. T.
It seemed old and feeble, and, either from weakness or apathy, allowed me to approach very
closely to its resting place. Its plumage was worn, ragged looking, and appeared as if it had
not been changed at the previous moulting season. The tail only of this bird I preserved, as
I had a press of material on hand, and much other business to attend to. On showing it to
Mr. John Cassin, he pronounced it to belong to this species. — S.
Sub-family MILVINAE.— The Kites.
ELANUS LEUCURUS, Bonaparte.
The White-tailed Hawk j the Black-shouldered Hawk.
Milvus leucurus, VIEILL., Nouv. Diet. XX, 663, (1818.)
Mantis leucurus, VIEILL., BAIRD and CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 37.
Elanus leucurus, BONAP. , Eur. & Am. Birds.
Falco dispar, TKMMLNCK, PI. Col. I, liv. 54, about 1824.
"Falco melanopterus, DAUDIX." Bonap. Jour. Acad. Phil. V, 28.
"Falco dispar, TEMJI." Aud. Org. Biog. IV, 367.
150 ZOOLOGY.
FIGURES.— Bonap. Am. Orn. II, pi. 11, fig. 1 ; Temm. PL Col., 319 ; Aud. B. of Am., pi. 352 ; oct. ed. I, pi. 16 ; Gay,
Nat. Hist. Chili, Orn., pi. 2.
SP. CH. — Adult. — Head and tail and entire under parts white. Upper parts fine light cinereous; lesser wing coverts glossy
black, which forms a large oblong patch from the shoulder ; inferior wing coverts white, with a small black patch. Middle
feathers of the tail light ashy, uniform with other upper parts ; bill dark ; tarsi and toes yellow.
Total length, female, 15£ to 17 inches ; wing, 12 inches ; tail, 7J inches. Male smaller.
Bab. — Southern and western States and South America. Spec, in Nat. Mus., Washington, and Mus. Acad., Philadelphia.
No. 5895. Santa Clara, CaL, Oct. 22, 1855. Female, length, 16^ ; extent, 41 ; iris, orange red ; bill, black; feet, orange ;
wing, 12 ; tail, 7<| inches.
I found this beautiful little hawk quite abundant during my visit to California, and almost
always to be seen hovering over the meadows in search of field mice, which seem to be its
principal food. This specimen had the remains of one in its stomach. Though this hawk may
visit the prairie regions of southern and middle Oregon, I never saw or heard of it near the
Columbia river. — C.
CIRCUS HUDSONIUS, Vi oil lot.
The Harrier | the Marsh Hawk.
Falco hudsonius, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 128, (1766.)
Circus hudsonius, VIEILL. Ois. Am. Sept., pi. 9.
Circus hudsonius, LINN. BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Eept. Birds, p. 38.
" Falco uliyinosus," GM. Syst. Nat. I, 278, (1788.)
''Falco uliginosus," WILSON, Am. Orn. VI, 67.
"Falco cyaneut," AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. IV, S96.
FIGURES. — Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept., pi. 9 ; Wilson Am. Orn. VI, pi. 51, fig. 2 ; Bonap. Am. Orn. II, pi. 12; Aud. B. of
Am., pi. 356; oct. ed. I, pi. 26 ; Sw. & Rich. Faun. Bor. Am. Birds, pi. 29.
SP. CH. — Upper parts, head and breast, palo bluish ash color, mixed with rufous on back ; upper tail coverts while. Beneath
white, with small cordate ferruginous spots ; quills brownish black, externally ashy, inner web partly white ; tail light ashy ;
feathers nearly white on inner webs, with obscure brown bars ; below white ; under wing coverts unspotted.
Female: lengtli, 19 to 21; wing, 15£ ; tail, 10 inches.
Male: length, 16 to 18 ; wing, 14J ; tail, 8| to 9 inches.
Young: above brown, variegated with rufous; upper tail coverts brown or white ; tail reddish, with or without about three
wide fulvous bands. Beneath rufous or nearly white, with brown stripes.
No. 8780, (156.) North fork of the Platte R., Neb., Aug. 17, 1857. Young— length, 21 ; extent, 47 ; wing, 15 inches ;
iris brown, bill black, feet yellow.
No. 8236, (218.) Forks of the Platte R., Oct. 17, 1857. Old male in full plumage— length, 18. 60 ; extent, 42. 50 ; wing'
13. 50 inches. Iris and cere yellow ; bill slate color ; feet brown and yellow.
This hawk is easily distinguishable, even at a distance, by its large size, long wings and tail,
small round head, and long legs. It is also the only kind commonly seen in the northern States,
sailing slowly over meadows and prairies, generally alighting on the ground, (where it also
builds its nest.) It is commonly of a dark brown color, but old birds (after several years)
become of a fine ash color above and white beneath, beautifully marked with bars and spots.
This state of plumage is rarely seen, and younger birds are often found with nests and young.
The marsh hawk is abundant throughout the open districts of the Territory, especially in
winter, and it builds there. I never saw but two specimens among hundreds having the light
blue color distinctive of the adult male. I found it no less common in California.
In a journey to Fort Laramie, Nebraska, I found this bird no less numerous from July to
November, and noticed the curious fact that at least half of them were of the blue plumage.
From this I infer that the older birds seek the far interior in preference to the seaboard, either
from acquired experience of its greater safety, or for some other advantage which they find
ZOOLOGY. 151
there. The old birds of some other kinds are said to have the same habit of resorting to the
interior, particularly during their periodical migrations.
This hawk feeds chiefly on mice and small birds, rarely disturbing the farmer's poultry, and
is, doubtless, of much more benefit to him than injury. — C.
The marsh hawk, or hen harrier, I have found a frequent inhabitant of the neighborhood of
all Oregon streams, being not only, as mentioned by Nuttall, found there in winter, but is also
a constant summer resident. I procured one specimen, a male in the adult bluish gray
plumage, at Fort Dalles, in the spring of 1855. Although I had constantly seen these birds
during the two previous years of my residence in Oregon, I had never before met with it in its
gray plumage, all that I had seen being in the immature state, and while flying showing a very
conspicuous white patch upon the rump. Many specimens in the latter stage of plumage I
saw in the summer of 1856 at Fort Steilacoom. Specimen 5851 (551) measured, length 21,
extent 47 inches. — S.
Sub-Family A QUILIN AE .— T he Eagles.
HALIAETUS LEUOOOEPHALUS, Savigny.
The Bald Eagle ; the White-headed Eagle.
Falco leucocffhalus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 124, (1766.)
Falco pygnrgus, DAUDIN, Traito d'Orn, II, 62, (1800.)
Falco ossifragus, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 16, (1813.)
Baliaetus leucocephalus, SAVIG. Cuv. Reg. An. ed. 2, p. 326.
Haliaetus leucocephalus, (LiNN.) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Hep. Birds, p. 43.
FIGURES. — Catesby's Carolina I, pi. I ; Vielll. Oia. d'Am. Sept. I, pi. 3 ; Wilson Am. Orn. IV, pi. 36, VII, pi. 55; Aud.
B. of Am., pi 31, 126 ; oct. ed. I, pi. 14.
SP. Cn. — Head, tail, and its coverts white ; rest of plumage brownish black, edges of feathers paler.
Female: length, 35 to 42J ; wing, 23 to 25 ; tail, 14 to 15 inches. Extent about 88 inches. Male : 30 to 34 ; wing, 20
to 22; tail, 13 to 14 inches.
Young: entire plumage dark brown, paler on throat and edges of feathers ; tail more or less mottled with white. Attains
the adult plumage in four years.
This well known bird scarcely needs a special description here, although it seems probable
that a larger species of similar plumage may be found in countries inhabited by this also.
(See Gen. Rep. on H. Washington™.}
No. 9130, (53,) Shoalwater bay, February 27, 1854; young female: length 37, extent 87.50.
Iris brown.
No. 52, (lost,) Vancouver, February 18, 1854; adult male: length 33, extent 79. Iris, bill,
and feet yellow.
The white-headed eagle is one of the most abundant of the falcon tribe in Washington Ter
ritory, particularly along the Columbia river, and other smaller streams, as well as the salt
water. I was astonished at their numbers on the day of my arrival in the Territory in June,
1853. As the steamer ascended the Columbia river, a light rain falling constantly, I could see
three or four at any time, sitting on the gigantic spruces that lined the banks, occasionally
sailing off, circling around overhead, uttering their shrill scream, as if to dispute our right to
navigate the great river. Though their white head and tail made them clearly visible against
the dark green background of foliage, they sat often so high above the river as to look no
larger than crows, and their screams were only faintly audible. Excepting a few sea-ducks
and gulls at the mouth of the river, the eagles were the only birds I saw that day, and the
absence of fish-hawks, crows, <fec., struck me as remarkable.
152 ZOOLOGY.
This eagle is a constant resident, and, I believe, lays its eggs as early as February, though I
never examined a nest at that season. I never saw it dive for fish or pursue unwounded birds,
but have seen it settle for a moment on the water to secure a dead fish, closing its wings.
It is a great pest to the sportsman, being always on the lookout for wounded birds, which it
seizes almost from his grasp. It will sometimes sit for hours on the beach among gulls, crows,
and ravens, which are quite unconcerned at its presence.
The young of this species seems to prefer the sea-coast, and is generally supposed to be
another species by the name of "gray eagle." It seems to differ in the greater breadth of the
wings and tail, which, however, depends on the form of the feathers only. The coloring is
very variable, not only the head and tail, but the back and breast being mottled, and sometimes
entirely white. These varieties might easily be mistaken for species before the regular change
of plumage was fully demonstrated. During the journey northward to the 49th degree I saw
numbers of eagles along the Columbia, commonly sitting on some log or cliff over the water.
In Santa Clara county, California, I saw a nest of this bird large enough to fill a wagon. It
was built in a large sycamore tree, standing alone in the prairie, and but a short distance from
several farm houses. On my shooting a magpie from the tree, one of the eagles came from a
distance and flew round to reconnoitre, though, as it was November, they probably had no
eggs or young in it. The farmers not having molested it, I suppose the eagles were not trouble
some, and probably found enough to eat among the great numbers of cattle dying on those
plains.
I have never seen this eagle about the high mountain tops, and on the plains east of the
Rocky mountains it is a rare visitor. — 0.
This noble looking bird is exceedingly abundant in Oregon and "Washington Territories, and
in certain localities, especially during the salmon season, may be found in great numbers. De
Smet, in his work on "Oregon Missions," speaks of their abundance about the shores of several
of the large lakes on the upper Columbia, where they find, during certain months of the year,
an easy subsistence, owing to the vast numbers of dead and dying salmon which line the water
margin. While crossing the continent with Governor Stevens' s party in 1853 I succeeded in
obtaining a pair of young birds alive, from an eyrie built in a tree on the borders of Lake Jessie,
Minnesota. They were forwarded to the Smithsonian Institution, and deposited in the collec
tion of living creatures kept for the amusement of the patients at the lunatic asylum near
Washington city. On my canoe voyage from the Rocky mountains to Fort Vancouver I fre
quently passed these birds, at times sitting alone, or in pairs, in the trees over the river banks,
or perched on the high cliffs overhanging the wild streams of the mountains. They appeared
quite tame, and frequently permitted an approach within easy rifle shot. Sometimes one or
two might be seen in company with a few little impudent looking crows, dividing the remains
of a dead and putrid salmon which had been washed up on the shores of the Columbia. These
dead salmon appear to afford the principal nourishment to the eagles, crows, and coyotes of that
region.
Mr. Geo. Gibbs says that he has seen the present bird alight in deep water, and rest upon
it like a gull.
The measurements of the Oregon specimens seem to be greater than those of the Atlantic.
I think that this bird, in Oregon, does not depend much on the prey captured from the osprey,
as the latter bird is not at all abundant there, but rather, as above stated, on the dead bodies
of fish which are cast up on the shores of the coast, bays, and rivers, becoming thus vulture-
ZOOLOGY. 153
like in its habits — a truly mortifying character to be assumed by the representative of our
national emblem.
The eyries of this bird are frequently found throughout Oregon, and are bred in, during
successive seasons, year after year, as stated by various authors.
At times the settlers speak of seeing very large eagles — larger, they say, than the bald
eagle. Perhaps these may be specimens of the pelagicus or Waslimytonii. I have not yet
been lucky enough to secure a specimen of either.
Captain Burns, of Port Discovery, (Puget Sound,) informed me that in the spring of 1856
he caught a young bird of this species, which he called, in common with the other settlers, a
"gray eagle." This was reared as a pet, and became quite tame. At times the captain would
take the young eagle on coasting voyages along Puget Sound. The bird would frequently
leave the vessel on short excursions, generally, however, returning to it again, even when the
schooner in sailing had altered its position several miles, and being never deceived so as to fly
on board of other small craft, although many would be near by. Sometimes, however, the
eagle \vould prefer returning to Captain B.'s house, on the bay of Port Discovery. At the
time I wras informed of this the bird had lived Avith the Captain nearly a year, and manifested
no desire to seek another home. About the house he Avas quite a terror to the pigs and small
dogs, from which he remorselessly took any carrion or other delicacy which suited his palate. — S.
PANDION C AROLINENSIS, Bonaparte.
The Fisli Hawk ; The American Osprey.
Fako carollnensis, GM. Syet. Nat. I, 263, (1783.)
Aquila piscatrix, VIEILL. Ois. d'Am. Sept. I, 29, (1807.)
Pandion americanus, VIEILL. Gal. Oie. I, 33, (1825.)
Fako haliaetw, LINN. WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 14.
Ftdco kaiiadas, LISN. AUD. Orn. Biog I, 415.
Pandion carotineniis, BOKAP. Eur. and Am. Birds, p 3.
Pandion carolinensis, (Gi«.) BAIRD & C \sn.v, Gen. Rep. Birds, p 44.
FIGURES. — Catesby's Carolina, I, pi. 2; Vieill. Ois. d'Am. Sept. I, pi. 4; Wilson, Am. Orn. V, 37; And. B. of Am. pi. 81:
oct. ed. I, pi. 15 ; Nat. Hist. New York, Bird*, pi. 8, fig. 18.
Sr. CH. — Head and entire under parts white; stripe through the eye, top of head, and upper parts, deep brown; tail with
about eight bands of blackish-brown ; breast with numerous cordate and circular pale brownish spots.
Female: length, about 25 ; wing, 21 ; tail, 10J inches.
Male: length, 22^—23; wing, 19£; tail, 10 inches.
Young: above with pale tips to feathers; more numerous and darker spots on breast.
The fish haAvk is common along the coast, arriving at Puget Sound by the middle of April,
and building on dead trees near there and near the mouth of the Columbia river. I never
saAV them on the upper part of that river, though they probably ascend Avith the fall salmon.
I did not see the eagle rob this hawjc, though abundant in the same places. The reason may
be that it can obtain plenty of food more honestly and with less trouble in that country. This
hawk never troubles the farmers, and is generally unmolested, except by idlers and naturalists. — C.
A specimen of the osprey was shot at Steilacoorn, by Mr. George Gibbs, and presented to
me. I have seen it also in the Rocky mountains. No. 5837 (531) Fort SteilacQQm., October 2,
1856 j length, 22£; extent, 62|; Aving, 19£ inches.— S.
20 Q
154 ZOOLOGY.
Family S TR I GID AE .— 0 wl B.
Sub-family BUBONINAE.— H or ne d Owls.
BUBO YIRGINIANUS, Bonaparte.
Great Horned Owl.
Strix virginiana, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 287, (1788.)
S. mageUanicus, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 286, (1783 ?)
Bubo virginianus, BOKAP. Comp. List, p. 6.
B. virginianus, (GM.) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 9.
B. ardicus, SWAIX. F. B. Am Birds, p. 86, (1831.)
B. subarcticus, HOY, Proc. Acad. Sc Philad. VI, 212.
FIGURES —Wilson, Am Orn. VII, pi. 50, fig. 1; And B. of Am. pi. 61 : oct. ed. I, pi. 33; Nat. Hist. New York, pi. 10,
fig. 22; Fauna Bor. Am Birds, pi. 30.
SP. CH — Very large; ear tufts long, erectile; color varying from nearly white to dark brown; above darkest, and mottled
irregularly with transverse lines of pale ashy and reddish. Throat and neck white, breast with dark stripes, other parts somewhat
fulvous, mixed with brown and white.
Female: length, 21 to 25; wing, 14£ to 16; tail, 10 inches.
Male: length, 18 to 20; wing, 14 to 15; tail, 9 inches.
The largest horned or tufted owl in America, varjing in size, though the smallest males are over eighteen inches long, and
their wing fourteen inches. Usually dark colored, and (oar. pacifaus) with an ash-colored face, while others (var. atlanticus) have
it fulvous. The pale variety (arcticus) is sometimes nearly white, but more commonly yellowish. All of these forms are found
in the Territory.
No. 9159 ( — ,) Okanagan R., Sept. 27, 1853. Length, 27 ; extent, 52 inches, (var. pacificus. )
The great horned owl is a common and constant resident in all parts of the Territory I have
visited, but principally among dark forests, where it sits dozing through the day, unless dis
covered by some crow or other bird, when its chance for rest is gone, until the shades of night
disperse its persecutors, and give it an opportunity of taking ample revenge. — C.
The great horned owl is very abundant about Puget Sound. I obtained fully half a dozen
skins, all resembling in character the description given by Cassin of the variety pacificus. The
aborigines near Fort Steilacoom, when they hear one of these birds uttering his deep, hooting
sounds near their lodges at night, are much alarmed. As usual, they consider that it is a
warning of the approach of death, or some other great calamity — thus showing another
instance of the almost universal, superstitious dread, which, in various parts of the world, is
inspired by birds of this family.
In July, 1856, I obtained two individuals alive, which, although fed and kindly treated for
several months, abated not a whit their original ferocity. At the approach of any one —
even their habitual feeder — they instantly manifested vindictiveness, rage, hatred, and defiance,
and kept up a hissing noise, interrupted by loud snapping sounds, produced by "gnashing"
their bills.
While in the Rocky mountains I found owls quite plentiful, and at night heard frequently
the hooting of individuals of some large species, which, although kept up at about the same
intervals as those produced by the present kind, were much more feeble. — S.
ZOOLOGY. 155
SCOPS ASIO, Bonaparte.
The Mottled Owl ; the Screech Owl.
Strix asio, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, p. 132, (1766.)
Strix naevia, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 239, (1788.)
Scops asio, BOXAP. Eur. and N. Am. Birds, p. 6.
Scops ano, (LiNN.) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 57.
FIGURES. — Catesby's Nat. Hist. Carolina I, pi. 7; Vieill. Ois d'Am. Sept. I, pi. 21; Temm. pi. col. 80 ; Wilson, Am. Orn.
pi. 19, fig. 1, pi. 42, fig. 1; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 97; oct. ed. I, pi. 40; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi. 12, figs. 25, 26.
SP. Cn. — A small tufted owl. In adult the upper parts ashy brown, with streakings and mottlings of brownish black and
of cinereous. Below ashy white, striped with black and barred w'th narrow black lines ; tail with about ten narrow cinereous
bands.
Younger: nearly all upper parts pale brownish red, paler and white below; tail rnfous, with brown bands.
Yuung : entirely barred with ashy white and pale brown; wings and tail pale rufous.
Length, in both sexes, 9£ to 10; wing, 7; tail, 3£ inches.
A specimen of this owl, in the mottled plumage, was obtained by me at Fort Vancouver, W.
T.-S.
OTUS WILSONIAUS, Lesson.
The Long-eared Owl.
Otus Wilsonianus, LESSON, Traite d'Orn. I, p. 110, (1831.)
BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 53.
Otus Americanus, BOXAP. Comp. List, p. 7, (1838.)
Strix Americana, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 288, (1788?)
Strix ptrigrinalor, BERTRAM, Travels, p. 289, (1790?)
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VI, pi. 51, fig. 1; Aud. B. of Am., pi. 383; oct. cd. I, pi. 37; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds,
pi. 11, fig. 24.
SP. Cu. — Ear tufts long, above mottled, a brownish black hue predominating, mixed with ashy; breast pule fulvous, with dark
stripes and narrow bars; eye nearly encircled with black; rest of face ashy; tail brown, with several irregular bands of ashy
fulvous, and mottled.
Female: Length, 15; wing, 11 to 12£; tail, 6 inches. Jlhle rather smaller.
No. 9143, (19,) John Day's river, Oregon Territory, November 12, 1853. Length 14.50; extent, 38. Female.
No. 8243, (225,) 100 miles east of Fort Kearney, Nebraska, October 28, 1857. Length, 14. 50; extent, 37. 50; wing, 12.
Iris, yellow; bill, bluish; toes, gray.
The long-eared owl I only obtained once, on the banks of the Columbia, east of the Dalles,
November, 1853. In the same desolate and barren region, where the only trees are a few
small willows along the banks of the river, several species of owls are found, which, apparently,
have deserted their favorite forests for the sake of the hares and mice abounding in some parts
of this region. The Avillows scarcely diminish the brightness of the sunlight, w^hich strikes
down on them from morning to night. — C.
I obtained a bird of this species in a dense thicket, on a small branch of Milk river, Nebraska.
I suppose that, owing to the scarcity of hollow trees in that vicinity, the umbrageous shelter
of thick brush is used as a substitute. The owl appeared stupid and sleepy, and allowed a very
near approach. — S.
BRACHYOTUS CASSINII, Brewer.
The Short-cured Owl.
Brachyotus Cassinii, BREWER, Proc. Boston Soc. N. H. BAIRD & CASSIX, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 54.
Strix brachyotus, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. London, LXII, p. 384, (1772.)
Brachyotus paluslris americamts, BONAP. Consp. Av., p. 51, (1849.)
156 ZOOLOGY.
FIGURES.— Wilf on, Am. Orn. IV, pi. 33, fig. 3; And. B. of Am. pi. 410; oct. ed. I, pi. 38; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds,
pi. 12, fig. 27.
Sp. CH. — About the size of the last, but easily distinguished by its very short ear tufts, (nearly concealed by the feathers/
and by its buff or pale fulvous color. No. — , (17,) Spokane Plain, October 30, 1853; male. Length, 15.50; extent, 38;
iris, cere, and toes yellow. No. 8791, (164,) North Fork, Platte river, Nebraska, August 20, 1857. Length, 14; extent,
41.50; wing, 12 inches.
I first met with the marsh owl on the Great Spokane Plain, where, as in other places, it was
commonly found in the long grass during the day. In fall and winter it appears in large num
bers on the low prairies of the coast, though not gregarious. On cloudy days it sometimes
hunts, flying low over the meadows, like the marsh hawk, but is, properly, nocturnal. This owl
is not often persecuted by small birds, though it no doubt often makes a meal of them. I have
not observed it during summer in the Territory. — C.
A bird, apparently the short-eared owl, was seen by me in November, 1858, on a marsh near
a small lake, about three miles below Fort Dalles. — S.
Sub-Family SYRNINAE.— T h e Gray Owls.
SYRNIUM CINERUM, Audubon.
The Great Gray Owl.
Strix cinera, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 291, (178S.)
ftrix acclamalor, BARTRAM, Travels, p. 289, (1790.)
Syrnium cinereum, And. Synop, N. A. Birds, p. 26.
Synium einereum, (Gil ) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 56.
FIGURIS.— Fauna Bor. Am. pi. 31; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 351; oct. ed. I, pi. 35; Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi. 13, fig. 20.
SP. CH. — The largest owl of North America, and not easily to be mistaken for any other, being untufted, and of a nearly
uniform dark gray color, mottled and barred with ashy white. No. 9138, (80,) Shoalwater bay, June 16, 1854. Length,
25; extent, 56 inches; iris, yellow. Female.
The great cinereous oivl I found common only in one locality near the mouth of the Columbia
river. They frequented a brackish meadow, partially covered with small spruce trees, in which
they sat concealed during the day, and frequently made short flights from one to another.
Though there were many jays and other birds about, they did not attack these owls, as they
would certainly have done with the horned owl. The specimen having been shot in June, I
have no doubt that some of these owls are constant residents and build near that locality. — C.
NYCTALE ACAD1CA, Bonaparte.
Saw- whet Owl.
Slrix acadica, GM. Syst. Nat. I, p. 296, (1788.)
Strix acadiensis, LATH. Ind. Orn. I, pi. C5, (1790.)
" Strix passerina , LINN." Wilson, Am. Orn. IV, p. 66.
Nyctale acadica, BONAP. Eur. and N. Am. Birds, pi. 7.
Nydale acadica, (Git.) CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 58.
FIGURES.— Lath. Gen. Syn. I, pi. 5, fig. 2; Wilson, Am. Orn. IV, pi. 3i, fig. 1; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 199; oct. ed. I, pi. 33;
Nat. Hist. New York, Birds, pi. 11, fig. 23.
Small, wings long, tail short. Upper parts reddish brown, tinged with olive; head in front with fine lines of white, and on
the neck behind, rump, and scapulars, with large partially concealed spots of white. Face ashy white; throat white; under
purls ashy white, with longitudinal stripes of pale reddish brown; under coverts of wings anil tail white. Quills brown,
ZOOLOGY. 157
with small spots of white on their outer edges, and large spots of the same on their inner webs ; tail brown, every feather
with about three pairs of spots of white ; bill and claws dark ; irides yellow.
Total length about 7J to 8 inches; wing, 5J inches ; tail, 2| to 3 inches ; sexes nearly the same size and alike in colors.
Easily distinguished from the other little owls without ear tufts by the few white spots on its tail feathers, (about three
pairs on each.) It is the smallest owl of the eastern States, but larger than one other western species.
At Vancouver, February 3, 1854, I found one dead and lying on a log in the woods. I could
find no cause for its death, unless it was from starvation, it being extremely emaciated and its
stomach empty. The weather being the coldest known there for many years, and the ground
covered with snow, there were not many birds about, and mice must have been difficult to
obtain. — C.
A fine specimen of this little owl I obtained at the Dalles on the Columbia, on the north .side,
in December, 1853. It Avas several miles from the timbered region, and I suppose lived in the
basaltic cliffs of the vicinity.
Sub- Family ATHENINAE.— T he Bird Owls.
ATHENE HYPUG J']A, Bonaparte.
The Burrowing Owl.
Strix cunicularia, BONAP. Am. Orn. I, p. 68, (hypugcea, in a note on p. 72,) (1825 )
Athene sodalis, GAMBEL, Proc. Acad. Philada. Ill, p. 47, (18-16.)
Athene hypugcea, BONAP. Consp. An. p. 39.
Athene hypugcea, (BONAP.) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Eep. Birds, p. 59.
FIGURES.— Bonap. Am. Orn. I, pi. 7, fig. 2 ; Aud. B. of Am. pi. 432, fig. 1 : oct. ed. I, p. 31, (upper figure.)
SP. Cu. — Above light ashy brown, with numerous partly-concealed white spots. Throat white ; a collar of dark brown
and white below this ; then a large white patch ; lower parts pale brown or yellow ; quills much spotted ; tail with five or
six bands of yellowish Avhite.
Varying in general tint from very pale to light reddish brown ; the pale plumage very common, and having a faded
appearance.
No. 8767, (140,) 35 miles west of Fort Kearney, August 3, 1857. Length, 9 ; extent, 23. 50 ; wing, 6 inches. Iris, bright
yellow ; bill, grayish.
This specimen is from the most eastern locality where this bird has been observed. I saw
it there in great numbers on the plains of Nebraska, and did not observe any difference in
habits between this and the bird of Calafornia. — C.
I shot a specimen of this owl at the mouth of a "prairie dog's" hole, near Fort Benton,
Nebraska. — S.
ATHENE CUNICULAPJA, Bonaparte.
Western Burrowing Owl'
Strix cunicularia, MOLINA, Sagg. Stor. Nat. Chili, (1782.)
Strix calfornica, AUD. B. of Am. pi. 432, fig. 2, (name on plate.)
Athene patagonica, PEALE, Zool. U. S. Ex. Exp. Vincennes, Birds, p. 78, (1848.)
Athene cunicularia, BOXAP. Eur. and N. Am. Birds, p. 6.
Athene cunicularia, (MoL.,) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Bep. Birds, p. 60.
FIGURES —Aud. B. of Am. pi. 432, fig. 2 : oct. ed. I, pi. 31, (lower figure.)
SP. Cu. — Distinguished from the burrowing owl of the plains east of the Rocky mountains chiefly by its larger size, more
full feathering of the tarsus, and longer legs.
No. 5896, Santa Clara, Cal., November 5, 1855.
158 ZOOLOGY.
No. 5897, Santa Clara, Cal., November 5, 1855. Length, 9.50 inches; extent, 25. Iris, yellow; bill, horn color;
toes, gray.
Although obtained by Dr. Suckley at Fort Dalles, I met with none of them in the plains
north of the Columbia, There is little doubt, however, of their being found there earlier in
summer than I visited that part of the Territory.
In California this owl lives in the vacant burrows of the California "ground squirrel,"
(Spermopkilua Beeclieyi.} I never saw or heard of any burrowing animal as large as this north
of the Columbia, except the badger. — C.
Specimens of this bird I obtained at Fort Dalles. As there are no prairie dogs at Fort
Dalles, and but few burrowing animals except the Spermophilus Douglassii, or prairie squirrel,
whose burrows are too small for the entrance of this bird, I am inclined to think that their
abodes in that vicinity are among the fissures and cracks of the basaltic rock so abundant
there, rather than in the soft earth. As to the habits of this bird in Oregon I can say nothing,
as the specimens I obtained were killed by others. Abundant at the Dalles and probably
throughout the timberless interior of both Oregon and Washington, but not seen by me west
of the Cascade mountains. — S.
GLAUCIDIUM GNOMA, Wagler.
The Pigmy Owl.
Glaucidium gnoma, WAGLER, Isis, XXV, p. 275, (1832.) — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 62.
" Strix passerinoides, TEMJI." AUD. Orn. Biog. V, p. 271, pi. 432, figs. 4, 5 : octavo edition, I, pi. 30.
"Slrix infuscata, TEMM " CASSIN, B. of Cal. & Texas, I, p. 189.
Glaucidium californicum, SCLATEE, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1857, p. 4.
SP. CH. — The smallest of North American owls, and well marked by its dark brown back, dotted with small round spots
of dull white. Female largest, and with rather larger spots.
No. 9162, Shoalwater bay, November 1, 1854. Ftmale: length, 7.50; extent, 14 inches. Iris, yellow; bill and feet pale
yellow, the former slightly tinged with green.
This (the smallest owl found in the Territory) I have only seen once, though it seems to be
not very uncommon. On the first of November, 1854, I observed it among a flock of sparrows,
which did not seem at all frightened by its presence. For some time I thought it was one of
them, though its large head and owl-like flight seemed to me strange. It was plainly diurnal
in habits, not seeming to seek any shelter from the sunshine, Its stomach contained only
insects, and it is probable that it does not often attack birds. — C.
I have obtained two specimens of this owl at Puget Sound, where it seems to be moderately
abundant. It appears to be diurnal in its habits, gliding about in shady situations in pursuit of
its prey. I saw a bird of this kind, about mid-day, in a shady alder swamp near Nisqually. It
flitted noiselessly past me several times, alighting near by, on a low branch, as if to examine
the intruder. It seemed quite tame and entirely unsophisticated. As I was hunting deer at
the time, I refrained, reluctantly, from shooting it. I noticed that in flying the tail was kept
rather widely spread. Near a small lake in the neighborhood of Fort Steilacoom I frequently
heard the voice of a small owl, the notes of which were subdued and clear, like the low, soft
notes of a flute. As the only small owl which I ever saw in the neighborhood belonged to this
species, it is probable that the sounds I heard emanated from an individual of the kind. — S.
ZOOLOGY. 159
ORDER II. UljAlAOUIlJjjO, Climbing Birds.
Family PICIDAE,— The Woodpeckers.
PICUS HARRIS!!, Aud.
Harris's Woodpeclter.
PICKS harrisii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 191 ; pi. 417.— IB. Syn. 1839, 178.— IB. Birds America, IV, 1842, 242;
pi. 261, (dark-bellied variety.)— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 627. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep.
Birds, p. 87.
? Picus inornatus, LICHT. (Bon. Consp.)
Picus (Trichopicus) harrisii, Bp. Consp Zyg. Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
SP- CH. — Above black, a white stripe down the back. The only white spots on the surface of the folded wings are seen
on the outer webs of the primaries and outer secondaries, (none on tertials.) Beneath whitish, with faint streaks on the
side of the body. Two white and two black stripes on each side of the head ; the latter confluent with the black cf the neck;
the upper while stripe nearly confluent. Three outer tail feathers with the exposed portions white. Length, 9.75 inches;
extent, 16 inches ; wing, 5 inches. Male, with a nuchal scarlet crest covering the white of the back of the head.
Size and general appearance that of the hairy woodpecker, Picus villosus. Iris, hazel ; feet, gray.
Hab. — From the Pacific coast to the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains.
Harris's woodpecker is the most abundant species in the Territory, being found on both
sides of the Cascade mountains, frequenting the lower parts of the great coniferous trees. It
is a constant resident, and in May burrows out a nest in a dead tree sometimes only four feet
from the ground. In cries and habits it is so exactly like the larger "sapsucker" of the
Atlantic States, that were there not constant and unchangeable differences in plumage it would
be taken for the same species. — C.
Quite abundant. Obtained at Fort Dalles, where it is found among the true pines, and at
Fort Steilacoom, among therms, (A. Douglassii.) It is a winter resident in both localities. — S.
PICUS GAIRDNERI, Aud.
Gairdner'g \Voodpecker.
Picus gairdneri, ACD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 317.— IB. Syn. 1839, 180.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 252, (not figured.)—
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p 91.
Picus meridionalis, NUTT. Man. I, 2d ed., 1840, 690, (not of Swainson.)
SP. CH. — Vtry similar in size and color to P. pubescens ; darker. Larger wing coverts, and more exposed tertials, either
pure black, or with but occasional spots on the outer web in the latter. Black with a white median stripe. Side of head
with two white and two black stripes. Two outer tail feathers white, with two bands of black at the end. Male with a
scarlet occipital band. Length, 6| inches ; extent, 1H ; wing, 3| ; generally rather less. Iris, reddish brown ; feet, bluish
black ; bill, gray.
Hab. — With P. harrisii, from Pacific coast to eastern base of Rocky mountains.
The remarks applied to Harris's can be also used respecting the close affinity of "Gairdner's
wookpecker" to its eastern analogue, commonly known as the little sapsucker, and to naturalists
as the "downy woodpecker," to distinguish it from the larger species, which is rather inap
propriately called the "hairy woodpecker." This little bird seems purposely adapted for the
business of ridding the smaller forest trees of the insects which infest their bark, as its larger
relative is for its constant labor at the bark of the larger trees. " Gairduer's" woodpecker
is always found among the oaks, maples, and alders, industriously pecking the bark at all hours
of the day, occasionally uttering its shrill cry as it flies from one to another. In habits, flight,
and cries, it is a perfect miniature of the preceding, besides resembling so closely the small
ItiO ZOOLOGY.
eastern species. The only difference appears to be in slight but constant distinctions of
plumage. I observed both of these species in California, where they were quite common. In
the absence of the larger conifera?, Harris's woodpecker frequented the oaks, &c., as it
occasionally does in the north. — C.
Extremely common on the Lower Columbia, especially among the willow trees lining its
banks. They are winter residents, and in these situations very abundant. In January, 1856,
I found them so abundant among the willows growing on the islands in the delta of the Willa
mette, that I readily obtained eight in the space of an hour. At this season they are very
unwary, giving very little heed to the presence of man; scarcely allowing the near discharge
of a gun to interfere with their busy search for food. — S.
PICUS ALBOLARVATUS.
White-Headed \Voodpeclcer.
Leuconerpes albolarvatus, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, Oct. 1850, 106. California.
Mdanerpes albclarvatus, CASSIN, Jour. A. N. Sc., 2d series, II, Jan. 1853, 257 ; pi. 22. — NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. and
Greg. Route, 9, Rep. P. R. R. VI, 1857.
Leuconerpes albolarvatus, BONAP. Consp. Zyg. At. Ital. 1854, 18.
Picus (Xenopicus) albolarvatus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 96.
Sp. CH. — Fourth and fifth quills equal and longest. Entirely bluish black, excepting the head and outer edges, with the
entire basal portion, of the primaries, which are white. Male with a narrow line of red on the nape.
Length about 9 inches ; extent, 16 inches ; wing, 5£. Iris brown.
Hob. — Cascade mountains of Oregon and southward into California.
The white-headed woodpecker I have only met with once. This was in a pine grove near
the Spokane river, October 28, 1853. It was in company with Harris's woodpecker, and several
species of titmice, nuthatches, &c. In habits it seemed closely to resemble the other small
woodpeckers. The country east of the Cascade mountains, resembling in many parts the dry,
open forests of California, seem to be suited to the habits of many species of birds, which, in
migrating north, shun the dark, damp forests of the Lower Columbia. Several instances of this
fact occurred to me besides the present. — C.
SPHYRAPICUS RUBER, Baird.
Red-breasted Woodpecker.
Picusruber, Gia.Syst.Nat. 1, 1788, 429 — WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 151 — AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 179, pi.
416.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 261 ; pi. 266.
Melanerpes ruler, RICH. List, Pr. Br. Assoc. for 1835. — BONAP. List. 1833. — IB. Consp. 1850, 115.
Pilumnus ruber, Bov. Consp. Zyg. Aten. Ital. 1854, 8.
Picus jlaviventris, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 67.
Sphyraplcus ruber, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 104.
Sp. CH. — Fourth quill longest; third intermediate between fourth and fifth. Bill brown wax color. Head and neck all
round and breast carmine red. Above black, central line of back from nape to rump spotted with whitish ; rump, wing coverts,
and inner web of the inner tail feathers white, the latter with a series of round black spots. Belly sulphur yellow, streaked
with brown on the sides. Narrow space around and a little in front of the eye black. A narrow yellowish stripe from the
nostrils a short distance below and behind the eye. Length, about 9.50 inches; extent, 15.75;. wing, 5 inches ; tail, 3. 40
inches. Iris, bill, and feet pale brown.
Hob. — Pacific slope of the United States.
The crimson-headed woodpecker, though it is colored somewhat like the red-head of the
Atlantic States, can scarcely be considered analogous to it, as it appears to differ much in habits.
ZOOLOGY. 161
I have only met with them three times, in spring and fall, when they were very shy, silent,
and retiring, remaining among the dense tops of the dark forest trees. Whether it resides
and breeds in the Territory I have had no chance of observing. — C.
I have seen but one specimen of this species. It is, probably, for the most part, confined to
the close vicinity of the coast. — S.
HYLATOMUS PILEATUS, Baird.
Black Wood Cock; Log Cock.
Picus pileatus, LINN. Sys. Nat. I, 1766, 173.— VIKILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 58; pi. ex.— WILSON, Am. Orn. IV,
1811, 27; pi. xxix, f. 2.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 2.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 74: V, 533;
pi. 111.— IB. Birds Am. IV, 1842, 266; pi. 257.
Picus (Dryolomw) pileatus, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 304.
Dryotomus pileatus, Bp. List. 1838.
Dryocopus pileatus, BONAP. Consp. Av. 1850, 132.
Dryopicus pileatus, BON. Consp. Zyg. Aten. Ital 1854, 8.
Hylatomus pileatus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 107.
SP. CH. — Fourth and fifth quills equal and longest ; third intermediate between sixth and seventh. Bill blue black.
General color of body, wings, and tail dull greenish black. A narrow white streak from just above the eye to the occiput ;
a wider one from the nostril feathers (inclusive) under the eye and along the side of the head and neck ; sides of the breast,
(concealed by the wing,) axillavies, and under wing coverts, and concealed bases of all the quills, with chin and beneath the
head, white, tinged with sulphur yellow. Entire crown from the base of the bill to a well-developed occipital crest, as also
a patch on the ramus of the lower jaw, scarlet red. A few faint white crescents on the sides of the body and on the abdomen.
Length, about 18 inches ; extent, 29 ; wing, 9£. Bill bluish dusky, paler below.
Female without the red on the cheek, and the anterior half of that on the top of the head replaced by black.
Hob. — North America from Atlantic to Pacific.
The pileated woodpecker, or "log cock," is an abundant and constant resident in the forests
of the Territory. Early in April I discovered a pair on Whitby's island, burrowing out a hole
for their nest in a dead trunk about 30 feet from the ground. They worked alternately, and
were very watchful, keeping perfectly silent while they heard any noise near by. I only found
the place by noticing chips on the bushes below, and, after watching silently for some time,
one of them began to work, now and then protruding its bill full of chips, and, after cautiously
looking round, dropping them.
Their shy and retiring habits are in strong contrast with those of the flicker, which often
builds near dwellings and is much more familiar. Their loud call is, however, quite similar. — C.
The log cock is abundant in the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom during summer. — S.
MELANERPES TORQUATUS, Bonap.
Woodpecker.
Pints (orqualus, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 31; pi. xx.— WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 82.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V,
1839, 176 ; pi. 416.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 180; pi. 272.
Melanerpet torquatus, BP. Consp. 1850, 115. — HEERMANN, J. A. N. Sc. Phil. 2d ser. II, 1853, 270. — NEWBERRY, Zool.
Cal. & Or. Route, 90; in P. R. R. Surv. VI, 1857.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 115.
Picus montanus, ORD. in Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. II, 1815, 316.
SP. CH. — Feathers on the under parts bristle-like. Fourth quill longest ; then third and fifth. Above dark glossy green.
Breast, lower part of the neck and a narrow collar all round hoary grayish white. Around the base of the bill and sides of
the head to behind the eyes, dark crimson. Belly blood red, streaked finely with hoary whitish. Wings and tail entirely
21 Q
162 ZOOLOGY.
uniform dark glossy green. Female with the markings more obscure. Length about 10.75 inches ; extent, 21; wing, 6.50.
Female smaller. Iris brown, bill black, feet gray. Tongue, when drawn out to its fullest extent, projects 1.50 inch
beyond bill.
Hob. — Western America from Black hills to Pacific.
The "collared" woodpecker, called also "Lewis's", in honor of the indefatigable explorer
of the northwest, is one of the most beautiful of all the species, and perhaps, of all, the least
like a woodpecker in its habits. It is abundant during summer in all the interior districts,
never approaching the cooler coast, where few of the trees grow which it prefers to inhabit.
It arrives at Puget Sound early in May, and some remain during mild winters in the Territory,
though in the very cold winter of 1853-' 54 none remained at Vancouver. It seems to enjoy
the hottest weather, and at mid-day may often be seen perched on a dry limb, from which
it will sail off in pursuit of insects, and return, circling and flapping, to its perch. It also
sometimes glides down to the ground after grasshoppers, and searches carefully among the
branches and leaves for insects, disdaining to toil for its food like its laborious relatives, at
least during summer. In winter it is probably compelled to work, after its favorite autumn
food of berries is gone, but at other times it rarely ever raps on the trees. So little do its
habits resemble those of the genus, that Nuttall compares the blackish flock of young in fall to
the English jackdaw. It, however, burrows holes for its nest, at all heights from the ground,
commonly in a dead tree. Its brilliant and soft plumage resembles more that of some tropical
bird than the plain woodpeckers which are its companions in this northern climate. As it
wheels and flutters slowly around the trees, the brilliant metallic green and rich carmine flash
in the sun like the fiery tints of the humming bird. Its flight is always very different from
that of other woodpeckers. Besides that above described, it has a travelling flight, which,
instead of being a succession of undulating and rapid movements, is rather labored and steady
flapping, somewhat like that of the jay. The notes of this bird seem to be few ; a harsh call,
rarely uttered in summer, when it seeks concealment for itself and nest, is quite unlike any
other woodpecker's cry. The flocks of young, which in fall asoociate together to numbers
of eight or ten, are more noisy, though even then quiet compared to the flicker. The
Californian woodpecker, as I have seen it in the autumn, resembles this bird somewhat in
habits, but seems not to feed so much on fruit, and in cries, flight, and habits to resemble
much more the common woodpecker. In brilliancy and richness of plumage it however equals
but does not surpass this species. — C.
Lewis' woodpecker is very abundant throughout the more open portions of the timbered
region of the northwest coast, preferring oak " openings" and groves. At Fort Dalles, on the
Columbia, they are extremely numerous, not only breeding there during summer, but also
found as winter residents. Their breeding places are generally holes in oak and other trees,
which, from the appearances of those I have examined, seem as if they had been excavated
for the purpose. The species is also found at Puget Sound, but is much less abundant there
than on the Columbia near Fort Dalles. At the latter place they are constant winter residents.
They have many habits in common with the various species of their relatives of the genus
Colaptes. They seem in winter to be semi-gregarious, flying singly, yet still keeping more or
less in each other's company. Their flight at this season is high and very erratic, resembling
much, in its characteristic peculiarities, that of the swallow. On warm days they keep up a
lively chattering noise, unlike, in character, that of any other woodpecker that I have heard.
During the cold season they are so shy that it is difficult to shoot them, as at the least alarm
ZOOLOGY. 163
they betake themselves to the tops of the highest trees in the vicinity. They at that season
subsist principally upon the larva? of insects found in the cracks and fissures of the "red pine"
of the country. I dissected a specimen killed at Fort Dalles, January 9, 1855, finding the coats
of the stomach (gizzard) very thick and muscular, its cavil y filled with the white larvse of
insects, together with fine gravel. The thick nature of the coats of the stomach renders it welj
adapted to the digestion of berries and seeds, which probably form a large portion of the bird's
sustenance during the warmer months. — S.
COLAPTES MEXICANUS, Swain son.
Red-shafted Flicker.
Colaptes mextcamis, Sw. Syn. Mex. Birds, in Philos. Mag. 1, 1827, 440— IB. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831,315. — NEWBERRT,
Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, 91 ; P. R. R. Rep. VI, 1857.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 120.
Picus mexicanus, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 174 ; pi. 416.— IB. Birds America, IV, 1842, 295 ; pi. 274.
Colaptes collaris, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. IV, Jan. 1829, 353. — IB. Zool. Beechey's Voy. 1839, 24 ; pi. ix.
Picus rubricatus, WAGLER, Isis, 1829, v, May, 516. " (Liechtenstein Mus. Berol.)"
SP. CH. — Shafts and under surfaces of wing and tail feathers orange red. A red patch on each side the cheek ; nape without
red crescent ; sometimes very fiant indications laterally. Throat and stripe beneath the eye bluish ash. Back glossed with
purplish brown. Female without the red cheek patch. Length about 12.50 to 14 inches; extent 21 inches; wing over 6j
inches. Female smaller. Iris dark brown, bill black, feet greyish:
ADDITIONAL CHARACTERS. — Spots on the belly, a crescent on the breast, and interrupted transverse bands on the back, black.
Hob. — Western North America from the Black Hills to Pacific.
This bird, called "highholder," "flicker," or "clape," by emigrants from various parts of
the States, and even "yellow hammer" by some, though it has not a particle of yellow in its
plumage, is as abundant along the western coast as its closely allied cousin, known by the
same names, is on the eastern side of the Mississippi. It also resembles that bird so exactly in
habits and notes that, as Nuttall observed, the description of one will apply with exactness to
the other. It is a constant resident in Washington Territory, at least west of the Cascade
mountains. I observed them already burrowing out the holes for their nests in April at the
Straits of De Fuca. About June 1st, I found a nest containing seven young, nearly fledgedf
which already showed in the male the red moustache, distinguishing it from the female.- Their
food consists at all times more of insects and fruits than of the larvae found by other wood
peckers in trees, and they spend much of their time on the ground. — C.
Extremely common in the timbered districts of Washington Territory. Habits, voice, calls,
&c., precisely similar to those of the yellow hammer of the eastern States.
Woodpeckers, as a group, are abundantly represented in both of our northwest Territories.
The most abundant species, I think, is the C. Mexicanus ; next the P. Crairdneri; Harris's and
Lewis's stand next and about equal; P. Riiber and Melanerpes albolarvatus about equal, but
scarce. I have never seen the Californian woodpecker " Melaw-rpes formicivorus" so far north
as Oregon, although there are many acorn-bearing oaks, especially at Fort Dalles, to afford it
winter subsistence. Still I am by no means prepared to say that the species does not extend
into Oregon ; on the contrary, I am inclined to think that it will yet be found as far north as
the Columbia river. — S.
164 ZOOLOGY.
INSESSOEES.
ORDER III. H\k3JllUk3UIlJ]jO, Perch ing Birds.
Family TROCHILIDAE. The Humming Birds.
SELASPHORUS RUFUS, Swainson.
Red-backed Humming Bird.
Trochilus rufus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat, I, 1788, 497.— ACD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 555 ; pi. 372.
Selasphorna rufus, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 324.— IB. AUD. Birds Am. IV, 1842, 200 ; pi. 254.— BAIIID, Gen.
Rep. Birds, p. 134.
? Trochilus ruber, L.— ORN. I, 1788, 499. (Fide Bonaparte.)
SP. CH. — Tail strongly cuneate and wedge-shaped. Upper parts, lower tail coverts, and breast cinnamon. A trace of metallic
green on the crown, which sometimes extends over the back, never on the belly. Throat coppery red, with a well-developed
ruff of the same ; below this a white collar. Tail feathers cinnamon, edged or streaked at the end with purplish brown.
Female with the rufous of the back covered or replaced with green ; less cinnamon on the breast. Traces only of metallic
feathers on the throat. Tail rufous, banded with black and tipped with white ; middle feathers glossed with green at the end.
Tail still cuneate. Length of male, 3.50 ; wing, 1.55 ; tail, 1.30.
Hob. — West coast of North America, and across from Gulf of California to the Upper Rio Grande valley.
The Nootka Sound humming bird is abundant in the western portions of both Oregon
and Washington Territories, and Vancouver Island. It also, probably, extends as far north
as Russian America. It is, indeed, a beautiful little creature, when alive favorably comparing
with even the most elegant species of this universally admitted brilliant tribe of birds. Con
sidering the size of the species, they are very hardy, being one of the earliest of the migratory
birds to arrive in spring. In 1856, at Fort Steilacoom, (latitude 47° 12' north,) they arrived
from the south about April 10, the first one I obtained being on the llth of that month. The
Straits of Juan de Fuca, lying between Vancouver island and the northern portion of Wash
ington Territory, are about fifteen miles wide. To reach Nootka Sound, on the north side of
Vancouver Island, they are obliged to fly across the straits. Captain Boyling, of the brig
Willimantic, informed me that while he was sailing through the straits in September, 1856,
seven of these little humming birds, of different sizes, flew on board his vessel. This would
indicate that the commencement of the southern migration is in that month ; probably more
induced by the scarcity of flowers than by cold, which is generally not much felt before the
middle of October, and in some seasons not until December. In Washington Territory this
species commences to incubate about May 10, at which time, and just before, the most fierce
and angry battles are -continually occurring between the males. These battles were generally
fought by "tilting" at each other at "full speed," all the time keeping up loud and vociferous
squeaks and buzzing sounds, resembling somewhat those produced by the common Atlantic
species under similar circumstances. A nest and eggs of this species I obtained at Newaukarn
prairie, five miles from Fort Slaughter, Washington Territory, May 23, 1856. The female,
while on the nest, allowed a very near approach, so near as almost to admit being grasped by
my hand. She had, what I noticed in another female specimen, and what is also referred to by
Nuttall, a rudimentary metallic ruff on the throat. The nest was situated in a forked branch
of a "snowberry" bush, and was composed, principally, of fine green moss, lined internally
with the delicate floss of the cotton-wood poplar, and externally bordered in relief, most
artistically, with rock lichens, apparently attached for no other purpose than to beautify.
ZOOLOGY. 165
Nest. — Diameter of cavity at entrance 10 lines.
Depth at the centre 7^ "
Diameter of the whole nest across the top 2 inches.
Height of the ivhole nest 1 inch 5 lines.
Eggs, two; white, nearly equally blunt at both ends; weight of both eggs, about 13 grains —
i. e., about 6| grains each, although there was a slight difference in their sizes. Length of each,
about 5=2 lines. Tranverse diameter, nearly 4 lines. They were almost hatched. The nest,
with its contents, I sent to the museum of the Smithsonian Institution.
Measurement and notes concerning particular specimens obtained in 1856, at Fort Steilacoom,
Puget Sound, Washington Territory:
April 11. No. 311. JS. rufu-s. $ . Length, 3J£; extent, 4|. From tip of bill to angle of
eye, f of an inch.
April 18. No. 312. S. rufus. $. Length, 4^; extent, 4|. Bill to angle of eye, f.
Weight of bird, 45 grains.
April 28. No. 330. 9. Length, 3|; extent, 4 1|. Bill, f . Bill larger than usual. Bright
metallic luster on the collar as before noticed. (Vide Nuttall's querys.) — S.
The Nootka humming bird is very abundant in Washington Territory, reaching the Straits
of De Fuca as early as March 17th, when I saw them in considerable numbers. They seem to
follow the blossoming of the red-flowered currant, which abounds in the fir forests, and is the
first to open in abundance enough to supply them with food. This begins to bloom at the
Columbia river about March 10.
In appearances and habits this bird much resembles the ruby-throat, from which the female
and young are difficult to distinguish. But the male, besides its peculiar livery, has a very
remarkable habit when a stranger or wild animal approaches its nest, and even at other times,
of rising to a great height in the air and then darting down perpendicularly, producing a hollow
rushing sound, (called "bleating" by Nuttall,) analogous to that made by the night hawk in a
similar manner, but of a sharper tone. In both cases it is probably produced by the Avings.
I never obtained but one nest, which was built on a small bush a few feet from the ground,
and was composed of hairs and cotton-like vegetable materials. It contained nothing at the
time. In July, there being few flowers in the lower country, they seek the mountain summits,
and I found them abundant in August at a height of 5,800 feet above the level of the sea,
where, at the same time, ice formed nightly at our camp. They all leave the Territory in
September, and, I think, winter in California, where I saw humming birds in December feeding
among the blossoms of another species of flowering currant, there also the harbinger of early
spring. — C.
Family CYPSELIDAE. The Swifts.
CHAETURA VAUXII, DeKay.
Oregon Swift.
Cypselus vauxii, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc Vllf, 1839, 148, (Col. river.) — IB. Narrative 1839.
Chaetura vauxii, DeKAY, N. Y. Zool. II, 1844, 36.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 145.
Jlcanthylis vauxii, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XXVIII, 1854 ; notes Delattre, 90. — CASSIN, 111. I, 1855, 250. —
NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. and Or. Route, 78 ; P. R. R. Surv. VI, 1857.
Sp. Cn. — Light sooty brown; rump and under parts paler; lightest on the chin and throat. Length, 4.50 inches ; wing,
4.75 ; tail, 1.90.
Hab. — Pacific coast, from Puget Sound to California.
166 ZOOLOGY.
I never saw anything like a chimney swallow in any part of the country, and think that the
Columbia must be the limit of migration to Vauxii. I think, however, I should have noticed
it at Vancouver, if found there, in June and July, 1853. Dr. Kennerly has, however, since
sent one from the Straits of Fuca, showing that it sometimes extends its migrations up to the
49th parallel. — -C.
This bird was obtained by Dr. Townsend at Fort Vancouver, on the Columbia river, the
point where Dr. Townsend obtained the greater part of his collection. I have never been able
to procure a specimen of this bird, and therefore presume that it is of very rare occurrence. — S.
Family C AP HIM UL GID A E . The Goat-Suckers.
ANTROSTOMUS NUTTALLI, C as sin.
Nuttall's Whippoorwill.
Caprimulgus nuttalli, AUD. Birds America, VII, 1843 ; pi. 495 appendix.
Jlntrostomus nutlalli, CASSIN, J. A. N. Sc. Phila. 2d series, II, 1852, 123.— IB. 111. I. 1855, 237. — NEWBERRY, Zool.
Cal. and Oregon Route, 77 ; Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv.— BAIRD, Gen Rep. Birds, p. 419.
Sp. CH. — Bristles without lateral filaments ; wing about 5| inches ; top of the head hoary gray, with narrow tranverse, not
longitudinal bands. Tail nearly black on the terminal half, the extreme tip only (in the three outer feathers of each side) being
white for nearly an inch. Length, 8 ; wing, 5.50 ; extent, 17.50; iris, brown ; bill and feet, gray.
Hob. — High central plains to the Pacific coast.
NutlaW s ivliippoorwill I have found only in the open country east of the Cascade mountains,
where, in the summer of 1853, it was common near the Yakima river. The two specimens
I obtained were killed with a whip in the daytime, being probably dazzled by the sunshine
when started from the ground. Late in the evening I saw them flying near the ground and
making a singular hollow sound as they sat on it, where I could not distinguish them in the
twilight. I shot one in California as late as November 6. It would start close to my feet, fly
short distances very irregularly, and alight on the ground. It was silent at that season. — C.
This bird, well known as an inhabitant of the far west, is moderately abundant in the great
arid interior of Washington and Oregon Territories. Along the coast I have never seen or
heard one of the species, but east of the Cascade mountains, at Fort Dalles, on almost any fine
night in spring and early in summer they can be heard uttering their cries. These closely
resemble that of the Atlantic species, (A. vociferus,) but are proportionately more feeble, and
are not so incessantly kept up. — S.
CHORDEILES POPETUE, Baird.
Niglit Hawk ; Bull Bat.
Caprimulgus popetue, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sspt I, 1807, 56 ; pi. xxiv. (Q). BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1825, 177> from
J. A. N. Sc. Phila. VI.
Caprimulgus americanus, WILSON, V, 1812, 65; pi. cxl. f. 1, 2.
Chordeiles americanus, DsKAY, N. Y. Zool. II, 1844, 34 ; pi. xxvii.
Caprimulgus virginianus, BRISSON, II, 1760, 477. (In part only.) — BONAP. Synopsis, 62. — AUD. Orn. Biog. II,
1834, 273 ; pi. 147.
Caprimulgus (Chordeiles) virginianus, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 62.
Chordeiles virginianus, BON. List. 1838. — AUD. Birds Am. I, 1840, 159 ; pi. 43. — CASSIN, 111. I, 1855, 238*— NEW
BERRT, Zool. Cal. and Oregon Route, 79 ; Rep. P. R. R Surv. VI, 1857.
Chordeiles popetue, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 151.
ZOOLOGY. 167
SP. ch Male, above greenish black, -with but little mottling on the head and back. Wing coverts varied with grayish ;
scapulars with yellowish rufous. A nuchal band of fine gray mottling, behind which is another coarser one of rufous spots.
A white V-shaped mark on the throat ; behind this a collar of pale rufous blotches, and another on the breast of grayish
mottling. Under parts banded transversely with dull yellowish or reddish white and brown. Wing quills quite uniformly
brown. The five outer primaries with a white blotch midway between the tip and carpal joiat, not extending on the outer
web of the outer quill. Tail with a terminal white patch.
Female, without the caudal white patch, the white of the throat mixed with reddish. Length of male, 9.50 ; wing, 8.20.
Sab. — North America generally.
The nighthawk is very abundant in the interior of the Territory, arriving at Pnget Sound
about June 1, and remaining until September. At Vancouver, in June, the monotonous cry
of this bird was audible day and night, as it flew high above the tall spruces. In the evening
they would fly low, and light near houses on the ground. — C.
Abundant at Fort Dalles and on the prairies near Puget Sound. At Fort Steilacoom I first
noticed the arrival of this bird from the south, in 1854, on the 1st of June, and in 1856, on the
3d of June, soon after which it became, in both seasons, quite plentiful. In habit, voice, &c.,
I noticed no difference from the same bird on the Atlantic. — S.
Family ALC E D IN I D AE-— K i n g fi sh e r .
CERYLE ALCYON, Boie.
Belted Kingfisher.
Alcedo alcyon, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1776,180. — WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 59. — AUDCBON, Orn. Biog. 1,1831,
394 ; pi. 77. — IB. Birds America.
Ceryle alcyon, BOIE, I&is, 1828, 316— CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855, 254. — BREWER, N. Am. Oology, I, 1857, 110 ; pi. iv.
fig. 52. (Egg.)— BAIRD, Gen. Kep. Birds, p 158.
Ispida ludovidana, GJIELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 452.
SP. CH. — Head with a long crest. Above blue, without metallic lustre. Beneath, with a concealed band across the occiput,
and a spot anterior to the eye, pure white. A band across the breast, and the sides of the body under the wing, like the
back. Primaries white on the basal half, the terminal unspotted. Tail with transverse bands and spots of white.
Young, with the sides of body and a transverse band across the belly below the pectoral one, light chestnut ; the pectoral
band more or less tinged with the same. Length of adult about 12| inches ; wing, 6 or more.
Uab. — The entire continent of North America.
The common kingfisher is abundant throughout the year along every stream, as well as the
coast, where it burrows out holes in cliffs surrounding the bays and inlets. It probably does
not retire southward, except in those uncommon winters when all the fresh water becomes
frozen. — C.
Very abundant throughout Washington and Oregon Territories. The habits of this bird on
the Pacific coast differ in no respect from those of individuals found in the older States. It is
very generally distributed throughout Washington Territory. — S.
Family C 0 L 0 PTERIL AE — The Flycatchers.
TYRANNUS CAROLINENIS, Baird.
King Bird ; Bee Martin.
Lanius tyrannus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 136. This belongs to the Cuban T. matutinus, according to Bonaparte.
Muscicapa tyrannus, (BRISSON?) WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 66; pi. xiii. — AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832,403; V, 1839,
420 ; pi. 79.— IB. Birds Amer. I, 1840, 204 ; pi. 56.
168 ZOOLOGY.
Lanius tyrannus, var. y cardinensis ludovicianus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 302.
Muscicapa rex, BARTON, Fragments, N. H. Penna. 1799, 18.
Tyrannus pipiri, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 73; pi, xliv.— CAB Journ. Orn. Ill, 1855, 478.
Tyrannus t«<repufc«,YmLLOT,Galerte Ois. I, 1824, 2 14; pi. 133. — SWAINSON, Mon.Ty. Shrikes' s Quart. Jour. 1826, 274.
Tyrannus car olinensis, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 171.
Sr. CH. — Iwo, sometimes three, outer primaries abruptly attenuated at the end. Second quill longest ; third little shorter ;
first rather longer than fourth, or nearly equal. Tail slightly rounded. Above dark bluish ash. The top and sides of the
head to beneath the eyes bluish black. A concealed crest on the crown, vermilion in the centre, white behind, and before
partially mixed with orange. Lower parts pure white, tinged with pale bluish ash on the sides of the throat and across the
breast ; sides of the breast and under the wings similar to, but rather lighter than, the back. Axillaries pale grayish brown
tipped with lighter. The wings dark brown, darkest towards the ends of the quills ; the greater coverts and quills edged
with white, most so on the tertials ; the lesser coverts edged with paler. Upper tail coverts and upper surface of the tail
glossy black, the latter very dark brown beneath ; all the feathers tipped, and the exterior margined externally with white,
forming a conspicuous terminal band about .25 of an inch broad. Length, 8.75 ; extent, 15 inches ; wing, 4.65 inches ; tail,
3.70; tarsus, .75. Iris brown ; bill, &c., black.
Ilab. — Eastern North America to Rocky mountains. West of this found only in Washington Territory.
The common king bird of the Atlantic States is abundant during summer, arriving with the
preceding and having the usual habits of the species. — C.
The tyrant fly- catcher or king bird I found quite plentiful as far west as the eastern base of
the Rocky mountains. Again I found it, more sparingly, however, at Puget Sound, where I
obtained several skins. The habits of this bird in Oregon do not differ from those recorded
of the same bird east of the mountains. They appear to shun the dense forests near Puget
Sound, but are found moderately plentiful in the groves of low oaks, and among the cotton-
wood trees fringing the prairie lakes of the Nisqually plains, where, on the 5th of August, 1853,
I obtained a nest containing young nearly fledged. — S.
TYRANNUS VERTICALIS, Say.
Arkansas Flycatcher
Tyrannus veriicalis, SAT. Long's Exped. II, 1823, 60. — NUTTALL, Man. II, 2d ed. 1840, 306. —BAIRD, Gen. Rep., Birds,
p. 173.
JUuscicapa vertical™, BONAP. Am. Orn I, 1825, 18 ; pi. xi.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 422 ; pi. 359.— IB. Birds
Amer. I, 1840, 199 pi; 54.
•Sp. CH — The f >ur exterior quills attenuated very gently at the end, the first most so ; third and fourth quills longest,
second and fifth successively a little shorter. Tail slightly forked ; bill shorter than the head. Crown, sides of head above
the eyes, nape, and sides of neck pale lead color or ash gray ; a concealed crest in the crown, vermilion in the centre, and
yellowish before and behind. Hind neck and back ash gray, strongly tinged with light olivaceous green, the gray turning
to brown on the rump ; upper tail coverts nearly black, lower dusky ; chin and part of ear coverts dull white ; throat and
upper part of breast similar to the head, but lighter, and but slightly contrasted with the chin ; rest of lower parts, with the
under wing coverts and axillars, yellow, deepening to gamboge on the belly, tinged with olivaceous on the breast. Wing
brown, the coverts with indistinct ashy margins ; secondaries and tertials edged with whitish ; inner webs of primaries
whitish towards the base. Tail nearly black above and glossy, duller brownish beneath ; without olivaceous edgings.
Exterior feather, with the outer web and the shaft, yellowish white ; inner edge of latter brown. Tips of remaining feathers
paler. Bill and feet dark brown.
Female rather smaller, and colors less bright. Length of male, 12 inches ; extent, 19 inches ; wing, about 4.50 ; length
of female, 9 inches ; extent, 15.50 ; iris brown ; bill and feet black.
Ilab. — Western North America, from the high central plains to the Pacific.
This western king bird arrives at Puget Sound in June, together with the common species,
with which they associate for some time after without any hostility, though their similar habits
and food would apparently lead to dispute. I have even seen them together in parties of four
ZOOLOGY. 169
in June, about the period of mating. They pursue insects in the same manner as the other
species, and often descend to the ground for grasshoppers, &c. Their cries are harsh and loud,
not deserving the name of- a song. They never approach the coast, though so common in
almost every other part of the country west of the Mississippi. — C.
This bird is abundant during the summer both in the central and western sections of Oregon
Territory and Washington Territory. In 1856 I first noticed their arrival from the south about
May 15. At Fort Dalles, in 1855, I obtained them, I think, a little earlier. They then
appeared simultaneously with the Icterus Bullockii. At Fort Steilacoom their arrival in 1856
was at about the same time as that of the Pyranga Ludoviciana, Columbia fasciata, Zenaidura
Carolinensis, and others.
The first notification of the arrival of this species in the spring is the occurrence of the
quarrels and skirmishes incident to their courtships. Like the other birds of this family, they
are remarkably quarrelsome and pugnacious ; so much so that, during the commencement of the
breeding season, whenever they were moderately plentiful, I could scarcely cast my eyes in
any direction without witnessing jealous conflicts in which two or more of these little creatures,
with harsh, squeaking clamor, were most madly engaged. The battles were generally fought
in the air, and presented ludicrous alternations of pursuit and flight.
The breeding places at Fort Dalles were in oak trees by preference. — S.
CONTOPUS BORE ALLS, Baird.
Ollve-sid«d Flycatcher.
Tyrannus borealis, Sw. & Eicn. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 141 ; plate.
Mmdcapa cooperi, NCTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 282.— AUD. Orn, Biog. II, 1834, 422: V, 1839, 422; pi. 174.— IB.
Synopsis, 1839, 41.— IB. Birds Amer. I, 1840, 212 ; pi. 58.
Tyrannus ccoperi, EONAP. List, 1838.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 298.
Contopus cooperi, CABANIS, Journal fur Ornithol. Ill, Nov. 1855, 479.
Mmdcapa in&rnata, NUTTALL. Man. I, 1832, 282.
Contopus borealis, BATED, Gen. Hep. Birds, p. 188.
SP. CH. — Wings long, much pointed ; the second quill longest; the first longer than the third. Tail deeply forked.
Tarsi short. The upper parts ashy brown, showing darker brown centres of the feathers ; this is eminently the case on the
top of the head ; the sides of the head and neck, of the breast and body resembling the back, but with the edges of the
feathers tinged with gray, leaving a darker central streak. The chin, throat, narrow line down the middle of the breast
and body, abdomen, and lower tail coverts white, or sometimes with a faint tinge of yellow. The lower tail coverts
somewhat streaked with brown in the centre. On each side of the rump, generally concealed by the wings, is an elongated
bunch of white silky feathers. The wings and tail very dark brown ; the former, with the edges of the secondaries and
tertials, edged with dull white. The lower wing coverts and axillaries grayish brown. The tips of the primaries and tail
feathers rather paler. Feet and upper mandible black ; lower mandible brown. The young of the year similar, but the
color duller; the feet light brown. Length, 8.50 to 7.75 ; extent, 10.50 to 13; wing, 4.33; tail, 3.30; tarsus, .60. Iris
brown ; feet black ; bill black above, horn color below. Female smaller.
Hub. — Rare on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States. Not observed in the interior, except to the north.
Found in Greenland. (Reinhardt.)
The olive -sided flycatcher is very common, arriving early in May, and frequenting the
borders of woods, where, from the summit of some tall dead tree, its loud melancholy cry
resounds through the day during the whole of summer. It frequents the small pine groves
along the coast as well as the interior, and remains until late in September. — C.
I obtained a specimen of a bird at Fort Steilacoom, July 10, 185G, which agreed in many
respects with Nuttall's description of this species. From my note book I extract the following
remarks: "No. 454. $ . G.J, 10-£. Upper mandible nearly black; lower dusky (purplish?
22 Q
1 70 ZOOLOGY.
Nuttall,) liorn color, darker at the tip. Lining membrane of the mouth, yellow orange ; feet and
legs, black ; iris, hazel. Tail extends about 1£ inches beyond the folded wings." This skin was
unfortunately lost in my missing collection of July and August, 1856.
This bird is not abundant on Puget Sound, and it is but seldom that a specimen can be
obtained. But this is partly owing to the preference it has for shady thickets and dense
foliage, where it is with difficulty shot. — S.
EMPIDONAX PUSILLUS, Cab an is.
Tyrannula pusilla, Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 144; pi.— RICH. App. Back's Voyage, 1834-'3G, 144.- GAMBELL, Pr.
A. N, Sc. Ill, 1847, 156.
Musdcapa pusilla, AUD. Orn, Biog. V, 1839, 288 ; pi. 434.— IB. Birds Amer. I, 18 tO, 236 ; pi. 66.
lyrannus putilla, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840.
? "Empidonaxpusillus, CAB." BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 194.
SP. Cn. — Second, third, and fourth quills longest; first shorter than the sixth. Tail even. Tarsi rather long. Above
dirty olive brown, paler arid more tinged with brown towards the tail. Throat and breast white, tinged with grayish olive
on the sides, shading across the breast ; belly and under tail coveits very pale sulphur yellow. Wings with two dirty
narrow brownish white bands, slightly tinged with olive ; the secondaries and tertials narrowly and inconspicuously margined
with the same. First primary faintly edged with whitish ; the outer web of first tail feather paler than the inner, but not
white. Under wing coverts reddish ochraceous yellow. A whitish ring round the eye. Length, 5.50 inches ; extent, 8.50 ;
•wing, 2.80 ; tail, 2.75. Iris, brown ; bill and feet, black ; lower mandible, pale flesh color.
Hob. — High central plains to the Pacific. Fur countries. Southward into Mexico.
This little pewee of Nuttall is one of the few birds that frequent the dark and gloomy spruce
forests, which it seems to prefer to more open places. It is most abundant near the coast, but
I have seen a few at Puget Sound, where they arrived about the 25lh of April. It is difficult
to get a sight of this small musician as it flits through the upper branches of the tall spruces,
uttering constantly its monotonous but lively ditty. Its colors make it almost invisible in the
shade.
It is also a common species about Puget Sound in summer. I could not discover its nest.
I observed that" one of them kept constantly on the border of a small pond, and drove the
kingbird away from the place. It has a peculiar short and lisping song of three notes in
summer, very different from other species. In fall the young birds make a very different loud
call as they wander about the woods.
I did not find the nest of this bird. By the first of September they have all retired southward.
NOTE. — The difference in color of lower mandible observed in this and some other western
birds may be of value as a specific distinction in connexion with other points stated by Prof.
Baird.— C.*
Quite abundant in the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom, where it arrives early in May. It seems
to prefer the vicinity of bushes and low trees at the edges of dense forests. In 1856 I obtained
at Fort Steilacoom the following: No. 396. May 19. G£, 9.— No. 421. June 3. 6, 8|.—
No. 443. June 18. G£, 8|.
I found this bird rather less pugnacious than others of the group, and in habits generally
more resembling the Vireo family. Its notes are short but sweet, and just after sundown on
warm summer evenings particularly low, plaintive, and soothing. — S.
°Tbe specimens here mentioned have since been found to be a distinct species, E. FLAVIVENTRIS, var? DIFFICILIS, Baird,
dt scribed in Gen. Rep Birds, p. 198. Dr. Cooper's specimens measured as follows : No. 7243, Shoal water bay, July 4, 1854.
Length, 5 50; extent, 8.50 inches.— No. 5920, Fort Steilacoom. Length, 5.60 ; extent, 8 50 ; wing, 2 83 ; tail, 2.45. Both
had the iris, brown ; bill, black above, pale flesh color below ; feet, black.
ZOOLOGY. 171
Family TURDIDAE,
Sub-Family TURDI.VAE.— T he Thrushes.
TURDUS USTULATUS, Nut tall.
Tardus ustulalus, NUTTALI., Man. Orn. I, (2d ed.) 1840, 400. Columbia river ; (printed cestulitus by a typographical
error.) — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 215.
Sp. CH. — Third and fourth quills longest ; second intermediate between fourth and fifth. Tail nearly even. Upper parts
uniform reddish brown, with a faint olivaceous tinge. Fore part of the breast tinged with brownish yellow, becoming paler lo
the chin ; the remaining under parts are white. The sides of the throat and tha fore part of the breast, with small distinct
triangular spots of well-defined brown, much darker than the back ; the sides of the breast more obsoletely spotted, and the sides
of the body washed with olivaceous yellow brown. The tibioe are yellowish brown. Nearly the whole of the lower mandible,
except the rami, is brown. Length, 7.25 to 8 ; extent, 11.75 to 12.25 ; wing, 3.75 ; tail, 3.00 ; tarsus, 1.12. Iris, brown ; legs,
light brown ; bill, brown ; lower mandible, yellow at base.
//aft. — Coast region of Oregon and Washington Territories.
The " western thrush" of Nuttall is one of the most common summer residents in the wooded
part of the Territory, arriving in May and remaining until the beginning of September. It
closely resembles Wilson's in appearance and habits, but quite distinct. Its song is similar,
but shorter, and without the metallic ringing sound of that bird. It frequents the borders of
woods and bushes along streams, and, except just after its arrival, is not very shy. About the
middle of June I found its nests containing eggs built commonly on a small horizontal branch,
and very strongly constructed of twigs, grass roots, and leaves, sometimes covered outside
entirely with moss, which, in the damp climate near the coast, grows, and forms large masses.
It appears to raise two broods, as I have found a nest with eggs in it as late as July 13. The
eggs, unlike those of most thrushes, are white, spotted thickly with brown, and four or five in
number. This thrush sings most in the early morning and evening, when numbers may be
heard answering each other from all sides. They do not seek the darkness of thickets so much
as the hermit thrush, but often feed in gardens, &c., in the sunshine. — C.
This bird is quite abundant west of the Cascade mountains. In the neighborhood of Fort
Steilacoom, at the edges of the large forests and in the vicinity of swamps and damp lands,
this bird is found abundantly in spring and summer. It has a great faculty for hiding itself
securely, and, although very numerous, is difficult to obtain. Its voice is a low, soft, sad, lonely
whistle, generally confined to one note about three seconds in length, and repeated at very
regular intervals. One specimen, (No. 517,) shot August 2, 1856, at Fort Steilacoom, measured
7.62, 11. Another, a young bird, killed July 26, I find in my note book, had "the membrane
at angle of mouth lemon yellow." — S.
NOTE. — I have twice only seen a thrush resembling a hermit thrush in general appearance,
but quite differently colored. The first was brought to me December 4, with its tail pulled out,
having been caught in a house. It was of a very dark brown, without a tint of olive, and its breast
more thickly marked with spots of the same color, large and round. I afterwards saw another,
on "Whitby's island, in March, but could not get a shot at it. I suppose, therefore, it is a
winter visitor only in the lower country. This seems to resemble T. solilarius of Wilson, (the
brown thrush of Pennant and Latham?) and T. minor of Swainson, which was probably
obtained far to the north. — C.
1 < 2 ZOOLOGY.
TURDUS MIGRATORIUS; Linn.
Robin.
Turdus migratorius, LINNJEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 292.— FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, 1772, 382.— VIEILLOT, Ois.
Am. Sept. II, 1807, 5; pi. Ix, Ixi.— WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1803, 35 ; pi. ii.— DOUGHTY, Cab.
Nat. Hist. I, 1830, 133; pi. xii.— BREHM, Handbuch Vog. Dautsch. 1831, 388, (Europein
spec.)— AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 190 ; pi 131.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 14, pi. 142.—
BONAPARTE, Conspectus, 1850, 272. — NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. and Or. Route, 81 ; Rep. P. R
R. Surv. VI. 1857.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep Birds, p. 218.
Merula. migratoria, Sw. fit RICH. Fauna Bor. Amer. II, 1831, 176.
Planesticus migratorius, BONAPARTE. (?)
SP. CH. — Third and fourth quills about equal; fifth a little shorter; second longer than sixth. Tail slightly rounded.
Above olive gray ; top and sides of the head black. Chin and throat white, streaked with black. Eyelids, and a spot above the
eye anteriorly, white. Under parts and inside of the wings, chestnut brown. The under tail coverts and anal region, with tibiae,
white, showing the blumbeous inner portions of the feathers. Wings dark brown, the feathers all edged more or less with pale
ash. Tail still darker, the extreme feathers tipped with white. Length, 9.75 ; extent, 16 ; wing, 5.43 ; tail, 4.75 ; tarsus, 1.25.
Bill, yellow, dusky along the ridge and at the tip ; legs, black ; iris, brown.
Hab. — Continent of North America to Mexico.
The robin is as abundant and familiar in all parts of this Territory as in the eastern States.
It is also a constant resident and builds its nest in May. I noticed fledged young as early as
June 10, at Puget Sound. — C.
This bird is very abundant in both Oregon and Washington Territories. I have secured
many specimens for the sake of accurate comparison with eastern birds of the same species. — S.
TURDUS NAEVIUS, Gmelin.
Varied Thrush, or Painted Robin.
Turdus naevius, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 817.— VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. 11,1807,10; pl.lxvi. — AUDUBON, Orn.
Biog. IV, 1838, 489 : V, 1839, 284 ; pi. 369 and 433.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 22 ; pi. 143.—
BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 271. — CABOT, Jour. Bost. Soc. N. H. Ill, 1848, 17. (Spec, shot near
Bo5ton.) — LAWRENCE, Annals N. Y. Lye. V, June, 1852, 221. (Spec, shot near New York.) —
NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. and Or. Route, 81 ; Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep.
Birds, p. 219.
Orpheus naevius, RICH, List, 1837.
Ixoreus naet'tus, BONAP. Notes Orn. Delattre, in Comptes Rendus, XX'VIII, 1854, 269.
Orpheus meruloidcs, RICH. Fauna Bor. Amer. II, 1831, 187 ; pi. xxxviii.
Sp. CH. — Fourth quill longest; third and fifth a little shorter; second much longer than sixth. Tail nearly even; the
lateral feather shorter. Above, rather dark bluish slate ; under parts generally, a patch on the upper eyelids continuous with a
stripe behind it along the side of the head and nock, the lower eyelids, two bands across the wing coverts and the edges of the
quills, in part, rufous orange brown ; middle of belly white. Sides of the head and neck, continuous with a broad pectoral
transverse band, black. Most of tail feathers with a terminal patch of brownish white. Female more olivaceous above ; the
white of the abdomen more extended ; the brown beneath paler ; the pectoral band obsolete. Length, 9 to 10 ; extent, 12f to
15£ inches; wing, 5.00 ;tail, 3.90 ; tarsus, 1.25. Iris, brown ; bill, black ; feet, yellow.
Hab. — Pacific coast, North America. Accidental on Long Island and near Boston.
The varied thrush or western robin is common during winter, and I think a few remain
near the coast all summer, as I have seen them in the dark spruce forests in June and July.
They are much more shy and retiring than the robin, and differ very much in song, which, as
I have heard it, consists only of five or six notes in a minor key, and in a scale regularly
ZOOLOCV. 173
descending. It is commonly heard in the tops of the trees, and in summer only in the densest
of forests. In winter they associate with the robins, and feed much on the ground, sometimes
coming around houses in cold weather. — C.
Obtained at Port Townsend, Puget Sound, and at Bellingham Bay. Common at Astoria,
0. T. Does not seem to extend very far inland, as it was not seen by me at Fort Steilacoom.
In winter it is a shy bird, not generally becoming noticeable in the open districts until after a
fall of snow, when many individuals may be seen along the sand beaches near saltwater. They
are at such times tame and abundant, at least sufficiently so for any ordinary shot to obtain a
dozen specimens in a forenoon. I suppose that they are driven out of the woods during the
heavy snows by hunger. It may then frequently be found in company with the common robin,
with which it has many similar habits. It was during the continuance of a rather heavy fall
of snow that I obtained the three specimens preserved. In my note book I find the following
remark: "At this time of the year it is a very silent bird, quite tame, allowing near approach;
flying up when the intruder comes too near, but alighting on the ground again at a short distance
in front. It appears to be fond of flying by short stages in a desultory manner, sometimes
alighting on the ground; at others on fences, bushes, or trees. The settlers here (at Port
Townsend) call them spotted, painted, and golden robins." The most conspicuous mark on
the bird which strikes the eye at first is the black crescent on the fore part of the breast. — S.
Sub-Family SAXICOLINAE.— R ock Thrushes.
SIALIA MEXICAN A, Swain son.
Western Bine-Bird.
Sialia mexicana, Sw. P. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 202.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 223.
Sialla occidentalis, TOWNSEND, Jour. Ac. Nat. Sc. VII, 11, 1837, 188. — IB. Narrative, 1839, 343. — AUD. Synopsis
1839.— IB. Birds America, II, 1841, 176; pi. 135.— NUTTALL, Man. I, (2d ed.,) 1840, 513.—
NEWBERRT, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, 80; Rep. P. R. R., VI, iv, 1857.
Sylvia occidentalis, ACDUBON, Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 41; pi 393.
Sialia caeruleocollis, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, 18; pi. iii.
SP. CH. — Bill slender; head and neck all round, and upper parts generally, bright azure blue. Interscapular regions, sides,
and fore part of the breast, and sides of the belly, dark reddish brown. Rest of under parts (with tail coverts) pale bluish,
tinged with gray about the anal region. FemUe duller above; the back brownish; the blue of the throat replaced by ashy
brown, with a shade of blue. Length, 6.50 to 7 inches; extent, 12| to 13; wing, 4.25; tail, 2.90. Iris, brown; bill and feet,
black.
Hub. — Pacific coast, North America, and along valley of Gila to Upper Rio Grande and south.
The western blue-bird, though very similar to the common eastern species, has not that
familiar confidence which makes the latter such a favorite. It seems to prefer the knot holes
of the oaks to any box or similar shelter provided for it, but may, when trees are scarcer,
become more dependent on man. It also differs in its song, which is not so loud as sweet, and
is curiously performed to sound as if two birds were singing at once and in different keys. Its
call note is also shorter than that of the eastern bird.
Most of this species probably remain during the winter in the Territory, as I have seen them
in December and early in March. They then associate in flocks, which frequent roadsides and
fences, feeding on insects or berries. They have the same mode of hovering over a field, to
watch for grasshoppers, <fcc., that we see in the eastern species. — C.
This bird is exceedingly common in Oregon and Washington Territory. At Fort Steilacoom
174 ZOOLOGY.
and at Fort Dalles, as early as February, occasional stragglers are seen. In March and April
the main body of individuals arrive from their winter retreats, and during the breeding season
and summer are found abundantly at both places.
The notes of this at times resemble those of the eastern species. A young individual that
I obtained at Fort Steilacoom during the summer of 185G showed the immature maculated
coloration of the plumage very finely. The feathers of the breast were dusky ferruginous,
having each a paler streak along the middle.
Excepting one or two stragglers I saw none of this species during the winter months, but,
like their eastern representatives, they are among the earliest harbingers of spring. In the
autumn of 1854 I noticed, at Fort Dalles, a flock of these birds which had apparently assembled
with the view of migrating southward. They shortly afterwards all disappeared, and I saw no
others till about the 1st of the following March. — S.
Sub-Family REGULINAE.— T h e Crowned Wrens.
REGULUS CALENDULA, Licht.
Ruby-Crowned Wren.
Motacilla calendula, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 337.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LX1I, 1772, 383.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I,
1788, 994.
Sylvia calendula, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 549.— WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 83; pi. v, f. 3.— DOUGHTT, Cab.
N. H. II, 1832, 61; pi. vi.
Regulus calendula, LICHT. Verzeich. 1823, Nos. 408- '9— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 415. — ADDUBON, Orn. Biog. IF,
1834, 546; pi. 195.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 168; pi. 133.— BAIRD, Gen. Rop. Birds, 226.
Reguloides calendula, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 292.
SP. CH. — Above dark greenish olive, passing into bright olive green on the rump and outer edges of the wings and tail.
Crown with a large concealed patch of scarlet feathers, which are white at the base. The under parts are grayish white, tinged
with pale olive yellow, especially behind. A ring round the eye, two bands on the wing coverts, and the exterior of the inner
tertials white. Young without the red on the crown. Length, 4 to 4.38; extent, 6 to 7.25; wing, 2 33; tail, 1.85. Iris, bill,
and feet, brown; toes, yellow.
Uab. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific.
The ruby-crowned wren associates with the golden-crowned in winter along the coast, and
has their similar habits. I have not seen it during summer. — C.
This bird does not appear to be a constant winter resident of Washington Territory. The
first specimen I obtained was on April 8, 1856, when it seemed to have just arrived from the
south. A short time afterwards it became quite plentiful, and continued so until about May
20, when the species appeared to have either retired to the depths of the forests, or else to
have gone further north. After that time only a few stragglers were seen. — S.
REGULUS SATRAP A, Licht.
Golden-crested Wren.
Regulus satrapa, LICHTENSTEIN, Verzeich, Doubl. 1623, No. 410. (Quotes Parti's satrapa, Lliger, probably a museum
name.)— BONAP. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 291. — AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 82 —Is. Birds
Amer. II, 1841, 165; pi. 132.— BAIRD, Gen Rep Birds, 227.
Sylvia rcgulus, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1608, 12G; pi. viii, f. 2. (Not of Latham.)
Regulus crystatus, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1£07, 50; pi cvi. (Not of Ray.) — BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1825. — IB.
Synopsis, 1828,91.
Regulus tricolor, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 420.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 476; pi. 183.
SP. CH. — Above olive green, brightest on the outer edges of the wing; tail feathers tinged with brownish gray towards
the head. Forehead, a line over the eye and a spare beneath it, white. Exterior of the crown before and laterally black,
ZOOLOGY. 175
embracing a central patch of orange red, encircled by gamboge yellow. A dusky space around the eye. Wing coverts with
two yellowish white bands, the posterior covering a similar band on the quills, succeeded by a broad dusky one. Under parts
dull whitish. Length, under 4 inches to 4. 25 ; extent, 6. 25 ; wing, 2. 25 ; tail, 1. 80.
Hob. — Northern parts of United States from Atlantic to Pacific; on west coast only noticed on Puget Sound.
The golden- crowned wren is an abundant bird in the forests, especially during winter, and
some remain all summer, as I have seen them feeding their young in August at Puget Sound.
I have not met with its nest, nor have I heard its song. Its usual note was merely a chirp. — C.
The golden-crested wren is an abundant bird during the winter in the dense forests in the
vicinity of Puget Sound. On almost any fine day at that season small groups of these active
little creatures can be found industriously seeking their subsistence in the tops of the tall
deciduous forest trees of the river bottoms. I .have occasionally also seen them in the ever
greens.
Some stay during the summer and breed, while the greater number probably repair to the
more northern portions of the continent, or else to the dense wilderness of the Cascade
mountains. — S.
Sub-Family CINCLINAE.— T he Ouzels.
HYDROBATA MEXICANA, Baird.
American Dipper ; "Water Ouzel.
Cinclus palldsii, BONAP. Zool. Jour. II, Jan. 1827, 52. — IB. Amer. Orn. II, 1828, 173 ; pi. xvi, f. 1 ; (not the Asiatic,
pallasii. )
Cinclus mexicanus, SVVAINSON, Syn. Mex. Birds, in Phil. Mag. I, May, 1827, 368.
Cinclus americanus, Sw. & RIOH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 173.— NUTTU.L, Man. II, 1334, 569.— AUD Orn. Biog. IV, 1833-
493: V, 1839,303; pi 370, 435.— IB. Synopsis, 1839, 86.— IB. Birds, Amer. II, 1841, 182 ; pi.
137.— NILWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, 80; Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, IT, 1857.
Cinclus unicolor, BONAP. List, 183S.
Cinclus mortoni, TOWNSEND, Narrative, 1839, 337.
Cinclus townsendii, " AUDUBOH," TOWNSEND, Narr. 1839, 340.
Hydrolata mexicana, BAIRD, Gen Rep. Birds, p. 229.
' SP. CH — Above dark plumbeous, beneath paler; head and neck all round a shade of clove or perhaps a light sooty brown
less conspicuous beneath. A concealed spot of white above the anterior corner of the eye and indications of the same
sometimes on the lower eyelid. Immature specimens usually with the feathers beneath edged with grayish white ; the greater
wing coverts and lesser quills tipped with the same. The colors more uniform. Length, 7. 50 ; wing, 3. 00 ; tail, 2. 55.
Ilab. — Rocky mountains from British America to Mexico.
I first noticed the water ouzel on the upper branches of the Columbia near the boundary
line. I have also seen them a few times on streams near its mouth, and at Olympia, Puget
Sound. On the 5th July I found a nest of this bird at a saw mill down on the Chehalis river.
It was built under the shelving roots of an immense arbor-vita3, which had floated over and
rested in a slanting position against the dam. The floor was made of small twigs and bare, the
sides and roof arching over it like an oven, and formed of moss projecting above so as to shelter
the opening. This was large enough to admit the hand, and the inside very capacious. It
contained half-fledged young. The old birds were familiar and fearless, being accustomed to
the noise of the mill and the society of the men, who were much interested by their curious
habits. They had already raised a brood in the same nest that summer. — C.
I obtained several specimens of this bird in the Rocky mountains, upon the streams of which
it is very abundant. In habits it agrees remarkably with those described by Prince C. Lucien
Bonaparte as belonging to the European species. It uses its wings like the divers while under
176 ZOOLOGY.
water, and appears to be equally at home either on the surface or under. One curious fact I
noticed in regard to this bird is, that I frequently saw them singly or in couples, but never more
than two together. In fact, they seem to prefer solitude, and escheAv all sociable communion, or
the slightest attempt at gregarious life, except the indispensable union of a pair for the purpose
of procreation.
I never saw this bird on or near still water. They prefer and delight in wild mountain
streams, where, among cascades, eddies, and swift currents, they lead their curious lives.
George Gibbs, esq., in a letter to me, mentions seeing this bird at Bellingham bay, and also
says: "The bird described by Nuttall as the American water ouzel was common on the Salmon
river, which is a rapid, brawling stream. . As I sat at my cradle on the bank, a pair of them,
which I suppose had their nests hard by, or, perhaps, as it was July or August, had already
hatched their brood, used to play in the water near me, sometimes alighting at the head of a
rapid, allowing themselves to be swept under, and then rising below. They dive with great
celerity, and at times beat the water with their wings, throwing the spray over themselves.
Their whistle was sweet and rather sad, but they .seemed very happy and busy fellows notwith
standing, and in nowise afraid of the harsh rattle of the miner's cradle."
It is not uncommon on the small streams about Puget Sound, but still not so numerous as in
the Rocky mountains. — S.
Family SYLVICOLID AE .— T h e Warblers.
Sub-Family MOTACILLINAE.— T h e Wagtails.
ANTHUS LUDOVICIANUS, Licht.
American Tit Lark.
Alauda ludcviciana, GMELIM, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 793.
Anthus ludovitiamts, LICHT, Verz. 1823, 37, No. 421. — EICH. List, 1837. — BONAP. Litt, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850,
249.— AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1839, 94.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 40; pi. 150.
Alauda ntfa, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 89; pi. Ixxxix.
Anthus fpinoletta, BOXAP. Synopsis, 1828, 90, (not of Linnaeus.)— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 4C8: V, 1839, 449 pi. SO.—
NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 450.
Anthus aquaticus, AUD. Name on PI. x, folioed.
AntJim pipits, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 408: V, 1839, 449; pi. 80. (Young?)
" Anthus ludovicianus, LICHT." BAIRD, Gen. Hep. Birds, p. 232.
Sp. CH. — (Female, in spring.) Above olive brown, each feather slightly darter towards the central portion benea pale
dull buff, or yellowish brown, with a maxillary series of dark brown epots and stre«ks across the breast and along sides. Ring
round the eye, and superciliary stripe yellowish. Central tail feathers like the back, others dark blackish brown; the external
one white, except at the base within ; a white spot at the end of the second. Primaries edged with whitish, other quills with pale
brownish. Length, 6 to 6.50; extent, 10 \ toll; wing, 345; tail, 2.95. Iris, dark brown ; bill, yellow and black ; feet, brown.
Ilab. — North America generally. Greenland, (Reinhardt.) Accidental in Europe.
The American tit lark is abundant on the prairies of the Territory during winter, and
probably breeds on the mountains. In September it arrives on the prairies along the coast in
large flocks, and remains until May; but I believe none are found there during summer. — C.
Found by me in St. Mary's valley, Washington Territory. — S.
ZOOLOGY. 177
Sub-Family SYLVICOLINAE.— T h e Wood Warblers.
GEOTHLYPIS TRICHAS, Cabanis.
Maryland Yellow-throat.
Turdus trichat, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 293.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788.
Sylvia trichas, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 1790. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sep. II, 1807, 28; pi. xxviii & xxix. — AUD. Orn.
Biog. I, 1832, 120; V. 1838, 463, pi. 23 & 240.
Geothlypis trichas. CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1850, 16. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 241.
Sylvia marilandica, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 88; pi. vi, f. 1.
Trichas marilandica, BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 310.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 65.— IB. Orn. Biog. II, 1841, 78; pi. 102.
Sylvia roscoe, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1832, 124; pi. 24. (Young male.)
Trichas roscoe, NUTTAL. Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 457.
SP. CH. — Upper parts olive green, tinged with brown towards the middle of the crown; chin, throat, and breast as far as the
middle of the body, with the under tail coverts bright yellow. Belly dull whitish buff. Sides of body strongly tinged with light
olive brown; under coverts glossed with the same. A band of black on the forehead, (about .20 of an inch wide in the middle,)
passing backwards so as to cover the cheek and ear coverts, and extending a little above the eye; this band bordered behind
by a suffusion of hoary ash, forming a distinct line above the eye, and widening behind the ear coverts into a larger patch, with
a yellow tinge. In winter dress, and in the female, without the black mask, the forehead tinged with brown, the yellow of the
throat less extended, the eyelids whitish, and an indistinct superciliary line yellowish. Length of male, 4.80 to 5.50; extent,
6.75; wing, 2.40; tail, 2.20. Bill black, iris brown, feet pale brown.
Hub. — North America from Atlantic to Pacihc.
The Maryland yellow-throat is very common in the Territory during summer, preferring, as
usual, the bushes along brooks and swamps. I observed its arrival about the first of April, and
it remains until September. — C.
I have obtained several specimens of this bird at Fort Steilacoom, in the neighborhood of
which they are always summer residents, but not in such numbers as the next species. — S.
GEOTHLYPIS MACGILLIVRAYI, Baird.
Macgillivray's Warbler.
Sylvia macgillivrayi, AUDUBON, Orn. Bio. V, 1839, 75; pi. 399. (Sylvia Philadelphia on plate.)
Trichas macgillivrayi, AUD. Syn. 1839, 64.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 74; pL 100.
Sylvia tolmieei, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. VIII, 1839, 149, 159. (Read April, but the volume really not published
till 1840.)
Sylvia tolmiei, TOWNSEND, Narrative, 1839, 343.
Trichas tolmiaei, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed., 1840, 460.
Geothlypis matgillivrayi, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. p. 244.
SP. CH. — Head and neck all round, throat, and fore part of the breast, dark ash color; a narrow frontlet, loral region and
space round the eye (scarcely complete behind) black. The eyelids above and below the eye (not in a continuous ring) white.
The feathers of the chin, throat, and fore breast really black, with ashy gray tips, more or less concealing the black. Rest
of upper parts dark olive green, (sides under the wings paler;) of lower, bright yellow. Female with the throat paler and
without any black. Length of male, 5 to 5.75 inches; extent, 7.25 to 8; wing, 2.45; tail, 2.45; iris and feet brown, bill black
above, white below.
Hob. — Pacific coast of North America, south to Gulf of California and across to Monterey, Mexico. In Rocky mountains
to Fort Laramie. — (Dr. COOPER.)
This western yellow-throat is very common about Puget Sound, and, unlike the last, frequents
the underbrush in the dry woods, keeping commonly close to the ground, but occasionally
singing from a low tree a song somewhat similar to that of the above species. Its nest I
found built in a small bush not more than a foot above the ground, and very loosely built of
straws with but little soft lining. The eggs, laid in June, were white. The young resemble
23 Q
178 ZOOLOGY.
the parents, but want the gray on the head and neck, those parts being greenish above and
pale yellow below. I believe the gray of the head and neck soon wears off in the adult, as
they look faded and greenish after June. I have since found it common in August as far east
as Fort Laramie, Nebraska Territory. — C.
This bird is very abundant between the Cascade mountains and the Pacific coast. In habit
it resembles others of the group, and is generally found among bushes and thickets. Dr.
Townsend, who first described the species, named it in honor of William Frazer Tolmie, M. D.,
at that time surgeon to the honorable Hudson Bay Company, and now a chief factor in the
same corporation. During my residence in Washington Territory, as a neighbor to Dr. Town-
send, I was frequently under obligations to him for curious and rare specimens in different
branches of natural history, for many professional favors, and for oft repeated kind hospitality,
which was all the more agreeable because seasoned with the discourse of the highly educated
intelligent gentleman — mine host.
A specimen obtained by me at Fort Steilacoom had the bill dusky above, paler below; legs
pale flesh color inclined to dusky. In these characters they differ slightly from those recorded
in the specific character given above, which are from specimens obtained by Dr. Cooper.
These, as well as the other ground warblers, seem to be entirely insectivorous, all the stomachs
which I have examined containing fragments of coleoptera and other insects.
They are not a very shy species, but as they frequent thick brush and heavily leaved
thickets, behind the foliage of which they are so throroughly secreted, it is frequently difficult
to obtain them. — S.
HELMINTHOPHAGA CELATA, Baird.
Orange-crowned "Warbler.
Sylvia celata, SAY, Long's Exped. R. Mts. I, 1823, 169.— BONAP. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 45; pi. v, f. 2.— BON Syn. 1828.
38.— NOTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 413, (Dacnis.)— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 449; pi. 178.
Sylvicola celata, RICH. List, 1837.
Fermivora celata, (JARDINE,) BONAP. List, 1838.
Hflinaia celata, AUD. Syn. 1839, 69 — IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 100; pi. 112.
Helmitheros celata, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 315. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep., p. 257.
SP. CH. — Above olive green, rather brighter on the rump. .Beneath entirely greenish yellow, except a little whitish about
the anus; the sides tinged with olivaceous. A concealed patch of pale brownish orange on the crown, hidden by the olivaceous
tips to the feathers. Eyelids and an obscure superciliary line yellowish, a dusky obscure streak through the eye. No white
spots on wings or tail of female, with little or none of the orange on the crown. Length, 4.70 to 5; extent, 7 to 7.50; wing,
2.25; tail, 2.00.
Hab. — Mississippi river to the Pacific; south to northern Mexico.
The orange-crowned warbler is very abundant in the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom. One also
obtained at Fort Dalles, 0. T.
Habits much like those of the ground warbler. They keep in shady places among thick
brush, generally near water courses. — S.
DENDROICA OCCIDENTALS, Baird.
"Western "Warbler.
Sylvia occidental*, TOWNSEND, J. A.N. Sc. VII, H, 1837, 190.— IB. Narrative, 1839, 340.— AUDDBON, Orn. Biog. V,
1839, 55; pi. 55
Sylvicola occidentalis, BONAP. List, 1838 — IB. Consp. 1850, 308.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 60.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 60;
pi. 93.
ZOOLOGY. 179
Mniotilta occidentalis, GRAY, Genera.
Dendroica occidentalis, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 268.
SP. CH. — Crown, with sides of the head and neck, continuous bright yellow, feathers of the former edged narrowly with
black ; rest of upper parts dark brown, edged with bluish gray, so much so on the back and rump feathers as to obscure the
brown, and with an olivacoous shade. Chin, throat, and fore part of breast, (ending convexly behind in a sub-crescentic
outline,) black ; rest of under parts white, faintly streaked on the sides with black. Two white bands on the wing, two
outer tail feathers, and the terminal portion of a third, white, the shafts, and an internal streak towards the end, dark brown.
Bill jet black. Length, 5.75; extent, 8; wing, 2.75.
Hob. — Pacific coast.
I obtained two specimens of this bird in June, 1856, at Fort Steilacoom. They are a shy
bird, feeding and spending most of the time in the tops of the highest fir trees, thus rendering
it exceedingly difficult to reach them with fine shot. Unfortunately, both of my specimens
were lost while being sent to Washington city. They therefore were not examined by
Professor Baird while making up the general report.
The specimens I obtained both differed in their measurements from those of the bird obtained
by Mr. Samuels in California. The color of the legs differed from that included in the list of
specific characters given by Professor Baird.
Specimen No. 392 of my collection, a male, killed June 14, 1856, at Fort Steilacoom,
measured 5.75 — 8 — 2.75.
Iris hazel, bill black, legs grayish black. This bird, in plumage, agreed exactly with that
described by Nuttall.
Another, marked 449, also a male, measured 5.50 — 8.12.
I do not think that this species is rare on the Pacific coast ; but from the inaccessible nature
of its favorite resorts it will be a long time before enough are obtained to make it common in
cabinets of natural history. — S.
DENDROICA TOWNSENDII, Baird.
Sylvia tawnsendii, (" NUTTALL,") TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, n, 1837, 191.— IB. Narrative, 1839, 341. — AUD.
Orn Biog V, 1839, 36 ; pi. 393.
Sylvicola tawnsendii, BONAP. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 308.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 59.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841,59;
pi. 92.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 446.
Dendroica townsendii, BAIRD, Gen. Eep. Birds, p. 269.
I saw, on December 20, 1854, at Shoalwater bay, a warbler, in company with a flock of
titmice and other small birds, which I have no doubt was that named by Audubon in honor
of Townsend, its discoverer. Nuttall speaks of it as early a passenger through Oregon on its
way northward, and as frequenting only the summits of the trees. It may, therefore, winter
in the Territory in small numbers, and probably mostly in the interior. In November, 1855, I
saw a small flock of this species in California, frequenting the willows in a wet low meadow,
and obtained a pair. — C.
Mr. Philip Lutley Sclater, of London, has several excellent specimens of Sylvicola townsendii,
obtained from the west coast of Central America. It probably extends in summer as far north
as Russian America, thus having a very extended range along the Pacific coast. In Oregon,
according to Mr. Townsend, it frequents the almost inaccessible tops of the Douglas fir, from
whence it is very difficult to be obtained. It probably has many habits in common with the
preceding species. — S.
180 ZOOLOGY.
DENDROICA NIGRESCENS, Baird.
Black-throated Gray Warbler.
Sylvia nigrescens, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, n, 1837, 191.— IB. Narrative, 1839, 341.— ATJD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839,
57; pi. 395.
Vermivora nigrescens, BONAP. List, 1838. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 471.
Sylvicola nigrescens, AUD. Syn. 1839, 60.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 62; pi. 94.— BONAP. Consp. 1850, 308.
Rhimanphus nigrescens, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1850, 20.
Dendroica nigrescens, BAIED, Gen. Eep. Birds, p. 270.
SP. CH. — Head all round, fore part of the breast, and streaks on the side of the body, black ; rest of under parts, a stripe
on the side of the head, beginning acutely just above the middle of the eye, and another parallel to it, beginning at the base
of the under jaw (the stripes of opposite sides confluent on the chin) and running further back, white. A yellow spot in front
of the eye. Eest of upper parts bluish gray. The interscapular region and upper tail coverts streaked with black. Wing
coverts black, with two narrow white bands ; quills and tail feathers brown, the two outer of the latter white, with the shafts
and a terminal streak brown ; the third brown, with a terminal narrow white streak. Bill black ; feet brown ; iris brown.
Length, 5.25 to 6.38; extent, 7.75; wing, 2.30; tail, 2.10.
Hab. — Pacific coast of 'United States ; Fort Thorn, New Mexico.
Moderately abundant near Fort Steilacoom. Generally found on oak trees Habits much
like those of the D. Audubonii. It generally arrives from the south about the first week in
April.— S.
I only saw one pair of the dusky warbler at Puget Sound, which seemed to have a nest,
though I sought for it in vain. Townsend found it " abundant in the forests of the Columbia." —
(Nutt.) Its song is faint and unvaried. — C. -
DENDROICA CORONATA, Gray.
Yellow-ramped Warbler.
Motacilla coronala, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 333. — GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 974, (male.)
Sylvia coronata, LATHAM, Index Orn. II, ]790, 538 — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 24; pi. Ixxviii, Jxxix. —
WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 138; pi. xvii, f. 4, (summer)— II, 356; pi. xlv, f. 3, (winter.) —
NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 361.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 303; pi. cliii.
Sylvicola coronata, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 216.--BosAP. List, 1838 — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 307.--AUD.
Synop. 1839, 76. — IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 23; pi. Ixxvi.
Dendroica coronata, G. R. GEAT, Genera, 2d ed. Suppl. 1842,8. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 272.
SP. CH. — Above bluish ash, streaked with black. Under parts white. The fore part of breast and the sides black, the
feathers mostly edged with white. Crown, rump, and sides of breast yellow. Cheeks and lores black. The eyelids and a
superciliary stripe, two bands on the wing and spots on the outer three tail feathers, white. Female of duller plumage and
browner above. Length, 5.65; extent, 9.25; wing, 3.00; tail, 2.50; iris brown ; bill and feet black.
Sab. — Eastern North America to the Missouri plains. Stragglers seen on Pugct Sound.
On the 1st of May, 1856, I obtained a bird, which, according to the description in Audubon's
Synopsis, appeared to belong to the present species, the " white throat " being present. In
all other respects this bird resembled the S. Audubonii. It was shot in the same situation
frequented by birds of the latter species, and its habits appeared identical. — S.
I saw, on Whidby's island, in April, two of the yellow-crowned warbler, similar to the next,
and noticing the distinguishing white color of the chin, besides other less prominent differences,
I shot one. It seemed to agree exactly with the eastern bird, and is a curious but not the
only instance of two so closely allied species being found in the same region. As these are
the only ones I met with, it must be rare in the Territory. My specimen was unfortunately
lost.— C.
ZOOLOGY. 181
DENDROICA AUDUBONII, Baird.
Audubon'o Warbler.
Sylvia audubonii, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. Ph. VII, n, 1837.— IB. Narrative, 1839, 342.— ATJD. Orn. Biog. V. 1839,
52 ; pi. 395.
Sylvicola audubonii, BONAP. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 52.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 26 ; pi. 77.
Dendroica audubonii, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 273.
Sp. CH — Above bluish ash, streaked with black, most marked on the middle of the back; on head and neck bluish ash.
Middle of crown, rump, chin, and throat, and a patch on the side of the breast, gamboge yellow. Space beneath and anterior
to the eyes, fore part of breast and sides, black; this color extending behind on the sides in streaks. Middle of belly, under tail
coverts, a portion of upper and lower eyelids, and a broad band on the wings, with a spot on each of the four or five exterior tail
feathers, white; rest of tail feathers, blaek. Female brown above; the other markings less conspicuous and less black. Length,
5.75; extent, 9 25; wings, 3.20; tail, 2.25. Female smaller; iris brown; bill and feet black.
Hab. — Pacific coast of United States to central Rocky mountains. South to Mexico.
Audubon's warbler is the most abundant species in the Territory, and probably is a constant
resident in the mild winters, as I noticed them abundant at the Straits of De Fuca as early as
March 17. Its lively song is heard everywhere on the borders of woods, even on the coast,
where few of these small species visit. I never could discover the nest, which is probably
built high in the branches of the evergreens which it frequents in summer. In fall the
straggling flocks of young birds wander about shrubby places in large numbers, making no
sound but a sharp chirping call. — C.
This is the most abundant wood-warbler found in the western section of "Washington Territory.
I have procured many specimens, both for the Smithsonian Institution and for private exchanges.
In the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom this bird is found, principally in the oak trees (Q. Garryana)
on the Nisqually plains. In the spring it arrives a littler earlier than the other warblers. In
the spring of 1856 I obtained the first of that season about March 20. The young are generally
able to fly by June 25. — S.
DENDROICA AESTIV A, Baird.
Yellow "Warbler.
Motacilla aestiva, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 996.
Sylvia aestiva, LATHAM, Index Orn. II, 1790, 551. — VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 35; pi. xcv. — BONAP. Obg.
Wils. 1826, No. 144.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 476; pi. 95, 35.— NCTT. Man. I, 1832, 370.
Sylvicola aestiva, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 211 — BONAP. List, 1838— AUD. Syn. 1839, 57— IB. Birds Aaier.
II, 1841, 50; pi. 88.
Rhimamphus aestivus, BONAP. Consp. 1850,311. — CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851,19 — IB. Journ. Orn. Ill, 1855, 472,
(Cuba.)
Sylvia citrinella, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 111; pi. xv, f. 5.
Sylvia childreni, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 180; pi. 35. (Immature.)
? Sylvia rathbonia, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 333; pi. 65.
? Sylvicola rathbonia, AUD. Syn. 1839, 58.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 53; pi. 89.
? Motacilla petechia, LINN. Syst. Na*. 1, 1766, 334.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 983.
Dendroica aestiva, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p, 282.
SP. CH. — Bill lead color. Head all round, and under parts generally bright yellow; rest of upper parts yellow olivaceous,
brightest on the rump. Back with obsolete streaks of dusky reddish brown. Fore breast and sides of the body streaked with
brownish red. Tail feathers bright yellow; the outer webs and tips, with the whole upper surfaces of the innermost one, brown;
extreme outer edges of wing and tail feathers olivaceous, like tne back; the middle and greater coverts and tertials edged with
yellow, forming two bands on the wings. Female similar, with the crown olivaceous, like the back, and the streaks wanting
on the back, and much restricted on the upper parts. Tail with more brown. Iris brown. Feet dingy flesh color. Length of
male, 5 25; extent, 7.75; wing, 2.66; tail, 2.25. (940 )
Hab. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific; south to Guatemala and West Indies.
182 ZOOLOGY.
The summer yellow "bird is abundant in this Territory, having the same habits and song as
in the eastern States. I noticed their arrival in large numbers at the Straits of De Fuca as
early as April 8. Its nest is built in a bush but a few feet from the ground, formed of fibres
of roots, bark, &c., and the eggs, about five in number, are white, sprinkled with spots near
the larger end. — C.
This bird is abundant among the scrub oaks, thickets, and bushes on the Nisqually plains.
The late moult commences early in August. May 3, 1856, Fort Steilacoom, Washington
Territory. Specimen 359. Bill, grayish blue; legs, pale. — S.
MYIODIOCTES PUSILLUS, Bonap.
Green Black-cap Flycatcher.
Muscicapa pusilla, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 103; pi. xxvi, f. 4.
Wilsonia pusilla, BONAP. List, 1838.
Sylvania pusilla, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 335.
Myiodioctes pusillus, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 315.— BAIHD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 293.
Sylvia icilsonii, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1826, No. 127.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 408.
Muscicapa wilsonii, AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 148; pi. 124.
Myiodioctes icilsonii, AUD. Syn. 1839, 50.— IB. Birds Am. II, 1841, 21; pi. 75
Sp. CH. — Forehead, line over and around the eye, and under parts generally bright yellow. Upper part, olive green; a
square patch on the crown lustrous black. Sides of body and cheek tinged with olive. No white on wings or tail. Female
similar; the black of the crown obscured by olive green.
Length, 4.75 to 6; extent, 5.25 to 8-75?; wing, 2.25; tail, 2.30.
Hab. — United States from Atlantic to Pacific; south to Guatemala.
This bird is very abundant in the neighborhood of Fort Steilacoom, frequenting thickets and
small scrub oak groves. In habits it much resembles the Hdminthopliaga celata, flitting about
among the dense foliage of bushes and low trees in a busy, restless manner, like the ' ' little
joker," "now you see him, now you dont.'' Its cry is a short chit-chat call. — S.
I have seen two or three times on the coast a yellow warbler with a black crown, which was
probably Wilson's flycatcher, found by Nuttall in Oregon. I only noticed them in spring and
fall.— C.
Sub-Family TANAGRINAE.— Th e Tanagers.
PYRANGA LUDOVICIANA, Bonap.
Louisiana Taiiager.
Tanagra ludoviciana, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 27; pi. xx, f. 1.— BON. Obs. 1826, 95,— Acn. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838;
385: V, 639, 90; pi. 354, 400.
Tanagra (Pyranga) ludoviciana, BONAP. Syn., 1828, 105. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 471.
Pyranga ludoviciana, RICH. List, 1837.— BONAF. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 137.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841,211;
pi. 210 — SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 125.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 303.
Sp. CH. — Bill shorter than the head. Tail slightly forked ; first three quills nearly equal. Male, yellow; the middle of the
back, the wings, and the tail, black. Head and neck all round strongly tinged with red; least so on the sides. A band of
yellow across the middle coverts, and of yellowish white across the greater ones; the tertials more or less edged with whitish.
Female, olive green above, yellowish beneath; the feathers of the interscapular region dusky, margined with olive. The wing8
and tail rather dark brown, the former with the same marks as the male. Length, 7.25; wing, 3.60; tail, 2.85. Legs and feet
dusky lead color; bill pale dusky green, darker on the ridge and at the base.
Hab< — From the Black Hills to the Pacific; south to Mexico.
ZOOLOGY. 183
This beautiful tanager arrives at Puget Sound about May 15, and is a common summer
resident in the Territory, especially near river banks and prairies where deciduous trees grow.
Its song much resembles that of the black-winged red-bird, being of a few notes only, rather
faintly whistled in the manner of the robin, and often sounding as if the bird was distant when
it is quite near. I never could discover the nest of this bird, which is said to be built high in
an evergreen tree. Its range is, doubtless, throughout the Territory, as I have shot it east of
the Rocky mountains, and up to the 49th degree of latitude. — C.
The beautiful Louisiana tanager is quite abundant in certain seasons in the vicinity of Fort
Steilacoom. In 1854 but a limited number made their appearance, while, on the contrary, in
the summer of 1856 they were so abundant that I could readily have obtained a hundred
specimens. I have had frequent opportunities of studying their habits, and have never yet
seen them descend "to the low bushes, or the ground, as stated by Nuttall, the reverse being
the rule, (at least at Puget Sound ;) the difficulty being generally to find the bird sufficiently
low down on fir tree branches to allow fine shot to reach it with any degree of certainty.
The colors of the plumage of the male and female compare relatively much as do those of
opposite sexes of the Carpodacus purpyreus, or of the Curvirostra americana.
The favorite habitat of the species, in those localities where I have observed them, is among
the tall red fir trees belonging to that magnificent species the Abies douglassii. They seemingly
prefer the edges of the forest, rarely retiring to its depths unless for concealment when
alarmed. In early summer, at Fort Steilacoom, they are generally seen during the middle of
the day sunning themselves in the firs, occasionally darting from one of these trees to another,
or to some of the neighboring white oaks (Q. Garry ana) on the prairie. Later in the season
they may be seen very actively flying about in quest of insect food for their young. On the
10th of July, 1856, I saw one of these birds carrying a worm or insect in its mouth, from which
I inferred that the young were then hatched out. Both sexes during the breeding season are
much less shy, the males during the day time frequently sitting on some low limb, rendering
the scene joyous with their delightful melody.
The bill of a specimen examined by me was quite sticky, as if smeared with the resinous
exudation of their favorite firs. I opened the stomach of this bird and found it filled with
insects, principally coleoptera. Among these I saw many fragments of the large green
Buprestls, found generally on the Douglas fir trees. I saw no specimens of any other class of
insects than coleoptera among the fragments, excepting obscure indications of wasps, or some
other Hymenoptera.
NOTE. — I obtained a large number of females of this species, which were transmitted to Prof.
Baird, but unfortunately lost. A more extended description of the -ordinary plumage of birds
of this sex than is contained in the description given in the General Report may be of interest.
SP. CH. — Beneath yellow, but not so bright as the male. Head and neck yellowish dusky
green. Forehead slightly brighter than the crown. Back greenish dusky, tinged with grey;
in some cases the back is of a plainer dusky, the admixture of grayish green not being so
apparent. Throat, breast, vent, and lower tail coverts, bright yellow, inclining to white on
the abdomen, and to ash on the sides. Two bars on the wings; one yellowish white, produced
by the tips of the greater coverts of the secondaries; the other yellow and better defined,
formed by the ends of the second row of lesser coverts. External margin of the tail feathers
greenish. — S.
184 ZOOLOGY.
Family HIRUNDINIDAE.— T he Swallows.
Barn Swallow.
Hirundo horreorum, BARTON, Fragments N. H. Penna. 1799, 17. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 308.
Hirundo rufa, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 60 ; pi. xxx. (Not of Gmelin.)— CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855, 243.
BREWER, N. Am. Ool. I, 1857, 91; pi. v, f. 63—67, eggs.
Hirundo americana, WILSON, Am. Orn.V, 1812, 34; pi. xxxviii, f. 1, 2. (Not of Gmelin.)— RICH. F.B. A. 11, 1831, 329.
Hirundo rustica, AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 413; pi. 173.— IB. Syn. 1839, 35.— IB Birds Am. I, 1840, 181; pi. 48.
(Not of Linnaeus.)
SP. CH — Tail very deeply forked; outer feathers several inches longer than the inner, very narrow towards the end. Above
glossy blue, with concealed white in the middle of the back. Throat chestnut; rest of lower part reddish white, not conspicu
ously different. A steel blue collar on the upper part of the breast, interrupted in the middle. Tall feathers with a white spot
near the middle, on the inner web. Female with the outer tail feather not quite so long. Length, 6.90 inches; wing, 5;
tail, 4.50.
Hab. — North America, from Atlantic to Pacific.
The barn swallow seems to be limited by the Columbia river, as I have seen none at Puget
Sound, or other more northern places. Near the mouth of the river they built in large
numbers in the high caverns formed by the sea in Cape Disappointment, and into which the
tide flows, the base of the rock being exposed to the full force of the waves which break
against it.
They had also lately begun to build under the eaves of houses. — C.
I saw nests of what I took to be this species of birds in caves and the hollows of cliffs near
the Bear's Paw mountains, not far from Fort Benton, Nebraska. — S.
HIRUNDO LUNIFRONS, Say.
Cliff Swallow.
Hirundo lunifrons, SAY, Long's Exped. R. Mts. II, 1823, 47.— CASSIN, Illust. 1, 1855, 243 — BREWER, N. Am. Ool. I,
1857, 94; pi. v. No. 68—73, egg.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 309.
Hirundo opifex, DEWixx CLINTON, Ann. N. Y. Lye. I, 1824, 161.
Hirundo respublicana, AUDUBON, Ann. N. Y. Lye. I, 1824, 164.
Hirundo fulva, BONAP. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 63; pi. ii. (Not of Vieillot.)— AUDCBON, Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 353; pi. 58.—
IB. Syn. 1839, 35.— IB. Birds Am. I, 1840, 177; pi. 47.
SP. CH — Crown and back steel blue; the upper part of the latter with concealed pale edges to the feathers. Chin, throat,
and sides of the head dark chestnut; breast fuscous; belly white. A steel blue spot on throat. Rump light chestnut; forehead
brownish white; a pale nuchal band. Tail slightly emarginate. Length about 5 inches; wing, 4.40; tail, 2.20.
Hab. — North America, from Atlantic to Pacific.
The cliff swallow seems to be rather scarce as yet north of the Columbia river. I saw none
in the bare mountainous regions traversed in 1853, though apparently adapted to their habits.
They were almost unknown about Puget Sound, though at Olympia I noticed a few flying about
the streets in July, which had nests in some tall dead trees near the town. At Vancouver I
saw none, though south of there, at Portland, only seven miles distant, they had many nests
under the eaves of high buildings, and were common in all the towns of Oregon.
Nuttall mentions their building on the side of "Pillar rock," and there are many cliffs along
the Columbia were they probably build. They may become more abundant with the increase
of settlements, as in the eastern States. — C.
ZOOLOGY. 185
Moderately abundant about the basaltic cliffs near Fort Dalles, Oregon Territory, where it
makes its appearance in the spring simultaneously with H. bicolor and H. thalassina, but is not
so numerously found. — S.
HIRUNDO BICOLOR, Vieillot.
White-bellied Swallow.
Hirundo bicolor, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 61; pi. xxxi. — ATTDUBON, Orn. Biog. 1831, 491; pi. 98. — IB.
Syn. 1839, 35.— IB. Birds Amer. !, 1840, 175; pi. 46.— CASSIV, Illust. I, 1855. 244.— BREWER
N. Am. Oology, I, 1857, 100; pi. iv, fig. 47. (Egg.)— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 310.
Herse bicolor, BONAP. Conspectus, 1830, 341.
Hirundo vvidis, WILSON, Am. Orn. V. 1812, 49; pi. xxxviii.
Sp. CH. — Glossy metallic green above ; entirely white beneath. Female much duller in color.
Length, 6 to 6.25 inches ; extent, 3.50 ; wing, 5.00 ; tail, 2.65. Iris and feet, brown ; bill, black.
Hub. — North America, from Atlantic to Pacific.
The white bellied swallow is another common species in the western portions of the Territory,
building even along the damp and windy coast generally shunned by small land birds. It builds
in hollow trees, and does not appear to seek the accommodations of a box or knot-hole in a
building. — C.
Specimens of this bird, or of the California variety, mentioned by Cassin, (vide synopsis,)
were obtained by me both at Fort Steilacoom, W. T., and Fort Dalles. They arrive in the
spring simultaneously with the H. thalassina. Although riot nearly so plentiful as the latter
species, they exceed in number the H. lunifrons. — S.
HIRUNDO THALASSINA, Swains on.
Violet-green Swallow.
Hirundo thalassina, SWAINSON, Taylor's Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 365; AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 597; pi. 385.-—
IB. Birds Am. I, 1840, 186; pi. 49.— CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855, 245.— BREWER, N. Am.
Oology, I, 1857, 102; pi. v, f. 74. (Egg.)— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 311.
Sp. CH. — Tail acutely emarginate. Beneath pure white. Above soft velvety green, with a very faint shade of purplish
violet concentrated on the nape into a transverse band. Rump rather more vivid green ; tail coverts showing a good deal of
purple. Colors of female much more obscure.
Length, 4.75 to 5 , extent, 12.25 ; wing, 4.50 ; tail, 2. Male: length, 5 ; extent, 12£ inches. Iris, brown ; feet, paler ;
bill, black.
Hab. — Rocky mountains to Pacific ; south to Mexico ; east to Saltillo, Mexico.
The brilliant little sea-green swallow arrives at Puget Sound early in May, with the other
species, and frequents entirely the high prairies bordered with oaks and other deciduous trees.
It builds in the knot-holes of these trees, or in deserted woodpecker's nests. It associates
much with the last species, which has similar habits. Its song is varied and pleasing, but very
weak. I have never seen it along the cooler coast. — C.
This beautiful swallow is abundant throughout the interior of Oregon and Washington Terri
tories. I have observed it arrive at Puget Sound about the 10th of May, where it breeds and
remains as a summer resident. The place chosen for its nest is generally a knot-hole in oak or
other trees. In habits and mode of flight it scarcely differs from the other species of this
genus. — S.
24 Q
186 ZOOLOGY.
COTYLE SERRIPENXIS, Bonap.
Rough-winged Swallow.
Hirundo serripennis, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1638, 593. — IB. Birds America, I, 1840, 193 ; pi. 51.
Cotyle serripennis, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 342. — CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855, 247. — BREWER, N. Am. Oology, I, 1857,
106, fig. 50, (egg.)— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 313.
Sp. CH. — Tail slightly emarginate ; first primary with the pennulae of the outer web much stiffened, with their free extremi
ties recurved into a hook very appreciable to the touch. No feathers on the tarsus and toes. Above rather light sooty brown,
beneath whitish gray, or light brownish ash, becoming nearly pure white in the middle of the belly and on the under tail coverts.
Length, 5.50 ; extent, 12.50 ; wing, 4.28 ; tail, 2.23. Iris, brown ; bill and feet, black.
Hah. — United States, from Atlantic to Pacifi:.
The rough-winged swallow is common about the sandy cliffs of the bays and inlets of this
coast. It arrives near the Columbia river in May, and remains until the middle of August,
when, though in so mild a climate, all the swallows go southward, their last broods being still
scarcely able to fly. This species burrows holes in soft, sandy banks near the tops of cliffs,
and has the same habits as the bank swallow of the east. Their only notes are a few chirping
calls.— C.
Rather abundant in both Oregon and Washington Territories. Several specimens were
obtained by me and forwarded to the Smithsonian museum. — S.
PROGXE PURPUREA, Boie.
Purple Martin.
Hirundo purpurea, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 176b', 344. — AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 115 ; pi. xxiii. — IB. Birds Am.
I, 1840, 170; pi. xlv.
Progne purpurea, BOIE, Isis, 1826, 971. — BONAP. List, 1838. — CASSIN, Illust. I, 1855, 245.— BREWER, N. Am.
Oology, I, 1857, 103- pi. iv, fig. 47, (egg. )— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 314.
Hirundo subis, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766,344, (second year.)
Hirundo violacea, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 1026.
SP. CH. — Largest of N. American swallows. Closed wings rather longer than the deeply forked tail. Tarsi and toes naked.
Color, in the old male, everywhere glossy steel blue, with purple and violet reflections. Female and immature male less bril
liant above, pale brownish beneath, blotched with darker or with bluish. Length, 7.30 ; wing, 5.85 ; tail, 3.40.
Hob. — North America generally.
On the 23d of May, 1856, I obtained at Fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory, a specimen
of Progne, agreeing very well with a description of P. purpurea, with which I at the time
compared it. Unfortunately the skin was lost, with a large and valuable consignment of north
western birds, which was despatched from Fort Steilacoom to the Smithsonian, but never
reached its destination. I was especially sorry to lose this bird, as I wished it to be compared
with such specimens of P. chalybea (vide Cassin's description of this species) as were in the
museums of the Philadelphia Academy and Smithsonian Institution.
My specimen measured 8.50 by 16.38. It is not a common bird in Washington Territory,
and I was only able to obtain this one specimen, although I saw several others at odd times.
They were then met with in groves of scrub -oaks on the Nisqually plains. — S.
I never saw this bird in the Territory, where it must be rare. — C.
ZOOLOGY. 187
Family B 0 MB YC ILLID AE . Waxwings.
AMPELIS CEDRORUM, Baird.
Cedar Bird.
Ampelis gamilus, Var. 0, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 297.— GM. I, 1788, 838.
Ampelis carolinensis, GOSSE, Birds Jamaica, 1847, 197. — BOSAP. Coasp. 1850, 336.
B&mbydlla carolinensis, BHISSOX, Orn. II, 1760, 337.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 227: V, 494; pi. 43.— IB. Syn. 1839,
165.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 165; pi. 245.— WAGLEE, Isis, 1831, 528.
Bombycilla cedrorvm, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. I, 1807, 88; pi. Ivii. — IB. Galerie Ois. I, 1834, 186; pi. cxvii.
Amptlis americana, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 107; pi. vii.
Ampelis cedrorum, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 318.
SP. Cu. — Head crested. General color reddish olive, passing anteriorly on the neck, head, and breast into purplish cinna
mon; posteriorly on the upper parts into ash; on the lower into yellow. Under tail coverts white. Chin dark sooty hlack,
fading insensibly into the ground color on the throat. Forehead, loral ivgion, space below the eye, and a line above it on
the side of the head, intense black. Quills and tail dark plumbeous, passing behind into dusky; the tail tipped with yellow;
the primaries, except the first, margined with hoary. A short maxillary stripe, a narrow crescent on the infero-posterior
quarter of the eye, white. Secondaries with horny tips, like red sealing wax. Length, 7.25; wing, 4. 05; tail, 2. 60.
Hob. — North America generally; south to Guatemala.
The cedar bird is much less common than in the cultivated Atlantic States. I have only seen
them in summer in pairs and small families, and suppose the greater part of those raised here
retire to the more open regions southward in the fall. Their irregular migrations are probably
induced by want of food. — C.
Townsend says that this bird is found in Oregon. I have never seen it west of the Rocky
mountains, but on several occasions have thought that I recognized its notes, when the brush
being so thick, or from some other circumstance, I was unable to take a glimpse of the bird.
This was at Fort Dalles. I think the species does not visit Puget Sound at all. If it does, it
must be very scarce in that vicinity, as all my efforts to obtain even a single specimen were
fruitless. — S.
MYIADESTES TOWNSENDII, Cabanis.
Townsend's Flycatcher.
Ptiliogonys townsendii, ACD Orn. Biog. V, May, 1839, 206; pi. 419, f. 2. — IB. Syn. 1839, 46 — IB. Birds Amer. I,
1840, 243; pi. 69.— TOWNSEXD, Narrative, 1839, 338.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d. ed. 1840,
361.— GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. I, 1843, 261.
Culicivora townsendii, DEKAY, N. Y. Zool. II, 1844, 110.
JUyiadestes townsendii, CABAXIS, Wiegm. Arch. 1847, i, 208. — BAIRD, Gen Rep. Birds, p. 321.
? Myiadesles unicolor, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 299; 1857, 5. (Is very closely allied. Cordova, Mexico.
SP. CH. — Tail rather deeply forked. Exposed portion of spurious quill less than one-third that of the second; fourth quill
longest; second a little longer than the sixth. Head not crested. General color bluish ash, paler beneath; under wing
coverts white. Quills with a brownish yellow bar at the base of both webs mostly concealed, but showing a little below the
greater coverts and alulae; this succeeded by a bar of dusky, and next to it another of brownish yellow across the outer
webs of the central quills only. Tertials tipped with white. Tail feathers dark brown; the middle ones more like the back;
the lateral with the outer web and tip, the second with the tip only, white. A white ring round the eye.
Length, 8.75 inches; extent, 12.80; wing, 4.50; tail, 3.85. (8234.)
Hab — United States, from Rocky mountains and Black Hills to the Pacific; south to the borders of Mexico.
I obtained a specimen of this bird near Fort Laramie, Nebraska, in October, when it was
apparently not uncommon there, and had much the habits of the flycatchers. — C.
I was fortunate enough to secure a specimen at Fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory, on
188 ZOOLOGY.
the 28th of April, 1856. It was shot by my servant, who described it as being excessively
wild and difficult to approach.
This is the only specimen of the species I have seen, and I consider it therefore accidental
west of the Cascade mountains. — S.
Family L ANIID A E .— The Shrikes.
COLLYRIO BOREALIS, Baird.
Great Northern Shrike ; Butcher Bird.
Lanius septentrionalis, BON. Syn. 1828, 72.— BON. List. 1838.— IB. Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1853, 294.— NUTTALL, Man. I,
1832, 258.— IB. I. 2d ed. 1840, 285. (Not of Gmeliia.)
Lanius borealis, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sep. I, 1807, 90; pi. I.— Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 111.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 157.—
IB. Birds Amer. IV. 1842, 130; pi. 236.
Lanius excubitor, FORSTER, Phil, Trans. LXII, 1772, 382. — WILSON, I, 1808, 74; pi. v. f. 1. — BON. Obs. 1826.— AUD.
Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 534; pi. 192.
Collyrio borealis, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 324.
SP. CH. — Above light bluish ash, obscurely soiled with reddish brown. Forehead, sides of the crown, scapulars, and upper
tail coverts hoary white. Beneath white, the breast with fine transverse lines. Wings and tail black; the former with a
white patch at base of primaries and tips of small qu'lls; the latter with the lateral feathers tipped with white. Bill blackish
brown; considerably lighter at the base. Black stripe from the bill through and behind the eye, but beneath the latter
interrupted by a whitish crescent, female and young with the gray soiled with brownish. Length, 9. 85; wings, 4. 50; tail,
4. 80; its graduation, . 90.
Length, lOf inches; extent, 14J inches; feet, black; bill, brownish black.
Hub. — Northern regions, from Atlantic to Pacific; in winter south, through most of the United States.
The northern shrike is only a winter resident in the Territory, appearing along the coast in
November and remaining until March. It frequents bushy places, and seems to live chiefly on
insects. I never saw them attack small birds, though often in company with them. — C.
I obtained one specimen of this shrike at St. Mary's valley, Washington Territory, in 1853.
As a group the butcher birds are but poorly represented in number in Oregon or Washington
Territories. — S.
Sub-Family VIREONINAE — The Greenlets.
VIREO GILVUS, Bonap.
Warbling Flycatcher.
Musdcapa gilva, VIEILLOT, Ois. I, 1807, 65; pi. xxxiv.
VirtogUms, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1825, No. 123.— NUTT. I, 1832, 309.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834: 114; V. 1839
433; pi. 118.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 149; pi. 241.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 335.
Muscicapa melodia, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 85; pi. 42, fig. 2.
SP. CH.— Third, fourth, and fifth quills nearly equal ; second and sixth usually about equal, and about . 25 of an inch
shorter than third; the exposed portion of spurious quill about one-fourth the third. Above greenish olive; the head and
hind neck ashy, the back slightly tinged with the same. Lores dusky; a white streak from the base of the upper mandible
above and a little behind the eye; beneath the eye whitish. Sides of the head pale yellowish brown Beneath white, tinged
with very pale yellow on the breast and sides. No light margins whatever on the outer webs of the wings or tail. Length
about 5 50 inches; extent, 8. 50; wings nearly 3. Spurious primary one-fourth the length of second. Iris, brown; feet
slate color; bill, brown.
Hob. — Atlantic to Pacific coast of the United States.
I did not notice the arrival of the warbling vireo, near Puget Sound, until about the middle
of May, but it was quite common afterwards. Its song, more lively than in other species, was
ZOOLOGY. 189
generally heard at all hours of the day, from the top of the poplar, ash, and other deciduous
trees, where it was always actively engaged in pursuing insects, even while singing; its song,
being frequently interrupted while it darted after one, began again as soon as it could swallow
the victim. — C.
One specimen of this species I obtained at Fort Steilacoom, June 17, 1856. Upper mandible,
dark dusky lead color; lower, pale bluish. Measurements, 5|, 8|. $ . — S.
YIREO SOLITAKIUS, Vieillot.
Blue-headed Flycatcher.
Muscicapa solitaria, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 143 ; pi. 17, f. 6
Vireo solitarius, VIEILL Nouv. Diet. 1817. AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 147 : V, 1839, 432; pi. 23.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB.
Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 144; pi 239.— NUTT. Man. I, 1832, 3»5.— BAIKD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 340.
SP. CH. — Spurious primary very small, not one-fourth the second, which is longer than the sixth. Top and sides of the head
and upper part of neck dark bluish ash; rest of upper parts clear olive green. A white ring round the eye, interrupted in the
anterior canthus by a dusky lore, but the white color extending above this spot to the base of the bill. Under parts white ; the
sides under the wings greenish yellow. Two bands on the wing coverts, with the edges of the secondaries, greenish white.
Outer tail feather with its edge all round, including the whole outer web, whitish. Length, about 5 50 to 5.75 inches ; extent,
9; wing, 2.40 to 3. Bill and feet, black; iris, brown.
Ilab. — United States, from Atlantic to the north Pacific, (Washington Territory only?)
The solitary vireo is common in Washington Territory — arriving from the south in May,
and frequenting chiefly the groves of oak in the interior. Its sweet and varied song is so closely
imitated by the purple finch, that on one occasion, hearing both singing in the same tree, I
could riot distinguish any difference, and have no doubt that one had been attracted by the
song of the other. — C.
This greenlet is rather common near Fort Steilacoom. In 1856 I obtained several specimens.
Another killed at Fort Steilacoom measured 5.75; extent, 9.12; wing, 3. This and another
specimen from the same locality differed from Nuttall's description of the species, in having
the lower mandible scarcely lighter than the upper; also, the breasts were not "pale cinereous"
but white, or white slightly tinged with yellowish. Throat not " tinged with greenish.'7 — S.
Family L I 0 TRICH ID AE-
Sub-Family TROGLODYTINAE.— T h e Wrens.
THRIOTHORUS BEWICKII, Bon a p.
Bewick's "VVren.
Troglodytes beuncM, AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831,96: V, 1838, 467; pi. 18.— IB. Syn. 1839, 74.— IB. Birds Amer. II,
1841, 120; pi. 118.— NUTT. Man. I, 183<J, 434.— LESSON. Rev. Zool. 1840, 264.— NEWBERRT.
Zool. P. R. R Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 80.
Thryothorus bewickii, BONAP List, 1838 — IB Conspectus, 1850, 221. — BAIKD, Gen Rep. Birds, p 363.
Troglodytes spilurus, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, 18; pi iv, f. 1. California.
SP. CH. — Bill shorter than the head. Tail longer than the wings ; much graduated. Upper parts rufous brown; beneath
plumbeous white A white streak over the eye, the feathers edged above with brown. Exposed surface of the wings and the
innermost tail feathers closely barred with dusky; the remaining tail feathers mostly black, barred or blotched with white at
the tips, and on the whole outer web of the exterior feather, and on the under tail coverts. Length, 5.50; extent, 7; wing,
225; tail, 2.50. Iris, brown ; legs, gray; bill, black: lower mandible, white.
Vur. fpilurus, with longer bill ; purer white beneath. Colors more grayish olivaceous above.
Sab — North America, from Atlantic to Pacific; south to Mexico.
190 ZOOLOGY.
Bewick's wren seems to be the representative of the Carolina wren in the west, having all
its talent and variety of song, but I believe never mimicking other birds, though its notes may
sometimes resemble their songs. I have often been led through dense thickets and swamps
by this deceiving songster, expecting to find some new bird. This and the winter wren are
among the few birds that enliven the long rainy season with their songs, which are as constantly
heard in the dullest weather as in the sunny spring. I could never discover its nest, which is
probably built in the hollow of a stump or log. Young broods appear as early as June 1. — C.
This wren is very abundant near Puget Sound. It is a constant resident throughout the
year, and is not less abundant during winter. In January and February it is found on sunny
days among low thickets and crab-apple brush. Here, in company with the smaller species,
T. hyemalis and parkmanni, it may be seen flitting about on the ground and among low branches
in quest of food. At this season they are very tame, allowing a man to approach without
suspicion or evident fear. Its notes during cold weather are short and low. Later, however,
during the breeding season, the voice of the male becomes harsh and loud, not much unlike
that of the common house wren of the Atlantic States. — S.
CISTOTHORUS PALUSTRIS, Cab an is.
Long-billed Marsh. \Vren.
Certhia palustris, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 58; pi. xii, f. 4.
Troglodytes palastris, BONAP. Obs. Wilson, 1824, No. 66 — SWAINSOY, P. Bor. Am. II, 1832, 319.— AUDUBON, Orn.
Biog I, 1831,500: V, 1839,467; pi. 100. —In. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 135; pi. 123.— Ntw-
BERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route; P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 80.
Thryothorus paluttris, NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 439 .— BON. List, 1833.
I hryotho rus arundtneits, VIKILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXXIV, 1819,58. (Not Troglodytes arundinaceus, Vieillot, Ois. Am.
II, pi. cviii. )
Thryothorus arundinaceous, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 220.
Tdmatodytes arundinaceous, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 78. (Type.)
Cistotharm (Telmatodylcs) palustris, " CAB." BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 364.
SP. CH. — Bill about as long as head. Tail and wing nearly equal. Upper parts of a dull reddish brown, except on the crown,
interscapular region, outer surface of tertials, and tail feathers, which are almost black: the first with a median patch, like the
ground color ; the second with short streaks of white, extending round on the sides of the neck ; the third indented with brown ;
the fourth barred with whitish, decreasing in amount from the outer feather, which is marked from the base to the fifth, where
it is confined to the tips; the two middle feathers above like the back, and barred throughout with dusky. Beneath rather
pure white, the sides and under tail coverts of a lighter shade of brown than the back; a white streak over the eye. Length,
5.50; extent, 6.75; wing, 2.08; tail, 2 00. Irw, brown; bill and feet, lighter brown.
Hab. — North America, from Atlantic to Pacific : north to Greenland. (Reinhardt.)
I found the marsh wren abundant in the salt marshes along the coast, and having observed
them late in fall and early in March, I think they probably winter in the Territory. — C.
Abundant in the salt marshes at the mouths of the rivers emptying into Puget Sound. Like
the rail, this bird allows a very near approach, until the intruder is very nearly upon it, when
suddenly rising from the long grass, a quick rapid flight for eight or ten yards, a sudden plunge
into the grass or sedge, and again the little creature is securely hidden. They have a very
happy faculty of travelling rapidly through the grass, so that it is rare, even when haste is
made, to flush the bird at the same point he was just before "marked down" at.
A specimen killed on the 18th of July, 185G, on the Nisqually marshes, Puget Sound,
measured 4.75 inches in length; extent, 6.75. The upper mandible, dusky black; lower, dusky
ZOOLOGY.
191
horn color. Another killed at the same locality: length, 5|; extent, 7; bill, .75. These
measurements show a considerable difference in the size of different individuals. I found the
young of the year capable of flight by the middle of July. — S.
TROGLODYTES PARKMANNI, Aud.
Parkmami's \Vren.
Troglodytes parkmanni, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 310, not figured.— IB. Syn. 1839, 76.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841,
133 ; pi. 122.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 367.
SP. CH. — Similar in size and general appearance to T. aedon, with light line over the eye, &c. ; the colors, however, grayer,
the upper parts dark brown, the lower grayish white, with little or none of the rufous tinge of particular regions. Tail and
wings about equal. Bill shorter than the head. Above brown, darker towards the head, brighter on the rump. The
feathers everywhere, except on the head and neck, barred with dusky ; obscurely so on the back, and still less on the rump.
All the tail feathers barred from the base ; the contrast more vivid on the exterior ones Under tail coverts whitish, with
dusky bars. An indistinct line over the eye, eyelids, and loral regions, whitish. Cheeks brown, streaked with whitish.
JJab. — Western Americ.i, from the high central plains and Upper Missouri, to the Pacific.
"Parkmann's wren7' of Audubon is common about Puget Sound, where it seems to take the
place of the house wren, though less familiar. Its habits and song are very similar, but it
seems to frequent only the vicinity of woods and pitas of logs, not seeking a dwelling about
buildings. It arrives about April 20.
I noticed wrens at Vancouver in June, 1853, which I took for the house wren, though the
song struck me as different. One built in a horse's skull stuck upon a fence. I am uncertain
whether they were not the above species, which may entirely replace the house wren in the
Territory. — C.
I obtained several specimens of this bird at Fort Steilacoom; the birds differed so in meas
urements, that, when collected, I was frequently in doubt Avhether they were identical in
species
Smithsonian
Cat. No.
Original number.
Length.
Stretch of wings.
7135
127
4.25
6.50
7136
363
5.50
7. 00
7137.,
380 c?
5.25
9.00
The voice of this species is harsh and unmusical. — S.
TROGLODYTES HYEMALIS, Vie ill ot,
Winter Wren.
Sylvia troglodytes, WILSON, Am. Orn. "I, 1808, 139 ; pi. viii, fig. 6.
Troglodytes hyemalis, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXXIV, 1819, 514. — BONAP. List. 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 222. —
Sw. F. B. Am. 111,813, 318. — AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 430 ; pi. 360.— IB. Syn. 1839,76. —
IB. Birds Am. II, 1841,128 ; pi. 121.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 369.
Troglodytes europaeus, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825; No. 137 — NUTTALL, Man. 1, 1832, 427.
SP. Cii. — Bill very straight, slender, and cot.ical ; shorter than the head. Tail considerably shorter than the wings, which
reach to its middle. Upper parts reddish brown, becoming brighter to the rump and tidl ; everywhere, except on the head
and upper part of the back, with transverse bars of dusky and of lighter. Scapulars and wing coverts with spots of
white. Beneath pale reddish brown, barred on the posterior half of the body with dusky and whitish, and spotted with
192 ZOOLOGY.
white more anteriorly ; outer web of primaries similarly spotted with pale brownish white. An indistinct pale line over the
eye. Length, about 4. 50 inches ; extent, 5. 25 ; wing, 1. 66 ; tail, 1. 26. Iris, brown ; feet, brownish yellow.
Ilab. — North America generally.
The \vinter_wren is probably the most common species in the forests of the Territory, and
frequents even the densest parts of them, where its lively song is almost the only sound to be
heard. It most is commonly seen in winter as it retires in summer to the mountains to breed.
I observed young birds on the Coast mountains in July, but have never seen its nest. — C.
The little winter wren is found at Fort Steilacoom more abundantly in winter than any other
species. It is very unsuspicious, allowing a near approach. A specimen obtained near Fort
Steilacoom, in January, 1854, was shot in a dense fir forest, where, among fallen logs, &c., it
made its home. I have frequently seen birds of this species in similar situations during the
long, dreary, damp, Oregon winter, and fancy that they are in the habit of retiring to these
solitudes to await the coming of the bright days of spring, when they emerge, and in company
with the T. Bewickii, are frequently found among the more open thicket. Individuals are,
however, found throughout the winter in more open situations.
The species parkmanni & hyemalis are certainly much alike in habits, affecting the same
situation, and having much the same general characteristics.
A bird of this species, apparently in good condition, killed in December, 1853, at Fort Steila
coom, weighed exactly two drachms. — S.
Family C E FvT H I AD AE .— The Creepers.
CERTHIA AMERICANA, B o n a p .
American Creeper
Certhia americana, BONAP. Consp. List, 1838. — REICH. Handb. I, 1851, 265 ; pi. dcxv, fig. 4102, 3. — BAIRD, Gen.
Rep. Birds, p 372.
Certhia familiaris, VIEILLOT, Ois. Am. Sept. II, 1807, 70 — WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 122 ; pi. viii. — AUD. — Orn.
Biog. V, 1839, 158 ; pi. 415.— IB. Syn. 1839, 73 —In. Birds Amcr II, 1841, 109 ; pi. 115.
? Certhia mexicana, " GLOGER, Handbuch," REICHEXBACII, Handbuch Spec. Orn. I, 1851, 265; pi. dlxii, fig. 3841,
2.— IB. SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1856, 290.
gp. Cn Bill about the length of the head. Above dark brown, with a slight rufous shade, each feather streaked
centrally but not abruptly with whitish ; rump rusty. Beneath almost silky white ; the under tail coverts with a faint rusty
tinge. A white streak over the eye ; the ear coverts streaked with whitish. Tail feathers brown centrally, the edges paler
yellowish brown. Wings with a transverse bar of pale reddish white across both webs.
Length, 5. 50 ; wing, 2. 60 ; tail, 2. 90. (No. 827.)
Hob. — North America generally.
The brown creeper is abundant in the forests, but difficult to see from its similarity in color
to the bark along which it creeps. It appears to reside constantly in the Territory. — C.
I have obtained several specimens of the American creeper in the oak groves in the vicinity
of Fort Steilacoom. In habits the Oregon bird resembles that of the Atlantic States. — S.
SITTA CANADENSIS, Linn.
Red-bellied Nuthatch.
Sittu canadensis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 177.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 583.— ACD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 24; V,
474; pi. 108.— In. Birds Amer. IV, 179; pi. 248. — BON. Consp. 1850, 227. — BAIRD, Gen.
Rep. Birds, p. 376.
ZOOLOGY. 193
SiUa varia, WILS. Am. Orn. I, 1808, 40 ; pi. ii.
Sitta stuUa, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. (?)
SP. CH. — Above ashy blue. Top of head black ; a white line above and a black one through the eye. Chin white ; rest
of under parts brownish rusty. Lower mandible pale brown color, its tip black ; upper mandible black. Feet and legs
dusky greenish yellow. Length about 4. 80 inches ; extent, 8. 25 to 9. 50 ; wing, 2. 60.
Hob.— North America to the Rocky mountains. Probably also to the Pacific.
The Canada nuthatch is common in the Territory, preferring the oaks and other deciduous
trees, and never frequenting the interior of the dense forests. I observed this and the next
species at 49°, east of the Cascade mountains, as late as October 15. — C.
A nuthatch, apparently of this species, I found rather abundant west of the Cascade
mountains, in Washington Territory, but not quite so abundant as the other species. Habits
similiar to those of S. canadensis in the eastern States. — S.
SITTA ACULEATA, C a s s i n .
Slender-bill Nuthatch.
Sitta aculeata, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. VIII, Oct. 1856, 254.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 375.
SP. CH. — Above ashy blue. Top of head and neck black. Under parts and sides of head to a short distance above the eye
white. Under tail coverts and tibial feathers brown ; concealed primaries white. Precisely similar to S- carolinensis, but the
bill slenderer and more attenuated.
Length, 5. 75 to 6 inches ; extent, 9. 80 to 10. 50 ; wing, about 3|.
Hah. — Pacific coast, and east towards the Rocky mountains
The slender-billed nuthatch is common in similiar places with the preceding, and has the
same habits. — C.
This bird is quite abundant at Puget Sound. It prefers searching for insects on deciduous
trees rather than on the conifera. — S.
SITTA PYGMAEA, Vigors.
California Nuthatch.
Sitta pygmaea, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, 25 ; pi. iv. — AUDUBON, Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 68 ; pi. 415. — IB.
Syn. 1839, 168.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 184; pi. 250.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. Or. Route ; P. R.
R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 79.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 378.
SP. Cn. — Above ashy blue ; head and upper part of neck greenish ashy brown, its lower border passing a little below the
eye, where it is darker ; nape with an obscure whitish spot. Chin and throat whitish ; rest of the lower parts brownish whits ;
the sides and behind like the back, but paler. Middle tail feather like the back ; its basal half with a long white spot ; its
outer web edged with black at the base. Length about 4 inches ; wing, 2. 40.
Hah. — Pacific coast and towards Rocky mountains.
I met with the California nuthatch only in the open pine forests at Fort Colville, near the
49th degree, associated in small flocks, on the 20th October, when there were heavy frosts at
night. They were actively hunting among the high branches, making a chirping noise like
young chickens, and following each other from tree to tree. In habits they much resemble the
Pants minimus.
This bird, like many other California species, probably migrates only along the east side of
the mountains, shunning the damp spruce forests near the coast. — C.
25 Q
194 ZOOLOGY.
Family PAHIDAE .—The Titmice .
PARUS OCCIDENTALIS, Baird.
Western Titmouse.
Farm occidentals, BAIRD, Gen. Eep. p. 391.
SP. CH. — Tarsi lengthened. Tail graduated ; outer feather about .25 of an inch shorter than the middle.
Above dark brownish ash ; head and neck above and below black, separated on the sides by white ; beneath light dirty,
rusty yellowish brown, scarcely whiter along the middle of body. Tail and wings not quite so much edged with whitish as
in P. atricapillus.
^Length, 4. 75 to 5. 12 ; extent, 7. 60 ; wing, 2. 40 ; tail, 2. 40. Iris brown, bill black, feet gray.
Hob. — North Pacific coast of United States.
The common black-capped chickadee, so abundant in the eastern States, is in this Territory
represented by the western titmouse, frequenting the low thickets and trees, where it is always
busily employed seeking food. I observed its nests near Puget Sound, burrowed in soft rotten
wood. — C.
Quite abundant in the valley of the Willamette, also at Fort Vancouver during winter. In
habits it resembles closely the black-capped chickadee of the Atlantic States. — S.
PARUS MONTANUS, G a m b e 1 .
Mountain Tit.
Farm montanus, GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. 1, April, 1843, 259, (Santa Fe.)— CASSIN, Illust. 1, 1853, 18.— BAIRD, Gen.
Rep. Birds, p. 394.
SP. CH. — Head and neck above, with under part of head and throat, glossy black ; forehead, line above the eye and one
below it, involving the auriculars, white These stripes embracing between them a black line through the eye and confluent
with the black of the head. Above ashy ; beneath similar, but paler ; the upper part of breast and middle line of belly
white.
Length about 5 inches ; wing, 2. 60 ; tail, 2. 40.
Hob. — Pacific coast of United States, probably to the Rocky mountains ; Fort Dalles, Oregon.
I obtained one of these birds at Fort Dalles, in February, 1854. It must be very rare in
that vicinity, as I never succeeded in getting another. — S.
PARUS RUFESCENS, Towns.
Chestnut-backed Tit.
Parus rufescens, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. Phil. VII, II, 1837, 190. — AUDUBON, Orn. Biog IV, 1838, 371 ; pi. 353.—
IB. Birds, Am. II, 1841, 158 ; pi. 129. — CASSIN, Illust. 1853, 18.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 394.
Poecila rufescens, BON. Consp. 1850, 230.
SP. CH —Whole head and neck above, and throat from bill to upper part of breast, sooty blackish brown. Sides of head
and neck, upper part of breast, and middle of body, white ; back and sides dark brownish chestnut. Length, 4. 75 to 5
inches ; extent, 6. 50 to 7. 75 ; wing, 2. 36 ; tail, 2. 1C.
Hob. — Pacific coast of United States.
The rufous chickadee is the most abundant species in the forests of this Territory. It
appears to prefer the dense evergreens, where large parties of them may be found at all seasons,
busily seeking food among the leaves and branches, ascending even to the highest summits.
They are generally in company with the ruby-crowned wren, and sometimes with the other
species of titmice. In April they burrow out a hole in the side of a soft rotten trunk, a few
feet from the ground. The eggs I have never seen. During the spring they are generally
seen in pairs, but as soon as the broods can fly, about June, they appear in small families.
ZOOLOGY. 195
They, at all seasons, sing their faint, lisping notes, repeated thrice, like those of the Blackcap.
I noticed a single pair of this species in California in November, 1855. In the evergreen
forests these birds are doubtless abundant. — C.
Abundant at Fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory, where it is a constant summer resident.
They are an unwary, unsuspicious bird, allowing near approach, especially while busily engaged
in feeding. Their habits in feeding resemble those of the other species of this genus, clinging
head down to limbs, and searching every crack or cranny in the bark for their insect food. — S.
PSALTRIPARUS MINIMUS, Bo nap.
Least Tit.
Parus minimus, TOWNSEND, Jour. A. N. Sc. Phila. VII, II, 1837, 190. — AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 382 ; pi. 353, fig.
5, 6.— IB. Birds Amer. II, 1841, 160 ; pi. 130.
Poecila minima, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 230.
Psatiria minima, CASSIN, Illust. I, 1853, 20.
Psaltriparus minimus, BONAP. Comptes Eendus, XXVIIT, 1854 ; Notes Orn. Delattre, 45 — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds,
p. 397.
SP. CH. — Tail long, feathers graduated. Above rather dark olivaceous cinereous ; top and sides of head smoky brown.
Beneath pale whitish brown, darker on the sides. Length, 4 to 4. 38 ; extent, 5. 75 ; wing, 1. 90 ; tail, 2. 25.
Bab. — Pacific coast of United States.
This diminutive titmouse is quite abundant during summer at Fort Steilacoom. I could
detect scarcely any difference in their habits from those of other species of the genus. They
arrive at Fort Steilacoom towards the middle of April. I have never seen one in Oregon or
Washington Territory during winter, and presume that they migrate to the south every
autumn. P. rufescens and P. occidentalls, on the contrary, can always be found throughout the
winter in greater or less numbers. — S.
The least chickadee, obtained by Townsend on the Columbia river, I have never seen north
of it. I saw it in great abundance in California. — C.
Family AL AUD ID AE .— The Larks.
EREMOPHILA CORNUTA, Boie.
Sky Lark; Shore Lark.
Eastern and Northern variety.
Alauda cornuta, WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 85, (in text.) — BICH. F. Bor. Am. II. — MAXIM. Eeise Nord. Am. I,
1839, 367.
EremophUa cornuta, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 322. — BAIRD, Gen. Eep. Birds, p. 403.
Phileremos cornutus, BONAP. List, 1838.
Otocoris cornutus, of authors.
Alauda alpestris, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 383. — WILSON, Am. Orn. I, 1808, 85 ; pi. v, f. 4. — BON. Obs.
1825, No. 130.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 455.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 570 ; V. 448 ; pi.
200.— IB. Syn. 1839, 97.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 44; pi. 151.— JARDINB, Br. Birds, H,
329, (Am. Sp.)
Western and Southern variety.
Alauda chrysolaema, WAOLER, Isis, 1831, 350. — Bp. Pr. Zool. Soc. 1837, 111.
Alauda minor, GIRAUD, 16 sp. Texas Birds, 1841.
Alauda rufa, AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1843, 353 ; pi. 497.
Olocoris occidentalis, M'CALL, Pr. A. N. S. Phil. V, June, 1851, 218, Santa Fe.— BAIRD, Stansbury's Eeport, 1852, 318.
196 ZOOLOGY.
gp. CH. — Above pinkish br.iwn, the feathers of the back streaked with dusky. A broad band across the crown, extending
backwards along the lateral tufts ; a crcicentic patch from the bill below the eye and along the side of the head ; a jugular
crescent, and the tail feathers, black ; the innermost of the latter like the back. A frontal band extending backwards over
the eye, and under parts, with outer edge of wings and tail white. Chin and throat yellow.
Length of Pennsylvania specimens, 7.75 ; wing, 4.50 ; tail, 3.25 ; bill above, .52.
Var. chrysolaema, smaller and lighter colored. Length, 6.50 to 7.25; extent, 11.50 to 12.25; iris brown; bill black,
bluish below ; feet black.
Hab. — Everywhere on the prairies and desert plains of North America. Atlantic States in winter.
The shore or " horned7' lark is abundant on the prairies of the interior, but I have only seen
one on the coast border. They seem to be permanent residents in ordinary seasons, and are
more gregarious and common in winter. I once met with one on a gravelly plain near Olympia,
scratching out a hollow under a tussock of grass for its nest, as late as the 1st of July. — C.
A very abundant summer resident on the gravelly prairies near Fort Steilacoom. It is a
tame, unsuspicious bird, allowing man's approach to within a few feet of it. It is essentially
a ground bird, rarely alighting on bushes or shrubs. — S.
Family EKIN GILLID AE .— The Finches.
Sub-Family COCCOTHRAUSTINAE.— Wood Finches.
HESPERIPHONA YESPERTINA, Bo nap.
Evening Grosbeak.
Fringilla Vespertina, COOPER, Annals New York Lyceum, N. H. I, n, 1825, 220. (Sault Ste. Maria.) — AUD. Orn.
Biog. IV, 1838, 515 ; V, 235 ; pi. 373, 424.
Fringilla (Coccolhraustes) vespertina, BON. Syn. 1828, 113.— IB Zool. Jour. IV, 1828, 2.— IB. Am. Orn. II ; pi. xv.
Coccothrausies vespertina, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 269.— AUD. Syn. 134.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 217 ; pi. 207.
Hesperiphona vespertina, BON. Comptes Rendus, XXXI, Sept. 1850, 424. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 505. — BAIRD, Gen.
Rep. Birds, p. 409.
Coccotkraustes bonapartii, LESSON, Illust. de Zool. 1834 ; pi. xxxiv.
SP. CH. — Bill yellowish green, dusky at the base. Anterior half of the body dark yellowish olive, shading into yellow to
+he rump above, and the under tail coverts below. Outer scapulars, a broad frontal band continued on each side over the
eye, axillaries, and middle of under wing coverts, yellow. Feathers along the extreme base of the bill, the crown, tibiae,
wings, upper tail coverts, and tail, black ; inner greater wing coverts and tertiaries white. Length, 7. 50 ; extent, 13 ;
wing, 4. 30 ; tail, 2. 75. Iris brown, legs pale brown. Female a little smaller.
Ildb. — Pacific coast Rocky mountains ; northern America east to Lake Superior.
The evening grosbeak is a common resident in the forests, but as it frequents the summits of
the tallest trees its habits are difficult to observe. In January, 1854, during a snow-storm, a
flock descended to some low bushes at Vancouver, and began to eat the seeds. I obtained four
of them. Since then I have only seen this bird flying high, among the poplars chiefly, on the
seeds of which they feed, uttering their loud, shrill call-note. I have heard, in early morning,
a few loud, clear whistled notes, which I supposed to be made by this bird. — C.
CARPODACUS CALIFORNICUS, Baird.
Western Purple Finch.
BAIED, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 413.
Third quill longest ; first shorter than the fourth. Purple of head and rump much darker than in C. purpureus ; the head,
with a broad supra-orbital lateral band, lighter purple. Body crimson, palest on the rump and breast, darkest across the
ZOOLOGY. 197
middle of back and wing coverts, where the feathers have dusky centres. The red extends below continuously to the lower
part of the breast, and in spots to the tibiae. The belly and under tail coverts white, streaked faintly with brown, except
in the very middle. Edges of wings and tail feathers brownish red ; lesser coverts like the back. Two reddish bands across
the wings, (over the ends of the middle and greater coverts.) Lores dull grayish.
Female olivaceous brown ; brighter on the rump. Beneath white. All the feathers everywhere streaked with brown,
except on the middle of the belly and under coverts a superciliary light stripe. Length, 6.25 ; extent 9.50 to 10 ; wing,
3.50. Iris brown, bill horn color, feet blackish brown.
Hab. — Pacific coast of United States.
The western purple finch is abundant, especially along the banks of rivers in the interior. A
few remain all the year in the Territory, but the majority of them probably migrate south. I
observed the first arrival of a large flock at the Straits of De Fuca in April, when they fed on
the still unripe seeds of a species of cress. I found everywhere a larger proportion of brown
birds than purple. I found no nests, but saw newly-fledged young in June, which Avere of
the brownish color. The song of this species is very fine; loud and varied, resembling that of
several other singing birds so much that it might be supposed they were imitated. — C.
Very common at Fort Steilacoom during the summer. — S.
CHRYSOMITRIS TRISTIS, Bon.
Yellow Bird ; Thistle Bird.
Pringilla tristis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 320.— GM. I, 907.— WILS. Am. Orn. I, 1808, 20 ; pi. i, f. 2.— AUD. Orn.
Biog. I, 1831, 172 : V, 510 ; pi. 33.
Cardudis tristis, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 96.— ACD. Syn. 1839, 116.— IB. Birds Arner. II. 1841, 129 ; pi. 181.
Chrysomitns tristis, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 517. — NKWBERRT, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route ; Rep. P. R.
R. Surv. VII, iv, 1857, 87.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 421.
Cardudis americana, (EDWARDS,) Sw. & RICH. F. B. A. II, 1831, 268.
SP. CH. — Bright gamboge yellow ; crown, wing, and tail black. Lesser wing coverts, band across the end of greater ones,
ends of secondaries and tertiaries, inner margins of toil feathers, upper and under tail coverts and tibia, white. Length, 5
inches ; extent, 8.75 ; wing, 3. Iris brown, bill black, legs pale flesh color.
Hab. — North America generally.
The common yellow bird of the eastern States is abundant on the Columbia and along the
sea-coast near its mouth, but I have never seen them about Puget Sound. — C.
I have looked very carefully for this species about Steilacoom, Puget Sound, in the most
appropriate situations, such as large thistle patches, &c., but in vain. It may exist there, but
I doubt it.— S.
CHRYSOMITRIS PINUS, Bo nap.
Pine Finch.
FringiUa pinus, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 133 ; pi. xvii, f. 1.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 455 : V, 509 ; pi. 180.
Fringilla (Cardudis) pinus, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, 103.
Linaria pinus, AUD Synopsis, 1839, 115. — IB. Birds Amer. 111,1841,125; pi. 180.
Chryfomilns pinus, BONAP. Consp. 1855, 515. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 425.
SP. CH. — Tail deeply forked. Above brownish olive. Beneath whitish, every feather streaked distinctly with dusky.
Concealed bases of tail feathers and quills, together with their inner edges, sulphur yellow. Outer edges of quills and tail
feathers yellowish green. Two brownish white bands on the wing. Length, 5.50 ; extent, 8.50 ; wing, 3.00 ; tail, 2.20.
Iris brown, bill and feet grayish brown.
Hub. — North America from Atlantic to Pacific.
The pine finch is an abundant and constant resident in the Territory, migrating only to the
coast in winter, when it feeds chiefly on the seeds of alder. In summer they are still somewhat
198 ZOOLOGY.
gregarious, though occupied with their nests and young. The only difference I observed in
summer plumage was a bright hue of the yellow bars on the wings. It closely resembles the
yellow bird in habits and notes, but differs in the choice of its food, preferring the seeds of
trees to the low plants on which the other feeds. — C.
CURVIROSTRA AMERICANA, Wilson.
Red Crossbill.
Curvirostra amricana, WILS. Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 44 ; pi. xxxi, f. 1, 2. — BAIBD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 426.
Loxia ameiicana, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 527. — BON. & SCHLEGEL, Mons. Loxiens, 5, tab. vi. —
NEWBERRY, Zool. California and Oregon Eoute, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 87.
Loxia curvirostra, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, No. 23.— AUD. Biog. II, 1834, 559: V, 511 ; pi. 197.— IB.
Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 186 ; pi. 200.
SP. CH. — Male dull red ; darkest across the hack ; wings and tail dark hlackish brown.
Female dull greenish olive above, each feather with a dusky centre ; rump and crown bright greenish yellow. Beneath
grayish ; tinged, especially on the sides of the body, with greenish yellow. Young entirely brown, paler beneath.
Male about six inches ; extent, 10 50 ; wing, 3.30 ; tail, 2.25. Iris, I ill, and feet, dark brown.
Hab. — North America generally, coming southward in winter. Resident in the mountains of Pennsylvania.
The crossbill is abundant near the coast, where it feeds in winter on the seeds of the black
spruce. In summer it appears to retire to the high mountains to breed, but returns about
September. The color of the males so closely resembles that of the young spruce cones that
it is hard to distinguish them on a tree. There is, as in the last species, always a larger num
ber of brown birds. I have not observed this bird in the forests of the fir, east of the Coast
range. It seems to prefer those cones that are easy to break open. — C.
This bird, in certain seasons, is quite abundant at Puget Sound. This was the case in the
spring of 1854. Since that time I have obtained but one specimen. I noticed in 1854, about
my door at Fort Steilacoom, a pair on the ground near a pool of rain water; they appeared very
tame, and allowed me to approach within a few feet. — S.
AEGIOTHUS LINARIA, C a b a n i s .
Lesser Red Poll.
Fringilla Zinara, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 322.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 538 ; pi. 375.
Acanthis linaria, BP. Conspectus, 1850, 541.
Atgiothus linaria, CABANIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 161. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 428.
Linaria, minor, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 267.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 114.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 122 ; pi. 1T9.
SP. CH. — Above light yellowish, each feather streaked with dark brown. Crown dark crimson. Upper part of the breast
and sides of the body tinged with a lighter tint of the same ; the rump and under tail coverts also similar, but still less livid,
and with dusky streaks. Rest of under parts white, streaked on the side with brown. Loral region and chin dusky ;
cheeks, (brightest over the eye,) and a narrow front, whitish. Wing feathers edged externally, and tail feathers all around
with white. Two yellowish white bands across the wing coverts ; secondaries and teitiaries edged broadly with the same.
Bill yellowish, tinged with brown on the culmen and gonys ; the basal bristles brown, reaching over half the bill. Length,
5.25 ; extent, 9; wing, 3.10 ; tail, 2.70. Iris brown, bill yellow, feet black.
Hab. — Throughout eastern North America, coming south in winter. Washington Territory. — COOPER.
The lesser linnet I never saw but once, when a small flock appeared on the coast in winter.
I obtained one specimen, which was unluckily destroyed afterwards. It seemed to have much
the same habits as the pine finch, and fed on alder and thistle seeds. — C.
Parallel
U.3.E R.R. Exp. & Surveys_32ndPaTallel
Birds _Flaie. XX VIII.
ZOOLOGY. 199
Sub-Family SPIZELLINAE.— T h e Field Sparrows.
PASSERCULUS SANDWICHENSIS, Baird.
Large Savannah Sparrow.
Emberiza sandmchensis, GM. I, 1768, 875.
Emberiza arctica, LATHAM, Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 414.
Fringilla arctica, VIGORS, Zool. of Blossom, 1839, 20, (perhaps one of the smaller species ) — " BRANDT. Icon. Ross. 2, 6."
Euspiza arctica, BP. Conspectus, 1854, 60.
Emberiza chrysops, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-As. II, 1811, 45; tab. xlviii; fig. 1, (Unalaschka.)
Passerculus sandwkhensis, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 444.
SP. CH — Feathers of the upper parts generally with a central streak of blackish brown; the streaks of the back with a
slight rufous suffusion laterally ; the feathers edged with gray, which is lightest on the scapulars. Crown with a broad median
stripe of yellowish gray. A superciliary streak from the bill to the back of the head, eyelids, and edge of the elbow, yellow. A
yellowish white maxillary stripe curving behind the ear coverts, and margined above and below by brown. The lower margin
is a series of thickly crowded spots on the side of the throat, which are also found on the sides of the neck, across the upper
part of the breast, and on the sides of the body. A few spots on th« throat and chin. Rest of under parts white. Outer tail
feathers and primary e^ged with white. Almost exactly like P. savanna, but half an inch larger, with much larger bill. Length,
6. 1*2 inches; extent, 9. 38; wing, 3. 00 ; tail, 2. 55. Iris brown, upper mandible dusky ; lower, pale.
Hob. — Northwestern coast from the Columbia river to Russian America.
This sparrow seems to be only a passenger through the Territory, migrating northward in
the end of April in pairs, and not returning until the end of September, when in flocks they
frequent the shores and prairies along the sea-coast. Their plumage seems to be the same at
all seasons, and I have never heard them utter any note but a chirp. — C.
Rather abundant as a spring visitor at Fort Steilacoom.
No. 308. April 17, 1856. Fort Steilacoom. Yellow band over the eyes distinct. Middle
line on top of head well marked. Iris dark brown. Upper mandible dusky, lower pale.
Measured 6$, 9|.— S.
PASSERCULUS ALAUDINUS, Bonap.
Gray Savamiali Sparrow.
Passerculus alaudinus, BP. Comptes Rendus, XXXVII, Dec. 1853, 918, California. — IB. Notes Ornithologiques
Delattre, 1854, 18. (Reprint of preceding ) — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 446.
SP.CH. — Similar to P. savanna, but smaller ; the bill rather slenderer and elongated. Little of yellow in the superciliary
stripe, (most distinct anteriorly;) the rest.of the head without any tinge of the same. General color much paler and grayer
than in P. savanna. Breast with only a few spots. Length, 5. 25 to 5. 50 ; extent, 8. 50 ; wing, 2. 75; tail, 2. 30.
Ilab. — Coast of California and Lower Rio Grande of Texas and Mexico.
This meadow sparrow, so closely resembling the preceding in general appearance, frequents
the same low meadows and prairies along the coast. I have never seen it in the interior.
They arrived at the Straits of De Fuca in March and remained until late in October. They are
always among the grass, and rarely leave it except to sing their faint and lisping trill from a
low weed or bush. When fresh the iris is brown, the bill and feet brownish flesh-color. — C.
NOTE. — A finch strongly resembling the Passerculus alaudinus, Bonap., was obtained by me
at Fort Steilacoom, July 18, 1856. It measured in length 5.75 inches; extent, 8.75. Bill
purplish dusky; legs and feet flesh-colored and rather stout. It did not agree with any descrip-
200 ZOOLOGY.
tion to which I had access, and as the bird was lost before reaching Washington city its precise
position is undetermined. I find, however, on examining the birds in the Smithsonian collec
tion, that it more nearly resembled the above-named species than any other. Its description,
as written in my note-book, is as follows: "A faint buff-yellow median line from the base of
bill to occiput. Head, throat, neck, back, and fore part of breast, yellow buff; paler beneath,
and with a faint tinge of ferruginous above; coarsely streaked on the top of head, finely on neck,
throat, and breast, widely on the back, with central lines and spots of dusky. Two bars of
yellowish white on the wings, formed by the tips of the coverts. First primary edged with
whitish, secondaries edged with chestnut. Tail feathers pointed and dusky, their margins
faintly ferruginous. Breast posteriorly, belly, and lower tail coverts, white, tinged with yel
lowish."— S.
POOC^ETES GRAMINEUS, Baird.
Grass Finch; Bay-winged Bunting.
Fringilla graminea, GM., Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 922.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 473: V, 502; pi. 90.
Emberiza graminea, WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 51; pi. xxxi, f. 5. — AUD. Syn. 1839, 102. — IB. Birds Amer. Ill,
1841,65; pi. 159.
Fringilla (Zonotrichia) graminea, SWAINSON, F. B. Am. II, 1831, 254.
Zonolnchia graminea, BON. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 478.
Pooccetes gramineus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 447.
SP. CH. — Tail feathers rather acute. Above light yellowish brown; the feathers everywhere streaked abruptly with dark
brown, even on the sides of the neck, which are paler. Beneath yellowish white ; on the breast and sides of neck and body
streaked with brown. A faint light superciliary and maxillary stripe; the latter margined above and below with dark brown;
the upper stripe continued around the ear coverts, which are darker than the brown color elsewhere. Wings, with the shoulder,
light chestnut brown, and with two dull whitish bands along the ends of the coverts ; the outer edge of the secondaries also is
white. Outer tail feather and edge and tip of the second white. Length about 6. 12 to 6. 75 ; extent, 9. 50 ; wing, 3. 10. Iris,
bill, and feet brown.
Hab. — United States from Atlantic to the Pacific ; or else one species to the high central plains, and another from this to
the Pacific.
The bay-winged sparrow is common in summer on the prairies of the interior, arriving in
April at Puget Sound, together with other species. — C.
Rather abundant on the Nisqually plains, Puget Sound. — S.
CHONDESTES GRAMMACA, Bonap.
Lark Finch.
Fringilla grammaca, SAY, in Long's Exped. R. Mts. I, 1823, 139.— BON. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 47 ; pi. v, f. 3 AUD. Orn.
Biog. V, 1839, 17 ; pi. 390.
Chondestes grammaca, BON. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 479.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 456.
Emberiza grammaca, AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 101. — IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 63; pi. 158.
Chondestes strigatm, SWAINSOX, Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 435.
SP. CH. — Hood chestnut, tinged with black towards the forehead, and with a median stripe and superciliary stripe of dirty
whitish. Rest of upper parts pale grayish brown, the interscapular region streaked with dark brown. Beneath white, a round
spot on the upper part of the breast. A maxillary stripe and a short line from the bill to the eye, continued faintly behind it,
black. A white crescent under the eye, bordered below by black and behind by chestnut. Tail feathers dark brown, tipped
broadly with white. Length, 6 to 7. 12 inches; extent, 9. 75 to 11. 25; wing, 2. 75 to 3. 75.
Hab. — From Wisconsin and the prairies of Illinois (also in Michigan ?) to the Pacific coast; south to Texas and Mexico.
ZOOLOGY. 201
One specimen of the lark finch was obtained by me at Fort Dalles, 0. T. Not seen by me
west of the Cascade mountains. Townsend gives it as an inhabitant of Oregon. The bird
above mentioned is now in the Smithsonian collection, numbered 4393. The measurements of
this (a female) were somewhat above the average. Length, 6.75 ; extent, 10.87 ; wing, 3.50.
Bill pale bluish, tip dusky. Irides brown. — S.
ZONOTRICHIA GAMBELII, Gambol.
Western White-crowned. Sparrow.
Fringillagambelii, NUTT. Man. (I,2d.ed.) 1840, 556.— GAMBEL, Pr. A. N. Sc. Phila. I, 1843,262. (California.)
Zonotrichiagambelii, GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. 2d series, I, Dec. 1847, 50. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 460.
Zonotrichia leucophrys, NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route ; Rep. P. R. R. VII, iv, 1857, 87.
Sp. CH. — Head above and a narrow line through and behind the eye to the occiput black ; a longitudinal patch in the middle
of the crown, and a short line from above the anterior corner of the eye, the two confluent on the occiput, white. Sides of the
head, fore part of breast, and lower neck all round, pale ash, lightest beneath and shading insensibly into the whitish ofthe belly
and chin; sides of belly and under tail coverts tinged with yellowish brown. Interscapular region streaked broadly with
dark chestnut brownish. Edges ofthe tertiaries brownish chestnut. Two white bands 0:1 the wing. The lores are gray
throughout, this color continuous with a white superciliary stripe along the side ofthe head.
Female similar, but smaller ; immature male with the black of the head replaced by dark chestnut brown, the white tinged
with brownish yellow. Length, 6.50 to 7.25 ; extent, 9.38 to 10.75. Iris brown ; bill yellow, tipped with brown ; feet pale
3'ellowish brown.
The western white-crowned sparrow is very abundant in all the prairie districts, especially
where there are low bushes, and, unlike most of the sparrows, frequents the coast prairies, where
I have found its nest and eggs. They arrived at the Straits of De Fuca about the end of March
in large numbers. In October they retire southward, and I found them with the preceding and
other species very common in fall in California. — C.
This bird is very abundant both at Fort Dalles and atPuget Sound, and is a constant summer
resident at both places. It is a very fat species at all seasons, so much so that skinning is
difficult to perform neatly.
It makes its nest in low bushes and among the stalks of lupins and other shrub-like weeds,
generally preferring dry situations on prairies in places where a short flight will enable it to
take shelter in thickets. A specimen (No. 158) obtained by me at Fort Dalles, I find described
in my note book as having " the bill reddish yellow, its tip dusky ; legs dingy reddish yellow ;
the feet ofthe same color, only more dusky." — S.
ZONOTRICHIA CORONATA, Baird.
Golden-crowned Sparrow.
Emberiza coronata, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso- Asiat. II, 1811, 44 ; plate.
Emberiza atricapilla, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 47; pi. 394 ; (not ofGmelin.)
Frivgilla atricapilla, AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 122. — IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 162 ; pi. 193.
Fringilla aurocapilla, NUTTALL, Man. I, (2d ed.> 1840, 555.
Zonotrichia aurocapilla, BON. Consp. 1850, 478.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route; Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 1857, 88.
Emberiza atricapilla, GM. I, 1788, 875, in part only. — LATH. Ind. 415.
Black-crowned Bunting, PENNANT, Arc. Zool. II, 364. — LATH. II, i, 202, 49 ; tab. Iv.
Zonttrichia coronata, BAIRD, Gen. R.ep. Birds, p. 461.
Sr. CH. — Head, from bill to upper part of nape, pure black, the middle longitudinal third occupied by yellow on the anterior
half, and pale ash on the posterior. Sides and under parts of head and neck, with upper part of breast, ash color, passing insensibly
nto whitish on the middle ofthe body ; sides and under tail coverts tinged with brownish. A yellowish spot above the eye,
26 Q
202 ZOOLOGY.
bounded anteriorly by a short black line from the eye to the black of the forehead ; this yellow spot, however, reduced to a few
feathers in spring dress. Interscapular region, with tho feathers, streaked with dark brown, suffused with dark rufous ex
ternally. Two narrow white bands on the wings.
Length, about 7 to 7.50 inches ; extent, 9.75 to 10.12 ; wing, 3.30.
Hab. — Pacific coast from Russian America to southern California ; Black Hills of Rocky Mountains.?
The large and handsome golden-crowned sparrow seems to be only a straggler in the forest
regions west of the Cascade mountains, and, like other California birds, probably migrates more
abundantly to the open plains eastward of them. I saw them but once near Puget Sound on
the 10th of May, when they were probably migrating. Though I looked for them carefully
during two months after that, I could find no more. — C.
This species resembles much, in habit and size, the last. It is also generally very fat — too
fat, frequently, for skinning nicely. Audubon, in his Synopsis, says that the species is rare.
This is not the case either in the vicinity of Fort Dalles or Fort Steilacoom, in both of which
places it is in summer quite abundant.
The measurements of two specimens obtained by me at Fort Steilacoom are much larger than
those given in Audubon' s Synopsis. Another specimen, (No. 90,) killed in May, 1854, at Fort
Steilacoom, measured 10.50 in extent, and weighed exactly one ounce. — S.
JUNCO OREGONUS, Sclater.
Oregon Snow Bird.
Fringilla oregona, TOWNSEND, J. A. N. Sc. VII, 1837, 188.— IB. Narrative, 1839, 345.— AUDUBON, Orn. Biog.
V, 1839,68; pi. 398.
Struthus oregonus, BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850,475. — NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route; Rep. P. R.
R. IV, iv, 1857, 88.
Niphoea oregona, AUDUBON, Synopsis, 1839, 107. — IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 91; pi. 168. — CAB. Mus. Hein.
1851,134.
/unco oregonus, SCLATER, Pr. Zool. Soc. 1857, 7. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 466.
Fringilla hbdsonia, LIGHT Beit. Faun. Cal. in Abh. Akad. Wiss. Berlin, for 1838, 1839, 424. (Not F. hudsonia,
Forster.)
SP. CH. — Head and neck all round sooty black ; this color extending to the upper part of the breast, but not along the sides
under the wings. Interscapular region of the back and exposed surface of the wings dark rufous brown. A lighter tint of
the same on the sides of breast and belly. Rump brownish ash. Outer*two tail feathers white ; the third with only an ob
scure streak of white. Length, about 6 inches ; extent, 9 ; wing, 3.00. Iris brown ; bill pale pink in winter ; legs light brown.
Hab. — Pacific coast of the United States to the eastern side of the Rocky mountains. Stragglers as far east as Fort Leaven-
worth in winter and Great Bend of Missouri.
The Oregon snow bird is a common species throughout the Territory, especially in winter,
when it comes about houses and farms, with exactly the same habits as the common Atlantic
species. In summer I have only seen it about Puget Sound, where it builds. I never could
discover its nest, which is built in the forest, and on the ground, according to Nuttall. I
noticed fledged young as early as May 24. At this season they are not gregarious, and frequent
principally the edges of woods, having much the habits of the sparrows. — C.
Extremely abundant throughout Washington and Oregon Territories, where it takes the same
position as the J. Ityemalis does in the eastern States. An individual obtained by me at Fort
Steilacoom weighed exactly three drachms. — S.
ZOOLOGY. 203
SPIZELLA MONTICOLA, Baird.
Tree Sparrow.
Fringilla monticola, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 912.
Zonotrichia monticola, GRAY, Genera.
Spizella mondcola, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 472.
Fringella canadensis, LATH. Index, I, 1790, 434.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 511: V, 504 ; pi. 188.
Emberiza canadensis, Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 252.— AUD. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 83 ; pi. 166.
Spizella canadensis, BON. List. 1638.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 480.
Fringella arborea, WILS. Am. Orn. II, 1810, 12; pi. xii, f. 3.
" Mountain Finch, LATH. Syn. II, i, 265."
SP. CH. — Middle of back, with the feathers, dark brown centrally, then rufous, and edged with pale fulvous, (sometimes
with whitish.) Hood and upper part of nape continuous chestnut ; a line of the same from behind the eye. Sides of head
and neck ashy. A broad light superciliary band. Beneath whitish, with a small circular blotch of brownish in the middle
of the upper part of the breast. Edges of tail feathers, primary quills, and two bands across the tips of the secondaries,
white. Tertiaries nearly black ; edged externally with rufous, turning to white near the tips. Lower jaw yellow ; upper
black. Length, 6.25 inches ; wing, 3.
Hob. — Eastern North America to the Missouri ; also on Pole creek and Little Colorado river, New Mexico.
Mentioned by Townsend as an inhabitant of Oregon. I shot a bird in January, 1855, at
Fort Dalles, which, upon comparing with the description of E. canadensis, in Audubon's
Synopsis, appeared to belong to that species. The skin was unfortunately lost. — S.
I saw once, in winter, some sparrows which I supposed to be the tree sparrow, but obtained
no specimens. This was on the coast, and it is likely that they visit the interior at that season
in great numbers, as it is mentioned by Townsend in his list of Oregon birds. — C.
SPIZELLA SOCIALIS, Bonap.
Chipping Sparrow.
Fringilla socialis, WILSON, Am. Orn. II, 1810, 127 ; pi. xvi, f. 5.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 21 : V, 517 ; pi. 104.
Spizella socialis, BON. List. 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 480. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 473.
Emberiza socialis, AUD. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 80 ; pi. 165.
Spinites socialis, CAB AXIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 133. (Type.)
SP. CH. — Rump, back of neck, and sides of neck and head, ashy. Interscapular region with black streaks, margined with
pale rufous. Crown continuous and uniform chestnut. Forehead black, separated in the middle by white. A white
streak over the eye, and a black one from the base of the bill through and behind the eye. Under parts unspotted whitish,
tinged with ashy, especially across the upper breast. Tail feathers and primaries edged with paler, not white. Two narrow
white bands across the wing coverts. Length, 5.50 ; extent, 8.50; wing, nearly 3.00. Iris, brown : feet, pale brown ; bill,
black.
Hab. — North America, from Atlantic to Pacific.
The chipping sparrow frequents similar situations as in the east, and about houses shows the
same familiar confidence as in the Atlantic States. — C.
This bird is common throughout.the two Territories. I have obtained and preserved many
skins. No appreciable difference in the habits of western individuals from those of the
Atlantic coast. Extremely abundant in the open districts on the Columbia river, as well as
upon the gravelly prairies of the Puget Sound district. — S.
204 ZOOLOGY.
MELOSPIZA RUFINA, Baird.
Western Song Sparrow.
" Emberiza rufina, BRANDT, Desc. Av. Rossic. 1836, tab. ii, 5, Sitka." BONAPARTE.
Passerella rvfina, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 477.
Fringilla cinerea, (GM.) ADD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839,22; pi. 390.— IB. Syn. 1839, 119.— IB. Birds America, III,
1841, 145; pi. 187.
?? Fringilla cinerea, GMELIN, I, 1788, 932.
FringUla (Passerella) guttata, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 581.
Zonotrichia guttata, GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. I, Dec. 1847, 50.
Melospiza rufina, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 480.
Sp. CH. — Bill slender. Similar in general appearance to Jlf. melodia, but darker and much more rufous, the colors more
blended. General appearance above light rufous brown, the interscapular region streaked very obsoletely with dark brownish
rufous, the feathers of the crown similar, with still darker obsolete central streaks. A superciliary and very obscure median
crown stripe, ashy. Under parts brownish whitish ; the breast and sides of throat and body broadly streaked with dark
brownish rufous ; darker in the centre. A light maxillary stripe. Sides of the body tinged strongly with the colors of the
rump, and leaving only a narrow space of the belly white. Under coverts brown. Length, 6.75 ; extent, 8.75 : wing, 2.70 ;
tail, 3.00. Bill, dusky ; iris and feet, brown.
The western song sparrow is another instance of the closely analogous species found on this
side of the continent, which, though constantly distinct in essential characters, are evidently
made to fill the same place here as their relatives do on the Atlantic side. This species is a
constant resident in the wild western portions of the Territory, never ranging far from the
thicket which contains its nest, or the house where it has found food and protection. Almost
every winter morning, as well as during summer, its cheerful song is heard from the garden or
fence, as if to repay those who have shown it kindness, or have even unconsciously protected
it by their presence from rapacious animals. When unmolested it becomes very familiar, and
the old birds will bring their young to the door to feed as soon as they leave the nest. Its
song so nearly resembles that of the eastern bird in melody and variety that I cannot tell which
is superior or point out the differences. In wild districts it is always to be found near brook-
sides and thickets, where it seems to consider itself the proprietor, and jealously drives off
other birds, either of the same or other species. Its nest is built on the ground or in a low
bush. I have seen fledged young as early as May 6, at Olympia, although the rainy season was
then scarcely finished. — C.
This is quite a common bird in the vicinity of Puget Sound, where it is resident throughout
the year. I have found them in very different situations ; in thickets at the edges of prairies,
among stranded drift logs on open salt marshes, as well as in swamps and in the dense forests
of Douglas fir, peculiar to the northwest coast. The voice of this species during the breeding-
season is singularly sweet and melodious, surpassing, I think, that of the meadow lark in
melody and tone, but unequal to it in force. — S.
Sub-Family PASSER ELLINAE.— F o x Sparrows.
PASSERELLA TOWNSENDII, Nut tall.
Toivnscnd'g Fox Sparrow.
Fringilla toicnsendii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 236; pi. 424, f. 7.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841
43; pi. 187.
Fringilla (Passp.rella) townsendii, NUTT. Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 533.
ZOOLOGY. 205
Passerella townsendii, Bov. Conspectus, 1850, 477. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 489.
Fringilla meruloides, VIG. Zool. Blossom, (Monterey,) 1839, 19.
Emberlza unalaschensls, GM. I, 875, probably has some relation to the present species. It is based on the Unalascha Bunting
of Pennant, Arctic Zool. II, 364.
SP. CH. — Above very dark olive brown, with a tinge of rufous the color continuous and uniform throughout, without any
trace of blotches or spots; the upper tail coverts and outer edges of the wing and tail feathers rather lighter and brighter. The
under parts white, but thickly covered with approximating triangular blotches like the back, sparsest on the middle of the
body and on the throat; the spots on the belly smaller. Side almost continuously like the back; tibiae and under small coverts
similar, the latter edged with paler. Claws all very large and long; the hinder longer than its toe. First and sixth quills
about equal.
Length, 7J inches; extent, 9 to 11 inches. Iris brown; bill black, with lower mandible yellow; feet brown.
Townsend's sparrow seems to be the western analogue of the fox-colored species which visit
the northern States in winter. It is only a winter resident in this Territory, where, in com
pany with the song sparrow and other species, it frequents the thickets, keeping principally on
the ground, and scratching among the leaves. It is most common in the interior; but in very
cold weather seeks the coast, together with the snow birds and "che winks." I observed a
few lingering about the Straits of De Fuca until April; after which I saw no more of them
until their return southward in October. I never heard them sing during their winter resi
dence. — C.
Rather abundant near Fort Steilacoom, although not as common as the song sparrow, which
it much resembles in habits and general appearance. — S.
Sub-Family SPIZINAE. — Painted Sparrows.
CYANOSPIZA AMOENA, Baird.
Lazuli Fiiit-li.
Emberiza amoena, SAY, Long's Exped. II, 1823, 47.
Fringilla (Spiza) amoena, BOVAP. Am. Orn. I, 1825, 61 ; pi. vi, f, 5.
Fringilla amoena, AOD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 64, 230; pis. 398 and 424.
Spiza amoena, BONAP. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 109.— IB. Birds Am. ill, 1841, 100; pi. 171.
SP. CH. — Male — Upper parts generally, with the head and neck all round, greenith blue; the interscapular region darker.
Upper part of breast pale brownish chestnut, separated from the blue of the throat by a faint white crescent; rest of under
parts white. A white patch on the middle wing coverts, and an obscurely indicated white band across the ends of the
greater coverts. Loral region black. Length, about 5.50; wing, 3.90; tail, 2.60.
Female. — Brown above; whitish beneath, with a trace of a buff pectoral band.
Hab. — High central plains to the Pacific.
Male. — Length, 5|; extent, 8|. Iris brown; bill black; feet dark brown.
The brilliant little Lazuli finch arrives at Puget Sound about May 15, and is abundant in
open districts of the interior during the summer. Its habits and notes closely resemble those
of the indigo bird, but its song is fainter. It builds a very similar nest, in a low bush, of
fibrous roots and strips of bark, with Avhich it is securely fastened to the surrounding branches.
In this it lays four or five white eggs, faintly tinged with bluish. The plain flax brown female
is rarely seen; but the male is not shy, but, if watched, will retire into the thickets. — C.
Found at the Dalles, Oregon Territory. Not seen by me west of the Cascades. The
specimen I obtained at the Dalles was shot out of a flock of several hundred individuals which
206 ZOOLOGY.
had just arrived from the south in the spring. The fact of the return north of this species in
large flocks is worthy of notice. — S.
GUIRACA MELANOCEPHALA, Sw.
Black-headed Grosbeak.
Guiraca melanocephala, Sw. Syn. Mex. Birds, Philos. Mag. I, 1827, 438.— BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850, 502.—
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 498.
Coccothraustes melanocephala, RICH. List, Pr. Brit. Ass. for 1836, 1837.
Fringilla melanocephala, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 519; pi. 373.
Coccoborus melanocephalus, AUD. Synopsis, 1839, 133. — IB. Birds Amer. Ill, 1841, 214, pi. 206.
SP. CH. — Head above and on the sides, with chin, back, wings, and tail, black. A broad median stripe on the crown, a
stripe behind the eye, a well-marked collar on the hind neck all round, edges of interscapular feathers, rump, and under parts
generally, pale brownish orange, almost light cinnamon. Middle of belly, axillaries, and'under wing coverts, yellow. Belly
just anterior to the anus, under tail coverts, a large blotch at the end of the inner webs of first and second tail feathers, a band
across the middle and greater wing coverts, some spots on the ends of the tertiaries, the basal portions of all the quills, and the
outer three primaries near the tips, white.
The bird is sparingly found in the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom, at which place I obtained
two specimens. The person who killed these informed me that the song of the species is much
like the continued lay of the robin, (T. migratorius, ) but stronger and clearer.
No. 393, male, in immature plumage, killed at Fort Steilacoom, May 19, 1856. Length, 8;
extent, 11.87. Another, No. 450, killed in June, same plumage, but/emafe. Both these speci
mens were unfortunately lost among a batch of 110 birds sent by me from Fort Steilacoom,
Puget Sound, in 1856, which have never since been heard of. — S.
PIP1LO OREGONUS, Bell.
Oregon Ground Robin.
Pipilo oregonus, BELL, Ann.N. Y. Lye. V, 1852, 6. Oregon. — BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XXXVII, Dec. 1853, 922.—
IB. Notes Orn. Delattre, 1854, 22, (same as prec.)
Fringilla arctica, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 49; pi. 394.
Pipilo arctica, AUD Syn. 1839, 123.— IB. Birds Am. Ill, 1841, 164; pi. 194, (not of Swainson).
SP. CH — Upper surface generally, with the head and neck all round to the upper part of the breast, deep black; the rest of
lower parts pure white, except the sides of the body and under tail coverts, which are light chestnut brown; the latter rather
paler. The outer webs of scapulars (usually edged narrowly with black) and of the superincumbent feathers of the back, with
a rounded white spot at the end of the outer webs of the greater and middle coverts; the outer edges of the innermost tertials
white; no white at the base of the primaries. Outer web of the first tail feather black, occasionally white on the extreme edge;
the outer three with a white tip to the inner web. Length, 8.50; extent, 10.50; win, 4.40; tail, 4. Female with the black
replaced by brownish. Iris red; bill black and brown; feet brown Iris of female olive brown.
Hob. — Coast of Oregon and Washington Territory.
The Oregon chewink is another representative species, having so closely the manner and
appearance of the Atlantic species that a common observer might consider it no more than a
local variety. But it differs much in song, having none of the plaintive call from which the
other takes its name, its cry when disturbed being a kind of "mew," from which it has derived
the name of " cat-bird " in the country. Its song in spring, as it sits on a low bush enjoying
the sunshine, is like the final trill of the red-wing, or the lisping, faint notes of the cow-bird.
It is a constant resident in the Territory, but does not frequent the edge of the coast, except
in winter. I also found it abundant about thirty miles south of San Francisco in autumn, and
it is probably common to the whole region west of the Rocky mountains. — C.
ZOOLOGY. 207
Several Towhe buntings have been obtained by me west of the Cascade mountains. In habits
hey almost precisely resemble the species found in the Atlantic States, affecting principally
brushy openings and swamp thickets. A specimen, marked 156, got by me at Fort Dalles, has
on its label "Iris Orange." — S.
Family ICTERID AE .— T h e Trupials.
AGELAIUS PHOENICEUS, Vieillot.
Swamp Blackbird ; Red-wing Blackbird.
Oriolus phoeniceus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 161.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 386.— LATH. Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 428.
rfgelaius phoeniceus, " VIEILLOT, Anal. 1816." — SWAINSON, F. Bor.Am. 11,1831,280. — BONAP. List. 1838. — IB.
Consp. 1850, 430.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 141.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 31 ; pi. 216.— BAIRD,
Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 526.
Icterus phoeniceus, LICHT. Verz. 1828, No. 188.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1824, No. 68.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 348;
V, 1839, 487 ; pi. 67.
Psarocolius phoeniceus, WAGLER, Syst. Nat. 1827, No. 10.
Icterus (Xanthornos) phoeniceiu, BONAP. Syn. 1828, 52. — \UTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 167 ; 2d ed. 179.
Sturnus prcedatorius, WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 30 ; pi. xxx.
Red-winged oriole, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, 255.
Sp. CH. — Tail much rounded ; the lateral feathers about half an inch shorter. Fourth quill longest; first about as long
as the fifth. Bill large, stout ; half as high, or more than half as high as long.
Male. — General color uniform lustrous velvet black, with a gresnish reflection. Shoulders and lesser wing coverts of a
bright crimson or vermilion red. Middle coverts brownish yellow, and usually paler towards the tips.
Female. — Brown above, the feathers edged or streaked with rufous brown and yellowish ; beneath white, streaked with
brown. Fore part of throat, superciliary, and median stripe strongly tinged with brownish yellow. Length of male, 9 to
9.50; extent, 14; wing, 5 ; tail, 4.15. Female smaller. A winter specimen measured only 8.25 — 12.75; probably of a late
brood.
Hab. — United States, from Atlantic to Pacific.
The red-wing blackbird is not so abundant in this Territory as in more open countries, and
s commonly to be found only about cultivated tracts. In the route of the expedition, after
leaving Fort Vancouver, we saw none until reaching the farms at Fort Colville, near the 49th
parallel, none apparently inhabiting the bare and mountainous prairie regions east of the Cascade
mountains. During winter at Vancouver I found this species only, remaining in small flocks
about stables and haystacks. They rarely visit the extensive salt meadows near the mouth of
the Columbia, but are more common about Puget Sound — mostly near settlements, as usual.
.Compared with the immense numbers, of five different species, seen in California, blackbirds
are only stragglers in this Territory. — C.
The swamp blackbird is quite common west of the Cascade mountains, preferring, as in other
situations, the reedy borders of small lakes for its habitat. It arrives from the south in March.
A specimen of A. gubernator is mentioned by Baird in the General Report as having been
collected by Dr. Townsend on the Columbia river. I suspect that it is very rarely found so far
north, having never obtained it in Washington Territory myself, and I have never heard of any
being found there but the specimen above mentioned. It is there replaced by the red wing. — S-
208 ZOOLOGY.
STURNELLA NEGLECTA, And.
"Western Meadow Lark.
Sturnella neglecta, ACD. Birds of Amer. VII, 1843, 339.
RiiRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 537, and others.
Sp. CH. — The feathers above dark brown, margined with brownish white, and with a terminal blotch of pale reddifeh
brown. Exposed portions of wings and tail with transverse dark brown bars, which on the middle tail feathers are not
confluent along the shaft. Beneath yellow, with a black pectoral crescent, the yellow extending on the side of the maxilla ;
sides, crissum, and tibiae, pale reddish brown, streaked with blackish. A light median and superciliary stripe, the latter
yellow anterior to the eye ; a black line behind.
Length, 10 to 10.50; extent, 15 to 17; wing, 5.25; tail, 3.25; bill, 1.25. Iris brown. Several specimens from
Puget Sound scarcely differ from S. magna.
This species is so very closely related to S. magna as to render it very difficult to distinguish them. The same description
as to pattern, colors, size, &c., will apply almost equally well to both. The prevailing shade of color is, however, decidedly
paler in neglecta.
Habitat. — Western America, from high central plains to the Pacific. Very abundant on the Columbia and at Puget Soand.
I found the western meadow lark very abundant in all the prairies of the Territory, where
it resides constantly, merely visiting the warmer coast meadows in very cold weather, but not
remaining there during summer. The only reason I can assign why this and many other birds
shun the sea-coast is the prevalence of strong sea breezes there in summer, and a little greater
amount of rain. It is, however, abundant on the higher and more sheltered prairies of Whidby's
island, at the Straits of De Fuca. I observed the habits and song of the meadow larks closely
and in every locality, but could never see anything to characterize more than one species.
Their song differs in notes, but not in style or tone, in different parts of the continent. A
nest and eggs found at Steilacoom agree exactly with those of the Atlantic States. Is it not
probable that the smaller specimens, supposed to be of another species, are only stunted birds
of late broods, as is the case with the red-wings? I have found specimens of all sizes, from 10
to 11 j inches in length, and 1C to 16| inches extent. The smallest I got in winter, at Van
couver, when but few remained, and those probably of late broods. In my late journey to
Fort Laramie, Nebraska Territory, I observed with much surprise the fact first mentioned by
Audubon, that after getting fairly out on the plains the song of the larks differs very much from
that of the eastern bird, being louder and more varied ; the same tunes prevailing as in Wash
ington Territory and California, and thus corresponding with the range of the western species. — C.
This bird I found common on the east side of the Rocky mountains. It is exceedingly
abundant throughout Oregon and Washington Territories, where a few remain throughout
every winter. Their notes, calls, and songs, as already stated, are identical with those of the
foregoing species, although I think that one call, or note of alarm, common to the S. magna, is
wanting. This is the cry of the latter bird, probably familiar to many, but very difficult to
describe, produced by the male when alarmed during the breeding season, flying from low bush
to low bush, or to other points but slightly elevated from the ground, he endeavors to decoy the
invader to a distance from his nest or young. It is a quick cry of either two or four syllables,
dwelling long upon and accenting the last.
The greater number of individuals of this species retire to the south during the winter, but
return very early in the spring, generally in early March. Pasture lands, open meadows, and
prairies are their favorite resort. In the fall they congregate in flocks before migrating.
In 1855 a few were seen as early as March 5 at Fort Dalles. On the 7th of the same month
ZOOLOGY. 209
I found them quite abundant on the ploughed fields near Fort Vancouver. Some of these had
probably remained throughout the winter. I found them quite abundant at Fort Steilacoom
in February, 1856. At Fort Dalles, on the 2d of May, 1855, I obtained young birds nearly
fledged.— S.
ICTERUS BULLOCKII, Bon.
Bullock's Oriole.
Xanthornus buttocJdi, Sw. Syn. Mex. Birds, Taylor's Phil. Mag. I, 1827,436.
Agelaius bullockii, RICH. Rep. Brit. Assoc. 1837.
Icterus bullccJcii, BON. List, 1838.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 9; pi. 388 and 433. —Is. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 43;
pi. 218.— NEWBERRY, Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 1857, 87.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 549.
SP. CH — Tail very slightly graduated. Upper part of the head and neck, back, wings, two central tail feathers, line from
base of bill through the eye to the back of the nape, and a line from the base of the bill running to a point on the throat,
black. Under parts generally, sides of head and neck, forehead and line over the eye, rest of tail feathers, rump, and upper
tail coverts, yellow orange. A broad band on the wings, involving the greater and middle coverts, and the outer edges of
the quills, white. Young male with the black replaced by greenish yellow, that on the throat persistent ; female without this.
Length, about 7.50 inches ; wing, 3.80; extent, 12; iris brown, bill black above, bluish below, feet gray.
Hub. — High Central Plains to the Pacific ; rare on upper Missouri ; south into Mexico ; more abundant in the sparsely
•wooded districts of the eastern base of the Cascade mountains than in the coast region of Washington Territory.
Bullock's oriole does not arrive at Puget Sound until the beginning of June, and is not very
common there. Its habits are similar to those of the orchard oriole, it being shy and difficult
to discover among the foliage. Its song is more like that of the Baltimore, loud, clear, and
varied. Nuttall appears to have mistaken this song for that of the black-headed grosbeak,
which I never met with in the Territory, and calls this oriole a poor musician. From its
shyness and similar colors such a mistake might easily occur.
A nest, probably of this species, I found in California in November, containing eggs, which
had been deserted. It was entirely formed of white horsehair and cotton twine, and suspended
in a low branch of an oak. — C.
This beautiful bird is exceeding abundant at Fort Dalles, and also along the east base of
Mount Adams, in Washington Territory. In the spring it arrives at Fort Dalles at the same
time as the Muscicapa verticalis. During May they are very abundant among the low oaks of
that place. The song of the male is very pleasant, and is especially melodious early in the
morning, when the bird is generally perched on the sunny side or top of an oak. I saw one or
two individuals of this species on the Nisqually plains, Puget Sound, in the summer of 1854 ;
whereas, in 1856, although I kept a bright lookout for it, I did not see one. This shows that
this bird, like many others, is subject to caprices of migration. I obtained several skins at
Fort Dalles, where, during the breeding season, it is easily obtained.
A specimen (No. 168) of a male of this species, obtained by me at Fort Dalles, May 7, 1855,
exceeded the average measurements given under the head of "specific characters:" length,
8.08; extent, 12.75; wing, 4.— S.
SCOLECOPHAGUS CYANOCEPHALUS.
Brewer's Blackbird.
Psarocolius cyanocephalus, WAGLER, Isis, 1829, 758.
Scolecophagus cyanocephalus, CABAXIS, Mus. Hein. 1851, 193.
Scolecophai/us mexicanus, SWAINSON, Anim. in Mem. 2} cent. 1838, 302. — BON. Conspectus, 1850, 423. — NEWBERRY,
Zool. Cal. and Or. Route ; Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 86.
Quiscalus bretveri, AUD. Birds Amer. VII, 1843, 345; pi. 492.
27 Q
210 ZOOLOGY.
SP. CH. — Bill stout, quiscaline, the commissure scarcely sinuated ; shorter than the head and tha hinl toe ; tho height
nearly half the length above. Wing nearly an inch longer than tail ; the second quill longest ; the first about equal to the
third. Tail rounded and moderately graduated ; the lateral feathers about .35 of an inch shorter. General color of male
black, with lustrous green reflections everywhere except on the head and neck, which are glossed with purplish violet. Fem-ile
much duller, of a light brownish anteriorly ; a very faint superciliary stripe.
Male, 9| inches; extent, 16^ inches. Female, 9J inches; extent, 14| inches; wing, 5.30; tail, 4.40.
Hob. — High Central plains to the Pacific ; south to Mexico ; Pembina, Minn.
In winter I obtained specimens of the western grackle at Vancouver, and have no doubt that
it is a constant resident at the Columbia river. I have never seen them at Puget Sound. In
notes and habits they are scarcely distinguishable from the rusty grackle of the Atlantic States.
In winter they kept about the stables in flocks of fifty or more, and on warm days would fly
about more in the tree tops, where, with the redwing, they sang their harsh but pleasant chorus
for some hours. They are found throughout the Territory and east of the Rocky mountains. — C.
Quite abundant at Fort Dalles ; rare west of the Cascade mountains. The species is a winter
resident at the Dalles, where in flocks it may frequently be found in cold weather in the vicinity
of barnyards and stables. The iris of the male bird is of a Bright yelloiv, that of the female
brown. — S.
Family COttVIDAE.
Sub-Family CORVINAE. Crows.
CORVUS CARNIVORUS, Bar tram.
American Raven.
Corvus carnivorus, BARTRAM, Travels in E. Florida, 1793, 290. — BATED, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 560.
Corvus corax, WILSON, Am. Orn. IX, 1825, 136; pi. Ixxv, f. 3.— BONAP. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 36.— IB. Syn. 1828, 56.—
DOUGHTY, Cab. N. H. I, 1830, 270; pi. xxiv.— RICH. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 290.— NTJTTALL, Man. I,
1832, 202.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 476; pi. 101.— In. Syn. 1839, 150.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842.
73 ; pi. 224.
Corvus cacalotl, NEWBEBRY, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 82.
Corvus luffubris, AGASSIZ, Pr. Bost. Soc. N. H. II, Dec. 1846, 188.
SP, CH — Fourth quill longest ; third and fifth quills about equal ; second between fifth and sixth ; first nearly equal to
the eighth. Length, about 24 to 25 inches ; extent, 50 to 51; wing, about 17; tail, 10. Tail moderately graduated ; the
outer about 1.60 to 1.90 of an inch less than the middle. Entirely glossy back, with violet reflections.
Hob. — Entire continent of North America. Rare east of the Mississippi.
The raven is very common in the mountainous western regions. During summer they are
less abundant, as they are then scattered through the forests and mountains, but in winter they
congregate about settlements and the sea-shore, where they can obtain a better supply of food.
On the barren arid plains east of the Cascade mountains they were very common, during our
journey there, while the common crow was rarely seen. At Vancouver, however, in winter, I
observed them amicably associating together, and along the coast with the more gregarious
fish-crows. Though they did not quarrel, the smaller crows would respectfully retire on the
approach of the raven to its food. But during spring, when they had nests, the fish-crows
would boldly attack and drive them away, being quicker and lighter on the wing than the
raven. The only raven's nest I have seen was on a tree growing on a cliff about 50 feet high,
on the shores of the Straits of De Fnca. It contained young in April. — C.
This bird I first found plentiful when, in going west, we reached the "great bend" of the
upper Missouri. In the Rocky mountains and adjacent country it is very abundant, and
U5.PRR.Exp & Surveys — 38^39*41*Parallels
Birds _ PI ateM
U.S.PR.RExp. 8c Surveys 4-7tKParallel
Birds— Plate XXIIJ.
.S.P.KRExp. & Surveys 47^ Parallel
Birds Hale JT XIV
ZOOLOGY. 211
continues common to the Pacific coast. At Fort Steilacoym, in the summer of 1856, I obtained
several specimens. One, obtained in 1854, at the same place, had a singular (abnormal) horny
growth from the base of the lower mandible. — S.
CORVUS AMERICANUS, Aud.
Common Crow.
Corvus corone, WILSON, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 79; pi. xxv, f. 3.— Bo.v Obs. Wils. 1824, No. 37.— IB. Syn. 1828,56.—
RICH. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 291.— NCTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 209. Not Corvus carone of Linn.
Corvus americanus, ACD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834,317 : V, 477; pi. 156— IB. Syn. 1839, 150.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842,
87; pi. 225.— BON. List, 1838.— IB. Consp. 1850,385.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 221.— MAXIM.
Reise, I, 1839, 140— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 82. BAIRD,
Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 566.
SP. CH. — Fourth quill longest; second shorter than sixth; first shorter than ninth. Glossy black with violet reflections, even
on the belly. Length, 19 to 20 inches; wing, 13 to 13.50; tail about 8. Tarsus longer than the middle toe and claw.
Hob — North America to the Missouri region; also on the coast of California. (Not found on the High Central Plains?)
The common crow is somewhat less abundant than in the cultivated districts of the eastern
States, and is generally to be found near settlements. I observed it in the open, uninhabited
regions east of the Cascade mountains. Near the coast it appears rarely, the fish-crow re
placing it. — C.
This species is occasionally met with in Washington Territory, but it is not abundant, being
replaced by the succeeding species. — S.
CORVUS CAURINUS, Baird.
Northwestern Fish-Crow.
Corvus caurinus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. 1858, p. 569.
SP. CH. — Fourth quill longest; fifth and third about equal; second longer than sixth; first shorter than ninth. Color black,
glossed with purple. Tail nearly even. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw. Length 16 to 16.50 inches; extent 32 to 33;
wing about 11; tail about 7.
Hob. — Washington Territory and northwestern coast.
This fish-crow frequents the coast and inlets of this Territory in large numbers, and is much
more gregarious and familiar than the common crow. Otherwise it much resembles that bird
in habits, being very sagacious, feeding on almost everything animal and vegetable, and having
nearly the same cries, differing rather in tone than character. Its chief dependence for food
being on the sea, it is generally found along the beach, devouring dead fish and other things
brought up by the waves. It is also very fond of oysters, which it breaks by carrying them
upward and dropping again on a rock or other hard material. When the tide is full they resort
to the fields or dwellings near the shore and devour potatoes and other vegetables, offal, &c.
They, like the gulls, perceive the "instant of change of tide, and flocks will then start off
together for a favorite feeding ground. They are very troublesome to the Indians, stealing
their dried fish and other things, while, from superstitious feelings, the Indians never kill them,
but set a child to watch and drive them away. They build in trees near the shore in the same
way as the common crow, and the young are fledged in May. — C.
In Oregon and Washington Territories the fish-crow is very abundant, forming one of the
marked ornithological features of the country. The great abundance of fish, especially of
salmon, throughout both Territories afford an ample supply of food to the species. On Puget
212 ZOOLOGY.
Sound it is very plentiful throughout the year. In winter it subsists principally upon the refuse
food and offal thrown out by the natives from their lodges, and is also an attentive hanger on
at the residences of the white settlers. It is cunning, but very tame and impudent, allowing a
very near approach, and when closely pursued retiring but a short distance. Like some species
of gull, this bird is in the habit of carrying clams high in the air and then dropping them, in
order to break the shell. In watching one thus employed I was very much amused at the
unsuccessful endeavors he made to break the shell of a clam by letting it drop on soft ground.
He continued for a long time carrying and recarrying the same clam high aloft and fruitlessly
dropping it on the prairie sod. He nevertheless persisted perseveringly in his efforts until I
became tired of watching him. What the result was I am unable to state.
A nest of this species which I found at Fort Dalles contained three eggs. It was situated in
a dense willow thicket near a lagoon on the Columbia. The eggs were about one and a half
inch long and very wide in their short diameter, and of a dirty green ground with brown spots.
Prof. Baird, in speaking of the similarity of this species with the Corvus americanus, says
that "it is almost a question whether it be more than a dwarfed race of the other species."
To this I would reply that its habits are too dissimilar to admit the doubt. It is not wary and
suspicious like the common crow, but in its impudent familiarity with man closely resembles
the English jackdaw, and scarcely learns to be shy even after being annoyed with the
gun. — S.
PICICORVUS COLUMBIANUS, Bon.
Clarke's Crow,
Corvus columbianus, WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill, 1811, 29; pi. xx.— BON. Obs. Wilson, 1824, No. 38.— IB. Syn. 1828,57.—
NUTTALL, I, 1832, 218.
Nuti/raga columbiana, ADD. Orn. Biog IV, 1838, 459; pi. 362.— IB. Syn. 1839, 156.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 127,
pi. 235.— BON. List, 1838— NUT IALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 251.
Picicorvus columbiana, BONAP. Consp. 1850, 384. — NEWBERRT, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1837, 83. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep.
Birds, p. 573.
" Corvus megonyx, WAGLER."
SP. CH. — Tail rounded or moderately graduated, the closed wings reaching nearly to its tip. Fourth quill longest; second
considerably shorter than the sixth. General color bluish ash, changing on the nasal feathers, the forehead, sides of head,
(especially around the eye,) and chin, to white. The wings, including their inner surface, greenish black, the secondaries and
tertials, except the innermost, broadly tipped with white; tail white, the inner web of the fifth feather and the whole of the
sixth, with the upper tail coverts, greenish black. The axillars plumbeous black, bill and feet black, iris brown.
Length of male, (fresh,) 12.50 inches; extent, 22 50; wing, 7; tail, 4.30; tarsus, 1.20.
Hub. — From Rocky mountains to Pacific. East to Fort Kearney. Mauvaises Terres of the Upper Missouri.
After crossing the Cascade mountains eastward in 1853, I found the American nutcracker
(or Clarke's crow) quite abundant along the banks of the Yakima river, whence it continued
common northward wherever the long-leaved pine grows, whose seeds were its principal food.
On returning to Vancouver, it appeared during the severe cold winter of January, 1854, in
considerable numbers. I have never seen it at any other season west of the Cascade
mountains, and think its migration westward is only during the coldest weather. It probably
lives during summer very high in the mountains, as the pine and spruce grow nearly to their
snow line. It doubtless extends eastward throughout the Territory, as I have shot it at Fort
Laramie, Nebraska Territory, and a straggling pair even as far east as Fort Kearney. I have
S.P.RJlExp. ft Surveys .38? 39^41? Parallels.
Birds Plate XXV.
ZOOLOGY. 213
never seen this bird feed on anything but seeds and berries, and it rarely descends to the
ground, never frequenting river banks or other places for dead fish and carrion, like crows.
About the tops of the trees it may be seen extracting the seeds from cones; hanging head
downwards like the chickadees. Its cry is loud and harsh like the crows, and its flight rapid
and steady, it having much larger wings than the jay. I have had no opportunity of observing
its nest, which is probably built in high trees; perhaps burrowed in decayed wood, as with the
European species. — C.
I have not myself obtained it on the Pacific Side, but I was fortunate enough to get a speci
men on Milk river, Nebraska, about 200 miles east of the Rocky mountains. The only bird of
the kind I obtained I shot while it was flying past me, and as it was the only bird of the species
I have seen I am unable to give any account of its habits. — S.
Sub-Family GARRULINAE.— T h e Jays.
PICA HUDSONICA, Bo nap.
Magpie.
CorvusPica, FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXXII, 1772, 382.~Wii.s3N, Am. Orn. IV, 1811, 75; pi. xxxv.— BON. Obs.
Wills. 1825, No. 40.— IB. Syn. 1828, 57. NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 219.— AUD. Orn Biog. TV, 1833
408; pi. 357. Not of Linnasus.
Carvus hudsonica, Jos. SABIXE, App. Narr. Franklin's Journey, 1823, 25, 671.
Pica hudsonica, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Conspectus, 1850, 383. MAXIM. Eeise Nord. Amer. I, 1839, 508.— IB.
Cabanis Journ. 1856, 197.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. and Or. Eoute, Rep. P. R. R., VI, iv, 1854,
84.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 576.
Cleptes hudsonicus, GAMBEL, J. A. N. Sc. 2d Ser. I, Dec. 1847, 47.
Pica melanoleuca, " VIEILL." AUD. Syn. 1839, 157.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 99; pi. 227.
SP. CH. — Bill and naked skin behind the eye, black. General color, black. The belly, scapulars, and inner webs of the
primaries, white; hind part of back grayish; exposed portion of the tail feathers glossy green, tinged with purple and violet
near the end; wings glossed with green; the secondaries and tertials with blue; throat feathers spotted with white. Length,
19.00; wing, 8.50; tail, 11.00.
Hub. — The Arctic regions of North America. The United States from the High Central Plains to the Pacific, north of
California.
This magpie is abundant throughout the central region of Oregon and Washington Territories.
On our journey across from the Mississippi I first saw this bird about 100 miles west of Fort
Union, the American Fur Company's trading post, at the mouth of the Yellowstone, although
one of our hunters told me that he saw one several weeks before in the middle of Minnesota.
As we approached the Rocky mountains they became more and more plentiful, until in the
mountains themselves, along the borders of streams, they were continually met with. They
are almost as abundant as far west as the Cascade mountains. The dense mass of forest here
met with affords a pretty effectual barrier to their passage. On Puget Sound, west of these
mountains, I did not observe a single bird of this species until August, 1856, after which time,
during the fall, they became moderately abundant. They appeared to have crossed over from
the east side of the mountains by some of the passes north of Mount Rainier, after the breeding
season had ceased in the central section. I obtained two more specimens from Bellingham bay,
near the 49th parallel north. An Indian from the northwest coast told me that this species is
common at Sitka.
This bird is mischievous and gluttonous, but not so tame or so fond of the society of man as
214 ZOOLOGY.
the European species. They are very much disliked by the frontier traders and mountain men
of interior Oregon on account of their vile propensity to alight on the sore backs of broken-
down and chafed horses or mules, most unceremoniously picking and feeding upon the raw, sore
flesh, notwithstanding the moans, kicks, and rolling of the poor tortured animals. In this
manner many disabled beasts have been most irretrievably injured, and probably a vast number
even killed. It is said that the mountain men and trappers of former times so hated this bird,
on account of its evil propensity for horse flesh, that when one of them possessed but two
bullets he was sure to fire one at a magpie if he had an opportunity. These birds breed
throughout the interior. I obtained a young individual, nearly fledged, about May 6, 1855, at
Fort Dalles.
As with other birds of the genus, carrion affords its principal food. The dead cattle, so
numerous along the great Oregon emigrant trail some years ago, afforded them an abundant
supply of food during half the year. The species is partially migratory. At Fort Dalles I
saw a few magpies staying throughout the winter. The majority of them, however, retire fur
ther south during the cold season.
One of tbe chattering cries of our magpie resembles much a peculiar call uttered by a
Steller' s jay.
I have never observed the yellow-billed magpie in Oregon.
When in the Rocky mountains I frequently noticed these birds assembling on the trees around
us, just before we were to leave our camp. Instinct, or, perhaps, experience, had taught them
that on our departure they would have "full swing" at the rinds of bacon and other culinary
refuse of the deserted camp. — S.
I first met with the magpie east of the Cascade mountains, near the Yakima, and from there,
in our journey northward to the 49th degree, it was common, as well as in all the open
unwooded regions, until we again passed the mountains on our return westward. I saw nothing
of it at Vancouver during the winter, which was severe enough to cause a migration of several
other species of birds towards the coast. In the spring of 1855 I heard that magpies had been
on Whitby's island during the winter, but none remained in March. I suppose, therefore, that
a few migrate to the westward in winter. I have heard of magpies frequenting the Columbia
river at Astoria, and near the mouth of the Willamette, in summer. I have never seen these,
but think they may be stragglers of the California species, which have followed the plains o '
the Willamette to its outlet. Both species inhabit open regions, and the dense forests of the
lower Columbia must be very ill suited for their resorts. I have never found the magpies on
the upper Columbia as familiar as they have been represented to be in winter. In summer they
seemed rather shy, frequenting the thickets along streams and being commonly silent. — C.
CYANURA STELLERI, Swain son.
Steller 's Jay.
Corvus itdleri, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 378. — LATH. Ind. Orn. I, 1790, 158.— PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-As. I, 1811,
393.— BONAP. Zoo]. Jour. Ill, 1827, 49.— IB. Suppl. Syn. 1828, 433.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV»
1838, 453; pi. 362.
Garnilus sUlleri, VIEILLOT, Diet. XII, 1817,481.— BONAP. Am. Orn. II, 1828, 44; pi. xiii. — NUTTALL, Man. 1, 1832,
299.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 154.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 107; pi. 230. Not of Swainson, F.
Bor. Amer. ?
ZOOLOGY. 215
Gyanurus stellcri, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 495, App.
Cyanoc&rax stdleri, BON. List, 1838.
Cyanocitta stelleri, CAB. Mus. Hein. 1851, 221.— NEWBERRY, P. R. R. Rep. VI, iv, 1857, 85.
Cyanogarrulus stelleri, BONAP. Conspectus, 1850, 377.
Steller's crow, PENNANT, Arctic Zool. II, Sp. 139.— LATH. Syn. I, 387.
Cyanura steUeri, Sw. BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 1858, p. 581.
SP. CH. — Crest about one-third longer than the bill. Fifth quill longest ; second about equal to the secondary quills.
Tail graduated ; lateral feathers about . 70 of an inch shortest Head and neck all round, and fore part of breast, dark
brownish black. Back and lesser wing coverts blackish brown, the scapulars glossed with blue. Under parts, rump, tail
coverts, and wing, greenish blue ; exposed surfaces of lesser quills dark indigo blue ; tertials and ends of tail feathers rather
obsoletely banded with black. Feathers of the forehead streaked with greenish blue. Length, 12. 25 inches; extent, 18 '•
wing, 5. 85 ; tail, 5. 85; tarsus, 1. 75. Iris brown, bill and feet black.
Hab. — Pacific coast of North America ; east to St. Mary's Mission, Rocky mountains.
Steller's jay is very common in all the forests of the Territory on both sides of the Cascade
mountains. It has much the same habits as the blue-jay of the eastern States, but differs in
notes, having a louder and harsher voice. It seems to depend upon the forests chiefly for its
food, but in winter visits the vicinity of houses, stealing potatoes and almost anything eatable.
During these forages on the garden, made during the early morning, they are very silent and
watchful, evidently conscious of the criminality of their actions, and when discovered fly off to
the concealment of the forest. They will also visit Indian lodges while the owners are absent,
and enter them if possible, one all the time keeping watch. In the forest they are not shy5
but often rather boldly follow intruders, screaming and calling their fellows around. Where
hazelnuts grow these are a great article of winter food for them. To break the shells they
carry them to a branch, and fixing them in a notch of the bark, hammer with their bill till the
nut is extracted. In summer they suck bird's eggs, and doubtless often devour young birds.
The nest is large, loosely built of sticks, and placed in a bush or tree. I have never seen the
eggs, but the young are fledged by the middle of June. — C.
The Steller's jay is, probably, the most abundant bird of its size in all the timbered country
between the Rocky mountain divide and the Pacific ocean. It is tame and loquacious, and
possessed of a most impudent curiosity. The nickname given to this bird by the Nisqually
Indians is "Sky-ky," or the chief. It is a hardy, tough bird, and a constant winter resident of
Washington Territory. This jay is remarkable for its varied cries and notes, having one for
nearly every emotion or pursuit in which it may be engaged. I think it also has a fondness for
mimicking the cries of other birds. I have frequently been most pleasantly excited in hopes of
obtaining a rare bird, the cry of which I had never heard before, and which was then issuing
from some clump of bushes or thicket ; but was almost invariably disappointed by finding that
the strange notes had issued from this jay. It mimics the principal cry of the Mimusfdivox
perfectly. The males and females of this species are alike in appearance. Two male birds
that I skinned in 1856 measured, each, 12 by 17. — S.
NOTE. — The Californian jay (Cyanociita californica) Townsend mentions obtaining on the
Columbia river. I have never seen it in either Territory. — S.
216 ZOOLOGY.
PERISOREUS CANADENSIS, Bonap.
Canada Jay.
Corvus canadensis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 158.— FOBSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 382.— WILSON, Am. Orn. Ill,
1811, 33 ; pi. xxi.— BON. Obs. 1824, No. 42.— AUD. Orn. Biog. II, 1834, 53 : V, 1839, 208 ;
pi. 107.
Garrulus canadensis, BON. (Saggio, 1831?) Syn. 1828, 58. — SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 295. — NUTTALL, Man.
I, 1832, 232.— AITD. Syn. 1839, 155.— IB. Birds Amer. IV, 1842, 121 ; pi. 234.
Dysornit/tia canadensis, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831. Appendix.
Perisoreus canadensis, BON. List, 1838.— IB. Conspectus, 1850, 375. — NEWBERRY, Rep. P. E. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857,
85.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 590.
gp. CH. — Tail graduated ; lateral feathers about one inch shortest. Wings a little shorter than the tail. Head and neck,
and fore part of breast, white. A plumbeous brown nuchal patch, becoming darker behind, from the middle of the crown
to the back, from which it is separated by an interrupted whitish collar. Rest of upper parts ashy plumbeous ; the outer
primaries margined, the secondaries, tertials, and tail feathers obscurely tipped with white. Beneath smoky gray. Crissum
•whitish, iris brown, bill and feet black. Length, 10. 70 ; extent, 16. 50 ; wing, 5. 75 ; tail, 6. 00 ; tarsus, 1. 40.
7/aj — Northern America into the northern parts of United States from Atlantic to Pacific ; more south in Rocky mountains.
I first saw the Canada jay at the mouth of the Columbia river in March, 1854, when they
were in a small scattered flock, industriously seeking in sectsand seed among the spruce trees,
much in the manner of the titmice, occasionally whistling in a loud, melodious tone like the
cardinal bird. I have always found them near the same place at all seasons, and, having shot
a newly fledged young bird there in July, have no doubt they build in the vicinity. I have
not observed the bird common in any other locality, but it seems to be well known in the
country by the name of "meat bird," as it will watch hunters and pick at the deer or other
meat they hang in the woods. They sometimes show great boldness in obtaining their favorite
food. I have seen them enter a boat containing several persons to steal some salmon roe. It
is commonly, however, a shy bird, remaining in the dense forest, where, in this Territory, it
can usually obtain sufficient food. Its notes differ much from the other jays in being clear and
musical, and they sometimes show considerable variety of song, though generally they are
silent. They seem to prefer the spruce forests along the coast, but I have seen a few at Puget
Sound. — C.
The only specimen of the Canada jay seen by me on Puget Sound was obtained at Port
Townserid, having been killed in the forest of firs and spruce trees near Point Wilson. I think
that it is not a common species at the head of the sound, but prefers the more immediate
vicinity of the ocean, probably on account of the different character of the forests there found.
Mr. Robert Kermicott informs me that the vulgar name of this bird, common among hunters,
"Whiskey Jack," is probably a corruption of its Chippewa name, liWiss-ka-chon," which has
been twisted by former u mountain men" into whiskey John, and then whiskey Jack. — S.
ZOOLOGY. 217
ORDER IY. ollj O,— The Scratching Birds.
Family C 0 L U M B I D AE .— The Pigeons.
COLUMBA FASCIATA, Say.
Baud-tailed Pigeon.
Columba fasciata, SAY, Long's Exped. R. Mts. II, 1823, 10. — BON. Amer. Orn. I, 1825, 77; pi. viii. — IB. Syn. 1828,
119.— IB. List, 1838, &c.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 597.
Chloroenas fasciata, BONAP. Conspectus, II, 1854, 51.
Columba monilis, VIGORS, Zool. Beechey's Voyage, 1839, 26; pi. x.
Sp. CH. — Above olivaceous, tinged with ash, changing on the wing coverts to bluish ash, of which color are the hinder part
of the back, rump, and basal portion of the tail. The terminal third of the tail is whitish brown, with a tinge of ash, succeeding
a narrow bar of dusky. Head all round, sides of neck and under parts, including tibia, purplish violet; the middle of the
abdomen, anal region, and crissum, whitish. Tibia and throat tinged with blue. Quills brown, narrowly margined with white.
A conspicuous narrow half collar of white on the nape; the feathers below this to the upper part of the back metallic golden
green. Bill and feet yellow; the former black at tip. Iris carmine, bordered with gold color; bill yellow and black; feet
yellow.
Female similar, with less purple; the nuchal collar of white obsolete or wanting. Somewhat smaller than the male.
Length, 15 to 16.50 inches; extent, 25 to 26; wing, 8.80; tail, 6.10.
Hob. — From Rocky mountains to Pacific coast; south to New Leon, Mexico.
The band-tailed pigeon arrives at Columbia river in April, and frequents all the forests of
the Territory until the end of October, when they retire south. They keep about the borders
of prairies and clearings, and frequently do much damage to fields of grain, though never
found in such immense numbers as the wild pigeon east of the Mississippi. In June they lay
two white eggs, about the same size as the house pigeons, on the ground near streams or
openings, without constructing any nest. During summer they feed on wild cherries and other
fruits, wild peas, which are very abundant, and probably later depend on acorns and hazel
nuts. Their cooing is much like that of the common pigeon. I have not seen them east of
the Cascade range. — C.
The band-tailed pigeon is a very common bird in Washington Territory, especially west of
the Cascade mountains; I saw but one flock containing five individuals east of those mountains.
In 1856 the first birds of this species that arrived in the spring made their appearance about
May 15, which is about the customary time every year for their arrival. One or two individuals
are first seen, and within two or three days thereafter the main body of the migration follows.
A small number remain throughout the summer and breed; the rest retire further north.
Those that remain generally make their nests in thick fir forests near water. They subsist
during the summer on wild cherries and other berries, and later in the season, since the
country has become settled, upon grain.
About the first week in September large flocks congregate on stubble fields in the vicinity
of Fort Steilacoom, and for two or three weeks thereafter their numbers are daily augmented
by arrivals from the north. Some flocks of these pigeons that I saw in September, 1856, must
have contained at least one thousand individuals. I am told that in the cultivated district on
the Cowlitz river, at the same season, they are in still greater numbers. By the 5th of October
of the year 1856 all had suddenly disappeared, with the exception of a few stragglers, generally
young birds. In flying, the flocks, I think, are not quite as compactly crowded as those of the
28 Q
218 ZOOLOGY.
passenger pigeon. During the summer, while breeding, their cooing and calls can be heard a
long distance. The name of this bird, in the Nisqually language, is "hubboh," a good imitation
of its call. The practice is very common among these Indians to name birds and animals from
the sound of their calls and cries. Another example of this is the name of the Hutchins
goose, "a/i-/2a/t," which is repeated once or twice to imitate their "honking."
In the autumn these birds are in excellent order for the table; indeed, I prefer them to the
wild pigeon of the Atlantic. — S.
ECTOPISTES MIGRATORIA, Swain son.
"Wild Pigeon j Passenger Pigeon.
Columba migratoria, LINNAEDS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 285 — GM I, 389.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 398—
WILSON, Am. Orn, I, 1808, 102; pi. xliv.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 179.— WAGLER, Syst.
Av. 1827, No. 91.— AUD. Orn. Biog. I, 1831, 319; V, 561; pi. 62.
Ectopistes migratoria, SWAINSON, Zool. Jour. Ill, 1827, 355.— IB. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 363.— BON. List, 1838.— IB.
Consp. Av. II, 1854, 59.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 194— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 25; pi. 285.—
" REICH. Icones, Av. tab. 249, figs 1377, 1379."— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 600.
[For extended synonymy see Baird's Gen. Rep.]
A bird in immature plumage, which I took to belong to this species, I saw in a clump of
choke cherry bushes on a branch of Milk river, near Bear's Paw mountains, Nebraska, about
175 miles east of the main range of the Rocky mountains. I think that the eastern base of
the latter chain may be considered their western limit. The country west of these mountains,
with the exception of a narrow strip near the Pacific, seems, geographically and botanically,
nnsuited to the wants of the species. — S.
Townsend mentions the E. migratoria as found in "Oregon," but I have never seen or heard
of it; though, as I have seen it at Fort Laramie, it may cross the Rocky mountains into the
eastern part of the Territory. — C.
ZENALDURA COROLINENSIS, Bonap.
Carolina, or Common Dove.
Columba carolinensis, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 286, No. 37.— GMELIN, I, 787.— LATHAM, Ind. II, 1790, 613.—
WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 91; pi. xliii.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 159.— AUD. Orn. Biog.
I, 1831, 91; V, 1839, 555; pi. 17.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 832, 626.
Ectopistes carolinensis, RICH. List, 1837.— BONAP. Geog. List, 1838. — AUD. Syn. 1839, 195.— IB. Birds Amer. V,
1842, 3(5; pi. 286.
Zenaidura carolinensis, BONAP. Consp. Av. II, 1854, 84. Type. — BAIHD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 604.
Columba marginata, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 286, No. 40, (best description.)— GMELIN, I, 1788, 791.
WAGLER, Syst. Av. 1827, No. 91.— IB. Isie, 1831, 519.
Ectopistes marginata, GRAY, List, Br. Mus.
? Ectopistes marginellus, WOODHOUSE, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, June, 1852, 104.— IB. Expl. Zuni & Color. 1853, 93,
Birds, pi. v. Canadian river, Ark. Immature bird.
? Zenaidura marginella, BONAP. Consp. Av. II, 1854, 85.
Sp. CH.— Tail feathers, 14. Above bluish, although this is overlaid with light brownish olive, leaving the blue pure only
on the top of the head, the exterior of the wings, and the upper surface of the tail, which is even slightly tinged with this
color. The entire head, except the vertex, the sides of the neck, and the under parts generally, light brownish red, strongly
tinged with purple on the breast, becoming lighter behind, and passing into brownish yellow on the anal region, tibia, and
under tail coverts. Sides of the neck with a patch of metallic purplish red. Sides of body and inside of wings clear light
blue. Wing coverts and scapulars spotted with black, mostly concealed, and an oblong patch of the same below the ear.
Tail feathers seen from below blackish, the outer web of outermost white, the others tipped with the same, the color becoming
ZOOLOGY. 219
more and more bluish to the innermost, which is brown . Seen from above there is the same gradation from white to light
blue in the tips; the rest of the feather, however, is blue, with a bar of black anterior to the light tip, which runs a little
forward along the margin and shaft of the feather. In the sixth feather the color is uniform bluish, with this bar; the
seventh is without bars. Bill black; feet yellow. Female smaller, with less red beneath. Length of male, 12.50 to 12.85;
extent, 17.25 to 18; wing, 5.75; tail, 6 70.
Hob. — Throughout the United States, from Atlantic to Pacific; Cuba, Gundlach.
The Carolina dove ia common about prairies and farms of the interior, and probably some
remain all winter in the Territory, though none were at Vancouver in the snowy winter of
1853. They rarely appear along the coast border, but doubtless extend east to the Rocky
mountains. — C.
Very abundant throughout both Territories. At Fort Steilacoom this species arrives and
departs at about the same time as the Columba fasdata. During my residence there I obtained
many specimens for comparison with eastern birds.
NOTE. — I noticed a small dove in the Simcoe valley, near the Yakima river, Washington
Territory, in June, 1855. It appeared smaller and much darker than this species, being of a
dark blue. I was, unfortunately, unable to obtain a specimen for preservation. — S.
Family TETB, AONID AE.— The Grouse.
TETRAO OBS GURUS, Say.
Dusky Grouse; Blue Grouse; Pine Grouse.
Tetrao obscurus, SAT, Long's Exped. R. Mts. II, 1823, 14.— BON. Syn. 1828, 127.— Sw. P. Bor. Am. II, 1831,344; pi.
lix, lx.— NCTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 666.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 446; pi. 361.— IB. Syn, 1839,
283 — IB. Birds Amer. I, 1842, 89; pi. 295. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. p. 620. — NEWBERRY, Rep. P.
R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 93.
Canute obscura, BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLV, 1857, 428.
Tetrao richardsonii, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 141.
SP. CH. — Sexes dissimilar. Tail of twenty feathers. Above bluish black; plumbeous or black beneath. Tail uniform black,
and finely and obscurely mottled above. Tail broadly tipped with light slate. Beneath uniform plumbeous. A dusky half
collar on the throat. The chin and throat above white, varied with black. Tail about two-thirds the length of the wings,
broad, rounded, composed of twenty broad, even, and truncated feathers. Tarsi feathered to the toes, the feathers extending
along the sides of the basal half of the first joints of the toes. Pectinations on the sides of the toes very short. Length,
20.40; wing, 9.40; tail, 7.45.
Hab. — Black Hills of Nebraska to Cascade mountains of Oregon and "Washington.
The dusky or "blue grouse," as it is called in the western country, is common in most of the
forests of the Territory, though rarer in the dense spruce forests near the coast. As it rarely
appears on the open prairie, it is difficult to start, and still more so to find, if, as usual, it alights
on a tree. So perfectly motionless does it sit, that though one may be looking straight at it
he will probably mistake it for a knot or a bunch of leaves. I have often searched carefully
every branch, and after concluding that the bird was not there, and starting to go, had the
satisfaction of seeing it sail off from the very same tree towards some distant part of the forest.
During May, near the coast, and until August, on the mountains, the low tooting of this grouse
is heard everywhere, sounding something like the cooing of a pigeon, and in the same deep tone
as the drumming of the ruffed grouse. It has the power of ventriloquism, so that while the
bird may be sitting in a tree overhead the sound seems to come from places quite distant. I
have not seen the nest or eggs, but in June flocks of half-grown young are murdered by the
Indians near Puget Sound. In winter they are so rarely seen west of the mountains that the
220 ZOOLOGY.
people think they must keep entirely in the trees. In October, 1853, I saw, however, a flock,
running through the snow, near the Spokane plains, and one of them was shot; but I have never
seen them since then in the winter. — C.
This. bird, called generally in Oregon the Hue grouse, also known as pine grouse, dusky
grouse, &c., I met, for the first time, when our exploring party reached the main chain of the
Rocky mountains, where we found it exceedingly abundant, but not more so than in the Blue
mountains of Oregon, Cascade mountains, and in all the timbered country between the last-
mentioned range and the Pacific coast. In the autumn, about November 15, they generally
disappear, and it is rare, indeed, to see a single individual of the species during the interval
between that period and about March 20 of the following year. Concerning the whereabouts
of this bird during the winter there are many opinions among the settlers. Some maintain that
the species is migratory, and that they retire to the south, while others say that they repair to
the tops of the highest evergreen trees, where, in the thickest foliage of the branches, they
pass the cold season in a state of semi-torpor, rarely or never descending until warm weather
comes on. As they subsist well on the leaves of the coniferae, and can always obtain sufficient
water from the snow and rain drops on the leaves to supply their necessities, I have but little
doubt that this latter is the correct account, or that, if migratory, they are but partially so,
I saw one bird of this species on the ground, during a fall of snow, in January, 1854, near the.
Nisqually river, Washington Territory; and I have been told that a man, near Olympia, Wash
ington Territory, whose eye-sight is excellent, is able any day during winter to obtain several
birds by searching carefully for them in the tree tops of the tallest and most thickly-leaved firs.
This requires eye-sight of much greater power than most men possess. Even in the summer,
when these birds are generally lower in the trees, it is very difficult to find them among the
dense branches. They have, in addition to their sombre hues, the advantage of their habit, of
crowding very closely to the limbs, and of sitting almost immovably for hours.
The first indication, in the spring, of their arrival? or activity? is the courting call of the
male. This call is a prolonged noise, sounding much like the whirr of a rattan cane whirled
suddenly through the air. It is repeated quickly several times, and then stops for a brief interval.
This noise is said to be produced by inflating and contracting a couple of sacks on each side of
the throat, which are for the most part concealed when collapsed, and are covered by an orange-
yellow, thick, corrugated, unfeathered skin. These birds, at Port Steilacoom, are very abundant
throughout the spring and early summer. They are there mostly confined to the forests of fir
trees, (ABIES DOUGLASSII.) Late in the season, after hatching, they may be found generally at
mid-day on the ground, in search of berries, seeds, &c. When alarmed they almost invariably
seek safety among the dense foliage of the trees, instinctively appearing to understand the
advantages of thus hiding. In the autumn they are more generally found on the ground, feeding
on sallal and other berries. One day, in October, 1856, I saw on the Nisqually plains, amongst
fern and grass, five of these birds, full grown, and in excellent order. A man killed the whole
five, one by one, with a double-barrelled gun, Avithout an attempt being made by a single
individual to fly. This grouse is a very fine table bird; the little dash of pine taste its flesh
possesses only adding to its game flavor. I have known males, in June, weighing three and a
half pounds, although \hey rarely exceed two and three-fourths pounds.
ZOOLOGY. 221
By August 1 the young are generally half grown. They are then easily killed on the wing,
and are excellent for the table.
George Gibbs, esq., in a letter to me, says: "The apparatus with which the blue grouse
produces the singular hooting, with which the male solaces his lonely hours, is worthy of
dissection and study. I have seen this bird as far south as the Russian River mountains, in
California. It is common on the east side of the Cascades, as far north as the 49th parallel." — S.
TETRAO FRANKLINIL Douglas.
Franklin's Grouse ; Tyee Grouse.
Tetrao franklinii, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 139.— RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 348; pi. Ixi.— BAIRD,
Gen. Eep. Birds, p. 623.
Tetrao canadensis, var. BONAP. Am. Orn. Ill, 1830, 47 ; pi. xx.
f Tetrao fiixa, ORD, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. II, 1815, 317. Based on small brown pheasant of Lewis & Clark,
II, 182, which very probably is this species.
Sr. CH. — Tail of sixteen feathers. Feathers above distinctly banded with plumbeous ; beneath uniform black, with a
pectoral band of white. Chin and throat above black, the tail feathers entirely black, without orange brown terminal band ;
the upper tail coverts broadly tipped with white. Wing, 7.35 ; tail, 5.62.
Ilab.' — Northern Rocky mountains, and west.
Abundant in the Rocky and Bitter Root mountains, also found in the Cascade mountains,
Washington Territory, near the Yakima Passes. This bird, by the Indians, has the jargon
name, "Tyee Kulla Kullan or the "chief bird," or perhaps more correctly the gentleman bird,
Washington Territory contains five of the species of Tetrao or true grouse known to exist in
North America, the only species not found within its limits being the Tetrao cupido or pinnated
grouse, the Bonasa umbellus, and, if distinct, the Tetrao canadensis. Of the five native species
there is not one but can be said to be plentiful in some portion of the Territory. In the
interior arid regions the species uropliasianus and pliasianellus abound, the first being only found
in that region, the others extend into the Rocky mountain valleys. In the extreme east T.
franMinii, T. obscurus, and Bonasa sabinii are plentiful, whereas in the extreme west but the
two last mentioned. In the western section, owing to the abundance of food, thick covers, and
absence of foxes, it is probable that both species will always remain numerous.
As may be inferred from this notice of their limits, all the five species of grouse may be
found within a few miles of Fort Dalles, on the Columbia, besides, perhaps, a Ptarmiigan near
the limits of perpetual snow on the sides of Mount Hood.
The specimens of Tetrao franklinii, sent by me to the Smithsonian, were obtained by Lieutenant
John Mullan, United States army, at the St. Mary's valley, in the Rocky mountains. Lieutenant
Mullan stated to me that they were quite an abundant bird in that region, and very readily
killed, as they are tame and unsuspicious. The skins were thrown in alcohol, but, unfortunately,
in drying became much damaged. -7-8.
° Mr. George Gibbs, in a letter to me, speaks as follows of a grouse shot by him, which probably belonged to this species :
"1 should mention that in November, 1849, I shot a bird on the Willamette valley much resembling the hen of the
ruffed grouse, but not more, at most, than two thirds the size. I could not identify it by any description in Nuttall's
Manual, and had no means of preserving the skin. It seemed in adult plumage ; had no ruff. I did not ascertain the sex,
but suppose it to be a female ; I have never since met with a similar bird."
Again he says : " Mr. Bolon (an old resident in the Territory) says that there is a grouse on the tops of the Cascade moun
tains, near Rainier, less than the ruffed grouse, but the same color ; has no ruff. It is a shorter bird than the sharp-tailed,
but stout in proportion. The eyelids and wattles on the neck, bright red, where in the blue grouse they are yellow. Abundant
and very tame. The Indians call them the tyee grouse."
222 ZOOLOGY.
CENTROCERCUS UROPHA.SIANUS, Swainson.
gage Cock ) Cock of tlic Plains.
Tetrao urophasianus, BONAP, Zool. Jour. Ill, Jan. 1828, 214 — IB. Am. Orn III, 1830; pi. xxi, f. 1. — IB. Mon.
Tetrao, in Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. N. S. Ill, 1830, 390.— DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI,
1829, 133.—NUTTAW., Man. 1, 1832,666.— ATID. Orn. Biog. IV, 1833, 503 ; pi. 371.— IB Syn.
205.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 106 ; pi. 297.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. & Or. Route ; Rep. P. B.
R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 95.
Tetrao (Centrocercus) urophasianue, Sw, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831,358 ; pi. Iviii.
Ckntrocercus urophasianus, JARDINE, Game Birds, Nat. Lib. Birds, IV, 140 ; pi. xvii. — BAiRD,Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 624.
ff Tetrao phasiandlus, ORD. Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. II, 1815, 317, based on Lewis & Clark, II, 181.
Cock of the plains, LEWIS & CLARK, II, 180, sp. 2.
gPl Cn.— Tail feathers twenty. Above varied with black, brown, and brownish yellow ; coverts having all the feathers
streaked with the latter. Beneath black ; the breast white ; the upper feathers with spiny shafts ; the lower streaked with
black ; tail coverts with white tips ; the sides also with much white, Length, 29 ; wing, 11.30 ; tail, 11.50. Female much
smaller. Iris brown.
.Hah— Sage plains of the northwest.
The cock of the plains, known as sage fowl in this Territory, is common on the high, barren hillg
and deserts east of the Cascade mountains, being limited in its range, apparently, by the growth
of the bitter and turpentine-flavored Artemesia tridentata or "wild sage," as it is improperly
called. The leaves of this shrub seem to be a principal part of its food, and the flesh tastes
so strong of it that it is quite unpalatable, though white and tempting as a turkey's. We saw
none of these birds north of the Spokane plains, the country being, apparently, too woody for
them. On those plains they were common, for though level the surface is dry, sterile, and
elevated near a thousand feet above the sea.
The flight of this species is more heavy and less noisy than that of most grouse, and when
they are started, commonly extends a long distance without alighting. — C.
Sage cock are abundant on the sage plains of Oregon, near Snake river, on both sides of the Blue
mountains. They are also found along the line of the Columbia, on the open plains, and, again,
on the sage barrens of the Yakima and Simcoe valleys, in Washington Territory, about latitude
46° and 47° north. In fact, wherever "sage " (artemesia) abounds this bird is found. I have
dissected these grouse in situations where there was abundance of grass seeds, wild grain,
grasshoppers, and other kinds of food that a person would imagine would be readily eaten by
them, yet I have failed to obtain a single particle of any other article of food in their full
stomachs than the leaves of the artemesia. This food must either be highly preferred, or else
be essential to their existence. They seem to have the faculty of doing a long time without
water, as I have found them in habitually dry, desert situations, during severe droughts, a long
distance from water. The flesh of this bird is rather strong and bitter, from the nature of its
food, and it also quickly decomposes after death. It, however, is very grateful to the palates
of those that have been subsisting long on salt provisions.
I found this bird most abundant on the southern slope of the Blue mountains in the vicinity of
Powder river. Here there are immense desert sage plains, well adapted to the species in every
respect. The bird hides well, and lies close, frequently allowing a man's approach to within a
few feet.
Lieutenant Fleming, of the United States army, informs me that it is found about twelve
miles west of Fort Laramie, but is not seen east of that point, at least so far south. It a
ZOOLOGY. 223
geographical distribution, as far east as Milk river, Nebraska Territory, must be by following the
line of the Black Hills, and eastern base of the Rocky mountains, from the South Pass northward.
In August, 1853, a sage cock was shot by a member of our party on the Milk river, two
hundred miles west of Fort Union, Nebraska, and about the same distance east of the Rocky
mountains. He was a fine bird, but so much injured in shooting that I did not attempt to
preserve the skin, being in hopes of obtaining another. In this I was disappointed. The
general hue of plumage was decidedly more red than that of those I have seen from the Oregon
plains.
I observed a small flock of these birds on the plains, bordering the Milk river. In gait and
actions they resembled turlce.ys, but were considerably smaller. Mr. Gibbs, in a note to me,
j»ays: " Nuttall is wrong on two points concerning the sage cock, in his appendix to the second
edition of his volume on water birds. He says the ' tail is somewhat rounded, ' whereas it is sharp.
Also that it is not found east of the Rocky mountains. I have seen them near Fort Laramie on
the Platte. In fact, wherever there is 'sage7 (artemesia) you may look for sage fowls." — S.
PEDIOCAETES PHASIANELLUS, Baird.
Sharp-tailed Grouse.
Tetrao phasiantllus, LINNAEUS, Syst. Nat. I, ed. 10, 1758, 160. (Not in 12th edition.;— FORSTER, Phil. Trans.
LXII, 1772, 394, 495.— GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 747.— LATHAM, Ind. Orn. II, 635.— ORD.
Guthrie's Geog. 2d Amer. ed. II, 1815, 317.— BON. Syn. 1828, 127.— IB. Amer. Orn. Ill,
1828, 37; pi. xix.— NUTTALL, Man. I, 1832, 669.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 569; pi.
382.— IB. Syn. 1839, 205.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 110; pi. 298.— NEWBERRY, Zool.
Cal. & Or. Route ; Rep. P. R. R. Surv. VI, iv, 1857, 94.
Tetrao (Ccntrocercus) phasianellus, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 361.
Centrocercus phasianellus, JARL.IKE, Game Birds, Nat. Lib. Birds, IV, 136 ; pi. xvi. — BONAP. Comptes Rendus,
XLV, 1857, 428.
? Phasianus colwnbitmus, ORD. Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. II, 1815, 317 ; based on the Columbia pheasant of Lewis &
Clark, II, 180.
Tetrao urogallut, Var. 0. LIMN. Syst. Nat. ed. 12th, 273.
Pediocaetet phasianellus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 626, in which see extended synonymy.
Sp. CH. — Tail of eighteen feathers. Colors, white, black, and brownish yellow. Above with transverse bars ; the wings
with round white spots. Beneath pure white, with dark V-shaped blotches on the breast and sides. Length, 18.00; wing,
8. 50; tail, 5.24.
Hub. — Northern prairies and plains, from Wisconsin to Cascades of Oregon and Washington.
The same day the exploring party of Captain McClellan left the forests of the Cascade moun
tains, and with them the region of the ruffed and blue grouse, we met with flocks of the sharp -
tailed grouse and the cock of the plains, which our western men called "prairie hen" and
"sage fowl." The sharp-tail, confounded by emigrants with the pinnated grouse of the Mis
sissippi valley, is found in this Territory only in the low alluvial prairies of the streams
emptying into the Columbia east of the Cascade mountains. There we found them in flocks of
several hundreds, which would start irregularly from the long grass, and after flying a few rods
again light in it. When heavy frosts and snow began, near the 49th degree, they would fly to
the tops of the trees in the early morning to warm themselves, often ascending to the tops of
pines a hundred feet high. They shun high grounds and forests entirely, and within a distance
of half a mile I have seen both this and the blue grouse (which avoids open plains altogether)
as I passed from prairie to forest. The only cry I have heard them utter was a cackle when
suddenly started from the ground. Their wings make a loud whirring, as among others of the
genus. — C.
224 ZOOLOGY.
This bird replaces the pinnated grouse in the western country. We first noticed the species
in Nebraska, near Fort Union, at the mouth of the Yellowstone river. From that point to the
Cascade mountains of Oregon and Washington Territories the species is exceeding abundant
wherever there is open country and a sufficiency of food. In certain places they are in great
numbers in the autumn, congregating in large flocks, especially in the vicinity of patches of
wild rye, and more recently near settlements where there are wheat stubbles. They resemble
the pinnated grouse in habits, and are good both for the table and for sport. In places where
they are numerous they may frequently be found on cold mornings in the autumn or early
winter perched on fences or leafless trees, sunning themselves in the early sunlight.
At Fort Dalles, on the 1st of April, 1855, a young bird scarcely two days old was broughtto
me. This early incubation would lead us to suspect that the species, in favorable situations,,
has two or more broods during the season. The young bird above mentioned was confided to
the matronly care of a hen with a young brood of chickens, but the young grouse, not under
standing the kindness of its foster parent, ran and hid itself as soon as possible, and probably
perished that very night from cold.
The settlers on the Upper Columbia speak of a "gray grouse," which is probably nothing
else than the full-grown young of the present species in their first plumage. — S.
NOTE. — I have occasionally heard of a grouse which "turns white in winter" that is said to
be found on Mount Rainier, one of the lofty snow peaks of the Cascade range. Dr. Townsend
also mentions a Ptarmigan in his list of Oregon birds. All the efforts of myself and friends
have thus far proved unsuccessful in obtaining a specimen. — S.
BONASA SABINII, B a i r d .
Oregon Grouse.
Tetrao sabinii, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 137.— RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 343.— BAIRD, Gen.
Rep. Birds, p. 631.
? Tetrao umbellus, RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 342.— NEWBERRY, Zool. Cal. &. Or. Route; Rep. P. R. R.
Surv. VI, iv, 1857,94.
CH. — Tail of eighteen feathers ; dark brown above ; the back with cordate spots of lighter. Beneath whitish, transversely
barred with brown. Tail tipped with gray, and with a subterminal bar of black. Broad feathers of the ruff black. Similar to
J?. umbellus, but much darker. Middle toe longer. Length about 18 inches ; wing, 7.30 ; tail, 6.70.
Hub. — Rocky mountains to Pacific coast of Oregon and Washington ; only in the timbered regions.
The ruffed grouse, partridge, or pheasant, as it is most commonly called in this Territory, is
very abundant everywhere about the borders of woods and clearings. It is common near the
forests east of the Cascade mountains up to the 49th degree. These birds vary considerably
in plumage there, a pale grayish hue predominating ; while west of the mountains they are all
of a very dark brown. There seems, however, to be no difference in their habits or cries from
those of the same bird elsewhere. — C.
The western ruffed grouse is abundant in the timbered districts throughout Washington and
Oregon Territories. In habits they are identical with the same bird east. Owing to the mild
ness of the season in the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom the males commence drumming as early as
January, and in February I have heard them drumming through the whole night. In autumn
these grouse collect in great numbers in the crabapple thickets, near the salt marshes, at the
mouths of the rivers emptying into Puget Sound. Here they feed for about six weeks on the
ripe fruit of the northwestern crabapple, the Pyrus rivularis of Nuttall. — S.
ZOOLOGY. 225
Family PERDICID AE .— The Partridges.
OREORTYX PICTUS, Baird.
Planted. Partridge ; Mountain Quail.
Ortyxpicta, DOUGLAS, Trans. Linn. Soc. XVI, 1829, 143.
Callipepla picta, GOULD, Mon. Odont. pi. xv.— NEWBERRY, Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 1857, 93.
Orlyx plumifera, GOULD, Pr. Zool. Soc. V, 1837, 42.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 200.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 69; pi. 291.
Perdix plumifera, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 220; pi. 422.
Lophortyx plumifera, NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 791.
Oreorlyx jpictus, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 642.
SP. CH. — Head with a crest of two straight feathers, much longer than the bill and head. Anterior half of the body
grayish plumbeous ; the upper parts generally olivaceous brown, with a slight shade of rufous, this extending narrowly along
the nape to the crest. Head beneath the eyes and throat orange chestnut, bordered along the orbits and a short distance
behind by black, bounded anteriorly and superiorly by white, of which color is a short line behind the eye. Posterior half
of the body beneath white, a large central patch (anteriorly bifurcating behind) with the flanks and tibial feathers orange
chestnut brown, the sides of body showing black and white bands, the former color tinged with chestnut. Under tail coverts
black, streaked with orange chestnut. Upper tertials margined internally with whitish.
Length, 10.50 inches ; wing, 5 ; tail, 3.25.
Ilab. — Mountain ranges of California and Oregon towards the coast.
The Oregon quail, or plumed partridge, is very rare in Washington Territory, a few small
coveys only being found about Vancouver, as I was informed by the officers of the garrison in
1853. I never succeeded in finding them, though I hunted for them several times with a dog.
They seem to become common south of the Columbia towards the prairies of the Willamette.
I inquired especially for them in other parts of the Territory, but never heard of them. In
California, south of San Francisco, this quail seems to be a rare curiosity to the market hunters,
one or two sometimes occurring among flocks of the California quail, and known by the name
of " mountain quail." — C.
According to Audubon and Townsend this bird inhabits Oregon. A few quail have been
introduced from the Willamette valley upon the prairies back of Fort Vancouver, where, I am
told, they are multiplying rapidly. A very little care at first and Washington Territory might
be well stocked with these excellent game birds, as the absence of foxes west of the Cascade
mountains, and the very mild, open winters generally experienced, leads us to hope that, after
a fair ctart, they will, in all probability, never be exterminated. — S.
LOPHORTYX CALIFORNICA, Bonap.
California Quail.
• • & ~
Tttrao californicus, SHAW, Nat. Misc. pi. 345, (prior to 1801.)
Perdix californicj, LATHAM, Synopsis Suppl. Ind. Orn. II, App. 1801, p. Ixii. — AUD. Orn Biog. V, 1839, 152; pi. 413.
Ortyx californica, STEPHENS in Shaw's Zool. XI, 1819, 384. — JARDINE, Game Birds, Nat. Libr. IV, 104; pi. xi. — Cuv. R.
An. Illust. ed. Oiseaux, pi. Ixiv. — BENNETT, Gardens & Menag. Zool. Soc. II, 29, woodcut. —
AUD. Syn. 1839, 199.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 67; pi. 290.
Perdix (Orlyx) californica,, BONAP, Syn. 1828, 125.
Lophortyx californica, BONAP. List, 1838. — NUTTALL, Man. I, 2d ed. 1840, 789. — BAIHD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 644.
Callipepla californica, GOULD, Mon.0dent.pl. xvi. — REICHENBACH. Av. Syst. 1850, pi. xxvii. — NEWBERRY, Rep. P. R. R.
VI, iv, 1857, 92.
gp. CH. — Crest black. Anterior half of body and upper parts plumbeous ; the wings and back glossed with olive brown.
Anterior half of head above brownish yellow, the shafts of the stiff feathers black ; behind this is a white transverse band
29 Q
22G ZOOLOGY.
which passes back along the side of the crown ; within this white, anteriorly and laterally, is a black suffusion. The vertex
and occiput light brown. Chia and throat black, margined laterally and behind by a white band, beginning behind the eye.
Belly p^le bulf anteriorly, an orange brown rounded patch in the middle, ani white laterally, the feathers all margined
abruptly with black. The feathers on the sides of body like the back, streaked centrally with white. Feathers of top and
sides of neck with the margins and shafts black. Under tail coverts buff, broadly streaked centrally with brown.
Female similar, without the white and black of the head ; the feathers of the throat brownish yellow, streaked with
brown. The buff and orange brown of the belly wanting. The crest short.
Length, 9.50 inches; wing, 4.32 ; tail, 4.12.
Hab. — Plains and lowlands of California and Oregon towards the coast. Mohave river. Puget Sound, W. T. (Introduced.)
I have some doubts whether the quail found at Fort Vancouver do not belong to this species;
never having examined birds from that locality, I can throw no light on the subject.
The present species, however, does exist on the prairies near Puget Sound, but has only been
resident there since the spring of 1857, at which time, through the commendable liberality of
Gov. Charles H. Mason, and of Hugh Allen Goldsborough, esq. , two lots were imported from
San Francisco and turned loose upon the gravelly plains near Olympia, the capital of the
Territory.
I have heard subsequently only concerning the Goldsborough flock, which, consisting
originally of nine individuals, of whom but four were females, had increased by the next
winter to a covey of nearly a hundred individuals.
NOTE. — Mr. Geo. Gibbs writes: "The crested quail cannot be considered as an inhabitant
of Washington Territory, as they are very rarely seen north of the Columbia river, and then,
I believe, only at Fort Vancouver. I have never seen any east of the Cascade mountains. I
met great numbers of the common California species (L. californica) on Russian river in 1851,
and saw them again on the Klamath in 1852. They were very tame, and took to the bushes
when disturbed, perching on the limbs. Like the sharp-tailed grouse they gather in large
flocks. This is the case even when young, and it has been doubted whether several females
do not belong to one male, and with their broods all run together. — S.
CHAPTER II,
WATER BIRDS, BY DR. G. SUCKLEY, U. S. A.
ORDER V. GRALLATORES, Wading Birds.
Family GRUIDAE.— The Cranes.
GRUS CANADENSIS, (Linn.) Temrn.
Sand-hill Crane; Brown franc.
Ardea canadensis, LINN, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 234, No 3.— GMELIN, I, 1788, 620.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans, LXII, 1772,
382, No. 36. Severn river.
GTV& canadensis, " TEMMINCK." Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 273. — NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 33. — Bow. Consp. II, 1855,
98.— GUNDLACH, Cab. Jour. IV, 1856, 339.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 1858, 656.
Grus pralensis, BARTRAM, Travels in Florida, 1791.
Grus americana, AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 441 ; pi. 261. — IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 188; pi. 314. (Supposed young.)
SP. CH. — Bill compressed. Lower mandible not as deep towards the tip as the upper. Gonys nearly straight ; in the same
line with the basal portion of bill. Commissure decidedly curving from beyond the middle to the tip, where it is even, not
crenated. Color bluish gray ; the primaries and spurious quills dark plumbeous brown; the shafts white. Cheeks and chin
whitish. Entire top of head (bounded inferiorly by a line from commissure along the lower eyelid) bare of feathers, warty and
granulated, thinly beset with short scattered black hairs. Feathers of occiput advancing forward in an obtuse angle ; the gray
feathers along this point, and over the auricular region, tinged with plumbeous. Length, 48 ; wing, 22; tarsus, 10 ; commissure, 6.
ffab. — Whole of western region of United States Florida.
Sand-hill cranes are very abundant on the Nisqually plains, Puget Sound, in autumn. They
there commence to arrive from their summer breeding grounds about the last week in Septem
ber, from which time until about the 10th of November, they are quite plentiful. After this
they disappear: probably retiring to warmer latitudes during the cold months. In the fall
they are found on all the prairies near Fort Steilacoom, but are not indifferent to choice of
certain spots by preference. These are generally old "stubble fields," or spots of ground that
have formerly been ploughed. They rise heavily and slowly from the ground upon being
disturbed, and flying in circles at length acquire the desired elevation. When proceeding from
one favorite resort to another, or when migrating, their flight is high, and not unfrequently
their approach is heralded before they are in sight by their incessant whooping clamor. While
feeding they are generally silent. The flesh of this species is excellent for the table, and as
Mr. Nuttall observes, much resembling that of the swan in flavor. A young bird, probably of
this species, was brought to me in Minnesota as earl}' as June 15. In the vicinity of Fort
Steilacoom only stragglers remain to breed. During their migrations they fly in companies of
from three to four individuals to several dozens. I have rarely seen them in greater numbers
together; company after company succeeding each other, but rarely intermingling — keeping up
as it were, a distinct family organization. — S.
The brown crane is a common summer resident, arriving at the Straits of De Fuca in large
228 ZOOLOGY.
flocks in April, and then dispersing in pairs over the interior prairies to build their nests, which
are placed among the tall fern on the highest and most open ground, where they can see the
approach of danger. They frequent, at this season, the mountains to the height of 0,000 feet
above the sea. The young are often raised from the nest by the Indians for food. — C.
Family ARDEIDAE.— The Herons.
AEDEA HERODIAS, Linnaeus.
Great Blue Herou, or Crane.
Ardea herodias, LINK. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 237, No. 15.— WILSON, Am. Orn, VIII, 1814, 28; pi. Ixv.— BON. Obs. 1825,
No. 188.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 42.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,87; V,599; pi. 211.— IB. Syn.
1839.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 122; pi. 369.— Br. Consp. II, 1855, 112.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep.
Birds, 1858, 668.
Large crested heron, CATESBT, Car. App. pi. x.
SP. CH. — Lower third of tibia bare. Above bluish ash ; edges of wing and the tibia rufous. Neck cinnamon brown. Head
black, with a white frontal patch. Body beneath black, broadly streaked on the belly with white. Crissum white. Middle line
of throat white, streaked with black and rufous. Length, 42 inches ; wing, 18. 50 ; tarsus about 6. 50 ; bill about 5. 50.
Hub. — Throughout the entire territory of the United States ; West Indies.
This heron is quite abundant at Puget Sound, where it is called by the Nisqually Indians
"sbuck-ah," and likewise has applied to it the nickname of "tsah-pah," or "our grandfather, "
probably owing to the grave dignity with which the creature struts about on the shores of its
favorite feeding grounds. The Indians above mentioned have an amusing tradition concerning
this bird, according to which it appears that he formerly was an Indian, who having quarrelled
with his wife, (the present Podiceps cornutus,} they were both transformed by a superior power,
the man becoming a heron, the woman a dabchick. The latter was a terrible strumpet, and
seems to have been especially punished for her manifold sins by Dokweebottle, the Nisqually
Jupiter. — S.
The great blue heron is abundant throughout the year near the coast, and near the mouth of
the Columbia I have seen flocks of two hundred in August, which had congregated to devour
the herring, common at that season. They build also in high trees near the same place. — C.
BOTAURUS LENTIGINOSUS, (Montagu,) Stephens.
Bittern; Stake-driver.
Ardea lentiginosa, MONTAGU, Orn. Diet. Suppl. 1813. — JENYNS, Man. 191. — AUD. Syn. 1839,262 — IB. Birds Amer. VI,
1843, 94; pi. 365.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 374.
Botaurus lentiginosus, STLPH, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XI, 1819, 596.— BAIRP, Gen. Rep. Birds, 674.
Ardea (Botaurus) lentiginosa, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 60.
Ardea minor, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 35; pi. Ixv.— BON. Obs. 1825, 186.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 296; pi.
337.
Botaurus minor, BONAP. List, 1838. — IB. Consp. II, 1P55, 136. — GUNDLACH, Cab. Journ IV, 1856, 346.
SP. CH. — Brownish yellow, finely mottled and varied with dark brown and brownish red. A broad black stripe on each
side the neck, starting behind the ear. Length, 26. 50 ; wing, 11. 00 ; tarsus, 3. 60 ; bill above, 2. 75.
Hob. — Entire continent of North America.
Rather widely distributed. One specimen obtained in the Rocky mountains at Fort Owen,
ZOOLOGY. 229
in the St. Mary's valley, W. T. ; one seen in San Francisco; and another was preserved by me
which was killed on Puget Sound. As far as my observation proves, it is not a common bird
on the northwest coast.
The specimen obtained by me at Fort Steilacoom is now contained in the Smithsonian
collection, numbered 9468. The bill of this bird was yettoiuisli green, dusky above. Feet and
legs yellowish green. — S.
NYCTIARDEA GARDENI, (G m e 1 .) B a i r d .
Night Heron.
Jlrdea gardeni, GMELIN, I, 1788, 644.
Nycticorax gardeni, " JARD." BONAP. Conap. II, 1855, 141.
Ardta nycticorax, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 101, pl.Ixi.-~ BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 193.— Aon. Orn. Biog.
Ill, 1835, 275 : V, 600; pi. 236.— IB. Syn. 261.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 82; pi. 363.
Jlrdea (Botaurus) dlscors, NCTT. Man. II, 1834, 54.
Nyctiardea gardeni, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 678.
SP. CH. — Head above and middle of back steel green. Wings and tail ashy blue. Under parts, forehead, and long occipital
feathers, white. Sides tinged with lilac. Length, about 25 inches; wing, 12.50 ; tarsus, 3.15 ; bill above, 3-10.
Hob. — United States generally.
This bird is mentioned by Dr. Townsend as inhabiting Oregon. While on Puget Sound I
have several times thought that I recognized its cry during the night time. These sounds,
whatever it was that produced them, occasioned much fright among the Indians, who believe
that the creature that utters them has the power of transforming human beings into inferior
animals. They have also several traditions and superstitious stories concerning this, to them,
horrible bird. I was unable to obtain a specimen of it during my stay in that region, but
upon my arrival in San Francisco I found that it was quite abundant on the Pacific coast, and
one or more specimens are contained in every collection of birds I inspected in that city.
Several of these were in most elegant condition of plumage, the pendant white pencillated
feathers of the head, characteristic of the species, being, in several specimens, from six to nine
inches in length. — S.
I have not met with the night heron in this Territory, though, as it is common in California,
it probably migrates to the Columbia river, where Townsend seems to have found it. — C.
Family CH A R AD RID AE ,— T he PI o v e r s .
CHARADRIUS YIRGINICUS, Borck.
Golden Plover : Bull-head.
CftaratZrius pluvialis, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 71 ; pi. lix.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 623.— NUTTALL,
Man. II, 1834, 16.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 623. (Not of Linnaeus.)
Charadrius virginicus, " BORCKHAUSEN and BECHSTEIN." LIGHT. Verz. Doubl. 1823, No. 729. — BAIRD & CASSIN,
Gen. Rep. Rirds, 690.
Charadrius marmoratus, WAGLER. Syst. Av. 1827, No. 42.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 575 5 pi. 300.— IB. Syn.
222.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842, 203 ; pi. 316,
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 59, fig. 5.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 300, oct. ed. V, pi. 316.— Meyen, Nova Acta,
XVI, Supp. pi. 18.
SP. CH. — Bill rather short, legs moderate, wings long, no hind toe, tarsus covered before and behind with small circular or
hexagonal scales, Upper parts brownish black, with numerous small circular and irregular spots of golden yellow, most
230 ZOOLOGY.
numerous on the back and rump, and on the upper tail coverts, assuming the form of transverse bands, generally ; also with
some spots of ashy white. Entire under parts black, with a brownish or bronzed lustre, under tail coverts mixed or barred with
white. Forehead, border of the black of the neck, under tail coverts and tibiae, white ; axillary feathers cinereous ; quills, dark
brown ; middle portion of the shafts white, frequently extending slightly to the webs and forming longitudinal stripes on the
shorter quills ; tail dark brown, with numerous irregular bands of ashy white, and frequently tinged with golden yellow ; bill,
black ; legs, dark bluish brown. Younger. — Under parts dull ashy, spotted with brownish on the neck and breast, frequently
more or less mixed wilh black ; many spots of the upper part dull ashy white ; other spots, especially on the rump, golden
yellow.
Total length about 9£ inches ; wing, 7 ; tail, 2£ inches.
Hub. — All of North America, South America, Northern Asia, Europe.
Early in October, 1853, I found the golden plover quite abundant in the St. Mary's valley, at
the western base of the Rocky mountains. They were then found scattered in small flocks upon
the plains near the junction of the Bitter Root and Hell-Gate streams, which had recently been
burnt over by the spreading fires so commonly started either by accident or design by the wild
natives of the far west.
The birds were remarkably unsuspicious and tame, and although frequently shot at were but
little alarmed. Those that I killed were very fat, and in excellent condition for the table. I
never saw this species near the coast in Washington or Oregon, and presume that, if found
there, it is only accidental.
In the collections in San Francisco I saw several birds of this species, which had probably
been obtained in the public markets of that city. — S.
AEGIALITIS VOCIFERUS, (Linn.) Gas sin,
Killdeer.
Charadrlus vociferus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 253.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813,73 ; fig. pi. lix.— NUT. Man,
II, 22.— AUD. Orn.Biog. Ill, 1835, 191: V, 577 ; pi. 225.— IB. Syn. 222.— IB. Birds Am.
V, 1842, 207; pi. 317.
Jlegiiltes vociferus, BON. List, 1838.
Jlegialitlsvociferus, BAIRD and CASSIV, Gen. Rep. Birds, 692.
FIGURES.— Catesby's Carolina, Birds, pi. 71.— Buff. Pi. Enl. 286.— Wilson's Am. Orn. VIII, pi. 59, fig. 6.— Aud. B.
of Am. pi. 225, oct. ed. V, pi. 317.
Sp. CH.— Wings long, reaching to the end of the tail, which is also rather long. Head above and upper parts of the body
light brown with a greenish tinge, rump and upper tail coverts rufous, lighter on the latter. Front and lines over and under the
eye, white, another band of black in front above the white band ; stripe from the base of the bill toWar 'a the occiput, brownish
black ; ring encircling the neck and wide band on the breast, black ; throat white, which color extends upwards around the
neck; other under parts white. Quills brownish black with about half of their inner webs white, shorter primaries with a
large spot of white on their outer webs, secondaries widely lipped or edged with white. Tail feathers pale rufous at base;
the four middle light olive brown tipped with white, and with a wide subterminal band of black ; lateral feathers widely
tipped with white. Entire upper plumage frequently edged and tipped with rufous. Very young have upper parts light
gray, with a longitudinal band on the head and back black ; under parts white. Total length about 9J inches; wing, 6 J ;
tail, 3£ inches.
Length of a Rocky mountain specimen, 10.75 inches ; extent, 20.75 ; bill black ; feet yellow.
Hob. — North and South America.
This plover is a common species in Minnesota, Oregon, and Nebraska Territories, breeding
in summer throughoul this immense range. In winter they are sparingly found about Puget
Sound, as in the east, seemingly preferring the beaches and sand pits near salt water during
the cold months. The greater number of individuals, however, retire in the fall to the south;
not returning to the vicinity of the sound until about the end of April. They then repair in
ZOOLOGY. 231
great numbers to the small fresh water ponds in the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom, where they
remain during the summer and rear their young. This proverbially noisy, restless bird retains
all the peculiar habits on the Pacific that so distinguish it in other localities. — S.
The killdeer plover is a common summer resident in the interior of the Territory, arriving
at Puget Sound early in May, and remaining until October, raising its young during the season.
I have never seen this species on the coast. — C.
AEGIALITIS MONTANUS, (Towns.) C as sin.
Rocky Mountain Plover.
Charadrius montanus, TOWNS. J. A. N. Sc. VII, 1837, 192.— IB. Narr. 1839, 349.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 362 ;
pi. 350.— IB. Syn. 223.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842, 213 ; pi. 318.
Aegialtes montanus, BON. List. 1838.
Aegiditis montanus. BAIRD and CASSIN, Gen. Hep. Birds, 693.
SP. CH. — Forehead, stripe over the eye, and entire under parts, white, generally tinged with dull yellowish and ashy on the
breast. Another band of black in front above the white band ; back of the neck and sides dull brownish fulvous ; other
upper parts ashy brown, usually with many feathers edged and tipped with fulvous or rufous ; upper tail coverts lighter.
Quills dark brown, with their shafts white, tail brown with a wide subterminal band of brownish black and tipped with white.
Shorter primaries with a white space on their outer webs, forming a patch of white on the wing ; under wing coverts and
axillary feathers pure silky white. Bill black, legs yellow. Younger, without the black band in front, and with the white
band tinged with dull yellow, entire upper parts with the feather edged and tipped with dull ashy rufous Total length,
about 9 inches ; wing, 6 ; tail, 3 inches.
Sab — Western North America.
I obtained a specimen of this bird, shot in a "prairie dog town" on Milk river, Nebraska, and
have reason to believe that it is found in southern California and New Mexico. Not observed
by me in Washington or Oregon. Perhaps it may be found in summer in the interior of
southern Oregon towards Utah. The habits of the bird I obtained in Nebraska seem somewhat
to resemble those of the golden plover in apparently preferring dry open ground.
I also saw a stuffed specimen in the collection of F. Gruber, San Francisco. — S.
AEGIALITIS SEMIPALMATUS, (Bon.) Cab.
Ring Plover; Semi-palmatcd Plover.
Charadrius semipalmatus, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 219.— IB. Syn. 1828, 296.— IB. Am. Orn. IV, 1832, 92 ; pi.
xxv.— NUTTALL, Mann. II, 24 — Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 367.— -Aco. Orn. Biog. IV,
1838, 256 : V, 579 ; pi. 330.— IB. Syn. 224.
Aegialitis semipalmatus, CAB. Cab. Journ. 1856, 425. — BAIRD and CASSIN, Gen. Eep. Birds, 694.
Tringa hiaticula, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 65 ; pi. lix.
FIGUKES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 59, fig. 3.— And. B. of Am. pi. 330 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 320.— Bonap. Am. Orn. IV, pi.
25, fig. 4.
SP. CH. — Small, -wings long, toes connected at base, especially the outer to the middle toe. Front, throat, ring around the
neck, and the upper parts, white, a band of deep black across the breast, extending around the back of the neck below the
white ring. Band from the base of the bill, under the eye, and wide frontal band above the white band, black. Upper parts
light ashy brown, with a tinge of olive ; quills brownish black, with their shafts white in the middle portion, and occasionally
a lanceolate white spot along the shafts of the shorter primaries ; shorter tertiaries edged with white ; lesser coverts tipped
with white. Middle feathers of the tail ashy olive brown, with a wide subterminal band of brownish black, and narrowly
tipped with white ; two outer tail feathers white, others intermediate, like the middle, but widely tipped with white. Bill
orange yellow, tipped with black ; legs yellow. Female similar, but rather lighter colored. Young without the black band
in front, and with the band across the breast ashy brown.
Total length, about 7 inches ; extent, 15J ; wing, 4| ; tail, 2J inches ; iris brown ; bill orange and black ; feet black.
Hob. — The whole of temperate North America. Common on the Atlantic.
The ring plover passes through along the sea-coast of the Territory when migrating in the
232 ZOOLOGY.
months of April and October. It associates with the small sandpipers along the shores of the
bays and estuaries, and though apparently feeding on the same food, it picks it up on the
surface of the ground instead of probing in the mud or sand. — C.
SQUATAROLA HELVETICA, (Linn.) Cuv.
Swiss Plover ; Black-bellied Plover.
Tringa helvetica, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 250.
Squatarola helvetica, Cuv. R. A. 1817. — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Kep. Birds, 697.
Charadnus helveticus, LICHT. Verz. 1827, No. 728.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 280 ; pi. 324.— IB. Syn. 421.— IB.
Birds Amer. V, 1842, 199 ; pi. 315.
Tringa squatarola, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 252.
Charadrius apricarius, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 41.
FIGURES.— Buffon, PI. Eul. 853, 854, 923.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 57, fig. 4.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 334 ; oct. ed. V,
pi. 315.— Naumann, B. of Germany, pi. 178.— Gould, B. of Eur. IV, pi. 290.
SP CH. — Bill and legs strong ; wings long ; a very small rudimentary hind toe. Around the base of the bill to the eyes,
neck before and under parts of body, black ; upper white, nearly pure and unspotted on the forehead ; sides of the neck
and rump tinged with ashy, and having irregular transverse bars of brownish black on the back, scapulars, and wing coverts ;
the brownish black frequently predominating on those parts, and the rump also frequently with transverse bars of the same.
Lower part of the abdomen, tibia, and under tail coverts, white. Quills brownish black, lighter on their inner webs, with a
middle portion of their shafts white, and a narrow longitudinal stripe of white frequently on the shorter primaries and
secondaries. Tail white, with transverse imperfect narrow bands of black. Bill and legs black. The black color of the
under parts generally with a bronzed or coppery lustre, and presenting a scale-like appearance ; the brownish black of the upper
parts with a greenish lustre. Younger and winter plumage. — Entire upper parts dark brown, with circular and irregular small
spots of white, and frequently of yellow, most numerous on the wing coverts ; upper tail covert white. Under parts white,
with short longitudinal lines and spots dark brownish cinereous on the neck and breast ; quills brownish black, with large
longitudinal spots of white on their inner webs, and also on the outer webs of the shorter primaries. Young. — Upper parts
lighter, and with the white spots more irregular or scarcely assuming a circular shape ; narrow lines on the neck and breast
more numerous. Length, 11. 50 to 12.50 ; extent, 24. 25 to 25. 00; wing, 7. 25 to 9. 75 ; tail, 3 inches. Iris brown, bill
black ; feet lead color.
Hob. — All of North America. The sea-coasts of nearly all countries of the world.
The black-bellied or Swiss plover I found moderately abundant in Minnesota, and also sparingly
on the sand spits and beaches along the Straits of Fuca, in Washington Territory. In the
latter vicinity I obtained several specimens in the early part of March, 1856.
Owing to the general mildness of the winters in the last-mentioned locality, a few generally
remain throughout the season, where, in company with the turnstone and the active little three-
toed sandpiper, they may, any fine day during the colder months, be found industriously seeking
their favorite food at the edges of the retiring Avaves. In the spring and fall they are quite
common in the San Francisco markets. — S.
The Swiss plover seems to be a resident bird in small numbers, as I shot young birds in July
near the mouth of the Columbia river, together with the young of several other species of shore
birds. During the coldest winter weather I also observed them in greater numbers, but never
in flocks of more than a dozen. — C.
ZOOLOGY. 233
Family H AEM ATOPODID AE.— The Oyster Catchers.
HAEMATOPUS NIGER, Pallas.
liiirlimau's Oyster Catcher.
Haematopus niger, PALLAS, Zoog. Kosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 131. — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gea. Rep. Birds, 701.
Haemitopus bachmani, AUD. Ora. Biog. V, 1839, 245 ; pi. 427.— IB. Syn. 229.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 243 ;
pi. 325.— TOWNSEXD, Narr. 1839, 348.
SP. CH. — Rather smaller than the preceding ; bill rather more slender, wings long ; legs robust ; tarsi covered with ovate
scales ; tail short. Head and neck brownish black, with a glaucous or ashy tinge in very adult specimens. All other parts
of the plumage, above and below, dark brown, rather darkest on the rump ; bill bright red ; legs pale reddish, nearly
white.
Total length, about 17 inches; wing, 10J ; tail, 4J; bill to gape, 3^ ; tarsus, 2 inches.
Hab. — Western coast of United States. Kurile islands, (Pallas )
Bachman's oyster catcher was obtained by Dr. Townsend from the northwest coast, having
been presented to him by William Fraser Tolmie, esq., at that time surgeon to the honorable
Hudson Bay Company, and at present a chief factor and " resident partner" in that wealthy
corporation.
Dr. Tolmie' s kindness and interest in furthering the wishes of naturalists both of this country
and of Europe have been already mentioned by me in my notes on the Triclias McGillivrayi.
Oyster catchers are common in the Rocky islands and points near Victoria, Vancouver's
island, and upon the Rock islands and reefs of the Canal d'Arro and the Straits of Fuca. I
have not yet succeeded in obtaining specimens, but have been promised some by friends residing
in that vicinity. — S.
I cannot be certain that the above species inhabits the Territory, as the description appears
to differ from those observed there by Mr. Gibbs and myself in having pale red, instead of blood
red legs.
The only locality where I have seen the oyster catcher is the northern shore of Whidby's
island, at the Straits of De Fuca. A single one frequented that place in April, feeding among
the sea weeds on a rocky shore, which are so nearly like it in color that it can with difficulty
be seen at a little distance. This bird was very shy, and I could get no chance to shoot it.
On the opposite shores of Vancouver's island I heard that they were abundant in summer.
When flying over the water from one point to another it makes a wide semi-circle, keeping
far from the shore. On starting it utters a loud whistling cry. — C.
STREPSILAS INTERPRES, (Linn.) 111.
Turnstone.
Tringa interpret, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 248.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 32 ; pi. Ivii.
Strepsilas interpret, ILLIOER, Prod. 1811, 263. — Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 371. — Nurr. II, 30. — AUD. Orn. Biog. IV,
1838,31; pi 304.— IB Syn. 227.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 231; pi. 323.— BAIRD & CASSLV,
Gen. Rep Birds, 701.
FIGURES.— Buff. PI. Enl. 856.— Vieill. Gal. II, pi. 237.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 57, fig. 1 .— lucl. B. of Am. pi. 304 ;
oct. ed. V, pi. 323.
SP. CH. — Upper parts rather irregularly variegated with black, dark rufous, and white. Head and neck above generally
white, with numerous spots and stripes of brownish black on the crown and occiput ; space in front of the eye white, usually
surrounded with black ; throat white, on each side of which is a stripe of black running from the base of the bill downwards
and joining a large space of the same color (black) on the neck and breast. Abdomen, under wing eoverts, under tail
30 Q
234 ZOOLOGY.
coverts, back and rump, white. Quills brownish black, with their shafts white ; tail white at base, with its terminal half
brownish black, and tipped with white. Greater wing coverts widely tipped with white, forming a conspicuous oblique bar
across the wing; bill black ; legs orange. In winter the black of the upper parts is more apparent, and the rufous is of less
extent and of lighter shade.
Total length, about 9 inches ; extent, 18.75 ; wing, 6 ; tail, 2£ inches. Iris brown ; bill and feet black.
Hob. — Shores of the Atlantic and Pacific, throughout North America. One of the most widely diffused of birds, being
found in nearly all parts of the world.
The turnstone passes through along the coast of the Territory on its northern migration in
May, clad in its beautiful summer dress ; and in September returns southward in its plain
chocolate plumage. Some, perhaps, remain during winter about the shores of Puget Sound. — C.
STREPSILAS MELANOCEPHALUS, Vigors.
Black Turnstone.
StTfpsilas melanocej.>halus, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. IV, Jan. 1829, 356. — IB. Zool. Blossom, 1839, 29. — GA.MBEL, J. A. N.
Sc. 2d series, Aug. 1849, 220.— BAIBD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 702.
SP. CH. — About the size of and having the same general form as the preceding, but differing in color. Head, breast, and
upper parts of the body fuliginous brown, lighler on the breast, and with every feather having a darker centre ; back and
wing coverts darker, frequently nearly black and with a greenish lustre ; lower part of back, rump, and upper tail coverts
white, with a large spot of black on the upper coverts. Abdomen, under tail and under wiug coverts white: tips of greater
wing coverts white, forming a band across the wing ; shorter tertiaries edged externally white. Bill black, feet dark orange.
Quills brownish black, with their shafts white ; tail at base white, with its terminal half black, narrowly tipped with white.
Total length, about 9 inches ; wing, 6 ; lail, 2J inches ; extent, 18.75.
Hab. — "Western North America.
Birds belonging to one or the other of these species are very common in autumn and spring
on the sand spits and rocky points of Puget Sound and the Straits of Fuca. They arrive from
the north at the same time as the Lobipes hyperboreus, about August 20. The bulk of the
migration passes to the south before cold weather comes on, although a few remain throughout
the winter. I have shot them along the shores of the Straits of Fuca during the months of
January, February, and March.
They are very abundant in October, on a small rock island nearly opposite Seattle, Puget
Sound, where they congregate in immense numbers. I found them usually fat, and comparing
favorably with the tattlers and sandpipers as articles of food. They are not a shy bird, and
when plentiful are easily obtained, frequently several individuals being killed at one discharge.
During the cold months they keep in small companies, feeding busily, like the sandpipers, at
the edge of the water, and when disturbed flying to a short distance from the intruder, when,
again alighting, they eagerly recommence a busy search for their favorite food. — S.
Family 11EC URVIROSTRID AE.— The Avosets.
RECURVIROSTRA AMERICANA, Gm.
American Avoset.
Recurvirottra americana, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 693.— WILLS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 126.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831,
375.— NUTT. Man. II, 78.— AUD. Orn Blog. IV, 1838, 168 ; pi. 318.— IB. Syn. 252.—
IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 247 ; pi. 353.— BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 703.
ReeuTvirostra occidentcdis, VIGORS, Zool. Jour. IV, 1829, 356.— IB. Zool. Blossom, 1839, 28 ; pi. xii.— WAGLER, Isis,
1831, 520.— BAIRD, Zool. Stansbury, Salt Lake, 1852.— CASSIN, Illust. I, vm, 1855, 232 ;
pi. xl.
ZOOLOGY. 235
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 63, fig. 2. Aud. B. of Am. pi. 318; oct. ed. vi; pi. 353. Latham, Synopsis, V, pi. 92.
Cassin, B. of C 1. and Texas, pi. 40. (Young.)
Sr. CH. — Bill rather long, depressed; wings long; legs long; tarsi compressed; tail short. Mult: Head and neck pale
reddish brown, darker on the head and fading gradually into white. Back, wing coverts, and quills, black; scapulars, tips of
greater wing coverts, rump and tail, and entire under paits, white; the last frequently tinged with reddish. Bill brownish
black, legs bluish. Young: Very similar to the adult, but with the head and neck white, frequently tinged with ashy on the
head and neck behind. Total length, 13-12 to 18 inches; wing, 8£ to 9; extent, 28 to 31; tail, 3£; bill to gape, 3J; tarsus, 3£
inches.
Hob. — All of temperate North America; Florida, (Mr. Wiirdemann.)
During my residence in the northwest I obtained but one specimen of the American avoset,
which was afterwards, unfortunately, lost on its way to Washington. This bird appeared to
be a straggler, and was shot near Fort Walla-Walla, where it excited a good deal of surprise
among some of the older settlers and traders, to all of whom it was new. In western Minne
sota, on the contrary, it is very abundant, especially in the saline region along the tributary
streams of the Shayenne river and among the salt lakes and pools of the Grande Coteau.
There, where I had a good opportunity of studying their habits, I found that they appeared
equally fond of the margins of running brooks and the edges of stagnant pools; partly resembling
ducks in swimming well upon the surface of the water, and partly the Totani in running along
the shore and in wading into the water in search of food. They were very unsophisticated,
allowing a near approach, and were but little disturbed by the report of a gun. When alarmed
at all, they manifested it much as curlews and willets do, by circling around the intruder, flying
backwards and forwards, all the while vociferating loudly. At such times, like the birds men
tioned, they can be "tolled" towards the shooter by whistling in imitation of their cry. I
have seen a specimen of the avoset in the San Francisco Academy's museum, which had been
obtained in California. It is not a common bird in Oregon, the one received being the only
specimen I ever heard of in the Territory. In the Salt Lake region they are not uncommon,
(vide Stansbury's Report,) and this, added to the fact of their great abundance among the salt
lakes of western Minnesota, (the present Territory of Dacotah,) seems to indicate a decided
preference for such food as is found only in salt and brackish water. My Oregon specimen was
much darker than any obtained in Minnesota, a reddish cinnamon tinge being very strongly
marked upon the neck. Although I shot many individuals in western Minnesota, I never saw
one among them so darkly tinged as the Oregon specimen.
Nuttall says, in a note: "A second species, with, a white instead of a rufous neck, head, and
breast, and very nearly allied, if not identic, with the European or Oriental avoset, was shot
near to the Great Northern Bend of the Missouri, and is now, I believe, in the extensive
museum of the Right Honorable Lord Stanley, at Knowsley Hall." — Nuttall's Manual. 1st ed.
Water Birds, p. 77.
The Great Send of the Misiouri, it should be remembered, is very near to the saline region
of Dacotah. Probably, however, tfeis bird was simply a specimen of the present species in
immature plumage, unless we differ from Mr. Cassin, and admit the existence of R. occidentals
as a distinct species. — S.
Common on the Platte river, Nebraska, where I obtained, in August, two specimens, having
characters intermediate between R. americana and R. occidentaMs. Never seen by me on the
west coast. — C.
236 ZOOLOGY.
Family P H AL AROP ODID AE .— T he Phalaropes.
PHALAROPUS HYPERBOREUS, (Linn.) Temm.
Nor flit rn Plialarope.
Tringa hyperborea, LINN, Syst Nat. I, 1766, 249.
Lobipes hyperboreus, " Cuv. R. A."— BON. List, 1838.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 240.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 295; pi. 340.
Phalaropus hyperboreus, TEMM. Man. II, 1820, 709 — AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 118: V, 595; pi. 215.— BAIRD &CASSIN,
Gen. Rep. Birds, 706.
FIGURES.— Buff. PL Enl. 766.— Edwards, Birds, III, pi. 143, 46, 308.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 254; oct. ed. V, pi. 340.
Sp. CH. — Bill short, straight, pointed; wings long; tail short; legs short. Mult: Neck encircled with a ring of bright
ferruginous, and a stripe of the same on each side; head above and neck behind sooty ash; back, wir.gs, and tail brownish
black, paler on the rump, mixed with bright ferruginous on the back. Tips of greater wing coverts white Sides and flanks
ashy, frequently mixed with reddish; throat, breast, and abdomen white; bill and legs dark. Young: Entire upper parts
brownish black; many feathers edged and tipped with dull yellow and ashy; under parts white; tips of greater wing coverts
white. Total length, 7 to 8 inches; extent, 13| to 14; wing, 4£; tail, 2\; bill, 1; tarsus, \ inch. Female smallest. Iris brown;
legs bright slate color; bill black.
Hab. — The whole of temperate North America, Europe, Japan, (Mr. Heine, Japan Exp.,) San Francisco, California,
(Mr. Cutts )
The lobefoot passes in spring and fall through the Territory in small flocks, which associate
sometimes Avith the sandpipers, but seem to prefer wetter feeding grounds, wading in the
shallow creeks at low tide, and even swimming in the ocean several miles off shore. In August,
1853, I saw a pair either of this or the next species swimming on a small lake on the summit
of the Cascade mountains, where they probably had a nest. The young birds appear near the
mouth of the Columbia as early as July. — C.
Several specimens of this species I obtained on Puget Sound and Admiralty inlet in August,
1856. About the middle of the latter month individual birds arrive from the north, and
towards its close become quite abundant on the sound. They there seem to feed and live
principally among beds of kelp and floating patches of dead sea-weed, being rarely seen on
the shore. They swim well, and take wing very readily from the water. In the locality just
mentioned they are not at all shy, but are readily approached and shot. — S.
PHALAROPUS FULICARIUS, (Linn.) Bon.
Red Plialnrope.
Tringa fulicaria, LINN. Syst Nat. I, 1766, 249.
Phalaropus fulicarius, BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, 232.— IB. Syn. 1828, 341.— SWAINSON, F. Bor. Amer. II, 1831, 407 —
NUTT. Man. 11,236.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 404; pi. 255.— IB. Syn. 239.— IB. Birds
Amer. V, 1842, 291; pl.-339.— BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 707.
FIGURES.— Edwards, Birds, III, pi. 142.— Wilson, Am. Orn. IX, pi. 73, fig. 4.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 255; oct. ed. V, pi. 339.
Sp. CH. — Bill strong, flattened, widened towards the end; wings long; tail short; legs short; plumage thick and compact,
like the swimming birds. Adult: Head above, space around the base of the bill, throat, and back, brownish black, feathers of
the last edged broadly with pale ochre yellow; wings and tail ashy brown, paler on the wing coverts; greater wing coverts
widely tipped with white; stripe on the cheek white. Entire under parts deep brownish red, inclining to purple on the abdomen,
and with a glaucous cast in very mature specimens; under wing coverts and axillaries pure white; bill greenish yellow; feet
dark bluish brown. Young: Entire upper parts light cinereous; head above and wings darker, and mixed with blackish brown;
head in front, and entire under parts, white; tips of greater wing coverts white. Total length, from 7| to 8| inches; extent, 16;
wing, 5J; tail, 2J ; bill, 1; tarsus, J inch. Iris dark brown; bill and feet black.
Hab. — Cntire temperate regions of North America; Asia; Europe.
ZOOLOGY. 237
I never observed but two red phalaropes in Washington Territory, and those late in November
appeared during a storm in Shoalwater bay, where they swam in the surf near shore picking
at small Crustacea washed out of the sand. They seemed much more aquatic in their habits
than the preceding, and I am inclined to think that the birds seen in large flocks off the coasts
of California and Mexico in winter are of this species. — C.
Family SC OLOP ACID AE .—The Snipes.
Sub-Family SCOLOPACINAE.— Short-1 egged Snipe.
GALLINAGO WILSONII, (Temm.) Bon.
Wilson's Snipe ; English Snipe.
Scolopax ^cilsom^, TEMM. PL Col. V, livraison LXVIII, about 182 1 la text of Scolopax gigantea- BON. Syn. 1828, 330. —
SWAINS. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 401.— NUTT. Man. II, 185.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 322 : V. 1839,
583 ; pi. 243.— IB. Syn. 248 —In. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 339 ; pi. 350.
Gallinago wilsonii, BONAP. List, 183^. — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 710.
Scolopax gallinago, WILS. Am. Orn. VI, 1812, 18. Not of Linnaeus.
Scolopax dilicata, ORD, ed. Wils. IX, 1825, 218.
? Scolopax drummondii, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 400.— ADD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 319 — IB. Syn. 349.— IB. Birds Amer. V.
? Scolopax douglasm, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 400.
9 Scolopax leucurus, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 50.
SP. CH. — Bill long, compressed, flattened and slightly expanded towards the tip, pustulated in its terminal half; wings
rather long; legs moderate; tail hhort Entire upper parts brownish black ; every feather spotted and widely edged with Ugh
rufous, yellowish brown or ashy white ; back and rump transversely barred and spotted with the same ; a line from the base 01
the bill over the top of the head. Throat and neck before, dull reddish ashy ; wing feather marked with dull brownish black ;
other under parts white, with transverse bars of brownish black on the sides, axillary feathers and under wing coverts and under
tail coverts; quills brownish black; outer edge of first primary white; tail glossy brownish black, widely tipped with bright
rufous, paler at the tip, and with a subterminal narrow band of black ; outer feathers of tail paler, frequently nearly white and
barred with black throughout their length. Bill brown, yellowish at base and darker towards the end ; legs dark brown.
Malt: length, 10 to 10.50; extent, 16. Female: length, 11 ; extent, 17 inches; wing, 5; tail, 2j ; bill, 2<| ; tarsus, l£ inch.
Feet pale greenish gray.
Hib. — Entire temperate regions of North America. California, (Mr. Szabo )
Wilson's snipe is generally distributed throughout all such portions of Oregon and Washington
where nature has provided them with suitable abiding places. Many remain in the vicinity of
Puget Sound throughout the winter, unless it be unusually cold. This is not surprising when
we consider the mild open character of the winter of the coast region of those Territories,
which, unlike the hard, cold season of places on the Atlantic coast of the same northern latitude,
is what might be properly termed a rainy season.
Further in the interior they are found, and a few winter near Fort Dalles, on the Columbia.
In that vicinity I found several individuals on a cold day in the winter of 1854-' 55 who had
retreated from their ordinary haunts — owing to the frozen condition of the surface of the ground
and a slight fall of snow — and were then busy close to the edge of an open running brook,
running along the line where the snow had been melted by the ripples of the water, and feeding
and acting at the time much like sandpipers — having been thus driven by sheer necessity to an
almost complete abandonment of their ordinary habits. It is probable that had the change in
the weather been less sudden, these birds would have migrated further south; but as it was,
they were taken unawares, and reduced to great straits by cold and starvation. In habits,
238 ZOOLOGY.
voice, and general appearance, this species on the west coast retains all the individual charac
teristics noted in eastern birds. This fact, together with the total absence of any skins in the
Smithsonian collection, indicating the existence of another species of this genus in our northwest,
leads me to judge, with Mr. Cassin, that there is but little probability that either the so-called
S. Drummondii, or the S. Douglassii, exist in nature. A few remain and breed during the
summer in the neighborhood of Puget Sound, but the greater portion retire to the north for
that purpose. Near Fort Steilacoom they are abundant in spring and fall on the marshes around
the small lakes in that vicinity, and also in the thicket-covered swamps near the mouths of the
Nisqnally, Puyallup. and other rivers. — S.
The American snipe is not uncommon in the Territory during the migrating season, and I
think a few remain throughout mild winters, but most of this species seem to go on at once to
the plains of California, where I saw them in immense numbers in November. In habits, flight,
and the peculiar quacking cry when startled, they precisely resemble the same bird near the
Atlantic. I saw them near the Columbia in August. — C.
MACRORHAMPHUS GRI3EUS: (Gmelin,) Leach.
Gray Snipe ; Red-breasted SnJpe.
Scolopax grisea, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 658, No. 27.
Macrorhamphus griseus, " LEACH, Catal. Brit. Mus. 1816, 31." — STEPHENS, Shaw. Gen. Zool. XII, 1824, 61. — BON. Am
Orn. IV, 1832,51; pi. xxiii.— BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 7 12.
Scolopax novtboracemis, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 658, No. 28. — WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 45; pi. Iviii — Sw. F. Bor.
Am. II, 1831, 398.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 288; pi. 339 — IB. Syn. 249.— IB. Birds Amer.
VI, 1843, 10; pi. 351.
gp- CH. — Rather smaller than the preceding ; bill long, compressed, flattened and expanded towards the end, and in the
same space punctulated and corrugated ; wing rather long ; shaft of first primary strong ; tail short ; legs rather long. Adult :
Upper parts variegated with dark ashy, pale reddish and black, the latter predominating on the back; rump and upper tail
coverts white, the latter spotted and barred transversely with black. Under parts pale ferruginous red, with numerous points
and circular spots of brownish black on the neck before, and transverse bands of the same on the sides and under tail coverts ;
axillary feathers and under wing coverts white, spotted and transversely barred with black. Quills brownish black ; shaft of first
primary white ; tail brownish black, with numerous transverse bands of ashy white, and frequently tinged with ferruginous,
especially on the two middle feathers ; bill greenish black ; legs dark greenish brown. Younger : Entire under parts dull white,
strongly marked with dull ashy on the neck in front, and transverse bands of the same on the sides ; axillary feathers and under
wing coverts white, spotted with brownish black; upper parts lighter than in the adult. Total length about 10 inches; wing,
5| ; tail, 2^ ; bill, 2£ ; tarsus, 1| inch.
Hab. — Entire temperate regions of North America.
Quite common in autumn near Fort Steilacoom. A few also remain throughout the summer
and breed. A female specimen (371) killed May 5, 1856, near Fort Steilacoom, from the appear
ance of her plumage appeared to be then incubating. It measured 11|-19, bill S^V-* In that
vicinity the }7oung "of the year" begin to appear on the edges of brackish pools and in other
places abounding in their favorite food in August, and during the following two months birds
of the species, of all ages, are very abundant. — S.
The red-breasted or robin snipe is not very abundant, and associates in flocks, with several
species of small sandpipers, during spring and fall, along the edges of salt marshes and flats
near the coast. — C.
0 Mr. Cassin attributes M. scolopaceus to Washington Territory, on authority of Dr. Suckley, but mentions no specimen
resembling it except this one. — (See Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 868.) — C.
ZOOLOGY. 239
TRINGA ALPINA, Linn., var. AMERICANA, Cass.
Red-backed Sandpiper.
Tringa alpina, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 249.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 25; pi. Ivi.— Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831,
383.— NUTT. Man. II, 106.— AUD. Orn. Bi«g. Ill, 1835,580; pi. 290.— IB. Syn. 234.— IB. Birds
Amer. V, 1842, 266; pi. 332, var. Americana, BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 719.
Tringa cindus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 251.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 39; pi. Ivii.
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am Orn. VII, pi. 7, fig. 3; pi. 56, fig. 2.— AUD. B. of Am. pi. 290; oct. ed. V, pi. 332.
Sp. CH. — Bill longer than the head, wide at base, curved, slighUy widened and flattened towards the end; nasal groove and
another groove in the under mandible long and very distinct; wings long; tail short, with the two middle feathers longest
and pointed; legs rather long and slender, lower half of the tibia naked; toes moderate, free at base, flattened underneath and
slightly marginated; claws much compressed, hind toe small. Upper parts yellowish red, mixed with ashy, and every feather
having a lanceolate, ovate or narrow spot in the centre, most numerous on the back and rump. Front, sides of the head, and
entire under parts, ashy white, nearly pure white on the abdomen and under tail coverts; a wide transverse band of black across
the lower part of the breast; neck before and upper part of the breast with narrow longitudinal spots of brownish black. Under
wing coverts and axillary feathers white; quills light ashy brown, darker on their outer edges, with their shafts white; tail
feathers light ashy brown; middle feathers darker, outer nearly white. Bill and legs very dark brownish black. Sexes alike.
Winter plumage. — Entrie upper parts darK ashy, nearly black on the rump and upper tail coverts; throat, abdomen, axillaries,
and under wing coverts, white; breast pale ashy, with longitudinal lines of dark brown.
Total length, 85 to 9 inches; extent, 15^ to 16; wing, 5; tail, 2|; bill from gape, 1£; tarsus, 1 inch.
Hob — Entire temperate regions of North America.
This bird is very abundant on the salt marshes at the mouths of the rivers emptying into
Puget Sound, where the species is resident throughout the year. In habits they do not differ
from those recorded in Nuttall's Manual. Early in the season, before they have been rendered
wild by being much shot at, I have observed that upon a volley being fired into a flock the
unharmed birds in terror sweep around in several circles, and hovering "buirch," as the
sportsmen say, over their wounded companions, and sometimes realight with them. At the
moment of their hovering in a compact body over the wounded is the time generally seized to
fire the reserved barrels; two or three shots will frequently bring down from thirty to sixty
birds, and I have known one instance where an officer of the army bagged ninety-six birds from
one discharge of his fowling piece. After being fired into once or twice the flocks, learning
to avoid sympathizing with their dead and wounded, become shy and wary. At Puget Sound
this species is very fond of alighting in flocks upon the half-submerged drift logs which lie
stranded on the flats off the entrances of the Nisqually and other rivers, especially at high
water, when the surrounding marshes and flats are generally covered- Upon these logs the
birds will sometimes for hours sit compactly huddled together and motionless — perhaps for
the purpose of aiding the digestion of their food — perhaps simply because the high tide having
covered their feeding grounds they have learned by experience that the most philosophical plan
is "to take it easy," and await the subsidence of the waters. — S.
The red-backed alpine snipe, or ox-bird, is common in the same season and places as the
preceding species. — C.
TRINGA MACULATA, Vie ill.
Jack Snipe.
Tringa maculala, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXXIV, 1819, 465 — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 720.
Tringa pector alls, SAY, Long's Exped. I, 1823, 171.— BON. Am. Orn. IV, 1832, 43; pl.xxiii.— NUTT. Man. 11,111.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835 601; V, 582; pi. 294.— IB. Syn. 233.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 259;
pi. 329.
240 ZOOLOGY.
FIGURES.— Bonap. Am. Orn. IV, pi. 23, fig. 2.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 294; oct. ed. V, pi. 329.
SP. CH. — Bill rather longer than the head, compressed, slightly depressed and expanded at the tip; nasal groove long; wings
long; legs rather long; tibia with nearly its lower half naked; toes free at base, flattened underneath and slightly margined; tail
rather short; middle feathers pointed. Entire upper parts brownish black; all the feathers edged and tipped with ashy and
brownish red; rump and upper tail coverts black, some of the outer feathers of the latter edged with white. Line from the bill
over the eye ashy white; throat, abdomen, under wing coverts, axillary feathers, 'and under tail coverts, white. Breast and
neck before ashy white; all the feathers darker at base, and with partially concealed lanceolate or pointed spots of brownish
black. Quills brownish black; shaft of first primary white, of others brown; secondaries tipped and edged with white; tertiaries
edged with dull reddish yellow. Bill and feet dark greenish black. Total length, about 9 inches; wing, 5|; tail, 2£; bill to
gape, 1J; tarsus, 1 inch.
Hob. — The entire coast of North America; South America; Europe.
This snipe is found moderately abundant at Puget Sound, but it is rare to find them there,
except singly. A male specimen, marked 373, killed at Fort Steilacoom, measured, in length,
9.75 inches; extent, 18.25. The species appears to be only a visitor in the spring and fall,
though a few, perhaps, remain through the summer. — S.
TRINGA WILSONII, Nut tall.
Least Sandpiper.
Tringapusilla, WILSON, Am. Orn. V, 1812, 32; pi. 37. Not of Linnaeus.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 180; pi.
320.— IB. Syn. 237.— IB. Birds, Am. V, 1842, 280; pi. 337.
Tringa wilsonii, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 121. — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 271.
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. V, pi. 37, fig. 4.— Audubon's B. of Am. pi. 320; oct. ed. V, pi. 337.
SP. CH. — The smallest of all known species of this group found in North America. Bill about as long as the head, slightly
curved towards the end, which is very slightly expanded; grooves in both mandibles to near the tip; wing long ; tertiaries nearly
as long as the primaries; tail short; middle feathers longest; outer feathers frequently longer than the intermediate; legs long;
lower third of the tibia naked; toes long, slender, margined and flattened beneath; hind toe small. Upper parts with nearly
every feather having a large central spot of brownish black, and widely margined with ashy and bright brownish red; rump and
middle of the upper tail coverts black; outer coverts white, spotted with black. Stripe over the eye, throat, and breast pale
ashy white, with numerous small longitudinal spots of ashy brown; abdomen and under tail coverts white. Quills dark brown,
with the shafts of the primaries white; tertiaries edged with reddish. Middle feathers of the tail brownish black; outer feathers
light ashy white. Under surface of wing light brownish ashy, with a large spot of white near the shoulder; axillary feathers
white; bill and legs greenish brown, the latter frequently yellowish green. Total length from tip of bill to end of tail about 5§
to 6 inches; extent, 11.50; wing, 3| to 3£; tail, 1|; bill to gape, jj; tarsus, 2 inch. Bill black; feet brown.
Hob. — Entire temperate North America.
Wilson's sandpiper is quite abundant during the spring and autumn in the vicinity of Fort
Steilacoom, Puget Sound. They prefer the muddy edges of pools of brackish or fresh water,
and are occasionally found along the borders of meadow brooks, especially in the spring. In
1856 they arrived at Fort Steilacoom during the first week in May, and were then seen either
in small flocks or in pairs. Two males, shot at that time, measured respectively in length and
extent 5.87, 11.38; and 6.11 inches. In the fall they are found in rather large flocks,
and are then readily killed on the lagoons and mud flats at different localities along the sound;
a few remain throughout the summer. — S.
Wilson's sandpiper I have only observed in summer, when they breed about the shores of
the bays near the Columbia river, as I supposed, from seeing young in July, though I have not
seen the nest. I have also found the species common along the Platte river, Nebraska, in
summer, and have no doubt of their breeding there. — C.
/OOLOGY. 241
CALIDRIS ARENARIA, (Linn.) Illiger.
Sanclerling.
Tringa arenaria, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 251. — AUD. Orn. Biog. — IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 287; pi. 338.
Calidris arenaria, ILLIGER, Prod. 1811, 249.— Sw. F. B. Am. II, 366.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 4.— BAIKD & CASSIN,
Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 23.
Charadrius calidris, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 255. — WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 68; pi. lix.
Charadrius rulndus, GM. I, 1788, 688.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 129; pi. Ixiii.
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 59, fig. 4, pi. 63, fig. 3.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 230; oct. ed. V, pi. 338.
SP. CH. — No hind toe; front toes moderate or rather long, flattened underneath; distinctly margined with a membrane.
Bill rather longer than the head, straight, rather thick; ridge of upper mandible flattened; nasal groove deep and nearly as
long as the upper mandible, not so distinct in the lower; both mandibles widened and flattened at the tip; aperture of the
nostril large and covered with a membrane. Wing long; tail short, with the middlo feathers longest; under coverts long
as the tail; legs moderate; lower third of the tibia naked. Under parts light ashy, with lanceolate, hastate, and ovate spots
of brownish black on the top of the head, on the back, scapulars, and shorter quills; rump and upper tail coverts with fine
transverse Hues of black. Under parts pure white. Shoulders brownish black, without spots; quills brownish black with
their shafts white and much paler on their inner webs; greater wing coverts widely tipped with white; middle feathers of the
tail ashy brown, edged with white; outer feathers paler; bill and legs greenish black. Sexes alike.
In spring plumage the head, neck, and breast are tinged with pale yellowish red and spotted with dark brown; back and
scapulars edged and tipped with yellowish red; rump and upper tail coverts ashy brown; under parts of the body pure white.
Total length, 7f to 8 inches; extent, 15. 50; wing, 5; tail, 2; bill about 1 inch; tarsus about 1 inch. Bill and feet black.
Hob. — Entire temperate regions of North America, South America, Europe.
The sanderling plover is quite abundant on the shores of the lower part of Puget Sound, and
also along the beaches of Admiralty Inlet and the Straits of Fuca. They are most abundant
during the autumn and early winter, although a few remain throughout the year at all seasons.
They principally alfect sand-spits and surf-beaches, and have much the habits of the Tri?igce
and Totani. In autumn they are fat and easily shot. When in good order this bird is delicious
for the table — in my opinion being second to none of its relatives. — S.
The three-toed sandpiper is abundant on the sea-shore during winter, forming great flocks,
together with other small species, especially the red-back and other sandpipers. A few of
them are found near the mouth of the Columbia in July, so that they may possibly breed in the
Territory. — C.
Sub-Family TOTANINAE, Long-legged Snipe.
SYMPHEMIA SEMIPALMATA, (G m .) H a r 1 1 a u b .
Willet.
Scolopax semipalmatus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 659.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 27; pi. Ivi.
Totanus semipalmatus, TEMM. Man.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 206. — Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 388; pi. Ixviii. — Aun.
Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 510: V, 585; pi. 274.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 324; pi. 347.
Totanus (Catoptrophorus) semipalmatus, BON. Syn. 1828, 328. — NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 144.
Symphemia semipalmata, HARTLAUB, Rev. Zool. 1845, 342. — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 729.
FIGURES. — Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 56, fig. 3.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 274; oct. ed. V, pi. 347. — Rich, and Swains. Faun. Bor.
Am. Birds, pi. 67.
SP. CH. — The largest American species of this genus. Bill longer than the head, straight, rather thick and strong; groove
in the upper mandible extending about half its length, in the lower mandible nearly obsolete; wings long; legs long, strong;
toes moderate, united at base by membranes, the larger of which unites the outer and middle toe; hind toe small; tail short.
Adult. — Entire upper parts dark ash color, (without spots;) the shafts of the feathers brownish black; rump and upper tail
coverts white. Under parts white, tinged with ashy on the neck and sides; axillaries and under wing coverts brownish
31 Q
242 ZOOLOGY.
black; primary quills white at base, and tipped with brownish black; secondaries white, spotted with brownish black; tail
ashy white, the two middle feathers strongly tinged with ashy; others spotted with dark ashy brown. Bill dark bluish
brown; lighter at base; legs light blue. Younger. — Entire plumage spotted, and transversely banded with brownish black.
Total length about 15 inches; wing, 8J; tail, 3|; bill about 2J; tarsus about 2£ inches.
Hab.— Entire temperate regions of North America; South America.
I obtained a specimen of the willet at San Francisco, California, where they are quite com
mon in the markets during the autumn, winter, and spring. From their abundance in California
I have no doubt that Dr. Townsend is correct in assigning this bird a place in the Oregon fauna.
Unfortunately, I myself have never obtained a specimen north of San Francisco. — S.
Probably rare on the coast of Washington Territory, though sportsmen have told me they
shot it. I never obtained a specimen. — C.
GAMBETTA MELANOLEUCA, (Gm.) Bon.
Tell Tale Tattler; Stone Snipe; Greater Yellow-Legs.
Scdopax mdanokucus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 659.
Gambetta melanoleuca, BON. Comptes Rendus, Sept., 1856. — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 731.
Scolopax vociferus, WILSON, Am. Orn, VII, 1813, 57; pi. Iviii.
Totanus vociferus, AUD. Syn. 244.— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 316; pi. 345.
SP. On — Bill longer than the head, rather slender, curved towards the tip; wings rather long, first quill longest; tail
short; neck and legs long; toes moderate, margined and flattened underneath, connected at base by membranes, the larger
of which unites the outer and middle toe; hind toe small; claws short, blunt; grooves in both mandibles extending about
half their length. Entire upper parts cinereous of various shades, dark in rnanys pecimens in full plumage, generally light
with white lines on the head and neck and with spots and edgings of dull white on the other upper parts; lower back
brownish black; rump and upper tail coverts white, generally with more or less imperfect transverse narrow bands of brownish
black; under parts white, with longitudinal narrow stripes on the neck and transverse crescent lanceolate and sagittate spots
and stripes on the breast and sides; abdomen pure white; quills brownish black with a purplish lustre, shaft of first primary
white, secondaries and tertiaries tipped and with transverse bars and Bpots of ashy white; tail white, with transverse narrow
bands of brownish black, wider and darker on the two middle feathers; bill brownish black, lighter at the base; legs yellow ;
iris brown; bill grayish black.
Total length about H inches; extent, 23J; wing, 7$ to 8; tail, 3£ to 3£; bill, 2£; tarsus, 2J inches.
Hob. — Entire temperate regions of North America; Mexico.
The great yellow-leg tattler I found pretty generally distributed throughout the country-
obtaining specimens in the remote interior on the Bitter Root stream of the Rocky mountains,
and also on Puget Sound in the vicinity of the sea-coast. This bird, in the last-named locality,
is quite abundant during the spring and autumn, where it is found both on fresh water margins
and also on the salt marshes and tide prairies at the mouths of the various rivers emptying into
the sound. It is there, in common with the gray snipe, (M. griseus,) known to the Nisqually
Indians by the name of Ky-yo-e-yah, a word intended to represent the cry of this bird as it
strikes the Indian ear. The habit of these aborigines of naming birds and beasts after their
cries is quite common on the northwest coast. — S.
The yellow-leg snipe is common near the coast in summer, and I think some remain during
the winter. — C.
RHYACOPHILUS SOLITARIUS, (Wils.) C as sin.
Solitary Sandpiper.
Tringa solitaria, WILSON, Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 53; pi. Iviii.
Totaniu sdtiariiu, AUD. Syn. 1839, 242.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842, 309; pi. 343.
ZOOLOGY. 243
Totanus chloropygius, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. VI, 1816, 401.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 210.— Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831,
393.— NUTTALL, II, 159.— AID. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 576: V, 583 ; pi. 289.
Totanus glareola, ORD,ed. Wils. VII, 1825, 57.
Rhyacophilus solitarius, BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 733.
SP. CH — Bill rather longer than the head, straight, slender, compressed ; both mandibles with narrow grooves; wing long,
pointed ; tail medium or rather short, rounded ; legs rather long, slender; lower half of the tibia naked; toes long, the outer
united to the middle by a small membrane, flattened underneath, marginated. Upper parts greenish brown, with numerous
small circular and irregular spots of ashy white ; upper tail coverts darker. Under parts white ; breast and neck before with
numerous longitudinal lines of greenish brown ; sides, axillaries, and under wing coverts white, with numerous transverse narrow
bands of dark greenish brown ; under tail coverts white, with a few transverse bands of dark brown. Quills brownish black,
with a slight bronzed or reddish lustre on the primaries ; two middle feathers of the tail greenish brown ; other feathers of the
tail pure white, with about five transverse bands of brownish black. Bill and legs dark greenish brown.
Total length, about 8 to 9 inches; extent 16.62 to 17; wing, 5; tail, 2£; bill, 1£ ; tarsus, 1| inches.
Hob. — Entire temperate regions of North America ; Mexico.
The solitary sandpiper is not rare about Puget Sound. While at Fort Steilacoom I obtained
several specimens. Two of these, shot in May, 1856, rather exceeded the measurement given
in the general report, being in length 9 inches each; extent 16.62 and 17; wing 3.50. They
are a quiet, solitary bird generally, and possess no remarkable habits as far as I have noticed. — S.
Apparently less common on the west than the east side of the continent. — C.
HETEROSCELUS BREYIPES, (Vieill.) Baird.
'Wandering Tattler.
Totanus brevipes, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. VT, 1816, 410.— CASSIN, Pr. N. A. Sc. VIII, 1856, 40.
Totanus oceanicus, LESSON, Comp. Buff. 1847, 244.
Totanus fuliginosns, GOULD, Voy. Beagle, Birds, 1841, 130.
ffeteroscelus brewpes, BAIRD & CASSIIT, Gen. Rep. Birds, 734.
FIGURES. — Gray, Genera, III, pi. 154 ?
SP. CH. — Rather larger than T. flavipes. Bill rather longer than the head ; wings long ; legs shorter than usual in this group,
toes moderate. Entire upper parts dark lead colored, uniform, and without white marks ; under parts white, with more or less
of dark cinereous or plumbeous on the sides and neck ; under wing coverts white, spotted and barred with dark plumbeous.
Quills dark brown ; shaft of the first primary white on its upper surface ; shafts of other primaries reddish brown on the upper
surface, and white on their under surfaces. Tail dark lead colored, uniform with upper parts of body. Bill dark ; feet greenish.
Younger. — Under parts white, transversely barred with dark ashy brown, especially on the sides and flanks. Throat and middle
of abdomen white.
Total length, male, lOf to 11 £ ; extent, 20J to 21 1 inches. Female, 11£ to 11 J ; extent, 21| inches ; wing, 6£ ; tail, 3£ ; bill, 1J ;
tarsus, \\ inches. Iris brown; bill dark olive ; legs dull yellow.
Hob. — Washington Territory ; islands in the Pacific ; South America; northeastern Asia ; Japan.
This species seems to be rather rare on the western coast of America, though a few probably
breed north of the Straits of De Fuca. On the first of May, 1854, I shot a pair, the first I had
seen, at Shoalwater bay, and during the month saw two other pairs. Each pair were mates,
and did not associate with any other shore birds. They frequented a rocky point, feeding
among the stones and seaweeds, and sometimes hiding behind them. When started, they make
a loud piping cry, and flew much like the other species. In September, 1855, I obtained a young
bird near the same place, which was somewhat different from the adult in spring plumage. — C.
24:4 ZOOLOGY.
TRINGOLDES MACULARIUS, (Linn.) Gray.
Spotted Sandpiper.
Tringa macularia, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 249.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 60 ; pi. lix.
Totanus macularius, TEMMINCK, Man. II, 1820, 656.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825, No. 211.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 162.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 81 ; pi. 3JO.— IB. Syn. 242— IB. Birds Amer. V, 1842, 303 ; pi. 342.
Actites macularius, BON. List, 1838.
Tringnides macularius, GRAY, genera. — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 735.
FIGURES. —Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 59, fig. I. — Aud. B. of Am. pi. 310, oct. ed. V, pi. 342.
SP. CH. — Small ; bill rather longer than the head, straight, slender ; long grooves in both mandibles ; wing rather long,
pointed ; tail medium, rounded ; legs rather long ; lower third of the tibia naked ; toes long, margined, and flattened under
neath ; outer connected with the middle toe by a large membrane ; inner very slightly connected to the middle toe. Upper
parts brownish olive green, with a somewhat metallic or bronzed lustre, and with numerous longitudinal lines, and sagittate,
lanceolate, and irregular spots of brownish black, having the same lustre. Line over the eye and entire under parts white,
with numerous circular and oval spots of brownish black, smaller on the throat, largest on the abdomen. Quills brown, with
a green lustre ; primaries slightly tipped with white, and having a white spot on their inner edges ; secondaries white at their
bases, and tipped with white; middle feathers of the tail same green as other upper parts, outer tipped with white, and with
irregular bars of brownish black. Bill yellowish green, tipped with brown ; feet reddish yellow. When fresh, the bill is
black, yellow at base, and feet flesh color, according to Cassin.
Young less bronzed above, and under parts white, without spots.
Total length, 7£ to 8 inches ; extent, 12| ; wing, 4J ; tail, 2 ; bill, 1 ; tarsus, rather less than 1 inch.
Hob. — Entire temperate North America ; Oregon. Europe.
Two specimens which I obtained of the "tip-up," or peet-weet snipe of the northwest,
both seemed to differ slightly from the description of the Tringoides macularius in the text of
Audubon' s Synopsis, but in habits, voice, size, and general appearance the Pacific and Atlantic
birds appear identical. The species is not abundant in Oregon and less so in Washington
Territory.
At Panama, in January, 1856, I saw tlpeet-weets" quite common on the shores of the bay and
islands in the vicinity. I suppose that the birds I there saw were identical with the Oregon
species. — S.
The spotted sandpiper is common during summer in the interior, frequenting the margins of
brooks and rarely appearing along the coast. It raises its young in the Territory and retires
south in October. — C.
TRYNGITES RUFESCENS, (Vie ill.) Cab.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
Tringa rufescais, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. XXXIX, 470. (Louisiana. )— IB. Galerie Ois. II, 1825, 105; pi. 238. —
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 113.— AUD. Orn. Biog. HI, 1835, 451 ; pi. 265. —In. Syn. 235. — IB. Birds
Amer. V, 1842, 264 ; pi. 331.
? Actidurus naevius, HEERMANN, Pr. Acad. N. S. Phil. VII, 1854, 179. (Texas. )
Tryngties rufesctns, CAB. BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 739.
FIGURES. —Trans. Linn. Soc. London, XVI, pi. 2. —Gould, B. of Eur. IV, pi. 326. —Aud. B. of Am. pi. 265 ; oct. ed. V,
pi. 331. — Vieill. Gal. II, pi. 238.
SP. CH. —Bill about the length of the head, straight, compressed, narrow at the point ; nasal groove long ; wings very
long ; first quill longest ; tertiaries rather shorter ; tail moderate or longer than usual in this group ; legs rather long ;
lower third of the tibia naked ; toes free at base, flattened underneath, and slightly margined ; hind toe small. Upper
parts pale and dull ashy brown, with a yellowish tinge ; every feather with a large central, lanceolate, crescent-shaped, or
oblong spot of black, frequently with a glossy green tinge, especially on the back and shorter tertiaries. Under parts light
yellowish red, or pale fawn color ; many feathers tipped with white, and paler on the flanks and abdomen, on the breast
ZOOLOGY.
245
with partially concealed small spots of black; axillary feathers white. Quills with their outer webs light brown, inner
webs ashy white marbled with black and narrowly tipped with white; middle tail feathers brownish black; outer feathers
lighter, with transverse waved lines of black, and tipped with white; bill greenish black; legs greenish ytllow. Total
length 7| to 8 inches; wing, 5|; tail, 3; bill, from gape, 1; tarsus, 1$ inches.
Hab. — All of North America, South America, Europe.
Common at Shoahvater bay during the migrating season, in company with the other little
sandpipers, and apparently seeking the same resorts and subsistence. — C.
LIMOSA FEDOA, (Linn.) Ord.
Marbled GotUvlt.
Scolopax fedoa, LINN. Syst. Nat. 10th ed. 1, 1758, 146: 12th ed. 1, 1766, 244.— WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813, 30; pi. Ivi.
Limosa fedoa, ORD. ed. Wils. VII, 1825.— IB. List, 1838.— Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 395.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834,
173.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 287: V. 590; pi. 238.— IB. Syn. 246.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842,
331; pi. 348.— BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 740.
Scolopax marmorata, LATH. Ind II, 1790, 720.
FIGURES.— Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 56, fig. 1.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 238; oct. ed, V. pi. 348.— Ed wards 's Birds, III, pi.
137._VieilI. Gal. des Ois. II, pi 243.
Sp. CH. — Bill long, curved upwards; both mandibles grooved; wings long; tail short; legs long; tibia with its lower half
naked; toes rather short, margined and flattened underneath; the outer and middle toes united by a rather large membrane.
Entire upper parts variegated with brownish black and pale reddish, the former disposed in irregular and confluent bands,
and the latter in spots and imperfect bands; in many specimens the black color predominating on the back, and the palo
red on the rump and upper tail coverts. Under parts pale rufous, with transverse lines of brownish black on the breast
and sides; under wing coverts and axillarics darker rufous; outer webs of primaries dark brown; inner webs light rufou
secondaries light rufous; tail light rufous, with transverse bars of brownish black. Bill pale yellowish, red at base, brownish
black at the end; legs ashy black. Total length about 18 inches; wing, 9; tail, 3|; bill, 4 to 5; tarsus, 3 inches.
Hab. — Entire temperate regions of North America; South America.
The marbled godwit frequents Shoalwater bay in immense flocks during spring and fall,
a few remaining all winter. The first flocks of young birds arrive from the north in July,
but I think none breed in the Territory. They frequent, during their stay, soft mud flats,
which are extensive in the bay, feeding at low tide during either day or night. At high
water they sit, concealed by the grass, always at a distance from woods or other concealment
of their enemies, and are consequently very difficult to approach, being watchful and shy at
all times. Along the gravelly steep shores of the upper part of Puget Sound they rarely
appear. In the beginning of May they leave for their northern breeding grounds. I have
examined large numbers, and have never identified more than one species in the Territory.
The name of " curlew" is commonly but wrongly given them. — C.
The godwit is exceedingly abundant in the markets of San Francisco, where I obtained and
preserved a specimen in March, 1857. It measured in length 18 inches; extent, 31.25; bill,
4.00.— S.
NUMENIUS LONGIROSTRIS, Wilson.
Long-billed Curlew.
JVwmenius longirostris, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 24; pi. Ixiv.— Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 376.— NOTT. Man.
II, 1834, 88.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1«35, 240: V, 587; pi. 231.— IB. Birds Am. VI,
1843, 35; pi. 355.— BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 743.
?JVumenius occidentals, WOODHOUSE, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, Nov. 1852, 194.— IB. Sitgreaves's Expl. Zuni & Col.
1853, 98; pi. vi.
SP. CH. — The largest American species of this genus. Bill very long, much curved; upper mandible longer than the
under, somewhat knobbed at the tip; wing rather long; legs moderate; toes united at base. Entire upper parts pale rulous,
246 ZOOLOGY.
tinged with ashy; every feather with transverse and confluent bands of brownish black, most numerous and predominating
on the back and scapulars; secondary quills, under wing coverts, and auxiliaries, bright rufous; primaries with their outer
webs brownish black and their inner webs rufous, with transverse bands of black. Under p^irts pale rufous, with longitudinal
lines^of black on the neck and sides; tail rufous, tinged with ashy, transversely barred with brownish black. Bill brownish
black; base of under mandible reddish yellow; legs bluish brown. Specimens vary to some extent in the shade of the rufous
color of the plumage, and very much in the length of the bill. The rufous color is probably more distinct in the young.
Total length about 25 inches; wing, 10 to 11; tail, 4; bill, 5 to 8; tarsus, 2£ inches.
Hub. — The entire temperate regions of North America.
Curlews apparently of this species are quite common throughout Minnesota, where, while
I was attached to the northern Pacific railroad exploration, I observed them in June and July,
1853, very abundant for several hundred miles west of the Mississippi, breeding and rearing
their young on the vast prairies of that region.
In Oregon, near Fort Dalles, and in Washington Territory, near the Simcoe and Yakima
valleys, they are abundant during the breeding season.
In the vicinity of Puget Sound the long-billed curlew is occasionally seen. During a long
residence at Fort Steilacoom I obtained but a single pair, shot on Muckleshoot prairie August
1, 1856. Measurements, in detail, of these were carefully taken, and were as follows: ? Male,
length, 21.50 inches; extent, 40; wing, 12; bill, 5; tibia, 4.50; tarsus, 3.50. ? Female,
length, 20; extent, 36.25; wing, 10.50; bill, 4.50; tibia, 4; tarsus, 3.00.
Both birds had the legs and feet bluish gray; bill dark at the terminal end, reddish dusky
at base; iris dark. During the breeding season this species is readily "tolled" towards the
gunner by whistling in imitation of its cry. In this they resemble the avosets and yellow-
legged tattler. — S.
I observed three times only, during eighteen months' residence near the coast, a curlew of
large size, which I supposed to be the long-billed species common near San Francisco. They
seemed to be stragglers, and were very shy, alighting only a few minutes at Shoalwater bay,
W. T., and then going off southward. — C.
Family R A L L I D A E ,— T h e Rails.
RALLUS ELEGANS, Aud.
King Rail ; Marsh Hen.
Rallus elegans, AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1635, 27; pi. 203 — IB. Syn. 21.— IB. Birds Am. V, 1842, 160; pi. 309.— GUND-
LACH, Cab. Jour. 1856, 427. — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 746.
RMus crepilans, WILS. Am. Orn. VII, 1813; pi. Ixii, f. 2. (Not the description.)
SP. CH. — The largest species of the United States. Upper parts olive brown, with longitudinal stripes of brownish black,
most numerous on the back; line from the base of the bill over the eye dull orange yellow; space before and behind the eye
brownish cinereous. Throat and lower eyelid white; neck before and breast bright rufous chestnut; sides and abdomen, and
under tail coverts, with transverse bands of brownish black and white, the dark bands being the wider; tibae dull yellowish
white, with spots and transverse bars of ashy brown. Upper wing coverts reddish chestnut; under wing coverts black, with
transverse liaes of white. Sexes alike. Total length (from tip of bill to end of tail) about 17 inches; wing, 6| ; tail, 3.
fjab. — Middle and southern States on the Atlantic ocean; California. — (Dr. Suckley.)
The king rail is very common in the San Francisco market; and I am informed by George
Gibbs, esq., that they are abundant on Humboldt bay, further to the north. I have not seen
any of this species in the Puget Sound district, but suppose that in favorable localities they
are occasionally to be found.
A fine specimen was presented to me in San Francisco by F. Gruber, an excellent practical
taxidermist of that city. — S.
ZOOLOGY. 247
RALLUS VIRGINIANUS, Linn.
Virginia Rail ; Sora.
Rallus virginianus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 263, (may possibly refer to autumnal Porzana Carolina.) — WILS. Am.
Orn. VII, 1813, 109; pi. Ixii, f. 1.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825; No. 210.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 205.—
AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 41: V, 573; pi. 205.— IB. Syn. 216 —In. Birds Am. V, 1842, 174; pi.
311.— CAB. Jour. 1856, 427. — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 748.
FIGURES. -Edwards's Birds, VI, pi. 27!). — Wihon, Am. Orn. VII, pi. 62, fig. 1.— Aud. B. of Am. pi. 205 ; oct. ed. V, pi. 311.
gp< CH — Much smaller than either of the preceding, but resembling them in form, and resembling also R. ekgans in colors.
Upper parts olive brown, with longitudinal stripes of brownish black ; line from base of bill over the eye reddish white.
Throat white ; neck before and breast bright rufous ; abdomen and under tail coverts with transverse bands of black and
white, the former being the wider. Upper wing coverts bright rufous chestnut; under wing coverts black, with transverse
lines of white. Total length (from tip of bill to end of tail) about 7| to 9 inches; extent, 13|; wing, 4; tail, 1| inches.
Hob. — The entire temperate regions of North America; New Mexico, (Dr. T. C. Henry;) California, (Mr. R. D. Cults;)
Oregon, (Dr. Geo. Suckley.)
I saw one of these birds on the Puyallup marshes, Puget Sound, October 7, 1856. It was
on the edge of a small "cat-tail marsh," but escaped before I could get a shot at it. I after
wards obtained a specimen at Port Townsend, Washington Territory, which was found dead
during a snow storm, January 5, 1857. The dimensions of this specimen were a little larger
than those given in the general report as those usual to the species, being 9|, 13|, 4|, bill If.
Iris flame red, (perhaps a post mortem change ?) Length from bill to end of largest toe, (both
drawn to their fullest extent,) 13 inches. Legs dusky yellowish brown, dingy about the
flexures of the joints. Tarsus, 1 3^-16. From angle of the eye to end of bill, Iff. Bill dusky
above and reddish orange beneath, edges and upper mandible near the base reddish orange.
Anterior edge of wing white. — S.
The Virginia rail appears to be a rare visitor in the Territory, as I never saw but one,
though I resided near marshes suited to their habits, and often looked particularly for them.
In the end of September, 1855, I noticed one in such a marsh near the mouth of the Columbia,
and, as this species is the most abundant in California, have little doubt of its identity. — C.
FULICA AMERICANA, Gmelin.
Coot ; Poule d'eau ; Mud Hen.
Fulica americana, GM. Syst. Nat. 1, 1788, 704.— BON. Obs. Wils. 1825; No 234.— ACD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 291: V,
568; pi. 239.— IB. Syn. 212.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1842, 138; pi. 305.— HARTLADB, Cab. Jour. I,
Extraheft fur 1853, 1854, 75; 87.— BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 751.
Fulica alra, WILS. Am. Orn. IX, 1825, 61; pi. Ixxiii.
SP. CH. — Head and neck glossy black, with a tinge of ashy; under tail coverts white. Entire other plumage dark bluish
cinereous or slate color, with a tinge of olive on the back and darker on the rump. Edge of wing at shoulder and edge of first
primary white; secondary quills tipped with white; rump frequently tinged with brownish. Bill very pale yellow or nearly
white, with a transverse band of brownish black near the end; tip white; legs dull grayish green. Female similar, but with
the tints lighter. Young like the adult, but with the under parts lighter; abdomen frequently ashy white; back and rump dark
olive brown; head and neck lighter.
Total length about 14 inches; wing, 7; tail, 2 inches.
Hab. — Entire temperate regions of North America.
Abundant in all the small weedy lakes of both Territories. I obtained specimens both at
Fort Dalles and Fort Steilacoom. In both places the coots were much less shy than the wild
ducks of the vicinity. — S.
248 ZOOLOGY.
The coot or mud hen is common in marshes and lakes of the Territory, where it breeds, the
young being hatched early in June. It seems, however, like most water birds, to be much
more abundant in California during winter, and probably does not remain north of the
Columbia at that season. — C.
ORDER VI. llGj, Swimming Bird.
Family ANATIDAE.
Sub-Family CYGNINAE.— T h e Swans.
CYGNUS AMERICANUS, Sharpless.
American Swan.
?Jlnas columbianus, ORD. Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. Ed. II, 1815, 319; based on Whistling Swan, Lewis & Clark, II, 192.
Cygnus americanus, SHARPLESS, Doughty's Cab. N. H. I, 1830, 185, pi. xvi.— IB. Am. Jour. Sc. XXII, 1831, 83. —
AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 133; pi. 411.— IB. Syn. 274.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 2i6; pi. 384
BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 758.
Olor americanus, BONAP. Consp. Anser. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 22, 1856.
Cygnus bewickii, Sw. F. Ber. Am. II, 1831, 224.
Cygnus ferus, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 368.
SP. CH. — Bill as long as the head, broad, high at the base; the feathers ending on the forehead in a semicircular outline.
Nostrils far forward, the anterior extremity considerably more forward than half the commissure. Tail of 20 feathers.
Adult pure white; bill and legs black; the former with an orange or yellowish spot in front of the eye. Less mature speci
mens with the head above tinged with reddish brown. Length, 55 inches; wing, 22.00; tarsus, 4.25; bill above, 4.20.
Hah, — Continent of North America.
The whistling swan is quite abundant during winter on the Columbia, and is found rather
more sparingly on Puget Sound. A specimen obtained by me in the vicinity of Fort Steila-
coom, on the 24th of October, 1856, measured 53^ inches. Extent, 85; wing, 21. This bird
is called by the Nisqually Indians Swo-lcaid. Its flesh is very delicate, and is excellent for the
table.— S.
The American swan is common during winter along the Columbia river -above its mouth, but
rarely seen near the sea-shore. — C.
CYGNUS BUCCINATOR, Rich.
Trumpeter Swan.
Cygnus buccinator, RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 464.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 370.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 536:
V, 114; pi. 406 and 376 — IB. Syn. 74.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 219: pi. 382, 383.— BAIRD,
Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 758.
Olor buccinator, WAGLER, Isis, 1832, 1234. — BON. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856.
gp> QH> gin broad, longer than the head; the feathers ending on the forehead in a semi-elliptical outline. The nostrils with
the anterior extremity as far forward only as half the commissure. Tail of 24 feathers.
Adult pure white throughout, the bill and legs entirely black; the bill without any red spot at the base. Less mature speci
mens with the head above tinged with reddish brown.
Length about 50 inches; wing, 24.00; bill above, 4.50; tarsus, 4.60.
j/afc. — Western America, from the Mississippi valley to the Pacific.
This bird is undoubtedly an inhabitant of Washington and Oregon Territories. It is, like
the preceding species, more abundant on the Columbia river than at Puget Sound. In the
ZOOLOGY. 249
winter of 1853-' 54, I noticed immense flocks of swans, apparently of this species, collected
along the shores of the river mentioned, and spread out along the margin of the water for a
distance varying from an eighth to a quarter of a mile.
I obtained a fine trumpeter swan on Pike lake, Minnesota, in June, 1853. They are quite
common on the lakes in that vicinity in summer, breeding and raising their young. — S.
The trumpeter swan associates with the preceding species at the same season and in the
same places. Both arrive from the north in the beginning of December, but I have not had
an opportunity of noticing their departure. Swans are said to be rare visitors near San
Francisco. — C.
Sub- Family ANSERINAE.— T h e Geese.
ANSER HYPERBOREUS, Pallas.
SHOW Goose.
Jlnser hypcrboreus, PALLAS, Spic. Zool. VI, 17G7, 80, 25.— Sw. F. B A. II, 1831, 467 — NUTT. Man. II, 344.— AUD.
Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 562; pi. 381.— IB. Syn. 273.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 212; pi. 381.— CASSIN,
Pr. A. N. S. VI1F, 1856, 11.— BAIRD, Gen Rep. Birds, p. 760.
Anas hyperborea, GM. I, 504 — WILS. Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 76; pi. Ixviii and Ixix.
Sr. CH. — Mull : Bill and legs red. Color pure white. Primary quills black towards the end, silvery bluish gray towards
the base, where the shafts are white. The spurious quills are also bluish. Inside of wings, except primary quills, white. Im
mature birds have the head washed with rusty.
Snow geese were seen by me moderately abundant on the shores of Clark' s Fork of the
Columbia and its branches during my canoe voyage from the St. Mary's valley (Rocky
mountains) to Fort Vancouver in 1853. They were much more tame than the brant or other
geese I have seen; so much so that myself and party had several shots at a small flock, which
we approached so near that I killed a fine individual with my revolver.
I obtained a very good specimen at Fort Steilacoom in December, 1856, where it is not
uncommon during the cold months. — S.
The snow goose occasionally stops on the sand bars and prairies along the coast, but the
greater part of them seem to go on directly to the plains of California, where they abound in
winter.
Geese were seen in August by some of our party on the summit of the Cascade mountains,
where they probably breed, in company with ducks, shell-drakes, and cranes. I did not find
out which were the species observed. — C.
ANSER GAMBELII, Hartlaub.
White Fronted Goose; Laughing Goose.
Jlnser albifrons,Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831,456. Not of Gmelin.— NUTT. Man. II, 346.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,568;
pi. 280.— IB. Syn. 272.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 209 ; pi. 380.
Jlnser gambelii, HARTLAUB, Rev. et Mag. Zool. 1852, 7. — BAIUD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 761.
SP CH. — Tail of sixteen feathers. Bill and legs red. Along sides of bill and forehead white, margined behind with blackish
brown. Rest of head and neck grayish brown, becoming pale on the jugulum. Back bluish gray, the feathers anteriorly tipped
with brown; the sides similarly colored. The breast and belly grayish white, blotched irregularly with black; the anal region,
sides behind, and beneath the tail, with the upper coverts, white. The secondary quills and ends of primaries are dark brown;
the remaining portion of primaries and the covert silvery ash. The shafts of quills white. Greater coverts edged with white.
Tail feathers brown , tipped with white. Axillars and under surface of wings ashy plumbeous. Length, 28 inches; wing, 16. 30;
tarsus, 2.88; commissure, 2.04.
Hab. — Whole of North America.
32 Q
250 ZOOLOGY.
The white-faced goose is very abundant on this coast in fall and spring, but I believe
emigrates to California for the winter. Flocks of several hundreds passed the mouth of the
Columbia on their way southward as early as September 8. They remain about Shoalwater
bay throughout November, feeding almost entirely on the grassy dry plains near the beach,
and rarely appearing in the bays except in the middle of the day, when, with several other
species, float quietly at a distance from the shore, often asleep, though always watchful. — C.
Very abundant in California, where they may be found in great numbers in the San Francisco
markets throughout the winter, and as late in the spring as April 1. This species is given by
Dr. Townsend in his list of Oregon birds, but it is by no means as abundant there as either the
brant or snow geese. Although occasionally a visitor of Washington Territory, it is so rare
that I was unable to obtain a single specimen. — S.
BERNICLA CANADENSIS, (Linn.) Boie.
Canada Goose.
Anas canadensls, LIKV. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 198.— WILS. Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 52; pi. Ivii.
Jlnser canadensis, VIEILL. Nouv. Diet. Sw. &. RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 468.— NUTT. Man. II, 349.— AUD. Orn.
Biog. Ill, 1835, 1: V, 607; pi. 201.— IB. Syn. 270 — IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 178; pi. 376.
Bernicla canadensis, BOIE, Isis, 1826, 921. — B.AIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 764.
SP. CH. — Tail of eighteen feathers. Head, neck, bill, and feet, deep black. A large triangular patch of white on the cheeks
behind the eye; the two of opposite sides broadly confluent beneath, but not extending to the rami of lower jaw; a few whitish
fcathers on lower eyelid. Upper parts brown, edged with paler. Under parts light, with a tinge of purple gray, sometimes a
shade of smoky brown; the edges of the feathers paler; the color of the body of the feathers, though similar, becoming deeper on
the sides, tibia, axillars, and inside of wings. The gray of the belly passes gradually into white on the anal region and under
coverts; the upper tail coverts are pure white. The primary quills and rump are very dark blackish brown; the tail feathers
are black. Length, 35; wing, 18; tarsus, 3.10; commissure, 2.10.
JIab. — Whole of North America. Accidental in Europe.
The common wild or Canada goose is rarely seen in the bays along the coast, as it takes an
interior route in its migration southward. It is common during mild winters in the Columbia
valley, near Fort Vancouver. In California the hunters generally consider this species much
larger than the Atlantic wild goose, and say that it weighs more. I never had an opportunity
of measuring them. — C.
This goose is abundant on the Columbia river, and found sparingly on Puget Sound. Seen
also by me in the San Francisco market. — S.
BERNICLA LEUCOPAREIA, (Brandt,) C as sin.
Jlnser leucopareius, BRANDT, Bull. Sc. Acad. St. Petersb. I, 1836, 37, (Aleutians.) — IB. Desc. et Icones Anim. Ross.
Aves, fasc. I, 1836, 13; plate ii.
(Bernicla leucopareia, CASSIN, 111. I, 1855, 272; pi xlv.
Bernicla leucopareia, BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 765.
SP. CH. — Tail of eighteen feathers; general appearance that of Jl. canadensis, but much darker; head and neck black,
bounded inferiorly by a well-defined half ring of white on the throat; a white patch on each cheek, the two confluent
below, triangular on the sides and truncate above ; the posterior outline perpendicular, the anterior sloping backwards
behind the eye, almost exactly as in Jl. canadensis; there is a faint whitish patch on lower eyelids; upper parts dark wood
brown, turning gradually into black on the rump, tail and primary quills, each brown feather of the fore back and wings
with a rather paler edge. The under parts are very dark brown, as dark as the back of Jl. canadensis, paler along the middle
of the belly, the sides as dark as the back; each feather has an obsolete margin of lighter ; the region around anus is
while, abruptly denned against the brown of the belly; the under and upper tail coverts are white; the bill is quite short,
the culmen about half the tarsus, which is decidedly longer than the middle toe. Length, about 35 inches; extent, about 63;
wing, 18: tarsus, 3.44; commissure, 1.90.
Hal. — West coast of America.
ZOOLOGY. 251
I obtained a single specimen of this goose at Port Townsend, Puget Sound, in January, 1857.
It was brought for sale, with others of the same species, by some Indians of the vicinity, who
had shot them on some of the neighboring prairies. My specimen I first took to be the B.
hutchinsii, (figured by Cassin as B. leucopareia?} but as the measurements seemed unusually
large, I determined to preserve the skin. The bird measured 34.50 inches in length, 62.50 in
extent; wing, (from brachio-carpal joint,) 17.25.
As I understand Mr. Cassin' s article on the A. leucopareias of Brandt, he seems to consider
it identical with Hutchins's goose. In this view I concur with Mr. Cassin — i. e., if the deciding
point should rest in the presence or absence of the white collar and small dimensions of the bird.
Specimens of the Hutchins's goose were obtained by me at Fort Steilacoom, both with and
without the white collar, which seems to be a mark peculiar to either age or condition, and
not specific, as birds differing in this respect were killed apparently from the same flock.
[For measurements of Hutchins's geese, see next species.] If the Hutchins's goose takes the
synonym of leucopareia, then the description at the head of this article, given by Professor
Baird, will not apply to that species, and the bird critically examined by the latter — and the
only one of the kind in the Smithsonian collection — which was obtained by me at Port Town-
send, will probably be called B. occidentalis, as recommended by Professor Baird. — S.
BERNICLA HUTCHINSII, (Rich,) Bonap.
Hutchins's Goose.
»3nser hutchinsii, RICH. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 470.— NUTT. Man. II, 362.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 526; pi.
277.— IB. Syn. 271.— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1343, 198; pi. 377.
Bernicla hutchinsii, BON. List, 1838. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 766.
SP. CH. — Precisely similar to A. canadensis, but smaller. Tail of 16 feathers. Tarsus longer than middle toe and claw.
Length, (according to the Gen. Rep., see below,) 30 inches; wing, 15.80 ; tarsus, 2.70 ; commissure, 1.76.
Hab. — Northern and western regions of North America.
As I have stated in the notes on the preceding species, I do not consider the presence
or absence of the white collar as a specific character in this species, (the B. leucopareia of
Cassin.)
A specimen regarded by Professor Baird as B. Hutchinsii, got by me at Fort Steilacoom, was
identical in habits and plumage (excepting the ring) with many others seen and obtained by
me in the same locality. Two of these measured less than the standard in the general report.
Length, 27. 50 inches; extent, 56.50; wing, from carpal joint, 16.25. Another: 27.50;
54.50; 13.50.
This goose is very abundant on the Nisqually plains in autumn, where, in the early part
of the day, their sonorous honking enlivens the senses, and is an agreeable music to the ear
of the sportsman. At night, and also during the middle of the day, they retire in flocks to the
fresh water lakes in the vicinity, where, resting on the surface, they leisurely paddle about
or lazily sleep. The name given to this species by the Nisqually Indians is ah-hah, a name
which is considered to be similar to their honking cry.
They are excellent eating, and, as they subsist almost entirely upon grass, have no fishy
or other disagreeable flavor. They arrive on the Nisqually plains about October 1, and
continue abundant for two months thereafter. They are also quite abundant at the same season
on the "tide prairies" at the mouths of the various rivers emptying into Puget Sound. — S.
252 ZOOLOGY.
Hutchins's brant appears to be the most abundant of the goose tribe along the coast of this
Territory, where they appear in large flocks in October, and remain about the bays during
most of the winter, disappearing only in the coldest month for a short time. They feed
principally on the mud flats at low tide, eating vegetable and animal food which they find there.
Among large numbers that I have examined, I have never observed the peculiar differences
characterizing the white-necked brant. — C.
BERNICLA NIGRICANS, (Lawrence,) C ass in.
Black Brant.
Jlnser nigricans, LAWRENCE, Ann. N. Y. Lye. IV, 1846, 171 ; plate.
Bernicla nigricans, CASSIN, 111. I, 11, 1853, 52 ; pi. x. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 1858, 767.
SP. CH. — Head, neck, and body anterior to the wings deep black, passing into dark sooty plumbeous on the rest of the
body, this color beneath exfnding nearly to the anus, and above shading insensibly into the black of the rump. Middle of
the throat with a white patch extending round on the sides, and somewhat streaked with black. No white on the eyelids.
Sides of rump and of base of tail, with upper and under tail coverts concealing the tail, and space across the anus, white ;
primary and secondary quills and tail black. Feathers on the sides of the body beneath wings like the belly, but with white
tips. The measurements given in the general report are as follows : Length, 29 inches ; wing, 13.80 ; tarsus, 2.30 ; commissure,
1.50. A female obtained by Dr. Suckley, near Port Townsend, Washington Territory, measured differently: Length, 23.75
inches ; extent, 44.75 ; wing, 12.75 ; commissure, 1.50 ; from angle of eye to tip of bill, 2.25 ; height of bill at the base, 0.87;
bill along ridge, 1.31; tarsus, 2.25; tale from tip of coccyx, 3.38. Bill, black; iris, dark (brown?); feet and tarsi, dusky
bronze. Lower tail coverts extended slightly beyond tail. Collar on the nape, interrupted behind by an isthmus of b'ack,
which, when the feathers were stroked smooth, was about half an inch in width. The collar was mottled by the occurrence of
black feathers, and anteriorly was about an inch wide.
On the 20th of January, 1857, I obtained a brant at Sekwim bay, near Port Townsend,
Washington Territory, which at once struck me as identical with the B. nigricans of LaAvrence,
and figured by Cassin in his work on the "Birds of California," <fec. ; and upon comparing the
specimen with the description there given, I was pleased to find that it agreed in all essential
particulars. The skin was preserved, and is now in the Smithsonian collection; its measure
ments are those above given. The breast and belly are somewhat lighter than in Cassin' s figure,
being blackish dusky, with a slight brownish tinge posteriorly. The bird also differs from the
common brant in having no white markings on the head. These brant are extremely abundant
about the Straits of Fuca in winter.
They appear to prefer the vicinity of the coast, and subsist, by preference, on sedge grass
growing near salt water. They also spend much time in the water, being more duck-like in
their habits than other geese. I have seen them frequently alight near the shore in salt water,
and at other times on bare sand spits, as if in search of small shellfish. The body of this goose
is scarcely larger than a mallard's. The specimen skinned was eaten afterwards, and found to
be tender and juicy, with but little disagreeable fishy flavor. Their cry appears to be a feeble
imitation of the honking of other geese, mixed with sundry noises resembling those of the
"old squaws." I may have been deceived in this, as at the time I observed them with
reference to their voices they were alarmed and rising, and there were probably some of the
latter birds in the vicinity.
In flight this brant is more desultory than other species of geese. I noticed a flock, which
probably contained five hundred individuals, which, in rising from the water, broke into twenty
or thirty small companies, all apparently flying at random, and but few taking the wedge-shaped
order of progression usual to wild geese. — S.
ZOOLOGY. 253
I was told by several gunners, at different times, of a small kind of brant occasionally seen,
which was not much larger than a mallard, and had a white ring above the middle of the neck.
It was said to keep to the middle of the bay, and to be difficult to shoot. On January 30, 1855,
I saw four among a flock of the preceding species swimming near the mouth of the b;iy.
They were atout a third less in size, and did not show so much white in their plumage, but
were too far off to be seen distinctly. I inquired of hunters in California, but they knew
nothing of such a bird. — C.
Sub-Family ANATINAE.— Tr ue Ducks.
ANAS BOSCHAS, Linn.
Mallard ; Green Head.
Anasloschas, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 205.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 112 ; pi. Ixx.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill,
1835, 164; pi. 221.— IB. Syn. 276.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 236 ; pi. 385.— BAIED, Gen. Rep.
Birds, 774.
Anas (Boschas) domestica, Sw. F. Bor. Arn. II, 1831, 442. — NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 378.
SP. Cn. — Hale: Head and neck bright grass green, with violet gloss, the top of the head duller ; a white ring round the
middle of the neck, below which, and on the fore part and sides of the breast, the color is dark brownish chestnut. Under
parts and sides, with the scapulars, pale gray, very finely undulated with dusky ; the outer scapulars with a brownish tinge.
Fore part of back reddish brown ; posterior more olivaceous. Crissum and upper tail coverts black, the latter with a blue
gloss. Tail externally white ; wing coverts brownish gray, the greater coverts tipped first with white, and then more
narrowly with black. Speculum purplish violet, terminated with black ; a recurved tuft of feathers on the rump.
Female with the wing exactly as on the male. The under parts plain whitish ochrey, each feather obscurely blotched
with dusky. Head and neck similar, spotted and streaked with dusky; the chin and throat above unspotted. Upper parts
dark brown, the feathers broadly edged and banded with reddish brown, parallel with the circumference.
Length of male, 23 ; wing, 11 ; tarsus, 1. 79 ; commissure of bill, 2. 50.
Hob. — Entire continent of North America, and greater part of Old World.
This duck is exceedingly common in the western portion of both Territories. It is especially
abundant on the brackish marshes at the mouths of the Nisqually, and other rivers emptying
into the sound.
By the Nisqually Indians it is called the " Haht-haht, " in imitation of its note of alarm. — S.
The mallard is an abundant and resident species in the Territor}T, frequenting fresh water
and small creeks near the sea as long as the ice does not drive it from its feeding grounds,
when they sometimes return to the open bays. They build near their favorite waters, though
I once saw a nest a quarter of a mile from any pond. — C.
DAFILA ACUTA, (Linn.) Jenyns.
Pintail; Sprigtail.
Anasacuta, LINN, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 202. — GMELIN, I, 258. — WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, f. 2 ; pi. Ixviii. — AUD.
Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 214 : V, 6 L5 ; pi. 227.— IB. Syn. 279.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 266 ; pi. 390.
Phasianurus acutus, WAGLER, Isis, 1832,1235.
Anas (Dajila) acuta, JENYNS, Man. 1835, 232. Europ. sp.
D.ifila acuta, BON. List. 1838.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 776.
Anas (Botchas) acuta, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 380.
Anas candacuta, RAY, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831,441.
SP. CH. — Tail of 16 feathers. Bill black above and laterally at the base ; the sides and beneath blue. Head and upper
part of neck uniform dark brown, glossed with green and purple behind. Inferior part of neck, breast, and under parts
white ; the white of neck passes up to the nape, separating the brown, and itself is divided dorsally by black, which, below,
254 ZOOLOGY.
passes into the gray of the back. The back anteriorly and the sides are finely lined transversely with black and white. The
wings are plain and bluish gray ; the greater coverts with a terminal bar of purplish buff, below which is a greenish purple
speculum, margined behind by black, and tipped with white Longest tertials striped with silvery and greenish black.
Scapulars black, edged with silvery ; crissum and elongated tail feathers black ; the former edged with white.
Female with only a trace of the markings of the wing ; the green of the speculum brownish, with a few green spots. The
feathers of the back are brown, with a broad U or V-shaped brownish yellow bar on each feather anteriorly. Sometimes
those bars appear in the shape of broad transverse lines.
Length, 30 to 32 inches ; extent, 27 ; wing, 11 ; tail, 8. 60 ; tarsus, 1. 75 ; commissure, 2. 36.
Hob, — Whole of North America and Europe.
The pintail duck is'very abundant on the Columbia river, and also on the fresh water lakes
near Puget Sound. — S.
While feeding this duck keeps up a constant gabble. It also, on certain ponds, dives much
for its food, bringing up weeds, roots, &c., from the bottom, and, in this respect, somewhat
resembling the canvas-back. It is not nearly so shy as the mallard, but more so than the
widgeon or teal. It retires to the north early in the spring; this movement is so genera, that
during the breeding season scarcely a pair is to be seen near Puget Sound.
The pintail duck is found in immense numbers during the coldest winter weather, both in
fresh and salt waters, though it seems to prefer the fresh when not frozen over. — C.
NETTION CAROLINENSIS, ( G m . ) B a i r d .
Green- winged Teal.
Anas carolinensis, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 533.— AUD. Syn. 1839, 281.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 281 ; pi. 392.—
REINIIDT, Vid. Mcd.for 1853, (185-1,) 84 (Greenland.)
Anas crecca, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 101 ; pi. Ixx.— BON. Obs. No. 263.— IB. Syn. 386.— AUB. Orn. Biog. Ill,
1853,218 : V, 616 ; pi. 228.
Anas (Boschas) crecca, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 400. — NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 400.
Ntttion carolinensis, BAIHD, Gen. Hep. Birds, 777.
SP. CH. — Head and neck all round chestnut ; chin black ; forehead dusky. Region round the eye, continued along the side
of the head as a broad stripe, rich green, passing into a bluish black patch across the nape. Under parts white, the feathers of
the jugulum with rounded black spots. Lower portion of neck all round, sides of breast and body, long feathers of flanks and
scapulars beautifully and finely banded closely with black and grayish white. Outer webs of some scapulars, and of outer
secondaries, black, the latter tipped with white; speculum broad and rich green ; wing coverts plain grayish brown , the
greater coverts tipped with buff. A white crescent in front of the bend of the wing ; crissum black, with a triangular patch
of buffy white on each side. Lower portion of the green stripe on each side of the head blackish, with a dull edge of
whitish below.
Female with the wings as in the male. The under parts white, with hidden spots on the jugulum and lower neck ; above
dark brown, Hhe'feathers edged with gray ; iris brown ; feet pale gray.
Length, 14 to 15 inches ; extent, 24. 50 ; wing, 7. 40 ; tarsus, 1. 14 ; commissure, 1. 68.
Ilab. — Whole of North America ; accidental in Europe.
Extremely abundant in the same situations that the mallard, pintail, and widgeon, are found
in. In winter on the northwest coast, as elsewhere, the males and females are found in separate
flocks.— S.
The green-winged teal arrives from the south in March, and frequents fresh ponds chiefly,
breeding in the Territory. Some, perhaps, remain during mild winters. — C.
QUERQUEDULA CYANOPTERA, (Vie ill.) Cassin.
South American, Cinnamon, or Red-breasted Teal.
Anas cyanoptcra, VIEILLOT, Nouv. Diet. V, 1816, 104.
Querquedula cyanoptera, CASSIN, 111 ust. I, in. 1855, 84 ; pi. xv. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 780.
Anas rajflesii, KING, Zool. Jour. IV, 1828, 87.
Pterocyarxa rafflesii, BAIRD, Zool. Stansbury's Exp. Salt Lake, 1852, 322.
ZOOLOGY. 255
SP. Cii. — Male: General color a rich dark purplish chestnut, the top of the head, the chin, and middle of belly, tinged with
brown. Crissum, dark brown. Fore part of the back lighter, with two or three more or less interrupted eccentric bars of
dark brown. The feathers of rump and tail greenish brown ; the former edged with paler. Whig coverts and outer webs
of some scapulars blue ; others dark velvet green, streaked centrally with yellowish buff. Edges of greater wing coverts
white, as are the axillars and middle of wing beneath. Feathers of flanks uniform chestnut, without bands. Speculum
metallic green.
Female with the top of the head dusky and the wing coverts blue, as in the male ; the speculum duller. The upper parts
dark brown, with lighter edges to the feathers. The under parts are brownish yellow, with a strong tinge of purplish
chestnut in the jugulum, the feathers with concealed spots of brown. The only feathers unspotted with brown on the head
and neck are in small patches on each side of the base of the bill, and in the chin between the rami. There is an obscure
dusky patch beneath the head.
Length, 17. 80 ; wing, 7. 50 ; tarsus, 1. 15 ; commissure, 2.
Hob. — Rocky mountains to Pacific ; as far north as the Columbia; accidental in Louisiana; spread over most of western
South America.
The South American or red-breasted teal is mentioned by Professor Baird, in Stansbury's
Report on the United States Exploring Expedition of the Great Salt Lake, as being obtained
in that vicinity by Captain Stansbury's party, and as having once before been obtained in
Louisiana. Since then many naturalists have demonstrated the abundant existence of this
species throughout California. I myself have carried its recorded habitat as far north as the
Columbia river, where, at Fort Dalles, in 1855, I obtained several specimens of the species.
Fort Dalles is situated on the Columbia river, about latitude 46° 45' N. I presume this forms
the most northernmost limit of the species, excepting, perhaps, a narrow point of the same
general geographic region which, crossing the Columbia, extends north of Fort Dalles about
100 miles. This is the culmination northwards of the great wedged-shaped northern prolonga
tion of the southern Fauna, occurring in the arid interior of Oregon and Washington Territories.
Near Fort Dalles this teal seems to be an annual summer resident, where it breeds on the
lagoons of the Columbia and near the small lakes and pond-holes in the basaltic trap of the
vicinity. It seems much less shy than the other wild ducks generally are.
The flesh of this duck compares favorably with that of any other kind. In the San Francisco
market it is commonly known as the cinnamon teal. The dingy spot on the breast and belly of
the male bird is not constant. I have killed them both with and without it. — S.
SPATULA CLYPEATA, (Linn.) Boie.
Shoveller ; Spoonbill.
Anas chjpeata, LINN, Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 200. — GMEUN, I, 518.— LATH. Ind. II, 170G, 856.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII,
1814; pi. Ixvii. — Sw. F. Bor. Am.£II, 1831, 439.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 241 ; pi. 327.- IB.
Syn. 283.— IB. Birds Amer. VI. 1843, 293 ; pi. 394.
Spatula clypeata, BOIE, Isis, 1822, 564 — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 781.
Anas (Spathulea) clypeala, NUTT, Man. II,. 1834, 373.
SP. CH. — Head and neck green ; fore part and sides of the breast, with greater portion of scapulars, and the sides of the
base of the tail, white ; rest of under parts dull purplish chestnut ; crissum, rump, and upper tail coverts, black, the latter
glossed with green. Wing coverts blue ; the posterior row brown in the concealed portion, and tipped with white ; longest
tertial blue, streaked internally with white ; others velvet green, streaked centrally with white ; speculum grass green,
edged very narrowly behind with black and then with white.
Female with the wing similar, but with the blue of coverts and scapulars less distinct. Head and neck brownish yellow,
spotted with dusky ; the belly with a decided chestnut tinge.
Length, 20. 00 ; wing, 9. 50 ; tarsus, 1. 38 ; commissure, 3. 02.
Hub. — Continent of North America; abundant in Europe.
256 ZOOLOGY.
The shoveller or micoine is rather abundant on the Pacific coast, where I have obtained
specimens both at San Francisco and Puget Sound. — S.
The shoveller seems to be only a winter visitor in the Territory, arriving in October and
leaving with most of the winter ducks in March or April. — C.
/
CHAULELASMUS STREPERUS, (Linn.) Gray.
Gadwall; Gray Duck.
Anas strepera, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 200.— GMELIN, I, 520. — LATH. Ind. II, 1790, 849. — WILSON, Am. Orn,
VIII, 1814, 120 ; pi. Ixxi.— BON. Obs. 1825, No. 257.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 353 ; pi. 348.—
IB. Syn. 378.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 254; pi. 388.— TEMMINCK, Man. II, 838.— (European.)
Anas (Chauliodus) strepera, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. IT, 1831, 440.
Anas (Boschas) strepera, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 383.
BAIED, Gen. Eep. Birds, 782.
SP. CH. — Male: Head and neck brownish white, each feather spotted with dusky ; the top of head tinged with reddish.
Lower part of neck, with fore part of breast and back, blackish, with concentric narrow bars of white, giving a scaled
appearance to the feathers. Interscapular region, outermost scapulars, and sides of the body, finely waved transversely with
black and white. Middle wing coverts chestnut, the greater velvet black, succeeded by a pure white speculum, bordered
externally by hoary gray, succeeded by black ; crissum and upper tail coverts black. Longest tertials hoary plumbeous gray.
Innermost scapulars with a reddish tinge. Inside of wing and axillars pure white. Bill black.
female with the bill dusky, edged with reddish. Wing somewhat like that of the male, but with the chestnut red more
restricted. Length, 22 ; wing, 10. 50 ; tarsus, 1. 64 ; commissure, 2. 04.
Hob. — North America generally, and Europe.
This bird is found sparingly on Puget Sound. In 1854 I was fortunate enough, through the
kindness of George Gibbs, esq., to obtain a beautiful specimen of the adult male in perfect
mature plumage, which was killed in the vicinity of Port Townsend, Puget Sound. A beautiful
specimen of this species I saw in March, 1857, in the interesting collection of Mr. Gruber, an
enthusiastic taxidermist residing in San Francisco. In both specimens (Mr. Gruber' s and my
own) the chestnut-red patch on the wing is strongly marked.
In following the line of the survey of the proposed northern route for a Pacific railroad across
the continent, most of which fell between the 46th and 48th parallels of north latitude, our
party passed through the breeding grounds of vast numbers of ducks. Minnesota, as its Sioux
name implies, means the " land of water, ' 7 (J/mne, water, sota, land or country,) and so, indeed,
it is. For 250 miles west of the Mississippi river we were scarcely ever out of sight of some
lake or pond, and frequently within the scope of our vision might be seen between 15 and 20
lying around us in different directions, varying in size from that of small pools to that of lakes
a mile or more in length. These lakes all Avere more or less adapted as breeding places for
many species of this family, and, from the numbers of ducks found upon them, their natural
advantages did not seem to be neglected. The species were principally mallards and teal,
although the gadwall and several others were not uncommon. — S.
MARECA AMERICANA, (Gmel.) Stephens.
Bald pnte ; American "VVitlgeoii.
Anas Americana, GMELIX, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 526. — WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 86 ; pi. Ixix. — BON. Obs. No.
259.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 337 ; pi. 345.— IB. Syn. 1839, 279.
Mareca americana, STEPH. Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, n, 1824, 135.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 445. — BON. List, 1838. —
BAIBD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 783.
Anas (Boschas) amerieana, Nuttall, Man. II, 1834, 389.
ZOOLOGY. 257
Sp. CH. — Male. — Tail of 14 feathers. Bill blue, the extreme base and tip black. Head and neck pale buff, or faint reddish
yellow, each feather banded narrowly with blackish, so as to give the appearance of spots. The top of the head from the bill is
pale, unspotted, creamy white; the sides of the head, from around the eve to the nape, glossy green, the feathers, however, with
hidden spots, as described; chin uniform dusky. Fore part of breast and sides of body light brownish or chocolate red, each
feather with obsolete grayish edge; rest of under parts pure white; the crissum abruptly black. The back, scapulars, and
rump, finely waved transversely anteriorly with reddish and gray, posteriorly with purer gray, on a brown ground; a little of the
same waving also on the sides. The lesser wing coverts are plain gray; the middle and greater are conspicuously white, the
latter terminated by black, succeeded by a speculum, which is grass green at the .base, and then velvet black. The tertials are
black on the outer web, bordered narrowly by black, the outermost one hoary gray, externally edged with black. The tail is
hoary brown. The upper coverts are black externally. The axillars are white.
The female has the head and neck somewhat similar, but spotted to the bill. Wings as in the male. The black of tertials
replaced by brown; the gray of the lesser coverts extending slightly over the middle ones. Back and scapulars with rather
broad and distant transverse bars of reddish white, each feather with two or three, interrupted along the shafts. These are
much wider and more distant than in the male. Length, 21.75 ; wing, 1 ; tarsus, 1.42 ; commissure, 1.80.
Hub. — Continent of North America Accidental in Europe.
The widgeon is abundant in the same situations as the pintail, and at Fort Dalles they are
more common than any other species. I shot them occasionaly in the rock lagoons just above
Dallestown, where I found them much more readily approachable than other species, with the
exception of teal. They breed on the small lakes of central Oregon in moderate numbers, and
on the northwest coast generally; seem to be next in abundance to the mallard among the
fresh water ducks. — S.
AIX SPONSA, (Linn.) Boie.
Summer Duck.
Jinas Sponsa, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 207.— GM. I, 539.— LATH. Ind. II, 1790, 876.— WILS«N, Am. Orn. VIII,
1814, 97; pi. Ixx.— BON. Obs. No. 261.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 52: V, 618; pi. 206.— IB.
Syn. 280.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 271 ; pi. 391.
Jlix sponsa, BOIE, Isis, 1828, 329. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 785.
Jinas (Boschas) sponsa, NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 394.
Sp. CH. — Head and crest metallic green to below the eyes; the cheeks and a stripe from behind the eye purplish. A narrow
short line from the upper angle of the bill along the side of the crown and through the crest, another on the upper eyelid, a
stripe starting behind and below the eye, and running into the crest parallel with the first mentioned, the chin and upper part
of the throat, sending a well-defined branch up towards the eye and another towards the nape, snowy white. Lower neck and
jugulum, and sides of the base of tail, rich purple ; the jugulum with triangular spots of white and a chestnut shade. Remaining
under parts white, as is a crescent in front of the wing bordered behind by black. Sides yellowish gray, finely lined with black ;
the long feathers of the flanks broadly black at the end, with a sub-terminal bar, and sometimes a tip of white. Back and
neck above nearly uniform bronzed green and purple. Scapulars and innermost terlials velvet black, glossed on the inner
webs with violet ; the latter with a white bar at the end. Greater coverts violet, succeeded by a greenish speculum, tipped
with white. Primaries silvery white externally towards the end ; the tips internally violet and purple.
Female with the wings quite similar ; the back more purplish ; the sides of the head and neck ashy ; the region round the
base of the bill, a patch through the eyes, and the chin, white. The purple of the jugulum replaced by brownish. The waved
feathers on the sides wanting. Male : length, 18 to 19 inches; extent, about 28 ; wing, 9.50 ; tarsus, 1.40 ; commissure, 1.54;
iris red ; bill yellow and black ; feet grayish.
Hob. — Continent of North America.
The wood duck is found sparingly in Washington and Oregon Territories, where I obtained
summer specimens at Fort Steilacoom, and winter birds at Fort Dalles. In habits the bird in
Oregon does not differ from those found in the middle States. — S.
The summer or wood duck is a summer resident, only arriving in April and leaving about
October. Its nests and young are often found in the woods of the interior, but it seems to
visit the coast very rarel}T. — C.
33 Q
258 ZOOLOGY.
Sub-Family F ULIGULIN AE . — T he Sea-Ducks.
FULIX MARILA, (Linn,) Baird.
Big Black-head; Scaup Duck; Broad bill.
Anas mania, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 196.-GM. I, 1788, 509.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 84; pi. Ixix.
Fuligula marila, STEPH. Shaw's Gen. Zool. Birds XII, 11, 1824, 198.— BON. List, 1838.— AUD. Birds Am. VII, 1843,
3a5; pi. 498.— GIRAUD, Birds L. Island, 1844, 321. (marila.)
Jlythya marila, BON. List, Birds Europe, 1842.
Fulix marila, BAIHD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 791.
Sp. CH. — Head and neck all round, jugulum and shoulders, lower part of back, tail, and coverts black; the head with a
gloss of dark green on the sides. Rest ef under parts white ; feathers on the lower part of belly and on the sides, the long
feathers of the flanks, the interscapulum, and the scapulars, white, waved in zigzag transversely with black. Greater and
middle wing coverts similarly marked, but more finely and obscurely. Greater coverts towards the tip, and the tertials,.
greenish black; the speculum is white, b >rdered behind by greenish black; the while extending across the whole central
portion of the secondaries. Outer primaries and tips of all brownish black; inner ones pale gray ; the central line dusky.
Axillars and middle of the inferior surface of the wing white. Bill blue black. Legs plumbeous.
Female with the head brown ; the region all round the base of the bill white ; the undulations of black and white on the
feathers wanting, or but faintly indicated above. Length, 20; wing, 9 ; tarsus, 1.58; commissure, 2.16.
Hab. — Whole of North America and Europe.
The scaup duck is abundant all along the north Pacific coast during the cold months. Several
specimens were obtained at Fort Steilacoom. — S.
The scaup duck is a winter species, associating with the golden eye, and others, in creeks
and bays, from October till April. — C.
AYTHYA VALLISNERIA, (Wilson,) Bonap.
Canvas-back.
Anas vallisneria, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 103; pi. Ixx.
Fuligula vallisneria, STEPHENS, XII, 1823, 196.— Sw. P. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 451.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 430.
Jlythya vallisneria, BON. List, 1838.— NEWBERRY, Rep. P. R. R. VI, iv, 1857, 103. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 794.
Fuligula vallisneriana, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 183:!, 1; pi. 301.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 299;
pi. 395.
Sp. CH. — Bill long, slender, and tapering. Head all round and neck chesnut; the top of the head and region around the
base of the bill dusky brown. Rest of neck, body anterior to the shoulders, back behind, rump and tail coverts, black. Under
parts white; the region anterior to the anus, the sides, the interscapulars and scapulars, white, finely dotted in transverse line
with black, the white greatly predominating. Speculum bluish gray, lighter externally; the innermost secondaries of the
speculum edged externally with black.
Female with the black and chesnut replaced by brown, the cheeks and chin lighter, and some tinged with dull rufous.
Length, 20.10; wing, 9.30; tarsus, 1.70; commissure, 2.65.
IJab. — Whole of North America.
The canvas-back duck is found sparingly during the autumn and winter at Fort Dalles, 0. T.,
and at Puget Sound. It is much more abundant in the vicinity of San Francisco, where
immense numbers are brought every winter to the markets. — S.
The canvas-back duck is abundant during winter in the bays and rivers, frequenting the
Columbia a hundred miles from its mouth. — C.
ZOOLOGY. 251)
BUCEPHALA AMERICANA, (Bonap.) Baird.
Golden Eye ; AVUistle Wing.
Anas clangula, FORSTER, Philos. Trans. LXII, 1772, 365.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 62 ; Ixvii.
Fuligula (Clangula) dangula, BON. Syn. 1828, 393.— NOTT. Mann. II, 441.
Fuligula clangula, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 318 ; pi. 3-12.— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843, 362 ; pi. 406.
Clangula vulgaris, Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 456. Not of Fleming.
Clangula americana, BONAP. Comp. List, 1838 — EYTOX, Mon. Anat. 1838, 167.
Bucephala americana, BAIBD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 796.
SP. Cn. — Bill black. Head and upper part of neck glossy green ; the under surface opaque velvety purplish black. An
elliptical patch along the base of upper mandible anterior to the eye, lower part of neck, under parts generally, and sides,
middle and greater wing coverts, the innermost secondaries (and tertials, except the innermost three or four) white. The
white on the wing is in a continuous patch, although there is a concealed black bar on the bases of the greater coverts. The
inner scapulars are white, margined externally with black, posteriorly, however, they are black, streaked centrally with
white. The inner scapulars and tertials, and the whole back, rump, and lesser wing coverts are black ; the primaries and
tail black, with a hoary gloss The under side of quills and lower greater coverts are plumbeous gray ; the rest of the under
wing and the axillars are sooty brown. The long white feathers of the flanks are edged superiorly with black.
Female with the head and neck above snuff brown, without white patch. White of wing less extended ; the middle coverts
only touched with white. There is a tendency to a black bar across the tips of the greater coverts. The white of the wing
sometimes well defined.
Length, 18. 75 ; wing, 8. 50 ; tarsus, 1. 50 ; commissure, 2.
Hob. — Whole of North America.
Specimens of the golden eye duck were obtained by me on Puget Sound, and a female of the
same in the second chain of Rocky mountains, (Bitter Root range.) Barrow's golden eye I was
unable to identify, although, according to Nuttall, they are common to the Rocky mountains.
It seems odd that a nearly identical, yet different, species of duck should be surrounded east
and west by its near representative. — S.
The golden eye is very abundant in bays during the winter and early spring. I have only
observed the common species among many specimens examined. — C.
BUCEPHALA ALBEOLA, (Linn.) Baird.
Butter Ball; Dipper; Buffle Head.
Anas albeola, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 199. — GMELIN, I, 517. — WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 51 ; pi. Ixvii.
Fuligula (Clangula) albeola, BON. Syn. 1828, 394.— NOTT. Man. II, 445.
Fuligula albeola, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 217 ; pi. 325.— IB. Syn. 1839, 293.— IB. Birds. Am. VI, 1843, 369; pi. 408.
Bucephala albeola, BAIRD, Gen. Eep. Birds, 797.
SP. CH. — Male.-~- Bill blue. Head and neck anteriorly dark colored ; the region in front of the eye and on the sides of the
collar behind rich green ; this color shading into purplish on^the upper and under surfaces of the head ; a broad patch on
each side of the head from the posterior border of the eye, and meeting its fellow on the nape, the lower neck all round,
under parts generally, wing coverts, (except the lesser,) and most of the secondaries, and the scapulars, white ; the latter
narrowly edged externally with black. Rest of upper parts, except as described, black ; passing gradually on the upper tail
coverts into pale gray. Axillars and under wing coverts sooty brown, more or less tipped with white.
Female with the entire head, neck, and upper parts almost black. An elongated patch behind and below the eye, (not
reaching it.) The outer webs of some secondaries, and the under parts, white ; the jugulum, sides, and anal region, plum
beous gray.
Length, 15 ; extent, 23 to 25 ; wing, 6. 65 ; tarsus, 1. 25 ; commissure, 1. 44.
This duck is extremely abundant throughout the length and breadth of Washington
Territory. I observed them on the Rocky Mountain streams, and also upon the salt waters of
Puget Sound. They seem to repair indiscriminately to fresh, salt, and brackish waters, and
260 200LOGY.
to have but little choice whether they alight in muddy pools, quiet millponds, rnnning brooks,
or in the surf of the ocean. At Fort Steilacoom, where this species first arrives from the
north in the fall, the individuals are very fat, and in good order for the table. At this time
they are not at all shy; but by mid- winter they are generally lean, tough, and unsavory; and,
probably on account of their great powder experience, are touch more shy and wary. As
divers they almost equal the dab-chick in dexterity. I once saw a male that I had just
wounded dive in clear water, and, seizing hold, by its bill, of a root growing under water,
remain voluntarily submerged for almost five minutes, until he supposed all danger past, when,
again ascending to the surface, he paddled off Avith great rapidity. It is said that loons also
possess this instinctive cunning, and frequently, when wounded, seize hold of eel grass, &c.,
on the bottoms of ponds, &c. , where occasionally, becoming entangled, they die.— S.
The buffle head, or butter duck, is only a winter resident, though it remains as late as May.
They frequent both fresh and salt waters, and seem especially fond of rapid rivers. — C.
HISTRIONICUS TORQUATUS, Bonap.
Harlequin Duck.
Anas hislrionica, LINN. Syst. Nat. ed. 10, I, 1758, 127 ; ed. 12th, I, 1766, 204.— GMELIN, 1, 534.— LATH. Ind. Orn. II,
1790, 849.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 139 ; pi. Ixxii.
Fuligula (Clangula] histriunica, BON. Syn. 1828, 394. — NUTTALL, Man. II, 448.
Fuligula kislrionica, AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 612 ; V, 1839, 617; pi. 297.— IB. Syn. 1839, 294.— IB. Birds Amer.
VI, 1843,374; pi. 409.
Clangula histrionica, SWAINSON, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 489.
Hislrionicus torquatus, BONAP. Comptes Eendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856. — BATED, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 799.
SP. CH. — Male. — Head and neck all round dark blue. Jugulum, sides of breast, and upper parts, lighter blue, becoming
bluish black again on the tail covers. The blue of breast passes insensibly into dark bluish brown behind. A broad stripe
along the top of head from the bill to the nape, and the tail feathers, black. A white patch along the entire side of the
base of bill anterior to the eye, and passing upwards and backwards so as to border the black of the crown, but replaced
from above the eye to the nape by chestnut. A round spot on the side of the occiput, an elongated one on the side of the
neck, a collar round the lower part of the neck, interrupted before and behind, and margined behind by dark blue, a trans
versely elongated patch on each side of the breast, and similarly margined, a round spot on the middle wing coverts, a
transverse patch on the end of the greater coverts, the scapulars in part, a broad streak on the outer web of tertials, and a
spot on each side the rest of the tail, white ; sides of body behind chestnut brown. Secondaries with a metallic speculum of
purplish or violet blue. Inside of wing, and axillars, dark brown.
Female with the head and body above, dark brown ; the chin more plumbeous ; the lower part of neck, breast, and under
parts generally, except the central region, (which is white,) duller and lighter brown ; a whitish patch in front of the eye,
and a rounded spot just behind the ear.
Length, 17.50 ; wing, 7.70 ; tarsus, 1.48; commissure, 1.54-
Hdb. — Northern seacoast of northern hemisphere.
The beautiful harlequin duck is, in winter, found sparingly on Puget Sound, where I
obtained three specimens; one of which, in most beautiful plumage, was presented to me by
Lieutenant Murden, of the United States revenue service, a gentleman to whom I was
indebted for many similar favors in other branches of natural history. It seems, when not
breeding, to be almost exclusively a salt water species, and, although Puget Sound is almost
as salt at its head as it is near the ocean, it is rarely found more than eighty miles from its
mouth, i. e., about half way up, where the sound is still wide, thus showing a predilection for
rough water, and no special liking for the placid waters of the quiet inlets and coves near its
head. — S.
ZOOLOGY, 261
HARELDA GLACIALIS, (Linn.) Leach.
South Southerly ; Old Wife : Long-tall.
Anas glacialis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 203. — FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 418. — WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814,
93, 96 ; pi. Ixx.
EarMa glacialis, " LEACH."— STEPHENS, Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, 1824, 175. — Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 460.— BON. List,
1838.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 800.
Fuligula (Harelda) glacialis, NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 453.
Fuligula glacialis, Aro. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838 403; pi. 312. — IB. Syn. 1839, 295. — IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 379; pi. 410.
Anas hyemalis, LINN. 1, 1766, 202.— FOBST. Phil. Tr. LXII, 1772, 418.— -GMELIN, I, 529.
SP. CH. — Male in summer. -~- Bill black, orange yellow towards the tip. Head, neck, and breast very dark blackish brown ;
the head above, back, rump, and middle tail feathers, black. The whole side of the head, from the bill to behind the eyes,
and the sides of the body, pale bluish gray ; the portion of the cheek patch immediately around and behind the eye, with
a longitudinal streak each side the occiput ; the under parts generally, and the more external tail feathers, white. Feathers
on the fore part of the back, with the scapulars, broadly edged with light reddish brown ; under wing coverts and axillars
brownish chocolate. No white whatever on the wing.
Male in winter. — Differs from summer dress in having the head and neck white to the jugulum and interscapular region.
The gray of the cheeks persistent, and a broad patch of black on the sides of the neck behind this. The scapulars are pale
pearl gray. Iris pale brown.
Female. — Lacks the long points to the tail and scapulars. The head and neck dusky, with a whitish patch around the eye
and on the sides of the neck behind.
Length, 20 75 ; wing, 8.90 ; tail, 8.00 ; tarsus, 1.38 ; commissure, 1 62. Extent of wings about 30 inches.
Hab. — Along both coasts of North America. Europe.
The long-tailed duck, "old wife," or "south southerly," remains in the Territory only
during the coldest winter months, leaving for the north in March. They are found only in
open bays. — C.
The "old squaw" is very common in winter on the lower part of Puget Sound and on
Admiralty inlet. I am sorry that the only specimen I attempted to preserve was accidentally
destroyed.
The Indians living along the Straits of Fuca look to the arrival of the various species of wild
ducks as a certain harvest. They destroy vast numbers by shooting with shot, and, when
short of ammunition, with forked arrows. They also obtain them in great quantities by
stretching long nets on a line suspended on poles, which are about half as far apart and look
much like the telegraph poles of the older States. These poles are erected on the long sand
spits running out from points, and dividing bays along the straits. Upon these the nets are
stretched at nightfall, and, being directly in the course of the flight of the birds from bay to
bay and point to point, immense numbers are taken at certain seasons. This plan of capturing
ducks was much more extensively practiced formerly than at present. The same Indians save
large quantities of wild duck and geese feathers, which are readily bought up by the traders
for about twelve cents a pound, and resold by them in San Francisco at a profit of several
hundred per cent.
Some tribes of Indians, especially the Lummis and Scadgetts, have a habit of obtaining
ducks at night by "fire hunting," with canoes and lights, much in the same manner that deer
are killed in certain districts. The ducks, dazzled and bewitched by the light, allow it to
approach so near that they are killed with arrows and spears. It is not unusual thus to take a
good-sized canoe load in a single night. By this method fire-arms should not be used ; but the
arrow or spear, doing its work noislessly, is alone to be relied on. — S.
262 ZOOLOGY.
MELANETTA VELVETINA, (Cass.) Baird.
Velvet Duck; White- winged Coot*
Anasfusca, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 137 ; pi. Ixxii. Not of Linnaeus.
Fuliguli (Oidemia) fusca, BON. Syn. 1828,390. — NUTT. Man. II, 1834,419.
Fuligula fusca, AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 454; pi. 247. — IB. Syn. 1839, 280.— IB. Birds Amor. VI, 1843, 332; pi. 401.
Oidemia velvetina, CASSIN, Pr. A. N. Sc. V, Oct. 1850, 126.
Mdanttta velvetina, BAIRU, Gen. Rep. Birds, 805.
SP. CH. — Male. — Bill very broad, wider towards the tip than at the base ; feathers extending far along the side of the bill,
and on the forehead, for nearly half the commissure, running in an obtuse point about as far forward as the lower corner of
the outline of feathers on the side, both reaching nearly to the posterior border of the large, open, nearly rounded nostrils ;
culmen horizontal a little beyond the frontal feathers, then abruptly bent downwards, nearly perpendicularly, to the much
depressed, nearly horizontal portion; a sharp indented ridge along the base of culmen, ending in a trihedral tubercle. Color
black ; a white elongated patch around and a little behind the eye, and a large white speculum on the wing composed of
white secondaries and tips of greater coverts ; bill black at base and lateral edges ; red elsewhere.
Female somewhat similar, but lighter beneath, and smaller ; a large whitish patch on the side of the head behind the eye,
but none around it ; wings with white speculum, somewhat as in the male ; bill also similar, but less swollen and elevated
at base. Length, from 20 to 23 inches ; extent, from 36 to 39.25 ; wing, 10.16 to 12 ; tarsus, 2.08 ; commissure, 2.82. Iris
of the male, pale gray, or grayish white ; of the female, brown,
Hab. — Along both coasts of North America, to the north.
The white -winged coot, or velvet duck, is common in winter in all the bays and inlets of
Puget Sound. I obtained four or five specimens at Fort Steilacoom. In common with other of
the dark-colored, fishy, sea ducks, it is called by the Nisqually Indians kwdP -lioo. They arrive
in that vicinity about the middle of October, and continue plentiful until about the 1st of April,
when they nearly all disappear. They are almost always found on salt water, but I have
occasionally heard of one being killed inland. When fat they rise from the water with difficulty,
beating it with their wings for a long distance. The flesh is oily, and possesses a strong, and
to many a disagreeable, fishy flavor. This is, however, much prized by the Indians, who, for
eating, prefer them to mallards. — S.
The black or velvet scoter is common in winter about bays and estuaries, together with the
other two species of surf duck, but none of them seem to breed iu the Territory, though a few
linger in the bays all summer, which may be superannuated specimens. — C.
PELIONETTA PERSPICILLATA, Kaup.
Surf Duck ; Sea Coot.
Anas pcrspicillala, LINN, Syst. Nat. 1, 1766, 201.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 49; pi. Ixvii.
Fuligula (Oidemia) perspicillata, Box. Syn, 1828, 389. — NUTTALL, Man. II, 416.
" Fdioneita perspicillata, KAXJP," REICH. Icones Av.— BONAP. Comptes Rendus, XLIII, Sept. 1856. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep,
Birds, 806.
Fuligula perspicillata.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838,161; pi. 317. — IB. Syn. 289. — IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843,337; pi. 402.
SP. CH — Male. — Tail of 14 feathers. Bill but little longer than the head, the feathers extending forward half way from
the base to the tip, and opposite the posterior border of the nostril ; the bill abruptly decurved or gibbous anterior to the
end of the feathers ; nostrils open, nearly semicircular or stirrup shaped, the straight portion of the outline antero-inferior ;
sides of bill swollen at the base so as to be further apart above than below.
Color entirely black throughout, with a greenish lustre above, duller beneath ; a triangular white patch on the top of head,
the base extending between the posterior outline of the eye and reaching forward to a point a little beyond the posterior
line of the bill, the outlines rounded laterally and anteriorly ; the patch is separated from the eye by a narrow superciliary
black space. There is a second triangular white patch beginning on the nape as a straight line, the width of the other patch,
and running backwards for more than two inches. These triangular spaces are thus base to base. Iris white ; bill and feet
variegated.
Feniak. — Bill as long as that of the male, but not swollen at the base, where the sides approach each other above ; the feather*
ZOOLOGY. 263
of forehead do not extend one-third the distance from base to tip of bill ; the middle of nostril not quite as far as the middle of
the bill; nostrils linear, acutely pointed anteriorly.
Color brown ; lighter on the neck. Sides and beneath the under surface of the body whitish. An obscure whitish patch at
the base of the bill, and another on the side of the head behind the eyes.
Length of male, 19.00 to 20.00 ; wing, 9.40; extent, 33; tarsus, 1.63 ; commissure, 2.37.
Ilab. — On and near the seacoast of North America, quite far south in winter. Accidental in Europe.
A fine albino specimen of this duck is in the collection of Mr. F. Gruber, at San Francisco.
The sea coot is quite common in winter on Puget Sound, where it frequents the same localities
as the preceding species, and has much the same habits as elsewhere. I obtained several
specimens at Fort Steilacoom. — S.
The surf duck or spectacled scoter frequents the same situations as the preceding in
winter. — C.
OIDEMIA AMERICANA, S w a i n s o n .
Scoter.
Anas nigra, WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 135, pi. Ixxii. Not of Linnaeus.
Anas (Fuligula) nigra, BON. Obs. Wilson, 1825, No. 267.
Fuligula (Oidemia) nigra, BON. Syn. 1828, 390.
Oidemia americajia, SWAINSOV, F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 450. — BON. List, 1838. — BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Bird?, 807.
Fuligula americana AUD. Orn. Biog. V. 1839, 117 ; pi 408.— IB. Syn. 290.— IB Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 343; pi. 403.
SP. CH. — Male. — Tail of sixteen feathers. Bill much swollen on the basal third ; the basal portion of culmen convex and
rapidly descending ; the terminal portion of bill much depressed; the anterior extremity of nostrils half way from the lateral or
upper feathers at the base of bill to the tip. The swelling at base of bill divided by a furrow along the median line. The frontal
feathers extend slightly forward in an obtuse point. Bill of female not very dissimilar, lacking the swelling at the base.
Color entirely black all over, without any white. Bill black along the edges and tip ; the swollen basal portion red to beyond
the nostrils.
Female. — Brown ; lighter on sides of head, throat, and under surface of body, where the feathers have each an obscure dusky
spot.
Length, 23.80; wing, 9 20; tarsus, 1.78; commissure, 2.14.
Hah. — Seacoast of North America.
The American scoter is less common than the other kinds, and has the same habits. — C.
The scoters generally arrive from the north in the bays and inlets of Puget Sound about
October 1, remaining in greater or less numbers throughout the winter. Their flight is low,
labored, and heavy ; their journeys appearing to be carried on, for the most part, by short
stages. In these characteristics they resemble closely the two preceding species. They also
are excessively fat in winter, and have a disagreeable, strong odor, and fishy taste. A specimen
obtained by me at Fort Steilacoom is now in the Smithsonian collection, marked 4,574. — S.
Sub-family MERGINAE. The Sheldrakes.
MERGUS AMERICANUS, C a s s i n .
Goosander; Sheldrake ; Fish Duck.
Mergus merganser WILS. Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 68; pi. Ixviii.— Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 461.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834,
460.— AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838,261; pi. 331.— IB. Syn. 1839, 297.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843,
387 ; pi. 41 J.
Mergus americanus, CASSIS, Pr. A. N. Sc. VI, 1853, 187. — BAIRU, Gen. Rep. Birds, 813.
Merganser castor, var. A. americanus, BON. Cornptes Eendus, XLIII, 1856.
SP. CH. — Feathers of the forehead extending on the bill in an acute angle for half the distance between those on the sides
264 ZOOLOGY.
and the nostril; outline of those on the sides nearly vertical and reaching but little beyond the beginning of lower edge of bill,
but as far as those on the side of lower jaw. Nostril large, far forward, its middle opposite the middle of the commissure.
Male.— Head without conspicuous crest. Head and neck green. Fore part of back black; beneath salmon color. Wings
mostly white, crossed by one band of black Si les scarcely barred transversely.
Female. — Head with a compressed occipital crest Head and neck chestnut. Above ashy; beneath salmon colored. White
of greater coverts with a terminal bar of ashy, (sometimes wanting;) the black of base of secondaries entirely concealed.
Outer tertials, ash.
Length, 26.50; wing, 11.00; tarsus, 1.84; commissure, 2. 90.
Bab. — Whole of North America.
The American sheldrake or merganser is abundant during the warmer months, and some
even remain all winter, leaving their favorite rivers for the open bays. They are found, in
summer, in almost every small lake and mountain stream, though the males are not so often
seen there as the females, with their broods of young. In September the young, being fully
fledged, associate in flocks of several hundreds, in which I have never seen any adult males.
In January these last are seen in small flocks by themselves, with the head and neck in perfect
green plumage. — C.
The common goosander or American sheldrake is very frequently found near Fort Steilacoom
and upon the Columbia river in winter. They are very widely distributed throughout both Ter
ritories. I shot a female in the Bitter Root chain of the Rocky mountains in October, 1853,
where they were quite abundant on the branches of Clark' s river. Near Fort Steilacoom they
are scarce in summer, the greater number, probably, retiring to the recesses of the Cascade
mountains or further north to breed. — S.
MERGUS SERRATOR, Linn.
Red-breasted Merganser.
Mergus serralor, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 208.— GM. I, 546.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 1814, 81; pi Ixix — Sw. F.
Bor. Am. II, 1831, 462.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 1834, 463.— AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 92; pi. 401 —
IB. Syn. 298.— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843, 395; pi. 412.— BAIRD, Gen. Rep. Birds, 814.
Merganser serrator, STEPH. Shaw's Gen. Zool. XII, 1824, 165. — BON. List, 1838.
SP. CH. — Feathers of the forehead extending on the bill in a short obtuse angle, and falling far short of the end of those on
the sides ; the outline of the latter sloping rapidly forward, and reaching half way from the posterior end of the lower edge of
bill to the nostrils, and far beyond those on the side of lower jaw. Nostrils narrow, posterior; their posterior outline opposite
the end of basal third of commissure.
Mile. — Head with conspicuous pointed occipital crest. Head and upper part of neck, all around, dark green ; under parts
reddish white. Jugulum reddish brown, streaked with black. Sides conspicuously barred transversely with fine lines of black.
Feathers anterior to wing, white, margined with black. White of wing crossed by two bars of black.
Female. — Head with compressed occipital crest, chestnut brown. Body above ash ; beneath reddish white. The black at
base of secondaries exposed ; outer tertials white, edged with black.
Length, 23 25; wing, 8.60; tarsus, 1.80 ; commissure, 2.76.
Sab. — Whole of North America and Europe.
I obtained one specimen of this merganser at Fort Steilacoom, where it is not uncommon.
In habits it closely resembles the preceding species. — S.
The red-breasted sheldrake is common from September to April, but I have not obtained
them during summer, though it is not unlikely that they breed in some parts of the territory.
The shyness of these birds in summer makes it difficult to distinguish this from the last species
as they fly. — C.
ZOOLOGY. 205
LOPHODYTES CUCULLATUS, (Linn.) Reich.
Hoofled Merganser.
Mergus cucullalus, LINN. Syst. Nat. 1, 176G, 207.— GMELIN, I, 544.— WILSON, Am. Orn. VIII, 79; pi. Ixix.— BON. Obs.
No. 251. — Sw. F. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 463.— NUTTALL, Man. II, 4G5.— AuD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835,
246: V. 619; pi. 233.— IB. Syn. 299.— IB. Birds Amer. VI, 1843, 402; pi. 413.
Lophodyles cucullatus, REICH, Systema Avium, 1852, p. ix. — BONAP. Comptes Ilendus, XLIII, 1856. — BAIRD, Gen.
Eep. Birds, 816.
Sr. Cii — Head \vith an elongated, compressed, semicircular crest. Anterior extremity of nostrils reaching not quite as
far as the middle of commissure. Frontal feathers extending nearly as far as half the distance from lateral feathers to
nostril; the latter much beyond the feathers on side of lower mandible. Bill shorter than head.
Male. — Bill black. Head, neck, and back, black; under parts and centre of crest white. Sides chestnut brown, barred
with black. White anterior to the wing, crossed by two black crescents. Lesser coverts gray; white speculum with a basal
and median black bar; black tertials streaked centrally with white.
Female with a shorter and more pointed crest. The head and neck reddish brown; the back without pure black; the sides
without transverse bars; the white of wings less extended.
Length, 17.50; wing, 7.90; tarsus, 1.20; commissure, 1.98.
Hob. — Whole of North America.
The beautiful hooded merganser is extremely common in winter on the fresh water lakes
near Fort Steilacoom, where I obtained several fine specimens of both sexes. They also breed
sparingly in the neighborhood.
In the summer of 1856 I shot one out of a brood of half-grown young, which were being
reared on a small sluggish stream near the garrison garden. Being but slightly wounded, it
showed great dexterity in swimming, diving, and hiding, and other spirited endeavors to escape.
The rest of the brood, being unharmed, took to the shore and managed most successfully to
hide in the long grass near the water. The individual shot was about two-thirds grown, and
seemed to be in color an exact miniature of the adult female. — S.
The hooded merganser is often shot in winter, but I never saw it during summer in the
Territory.— C.
Family PELECANIDAE — The Pelicans-
PELECANUS ERYTHRORHYNCHUS, Gmelin.
Bough-billed or White Pelican.
Felecanus erythrorhynchus, GM. Syst. Nat. 1788, 571. — BAIRD and LAWRENCE, Gen. Eep. Birds, p. 868.
Pdecanus trachyrhynchus, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 884.— BON. Cornp. List, 1838, 60.— GRAY, Gen. of Birds, 1845, 309.
Cytroptlicanus trachyrhynchus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 163.
Pdecanus onocrotalus, BON. Syn. 1828, No. 351.— RICH, and Sw. F. Bor. Am. 11, 1831, 472.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 471.
Peltcanus americanus, AUD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 88. — IB. Syn. 1839. — IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 20 ; pi. ccccxxii.
SP. CH. — Head with a yellow occipital crest ; bill yellow, sub-maxillary pouch very large ; general color white ; primaries
black, second the longest ; legs and feet very strong.
Adult male. — The general plumage is pure white; in the breeding season, with a roseate tinge ; the crest and elongated
feathers on the breast pale yellow ; the alula, primary coverts, and primaries black, the shafts of the latter white for the
greater part of their length, being brownish black at the end ; the outer secondaries black, the inner more or less white, the
shafts of all white underneath. Bill yellow, with the edges and unguis reddish ; upper mandible high at the base, but
becoming gradually flattened to the end ; on the ridge just beyond the middle of the bill is a thin elevated bony process
about one inch high, and extending towards the end for three or four inches ; lower mandible broad at the base, with the
crura separated nearly to the point ; underneath the lower mandible, beginning at the junction of the crura, and extending
34 Q
266 ZOOLOGY.
down the neck for about eight inches, is a large membranous sac or pouch, capable of great expansion ; it is of the same color
as the bill ; bare space around the eye bright yellow; iris white; legs and feet yellow; claws yellowish brown.
The female differs in not having the bony projection on the upper mandible.
Total length, 70 inches; wing, 24.50; bill, 13.50; tarsi, 4.75; tail, 7.
Hob. — Throughout the United States, rare on the coasts of the middle and northern States. Fur countries up to the
61st parallel.
The rough-billed pelican is common at San Francisco, where I obtained a very fine specimen
in January, 1856. This species may extend as far north as the Columbia, but I have myself
not seen it beyond the locality first mentioned. — S.
This bird I have seen along the Platte river, Nebraska, in October, on its way south, and
from its far northern range in the interior, and from its being abundant in Utah, I have no
doubt of its occurring in some seasons in the interior of Washington Territory, though not seen
there by me, nor did I see it at Shoalwater bay, or elsewhere on the coast north of San Fran
cisco. — C.
PELECANUS FUSCUS, Linnaeus.
Gray or Brown Pelican.
PeUcanus fuscus LINN. Syst. Nat. 1766, 215.— BON. Syn. 1828, No. 352.— Nurr. Man. II, 1834, 476.— AUD. Orn. Biog.
111,1835,376; V, 1839, 212.— IB. Syn. 1839.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 32; pi. ccccxxiii and
ccccxxiv. — BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 870.
Onocrotalus fuscus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 163.
SP. Cn. — Head with a short occipital crest of light reddish brown; bill grayish white, more or less dusky, and marked
with pale carmine spots; a large pouch appended to the under mandible; below the color is very dark ash, above hoary;
second primary longest; legs stout.
Adult male. — Head white, except en the fore part, where it is yellow; sides of the neck adjoining the pouch white; hind
part of neck and lower part in front dark chestnut brown, the short crest pale reddish brown; back and wings grayish ash,
with dusky margins, the former color prevailing on the larger wing coverts and scapulars; primaries brownish black, second
aries dark ashy brown, with their outer margins grayish white ; shafts of the primaries white until near the end, when they
become black; tail grayish ash, with the shafts of the feathers white for one-half their length; terminal half black; under
plumage dark brownish ash, with the sides of the body from the neck for its entire length, marked with narrow longitudinal
white lines; on the lower part of the neck is a small patch of pale yellow; bill grayish white, tinged with brown and inter
mixed with spots of pale carmine; the lower mandible blackish at the end, and having underneath a large pouch similar in
character to that of the preceding species, but of a greenish black color, with the ridges formed by the wrinkles paler; bare
skin surrounding the eye deep blue; iris white, the eyelids pink; legs and feet black.
The plumage of the fully adult female is similar in color to that of the male; the feathers of the head are rather rigid,
not downy as in the male.
In the young the plumage generally is of a dusky brown.
Length of male, 56 inches; wing, 22; bill, 13. 50; tarsi, 3; tail, 6.50. Young, length 48 inches; extent, 57.60.
Bab. — From Texas to North Carolina; California coast.
About September 1 the gray or "brown" pelican enters Shoalwater bay in large flocks,
which remain until November. They feed principally during rising tide, wandering in long
trains over the channels, and diving occasionally one after the other, sometimes scattering and
fishing singly. They rest, during the intervals, on a large sand island in the mouth of the bay.
I have never seen them in their spring migrations northward. — C.
ZOOLOGY. 267
Family P II AL AC RO C OR AC I DAE. -The Cormorants.
Graculus, Bonap.
GRACULUS DILOPHUS, (Sw.) Gray.
Double-crested Cormorant.
Pelecanus (Carbo) dilophus, Sw. Faun. Bor. Am. II, 1831, 473.
Phalacrocorax dilophus, NUTT. Man. II, 1831, 483.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 420 : V, 1839, 628.— IB. Syn. 1839,
302— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1844, 423 ; pi. ccccxvi.
Graculus dilophus, GRAY, Gen. of Birds, 1845. — BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 172. — BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep.
Birds, 877.
Carlo dilophus, GAME. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. 2d Ser. I, 1849, 247.
Sp. CH — Greenish black ; behind each eye a recurved crest of loose feathers; gular sac orange; second quill longest; tai'
of twelve feathers.
,-liltilt. — The plumage of the head, neck, lower part of the back and entire under surface is greenish black, the feathers of
the upper part of the back, the wing-coverts, the scapularies and tertiaries, grayish brown or dark ash, the margins of which
are greenish black; primaries blackish brown, lighter on the inner webs; the secondaries dark grayish brown; tail black, as
are also the shafts; running from the bill over the eye is a line of white filamentous feathers, there are also a few of the same
character sparsely distributed over the neck ; behind each eye is a tuft of rather long slender feathers, erect and curving
forwards; bare space in the region of the eye, and gular sac orange; upper mandible blackish brown, with the edges yel
lowish ; lower yellow, marked irregular with dusky ; iris bright green ; legs, feet, and claws black, claw of the middle toe
pectinated.
Length, 34 inches; extent, 51.50; wing, 13; tail, 6.75; bill, 2.85; tarsu^ 3.50; outer toe and claw, 4; inner, 2.50; hind, 1.75.
Hab — Atlantic coast from Labrador to Carolina; fur countries; Pacific coast from Washington Territory to California.
The double-crested cormorant is very common during spring and fall, in the larger rivers of
the Territory, west of the Cascade mountains, where they generally sit on some snag or stump in
the water watching for fish, or sunning themselves like vultures after eating, with their wings
half- spread. They are very watchful, and rarely let a boat approach within gunshot, though
they often stupidly fly close to it, after starting off. In winter they abound in the open bays
and mouths of rivers, but in summer appear to retire to more northern regions. I have never
heard them make any sound. When wounded they swim and dive so rapidly that it is useless
to pursue them. They roost on cliffs and trees at night. — C.
Rather common on Puget Sound, where I obtained a specimen in February, 1856. Individuals
of this species are fond of alighting on drift logs, and thus float about with the tides and
currents, apparently greatly enjoying their mode of travel.
Immense numbers of cormorants are found in flocks on the rocky islands near Bellingham
bay.— S.
GRACULUS VIOLACEUS, (Gmelin,) Gray.
Violet>-Green Cormorant.
Pelecanus violaceus, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1789, 575.
Graculus violaceus, GRAY, Gen. of Birds, 1845 — BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 881.
Phalacrocorax resplendent, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 148.— IB. Syn. 1839, 304.— IB. Birds Am. VI, 1843, 430; pi.
ccccxix.
Urile bicristalus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1855, 175.
Sp. CH. — Violet-green ; narrow white feathers are sparingly distributed on the sides of the neck and hind part, and sides
of the body ; gular sac orange .
Mult.— Crown and sides of the head dark bluish green, gradually blending with the beautiful violet blue of the hind head
and entire neck ; back, rump, wings, and other plumage of a rich deep green ; axillars, sides under the wings, and Hugh
268 ZOOLOGY.
violet blue ; smaller wing coverts violet ; primaries brownish black, as are the other quills on their inner webs ; tail and shafts
black ; the entire plumage very lustrous and silky in appearance ; dispersed over the neck and on the sides of the body near the
thighs are numerous short white piliform feathers which expand at the end in the form of a small brush ; gular sac and bare
space about the eye orange ; feathers of the throat extend upon the lower part of the gular sac for about half its length,
and terminate in a point; upper mandible blackish brown, lower dusky yellow; legs and feet black; iris greenish brown.
Female brown.
Length, 28 inches ; alar extent, 41 ; wing, 10.50 ; tail, 6.25; bill, 2 ; tarsus, 1.90 ; outer toe and claw, 3.75.
Ilab. — Western coast of North America, California, Washington Territory.
The only specimen of this brilliant cormorant 1 obtained at the same place where Townsend
got his in 1834 — the extreme point of Cape Disappointment. While in that vicinity,
in July, 1853, I watched for them particularly for several days, and though there were
plenty of G. dilophus in the river, I never saw one of these within the cape. But, sitting
on the summit of that beautiful promontory one day, admiring a view unsurpassed by any in
the world, I observed, three hundred feet below, in a little cove, sheltered from the breakers
by some rocks, a bird fishing, which I knew must be the long-sought cormorant. I at once
descended, and, obtaning a skiff with its side stove in, I went with the obliging light-house
keeper and his assistant, who rowed round to the outside of this remarkable cape. The distance
was only about 300 yards, and, until we suddenly turned the sharp outer point, the water was
smooth as a mill-pond. Scarcely had we turned this point, when, suddenly, a flock of perhaps
two hundred flew from the rocky ledges, and, circling round our boat, retired to a distant part
of the cliffs. The swell was so violent here that it was impossible to take any aim, and after
some useless shots, I returned. Next day we went round again, and by getting out on a ledge,
before they all flew, I succeeded in shooting one. I found it to be a young bird, of course,
incomplete in plumage at this season, and did not attempt to get any more. Townsend' s
specimen nearly cost him his own life and that of six men, so violently does the sea dash,
usually, against these rocks. At the time of my visit it was unusually smooth. Afterwards,
sailing out of the river, I observed numbers of them fishing some distance out. Many had the
flanks marked by a large patch of white, probably distinguishing the adult birds. Others
appeared different, and may have been the P. perspiciUatus, a species common on the coast
of California and also of Russian America. At the cape there was no sign of their having had
nests nor places suitable for them. They prefer rocky islands, separated from the shore, which
several kinds of water birds frequent, in incredible numbers, near the Straits of De Fuca and
along the coast of California. As no such occur anywhere near the mouth of the Columbia, I
had no opportunity of visiting these interesting nurseries. They probably only visit Cape
Disappointment during their migrations. — C.
NOTE. — A curious bird. — Colonel Fitzhugh and Mr. Reed, of Bellingham bay, Washington
Territory, informed me that during the winter of 1854-' 55 a very strange "duck77 was
obtained by them on the bay near the coal mines.
According to the remembrances of the above named gentlemen it was of about the size of a
small goose, or between that of a brant and a mallard. Its general color was of a rich cream ;
tail dark. The bill and feet, to the best of their recollections, resembled those of a duck.
The forehead had a red streak on each side, and from the back of the head there were long
elongated, greenish-Hack feathers, falling down gracefully to the right and left.
The bird was very tame, and allowed itself to be stoned for some time. It then rose and
flew a short distance, when, again alighting on the ivater, it was approached and killed with a
gun.
ZOOLOGY. 269
Never having seen such a bird before, and all the Indians who saw it having declared
positively that it was new to them, the above-named gentleman had the bird skinned. The
specimen, however, was unfortunately afterwards destroyed.
The fact that the bird sat on the water , and upon becoming alarmed retreated to it again at
but a short distance, forbids the idea that it was a "crane;" besides, the fact that the long
feet and legs of one of the ardeince would have at once been recognized. Perhaps the bird
was an albino cormorant, yet its want of shyness or fear would se'em to indicate the contrary. — S.
Family P R 0 C E It L AE ID A E .— The Petrels.
Sub-Family D1OMEDEINAE. — The Albatrosses.
DIOMEDEA BRACHYURA, Temminck.
The Short-Tailed Albatross.
Diomedea brachyura, TEMM. PI. col. v, about 1828. — CASSIS, 111. I, 1855, 289, pi. 1. Adult. — BAIRD and LAWRENCE,
Gen. Rep. Birds, 822.
Uiomedea nigripes, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 327.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1842, 198.— CASS. 111. I, 1654, 210; pi. xxxv.
(Young.)
gp. CH — Adult. — Head and neck white, tinged with pale yellow; primaries, tips of secondaries and tertiaries, upper edge
of the wing, and greater wing coverts brownish black; tail white, tipped with dark brown; back and entire under plumage pure
white ; bill pale reddish yellow ; legs flesh color.
Length, 33 inches; alar extent, 84 ; wing, 20 ; tail, 5£ ; bill, 5 ; tarsus, 3£.
The young are ashy brown, lighter on the abdomen ; for some distance around the base of the bill, and a space below the eye,
grayish white ; bill dusky ; tarsi and feet black. Length, 30. 50 inches ; extent, 85 inches. Iris brown ; bill black, with a
purple tint ; feet black.
Ilab. — North Pacific ; coasts of California and Oregon.
A dusky colored albatross, which proved to be the Diomedea brachyura, was obtained by me
in the spring of 1856 from Captain Diggs, of the brig Cyrus, who had taken it off the coast of
Oregon a few days before.
During a winter passage of fourteen days from the Straits of Juan de Fuca to San Francisco,
although I saw many birds of the genus, I saw but one individual in light colored plumage, and
that was near the mouth of the Columbia. All the birds I noticed seemed to belong to the
species which Cassin has figured as the D. nigripes of Audubon. In a late number of Mr.
Cassin's work he takes the ground that the D. nigripes is merely the D. brachyura in immature
plumage. If this be the case I cannot understand why the young birds preponderate so greatly,
as in my voyage from the Straits of Fuca I saw the single bird in light colored plumage spoken
of above, and a little later, in my voyage from San Francisco to Hong Kong. China, I saw but
one more in white plumage, as far west as the 145th degree of east longitude, and north of
latitude 12° north, although in both passages dark colored birds were common. One of these,
caught about four hundred miles southwest of San Francisco, had the white spot at the base of
the bill very apparent, and many other birds of the species seen flying in our wake were
similarly marked.
I fully concur in the remarks of Mr. Peale, quoted by Cassin, that the species D. chloror-
hynchus and D. fusca (D. fuliginosa, Gmelin) are confined to the south of the equator, and
think, therefore, that they should both be stricken from the northwest fauna. It is true that
specimens of both species brought home by Dr. Townsend are said to have been obtained from
270 ZOOLOGY.
off the coast of Oregon, but it is well known that Dr. Townsend's specimens were very care
lessly labelled, and I think it very likely that in these instances the specimens were obtained
during his voyages to South America.
The specimen of albatross that I obtained four hundred miles southwest of San Francisco
Avas caught in the usual way, by a hook baited with pork. In taking albatrosses in this manner
the hook is not swallowed but catches on the under side of the upper mandible, just behind its
decurved point. The bird we caught became very "sea-sick" as soon as it was hauled on
board, and very soon emptied the contents of its stomach upon the deck. Some of this ejected
food looked much like broken up pieces of the cuttle fish, (squid.)
Albatrosses are generally seen more abundant in the wake of a vessel when the wind is ahead.
This may be caused by the slow rate that at such times the vessel is progressing; but I think
that the most likely explanation is that the wings are so shaped and placed that they act more
like sails than wings, and are calculated to sail very "close to the wind." Added to the port
and starboard tacks that the bird can make, as well as the ship it is in company Avith, it has the
power to tack obliquely upwards and downwards in the air, which allows a double zigzag progres
sion. The explanation why a bird can fly against the wind is not at all needed, but why it can
soar against the wind, with apparently no exertion, and without (except at very long intervals)
even attempting to gain speed by flapping its ivings, (flying,) first puzzles the observer, and
seems contrary to all our preconceived notions of movement, gravity, and force. When these
birds are going with the wind they much more frequently flap their wings and fly like other
feathered creatures. — S.
The short-tailed albatross is abundant along the coast of the Pacific, where, however, I have
seen only the dark plumed young, in various stages, but always marked chiefly with black.
They often follow vessels, and are sure to appear soon after the dinner time of the steamships,
to pick up the scraps thrown overboard.
Their flight is very rapid and graceful, performed apparently without effort, while their very
narrow, long wings give them a peculiar appearance. They often alight and rest on the water,
but can easily overtake the steamer going at twelve miles an hour, and sweep around it, beating
in its wake in search of food. — C.
Family LARIDAE.— The Gulls.
LARUS GLAUCESCENS, Li chtenstein.
The Glaucous-winged Gull.
" Larcides glaucescens, LIGHT." BRCCH, Rev. Lar. in Cab. Jour. 1855, 281.
Larus glaucescens, (LicHT.) BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Eep. Birds, p. 842.
SP. CH. — Adult. — Head and neck white, streaked with gray; under surface, rump, and tail pure white; back and wings light
pearl blue, (same shade as in L. argenlalus ;) the primaries are of the same color, but rather darker, with well defined white
tips; on the first quill the white extends on the tip for about two inches, and is crossed by a bar of the same color as the
primaries ; iris white ; bill yellow, with an orange red spot on the angle of the lower mandible ; legs and feet fleeh color.
Length, 23 to 26 inches ; extent, 51. 50 to 58 ; wing, 16£ ; tail, 7^ ; bill along ridge, 2f , deep at base, 11-16, at angle, 12-16 ;
tarsi, 2^ ; middle toe and claw, 2{j . Female smallest.
Young mottled with grayish white and cinereous; the quills and tail bluish ash ; bill black, in some specimens yellowish at
base ; legs and feet dusky flesh color; much smaller in first year than adult.
Hub. — Northwest coast of North America.
'The glaucous-winged gull is extremely common on Ptiget Sound during the winter season,
ZOOLOGY. 271
but probably retires to the north, for breeding purposes, in the spring, as after the middle of
April they become quite scarce in that vicinity. During the cold months they are found in
large flocks along the shores of the sound, and on the flats and marshes at the mouths of the
small rivers and creeks in the neighborhood. At high water they arc apt to extend their
excursions a short distance above the mouths of these streams, flying singly or in small com
panies of three or four. They are at that season quite tame and unwary, flying very close to
man, and allowing themselves to be readily killed with fowling pieces. When an individual is
killed or wounded, the others, attracted by the sight, hover about their companion, and become
an easy prey to the gunner. In this habit they resemble many other species of gull.
Most of the specimens I obtained were either in immature plumage, or else in peculiar winter
dress. I have noticed from a* short distance, among large flocks, certain individuals which
varied greatly in the degrees of lightness of coloration, some being quite white-looking, while
others had a very dark, dingy, smoked appearance.
They apparently subsist principally on such refuse matters as are washed up along the
shores at high water. They are fond of resting on logs, boards, and bits of wood, which are
at all times found drifting about on the waters of the sound. Floating on these they remain
almost asleep for hours, until the tide having retreated, they leave their frail barks and con
gregate in vast numbers on their favorite feeding grounds. — S.
This gull, of which I obtained several specimens in various stages of plumage at Shoalwater
bay, differs in no respect from the following in habits, as far as I observed, and constantly
associates with it, at least in the colder weather. It seems to be a larger bird in each period
of its growth.
NOTE. — Larus chalcopterus (LiCHT.) LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 843. During the coldest
winter weather of January, 1855, a gull appeared at Shoalwater bay larger than the pre
ceding, and with its mantle very pale gray, wings unmarked with black, bill and feet whitish.
It remained only a short time, and was very shy. It fed along the shore, like the other
species. It agreed with the L. chalcopterus of Mr. Lawrence better than any other. — C.
LARUS OCCIDENTALS, Audubon.
The Western Gull.
Larus occidentallis, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 320.— AUD. Birds Am. YTI, 1844, 161. — LAWRENCE & BAIRD, Gen.
Eep. Birds, 845.
Laroides occidental!*, BRUCH, Cab. Jour. 1855, 282.— BON. Cons Av. II, 1856, 219.
SP. CH. — Advil. — The head, neck, rump, tail, and under plumage pure white; the back and wings grayish blue, many
shades darker than in L. argenlatus; the first six primaries are black towards their ends, extending on the first for about
half its length, and lessening on the others, until on the sixth it is reduced to a narrow sub-terminal bar ; the tips of all are
•white ; on the first the white is an inch and a half in extent, and crossed near the end with black ; secondaries and tertiaries
with broad white tips ; iris gray ; bill deep yellow, with a bright orange red spot on the angle of the lower mandible ; legs
and feet flesh color.
Young mottled with lead colored brown, grayish white, and brownish ash, lighter on the lower parts ; primaries blackish
brown ; bill brownish black, dull yellow at base ; legs and feet brownish flesh color ; eye dark brown.
Length, 21.50 to 24 inches; extent, 52 to 55; wing, 15.25 to 17 ; tail, 7; bill, 2£ ; depth at angle, |; tarsus, 2|.
Female smallest.
Hob. — Northwest coast of North America.
The western gull is very abundant along the whole of the coast that it inhabits, as far south
as the Peninsula of California, where I noticed them for the last time on my voyage down the
coast in December, 1855. On the numerous small islands near the Mexican boundary they
272 ZOOLOGY.
were very abundant, and as many winter even at Puget Sound, it is probable that their winter
migration extends no further south than here. And it is very likely that they reside about
these islands during summer, as they are known to breed on the islands off San Francisco bay,
which can differ very little in climate from these, the prevailing sea breeze causing a very
uniform temperature along the whole western coast of the United States.
At Shoalwater bay I had an opportunity of observing the habits of this bird at all seasons,
though there were unfortunately none of its breeding places to which I had access. It is the
only species constantly to be seen there, and is abundant, though not occurring in such great
flocks as some other species do at certain seasons. In flight, appearance, and cries they very
closely resemble the silvery gull. Their flight is slow, laborious, and performed by flapping,
except in storms and violent blows, when they are fond of soaring to a great height, circling
round each other like eagles, without a movement of their wings, and often wandering far
inland — the sure forerunner of a severe storm.
They feed commonly during low tide, both at night and day. No sooner does it begin to ebb
than hundreds of gulls, which have been dozing for hours on the beach, or, if the day is calm,
floating quietly on the water at a little distance, join the long train of screaming godwits, sand
pipers, and fish-crows, and fly to the sand-banks, river shores, and muscle-beds, there to feast
until the returning tide drives them away. If one discovers a dead fish or other dainty food,
his loud screams, audible for miles, soon summon a crowd of associates, like the vultures, to
the carcass. Then all is confusion ; one flying off with the fish, others pursuing, screaming,
and striking each other, until they have each had a pull at it, and none is left. The same
thing occurs if one finds a clam, (of which many species are washed out and left on the
surface by the tide.) As they cannot break the shells with their bill, the successful bird will
fly towards some well known hard sand bank, and rising by circling flight fifty feet or more,
drop the shell. If not broken by the first fall he repeats it, ascending higher each time, or
flying off to a harder place. As it falls they dive through the air after it, in short oblique
turns, quite different from their bold headlong plunge after fish in the water. Crabs, sea-
worms, dead rats, and probably any animal food, is eaten by the voracious gull, which may bo
compared among sea birds to the raven on land, which feeds also in the same places.
If the tide has been a very low one, (as happens every alternate fortnight along the western
coast,) the gulls gorge themselves with food before the return of flood tide, and then sit list
lessly until it floats them off, probably often sound asleep. But they are very difficult to
approach within shot even then, though they will frequently fly very near a person who is not
pursuing them, screaming, and observing him with much curiosity. If not satisfied, they watch
along the edge of the water for the shoals of small sculpins, sticklebacks, <fcc., that come over
the shoals with the tide, and wading in, feed on them as they approach ; or, if shoals of herring
are entering the bay, they sometimes fly over and dive after them. This, however, is too
laborious a mode for this lazy bird when it can get enough by easier means. About San Fran
cisco they have taken advantage of man's presence, and great numbers of these and ring-billed
gulls feed on the refuse of the markets and sewers, fearlessly resting on the wharves, where
they are not molested.
Though so unscrupulous in feeding, this gull is exceedingly neat, and spends hours in cleaning
and pluming its beautiful feathers, generally sitting in the water and washing itself at the same
time. No sea bird is more beautiful or graceful in its motions than this, as seen in large flocks
ZOOLOGY. 273
pursuing the steamers along the coast within sight of laud, easily keeping up with the speed
of ten miles an hour, though having nothing like the power of wing of the albatross that
generally accompanies them at these times.
In March these gulls are commonly seen in pairs, the female only distinguishable by its
somewhat less size. They are said to lay on the islands off Cape Classet, and perhaps do also
on some within the Straits of Pe Fuca. They are still found during summer a long distance
from these places, but whether these are barren birds, or resort for food to such a distance, I
do not know.
In October, 1853, I saw a few large gulls 400 miles up the Columbia river, east of the
Cascade mountains, but could not ascertain whether they were of this species. I believe,
however, that they fly up that river at least 100 miles from its mouth.
I could distinguish no difference in habits between the dark and light blue specimens, which
have the same peculiar bill and dimensions. — C.
LARUS CALIFORNICUS, Lawrence.
The California Gull.
Larus californicus, LAWR. Ann. Lye. N. H. N. Y. VI, 1854, 79 — BAIRD & LAWKENCE, Gen. Rep. Birds, 846.
Laroides californicus, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 220.
Sp. CH. — Adult: The head, neck, under plumage, rump, and tail, pure white ; back and wings pearl blue, darker than in
L. argentatus, but not so dark as in L. occidentalio; the six outer primaries are marked with black towards their ends, extending
on the first for about two thirds its length, and becoming less on the others, until on the sixth it consists only of a subterminal
bar; the tips of all are white; on the exterior quill the white extends about two inches, and is crossed near the end by a black
bar ; the secondaries and tertiaries terminate with white ; iris hazel ; bill yellow ; basal part of the upper mandible greenish gray
for two thirds its length ; a blackish band crosses both mandibles near their ends ; it is darker in color on the lower mandible,
where it is bordered with orange ; tarsus and feet flesh color.
Length, 20 to 22.50 inches ; extent, 49 to 55 ; wing, 15 25 to 16 ; tail, 7 ; bill, 2 ; depth at angle, 10.16 ; tarsus, 2| ; middle toe
and nail, 2^ ; female smallest.
Hab. — Pacific coast.
The California gull is also an abundant species along the western coast, excepting in
summer, when they appear to retire beyond the limits of the Territory. In winter they
remain in small numbers on the coast, and probably for some distance up the Columbia as long
as it remains unfrozen. In habits they much resemble the western gulls, but seem more
inclined to dive for fish, though they also feed in the edge of the water during rising tide. I
have never seen them break shell-fish as the other does. I did not see any of them following
the vessels out at sea, and they appear to be confined to bays and rivers.
The following are the colors of parts which change in drying: Iris dark brown, bronzed;
bill greenish yellow, with a black band around angle, and sometimes an orange red patch
beneath; inside of mouth orange red; edge of lids dark dull red; feet greenish white, in the
young grayish. — C.
LARUS DELAWARENSIS, Ord.
The Ring-billed Gull.
Larus ddawarensis, ORD, Guth Geog. 2d Am. ed II, 1815, 319. — BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep. Birds, 846.
Larus brachyrhynchus, RICH. & Sw. F. Bor. Am II, 1831, 422, (not of Gould )
Larus zonorhynchus, RICH. & Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 422.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 300.— AUD. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 152;
pi. ccccxlvi. — BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856,224.
SP. CH. — Adult: The head, neck, under parts, and tail are pure white ; back and wiugs very Hgbt pearl blue ; lirst and second
primaries black for two-thirds of their length towards the end, the three next quills have the black much less in extent, and on
35 Q
274 ZOOLOGY.
the sixth it is reduced to a subterminal bar ; the first quill is black at the end, above which is a broad white band ; the second
quill is black to the tip, with a white spot on the inner web an inch and a half from the end ; the other primaries tipped with
white; secondaries and tertiaries ending in white; iris yellow; bill crossed near the end with a blackish brown band, between
which and the base it is greenish yellow ; the tip is yellow ; tarsi and feet greenish yellow.
Length, about 20 inches ; wing, 15; tail, 6; bill, If; depth at angle, £; tarsus, 2J.
Young : On the upper plumage mottled with blackish brown and gray ; beneath grayish white, with light brown spots ; primaries
black ; tail white, with a subterminal black band ; bill black, with the base yellow.
Hub. — Arctic America ; Texas to Labrador ; western rivers ; northwest coast.
The ring-billed gull is not uncommon on Puget Sound, where I obtained several specimens.
It has been my rule, as far as possible, in this report, to confine myself, in treating of the
various species of birds, to those which have been collected by me, and, after careful comparison
with others in the Smithsonian collection, have been found strictly entitled (so far as yet known)
to the specific name assigned to them. In the present instance, however, I feel justified in
departing from the rule, as, although my own specimens were lost before reaching Washington,
I, nevertheless, feel sufficiently certain that they were identical with the old Larus zonorlnjnchus,
the present species. This is verified by the presence of a specimen in the Smithsonian
collection procured by Dr. Kennedy on Puget Sound, and also by a comparison of the notes
taken by me on a couple of skins which agree, with the exception of the toothed bill, with the
following description by Mr. Ord of the species which is quoted by Mr. Lawrence in the
General Report: '; Length, 19| inches; extent, 46; upper mandible with four indentations or
blunt teeth; lower with three; corner of mouth and eyelids, bright vermilion; head, neck, tail,
and beneath, pure white; wings, back, and scapulars, blue ash; weight, 19 ounces."
My own specimen, (marked 478,) an adult, measured almost the same as the one described
by Mr. Ord, being 19 inches in length and 4G.50 in extent. The legs and feet were of a
gamboge yellow, with a slight greenish tinge; bill of the same color, with a black zone near
the tip; margin of eyelids vermilion] angle of mouth bright reddish orange. Another agreed in
every respect except in dimensions, which were larger.
This species seems to be subject to great changes in color of plumage, feet, and bill, at
different ages. Its habits are not different on Puget Sound from those of its brethren on the
eastern coast, and have been so well described by Nuttall and others that I can add scarcely
anything. Near Fort Steilacoom they are very abundant during the cooler months, at which
season they are very common on the marshes and flats at the mouths of the different rivers
emptying into the sound. When an individual is wounded, his comrades, like other gulls, hover
over and circle around the victim as if impelled by motives of curiosity or compassion.
Frequently at this time the others can be readily brought down by the same gunner with his
undischarged barrels, but the occasion must be quickly seized because the sympathizing birds,
which at first are bewitched, as it were, by the accident to their companion, soon lose the
charm, and, becoming more wary, enlarge their circles, and, ascending higher and higher, soon
place themselves out of shot range. — S.
LARUS SUCKLEYI, Lawrence.
Snckley's Gull.
Larus suckleyi, LAAVR. Ann. Lye. N. H. N. Y. VI, 1858, 204.— BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep Birds, 847.
SP. CH. — Adult: Head, neck, under plumage and tail, puro white; back and wings clear pearl blue; ends of the primaries
black, occupying about half the length of the first and decreasing to the seventh, on which it consists only of a subterminal
ZOOLOGY. 275
spot; the first primary has a white spot over both web? an inch and a half in extent inside the tip ; the second has a similar
mark of white, but less in extent ; the tips of the first and second primaries are black, but all of the others white; the secondaries
and tertiaries largely marked with white at their ends ; bill dusky yellowish green, except on the ridge of the upper mandible,
forward of the nostrils, and on the angle of the lower mandible, which parts are orange yellow ; tips of both mandibles pale
yellow; legs and feet greenish yellow.
Length, 16 to 17.50 inches; extent, 41.50 to 44.50; wing, 12.75 to 14; tail, 5£ ; bill, 1^; tarsi, If.
Young: — Mott'ed with grayish white and dark ash ; wings and tail dark brown, the latter ashy white at the base and tip; bill
flesh color fur half its length from the base, terminating wilh black ; legs and feet flesh color; iris brown.
Hob. — Pacific coast ; Puget Sound.
The gull to which Mr. Lawrence has, in a complimentary manner, applied my name is quite
abundant during the winter season in the bays and inlets of Puget Sound. In habits it much
resembles the L. glaucescens, and, in certain conditions of plumage, (in its general appearance,)
it looks very much like a miniature of that species. They are also found much in company with
each other. I saw a gull, apparently of this species, attempting to break a clam by carrying
it high in the air and then dropping it, in the same manner as is the practice of fish crows
and several of the other gulls.
The greater number retire to the north on the approach of warm weather, but again return
to the sound about the 1st of November. They are fond of swimming about on the surface of
the water, and, when desirous of so doing, can swim very fast. They generally merely rest
dozingly, or lazily paddle about during their period of quiet ; as the tide retreats, however,
they join vast numbers of other gulls, fish crows, &c., and repair to the flats at the mouths of
the various rivers which empty into the sound, where they engage themselves in search for
small fish, crabs, mollusks, &c., and for any refuse offal which maybe thrown up by the waves.
Their voice is a rather harsh, grating scream of not much power. — S.
In spring and fall, for a few days of May and October, a small species of gull passed through
Shoalwater bay in flocks, and early in the morning would seek some quiet, sheltered cove to
feed, diving for fish rapidly while fluttering over the shoals, and rarely alighting on the water
except to rest. They kept up a continual chattering while thus engaged, and on the approach
of a boat would move off together for another place. Their flight was more rapid and easy
than that of the large kinds. The adult was white, with a pale gray mantle. I only obtained
one young specimen. — C.
BL ASIPUS HEERM ANNI, (Cassin,) Bon.
The White-headed Gull.
Larus heermanni, CASS. Proc. Acad. N. Sc. Phil. VI, 1852, 167.— IB. 111. I, 1853, 28; pi. v.
Larus Bdchtri, VIGORS, Zool. Joura. IV, 1829, 358.— IB. Zool. Blossom, 1834, 39.
Blasipus heermanni, BON. Cons. Av. II, 1856, 211. — BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep. Birds, 848.
? Larus fulginosus, GOULD, Zool. Beagle, Birds, p. 141.
SP. CH. — Adult: Bill red, both mandibles tipped with black; feet and legs dark; head white, which color gradually blends
into an ashy lead color, enveloping the entire body above and below, darker on the back and wings and paler on the abdomeii.
Secondary quills tipped with white, forming an oblique bar when the wings are folded. Superior coverts of {he tail very pale
cinereous, nearly white. Quills and tail feathers brownish black, all of the latter narrowly tipped with white. Shafts of the two
first primaries white on the inferior surface of the wing.
Length, 18.50 to 21 inches; wing, 13.25 to 14; tail, 5£ ; bill from angle to tip of upper mandible, 2£ inches.
Young : Smaller; entire plumage lead color; darker on the head and paler on the under surface of the body; quills and tail
feathers brownish black, the latter narrowly tipped with white ; rump white. Iris brownish gray.
Hob. — Coast of California.
276 ZOOLOGY.
Two gulls, supposed by me to be specimens of L. lelchcri, Vigors, but retained under the
synonym of heermanni, by Mr. Lawrence, in the General Report, were obtained in the Straits
ofFuca, near Whidby's island, Washington Territory, in August, 1856. At that season they
are quite common about the lower part of Puget Sound, but they retire southward before cold
weather.
This species, unlike the ring-billed and many other gulls, does not seem to be fond of feeding
on the shores and bare flats, but is almost always (in that vicinity at least) found on the kelp
beds floating in the deep water some distance from shore. Whether they are attracted to these
kelp beds by the hopes of finding small shell-fish in the upturned and net-like roots of such
plants as, detached from their fastenings on the bottom, have become entangled together and
with others in situ, or because these floating islands afford a convenient resting place where they
can rest to a great extent secure from their enemies of the land, I cannot say; but presume that
the presence of a supply of food must be a great inducement. It was from one of these collec
tions of kelp that I shot my two specimens. While being skinned they emitted a very rank
disagreeable odor, much stronger and more unpleasant than that of the ring-billed species.
Both my gulls had bright red bills. — S.
Early in September large flocks of this gull begin to enter Shoalwater bay with the terns
and pelicans. They remain about two months before retiring southward fishing for the herrings
which come at that season. Though quite rapid in flight, and well able to supply themselves
with food, they have a curious habit of "sponging" on the pelicans and large gulls. Often a
long train of pelicans is seen, as the tide is rising, slowly wandering round the bay, each one
attended by one or two of these gulls, which are usually some distance behind.
Whenever a pelican awkwardly plunges into the water, and emerges with its enormous scoop-
net full of fish, its parasites are sure to be ready and fearlessly seize the fish from its very jaws,
the stupid bird never resenting the insult, or appearing to take the least notice of the little
pilferer, which it could easily rid itself of by one blow, or even swallow them alive. The
large gulls being poorer fishers, and perhaps less easily robbed, are not so often honored by
the company of this uninvited guest, while the terns are entirely too quick to be made useful
by it. When no pelicans are present these gulls will fish for themselves, and often accompany
the western gull along the edge of the rising tide, wading in after small fish.
In July, 1855, I observed for several days, from the top of Cape Disappointment, flocks of
gulls flying northward, together with pelicans, at a short distance from the beach. A few
entered the mouth of the Columbia one day, and I obtained one. It seemed to be of this species,
having the red bills and same proportions, but was smaller, and with a white head, tail, and
rump, blotched with gray, resembling Heermann's gull in colors, though larger. None of these
were seen in the flocks in September. I agree with Mr. Lawrence and Dr. Suckley in consid
ering this the L. belcheri of Vigors, and our specimens agree with his measurements, excepting
the wing. Mr. Cassin's measurements may have been from shrunken skins, though only an
inch less in length than the specimen last mentioned. — C.
CHROICOCEPHALUS PHILADELPHIA, (Ord,) Lawrence.
Bonaparte's Gull.
Sterna Philadelphia., OBD, Guthrie's Geog. 2d Am. ed. II, 1815, 319.
Larus capistratug, BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 293.
Larus bonapartei, Eicn. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831,423; pi. Ixii.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 294.— AUD. Birds Am. VII,
1844, 131 ; pi. ccccxlii.
Chroicoccphalus philaddphia , BAIRD & LAWRENCB, Gen. Kep. Birds, 855.
ZOOLOGY. 277
Sp. CH. — Adult: Head and upper part of neck grayish black, this color extending rather lower on the throat than on the
neck behind ; lower part of neck, under plumage, rump, and tail, white; back and wings clear bluish gray ; first primary black
on the outer web ; inner web of the first primary, both webs of the second, and the outer web of the third, white ; the inner web
of the third and all the other primaries are of the same color as the back ; the six outer primaries have their ends black for
the extent of about an inch on the central ones, but less on the first and sixth ; they are all slightly tipped with white ; shoulders,
anterior borders of the wings, and outer webs of the primary coverts, white ; bill deep black; inside of mouth carmine ; iris
hazel ; legs and feet orange, with a reddish tinge.
Length, 14^ inches; wing, 10£ ; tail, 4| ; bill, 1|; tarsus,!^.
Hab. — Texas to Nova Scotia, Mississippi river, fur countries, Pacific coast of North America.
The beautiful little Bonaparte's gull is extremely common on Puget Sound, near Fort Steila-
coom, and seems to be a constant resident at all seasons. It, like several other species, is
found, at low tide, abundant on the flats and "tide prairies" at the river mouths.
It is the only gull commonly eaten by the Nisqually Indians. I tried one broiled, finding it
equal to many birds well recognized as edible, as, for example, the larger rails.
I obtained birds in July, which I supposed were the young of the year. The species is
sufficiently numerous during the summer to warrant the belief that it breeds in the vicinity.
The country, at the time I spent my last summer there, was in such a disturbed condition,
owing to the hostile attitude of the Indians, that my excursions and observations were much
interfered with. — S.
NOTE. — The hooded gull, or C. cucullatus of LICHTEXSTEIN, was obtained by me at Panama,
and probably extends to a considerable distance north, along the coast. It is a little smaller
than the C. Philadelphia and has the bill deep carmine, besides other differences. — S.
In May and in October a Hack-headed species of gull migrates along the western coast in
large flocks. They closely resemble the LOTUS Suckleyi in habits, feeding entirely by diving
among the shoals of small fish. Being constantly on the wing, and very shy, I could not dis
tinguish which of the five black-headed species described they were, but probably the C.
Philadelphia. — C .
BISSA SEPTENTBIONALIS, Lawrence.
The North Pacific Kittiwake; Turner's Kittiwake.
Rissa seplentrionalis, LAWR. Ann. Lye. N. Hist. N. Y. VI, 1858,265. — BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Eep. Birds, 854.
Sp. CH. — Adult: Head, neck, under surface, and tail, pure white. Back and wings light pearl blue; first primary black for
about half its length from the end; a white spot one and a half inches in length crosses both webs near the end, which is black ;
second primary black for about one-third its length; also with a white spot (but smaller) inside the black tip; the next five
primaries are black at their ends, with white tips ; the black decreases inwards, existing as a spot only on the seventh ; basal
part of the primaries bl lish ash, becoming white where it joins the black ends, except on the first and second ; secondaries and
tertiaries ending with white ; bill dusky green at the base for two-thirds its length ; remainder yellow, which deepens to orange
on the ridge of the upper mandible and angle of the lower ; legs and feet yellowish green.
Length, 17^ inches ; wing, 13£ ; tail, 5| ; bill, If ; tarsus, I £.
Hab. — Pacific coast of North America ; Puget Sound.
The two specimens upon which Mr. Lawrence founded this species were given to me by Dr.
Thomas J. Turner, of the United States navy, who had obtained them at Bellingham bay, a
harbor just north of Puget Sound. Dr. Turner obliged me on many occasions by his kindness
in securing me specimens of various kinds, and made his friendship the more pleasant by the
interest which he took in furthering, as far as was in his power, the procurement of data tending
to elucidate the hitherto obscure natural history of the northwest coast. — S.
278 ZOOLOGY.
? Sterna regia, GAMBF.L ; LAWRFNCK, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 859.
I several times, in May and September, saw a few terns flying over Shoalwater bay, which
were probably of this species, though others might have sometimes been with them, for
description of which I must refer to the general report. — C.
Family C OL Y M B I D A E ,— The D i v e rs.
Sub-Family COLYMBINAE.— T h e Loons
COLYMBUS TORQUATUS, Brunnich.
The Great Northern Diver; The Loon.
Colymlus iorqualm, BRUNN. Orn. Bor. 1764, 134. — BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 888.
Colymbus glacialis, LINN. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 221.— FORSTER, Phil. Trans. LXII, 1772, 333.— WILs. Am. Orn. IX, 84,
1824, pi. Ixxiv.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 368 — RICH & Sw. F. B. Am. II, 1831, 474.— NUTT.
Man. II, 1834, 513.— ADD. Orn. Biog. IV, 1838, 43; pi. 306.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 282;
pi. cccclxxvi.
Colymbus immer, LINN, Syst. Nat. I, 1766,222. (Young of year.)
Sp. CH. — Bill compressed, strong and tapering, outline of upper mandible nearly straight, very slightly curved ; the lower
mandible has a groove underneath, running from the junction of the crura towards the point ; the tail consists of twenty
feathers.
Alutt. — The head and neck are dark bluish green, the upper part and sides of the head glossed with purple ; there is a small
transverse mark on the throat, composed of white feathers of a quill-like form, distinct from each other and placed longitudinally
on each side of the neck ; lower down are larger patches of white, of the same peculiar form, and running in the same direction ;
these almost meet behind, and in front are about one inch apart ; the effect of these pure white feathers, relieved by the dark
color of the neck, is very beautiful; the upper plumage and wing coverts are deep glossy black, beautifully marked with pure
white spots placed in regular transverse rows, slightly curving downwards ; these spots, on the upper part of the back, are small
and nearly round, but as they descend lower on the back increase in size and become quadrangular in form, being largest on the
scapularies ; on the lower part of the back, upper tail coverts and sides (which are black) the spots are small and round ; the
sides of the neck, near the shoulder, are beautifully lineated with black and white ; the primaries, secondaries, and tail, brownish
black ; the under surface glossy white, with a narrow band of dusky feathers crossing the lower part of the abdomen, and
marked with small white spots ; lower tail coverts blackish brown, tipped with white ; bill black ; iris deep bright red ; tarsi and
feet grayish blue externally, tinged on the inside with pale yellowish red ; webs brownish black ; claws black.
Length, 31 inches; wing, 14; tarsus, 3^; bill, 3 ; height at base, 1.
Young. — The plumage above is grayish black, the feathers of the back margined with grayish white, the under plumage pure
white ; bill yellowish, with the ridge of the upper mandible dusky.
Ilub. — Very generally distributed ; it is abundant on the Atlantic coast, in the lakes of the interior and the fur countries,
Pacific coast, and New Mexico.
This loon I found in winter common near Fort Steilacoom, both on the salt waters of the
sound and upon the small fresh water lakes of the vicinity. On the latter a few remain during
the breeding season. They are possessed of all the cunning and quickness which so charac
terizes the species elsewhere. In winter they are quite fat and are much sought after by the
Indians, who are very fond of eating them, and who shoot them in the following manner. A
single Indian, in a small ducking canoe, sits screened by a bunch of evergreen branches placed
in the bowT. Seeing a loon swimming in the water he paddles stealthily towards it, and having
approached^ say, within very long gunshot, waits until the bird dives. He then paddles with
all his might in the direction in which the bird went under; but as soon as the latter reappears
on the surface, which, if previously undisturbed, it is apt to do at a short distance, the wily
hunter stops paddling, and if within easy range fires at the unsuspicious bird, which is generally
killed, or, at least, severely wounded at the first fire. Should the bird, however, be still out
ZOOLOGY.
279
of range he waits until it again dives, when he proceeds as before, each dive bringing him
nearer and nearer the victim.
I have been told by western men that loons, when wounded, frequently dive to the bottom,
where, seizing hold of eel grass, or some other aquatic plant, they remain submerged until it is
presumed that all danger is over, or until actual necessity drives them to the surface for air.
Some, it is said, becoming entangled among the weeds, are drowned.
The distance that this bird will pass under water, when endeavoring to escape by diving, is
wonderful. I think that I have certainly seen them, after diving, reappear at a distance of
nearly half a mile. They use their wings under water, flying, in reality, through the
aqueous element. — S.
The great loons are abundant during winter in the bays along the coast, and in summer
disperse in pairs to the small lakes of the interior, especially near Puget Sound, to breed. — C.
COLYMBUS PACIFTCUS, Lawrence.
Tlie Pacific Diver.
Colymbus patifaus, LAWRENCE ; BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Birds, p. 889.
SP Cii. — Young: Head above and hind part of neck dark bluish gray ; back, wing coverts, and scapulars blackish brown,
margined with grayish white, most conspicuous on the latter ; primaries black ; secondaries dark brown, with the ends of
their inner webs margined with white ; under lining of wings and axillars white; tail blackish brown, tipped with white ;
under plumage white ; sides dark brown, the feathers with gray edgings ; a dusky band on the lower part of the abdomen,
at the base of the tail ; lower tail coverts white, with brownish ends ; the upper mandible is dark brown above, sides
yellowish at the base for half its length, bluish white at the end ; under mandible, with the basal half, yellow, the remain
ing half bluish white ; tarsi and feet are externally reddish brown, (in the dried specimens,) yellowish internally ; claws
yellow, with dusky margins.
Length of one specimen, (No. 9924,) from Fort Steilacoom, 25 inches; wing 11 \ ; tail, 2 ; bill, 2£ ; tarsus, 2f.
No. 9921 measures in length 24 inches; wing, \0\ ; tail, 2 ; bill, 2 ; tarsus, 2£ ; outer toe, 3J.
Hab. — Coast of California ; Puget Sound.
The Pacific diver is found rather abundantly on Puget Sound in winter. In habits it
resembles greatly the preceding species, for immature individuals of which I mistook it. It
usually retires to the north on the approach of warm weather. A few may remain on the
inland lakes of the Territory. — S.
COLYMBUS SEPTENTRIOXALIS, Linn.
The Red-throated Diver.
Colymbus septentrionalis, LINN, S. N.I, 1766, 220.— BONAP. Syn. 1828, 370.— RICH, and Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 476.—
NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 519.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1838, 20: V, 1839, 625.— Iij. Birds
Am. VII, 1844, 299 ; pi. cccclxxviii. — BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Eep. Birds, p. 890.
SP. CH. — Adult: Front, sides of the head, upper part of the throat, and sides of the neck, clear bluish gray ; upper part
of the head of the same color intermixed with blackish spots ; the hind neck streaked longitudinally with white on a
greenish black ground, the white feathers being raised above the others. On the fore part of the neck is a large longitudinal
patch of deep reddish brown. Upper plumage brownish black, slightly tinged with green, and on the upper part of the
back and lower part and sides of the neck streaked and mottled with white. Wings and tail brownish black ; under
plumage pure white, with a band across the hind part of the abdomen, and the lower tail coverts brownish gray; bill bluish
black ; iris bright red ; tarsi and feet browni&h black externally, on the inside pale flesh color ; claws yellowish at the base,
dusky at the end.
Length, 27 inches; wing, 11£; tail, 2| ; bill, 2£ ; tarsus, 2J.
Young: Upper part of the head and hind neck dull gray, streaked with grayish white; back and wings blackish gray,
profusely marked with oval-shaped white spots, there being two on each feather, smallest on the upper part of the back and
largest on the tertiaries ; quill feathers and tail blackish brown, the latter edged with white ; sides of the neck white,
280 ZOOLOGY.
speckled minutely with gray ; under plumage silky white, crossed on the lower part of the abdomen by a dusky band ; bill
bluish gray, dusky on the ridge, and flesh colored at the base. Length, 20 inches ; extent, 30 ; iris blood red.
Hab. — During the winter as far south as Maryland ; inhabits as far north as the Arctic seas ; found also on the Pacific
coast.
On the 20th of March, 1855, I obtained at Fort Dalles, Oregon, an immature bird, which
seemed to be of this species. Another was procured by Mr. Gibbs at Port Townsend, Puget
Sound.
From the joint observations of Dr. Cooper and myself, it seems probable that the different
species of loons, as well as the grebes, are several years in acquiring their perfect adult
plumage.
Another individual which I obtained at New Dungeness, Straits of Fuca, I had an excellent
opportunity of examining at a time it was attempting to escape from a shallow lagoon to the
open water of the straits by swimming through the narrow outlet. Although slightly wounded,
it moved so rapidly that I was obliged to run as fast as I could to keep up with it. At the
same time, as the water was clear arid shallow, I was able to watch its motions distinctly. It
had the head and neck extended nearly perfectly straight, the bill acting as a " cut- water,"
and, in addition to the ordinary propulsion by the feet, used the wings exactly as if flying.
Indeed, the bird was flying through water instead of air. This habit is probably common to
all the ColymUdce. — S.
Sub Family PODICIPINAE.— T he Grebes.
PODICEPS CRIST ATUS, (Linn.) Lath.
Crested Grebe.
Colymlus cristatus, LINN. Syst. Nat. I 1766, 222.
Podiceps cristatus, LATH. Ind. Orn. 1790.— RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831, 410.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 250.— AUD.
Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 595 ; pi. 292.— IB. Birds Am. VII, 1844, 308 ; pi. cccclxxix.— BAIBD &
LAWRENCE, Gen. Eep. Birds, p. 893, var. ? cooperi, 894.
gp. CH. Adult: Front, upper part of the head, and long occipital tufts dark umber brown, the base of the tufts b ownish
red ; the ruff is bright brownish red on the upper portion immediately under the tufts and anteriorly, on the hind part
brownish black ; upper plumage dark umber brown ; humeral feathers white ; primaries umber brown ; secondaries mostly
white ; throat and sides of the head white ; fore part and sides of the neck adjoining the ruff brownish red ; under plumage
silvery white ; sides dusky, tinged with reddish brown ; bill blackish brown, tinged with carmine ; bare loral space dusky
green ; iris bright carmine ; tarsi and feet greenish black externally, greenish yellow internally ; webs grayish blue.
Length, 19 to 20.50 inches ; extent, 33 to 3 A ; wing, 7| ; bill, 2Jj, ; tarsus, 2J. Female smallest.
Young : Upper part of the head dark brown ; hind neck brownish gray ; back and wings brownish black ; humeral feathers
white ; primaries dark umber brown on the outer webs, paler on the inner ; lower parts silvery white, sides brown ; upper
mandible brownish black, pale at the end and yellow on the sides at the base ; lower mandible yellow, with the sides dusky;
feet black, greenish yellow on inner side ; iris brown.
jjalj Atlantic States from Nova Scotia southward ; Texas in winter ; fur countries, Pacific side of the continent ; Wash
ington Territory.
In the notes on P. occidentalis I have noticed all I remarked of this species. On the only
occasion when I saw them they were with the others, which they so closely resembled in
appearance that at a distance they were scarcely distinguishable. I could see also no difference
in their cries or habits at that season, and never saw them at any other time or place. Al
though killed late in March, both species were in the immature plumage, as were the many
specimens of the three species I obtained in the Territory at almost all seasons, except summer,
when they all disappear. — C.
ZOOLOGY. 281
PODICEPS OCCIDENTALS, Lawrence.
The Western Grebe.
Podiceps occidentalis, (LAWRENCE,) BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep. Birda,p. 894.
Sp. CH — Winter: Upper part of the head and nape fuliginous black; back and wing coverts grayish black, the feathers
margined with gray ; primaries light ashy brown, darker at the end and white at base ; secondaries white, marked with ash on
the outer webs; in some specimens the middle secondaries are pure white ; space between the bill and the eye gray ; throat, sides
of the neck, and entire under plumage silvery white ; sides marked with grayish black ; bill dusky, appearing nearly black in the
dried specimens, except on the cutting edges and at the end, where it is yellow ; iris orange red ; tarsi and feet blackish olive
externally, and internally greenish yellow. Length, 24 to 28 inches; extent, 34.50 to 36; wing, from 7.50 to 8.50; bill, 3;
tarsus, 3. Female smallest. A large individual in Dr. Suckley's collection had the tarsus 3.50 inches : bill from gape, 3.75.
Hob. — Pacific coast, from Washington Territory to California.
This grebe I observed during winter on Shoal water bay, and in March at Puget Sound, but
have never seen one at any time between May and November, when they return southward.
While at anchor in the sound, one afternoon about sunset, large numbers of this and the preceding
species came near the boat, and I succeeded in killing four, three of which I obtained. At a little
distance the two species are difficult to distinguish, and also very hard to shoot, unless fired at
when they are looking another way. They were most active and numerous towards sunset, when
their loud bleating resounded everywhere around us. The P. californicus was abundant on the
sound at the same time. Both species are frequently washed up dead after storms. They all
fly strongly and rapidly, though rising from the water with difficulty. The much longer neck
of this species wrill alone distinguish it from P. cristatus, which it so much resembles in coloring
and size. After skinning them I measured their necks, including all the cervical vertebrae,
and found the neck of this species to be 12^ inches long, four inches more than that of the
other. It is scarcely long and slender enough, as represented in the figure. — C.
The western grebe is a regular visitor at Puget Sound during the cold months, and is
usually quite a common winter resident on its bays and inlets. In the fall of 1856 I obtained
numerous specimens in the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom, finding them most abundant at the
mouths of the small rivers and creeks emptying into the sound. These latter they ascend at
flood-tide, swimming up to the fresh water, where they remain diving and fishing until the tide
having changed and the water falling, they retreat gradually back to the deeper waters of the
sound. They are generally found in couples, even late in the fall. At that season they are
without the elongated feathers of the head, characteristic of other species during the spring
and early summer. It is called by the Nisqually Indians swah-teese, and is said by them to
have formerly been an Indian man — the elder brother of the Podiceps cornutits, a very dis
reputable character, and the wife of the great blue heron.
A specimen killed near Fort Steilacoom, October 8, 1856, measured as follows : length, 24
inches; extent, 33; wing, 7.87; from angle of eye to tip of bill, 2.90; tarsi, externally dusky
olive, internally pale dusky greenish yellow ; iris, orange ; bill, dusky above ; pale on the sides
and tip. — S.
PODICEPS CORNUTUS, (Gm.)Lath.
Tlie Horned Grebe.
Colymbut cornutus, GM. Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 591.
Podiceps eornutus, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 783.— Bow. Syn. 1828, No. 366.— RICH. & Sve. F. B. A. II, 1831,
411.— NCTT. Man. II, 1834, 254.— ACD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 429 : V, 1839, 623.— IB. Birds
Am. VII, 1844, 316 ; pi. cccclxxxi. — BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 895.
36 Q
282 XOOLOCV.
SP. CH. — Mult : Upper part of the head, cheeks, throat, and ruff, glossy black ; a broad band running from the bill over the
eyes, and the elongated occipital tufts behind them yellowish red, deepest in color adjoining the bill ; upper surface brownish
black, the feathers margined with gray ; primaries brownish ash, secondaries mostly white, some of the outer ones dark ash; the
fore neck and upper part of the breast bright chestnut red, sides of the same color, intermixed with dusky ; abdomen silky white,
bill bluish black, yellow at the tip: loral space bright carmine; iris carmine, with an inner circle of white; tarsi and feet dusky gray
externally; dull yellow internally, and on both edges of the tarsus.
Length, about 14 inches ; extent, 24 ; wing, 5f ; bill, 1 ; tarsi, If.
Young: The whole upper plumage grayish black, darkest on the head, feathers of the back with gray margins ; throat, sides
of the head, a broad space on the sides of the neck, nearly meeting behind, breast and abdomen, silvery white ; sides and lower
part of abdomen dusky.
Hob. — Generally distributed, specimens being in the collection from the Atlantic States, the interior ones, and the
Pacific coast.
The horned grebe is abundant between the parallels of 45° and 49° north latitude, from the
Mississippi river to the Pacific. I obtained specimens at St. Paul, Minnesota, also in western
Minnesota, near Nebraska, and from the salt waters of Puget Sound. Many birds of this
species breed on the saline lakes so abundant in the western portion of Minnesota. It is a
winter resident of Puget Sound, where it is known as the Ho-liwliy by the Nisqually Indians.
Like other species of the genus this grebe has the power of remaining for a considerable time
under water. It dives very quickly, and is very difficult to capture when wounded. I have
not noticed it float about entirely submerged, excepting the bill and head, as others do when
anxious to avoid detection, but suppose that this instinct is as common to it as the other habits>
which are so similar between the different species. — S.
The horned grebe appears along the coast in September and October in large numbers. It
has the usual habits of the grebes, living on fish, for which it dives, and depending less on its
wings than its feet, for escape, though able to fly well when compelled to. One which I opened
had its stomach full of a marine grass. In April they retire beyond the Territory. Their only
cry is faint and bleating. — C.
PODICEPS CALIFORNICUS, Heermann.
The California Grebe.
Podlceps californlcus , HEERM. Proc. Acad. N. Sc. Phil. VII, 1854, 179. — BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep. Birds, 896.
SP. CH. — Winter plumage : The entire upper plumage is blackish brown, nearly black on the head ; primaries brownish ash,
some of the inner ones tipped with white ; secondaries white, with their basal portions dark ash ; under parts silky white,
the neck in front light ash, and the sides and lower part of abdomen brownish ash ; under linings of the wings white I bill dark
brown, the base of the lower mandible yellowish, and its tip light horn color ; iris yellowish gray ; tarsi and feet externally
dark green, on the inside yellow.
Length, 12 inches ; wing, 5 ; bill, | ; tarsus, 1J.
Hab- — California, headwaters of Missouri and Columbia rivers.
I obtained a specimen of the California grebe in the St. Mary's valley, (W. T.,) lying
between the Kocky and Bitter Root mountains. The bird was badly injured in the head by a
rifle ball, so as to puzzle me very much while attempting to compare it with the recorded
descriptions of the different species to which I had access. In habits this grebe appears nearly
related to the P. cornutus. — S.
ZOOLOGY. 283
PODILYMBUS PODICEPS, (Linn.) Lawr.
The Pied-Bill Grefce*
Colimbus podiceps, LINN. S. N. 1766, 223.
Podiceps carolinensis, LATH. Ind. Orn. II, 1790, 785.— EONAP. Syn. 1828, No. 367.— RICH. & Sw. F. B. A. II, 1831,
412.— NUTT. Man. II, 1834, 259.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 1835, 359 : V, 1839, 624.— IB. Birds
Am. VII, 1844, 324 ; pi. cccclxxxiii.
Podilymbus lineatus, HEERMANN, Proc. Acad. N. S. Phil. VII, 1854, 179.
Podilymbus Podiceps, BAIRD & LAWRENCE, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 898.
" SP. CH. — Mult: Upper plumage very dark brown ; primaries dark ash; secondaries ash on the outer webs and white on the
inner ; bill pale blue, dusky on the ridge of the upper mandible, both mandibles crossed with a broad black band, including the
nostrils; chin and throat marked with a conspicuous black patch nearly two inches in extent; cheeks and sides of the neck
brownish gray; lower part of the neck, upper part of the breast, and the sides, dull rusty brown, spotted and rather indistinctly
barred with brownish black; lower part of breast and abdomen grayish white, mottled with dusky spots; iris, brown; tarsi and
feet, grayish black.
11 Length, 14 inches; wing, 5}; bill, |; tarsus, 1|.
" Young: The throat is white, and the bill without the transverse black band, the under plumage more silvery white; in other
respects the same as the adult. Some specimens, probably the birds of the year, have whitish lines on the sides of the head. I
compared a specimen in this plumage with Dr. Heermanu's type of P. linealus, and found them precisely alike." — Lawrence.
Hub. — Atlantic States generally. Texas and New Mexico. California and Oregon.
Several specimens of the pied-bill grebe were obtained by me at Fort Steilacoom.
In winter it frequents the salt waters of the sound, but in summer breeds abundantly on the
small fresh water lakes of the vicinity. — S.
While at the Straits of De Fuca, in March, 1855, I frequently heard in the marshes along
shore a loud noise much like the squeaking of young pigs, and, though often very near me, I
could never see what produced it. Soon after I noticed the dabchicks in the ponds, and heard
them utter their loud, sonorous call, more like the braying of a jackass than anything else I can
compare it to. Though the sounds before heard were different, I have little doubt that this
little bird was the performer, probably entirely sunk under water except its bill.
In the small and beautiful lakes near Puget Sound they were abundant, commonly a pair in
each; and on the llth June I had the pleasure of finding a nest containing four eggs, just ready
to hatch. It was, unlike that seen by Audubon, built upon the water, where it floated securely,
kept in place by the stalks of spirea which grew thickly around it. Being constructed entirely
of stalks of grass, it was soaked through with water, but, as the pond was stagnant, the water
was warm enough not to prevent the hatching of the eggs. Its shape was conical, a foot wide
at the base and about nine inches at the top, where it was slightly hollowed out. Since its
construction it must have subsided with the water too feet, though there was still three feet
depth of water under it. The eggs were as large as a pullet's, white, with a pale brown crust,
and nearly equal in size at each end.
As the lakes often are frozen for a very short time only, and the rivers not at all in mild
winters, this grebe may sometimes remain throughout the year. — C.
Family ALGID A E ,— T he Auks and Puffins.
MORMON CIRRHATA, (Pallas,) Bon.
The Tufted Puffin.
Jllca cirrhato, PALLAS, Spicilegia Zoologica, pt. V, p 7, (1769, Gm. Syst. I, 1788, 553.
Mormon cirthatus, BON. Syn. 1828, 429.— AUD. Orn. Biog. Ill, 599; pi. 293.— IB. Syn. 343.
Mormon cirrhata, (PALLAS,) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 902.
, PI. Enl. 761.— Aui>. B. of Am. pi. 249: oct. ed. VII, pi. 462.
284 ZOOLOGY.
QP. CH. — The largest species of this genus, general form short and stout, head large, bill much flattened laterally, entirely
horny, upper mandible composed of three parts or lamina, the first of which, next to the frontal feathers, is narrow and covered
with minute spots, the second smooth, with the apertures of the nostrils inserted at its lower edges, and with an elevated sub-
cylindrical process on its upper edge or the culmen of the bill; third with two cr three transverse curved grooves, and somewhat
hooked at the tip; under mandible smooth. Head with two crests of elongated pendant feathers from behind the eyes; wings
rather short, tail short, legs and feet strong, claws sharp.
Two first parts of the bill yellowish green, terminal part and under mandible reddish yellow or orange, the under mandible
greenish at base. Crests pale yellow; plumage around the base of the bill, including the eyes, white. All other parts of the
plumage brownish black, darker on the head and back; legs bright orange red.
Total length, about 15 inches; wing, 8; tail, 3 inches.
JIab. — Western coast of America; California; accidental on the coast of Maine, (Mr. Audubon.)
I obtained a specimen of mormon from the vicinity of the Straits of Fuca, which was kindly
presented to me through George Gibbs, esq., by Captain Fowler, of the schooner R. B. Potter.
The range of the species probably extends as far south as the Farralone islands, off San
Francisco bay, as certain specimens there obtained \vere seen by me in collections in San
Francisco. — S.
CERORHINA MONOCERATA, (Pallas,) Cassin.
The Horned-billed Guillemot.
Mca monoceretta, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, 1811, 362.
Cerorhyncha occidentalis , BONAP. Ann. Lye. N. Y. II, 1828, 428.
Ceratorhrjncha occidentalis, BONAP. Comp. List, 1838, 66.— AUD Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 104; pi. 402.
" Cerorhina orientalis, BONAP." BRANDT, Bull. Acad. St. Petersburg, I, 1837, 345.
Cerorhina monocerata, (CASSIN,) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Hop. Birds, 905.
Sp. CH. — Bill rather large, flattened laterally; upper mandible with an upright horny appendage at its base, the top or termi
nation of which is frequently broken or worn off; angle of under mandible very distinct, and having the appearance of being a
distinct piece; wings moderate, pointed; tail short, rounded; legs short, robust. Head and entire upper parts dark fuliginous;
lighter and tinged with ashy on the throat and neck in front; darker and nearly black on t/ie back and ramp. A line of long
yellowish white feathers over and behind the eye and another from the corner of the mouth. Under parts of body white; under
wing coverts and sides ashy brown; bill dark orange; legs light colored.
Total length, about 15 to 15g inches; wing, 1}; tail, 2J; bill to gape, 2 inches.
IJab. — Northwestern and western coasts of America; northeastern Asia; Japan, (Com. Perry's Expedition.)
This curious bird, first described by Bonaparte from specimens said to have been brought
from the west coast of America, is found moderately abundant on the lower part of Puget
Sound and in the Straits of Fuca. In the summer of 1854 I obtained a couple of young
birds from the vicinity of Port Townsend, Washington Territory. Unfortunately they were
destroyed by rats. Protection island, near the last-mentioned locality, is said to be a favorite
breeding ground of the species, where, according to the accounts given me by Indians, they
breed in holes dug in the steep banks, like those of the black guillemot, and are said to have
much the same habits. The most remarkable feature of the bird is the characteristic singular
wax-yellow protuberance on the bill.
Dr. Ayres, of San Francisco, had in his cabinet a specimen of this species obtained by him
from the Farralone islands. — S.
CERORHINA SUCKLEYI, Cassin.
Cerorhina suckkyi, (CASSIN,) BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Hep. Birds, p. 906.
Sp. CH. — Smaller than the preceding, and with the bill much more narrow laterally; plumage darker. Bill shorter than
the head ; upper mandible curved towards the end, without distinct basal knobs ; under mandible with tlio angle very
distinct ; bill rather widened at the base, compressed towards the end ; wings short ; tail very short. Entire upper parts
brownish black, darker and nearly clear black on the head and back. Throat, neck, and upper part of breast dark cinereous;
ZOOLOGY. 285
lower part of breast and abdomen white; sides and under wing coverts cinereous; bill light at base, dark at the end; feet
dark yellow.
Total length, about 12£ inches; extent, 24 inches; wing, 6J inches; tail, If inch; iris pale hazel.
Hab. — Steilacoom, Puget Sound.
A single specimen of the cerorkina sucJdeyi was obtained by me at Steilacoom, Puget Sound,
January 28, 1856. A description of the bird in detail was noted at the time, and is as follows:
Membrane at base of upper mandible grayish dusky black; the knob slightly more grayish and
more soft than the knob of the cerorhincha occidentalis ; middle of both mandibles dingy orange,
their tips dusky; iris pale hazel; under surface of the webs of the feet, and the posterior
aspect of the tarsi, dusky black; upper surface of the toes bluish white, darker about the
articulations; nails black; no hind toe.
Upper surface of body from forehead to tip of tail, including back of neck, scapulars, and
wings, brownish black, almost jet black posteriorly; concealed inner webs of primary and
secondary quills dusky; lores, chin, cheeks, and anterior surface of throat and neck dusky
brown, paler beneath on the fore part of the breast; under surface of the wings and sides of
the same color; belly and breast white, many of the feathers faintly tipped with pale dusky;
neck very full • no white is seen on the upper surface.
Although the Indians informed me that the species is not uncommon in the waters of the
sound, I never obtained another specimen, and doubt whether I ever saw any others among
the many divers, guillemots, <fec., which are so common there in the winter season.
The individual obtained dived with great facility when wounded, and seemed as much at home
under water as a podiceps or loon. It was killed in deep water, about half a mile from the
shore. The skin when examined by Mr. Cassin had no knob on the bill. This being fleshy,
had probably shrunk so as not to be apparent. — S.
URIA COLUMBA, (Pallas,) Cassin.
The Western Guillemot.
Ctpphus columba, PALLAS, Zoog. Rosso-Asiat. II, p. 343, (1811.)
Uria mandtii, LICHT. Verz. p. 88, (1823)?
" Uria mandtii, LIGHT Mus. Dresd." — REICH. Vollst. Naturg. Schwimmv. pi. 4, fig. 47.
Uria columba, BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, p. 912.
FIGURES. — Voy. "Vincennes and Peacock, Birds, pi. 38, fig. 1.
SP. CH. — Rather larger than the preceding; bill larger and stronger. White space on the wing, divided by a band of brownish
black running diagonally from the edge of the wing; under wing coverts dark ashy, frequently tipped with white; axillary
feathers ashy brown. All other parts of the plumage brownish black, with a greenish lustre, and frequently tinged with ashy
on the back. Bill black; feet red. Younger and winter plumage: Upper parts brownish black; under parts white, generally
more or lees spotted with dark brown; white space on the wing, as in summer, but frequently less distinct. The lining mem
brane of the mouth of adult birds is of a fiery red ; tarsi and feet of a deep red, with a tinge of lake ; bill black ; iria brown >
claws black. A male, killed in August, 18C6, measured 14£ inches in length; extent, 24f ; wing, 7.
Hab. — Western and northwestern coast of America. Kamtschatka, (North Pacific Surveying and Exploring Expedition,
Captain Rodgers, United States navy.)
The western guillemot is found abundantly throughout Puget Sound, being generally present
at all seasons in greater or less numbers, but least abundant in winter. It breeds in steep,
bold banks overhanging the salt water — burrowing out holes which extend two or three feet
back from the entrance, and, according to the statements of the Indians, laying several icldie
eggs. By reason of some prejudice the natives will not eat this bird; why, I cannot say, as
they are found of fishy-tasting birds, and prefer eating surf-ducks, of strong rank flavor, to
286 ZOOLOGY.
mallards. The present bird dives with quickness and facility, and in this manner, like many
others of its class, it endeavors to escape when wounded. There are several bare rocks pro
jecting out of the water off the mouth of Hood's Canal, which, during the summer and early
fall, are much resorted to by these birds, who at this season appear to be gregarious. They
sit on the rocks during the middle of the day — many of them almost motionless — apparently
resting after the fatigue of the morning's feed. At the approach of a gunner they show a little
apprehension, but, as a general rule, do not fly until at least one discharge is fired. They
then make for some other point, or alight in the water at a distance. Individuals or small
companies of two or three desultorily return in a short time, and can generally be readily
killed. If wounded, and the bird falls in the water, it usually displays as great dexterity in
diving and other manoeuvres to escape death or captivity as any one of the group.
During the spring months and the breeding season they are partially gregarious, being
frequently found in small companies of four or five individuals. — S.
The black guillemot is a common resident in Puget Sound and the waters northward. It
burrows holes .several feet deep in the sandy cliffs, at heights of from 20 to 200 feet above the
water, the entrance being within two feet of the top of the ground, and the burrow winding
horizontally inwards. I was not there when they had eggs or young, but from their frequently
flying in and out in March I suppose that they were preparing to lay. The young are fledged
in August, and are then caught by the Indians by digging down to the nest. This bird has
got the name of "bank duck" from the settlers there. — C.
BRACHYRAMPHUS MARMORATUS, (Gmelin,) "Brandt."
Colymbus marmoratus, GMELIN, Syst. Nat. I, 1788, 583.
Uria townsendii, AUD. Orn. Biog. V, 1839, 251, pi. 430.— TOWNSKND, Narrative, 1839, 352.
Brachyramphus marmoratus, BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds, 915.
FIGURES —Lath. Gen. Syn. VI, pi. 96.— Pennant, Arc. Zool. II, pi. 22.— Aud. B. of Am pi. 430; oct. ed. VII, pi. 475.
SP. CH. — Small; bill slender, distinctly notched near the end; frontal feathers advancing upon it to near half its length.
Wings short; tail very short; legs and feet short and weak. Entire upper parts brownish black, tinged with ashy on the back.
Scapular feathers white, forming two conspicuous spots on each side of the back; ring around the back of the neck white.
Under parts white; under wing coverts dark ashy brown; longitudinal stripes on the side ashy brown; bill black ; feet y«llow.
Younger: Upper parts brownish black, with the feathers tipped and edged with dull reddish ; under parts spotted and marbled
with brownish black and white.
A small guillemot, apparently of this species, I have seen quite abundant on the waters of
Puget Sound during the winter season. They were quite active, and dived with as much facility
apparently as the grebes, but seemed not to have the power of staying under as long, or of
traversing such a distance beneath the surface as birds of the latter group. I obtained a single
specimen, which, having been brought to me dead, threw no additional light upon the history
of the species. — S.
This bird, in winter, remains in the bays in considerable numbers. In summer it probably
frequents the ocean only, as I have frequently seen what I supposed to be this bird all the way
southward to San Francisco. It often starts from under the bow or paddle wheels of the steamers
and flies rapidly a short distance before plunging again. Where it breeds I never could ascer
tain, but think it is not anywhere in Puget Sound.
Length, 9.75; extent, 17.75. Iris brown; bill black; feet pale flesh color, with bluish webs.
ZOOLOCV. 287
A specimen I found dead at Shoalwater bay, in September, 1854, was smaller, and had a
different bill, being probably an immature bird.
Length, 8 inches; extent, 16.25. Iris grayish; bill black; feet pale gray with black webs. — C.
BRACHYRAMPHUS TEMMINCKII, Brandt.
Brachyramphus temminckii, BRANDT, Bull. Acad St. Petersburg, II, 1837, 346. — BAIRD & CASSIN, Gen. Rep. Birds,
p. 916.
Una umizusume, TEMM. Faun. Jap. Aves, p. 123.
FIGURES.— Temm. PI. Col. pi. 579. — Temm. & Schleg. Faun. Jap. Aves, pi. 79.
SP. CH. — Small ; bill rather lengthened and slender, a crest of long erectile feathers in front ; wings rather short ; tail short,
rounded ; legs and feet short and rather weak. Crest feathers black ; longitudinal stripes on the top of the head, throat, back
of the neck, and longitudinal wide stripe on the sides throughout the length of the body, brownish black. Back, wings coverts,
and rump light cinereous; quills and tail brownish black. Wide stripes over each eye, uniting on the occiput, white. Entire
under parts white ; under wing coverts white ; feet light colored ; culmen dark brown. Female and winter plumage 1— No crest;
head above brownish black ; throat ashy brown ; stripe on the sides ashy, frequently with circular spots of white.
Length of male, 9| inches ; extent, 18.25 ; wing, 5\ ; tail, li inch. Iris brown ; bill blackish ; feet gray ; inside of mouth
dusky anteriorly, pale posteriorly.
Hah — Northwestern coast of America ; northern Asia.
This bird is quite common during the late fall and winter months on Puget Sound. I have
also seen it sparingly during the summer season, and have killed a specimen in July. I suppose
that a few breed in the vicinity, although I never could ascertain certainly.
In habits this species resembles much the guillemots, diving readily and quickly when alarmed.
It is probable that it has the power of using its wings while under water in the same manner
as the loons and other divers; this, I suspect, from the quickness that one while under water
will traverse long distances. Their power of remaining beneath the surface appears, however,
to be much more limited than that of the grebes. A specimen killed by me, July 18, 1856, had
the feet and legs dusky flesh color; bill nearly Uack. The upper and lower eyelids each had a
small spot of white upon them, a character which, in the dried skins, may not usually be ap
parent. When folded the wing tips reached exactly to the end of the tail. — S.
This sea dove resides, during winter, in the sounds and bays of the Territory in large
numbers, though not gregarious. In March they migrate further north for the summer, and
are then seen in pairs at some distance from the shore. — C.
288
List of Birds 'heretofore reported as found in the northwest part of America, but of which no speci
mens have been procured by recent explorers.
Cathartes calif or niamis, (Cuvier.) — Obtained from the Columbia river by Dr. J. K. Townsend.
Cathartes atratus, (Less.) — Audubon' s Synopsis.
Falco anatum, (Bon.) — Townsend & Nut-tall. Replaced by Falco nigriceps.
il Falco aesalon" — Towns. & Nutt. European species. Replaced by F. columbarius.
" Buteo vulgaris. " — Aud. Synop. ; Townsend' s List. European species.
Buteo sivainsoni, (Bon.) — Nuttall, (perhaps B. montanus.)
Buteo borealis, (Gin.) — Aud. ; Nutt. Replaced west of Rocky mountains by B. montanus.
Archibuteo sancti-johannis, (Gray.) — Towns. List. Replaced by A. lagopus.
Aquila canadensis. — Towns. List. Under the name of A. chrysaetos.
Strix pratincole^ (Bon.) — Cassin, Illust., &c. Found in California.
Otus vulgaris. — Towns. List. — Perhaps mistaken for 0. ivilsonianus, of which specimens have
been collected.
Otus brachyotus. — Towns. List; Aud. Synop. Probably the Brachyotus cassinii, (Brew.,) which
is found in California.
Nyctea passer inoides. — Aud. Synop. and Towns. Was really Glaucidium gnoma, (Wag.,) c
which several specimens have been obtained from Washington Territory.
Nyctea nivea, (Gray.) — Aud. Synop.
Surnia ulula, (Bonap.) — Aud. Synop. Under name of S.funerea.
Coccygus americanus, (Bonap.) — Nutt. Man.
Campephilus imperialis, (Gray.) — Towns. (Mexican species.)
Picus villosus, ? (Linn.) — Nutt. "P. septentrionalis." Replaced by P. harrisii.
Picus pubescens, (Linn.) — Towns. List. Replaced by P. gairdneri.
Picus lineatus. — Towns. & Aud. A South American species. (See Pacif. R. R. Reports, IX, p. 125.)
"Black red-backed woodpecker." — Townsend's List. No specimen ever obtained.
Atthis anna, (Reich.) — Towns. List. " Trochilus anna."
Myiarchus crinitus, (Cab.) — Towns. List. " Muscicapa crinita. "
Sayornisfuscus, (Gm.) — Towns. " Muscicapa fusca."
Sayornis sayus, (Baird.) — Has been obtained from California. Aud. & Towns. " M. '. saya."
Contopus richardsonii, (Baird.) — Obtained on the Columbia by Dr, Townsend.
Contopus virens, (Cabanis.) — Aud. and Towns. " Muscicapa virens." Eastern Oregon?
Empidonax traillii, (Baird.) — Aud. and Towns. Eastern Oregon?
Turdus pallasi, ? (Cab.) — Towns. List. " T. minor." Eastern Oregon?
Turdus fuscescens, (Steph.) — Towns. List. " T. loilsonii." Eastern Oregon?
Sialia sialis, (Linn.) — Audubon. " JS. luilsonii. ' ' Eastern Oregon ?
Hydrobata mexicana, Baird. — T. (The species (varieties?) " Mortoni" and " Townsendii,"
mentioned in Townsend's Narrative, have not been recognized in the late collections.)
Mniotilta varia, (Yieill.) — Aud. Synopsis. Said to be generally distributed.
Icteria viridis,? (Bonap.) — Towns. & Nuttall. Seen at Walla- Walla, Washington Territory.
Helminthophaga ruficapilla, (Baird.) — Audubon. " Vermivora rubricapilla." East Oregon?
Seiurus aurocapillus, (Sw.) — Towns. & Nuttall. " Turdus aurocapttlus." East Oregon?
ZOOLOGY. 289
Dendroica coerulea, (Baird.) — And. & Towns. "Sylvicola coerulea." East Oregon?
Dendroica striata, (Baird.) — Aud. "$. striata." East Oregon?
Cotyle riparia, (Boie.) — Aud. " Hirundo riparia," perhaps serripennis.
Collyrio ludovicianus, (Linn.) — Aud. & Towns. " Lanius ludovicianus. ? '
Vireo virescens, (Yieill.) — Nuttall. Vireo bartramii; probably South American.
Vireo noveboracensis, (Bon.) — Aud. Synops. ; Towns. List; perhaps V. cassinii.
Salpinctes obsoletus, (Cab.) — Aud. Synop.; Towns. List. "Troglodytes obsoletw." Eastern
Oregon.
Troglodytes aedon, (Vieill.) — Aud.; Towns. Eastern Oregon.
Troglodytes americanus, (Aud.) — Nuttall' s Manual. Eastern Oregon.
Troglodytes maculosa, (Nutt.) — Nutt. Only seen by him.
Sitta carolinensis, (Gm.) — Aud. ; Towns. Replaced by S. aculeata, Cassin.
Sitta canadensis, (Linn.) — Aud.; Towns.
Parus atricapillus, (Linn.) — Towns. Replaced by P. occidentalis, Baird.
Carpodacusfrontalis, (Gray.) — Towns. Common in California.
Plectrophanes ornatus, (Towns.) — Aud. "Rocky mountains."
Zonotrichialeucophrys. — Towns. " Fringilla leucoplirys." Replaced by Z. gambelii, (Gambel.)
" Fringilla maculata." — Towns. A very uncertain bird.
Junco hyemcdis, (Sclat.) — Towns. " Emberiza nivalis. " Eastern Oregon.
Spizella monticola, (Gm.) — Towns. " Emberiza canadensis." Eastern Oregon.
Spizella pusilla, (Wils.) — Towns. " Emberiza pusilla." Eastern Oregon.
Calamospiza bicolor, (Bon.) — IF. corydalina. liF. tricolor." Eastern Oregon.
Guiraca coerulea, (Sw.) — Aud. Synop. " Coccoborus caeruleus." Eastern Oregon.
Pipilo arcticus, (Sw.) — Aud. Synop. Eastern Oregon.
Sturndla magna, (Sw.) — Aud.; Towns. " Sturnetta ludoviciana. " Replaced by S. neglecta.
Icterus baltimore, (Baud.) — Aud. Synop. Replaced by /. bullockii.
Scolecophagus ferrugineus, (Sw.) — Aud.; Towns. " Quiscalus ferrugineus," replaced by S.
cyanoceplialus.
Corvus cacalotl, (Wagl.) — Aud.; Towns. " C. corax." Replaced by C. carnivorus.
Corvus ossifragus, (Wils.) — Aud.; Towns. Replaced by C. caurinus, Baird.
Cyanocitta ultramarina, (Bon.) — Aud.; Towns. " Garrulus ultramarinw."
Ectopistes migratoria, (Sw.) — Towns. List. Eastern Oregon.
"Long Black-Tailed Pheasant." — Seen west of South Pass, by Townsend.
Tetrao canadensis, (Linn.) — Aud.; Towns. Replaced by T.franJdinii.
Bonasa umbellus, Steph. — Aud.; Towns. Replaced by B. sabinii.
Lagopus leucurus, (Sw.) — Towns. List. Doubtless near the snowy peaks.
Grus americana. — Aud.; Towns. Replaced by Grus canadensis.
Nyctiardea gardeni, (Baird.) — Towns. " Ardea nycticorax." Common in California.
Aegialitis montanus, (Cass.) — Towns. List. Eastern Oregon.
Haematopus ater, (Yieill.) — Aud. Synop. ? 11H. toionsendii." A South American species.
Phalaropus wilsonii, (Sab.) — Towrns. Eastern Oregon ?
? Gallinago. — ? Aud.; Nutt. "Scolopax drummondii" and " S. douglasii." Probably varietie
of Gallinago ivilsonii, of which there are many specimens in the collections.
37 Q
290 ZOOLOGY.
Tringa bonapartii, (Sclil.) — Towns. " T. schinzii." Perhaps found in eastern Oregon.
Symphemia semi-palmata, (Gm.) — And.; Towns. Perhaps found in eastern Oregon.
Gambetla flavipes, (Bon.) — Towns. List. Perhaps found in eastern Oregon.
Numenius borealis, (Lath.) — Towns. List. Perhaps found in eastern Oregon.
Porzana Carolina, (Vieill.) — Towns. " Rallus crepitans." Perhaps found in eastern Oregon.
Anas obscura, (Gm.) — Aud. Synop. Perhaps found in eastern Oregon.
Querquedula discors, (Steph.) — Aud.; Towns. liAnas discors." Perhaps in eastern Oregon.
Bucephala islandica, (Baird.) — Nutt. " Clangula barrovii." — Perhaps found in eastern
Oregon.
Polysticfa stelleri, (Eyton.) — Aud.: Northwest coast. "Fully, dispar."
Peilcanus erythrorhynchus, (Gin.) — Aud. "P. americanus." More southern.
"Pelicanus onocrotalus." — Towns. Probably the preceding.
Graculm penicillatus, (Bonap.) — Obtained by Dr. Townsend from the mouth of the Columbia.
Diomedea clilororliyclia, (Gm.) — Aud. Synop. Either I), brachyura, or from South America.
" Diomedeafusca. " — And.; Towns. Either D. brachyura, or from south America.
Procellaria gigantea, (Gm.) — Aud. Probably from further north.
Procellaria pacifica, (Aud.) — Aud; north Pacific coast of America. Probably from further
north.
Procellaria tenuirostris, (Aud.) — Aud; north Pacific coast of America.
Thalassidroma wilsoni, (Bon.) — Towns. Probably replaced by T. furcata.
Pvffinus obscurus, (Lath.) — Nuttall. Very doubtful.
.Lariis glauctis, (Briinu.) — Towns. Doubtless L. glaucescens.
Larus marinus, (Linn.) — Aud. Perhaps more northern.
Jtissa brevirostris, (Brandt.) — Northwest coast of America.
Eissa nivea, (Bruch.) — Russian America.
Sterna plumbea. — Towns. "Sterna nigra.'} Eastern Oregon?
Colymbus arcticus, (Linn.) — Aud. Synop. Eastern Oregon?
Podiceps griseigena, (Gray.) — Towns. " P. rubricollis. " Probably occidentalis.
li Podiceps minor." — Town. List. European species. Probably calif ornicus.
Sagmatorrhina labradoria, (Cass.) — North Pacific.
Mormon corniculata, (Naum.) — Northern seas.
Mormon glacialis, (Leach.) — Northern seas.
Cerorhina monocerata, (Cass.) — Aud. "Uria occidentalis." Obtained at Puget Sound and
lost.
Phaleris cristatettus, (Bon.) — Aud. Northwest coast. Doubtless more northern.
Phaleris nodirostris. — Aud. Northwest coast. Doubtless more northern.
Phakris tetracula, (Steph. )~Coasts of north Pacific. Doubtless more northern.
Phaleris camtschatica, (Cass.)—" Coasts of North America." Doubtless more northern.
Phaleris microceros, (Brandt.)— Coasts of north Pacific. Doubtless more northern.
Phaleris pusillus. (Pallas.) — Coasts of north Pacific. Doubtless more northern.
PtychorhampJms aleuticus, (Brandt.) — North Pacific. Doubtless more northern.
Ombria psittacula, (Esch.) — Coast of north Pacific. Doubtless more northern.
ZOOLOGY. 291
Uria grille, (Lath.) — Replaced by U. columba.
Uria car&o, (Pallas.) — Coasts of north Pacific.
Uria ringvia, (Brunn.) — Pacific coast. Specimens obtained from California.
Brachyrhamphus wrangelii, (Brandt.) — Aleutian islands.
BracliyrliampUus kittlitzii, (Brandt.) — North Pacific. — S. & C.
No. 4.
REPORT UPON THE REPTILES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY.
BY J. G. COOPER, M. D.
CLASS REPTILIA. Reptiles.
Order I. CHELONIA, The Turtles.
ACTINEMYS MARMORATA, Agass.
The Western Pond Turtle.
Emis marmorala, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. VI, 1852, 177.
Emysnigra, HALLOWELL, Proc. Acad. Sc. VII, 1854, 91.— IBID. P. R. R. Surv. Rep. vol, X, 1858, p. 3, pi. I.
Jlctinemys marmorata, AGASS. Cont. to Nat. Hist, of N. A. I, 1857, 444 ; II, pi. 3, fig. 5-8. — GIRARD, U. S. Expl.
Exped. Herpetology, 466, pi. XXXII
Sp. CH. — Carapax elliptical, convex, with an obtuse vertical ridge. Plastron sub-ellipsoid, broadest anteriorly. Limbs
scaly, scales in front large, not imbricated ; behind, moderate sub-tubercular. Nails rather stout. Tail above keeled sub-conical
or tapering. Color black above, or olive with small black mottlings ; beneath yellowish, with a black blotch in the young.
This, the only turtle yet known from the west of the Rocky mountains, is common in fresh
water ponds and rivers west of the Cascade mountains, though less so in the Columbia than
in the warmer ponds. Mr. Gibba also saw turtles at the mouth of the Yakima which were
probably of this species. It is rather difficult to catch, being very watchful, but will sometimes
bite at a hook. The specimen I preserved was taken when about to deposit its eggs, on the
9th of June. I tried to hatch some of them, but without success. Found in the ponds about
Fort Steilacoom. — C.
It attains, when full grown, a length of about eight inches, and a corresponding Avidth.
The black of the back has a brownish or rusty tinge. It is called by the Nisquallies
El-la-chick — S.
Order II. S AUKIA, TheLizards.
ELGARIA PRINCIPIS, Baird & Girard.
The Spotted Elgoria
Elgaria princlpis, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Sc. Phil. VI, 1852, 175.— GIRARD, U. S. Expl. Exped. Herpelology, 214, pi.
XXII, figs. 9-16.
SP CH. — Dorsal scales in 48 transverse, and 14 longitudinal series. Three unequal post-nasals. Preanal shields larger than
the abdominal. Tail longer than body and head together.
Several specimens of this graceful and harmless little animal were obtained about the end
of July, on the "Yakolt," and another prairie on the banks of the Cathlapoot'l river. They
ZOOLOGY. 293
were found under stones, and would seem to be more in the habit of hunting their insect prey
on the ground than on trees or fences. Their movements were so rapid as to make it very
difficult to catch them, and in struggling to escape nearly all broke off part of their tails, which,
as in other reptiles, is probably a slight loss to them, a cartilaginous growth soon supplying its
place. This species seems to approach nearer the cold regions than any other, as the near
vicinity of the perpetual snows of the Cascade mountains and the considerable elevation of the
valley causes a very moderate temperature, even in summer, in the place where it was found.
I have seen this lizard but once since, near the mouth of the Columbia among the warm sand
and drift-logs on its northern bank.
When alive the colors were light brown, with black spots; belly pinkish white.
ELGARIA GRANDIS, Baird & Girard.
The Banded Elgorla.
Elgaria grandis, B. & G. U. S. Expl. Exped. Herp. 212, pi. XXII, fig. 1.9.
Sp. CH. — Dorsal scales disposed upon fifty transverse and fourteen longitudinal series. Four unequal post-nasal plates.
Preanal shields smaller than the abdominal. Tail nearly twice the length of the body and head together. Above brownish olive ,
with eleven brown bands across the neck and back, covering one row of scales which are tipped with white. Beneath unicolor.
Found at Fort Steilacoom by Dr. Suckley.
SCELOPORUS OCCIDENTALS, Baird & Girard.
The 'Western Fence Lizard.
Sceloporus ocddentalis, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 175 — GIRARD, U. S. Expl. Exped. Herpc-
tology, 383, pi. xix, fig. 8—14.
S. fronlalis ? B. & G. in the same works.
SP. CH. — Cephalic plates rugose; anterior nearly equal to the vortex plate. One or two unequal lorals; temporal scales
small keeled and acuminated. Preanals moderate, rounded, sub-emarginated; post-anal small, smooth, subtruncated, sub-
emarginated. Posterior surface of thighs covered with minute lanceolated and keeled scales.
Differs from S. undulatus, Wiegm, of the eastern States, chiefly in its larger and rougher dorsal scales, while the abdominal
are smoother. The blue abdominal patches are also wider apart, and of different shape.
I first met with this little lizard on the western border of the Great Columbia plains, about
2, 000 feet above the sea, on the eastern slope of the Cascade mountains. It frequented the
pine trees, and did not occur on the open plain. I again met with them at the Pisquouse
river, about latitude 48°, and at about the same elevation. In agility and grace, as well as in
colors, it is precisely like its eastern congener. I obtained one also on the edge of the plain
near Steilacoom west of the Cascade mountains, where it is not uncommon; but I never saw
it west of the Coast range, in the damper and cooler climate. — C.
Color. — Back, wood brown, tinged with greenish and ash gray, and spotted with triangular
waved markings, on each side of the median line, of dark brown. At the dorsal median line
these approach so nearly to each other on the opposite sides as to give, at a little distance, the
appearance of waved transverse bars, extending entirely across the back. Each of these bars
is bordered by a narrow margin of a greenish gray tint, resembling in color the pale mildew
of new cheese.
Belly white, bordered on each side by a steel blue streak one inch long, one quarter of an inch
wide; its inner border one line in width, black. Outer border of said streak greenish blue. A
patch of steel blue, divided on the throat by a, narrow white line, on the median line.
294 ZOOLOGY.
9
Found on the edges of the prairies and in the more open portions of the forests. It appears
to choose the neighborhood of rotten logs. It is quite active, running and dodging about as
nimbly as a squirrel. — S.
SCELOPORUS GRACIOSUS, Baird & Girard.
The Slender Fence Lizard.
S.graciosus, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. VI, Apr. 1852, p. 69.— IB. Ex. to Great Salt Lake, 1852, p. 346;
pi. v, fig. 1.
S.gracilis, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Sc. Phil. 1852, p. 175.— GIRARD, Herpet. U. S. Expl. Exp. 1858, p. 386; pi. xx,
fig. 1-9.
Sp. CH. — Cephalic plates smooth; anterior parietal larger than vertex plate; middle occipital very large, pentagonal. Post-
anal scales large, sub-lanceolate, smooth, posteriorly notched . Posterior surface of thighs covered with small, rounded, smooth
scales. Olivaceous above, with a double series of crescent-shaped black spots on the back and two lateral light streaks, between
which is a row of black spots. Beneath yellowish; under surface of head clouded with bluish. Male with an elongated blue
patch on each side of the abdomen .
Found at the Dalles, Oregon Territory, or at Steilacoom. At Fort Dalles they live in the
cracks of the basaltic rocks, which their colors resemble in tint, being darker than those at
Steilacoom. They usually emerge from their hybernation about the middle of March. — S.
CROTAPHYTUS WISLIZBNII, Baird & Girard.
C. wislizenii, B. & G. Pr. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. VI, Apr. 1852, p. 69.— IB. Ex. to Great Salt Lake, 1852, p 340;pl.iii.
C. gambelii, B. & G. Pr. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. VI, 1852, p. 126.
C.fasciatus, HALLOWELL, Pr. Acad. Nat. Sc. VI, 1852, p 207.— IB. Sitgreaves Ex. to Zufii, 1853, p. 115; pi. V.
SP. CH. — Head proportionally narrow and elongated. Cephalic plates and scales on the back very small. Yellowish brown,
spotted all over with small patches of deep brown or black, becoming partial or complete rings on the tail.
Found at the Dalles, Oregon Territory, and up Snake river, near Fort Boise. — S.
TAPAYA DOUGLASSIL Girard.
The Oregon Horned Toad.
Jlgama dovglassii, BELL, Trans. Linn. Soc. London, XVI, 1833, 105; pi. x.— HARLAN, Med. & Phys. Researches,
1835, 141, fig. 3.
Phrynosoma douglassii, WAGL. Natural Syst. Amph. 1820, 146.— HOLBROOK, N. A. Herpet. II, 1842, 101; pi. xiv.—
GIRARD, Stansbury's Ex. to Salt Lake, 1852, 361 and 362; pi. vii, figs. 6-10.
Tapaya dovglassii, GIRARD, U. S. Expl. Exp. Herpet, 397; pi. xxi, figs. 1-5.
Sp. CH. — Head large, depressed; vertex slightly declivous; snout sub-convex or rounded, sub-depressed at the nostrils.
Cephalic plates moderate, very rugose, occipital and temporal spines reduced to small acerated cones. Sub-maxillar shields
moderate and ridged. Auricular aperture granular, sub-tubercular, or sub denticulated in front. Labial plates moderate.
Mental scales small and unequal; gular folds minutely scaly. Abdominal scales moderate, sub-rhomboid, posteriorly obtuse.
Femoral pores distant; the series from either side approximating upon the inter- femoral region without being continuous.
I obtained numerous specimens of this singular animal in the vicinity of the Yakima river,
in August, and saw them as far as latitude 48° 30' north, on the open plains, usually among
rocks and sand. They all had the gray color which they retain in alcohol, excepting one,
which was of a brick red on the back, but beneath white like the rest. These colors resemble
those of the stones among which they live, and it is supposed by some that they have the
power of changing their hue like the chameleon, and like the better known tree toad of the
Atlantic States. Though ferocious in appearance they are perfectly harmless; yet the Indians
believe them to have the power of producing a poisonous wound with their blunt spines, and
it is possible that such a wound, if made, might sometimes be troublesome. They do not
attempt to bite, and are so slow in motion as scarcely to get out of the way. They are, no
ZOOLOGY. 295
doubt, like the ugly but useful toads, more useful than ornamental, as their food consists
chiefly of insects.
As might be supposed from the locality, the specimens found in Washington Territory are
smaller than those from Oregon and Utah.
I never saw nor heard of its occurrence west of the Cascade mountains. — C.
This animal was found by me at Fort Benton, on the Upper Missouri, and again on the plains
west of the Rocky mountains, as far as the Cascade range.
One was caught in September near the Snake river, Oregon Territory. At Christmas,
although having been shut up since its capture in an empty match box, it was still quite lively.
When irritated it would spring in a most threatening manner at anything pointed at it, at the
same time opening its mouth widely, and audibly hissing, after which it would inflate its body
and show other evident marks of anger. It died about February 1, probably from starvation,
as the heat of the house prevented torpor, and there were no insects upon which to feed it. — S.
Order III. OPHIDI A , Serpents.
CROTALUS LUCIFER, Baird and Girard.
The Western Rattlesnake.
Crotalus lucifer, BAIRD & GIRARD, Proc. Acad. Sc. Phil. VI, 1852, 177.— IBID. Cat. N. A. Reptiles, 1853,6.—
GIRARD, U. S. Expl. Exped. Herpetology, 187, pi. XV, figures 1 to 6.
SP. CH. — Dorsal rows of scales, twenty-five ; exterior one smooth ; second and third obsoletely carinated. Tail and poste
rior part of body with fifteen to twenty half rings. A series of dorsal hexagons or octagons, also two small irregular series on
each side. A light stripe from the supra-ocular crosses the angle of the mouth on the third and fourth series of supra-labials.
A specimen of this rattlesnake shot in the Yakima valley agreed very well with the descrip
tion given by Baird and Girard in their Catalogue of Reptiles. Another, however, killed about
September 25, in latitude 48°, on the Columbia river, was of a pure white ground color with
beautiful bright sea-green blotches on the back. It had probably just changed its skin and had
not acquired its permanent brown or yellow ground color with dark brown blotches.
Rattlesnakes are much less numerous north of the Columbia than south, these two being all
I met with in two months' travelling through the interior. None are found west of the Cascade
range, except an occasional straggler carried down the Columbia river. — C.
Specimens vary in the ground color from white to yellowish brown. The spots vary from
greenish to chestnut brown. In the young a light stripe crosses the vertex between the supra-
orbital scales, and another connects it with the ash color of the back of the head.
One specimen was killed, from the mouth of which three young ones were said to have
escaped.
Found from the Dalles up the Columbia and Snake river. At the Dalles they are so numerous
as to be very annoying, having been known to enter dwelling houses. Since the introduction
of hogs in the vicinity they seem to have diminished. The Indians use the tail of the rattle
snake as a medicine to produce abortion. — S.
CROTALUS CONFLUENTUS, Say.
Prairie Rattlesnake.
PLATE XII.
Crotalus confluentus, SAY in Long's Exped. Rocky mountains, II, 1823, 28.
Crotalus confluentus, B. & G. Cat. N. A. Serpents, p. 8.
296 ZOOLOGY.
gp. CH. — Head sub-triangular. Plates on top of head squamiform, irregular, angulated, and imbricated; scales between
superciliaries small, numerous, uniform. Four rows of scales between the sub-orbital series (which only extends to the centre
of the orbit) and the labials. Labials 15 or 18, nearly uniform. Dorsal series 27-29. Dorsal blotches quadrate, concave
before and behind ; intervals greater behind. Spots transversely quadrate posteriorly, ultimately becoming 10 or 12 half rings.
Two transverse lines on superciliaries, enclosing about one-third. Stripe from superciliary to angle of jaws crosses angle of
the mouth on the second row above labial. Rostral mangined with lighter.
Milk river, Nebraska.
This species is very numerous on the Missouri river and its tributaries, between Fort Union,
Nebraska, and the Rocky mountains. In July and August they are found very common in the
dry canons, and among the willow brush, and cottonwood forests along the banks of the rivers.
They are then sluggish and stupid, being, according to popular belief, "blind," and are said
to be at that season exceedingly venomous. This stupid condition during the drought of
summer is not uncommon to many species of snakes, the torpidity being analogous to that of
hybernation, and may therefore be called aestivation. Hunters have told me that the serpents
are "blind," because they are at that time about shedding the cuticle, and that as evidence of
loss of vision the snake, when provoked, will '"strike wildly." — S.
EUTAINIA ATRATA, Kennicott.
Sp. CH. — Body compact, cylindrical, moderately stout. Head small and narrow, eye very small ; eight upper labials sixth
largest. Dorsal rows of scales seventeen, exterior row largest, higher than long, and very slightly carinated ; the next row
smaller, but considerably larger than the third, distinctly carinated. Scales of the central dorsal rows proportionately shorter
than in E concinna and E. plcktringii. A very broad, deep lemon yellow dorsal stripe, covering nearly three rows, and distinct
from head to tip of tail. The rest of the upper parts entirely deep blue black, without a trace of the lateral stripe or of light
spots. Abdomen entirely uniform greenish slate, yellowish green under the head. — KENNICOTT.
California. — C.
EUTAINIA COOPERI, Kennicott.
PLATE XV, REPTILES, FIG. 1.
The Red Striped Garter Snake.
Eutalnia cooperi, KENN. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. 1859, p. — .
SP. CH. — Body stout, compact, and cylindrical, as in E. radix, dorsal rows of scales only seventeen. Head short, depressed
anteriorly. Labials seen above; the 5th twice as large as the 7th, being the largest of all, and greatly developed. Colors (in
alcohol,) above, uniform blackish brown, without spots, or olivaceous brown with two rows of black spots, as in E. tograns,
but which do not encroach upon the stripes. Dorsal stripes yellowish, distinct on one and two half rows ; lateral stripe usually
distinct, covering the second and part of the third rows ; the row below being of the same color as the back. Abdomen usually
slate color, sometimes lighter. Body frequently suffused with red, especially the dorsal stripe ; abdomen sometimes tinged with
red. — KENNICOTT.
The most highly colored specimens of this snake were caught in one spot, on the 2d of
August, in a small prairie in the Cathlapoot'l valley. They had the colors represented in the
plate, but which fade after long keeping in alcohol. Others obtained in the Willopah valley,
in 1854, had dark stripes, and young ones were without spots. — C.
EUTAINIA PICKERINGII, Baird & Girard.
Pickering's Garter Snake.
E. pickeringii, B. & G. Cat. N. Amer. Serpents, 1853, p. 27. — GIRARD, Expl. Exped. Reptiles, p. 150, pi. XIII,
fig. 14-20.
gp CH. Body rather slender ; dorsal rows of scales nineteen, the first large and moderately carinated. Head large and
high with the upper labials well developed, seven in number, the fifth largest. Color, black above ; the stripes three, greenish
ZOOLOGY. 297
or brownish yellow, (fading in alcohol.) A series of irregular vertical bars on the sides from the third to sixth rows, con
fluent with the lateral stripe, which covers the second and third rows. Abdomen and first dorsal rows, slate color, bluish, or
greenish.
Var. a. Without the lateral spots, the space being black like the back.
/?. Entirely black, the stripes being so narrow as to be alm.ist obsolete ; specimens showing every degree of these variations.
Sides of head usually more or less mottled with brown and green, the most so in the largest specimens.
Obtained in all the western portions of the Territory, usually in or near the forests. The
commonest species, but more rare, east of the Cascade range. — C.
The variety with red spots was not found by me near Puget Sound, though common at the
Dalles and Vancouver.
The colors of my specimen, wlten living, were as follows: In the spring, dorsal scales of a very
dark invisible green, (almost black.) Dorsal and lateral stripes pea green. Chin ichiie. Belly
greenish white anteriorly, becoming posteriorly bluish white and bluish slate, and the under
surface of tail "blue black."
In midsummer the colors remain the same, except that they are darker, (deeper.) This
species exists in great abundance near Steilacoom and Nisqually. They are found on the
gravelly prairies and in the vicinity of the numerous small lakes of this section of country.
About the first of April they begin to come out of winter quarters, and can be seen at mid
day sunning themselves near small clumps of scrub-oak bushes, to which they retreat when
alarmed. A little later they are found in couples or in small companies. Although they are
rarely ever found more than one-eighth of a mile from water, they are, nevertheless, still more
anxious to be close to it as the season advances. They will then (in May and June) be found
lying close to the water, on the lake shores in the grass, and among the sedge of the marshes,
and even upon small bog islands, as much as fifty yards from the shore.
In summer, like other members of this genus, they are found lying in small pools, and in the
water at the edges of the lakes, during the heat of the day. They appear to be a harmless,
lazy species, and, as above stated, exceedingly fond of the water.
They rarely exceed twenty-five inches. — S.
EUTAINIA LEPTOCEPHALA, Baird&Girard.
The Small-headed Striped Snake.
Eutainia leptocephala,E.SiG.Ca.t. N.Amer. Serpents, 1853, p. 29. — GIRARD, Expl. Exped. Herpetology, p. 151, pi.
XIII, fig. 7-13.
gp. CH. — Body rather long and slender. Head small, narrow, and flattened; not much larger than neck. Dorsal rows 19,
the two exterior rows larger, the outer not carinated. Scales on most of the tail not carinated. Labials narrow ; 7 above,
fifth and sixth largest. Above, light olive brown, or darker, with about 130 small brown spots in two series on each side the
vertebral line, occuring on alternate scales, sometimes wanting. Vertebral stripe faint, on a single row of scale ; lateral stripe
in young specimens partially apparent anteriorly. A blackish stripe from the post-orbital back to the angle of the mouth,
sometimes touching the labials.
Found in all the western portion of the Territory. — C.
Found apparently in all parts of the Territory and in Oregon, specimens having been
obtained in the St. Mary's valley by Lieutenant Mullan, and on the Snake river, near Fort Boise,
by myself. — S.
EUTAINIA VAGRANS, Baird & Girard.
The Large-headed Striped Snake.
Eutainia vagrans, B. & G. Cat. N. Amer. Herpetol. I, 1853, p. 35. — GIRARD, Expl. Exped. Herpetol. p. 154, plate
xiv. figs. 5-10. (See plate XVII, Reptiles, Beckwith's P. R. R. Report, vol. X.)
38 Q
298 ZOOLOGY.
SP. CH. — Body long and slender ; head short, broad, and high, thicker than neck. Dorsal rows 20 or 2] ; stripes faint or
partly wanting, with two rows of brown or black spots, about one hundred in number, on each side, confluent with the stripes.
Scales of tail and outer dorsal row distinctly carinated. Labials, 8 above, the sixth and seventh largest, higher than wide.
Ground color above light olive brown, the stripes paler; beneath, slate color.
Found in the Yakiina valley in August, but is known to extend also west of the Cascade
range. — C.
Found at Puget Sound and at Fort Boise, on Snake river. While on Boise river I saw a snake
apparently of this species, which, upon being pursued, retreated to a small hole in the ground,
the calibre of which was just sufficient to admit its occupant. Whether the hole had been
excavated by the serpent, or was simply the burrow of some small rodent, I had no means of
ascertaining. — S.
EUTAINIA CONCINNA, Baird & Girard.
PLATE XV, REPTILES, FIG. 2.
The oiie-stripcci Garter Snake.
Tropid-inolus concinnus, HALLOW. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. VI, 1852, p. 182.
Eutainia concinna, B. & G. Cat. N. Amer. Serpents, 1853, p. 146.
CH. — Body moderately lengthened. Head small. Dorsal rows, 21, carinated. Vertebral stripes, yellow -. no lateral
stripes, but in their place a series of 75 salmon red spots or bars extending from the second to sixth row of scales, and covering
om half to two scales width. Ground color black, belly slate or greenish black, whitish anteriorly. Head reddish jellow,
tinged with brown.
Found at Vancouver, and not observed along the coast. — S.
Were it not for the distinction in the scales of the head and back, which in this genus are
relied upon as specific characters, and even divide the species into groups, these five species
might be combined into two by their colors. E. cooperii, leptocephala, and vagrans, approach
each other very closely, and pickeringii, especially the variety with one stripe, much resembles
concinna • in fact, some specimens have much the appearance of being hybrids. More obser
vations and specimens will be required to decide what characters are truly specific.
All these garter snakes have very similar habits, and are equally harmless. It is generally
believed that those with carinated scales, like the three last species, are more aquatic in their
habits and I did notice this to be the case with vagrans and leptocepliala; but all of them live
not far from water, and in the dry season, at least, are found almost always near it. Another
favorite resort is the Indian burying-grounds, where the corpses, placed above ground, attract
numerous insects; and it is these, not human flesh, which form the food of the beautiful little
garter snakes, notwithstanding the association of graves and serpents so common in the minds
of poets and people.
The Indians have something of the same natural (?) horror of even harmless snakes that per
vades more civilized races; and it is due to the same ignorance, for they have frequently told
me that snakes were poisonous which I handled with perfect impunity. Perhaps, also, super
stition is connected with this antipathy. — C.
EUTAINIA HAYDENII, K e n n i c o 1 1 . N. S.
PLATE XIV.
SP. CH. — Head broader and more depressed in front than in E. radix. Form stout, compact, and cylindrical, most so of the
genus, except E. radix. Ground color light olive green, with three longitudinal yellow stripes, and six series of distinct black
spots. In life some red coloring visible on the sides. Lateral stripe on the third and fourth rows less sharply defined than in
€. radix. Dorsa! rows, 21. — KENNICOTT.
Fort Pierre, Nebraska. — Dr. EVANS.
ZOOLOGY. 299
EUTAINIA FAIREYI, B. & G.
PLATE XIII, adult; XVI, young.
Eutainia faireyi, B. & G. Cat. N. A. Serpents, p. 25.
SP. CH. — Body above deep uniform glossy black. A dorsal stripe of yellowish green one and less than two half scales
wide ; and one lateral stripe on each side on the third and fourth rows, usually of the same color. Sometimes the dorsal
stripe is more deeply yellow than the lateral. Dorsal scales below the lateral stripe as black as above it. Abdomen greenish
white. Form a little stouter than E. saurita. Head large. Tail rather less than one-third of the total length. Dorsal
scales in nineteen rows. — KENNICOTT.
Illinois.
EUTAINIA RADIX, B. & G.
E. radix, B. & G. Cat. N. A. Serpents, p. 34.
Sr. CH. — Body stout, compact, and cylindrical ; tail short. Head short, narrow; nose pointed. Ground color above very
dark olive brown, sometimes black, with three sharply defined, rather narrow, yellow longitudinal stripes, and six series of
very indistinct black blotches, which are not visible in the darker specimens. Dorsal rows, 21. Lateral stripe on the third
and fourth rows. — KENNICOTT.
Fort Snelling, Minn. — S.
REGINA KIRTLANDII, Kennicott.
PLATE XX, FIG. 2.
Regina lirllandii, KENNICOTT, Proc. Phil. Acad. Nat. Sci. 185.
SP. Cn. — Body stouter than in any other species of Regina or Nerodia; head smaller and tail shorter. Head depressed,
very small, short, proportionately broad behind, continuous with the body, the neck being without any visible contraction.
Crown very convex, sloping to the snout. A single nasal, with the nostril in its centre. One large ante-orbital, two large
post-orbitals. Vertical, broad, sub-hexagonal. The body enlarges rapidly from the head to its full size, continuing of about
the same size to near the anus, where it contracts suddenly ; the tail being very small. Ground color light reddish brown,
with four dorsal series of circular black spots, the two central scries smallest. Abdomen uniform reddish, with a row of
small black spots on each side. Dorsal rows 19, all strongly carinated. — KENNICOTT.
Illinois.
REGINA GRAHAMII, Baird&Girard.
The Prairie Water Snake.
PLATE XIX, FIG. 1.
Regina grahamii, B. & G. Catal. N. Amer. Serpents, 1853, p. 47.
SP. Cii. — Dull dark brown, with a dorsal light brown line, margined on each side by a narrow indistinct black line. A
broad yellowish stripe on the first, second, and third rows, margined above by an indistinct black line on the fourth
and fifth rows, and below by a distinct narrow black line on the lower fourth of the first lateral row and extreme end
of the abdominal scutellae. Abdomen yellowish, tinged posteriorly in the adult with olive, with a single central row of
small subtriangular black spots posteriorly, which disappear on the anterior third of the body, and are sometimes obsolete in
young specimens. Dorsal rows of scales, 19. — KENNICOTT.
Illinois.
SCOTOPHIS VULPINUS, Baird&Girard.
The Fox Snake.
PLATE XXII.
Scotophis vulpinus, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serpents, 1853, p. 75.
SP. CH.— Body stoutest of the genus ; tail thick. Head large, very stout, broad, and rounded throughout. Snout short,
broad ; vertical plate ne broad na long ; supcrciliaries broad ; loral elevated as high as long. Eye smallest of the gemte.
300 ZOOLOGY.
Dorsal rows, 25, the central distinctly carinated. Abdominal scutellae about 203. Light yellowish brown, with a dorsal
and two lateral series of chocolate brown blotches. No suffusion of black in old specimens as in S. alleghaniensis. A frontal
brown bar and a post-ocular vitta ; obsolete in old specimens.— KEXKICOTT.
Fort Snelling. Minnesota.
A full grown specimen of this serpent was brought to me alive, at Lake Amelia, near Fort
Snelling. Minnesota. When provoked it expressed its irritation by vibrating the tip of its
slender tail, which, when striking a crumbled dead leaf or any other small object, would pro
duce a well-marked rattling noise, very similar to that made by the rattlesnake under the
same circumstances. — S.
PITUOPHIS WILKESII, Baird & Girard.
The Oregon Bull Snake.
Pituophis wilkesii, B. & G. Cat. N. A. Eeptiles, I, 1853, 71.— GIRABD, U. S. Expl. Exped. Herpetology, 137 ; pi. ix,
figs. 1-7.
ritnuphis catenifer, B. & G. ? P. auncctens, B. & G. ? op. cit.
SP. Cn. — Two pairs of post-frontal plates. Dorsal scales in 29 to 31 series ; the three outer series smooth. Tail about
a sixth of the total length. Post-ocular vitta running over the last labial to the angle of the mouth. Ground color
(yellowish,) with a dorsal series of sub-quadrate, and two lateral series of sub-circular blotches.
From a large number of specimens in the Smithsonian Institution, lately examined, it appears
probable that the two latter names quoted as supposed species will become synonyms, in which
case P. catenifer will be the name of the species. The Californian specimens, on which they
were founded, differ chiefly in the proportions of the cephalic scales, and the size of their spots,
which are largest in catenifer.
A specimen caught in the Yakima valley, on August 28, differed from the description above
given only in the ground color, which was pale gray instead of yellowish — a tint doubtless
caused by the alcohol.
This large snake, sometimes three or four feet long, is, like the others of the genus commonly
called "Bull" and "Pine snake," quite harmless, and must destroy a great many mice, gophers,
and other vermin. Not found west of the Coast range. — C.
The ground color gray, sometimes tinted with brownish or yellowish. Spots brown, most
dark posteriorly, sometimes margined with black. Ground color of belly yellow; spots black.
Found sparingly at Puget Sound, but common at the Dalles and up Snake river to Fort Boise.
It is. in fact, mostly confined to the open country. The length of the adult rarely exceeds
three feet. — S.
PITUOPHIS SAYI, Baird & Girard.
Prairie Bull Snake.
PLATE XXII.
Coluber sayi, SCULEGEL, (non Holbr.) — Essai Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 157.
"Coluber mellanoleucus, var. SAY." — HARL. Jour. Acad. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 360. — IB. Med. and Phys. Researches,
1835, 123.
Pituophis sayi, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serpents, 1853, p. 152, (under Coluber sayi.)
SP. CH. — Head proportionately small, crown roundeJ throughout, snout very pointed. Rostral very narrow, projecting, the
apex elongated and pointed, extending far back between the prefrontals. Verticals short, broad, nearly as wide anteriorly as
long. Nasals and loral large. One ante-orbital, rarely two ; three post-orbitals, rarely four. Dorsal scales shorter and more
rounded than in P. bdlona. Ground color whitish or reddish yellow, a dorsal series of sub-quandrangular blotches, with 3 or 4
ZOOLOGY. 301
email series on each side, the blotches hrown on the middle of the body, black towards the head and tail. Abdomen yellowish
white, with an external series of rather large black spots on each side, inside of which are two irregular series of wavy black
blotches. Head much spotted with black and labials heavily margined with the same. A pitch black post-ocular with a frontal
band, and sub-orbital vertical bar. — KENNICOTT.
The prairie bull snake is very numerous in eastern Minnesota, where I obtained many
specimens. They are said to be occasionally ploughed up by the settlers when breaking the
prairie sod.
During the rutting season they seem to follow each other by the scent, as I noticed upon
one occasion that having captured a fine living individual, and placed it with others in a barrel
near my tent, a very large snake of the same species was found a short time after but a short
distance from my reptile prison, being on its way in a direct line from the locality whence the
other had just been brought.
A nearly similar action was observed with another species. The facts might have been
simply accidental, although if so, seemed strangely to confirm the popular belief on the subject.
Whether the mates of these and other species do follow each other by the scent is well worthy
of future investigation. The fact seemed so impressed on the minds of my companions that
the naturalist's tent was for a time tabooed.
A very large Pituophis was collected by me in Nebraska. Its colors were considerably
darker than those of the Minnesota specimens. The length of the skin, stretched somewhat
in taking off, was eighty-seven inches. — S.
BASCANION VETUSTUS, Baird & Girard.
The Green Racer.
PLATE XX, FIG. 1.
Bascanion vetustus, B. & G. Catal. N. A. Reptiles, I, 1853, 97.— GIRARD, U. S. Expl. Exped. Herpet. 127. . PI.
VIII, figs. 12—19.
Sp. CH. — Width of head equal to half its length, taking the greatest dimensions, .nferior post-orbital in a notch between
the fourth and fifth labials. Colors, when fresh, pale green above, straw yellow beneath, sometimes varying to brownish above.
Three specimens of this handsome snake were caught in or near the Yakima valley, in
August, 1853. Like its relative, the black snake of the Atlantic States, it is perfectly harm
less, and does not even bite usually when handled. It runs with great rapidity, and the
popular name given both to this and to the allied, if not identical, B. flaviventris, of Nebraska
and Kansas, is very appropriate. Not found west of the Coast range. — C.
A specimen caught August 8, at Fort Steilacoom, had the following colors when fresh: Upper
parts of a uniform broivnish slate color. Edges of scales blackish. Skin colored the same as the
central portions of the scales. Belly bluish white, with a tinge of yellow anteriorly and under
the chin. Caudal scutella much darker than those of the middle.
Specimens from the Dalles partake of the characters of B. flaviventris, and are of a pale
olive, becoming brown posteriorly, sides bluish. Young specimens are ash colored above, with
chestnut spots; head olive and spotted. Beneath pale greenish yellow, with small reddish
brown spots anteriorly. In older ones the blotches of the back become confluent and finally
unicolor.
It has the same habit of climbing in bushes common to the black snake of the eastern States.
Found sparingly at Puget Sound. — S.
302 ZOOLOGY.
MASTICOPHIS T^ENIATUS, Baird & Girard.
The California!! \Vliip Snake.
Ixptophis tccniata, HALIOWELL, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. VI, 1852, p. 181.
Maslicofhis ta-nialus, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Rep. 1853, p. 103.— BAIRD, P. R. R. Rep. Vol. X, (Beckwith's Exp. ) PI.
XXIII.
Sp. CH. — Dorsal rows 15 ; tail about one-third of the total length. A broad brown dorsal stripe margined by a darker line.
The four outer rows of scales on each side yellow, with a darker line through the centre of each. A dark line along the edge
of the abdomen, making six dark lines on each side. Beneath yellowish.
A young specimen of this species was obtained on Snake river, Oregon Territory. Nothing
regarding its habits was observed. — S.
DIADOPHIS PULCIIELLUS, Baird & Girard.
The Western Ring Snake.
Diadopltis pulchctlus, B. & G. Cat. N. Am. Serpents, 1855, p. 115.
SP. CH. — Dorsal scales in fifteen rows; occipital ring broad; colors, (in ale.,) above uniform dark greenish brown, beneath
orange with small black spots irregularly scattered both above and below from head to tail, sometimes wanting. Color of abdo
men extending on to lateral dorsal scales.
A living specimen had the following colors: Top of head glossy, of a dark brownish olive
with a bluish tinge, several of the plates being indistinctly spotted with black. Occipital
ring deep reddish orange, having a diagonal width of three scales. A band along the back
eleven scales wide of a slaty brown, rather pale, and with a slight greenish tinge anteriorly;
posteriorly it becomes more bluish, losing its greenish cast and narrowing on the tail from
9 to 2 scales in width. Chin, belly, and first two rows of dorsal scales bright, fiery orange.
This color deepens posteriorly, becoming more red, the sub-caudal scutella being almost the
color of red sealingwax. A row of black spots on each side, each spot being on the posterior
edge of the first row of dorsal scales. The abdominal scutella3 have two well-marked rows
of small black spots besides several other partial or irregular rows. All these spots are found
on the posterior edges of the scales.
The occipital ring is margined posteriorly by a series of black spots, showing an apparent
attempt in nature to form a black linear margin.
This is the only specimen of the genus or the species that I have seen west of the Rocky
mountains. The natives do not say that it is abundant, and the white settlers have only
occasionally observed it. Fort Dalles, Oregon Territory, May, 1855. — S.
CELUTA AMCENA, B. & G.
PLATE XIX, FIG. 2.
Gronnd Snake; Worm Snake.
Cduta amccna, B. & G. Cat. N. A. Serpents, 1853, p. 129.
Coluber amccnm, SAY, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Pbilad. IV, 1825, 237.— HAUL. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V. 1827,
355; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 118.— STOKER, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 226.
Calnmaria ama-na, SCIIL. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 31. PI. i, figs. 19 and 20.
Urachyorrkos amatus, HOLUR. N. Atner. Herp. Ill, 1842, 115. PI. xxvii.
SP. Cir. — Above uniform chestnut hrown, opalescent; light yellow (bright salmon color in life) beneath. Dorsal scales in 13
rows.
Western Missouri.
ZOOLOGY. 303
WENONA PLUMBEA, Baird & Girard.
The Brown Wood Snake.
Wenona plumbea, E. & G. Wtnona Isabella ? B. & G. Proc. Acad. Sci. Philad. VI, 1852, 176; IBID. Catal. N. A.
Reptiles, I, 1853, 139, 140.— GIRARD, U. S. Expl. Exp. Hcrpet. 1858, 112, 113, pi. VII, f. 1-14.
The distinctness of the above supposed two species is uncertain from the small number of specimens examined. They differ
in the frontal plates and in the orbitals, but their colors are described as nearly the same, plumbea being lead color above, and
Isabella light brown; both yellow beneath, the latter more dull.
Not very uncommon at Puget Sound. Specimens appear to unite the characters of the species
described by Baird and Girard. — S.
The short, thick, and clumsy form of these snakes, with their small pointed head covered with
scales like those of the back; very small eye and mouth; numerous small smooth scales, and
blunt tail, at once distinguish them, though in color they much resemble the "green racer,"
heretofore described, when in its old skin, before changing it in July.
About June 1, 1855, I obtained a large specimen of the above snake under the loose bark of
a log, where it seemed to have crawled to escape from the light. It appeared dazzled, and
did not attempt either to escape or to bite. This snake, though unpleasant in appearance, is
perfectly harmless, and, like most others, useful in destroying insects and mice. It is the
nearest representative of the boa constrictor in the United States, but little is known of its
habits. — C.
BATEACHIA.
OrderlV. JJ A JL 11 A \J H 1 11 , Soft Skinned Rep tiles.
Tribe I. — Anoura. — Tailless Batrachians.
BUFO BOREAS^Baird & Girard.
Bufo boreas, B. & G. Expl. Exped. Herpet. p. 74, pi. VI, fig. 4-9.
Sp. CH. — Upper surface of head plain; skin not adhering to the skull, and smooth; green, with a dorsal yellow vitta; pustules
reddish; beneath of a soiled white, maculated with black.
Distinguished from B. columbiensis by having the fore arm longer than the hand or arm, both
pairs of legs longer, and hind foot proportionately longer, and the soles nearly smooth. The
bright colors above described are those of the young. When alive the colors vary in shade,
but are similar in pattern in all examined. That best marked has the back olive brown, darker
posteriorly; tubercles dark brown; spots on legs nearly black, both surrounded by a narrow
edging of straw yellow, becoming greenish, and mixed with the brown on the sides. The
dorsal stripe is bright yellow, (wanting in some specimens;) angles of mouth and inner sides of
thighs yellow also; belly pale brownish white, with black spots posteriorly; iris rich gold color,
veined with black; canthi black. Another specimen had a brown circle around iris, and green
lids.
This toad is abundant west of the Cascade mountains, and has habits similar to those of most
other true toads, hopping about at dusk after its insect prey; and, although disagreeable to
many persons, is perfectly harmless and very useful. — C.
304 ZOOLOGY.
BUFO COLUMBIENSIS, Baird & Girard.
Tlic Columbia Toatl.
Bufo colitmbiensis, B &. G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. VI, 1853, 378.— GIRARD, Proc. Acad. Sci. VII, 1854, 87.—
IBID. U. S. Expl. Exped. Hcrpet. 77, pi. V, figs. 4—9.
Sp. CH. — Upper surface of head plain; skin adhering to the skull and granula'ed. Parotids and tympanum small. A mem
branous tarsal fold; toes palmated. A dorsal white vitta and an oblique dark patch beneath the eye.
Found in Washington Territory west of the Cascade mountains. Nothing distinctive was
noticed in its habits. — C.
RAN A PRETIOSA, Baird & Girard.
Tlic Salmon Frog.
Rana pretiosa, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Sci. Phil. VI, 1853, 378 -Is. U. S. Expl. Exped. Herpetology, 21, 1858; pi. II,
figs. 13—18.
SP. CH. — Tympanum rather small. Hands smooth. Feet granulated underneath; ringers slender and tapering. Toes webbed;
terminal joint of longest free; a small flattened horny process at the base of the inner toe and a minute conical tubercle between
the fourth and fifth Two depressed dorsal series of pores, one on each side; a glandular ridge along the upper jaw.
When living the colors in full-grown specimens are: nose and cheek pea green, tinged with
gold; a stripe of the same hue down each side of the back. Remainder of back from eyes to
tail reddish brown, with a black streak. Legs paler, with tranverse black bars. Flanks and
inner sides of thighs salmon red, growing darker towards feet. Belly white, sometimes with
brick-red spots; thighs posteriorly and sides spotted with white. A wood brown stripe on
each side of head; lips tinged with gold color. Size of body from two to three inches long.
Younger specimens pale green above; thighs pale brown; no reddish tints beneath, white
spots larger and more numerous.
I found frogs nowhere common in the Territory. The specimens described above were
found about springs near Shoalwater bay, and when alive are very beautiful and interesting-
little animals.
RANA HALECINA.
The Spotted Frog.
PLATE XXIX, FIG. 7.
Although the distance of locality, which gives the species a wider range than any other
reptile of the Atlantic coast, would a priori indicate distinctness of species, a careful compari
son by Professor Baird does not show any tangible points of difference. Specimens of this
frog were collected at Fort Dalles. — S.
HYLA REGILLA, Baird & Girard.
Tlie Oregon Wood Frog.
Hyla regilla, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil. VI, 1852, 174; and 1853, 301.- IBID. U. S. Expl. Exp. Herpet. GO,
pi. Ill, figs. 13—18.
Ilyla scapularis, HALLO WELL, Proc. Acad. Sci. VI, 1852, 183.
SP. CH. — Vomerine teeth disposed upon two circular groups. Fingers free, toes semi-palmatcd. Skin above tuberculous,
.beneath gland ulous. Green, with orange reflections, sometimes maculated or banded with blackish brown.
This brilliant little wood-frog abounds in some localities and at some seasons, but at others is
rarely met with, as it seems to seek the high trees. In September I found vast numbers of
ZOOLOGY. 305
them around a spring on the high mountain spur between the Yakima and Columbia rivers,
over 4,000 feet above the sea, and also obtained a few at Chequass, in the Klickatat Pass, at the
same elevation. I was inclined to think that the great dryness of the summer east of the
Cascade range had driven them from the trees to seek for water. I found them also, but
rarely, at Shoalwater bay, where they seem to leave the trees less often. Those which have
brown markings are much larger than the others, and not so frequently found.
The shrill "peep" of this frog is often heard, but it is difficult to see the performer in its
shelter among the green leaves. — C.
Specimens of this beautiful little tree toad, caught April 3, 1855, had the ground color of
upper parts pale green, mottled by small irregular patches of a slightly deeper shade, which
are bordered by streaks of black. Inside of thighs and legs of a yellowish flesh color.
Black streak from the shoulder to the end of the nose, passing through the centre of the eyes.
Caught in a dry situation on the upland near Fort Dalles. It is found at a considerable
distance from water or trees. It is fond of clinging to rocks, but otherwise had the habits of
a tree toad. — S.
Tribe II. — TIradela. — T ailed Batrachians.
TARICHA TOROSA, Gray.
The Warty Salamander.
7'riton torosus, ESCH. Zool. Atl. V, 1833, 12 Taf. xxi, fig. 15.
Triton ermani, WIEOM. in Erman's Reise urn die Erde, 1835, and Arch, fur Naturg, 1836, II, 250.
Salamandra beecheyi, GRAY; Beechey's voyage, Zool. 1839, 99.
Triton granulosus, SKILTON, Amer. Journ. Sc. VII, 184!), 202 ; pi. figs. 4 and 5.
Notophtlialmus torosus, BAIRD, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Fhilad. , I, 1850, p. 284.
Pleurodeks californiae, BIBR. Mus. Zool. Soc. (Gray.)
Taricha torosa, GRAY, Catal. Amph. Brit. Mus. IT, 1850, p. 25. — GIRARD, U. S. Expl. Exped. Herpetology, 1858, p. 5,
figs. 1-8.
Sp. CH. — Tail longer -than the head and body together, compressed, provided with a slightly elevated membranous keel
upon its upper and lower edges. Tip of toes callous ; inner toes in both pair of limbs very small. Skin granular. Color,
rich dark brown above, with minute pale dots ; sides and beneath, orange or yellow ; iris, gold color.
This salamander is usually found during the day crawling slowly about the woods, often at
a considerable distance from the water. They are so slow and stupid as never to attempt to
get out of the way, and seem, therefore, to be soon exterminated where hogs are allowed to
range in the woods. I found them far most abundant in the damp spruce forests near the
coast, but have also found them everywhere as far east as the summits of the Cascade mountains,
where, at a height of over 4,000 feet above the sea, I obtained the first full grown specimen
met with, on August 5, 1853. This one, as if to verify the popular fable of the salamander,
was caught while leisurely crawling through the ashes of our camp fire, no doubt driven out
of the ground by the heat. I have met with this animal crawling about in January and
February, but in severe whether it hybernates in the mud at the bottom of ponds, where, if
shallow, it sometimes is killed by freezing, as I have found a large number dead in this way.
In March and April they seek the water to spawn, and their loud piping may then be heard
at night, everywhere, though they are silent at other seasons. In May their spawn is found
attached to twigs in the water, after which time they seek the land again. I found young
ones about two inches long in July, which were entirely aquatic, and had external branchiae
or gills, but in color were exactly like the adult animal. When in the water this is a very
39 Q
306 ZOOLOGY.
active animal, and has a greater expansion of the thin membrane of its tail than during its
terrestrial life.
The spawn mentioned as deposited by this species in the water may have belonged to some
other animal, as most salamanders are believed to deposit it on land, under stones, &c. ; but I
never found any in such situations.
NOTE. — Both Mr. Gibbs and myself found near Steilacoom a small kind of salamander under
logs and stones, which seems to be undescribed. The specimens were, in some way, lost or
destroyed. When alive, they were pale purplish, with yellow longitudinal stripes. — C.
Among the lost collections from the Dalles was a small salamander, found hi January, 1855,
which had the sides deep blue, with light markings; belly spotted with black. No such
species is known to naturalists. — S.
SIREDON LICHENOIDES,? Baird.
« Ground Puppy 5 " " Four-legged Fish."
Siredon lichenoidts,* BAIRD, Stansb. Salt Lake Exp. 1852, p. 336, pi. 1.
A specimen of siredon collected by Dr. Suckley, near Fort Union, Nebraska, differs from the
typical S. liclienoides, in fuller form, and in the presence of distinct rounded black spots on a
grayish brown ground, the spots larger and more distinct than in S. mexicanus; the eyes are
more anterior. In the absence of tangible, distinctive characters, it is difficult to say if this
animal be really distinct from lichenoides ; but it may, at any rate, be considered as a well
marked variety, S. melanosticta. The total length of the specimen, No. 4073, is about nine
inches. — BATED.
This siredon was obtained on the route between Fort Union and Fort Benton, Nebraska.
Vast numbers of a species apparently identical are found in the small brackish lakes of central
Minnesota, where I procured some thirty or forty specimens, which were, unfortunately,
afterwards lost on their way to "Washington city. The species is, apparently, permanently
aquatic; the only occasion upon which I noticed them out of their native ponds was when,
during a terrific thunder shower, I found many in the wet grass within a few feet of a small
prairie lake, to which they had retreated from the water, apparently from fright produced by
the loud claps of thunder. I generally obtained them by dragging a seine through the small,
shallow, muddy ponds, so numerous in that region. The contents of my net were generally
confined to those animals, and vast numbers of aquatic insects. — S.
Reptiles ;
Plate XII
TJ.S.ERR. E, i
- Plate
-
US.FRR. Ex & Surveys: 47 -Parallel
es; - Plate
R R. E x. £. Surveys .
Reptiles: - - Plate XVI.
;
S P. R.K.EK&S-urveyB: - - 47* Parallel
Reptiles: Plate XI
JSPRK.Ex.fc Surveys:
Reptiles : Hate '.
rlateXXr.
J. kJ. JT. JTU _rU-EiS_O6
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C Metzeroth s
No. 5.
REPORT UPON THE FISHES COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY.
BY DR. G. SUCKLEY, U. S. A.
CHAPTER I.
REPORT UPON THE SALMONIDAE.
As the salmon family holds the strongest position in economical importance among the fishes
of the northwest, the first portion of this report is devoted to the consideration of that group.
The second division contains brief descriptions and notes of the other kinds of fishes found along
the line of the survey. Those obtained east of the Rocky mountains are simply alluded to by
the names given in the General Report on Fishes, Vol. X Pacific Railroad Reports, with refer
ence to the pages in which descriptions more in detail can be found. The fishes obtained from
the region west of those mountains have brief scientific descriptions added, in order that they
may be readily identified by students or future explorers in those Territories. This was
deemed necessary on account of the great confusion existing among settlers regarding the
common names applied to the fish, many of which, although widely distinct from each other,
are known by the same names to different persons.
The notes and memoranda furnished by Dr. James G. Cooper, surgeon and naturalist to the
western division of the survey, have been incorporated over his initials. Credit is given in
their appropriate connexions for information derived from other persons.
The fisheries of Washington Territory will, at an early day, be considered of great import
ance to our commerce. The various kinds of salmon form the bulk of the valuable fishes there
found, but there are, in addition, many others which, although not so numerous, are yet abun
dant and of fair relative commercial value. Among these are the cod, found in moderate
quantity in Puget Sound, and said to be very abundant on a deep bar or bank off the mouth
of the Straits of Fuca; the halibiit, found in the same situations; the eulachon, a very delicious
fish, in some years coming in great shoals in the bays in the lower part of Puget Sound, and
along the coast near the mouth of Frazer's river; the herring arriving in vast quantities in the
same waters at regular periods, besides a vast number of good table fish, such as sole, flounders,
the so-called "rock-rod," viviparous perch, <fec., &c., which, although not valuable for trade,
are useful additions to the fare of the inhabitants.*
Several points on the Columbia river are most excellent locations for the taking of salmon
and the establishment of "packing" houses. These are generally at the greater falls and
rapids. The best fish are there taken in the spring and early summer months. Salmon of
different kinds are taken at other seasons. The species of salmon which is principally used for
A trade in oysteis lias long been carried on between Shoalwater bay and San Francisco, and will, if properly conducted,
undoubtedly prove profitable.
308 ZOOLOGY.
salting in Puget Sound is the Skowitz, an autumnal visitor. Of these, Messrs. Riley & Swan,
proprietors of the salmon packing astablishment at the mouth of the Puyallup river, have taken
3,000 at one haul of a seine ! The average weight of the species cannot be said to exceed
twelve pounds, and is perhaps not greater than eight or ten. This size is very convenient for
packing.
This subject is more fully discussed in the pages devoted to the special consideration of the
Salmonidae.
1. Descriptions and history of the various species offish belonging to the salmon family, found in the
ivaters of Oregon and Washington Territories.
GENEKAL KEMAKKS. — In the preparation of the following pages it has been attempted to
collate from various sources all the useful facts known concerning the natural history and
economic value of those species of the salmon group existing in the waters of our extreme
northwestern Territories. Considerable additional information concerning the species recently
described, drawn from the accounts of explorers, settlers, Indians, and others, has also been
embodied.
In the scientific determination of the different species, we have been fully aware of the
difficulties and perplexities that surround the subject, and accordingly do not flatter ourselves
that perfection has been arrived at, but simply offer the report as a stepping-stone to future
knowledge.
Owing to the paucity of the material at present furnished by the specimens of this particular
group contained in the national collection, the arrangement of different species of the family
under the special generic divisions Fario and Solar has not been adhered to, but all the species
have been temporarily retained under the genus Salmo. To separate the species we have into
genera, from the distinctions afforded by the number and arrangement of the vomerine teeth
and other anatomical characteristics, under the present circumstances, would be rash, and the
classification thus furnished unreliable.
It is hoped that at some future day, when the different kinds are better known and have
.been more thoroughly studied, that a sound classification may be founded on the anatomical
characters of healthy, fresh-run adults. Too much confusion has been occasioned already by
the description of new species founded on immature, ill-conditioned, or abnormal specimens,
and by new genera and sub-genera based on the arrangement of such diverse and unsound
material.
Quite abundant as far south as San Franscisco, we find these fish, as we proceed north,
increasing in species and in numbers, until, in arriving at the Columbia river, and at the rivers
near Vancouver's Island or the streams falling into Puget Sound, they form one of the most
striking wonders of the region. There vast numbers of these fish differing in anatomical pecu
liarities, species, and color, and changing much with age, sex, and condition, season of the
year, or quality of the water, astonish by their number, and confuse with their variety.
From the vague and ill-determined characters separating the different species of Salmonidae,
many of which, although obviously distinct from each other, yet approach in so many characters
disagreeing only in shade and intensity, it is found extremely difficult to give a concise and
striking summary of the leading characters of certain species, so that, by reading a short
synopsis, an ordinary observer may readily define the position of a particular specimen. When,
in addition to the difficulties found in identifying good typical specimens of the healthy fresh-
tun adults, are added the perplexities caused by changes in age, sex, and condition, " confusion
ZOOLOGY. 309
becomes the worse confounded," and the naturalist is almost inclined to give up in despair the
task of unravelling the tangled and confused relations of the species composing the group.
To. meet successfully these unfortunate obstacles to a clear exposition of the history of this
branch of the animal kingdom, especially as it exists on our Pacific coast, will yet require years
of patient labor and investigation.
In preparing this report we have been guided to a great extent by the able work of Sir John
Richardson^ contained in the pages of his Fauna Boreale Americana, and by the notes of Dr.
Gairdner published therein. For great assistance we are also indebted to the writings of Dr.
Charles Girard and J. Carson Brevoort, esq., as well as for the friendly services of both
gentlemen. Valuable manuscript notes have been furnished by Dr. James G. Cooper, George
Gibbs, esq., and Dr. C. B. Kennerly. The three gentlemen last named have spent much time in
the northwest, engaged for the most part in scientific researches. During my own residence in
Oregon and Washington Territories I endeavored to obtain reliable information regarding this
group of fishes ; but as I was engaged in many other pursuits, the data collected were not
nearly so complete as desired.* Since I returned to the Atlantic, Mr. Gibbs has very kindly
furnished me additional notes of his own, besides valuable memoranda communicated to him by
Mr. John Swan, of the Puyallup salmon fishery, (Puget Sound,) and by Angus McDonald, esq.,
the officer in charge of the honorable Hudson Bay Company's trading post, Fort Colville.
It would be highly desirable to trace out the connexions existing between the Salmonidce of
our Pacific coast and those of Russian Asia and Japan. Descriptions of many of these are
contained in Pallas' Zoographia Rosso-Asiatica, some of which have been alluded to while
treating on particular species in the earlier portion of this report.
The anadromous salmon and trouts (those running up from the sea) are not found in Oregon
or Washington Territories above the great falls of Clark's river, or on Snake river, (Lewis's
Fork of the Columbia,) above similar falls. The obstruction on Clark's river is about 200 miles
above its mouth ; those of the Snake, some 275 miles above the Columbia. Concerning their
ascent of the Snake, Mr. George Gibbs communicates the following : "In some of the branches
of the Columbia salmon penetrate to the Rocky mountains, but they cannot ascend the Snake
above Rock Creek, between Fort Boise and Fort Hall, where the great Shoshonee falls stop
them. Above this point there are fine trout. Fort Boise is a great fishing ground for the
Bannacks and other bands of the Shoshonee or Snake tribe, who would be famished if kept away
from that place during the fishing season. We found them taking salmon in vast numbers at
the end of August, 1849."
In 1854 I visited Fort Boise" myself, finding salmon exceedingly abundant in September and
October. They were then spawning, and seemed almost to fill the water in places suitable for
that purpose. The species, I presume, were principally the S. quinnat and S.gairdneri, but
as to this I am uncertain, as at that time I had not commenced to pay especial attention to the
subject.
On the Columbia the best salmon are generally those which enter the river during the spring
and early summer months. These are the "common silver salmon," (S. quinnat) square-tailed
salmon, (? S. gairdneri,) and white salmon, (perhaps the S. tsuppitch,} besides several other
species, such as the S. paucidens, <fec., &c., which are simply considered by the unscientific as
small individuals of the kinds named. The autumn and winter kinds are much inferior in flavor
* Several valuable consignments of specimens of these fish, sent by me from Puget Sound and the Columbia river, were
lost en route to Washington city.
310 ZOOLOGY.
or richness, and consequently in market value. They include the "hook-nosed" species,
besides the emaciated "spring salmon," and others of more or less excellence, yet scarcely any
are found at that season equalling the fine kinds of spring. In this connexion Mr. Gibbs
makes the following remarks: "The spring salmon of the Columbia reach a great size, forty
pounds being not an unusual weight for them to attain, and I have heard of some reaching
seventy. They are excessively fat when they first enter the river, and make much better eating
than when caught further up. ' Chinook ' salmon bring the highest price.
' ' In the autumn the white fleshed or masachee salmon, as they are often called, arrive. It is
observed that the spring kinds do not run up the small streams near the coast, but keep up the
great rivers. At the season of the annual freshet ( in June ) they overcome the falls of the
Columbia, and as it backs up the Willamette, they mount the falls at Oregon City also. The
autumnal salmon, on the contrary, run into all the small creeks, and even into ponds formed by
the rains on the prairies. The spring salmon enter but few of the rivers on the coast, and only
those either of considerable size, or coming from snow mountains. Both the spring and winter
kinds run up the Klamath and Sacramento rivers in vast numbers."
He adds : "There is a salmon that runs up the Quinaiutl (a river heading in a lake in the
Olympic range, and emptying into the ocean just above Point Grenville, between Gray's Harbor
and Cape Flattery) which is said to be a different species, small, but VERY fine. The Indians
brought us two about the 20th of February — much earlier than the other salmon enter the
Columbia — but they were dressed and partly dried, so that I had no good opportunity of
examining them."*
In 1853 and 1854 large quantities of salmon were salted for market at the fisheries near the
mouth of the Columbia, and at the Cascades, about 150 miles above. Although the fish, being
those taken in spring and summer, were of the finest quality, second to none in the world, [ I
say this understandingly, having eaten excellent salmon in Great Britain and on the continent
of Europe, as well as those brought to the New York markets from Nova Scotia,] owring to
carelessness in packing, and to the expense and difficulty that then attended the procurement of
proper barrels and good salt, nearly all who went into the business lost money ; and the
salmon thus miserably preserved reached the markets of San Francisco and New York in such
bad condition that they obtained a bad reputation among dealers. I am convinced that
should the business be undertaken properly by men skilled in the business, who, with ordinary
care and a selection of none but the silvery spring salmon (S. quinnat, S. gairdneri, and S.
paucidens) on the Columbia, and the schedadhoo, skwowl, and satsup, or those known to the
Indians as tyee salmon, on Puget Sound, it will be found highly profitable, and that salmon thus
preserved would in a very short time be in great demand in all the principal markets of the
world.
To attain this result great care in packing would be necessary, and a rigid determination to
salt none of the autumnal or inferior kinds, a temptation to which many have succumbefd, owing
to the cheapness and abundance of such indifferent material. The skowitz (or S. 5co?^eri\may be
an exception to the rule regarding autumnal salmon ; yet even when in its best conditon it is
a second-rate fish compared to the 'others. Of this salmon Mr. Gibbs says : " Messrs. Eiley &
Swan, the proprietors of the Puyallup fishery, on Puget Sound, consider the skowitz (skokwid)
a good fish for curing, because they are of so fit a size, being not too large. They put up 800
barrels in six weeks, and were the first persons on the sound to use the seine in capturing
° It is possible that this kind may be the ppccios described by Girard as the Salmo (Fario) aurora. — (See Gen. Rep., p. 80S.)
ZOOLOGY. 311
salmon. The Indians take them in weirs and by spearing. In curing, the salmon shrinks one-
half in bulk. This shrinking should take place in the ' striking tubs' before packing, that they
may keep solid."*
The salmon of Puget Sound and its affluents are probably not all precisely identical with those
of the Columbia, although for the most part the species are the same. Puget Sound is an arm
of the sea running into the land through a gap, called the Straits of Fuca, lying between the
south end of Vancouver's Island and the shores of Washington Territory. It extends to a
point some two hundred miles in the interior, and notwithstanding the number of fresh
mountain streams which empty into it, is apparently as salt at its head as the waters of the ocean
itself. There are many islands in the sound, and, as a consequence, there are numerous narrow
crooked passages, so that the whole, when stretched on a map, looks like a cunningly-contrived
aqueous labyrinth. The streams which empty into the sound for the most part arise in the
snow ranges on either side. The principal of these are the Nisqually, Puyallup, Dwamish, and
Snohomish rivers, and adjoining Puget Sound — forming part of the same water system in
Bellingham bay and the Gulf of Georgia — we have the Lummi river emptying. All these
streams are rapid and cold, arid, considering the amount of Avater which flows through them,
short of extent, the dividing ridges of the mountains being generally not more than sixty or
seventy miles in a direct line from the sound.
Puget Sound proper has scarcely any rock bottom, and but two or three reefs. Near Belling
ham bay, and along the north side of the straits, many rock islands occur. Along the shores
are many sandspits partially surrounding shallow bays, in which vast numbers of young
salrnonidae feed and live, and where for a short time before the season of entering the rivers
the adult individuals of each kind may be found. It is in these situations that most of the good
salmon taken by the Indians during the cold months are caught. Although salmon have been
as yet unknown to take bait or the fly after entering the rivers of that region, they nevertheless
are caught in the salt bays in large numbers by the natives. The following plan is pursued.
A small herring four or five inches long, is tied to a hook. Some six or eight feet from the
bait a small round stone is fastened to the line. The stone acts as a "sinker," keeping the
bait sunk some six or eight feet below the surface Avhile being "trolled." The Indian in a
light canoe paddles about slowly and noiselessly, trolling the line with a jerking motion, and
not unfrequently taking in the course of a couple of hours several handsome fish, weighing
from ten to thirty pounds each. The time chosen for this business is generally the two hours
succeeding day break and an hour or two towards evening.
Besides the species contained in the list given, there are probably several salmon and trout,
occurring in the Oregon fauna, which have as yet been undescribed. Some of those known may
have been formerly described by Russian naturalists, as already stated. To one unaccustomed
to the variations in appearance caused by age, sex, and condition, in individuals even of the
same species, the proper classification of the northwest salmonidae may not seem a difficult
subject. But practically — and we hope that we may be pardoned for again reiterating previous
remarks — the reverse is the case. Added to alterations in color, according to different stages
of exhaustion, Avhich are as great as those which have rendered the dying dolphin noted, we
have alterations in contour and a difference in the anatomical appearance of the jaws and
* After going through the " sti iking tubs" I am told that the salmon should be forced into the barrels by a press or screw,
so that the fish which are piled up to a point one third higher than the depth of the barrel shall be forced in by the barrel
"head, "which is pushed down by the screw. Thus closely packer), there is no danger of their " working" and becoming
disorganized by the motion of a vessel at sea.
312 ZOOLOGY.
teeth,* which occur so rapidly in the same individual that the novice might readily be
pardoned for supposing — Rafinesque-like — an indefinite series of new genera and species.
The idea that most of the species now recognized are simply varieties of one or two kinds is
equally preposterous, as shown by making careful anatomical comparisons between individuals
of different species, thus showing constant distinctions when compared at corresponding seasons.
In some species the "hooked-snout" is peculiar to the males when fresh-run and in good order.
In others this feature is only recognized as a mark of exhaustion or of age, and occurs in both
sexes. Alterations in color have been frequently spoken of in this report. Some idea may be
gained of these by examining Agassiz's plates of similar changes in the European S. solar.
Besides the differences in the changes noticed between one species and another, are those
between the two sexes of the same species. This, in the case of the salmon seen by me spawning
in Burnt river, was very well marked. — (See beyond.) In describing the colors of a species
under the head of specific characters, none but those of the "fresh-run" adult should be
entered. Additional confusion in our books has been produced by the carelessness of explorers
in this respect. An example of this appears to be in the colors assigned to salmo Clarkii by
Dr. Gairdner; but, as they have evidently been described from an exhausted fish, or one at
least partially so, I confess my inability to identify the species with certainty. — (See remarks
under the head of Salmo clarkii.)
Several of the autumnal salmon are of a dingy color, even when in good order and fresh from
the sea. Their flesh is light colored and of poor flavor, and some are so rank as to be positively
disagreeable. If ever silvery, it must be when in the sea, long before instinct has sent them
to the rivers to attend to their reproductive duties. If that is the case, it would seem that the
change in color is as much owing to a disturbed condition of the system, produced by sexual
commotion, as to emaciation and fatigue.
All species — the trout less so than the others — go through these changes of color after
remaining a short time in fresh water; the changes being most noticeable as the fish is becoming
rapidly exhausted. The bright silvery species lose their glistening appearance, the blue and
lead colors of the back become green or dingy olive, and the silvery white of the sides and
belly blotched with patches of dark olive, alternating with purplish maculations.
These purplish discolorations, or rather colorations, frequently change into deep red, and
sometimes into lake, the fins especially showing the red. It might seem that this intermixture
of red would indicate an activity of the circulation. This is not the case, but seems to be the
result of a stagnation of the blood in the superficial capillaries, and another evidence of the
broken down scorbutic condition of the impoverished fish.f
The salmon are said not to eat after their entrance into fresh water; notwithstanding this,
they have to undergo the exhaustion consequent upon their exertions in ascending the rivers,
Jumping water-falls, and stemming currents, which, superadded to the debility necessarily
produced by the process of spawning, sufficiently accounts for their impoverished condit'on
during and after spawning season. Indeed, hosts upon hosts do not survive, but die after
completing their instinctive duty, and often before. Some of the shores of the small lakes and
tributaries of the Columbia are said to be lined with the dead and dying fish in autumn.
Salmon that enter the Columbia ascend the principal river as high as the lakes on its course
* The wasting of the flesh and consequent absorption of the fat of the fish, causes the gums to shrink from the teeth and
the nose to assumed a hooked form. The teeth thus exposed look much larger than before,
f See remarks under the head of S. paucidens.
ZOOLOGY. 313
through the British Possessions ; but short of those points vast numbers turn off into its numerous
tributaries — the Yakima, Snake, Okanagan, and other rivers. During the course of an expedi
tion against the Snake Indians, in 1854, the writer saw vast numbers of salmon in the small
tributaries of the Snake, Boise, Powder, Burnt, Peyette's, and other rivers, at points nearly
250 miles from the mouth of Snake river, and about 650 from the Pacific ocean. This was in
September and October, when the fish were all engaged in spawning. Passing by the multi
tudes and multitudes of these fish, sufficiently in this respect worthy of Avonder, we shall proceed to
describe the act of spawning as witnessed at Burnt river, on the southern slope of the Blue
mountains of Oregon. Camping at a point where the stream was tortuous, and its waters clear
and rapid, we saw a female salmon, some two and a half feet in length, dart rapidly down
stream to a spot abreast of where we were standing on the bank at the head of a rapid. She
turned suddenly about, resting with her head towards the current, which was rather strong.
Upon looking closely we observed that she was over her spawning bed, a peculiar looking cup-
shaped depression, of about three feet in diameter, in the bed of the stream. This had
evidently been produced by the lashing of the tail and fins. The fish remained stationary over
the "bed" about half a minute, keeping herself from being forced down with the current by
gentle motion of the fins, and during her stay apparently discharging a few ova, some of which
were probably washed down the rapid, the rest falling into their proper receptacle. She then
suddenly darted up stream to a quiet resting place. Immediately upon her departure several
males took her place over the "bed," and remained there about the same length of time ; they,
in turn, retreated to a place of repose, the spawning "bed" being quickly again occupied by
one or more females, folloAved by males as before ; the same bed thus serving for about half a
dozen individuals of both sexes. The period of repose seemed to be about two or three minutes
for each individual.
It was pleasing to Avitness the regularity Avith which males and females succeeded each other,
and also the spirit of combination which they manifested by depositing spawn and milt so
frequently in couples, each sex by itself, and each sex retiring to a resting place Avhile its
opposite Avas engaged in his or her particular duty. The Avater on the spaAvning ground Avas
about three feet deep. The females AArere invariably the largest, their lengths being betAveen
tAvo and three feet. They also, as seen through the water, shoAved much of the red and purple
congestion of the skin and fins, already spoken of as a condition of exhaustion. The males
scarcely exceeded 20 inches in length, and Avere of a pale olive-gray color, very uniform Avith
each other, and scarcely, if at all, shoAving any red. Thus AATe see that this particular species
of salmon, at least, carries on the reproductive process by companies, and that both males and
females in alternating Avith each other in their duties seem to be impelled by fixed laAvs and
habits of custom or instinct. It Avas also interesting to see hoAV they retreated after each
emission of spaAvn or ova to quiet places of the stream, Avhere, totally at rest, they could
rapidly recuperate their energies for the next endeavor. We supposed that the species were
the same as those that arrive at the great falls of the Columbia at the Dalles in such vast
quantities in April, May, and June.
Angus McDonald, esq., for many years the officer in charge of the Hudson Bay trading post,
Fort Colville, (situated at the Kettle Falls, on the Columbia river, but a short distance beloAv
the mouth of Clark's Fork,) furnished the following notes on the Salmonidas of the upper
Columbia. The remarks Avere dated Fort Colville, September 1, 1854, and Avere kindly
communicated by George Gibbs, esq. :
40 Q
314 ZOOLOGY.
The salmon, as seen at that place, are as follows :
"1. Seemetleek arrives at Colville about the 1st of June. On its arrival the jaws and nose
are straight, with teeth scarcely perceptible. When the male and female couple, to discharge
the duties of their watery hymen, they, like other couples, begin to grow thin. As their flesh
declines the teeth begin to show and the snout to get crooked, whence we call them the
crooked-nosed salmon. The Seemetleek is the largest of the species, the first to arrive and to die.
"2. Keasoo, or Kakasoo, arrives here about the 1st of October. Whether fat or lean, it
alicays has a crooked nose. It is not so large as the Seemetleek. We have proof that the Keasoo
do not all return, because they have been seen and caught in the winter and spring in many
of the Columbia's tributaries, i. e., Yakirna, Okanagan, and Spokane Forks. They are, on an
average, about three feet long, and each male with one female, like the Seemetleek. The female
first spawns in a favorable place. Immediately by her side is her mate, who discharges his
masculine fluid upon the eggs, whereupon the industrious couple cover their seed with sand.
' ' 3. Stzoin arrives here about the 1st of July. Straight nose always, length about two feet,
and breeds like the rest. They are not found dead, and are supposed to return to the sea.
"4. Cha-cha-ool (the ch pronounced guttural, as in the Gaelic loch) arrives with the Seemetleek.
It is rather heavier than the Stzoin, marries, breeds, and dies, like the Seemetleek. Whether
all or only some of these two kinds die is very uncertain. When these fish die from fatigue
they are called by the natives Skee-le-ways, a word in their language implying the lean, bad
condition of the flesh."
NOTE. — The Indians living at Fort Colville speak a dialect of the Flatliead language, wl;ich
itself is not a very remote dialect of the Nisqually.*
The Seemetleek is probably the S. quinnat, RICH. The Cha-cha-ool, which arrives at Fort
Colville in company with the last, corresponds greatly with the description of the S. gainlneri,
RICH, and but little doubt exists in my mind that they are identical. The Stzoin I cannot
identify. Perhaps it is the S. pauddens, RICH. The Keasoo seems to be the S. scouleri, RICH.
Fort Colville is situated at the Kettle Ealls, about seven hundred miles by wrater from the
ocean. As the S. scouleri enter the river near the 1st of September, their progress against the
current would seem to be about one hundred miles a week. — S.
Specimens of the following salmon are very much wanted to complete the series in the
Smithsonian collection, as well as to settle many doubtful points. For the convenience of those
studying in the field, or collecting, the Indian names of those desired are here given :
At the mouth of the Columbia true Chinook is generally spoken. The fish from that locality
wanted are the Queachts, Quannich, Elcewan, and Tsuppitch. These names brobably hold good
at the Dalles, where "Upper Chinook" or Wasco is spoken. Among the Dalles Indians, how
ever, and also among those living at the Cascades and at Fort Vancouver, there are many who
speak dialects of the Walla- Walla language, which is entirely different from either the Lower
or Upper Chinook. These dialects are usually either Klikatat, Des CJmte, or Yakima. Any
fish obtained having the following Yakima names are also much wanted :
Kah-lo, (perhaps the Op-kal-loo of the Wascos at the Dalles.)
Ne-ukw.
S'han-nih, (? Sah-tvun-ugh of the Cowlitz tribe.)
Kwin-nat-tit, (? Quinnat.)
S'hun-no, (? Huddo, or Hunno, of the Nisquallies.)
*See list of species, with accompanying Indian names.
ZOOLOGY. 315
From the Cowlitz river the SaJi-wun-ugh, or Sab-o-iich, also the Hwal-lat'n.
From Puget Sound and vicinity Keh-o-oh, or Skeh-ooh, from Hood's canal. This fish is caught
in January- Its bones are said to be very hard. (See foot note 13, attached to list of Indian
names for salmon.)
From near Whidby's island the Skai, or Shf, (Skadgett.) This is a very fat kind, with a
hooked nose, caught in September.
To-o-odlt, or To-ioalt, the large kind, found in July at "Tobin's mill," Dwamish river.
To-mutsh, from Simiahmoo, near Bellingham bay.
For the benefit of collectors, or those inclined to study this group from fresh specimens, I
have £.dded a list containing the scientific synonyms of all the species yet recognized as being
found in the waters of Oregon and Washington Territories, as well as the names by which they
are commonly known to the settlers, and also the Indian names in as many dialects as I have
been able to collect. The Indian names will be of great service to collectors and students,
although they* must be relied upon with caution. George Gibbs, esq., says: " Indian observa
tion is good, but in certain cases, especially where differences between species are but slight,
they are liable to mistakes, as their information extends only to one season for individuals. I
have sometimes thought that they apply different names to males and females of the same species
of salmon, as we know they do to the male and female elk. I have ascertained, beyond a doubt,
that different names are applied to the same salmon when 'fresh run,' and ivhen exhausted.
This is not only the case with the tribes on Puget Sound, but, as we see by Mr. McDonald's
notes, the same custom prevails with those living high up on the Columbia."
316
ZOOLOGY.
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ZOOLOGY. 317
Dr. Cooper furnishes the following memoranda :
''In consequence of not having sufficient alcohol for the purpose, I never preserved speci
mens of the various species of salmon which frequent the Columbia and the rivers of Shoalwater
bay, excepting the heads of several species collected during the journey east of the Cascade
range, and which were destroyed from weakness of the alcohol. Yet a few remarks upon their
habits, made during my residence there, may not be uninteresting.
"Salmon enter the Columbia river in large numbers about the 1st of May, and are caught
then at Chinook Point, a few miles above Cape Disappointment. From this fact they are
generally known as the "Chinook salmon,'7 and are celebrated not only in the Territory but
in California as the best salmon caught on the coast. The reason for its superiority when
caught at Chinook Point is probably that, this being the first point where they can be taken
after entering the river, they are still in fine condition, while after ascending the river they
become thin and lose their finest flavor. It seems to be generally believed that they do not
feed in fresh water, the stomachs of those caught further up being always empty. It may
easily be imagined that this must soon exhaust them, and it seems almost incredible that they
should ever be able to go up four hundred miles, over innumerable rapids and falls and against
a current which must require their constant exertions to contend with. But by reference to
my journal it may be seen that we found them in great numbers in the Okanagan river, at the
49th degree, where they had every appearance of having travelled all the way from the ocean.
Their fins and tails were so worn down as to be almost useless, their color had changed to a
dappled mixture of red and white, and they were emaciated so as to be a mere mass of skin
and bones. But still they struggled on up, obedient to the blind instinct which led them to
seek the very headwaters of the river to find a fit nursery for a progeny which they should
never know.
"It of course excited much speculation in our minds as to the law of nature which should
doom so many thousands of fish to certain death, and apparently, contrary to all analogy in the
class of fishes, to die after making but one deposit of eggs. No solution of the matter was
then suggested, but in thinking it over since, I have arrived at a theory on the subject which I
will now state :
"It will be observed that such large numbers of dead or dying salmon are found mostly at
the headwaters of streams, and that they increase in number the further we ascend from the
sea. It is also the fact that great numbers go up the small streams emptying into the sea from
the Coast range, and do not there die in any quantity unless they have to ascend many falls
and rapids. I never saw anything like the number of salmon in that condition at Shoalwater
bay, although I have seen tons of them there.
' ' Another noticeable fact is, that all those seen in the Okanagan river were small, not more
than two feet long, and very uniform in size. Besides this, they seemed to be of the same
species as we saw further down the Columbia. They certainly were not of any species of
trout constantly inhabiting the river, of which I had already seen three. Now, the reason I
would assign for the 'wearing out' of some salmon annually is this: Shoals, probably com
posed of fish of different ages, enter the river, the larger and smaller keeping in distinct
bodies. Their ova are more or less mature, perhaps according to the age of the fish, and they
continue to ascend the river until the ova become ready for deposition. This I know often
occurs quite near the sea, as salmon may be seen making their nests in the clear water of the
Willopah, not more than fifteen miles from its mouth. But that it is not always so is shown by
318 ZOOLOGY.
the very fact that others continue to ascend for a long time after. Those in which the depo
sition takes place soon after they enter, doubtless return lightened and vigorous to the sea,
while those in which the maturation is more retarded must keep on ascending as long as the
water is deep enough for them to swim in, when they probably remain stationary for awhile,
unless they fall a prey to the numerous enemies always watching for them in such places.
Those which go up the Columbia can alone be supposed to go far enough to become worn out,
and such can never return to the ocean, but are found dead and lining the shores of the river
in immense numbers.
" I cannot determine whether the salmon which are caught at Chinook Point in May are of
the same species which are found further up in the fall, but think that they are all bent on
the same errand, although far the greatest number enter the river in autumn. They are then
much less fine than in spring even at the mouth of the river. I have little doubt that quite
as good salmon may be taken in small numbers in the mouths of other rivers in spring, but
they are not fished for on account of their scarcity.
"As maybe supposed from the fact of their not eating in the rivers, salmon cannot be taken
with a baited hook after entering fresh water. The mode usually adopted in shallow water is
to pull them out by means of a strong iron hook, six inches around its bend, fastened on to a
long pole. This is easily put under them, as they appear regardless of everything but their
own immediate object. Another mode, chiefly followed by the Indians when they first enter
the bays, is to spear them. They often swim, in calm weather, close to the surface, so that
the sharp eye of the savage can detect a slight ripple produced by their back fins. The
salmon being there quite timid, it requires much caution to enable the Indian to get a fair
blow at them, but when he does it rarely misses its aim. With the swiftness of a musket ball
he launches his spear, and its long barbed head piercing entirely through the fish, the shaft at
once separates from it and floats off on the water. But a strong line holds the barb, with
which the fish is soon pulled into the canoe and despatched by a blow on the head with a
wooden mallet, made for the purpose. This is necessary, because the canoe used in this kind
of fishing is often barely large enough to hold a man, and the struggles of a salmon four feet
long would upset it, besides the probability of its jumping out. The seine is used to some
extent in the Columbia and in Puget Sound. I once caught a fine salmon, fresh from the
ocean, with my hands. It had entered a little brook with the rising tide, and when it fell
attempted to get out, but was stopped on the gravelly flats which border Shoalwater bay, and
where the brook, spreads out into many shallow branches. I was first attracted by its violent
flapping as it attempted to get down into salt water, and easily captured it. It was like others
caught in the bay, quite as good as the famed Chinook salmon."-— C.
In the preceding remarks by Dr. Cooper we find many interesting facts mentioned, some of
which are new, and others corroborating the statements of previous observers. The wearing
out of the fins, tails, &c., spoken of as occurring in those fish which ascend violent and rocky
streams is not uncommon. In Richardson's P. B. A. Ill, pp. 21G, 217, there is an extract from
Harmon's Travels in North America. 1820, containing the following remarks on this subject :
After stating that about the middle of August the salmon appear in the larger rivers of New
Caledonia, (British Columbia,) lasting plentifully until about the beginning of October,
Harmon says : ' ' For about a month they come up in crowds, and the noses of some of them
are either worn or rotted off, and the eyes of others have perished in their heads ; yet, in this
maimed condition, they are surprisingly alert in coming up rapids. These maimed fishes are
ZOOLOGY. 319
generally at the head of large bands, on account of which the natives call them mec-oo-tces, or
chiefs. The Indians say that they have suffered these disasters by falling back among the
stones when coming up difficult places in the rapids which they pass."
The method of capturing salmon by "hooking" them, in the manner described by Dr.
Cooper, is in vogue with the Indians of Puget Sound, who in this way take vast quantities of
the autumnal species, which, as already stated, are fond of entering the more shallow streams.
At the great Dalles fisheries on the Columbia I did not notice the disposition of the salmon
to arrive in series according to age, but in June, 1855, I remarked, on the contrary, that vast
numbers of fish of all sizes, varying from a pound and a half to 30 or 40 pounds, were taken
promiscuously together.
The question whether all individuals of certain species of salmon do not die in fresh water
soon after spawning, none returning to the sea, is a mooted point on our northwestern frontier.
Pallas, in speaking of certain of the salmon of Kamtschatka, takes particular pains to state
that they do not return to salt water. Thus, in referring to the S. proteus, or hunchback, he
says : "After the month of August has been passed in the functions of generation, all of these
fishes perish in the rivers, and strew the land and the banks of the rivers with their dead
bodies, none returning alive to the sea." — (See Pallas Zoographica Rosso -Asiatica, Fishes,
p. 377 ; also translation beyond under the head of S. gibber.)
On this subject Dr. Scouler remarks as follows :*
"Pennant says the Kamtschatka salmon die without returning to the sea after spawning.
I never heard such an opinion mooted on the northwest coast, and saw nothing to confirm it j
but, as the streams which the American salmon ascend are often extremely shallow, and as they
spawn in Observatory inlet during the months of July and August, when the water is at the
lowest, I should suppose that great numbers must perish from emaciation, (for their flesh then
becomes white, or at least a great deal less red, and of bad quality,) and from the extreme
difficulty they must experience in returning to the sea from the want of water, and perhaps
from its high temperature. Thousands also must be devoured by the osprey, the white-headed
eagle, and the otter, in the fresh waters, and by the seals in the sea, so that I should think few
survive. I am unable, however, to say whether any return to the sea or not."
Since Dr. Scouler wrote, many white settlers- have located themselves on the north Pacific
coast of America, and large and flourishing settlements have grown up. In consequence,
observation in all branches of natural history has been much extended, and our knowledge of
that hitherto obscure region increased. It seems from the accounts of recent observers that
certain species of salmon do not, in general, return to the sea after spawning, but die in the
fresh water streams remote from the ocean. Other species, on the contrary, seem to return to
the sea, no matter to what distancejn the interior they may have penetrated. Of course, in
speaking of a species, we mean the bulk of individuals belonging to it, forming the "run" or
migration. Of all kinds vast numbers die from exhaustion and the attacks of their various
enemies, but certain species appear, as a rule, to die out after completing their procreative
efforts, while the great number of individuals composing other species return to the sea. Some
think that distance from salt water is the governing condition affecting the return. This it does
to a certain degree, but still the individual instincts and tenacity of life of certain species have
probably more to do in regulating it. Angus McDonald, who writes from the Kettle Falls, a
point far up the Columbia, says that the see-met-lcek (S. quinnat) are the first in the season "to
*Scouler in III. Rich. F. B. A., Ill, 159.
320 ZOOLOGY.
arrive and to die." Again, lie says of the stzoin, "they are not found dead, and are supposed
to return to the sea."
The Nisqually Indians say that the majority of the TVliwliai salmon return to salt water after
spawning ; that many of the skowitz return, but that more die in fresh water. They think that
but few of the other species, in proportion to their numbers, ever get back into salt water.
The huddole, especially, generally die in fresh water, and they doubt if these return at all, or,
if they do, only a few lucky individuals escape.
I am assured, by a reliable observer, that he has found, in the autumn, the banks and
sand bars of the Cowlitz river — a stream emptying into the Columbia at a comparatively short
distance from the ocean — lined with dead and dying salmon. This argues in favor of death
occurring more according to difference in species than from fatigue or distance from the sea.
Fatigue and distance, however, have full weight in increasing the mortality. In conclusion, we
therefore venture to suggest that probably certain individuals of all anadromous species do
return to the sea after spawning ; but that the comparative numbers of individuals thus
returning is varied, cceteris paribus, by distance from the sea, or the character of the streams
traversed ; and that the desire or instinct to return to the ocean after performing the sexual
duties is much more strongly manifest in certain species than in others.
The incurvation of the extremities of the intermaxillaries and chin, in certain species, varies
greatly with the age and sex. According to some observers the females of particular kinds are
always destitute of the "hooked snout," while the adult male, even when in good condition,
always has a lengthened decurved intermaxillary protuberance.* Other species, when in good
condition, have both jaws symmetrical ; but, when emaciated, an apparent prolongation, in
a downward direction, of the intermaxillary protuberance is seen, and a corresponding
exaggeration of the "knob" at the chin. Much of this is induced by the absorption of the
fat and shrinking of the tissues along the sides of the jaws, the deficiency in contour thus
produced by contrast causing the unabsorbed cartilaginous extremities to appear as if
unnaturally developed. Examples of this are seen in the changes found in the mouth of the
S. quinnat at different seasons, and also in that of the European S. salar. Indeed, I think it
probable that much of the confusion in the synonomy of some of the European species has been
caused by mistaking certain fish, which, in other respects, agree closely, but have the
apparently elongated extremities to the snout and chin, for other species possessing normally
their characteristics when not emaciated, and which, in other respects, agree very closely.
Perhaps in this way the S. salar and S. Immatus have been confounded. Beyond a question
the adult male S. scouleri has the decurved cartilaginous protuberance always well marked,
which the female equally often lacks. Tlie fresh run species, known as the S. quinnat, when in
good order, has a mouth with regular outline in both sexes. I have, at times, noticed, in very
large and fat individuals, that the snout was enlarged and somewhat decurved. 1 account for
this by supposing that they are fish which, having been much emaciated from spawning at some
previous season, had returned to the sea. Becoming recuperated and much increased in size,
they have again ascended the rivers for the purpose of procreating, their condition and flesh
having been entirely regained, with the exception of the fat deposits about the bones of the
mouth. This theory, although, perhaps, fanciful and incorrect, is the best that we can offer
while situated so remotely from the field, where alone the history of the fish can be thoroughly
ascertained. As a reason why, on the contrary, the foregoing speculation may prove false is
* See remarks concerning this character contained in the account of S. scouleri.
ZOOLOGY. 321
the fact that the very large specimens seen by me were but cursorily examined, and may, in
reality, have belonged to a distinct species.
The discussions which have so frequently occupied the minds of British naturalists concerning
the real character and position of the small salmonidae, known to them as " smoults, " "grilse,"
<fec., are of collateral interest to American ichthyologists. The study of this family in America
is much less trammelled by a multiplicity of names for the immature fish, and, as suggested by
Sir John Richardson, may, for that reason, assist much in throwing light upon perplexing
obscurities in which the subject is involved in Europe. Many valuable experiments have been
carefully instituted by gentlemen in England for settling these vexed questions. Young salmon
have been marked and then turned loose, which have been again taken at successive seasons,
until gradually a complete chain of evidence has been thus adduced, showing each change, step
by step, and link by link, from extreme youth to maturity.
1. SALMO QUINNAT, Rich.
Salmo quinnal, RICH. P. B. A. Ill, 1836, 219 — DEKAY, N. Y. Fauna, IV, 1842, 242.— STOKER, Synopsis, 1846,
196. — HERBERT, Supplement to Frank Forrester's Fish and Fishing, &c., 1850, 31. — GRD. in
Proc. A. N. Sc. Phil. VIII, 1856, 217.— IBID. Pacific R. R. Reports, vol. VI.— IBID. Gen.
Rep. Fishes, 306.
Common salmon, LEWIS & CLARK.
FIGURES. — A young fish called by this name, and probably belonging to the species, has been figured under Dr. Girard's
supervision, and appears in this volume on the Fishes collected by the United States Pacific railroad surveying parties, PLATK
LXVII.
SP. CH. — Jldult : Head pointed and large, forming about a fourth of the length from the snout to the end of the scales on the
caudal.* Dorsal outline regularly arched. Caudal deeply cut out, (in the dried specimen forked.) Snout cartilaginous, as in
S. salar. Chin pointed, a triangular bare projection extending beyond the teeth. Colors:f "General tint of the back bluish
gray, changing after a few hours' removal from the water into mountain green ; sides ash gray, with silvery lustre ; belly white ;
back above the lateral line studded with irregular rhomboidal or star-like black spots, some of them ocellated. Dorsal fin and
gill covers slightly reddish ; tips of the anal and pectorals blackish gray ; the dorsal and caudal thickly studded with round and
rhomboidal spots, back of the head sparingly marked with the same. Whole body below the lateral line, with the under fins,
destitute of spots." — (GAIRDNER in lit. RICH. F. B. A. Fishes, 220.) Scales large. Branchial rays varying from 17 to 20.
Young : ? " Body fusiform in profile, compressed; head forming about the fifth of the total length; maxillary bone curved,
extending beyond the orbit ; anterior margin of the dorsal equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the insertion of the
caudal. Dorsal region olivaceous, studded with irregular black spots; dorsal and caudal fins similarly spotted. Region
beneath the lateral line unicolor, silvery along the middle of the flanks, and yellowish on the belly. Inferior fins unicolor.
Head above blackish gray; sides bluish gray." — GIRARD.
In shape, and in many other particulars, this fish agrees with the description given in PALLAS,
ZOOG. Ross. ASIAT. of the S. orientalis, and, as quoted by BREVOORT in notes on some figures of
Japanese fish, like it, reaches a weight of sixty pounds; ascending the larger rivers only in the
months of April, May, and June; in having fleshy lips, and in gastronomic excellence. It also
has a large pointed head, with very similar jaws. It differs from Mr. Brevoort's figure in
having the tail much more deeply cut out — almost forked — and in having spots on the back and
head. It also but seldom attains the large size given above, the average being usually about
twenty-five pounds. Valenciennes says that the S. orientalis has numerous crescent-shaped spots
above the lateral line. This remark is based on a drawing, taken by Mertens, of a female. —
* The size of the head of most salmon seems to vary in the two sexes, that of the male being larger.
f The colors, when given under the head of Sp. Ch. in this report, are always those of the fish/resh run from the sea, except
when the contrary is stated.
41 Q
322 ZOOLOGY.
(See Brevoort's work above quoted, p. 23.) The S. quinnat, according to Gairdner, has the
spots differently shaped. In a memorandum furnished me by George Gibbs, esq., he says that
in a visit to Chinook, near the mouth of the Columbia, he saw "the true spring salmon of the
Columbia. Speckled on back, fins, and tail, with half-moon spots. Tail in large specimens not
always spotted. Tail forked."*
The quinnat is designated by Lewis and Clark as the " common salmon" of the Columbia.
It was first scientifically described by Sir John Richardson from specimens and notes obtained
from Dr. Gairdner, who was then (about the year 1835) living at the trading post of the Hon.
Hudson Bay Company, situated on the right bank of the Columbia, nearly opposite the mouth
of the Willamette river, about one hundred miles from the ocean, then and still known as Fort
Vancouver. While stationed as surgeon at that important point, Dr. Gairdner, in a most
praiseworthy manner, busied himself actively in studying the natural history of the region,
and, in connexion with the labors of Tolmie, Townsend, Nuttall, and Douglass, in t\\Q field, and
of Richardson, Hooker, Audubon, and Bachman, in the study, presented to the public almost
all that was known to naturalists of that remote portion of the world up to the period when the
late scientific explorations were undertaken under the auspices of our government.
This salmon is, perhaps, the finest of all that enter the rivers and inlets of our Pacific
possessions. The adults are readily recognized by the settlers from their great size and their
large, deeply-forked tails. When fresh from the sea they are in superb condition for the table,
equal, in our estimation, to the best English or Scotch salmon. The co'orof the flesh is of the
richest ' ' salmon red." The general external appearance of the fish presents very bright silvery
reflections. They first arrive in the Columbia river during the month of April — the periodical
advents usually varying but a few days. Lewis and Clark speak of their first arrival at the
Skilloot village, below the site of Fort Vancouver, on the 18th of April, 1806, and at the
Dalles, (two hundred miles above the mouth of the Columbia,) in the year 1807, on the 19th
of April. Major G. J. Rains, United States army, noticed them at the latter place, in 1854,
on the 28th of April, and I myself saw the first of the season in 1855, April 11. George
Gibbs, esq., in MSS. notes informs me that in 1853 the same species were "in season" at the
mouth of the Columbia on the 20th of April.
The quinnat, in an economical point of view, is by far the most valuable salmon of any
species found in Oregon. The extreme richness and delicacy of its flesh cause it to be much
preferred for salting; and were it not for the hitherto high prices of labor, barrels and salt, it
would have ere this been found a staple article of export from the Columbia, t In numbers,
they seem to be inexhaustible, and are readily taken in nets and otherwise. During the " season"
they are so abundantly taken at the rapids near the Dalles that, notwithstanding the high
rates at which most articles of domestic consumption are sold, I have frequently purchased
noble specimens of this fish, weighing 20 pounds or more, each, for the small price of a quarter
of a dollar ! The Indians on the Columbia take immense numbers, eating what they need while
fresh, and drying thousands for winter consumption or for trade. The principal method of
capture employed at the Dalles is by "scooping" at random in the rapid water as it passes a
* 1 do not consider that the absence of spots on the body is of much value as a specific character in all cases. But where they
occur I think that their arrangement and shape is of great importance. The unspotted individuals are, perhaps, in Boir.e
instances, simply the representatives of albinoes in birds and quadrupeds.
f For further particulars concerning this subject, see " General Remarks."
ZOOLOGY. 323
projecting rock along the banks of the stream. The salmon keeping close to the shore, in order
to avoid the force of the current, take advantage of "shore eddies " in their ascent. The
Indian selects a proper location, generally a projecting rock, upon which he builds a platform,
and with a "scoop net," about four feet in diameter, attached to a long pole, rapidly sweeps
the water below. The net passing down with the current, and immersed four or five feet below
the surface, is alternately dipped and drawn up, again to be plunged in the boiling waters
above. During the height of the season it is not uncommon for a single man to thus take
twenty or thirty fine fish in an hour. The time chosen is usually during the long twilight of
the evening or early morning. Whether this is because "the fish do not "run" during the
bright hours of the day, or because they, seeing better, avoid the net, I am in doubt.
For subsequent consumption the salmon are split open, and the entrails and backbone taken
out; they are then hung up in the lodges to dry in the smoke. When perfectly dry they are
packed in bundles, and kept in baskets or mats, and in some places, as along the river from
Walla-Walla to Fort Colville, large stores are placed on platforms raised on poles some 12 or
15 feet from the ground. This is to protect them from the ravages of wolves. To guard
against rain, and the plundering propensities of crows, magpies, and ravens, they are covered
by mats or strips of bark, and occasionally with rough-hewn boards; no salt is used by the
savages in preparing the fish, yet, nevertheless, the food thus preserved keeps in good order
for several years. Dr. Cooper furnishes me with the following notes concerning a salmon,
which he has had many opportunities of observing while residing near the Columbia river:
" The name of this salmon is evidently a corruption of that by wrhich the Indians distinguish
a small river north of the Cliehalis, and which is celebrated among them for the excellence of its
salmon. As pronounced by them, it is QUIN-NAI-ULT. I have eaten fish from there smoked and
also salted, but never saw one fresh. It is smaller than the preceding, those I saw not being more
than two feet long. If the same as Richardson's fish, which is probable, it is singular that the
Indians should find it so much superior in that river, and that they should contend that it is
found there only. I have heard, however, that the same species was caught sometimes in a
river running into Shoalwater bay, and it is probable that the name of the above river is
derived from that of the Salmon, and not, as is generally supposed, the contrary. It would
appear as if the same frequent the Columbia also." — C.*
Dr. Gairdner says of the quinnat:\ " This is the species which ascends the Columbia earliest
in the season, commencing its run in the month of May, in enormous shoals, clearing the greater
Dalles, cascades, and rapids innumerable, and making its way to the sources of the river where,
at the close of the season, it is found dead on the beach in great numbers. The muscular power
of this fish is truly astonishing even in a class of the animal kingdom remarkable for vigorous
movements. ***** Individuals of this species have often been seen with their noses
fairly worn down to the bone, and in the last stages of emaciation, yet still striving, to the last
gasp, to ascend the stream. The selection of particular streams for spawning is a remarkable
feature in the history of this fish. It ascends the Willamette, Snake, and Kootenay rivers, &c.,
and passes by the Kawalitch, Okanagan, Dease's river, and others, seeming to prefer a rapid
stream, uninterrupted by falls, to one of a quieter character, though other circumstances must
regulate its choice, as some of the rivers which it refuses to enter have an extremely rapid current.
* I think it probable that the fish of the Quin-nai-ult river is distinct from the present species. The quinnat is an exceedingly
abundant fish in the Columbia, and is much larger than those mentioned by Dr. Cooper. — S.
f See RICH. F. B. A. Fishes, p. 219.
324 ZOOLOGY.
" It is this salmon which forms the main subsistence of the numerous hordes of Indians who live
upon the banks of the Columbia, and it is known by the name of quinnat for one hundred and
fifty miles from the mouth of the river. It attains a large size, weighing often from thirty to
forty pounds."
Lewis and Clark seem to have confounded the present species and the S. Gairdneri. They say:
"The common salmon are usually the largest, and weigh from five to fifteen pounds. They
extend themselves into all the rivers and little creeks of this side of the continent, and to them
the natives are much indebted for subsistence. They begin to run early in May. They are
never caught with the hook, and we do not know on what they feed." ***** "The
flesh of this fish, when in good order, is of a deep flesh colored red, and every shade from that
to orange yellow; when very meagre it is almost white. The roes are in high estimation among
the natives, who dry them in the sun, and preserve them for a great length of time; they are of
the size of a small pea, nearly transparent, and of a reddish yellow cast. They resemble very
much, at a little distance, our common garden currants, but are more yellow."
The same travellers give an interesting account, in detail, of the manner in which the Indians,
at that time, preserved the salmon for subsequent use, by drying it as in the manner already
prescribed, and then, pounding it fine and packing in baskets, it is covered and "stacked" for
use.*
A fish called by the Nisquallies the "satsup," corresponding in many particulars to the S.
quinnat, ascends the tributary streams of Puget Sound at the same time that the quinnat does
the Columbia. I have obtained no specimens of this. It is said to be a fine red-fleshed fish, of
good flavor, and handsome general appearance.
Another salmon described by the Indians, as different only in size, ascends a few particular
streams, and is very large. One of the localities where this fish is taken abundantly is at the
fishery on Black river, a branch of the Dwamish. The species is called by the Nisquallies To-
o-odlt, or To-ivalt, (Gibbs,) when fresh, and Yo-ke, or Yo-ek, when exhausted. The fresh run
have a similar name applied to them by the Skadgetts, but are called Skole-kum when worn out
and emaciated.
If identical with the spring salmon of the Columbia, I am inclined to think that the kind first
mentioned as running up the affluents of Puget Sound will be found to be the S. Gairdneri,
and that the large " towaW ' will prove to be the S. quinnat. (Regarding the toivalt, see other
remarks under the head of S. conftnentus.}
Two imperfectly preserved skins of the S. quinnat are now contained in the Smithsonian
collection. They were obtained from Mr. James Wayne, of Astoria, Oregon, and were, when
fresh, without doubt, good specimens of the present species. For interesting notes on the
species, see beyond, under the head of General Remarks, the information communicated by
Augus McDonald, esq.f
* An extract from Lewis and Clark's Journal, describing this, is contained in RICH. F. B. A. Fishes, p. 218.
f Skins stuffed in as nearly natural shape as possible, and then varnished, w ould be highly desirable in our national collection*
Labels giving the date of capture, Indian names, and sex, would add greatly to their value. Mr. Wayne's specimens, rough-
dried as they were, have been, nevertheless, of the greatest advantage in studying the collection, as they have enabled us to
decide with accuracy their identity with Richardson's species, and have formed a stand-point for studying the other kinds.
ZOOLOGY.
325
2. SALMO PAUCIDENS, Rich.
Weak-toothed Salmon.
ftalmo paucidens, RICH. F. B. A. Ill, 222. — HERBERT, Sup. to Fish Sf Fishing, &c., 1850, 36.
SP. CH. This species, described by Richardson from the notes of Dr. Gairdner, and from some fragments received, I have
not yet been able to obtain. The specific characters deduced from Richardson's description are as follows : Dorsal outline
nearly straight. Back of head and body bluish gray. Belly white. Tail and fins unspotted. Caudal forked. Teeth sparingly
scattered, and feeble.*
They reach, according to Dr. Gairdner, an average weight of three or four pounds, and
ascend the Columbia in the spring, in company with the S. quinnat and S. Gairdneri. If not the
young of some other species already known, it must certainly be considered as distinct. Sir
John Richardson, in F. B. A., Part III, p. 223, seems to think it the same as the "red-char" of
Lewis & Clark, and supposes that the S. Scouleri may have also been thus named by those
travellers. It is very difficult to determine what species they really alluded to. They say:
"The red-char are rather broader in proportion to their length than the common salmon; the
scales are also imbricated, but rather larger; the rostrum exceeds the under jaw more, and the
teeth are neither so large nor so numerous as those of the salmon. Some of them are almost
entirely red on the belly and sides', others are much more white than the salmon; and none of
them are variegated with the dark spots which mark the body of the other."
As to the red color on the sides and belly, mentioned by those explorers, it is a mark of but
little specific importance, as the females, and occasionally the males of the S. quinnat, S. Scouleri,
S. canis, and probably those of several other species, become red, and sometimes purplish,
after remaining some time in fresh water. Indeed, it is one of the first indications of the
declining powers of the fish; and, instead of being an evidence of high vital action, seems to be
scorbutic in its character, forcibly reminding one of the redness caused in the human subject by
the peculiar cachexia which produces scurvy and purpura haemorrhagica.
It seems, from this, not unlikely that the term "red-char" was applied to several species
when in bad condition.
No Oregon salmon with which I am familiar agrees in the characteristics given of S. paucidens.
There is, however, a kind of salmon which runs up the small rivers below the " Great Falls"
(Dalles) that is said to be very bright and silvery, and called, in consequence, the "whit esalmon"
by the settlers, and a river which they ascend in great numbers by preference is named, from
that circumstance, the White Salmon river. It is possible that this "white salmon" may be the
silvery-white salmon-trout of Lewis and Clark, and perhaps identical with Dr. Gairdner' s weak-
loothed salmon. — (See beyond.) Lewis and Clark say: t " Of the salmon-trout we observe two
species differing only in color. They are seldom more than two feet in length, and much nar
rower in proportion than the salmon or red-char. The jaws are nearly of the same length, and
are furnished with a single series of small subulate straight teeth, not so long nor so large as
those of the salmon. * * * * One of the kinds, of a silvery white color on the belly and
sides, and a bluish light brown on the back and head, is found below the Great Falls, and asso
ciates ivith the red-char in little rivulets and creeks. It is about two feet eight inches long, and
weighs ten pounds." * * * * " The white kind found below the falls is in excellent order
ivhen tJie salmon are out of season and unfit for use"
c The young of most species of salmon have the tails forked. In the present case the small teeth, forked tails, and small
size may indicate the young of a species already known, or of which the adult is yet to be described,
f See quotation in RICH. F. B. A., Part 3, p. 163. — The italics are our own.
326 ZOOLOGY.
Sir John Richardson, in the addenda to the fishes in F. B. A. , acknowledges the receipt of
several specimens of three different kinds of trout from P. W. Dease, esq. , taken in New Cale
donia, (British Columbia.) One named suppai, he says, ' ' resembles the young of an anadromous
salmon. The scales are thin, flexible, and bright; the body is marked chiefly above the lateral
line with scattered cruscial or crescentic Hack spots, and the dorsal and caudal are thickly dotted
with oval blackish marks in rows.* The fins generally, but the under ones especially, are small,
and the latter appear to have been of a pale hue. * * * The characters ascribed by Dr.
Gairdner to the T. tsuppitch of the Columbia agreeing well with this fish, and the names being
so similar, we may conclude that they are the same; and also that they belonged to the species
named silvery-white salmon-trout by Lewis and Clark." If it were not that Gairdner says dis
tinctly that the fins and tail of the T. tsuppitch are destitute of spots, I should think it very likely
that the T. tsuppitch is the same as the suppai, perhaps the same as the silvery -white salmon-
trout of Lewis and Clark, which, it is not unlikely, is that now known to the Oregon settlers as
the "white salmon," although it may be the S. paucidens. There are, however, differences
which cannot readily be explained between Lewis and Clark's statements concerning the size
and period of "season" of their lohite salmon-trout and Dr. Gairdner' s notes concerning the S.
paucidens. Lewis and Clark state that its weight is "ten pounds." Gairdner's S. paucidens
" has an average weight of three or four pounds." Lewis and Clark say that their fish "is in
excellent order when the salmon are out of season." Dr. Gairdner remarks that the S. paucidens
" is taken in company with the S. Gairdneri" and " the quinnat," (the common salmon of Lewis
and Clark.) The white salmon of the settlers runs up the rivers much later in the season than
the spring salmon noted by Dr. Gairdner, and, if my memory serves me, chooses the same
month as the S. Scouleri; in this respect agreeing with the S. tsuppitch, which, according to Dr.
Gairdner, ascends with the "ekewan," (S. Scouleri t)
The salmon described by Girard in the General Report on Fishes, Pacific Railroad Reports,
vol. 10, page 312, as the Fario argyreus, GED., may, perhaps, be the 8. paucidens, RICH. It is
an unspotted fish, vide PLATE LXX, Fig. 1. — (See remarks beyond, under head of Salmo argyreus.}
3. SALMO ARGYREUS, Grd.
PLATE LXX. — Gen. Rep. Fishes.
STN. " Salmo argyreus, GED." (Mss.) Pacific R. R. Rep Gen. Rep. Fishes, 1858, p. 312.
Fario argyreus, GBD. Proc. A. N. Sc. Phil. VIII, 1856, 218.— IB. Pacific R. R. Rep. vol. VI, Part IV, p. 32.
As the description of this species given by Dr. Girard seems based on the characters of two
young, partially grown fish, the specific characters thus deduced are probably much unlike those
of the adult in good condition. For this reason no specific distinctions are given in this place;
but, for the convenience of those interested in the subject, they are inserted in the accompany
ing note.
My own specimen, marked 580, Smithson. Cat. Fishes, was caught at the mouth of Nisqually
river, (emptying into Puget Sound near Steilacoom,) December 1, 1856. In my note book I
find that its belly and sides were bright silvery; back and top of head silvery blue. Lateral
line strongly defined. It was called by the natives satsup.
George Gibbs, esq., in a letter to me, says: " The satsup arrives at the mouth of the Puyallup
about the end of December, and remains until spring. Towards that season, when the streams
emptying into the sound arc raised by the melting of the snow, the fish ascend them. This
° In a foot note Richardson says : "In one specimen the spots on the fins are almost obsolete."
ZOOLOGY. 327
variety is the silver salmon, with forked tail. It is not very abundant, and does not run in
'schools.' Weight, 15 to 18 pounds; average, 13." He also inentiot s a small unspotted salmon,
which the Indians say grows no longer than 18 inches.
The Indians probably confuse several species under the name of satsnp, and perhaps consider
all silvery salmon, with red flesh and forked tails, as one species.
NOTE. — Mr. Girard describes the species as follows. The color being taken from the pre
served species are, of course, unnatural, and should have those given above substituted :
"Sp. CH. — Body very much depressed, rather deep upon its middle region, and quite tapering
posteriorly. Head moderate, constituting the fifth of the entire length. Jaws equal. Maxillary
slightly curved; its free extremity extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit.
Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal
fin. Bluish gray above; silvery along the middle of the flanks; yellowish beneath." — GIRARD.
4. SALMO TSUPPITCH, Rich.
SYN.— Salmo tsuppitch, RICH. F. B A. Fishes, 1836, 224.— DEKAT, N. Y. Fauna, IV, 1842.— STOKER, Synop. 1846, 197.—
HERBERT, Supplem. to Fish and Fishing, 1850, 39. [Non fario tsuppitch, GRD. Pr. A. N. Sc. Phil. VIII, 1856,
218.— IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, P. R. R. Reports, 1858, vol. X, 310.]
? While salmon, SETTLERS ON THE COLUMBIA.
? Silvery-white salmon-trout, LEWIS and CLARK.
FIGURES. — The plate (LXIX, figs. 1 — 4) in this volume represents the Salmo Gibbsii, and not this species. — (See remarks on
S. Gibbsii )
Sp. CH. — Convexity of dorsal profile rising gradually to origin of first dorsal, declining from thence to the tail. Caudal
forked. Head small, exactly conical, terminating in a pointed snout. Commissure of mouth very slightly oblique. Back of body
and head studded with oval and circular spots ; sides and fins, including the caudal, destitute of spots. Teeth minute and sharp ;
a single row on each palate bone, a very few on the anterior end of the vomer, and a double row on the tongue. [The
foregoing description is deduced from Dr. Gairdner's notes in RICH. F. B. A. p. 224.]
The portions italicized in the above summary of specific characters are those differing strongly
from a correct description of the fish taken by Dr. Girard for this species, and described by me
as the S. GiUbsii.
Dr. Gairdner says that this salmon ascends the Columbia with the ekewan, (late in August
and during September.) The formula he gives for the rays is as follows: " Br. 13; P. 13; V.
10; A. 13; D. 12—0."
Sir John Richardson says that "a spine containing sixty-four vertebras, and an under jaw
with ten curved teeth in each limb," were all the bones that he could with any degree of
correctness identify. (This was owing to the damaged condition of the specimens received.)
The dimensions in detail of a specimen twenty-one inches in length are given by Dr. Gairdner.
In this the anterior margin of the dorsal was one inch nearer the end of the tail than to the
tip of the snout. The teeth were "equal in size with those of the S. Gairdneri, or perhaps
rather larger."
I have myself never succeeded in obtaining this salmon, but am strongly inclined to the
opinion that it is identical with the fish now known to the settlers on the Columbia as the
" white salmon" — (See remarks on the S. paucidens.)
SALMO TRUNCATUS, Suckley.
Short-tailed Salmon ; Square-tailed Salmon.
Salmo truncatus, SUCKLEY, Ann. N. Y. Lye. Dec. 1858.
Typical specimen No. 1134, Smithsonian collection.
SP. Cic. — Body fusiform ; dorsal profile moderately arched ; anterior margin of dorsal fin much anterior to a point equi'
distant between the nose and the insertion of the tail ; head small ; jaws fully provided with small teeth ; tail small, its free
328 ZOOLOGY.
margin, when extended, being almost straight, having a very faint tendency to lunation ; scales generally large. Colors of
the fresh runfah: back of head, back, dorsal and caudal fins, bright blue, spotted on the head with roundish, on the fins with
oval spots of black ; the blue of the back is silvery, that of the head and fins darker ; lower parts silvery white, this color
extending about an inch above the lateral line, and merging itself irregularly into the color of the back ; no spots below the
lateral line, which is faint and of a bluish dusky color ; lower fins pale and unspotted, their tips somewhat darkish.
The specimen upon which the description of the present species is based was an adult female,
obtained by the writer in the Straits of Fuca in February, 1857. Its body was fusiform, in its
dorsal profile resembling somewhat the S. quinnat, Rich. It was, however, more slender than
that species, and differed greatly in the form of the head and tail, besides having other marked
characteristic distinctions.
The following brief diagnosis may serve to assist in distinguishing the present species from
its nearest relatives found in the same region: From S. quinnat, Rich., it may be known by the
much smaller head and rounded, not pointed, snout. The smooth triangular projection extend
ing in front of the sympliysis mentis of that species is also wanting. The tail of the adult
S. quinnat is very deeply lunated, almost forked ; that of the present species is so abruptly
terminated that it has suggested the specific name applied, the end being almost as abruptly
truncated as if chopped off with a large knife. In this respect it resembles the adult male of
the Salmo trutta, Lin., as figured in Agassiz's Histoire Naturelle des Poissons d'eau douce,
Planches, Livraison I, Tab. VII.
Another difference is in the greater size and thickness of the 8. quinnat, which not unfre-
quently attains a weight of thirty or forty pounds, whereas the present fish is usually found
not exceeding ten or twelve pounds, and generally much less; and its common length, when
full grown, rarely exceeds thirty-two inches. From the S. Gairdneri, of Richardson, (not of
Girard, see pi. LXXI, Pacific Railroad Reports, which is drawn from the young of some other
species,) it is more difficult to be distinguished, both having many characters in common. It is
possible that hereafter, upon accurate comparison being made with numerous specimens, they
may be found identical. In studying the specimens at present in the Smithsonian collection,
we were obliged to confine ourselves to the examination of two imperfectly dried skins of the
S. Gairdneri and one of the present species, which as yet are the only representatives of those
species contained in the collection. The following differences, however, were found : the
S. truncatus has the head smaller and shorter; tail neither so wide nor so long, and more
spotted; teeth in the lower jaw more numerous, but smaller; muzzle and chin more pointed;
body posterior to anal fin more slender. The lengths of the three skins were much the same,
those of the S. Gairdneri being slightly greater. The teeth of the latter are larger and more
scattered, being in one specimen 9-9 and in the other 10-10 on the arms of the lower jaw.
Those of the S. truncatus have 14-16 on each side, and, although in line, were dispersed in a
pair-like manner — i. e., every other interval being greater. This pair-like disposition of the
teeth is not seen in the S. Gairdneri.
From the S. Gibbsii it may be known by its greater size and much brighter colors, propor
tionally smaller tail and fewer spots. The dental arrangement, however, is much the same,
barring the absence in the S. Gibbsii of the pair-like distribution of the teeth already spoken of.
This peculiar dental arrangement may be accidental in the specimen preserved, and has,
therefore, not been included among the specific characters of the species. For the same reason
the well-marked presence of a double row of teeth on the anterior portion of the vomer was not
ZOOLOGY. 329
included. Indeed, the specimens of the species of Salrnonida3 from the Pacific coast of America,
now in the Smithsonian collection, vary so much in regard to the arrangement of the teeth on
the vomer that I have no hesitation in rejecting, for the present, the genus Fario of Valenciennes.
It is very probable that the arrangement and number of the vomerine teeth depends greatly
on the age of the individual, and may also ordinarily vary much in individuals otherwise alike.
The female obtained by me from the Straits of Fuca had a very short, small head, forming
about one-thirteenth of the total length of the fish. Female salmon usually have smaller heads
than the males, but I do not remember ever seeing those of any species so small, compared to
the total length of the body, as in the present instance. The under jaw was received nicely
and accurately within the upper. The labial, inferior maxillary, and vomerine teeth are very
uniform in size, and quite small, those of the intermaxillary larger, but still small.
The name given to the species by the Klallam Indians is Klutcldn,
While residing at Puget Sound I collected the following information from the Indians
respecting the salmon known to the Nisquallies as the skivowl, which I consider identical with the
Klutcldn of the Clallurns, a specimen of which has served as the typical example of the present
species. This fine salmon is second to none in beauty, size, or excellence. It arrives in the
bays and estuaries of Puget Sound about the middle of autumn, and towards the first of
December commences to run up the larger rivers emptying into the sound. Their ascent of
these streams continue through December and January. This arrival of the species in fresh
water is not as simultaneous, neither do they arrive in such great numbers at any one time or
in "schools," as is the case with the skourtz and several other species, but the "run" being
somewhat more "drawn out" affords a steady moderate supply to the Indians during its con
tinuance. In the fall and winter large number are taken by the Indians from the salt water
by trolling with hook and line in the bays and coves of Puget Sound. The bait used is
generally a small kind of herring, a little larger than the common sardine of commerce. After
entering the rivers it is taken by the Indians in nets, traps, baskets, <fec., and also by spearing.
Its flesh when cooked is of a beautiful salmon red, and, as a table delicacy, when fat, as it
generally is when "fresh run," ranks equally with that of the S. solar, the satsup, or the
quinnat. The Cowlitz river, (a branch of the Columbia,) situated not more than sixty miles
from the head of Puget Sound, has salmon of various species entering it at regular periods
annually. Indians of intelligence have told me that the species under consideration is the only
kind common to both these waters. How far we can place reliance on their statements is
difficult to determine.
The distinguishing characters which strike the eye at a glance are its short and small head,
the small weak teeth in the jaws, and the shape of its tail, which is truncated — not forked.
I obtained a fine specimen of the Klutchin, at New Dungeriess, Straits of Juan de Fuca, during
the last week of January, 1857. The measurements were as follow:
Upper measurement
Inches.
Total length ........................ 29|
Head from tip of snout ................ 3^
Nose to first dorsal fin ................ 12i
m
Nose to adipose dorsal ................ 22
Length along the lateral line from nose to
base of tail • • • » .................... 28
42 Q
Lower measurement.
Nose to tip of tail, total length 30|
Nose to pectoral fin 3^
Nose to abdominal fin 14
Nose to ventral 20|
Nose to base of lowermost caudal rays,
about 27
t
330
ZOOLOGY.
Inches,
Length of caudal fin along its middle 2|
Length along the lateral line from nose
to the end of the middle of the tail • • 29|
Width of base of dorsal fin 3 \
Width of base of adipose fin, nearly • • • • |
Width of base of pectoral, .about 1
.Width of base of abdominal, about »•••'•• f
Width of base of ventral 2|
Width of outstretched tail along its free
margin. (Line of end of tail when thus
stretched almost straight)
Girth just anterior to pectorals
Girth just anterior to abdominals • • •
Girth just anterior to ventrals
11
Inches.
Girth just anterior to caudal G|
Adipose fin thick and fat
Its length posteriorly 1
Dorsal length, superiorly (anteriorly) • • • • 3^
Ventral, length inferiorly (anteriorly) • • - • 3|
Rays — Pectoral 13
Abdominal 11
Ventral 13
Dorsal 12
Caudal 26 *
Branchial 12.12
The caudal rays in the middle divide each
into four fasciculi, which are again subdivided.
Colors. — These were noted six hours after the death of the fish— they were still quite bright
and silvery, and are given under the head of specific characters.
The lower jaw was received nicely and accurately within the upper. Sex not noted.
It is possible that this species may prove identical with the next. The fish resemble each
other closely, and many specimens of both species (or varieties) will be required to determine
the question properly.
George Gibbs, esq., writing from Puget Sound, after alluding to several other species of
salmon, says:
'•'Besides the above, Swan caught, in 1854, two of the square-tailed salmon ; only one Indian
had ever seen them before. The rest said they were strangers (heloima.} The scales came off
very easily on handling."
Again he says : (this time writing from the Columbia river.)
"The square-tailed salmon has the body thicker where the tail joins the body than is the
case in the common salmon (8. quinnat.} Belly silvery white ; back not as blue as in the other
species, (? S. quinnat,) and marked with numerous small roundish spots. Tail cut sharp across
and not forked."
In the following remarks Mr. Gibbs perhaps refers to the present species, or else to one of
the other winter kinds which had not yet finished its sexual duties before the arrival of the
S. quinnat.
"In 1853, at Astoria, I purchased the first salmon March 10. It was brought from Clatsap,
where several had been taken previously. It was not in good order, and weighed but 13 Ibs. ;
a female, with eggs, half grown. Sides somewhat discolored, as is common in the fall. Fish
more slender than that of the usual spring salmon. I was doubtful whether its different
appearance arose from its being a variety, or out of season. Afterwards, April 20, I find
another note that this species was still taken, while the true spring salmon were in season. It
reached 20 Ibs in weight."
At another time Mr. Gibbs writs : "The slcwowl is taken ' fresh' (fresh run?) late in January,
at Port Discovery and Hood's Canal," (Puget Sound.)
ZOOLOGY. 331
SALMO GAIRDNERI, Rich.
Gairdner's Salmon.
SVN. — Salmo gnirdneri, RICH., Fauna B. A ., Fishes, 1836, 221.— DEKAY, N. Y. Fauna, iv, 1542, 243. — STOKER, Synop.
1846, 196.— HERBERT, Suppl. to Fish and Fishing of the United States, 1850, 34. (Now Fario
Gairdneri, GRD. Pr A. N. Sc., Phil, viii, 1856, 219; site IBID, Pacific R. R. Reports, vol. vii ; et
Gen. Rep Fishes; p. 313, PLATE, LXXI, fig. 1—4.*)
IQucachts, CHINOOK.
Sp. CH.— [Based on data given by Richardson, and on the examination of two dried skins in the Smithsonian collection.] —
Profile of dorsal outline nearly straight; tail terminating in a slightly semilunar outline. Ventrals correspond to commencement
of dorsal, and adipose to end of anal. Jaws fully armed with strong hooked teeth, except a small space in centre of upper
jaw. Vomer armed with a double row for two-thirds of its anterior portion. Back of head and body, bluish gray; sides,
ash gray; belly, white; caudal, spotted with oval dark spots; snout, rounded, (much more blunt than in S. fuitUMt.) Head,
short and comparatively broad. Under fins light colored.
This salmon differs from the S. quinnat in the rounded not pointed muzzle, in lacking the
sharp, toothless, triangular prolongation of the lower jaw, anterior to the teeth; in its shorter and
thicker head, in being more slender, and in having the dorsal outline more straight. It also
differs in its slightly lunated tail, in having the rows of teeth on the tongue diverging posteriorly,
and having but 12 or 13 branchial rays. The teeth generally are smaller and of more uniform
size than those of the S. quinnat of equal condition. The lips in the dried specimens do not seem
as thick as in the last mentioned species, the teeth thus appearing nearer the outside margin.
Dr. Gairdner says that the only traces of variegated markings found on this fish are ' ' a few
faint spots at the root of the caudal." In the Smithsonian collection there are, at present, two
dried skins which, upon careful comparison with Sir John Richardson's description of the
present species, agree in so many respects, that we have no doubt of their identity with it.
They were obtained recently from Mr. James Wayne, of Astoria, Oregon, and were caught at
the same season of the year that Dr. Gairdner mentions that it is common in the Columbia.
The only marked discrepancy, which I have found between these specimens and Dr. Gairdner's
description, is in his statement as above, of the absence of markings. In Mr. Wayne's salmon
the tails were profusely spotted with elliptical and roundish spots of a dark color. As before
stated, I do not consider the occasional absence of spots is of specific value, but simply a mark
of variety.
Richardson says: "In this species the gill-cover resembles that of S. solar still more strongly
than that of the quinnat does, the shape of the sub-operculum, in particular, being precisely
the same with that of solar. The teeth stand in bony sockets like those of the quinnat, but
are scarcely so long. Those of the lower jaw and intermaxillaries are a little smaller than the
lingual ones, and somewhat larger than the palatine or labial ones. The tongue contains six
teeth on each side, the rows not parallel as in the quinnat, but diverging a little posteriorly.
The pharyngeals are armed with small sharp teeth; the numbers of the teeth (excluding the
small ones which fall off with the gums) are as follows: Intermax., 4 — 4; labials, 21 — 21; loicer
jaw, 11 — 11; palate bones, 12 — 12; vomer, lost; tongue, 6—6. When the soft parts are
* Plate LXXI seems to be taken from the young of some species either not yet recognized, or hitherto undescribed. It is
possible that the fish may have been a very young S. gairdneri; unless, as has been suggested, the number of rows of vomerino
teeth be either variable, according to age or individual development, a wide difference would seem to exist between Dr. Girard's
specimen, which he includes under the genus Fario (and therefore has but a single ro.v of teeth on the vomer,) and the descrip
tion given by Dr. Gairdner of the dental arrangement of the present species, which has a double row of teeth for two- thirds of
the anterior portion of the vomer.
332 ZOOLOGY.
entirely removed, the projecting under edge of the articular piece of the lower jaw is acutely
serrated, in which respect this species differs from all the others received from Dr. Gairdner.
There are 64 vertebra) in the spine." — (Ricn. in F. B. A., p. 222.)
Dr. Gairdner says that this species ascends the Columbia in June, "in smaller numbers than
the quinnat, in whose company it is taken. Its average weight is between six and seven
pounds." The great difference in size is another strongly marked distinction between this
species and the quinnat. Dr. Gairdner also gives the dimensions of a fish having an extreme
length of 31 inches, in which the length from the snout to the anterior margin of the dorsal
was 12 inches. In his measurements of a S. quinnat of 30 inches extreme length, the distance
between the same points was 13 inches. According to this it seems that the dorsal fin in the
quinnat is placed comparatively a little further behind.
The two dried skins examined by us are so much shrivelled that the relative distances
between the fins cannot be accurately determined.
The /SY. gairdneri differs from the paucidens* in having larger teeth, in attaining a much
larger size, and in not having a forked tail.
In 1856 we noticed a salmon which had been caught at an Indian fishery on Green river near
Puget Sound, which seemed to have been either a variety of the present species or nearly
related to it. It was more slender than the Towatl ( ? quinnat, ) and although it had good
flavor and seemed in excellent condition, its flesh was white. This fish was bright and silvery
externally, and appeared to be fresh run from the sea. It was about 28 inches in length and
quite slender.
The Puget Sound Indians take a salmon in summer which is known to the Skadgetts as the
yoo-mitch, and to the bands speaking the Nisqually dialect as the satsup. This they consider to
be the best of all the kinds of salmon which they catch. It commences to run up the fresh
water streams about June 15, and continues ascending until about the middle or end of August.
As the period of arrival of this is so much like that of the gairdneri on the Columbia, we are
inclined to consider them identical, and regret exceedingly that we preserved no specimens for
study and comparison. The flesh of the kind — whatever it may be — is of a beautiful salmon-
red, and in general estimation for the table, is the favorite of both whites and Indians. When
exhausted and emaciated from spawning, it is called, in common with several other species,
Yoke or YoeJc.
SALMO GIBBSII, Suckle y.
Columbia Salmon Trout ; Gibbs's Salmon.
SYN.— Fario tnippltch, GRD. in Proc. Acad. N. Sc. Phil, viii, 218, 1856.— GRD. Rep. on Fishes, U. S. P. R. R. Surveys,
318, 1858. [Non Salmo tsuppitch, RICHARDSON.]
S. Gibsii, SUCKLET, Annals N. Y. Lyceum, 1858.
Black-spotted Salmon-trout, LEWIS & CLARK.
FIGDREI. — The typical specimen of the present species is figured as F. Isuppltch, in this volume, Fishas, PI. LXIX.
SP. CH. — Body elongated, compressed, fusiform in profile; dorsal profile but slightly arched; snout rounded, the jaws sub-
equal; maxillary gently curved, dilated posteriorly, and extending to a vertical line passing slightly behind the orbit; anterior
margin of dorsal nearer the extremity of the snout than to the insertion of caudal fin; colors of the head and back, in the fresh
specimen, rich dark olive-green, profusely dotted with roundish black spots, the scales in certain lights showing bright
silvery reflections; sides below the lateral line are usually unicolor, of a yellowish white; inferior fins unspotted; tail and
upper fins yellowish olive , profusely spotted with round and oval spots of black, each spot being from one to two lines in
* This is, if we admit the paucidens to be a species, the characters of which are based on the description of an adult.
ZOOLOGY. 333
diameter, and completely isolated from the others, not confluetit, as in some other species ; caudal fin, moderately lunated, not
forked; head, small; teeth, small, and very numerous, especially on the labials; length of the full grown adults rarely
exceed 2 feet.
Hub. — The Columbia rirer and its larger affluents. The species is apparently not anadromous, but seems to remain in the
fresh waters throughout the year.
The typical specimen upon which the foregoing description is based is a single skin contained
in the Smithsonian collection, Catalogue No. 940, that of a female, obtained by the present
describer at Fort Dalles, Oregon, April 5, 1855. The species is known to the Walla- Walla
Indians as the Shoo-sJdncs, and to the Wascos by the name of Ic-kivan-eek.
Mr. Girard, taking the specimen for the S. tsuppitcli of Richardson, figured and described it
as belonging to that species. Upon his attention being called to several marked discrepancies
between the account given by Sir John Richardson of the S. tsuppitcli and certain character
istics of the specimen from Fort Dalles, he at once coincided with me in considering the two
species distinct. According to Richardson the S. tsuppitcli has the dorsal, anal, and caudal
fins destitute of spots, and the tail forked. The present fish, on the contrary, has the tail but
moderately lunated at its extremity ; and the dorsal fins and tail are profusely spotted with black.
These prominent differences, besides many others less striking, have been deemed sufficient to
settle the question of non-identity of the two species ; and as no recorded description seems to
refer to the present salmon, it is now presented as a new species, under the name Salmo Gibbsii,
in honor of my valued friend George Gibbs, esq., geologist to the Northwestern Boundary
Commission, and for many years a resident of Washington Territory. To Mr. Gibbs more than
to any other individual am I indebted for rare specimens in all branches of natural history, and
especially for information, aid, advice, and encouragement while endeavoring to elucidate the
history of the Salmon ida3 of the northwest coast.
This salmon is obtained during the winter and early spring months at Fort Dalles, Oregon.
It is also found during the summer in the Yakima, John Day' s, and other rivers, emptying into
the Columbia. In the fall of 1855 I obtained a fine specimen of a fish resembling this species
from Boise river, one of the tributaries of Lewis's Fork. Its flesh is good for the table, and
the size renders it convenient for culinary purposes, as it rarely exceeds five or six pounds.
Most individuals have a broad reddish band or blueish along the sides, commencing at the
middle of the opercula, and extending to near the base of the tail. This band is apparently
subcutaneous, and may exist only in individuals not in prime condition.
Dr. Cooper says : "This fine fish, known as mountain and salmon trout, is quite plentiful in
the rivers east of the Cascades in autumn, when we saw many of them caught by the Indians.
They did not bite at the hook, though I caught two other species very easily, using grasshoppers
as bait. These were all lost, with other fish obtained there, on account of the want of good
alcohol, as before mentioned. Though some of our hunters said that this fish is confined to the
east side of the mountains, I saw one caught in Puget Sound in March, 1855, which I thought
precisely the same. Its peculiar shape would be hardly mistakeable."
Dr. Cooper's authority for the existence of this salmon at Puget Sound is undoubtedly good ;
yet, nevertheless, I am surprised that, during a much longer residence in that vicinity, I never
noticed this species, although I paid especial attention to the Salmonidce.
ZOOLOGY.
Description of a female salmon caught September 22, 1853, on a branch of the Yakima river,
Washington Territory, ~by George Gibbs, esq.
Inches.
Total length 24
Tip of nose to first dorsal fin 10^
Length of base of dorsal fin 2£
Nose to adipose fin 17|
Length of adipose ^
Nose to root of tail 21^
End of lower jaw to pectoral fin 4|
Base of pectoral fin |
To abdominal fin 12
Inches.
To anal fin 17
Base of anal fin 2
To base of tail 22
Girth before dorsal fin 10 j
Girth before tail 4^
Length of head 4
Circumference of head 9
From eye to eye over back of head .... 2
Length from orbit to nose 1|
Form slender, rounded; back and head dark olive, with black spots; sides silver gray, with
purplish and green lights; belly silver white; iris pale gold; head short, thick; jaws equal
length; spines in dorsal fin 14 inches; a distinct lateral line; eggs nearly matured.
A hunter told Mr. Gibbs that this fish is found altogether above the Cascades of the Columbia,
and that they grow to one-third larger size.
SALMO CONFLUENTUS, Suckley.
Typical specimen in Smithsonian collection, Fishes, No. 1135.
STN. Salmo confluentus, SUCKLEY, Ann. N. Y. Lye. , December, 1858.
t,. SP. CH — Male — Form, stout ; dorsal profile rising to a point just anterior to dorsal fin, then rapidly tapering to tail; dorsal,
adipose, and caudal fins profusely spotted ; caudal broad and moderately lunated ; adipose opposite anal, and much elongated ;
spots along the back and sides, generally linear, or V-shaped ; others irregular, (but few round,) and covering from two to
five scales ; the most common cover three scales, and are about half an inch in length ; fins on under parts unspotted, as also
all p.irts beneath the lateral line.
A triangular bare projection of the chin anterior to the front teeth, as in the S. quinnat ; scales scarcely as large as those of
S truncatus. Teeth of irregular size, and not so closely disposed on the arms of the jaws and labels as in S. gairdneri ; middle
of dorsal fin nearly opposite a point at the middle of the total length.
Differs from S. quinnat in having the tail but moderately lunated at the extremity, that of the latter being so deeply cut out
as to be almost forked.
ILb. — Northwest coast of America, entering the rivers for spawning purposes during the spiing, and continuing throughout
the summer.
The typical specimen, from which the foregoing description was taken, is a dried skin, now
in the Smithsonian collection, procured by the present describer from the Puyallup river, near
Fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory, September 27, 1856, and called by the Indians who
saw it To-oh-odlt. The Indians seem to apply the same name to another species of salmon, as
I have heard of a gigantic kind, only found in certain localities, which is also called To-oh-odlt.
The colors of the specimen procured — an adult male — were evidently much changed by long
residence in fresh water, and the exhaustion consequent upon procreation. This was rendered
evident by the altered appearance of the jaws and teeth, as well as by the lean condition of
the fish. The colors, as they appeared, were as follows: Upper parts, dingy olive-green,
profusely spotted with diagonal and confluent spots of dark brown, or black. Lower parts
dingy yellowish white, unspotted, but tinged with a reddish band along the flanks. Dorsal,
adipose, and caudal fins dark yellowish green, spotted profusely with dark brown or black.
The examination of the dried skin shows branchial rays 13.14, as near as can be counted.
ZOOLOGY. 335
The condition of the specimen is such that no reliable statement can be given of the number of
fin-rays. Length of skin, 29 inches. Insertion of anal fin about 2| inches in length. A single
tooth on the anterior portion of the vomer. Intermaxillary projection strongly decurved in
the dried skin.
George Gibbs, esq., obtained the following information regarding this salmon from Mr. John
Swan, one of the proprietors of the fishery at the mouth of the Puyallup :
" Towatl. — These come every fall, with the Slionquid (S. scouleri.} They are a speckled
salmon, with small black spots, more distinct than those of the Schedad (Satsiip ?) The scales
are of a duller hue. All the others have bright scales when in salt water, but change on
entering the fresh. These last are aliuays dull. They are the largest of the Sound salmon, and
run twenty to twenty-five pounds, averaging fifteen. They differ from any of the rest."
NOTE. — An alcoholic specimen in the Smithsonian collection, marked 1136, is apparently a
female, of some nearly allied species, from the same general region of country. The head and
skin are preserved, the flesh having been removed. In general appearance it much resembles
the present species, but the spots are more numerous, and round, not confluent.
SALMO SCOULERI, Rich.
Hooked-nosed Salmon ; Fall Salmon.
SYN.— Salmo scouleri, RICH. Faun. Bor. Amer. Ill, 1836, 158, and 223; pi. xcvii.— DEKAY, N. Y. Fauna 111,1842.
GIEARD, Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 305 — HERBERT, Fish and Fishing, &c., Suppl. 1850, 37.
Salar scouleri, VALENC. in Cuv. and Vol. Hist. Nat. Poiss. XXI, 1848, 345, 242.— STOBER, Synops. 1846, 194. —
GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 217.
?Salmo lycaodon, PALLAS, Zool. Ros. Asiat.
FIGURE.— RICH. F. B. A. Ill, 1836 ; pi. 93.
SP. CH. — Male. — Profile much arched, the convexity rising from nape to dorsal fin. The hody at that point is thick,
tapering from thence to the caudal. Intermaxillary prolongation strongly decurved, and armed with large hooked teeth.
Under jaw armed with a dilated and slightly incurved knob, similarly provided with strong teeth. The teeth on the sides
of both jaws are strong, and very irregular in size or disposition, and extend almost to the angle of the commissure. Teeth
on the vomer, present or absent, varying in this respect in different specimens. Caudal fin moderately lunated, the degree
varying according to age.
Colors. — In recent specimens fresh from the sea we find a silvery lustre ; not, however, as strongly marked as in the S.
gairdneri, S. quinnat, and other species. The ground color of the back is lead color, and that of the belly white, or yellowish
white. The back and sides are unspotted.
Female. — The f;esh run females differ in having symmetrical jaws, destitute of elongated intermaxillary, or of the incurved
knob on the lower jaw.
Richardson gives the branchial rays as 12-13. Those of the seven specimens in the Smith
sonian collection have from 12 to 14 on either side. Ventral appendages long.
Richardson says: "The palatine and vomerine teeth equal the posterior ones on the lower jaw
in size, and are implanted in double rows; there are none on the anterior knob of the vomer."
Of the seven specimens we have, four have no vomerine teeth, two of the others (females) have a
very minute single tooth about the middle of the bone, and the other has a row of rather strong
teeth upon it. The latter having dried with the mouth closed, it is difficult to ascertain their
exact number or arrangement.
The heads of the males which are contained in the collection have a membrane stretched
across the roof of the mouth in its anterior third; above it there is a cavity opening posteriorly
and terminating anteriorly in the maxillary protuberance, forming a cut de sac.
In speaking of the prolongation and incurvature of the extremities of the upper and lower
JHAVR, Sir John Richardson says that they are "said to be peculiar to the male after spawning."
336 ZOOLOGY.
From my own observation while stationed on the northwest coast, and from information received
from others, I feel justified in pronouncing this an error, as I have seen the adult male while
fresh run and silvery, with these remarkable characteristics strongly developed months — certainly
weeks— before the spawning season. It may be, however, as suggested by Dr. Cooper, that
old males that have in previous seasons entered the rivers for spawning purposes, having
afterwards recuperated in the salt water, do return with this peculiar formation of the jaws and
mouth. This subject has, unfortunately, as yet, been but little examined. I was frequently
told by fishermen, Indians, and others, that the females lack these peculiarities, thus confirming
Dr. Scouler's statement. If such is the case it will account for Dr. Cooper's remark, that "the
amount of hooking of the nose seemed very much independent of size or season." In my field-
notes regarding this species I find the following remarks: "The skowitz of the Nisquallies, or
hooked-nosed salmon of the ivhites, is a very common kind. Adult males of this species have
always, even when in excellent condition and fresh run from the sea, a decurved cartilaginous process
from the symphisis of the upper maxilla, behind which the point of the lower jaw is received.
The females (at least when fresh run) are without this appendage. In the absence of the hooked
snout in the females this species is like the S. hamatus, as described in the annexed quotation.
The strong teeth found on the intermaxillary protuberance of the male will afford a subject of
comparison for the field-observer, when comparing the present species with the worn-out males
of the S. quinnat. ' '
In the Fauna B. Americana, Part III, p. 141, Sir John Richardson makes the following
remarks upon the Lapland Salmo hamatus, which are interesting in the present connexion
because thought by him to come nearest to the S. scouleri, (see foot note to page 1GO of the
same volume,) he says: "As I have not seen an authentic specimen of the Salmo hamatus of the
Regne Animal, I am unable decidedly to controvert M. Agassiz' opinion that it is merely a
nominal species, founded upon a change of form which takes place in the old males of Salmo
salar; but the evidence I have gleaned from authors induces me to follow Cuvier in considering
it to be quite distinct." ***** "The following passage, quoted from the Lachesis
Lapponica, tends to prove not only the northern range of the Salmo hamatus, but also that the
hook of the lower jaw is developed even in young fish; but the old males of the common salmon
that we usually see in the Nith, and some other British rivers, have a comparatively slight hook.
'Here,' in Lulean Lapland, 'the common salmon is found with the under jaw occasionally
hooked. I inquired whether this variety wyas esteemed a distinct species, or whether a difference
arising from age; both of which questions I was answered in the negative. I was shown a fish
of the smallest size, which had in proportion as large a hook to the lower jaw as the largest. I
inquired whether the hooked salmon were furnished with roe or milt. I was answered that they
had always milt. On opening seven of them I found this verified; whereas four salmon which
were not hooked had roes. The hooked or male salmon is so called because the point of its
lower jaw is bent inward and has a taper form, resembling a finger, while, on the contrary, the
upper one is formed with a cavity to receive the point, embracing it like a sheath for about
half its length.'"
When worn out, all specimens have the hooked snout, but in the female I judge that this is
only owing to the absorption of the fatty cushions along the upper jaw, whereas in the male the
original characteristic is exaggerated by emaciation. The skowitz is a very abundant species,
and affords, in fact, the principal salmon harvest to the natives, who dry vast quantities for
winter consumption. This species commences to run up the fresh water streams emptying into
ZOOLOGY. 337
Puget Sound in September, and continues arriving until near Christmas. During the months
of January, February, and March, they are found abundantly in small shallow brooks and
streams tributary to the larger rivers. At this late period they are much emaciated, owing to
their exhaustion from breeding and from months of abstinence, they being said not to eat after
entering fresh water ; and their flesh, when cooked, is rank and ill-flavored. During the month
of April they suddenly disappear, probably returning by the spring floods to salt water, although
the Indians say that but few return to the sea. — (See General Remarks.) The flesh of this fish,
when fresh from salt water, the individual being fat and in good condition, is of a very pale
yellowish "salmon" color. This color soon changes into pinkish yellow, and, when the fish is
worn out, to yellowish white.
Under the head of S. Scouleri Dr. Cooper says :
"I observed, in overhauling several hundreds of these salmon at different times, that they
varied exceedingly in the form of their upper jaw and the size of their teeth, and came to the
conclusion that those commonly distinguished as the 'dogmouth' were only very old specimens
of the same. The amount of hooking of the nose seemed very much independent of size or
season, but was found of every shade and degree in fish caught at the same time.
"None, however, except those apparently full grown, showed it at all, and after attaining a
length of four feet they show no other sign of increased age.
"We found the same varieties in size and in the shape of the nose in salmon caught 350
miles up the Columbia, at the mouth of the ' Pisquouse ' river, though, as before mentioned,
those seen in the Okanagan were all of smaller size."
Mr. George Gibbs, in speaking of the skowitz, ("skowquid,") says:
"This is the salmon that runs in such immense schools in the sound, and is caught and salted
there. The head of this variety is narrower than that of the former, and it is taken in seines.
Messrs. S\van & Riley have taken as many as 3,000 skowquid at one haul. The males have a
somewhat crooked head and large teeth, the females fine wiry teeth. They last until the latter
part of December, and are most numerous in the years when they arrive earliest."
A fish said by the Indians to be much like the skowitz, but fatter and of finer flavor, enters
the sound in company with the latter species, but does not pass up further than Whidby's
island. It is called by the Skadgetts sky or skai.
Some remarks on the economic value of the S. Scouleri, compared with that of other kinds of
western salmon, are included in the General Remarks of the present report.
After carefully reading the notes by Dr. Scouler on the salmon of Observatory inlet,
contained in Richardson's work, I am convinced that the salmon there obtained is identical
with the skowitz found on Puget Sound, and nearly related to, if not identical with, Dr.
Gairdner's "ekeivan." Some differences exist, however, between Dr. Gairdner's statements
regarding the latter fish and the information which I obtained concerning the skowitz. He says
that the ekewan " averages thirty pounds in weight." Mr. Gibbs says " the skowitz averages
six pounds." My own impression is, that the male skowitz will average twelve pounds, and the
ferna'es much less.
The study of this particular species, or perhaps group, of salmon presents many points
requiring further investigation. Although, as Dr. Scouler suggests, the S. Scouleri "comes
nearest the gorbuscha of Kamtschatka," I do not by any means think them identical. If the
gorbuscha is the same as any of our species frequenting the waters of Puget Sound or the
Columbia, I think it will be found identical with the Salmo protcus of Pallas, described in this
43 Q
338 ZOOLOGY.
report, a species known, par excellence, to the inhabitants of the northwest coast as the ' ' hump
backed salmon," which enters the rivers on alternate years. The S. Souleri has a tendency
towards a hump, and might be called the "hump-backed salmon" if we had not a species
having that character so much more exaggerated. Besides differences in this respect, there
are other strong ones in the number and arrangement of the teeth, size of scales, color, total
length of fish, &c.* The gorbuscha, according to Pennant, never exceeds a foot and a half in
length.
Dr. Scouler, in lit. to Sir John Richardson, says of this salmon: "This arm of the sea
(Observatory inlet) was frequented at the time by such myriads of the salmon that a stone
could not have reached the bottom without touching several individuals — their abundance
surpassing the efforts of the imagination to conceive. The little brook that empties itself into
the inlet was swarming with the fish ascending to spawn, and in the course of about two hours
we killed sixty with boarding pikes. The hump before the dorsal fin consists of fat, and
appears to be peculiar to the males, who acquire it after the spawning season, when their
snouts become elongated and arched."
From the wording of the last sentence I am inclined to think that two distinct kinds of salmon
were entering the rivers at flie same time; these being the S. Scouleri, of which he sent a specimen
which was described and figured by Sir John Richardson, (from which description and figure
there is no difficulty in proving its identity with the skowitz of Puget Sound,) and the hump
backed salmon or Imddo. In Puget Sound the two species are found arriving at the same
season and months — the huddo. however, only coming in alternate years. Perhaps Dr. Scouler,
in confounding the two species as one, made notes on both, part of which apply only to the
hump-backed spieces ; and having preserved specimens of the S. Scouleri alone, confusion was
created not only in Sir J. Richardson's pages, but in the minds of others studying the subject.
Confusion, however, in regard to our northwestern salmon is perfectly pardonable, as we
ourselves can testify.
Dr. Scouler again says, [this time probably referring to the true S. Scouleri:'] "According to
the best of my remembrance the color of the belly is white, inclined to yellow, and the back
is of a bluish leaden color. Nothing can be more different than the appearance of the two
sexes during the spawning season. The female is round and beautiful, with the jaivs of equal
length ; while the male is compressed laterally, and has a long, arched snout with powerful teeth."
[The italics are our own.] Dr. Scouler again remarks: "I am unable to say whether any
return to the sea or not ; or whether the large teeth drop, and the incurvated snout returns to
its former dimensions. The females want the large teeth, and so do the males before spawning;
at least I saw none with large teeth in the Columbia in April or May. We left that river in
June, and did not return until September."
The teeth of all salmon apparently grow as the fish becomes emaciated. This is caused much
by the shrinking of the "gums," produced by the absorption of all superfluous fat. The
Doctor evidently again confounds distinct species, mistaking the spring kinds (S. quinnat and
S. Gairdneri) for this species. At the time he was in the Columbia (May and June) there were
no individuals of the present species to be found. September, the month in which he returned,
is the time when the S. Scouleri comes from the sea in vast numbers. The diagnostic marks
between those species are well defined, and cannot be produced by variations in condition.
*The subject of the identity of the gorbuscha and the hump-backed salmon of Puget Sound is spoken of more in detail
under the head of Sal/no jrrotcus.
ZOOLOGY. 339
Of the present species we have identified seven specimens now in the Smithsonian collection.
Several of these are perfect skins, obtained by the writer from Puget Sound; others are simply
the heads of individuals received from different sources. The figure given by Richardson in
the latter part of his work on fishes, in the Fauna Boreali Americana, is an excellent representa
tion of the adult male of this species.
SALMO PROTEUS, Pallas.
Hump-backed Salmon.
Specimen in Smithsonian collection, Fishes, No. 1132.
S?y.—Salmoproteus, PALLAS, Zoog. Eos. Asiat. Ill, 376.— VALENC. in Cuv. Sf Valenc. Hist. Nat. Poissons, XXI, 1848,360.
Salmo gibber, SUCKLET, Ann. N. Y. Lyceum Nat. Hist. Dec. 1858.
Gorbwcha of KAMTSCHATKA ; Ilunnun of the LUMMIES ; Huddoh of the NISQUALLIES.
SP. Cn. — Male: Dorsal profile much more arched than in S. Scouleri, EICH. After entering fresh water, an adipose hump
becomes strikingly apparent, its greatest prominence being nearly opposite a point midway on a line drawn from the eye to
the anterior margin of the base of the dorsal fin ; intermaxillary projection curved strongly downwards, as in S. Scoukri ;
jaws long, as in latter, the lower terminated by a dilated knob, (as in several other species of the genus,) which is armed with
four or five strong, sharp teeth on each side ; labials and limbs of the lower jaw closely set with very fine, sharp teeth,
finer and more numerous than those of the S. Scauleri ; vomerine and palatine teeth much larger than those of the labials ;
those on the vomer disposed in a single row on its anterior portion ; tail rather strongly lunated, and profusely dotted with
elongated oval dark spots ; the other fins usually unspotted, adipose rather elongated ; scales much smaller than those of
the S. Scouleri; those of the back are much smaller than those below the lateral line.
Ilab. — The Northern Pacific coasts of Asiatic Russia and America ; Puget Sound.
The colors of this, like those of other species, vary much after the fish enters fresh water.
Those caught in salt water are more or less silvery. After entering fresh rivers the color of
the upper parts become of a dirty grayish yellow; below white, blotched with yellow. These
colors, however, vary considerably in different individuals.
Dr. Keunerly, who obtained a specimen of the present species at Anaimo, Vancouver's
island, September 22, 1857, remarks in his notes that it was a male, having the " head greenish
yellow, clouded with black; opercula dull pinkish. Upper parts dirty grayish and yellow;
under parts white, blotched with yellow; ventral and pectoral fins grass green; dorsal, ultramarine
blue and green. Tail blotched (spotted?) with black."
The teeth on the limbs of the lower jaw of this specimen extend backwards only half their
length. Tongue apparently destitute of teeth. Branchial rays, 11. 11. Total length, 25^
inches. Length of head, 7 inches. Depth of hump, 7 inches.
The Indians say that this salmon is usually quite fat, and that as food they like it very much.
They state that it enters Puget Sound and the rivers on alternate years, it being very rare for
even a single individual to be caught in the intermediate season. The "run" of the huddoh
in its -regular years is large, coming in vast numbers, comparing favorably, in this respect, with
the satsup, skoivitz, or Tl-hwhai. According to the natives of our coast, the hunch-back never
return to the sea after spawning, but die in fresh water. In this respect they again agree
with the Kamtschatka fish. — (See beyond.)
Mr. George Gibbs says : " Hunnoh come only every second year. The Indians say that when
they do come there are always great abundance of salmon berries arid other berries, and the
summers are very warm. In the summer of 1853, when Captain McClellan's party were in the
Yakima country, berries were very abundant and salmon scarce, while the reverse was the
case in 1854. The hunnoh arrive early in August, and last a month. The female is like the
others. The males have a large hump on the back, and an immense head; flesh of the
males white, females red. Upper jaw shuts over the under. The mules have targe hooked
340 ZOOLOGY.
teeth; color of back greenish, beneath dirty white. This fish is poor eating. There is no
apparent difference between the female of this and the stoaquid. The average weight is only
5 or 6 pounds."
Concerning the Kamtschatka salmon, Sir John Richardson, in a foot note, gives the following
quotation from Pennant's Arct. Zool., Intr., p. cxxv : "The gorbuscha, or hunch-back, ascends
the rivers in July. In form it resembles the grayling; never exceeds a foot and a half in length ;
is of a silvery color and unspotted; the tail forked; the flesh white. After it has been some
time in fresh water it changes its shape (the male especially) in a most surprising manner.
The jaws and teeth grow prodigiously long, especially the upper, which is at first shortest, but
soon shoots beyond the under, and grows crooked downwards; the body becomes emaciated,
and the meat bad; but what is most characteristic, an enormous bunch rises just before the
first dorsal fin, to which it owes its name. Its flesh is bad, so that this fish falls to the share of
the dogs. Rays: D. 14-0; P. 15: V, 11, A, 18."
Pallas, in describing the gorbuscha, (S. proteus,) says that the body is unspotted and silvery;
the "beak" conical; anal fin with 14 rays; caudal forked, spotted. It enters some of the
Kamtschatkan rivers, avoiding others, leaving the sea about the middle of July. It ascends
the rivers in such shoals that when the weather is calm the water is so agitated by the fish as
to appear disturbed by waves, and they can then be readily taken with the hand. Their form
becomes monstrous, the hump appearing, and the jaws become so curved that the mouth,
which had been hitherto symmetrical, cannot be closed or receive food. After the month
of August has been passed in generation, all of these fishes j>en's7i in the rivers and strew the
banks with their dead bodies, none returning alive to the sea. He adds that they appear to
be on the opposite shores of America, quoting Vancouver, who says that he there found
a salmon with a hooked beak in both sexes, and a hump back in the male. He then gives
a description of a particular individual of the species, having a length of 2 feet, and weight
of 4 or 5 pounds. The teeth, which in the sea were soft and rudimentary, grow out, and the
colors change greatly before death, becoming first blue, then livid, afterwards chestnut, and,
from the loss of blood, the sides become stained with various morbid colors, as if it had been
bruised. The fish in the sea is very active, but after entering fresh water becomes lean,
inactive, and unsavory. The females are smaller and not numerous, being, when compared to
the males, as one to twenty. The muzzles of the fresh run males are attenuated in a cylindrical
form; the jaws equal, but finally much hooked. Upper jaws with a somewhat interrupted row
of teeth on each side, of which all the anterior are strong and hooked; those posteriorly on the
narrow maxillary plates awl-shaped, straight, and very small. Teeth on the lower jaw are not
continuous behind the middle of its limbs; they are somewhat unequal, and are smaller than
the teeth of the apex, which are large and hooked. Palate with a roiv of a few teeth along tlie
middle, and another on each side, Br. rays 11 or 12. Body above covered with very small
scales, those below the lateral line being larger. Adipose dorsal fin elongated.
In the foregoing particulars the description applies admirably to the characters possessed by
the two specimens in the Smithsonian collection, sent by Dr. Kennerly. The description of
the jaws and the dental arrangement exactly applies, with the exception that in one of the
Puget Sound specimens the vomerine teeth are wanting.
Pallas adds that the lateral line is very straight, and placed rather near the back. It is
apparently formed by the fusion of small scales; but upon close examination this appearance is
found to result from the presence of hair-like sculpture on the scales. Dorsal fin anterior to
ZOOLOGY. 341
the ventrals; rays 12, the two anterior simple. Adipose nearly opposite to the posterior rays
of the anal. Pectorals with 15 rays; ventrals with 10. Anal stout, with 14 or 15 rays.
Caudal marked Avith dark oval spots, more distinct in the smaller fish.
From the preceding account I have but little doubt that the species found with us is the
same as that of Pallas, and have accordingly adopted his synonym. It is not unlikely that
more of our species may prove identical with those of Kamtschatka. This theory is not
opposed by the physical conformation of the two continents, which, approaching each other
so closely at the north, are also nearly joined at a comparatively southern point by the chain
of islands formerly the Aleutian archipelago.
The present species may be distinguished from the S. Scouleri by its smaller size, the
prominent hump in the males, its smaller scales, and the fine regular teeth along the sides of
the jaws. The teeth of the S. Scouleri are scattered irregularly, and are generally large; but
by no means uniform in size along the sides of the maxillaries. — T.
SALMO CANIS, Suckley.
Dog Salmon ; Spotted Salmon.
STV. — Salmo conis, SUCKLEY, Ann. N. Y. Lye. Dec. 1858. — Lekai, CHINOOK JARGON ; Tlh-whai, NISQUALLIES.
SP. CH. — Male : Gape line of mouth much arched ; intermaxillary protuberance well marked, decurved ; fleshy prolonga
tion beyond chin rather thick ; jaws fully provided with large strong teeth, so large as to give rise to the name of dog salmon ;
dorsal outline moderately arched ; body compressed laterally, but rather deep ; weight of full grown adult rarely exceeds 12
or 14 pounds. Colors, upon first arrival into fresh water, of a dingy greenish olive on the back, fading into brassy yellow on
the sides, and to dingy yellowish white on the belly; sides more or less maculated with large alternate patches of dingy green
and purplish red ; flesh pale, and of inferior quality ; upper fins and tail dark.
Hub. — Northwest coast of America. Enters the streams along Puget Sound in great numbers in autumn.
The s.potted or lekai salmon enters the rivers of Puget Sound in great numbers every
autumn, generally appearing between September 15 and October 10. They come in vast
numbers, and arrive so simultaneously as to seem to be in shoals, though probably that is
occasioned not by a gregarious character, but by the same instinct causing all the individuals
to leave the sea at about the same period for the purpose of procreation.
They are not a finely flavored fish, even when "fresh run," many individuals being at that
time in bad condition — a condition unusual among salmon just quitting salt water. After a
short residence in fresh water all become poor and unsavory, and some even intolerably rank.
Upon first arrival the sickly fish are readily distinguished by the natives by their colors, the
best fish being of a leaden olive or dingy green on the back, and a yellowish white along the
belly; the poor ones are of various shades and tints of dingy green and yellow, more or less
maculated on the sides with purplish and black blotches. They enter, by preference, the
smaller streams.
Owing to the large jaws and long ferocious-looking teeth of the species they have obtained
from the whites the name of dog-salmon. Vast numbers are taken by the Indians with spears,
gaff hooks, weirs, &c., and dried for winter use. Upon their arrival in September and October
their roes are nearly mature.
It is interesting to witness their persevering efforts to run up shallows, and in overcoming
insurmountable obstacles, even running out of water upon the shores, in their blind eagerness to
surmount impossibilities and reach the headwaters of the stream to deposit their spawn. In
endeavoring to ascend high falls, and in passing through rocky, violent passages, their snouts
342 ZOOLOGY.
and bodies become much bruised and injured, giving rise to sores and ulcerations. The fins
become much worn also. The impoverished fish have hooked snouts and pale whitish flesh.
At no time is it seen with the bright salmon-red flesh common to other kinds; but on the first
arrival, when in good order, they are found with flesh which, when cooked, has a pinkish buff
color, and is not, in my estimation, bad.
Like several other species of salmon they are very regular in the periodical arrivals at the
mouths of the rivers. In 1856 they arrived in the vicinity of Fort Steilacoom on the 3d of
October, and by the 7th were in such vast numbers that a small boy, with a pole armed with a
gaff hook, could readily take one or two hundred pounds weight in an hour.
The Nisqually Indians say that these salmon, although entering fresh water later than the
skowitz, (S. Scouleri,} return earlier, their stay being shorter. They state also that the greater
number go back to the sea, after spawning, more than those of any other species of large
salmon; the hunch-back all dying, and but few of the skowitz surviving.
Mr. Gibbs says of this species: "The common dog-salmon is preferred by the Indians for
drying, because there is but little fat upon it. It has a hooked nose, and very large hooked
teeth, both increasing with age. When "fresh-run" the meat of the female is red, but soon
becomes white. The Indians do not dry them until they have been in fresh water some time,
and have lost what little fat they had. They arrive about October 1, and last until late in the
winter. The Indians split them very thin, take out the back bone, and dry all parts."
3. SALMO SPECTABILIS, Grd.
Red-Spotted Salmon Trout.
Sp. CH. — Body sub-fusiform in profile, very much compressed, the head forming about the fourth of the total length. Max
illary bone curved, extending to a vertical line passing somewhat posteriorly to the entire orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin
a lit'le nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal. Brownish gray above ; silvery beneath. Dorsal region
and upper portion of the flanks spread over with light spots ; those on the sides bright red, as in S.fonlinalis.
SYN.— Salmo tpectabills, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc Phila. Vill, 1856, 218.— IBID. Pacific R. R. Reports, Fishes, p. 307.
Red-spotted salmon trout, OREGON SETTLERS; pussutch, NISQUALLY; commahmali , CLALLAM.
Dr. Girard says: "The only specimen which A\7e have before us being in a rather precarious
state of keeping, our description of the species must, of course, remain incomplete. All the
fins being broken off from their very bases, the length and shape of the caudal could not be
ascertained. The abdomen itself is ruptured, and all the viscera are lost."
As Dr. Girard suggests, the colors of this fish were very much altered by the preservative.
The specimen upon which the specific characters of the species were based is, as yet, alone in
the Smithsonian collection. It was obtained by me, in the year 1854, at Fort Dalles, Oregon,
(not from the St. Mary's Mission, as stated in the general report,) where the species is not
uncommon.* It is said by the inhabitants to be more partial to particular streams, and to be
quite plentiful in a small rivulet called Dog river, which, arising on the north side of Mount
Hood, empties into the Columbia about ten miles below Fort Dalles. It comes late in the
summer, and for this reason I suppose it to be anadromous. This is certainly the case if it is
identical with the red-spotted salmon trout so abundant in the bays and rivers of Puget Sound
in autumn, which is known to the Nisqually Indians as the pussutch, and is taken in moderate
numbers throughout the summer, and in immense quantities in autumn. The colors of the
species are, as near as I can remember, as follows: Back and upper parts pale brownish olive;
* Many specimens of the pussutch were obtained by me at Fort Steilacoom , and forwarded to Washingion,but never reached
their destination.
ZOOLOGY. 343
sides more or less silvery; belly white, or yellowish white; back, top of head, and upper fins
spotted with large spots of a cream color. Spots on the sides bright red, as in the S. fontinalis.
As early as the first of June this beautiful fish is found running up the Nisqually, Dwamish,
and other rivers emptying into Puget Sound. They are taken sparingly from those waters
until October, when they enter the mouths of the rivers in vast numbers, and are taken by
hook and line, nets, traps, &c., until near Christmas. The largest individual of this species that
I saw was about two feet in length, and was taken in the Dwamish river, in June, 1856. The
individuals caught late in the autumn average about 14 or 15 inches in length, and seem generally
more slender than the summer fish, although they are in equal flavor and condition for the table.
In my opinion, they exceed both the salmon and brook trout in delicious table qualities, as they
also certainly exceed both in beauty. The flesh, when cooked, is of a delicate salmon hue, that
of the autumn fish being a little paler. They are in general more slender in proportion to their
length than either the true trout or salmon. I obtained a very handsome specimen of the
pussutch, which was caught in Green river, Washington Territory, 35 miles from salt water,
about the middle of June, 1856. Upon it were two rows of rose-colored spots below the lateral
line. They were generally about two and a half lines in diameter. Above the line there were,
to the dorsal median, several nearly parallel rows of the same sized spots of a yellowish white
color. The jaws of this fish were well provided with strong, sharp teeth. The little Indian
boys catch great numbers of this species with hook and line. They use salmon roe principally
for bait. I think that early in the season an artificial fly would answer well, and very much
regret that the hopelessly fractured condition of my only fly-rod prevented my testing the
question. I have heard it said that "salmon trout," answering to the description of this fish,
are found in the waters of California. Upon conversing with Dr. W. 0. Ayres, well known as
an ichthyologist, and for some years a resident of San Francisco, he informed me that he had
not seen the species in that State. Perhaps the fish is only caught in the fresh water streams
some distance from San Francisco; or perhaps the species is really not found in California at all.
The accounts of non-scientific describers are very unreliable; and on the Pacific coast especially
there is great confusion among fishermen as to vulgar synonyms, brook trout, salmon trout, and
salmon, being terms indiscriminately used. Besides these sources of confusion, there are in the
northwest waters, perhaps, two well marked species of red-spotted salmon trout, which are
entirely different from the species under consideration. One of these was observed by Mr.
George Gibbs, esq., (geologist to the western division of the north Pacific railroad survey and
exploration,) in the Yakima valley. It was about two feet in length, and may have been
merely a large individual of the present species.
In Lake Pend d' Oreille, a sheet of water formed in the second chain of the Rocky mountains
by a dilatation of the Clark river, of much the same size, shape, and general character, as
Lake Geneva, in Switzerland, (from the lower end of which the Rhone escapes in a similar
manner.) I have seen a very handsome species of red-spotted lake trout. The spots along the
flanks are of the size of large peas, and are of a beautiful rose color. The length of the adult
fish will average 20 inches. Its form is slender, and the dorsal profile but slightly arched.
SALMO AURORA, Grd.
PLATE LXVIII.
" Sp. CH. — Body fusiform, compressed; head forming the fourth of the total length, caudal fin excluded. Upper jaw
longest. Maxillary gently undulating; its posterior extremity expending to a vertical line passing considerably behind the
344 ZOOLOGY.
entire orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the tip of the snout and the base of the caudal. Ground color
grayish silvery above ; sides and belly yellowish orange ; dorsal fin spotted." — GJRARD.
SYN —Fario aurora, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 218.— IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 1858, 308.
Salmo aurora, GRD. MS.
? ? Red-char, LEWIS &. CLARK.
Two specimens of salmon, upon which Dr. Girard based the description of the present
species, were obtained, in 1854, by Lieutenant Trowbridge, United States army, at Astoria,
near the mouth of the Columbia. From the appearance of these fish I am inclined to the belief
that they are immature, being the young of a species as yet unknown in the adult state. A
full description of the specimens is contained in the general report on the fishes, P. R. R.
Reports, volume X.
Dr. Girard has placed the present species under the genus Fario, (Valenc.,) the characters
of which are appended in a foot-note.*
SALMO CLARKII, Rich.
Clark's Salmon.
Six— Salmo Clarkii, RICH. F. B. A. Ill, 1836, 224.— STORER, Synop. 1846, 197.— HERBERT, Fish and Fishing of the U.
S. Suppl. 1850, 40. (JVbn Salmo Clarkii, GRD.)
SP. CH. — (Drawn from Richardson's description and Dr. Gardner's notes.) Dorsal profile nearly straight. Ventrals
opposite to the middle of first dorsal. Fissure of mouth oblique. Extremity of caudal nearly even . Botli jaws armed with
strong hooked teeth, a single row on each palate bone, and a double row on the anterior half of the vomer and on the
tongue. The teeth are long, slender, and acute. Lingual teeth longest and most curved. An oblong plate on the isthmus
which unites the lower ends of the bronchial arches, rough, with very minute teeth. Sixty-six vertebrae in the spinal
column.
The colors of the species, as given b}7 Dr. Gairdner, are not retained in the foregoing list
of specific characters, as from the marked existence of large red and purplish patches we infer
that the specimens described were not in prime condition. Dr. Gairdner says: "Back generally
brownish purple-red, passing on the sides into ash gray, and into reddish white on the belly.
Large patches of dark purplish red on the back. Dorsal and base of the caudal ash gray; end
of caudal pansy purple. Back, dorsal, and caudal studded with small semi-lunar spots. A large
patch of arterial red on the opercule and margin of the preopercule. Pectorals, ventrals, and
anal grayish white, tinged with rose red." The rays are given in the following formula: "Br.
11; P. 12; V. 8; A. 13; D. 11— 0."
The specimens described by Sir John Richardson were obtained by Dr. Gairdner from the
Katpootl (Cathlapootl) river, a small tributary of the Columbia, emptying into the right side
of the latter a short distance below Fort Vancouver. Richardson named the species in honor
of Captain Clark, the indefatigable explorer, and seems to consider it identical with Captain
Clark's dark variety of salmon trout, (which we think is the same as our S. Gibbsii.) In
color, Richardson says, " this species resembles the mykiss of Kamtschatka, and there is no
very material discrepancy in the number of rays in the fins."
The same writer, in the addenda to the Fishes, page 308, notices some trout received from
* Genus FARIO, Valenc.
" GEN. CHAR. — Possesses all the characters of the salmons, differing from the latter by the presence of only one row of teeth
upon the shaft of the vomer. The rest of the bones forming the upper roof of the mouth being toothless." — GIRAUD.
ZOOLOGY. 345
New Caledonia as follows: "The ultai of the New Caledonia tribes differs from the last* in
the scales being firmer, duller, and rather smaller, and the body more thickly and generally
covered with black spots, which extend ivell doivn the sides. The spots on the dorsal and tail are
also more regular and conspicuous, and the teeth are stronger, especially those on the palate
bones; a flexuose row on the vomer does not extend quite so far back as the palatine teeth.
The ultai is most probably the Salmo darkii, (p. 225,) and also the dark salmon-trout of Lewis
and Clark, noticed in page 163."
The mykiss of Kamtschatka, referred to by Richardson, is the S. purpuratus of Pallas. From
the abundance of red and purplish markings of this fish — marks by no means strongly displayed
by Dr. Girard' s S. darkii, even when that fish is in bad condition — we certainly cannot consider
the latter to be the mykiss, or that the S. darkii of Girard is that of Richardson.
The Salmo darkii of Richardson is probably one of the autumnal species of anadromous
salmon which, not feeding in fresh water, become, when exhausted, marked with patches of
red. No specimens have been obtained in any of the recent collections.
SALMO MASONI, Suckley.
Fario darkii, GRD. pi. LXXI, figs. 5-8, vol. X.
SP. CH. — Body sub-fusiform ; head well developed, forming the fifth of the total length. Maxillary slightly bent, extending
to a vertical line drawn inwardly to the posterior rim of the orbit. Jaws equal. Anterior margin of dorsal fin a little nearer
the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal fin. Back brownish gray; upper surface of head blackish gray; sides
silvery gray ; fins ash gray; dorsal and caudal spotted. Upper regions of head and body studded with irregular black spots or
specks. Tail emarginate.
SYN.— Fario clarkii, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 219.— IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 314. [Non
Salmo clarkii, RICHARDSON.]
I obtained this species at the Cath-la-pootl river, August 2, 1853, and am indebted for it to
the skill of Captain McClellan, as he took it with the artificial fly at a time when they did not
readily bite at any bait. The Indians brought to our camp about the same time what I sup
posed to be the same species, some of them two feet long.
When fresh its colors were as follows: Back, dark olive; sides, silvery, with green and purple
reflections; belly, white; iris, yellow; spots black. — C.
According to Dr. Girard, the arrangement of the rays is as follows: Br. 11; p. 14; Y,?; A, 13;
D, 15. For reasons that seem to me sufficiently good, I have considered this fish distinct from
that described as Salmo darkii by Richardson, and have named it in honor of my good friend
Governor Charles H. Mason, of Washington Territory, who has so frequently aided me in
adding to my collections specimens of great interest and value in various branches of natural
history.
Specimens of this trout were obtained by the writer at Fort Dalles, on the Columbia, from
the same waters as the other brook-trout was taken. It runs up the small streams a little later
than the latter, and is distinguishable at a glance by its smaller and less numerous black spots,
and by wanting the red patches under the jaws, already alluded to. In habits, size, &c., it is
almost precisely similar to the other species, and is taken with the same baits, jumping readily
at the artificial fly, and freely taking meat, grasshoppers, worms, and similar food.
There is a trout very common in the small streams emptying into Puget Sound, near Fort
Steilacoom, during the latter summer months and early autumn, which resembles this species
* Alluding to a fiah known to the tribes of New Caledonia as the " suppai."
44 Q
346 ZOOLOGY.
very closely, and probably is identical with it. They are caught freely with either common
bait, or the "artificial fly," but by preference choose more readily half-dried salmon-roe, which
fishermen, who are not too sportman-like to indulge in such unartistic angling, very frequently
use, preferring the roe in its half-dried, glutinous, sticky condition, because it adheres more
readily to the hook, "With such bait, and with "artificial flies," the writer has taken in a few
hours large ' ' strings' ' of handsome trout, on one occasion catching thirty-four fish, the aggregate
weight of which, when some hours out of the water, amounted to fifteen pounds. A favorite
place for catching these fish is McAllister's creek, a small stream about eight miles from
Olympia, the capital of Washington Territory. The best "spots" for fishing there are below
the "old mill site," at a point where the stream meanders through the Nisqually "tide
prairies," and where the tide ebbs and flows strongly. The best angling is had during the
last of the ebb, and half through the flood, at which time the trout, having retreated to the deep
holes, can be caught very rapidly. At the same place I have caught with a hook and line
several young "silver salmon," such as might be called by the English grilse.
FARIO STELLATUS, Grd.
Oregon Brook-Trout.
PLATE LXIX, FIGS. 5—8.
SP. Cii. — Body elongated and fusiform ; head well developed, contained four times and three-quarters in the total length ;
jaws equal ; maxillary gently curved, reaching a vertical line, drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin
a little nearer to the extremity of the mouth than the insertion of caudal fin. Back light olive; belly light yellowish white.
Head, body, and fins, profusely spotted with black.
STN.— Fario stettaius, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 219.— IBID, Gen. Kep. Fishes, p. 316.
Opkalloo, WASCO INDIANS. — Common trout, vernacular.
This trout is found in all the rivers about Shoalwater bay, and above tide-water take the hook
readily in spring and fall. I consider it entirely a fresh water fish, though called there " salmon
trout." It grows to the length of two feet, and is said sometimes to weigh fifteen pounds. In
color it closely resembles the preceding. — C.
The trout of Oregon and Washington Territories, which replace the Salmofontinalis, or com
mon trout of the middle and Atlantic States, belong to two species, very similar to each other
in their habits, which are also much like those of their Atlantic congener just mentioned. They
belong to the species last described and to the present kind.
The S. stellatus is very abundant in all the brooks and small rivers emptying into the lower
Columbia and Puget Sound. It seems to enter the more rapid streams early in the spring, but
I doubt whether it can be strictly called anadromous, as it is found in sluggish fresh water at all
seasons; and I have caught it frequently from small lakes and brooks having no connexion with
the sea at any season. When living in brooks near the sea they seem to avail themselves,
however, of the invigorating effects of salt water, as I have caught them sparingly in such
situations; but, as already stated, access to the sea seems to be by no means absolutely neces
sary even to health. The spawning season appears to be at its height in mid-winter, and lasts,
occasionally, in certain individuals, as late as the first of March.
While stationed at Fort Steilacoom I frequently amused myself by angling for trout, either
using the "artificial fly" or common bait. Angle-worms being not found, as yet, in that region,
I was obliged to rely upon meat, freslifisli, and salmon-roe, when desirous of using natural bait.
Unlike the S. fontinalis, (the common brook-trout of New York,) this trout does not delight in
ZOOLOGY. 347
the rough, foaming, swift Avaters of rapids and cascades, but seemingly prefer streams having
a gentle current, and is even not averse to the still waters of quiet lagoons, providing that they
be cold, deep, and clear. Like the Atlantic species they are fond, in summer-time, of lying
in shady situations during the heat of the day. They are found in many of the small lakes, on
the Nisqually plains, near Fort Steilacoom, from which they can be taken in great numbers with
the "fly," affording much sport to the scientific angler. The largest caught by me, in that
vicinity, were taken in February from the tidal waters of a small mill-stream. They weighed
a little more than two pounds each, and were the largest of the species that I have ever seen.
I doubt very much whether they are taken over three pounds in weight, from half to three-
quarters of a pound being more common. The fish just mentioned, as taken by me, were
caught -with a large, gaudy, unnatural salmon-fly. In the same stream, but from the brackish
water near its mouth, I caught, in January, 1854, many trout. Some were taken with the
"revolving spoon," and others with the "fly," or with meat. At that season they were
generally soft and "flabby," and seemed to be in an anaemic condition consequent upon
spawning. Other specimens, even at a considerably later period, had not yet spawned, and,
when caught, seemed literally overflowing with milt and mature ova, which were plentifully
discharged on the slightest pressure, or even when jarred while being carried strung, in the
ordinary manner, on a stick. A fish, in bad condition, taken at that time, had the following
colors : Back bright olive ; belly light yellowish white ; numerous black spots on head, sides,
and fins. Patches, under the chin, of very pale yellowish vermilion, not bright red, as in the
same fish when in good order. Other fish taken while in the same condition showed much more
of the unhealthy red blotches, <fcc., so frequently alluded to in this report. In common with
the other trout this is called the kwuss-putl by the Nisquallies. It is a fine active trout, affording
much sport to the angler, and is a hardy fish, capable of adapting itself to very varied circum
stances. For the table its flesh, however, is by no means equal to that of its Atlantic repre
sentative. With the exception of its lacking red spots along the sides it is as handsome as the
latter fish. Like the eastern trout they are capricious in their appetites, and at times will reject
food which on other occasions they seize with avidity. The ova, when mature, are of a pale
yellowish red, and are nearly double the size of those of the brook-trout of the middle States.
The skin of a male fish of this species was preserved by me at Fort Dalles, Oregon. It was
caught on the 18th of April, 1855, and seemed in good condition, although its flesh was quite
pale. The spots on the body were black, each being paler in the centre. They were irregular
and numerous, and were numerous on the upper and caudal fins, head, and opercula. Color of
back bright silvery olive, lighter on the sides, and silvery white on the belly. Pectoral, ventral,
and anal fins reddish orange. The patches of vermilion, on the anterior concealed borders of
the branchia, were bright, and, like those of the trout caught in Clark's Fork, and some of
those found in the affluents of Puget Sound, form a striking mark quickly recognized by the
most superficial observer. The colors, as just given, may be considered as normal to the healthy
adults of moderate size, and would admit of insertion under the head of specific characters.
At Fort Dalles this species is common in all the permanent streams in spring, and is taken
in company with the other species of black-speckled trout during the summer months. The
other kind, S. masoni, has smaller spots, which are more scattered and less numerous ; and, so
far as my observation extends, it lacks the red streaks under the jaw. The two species also
vary in the comparative size of the scales, those of the S. masoni being larger than the present.
348 ZOOLOGY.
SALAR, Valenc.
GKN CH —All the characters of the salmons, but differing from them as well as from tho genus Fario in being provided
with a double row of teeth upon the shaft of the vomer, whilst the front of that bone is smooth and toothless.
SYN.- Salar, VALENC. in Cuv. Sf Vol. Hist. Nat. des Pois. XXI, 1848, 314.— GKD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc., Philad. VIII,
1856, 219.
(SALMO,) SALAR LEWISI, Grd.
Missouri Trout.
PLATE LXXII.
gp< CH. — Body rather thickish upon the middle region ; head moderate, constituting a little less than the fifth of the
total length ; maxillary gently curved ; its posterior extremity reaching a vertical line drawn immediately behind the orbit.
Anterior margin of dorsal fin a little nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal fin. Ground color of the
upper region bluish gray, of the inferior region orange or yellow. The back, perduncle of the tail, dorsal, adipose and
caudal fins are spotted with black. The belly and lower fins are unicolor, a deep orange hue existing along the rays, and
also in the shape of a dot upon the abdominal scales, and which disappear in alcohol.
SYN.— Salar lewisi, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 210.— IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes.
The present species was first noticed by Lewis and Clark, who took them at the falls of the
Missouri river, and expressly noticed the absence of red spots upon them, which are replaced
by black.
I made a journey of thirty miles expressly to obtain specimens of these trout, and succeeded
in taking with the "fly" some half dozen, two of which were preserved, and were the typical
individuals upon which Dr. Girard described the species. They were taken at a point just
below the falls above mentioned, and are doubtless the same as those got by Lewis and Clark.
The individuals procured by me averaged about one pound in weight. Some doubtless attain
a much greater size, perhaps reaching four or five pounds. Many trout were found in the
Rocky mountains, most numerously, however, west of the dividing ridge, in the small tributaries
of Clark's Fork. In general appearance they seemed identical with this species, but no
critical examination was made, the specimens procured having been destroyed in transitu. If
they are found to be identical in species, the S. lewisii will then be included in the fauna of
Washington Territory.
THALEICHTHYS PACIFICUS, Grd.
The I'M I M IMMI.
PLATE LXXV, FIGS. 1-4.
SP. CH. — Head sub-conical and pointed. Mouth large ; posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line
drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Eye rather small. Adipose fin placed opposite the posterior portion of the anal, which is
quite elongated. The insertion of the ventral fins is situated considerably in advance of the anterior margin of the dorsal.
Scales moderate, sub-elliptical. Dorsal region, dark grayish olive ; middle of flank, yellowish orange dotted with black ; belly
yellowish, unicolor ; upper surface and sides of head grayish ; fins, unicolor.
SYN. — Thalelchlkys stevensi, GRD. Gen. Rep. Fishes.
Salmo (mallotus) pacificus, RICH., F. B. A.
To Sir John Richardson's account of the EulacJion but little can be added. They formerly
entered the Columbia river in great numbers, and were equally abundant in Puget Sound. At
present, although sparingly found in the waters named, they cannot be considered as occurring
in large numbers south or cast of the southern end of Vancouver's Island. In the latter
locality they are very abundant in certain seasons, but nearly always a season of abundance is
followed by three or four years of scarcity. Further northward they are constantly abundant.
The Haida, Stickene, and Chumtseyan Indians, living along the coasts of British and Russian
ZQOLOGY. 349
America, bring vast quantities of these fish with them when visiting the white settlements on
Puget Sound. The fish thus brought are for the consumption of the strangers during their
stay, and have been simply dried, without salt, and for convenience in drying or transportation
have been strung on sharp, pliable sticks which are passed through the heads.
In July, 1856, Dr. William Fraser Tolmie, chief factor of the Hon. Hudson Bay Company,
a gentleman well known to naturalists for his interest in science, presented me with a bunch
of dried eulachon, which he had obtained from some of the "Northern'' Indians. Dr. Tolmie
also gave me the following memoranda: "These fish were caught at the mouth of Nass river,
which empties into salt water near latitude 54° 40' north. The Indian name of the species is
almost unspellable. Formerly they were quite abundant between the 46th and 49th parallels
of north latitude. They are now but seldom caught south of latitude 50° north in any great
number. North of that point they are still taken by the savages in vast quantities, and are
smoked and dried for trade and home consumption. When eaten after being thus prepared
they should be either steamed or broiled." When thus cooked they are very palatable, and
some that I have eaten, which had been salted like " Dutch herring" or "Yarmouth bloaters,"
as food are equal to any salt fish that exists. These fish are so fat that when dried the Indians
frequently use them as substitutes for candles, as they burn when set on end with a clear,
brilliant flame.
Several eulachon in the recent state were obtained by me from different portions of the lower
end of Puget Sound and the straits. I am particularly indebted to Lieutenant Murden, of the
United States revenue service, for a pair of excellent specimens of these, as well as for many
other objects of natural history which he was often kind enough to collect for me.
Eulachon, like trout and salmon, are frequently so fat that strong alcohol destroys them. Any
person who will discover a preservative fluid which will keep fish of this family in good
anatomical condition, and to a certain extent (for that is all we can hope for) without effacing
the natural colors of the fish, will confer a great favor to ichthyologists. I have tried various
solutions but think my experience is in favor of strong alcohol diluted with one-third its bulk
of fresh water, with a little common powdered alum added. The alum is thrown in for the
same purpose that housewives frequently put it in their pickle jars, for the sake of what they
call "fastening the colors" of the articles to be preserved.* Using a solution as above upon a
handsome salmon trout, I had the opportunity of examining the fish one month afterwards
when it was in a very good state of preservation, the red spots being almost of natural hue.
I then sent the fish on its perilous voyage to Washington city. This voyage, which has so
frequently blasted my endeavors ichthyological, was, as usual, disastrous, the specimen, with
many others, never having been heard from.
» Care should be taken that too much alum is not added, as it is apt to attack the bones.
CHAPTER II,
REPORT UPON THE FISHES EXCLUSIVE OF THE SALMONIDAE.
AMBLOPLITES ^BNEUS, Agass.
Black Bass, &c.
PLATE I.
SP. Cn. — Posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting the pupil. Insertion of ventrals
opposite the base of the pectorals. Anterior spiny ray of anal fin under the ninth dorsal one. Posterior margin of caudal
fin slightly emarginated. Upper regions of head and body of a coppery brown ; inferior regions, yellowish brown.
SYN.— Cichla cmea, LESU. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. II, 1822, 214, fig.— KIRTL. Rep. Zool. Ohio, 18, 1G8, 191.
Centrarchus aetieus, Cuv. & VAL. Hist. Nat Poiss. Ill, 1829, 84.— EICH. Faun. Bor. Amer. Ill, 1836, 18. H. Ixxv.—
DEKAY, New Y. Fauna, 1842, 27, PI. ii, fig. 4.— KIRTL. Bost. Jour. Nat. Hist. IV. 1842, 229. PI. xi, fig. 1. —
STORER, Synops. 1846, 37.
" AmUoplites aeneus, AGA.SS." GIRARD, Gen. Rep. Fishes, P. R. R. Reports, X, 1858, 8.
Black Bass; Black Sunfish, &c. VERNACULAR.
The black bass is quite abundant in the lakes of western Minnesota. I have obtained them
from the small lakes near Fort Snelling and also from Lightning lake, where they are very
common, and attain a comparatively large size; the adults averaging more than a foot in
length.
They take bait greedily, and I have caught many with the "revolving spoon." The flesh
of the fish is excellent when cooked, comparing favorably Avith that of the pickerel or the pike-
perch, in whose company it is often found. The best period in the day to fish for the species
are, as with many others, the hours of early morning, or a brief period before sunset. Our
command found the addition of such fine fish to their fare very acceptable, especially as the
region where they were found in greatest abundance was almost entirely destitute of game,
the buffalo region had not yet been reached, and confinement to bacon and flour had already
become a hardship.
POMOTIS LUNA, Grd.
Northern Suiiiisli, or Moon Suiifish.
SP. CH. — Body sub-orbicular in profile. Head moderate; snout sub-conical. Mouth email; posterior extremity of
maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn in advance of the anterior rirn of the orbit. Eye moderate. Sub-orbital and
supra-scapular bones not crenated. Edge of preopercle very slightly crenated. Opcrcular flap small. Spinous portion of
dorsal fin of moderate height, and lower than the soft; its origin being situated opposite the base of the pectorals, and con
sequently in advance of the origin of the ventrals. Caudal fin posteriorly emarginate. Tips of ventrals overlapping the
vent but do not reach the anterior margin of the anal. Extremities of pectorals nearly even with the tips of ventrals.
Greenish brown above, yellowish beneath; sides of head with blue and yellow lines. Fins unicolor, either yellowish or
greenish olive. (Colors described from alcoholic specimens.)
SYN. — Pomotis vulgaris, RICHARDS., Faun. Bor. Amer. Ill, 1836, 24; pi. Ixxvi. — AGASS. Lake Super. 1850, 293.
Pomotisluna, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November, 1857. — IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 22.
Northern Sunftsh. VERNACULAR.
ZOOLOGY. 351
Sunfish, "pumpkin seeds," or roach, as they are called in Connecticut, are abundant in the
same situations as the last mentioned fish. They are a little larger than the average of the
individuals found in New York State, but in other respects seem very similar. They are taken
with the same bait, and seem to be identical in habits with their more eastern relatives. I
observed, in some of the lakes of western Minnesota, vast numbers of their spawning beds or
nests. These were usually of two or three feet in diameter, and depressed in the middle.
STLZOSTEDION BOREUS, Grd.
Okow, or Horn Fish; Pike-perch; Wall-eyed Pike.
PLATE XI, FIGS. 5—8.
SP. Cu.— Body slender, elongated, and sub-fusiform. Snout conical ; mouth deeply cleft ; posterior extremity of maxillary
bone extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Scales on cheek and opercle not deciduous, larger upon the
opercle than upon the cheek. Insertion of ventral fins situated posteriorly to the base of pectorals, and somewhat anteriorly to
the origin of first dorsal. Posterior margin of caudal crescent shaped. Anus situated opposite the origin of the second dorsal
fin. Yellowish or olivaceous, spotted with black.
SYN.— Lucioperca borea, GRD. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. November, 1857.
Okow, CREES, j RICHARDS, Faun. Bor. Amer. Ill, 1836, 14.
Horn Fish, FUR TRADERS, )
The pike-perch is extremely abundant in some of the lakes near Sauk river, Minnesota, and
I found them quite common in the pond holes and lagoons of Milk river, a tributary of the
Upper Missouri.
It is caught readily with the "revolving spoon" and with common bait, and when hooked is
an active game-like fish, affording much sport to the angler. For the table its flesh is very
good, resembling somewhat that of the yellow perch, or as if intermediate between that and
that of the pickerel — hence its vulgar name.
CHIROPSIS NEBULOSUS, Grd.
SP. CH. — Dorsal fins contiguous. Caudal posteriorly sub-concave. Lower portion of cheeks and opercular apparatus
scaleless. Base of anal longer than soft dorsal. Upper region black; inferior region olivaceous.
SYN. — Chiropsls nebulosus, GRD. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 1858, 45.
The colors above given are from an alcoholic specimen .
This fish was obtained by me from the brackish waters just inside of the mouth of Steilacoom
creek, and was caught with the "revolving spoon." It is probable that it, like many of the
sculpins there caught, merely enter the river at high tide, retreating to the salt waters of the
sound at the ebb. The extremities of the fin rays are free, giving the fins a fimbricated
appearance. These rays were of a dingy yellow color; sides mottled with dusky brown and
dirty yellow; ventral fins yellowish.
COTTOPSIS ASPER, Grd.
Prickly-skinned Scnlpin.
SP. CH. — Origin of first dorsal opposite the insertion of the upper ray of pectorals. First ray of anal under the fourth
of second dorsal. Tip of pectorals extending to a vertical line passing posterior to the vent. Skin generally prickly ; lateral
line slightly deflected upon the peduncle of the tail. Grayish white, studded with clove-brown spots ; beneath speckled.
SYN. — Cotlus asper — RICH. Faun. Bor. Amer. Ill, 1836, 295 and 313, pi. xcv, fig. 1.
Trachidermis richardsoni, HECK. Ann. Wien Vus. II, 1837, 162.
Centridermichthys asper, RICH. Voy. of Sulph. Ichthyol. 1844, 74 ; and, Rep. Ichthyol. China and Japan, (Rep. Brit.
Assoc.)
Cottopsis asper, GRD. Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. Ill, 1850, 303.— Nouv. Mem. Soc. Helv. Sc. Nat. XII, 1851,
185 ; and, Smith . Contrib . to Knowled. Ill, 18 !>2, 62.— GIRARD, Gen. Rep. Fishes, 51.
352 ZOOLOGY.
These small sculpins are very abundant in the small fresh water streams emptying into
Puget Sound. I have caught them from streams communicating with the sea, but still securely
interrupted by high mill-dams. The average size of the species, as found near Fort Steila-
coom, is about three inches in length, having colors quite dark. Those caught on the
Columbia, 200 miles above its mouth, are nearly twice as large and show much yellow in their
coloration. They are readily taken by hook and line, and are easily recognized by their rough
prickly skins. I have not heard of their being eaten, but doubt not that, were they larger,
they might be found equal in nutritious qualities to the sculpins of salt water.
OLIGOCOTTUS MACULOSUS, Grd.
Sp. CH. — Head sub-conical. Mouth moderately cleft; posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line
intersecting the pupil. A stoutish bicuspid process on the convexity of the preopercle. Two acute nasal spines. Dorsal fins
contiguous. Origin of anal in advance of the anterior margin of second dorsal. Yellowish brown above, mottled or variegated
with blackish ; along the dorsal region a series of blotches of a deeper hue ; lower half of sides vermiculated. Abdomen of a
bright saffron hue in the male . Inferior surface of head with traces of black markings ; throat and abdomen unicolor, as also
the ventrals and anal. Dorsals, caudals, and pectorals transversely barred.
SIN.— Oligocottus maculosus, GRD.Proc. Acad.Nat. Sc. Philad.VIII, 1856, 133; and, Journ. Bost.Soc. Nat. Hist. VI, 1857,
Plate xxiv, fig. 7. — IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 1858, 56.
Specimens of this fish were obtained at Puget Sound. No notes were made of its habits,
which are probably much like those of the other sculpins.
LEPTOCOTTUS ARMATUS, Grd.
Slender Scnlpin.
PLATE XY, FIG. 2.
Leplocottus armatus, GRD. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 131, 145; VIII, 1856, 133.— IBID. Gen. Rep.
Fishes, p. 60.
Jlcanlhocoltus inermis, ATRES, MS.
SP. CH. — Head much depressed; upper jaw longer than the lower; posterior extremity of maxillary extending some
what beyond the vertical of the posterior rim of the orbit. A preopercular process provided with three spines directed
upwards. Blackish brown above ; whitish beneath ; dorsals, caudal, and pectorals yellowish, barred with black ; anterior
dorsal with a black spot posteriorly. Ventrals and anal whitish. — (The colors given are those of fish altered by alcohol.
See below.)
The colors of this species are much changed by alcohol. When fresh they are as follows:
Back olive, (nearly black in dark rivers,) or nearly yellow, sometimes, when pale, mottled with
grayish and black, with three darker bars across body. Sides silvery, with purplish and rosy
tints; belly dull white; pectoral fins white at base, becoming yellow towards the tip and barred
with black; tail pale grayish, with olive bars; iris bright bronze gold color. The largest
specimens are commonly the palest.
This fish inhabits Shoalwater bay and its rivers in abundance, and bites readily at the hook
with almost any bait and at all seasons, but is rarely taken for food where much better fish are
so abundant.
The young fish, from two to four inches long, run in shoals over the mud flats at the edge
of the advancing tide, supplying food for the large flocks of gulls, &c., which are to be seen
on the shore. These little ones are so much darker in color as to seem at first distinct
species. — C.
Quite abundant at Puget Sound, where they are not unfrequently eaten by the Indians.
The heads are cut off and thrown away and the rest of the body generally roasted. The flesh
ZOOLOGY. 353
is white and firm when cooked, and of delicate flavor, although somewhat dry. They enter the
mouths of small creeks at high water, retreating with the tide. As elsewhere, they are bold,
greedy feeders, and give the angler much annoyance when fishing for other and better fish by
constantly nibbling off his bait and frequently insisting upon being hooked. I have taken them
with ordinary clam bait, and also with the revolving spoon. The Indians generally procure
them by spearing. A fish of this species, obtained by me at Fort Steilacoom in January, 1854,
presented the following appearance: Upper parts of head and back yellowish brown, tinged
with green; belly and lower parts white; lateral line yellowish white; pectoral fins brownish
olive, tipped with very pale yellow, and crossed with four bars of bright yellow; ventral and
anal fins yellowish white; caudal olive, crossed with three partial yellowish bands. The colors
of this individual are a fair sample of those generally found in the species.
ASPICOTTUS BISON, Grd.
Buffalo Sculpin.
PLATE XV, FIG. 1.
Sp. CH. — The posterior extremity of the maxillary extends to a vertical line drawn midway between the posterior edge of
the pupil and the posterior rim of the orbit. The scutellae constituting the lateral line are crowded, vertically elongated.
Upper regions dark greenish brown, mottled or blotched with black. Beneath dull yellowish, with meandric dark lines under
the head and throat. Ventrals uniform yellowish wjiite; other fins mottled yellow and black.
SYN.— dspicottus bison, GRD. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 130; &, VIII, 1856, 133.— IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 66.
Clypeocottus rcbustus, AYRES, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1854, 11.
This toad-fish or sculpin is not uncommon in the waters of Puget Sound. In habits it
resembles the preceding species, but seems to confine itself more to deep water. A specimen,
caught in January, 1854, had twelve ovoid brownish lilac spots on the iris, which was itself
dingy white.
ARTEDIUS NOTOSPILOTUS, Grd.
Ayres' Sculpin.
PLATE XXII b, FIGS. 5 & 6.
SP. CH. — Surface of head sub-tuberculous and scaly. Preopercle armed with a flat tricuspid spine. Anterior margin of first
dorsal situated in advance of the beginning of the dorsal band of scales, which is broad, and extends from the thoracic arch to
near the terminus of the base of the second dorsal. Olivaceous, with a series of saddle-like black patches. Abdomen dull yellow
or white.
SYN.— drtedius notospilotus, GRD. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 134; &, in Bost. Jour. Nat. Hist. VI, 1857; PL
xxiv, figs. 5 and 6. — IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 71.
Calycilepidotus lateralis, AYRES, Proc. Cal, A'cad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 77
But a single specimen of this fish was obtained by me. It was taken by Lieutenant Murden,
of the United States revenue service, from Puget Sound, near Port Townsend. No notes were
made of its habits.
ZANIOLEPIS LATIPINNIS, Grd.
Rough Sculpin.
PLATE XVII, FIGS. 5 & 6.
Sp. CH. — Three small spines upon the convexity of the preopercle. First dorsal much longer than the second, with its two
anterior rays protracted beyond the others. Anal fin longer than the soft dorsal, and provided with three spinous rays. Upper
45 Q
354 ZOOLOGY.
surface and sides of head prickly and rough like the surface of the body. Color, yellowish brown; fins spotted or barred with
black.
SYN. — Zaniolepis latipinnis, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November, 1837, 202. — IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 73.
No notes were made on this species. A single specimen was obtained at Puget Sound.
NAUTICHTHYS OCULO-FASCIATUS, Grd.
Bar-eyed Sculpin.
Sp. CH. — Posterior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn across the anterior rim of the pupil. First
dorsal anteriorly filiform. Extremities of posterior rays of both the dorsal and anal projecting beyond the insertion of the
caudal. Anal fin shorter than the second dorsal, and not as deep as the latter is high. Ground color of a uniform rusty red.
A black band crosses the eye, through the pupil, and extends across the cheeks.
SYN. — Blepsias oculo-fasciatus, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. November, 1857, 202.
Nautichthys oculo-fasciatus, GRD. Gon. Rep. Fishes, p. 75.
This small sculpin seems to have generally the same habits as the other cottoids. A single
specimen was procured near Fort Steilacoom.
SEBASTES MELANOPS, Grd.
Rock " Cod."
SP. CH. — Upper surface of head generally spineless. Posterior extremity of maxillary reaching a vertical line drawn ante
riorly to the posterior rim of the orbit. Origin of dorsal fin opposite to or slightly in advance of the base of pectorals. Upper
regions of a claret brown, the sides of the same mottled with darker.
SYN —Sebastes mdanops, GRD. Proc. A. N. Sc. Phil. VIII, 1856, 135.— IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, X, 1858, 81.
Sebastcs variabilis, AYRES, (non CUVIER,) Proc. Ca.. Acad. Nat. Sc. 1854, 7; &, Proc. Bost. Soc. N. Hist. V, 1855, 9.
Taht-leh-de-gwrest of the Nisquallies, (GIBBS' MS3.)
This fish, improperly called rock cod by the settlers at Puget Sound, is one of the best table
fishes there found. It attains a size of about 20 inches, and is said to vary much in color. It
is frequently caught with the hook, biting freely at any ordinary bait.
GASTEROSTEUS SERRATUS, Ay res.
Caster osteus serratus, AYRES, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855, 47. — IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 88.
SP. CH. — Body entirely plated; peduncle of tail keeled. Dorsal spines three; high and slender, conspicuously serrated upon
their edges; anterior one inserted a little in advance of the base of the pectorals. Insertion of ventrals situated somewhat in
advance of the second dorsal spine, their own spines being serrated upon both edges, more conspicuously above than below, and
extending beyond the tips of the ossa innominata. Posterior margin of caudal fin concave. — Gen.. Rep. Fiskes, p. 88.
Above, dark grayish olive; below, white, sometimes purplish.
I caught these little fish in a fresh water pond close to the bay, and suppose that they had
merely entered to spawn, having observed the same species in salt water. This was in July
and August, and I did not see anything of them in fresh water at other seasons. Their habits
of building a little nest of grass, roots, &c., like a bird, in which the spawn is deposited and
carefully watched, make these fish interesting subjects of observation. — C.
GASTEROSTEUS PUGETTI, Grd.
Puget Sound Stickleback.
SP. CH. — Body partly plated; peduncle of tail not keeled. Dorsal spines three, slender, not serrated upon their edges
anterior inserted immediately behind the base of pectorals. Insertion of ventrals in advance of the second dorsal spine, their
ZOOLOGY. 355
own spine being slender, serrated upon its edges, and extending beyond the tips of the ossa innominala. Posterior margin of
caudal slightly emarginatei.
STN. — Gasteronteus pugettii, GRD Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 135. — IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 92.
Vast numbers of sticklebacks are found in the shallow fresh-water streams near Fort Sf eilacoom.
During severe droughts, some of the small brooks in that vicinity becoming dried up, multitudes
of these little fish are found dead on the surface of the mud so recently submerged. Individuals
of the species rarely exceed an inch and a quarter in length.
AMBLODON GRUNNIENS, Rafin.
Buffalo Perch; Grunting Perch, «fcc.
PLATE XXIII.
SP. CH. — Profile of the head depressed on the nape. Snout thick, blunt, and short. Posterior extremity of maxillary
extending to a vertical line intersecting the anterior rim of the pupil. Extremities of pectorals almost even with the tips of
ventrals, or else projecting slightly beyond them. First anal spine diminutive; second one stout and well developed. Caudal
fin posteriorly convex. Color bluish-gray, lighter beneath than above. Fins grayish-olive, and maculated.
STN. — Amblodon grunniens, RAFIN. Ichthyol. Ohiens, 1820, 24. — GIRARD, Gen. Rep. Fishes, 96.
Sciaena oscula, LESU. in Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. II. 1822, 252 ; plate xiii. — KIRTL. Rep. Zool. Ohio,
168, 192.
Scintna grisea, LESU. in Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. II, 1822, 254.
Corvina oscula, Ccv. & VAL. Hist. Nat. des Poiss, V, 1S30, 98.— RICHARDS. Faun. Bor. .Amer. Ill, 183G, 68. —
DEKAY, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 73 ; plata xxi, fig. 63.— STOKER, Synops. 1846, 67.
Corvina grisea, DE!YAT, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 76.
White perch of the Ohio, lake sheepshead, buffalo perch, grunting perch, Sfc., VERNACULAR.
A single individual was obtained from Milk river, Nebraska. No notes were made of its
habits.
GUNNELLUS ORNATUS, Grd.
Banded Mud-fish.
PLATE XXY 6, FIGS. 6 and 7.
Gunnellus ornatus, GRD. in Proo. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 149. — IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 116.
SP CH. — Dorsal and anal fins contiguous to the caudal. Anal spines, two. Ventrals reduced to two exceedingly small
spines. Head quite small. An occipi to-ocular dark vitta continued vertically beneath the orbit to the hyoid apparatus.
Ground color yellowish; about thirteen dorsal roundish spots of blackish brown, and about eighteen lateral subquadrate ones
of light brown.
This little fish may be generally found at low tide on oyster-beds and shoals, and seem to be
almost amphibious. When alive they are of a dark grayish color, with transverse bars and
mottlings of a dark olive. They are resident in the bays at all seasons, and those collected are
among the largest I have seen, their length not exceeding three, inches. — C.
Several were obtained from the bays of Puget Sound, near Fort Steilacoom.
CEBIDICHTHYS VIOLACEUS, Grd.
Violet Monkey-fish.
PLATE XXV 6, FIGS. 4 and 5.
SP. CH. — Upper surface of head narrow, declivous laterally. A fleshy crest along the cranial ridge. Mouth large; postcrio.
extremity of maxillaries extending to a line drawn across the posterior rim of the orbit. Origin of anal fin situated opposite
356 ZOOLOGY.
the anterior margin of the soft dorsal. Ground color uniform brownish violet. An occipito-ocular vitta of deep purplish
violet. Two other vitas of the same hue extend, one from the postero-inferior rim of the orbit, the other from the anterior
rim, obliquely backwards across the cheeks and opercular apparatus.
STN. — Apodichlhys violaceus, GED. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 150.
Ctbidichthys cristagalli, AYKES, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I. 1855,58; pi. I, figs. 1-3.
Cebidichthys violaceous, GRD. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 121.
Two immature individuals were obtained at Steilacoom, Puget Sound.
LUMPENUS ANGUILLARIS, Grd.
Eel-shaped Lumpenus.
PLATE XXV 6, FIGS. 1-3.
SP. CH. — Head slender, continuous with the outline of the body. Gape of mouth slightly oblique. Posterior extremity
of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn midway between the anterior rim of the orbit and the pupil. Origin of
dorsal fin situated opposite the base of the pectorals. Pectorals and caudal spear-shaped ; greenish olive, upper regions
maculated. Caudal fin transversely barred.
STN. — Blennius anguillaris , PALL. Zoogr. Ross. Asiat. Ill, 1831, 176.
Gunndlus anguillaris, Cuv. & VAL. His. Nat. Poiss. XI, 1836,437. — STOKER, Synops. 1846, 121.
Leplogunnellus gratilis, ATRES, in Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1855.26.
Lumpenus anguillaris, GRD. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 123.
A single specimen was obtained from Bellingham bay. No notes were made concerning it.
PORICHTHYS NOTATUS, Grd.
Porous Catfish.
PLATE XXV.
SP. CH. — Upper surface of head quite flat. An acute preopercular spine stretching across the opercle. Posterior extremity
of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the orbit. Four series of pores on either side of the body.
A subgular and an abdominal series, as also several of these on the sides of the head. Upper regions dark bluish violet ;
sides and belly silvery gray. A sub-crescentic streak beneath the eye.
STN.— PorkUhys noiaius, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 141 and 151.— IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 134.
An individual of this species is found in our collection made at Fort Steilacoom, Puget
Sound. No notes, however, were made concerning it. Frequently isolated specimens already
dead were sent to us by friends at a distance, so that the study of their habits during life was
impossible.
P u get Sound Cod.
The Ko-pd-la of the NISQUALLIES, (Ginus )
A small codfish is quite common in Puget Sound. Near Fort Steilacoom they are taken rather
abundantly between May and mid-summer, at which season they repair to the more shallow
water, and are easily speared by the natives. Although scarcely exceeding four or five pounds
in average weight, they are, for the table, equal to those taken on the Atlantic coast. Some
which we salted and dried in the ordinary manner were excellent, and when cooked were
preferred to the salt cod purchased in the shops. Mr. Gibbs informs me that cod are taken at
Port Townsend as early as the middle of March.
ZOOLOGY. 357
The small codfish described by Dr. Girard as Morrhua proximo, is probably also found in
Puget Sound. It is, generally, not over five or six inches in length.
PLATICHTHYS EUGOSUS, Grd.
The Rough Flatfish.
Platichthys rugosus, GRD. Proc. Acad. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, pp. 139 and 155. — IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 148.
SP. CH. — Eyes moderate, situated on the left side. Interocular space moderate. Peduncle of tail long ; origin of dorsal fin
corresponding to a vertical line intersecting the middle of the pupil. Scales very rugose and plate like ; lateral'line slightly
arched above the pectoral fins. Left side, reddish or olive brown ; fins, olivaceous, dorsal and anal, with alternate vertical bands
of black, longitudinal on tail. Ventrals and pectorals, unicolor. Right tide, dull yellow, (white when fresh.)
This fish is abundant at Shoalwater bay during the warmer months; frequenting the flats and
small channels among shoals. I never succeeded in catching it with a hook, nor have I heard
of its being done. But by wading in the shallow pools left by the tide they may be taken in
large numbers with the hand, net, or spear. They have a curious mode of escape, by darting
rapidly to a muddy spot, stirring up the mud, and then returning suddenly to the place they
started from. By carefully watching this trick they may be found half-buried in the mud where
least expected.
The largest I have seen were about ten inches long. — C.
Several species of flounder and sole are common in Puget Sound. The latter are a little
larger than the sole of the British waters, and somewhat thicker in proportion. The fins on
their lower surface are frequently tinged with black. The smaller kinds, or flounders, are
extremely numerous near Fort Steilacoom. They are readily caught at low tide, in water about
four fathoms deep, with hooks baited with clam or other bait. The Indians spear great num
bers in the shallow bays, and on the flats opposite the mouths of the rivers. When cooked
they resemble the common flounder of the Atlantic, and although not very highly esteemed for
the table, are yet, when well cooked, very good food.
EMBIOTOCA PERSPICABILIS, Grd.
Sapphire Perch.
PLATE XXXII & PLATE XXVI, FIGS. 1 & 2. YOL. X.
SP. CH. — Body sub-elliptically elongated. Frontal region gently declivous. Eyes of medium size. Posterior extremity
of maxillary not quite reaching the interior rim of the orbit. Anal fin long, its anterior undivided rays longer than the rest,
and its origin situated opposite the twelfth articulated ray or dorsal. Tips of pectorals reaching vertical line intersecting base
of last dorsal spine. Five branchiostegal rays. Sixty-three scales in lateral line. Deep purplish blue above, lighter beneath.
Flanks with light narrow longitudinal stripes intersecting the point of union of rows of scales. Dorsal, caudal, anal, and ventral
fins reddish purple ; pectorals yellowish.
SYN. — Embiotoca perspicabilis, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1855, 321. — IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 178.
This viviparous perch is exceedingly abundant in the waters of Puget Sound, near Fort
Steilacoom. It is a very handsome fish — perhaps, in its bright colors, the most striking of any
found in those waters. A specimen, obtained in February, 1855, had eighteen mazarine blue
streaks below the lateral line, running nearly parallel from gills to tail, and having both above
and below the line a series of blue spots disposed crescentically beneath the eye and on the gill
covers. The spaces between these spots were of an olivaceous color, changing, according to
358 ZOOLOGY.
light, to resplendent golden and purplish green reflections. The blue of the back is of an
indigo cast, and darker than that of the sides and belly, the streaks on the latter being sepa
rated by lines of golden yellow. Space between the pectoral fins golden.
These fish are taken by the Indians at all seasons, but more abundantly in June and July,
when they are more frequently found in shallow water, and are speared. In July, 1856, vast
numbers were taken by some friends of mine in a seine, at which time the sacks of the females
were filled with young almost fully developed. The flesh of these fish was found flabby and
insipid, resembling, though scarcely as good as that of the weak-fish of the New York markets.
It would seem that they remain pregnant for a long time, as a specimen caught by me in
February was found by Mr. Girard to contain eighty young, of an average size of half an inch,
while those caught in July had their uterine sacks filled with young nearly one and three-
quarters of an inch in length. Perhaps they bring forth several times in a year
DAMALICHTHYS VACCA, Grd.
Silvery Perch.
PLATE XXXIII.
SP. CH. — Male provided with a sub-pyriform sac upon the anterior third of anal. Branchiostegals, five on either side. Ground
color grayish olive. Scales with a golden and silvery metallic reflect. Fins unicolor.
SYN. — Damalichthys vacca, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1855, 321. — IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 182.
This fish, in external appearance and size, much resembling the porgee of Long Island sound,
is almost as abundant as the preceding species in Puget Sound. It is readily taken with hook
and line, and I have caught them with the "revolving spoon." When cooked it will rank as
a good second-rate fish.
HOLCONOTUS RHODOTERUS, Agass.
The Golden-barred Perch.
Ilokonotus rhodoterui, AGASS. Amer. Jour. Sc. 2d ser. XVIII, 1854, p. 368.— GRU. Proc. Acad. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 141,
152, and 322.— IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 193.
SP. CH. — General form elongated, neither elliptical nor fusiform; frontal region sub-concave. Head sub-conical; mouth
small; posterior extremity of maxillary not quite reaching the vertical line anterior to rim of orbit. Eyes rather large and
circular; brancheostegals five. About forty-four scales in lateral Hue. Bluish gray or olive above, belly and sides silvery white,
with three transverse bars of golden yellow, like finger marks.
In alcohol these disappear, and in some specimens "rose-colored rows of spots are seen." — C.
This species of fish, resembling in appearance the "white perch" of the eastern seacoast,
comes into Shoahvater bay during May and June in great numbers, remaining until September,
during which time the young are produced. They swim in schools near the surface, and often
jump into boats and canoes — a habit which the Indians take advantage of to catch them, pushing
their canoes along the high bank of channels at low tide, when the fish, crowded towards the
shore, jump in. They will, however, often jump in when there seems no necessity for it, and
sometimes even voluntarily leap high and dry on shore. I never saw any above tide-water in
the rivers, nor have I seen the young fry after their birth. They rarely bite at a hook,
though I have seen them caught in October when fishing for trout, with salmon roe for bait.
They are pretty good as food, resembling perch. — C.
The only specimen of this fish that I obtained in Puget Sound I supposed was simply the
young of the preceding species, and, in consequence, made no notes upon it.
ZOOLOGY. 359
PIMELODUS AILURUS, Grd.
Blunt-tailed Catfish.
PLATE XLIV.
SP. CH. — Head large, broad and depressed, constituting the fourth of the total length. Mouth large and wide ; lower jaw
the longest; niaxillar barbel extending somewhat beyond the edge of the gill aperture. Eye sm;ill and sub -elliptical. Dorsal
and pectoral fins interiorly serrated. Base of anal fin entering about five times and a half in the total length. Caudal fin,
somewhat emarginated posteriorly. Dark reddish brown above ; whitish beneath.
SYN. — Pimelodus ailurus, GRD. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 1858, 210.
Several specimens of this fish were obtained from Lake Amelia, near Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
In habits the species do not differ from their more eastern relatives. I saw none over a foot
in length.
PIMELODUS OLIVACEUS, Grd.
Olive-colored Catfish.
PLATE XLI, FIGS. 1—3; and PLATE XLII, VOL. X.
SP. CH. — Body sub-fusiform, compressed. Head very much depressed and tapering, constituting about the fifth of the
whole length. Mouth small ; upper jaw the longest. Maxillar barbel extending to the middle of the pectoral fin. Eye
large, sub-elliptical ; its diameter contained five times and a half in the length of side of head, and about twice on the
interocular space. Dorsal spine very finely serrated posteriorly ; pectoral spine very strongly so. Caudal fin deeply fur
cated. Olive-brown above ; olive-white beneath.
SYN. — Pimelodus olivacew, GRD. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 185$, 211.
Two specimens of this catfish were obtained from the waters of Milk river. It is probably
abundant in all the turbid affluents of the upper Missouri.
A larger species — one attaining an average weight of 12 pounds — is found in some of the
tributary streams of the Red River of the North. Our command caught many of these at night
with "set lines." We found them very palatable when cooked.
MYLOCHEILUS LATERALIS, Agass. & Pick.
PLATE XLV, FIGS. 5—8.
FP. Cii. — Head constituting the fifth of the total length. Snout sub-conical. Posterior extremity of the maxillary
extending to a vertical line drawn across the hind nostril. Diameter of the eye entering five times and a half in the length
of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the insertion
of the caudal. Base of anal fin contained fourteen times in the total length.
SYN — Mylocheilus lateralis, AGASS. & PICK, in Amer. Jour, of Sc. 2d ser. XIX, 1855, 231. — GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc.
Philad. VIII, 1856, 169.— IBID. Gen. Report, Fishes, 214.
Several of these fish were preserved. They were obtained mostly from the fresh water lakes
near Fort Steilacoom, where they are abundant. Like the other cyprinoids of Washington
Territory, they are of but little value as food, being bony and insipid.
CARP10DES DAMALIS, Grd.
Deer-nosed Carp.
PLATE XLYIII, FIGS. 1—4.
SP. CH.— Head constituting the fifth part of the total length. Eye sub-circular, its diameter being contained four times
and a half in the length of the side of the head. Angle of the mouth reaching a vertical line drawn in advance of the
360 ZOOLOGY.
pupil. Insertion of the ventral fins opposite the seventh ray of the dorsal. Caudal posteriorly concave. Dorsal fin ante
riorly concave. Lower fins moderately developed. Scales deeper than long, grooved on all sides. Reddish brown above ;
silvery beneath.
SYN.— Cirpiodes damalis, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Fhilad. VIII, 1856, 170. — IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 218.
A large number of these fish were obtained from sunken pools on Milk river, Nebraska.
When properly cooked they are not unpalatable.
ACOMUS LACTARIUS, Grd.
River Sucker.
PLATE L.
SP. On. — Head constituting somewhat less than the fifth of the total length. Mouth small ; lips well developed, covered
with uniform granules. Eye large, sub-circular ; its diameter entering five times in the length of the side of the head.
Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the insertion of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Insertion of
ventrals situated opposite the posterior half of the dorsal ; their tip extending to the vent. Grayish brown above ; grayish
white beneath.
STN.— C'atostomus (Acomus) lactarius, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 174.
Acomus lactarius, GRD. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 223.
This sucker was obtained by me in the lagoons along the course of the upper part of Milk
river, Nebraska. At the season of the year in which I visited that locality, the bed of the
river being dry in many places, these fish, with others, had retreated to deep holes and small
stagnant lagoons in great numbers. With a small seine I was enabled to take, in a very brief
space of time, many valuable ichthyological specimens, consisting of individuals of the present
species, besides other cyprinoids, pike, perch, <fcc., some of which were carefully preserved for
the national collection, and others afforded a welcome addition to our usual monotonous fare.
CATOSTOMUS SUCKLII, Grd.
Nebraska S acker.
PLATE LI.
SP. CH. — Head constituting the fifth of the entire length. Eye small. Mouth rather small ; lips moderately developed,
covered with conspicuous papillae. Isthmus of medium width. Dorsal fin as high as long ; its anterior margin somewhat
nearer the insertion of the caudal fin than the extremity of the snout. Insertion of ventrals a little in advance of the
middle of the dorsal, and equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the fork of the caudal. Posterior extremity
of anal extending beyond the rudimentary rays of the caudal. Grayish olive above; yellowish olive beneath.
STN. — Catos omus sucklii, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 175. — IB. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 226.
The present fish is not uncommon in the upper Missouri and its tributaries, in the same
localities as the last mentioned species.
In 1854 I noticed in one of the branches of Snake river, Oregon, a sucker of about the same
size and of much the same general appearance as this. Its colors on the back, however, were
darker. Owing to a deficiency in the means of transportation, and to other causes, I was unable
to preserve this fish, which I regret the more because it was the only specimen of a genuine
sucker (catostomus) that I saw west of the Rocky mountains.
PIMEPHALES FASCIATUS, Grd.
SP. OH. — Body anteriorly stoutish, its depth being contained five times in the total length, in which the head enters four
times and a half. Eye moderate and circular, its diameter being contained somewhat more than four times the length of
ZOOLOGY. 361
the side of the head. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone not extending as far as a vertical line drawn in advance of the
orbit. Extremities of ventrals stretching beyond the anterior edge of the anal. Scales deeper than long, elliptical ; brown,
fasciated with black.
SYN. — Pimephdes fagciatus, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. So. Philad. VIII, 1856, 180. — IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 234.
Several of these small fish were obtained at Milk river, Nebraska, where they are abundant.
HYBOGNATHUS ARGYRITIS, Grd.
Silvery Minnow.
PLATE LIII, FIGS. 5—8.
SP. Cn. — Body sub-fusiform in profile. Head sub-conical, cont lined five times and a half in the total length. Eye large
and sub-circular. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal. Insertion of
ventrals equidistant between the two points just alluded to in reference to the dorsal. Caudal fin entering four times and a half
in the total length. Scales anteriorly sub-truncated. Olivaceous brown above, yellowish beneath, with a silvery streak along
the middle of the flanks. Fins unicolor, grayish olive.
SYN. — Hybognathus argyritus, GKD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 182. — IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 235.
A few of these small fishes were taken from pools along the almost dry bed of Milk river,
Nebraska.
ARGYREUS NUBILUS, Grd.
SP. CH. — Head rather small, constituting the fifth of the entire length. Mouth small, and barbel inconspicuous ; lips
cartilaginous. Eye moderate sized, sub-circular ; its diameter entering five times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior
margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity of the snout than the tip of the middle rays of the caudal. Insertion of ventral fins
equidistant between the angle of the mouth and the base of the caudal. Blackit-h brown above ; dirty or dull white beneath.
S?y.—Arffyreus nubilus, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 186.--IB1D. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 244.
Two specimens were obtained at Fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory.
POGONICHTHYS COMMUNIS, Grd.
Nebraska Dace.
PLATE LY, FIGS. 1—6.
SP. CH.— Head forming a little less than the fifth of the total length, its upper surface quite depressed in the adult.
Snout rounded, depressed, and quite protruding. Gape of mouth nearly horizontal ; lower jaw shorter than the upper. Poste
rior extremity of the maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. Anterior margin of dorsal fin much
nearer the extremity of the snout than the base of the caudal. Insertion of ventrals placed somewhat posteriorly to the ante
rior margin of the dorsal, their anterior basal edge being nearer the tip of the snout than the base of the caudal. Lobes of
caudal fin equally developed. Reddish gray above ; whitish or yellowish beneath, with metallic reflects. Fins yellowish olive.
SYN. — Pogonichthys communis, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 188. — IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 247.
Found in sunken pools and lagoons along the line of Milk river, Nebraska, under similar
circumstances as the Acomus lactarius already referred to. The species rarely attains a greater
length than six or seven inches, and is of very indifferent quality for the table. A characteristic
by which the fish may be readily recognized is the large size of its nostrils.
GOBIO GELIDUS, Grd.
U. S. & MEX. BOUNDARY, FISHES, PLATE XXIX, FIGS. 5 — 9.
SP. CH. — Head constituting the fifth of the entire length, in which the caudal fin enters but four times and a half. Eye
small, sub-elliptical, its horizontal diameter entering four times in the length of the side of the head. Body slender and
46 Q
362 ZOOLOGY.
tapering ; the anterior margin of the dorsal fin is nearer the extremity of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Tip of
pectoral reaching to the hase of the ventrals ; tip of ventrals overlapping the vent, not extending quite to the margin of
the anal. Yellowish brown, with a silvery, superiorly dusky streak along the middle of the flanks.
Sw.—Gobiogelidus, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1856, 188.— IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 248.
Two specimens were obtained from Milk river.
RICHARDSONIUS BALTEATUS, Grd.
Steilacoom Killy.
PLATE LX, FIGS. 1—4.
SP. CH. — Head forming less than the fifth of the totil length. Snout suh-conical ; jaws even; posterior extiemityof
maxillar hone extending to a vertical line drawn in front of the orbit. Eye large and circular, its diameter entering three
times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of
the snout and the fork of the caudal. Anal fin longer than deep, and about as long as the head. Caudal fin constituting
about the fourth of the total length. Grayish black above ; silvery white beneath. Fins unicolor.
SYN. — Cyprinus (Abramis) balteatus, RICHARDS Faun. Bor. Amer. Ill, 1836, 301. — STORER. Synops. 1846, 160.
Richardsonius balteatus,Gs.v. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 202. — IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 278.
This fish is very abundant in the small fresh water lakes near Fort Steilacoom. It is readily
taken with the hook arid line, and seems disposed to run in "schools." The flesh when cooked
is soft and insipid, and as the bones are so numerous and troublesome it is rarely eaten.
•RICHARDSONIUS LATERALIS, Grd.
Spotted Killy.
PLATE LX, FIGS. 5—8.
SP. CH. — Head constituting the fifth of the total length. Snout sub-conical ; jaws even ; posterior extremity of the
maxillary extending to a vertical line drawn behind the nostrils. Eye large and circular, its diameter entering nearly four
times in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin a little nearer the extremity of the snout than the
fork of the caudal. Anal fin deeper than long, and much shorter than the head. Caudal fin entering four times and a half
in the total length. Blackish brown above ; metallic yellowish white ueneath, with a black streak above the lateral line.
Fins unicolor.
SYN. — Rwhardsonius lateralis, GI:D. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 202. — IBID. Gen. Rep Fishes, 279.
This fish is very plentiful in the same localities as the last-mentioned species, of which it was
taken by me to be a variety, or as simply differing in age. In habits, &c., it is precisely similar
to the other. The colors given by Mr. Girard are those of fish which have been long in alcohol,
and of course differ from those freshly caught.
CHEONDA COOPERI, Grd.
Vancouver Chub.
PLATE LXIII, FIGS. 1—5.
fcp. CH.— Body elongated, sub-fusiform in profile. Head contained a little short of five times in the total length.
Snout thickish, sub-conical, overlapping somewhat the lower jaw; posterior extremity of the maxillar bone extending to a
vertical line drawn behind the nostrils. Eye well developed ; its diameter entering four times and a half in the length of
the side of the head. Fins well developed. Upper regions reddish gray ; sides and belly yellowish white with a metallic
reflect.
SYN. — Cheonda cooperi, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 2j7. — IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 294.
This muc:i resembles several other kinds offish of the Territory, called generally "suckers,"
1 ' bony fish, " " carp, " " red fin, " &c. , and, like them all, is considered poor food. It can easily
ZOOLOGY. 363
be taken with the hook at Vancouver, and probably also in other parts of the waters of the
Columbia. No notes of its colors when fresh are preserved, but they did not differ much from
the colors in alcohol, unless in wanting "reddish" on the back. The figure is of the size of
life.— C
PTYCHOCHEILUS OREGONENSIS, Grd.
Oregon Carp.
PLATE LXIV, FIGS. 5—9.
SP. Cn. — Body sub-fusiform in profile. Head rather small, elongated ; coutained four times and a half in the total
length ; snout slender. Mouth deeply cleft: posterior extremity of maxillary extending to a vertical line intersecting almost the
anterior rim of the pupil. Eye of moderate development ; its diameter entering about five times in the length of the side of the
head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin equidistant between the extremity of the snout and the fork of the caudal. Pectoral and
ventral fins rather small.
SYN. — Cyprinus (Leudscus) oregonensis, RICHARDS. Faun. Bor. Amer. Ill, 1836, 305.
Ptychocheilus gracili, AGASS. & PICK, in Amer. Jour, of Sc. 2d ser. XIX, 1855, 229.
Ptyckocheilus oregonensis GRD. in Proc. Acid. Nit. Sc. Philad. VIII, 18">6, 209. — IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 298.
This fish is found in the Columbia near Fort Dalles, where I obtained a fine specimen about
14 inches in length. The species is readil}T taken with a hook baited with meat or worms ; but
as the flesh is of such a poor, insipid character, it is worthless when caught.
Colors of a female : back, deep blue ; in certain lights, dark bluish olive ; sides, for about half
an inch above and below the lateral line, lighter, approaching to silvery ; below the line a
longitudinal band continues from the angle of the mouth across the operculum, bright straw
yellow, its boundaries merging into the silvery blue above and into the white of the abdomen
below. Under surface, posterior to anus straw yellow ; upper surface of head dark olive ; chin
and throat yellow ; iris dark olive, yellowish orange, and maculated below. Dorsal fin and
tail dark olive ; anal and ventral orange. Thoracic anteriorly olive, beneath orange.
Family CLUPEIDAE.— Herrings .
MELETTA COERULEA, Grd.
Puget Sound Herring.
PLATE LXXV, FIGS. 5—7.
SP. CH. — Body slender, elongated, sub-fusiform in profile. Head constituting more than the fifth of the total length. Posterior
extremity of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn through the middle of the orbit. Eye large and sub circular ; its
diameter entering four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the extremity
of the snout than the insertion of the caudal. Base of anal fin entering about ten times in the total length. Insertion of ventrals
opposite the posterior third of the base of the dorsal fin. Bluish black above ; yellowish or whitish beneath, whh metallic reflections.
Fins unicolor.
SYN.— J/eZetta coendea, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 138 ; &, 154.— IBID Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 330.
This fish, commonly known as the "herring." enters Shoal water bay in large numbers in
June, and is then found at low tide stranded on the flats. It is a very good fish for eating when
fresh, and would doubtless become an article of trade smoked, were there not so great an
abundance of finer fish on the coast. It grows to the length of ten inches, and when fresh is
steel blue above and shining white on the sides and beneath. — C.
According to Mr. Geo. Gibbs, the principal species of small "school-fish" which frequent
Puget Sound are of four kinds. 1. The present fish, known to the Nisqually and Skaiwamish
364 ZOOLOGY.
Indians as the Stole, and to the Skadgetts and Chemakums as Lose. 2. The Wasli-oos (of the
Skadgetts,) which has lately been scarce, was abundant formerly at Point Wilson and elsewhere
about the sound. This is a summer fish, and, when plentiful, are found in such compact
"schools" that the Indians frequently shovel them ashore with their paddles. 3. The Kwul-
lusteo, or eulachon. 4. The Shehd-zoos, found only at the Skadgett river. The last two kinds
are related to the salmonidae, having adipose dorsal fins. Mr. Gibbs, writing from Port
Townsend, Puget Sound, under date of March 24, again says : "The Indians have been taking
herring in great numbers, quantities, rather, at Port Discovery, where the fishing is better
than at Port Townsend. A very large weir of lattice-work, having but one entrance, was
constructed on the flats. Within and around this weir a quantity of fir twigs were scattered,
to which the spawn adhered. This is then dried on poles around the lodges. When dried,
the substance, much resembling light brown sugar in appearance, is stripped from the twigs
and carried off by the basket full. The fish entered the opening of the weir in great quantities,
and when the tide fell the Indians went in and scooped them up. The Aveir was about eighty
by fifty feet in extent. I am told that the Indians will take in this way as many as th,ree tons
of fish at a tide. Sometimes, when pursued by dog-fish, &c., the herring crowd so much as to
pile one over the other and roll in masses on the beach." Again he says : "A friend informs
me that there are three species (perhaps only three 'runs') of herring. One, of middle size,
comes in February and March. Another ' run/ in the beginning of April, is composed of
larger fish, thicker in the body than the last, which is rather flat.* In June and throughout
the summer a small kind, of the size of the sardine, is common. In August there is a very
small silvery fish, three inches long, and not much larger than a lead pencil, which comes in
immense numbers and is washed up by the tide. The Indians push them ashore with their
paddles. This last species is probably the Wash-oos, already spoken of. ' 7 — (Gibbs in lit.)
The present species of herring is quite common at Fort Steilacoom. The Indians, at certain
seasons, take them by throwing or scooping them out of the water with poles, along the sides
of which, for two or three feet, nails have been driven in closely together and their ends left
standing out in rows resembling the teeth of a comb. These fish average about six inches in
length, and, despite the immense number of bones, are of excellent flavor, and may be considered
an agreable table delicacy. The Indians eat great numbers, but they principally make use
of them as bait when trolling for salmon. The herring is tied to a hook of the proper size,
and gently trolled with a jerking motion. The natives, in this way, take many splendid salmon.
HYODON TERGISUS, Lesu.
Missouri Herring.
PLATE LXXV, FIGS. 1—4. (By error, figs. 4— 7.)
SF. CH. — Head contained five times and a half in the total length ; snout rounded, sub-conical. Posterior extremity
of maxillar bone extending to a vertical line drawn posteriorly to the pupil. Eye very large, sub-circular ; its diameter
entering about four times in the length of the side ot the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin somewhat nearer the tip
of the caudal than the occiput. Base of anal fin entering about four times in the total length. Insertion of ventrals nearer
the extremity of thv snout than the terminus of the anal.
SYN.~ Hyodontergisus, LESU. in Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. I, i, 1818,366. — RICHARDS. Faun. Bor. Amer. Ill, 1836,
235.— KIRTL. Rep. Zool. Ohio, 1838, 170, and 195 ; &, in Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist. V, m, 1846, 338 — DE!\AY,
New Y. Faun. IV, 1842, 265 : PI. XLI, Fig. 130.— STOKER, Synops. 1846, 210.— Cuv. & VAI, Hist. Nat. Poiss.
XIX, 1846, 309.— GIRARD, Gen. Rep. Fishes, P. R. R. Rep. X.
* Flat laterally ?
ZOOLOGY. 365
The Missouri herring was obtained in Nebraska, west of Fort Union. Others apparently
similar were taken from the small tributary streams of the Red River of the North. They
bite freely at a hook baited with meat, &c., but when captured are of but little use, as they
are too bony to be of much value as food.
ENGRAULIS MORDAX, Grd.
Pacific Anchovy.
SP. Cn. — Body slender, elongated, and sub-fusiform in profile. Head constituting the fourth of the total length ; snout
sub-conical. Posterior extremity of maxillar bone extending to the sub-opercle. Eye large and sub-circular ; its diameter
entering four times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin nearer the insertion
of the caudal than the tip of the snout. Base of anal fin entering a little over seven times in the total length. Vent
situated opposite the base of last ray of dorsal. Ventral fins small, their tips not reaching the vent. Pectorals rather short,
posteriorly truncated. Deep bluish brown above ; silvery beneath.
SYN. — Engraulis mordax, GRD. in Proc. Acid. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 138 & 154. — IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 333.
This fish, almost exactly like the famed "anchovy" of Europe in appearance, is also excel
lent for the table when fresh. It abounds in Shoalwater bay at the same time as the preceding,
and may be found in great numbers on the flats, at low tide, where basketfuls may be had for
the trouble of picking them up. Like the herring, when fresh its back is dark olive and belly
silvery white. All of both these fish have disappeared from the bay by September. — C.
This anchovy is probably the fish referred to by Mr. Gibbs as that known to the Skadgett
Indians as the Wasli-oos. — (See remarks under head of Heletta ccerulea.)
SYNGNATHUS ARUNDINACEUS, Grd.
Pacific Pipe-fish.
SP. Cu — Head contained seven times in the total length, twice in that of the body. Anterior riin of the orbit equidistant
between the apex of the snout and the insertion of the pectoral fins. Longitudinal diameter of the orbit entering eight
times and a half in the length of the side of the head. Anterior margin of dorsal fin situated in advance of the anal
apeiture ; its base, in the male sex, entering twice and a quarter of a time on the distance between the concavity of the
thoracic belt and the anterior edge of the vent. Blackish brown, maculated beneath with golden yellow.
SYN. — Syngnathus arundinaceus, GRD. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 346.
A single specimen of this fish was presented to me by a ship captain, who had obtained
it from some part of the California coast. No other facts were ascertained regarding its
history.
AMIA OCELLICAUDA, Richards.
Marsh-fish : Dog-fish.
Si> CH. — An oblong black spot, with a lighter margin, obliquely situated at the base of the upper lobe of the caudal fin
and inclined forwards. Head contained four times and a half in the total length. Insertion of ventrals nearer the base
of the caudal than the extremity of the snout. Anterior margin of anal fin nearer the base of the pectorals than the
posterior margin of the caudal.
SYN.— Amia ocellicauda, RICHARDS. Faun. Bor. Amer. Ill, 1836, 236. — Cuv. & VAL, Hist. Nat. Poiss. XIX, 1846, 422.— GRD.
Gen. Rep. Fishes, 349.
The fresh water dog-fish is very common in the lakes near Fort Snelling, Minn. They attain
a length of about 20 inches, and, being proportionally stout, will probably weigh three or four
pounds. They readily bite at a hook covered with ordinary bait, and when hooked endeavor
to escape by feats of strength and skill equal to those of fish of much higher repute.
Its flesh is soft and pulpy, and is popularly believed to be poisonous.
366 ZOOLOGY.
AMIA OCCIDENTALIS, DeKay.
Western Mud-fish ; Dog-fish.
SP. CH. — Base of caudal fin without spot of any kind. Head constituting nearly the fifth of the total length. Insertion
of ventrals nearly equidistant between the base of the caudal and the extremity of the snout. Anterior margin of the anal
fin nearly equidistant, also, between the base of the pectorals and the posterior edge of the caudal fin.
SYN. — Amia occidentals, DEKAY, New Y. Faun. IV, 1842,269 ; pi. xxxix,fig. 125. — Cuv. & VAL. Hist. Nat. Poiss. XIX,
1846,429. — GRD. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 350.
At the time I was in Minnesota I considered that these fish belonged to but one species — the
last — and consequently made no special notes regarding the present kind. I think it probable
that upon future investigation they will prove to be the same.
ACCIPENSER TRANSMONTANUS, Richards.
Columbia River Sturgeon.
SYN. — Acdpenser transmontanus, RICHARDS. Faun. Bor. Amer. Ill, 1836,278, pi. xcvii, fig. 2. — DEKAY, New Y. Faun. IV,
1842, 317.— STOHER, Synops. 1846, 248.— GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VIII, 1856, 137.
This sturgeon is very common in the Columbia and its larger branches. At Fort Dalles they
arrive at about the middle of February, and are caught with hooks by the natives in moderate
numbers. I suppose that, owing to the low stage of the river, they are not able to overcome
the Dalles falls until about the middle of May. They are taken late in the season high up on
Snake river, and I have heard of a single individual which was there taken near Fort Boise
which was fifteen feet in length. They are excellent eating, and are for that purpose justly
prized by the Indians, who sell them, when scarce, at very high prices, charging a half dollar
frequently for a small piece, scarcely weighing over a pound ; indeed, the natives will
frequently give a good pony in trade for a large sturgeon.
An individual obtained for me at Fort Dalles had the back slate-brown ; spots on top of the
head, dingy white ; iris, golden bronze ; chin and belly, white.
CHIMAERA COLLIEI, Benn.
Elephant-Fish ; the Skooma.
SP. CH. — Head constituting about the sixth of the total length. First dorsal fin sub-triangular ; the upper margin, which
is directed posteriorly, being crescent-shaped, whilst the posterior margin, properly so to be called, is horizontal and parallel
with the back, to which it is united by a thin membrane. Second dorsal quite low and elongated, its origin being nearly
opposite the insertion of the ventrals, which is nearly halfway between the apex of the snout and the origin of the caudal
fin. Its upper margin is undulating. Either lobe of the caudal tapering regularly away towards the tip of the tail, the
lower lobe extending somewhat further back. Skin perfectly smooth ; brownish above ; dull white beneath ; the back and
sides exhibiting numerous dull white rounded spots, variable in size.
SYN. — Chimaera colliei, BENN. in Zool. Beechty's Voy. to the Pacif. 1839, 71. Plate xxiii, figs. 1 and 2. — RICHARDS. Faun.
Bor. Amer. Ill, 1836, 285.— GRD. Gen. Rep. Fishes, 360.
Elephant-fish, VANCOUVER.
Skooma, NISQUALLY INDIANS.
The elephant-fish is truly a curiosity to those who have never before seen it. It is quite
abundant on Puget Sound, where it is known to many of the natives as the skooma. The first
I obtained I caught at night on a hook baited with a piece of pork or other common bait. A
few days afterwards I caught another, in shallow water, with my hands. They rarely attain a
greater length than fourteen inches, and are quite oily and not ill-flavored when cooked. By
the Indians they are highly esteemed as food.
ZOOLOGY. 367
ACANTHIAS SUCKLEYI, Grd.
Western Dog-fish.
SP. CH. — Head constituting somewhat more than the sixth of the entire length. Snout very much depressed and elongated ;
nostrils nearer its apex than the angle of the mouth. Eyes large, elliptical, situated immediately in advance of the mouth.
Anterior margin of first dorsal fin nearly equidistant between the pupil and the anterior margin of the second dorsal. A
shallow caudal groove along the base of the upper lobe of the caudal. Dark grayish, with a few light irregularly scattered
spots.
SYN. — Spinax (Acanthias) suckleyi, GRD. in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 196. — IBID. Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 368.
This shark is common at Shoalwater bay, and, in habits, seems to resemble closely its
Atlantic congeners, being also commonly known by the same name, "dog-fish." It is equally
troublesome to persons fishing in deep water, as it bites at anything used for bait, and, indeed,
on the only occasion when I tried that style of fishing, it formed the principal part of our
captures. Its usual size is from three to four feet long.
Its colors, when fresh, are as follows: Adult, pale liver-color above, with white spots, beneath
\vhite; slight bronze reflections above; iris pale sea-green. Young, grayish-brown above, with
more brilliant gold-bronze tints, especially near the tail, spots purplish white; dorsal fin and
tail tipped with brick red, more or less blood red on lower lobe of tail and belly, fading
anteriorly; belly white, with gold reflections. These are the colors of the young when just
produced. The specimens were caught in October and November. — C.
The present dog-fish is found abundantly in the waters of Puget Sound, and at certain
seasons of the year repairs in vast numbers to the more shallow bays and flats off the mouths of
its affluent streams. They attain, when adult, an average size of about three and a half or four
feet; they are a voracious fish, readily caught with hook and line, and are not unfrequently
taken by the natives with spears; their livers are large and very fat, the oil furnished Toy them
being highly prized by the natives. It is for this latter that they are generally taken. The
whites get much of the oil in trade, and use it for all purposes to which whale oil is applied.
I have been assured, by an intelligent oil refiner, that the oil of this fish, when properly refined,
is of a very excellent quality. I have used it, when fresh, as a substitute for co'd-liver oil, as a
medicine for consumptive patients. It seemed equally efficacious, and, in one or two cases,
where the procurement of the latter was impossible, I was led to believe that it saved the
lives of those taking it. It was given with alcoholic liquors, in doses, commencing at two
teaspoonfuls, increased gradually to a wine glass full, three times a day.
I obtained many specimens of the young, which, although six or eight inches long, were still
attached by an umbilical cord to the "yolk-bag."
NOTE. — A very large shark was captured at Port Discovery in December, 1856. My
informants told me that from its liver four barrels of oil were extracted! Mr. Gibbs
subsequently obtained the skeleton and transmitted it to the national collection. Large sharks
are very rare in Puget Sound; so rare that it is not improbable that they are stragglers which
have followed the warm "Pacific gulf stream" from more southern regions.
EAJA COOPERI, Grd.
The Northwestern Skate.
Raja cooperi, GRD Gen. Rep. Fishes, p. 372.
Length from tip of snout to root of tail, three feet six inches. Length of tail, two feet. Breadth across middle of belly,
four feet two inches. Tip of snout to margin of mouth, eleven inches. Color, above entirely dark brown below dull white.
368 ZOOLOGY.
Iris yellow. Snout and top of head thickly covered with short, recurved, hooked prickles, diminishing in size from the
centre of head towards the circumference. Tail also thickly covered with the same, above and on the sides. No spine in
tail. Cartilaginous expansions along its upper ridge, near the end. Convexity about the same on each surface of the body ;
snout rounded above, flat below. Tail nearly cylindrical ; blunt.
In June and July, 1854, several large skates were washed ashore on the sand flats near the
entrance of Shoalwater bay, which I had no means of preserving, but I took a sketch of one
of the largest. Though I did not see any of them alive, I think they had entered the bay
and were left by the ebb tide on some of the extensive sand bars, where they had died. I
have never heard of their occurrence at any other season. The Indians will not eat them very
often, but say they are not poisonous. — C.
A kind of stingaree or skate is not uncommon in Puget Sound. I saw, however, but one or
two specimens, and was unable to preserve any. It is probably the same fish described by
Dr. Cooper as found at Shoalwater bay.
ICHTHYOMYZON CASTANEUS.
Chestnut Lamprey.
SP. CH. — Head depressed, constituting the ninth of the total length ; body and tail compressed. Buccal disk sub-elliptical,
provided with a double series of short, tentacular fringes upon its periphery. Posterior margin of buccal aperture exhibiting
a series of nine teeth, disposed upon an arc of a circle. Eyes small and inconspicuous. Spiracle sub-tubular, raised above
the surface of the head. Origin of the dorsal fin equidistant between the anterior margin of the buccal disk and the apex
of the tail. Vent situated immediately in advance of the most elevated portion of the dorsal fin. Chestnut colored, of a
darker tint above than beneath.
SYN. — Ichthyomyzon caitaneus, GRD. Gen. Kep. Fishes, 381.
A lamprey from Galena, Illinois? Nothing was observed concerning its habits.
AMMOCOETES CIBARIUS, Grd.
V
Pacific Sand Launce.
SP. CH. — Body sub-cylindrical, somewhat compressed posteriorly, with its surface annulated. Buccal disk sub-elliptical,
interiorly papillated. Head and chest together contained four times and a half in the total length. Anterior dorsal fin
lower than the second, and separated from it by a space not quite the half of its length. Anal fin very low. Deep olivaceous
brown above ; lighter beneath.
SYN. — Ammocoetes cibarius, GRD Gen. Rep. Fishes, P. R. R. Surveys, vol. X, 1858, 383.
No. 6.
REPORT UPON THE MULLUSCA COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY.
BY WILLIAM COOPER.
Class MOLLUSC A.— Shell-fish.
Family MURICIDAE.
MUREX FOLIATUS.
Murex foliatiis, GMEI. Desh. Eeeve, C. I. Ill, 12.
Murex monodon, ESCH. Zool. Atlas, Ft. H, p. 10, pi. 9, 10, f. 1, 1829.
Cerastama monodon, CARPENTEK, Keport to Brit. Assoc. 1856, p. 345.
Cerastoma foliatum, IDEM, 1. c.
Sab. — Sitcha; Eschscholtz. Oregon ; Kellett and Wood in Carp. p. 241. San Diego, (fossil?); Mr. Cassedy.
Sent from San Diego by Mr. Cassedy. Like others from the same locality which have been
also found living, and some very remarkable species that have not, these specimens have the
appearance of fossil shells. Eschscholtz collected it at Sitcha, in lat. 58°, as quoted by Reeve,
though the name he gives is omitted by the latter.
MUREX FESTIYUS.
Murex festivus, HINDS, Zool. Sulphur, pi. 3, f. 13, 14. — EKEVE, C. I. Murex, pi. xxvi, f. 114.
Pteronotus feslivus, CHAP. Eep. Brit, Assoc. 1856, p. 345.
Ilab. — Bay of Magdalena ; Hinds. San Diego ; Mr. Cassedy.
This well-marked species, which was dredged alive by Mr. Hinds in the Bay of Magdalena,
is found of much larger size at San Diego. Only dead shells were sent, appearing like fossil or
much weathered shells, but otherwise they entirely agree with Reeve's figure.
TRITON OREGONENSE.
Triton oregonense, EEDFIELD, in Ann. Lyceum of Nat. His. of New York, IV, p. 165, pi. II, f. 2, (young?) 1839.
Tritonium (Huccinum) cancdlatum, MIDDENDORFF, Beitrage, II, p. 164, pi. Ill, f. 1-4, (adult and young,) excl. syn.
Lam. 1849.
Fuxus oregonensis, EEEVE, C. I. pi. xvi, p. 61, (young,) 1845.
Fusus cancellatus, EEEVE, 1. c. p. 62, (adult.)
Triton oregonense, GOOLD, U. S. Expl. Exped. Moll & Shells.
Triton cancellalum, (oregonense,) CARP. Eep. p. 338.
Hob. — Straits of Juan de Fuca ; Dr. Suckley, Mr. Gibbs, Dr. Cooper. Unalashka ; Middendorff. Kamtschatka ; Eeeve.
Among the specimens from the Straits of De Fuca is one adult shell, exhibiting the tooth or
fold on the upper part of the columella, as it appears in MiddendorfFs plate, the absence of
47 Q
370 ZOOLOGY.
which in his specimen was relied upon by Mr. Redfield as a good means of distinguishing his
species from Triton cancellatum of Lamark. Dr. Gould, from the notes of Mr. Couthouy and
Dr. Pickering, has described the animal of each, the one collected at the Straits of Magellan,
and the other at Puget Sound, considering them entirely distinct.
Reeve, and Dr. Gould after him, quote Jay as the author of the species, and original de-
scriber in the Annals of the Lyceum of New York. Middendorff and Carpenter call the
author Say. The credit is really due to Mr. J. H. Redfield, as above cited.
CHRYSODOMUS ANTIQUUS.
Chrysodomus antiquus, SWAINSON ? Carpenter, Eep. p. 343.
Murex antiquus, LINN. Syst. Nat. ed. 12, L. Gmel. ed. 13.
Fusus antiquus, LAM. An. sans vert, ed. 2, IX, p. 447.
Tritonium (Fusus) anliquum, MIDD. Malacol. Ross, II, p. 131.
Trit. (Fas.) antiquum, var. Behringiana, MIDD. Eeise, II, 224, pi. x, f. 3.
Hob. — Straits of Juan de Fuca ; Dr. Suckley. Behring straits ; Middendorff.
But one specimen of this species was obtained, which agrees with the variety from Behring' s
straits represented by Middendorff in his Reise, though showing still less carination on the
penultimate whorl. The figures of his " varietates Behringianse," in the "Beitrage," repre
sent a different but allied variety.
CHRYSODOMUS MIDDENDORFII, n. s.
Trtionium (Fusus) decemcostatum, MIDD. (nee. Say) Beitrage, II, p. 138, pi. iv, fig. 15, (the sculpture only.) — CARP.
Eep. p. 217. Omitted in his Gen. Catalogue, p. 343.
Hub — Straits of Juan de Fuca; Dr. J. G. Cooper. Kodiak, Kenai ; Middendorff.
DESCRIPTION. — Shell light horn color, the ribs darker, within white, tinged with violet ; solid, ventricose-fusiform, the
whorls convex, planulate on the upper part, encircled with strong well marked and elevated ribs, three to four on the
whorls of the spire, ten to twelve on the last whorl, some near the canal less distinct, with intervening striae, which are
more distinct forward ; canal somewhat curved, equalling in length about two-thirds the breadth of the aperture. Length,
2.6 inches; breadth, 1.5 ; length of aperture, 1.7 inch.
This species is strikingly different from Fusus decemcostatus, Say, in the convexity of all the
whorls, as well as in the angle formed in the outer lip by the termination of the first rib. The
upper part of the last whorl is planulate, meeting the whorl above nearly at a right angle,
while in the eastern species the same part is broadly excavated, rising steeply towards the
suture. In the latter the penultimate and smaller whorls are made concave by the excavation
between the two ribs which they generally exhibit, while the new species shows four on the
penultimate and three on the smaller whorls. In F. decemcostatus the first rib is stronger and
more prominent than those below it, while in the new species it is less so. Philippi's figure
of Say's shell represents a variety, and not the normal state of the species. Our specimen of
the new species is furnished with twelve more or less distinct ribs. The eastern shall, (from
the examination of one hundred and thirty specimens,) appears to have seldom more than seven
to eight, rarely nine ribs.
Fusus spitzbcrgensis, Reeve, (in Belcher's Arctic Voyage, II, p. 395, pi. 32, f. G, a. b.,) is an
allied, but, judging from the figure and description of Mr. Reeve, a very different species.
A single specimen collected by Dr. Cooper on the shore of Whidby's island, in the Straits of
Fuca, with that described by Middendorff, are all at present known of this interesting species,
first pointed out to me by Dr. Gould as the F. decemcostatus of Middendorff.
ZOOLOGY. 371
CHRYSODOMU3 SITCHENSIS.
Chrysodomus sUchensis, CARP. Report to Brit. Assoc. 1856, p. 343.
Tritonium (Fusus) siichense, MIDD. Malacol. Ross. II, p. 149, No. 14 ; pi. 2, figs. 5-8.
Jl.jb. — Straits of Juan de Fuca, Dr. Suckley,G. Gibbs, esq. ; Sitka, Mid. after Eschscholtz.
Specimens of both mature and young shells were brought from the Straits of Fuca, where it
appears to be rare. They agree, in all respects, with MiddendorfFs plate and description.
: Family
NASSA MENDICA.
Naasa mendica, GOULD, U. S. Expl. Exped. Mollusca & Shells, p. 263, and Atlas, fig. 331.
Hob.— Puget Sound, Dr. G. Suckley.
This as well as the following species appear to be rare.
NASSA GIBBSII, n. s.
DESCRIPTION. — Form short and moderately ventricose ; whorls, six ; the body whorl nearly equalling the spine in length,
all cancellated, longitudinally ridged. Ridges, about 13 on each whorl, the intermediate furrows deep and equal in width
to the ridges. Mouth subovate, canal spirally twisted.
Colors. — Inside of mouth dark purplish ; epidermis smooth ; olivaceous brown. Indistinct bands visible inside, which,
under the epidermis, are found to be black or brown, varying in width and number, one usually distinct around the middle
of whorl. Long. 0. 40, lat. 0. 25.
Five specimens of this Nassa more resemble N. trivittata than N. me?idica, having the band
ing and shorter form of the former, their breadth being equal, but length proportionately much
less than the latter, and, though smaller, their ridges are more strongly marked. Found dead
along the shore at Port Townsend, Puget Sound. Only one has a fresh appearance.
PURPURA LACTUCA.
Murex lactuca, ESCHSCHOLTZ, Zool. Atlas, II, p. 9 ; pi. ix, fig. 3, 1829 — MIDD. Beitrage, II, p. 120.
Murex ferntgineus, accidental variety, IDEM, id. pi. ix, p. 3.
Purpura scptentrionalis, REEVE, Con. Icon. pi. x, p. 50. — JAY, in App. to Perry's Exp. to Japan, vol. II, pi. 5. figs. 16,
17. — CARPENTER, Rep. to Brit. Assoc. p. 340.
Muricidea lactuca, CARPENTER, Report, p. 345.
fftb. — Sitka, Eschscholtz ; Puget Sound, Dr. Suckley & Mr. Gibbs ; Shoalwater bay and Straits of Fuca, Dr. Cooper.
This is a remarkable and abundant species, which, with Reeve, we prefer to place in the
genus Purpura. Like others of that genus, it is subject to many variations, of which analogous
examples may be observed in P. lapillus more especially. The figures given by Eschscholtz,
Jay, and Reeve, represent three of these varieties, the first being at one, and the third at the
otber extreme of the series. After a careful comparison of more than two hundred individuals,
from various localities in Washington Territory, we find the gradation from one to -the other
so regular' that we are forced to refer them all to one species, first established by Eschscholtz.
"This shell abounds in the middle parts of Shoalwater bay on rocks and oyster-beds, and
also in the deeper parts of Puget Sound. It appears to feed on oysters and other animal
substances. I have found one adhering to an oyster, which was perforated by a small, round
hole near the apex, and through which the 'periwinkle', as they are popularly called, appeared
to be devouring the animal. They can live several days out of water in damp places.
' ' The amount of rugosity seems to depend entirely upon the station the specimens are found
372 ZOOLOGY.
in. I obtained the most perfect adhering to rocks beloAv low water, in a place where they
were not likely to be rolled. Those found on oyster-beds are usually smooth, even when quite
small.
"The form, also, seems to vary considerably in different localities; some from Puget Sound
being much larger and more elongated, though found also of the usual form near by." — J. G. C.
PURPURA OSTRINA.
Purpura ostrina, GOULD, Expl. Exped. Shells, p. 244. — IDEM Atlas, fig 310 ; CARP. Rep. p. 340.
' ' Purpura Freycinetii, ' ' MIDDEND. ; non Desh.
Purdura decemecostata, MIDD. Beitrage II, 116 ; pi. ix, f. 1, 2, 3.
Hob. — Straits of Fuca ; Puget Sound ; Dr. Cooper.
Quite a different species from P. Freycinetii, of Deshayes, with which it was confounded by
Middendorff, though he also named and described it as new. Whether his or Dr. Gould's
name has the priority I have not the means of deciding. On rocks above low-water mark,
from the mouth of Hood's Canal to Straits of Fuca; common.
PURPURA LAPILLUS.
Purpura lapittus, LINN. Midd. Gould, Carpenter ; op. cit.
Ilab. — Sitka, Ochotsk ; White sea ; Middendorff. Straits of Juan de Fuca ; Puget Sound ; Dr. Cooper.
Equally common with the last species, and found together with it.
PURPURA EMARGINATA.
Purpura emarginata, DESH. Rev. Zool. 1839. — Magasin de Zool. Moll. pi. 25 ; 1841. — REEVE, C. I. Purp. x, p. 46. —
CAHP. Rep. p. 340.
Purpura Oonradi, NUTT. Mss., Jay's Catal. No. 8972.
Hub. — Upper California ; Dr Trask. San Diego ; Lieut. Trowbridge.
This shell is, no doubt, a Calafornia species, whence several were sent by Dr. Trask. Mr.
Reeve mentions specimens in the British Museum, collected by Mr. Nuttall in that country.
There is probably an error in M. Deshayes statement that it inhabits New Zealand.
MONOCEROS ENGONATUM.
Purpura (Monoceros) engonata, CONR. in Journ. Acad. Phila. VII, p. 26 ; pi. 20, p. 17.
" Monoceros engonatum, CONR." CARP. Report, p. 201.
" Monoceros unkarinatum, REEVE, C. I. sp. 1 ; new, pi. I, f. 1 ; nee. syn. pi.; non Sowb. nee. Desh." — CARP. Rep. 201.
"Monoceros unicarinalum, SOWB. var." JAY Cat. No. 9067. N. B. — The type is quoted by Dr. Jay as synonymous
with Purpura spirata, Blainville.
Hab. — Bay of San Pedro, Upper California ; Dr. Trask. Santa Barbara; Nuttall.
From the above citations, which might be further extended, it will be seen that there is much
difference of opinion concerning the synonymy of this species. Our specimens, of which four
were sent by Dr. Trask, agree entirely with Mr. Conrad's figure and description. They differ
materially from Kiener' s figure of Purpura spirata from the Sandwich Islands, and still more
from Reeve's figure 2. species 1, of his plate I. At the same time they are possibly identical
as species. This was first published by Mr. Conrad in 1837.
ZOOLOGY. 373
MONOCEROS LAPILLOIDES.
Purpura (Monoceros) lapilloides, CONR. Journal Acad. Phil. VII, p. 264, pi. 20, fig 18, 1837.
Monoceros punctatum, GRAY, in Zool. Voyage of Blossom, 1839. — REEVE C. I. pi. 1, f. 1, species 2, Jay Cat. No. 90G5.
Hob.— Bay of San Pedro, Dr. Trask ; Santa Barbara, Nuttall.
Yery different from the preceding species, as shown in our specimens, although Mr. Car
penter is inclined to consider them, with M. brevidens, Conr., as three varieties of the same.
The published figures represent, it is true, what might be regarded as intermediate states of
one species.
COLUMBELLA GAUSAPATA.
Columbella gausapala, GOULD, Proceed. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., Ill, p. 170, June, 1850. — IDEM, U. S. Expl. Exped.
Mol. & Shells, p. 369.— Atlas, fig. 837, Carp. Eep. p. 341.
Hob. — Oregon, Gould ; Straits of de Fuca, Dr. Suckley.
COLUMBELLA VALGA.
Columbella valga, GOULD, Proceed. Bost. Soc. Ill, p. 169. — IDEM, Exped. Shells, p. 269.— Atlas, pi. 6, 338.
Hub. — Straits of de Fuca, Dr. Suckley.
The specimens sent of these two species were few and imperfect.
Family NATICID^l.
NATICA LEWISII.
Natica lewisii, GOULD, in Proceedings Bost. Soc. II, p. 239, 1847. — ID. in U. S. Expl. Exped. Mollusca & Shells.
Nalica herculea, MIDDENDORFF, Beitrage Mai. Ross, II, p. 97, pi. vii, f. 6-7, 1849.
Natica herculea, CARPENTER, Rep. to Brit. Assoc. 1856, p. 336.
Nalica Itwi&ii, CARPENTER, Rep. to Brit. Assoc. 1856, p. 336.
Hob. — Puget Sound, Washington Territory, Dr. J. G. Cooper, Dr. G. Suckley ; Bodega bay, Cal , Middendorff.
This fine large species, the western analogue of our N. lieros, varies considerably in form,
being sometimes remarkably globose, and at others with the spire much produced. Mr. Car
penter has erred in assigning the priority to Middendorff 's name, his second volume, which
contains the shells, being dated two years after Dr. Gould's publication. The name of the first
explorer and collector in Oregon merited such a perpetuation.
' ' This large shell is abundant throughout the northwest sounds, and is collected in great
numbers by the Indians for food. From May to August it may be found crawling out above
high -water mark to deposit its eggs, which are enclosed in a curious structure of sand, shaped
like a shallow bowl without a bottom, or still more like some glass lamp shades, and beautifully
symmetrical, smooth, and perfect on both sides." — J. G. C.
Family CEEITHIAD^E.
POTAMIS PULLATUS.
Potamis pullatus, GOULD, in App. to Report of Explorations in California, vol. V, p. 333, pi. xi, f. 23, 24.
CerithidcE pullaia, CARP. Rep. to Brit. Assoc. 1856, p. 325.
Hob. — Upper California, Dr. Trask.
This species, which occurs in several localities on the coast of California, appears to vary in
the number of varices, relative length, and other minor particulars.
374 ZOOLOGY.
Family MELANIAD.E.
MELANIA PLICIFERA.
Mdania plicifera, LEA, on fresh water and land shells in Trans. Phil. Soc. of Phil., pi. xxiii, f. 90. — CARPENTER'S
Eeport, p. 325.
Hob. — Very common in rivers of Washington Territory. — J. G. C.
MELANIA SILICULA.
Mdania silicida, GOULD, Proceed. Bost. Soc. II, p. 224, 1847 ; Exped. Shells, 46. Carp. Rep., p. 325.— IDEM, Expl.
Exped. Shells, p. 141, fig. 164.
Hob. — Elvers of Washington Territory, Dr. Cooper ; Nisqually and Oregon, Dr. Gould.
MELANIA SHORTAENSIS.
Mdania shortaensis, LEA, in literis.
Hab. — Willopah river, Dr. Cooper.
AMNICOLA NUTTALLIANA.
Paludina Nuttattiana, LEA, in Philos. Trans, pi. xxvi, f. 89.
Hab, — Columbia river, Dr. Cooper.
AMNICOLA SEMINALIS.
Paludina seminalis, HINDS, Zool. Sulph. p. 59, pi. 16, f. 22.
BiiMnia seminalis, CARP. Rep. p. 326.
Hab. — Upper California, Dr. Trask.
• Family TUREITELLID^.
TURRITELLA ESCHRICHTIL
Turritella eschrichtii, MIDDEND. Beitrage, II, p. 68, pi. xi, f. 1 ; Carp. Rep. 325.
Hab. — Puget Sound, Dr. Suckley, G. Gibbs, esq. ; Arctic Sea, Middendorff.
A few specimens sent from Puget Sound agree in all respects with the figure and description
given of this species by Middendorff, as cited above.
Family LITT01UNID $ .
LITTORINA RUDIS.
Litlorina rudis, GOULD, Stimpson, Shells of New England.
Littorina JBarclayan ? HINDS.
Hab. — Shoalwater bay to Straits of Fuca, Dr. Cooper, Dr. Suckley, G. Gibbs, esq.
Very abundant on the northwest coast, where it presents the same va'ried appearances as our
eastern shell.
LITTORINA SCUTULATA.
Littorina scutulata, GOTJLD, Proceed. Bost. Soc. Ill, p. 83, March, 1849, Exped. Shells, p. 83. — IDEM, U. S. Expl-
Exped. Moll. & Shells, p. 200, fig. 241.— CARP. Rep. p. 326.
Hab. — Puget Sound, Dr. Cooper ; Puget Sound, Oregon, Dr. Pickering.
On rocks from the head of Puget Sound to the Straits of Fuca, having habits similar to those
of L. rudis. — J. G. C.
LITTORINA PLANAXIS.
LUtorina planaxis, NUTT. Sup. PUILIPP. Abbildungen T. II, p. 201 ; Litt. Pt. IV, p. 16. Carp. Report, p. 326.
Hab.— San Luis Obispo, Dr. Antisell.
ZOOLOGY. 375
Family TURBINID^,
TEOCHUS FILOSUS.
Trochus filosus, WOOD. Ind. Test. Supp. pi. 5, f. 23, 1828. — CARPENTER, Rep. Brit. Assoc. p. 320.
Trochus ligatus, GOULD in Proceed. Boston Soc. Ill, p. 91, 1847.— Expcd. Shells, p. 185, fig. 207.
Trochus modcstus, MIDDEN ? Beit II, pi. 85, p. X, f. 16, 17, 18, 1849.
Hob.— Straits of de Fuca, Dr. Cooper; Upper California, Dr. Trask.
Not very common. T. modestus of Middendorff is considerably smaller, but otherwise much
resembles this species.
29. TROCHUS SCHANTARICUS.
Trochus schantaricus, MIDDEN. Beitrage II, 85, 12. — IDEM, Reise, p. 204, pi. xviii, f. 1-7.
Nab — Straits of Fuca, Dr. Cooper ; Schantar islands in Sea of Ochotsk, Middendorff.
This small species appears to be abundant in the above locality, and numerous specimens
were collected. They all exhibit more or less perforation beneath, and are uniform in size,
which is much less than T. filosus. In other particulars the two are nearly allied.
Family HALIOTID^,
HALIOTIS KAMTSCHATKIANA.
Ealiotis Kamtschatkiana, JONAS, REEVE, Con. Icon. Ill, f. 8. — CARPENTER, Rep. p. 320.
Sab — Nootka Sound, Captain Russell.
Several specimens of this beautiful species of Haliotis were brought from Nootka Sound by
Captain C. J. W. Russell, of which four were presented to us by Dr. Trask.
Young shells of H. rufescens bear considerable resemblance to this species, for which there
is reason to think they have sometimes been mistaken. Among numerous specimens of Haliotis
sent to the Smithsonian Institution from different localities on the coast of California, I find
none of this species from any more southern points than that given above, in latitude 49°. Mr.
Carpenter also considers it doubtful as a California species.
HALIOTIS CORRUGATA, H. SPLENDENS, H. RUFESCENS, and H. CRACHERODII were sent from San
Diego by Mr. Cassedy. H. californiensis must be rare, as none were obtained by any of our
collectors or correspondents.
Family FI SSU RE LLID M,
FISSURELLA NIGROPUNCTATA.
Fissurella nigropunctata, SOWERBT, REEVE, op. cit.
Hob.— Santa Catalina, Dr. Trask; Gallapagos, Cuining ; Panama, C. B. Adams.
Two specimens of this shell, hitherto only found in the Panama province, were sent by Dr.
Trask as coming from the island of Santa Catalina, near the coast of Upper California.
FISSURELLA ASPERA.
Fissurella aspera, ESCHSCHOLTZ, CARP. Rep. 320, (Glyphis.)
Fissurella cratilia, GOULD ?
Fissurelli denseclathrata, REEVE ?
Hob. — Upper California, Lieut. W. P. Trowbridge ; Puget Sound, Dr. Gould.
,9)7G ZOOLOGY.
Family PATELLID^l,
Very few shells of this family were collected. Among the imperfect specimens, of which
they mostly consist, we can recognize with some doubt, the following species, adopting the
nomenclature of Mr. Carpenter, the best authority upon this branch of conchology. For an
extended synonymy the reader is referred to his excellent ' ' Report to the British Association,
1856."
NACELLA INSTABILIS, ACJLEA PELTA, A. PERSONA, A. SPECTRUM, A. SCABRA, A. ^RUGINOSA,
SCURRIA MITRA.
Family CHITONID^l.
We find in the collections sent home still fewer materials, either specimens or notes, relating
to this family than to the previous one. The following were identified, and are chiefly from
the coast of Oregon:
CHITON MUSCOSUS, C. SUBMARMOREUS, C. TUNICATUS, C. LIGNOSUS.
Family HELICID^,
HELIX FIDELIS.
Helix fidelis, GRAY, in Proceed. Zool. Soc. 1834, Carp. p. 314.
Helix Nuttattiana, LEA, in Philos. Trans. 1838 pi. XXIII, f. 74.
Hob. — Washington Territory, Dr. Cooper.
"This beautiful species is apparently limited to the forests west of the Cascade mountains,
where it is common under evergreens in the drier situations. I have found one sticking to a
small tree about three feet from the ground, but do not know of its ascending trees habitually.
Its eggs, white, pelucid, and as large as a duck shot, are deposited in April under rotten wood.
Young specimens are very rare. I found this shell throughout the valleys from Vancouver to
the Straits of De Fuca, and more rarely near the coast, where it is smaller in size." — J. G. C.
HELIX TOWNSENDIANA.
Hdix Tffwnsendiana, LEA, in Trans. Philos. Soc. pi. XXIII, f. 80. — CARP. Rep. p. 314.
Hob — Washington Territory, Dr. Cooper.
"This is the most abundant species, especially along the coast, where, unlike most of our
American forest snails, it frequents open prairies among the fern. It is particularly abundant
on low, sandy bars just above high tide, which are covered with a deep, rich deposit of shell
marl, and have been formerly favorite camping ground of the Indians. These places, being
very productive, are much cultivated by the whites; and immense numbers of this animal's
shells are found when the grass and bushes are first burnt off. They continue to live in potato
fields in the same places. The bare face of Cape Disappointment fronting the ocean is also a
locality. I did not find this species about Puget Sound." — J. G. C.
Hdix columbiana, LEA, in Trans. Philos. Soc. pi. XXIII, f. 75. — CARP. Report, p. 314.
Hdix labiosa, GOULD, U. S. Expl. Moll, and Shells.
flab. —Washington Territory, Dr. Cooper.
ZOOLOGY.
377
"This little species is found in wet stations about meadows, &c., from Vancouver to the
coast, where it is most abundant, under drift logs, &c., high up on the meadows, which are
occasionally overflowed by the tide. It is also rarely found under trees. I did not obtain any
at Puget Sound."— C.
HELIX VANCOUVERENSIS.
Helix Vancouvertnsis, LEA, in Trans. Philos. Soc. pi. XXIII, f. 72.
Hab.— Washington Territory; Dr. Cooper.
" H. Vancouverensis is found west of the Cascade mountains, most abundant under the alder
groves along the coast, in damp places; also occasionally with H. Toivnsendiana. The animal
is entirely of a yellowish white color. Some are also found on Whidby's island." — C.
HELIX DEVI A.
Helix devia, GOULD, Exped. Shells, p. — .
Helix Baskervillei, PER. REEVE, C. I. pi. — , f. — .
Hab. — Washington Territory; Dr. Cooper.
Inhabits damp woods near Vancouver. Only two specimens were found. — C.
HELIX TUDICULATA.
Helix ludiculata, BIKNET, Terrestrial Molluscs.
Hab. — Washington Territory ; Dr. Cooper.
This is also a rare species in Washington Territory, and is found with the preceding. — C.
SUC CINE A NUTTALLIANA.
Succinea Nuttalliana, LEA, Proc. Am. Phil. Soc. vol. II, p. 32; Trans, of ditto, vol. IX, p. 4; PFEIFFER, Mon. Hel.
Viv. I, 523, III, 15; BINNET, Terr. Moll. U: S. II, 81; pi. LXVIIa, fig. 4.
Found at Vancouver, where it is apparently rare, and was not observed alive. — C.
Family LIMACEjE.
LIMAX COLUMBIANUS.
The Columbian Slug.
Umax Columbian™, GOULD, in Binney's Terr. Moll. U. S. II, 43; pi. LXVI, fig. 1.— U. S. Ex. Exped. Moll. p. 3,
fig. 1, a. b. c.
This large slug abounds in the dense, damp spruce forests near the Pacific coast, and was not
observed by me in the dry region east of the Cascade mountains. It is to be found during
every month of the year in Washington Territory, being even more abundant in the rainy
winter than in warmer seasons; its activity being checked only by severe cold, while it cannot
bear continual drought.
It not unfrequently drops from the trees, but whether it ascends to any great height I have
not observed. Though apparently offering a tempting meal to birds and other animals, I never
knew them to devour it.
This slug grows to the length of six inches, but shrinks to a third of that size in alcohol. Its
48 Q
378 ZOOLOGY.
surface is smooth, not rugose, when alive, as represented in Dr. Binney's plate, and its color
is a pale yellowish olive, usually more or less irregularly blotched with black. — C.
Family LYMN^EAD^E.
LYMNJEA UMBROSA.
Lymnita umbrosa, GODLD.
Hob. — Lake Oyosa, on the Okanagan river, near lat. 49°; Dr. Cooper.
LYMN^EA EMARGINATA.
Lymncea emarginata, SAT.
Hab. — Lake Oyosa, Washington Territory ; Dr. Cooper.
LYMNCEA JUGULARIS.
Lymncea jugularis, SAT.
Hab. — Lake Oyosa, Washington Territory ; Dr. Cooper.
PHYSA ELONGATA.
Physa elongata, SAT.
Hab. — Near Puget Sound ; Dr. Cooper.
PHYSA HETEROSTROPHA.
Physa heterostropha, SAT.
Hab. — Ponds in Washington Territory ; Dr. Cooper.
PHYSA BULLATA.
Physa bullata, GOULD, MS.
Hab. — Lake Oyosa, Washington Territory; Dr. Cooper.
ANCYLUS CAURINUS, n. s. ?
Hab. — Black river, near Puget Sound ; Dr. Cooper.
PLANORBIS CORPULENTUS.
Planorbis corpulentus, SAT.
Hab. — Lake Oyosa, Okanagan river ; Dr. Cooper.
PLANORBIS TRIYOLY1S.
Planorbis trivolvis, SAT.
Hab. — Near Vancouver ; Dr. Cooper.
"Exceedingly abundant in shallow lakes about Yancouver, the dead shells lining the
shores." — C.
PLANORRIS PLANULATUS, n. s.
Hab. — Lakes on Whidby's island; Dr. Cooper.
A small carinated species, flat above, convex below, having much the appearance of a
valvata, found only in lakes on Whidby's island, at the entrance of Puget Sound.
ZOOLOGY. 379
Family B U L L I D M .
BULLA NEBULOSA.
Bulla nebulosa, GOULD, SOWERBY, Thes. f. 79,80.
Hal.— Bay of San Pedro; Dr. Trask.
BULLA TENELLA.
£ulla tenella, ADAMS, SOWERBY, Thes. pi. 134, f. 104.
Zfa6.— Puget Sound; Dr. Suckley.
The habitat of Adams's shell is not known. A specimen from Puget Sound agrees very well
with Sowerby's figure and description quoted above.
Family OSTEEID^.
OSTREA EDULIS?
Ostrea edulis ? LINN. LAM .
Ilab — Shoal water bay, Wash. Terr.; Dr. Cooper. Straits of Fuca and Puget Sound; Mr. Gibbs.
Mr. Carpenter is of opinion that this is a distinct species, and on comparison with European
specimens it does show differences.
' ' Oysters are rare on most parts of the northwest coast, but there are a few localities in
which they are found in abundance. One of these is Shoalwater bay, a little to the north of
the mouth of Columbia river, where are to be found the conditions requisite for their existence
and multiplication. The markets of San Francisco and all the coast southward are supplied
from this bay. The oysters obtained here appear to differ little, if at all, from the common
oyster of Europe, and possess the same peculiar coppery flavor remarked in the European mol
lusc when eaten for the first time.
"In Puget Sound small oysters are found near the mouth of the Nisqually river, and some
%
others, but nowhere large enough to be of much value. They are said to grow larger at Van
couver island, and very large ones have lately been discovered near the mouth of Hood's
Canal."— C.
ANOMIA MACROSCHISMA.
Anomia macroschi&ma, DESH. Rev. Zool. 369. Mag. Zool. PI. 34.— MIDD. Beit, iii, 6, Idem Boise, p. 242, PI. XIX, fig.
1-5.
Placunanomia macroschima, CARPENTER, Rep. p. 312.
Hab, — Straits of Juan de Fuca; G. Gibbs, esq. Nootka sound; C. J. W. Russell.
Several very perfect specimens were collected at the Straits of Fuca, and sent to the SmLh-
sonian Institution by Mr. Gibbs.
PECTEN CAURINUS.
Pecten caurinus, GOULD, Proceed. Bost. Soc. iii., p. 345. Exped. Shells, 95. U. S. Exploring Exped. Moll, and Shells,
p. 458. Atlas, fig. 569. — CARPENTER, Rep. p. 311.
Hab.— Straits of Fuca; Dr. Suckley, G. Gibbs, esq. Port Townsend, Admiralty inlet, Oregon; Gould.
This fine pecten is found of a much larger size than that described by Dr. Gould. Of ten
specimens collected by Mr. Gibbs and sent to the Smithsonian institution, one measures twenty-
three inches in circumference, with a diameter of nearly eight inches, and some others are
nearly as large.
380 ZOOLOGY.
PECTEN YENTRICOSUS.
Peclen ventricosus, Sows. Thes. No. 19, pi. 12, f. 18, 19, 26.
Peden tumidus, SOWB. Proc. Zool. Soc. London, p. 109, 1852 ?
Hob. — Upper California; Dr. Trask. San Diego; Mr. Cassidy.
Family M Y T I L I D M .
MYTILUS EDULIS.
Mytilus edulis, LINN., LAM, GOULD, MIDD., CARPENTER.
Hob. — Shoalwater bay; Dr. Cooper.
"The common mussel of Europe and our own eastern coasts is found in Shoalwater bay in
equal abundance, and presenting the same variations in color and markings as there. It is
also common in the estuaries along the whole coast, and to the head of Puget Sound. They
are eaten by the Indians, but less used than the large clams so abundant in the same places.
I have also seen a very severe case of urticaria caused by eating them, probably from swallow
ing the beard. The same effect is sometimes observed in Europe and the United States." — C.
MYTILUS CALIFORNIANUS.
Myiilm Californianus, CONR. Journ. Acad. Philad. VII, p. 242, pi. 18, f. 15. — CARPENTER, Rep. p. 309.
Hab. — Puget Sound, Port Townsend; Dr. Suckley, Mr. Gibbs. Upper California ; Dr. Trask.
This shell ranges from California, northward, to the Straits of Fuca, and numerous specimens
have been collected and sent to the Smithsonian Institution from various localities along the
coast. Among them are some of all the various sizes, up to nine and a quarter inches long,
but all exhibiting the peculiar marks described by Mr. Conrad. These characters are less
obvious on the old and overgrown individuals, as might be expected, but, according to my
observations, can always be traced.
MODIOLA CAPAX.
Modiola capax, CONRAD, Journ. Acad. Philad. VII, p. 242. — GOULD, CARPENTER, Rep. p. 309.
Hab. — Straits of Fuca ; Mr. Gibbs, Dr. Cooper.
"Not a common species in this locality." —C.
MODIOLA FLABELLATA.
Modiola Flabdlata, GOULD, U. S. Expl. Exped, Moll. & Shells, p. 453, fig. 561.— IB. Proc. Bost. Soc. Ill, 343.
Hab. — Straits of Fuca and Puget Sound ; G. Gibbs, esq.
This is a much larger and very different shell from M. brasiliensis, so common at Panama,
with which Mr. Carpenter supposes it to be synonymous. — (Vid. Carp. Report, p. 210.)
LITHODOMUS.
A fine large species, unlike any described from this region, though approaching in some
particulars L.fakatus, GOULD, was found in rocks near the mouth of the Umpqua river, Oregon,
by Dr. Yollurn, U. S. A., and sent to the Smithsonian Institution.
ZOOLOGY. 381
Family ARCADE,
ARCA GRANDIS.
drcagrandis Bnon. & SOWERBY; REEVE, C. I., pi. — , f. 4. — CARPENTER, Report, p. 310.
Hab. — San Diego; Mr. Cassidy.
A fine specimen of this remarkable Area, preserved entire in alcohol, was sent to the Smith
sonian Institution from San Diego by Mr. Cassidy, being the first instance in which it has
occurred beyond the limits of the Panama province.
Family UNIONIDJ1,
MARGARITANA MARGARITIFERA.
Margaritana margaritifera, LEA, in Philos. Trans.
J\Iya margaritiftra, LINN.
MargaritanafluviatHis, SCHUMACHER.
Masmodonta falcata, GOIJLD, in Proc. Bost. Soc. N H. HI, p. 294. — IDEM, U. S. Exploring Ex. Mollus. & Sh.
pp. 433, 434— CARP. Report, p. 309.
Hab. — Chehalis and other rivers of Washington Territory; Dr. Cooper. Shasta river, Oregon; Dr. Trask.
After a careful comparison of specimens from the above localities with others from the
Atlantic States, as well as from Newfoundland and Europe, we are brought to the same
conclusion as Mr. Lea, namely, that the northwestern shell is at most a slight variety of the
the well-known M. margaritifera of Linnaeus.
' ' This is the most abundant of the fresh water bivalves, and the only one I have been able
to find in the Chehalis, the streams emptying into Puget Sound, and most branches of the
Columbia. No species is found in the streams running into Shoalwater bay. The Indians east
of the Cascade mountains eat these, food of any kind being acceptable to most of them." — C.
ANODONTA ANGULATA.
.•I n mlnn t u angulata, LEA, in Philos. Trans.
Jlnodontafccminalis, GOULD, U. S. Expl. Exped. Moll, and Shells, 436.— CARP. Rep. p. 309.
Hab. — Yakima river, Washington Territory; Dr. Cooper. Walla-Walla river, Oregon, Dr. Pickering.
Several perfect specimens of various ages were brought by Dr. Cooper from the above
locality, where it appears to be plentiful.
ANODONTA OREGONENSIS.
rfnodonla oregonensis, LEA, Philos. Trans.; pi. xxi, f. 67. — CARPENTER, Rep. p. 309.
Hab. — Rivers of Washington Territory; Dr. Cooper.
ANODONTA WAHLAMATENSIS.
Jlnodonln wahlamatcnsis, LEA, in Philos. Trans.; pi. xxi, f. 64. — CARPENTER, Rep. p. 309.
Hab. — Lagoons, Sacrament; Dr. Trask. Wahlamet river; Nuttall.
The Californian specimens sent by Dr. Trask are larger and finer than those from the more
northern habitats.
382 ZOOLOGY.
Family CARDIADAE,
CARDIUM NUTTALLI.
Cardium JVwMaKi, CONR. Jour. Acad. Phila. VII, p. 229; pi. 17, f. 3. — MIDDEND. Beitrage, III, p. 39; pi. xvi, f.
1_5. —CARP. Rep. p. 307.
Hab. — Shoal water bay and Puget Sound ; Dr. Cooper. San Francisco; Dr. Bigelow, Dr. Trask.
' ' This large shell is the most abundant of the clams in Shoalwater bay, and is very much used
as food. It inhabits a mixture of sand and mud, a few inches from the surface, in all parts of
the bay about half way between the shores and the large channels. The Indians are very
expert in finding them, getting numbers where a stranger can see no sign of their existence,
by feeling for them with a knife or flat stick. In July many come to the surface and die,
perhaps from the heat of the sun." — C.
CARDIUM QUADRAGENARIUM.
Cardium quadragenarium, CONR. Jour. Acad. Phila. VII, p. 230; pi. 17, f. 5. — CARP. Rep. p. 307.
Hab. — San Luis Obispo ; Dr. Antisell, U. S. A-
A valve of this rare species was obtained by Dr. Antisell at the above locality.
Family LUCINIDAE,
LUCINA CALIFORNICA.
Lucina californica, CONRAD, Jour. Acad. Phila. VIII, p. 255, pi. 20, fig. 1. — CARPENT. Rep., p. 307.
Hab. — San Diego; Mr. Cassidy.
Family CYCLADIDAE.
CYCLAS, n. s.?
Dr. Gould enumerates two species of this genus from Oregon, C. patella and C. egregia. Not having met with any descrip
tion, we are unable to determine whether either of them is identical with ours or not, or whether it may not be the same as one
of our eastern species.
Hab. — Whidby's island, Strait's of Fuca ; Dr. Cooper. Pools near Steilacoom ; Dr. Cooper.
Family VENERIDAE.
VENUS STAMINEA.
Venus staminea, CONR. Jour. Acad. Phila. VII, p. 250, pi. 19, fig. 14, 1837.
Venerupis petitii, DESH. Rev. Zool. p. 359, 1839.— IDEM, Mag. de Zool. pi. 39, 1841.— MIDD. Beit. Ill, 51, pi. XVII,
fig. 15—13.
Venus rigida, GOULD, Proceed. Bost. Soc. N. H. Ill, p. 227, 1850.— IDEM, U. S. Exploring Exped. Moll, and Shells,
p. 420 ; Atlas, fig. 538.
Tapes dicersa, Sown. Thes. pi. 146, fig. 41, No. 65. — CARP. Rep. p. 306.
Tapes straminae, CARPENTER, Rep. p. 196.
Saxidomus petitii, IDEM, Rep. p. 299.
Hab. — Shoalwater bay and Puget Sound ; Dr. Cooper and Dr. Suckley San Francisco; Dr. Trask. San Diego ; Lieut.
Trowbridge.
We have brought together the above synonymy after repeated examination and comparison
of specimens from distant localities between the Straits of Fuca and San Diego. The northern
shells are commonly but not invariably "ashy white," as described by Dr. Gould, some
ZOOLOGY. 383
exhibiting brown zigzag marks, after the manner of the young Venus mercenaria (V, notata,
Say.) Others from San Francisco, where they are sold in the markets as food, sometimes
exhibit brown undulating cross lines, at others broad longitudinal bands. In size and outline
they vary more or less, but in the characters of the teeth and hinge there is no material
difference.
" T. Straminea, CONRAD?" of Sowerby, Thes. 72, fig. 151, is a different shell, which I have
received from Panama, and consider it a variety of V. histrionica. Conrad has not used the
name straminea. His name staminea is dropped by Carpenter in his general catalogue,
straminea only being quoted. — (See Rep. 306.)
SAXIDOMUS NUTTALLI.
Saxidomus Nuttalli, CoNR. Jour. Acad. Phila. VII, p. 429, pi. 19, fig. 13, 1837.
Venerupis gigantea, DESH. Rev. Zool. p. 359, 1839.— IDEM, Mag. de Zool ; pi. 43, (foss!l ?) 1841.— MIDDEN. Beit. Ill,
p. 52, pi. xviii, f. 1-3.
Venus maxima, PUILIPPI, Abbild. II, t. 6, f. 1. 1846. Sowb. Thes., 46, f. 127.
Saxidomus gigantea, and S. Nuttalli, CARP. Hep. p. 299.
Jlab. — Skoalwater bay and Puget Sound, Dr. Cooper; Bodega, California, Dr. Trask ; Sitka, Middendorf; Kamschatka,
Pot. & Mich., (Middendorff.)
"This, which somewhat resembles the quahog of the Atlantic coast, and is called by that
name, is, however, much superior to it as food. It is found in the south part of Shoalwater
bay only, and near the mouth of the Copalux. I have found it, also, common in Puget Sound.
Its station is in someAvhat hard sand, near low-water mark." — C.
There is also a variety of this shell found fossil in coast banks elevated ten feet above the
sea level, which is very correctly represented in Deshayes' plate. The circumstance mentioned
by Deshayes, of the encroachment of the ligament, destroying the teeth, is frequently observ
able, even in young shells. This species varies much in different localities, but chiefly in the
exterior marking of the shell, the disk being sometimes brown, with rough concentric striae,
as described by Conrad ; others, from Oregon, are much smoother, without regular stride. But
the most aberrant appearance is found in another variety that occurs fossil at Shoalwater bay,
where it was collected by Dr. Cooper. This is well figured in Middendorff 's work, as above
cited, and less distinctly appears in Deshayes' figure. The specimen described by the latter
(from California) appears to be fossil, as he suspected. Middendorff gives no such intimation
regarding his.
A specimen from California measures 4.8 inches in breadth. A somewhat larger and very
perfect specimen is most accurately figured and described by Anton, in the work of Philippi,
above quoted, whence it is also copied by Sowerby.
f~~
YENUS LAMELLIFERA.
Venus lamdlifera, CONR. Jour. Acad. Phila. VII, p. 251, pi. 19, f. 19. 1837.
Venerupis cardieri, var. 0 DESK. Cat. Yarn. p. 191, No. 1.
Petricola cordieri, DESK. Rev. Cuv. p. 358. 1839.
Rupdlaria lamdlifera, CARP. Rep. p. 299.
Hob. — San Diego ; Mr. Cassidy.
Several entire specimens, but worn smooth, and one with perfect camellee, were sent by Mr.
Cassidy to the Smithsonian Institution.
384 ZOOLOGY.
Family MACTRID^.
LUTRARIA MAXIMA.
Lutraria mxxima, MIDDENDORFF, Beit. Ill, p. 66, pi. xix, f. 1-4. 1849.
Lutraria capax, GOULD, Proceed. Bost. Soc. N. H. Ill, p. 217. 1850
Lutraria maxima, IDEM, U. S. Expl. Exped. Moll, and Shells, p. 395, Carp. Eep. p. 300.
Hab. — Shoalwater bay, Dr. Cooper; San Francisco, California, Dr. Trask ; Sitka, Middendorff, (from Wosnessenskii.)
"This great dam (as all these edible bivalves are indiscriminately called) is found in Shoal-
water bay, within a rather limited area near the mouth and along the larger channels. It is
buried near two feet deep in hard sand, near low -water mark, its long siphon reaching the
surface and showing Avhere it can be found. It also abounds in many parts of Puget Sound, up
to near Olympia. It is excellent as food, and has always been one of the chief articles of
winter stores to the Indians, who preserve the hard parts by stringing and then smoking them
in their lodges. It attains to 7| inches in breadth, and is very capacious.
" Portions of the clay and sandstone cliffs surrounding the bay are perforated by the burrows
of this animal at a height of ten feet above the present high water. All the other mollusca
inhabiting the bay now are also found in these fossil beds ; and two which are not found
now were then common. There is no tradition among the Indians of the time of their eleva
tion, and the ancient trees standing on the surface show no signs of the irregular upheavings
which raised the former levels of low water, by successive stages, to a height now nearly one
hundred feet above the sea." — C.
Family TELLINIDJ1.
TELLINA NASUTA.
Tdlina nasuta, CONK. Journ. Acad. Phila. VII, p. 258. — MIDD. Beitiage, III, p. 61, 62. — IDEM, Eeise, p. 256, pi.
xxiii, f. 6-11.— SOWB. Thes. VI, p. 314, pi. 64, f. 224.— CARP. Rep. p. 302.
Hab. — Shoalwater bay, Dr. Cooper ; Puget Sound, Dr. Suckley ; San Francisco, Dr. Trask.
Rather a common species, whose range extends from Lower California to the Arctic regions,
having been found by Eschscholtz at Sitka, and by Middendorff in the sea of Okhotsk.
TELLINA EDENTULA.
Tdlina edenlula, BROD. & SOWB. Zool. Journ. IV, p. 363 — GRAY, Zool. of Beechey's Voy. p. 154, pi. 41, f. 5, and
pi. 44, f. 7.— CARP. Eep. p. 301.
7/aJ.— Puget Sound, G. Gibbs ; Oregon, Nuttall.
Several specimens of this large species were sent to the Smithsonian Institution by Mr.
Gibbs. It was also found at the mouth of Columbia river by Mr. Nuttall. In old shells the
teeth nearly disappear, but in younger examples they are long and strong, so that the name is
not strictly applicable.
TELLINA BODEGENSIS.
Tdlina bodegewis, HINDS, Zool. Voy. Sulph. p. 67, pi. 21, f. 2. — CARP. Eep. p. 302.
Ilab. — Shoalwater bay, Dr. Cooper ; mouth of the Umpqua river, Dr. Vollum, U. S. A.
This is much more rare than T. nasuta found in the same stations.
Another species of Tellina, collected by Dr. Cooper, could not be determined when the
report was written, but on comparison with the figures and descriptions contained in Hanby's
Monograph, resembles T. calcasea, CHEMINSTY, though slightly different.
ZOOLOGY. 385
SANGUINOLARIA CALIFORNIANA.
Sanguinolaria californiana, CONK. Jour. Acad. Phila. VII, p. 230, pi. 17, f. 6, CARP. Rep. p. 301.
nab. — Mouth of Columbia river ; Dr. Cooper. Perhaps the same as Tdlina inconspicua ; Broderic.
Rather common at the mouth of the Columbia and other rivers, and high up salt water
creeks. — C.
Family
SOLEN SICARIUS.
Solen sicarius, GODLD, Proceed. Bost. Soc. N. H. Ill, p. 214. — IDEM, U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 387, atlas, fig. 501. — CARPENT.
Rep. p. 301.
Hob. — Puget Sound ; Dr. Cooper.
A single dead shell found on the shore at the town of Steilacoom. It is probably abundant
on the mud flats near the mouth of the Nisqually river. — C.
MACHAERA PATULA.
Solen patulus, Portlock & Dixon, Voyage Round the World, London, 1789, plates, fig. 2, p. 354.
Solens maximus, WOOD, (nee Chemn ) Gen. Con. pi. 31, f. 3. — IDEM, Ind. Test. pi. 3, f. 16.
Solecurtus nuttalli, CONR. Journ. Acad. Phila. VII, p. 234, pi. 17, f. 9.
Machaera costata, MIDD. (nee Say) Beit. Ill, p. 78, pi. XXI, figs. 4-10. — IDEM, Reise.
Machaera maxima, GOULD, U. S. Expl Exped.; Jay's Cat. No. 239.
Machaera nuttalli, CARPENTER, Rep. p 301.
Hah. — Sea-coast of Washington Territory ; Dr. Cooper.
This shell inhabits the sand immediately upon the sea-beach, burrowing about the edge of
the usual low tide, where it can be dug up with little trouble, as it is only a few inches from
the surface. It is considered, and justly, the best of the many fine eatable mollusca of the
coast, excepting always the oyster. Severe storms wash up many of these shells, but they
soon crack under the sun's rays, and the beautiful epidermis falls off.
This is the only truly marine mollusc I have been able to find ont the sandy sea-beach near
the Columbia river. It extends northward as far as the beach is sandy, but is not found, I
believe, anywhere within the Straits of De Fuca. — C.
Family MYACID.E,
MYA CANCELLATA.
Myacancellaia, CONR. Journ. Acad. Phila VII, p. 235, pi. 18, f. 2.— JAY Cat. No. 265.
Platyodon cancellatum, CONR. Journ. Acad. Phila. 1819. — CARP. Rep. p. 300.
Hob. — San Luis Obispo ; Dr. Antisell.
Dead valves only were found.
SPH^ENIA CALIFORNICA.
Spfuenia californica, CONR. Journ. Acad. Phila. VII, p 234, pi. 17, f. 11. — CARP. Rep. p. 300.
Gryptomya californica, CONR. Journ. Acad. Phila. 1849, p. 208.
Hab. — San Francisco; Dr. Trask.
49 Q
386 ZOOLOGY.
Family A N A T I N 1 1) M -
MYTILIMERIA NUTTALLI.
Mytilimeria nuMalli, CONR. Journ. Acad Phila. Vil, p. 247, pi. 19, f. 5.— CARP. Rep. p. 301.
Hob. — San Diego ; Lieutenant W. P. Trowbridge.
A small group of this curious shell, nestling in a white friable arenaceous substance, was
received by the Smithsonian Institution through the kindness of Lieutenant Trowbridge.
Family PHOLADIDAE-
PHOLAS PENITA.
Phda* penita, CONR. Jour. Acad. Phila. VII, p. 237, pi. 18, f. 7, 1837.
Pholus concamerata, DESHAYES, Eev. Zool. p. 234, 1839. — IDEM, Mag. de Zool. pi. 17, 1840.
Parapholas penita, CONR. Jour. Acad. Phila. 1849, p. 214. — CARP. Rep. p. 290.
Sab. — Shoalwater bay, Dr. Cooper ; Straits of Fuca, Dr. Suckley ; Oregon, mouth of Umpqua river, Dr. Vollum, U. S. A.
"A specimen was obtained from a piece of worn rock which drifted into the bay attached to
the roots of macrocystis, the giant sea-weed." — C.
No. 7.
REPORT ON THE CRUSTACEA COLLECTED ON THE SURVEY-
B Y J. G. C 0 0 P E R , M. D.
CRUSTACEA.
Order DECAPOD A BRACHYURA.— S h o r t - tailed Crustaceans.
CANCER MAGISTER, Dana.
The Great Western Crab.
Cancer magister, DANA, U. S. Expl. Exped. Crust. 151, pi. vii, fig. t.— STIMPSOV, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat Sc. I, 88. —
IBID. Journ. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. VI, 1857, (extracted, p. 18.)
Cancer irroratus, RANDALL, Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. (non Say.)
SP. CH. — The largest crab of our Pacific coast; antero-lateral margin ten-toothed; teeth anteriorly but little prominent.
Third article of outer maxillipeds somewhat granulated, with the exterior apex broadly truncated. Feet of second pair
longest, as long as the width of carapax. Length when full grown, nearly five inches; width nearly nine. Color, light
reddish brown above, darkest anteriorly, often light orange below ; inner sides of anterior feet and hands, crimson.
This large crab is very abundant at Shoalwater bay during spring and summer. They can
be taken by hand in large numbers at low tide on the sand flats or in shallow pools. Their
spawn is deposited in July, after which they leave the bays for deep water. As food they are
superior to the common crab of the Atlantic coast, (Lupa dicantlia.)
PINNIXA FAB A, St imp son.
The Parasitic Imtraria Crab.
Pinnotherafaba, DANA, U. S. Expl. Exped. Crust. I, 381, pi. xxiv, fig. 4.
Pinnixafaba, STIMP. Journ. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. VI, (extracted, p. 30.)
SP. CH. — The male resembles P. cylindrica, (Pinnothera cylindrica, Say,) and is much smaller than the female, while the
carapax is shorter and broader, its length being in the proportion of 1 to 1.8. Length, 0.36 inch; breadth, 0.65. Female,
length, 0.69 inch; breadth, 1.05. Hands very large; finger mote curved in tha male than the female. Color, (living,)
grayish white.
This little crab is found within the large shell of the Lutraria, one of the " Clams " abundant
at Shoalwater bay, but I never met with more than half a dozen in hundreds of shells. It
probably lives on food brought into the shell by the current of water, and does not at all
incommode its hospitable host. I never met with it in other shells.
388 ZOOLOGY.
Order DECAPODA MACROURA.— L o n g - 1 a i 1 e d Crustaceans.
CALLIANASSA CALIFORNIENSIS, Dana.
Small Sand. Crawfish.
Callianassa Calif or niensis, DANA, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. 1854, VII, p. 175.
Callianassa occidentalls, ST. Proc Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc I, 1855, 88.
Sp. CH. — Eye peduncles sub- triangular, closely approximated at their bases, but diverging at their pointed tips. Length of
external antennae two-thirds that of the body. Larger anterior foot smooth and glossy on the sides, ciliate along the edges.
Hand broadest at the base, but little longer than the carpus and much narrower. Color, a delicate orange; anterior feet rose-
colored. Length, th.ree inches.
This animal lives in the hard sand about the mouth of Shoalwater bay, buried at the depth
of about a foot, and leaving a small hole at the surface, sometimes visible at low tide. It may
readily be known by its soft body and general form, resembling that of the crawfish. Two
other species, one of them often five inches long, are found in similar situations on the coast.
ASTACUS TRO WBRIDGII, S t i m p s o n .
Coast Crawfish.
rfstacus trowbridgii, ST. Proc. Best. Soc. Nat. Hist. VI, p. 87. — IBID. Journ. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. VI, (extracted,
p. 83,) pi. xxi, fig. 4.
SP. CH. — Thoracic spines prominent, rostrum short, broad, with smooth nearly parallel sides; terminal tooth of moderate
length ; antero-lateral teeth sufficiently prominent. Hands large, robust, equal in size; surface rough ; fingers spinulose. A
prominent spine near the extremity of the brachium. Color, when fresh, olive above ; pale, tinted with red below. Length,
four to five inches.
Numerous species of crawfish are found in the Territory, nearly all so closely allied as to be
distinguished only on careful comparison. One found in the Columbia is said to grow eight
inches long.
This species is found in the streams running into Shoalwater bay, and also at the mouth of
the Columbia. It sometimes gets into the brackish water of the bay, but probably returns to
the fresh streams as soon as possible. All the crawfish are good eating, but small usually, and
not much sought after.
CRANGON FRANC1SCORUM, Stimpson.
San Francisco Shrimp.
Crangon franciscorum, ST. Proc. Cal. Acad. Nat. Sc. I, 1856, p. 89. — IBID. Journ. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist. VI,
(extracted, p. 55,) pi. xxii, fig. 5, (hand.)
Sp. CH. — Very slender and depressed ; rostrum small, sub-triangular, rounded in front; hand large, with an oblique palm,
thumb-like process long and spiniform. Color, light and dark yellowish gray, mottled; eyes salmon red in life. Length, from
one to three inches.
This is the only species of shrimp I found at Shoalwater bay, where it is very rare, since I
got only three or four, and these only half the size it grows to further south. In San Francisco
great numbers of this and the black-tailed species (C. nigricauda, St.) are sold as food in the
markets. Those I found were caught in September.
ZOOLOGY. 389
0 r der J_oUjL UJJlJLj Equal-footed Crustaceans.
IDOTAEA WOSSNESSENSKII, Brandt.
Dark-green Idotaea.
Idotaea Wossntssenskii, BRANDT, Sibirische Reise, Zool. I, p 146. — STIMPSON, Journ. Boston Soc. N. H. VI, (64.)
/. hirtipes, DANA, U. S. Expl. Exped. Crust. II, p. 704, pi. XLVI, fig. 6.
1. oregonensis, DANA, Proc. Acad. N. S. Phil, 1854, VII, p. 175.
A very common animal, about an inch in length, and of a dark green color, in form resembling
the common "saw-bugs." Found on sea-weed among rocks, between high water and low tide
marks, Shoalwater bay.
SPHAEROMA OREGONENSIS, Dana.
Oregon Water Pill-bug.
Sphaeroma oregonensis, DANA, U. S. Expl. Exped. Crust. II, 778 ; pi. LII, fig. 4.— IB. Proc. Acad. N. S. Philad. VII,
p. 177. — STIMPSON, Journ. Bost. Soc. N. H. VI, (69.)
A common species found under stones at low-water mark in bays, &c. It looks very much
like the pill-bug or saw-bug of the land, (Oniscus,} and like it rolls itself into a ball when
disturbed.
Numerous other Crustacea are found on the coast of the Territory, but none of them fell
under my observation. For a complete enumeration of them, with synonomy and description
of new species, the reader is referred to Stimpson' s article in Journ. Bost. Soc., vol. VI.
LIST OF CRUSTACEA OBTAINED AT PUGET SOUND BY DR. SUCKLEY.
Descriptions of the species are contained in the Report on the Crustacea and Echinoderinata
of the Pacific shores of North America, by William Stimpson, extracted from the Journal of
the Boston Society of Natural History.
Cancer magister, Dana.
Cancer gracilin, Dana.
Pseudograpsus oregonensis, Dana.
Paguristes turgidus, Stimpson.
Callianassa coliforniensis, Dana.
Callianassa longimana, Stimpson.
Astacus leniusculus, Dana.
Crangon franciscorum, Stimpson.
Pandalus danae. Stimpson. ) _
\ Obtained by Captain Murden.
Idotaea resecata, Stimpson. )
Lygia dilatata, Stimpson.
Orchestia calif orniensis, Dana.
INDEX TO ZOOLOGICAL REPORT,
Acanthias suckleyi -.
Accipiter cooperi .- ...
mexicanus —
fuscus ... ..
Acipenser transmontanus
Acmaea
Acornus lactarius -
Actinem ys marmorata
Aegialitis vociferus
montauus .
semipaloiata ..
Aegiothus linaria
Agelaius phoeniceus
Aix sponsa
Albatross, Short-tailed .
Alee americana
Amblodon grunniens . — ......
Ambloplites aeneus .
Amia ocellicauda . .
occidentalis
Ammoccetes cibarius .
Amnicola
Ampelis cedrorum «. —
Anas boschas .
Anchovy, Pacific
Ancylus --
Anodonta
Anomia
Anser hyperboreus —
gambelii -
Anthus ludovicianus —
Antilocapra americana —
Antelope, Prong-horned
Antrostomus nuttallii — —
Aplocerus montanus . .
Aplodontia leporina ....82,
Aquila chrysaetos
Area
Archibuteo lagopus .......
fermgineus
sancti johannis
Arctomys flaviventer ._
Ardea herodias .
Artedius notispilotus
Argy reus nubilus ...............
Arvicola oregoni
townsendii 86,
Aspicottus bison.
Astacus w —
Astur atricapillus . ...
Page.
367
Athene hvpugaea..... .
Page
157
145
cunicularia .........
157
146
Avos? t American
234
146
Auks . -.
283
366
Badger, American
77,94, 117
376
Banded Mudfish
355
360
Bascanion vetustus ............
301
292
Bascanion flaviventris .
297
230
Bass Black .... ....
350
231
Bassaris astuta ............
114
231
Batrachians, Tailed .......
305
198
Batrachians, Tailless ............
303
207
Bear, Black ... .....
78, 120
257
Bears White .
.. .. 119
269
Grizzly
119
105, 133
Yellow
119
355
Brown
119
350
Cinnamon.. ....
119
365
Beaver.
82,100,126
366
Bernicla canadensis. ...........
250
368
leucopareia
250
374
hutchinsii
251
187
nigricaus
252
253
Bighorn. .
137
365
Birds, Perching ....
164
378
Humming
164
381
Swimming..... .. ....
248
378
Bison ..
138
249
Bittern ....... .
228
249
Black Bear ........
78,120
176
Black- bird , Swamp ....
207
136
Redwing ....
207
136
Brewer's .......
209
166
Black Cat
82 114
105, 136
Blasipus heermanni
275
100, 124
Blue-bird, Western ...
173
288
Bonasa sabinii . .
224
381
Bos americanus ...
138
148
Botaurus lentiginosus . . .
228
149
Brachyotus cassinii ...... .
155
288
Brachyramphus marmoratus
286
99 124
temminckii
287
228
Brant, Hutchins
287
353
White-necked .
250
361
Black
252
86 103
Bubo virginianus . ......
154
103 129
Buffalo
138
353
Bufo boreas . . .
303
388
columbiensis . ..
304
144
Bulla ..
378
392
INDEX.
Bull-bat
Bull-snake, Oregon. ..
Prairie
Bunting, bay-winged.
Butcher-bird
Buteo cooperi
elegans -.
montanus
vulgaris ..
swainsonii
borealis
Buzzards
Cabree
Calidris arenaria
Callianassa
Cancer ..
Page.
166
300
300
200
188
146
147
147
288
288
288
147
136
241
388
387
Cards occidentalis 75, 90, 110
griseo albus - 90, 110
nubilus 90,111
latrans 90,111
Cardium .... 382
Carp, Deer-nosed -- 359
Carp, Oregon -- 363
Carpiodes dainalis . 359
Carpodacus californicus 196
Castor canadensis 82,100,126
Cat, Wild 74,75,90,109
Red 74,90,109
Civet 114
Catfish, Blunt-tailed 359
Olive 359
Porous - - — -- 356
Cattle 138
Cathartes atratus 288
aura 140
califoruicus - 141
Catostomus sucklii 360
Cayote Ill
Cebidichthys violaceus 353
Cedar bird 187
Celuta amccna 302
Centrocircus urophasianus 222
Cerorhina monocerata 284
suckleyi 284
Certhia americana 192
Cervus canadensis - 106, 133
leucurus 106,134
Columbian us.... 136, 135
virginianus . 134
macrotis . 134
Ceryle alcyon 167
Chaetura vauxii . 165
Char, Red 344
Charadrius virginicus 229
Chaulclasmus streperus 256
Cheonda cooperi 362
Chewink, Oregon 206
Chirnaera colliaei 366
Chiropsis nebulosus 351
Chiton .. 376
Chondestes grammaca
Chroicocephalus Philadelphia.
Chrysodonaus
Chrysomitris pinus .
tristis
Chub, Vancouver
Circus hudsonicus
Cistothorus palustris
Civet Cat
Cock, Black Wood
Log
Cock of the Plains -.
Cod, Puget Sound
Colaptes rnexicanus
Collyrio borealis
Col urn ba fasciata
Columbella ..
Page.
200
276
370
197
197
362
150
190
114
161
161
222
356
163
188
217
373
Columbia Gopher 100,126
Colyrnbus torquatus . — - 278
pacificus _ — 279
septentrinalis . 279
Condylura 108
Contopus borealis. - 169
Coot - 247
White-winged. 262
Sea 262
Cormorant, Double-crested — . — 267
Violet-green 267
Corvus carnivorus 210
americanus 211
caurinus 211
Cottopsis asper 351
Cotyle serripennis - 186
Cougar 74,89,108
Crab, Oregon 387
Parasitic - 387
Crane, Sandhill 227
Brown 227
Great Blue 228
Crangon 388
Crawfish, Oregon - 388
Soft-shelled 388
Creeper, American 192
Crossbill, Red 198
Crotalus lucifer 295
conflueutus - 295
Crotaphytus wislizeniL. . 294
Crow, Common 211
Fish 211
Clarke's 212
Crowned Wrens 174
Crustaceans, Short- tailed 387
Long-tailed 388
Equal-footed 389
Curlew, Long-billed . 24fi
Curvirostra americana • 198
Cyanospiza amo3na 205
Cyauu rastelleri 214
Cyclas 382
Cygnus americanus 248
INDEX.
393
Cygmis buccinator . .
Pago .
248
Elgaria grandis
Page.
293
Cynomys ludovicianus
99,123
Spotted .
292
Dace, Nebraska
361
Banded
293
253
Elk
88, 105,133
356
Etnbiotoca pcrspicabilis
357
88 106 135
Empidonax pusillus .
170
Iflfi 134.
Emy s marmoratus
293
359
Engraulis mordax _
365
Enhydra marina
76,93,115
townsendii .......
179
Eremophila cornuta .
195
Eulachon
349
180
Eutainia atrata ..
296
coronata
180
.
audubonii
181
29o
aestiva
181
Diadophis pulchellus
302
9Q7
Diomedia brachyura
269
concinna
oqo
Dipodomys phillippii
100,127
9QU
Dipper, American
175
faireyi
oqq
Diver, Great Northern
278
radix..... ...
299
Pacific
279
Falco aesalon _ .
288
Red-throated --
279
nigriceps.
142
278
columbarius ......
142
367
polyagrus
143
Tto^s
112
spar verius ......
143
218
Falcons, True
142
257
Felis concolor .
74,88,108
Wood
257
Finch, Grass . ....
200
Bi°° Black-head
258
Lark
200
258
Lazuli
205
Broid-bill
258
Pine
197
258
Finches, Wood
196
259
Fishes, Report on ....
307
259
Fissurella
375
f?iif+ov Vinll
o^q
Flatfish, Hough
357
2^0,
Flicker, Red Shafted
163
Riifflo ViAnrl
21Q
Fiber zibethicus .......
87,103,130
op.n
Fishes
76,92,114
9 III
Fly-catcher, Arkansas
168
Olive-sided
169
9fi1
Least
170
Townsend' s
187
Vplvpt
262
Green Black-cap
182
Surf
262
Warbling
188
Blue-headed
189
263
OfiQ
Four-legged Fish
306
Pintail
253
Fox, Raccoon
114
253
Gray
91,113
255
Kit . ..
113
Spoon- bill
255
01 113
Gad wall . .
256
Black
qi 1 1 Q
Gray .
256
Q1 111
Baldpate
256
ffi 119
Widgeon .... . . ....
256
Prairie .
91
Ducks True ......
253
Frog, Salmon ......... .... ...
304
Eagle Bald
151
Spotted .
304
Oregon wood
304
9 1 Q
Gallinago wilsonii
237
149
Gambetta melanoleuca
242
El "'aria piincipis
292
278
50 Q
394
INDEX.
Gasterostetis serratus
pugetti
Geothlypis trichas
macgillivrayi _
Glaucidiurn gnoma .
Goat, Mountain .
Goatsuckers
Gobio gelid us....
God wit, Marbled
Goosander
Goose, Snow
White-fronted ..
Laughing ..
Canada
Hutchins's
Gopher, Columbia
Goshawk .
Graculus dilophus
violaceus
Grebes, Crested ,
Western .
Horned
California .
Pied-bill
Green-head _
Greeulets .. .
Grosbeak, Evening
Black-headed . ....
Ground puppy .
Ground Robin, Oregon
Grouse, Dusky ... .
Blue
Pine
Franklin' s
Tyee
Sharp-tailed .
Oregon
Grus canadensis
G uillemot, Horned-bill __
Western
Guiraca melanocephala.
Gull, California .
Ring-billed
Suckley 's ..
White-headed .
Bonaparte's
Glaucous- winged
Western _.
Gunnellus ornatus .
Haematopus niger
Haliastus leucocephalus _ _
Haliotis ...
Hare, Western Red 87,
Prairie ._
Townsend's
Jackass
Texas . . .
Black-tailed
California . 87,
Sago
Pago.
354
354
177
177
158
106,136
166
361
245
263
249
249
249
250
251
100
144
2G7
2G7
280
281
281
282
283
253
188
196
206
306
206
219
219
219
221
221
223
224
227
284
206
273
273
274
275
276
270
271
233
151
375
103,130
104, 131
104,131
104, 131
104,131
104. 131
104. 132
105,132
Harrier
Hawk, Pigeon _
Duck
Lanier
Sparrow
White-tailed
Black-shouldered
Marsh ._
Cooper's
Blue-backed
Sharp-shinned
Fish
Squirrel
California
Red-tail
Red-bellied
Rough-legged...
Hawks, Slender
Helix
Helminthopaga celata
Hens, Marsh
Mud
Heron, Great Blue
Night ,
Herring, Puget Sound...
Missouri
Hesperiphona Arespertina
Pago.
150
112
142
143
143
149
149
146
146
153
149
148
147
147
148
144
376
178
246
247
228
229
363
364
196
Hesperomys gambelii 83,102,127
Btauerus 83, 102, 127
sononensis _
boy lii
californicus .....
Hetercscelus brevipcs .
Hirundo bicolor
thalassina .
rufa
lunifrons
Holconotus rhodoterus
Horn Fish ...... .
Horse _
Humming Bird, Red-back
Hybognathus argyritis
Hydrobata mexicana
Hyla regilla
Hylatomus pileatus
Hyodon tergisus _
Ichtbyomyzon castaneus
Icterus bullockii ... .
Idotoca, Dark Green .
Jaculus hudsonius 83, 101 127
Jay, Steller's 214
Canada 216
Jumping Mouse 83,101,127
Junco oregonus .. 202
Kangaroo Rat...._ , 127
Killy , Steilacoom 362
Spotted 362
King Bird i67
Kingfisher, Belted _, 157
Kittiwake, North Pacific
102
84
84
243
185
185
184
184
358
351
138
164
361
175
304
161
364
368
209
389
INDEX.
395
Kittiwake, Turner's ...
Lamprey, Chestnut
Launce, Pacific Sand...
Lark, Horned. _
Western Meadow
Sky
Shore
Larus californicus
delawarensis
suckleyi
glaucescens
occiden tails
Leptocottus ar matus
Pago.
277
368
368
196
208
195
195
273
273
274
270
271
352
Lepus washingtonii ..87, 103, 130
campestris 104, 131
callotis 104, 131
californicus 104,132
artemisia _ 105,132
trowbridgii 87
Limax 377
Limosa fedoa 245
Lion, California 74,88,108
Lithodomus .. 380
Little Striped Skunk 77
Littoriua 374
Lizard, Slender 294
Western Fence 293
Loons 278
Lophodytes cucullatus . 265
Lophortys californica 225
Lucina 38 2
Lumpenus anguillaris 356
Eel- shaped 356
Lutra californica 76,115
Lutraria 384
Lygia. 389
Lymnsoa 378
Lynx fasciatus 74,90, 109
rufa — 75
Macluera 385
Macroramphus griseus 238
Magpie 213
Mallard 253
Mareca americana 256
Marmot, Yellow-footed 124
Martin, Purple 186
Bee 167
Masticophia tteniatus 302
Melania 374
Melanerpes torquatus — 161
Meletta cerulea 363
Melospiza rufina 204
Mephitis bicolor 76
mephitica 94
occidentals 76,94,116
Merganser, Hooded . 265
Red-breasted 264
Mink 93,115
Minnow, Silvery 361
Modiola.. 380
Page.
Mole, Star-nosed 108
Western 73,89,107
Monkey-fish, Violet 355
Monoceros 372
Moose 105,133
Mormon cirrhata 283
Morrhua 355
Mountain sheep 137
Mouse, Jumping 101,127
Gainbel's 83, 102,127
White-bellied 83, 127
Ground 86,103,129
Meadow . 129
Muskrat 369
Mus decuinanus .. 101
Muskrat 87,103,130
Mustela americana 76, 92
pennanti 76,92,114
Mya 385
Myiadestes townsendii 187
Mylocheilus lateralis . 359
Mytilimeria 386
My tilus 380
Myiodioctes pusillus 182
Nacella 376
N assa 371
Natica 373
Nautichthys oculo-fasciatus 354
Neosorex navigator.. 73
Neotoma cinerea ._ 103
fuscipes 84
occidentalis 85, 102, 128
Nettion carolinensis 254
Night hawk 166
Numenius, longirostris 245
Nuthatch, Red-bellied 192
Slender-billed 193
California 193
Nyctale acadica 156
Nyctea passerinoides 288
nivea 288
Nyctiardea garden! 229
Okow 351
Oligocottus maculosus 352
Orchestia.. 389
Oreortyx pictus - » 225
Oriole, Bullock's 209
Ostrea - 378
Osprey, American . - - .. 153
Otter, Sea 76,115
Land 115
Californian 76, 115
Otus vulgaris 288
brachyotus 288
wilsonianus — -- 155
Ouzel, Water 175
Ovis uiontana.. - 137
Owls, Great Horned 154
Mottled 155
Screech.. 155
396
INDEX.
Owl Long-eared ....
Page,
155 Pins fish Parifir:
Page.
365
Short-eared .
155
Pipilo oregonus . .....
206
Great Gray
156
300
Saw-whet
156
300
Burrowing
157
378
Pigmy - - -- -•-
158
357
Oystercatcher, Bachrnan's .
233
Plover Golden .... -
229
Pandalus
389
231
Pandion carolinensis
153
Killdeer
230
Panther, American
74,81,108
Rins"
... 231
Paguristes. . .... .
389
231
Partridge, Plumed
225
Swiss
232
Parus occideutalis
194
Black-bellied
232
montanus .... .
194
282
rufescens .
194
280
199
280
alaudinus ........ .....
199
281
204
cornutus
281
Pecten .._.._....._.._....
378
Podilymbus podiceps
283
223
350
265
200
266
356
Pelican, White
265
Poule d'Eau
247
2G6
99, 123
2G6
78 94 118
Perch Buffalo
355
186
355
195
White
355
Pseudograpsus
. .. . 389
Sapphire .... ...
357
Pteromy s oregonensis ..
80,122
Silvery .. .....
358
Ptychocheilus oregonensis .
3G3
358
Puffin, Tufted
283
216
Purple Finch, Western
196
101
Purpura . ........ . ..
371
101
Putorius richardsonii ...
93,114
101
longicauda ..
93,114
170
vison
93,115
236
pusillus ........
92
Eed
236
cicognanii
92
236
Py ranga ludoviciana ..........
182
f ulicai ius . ...
236
Quail, Mountain
225
78
California
225
386
Querquedula cyanoptera
254
378
Racer, Green ......
301
213
Rabbit, Sage ..... .. ...
105
159
114
gairdneri . ... ...
159
Raccoon, Black-footed .
78,94,118
160
Raja coopcri . . ........
367
Pigeon Band-tailed - ...
217
Rail, King
246
Wild
218
Virginia. . ........ ...
247
Passenger
218
Rallus elegans .. .
246
Carolina
218
virgiuianus.... .... .....
247
Pike Wall-eyed - ..... ..
351
Rana pretiosa
304
351
halecina .............
304
Pillbug Oregon Water ... ...
389
Rat, Rocky Mountain ..... ......
103
359
Brown ... .......
101
... 359
Norway . .
101
360
Bushy tailed ....
85, 102, 128
387
Hairy tailed ....
85, 102, 128
Pine Finch.. .........
197
Pouched ..
100,126
INDEX.
397
Rat, Kangaroo .
Rattlesnake, Western
Prairie
Raven, American. .
Recurvirostra americana
Red-Poll, Lesser
Regina kirtlandii
grahamii
Regulus calandula
satrapa
Reptiles .... —
Soft-skinned —
Richardsonius bal teatus
lateralis
Rissa Keptcntrionalis
Ring snake, Western , .
Robin, Common
Painted
Rock "Cod"
Sage cock
Salamander, Warty
Salar
Salmonida), Report on
Salmo gairdneri
gibbsii
confluentus. .
scouleri ...
proteus. .....
canis
spectabilis .
clarkii ._
masoni
stellatus
(Salar) lewisii
quinnat .
paucidens
argyreus ..
tsuppitch
truncatus..
Salmon, Common
Weak-toothed
White
Silvery
-trout.
Short-tailed
Square-tailed
Gairdner's
Hooked- nosed
Fall
Hump-backed
Dog
Spotted
Salmon-trout, Black spotted.
Red spotted...
Sanderling
Sandpiper, Solitary.. ,
Spotted..
Buff- breasted
Red -backed
Least...
Page.
127
295
295
210
234
198
299
299
174
174
292
303
362
362
277
302
172
172
354
222
305
349
307
331
332
334
335
339
341
342
344
345
346
349
321
325
326
327
327
321
325
327
327
327
327
327
331
335
335
339
341
341
332
342
241
242
244
244
239
240
Page.
Sanguinolaria . 385
Saxidomus ...... 383
Scalops townsendii 73, 89, 107
Sceloporus graciosus _ 294
occiden tails 293
Sciurus fossor 95,121
richardsonii 79,96, 121
douglassi 79,97,121
Scolecophagus cyanocephalus 209
Scops asio 155
Scoter 263
Scotophis vulpinus 299
Scratching birds 217
Sculpin, Prickly-skinned 351
Slender 352
Buffalo 353
Ay res's 353
Rough 353
Bar-eyed 354
Scurria 376
Seal 78
Sea otter . 115
Sebastes melanops 354
Selasphorus rufus . 164
Sewellel 82,100,124
Sheepshead, Lake 355
Sheldrakes 263
Shell-fish 369
Showt'l 100,124
Shrews. 73,89
Shrike, Great Northern 188
Shrimp, Californian 388
Sialia mexicana 173
Sitta canadensis . 192
aculeata 193
pygmaea 193
Siredon lichenoides... 306
melanosticta . 306
Skate, Northwestern . 367
Skunk, Western 94,116
Californian 76,94,116
Little Striped 77
Snake, Ground 302
Fox 299
Worm 302
Brown Wood 303
Sparrow, Savannah, Large 199
Gray 199
White-crowned .. ... 201
Golden-crowned . 201
Tree 203
Chipping 203
Western Song 204
Townsend's Fox _. 204
Spizella monticola 203
socialis 203
Snipe, Wilson's 237
English 237
Gray 238
Red-breasted.. 238
398
INDEX.
Snipe, Jack
Long-legged
Stone
Snow-bird, Oregon — ... _
Solen
Sora — . —
Sorex vagrans ..
trowbridgii . .
Buckley i
Sparrows, Painted ..
Field
Spatula clypeata
Spermophilus beecheyi —
douglassii . —
lateralis
13-lineatus.... _
Sphaecroma -
Sphoenia. ......
Squirrel, Say's Striped
Western Gray
Richardson's 79,
Oregon Red 79,
Pine
Oregon Flying
Striped 80,
Ground ...... . 81,
Squatarola helvetica
Stake-driver
Stickleback, Serrated -.
Puget Sound
Stizostedion boreus
Strepsilas interpres
melanocephalus
Striped Snake -
Strix pratincola
Sturnella neglecta
Sturgeon, Columbian
Succiuea
Sucker, Nebraska —
Milk River
Sunfish, Black
Northern
Moon
Swallow, Barn
White-bellied
Violet-green
Rough-winged
Cliff
Swan, American — .
Trumpeter
Swift, Oregon
Symphemia semipalmata. . .. .
Syngnathus arundinaceus
Syrnium cinereum
Tamias townsendii -. 80,
quadrivittatus
Tanager, Louisiana
Tapaya douglasii — ......
Taricha torosa . . .. .... ..... . .
Tattler, Tell-tale
Wandering
Page.
239
241
242
202
385
247
73
89
89
205
199
255
81,122
98,122
82
98
389
285
82
95,121
96,121
97,121
97,121
80,122
97,122
98,122
232
228
354
354
351
233
234
297
288
208
366
377
360
360
350
350
350
181
185
185
186
184
248
248
165
241
365
156
97,122
97,122
182
294
305
242
243
Page.
Taxidea Americana 77,94,117
Teal, Green-winged...
South American.
Cinnamon
Red-breasted.
Tellina
Tetrao obscurus
franklinii
Thaleichthys pacificus.
Thistle bird..,
.................. 254
................... 254
................... 254
. .................. 254
................... 384
.................. 219
................... 221
. .................. 349
................... 197
Thomomys douglasii ......................... 100,126
Thriothorus bewickii ......................... 189
Thrush, Western ............................ 171
Varied .............................. 172
Titlark, American ............................ 176
Titmouse, Western ........................... 194
Chestnut-backed -------- ........ ---- 194
Least ............................. 195
Mountain .......................... 194
Toad, Oregon Horned ........................ 294
Northern ............................. 303
Columbia .............................. 304
Toad-fish .................................... 353
Towhee Bunting ............................. 207
Tringaalpina.. .............................. 239
maculata .............................. 239
wilsonii ........................... ... 240
Tringoides macularius.. ...................... 244
Triton ...................................... 369
Trochus ..................................... 375
Troglodytes parkmanni ____ ______ . . ____ . ____ .. 191
hyemalis .................... ____ 191
Trout, Oregon Brook ......................... 346
Trupials .................................... 207
Tryngites rufescens.... ..... . ............ ..... 244
Turdus ustulatus ............................. 171
migratorius .................. - ....... 172
naevius ............................... 172
Turkey buzzard ---- ......... . ................ 140
vulture ........................... ... 140
Turnstone ................................... 233
Black ............................. 234
Turritella ................................... 374
Turtle, Western Pond ........................ 2'J2
Tyrannus carolinensis ........ .. ---- .......... 167
verticalis .......................... 168
Uradela ..................................... 305
Uria columba ................................ 285
Urotrichus gibbsii ............................ 89
Ursus ameiicauus ............................ 78, 94, 120
horribilis .............................. 78, 119
Venus ......... . ..................... - ...... 382
Vireo gilvus .................. - ......... -----
solitarius ....... . ........ .
Vulpes macrourus.... ........................ 76, 91
decussatus
cinereo-argentatus
virginianus ______ . ---- ...... ......
Vulture, Turkey
Californian
Wading birds
189
112
91,113
91, 113
91, 113
227
INDEX.
390
Warbler, McGillivray's
Orange-crowned ....
Western
Townsend's
Black-throated Gray.
Yellow-rumped ,
Audubou's
Yellow....
Water birds
Water ouzel....
Water- snake, Prairie....
Wax-wings
Weazel, Richardson's
Long-tailed.
Least
Brown.. ,
Wenona plumbea
Whip-poor-will, Nuttall's.... .
Whip-snake, California
Whiskey Jack
Widgeon, American
Willet...
Pace.
177
178
178
179
180
180
181
181
227
175
299
187
93,114
93,114
92
92
303
166
302
216
256
241
Wolf, Prairie .
Dusky .... ....
Gray
Woodchuck, Western
Woodpecker, Harris' s
Gairdner's
White-headed.
Ked-breasted..
Lewis's
Wren, Ruby-crowned
Golden-crested
Bewick's. ...
Long-billed..
Marsh
Parkinann's ...
Winter
Yellow bird
Yellow-legs, Greater
Yellow-throat, Maryland....
Zaniolepis latipinnis
Zenaidura carolinensis
Zonotrichia gambelii ........
coronata..,
. 75,
Page.
90,111
90,111
90,110
124
159
159
1GO
100
161
174
174
189
190
190
191
191
197
242
177
353
218
201
201
Fishes
Plate-
R Metzerorh
U. S.PRR.EX.& Surveys: - - 47^ Parallel
Fiskes
H.Richard del.
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del
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Plate 2X.
CO
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Yish.es: — — Rate XEE
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• .
Plate'XUH
J.Ii Richard del.
S.P. R,.R.Ex. & Surveys- — 47* Parallel
: . •
Yish.es: Rate 1
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Pishes
•A
t
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S E R.R Bc.&S^o?veys
Fisi.es. .— Plate LX.
LBictard del.
Fishes
. Kicnard del.
•ER.R.E2L& Surveys: - - 47th Parallel.
EL sh.es
TUcliaaid del.
U. S. E R.R. EK.& Survevs . — 47^ Parallel
Rate .IX
3.ER R. Ex &. Surveys: — 47*EaTaHeL
Fishes: Plate IXX
P. R R.EX.& Survevs :
-?s: - - Hate jj>,X
del
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