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AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY;

OR,

THE NATURAL HISTORY

OF THE

BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES.

ILLUSTRATED WITH PLATES

fingraved and Colored from Original Drawings taken from Nature.

BY ALEXANDER WILSON,

VOL. IX.

PHILADELPHIA:

PUBLISHED BY BRADFORD AND INSKEEP.

PRINTED BY ROBERT AND WILLIAM CARR.

8800880002088

District of Pennsytvania, ‘ro wir :

SEHK IM BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the fifth day of June, in
* LS. ¥ the thirty-sixth Year of the Independence of the United States
ewe & of America, A. D. 1812, ALEXANDER WILSON of the said
KEEKKEKE District, hath deposited in this office the Title of a Book, the
right whereof he claims as Author, in the words following, to wit:

** American Ornithology; or, the Natural History of the Birds of the United
** States. Tlustrated with Plates, engraved and colored from Original draw-
“ings taken from Nature. By Alexander Wilson.”

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, intituled ‘ An
Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts
and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies during the Times
therein mentioned.”——And also to the Act, entitled, “‘ An Act supplementary to
An Act, entitled “An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing
the Copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such
Copies during the Times therem mentioned,” and extending the Benefits thereof
to the Arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other Prints.”

D. CALDWELL,
Clerk of the District of Pennsylvania.

PREFACE.

AT the date of the decease of the author of the AMERICAN
ORNITHOLOGY, the editor of this volume was absent from Phila-
delphia ; and it was not until his return that the afflicting tidings
of the death of his friend reached his ears. He soon learned that
a distinguished confidence had been reposed in him by a nomina-
tion to the office of co-executor; and he lost no time in entering
upon the duties of that appointment. Upon inspecting the port-
folio of Mr. Wilson, three complete sheets of drawings were dis-
covered, which were ready for the hands of the engravers ;* and
that nothing might be lost which would in any wise add to the
treasures of science, the proprietors of the work liberally consent-
ed that the engravings should be made, and attached by way of
supplement to the eighth volume, as a compliment to the subscrib-
ers, accompanied by merely a scientific description of the subjects.

But when the editor calmly reflected upon the nature and
object of his appointment, his heart suggested a duty, the per-
formance of which was yet owing to friendship. Some account

* The Great-footed Hawk was included in plate 75, reduced so as to correspond to its compa-
nions. But as the original drawing was highly finished, it was resolved to omit the former figuve, and
to engrave an additional plate from the latter in preference. This arrangement enabled the artist to

give greater effect to his subject, by the introduction of appropriate scenery. The advantage to the
work is obvious. |

VOL. IX. r B

vi | PREFACE.

of one who had attracted in an unusual degree the public notice
was required, and that relation might possess interest from the
circumstances of the knowledge of the narrator derived from inti-
macy, and his access to materials of the most authentic kind.
But the consciousness of his inability to do justice to his subject
induced him to pause; and he asked himself whether or no he
would incur the charge of presumption, by engaging in an under-
taking for which his talents were incompetent. However, he re-
solved on the attempt; and as he is now sensible that the debt of
duty is paid, he is perfectly willing to abide the decision of legiti-
mate criticism, under a full persuasion that strict and impartial
justice will be awarded him: which is all that an author has a
right to expect.

It has been the aim of the editor to condense the incidents
of the biography as much as possible without injuring the effect
of the narrative, and to relieve those prominent features of our
author’s life which are principally interesting. In a word, his
attention has been chiefly directed to the tracing of the rise and
progress of this work, under the opinion of the propriety of that
procedure. In another place the subject may be enlarged upon,
and rendered more attractive to the general reader by the addi-
tion of some further correspondence of the author, and a critique
on his writings. With respect to the events of the early part of
Mr. Wilson’s life, the editor’s stock of materials was slender; and
he is not certain that they are correctly stated. But no better in-
formation could be obtained without applying to Europe, which

circumstances interfered to prevent.

PREFACE. | Vil

The historical part of the present volume comes next under
review. When it was resolved upon, the editor cast his eyes
eagerly over the papers and journals of his friend, persuaded that
he should there find copious materials to carry into full effect his
project of furnishing an account of those birds which were found —
delineated as before mentioned. But he was mortified to discover.
of some, merely a few facts scattered throughout the journals,
with imperfect descriptions, and of others no record whatever; it
having been the practice of Mr. Wilson to make brief notes and
hasty sketches, trusting altogether in his ability to fill up and per-
fect as the occasion demanded. Hence his journals must be
considered merely as indexes to his mind, that comprehensive
volume, the fair transcripts of which have contributed so much
to our delight and instruction.

To say that the editor has spared no diligence to accom:
plish his undertaking, is a duty which he owes himself: as he is
unwilling to be suspected of inattention in an affair of so much
responsibility. He is perfectly aware of the disparity which will
be obvious between this volume and the preceding as it relates to
matter, and trusts that the good sense of the reader will frame
his apology. He is yet but a novice in the sublime study of
Natural History, commenced indeed under happier auspices, when
at the feet of the illustrious Wilson he rejoiced in the fulness of
heart in the acquisition of a teacher and a friend. But alas! how
often are we compelled to mourn the instability of those -enjoy- |

ments, which are erected upon the frail basis of mortality!

Vill | PREFACE.

The plates of this volume, we trust, will bear a strict com- .
parison with any of the foregoing; and it is a source of infinite
regret to us, as we expect it will also be to the reader, that they
are so few. If the author had lived a short time longer, and had
been permitted by health, he would have completed drawings of
all the birds which he intended at present to delineate. There
are some which he would have been obliged to omit, in conse-
quence of the unhappy war in which our country is involved, pre-
venting a journey to those parts of Georgia and Louisiana where
only it would be practicable to obtain them. These, with strag-
glers, it was contemplated to give, at some future period, in a
supplement.

The very day whereon Mr. Wilson was seized with his
last illness, he made out a list of those birds which he intended
should complete the work for the present. We transcribe it for

a
the satisfaction of the reader: !

Undrawn, Aug. 13, 1813.

Gannet, Albatross, ‘Crested Grebe,
Young of ditto, ‘Tropic Bird, Little Grebe,
Frigate Pelican, | Puffin, | Black-backed Gull,

Brown Pelican, Razor-bill, Skua Gull,
Great White Pelican, Shearwater Petrel, Kittiwake Gull,
Brown Booby, Blue Hawk, Herring Gull,
Corvorant, Speckled Diver, Common Gull,
Canada Crane, Turkey, Swan.

Shag,

PREFACE. | 1X

Of the greater part of the above, not much interesting detail
could have been given; some being wanderers of the deep, far
remote from our shores, and only occasionally embracing us with-
in their extensive range; and of others very little being known.
But of those highly interesting species, the Swan and Turkey, the
latter of which is peculiarly our own, we regret exceedingly that
no figures and account have been given by Mr. Wilson; as their
noble portraits would not only have beautified his work, but their
histories from his elegant pen would have been valuable articles
in the biography of American birds. |

Upon the future Ornithologist will devolve the pleasing duty
of completing the history of the Birds of the United States, so
ably commenced and carried on by the indefatigable Wilson,
with honor to himself and advantage to science and literature.
With respect to our country in particular, how much gratitude
do we owe that excellent naturalist, for the treasure which he has
afforded us in his inestimable work! He has unfolded a rich
scene to our view; revealed new wonders to our meditation; and
taught us that there cannot be a more rational amusement, than
that which springs from the study of the birds, that diversified
portion of animated nature. Formerly the winged tribes passed
before us, and we merely satisfied ourselves with a transient look.
Now, since we have been introduced to their acquaintance, we
hail them as friends who enliven our walks by their frolics, incite
our curiosity by their habitudes and economy, and charm us with
their songs. Whilst walking abroad to survey the glorious works

of creation: the green fields, the fragrance-breathing valleys, the
VOL. IX. é

x PREFACE.

azure vault—the streams, forests and mountains, of how much
interest would all this spacious landscape be devested, if not ani-
mated with those emblems of joy and love with which a benevo-
lent Deity hath benefited and adorned our sphere! Then whilst
the breezes of May waft to our delighted ears the melody of the
groves, let our praises ascend to the God of Nature for having
infused into our hearts a relish of those pure pleasures which arise
from the contemplation of his works; and for having endued those
extraordinary individuals, who have led the way in these studies,
with talents and zeal which have entitled them to the noble deno-
mination of Benefactors of the human race.

The study of philosophy, particularly that of ee history,
has been considered by the wise and good of all polite ages, as
not only an elegant recreation, but as contributing greatly to the
strengthening of the faculties, and the improving of the heart.
“The contemplative hours,” says the amiable Cicero to his friend
Varro, “which you spend at your Tusculan villa, are, in my es-
timation indeed, what alone deserve to be called life: and I would
willingly renounce the whole wealth and splendor of the world, to
be at liberty to pass my time in the same philosophical manner.”
[t is in truth the most noble characteristic of philosophy, to be
superior to external accidents, and to depend for happiness on
ourselves alone. It offers a calm retreat from the cares and the
sorrows of life, where the clamor of party dissentions can never
reach, and where an oblivion may be found of the injustice and
the wickedness of mankind. If we cast our eyes on the world,

and. witness the result of the various passions which influence the

PREFACE. Xd

bulk of our species, the survey may indeed be attended with in-
struction, but can afford little satisfaction to the virtuous mind.
Let us then rejoice that an asylum is provided us, where we may
eall off our faculties from every thing that may disturb our peace,
and fix them on those speculations which are at once an orna-
ment to prosperity, and the support of adversity.*

To the bowers of the Muses, in fine, we are invited to repair,
by every consideration which can have weight with the reflective
mind. There springs the fountain of whose pure waters we may
all partake ; the verdure and flowers that adorn its banks are pe-
rennial; and there those roses planted by the hands of Wilson,
shall attract the attention of the lover of nature—shall delight
him with their modest beauty, and shall sooth him with their

rich perfumes.
* Wide Cicero’s letters, by Melmoth, ii, 252. iii, 18, 24. London, 1753.

GEORGE ORD.

Philadelphia, May 4, 1844.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Or

ALEXANDER WILSON.

ALEXANDER WILSON was born in the town of Paisley,
in Scotland;* and received the elements of a classical education
at a grammar school of his native place. About the age of ten,
he had the misfortune to lose his mother; and his father, who
was closely engaged in the occupation of a distiller, feeling the
necessity of an adjunct in the governance of an infant family,
again entered into the matrimonial state.
| Young Wilson’s father had designed him for a learned pro-
fession; but this intention, how agreeable soever to parental feel-
ings, was not relished by the son, who had imbibed some preju-
dices, which were the cause of the project being abandoned.

The introduction of a step-mother into Mr. Wilson’s family,
as is too often the case, was productive of unhappiness. The
subject of this memoir became the object of aversion, through
some unknown cause, to his new guardian; who employed her
influence to his disadvantage, with such effect, that the poor lad
was compelled to forsake his paternal roof, and to seek an asylum
under that of his brother-in-law, William Duncan, who resided at
Queen’s ferry, on the Frith of Forth. Mr. Duncan was a weaver ;

* The year in which he was born could not be ascertained ; but it is conjectured by his friends
that he was about five-and-forty at his decease.

VOL. IX. D

X1V LIFE OF WILSON.

and young Wilson, convinced, by experience, of the necessity of
self-exertion, applied himself with diligence to acquire a know-
ledge of that trade, at which he continued for several years.

At an early period of his life he evinced a strong desire for
learning; and the perusal of old magazines and pamphlets, to
which he had ready access, was an additional stimulus to further
exertion. His mind, it is reasonable to conjecture, was not a lit-
tle agitated at the solemn alternative of persecution, or of relin-
quishing for ever the fostering attentions of a parent, to whom he
was most dutifully and affectionately attached; and he experienced
consolation by devoting his leisure hours to reading and writing.
Poetry attracted his regard; it was the vehicle of sentiments which
were in unison with his sanguine feelings: he had early imbibed
a love of virtue, and it now assumed a romantic cast, by assimi-
lation with the high-wrought efforts of fancy, combined with the
melody of song.

Caledonia is fruitful of versemen: every village has its poets;
and so prevalent is the habit of jingling rhymes, that a scholar is
considered as possessing no taste, if he do not attune the Scottish
lyre to those themes, which the amor patria, the national pride of
a Scotsman has identified with his very existence.

Burns was now in the zenith of his glory. His verses were
on the lips of every one; his praises were echoed from the cot-
tage to the palace; and from the unexampled success of this hum-
ble son of genius, many aspired to the honors of the laurel, who
otherwise would have confined their views of poetical renown to
the limited circle of their family or acquaintance. Among this
number may be reckoned our Wilson; who, finding from some
short essays that he possessed the talent of poetical expression,
ventured to exhibit his attempts to his friends, whose approbation
encouraged him to renewed perseverance, in the hope of emerging
from that condition in society, which his aspiring soul could not
but disdain.

LIFE OF WILSON. XV

Mr. Duncan, with a view of bettering his estate, relinquished
the occupation of weaving, and became a travelling merchant, or
in common language a Pedler. In his expeditions, young Wilson,
now approaching to manhood, frequently accompanied him; and
thus was a foundation laid of a love for travelling, which became
a ruling passion with our author the remainder of his existence.

Alexander was now left to shift for himself; and as he was
completely initiated in the art of trading, he shouldered his pack
and cheerfully set out in quest of riches. In a mind of a romantic
turn, Scotland affords situations abundantly calculated to arouse
all those feelings which the sublime and beautiful in nature in-
spire. Wilson was a poetical enthusiast ; and the bewitching
charms of those mountains, valleys and streams, long since im-
mortalized in song, filled his soul with rapture, and enkindled all
the efforts of his youthful muse. From a habit of contemplating
the works of nature, arose an indifference to the vulgar employ-
ment of trading, which became more disgusting at each interview
with the Muses; and nothing but the dread of poverty induced
him to conform to the dull avocations of common life.

He occasionally contributed essays to various periodical pub-
lications, amongst which we may name the Bez, conducted at
Edinburgh by Dr. Anderson. He likewise was in the habit of
frequenting the Pantheon at the same place, wherein a society for
debate held their meetings. In this assembly of wits he delivered
several poetical discourses, which obtained him considerable ap-
plause.

In consequence of his literary attainments, and correct moral
deportment, he was admitted to the society of several gentlemen
of talents and respectability, who descried in our youth the pro-
mise of future eminence. Flattered by attentions which are al-
_ ways grateful to the ingenuous mind, he was emboldened to the
design of collecting and publishing his various poetical attempts;

hoping thereby to realize funds sufficient to enable him to perse-

XV1 LIFE OF WILSON.

vere in the walks of learning, which, to his glowing fancy, were
profusely strewed with flowers.

The volume appeared under the title of “Poems, Humorous,
Satirical and Serious, by Alexander Wilson.” The writer of this
sketch has it now before him; and finds in it the following re-
marks, in the hand-writing of the author himself: ‘T published
these poems when only twenty-two—an age more abundant in sai/
than ballast. Reader, let this soften the rigor of criticism a little.”
Dated, “Gray’s ferry, July 6th, 1804.” These poems were in
truth the productions of a boy, who composed them under the
most disadvantageous circumstances. They answered the purpose
for which they were originally intended: to gratify the partiality
of friendship, and soften moments of despondency. ‘Their author,
in his riper years, lamented his rashness in giving them to the
world; and it is to be hoped that no one will be so officious as to
draw them from that obscurity, to which he, who gave them ex-
istence, sincerely rejoiced to see them condemned. ‘These poems
went through two small octavo editions, the last of which appear-
ed in 1791. The author reaped no benefit from the publication.

About this period of his life, the town of Paisley was agitated
by a misunderstanding between the Manufacturers and the Wea-
vers; and all the talents of both parties was exerted on the occa-
sion. Young Wilson, attached to his side by the double tie of
principle and interest, boldly espoused their cause, and was con-
sidered no mean champion in the controversy.

Amongst the Manufacturers there was one of considerable
wealth and influence; who had risen from a low origin by a con-
currence of fortunate circumstances ; and who had rendered him-
self greatly obnoxious by his avarice and knavery. Him our
poetical weaver arraigned in a galling satire, written in the Scot-
tish dialect; which of all languages is perhaps the most fertile of
terms of sarcasm or abuse. The piece was published anony-

mously; and though Wilson was suspected to be the writer, yet

LIFE OF WILSON. XVU

no evidence could be adduced to establish the fact. But unfor-
tunately as he was one night, at a late hour, returning from his
printer, some spies, who had been watching his movements, seized
upon him; and papers being found in his possession which indi-
cated the author, he was prosecuted for a libel, sentenced to a
short imprisonment, and to burn, with his own hands, the piece
at the public cross in the town of Paisley. The printer, it is said,
was likewise fined for his share in the publication.

In the year 1792, Mr. Wilson wrote his characteristic tale,
entitled Watty and Meg. This little poem was published anony-
mously; and possessing considerable merit was by many attributed
to Burns. It has obtained more popularity in Scotland than any
of the minor essays of our author; and has been ranked with the
best productions of the Scottish muse.

He now began to be dissatisfied with his lot. He was poor,
and saw no prospect of bettering his condition in his native coun-
try. And having heard flattering accounts of America, he con-
ceived the design of forsaking the land of his forefathers, and
settling in the United States. With this intention he arranged
his affairs; set out for Belfast, in Ireland; engaged his passage
in the ship Swift of Newyork, captain Steel, bound to Philadel-
phia; and arrived at Newcastle, in the state of Delaware, on the
fourteenth of July, 1794. |

We now behold Alexander Wilson in a strange land; with-
out an acquaintance on whose counsels and hospitality he could
rely in that state of uncertainty, to which, having no specific
object in view, he was of course subjected; without a single let-
ter of introduction; and with only a few shillings in his pocket.
But every care was forgotten in his transport at. finding himself
in the land of freedom. He had often cast a wishful look towards
the western hemisphere, and his warm fancy had suggested the
idea, that amongst that people only, who maintained the doctrine
of an equality of rights, could political justice and happiness be

VO. x. LE

XVil LIFE OF WILSON.

found. He had become indignant at beholding the influence of
the wealthy converted into the means of oppression; and had
imputed the wrongs and sufferings of the poor, not to the condi-
tion of society, but to the nature and constitution of the govern-
ment. He was now free; and exulted in his release, as a bird
rejoices which escapes from the confinement of the cage. Impa-
tient to set his foot on the soil of the New World, he landed at
Newcastle ; and shouldering his fowling-piece, directed his route
towards Philadelphia, distant about thirty-three miles. The writer
oi this biography has a distinct recollection of a conversation with
Mr. Wilson on this part of his history, wherein he described his
sensations on viewing the first bird that presented itself as he en-
tered the forests of Delaware. It was a red-headed Woodpecker,
which he shot, and considered the most beautiful bird he had
ever beheld.

On his arrival at Philadelphia, he reflected on the most eli-
gible mode of obtaining a livelihood, to which the state of his
funds urged immediate attention. He made himself known to
Mr. John Aitkin, a copper-plate printer, who on learning his
situation gave him employment at that business, at which he
continued for a few weeks; and abandoned it for his trade of
weaving, having made an engagement with Mr. Joshua Sullivan,
who resided on the Pennypack creek, about ten miles north of
Philadelphia.

_ The confinement of the loom did not agree either with Mr.
Wilson’s habits or inclinations ; and learning that there was con-
siderable encouragement afforded to settlers in Virginia, he mi-
grated thither, and took up his residence near Shepherd’s Town,
in that part of the state known by the name of New Virginia.
Here he again found himself necessitated to engage in the same
sedentary occupation; and soon becoming disgusted with the
place, he returned to his friend, Mr. Sullivan, at Pennypack.

I find from one of his journals, that in the year 17935 he.

LIFE OF WILSON. XIX

travelled through the north part of the state of Newjersey, with
an acquaintance, in the capacity of a trader, and met with tolera-
ble success.

On his return from the above expedition, he opened a school
on the Bustletown road, a short distance from the town of Frank-
ford, Pennsylvania. Being dissatisfied with this situation, he
removed to Milestown, and taught in the schoolhouse of that
village. In this last place he continued for several years; and
being deficient in the various branches of learning, necessary to
qualify him for an instructor of youth, he applied himself to study
with great diligence ; and acquired all his knowledge of the ma-
thematics, which was considerable, solely by his own exertions.

Whilst residing at Milestown, he made a journey on foot to
the Gennesee country, for the purpose of visiting a small farm of
which he was joint proprietor; and in the space of twenty-eight
days traversed an extent of nearly eight hundred miles.

He changed his residence next, for one in the village of
Bloomfield, Newjersey, where he again opened a school. But
soon being advised of a more agreeable situation, he solicited
and received an engagement from the trustees of Union School,
in the township of Kingsess; a short distance from Gray’s ferry,
on the river Schuylkill.

This removal constituted an important era in the life of Mr.
Wilson. His schoolhouse and residence being but a short dis-
tance from the Botanical Garden of Messieurs Bartram, situate on
the western bank of the Schuylkill: a sequestered spot, possessing
attractions of no ordinary kind; an acquaintance was soon con-
tracted with that venerable naturalist, Mr. William Bartram,
which ripened into an uncommon friendship, and continued with-
out the least abatement until severed by the hand of death. Here
it was that Mr. Wilson found himself translated, if we may so
speak, into a new existence. He had long been a lover of the

works of Nature, and had derived more happiness from the con-

XX LIFE OF WILSON.

templation of her simple beauties, than from any other source of
gratification. But he had hitherto been a mere novice; he was
now about to receive instructions from one, whom the experience
of a long life, spent in travel and rural retirement, had rendered
qualified to teach. Mr. Bartram soon perceived the bent of his
friend’s mind, and its congeniality to his own; and took every
pains to encourage him in a study, which, while it expands the
faculties, and purifies the heart, insensibly leads to the contem-
plation of the glorious Author of nature himself.. From his youth
Mr. Wilson had been observant of the manners of birds; and since
his arrival in America had found them objects of uncommon inte-
rest; but he had not yet viewed them with the eye of a naturalist.

Mr. Bartram possessed some works on natural history, par-
ticularly those of Catesby and Edwards. Mr. Wilson perused
them attentively; and found himself enabled, even with /zs slen-
der stock of information, to detect errors and absurdities into
which these authors had fallen, from a defective mode of study-
ing nature: a mode, which, while it led them to the repositories
of dried skins and preparations, and to a reliance on hearsay
evidence, subjected them to the imputation of ignorance, which
their lives, devoted to the cultivation and promotion of science,
certainly would not justify. Mr. Wilson’s improvement was now
rapid; and the judicious criticisms which he made on the above-
mentioned authors, gratified his friend and instructor, who re-
doubled his encouraging assistance, in order to further one in a
pursuit for which his genius, now beginning to develope itself, was
evidently fitted.

In his new situation Mr. Wilson had many enjoyments ; but
he had likewise moments of despondency which solitude tended
to confirm. He had addicted himself to the writing of verses
and to music; and being of a musing turn of mind had given
way to those seductive feelings which the charming scenery of

the country, in a susceptible heart, never fails to awaken, ‘This.

LIFE OF WILSON, | xxi

was a fatal bias, which all his efforts could not counteract or
remove. His friends perceived the danger of his state; and one
in whose friendship he had placed strong reliance, and to whom
he had freely unburthened himself, Mr. Lawson, the engraver,
became alarmed for the soundness of his intellect.* ‘There was
one subject which contributed not a little to increase his mental
gloom, and that was the consideration of the life of penury and
dependence to which he seemed destined as the teacher of a
country school. Mr. Lawson immediately recommended the re-
nouncing of poetry and the flute, and the substituting of the amuse-
ment of drawing in their stead, as being most likely to restore the
balance of his mind; and as an employment well adapted to one
of his recluse habits and inclinations. To this end, sketches of
the human figure, and landscapes, were provided him; but his
attempts were so unpromising that he threw them aside with dis-
gust; and concluded that one at his period of life, being near
forty, could never succeed in the art of delineation. His friend,
Mr. Bartram, now advised a trial at birds; and being tolerably
skilful himself, exhibited his port-folio, which was graced with
many specimens from his own hands. The attempt was made,
and succeeded beyond the expectation of Mr. Wilson or that of
his friends. here was a magic in the employment, which aroused
all the energies of his soul; he saw, as it were, the dayspring of
a new creation; and from being the humble follower of his in-
structors, he was soon qualified to lead the way in the charming

art of imitating the works of the Great ORIGINAL.

* Since the above has been in type, the following incident has been communicated fo us by Col.
Carr, who had it from Mr. Wilson himself. Durmg the time that the latter labored under great de-
pression of spirits, in order to sooth his mind he one day rambled with his gun. ‘The piece by acci-
dent slipped from his hand, and in making an effort to regain it the lock was cocked. At that moment
had the gun gone off it is more than probable that he would have lost his life, as the muzzle was op-
posite to his breast. When Mr. Wilson reflected on the danger which he had escaped, he shuddered
at the idea of the imputation of suicide, which a fatal occurrence, to one in his frame of mind, would
have oceasioned. ‘There is room to conjecture that many have accidentally met their end, whose

memories have been sullied by the alleged crime of self murder.

VOL. IX. F

Xx LIFE OF WILSON.

If a momentary digression from our subject would be par-
doned, the writer of this sketch would suggest the idea of erect-
ing in that classical retreat, Bartram’s Botanic Garden, a rural
monument or altar, dedicated to the amiable Genius of Painting:

as to her inspiration the world is indebted for the AmERICAN
ORNITHOLOGY.

That Mr. Wilson likewise succeeded tolerably well in deli-
‘neating flowers, appears from the following note to Mr. Bartram,
dated ov. 20th, 1803: |

“TJ have attempted two of those prints which Miss Nancy*
so obligingly, and with so much honor to her own taste, selected
for me. I was quite delighted with the anemone, but fear I have
made but bungling work of it. Such as they are I send them for
your inspection and opinion; neither of them is quite finished.
For your kind advice towards my improvement I return my most
grateful acknowledgements.

“The duties of my profession will not admit me to apply to
this study with the assiduity and perseverance I could wish. Chief
part of what I do is sketched by candle-light; and for this I am
obliged to sacrifice the pleasures of social life, and the agreeable
moments which I might enjoy in company with you and your
amiable friend. I shall finish the other some time this week; and

shall be happy if what I have done merit your approbation.”

As Mr. Wilson progressed in drawing, he made correspond-
ing advances in a knowledge of Ornithology. He had attentively
perused the works of the naturalists of Europe, who had written
on the subject of the birds of America; and became so disgusted
with their caricatured figures, fanciful theories, fables and misre-
presentations, that on turning, as he himself observes, from these
barren and musty records to the magnificent repository of the
woods and fields—the Grand Aviary of Nature, his delight bor-

* Mr. Bartram’s niece, now the consort of Co!. Carr, of the U.S. army.

LIFE OF WILSON. Xxili

dered on adoration.* It was not in the inventions of man, the
reveries of the closet philosopher, that the DivinE Wispom could
be traced; but it was visible in the glorious volume of creation, on
the pages of which are inscribed the AuTHoR’s lessons of good-
ness and love, in the conformation, the habitudes, melody and
migrations of the feathered tribes, that beautiful portion of the
work of his hands.

To invite the attention of his fellow beings to a study attended
with so much pleasure and improvement, was the natural wish of
one who had been educated in the School of Wisdom. He humbly
thought it would not be rendering an unacceptable service to the
Great Master oF Creation himself, to deduce from objects
that every where present themselves in our rural walks, not only
amusement and instruction, but the highest incitements to piety
and virtue. Moreover, self-gratification, that source of so many
of our most virtuous actions, had its share in urging him to com-
municate his observations to others.t He examined the strength
of his own mind and its resources; the undertaking seemed hazard-
ous; he pondered it for a long while before he ventured to mention
it to his friends. At length the subject was made known to Mr.
Bartram, who freely expressed his confidence in the abilities and
acquirements of Mr. Wilson; but from a knowledge of the situa-
tion and circumstances of the latter, hinted his fears that the dif-
ficulties which stood in the way of such an enterprise were almost
too great to be overcome. Wilson was not easily intimidated ;
the very mention of difficulties suggested to his ardent mind the
means of surmounting them, and the glory which would accrue
from such an achievement. He had a ready answer to every ob-
jection of his cautious friend; and evinced such enthusiasm, that
Mr. Bartram trembled lest his intemperate zeal should lead him
into a situation, from the embarrassments of which he could not
well be extricated. |

* See preface to vol. vy. passim. + Introduction to vol. i.

skiy LIFE OF WILSON.

The scheme was unfolded to Mr. Lawson, and met his un-
qualified approbation. But he observed that there were several
considerations which should have their weight, in determining in
an affair of so much importance. These were frankly stated; and
followed by advice, which did not quadrate with Wilson’s tem-
perament; who, vexed that his friend would not enter into his
feelings, expressed his scorn of the maxims of prudence with
which he was assailed, by styling them the offspring of a cold,
calculating, contemptible philosophy. Under date of March 12th,
1804, he thus writes to the last named gentleman:

‘‘] dare say you begin to think me very ungenerous and un-
friendly in not seeing you for so long a time. I will simply state
the cause, and I know you will excuse me. Six days in one week
I have no more time than just to swallow my meals and return to
my Sanctum Sanctorum. Five days of the following week are oc-
cupied in the same routine of pedagoguing matters; and the other
two are sacrificed to that itch for drawing, which I caught from
your honorable self. I never was more wishful to spend an after-
noon with you. In three weeks I shall have a few days vacancy,
and mean to be in town chief part of the time. I am most ear-
nestly bent on pursuing my plan of making a collection of all the
birds in this part of North America. Now I don’t want you to
throw cold water, as Shakspeare says, on this notion, Quixotic as
it may appear. I have been so long accustomed to the building
of airy castles and brain windmills, that 1t has become one of my
earthly comforts, a sort of a rough bone, that amuses me when

sated with the dull drudgery of life.”

In the month of October, 1804, Mr. Wilson, accompanied by
two of his friends, set out on a pedestrian journey to visit the far-
famed Cataract of Niagara, whereof he had heard much, but which »
he never before had an opportunity of beholding. ‘The magnifi-

cent scenery of that beautiful river, as might be expected, filled

LIFE OF WILSON. ¥XV

the bosom of our Poet with the most rapturous emotions. He
gazed upon the cataract with an enthusiasm bordering upon dis-
traction. And ever after declared, that no language was sufficiently
comprehensive to convey an adequate idea of that wonderful cu-
rlosity.

It is possible, by the force of description of a work of art, or
common scene of nature, to raise the fancy to such a degree, that
the reality comes short of expectation. But of the Falls of Niagara,
it may with truth be observed, that the utmost stretch of the ima-
gination falls infinitely short of portraying the terrific sublimity of
the mighty torrent. | |

On the return of Mr. Wilson, he employed his leisure mo-
ments in writing a poetical narrative of the journey. This poem,
which abounds with interesting description and pleasing imagery,
is entitled Te Foresters; and was gratuitously tendered to the
proprietors of the Port Folio, and published in that excellent mis-
cellany.

This expedition was undertaken rather too late in the season,
and consequently our travellers were subjected to hardships of
which they were not aware. Winter overtook them whilst in the
Gennesee country, on their return by the way of Albany; and they
were compelled to trudge the greater part of the route through
snow midleg deep. Perhaps it may gratify the readers of the
poem, which closes at the Falls of Niagara, to be informed, that
of the colleagues of the author, one tarried amongst his friends on
the Cayuga lake, and the other gave out and took the benefit of a
more agreeable mode of travelling. But the hardy Wilson’s pride
would not permit him to be overcome by fatigue or difficulties:
he manfully kept the road, refusing to be relieved even of his gun
and baggage; and arrived at his home the seventh of December,
having been absent fifty-nine days; and traversed in that time
upwards of twelve hundred miles. The last day he walked forty-
seven miles.

VOL. IX. G

XXV1 LIFE OF WILSON.

The following letter to Mr. Bartram, illustrative of his views

and feelings at this juncture, is interesting in a great degree:

“ Gray’s Ferry, December 15th, 1804.

“Though now snugly at home, looking back in recollection

on the long, circuitous journey which I have at length finished,
through trackless snows, and uninhabited forests; over stupendous
mountains, and down dangerous rivers: passing over, in a course
of thirteen hundred miles, as great a variety of men and modes of
living, as the same extent of country can exhibit in any part of
North America—though in this tour I have had every disadvan-
tage of deep roads and rough weather; hurried marches, and many
other inconveniences to encounter—yet so far am I from being sa-
tisfied with what I have seen, or discouraged by the fatigues which
every traveller must submit to, I feel more eager than ever to
commence some more extensive expedition ; where scenes and
subjects entirely new and generally unknown might reward my
curiosity ; and where perhaps my humble acquisitions might add
something to the stores of knowledge. For all the hazards and
privations incident to such an undertaking, I feel confident in my
own spirit and resolution. With no family to enchain my affec-
tions; no ties but those of friendship; and the most ardent love
of my adopted country—with a constitution which hardens amidst
fatigues; and a disposition sociable and open, which can find itself
at home by an Indian fire in the depth of the woods, as well as in
the best apartment of the civilized. For these, and some other
reasons that invite me away, I am determined to become a travel-
ler. But I am miserably deficient in many acquirements abso-
lutely necessary for such a character. Botany, Mineralogy, and
Drawing, I most ardently wish to be instructed in, and with these
I should fear nothing. Can I yet make any progress in Botany,
- sufficient to enable me to be useful? and what would be the most

proper way to proceed: I have many leisure moments that should

LIFE OF WILSON. xxvii

be devoted to this pursuit, provided I could have hopes of succeed-
ing. Your opinion on this subject will confer an additional obli-

gation on your affectionate friend.”

It is worthy of remark, that when men of uncommon talents
project any great scheme, they usually overlook those circumstan-
ces of minor importance, which ordinary minds would estimate as
first deserving attention. Thus Wilson, with an intellect expanded
_by information, and still grasping at further improvement as a
mean of distinction, would fain become a traveller, even at the
very moment when the sum total of his funds amounted to seventy-
five cents !*

He now employed all his vacant hours in drawing and the
study of Ornithology; being resolutely bent on the accomplishing
of his design, of which he became more enamored the longer he
reflected on it. |

The spring of the year 1805 arrived and gave to the enrap-
tured view of our Naturalist his interesting feathered acquaintance.
He listened to their artless songs; he noted their habitudes; he
sketched their portraits. And after having passed a few months
varied with this charming occupation, he again writes to the re-
spected inhabitant of the Botanic Garden:

| “Union School, July 2, 1805.

“‘] dare say you will smile at my presumption, when I tell

you that I have seriously begun to make a collection of drawings
of the birds to be found in Pennsylvania, or that occasionally pass
through it: twenty-eight as a beginning I send for your opinion.
They are, I hope, inferior to what I shall produce, though as
close copies of the originals as I could make. One or two of these
[ cannot find either in your nomenclature, or among the seven
volumes of Edwards. Any hint for promoting my plan, or ena-

* "This fact the editor had from one of Mr. Wilson’s own letters.

XXVII1 LIFE OF WILSON.

bling me to execute better, I will receive from you with much
pleasure. I have resigned every other amusement, except reading
and fiddling, for this design, which I shall not give up without
making a fair trial.

“‘ Criticise these, my dear friend, without fear of offending
me—this will instruct, but not discourage me.—For there is not
among all our naturalists one who knows so well what they are,
and how they ought to be represented. In the mean time accept
of my best wishes for your happiness—wishes as sincere as ever
one human being breathed for another. To your advice and en-
couraging encomiums I am indebted for these few specimens, and
for all that will follow. They may yet tell posterity that I was
honored with your friendship, and that to your inspiration they owe

their existence.’

The plates illustrative of the natural history of Edwards were
etched by the author himself. Mr. Wilson had examined them
very attentively, and felt assured that, with a little instruction in
the art of etching, he could produce more perfect delineations ;
and would be enabled, by his superior knowledge of coloring, to
finish the figures for his contemplated work in a style not inferior
to his spirited and beautiful drawings from nature.

Mr. Lawson was of course consulted on this occasion, and
cheerfully contributed his advice and assistance in the novel and
difficult enterprise. Wilson procured the copper ; and, his friend
having laid the varnish and furnished the necessary tools, he ea-
gerly commenced the important operation, on the successful ter-
mination of which his happiness seemed to depend.

Let the reader pause and reflect on the extravagance of that
enthusiasm, which could lead a person to imagine, that, without
any knowledge of an art derived from experience, he could at once
produce that effect, which is the result only of years of trial and

diligence.

LIFE OF WILSON. XXLX

The next day after Mr. Wilson had parted from his precep-
tor, the latter, to use his own words, was surprised to behold him
bouncing into his room, crying out—“ I have finished my plate! let
us bite it in with the aquafortis at once, for [must have a proof before

T leave town!”’*

Lawson burst into laughter at the ludicrous ap-
pearance of his friend, animated with impetuous zeal; and to
humor him granted his request. The proof was taken, but fell
far short of Mr. Wilson’s expectations, or of his ideas of correct-
ness. However, he lost no time in conferring with Mr. Bartram,
to whom he wrote as follows :
“ Nov. 29, 1805.
“‘T have been amusing myself this some time in attempting
to Etch; and now send you a proof sheet of my first performance
in this way. Be so good as communicate to me your own cor-
rections, and those of your young friend and pupil. I will receive
them as a very kind and particular favor. The drawings which
-T also send, that you may compare them together, were done from
birds in full plumage, and in the best order. My next attempt in
etching will perhaps be better, every thing being new to me in this.

I will send you the first impression I receive after I finish the plate.”

In a short time another plate was prepared and completed
with the despatch of the former. In fulfilment of his promise to
his friend, he transmits a proof, accompanied with the following
note:

‘““Mr. Wilson’s affectionate compliments to Mr. Bartram;

and sends for his amusement and correction, another proof of

* For the information of those of our readers who are unacquainted with the process of etching,
we subjoin the following explanatory note.

On the polished copper-plate a coat of varnish, of a particular composition, is thinly spread. The
design is then traced, and cut through to the copper with an instrument termed a point. A bank of
- wax is now raised around the plate, and aquafortis poured into the enclosure, which eats into the cop-
per only where the point has passed. ‘The length of time requisite for the successful action of the

aquafortis, must be determined by the judgment of the operator.

VOL. IX. H

Xxx LIFE OF WILSON.

his Birds of the United States. The coloring being chiefly done
last night, must soften criticism a little. Will be thankful for my
friend’s advice and correction. |

“Mr. Wilson wishes his beloved friend a happy new-year,
and every blessing.” ,

Saturday, January 4th, 1806.

These essays in Etching,* though honorable to Mr. Wilson’s
ingenuity and perseverance, yet by no means afforded satisfaction.
He became now convinced that the poznt alone was not sufficient
to produce the intended effect; and that nothing short of the ac-
curacy of the graver would in any wise correspond to his ideas of
excellence. But in the delightful art of Engraving he had never
been instructed; and he could not command means sufficient to
cover the expense of the plates even of a single volume, on the
magnificent plan which his comprehensive mind had delineated.
A proposition was now made to Mr. Lawson to engage in the
work on a joint concern. But there were several reasons which
this gentleman adduced, sufficiently weighty, in his opinion, to
warrant his non-acceptance of the offer. Mr. Wilson finding his
schemes thus baffled, declared, with solemn emphasis, his resolu-
tion of proceeding alone in the publication, if it even cost him his
life. “JI shall at least leave,’ continued he, ‘“ a small beacon to
point out where I perished.”

About the commencement of this year, information was dis-
seminated through the medium of the public prints, that the Pre-
sident of the United States, had it in contemplation to despatch
parties of ingenious men, for the purpose of exploring the waters
of Louisiana. Mr. Wilson, aroused at the intelligence, now con-

ceived that a favorable opportunity was afforded him of gratifying

# The two first plates of the Ornithology are those which the author etched himself. 'The editor
has in his possession a proof of the first one, which he preserves as a relic of no small value. It is in

seribed with the autihor’s name.

LIFE OF WILSON. SOx

a desire, which he had long indulged, of visiting those regions,
which he was well convinced were rich in the various objects of
science; and particularly where subjects, new and. interesting,
might be collected for his embryo work on the ornithology of our
country. He expressed his wishes to Mr. Bartram, who approved
of them; and the latter cheerfully wrote a letter to his friend and
correspondent, Mr. Jefferson, wherein Mr. Wilson’s character and
acquirements were distinctly stated; recommending him as one
highly qualified to be employed in that important national enter-
prise. This introductory, couched in the most gentlemanly terms,
covered an application from Mr. Wilson himself, which, as faith-
ful biographers of our deceased friend, we here think proper to

msert entire:

“To His Excellency Tuomas JEFFERSON,
“‘ President of the United States.
‘“¢ Sir,

‘“‘ Having been engaged, these several years, in collecting
materials and furnishing drawings from nature, with the design of
publishing a new Ornithology of the United States of America, so
deficient in the works of Catesby, Edwards and other Europeans,
I have traversed the greater part of our northern and eastern dis-
tricts; and have collected many birds undescribed by these natu-
ralists. Upwards of one hundred drawings are completed; and
two plates in folio already engraved. But as many beautiful tribes
frequent the Ohio and the extensive country through which it passes,
that probably never visit the Atlantic states; and as faithful repre-
sentations of these can only be taken from living nature, or from
birds newly killed; I had planned an expedition down that river,
from Pittsburg to the Mississippi, thence to Neworleans, and to
continue my researches by land in return to Philadelphia. I had
engaged as a companion and assistant Mr. William Bartram of

this place, whose knowledge of Botany, as well as Zoology, would

XXXH LIFE OF WILSON.

have enabled me to make the best of the voyage, and to collect
many new specimens in both those departments. Sketches of
these were to have been taken on the spot; and the subjects put in
a state of preservation to finish our drawings from, as time would
permit. We intended to set out from Pittsburg about the begin-
ning of May; and expected to reach Neworleans in September.

‘“¢ But my venerable friend, Mr. Bartram, taking into more
serious consideration his advanced age, being near seventy, and
the weakness of his eye-sight ; and apprehensive of his inability to
encounter the fatigues and deprivations unavoidable in so exten-
sive a tour; having, to my extreme regret, and the real loss of
science, been induced to decline the journey; I had reluctantly
abandoned the enterprise, and all hopes of accomplishing my pur-
pose; till hearing that your Excellency had it in contemplation to
send travellers this ensuing summer up the Red River, the Arkan-
saw and other tributary streams of the Mississippi; and believing
that my services might be of advantage to some of these parties,
in promoting your Excellency’s design; while the best opportu-
nities would be afforded me of procuring subjects for the work
which I have so much at heart. Under these impressions I beg
leave to offer myself for any of these expeditions; and can be
ready at a short notice to attend your Excellency’s orders.

‘“‘ Accustomed to the hardships of travelling; without a fa-
mily ; and an enthusiast in the pursuit of Natural History, I will
devote my whole powers to merit your Excellency’s approbation;
and ardently wish for an opportunity of testifying the sincerity of
my professions, and the deep veneration with which I have the.
honor to be,

+ Sint,
‘Your obedient servant,
“ ALEX. WILSON.” *

Kingsess, Feb. 6, 1806.

* Mr. Wilson was particularly anxious te accompany Pike, who commenced his journey from the’

cantonment on the Missouri, for the sources of the Arkansaw, &c. on the 45th July, 1806.

LIFE OF WILSON. XXXili

Mr. Jefferson had in his port-folio decisive proofs of Mr.
Wilson’s talents as an ornithologist, the latter having some time
_ before transmitted to his Excellency some splendid drawings of
nondescript birds, accompanied with scientific descriptions. Yet
with these evidences before him, backed by the recommenda-
tion of a discerning and experienced Naturalist, so little did Mr.
Jefferson regard the pretensions of Genius, and the interests of
Science; so unmindful was he of the duties of his exalted _sta-
tion, or the common civilities which obtain amongst people of
breeding and refinement; that so far from accepting the services
of our accomplished ornithologist, he did not even deign to reply
to his respectful overture; and Wilson, mortified at the cold, con-
temptuous neglect, locked up his feelings in his breast, not even
permitting a sigh to reach the ear of his most intimate friends.
This treatment he did not expect from one, whom his ardent fancy
had invested with every excellence; who had been the object of
his encomiums, and the theme of his songs:

“ Omne ignotum pro magnifico.”

We now approach that era of our author’s life, in which we
behold him emerging from the vale of obscurity, and attaining
that enviable distinction in the republic of science and letters,
which it is the lot of but few to enjoy.

Mr. Samuel F. Bradford, bookseller, of Philadelphia, being
about to publish an improved edition of Rees’s New Cyclopzedia,
Mr. Wilson was introduced to him as one qualified to superintend
the work; and was engaged, at a liberal salary, as assistant editor.

Not long after this engagement he unfolded his mind to Mr.
Bradford on the subject of an American Ornithology; and exhi-
bited such evidence of his talents for a publication of that nature,
that Mr. Bradford promptly agreed to become the publisher, and
to furnish the requisite funds; and now for the first time Mr. Wil-
son found those obstructions removed which had opposed his fa-
vorite enterprise. |

VOL. IX. | I

XXXiv LIFE OF WILSON.

All things being thus happily arranged, he applied himself
to his varied and extensive duties with a diligence which scarcely
admitted repose; until finding his health much impaired thereby,
he was induced to seek the benefits of relaxation in a pedestrian
excursion through a part of Pennsylvania; which afforded him a
favorable opportunity of procuring specimens of birds; and some
additional information relating to them of which he was very de-
sirous to be possessed. This jaunt was made in the month of
August, 1807; and on the return of Mr. Wilson he engaged in his
-ayocations with renewed ardor; devoting every moment, which
could be spared from his editorial duties, to his great work.

At length in the month of September, 1808, the first volume
of the AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY made its appearance. From the
date of the arrangement with the publisher, a prospectus had been
issued, wherein the nature and intended execution of the work
were specified. But yet no one appeared to entertain an adequate
idea of the elegant treat, which was about to be afforded to the
lovers of the arts and of useful literature. And when the superb
volume was presented to the public, their delight was only equalled
by their astonishment, that our country, as yet in its infancy, should
produce an original work in science that could vie, in its essentials,
with the proudest productions of a similar nature, of the European
world.

| In the latter part of September, Mr. Wilson set out on a
journey to the eastward, to exhibit his book and procure subscrib-
ers. He travelled as far as the District of Maine; and returned
through Vermont, by the way of Albany, to Philadelphia. From
a letter to a friend, dated Boston, October 10th, 1808, we have
made the following extract:

‘‘] have purposely avoided saying any thing either good or
bad on the encouragement I have met with. I shall only say,
that among the many thousands who have examined my book,

and among these were men of the first character for taste and

LIFE OF WILSON. —

literature, I have heard nothing but expressions of the highest ad-
‘miration and esteem. If I have been mistaken in publishing a
work too good for the country, it is a fault not likely to be soon
repeated, and will pretty severely correct itself. But whatever
may be the result of these matters, I shall not sit down with fold-
ed. hands, whilst any thing can be done to carry my point: since
God helps them who help themselves. I am fixing correspondents
in every corner of these northern regions, like so many pickets
and outposts, so that scarcely a wren, or tt shall be able to pass

along, from York to Canada, but I shall get intelligence of it.”

From several individuals, in this journey, Mr. Wilson expe-
rienced the most polite and encouraging attentions; but from
others, and those too from whom most was expected, he met a
reception of an opposite nature, the rudeness of which we should
hesitate to record, if the facts were not supported by his own de-
claration. From his private journal we have taken the following
extracts : |

‘“¢ Arrived. at

seminary. It was near dusk before I could see him; and our

; waited on Doctor , Principal of the
conversation, which was held on the steps leading to his house,
occupied about five minutes. He considered the volume too ex-
pensive for any class of readers about this town. He behaved with
cold indifference—turned over a few leaves without any seeming
interest; and said, that as far as he could see (it was nearly dark)
it looked well—returned the volume and we parted. If, as Prin-
cipal of this College, this literary luminary shed no more cheering
influence over the exertions of his pupils, than he did on the au-
thor of American Ornithology, I don’t much wonder that storms
and tempests should desolate this seminary, and damp the ener-
gies of its inhabitants.”

‘“¢ Arrived at Called on the Governor at the Health

Office; there were several gentlemen in company. He turned over

XXXVI LIFE OF WILSON.

a few leaves very carelessly; asked some trifling questions; and
then threw the book down, saying—“ J don’t intend to give an
hundred and twenty dollars for the knowledge of birds!” Taking up
a newspaper he began to read. I lifted the book, and, without
saying a word, walked off with a smile of contempt for this very
polste and very learned Governor. If science depended on such
anmals as these, the very name would long ere now have been
extinct.

“The City Recorder declared that he never read or bought
books on animals, fishes, plants, or birds—he saw no use in them!
Yet this same reptile could not abstain from acknowledging the
beauty of the plates of my Ornithology.”

If Mr. Wilson had been treated with disrespect by the vulgar
or illiterate, he would have imputed it to the right cause—a want
of breeding. Or if he had been soliciting encouragement to a_
work of which he was not enabled to afford a specimen, whereby
its character could be estimated, there might be some pallia-
tion of conduct, which, placed in the most favorable point of
view, must still bear the epithet uncivil. But the author of Ame-
rican Ornithology addressed himself to persons of rank, and of
learning; he modestly asked support equal to his merits; he claim-
ed that deference which is ever due to the gentleman; and to prove
himself no pretender or impostor, he exhibited his Diploma regium
signo majort consignatum, the unquestionable credentials of Sci-
ence herself. 3

Mr. Wilson after tarrying at home a few days, departed to
the southward, visiting every city and town of importance as far
as Savannah in the state of Georgia. This journey being per-
formed in the winter, and alone, was of course not attended with
many travelling comforts; and, to avoid the inconveniences of a
return by land, he embarked in a vessel, and arrived at Newyork
im the month of March, 1809. This was rather an unproductive

tour: but few subscriptions being obtained.

LIFE OF WILSON. XXXVi

Of the first volume of the Ornithology only two hundred
copies had been printed. But it was now thought expedient to
strike off a new edition of three hundred more; as the increasing
approbation of the public warranted the expectation of corres-
ponding support.

The second volume was published in January 1810; and our
indefatigable ornithologist set out for Pittsburg, the latter part of
the same month, on his route to Neworleans. After conferring
with his friends on the most eligible mode of descending the Ohio,
he resolved, contrary to their dissuasions, on venturing in a skiff
by himself; this mode, with all its inconveniences, being consi-
dered as best suited to his funds, and as most favorable to his
researches. Accordingly, on the twenty-fourth of February, he
embarked in his little boat, and bade adieu to Pittsburg. After
a variety of adventures he arrived in safety at Louisville, being
upwards of seven hundred miles from the place of his departure.
Here he disposed of his skiff ; and then set out on foot for Lex-
ington, seventy-two miles further. At this last place he purchased
a horse; and being prepared for the long and disagreeable route
which lay before him, he resolutely explored his way alone; and
safely reached the town of Natchez* the seventeenth of May, being
a distance of six hundred and seventy-eight miles from Lexington.
In his journal he says—“ This journey, four hundred and seventy-
eight miles from Nashville, I have performed alone, through dif-
ficulties, that those who have never passed the road could not have
a conception of.” We may readily suppose that he had not only
difficulties to encounter, encumbered as he necessarily was with
his shooting apparatus and increasing baggage, but also dangers,
in journeying through a frightful wilderness, where almost impe-

netrable cane-swamps and morasses present obstacles to the pro-

* For the particulars of this journey from Pittsburg to Natchez, the reader is referred to Mr.

Wilson’s letters, which have been published in the Port Folio, new series, vols. iii, 499. iv, 540. vil, 5+.

VOL. IX. K

‘XxxVili LIFE OF WILSON.

gress of the traveller, which require all his resolution and activity
to overcome. Added to which, he had a severe attack of the dy-
sentery, when far remote from any situation which could be pro-
ductive of either comfort or relief; and he was under the painful
necessity of trudging on, debilitated and dispirited with a disease,
which threatened to put a period to his existence. An Indian hav-
ing been made acquainted with his situation, recommended the
eating of strawberries, which were then fully ripe and in great
abundance. On this delightful fruit and newly laid eggs, taken
raw, he wholly lived for several days; and he attributed his res-
toration to health to these simple remedies.

Previously to entering the wilderness, Mr. Wilson had the
melancholy satisfaction of shedding tears of sorrow at the grave
of his friend, the amiable and intrepid Governor Lewis; who, dis-
‘tracted by base imputations and cruel neglect, closed his honorable
and useful life by an inglorious act of suicide, in the cabin of a
settler, named Grinder; and was buried close by the common
path, with nothing but a few loose rails thrown over his grave.*

On the sixth of June our traveller reached Neworleans, dis-
tant from Natchez two hundred and fifty-two miles. As the sickly
season was fast approaching, it was deemed advisable not to tarry .
long in this place; and his affairs being despatched, he took pas-
sage in a ship bound to Newyork, at which place he arrived the
thirtieth of July; and soon reached Philadelphia, enriched with a
copious stock of materials for his work, including several beautiful
and hitherto unknown birds.

In the newly settled country through which Mr. Wilson had
to pass, in his last journey, it was reasonable not to expect much
encouragement in the way of subscriptions. Yet he was honored
with the names of many respectable individuals; and received
not only civilities, but also kind treatment. From his journal

* For an interesting account of the death of Captain Lewis, by Mr. Wilson, see the Port Folio,

new series, vol. vil, page 36.

LIFE OF WILSON. XXXIX

and letters we might select many passages of much interest to
the reader; but the limits allotted to this memoir will not admit
of copiousness of detail; and we shall content ourselves with two
or three extracts. |

“In Hanover, Pennsylvania, a certain Judge H. took upon
himself to say, that such a book as mine ought not to be encour-
aged, as it was not within the reach of the commonality; and there-
fore inconsistent with our republican institutions! By the same mode
of reasoning, which I did not dispute, I undertook to prove him a
greater culprit than myself, in erecting a large, elegant, three-story
brick house, so much beyond the reach of the commonality, as he
called them; and consequently grossly contrary to our republican
institutions. I harangued this Solomon of the Bench more seri-
ously afterwards; pointing out to him the great influence of sci-
ence on a young nation like ours, and particularly the science of
Natural History, till he began to show such symptoms of znted/ect,
as to seem ashamed of what he had said.” |

“¢ March 23d. 1 bade adieu to Louisville, to which place I
had four letters of recommendation, and was taught to expect
much of every thing there; but neither received one act of civility
from those to whom I was recommended; one subscriber, nor one
new bird; though I delivered my letters, ransacked the woods
repeatedly, and visited all the characters likely to subscribe. Sci-
ence or literature has not one friend in this place.”

“ April 25th. Breakfasted at Walton’s, thirteen miles from
Nashville. This place is a fine rich hollow, watered by a charm-
ing, clear creek, that never fails. Went up to Madison’s Lick,
where I shot three paroquets and some small birds.

“‘ 96th. Set out eariy, the hospitable landlord, Isaac Bene
TON, refusing to take any thing for my fare, or that of my horse,
saying—“ You seem to be travelling for the good of the world; and
F cannot, I will not charge you any thing. Whenever you come this
way, call and stay with me, you shall be welcome!” This is the

xl LIFE OF WILSON.

first instance of such hospitality which I have met with in the
United States.”

“ Wednesday, 23d May. Weft Natchez, after procuring twelve
subscribers; and having received a kind letter of invitation from
William Dunbar, Esq. I availed myself of his goodness, and rode
nine miles along the usual road to his house; where, tho’ confined
to his bed by a severe indisposition, I was received with great hos-
pitality and kindness; had a neat bed-room assigned me; and was
requested to consider myself as at home during the time I should
find it convenient to stay in exploring that part of the country.”

The letter above mentioned, which is now before us, is wor-
thy of transcription :

“ Forest, 20th May, 1810.

“ Sir,

“It is very unfortunate that I should be so much indis-
posed as to be confined to my bed-room; nevertheless, I cannot
give up the idea of having the pleasure of seeing you as soon as
you find it convenient; the perusal of your first volume of Orni-
thology, lent me by General Wilkinson, has produced in me a
very great desire of making your acquaintance.

“TY understand, from my boy, that you propose going in a
few days to Neworleans, where you will see some small cabinets
of natural history that may interest you. But as I presume it is
your intention to prosecute your inquiries into the interior of our
country, this cannot be done better than from my house as your
head quarters; where every thing will be made convenient to your
wishes. My house stands literally in the forest, and your beautiful
Orioles, with other elegant birds, are our court-yard companions.

“The bearer attends you with a couple of horses, on the sup-
position that it may be convenient for you to visit us to-day; other-
wise he will wait upon you any other day that you shall appoint. .

“1am respectfully, &c. |
“ WILLIAM DUNBAR.”

LIFE OF WILSON. xli

This excellent gentleman, whose hospitality was thus prompt-
ly excited, has since paid the debt of nature; and his grateful guest
fondly cherished to the last hour of his existence the remembrance
of those happy moments which were passed in his society, and that
of his amiable and accomplished family.

In September, 1812, Mr. Wilson set off to the eastward, to
visit his subscribers. In a letter to the editor he writes :—“ I
coasted along the Connecticut river to a place called Haverhill,
ten miles from the foot of Moose-hillock, one of the highest of the
White Mountains of Newhampshire. I spent the greater part of a
day in ascending to the peak of one of these majestic mountains,
whence I had the most sublime and astonishing view that was ever
afforded me. One immensity of forest lay below, extended on all
sides to the farthest verge of the horizon; while the only promi-
nent objects were the columns of smoke from burning woods, that
rose from various parts of the earth beneath to the heavens; for
the day was beautiful and serene.”

This excursion was succeeded by rather an unpleasant oc-
currence. The good people of Haverhill perceiving a stranger
among them of very inquisitive habits; and who evinced great
zeal in exploring the country, sagaciously concluded that he was
a spy from Canada, employed in taking sketches of the place, to
facilitate the invasion of the enemy. Under these impressions it
was thought conducive to the public safety that Mr. Wilson should
be apprehended; and he was accordingly taken into the custody
of a magistrate, who, on being made acquainted with his charac-
ter, and the nature of his visit, politely dismissed him, with many
apologies for the mistake.

The publication of the Ornithology now progressed as rapidly
as a due regard to correctness and elegance would permit. In or-
der to become better acquainted with the feathered tribes, and to
observe their migrations with more accuracy; as well as to enjoy
the important advantages of a rural retirement, Mr. Wilson resi-

VOL. i. L

xlii LIFE OF WILSON.

ded the better part of the years 1811-12 at the Botanic Garden of
his friend, Mr. Bartram. There removed from the noise, bustle
and interruption of the metropolis, he was enabled to dispose of
his time to the best advantage; for when fatigued with close ap-
plication within doors, to recruit his mind and body he had only
to cross the threshold of his abode, and he at once found himself
surrounded by those acquaintance, the observance of whose sim-
ple manners not only afforded the most agreeable recreation, but
who were perpetually contributing to the great undertaking which
he was earnestly laboring to complete.

Besides the journies which have been already mentioned, he
made several short excursions to different parts; and was five
times at the coast of Newjersey, in pursuit of the Waders and
Web-footed tribes which are there found in immense numbers.
The aggregate of his peregrinations amounted to upwards of ten
thousand miles.

In the early part of the year 1813, the seventh volume of the
Ornithology was published; and the author immediately made
preparations for the succeeding one, the letter-press of which was
completed in the month of August. But unfortunately his great
anxiety to conclude the work condemned him to an excess of toil,
which, inflexible as was his mind, his bodily frame was unable to
bear. He was likewise by this flood of business prevented from
residing in the country, where hours of lassitude might have been
beguiled by a rural walk, or the rough but invigorating exercise
of the gun. At length he was attacked by a disease, which, per-
haps, at another period of his life might not have been attended
with fatal effects, but which now, in his debilitated frame and
harassed mind, proved a mighty foe, whose deadly assaults all the
combined efforts of friendship, science and skill could not repel.
The Dysentery, after a few days illness, closed the mortal career
of Alexander Wilson, on the twenty-third of August, 1813.

It may not be going too far to maintain, that-in no age or

LIFE OF WILSON. — xh

nation has there ever arisen one more eminently qualified for a
naturalist than the subject of these memoirs. He was not only an
enthusiastic admirer of the works of creation, but he was consist-
ent in research; and permitted no dangers or fatigues to abate his
ardor or relax his exertions. He inured himself to hardships by
frequent and laborious exercise; and was never more happy than
when employed in some enterprise which promised from its diffi-
culties the novelties of discovery. Whatever was obtained with
ease, to him appeared to be attended, comparatively speaking,
with small interest: the acquisitions of labor alone seemed wor-
thy of his ambition. He was no closet philosopher—exchanging
the frock of activity for the night-gown and slippers. He was in-
debted for his ideas, not to books, which err, but to Nature which
is infallible; and the inestimable transcript of her works, which
he has bequeathed us, possesses a charm which affects us the
more the better acquainted we become with the delightful original.
His inquisitive habits procured him from others a vast heteroge-
neous mass of information; but he had the happy talent of select-
ing from this rubbish whatever was valuable. His perseverance
was uncommon; and when engaged in pursuit of a particular ob-
ject he would never relinquish it, while there was a chance of suc-
cess. His powers of observation were very acute, and he seldom
erred in judgment when favored with a fair opportunity of inves-
tigation. |

That the industry of Mr. Wilson was great his work will for
ever testify. And our astonishment is excited that so much should
have been performed in so short atime. When we take into con-
sideration the state of our country, as respects the cultivation of
science; and that in the walk of Ornithology particularly, no one,
deserving the title of a Naturalst, had yet presumed to tread; when
we view the labors of foreigners, who have interested themselves
in our natural productions, and find how totally incompetent they
were, through a deficiency of correct information, to instruct; and

xliv LIFE OF WILSON.

then when we reflect that a single individual, “ without patron, for-
tune or recompense,” has accomplished in the short space of seven
years, as much as the combined body of European naturalists have
taken a century to achieve, we feel almost inclined to doubt the
evidence of our senses. But it is a faet, which we feel a pride in
asserting, that we have as faithful, complete and interesting an ac-
count of owr birds in the estimable volumes of the American Or-
nithology, as the Europeans can at this moment boast of possessing
of their’s. Let those who doubt the correctness of our opinion
examine for themselves, and determine according to the dictates
of an unbiassed judgment. |
We need no other evidence of the unparalleled industry of
our author, than the fact, that of two hundred and seventy-eight spe-
cies which have been figured and described in his ornithology,”
fifty-six of these have not been noticed by any former naturalist ;
and several of the latter number are so extremely rare, that the
specimens, from which the figures were taken, were the only ones
that he was ever enabled to obtain. The collection and discovery
of these birds were the fruits of many months of unwearied re-
search amongst forests, swamps and morasses, exposed to all the
dangers, privations and fatigues incident to such an undertaking.
What but a remarkable passion for the pursuit, joined with the
desire of fame, could have supported a solitary individual in labors
of body and mind, compared to which the bustling avocations of
common life, are mere holyday activity or recreation !
Independently on that part of his work which was Mr. Wil-
son’s particular province, viz. the drawing of his subjects and their
histories, he was necessitated to occupy much of his time in color-
ing the plates: his sole resource for support being in that em-
ployment, as his duties as assistant editor of the Cyclopzedia had
ceased. This is a circumstance much to be regretted, as the work

would have progressed more rapidly if he could have avoided that

* The whole number of birds figured is three hundred and twenty.

LIFE OF WILSON. xiv

confining drudgery. The principal difficulty, in effect, attending
this work, and that which caused its author most uneasiness, was
the coloring of the plates. If this could have been done solely by
himself; or, as he was obliged to seek assistance in this delicate
process, if it could have been performed immediately under his
eye, he would have been relieved of much anxiety ;* and would
have better maintained a due equanimity; his mind being daily
ruffled by the negligence of his assistants ; who too often, through
a deplorable want of skill and taste, made disgusting caricatures
of what were intended to be modest imitations of simple nature.
Hence much of his precious time was spent in the irksome em-
ployment of inspecting and correcting the imperfections of others.
This waste of his stated periods of labor, he felt himself constrain-
ed to supply by encroachments on those hours which Nature,
tenacious of her rights, claims as her own: hours which she con-
secrates to rest—which she will not forego without a struggle; and
which all those, who would preserve unimpaired the vigor of their
mind and body, must respect. Against this intense and destructive
application his friends failed not to admonish him; but to their
kind regards he would reply, that “life is short, and without ex-
ertion nothing can be performed.” But the true cause of this
extraordinary toil was his poverty. By the terms of agreement
with his publisher, he was to furnish, at his own cost, all the draw-
ings and literary matter for the work; and to have the whole un-
der his control and superintendence. The publisher obligated
himself to find funds for the completion of the volumes. To sup-
port the heavy expense of procuring materials, and other unavoid-
able expenditures, Mr. Wilson’s only resource, as has been stated,
was in coloring the plates.

In the preface to the fifth volume he observes: ‘ The publi-

* In the preface to the third volume, Mr. Wilson states the anxiety which he had suffered on ae-
count of the coloring of the plates; and of his having made an arrangement, whereby his difficulties on

that score had been surmounted. ‘This arrangement proved in the end of greater injury than benefit.

VOL. IX. M

xIvi LIFE OF WILSON.

cation of an original work of this kind in this country has been
attended with difficulties, great, and, it must be confessed, some-
times discouraging to the author, whose only reward /utherto has
been the favorable opinion of his fellow-citizens, and the pleasure
of the pursuit.”

‘“‘ Let but the generous hand of patriotism be stretched forth
to assist and cherish the rising arts and literature of our country,
and both will most assuredly, and that at no remote period, shoot
forth, increase and flourish with a vigor, a splendor and usefulness
inferior to no other on earth.”

We have here an affirmation that the author had labored
without reward, except what was conferred by inefficient praise;
and an eloquent appeal to the generosity and patriotism of his
fellow-citizens. Seven illustrious cities disputed the honor of
having given birth to the Prince of Epic song. Philadelphia first
beheld that phenomenon the American Ornithology, rising amidst
her boasted opulence, to vindicate the claims of a calumniated
portion of creation; and to furnish her literary pride with a sub-
ject of exultation for ages to come. Yet duty calls upon us to
record a fact, which may cause our native city to feel the glow
of shame. Of all her literati, her men of benevolence, taste and
riches, SEVENTY only, to the period of the author’s decease, had
the liberality to countenance him by a subscription, more than
half of whom were tradesmen, artists, and those of the middle
class of society; whilst the little city of Neworleans, in the short
space of seventeen days, furnished sixry subscribers to the Ame-
rican Ornithology!

Mr. Wilson was possessed of the nicest sense of honor. In
all his dealings he was not only scrupulously just, but highly ge-
nerous. His veneration for truth was exemplary. His disposition
was social and affectionate. His benevolence extensive. He was
remarkably temperate in eating and drinking: his love of retire-
ment preserving him from the contaminating influence of the con-

LIFE OF WILSON. | xlvil

vivial circle. And, unlike the majority of his countrymen, he
abstained from the use of tobacco in every shape. But as no one
is perfect, Mr. Wilson in a small degree partook of the weakness
of humanity. He was of the Genus irritabile, and was obstinate in
opinion. It ever gave him pleasure to acknowledge error when the
conviction resulted from his own judgment alone, but he could not
endure to be told of his mistakes. Hence his associates had to be
sparing of their criticisms, through a fear of forfeiting his friend-
ship. With almost all his friends he had occasionally, arising
from a collision of opinion, some slight misunderstanding, which
was soon passed over, leaving no disagreeable impression. But
an act of disrespect, or wilful injury he would seldom forgive.

Such was-Alexander Wilson. When the writer of this hum-
ble biography indulges in retrospection, he again finds himself in
the society of that amiable individual, whose life was a series of
those virtues which dignify human nature; he attends him in his
wild-wood rambles, and listens to those charming observations
which the magnificence of creation. was wont to give birth to; he
sits at his feet, and receives the instructions of one, in science,
so competent to teach; he beholds him in the social circle, and
notes the complacency which his presence inspired in all around.
But the transition from the past to the present quickens that an-
guish with which his heart must be filled, who casts a melancholy
look on those scenes a few months since graced with the presence
of one, united to him by a conformity of taste, disposition and
pursuit; and who reflects that that beloved friend can revisit them
no more.

It was the intention of Mr. Wilson, on the completion of his
ornithology, to publish an edition in four volumes octavo; the
figures to be engraved on wood, somewhat after the manner of
Bewick’s British Birds; and colored with all the care that has
been bestowed on the original plates. If he had lived to effect

such a scheme, the public would have been put in possession of a

xvii LIFE OF WILSON.

work of considerable elegance as respects typography and illus-
trations; wherein the subjects would have been arranged in sys-
tematical order; and the whole at a cost of not more than one
seventh part of the quarto edition.

He likewise contemplated a work on the quadrupeds of the
United States; to be printed in the same splendid style of the
Ornithology; the figures to be engraved with the highest finish |
and by the best artists of our country. How much has science
lost in the death of this ingenious and indefatigable naturalist !

Mr. Wilson was interred in the cemetery of the Swedish
church, in the district of Southwark, Philadelphia. While in the
enjoyment of health, he had conversed with a friend on the sub-
ject of his dissolution, and expressed a wish to be buried in some
rural spot sacred to peace and solitude, where the charms of na-
ture might invite the steps of the votary of the Muses and the lover
of science, and where the birds might sing over his grave.

It has been an occasion of regret to those of his friends, to
whom was confided the mournful duty of ordering his funeral, that
his desire had not been made known to them, otherwise it should

have been piously observed.

LIST

OF THE

WATER BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES,

WITH THEIR GENERIC CHARACTERS, ACCORDING TO THE ARRANGEMENT OF LATHAM.

*,* Those printed in italics are new species, not heretofore figured or deseribed.

SPOON BILL.

Bill long, thin, the tip dilated, orbicular, flat; nos-

irils small, placed near the base of the bill; tongue short,

pointed; feet four toed, semipalmate.

Roseate Spoonbill, (Platalea ajaja) ; Weave 23

HERONS.

Bill long, strong, sharp-pointed, straight, subcom-

pressed, with a furrow from the nostrils towards the tip;
nostrils linear; tongue pointed; feet four toed, connected
by a membrane as far as the first joint; the middle claw -

of some of the species pectinated.

American Bittern, (4rdea minor) , vill
Blue Crane, or Heron, (4. cerulea) Jy
Great H. (4. herodias) hee Vill
Great White H. (4. egretia) : Vil
Green H. (4. werescens) . Vil
Least Bittern, (4. ewilis) : Ae:

VOL. IX. ; N

l GENERAL INDEX.

Louisiana Heron, (A. Ludoviciana) . ! . Vill

Night H., or Qua-bird, (4. nycticorax) é poverty

Snowy H. (4. candidissima) vil

Whooping Crane, (4. Americana) : : wi i

Yellow-crowned Heron, (4. violacea) ahh viii
IBIS.

Bill long, subulate, roundish, subarched ; face na-
ked; tongue short, broad; jugular pouch naked; nostrils
oval; feet four toed, palmate at the base.

Scarlet Ibis, (Tantalus ruber) viii

White Ibis, (7. albus) | ; : . Vill

Wood Ibis, (7. loculator) ; Vill
CURLEW.

Bill long, incurvated, and terminated in a blunt
point; nostrils linear, longitudinal near the base; tongue
short, sharp-pointed; toes connected as far as the first
joint by a membrane.

Long-billed Curlew, (Mumenius longirostra) ; viii
SNIPES.
Bill roundish, slender, obtuse; nostrils linear, lodged

in a furrow; tongue pointed, slender; feet four toed, hind

toe small.

Esquimaux Curlew, (Scolopax borealis) ; vil
Great Marbled Godwit (female), (S. fedoa) . . vil
Red-breasted Snipe, (S. noveboracensis) ; Vil
Semipalmated S. (S. semipalmata) : . vu

Snipe, or English 8. (8. gallinago) . vi

AY
43
39

23

GENERAL INDEX.

Tell-tale Godwit, or S. (S. vociferus)
Woodcock, (S. minor)
Yellow-shanks 8. (S. flavipes)

SAN DPIPERS.

Bill roundish, slender, shorter than the preceding ;
nostrils small, linear; tongue slender; feet four toed, the
hind toe weak, and, in some, raised from the ground.

Ash-colored Sandpiper, (Zringa cinerea)
Bartram’s 8. (T. Bartramia)
Little 8S. (7. pusilla)

Red-backed S. (TZ. alpina)
Red-breasted S. (T. rufa)

Ring Plover, or 8. (7. hiaticula)
Semipalmated S. (1. semipalmata)
Solitary S. (T. solitaria)

Spotted 8S. (Z. macularia)

The Purre, (7. cénclus)
Turn-stone, (I. interpres)

PLOVERS.

Bill roundish, obtuse, straight; nostrils linear; feet

formed for running, three toed. |

Black-bellied Plover, (Charadrius apricartus)

Golden P. (C. pluvialis)

Kildeer P. (C. vociferus)

Ringed P. (C. hiaticula)

Ruddy P. (C. rubidus)

Sanderling P. (C. calidrzs)

Wilson’s P. (C. Wilsonia) |

VOL.

Vil

Vi

vii

hi

PAGE
57
AO
55

fii GENERAL INDEX.

OYSTER-CATCHER.

VOL. PAGE
Bill compressed, the tip an equal wedge; nostrils
linear; tongue a third part as long as the bill; feet form-
ed for running, three toed, the exterior joined to the
middle by a strong membrane.
Pied Oyster-catcher, (Hematopus ostralegus) vin 15

Reale

Bill thickish at the base, attenuated on the back to- —
wards the tip, compressed, a little incurved, pointed;
tongue rough at the tip; body compressed; tail short ;
feet four toed, cleft.
Clapper Rail, (fallus crepitans) . : oh ya 12

Common R., or Sora, (2. Carolinus) : ss Wate, 7
Virginian R. (2. Virginianus) : . vil 109
GALLINULE.

Bill convex, sloping to a point, the base of the up-
per mandible reaching far upon the forehead and mem-
branaceous; nostrils oblong; body compressed; wings
short, concave; tail short; feet four toed, cleft.

Purple Gallinule, (Gallinula porphyrio) : : rmnGy
PHALAROPES.

Bill straight, slender; nostrils minute; body and
legs like the Sandpiper; toes furnished with scalloped
membranes. |
Gray Phalarope, (Phalaropus lobata) ix B72
Red P. (P. hyperborea) , 2 : ae ee

GENERAL INDEX.

COOT.

Bill thick, convex, upper mandible arched over the
lower at the edge, its base rising far up the forehead,
lower gibbous near the tip; nostrils oblong; body com-
pressed ; wings and tail short; feet four toed, long, fur-
nished with broad scalloped membranes.

Common Coot, (Fulica atra)
AVOSETS.

Bill depressed, subulate, recurved, pointed, flexible
at the tip; nostrils narrow, pervious; tongue short; legs
thin, flexible ; feet semipalmate.

American Avoset, (Recurvirostra Americana)

Long-legged A. (2. himantopus)
FLAMINGO.

Bill naked, toothed, bent as if broken; nostrils li-
near; neck, legs and thighs very long; feet four toed,
palmate, the membranes semicircular on the fore part ;
hind toe small, not connected.

Red Flamingo, (Phenicopterus ruber)

AUK.

Bill toothless, short, compressed, convex, often trans-
versely furrowed; lower mandible gibbous near the base;
nostrils linear, placed parallel to the edge of the bill;
feet three toed. 3

Little Auk, (4lca alle)
ViOu at bx. O

Lert

VoL. PAGE

ix 61

vil 126
vil 48

vill 45

ix 94

liv GENERAL INDEX.

DIVER.

Bill strong, straight, pointed, the upper mandible
the longer, edges of each bending inwards; nostrils gene-
rally linear, divided in the middle by a small cutaneous
appendage ; tongue long, pointed, serrated on each side
near the base; throat toothed; thighs placed far back-
ward; legs thin, flat, extended horizontally; feet four
_ toed, exterior toe the longest, the back one small, joined
to the interior by a thin membrane; tail short.
Great Northern Diver, or Loon, (Colymbus glacialis)

SKIMMER.

Bill greatly compressed, lower mandible truncate,
much longer than the upper; nostrils large, pervious; legs
weak ; feet four toed, back toe very small; tail forked.

Black Skimmer, or Sheerwater, (Rynchops nigra)
TERNS.

Bill subulate, straightish, pointed, a little compres-
sed and strong; nostrils oblong; tongue slender, point-
ed; wings long; tail generally forked.

Great Tern, (Sterna hirundo)
Lesser T. (S. mznuta)
Marsh T. (S. aranea)
Short-tailed T. (S. plumbea)
Sooty T. (S. fulegznosa)

VOL.

1X

Vil

Vil
vil
Vill
Vil

Vill

PAGE

84:

85

76
8O
143
83
145

GENERAL INDEX.

GULL.

ly

Bill strong, straight, bent downwards at the tip,

lower mandible gibbous below the point; nostrils per-

vious, broader on the fore part, and piioantdal in the mid-

dle of the bill; tongue a little cloven. |
Black-headed Gull, (Larus ridibundus)

PETREL.

Bill a little compressed, hooked at the point; nos-
_trils truncate, lying on the base of the bill, for the most
part contained in one tube, in some species distinct and

separate; legs small, naked above the knees; three toes

placed forward, back one a mere spur; wings long and

strong.
Stormy Petrel, (Procellaria pelagica)

MERGANSERS.

Bill toothed, slender, cylindrical, hooked at the
point, both mandibles furnished with a strong nail; nos-
— trils small, oval, and placed in the middle of the bill;
throat toothed; legs thin and flat; feet four toed.

Goosander, (Mergus merganser)
Ditto
Female of ditto
Hooded Merganser, (VM. nee
Red-breasted M. (M. serrator)
Smew, or White Nun, (M. albellus)

VOL. ‘ PAGE
ix 89
vu 90
vii 68
ix 131
wanal, 71
Vill 79
vill 81
vil 126

Ivi GENERAL INDEX.

DUCKS.
Bill convex, obtuse, the edges divided into lamellze
or teeth; nostrils small, oval; tongue fringed, obtuse;
three fore toes connected, the hind one solitary. |

American Widgeon, (4nas Americana) viii 86
Black, or Surf Duck, (4. perspicillata) . . viii 49
Blue-winged Teal, (4. discors) villi 74
Brant, (4. bernicla) Paya 131
Buffel-headed Duck, (4. albeola) ! : viii 51
Canada Goose, (4. Canadensis). ; a Wie 959
Canvas-back Duck, (A. valisineria) . , ; viii 103
Dusky D. (4. obscura) ; . viii 144
Eider D. (4. mollissima) Lat hepit, gh vill 122

Female of ditto é : eeoyilie tg
Gadwall, (A. strepera) : viii 120
Golden-eye, (4. clangula) . : { ywilbl62
Green-winged Teal, (4. crecca) ; : vill 101
Harlequin Duck, (4. héstrionica) . viii 139
Long-tailed D. (4. glacialis) é oo i 198

Female of ditto. ; . vill 96
Mallard, (4. boschas) 5 : ; viii 112
Pied Duck, (4. Labradora) . : . vill 91
Pintail D. (4. acuta) 2 ; vill 72
Red-headed D. (4. ferina ?) : . viii 110.
Ruddy D. (A. rubidus) ; viii 128

Female of ditto ; own 130
Scaup D. (4. maria) ; ; vill 84
Scoter D. (4. nigra). ; ee abe BS)
Shoveller, (4. clypeata) . : viii 65
Snow Goose, (4. hyperborea) : wile 76

Young of ditto ; : vil 89

GENERAL INDEX. Ivii

VOL. PAGE

- Summer Duck, or Wood D. (4. sponsa) LT aS
Tufted D. (4. fuligula) i i
Velvet D. (4. fusca) ; viii 137

DARTER.

Bill straight, pointed, toothed; nostrils a slit near
the base; face and chin naked; neck long and slender ;
legs short, all the toes connected.
Black-bellied Darter, (Plotus melanogaster) acs o
Female of ditto. : i hi: SO ge

MOU IX: P

; his ft wT
AK tike:

es. JOV i

zai gosgh ow 3

seo gormlan ayo ?

ae

ottib to sluare

zs vidabrs ak ilu bobnod-Ageltt a

J ales
; :

ewer thy wastias § | a i La | Aaah

AHS voy" zy py SOO? pecsineD

‘WEI DA eaves h, Ze, | | waa
“yada maqam , ht sqowlsdT —610

1

AEBTOG, polit oy: awe balodl-ten)

ash siniley asduvglo noowt at ceil nodinow ae
Drain denial, |
ie abio toh
okypaying ohudiint?

Aorta eave

INDEX

TO THE NINTH VOLUME.

Bald Eagle

Black-bellied Darter, or Snake-
bird |

Female of ditto

Black-headed Gull

Black Vulture

Common Coot

Goosander

Gray Phalarope

Great-footed Hawk

Great Northern Diver, or Loon

Lesser Red-poll

Little Auk

Purple Gallinule

Raven

Red Phalarope |

Turkey Vulture, or Turkey-
buzzard

Wilson’s Plover

Falco leucocephalus

Plotus melanogaster

Larus ridibundus
Vultur atratus
Fulica atra
Mergus merganser
Phalaropus lobata
Falco peregrinus
Colymbus glacialis
Fringilla linarta
Alca alle
Gallinula porphyrio
Corvus corax

Phalaropus hyperborea

Vultur aura

Charadrius Wilsonia

PAGK

129

fe:

t ( ‘s oak aad 4

aareNg ths

; he
a Sane s ¥i Vink! :

~

hanya weep: oo. doe, hatoos;

obo aiiaule) doc 2 4a windiwh jae

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

COMMON COOT.
FULICA ATRA.
[Plate LXXIIL—Fig. 1.]

Turton, I, 424.—-Laru. Gen. Syn. TI, 275. Id. Sup. 259. Ind. Orn. Il, 777.—Gurin. Orn. Vs
t. 425.— Faun. Suec. 193.—Scor. Ann. I, No. 149.—BrRwn. 190.—MULLER, Wo. 216.— Kram. El.
p. 557, 1. F riscu, t. 208.—GrorGi ReisE, p. 172.—La Foulque, ou Morelle, Briss. Orn. VI, p.
23, 1. pl. 2, fig. 2.—Burr. Ois. XV, p. 327. Pl.-enl. No. 197.—The Coot, Rai Syn. p. 146, A. I.—
Witt. Orn. p. 319, pl. 59.—ALBIn, I, pl. 83.— Br. Zool. No. 220, pl. 77. Arct. Zool. No. 446.—
Coot, or Bald Coot, Brwick, II, 427.—Stoane, Jam. II, 320.—Fulica Floridana, BArTRamM, p.
296.—PEALE’s Museum, No. 4322.

THIS species makes its appearance in Pennsylvania about
the first of October. Among the muddy flats and islands of the
river Delaware, which are periodically overflowed, and which are
overgrown with the reed or wild oats, and rushes, the Coots
are found. They are not numerous, and are seldom seen, except
their places of resort are covered with water: in that case they
are generally found sitting on the fallen reed, waiting for the
ebbing of the tide, which will enable them to feed. Their food
consists of various aquatic plants, seeds, insects, and, it is said,
small fish. The Coot has an aversion to take wing, and can sel-
dom be sprung in its retreat at low water: for although it walks
rather awkwardly, yet it contrives to skulk through the grass and
reeds with great speed, the compressed form of its body, like that
of the rail genus, being well adapted to the purpose. It swims
remarkably well, and, when wounded, will dive like a duck. When

V Oba IX. Q

62 COMMON COOT.

closely pursued in the water, it generally takes to the shore, rising
with apparent reluctance like a wounded duck, and fluttering along
the surface with its feet pattering on the water.* It is known in
Pennsylvania by the name of the Mud-hen.

I have never yet discovered that this species breeds with us;
though it is highly probable that some few may occupy the marshes
of the interior, in the vicinity of the ponds and lakes, for that pur-
pose: those retired situations being well adapted to the hatching
and rearing of their young. In the southern states, particularly
Carolina, they are well known; but the Floridas appear to be their
principal rendezvous for the business of incubation. “The Coot,”
says William Bartram, “is a native of North America, from Penn-
sylvania to Florida. They inhabit large rivers, fresh water inlets
or bays, lagoons, &c. where they swim and feed amongst the reeds
and grass of the shores; particularly in the river St. Juan, in East
Florida, where they are found in immense flocks. They are lo-
quacious and noisy, talking to one another night and day; are
constantly on the water, the broad lobated membranes on their
toes enabling them to swim and dive like ducks.” t

The Coot inhabits the shores of Sweden and Norway; ap-
pears in the spring and very rarely visits the lakes or moors.t Is
found in Russia, China, Persia, Greenland and Siberia. It is com-
mon in France, particularly in Lorraine.

‘This species is met with in Great Britain at all seasons of
the year; and it is generally believed that it does not migrate to
other countries, but changes its stations, and removes in the au-
tumn from the lesser pools or loughs, where the young have been
reared, to the larger lakes, where flocks assemble in the winter.
The female commonly builds her nest in a bunch of rushes, sur-

* In Carolina they are called Flusterers, from the noise they make in flying along the surface of

the water. A voyage to Carolina by John Lawson, p. 4149.

+ Letter from Mr. Bartram to the editor. + Amen. Acad. iy, 594. § Buffon.

Bw)
La Mes

COMMON COOT. 6035

rounded by the water;* it is composed of a great quantity of
coarse dried weeds, well matted together, and lined within with
softer and finer grasses; she lays from twelve to fifteen eggs at a
time, and commonly hatches twice in a season: her eggs are about
the size of those of a pullet, and are of a pale brownish white
color, sprinkled with numerous small dark spots, which, at the
thicker end, seem as if they had run into each other, and formed
bigger blotches.

“ As soon as the young quit the shell, they plunge into the
water, dive and swim about with great ease; but they still gather
together about the mother, and take shelter under her wings, and
do not entirely leave her for some time. They are at first covered
with sooty-colored down, and are of a shapeless appearance; while
they are in this state, and before they have learned by experience
to shun danger, the Kite, Moor Buzzard, and others of the Hawk
tribe make dreadful havoc among them;t and this, notwithstand-
ing the numerous brood, may account for the scarcity of the spe-
cies. +

The Common Coot is sixteen inches in length, and twenty-
eight in extent; bill one and a half inch long, white, the upper
mandible slightly notched near the tip, and marked across with a
band of chesnut, both sides of the lower mandible marked with
squarish spots of like color, edged on the lower part with bright
yellow or gamboge, thence to the tip pale horn color; a callous
membrane is spread over the forehead, of dark chesnut; irides red;

_ beneath the eyes a whitish spot; the head and neck are of a deep
shining black, resembling sattin; back and scapulars dirty green-
ish olive; shoulders, breast, and wing coverts slate blue; the un-

* « A Bald Coot built her nest in Sir William Middleton’s lake, at Belsay, Northumberland,
among the rushes, which were afterwards loosened by the wind, and, of course, the nest was driven
about, and floated upon the surface of the water, in every direction; notwithstanding which, the fe-
male continued to sit as usual, and brought out her young upon her moveable habitation.”

+ * The Pike is also the indiscriminate devourer of the young of all these water birds.”

+ Bewick’s British Birds, vol. ii, p. 129.

64 COMMON COOT.

der parts are hoary; vent black; beneath the tail pure white; pri-
maries and secondaries slate, the former tipped with black, the
latter with white, which does not appear when the wing is closed;
outer edges of the wings white; legs and toes yellowish green, the
scalloped membrane of the latter lead color; middle toe, includ-
ing the claw, three inches and three quarters long.

The bird from which the foregoing description was taken,
was shot in the Delaware, below Philadelphia, the 29th of October,
1813. It was an old male, an uncommonly fine specimen, and
weighed twenty-three ounces avoirdupois. It is deposited in Peale’s
Museum.

The young birds differ somewhat in their plumage, that of
the head and neck being of a brownish black; that of the breast
and shoulders pale ash; the throat gray or mottled; the bill
bluish white; and the membrane on the forehead considerably
smaller.

I have never been able to procure an old female, all those
which I have seen being young ones. ‘They very much resemble
the young males; all the difference which was perceptible was as
follows: breast and shoulders cinereous; markings on the bill
less; upper parts of the head, in some specimens, mottled; and
being less in size.

The lower parts of these birds are clothed with a thick down,
and, particularly between the thighs, covered with close fine fea-
thers. The thighs are placed far behind, are fleshy, strong and
bare above the knees. |

Sloane says that “the trachea arteria of the Coot is branched
into two, just under the base of the heart, and is compressed as
that of the Ardea caerulea mgra.” 'The gizzard resembles a hen’s,
and is remarkably large and muscular. That of the bird which
has been described was filled with sand, gravel, shells, and the
remains of aquatic plants.

Button describes the mode of shooting Coots in France, par-

COMMON COOT. 605

ticularly in Lorraine, on the great pools of Tiaucourt and of Indre;
hence we are led to suppose that they are esteemed as an article
of food. But with us who are enabled, by the abundance and
variety of game, to indulge in greater luxuries in that season when
the Coots visit us, they are considered as of no account, and are
seldom eaten. : 3

The bird called Cinereous Coot by Turton and Latham, F’.
Americana, is probably the young of the present species.

All the European Ornithologists represent the membrane on
the forehead of the Coot as white, except in the breeding season,
when it is said to change its color to pale red. This circumstance
would induce one to suppose that our Coot is a different species
from the European, which I have never had the satisfaction to
behold; and indeed I am much of that opinion.

It is a very rare occurrence that the Coot is seen in the vi-
cinity of Philadelphia in the spring or summer. The nineteenth
of March, 1814, I had the satisfaction of being presented with
one, a female, which was shot in the Schuylkill, at Gray’s, ferry.
I could see no difference in its plumage and markings from those
of the full grown male, except the head and neck not being of so
deep a vlack. The membrane on the forehead was not more than
half the size of that of the male specimen, described above, and it
was of the same color, viz. dark chesnut. All the birds which I
have ever seen had this appendage of the same color.

In Lewis and Clark’s long-expected History of their expedi-
tion, which has been just published, mention is made of a bird which
is common on the Columbia; is said to be very noisy, to have a
sharp, shrill whistle, and to associate in large flocks; it is called
the Black Duck.* 'This is doubtless a species of Coot, but whe-

* History of the Expedition, vol. ii, p. 194. Under date of November 30th, 1805, they say: «'The
hunters brought in a few black ducks of a species common in the United States, living in large flocks,
and feeding on grass: they are distinguished by a sharp white beak, toes separated, and by having no
craw.”

VOL. IX. R

66 | COMMON COOT.

ther or no different from ours cannot be ascertained. How much
is it to be regretted, that in an expedition of discovery, planned
and fitted out by an enlightened government, furnished with every
means for safety, subsistence and research, that not one naturalist,
not one draftsman should have been sent, to observe and perpetu-
ate the infinite variety of natural productions, many of which are
entirely unknown to the community of science, which that exten-
sive tour must have revealed !

The Coot leaves us in November, for the southward.

The foregoing was prepared for the press, when the editor,
in one of his shooting excursions on the Delaware, had the good
fortune to kill a full plumaged female Coot. This was on the
twentieth of April. It was swimming at the edge of a cripple or
thicket of alder bushes, busily engaged in picking something from
the surface of the water, and while thus employed it turned fre-
quently. It differed in no respect from the female above mention-
ed. The membrane on its forehead was very small, and edged
on the fore part with gamboge. Its eggs were of the size of part-
ridge shot. And on the thirteenth of May another fine female
specimen was presented to him which agreed with those describ-
ed, with the exception of the membrane on the forehead being
nearly as large and prominent as that of the male. From the cir-
cumstance of the eggs of all these birds being very small, it is pro-
bable that the Coots do not breed until July.

PURPLE GALLINULE.
GALLINULA PORPHY RIO.

[Plate LXXIII.—Fig. 2.]

Gallinula porphyrio, Laruam, Ind. Orn. p. 768. Idem, III, pl. 4, p. 254. Id. 2d Sup. 326.—GERIN,
Orn. V, t. 485.—Fulica porphyrio, Turr. Syst. 1, 422.—Scop. Ann. 1, No. 152.—Ia Poule Sul-
tane, Briss. Orn. V, p. 522, 1, pl. 42, fig. 1.—Burr. Ois. XV, p. 302. Pl. enl. No. 840.—Ratt,
Syn. p. 116. 13, 44.—WIiILL. Orn. p. 318.—Purple Water Hen, Epwarps, pl. 87.—AxBin, II, pl.
44.—PEALE’s Museum, No. 4294.

THIS splendid and celebrated bird is a native of the south-
ern parts of the continent of America; and is occasionally found —
within the limits of the United States. But we have to regret that
it is not in our power to furnish any additional particulars to its
history, already detailed in the works of the European Naturalists.
Travellers in our section of the globe have hitherto been too ne-
glectful of that beautiful, interesting and useful portion of animat-
ed nature, the Birds. Content with wandering over an extent of
country, noting merely the common-place occurrences of life, the
voyager returns to his friends, and unfolds to their attentive ears
the history of his adventures. His book is published, read, and
thrown aside with the ephemeral sheets, the useful but soon ior-
gotten newspapers. If the natural history of only one single acre
were to be accurately recorded by each traveller, mankind would
receive more real benefit and satisfaction from such productions,
than from cart-loads of itineraries, descriptive of scenes and man-
ners, which, from being long familiar to us, fail to interest, or
disgust by the frequency of their repetition. Curiosity is an active
principle, and we could sincerely wish every traveller to be pos-
sessed of an abundant share of it. Not that impertinent desire to
pry into the affairs of families or communities which distinguishes

68 PURPLE GALLINULE.

some individuals; but that laudable thirst for knowledge, which
leads one over mountains and precipices, through forests, valleys
and thickets, intent on exploring the inexhaustible treasures of
Nature.

We have been insensibly led into this train of reflections, in
consequence of our chagrin in not finding any account of the sub-
ject of this article in the pages of the American traveller, historian
or naturalist. To the Europeans then we are compelled to resort,
happy that, with their assistance, we shall be enabled to throw
some light on the history of a stranger, whose native haunts we
have never yet had the good fortune to explore.

“This bird,” says Latham, “is more or less common in all
the warmer parts of the globe. On the coasts of Barbary they
abound, as well as in some of the islands of the Mediterranean.
In Sicily they are bred in plenty, and kept for their beauty; but
whether indigenous there we are not certain. It is frequently met
with in various parts of the south of Russia, and western parts of
Siberia, among reedy places; and in the neighbourhood of the
Caspian sea not uncommon: but in the cultivated rice grounds of
Ghilan in Persia, in great plenty, and in high plumage. The fe-
male makes her nest among the reeds, in the middle of March;
lays three or four eggs,* and sits from three to four weeks. That
it is common in China the paper-hangings thence will every where
testify. It is also met with in the East Indies, the islands of Java,
Madagascar, and many others. Our late navigators saw them at
Tongataboot in vast numbers, as well as in the island of Tanna,
and other parts. It is also common in the southern parts of
America.

‘“‘In respect to its manners, it is a very docile bird, being
easily tamed, and feeding with the poultry, scratching the ground

* Buffon says that the pair which the Marquis de Nesle introduced into France Jaid six round,
white eggs, about the size of a demi-billiard.
+ Forst. voy. i, 448. ii, 358. Cook’s last voy. i, 239. Am. ed.

PURPLE GALLINULE. 69

with the foot as the Cock and Hen. It will feed on many things,
such as fruits, roots of plants and grain; but will eat fish with
avidity, dipping them into the water before it swallows them: will
frequently stand on one leg, and lift the food to its mouth with the
other, like a Parrot. The flesh is said to be exquisite in taste.”

‘The moderns,” says Buffon, “have given the name of Sul-
tana Hen to a bird famous among the ancients, under the name
of Porphyrion. We have frequently had occasion to remark the
justness of the denominations bestowed by the Greeks, which gene-
rally allude to the distinctive characters, and are therefore supe-
rior to the terms hastily adopted in our languages from superficial
or inaccurate views. ‘The present is an instance; as this bird
seemed to bear some resemblance to the gallinaceous tribe, it got
the name of Hen; but as, at the same time, it differed widely, and
excelled by its beauty and port, it received the epithet of Sultana.
But the term Porphyrion, indicating the red or purple tint of its
bill and feet, was more just and characteristic: and should we not
rebuild the fine ruins of learned antiquity, and restore to nature
those brilliant images, and those faithful portraits from the deli-
cate pencil of the Greeks, ever awake to her beauties and her ani-
mation ?

‘“¢ Both the Greeks and Romans, notwithstanding their vora-
cious luxury, abstained from eating the Porphyrion. ‘They brought —
it from Lybia,* from Comagene, and from the Balearic islands,t
to be fed,t and to be placed in their palaces and temples, where
it was left at liberty as a guest,§ whose noble aspect, whose gentle
disposition, and whose elegant plumage, merited such honors.

‘“‘ Scarcely any bird has more beautiful colors; the blue of

its plumage is soft and glossy, embellished with brilliant reflec-

* «¢ Alexander the Myndian, in Atheneeus, reckons the Porphyrion in the number of Lybian birds,
and relates that it was sacred to the gods in that country. According to Diodorus Siculus, Porphyrions
were brought from the heart of Syria, with other kinds of birds distinguished by their rich colors.”

+ Pliny, lib. x, 46. 49. t Belon. § AElian, lib. iii, 44.
VOL. IX. Ss

70 PURPLE GALLINULE.

tions; its long feet, and the plate from the top of its head to the
root of its bill, are of a fine red; and a tuft of white feathers un-
der the tail heightens the lustre of its charming garb. Except
that it is rather smaller, the female differs not from the male,
which exceeds the partridge, but is inferior to a domestic hen.
The Marquis de Nesle brought a pair from Sicily, where they are
known under the name of Gallofagiani; they are found on the
lake Lentini, above Catana, and are sold for a moderate price in
that city, as well as in Syracuse and the adjacent towns. They
appear alive in the public places, and plant themselves beside the
sellers of vegetables and fruits to pick up the refuse: and this
beautiful bird, which the Romans lodged in their temples, now
experiences the decline of Italy.”

‘The length of the Purple Gallinule is fourteen inches; its bill
is an inch and a quarter long, red, yellow at the tips; nostril small,
oblong, and near the centre of the bill; irides tawny; the naked
front and crown are red; the head, part of the neck, throat and
breast are of a rich violet purple; the back and scapulars brown-
ish green; rump, tail and its coverts of a duller brownish green ;
the sides of the neck ultramarine; wings the same, tinged with
green; the inner webs of the quill feathers and tail dusky brown;
upper lining and side lining of the wings, under the spurious wing,
rich light blue; the belly, thighs, and for an inch behind, dull
purplish black; the vent pure white; tail rounded; thighs, legs and
feet red; span of the foot five inches; hind toe and claws long.

It is somewhat remarkable that Turton, in his translation of
the Systema Nature, should have perpetuated the error of arrang-
ing the Gallinules with the Coots, under the generical appellation
of Fultca, to which they have but little resemblance in their habits,
and none in the conformation of their feet. As he professed to
have been assisted by the works of Dr. Latham, one would sup-
pose that the classification of the latter, especially in this instance,
would have been adopted.

PURPLE GALLINULE. 71

In Mr. Peale’s collection there is a Gallinule which resem-
bles the above in every respect, except its being considerably
smaller.

The bird from which our drawing was taken, came from the
state of Georgia, and is deposited in Peale’s Museum. It is re-
duced, as well as the rest of the figures in the same plate, to one
half the size of life.

Since writing the above, I have been informed by Mr. Alex-
ander Rider, the painter, who accompanied the late Mr. Enslen
in his botanical researches through the United States, that they
observed the Purple Gallinule in a thick swamp, a short distance
from Savannah, Georgia. It was very vigilant and shy, and was
shot with much difficulty. It is very probable that it breeds there,
as the nature of the swamp favors concealment, of which this bird
appears to be fond.

Mr. Abbot, of Georgia, likewise informs me that this species
frequents the rice fields and marshes in the lower parts of the
state; it is rare, he having met with only three specimens; he has
no doubt that it breeds there. He says that when the bird is living,
the naked crown is of a bright blue, and the legs yellow ochre. We
were necessitated to take our description, and to color our figure,
from the stuffed specimen in Peale’s Museum, and it is possible
that we may have been in error with respect to those parts. In
Mr. Wilson’s drawing they were colored as we have described
them.

72

GRAY PHALAROPE.
PHALAROPUS LOBATA.

[Plate LXXII.—Fig. 3.]

Phalaropus lobata, LaruaM, Ind. Orn. p. 776. Id. III, pt. 4, p. 272.—Tringa lobata, Turt. Syst.
I, 406.—MULLER, No. 195.— Faun. Suec. 179. Faun. Grenl. No. 75.—Le Phalarope, Briss. Orn.
VI, p. 18, 14.—Le Phalarope a festons dentelés, Burr. Ois. XV, p. 349.—Grey coot-footed Tringa,
Epwarps, pl. 308.—Brwick, II, p. 132.—BarTRAM, p. 294.—Br. Zool. Il, No. 218. Arct. Zool.
II, No. 442.

OF this species only one specimen was ever seen by Mr. Wil-
son, and that was preserved in Trowbridge’s Museum, at Albany,
in the state of Newyork. In referring to Mr. Wilson’s journal I
found an account of the bird, there called a Tringa, written with
a lead pencil, but so scrawled and obscured that parts of the wri-
ting were not legible. I wrote to Mr. Trowbridge, soliciting a
particular description, but no answer has been returned. From
the drawing, which is imperfectly colored, and the description
which I have been enabled to decipher, I have concluded that this
species is the Gray Phalarope of Turton. It is worthy of remark
that the ornithologists of Europe have differed somewhat in their
account of this bird, as well as of that which follows; and we cannot
reconcile our descriptions with theirs. This is owing, we presume,
to the scarcity of the species, which has operated against their ob-
taining subjects recently killed, and has compelled them to have
recourse to old or imperfect specimens of the Museums.

In the grand and wonderful chain of animated nature, the
Phalaropes constitute one of the links between the Waders and
the Web-footed tribes, having the form of the Sandpiper with the
habits of some of the Ducks: the scalloped membranes on their

toes enabling them to swim with facility. They do not appear to

GRAY PHALAROPE. 73

be fond of the neighborhood of the ocean, and are generally found
in. the interior, about the lakes, ponds and streams of fresh water,
where they delight to linger, swimming near the margin in search
of seeds and insects. They go in pairs, and we cannot learn that
they are any where numerous. These circumstances are sufficient
to authorize their removal from a tribe, to which they have little
resemblance, except in their general appearance. Edwards was
the first naturalist who introduced them to the world; and altho
he seems to have been convinced that they ought to constitute a
genus of themselves, yet he contented himself with arranging them
with the Zring, a classification certainly neither scientific nor na-
tural. ‘Turton has fallen into the same error, which Latham and
Pennant have judiciously avoided; and in their arrangement, so
agreeable to our sentiments of the obvious discriminations of Na-
ture, we heartily concur.

‘The bill of this species is black, slender, straight, and one
inch and three quarters in length; lores, front, crown, hind head
and thence to the back very pale ash, nearly white; from the an-
terior angle of the eye a curving stripe of black descends along the
neck for an inch or more; thence to the shoulders dark reddish
brown, which also tinges the white on the side of the neck next
it; under parts white; above dark olive; wings and legs black ;
the scalloped membranes on the toes finely serrated on their edges.
Size of the Turn-stone.

The above description I am convinced is imperfect; but as
I have not an opportunity of seeing the bird, no better can be ob-
tained.

Pennant says that the Gray Phalarope inhabits Scandinavia,
iceland and Greenland: in the last lives on the frozen side, near
the great lakes; quits the country before winter; is seen on the
full seas in April and September, in the course of its migration.
It is frequent in all Siberia, about the lakes and rivers, especially

VOE. 1x. at

74: GRAY PHALAROPE.

in autumn; probably in its migration from the Arctic flats; it was
also met with among the ice between Asia and America. |

‘The editor has been at considerable pains this spring to pro-
cure specimens and information of the two Phalaropes which are
figured and described in this volume, but he is sorry to declare
that his endeavors have been unsuccessful. Though he explored
our ponds and shores many times with his sun, and made fre-
quent inquiries of sportsmen, yet he neither saw these birds nor
heard of them; and he has reason to believe that they seldom
visit this part of the United States.

75

RED PHALAROPE.
PHALAROPUS HYPERBOREA.

[Plate LXXIII.—Fig. 4. |

Pialaropus hyperboreus, LaTHam, Ind. Orn. p.775. Idem, II, pt. 1, p. 270.—Br. Zool. II, No.
219. Aret. Zool. No. 445.—Tringa fulicaria, Faun. Suec. No.179. Faun. Groenl. No. 76.—
Brouwnicn, No. 172.—MUvLiER, No. 196.—Tringa hyperborea, 'Turr. Syst. 1, 407.—Le Phalarope
rouge, Burr. Ois. XV, p. 348. Pl. enl. 766.—Le Phalarope cendré, Briss. Orn. VI, p. 15, 2.—
Rai, Syn. p. 132, A. 7.— Small cloven-footed Gull, Wii. Orn. p. 355.—Coot-footed Tringa, Epw.
44:2, 143.--Red Coot-footed Tringa, BARTRAM, 294,--BEwIcK, II, 134.--Peann’s Museum, No. 4088.

THIS species measures nine inches in length, and fifteen in
breadth; the front and crown are black, barred transversely with
lines of white; bill orange, an inch long, broad above, black to-
wards the tip; throat, sides of the neck, and lower parts white,
thickly and irregularly barred with curving dashes of reddish cho-
colate; the upper parts are of a deep slate color, streaked with
brownish yellow and black; the black scapulars broadly edged with
brownish yellow; tail plain pale olive; middle of the tail coverts
black, sides bright brownish yellow; rump and wings dark slate;
the primaries are nearly black, and crossed with white, as usual,
below their coverts; greater wing coverts broadly tipped with
white, forming a large band; vent white, those feathers immedi-
ately next the tail reddish chocolate; legs black on the outside,
yellowish within; hind toe small and partly pinnate.

The Red Phalarope is a very rare bird in Pennsylvania; and,
as far as we can learn, is but seldom met with in any part of the
union. It is said that they come into Hudson’s Bay the beginning
of June, and lay four eggs, about the middle of that month, on a
dry spot; the young fly in August, and they depart to the south-
ward in September. Whether or no they breed within the terri-

76 RED PHALAROPE.

tory of the United States we cannot determine; but it is probable
they do, as three were seen in a pond below Philadelphia, in the
latter part of May, 1812, one of which was shot, and presented to
the editor, who transferred it to Mr. Peale. In consequence of
its being in a high state of putridity when received, it was pre-
served with considerable difficulty, and the sex could not be as-
certained. Our figure and description were from this specimen.
The person who shot this bird had never seen one of the species
before, and was particularly struck with its singular manners. He
described it as sitting on the water, dipping in its bill very often,
as if feeding, and turning frequently round.

Pennant informs us that the Red Phalarope is found in Scan-
dinavia; is common about the Caspian sea and the lakes and rivers
adjacent, during spring; but does not extend to the farther part of
Siberia. It visits Greenland in April, and departs in September.

77

WILSON’S PLOVER.
CHARADRIUS WILSONTA.

| Plate LX XIII.—Fig. 5. |

Prate’s Musewn, No. 4459, male—4460, female.

OF this neat and prettily marked species I can find no ac-
count, and have concluded that it has hitherto escaped the eye of
the naturalist.. The bird of which the figure in the plate is a cor-
rect resemblance, was shot the thirteenth of May, 1813, on the
shore of Cape-Island, Newjersey, by my ever-regretted friend; and
I have honored it with his name. It was a male, and was accom-
panied by another of the same sex and a female, all of which were
fortunately obtained.

‘This bird very much resembles the Ring Plover, except in
the length and color of the bill, its size, and in wanting the yel-
low eyelids. ‘lhe males and females of this species differ in their
markings, but the Ring Plovers nearly agree. We conversed with
some gunners of Cape May, who asserted that they were acquaint-
ed with these birds, and that they sometimes made their appear-
ance in flocks of considerable numbers; others had no knowledge
of them. That the species is rare we were well convinced, as we
had diligently explored the shore of a considerable part of Cape
May, in the vicinity of Great Egg-harbor, many times at different
seasons, and had never seen them before. How long they remain
on our coast, and where they winter, we are unable to say. From
the circumstance of the oviduct of the female being greatly en-
larged and containing an egg half grown, apparently within a
week of being ready for exclusion, we concluded that they breed

VOL. IX. U

78 WILSON’S PLOVER.

there. Their favorite places of resort appear to be the dry sand
flats on the sea shore. They utter an agreeable piping note.

This species is seven inches and three quarters in length, and
fifteen and a half in extent; the bill is black, stout, and an inch
long, the upper mandible projecting considerably over the lower;
front white passing on each side to the middle of the eye above,
and bounded by a band of black of equal breadth; lores black;
eyelids white; eye large and dark; from the middle of the eye
backwards the stripe of white becomes duller, and extends for half
an inch; the crown, hind head and auriculars are drab olive; the
chin, throat and sides of the neck for an inch pure white, passing
quite round the neck, and narrowing to a point behind; the up-
per breast below this is marked with a broad band of jet black;
the rest of the lower parts pure white; upper parts pale olive drab;
along the edges of the auriculars and hind head, the plumage,
where it joins the white, is stained with raw terra sienna; all the
plumage is darkest in the centre and darker shafted; the tertials
are fully longer than the primaries, the latter brownish black, the
shafts and edges of some of the middle ones white; secondaries
and greater coverts slightly tipped with white; the legs are of a
pale flesh color; toes bordered with a narrow edge, the outer and
middle ones connected as far as the first joint by a membrane ;
claws and ends of the toes black; the tail is even, a very little
longer than the wings, and of a blackish olive color, with the ex-
ception of the two exterior feathers which are whitish, but gene-
rally the two middle ones only are seen.

The female differs in having no black on the forehead, lores,

or breast, those parts being pale olive.

= : a i =— a aia . inf ee Tn — ee Tae — ~ > aa ; ——— —_— _ — = = —, — ~— _—
EC FELT Oa ae DET ee
< eee an r = £ : oy fs * Vip PLIGER f.. Qt Br PPR

ane — ee SS SS SSS ————S

——

SShoeenhe

79

-BLACK:BELLIED DARTER, OR SNAKE-BIRD.
PLOTUS MELANOGASTER.

[Plate LXXIV.—Fig. 1.—WMale. |

SALERNE, Orn. p. 375.—WIit. Orn. p. 250.—Turt. Syst. 1, 351.—Laru. Gen. Syn. pl. 2, p. 624.
L’ Anhinga, Burr. Ois. XVI, p. 253. Anhinga de Cayenne, Pl. enl. No. 959.—Anhinga melanogas-
ier, Zool. Ind. p. 22, pl. 12.—Colymbus colubrinus, Snake-bird, BARTRAM, p. 132. 295.—PEALE’S
Museum, No. 3488, Male.

THE Black-bellied Darter is three feet three inches in length;
the bill is three inches and three quarters long, rather slender,
very sharp pointed, and armed with numerous sharp tecth towards
the tip, for the securing of its prey, it is black above and yellow
below; no external nostrils are visible; the bare space around
the eye, and the pouch under the chin are also yellow; the slit of
the mouth extends beyond the eye; irides vivid red; the head,
neck, and whole lower parts are black, glossed with dark green ;
the side of the neck from the eye backwards, for more than half
its length, is marked by a strip of brownish white, consisting of
long hair-like tufts of plumage, extending an inch beyond the com-
mon surface, resembling the hair of callow young; there are a few
small tufts on the crown; the whole upper parts are black, mark-
ed in a very singular and beautiful manner with small oval spots,
and long pointed streaks, of a limy white, which has the gloss of
silver in some lights; the middle of the back, primaries, seconda-
ries, rump and tail coverts are plain glossy black; on the upper
part of the back, the white is in very small oval spots, lengthen-
ing as they approach the scapulars and tertials, on the latter they
extend the whole length of the feathers, running down the centre;

these are black shafted; the wings are long and pointed; lesser

80 BLACK-BELLIED DARTER.

coverts marked on every feather with an oval, or spade-shaped
spot of white; greater coverts nearly all of a limy white; the tail
is long, rounding, and exceedingly stiff, consisting of twelve broad
feathers, the exterior vanes of the four middle ones curiously crimp-
ed, the whole black, and broadly tipt with dirty brownish white;
the thighs are black; legs scarcely an inch and a half long; feet
webbed, all the four toes united by the membrane, which is of
uncommon breadth, and must give the bird great velocity when
diving or swimming; the exterior toe, which is the longest, is
three inches long; claws horn color, strong and crooked, inner
side of the middle one pectinated; legs and feet yellow. The
whole plumage is of extraordinary stiffness and elasticity; that of
the neck and breast thick, soft and shining. The position of these
birds when standing is like that of the Gannets.

Of this extraordinary species we can give little more than ac-
curate descriptions, and tolerably good portraits, which were taken
from two fine specimens, admirably set up and preserved in the
Museum of Mr. Peale. The Snake-bird is an inhabitant of the
Carolinas, Georgia and the Floridas; and is common in Brasil,
Cayenne, Senegal, Ceylon and Java. It seems to have derived its
name from the singular form of its head and neck, which at a dis-
tance very much resemble some species of serpents. In those
countries where noxious animals abound, we may readily conceive
that the appearance of this bird, extending its long neck through
the foliage of a tree, would tend to startle the wary traveller,
whose imagination had portrayed objects of danger lurking in
every thicket. It is said to build its nest on a tree; but of its
habits during the season of incubation, the number and color of
its eggs, or the rearing of its young, we are ignorant. Formerly
the Darter was considered by voyagers as an anomalous produc-
tion, a monster partaking of the nature of the Snake and the Duck;
and in some ancient charts which we have seen, it is delineated in

all the extravagance of fiction.

BLACK-BELLIED DARTER. | Si

My excellent friend, Mr. William Bartram, gives the follow-
ing account of the subject of our history :

‘¢ Here is in this river,* and in the waters all over Florida, a
very curious and handsome bird, the people call them Snake-birds; -
I think I have seen paintings of them on the Chinese screens and
other Indian pictures; they seem to be a species of Colymbus, but
far more beautiful and delicately formed than any other that I
have ever seen. They delight to sit in little peaceable communi-
ties, on the dry limbs of trees, hanging over the still waters, with
their wings and tails expanded, I suppose to cool and air them-
selves, when at the same time they behold their images in the
watery mirror. At such times when we approach them they drop
off the limbs into the water as if dead, and for a minute or two
are not to be seen; when on a sudden, at a great distance, their
long slender head and neck appear, like a snake rising erect out
of the water; and no other part of them is to be seen when
swimming, except sometimes the tip end of their tail. In the heat
of the day they are seen in great numbers, sailing very high in the
air over lakes and rivers.

‘T doubt not but if this bird had been an inhabitant of the
Tiber in Ovid’s days, it would have furnished him with a subject
for some beautiful and entertaining metamorphoses. I believe
they feed entirely on fish, for their flesh smells and tastes intole-
rably strong of it: it is scarcely to be eaten, unless one is con-
strained by insufferable hunger. ‘They inhabit the waters of Cape
Fear river, and, southerly, East and West Florida.” *

* The river St. Juan, East Florida.

+ Bartram’s Travels, p. 132.—MS. in the possession of the editor.

VOL. IX. x

FEMALE BLACK-BELLIED DARTER.

[Plate LXXIV.—Fig. 2.]

White-bellied Darter? Laru. Gen. Syn. VI, p. 622,14. Ind. Orn. p. 895.
PEALE’s Museum, No. 3189, Female.

THE female Darter measures three feet five inches in length;
and differs in having the neck before of a roan color or iron gray,
the breast the same but lighter and tinged with pale chesnut; the
belly as in the male; where the iron gray joins the black on the
‘belly, there is a narrow band of chesnut; upper head and back of
the neck dark sooty brown, streaked with blackish; cheeks and chin
pale yellow ochre; in every other respect the same as the male,
except in having only a few slight tufts of hair along the side of
the neck; the tail is twelve inches long to its insertion, generally
spread out like a fan, and crimped like the other on the outer
vanes of the two middle feathers only.

Naturalists describe a bird, of this family, which they call the
White-bellied Darter, P. anhinga. We know of but one species
of Plotus found within the United States, and suspect that the fe-
male above described is the White-bellied Darter of Latham and
others. For the purpose of ascertaining the fact, we wrote to an
experienced naturalist residing in Georgia, but through some un-
fortunate cause no answer has been received. It is so many years
since our venerable friend, Mr. Bartram, travelled in those regions
where the Darters are common, that he has lost all recollection
of them, except what relates to their general appearance. We
must therefore content ourselves with our imperfect knowledge of
this singular species, until some favorable occurrence shall enable
us to form a correct opinion. )

Since the above has been written, the editor has had the sa-

FEMALE BLACK-BELLIED DARTER. 83

tisfaction of receiving from Mr. John Abbot, of Georgia, a valua-
ble communication relative to this bird and some others; for
which favor he offers his sincere acknowledgment.

Mr. Abbot agrees with us in opinion, that the P. anhinga is
the female of this species. He says: “ Both the Darters I esteem
as but one species. I have now by me a drawing of the male, or
Black-bellied, only; but have had specimens of both at the same
time. J remember that the upper parts of the female were simi-
lar to those of the male, except that the color and markings were
not so pure and distinct; length thirty-six inches, extent forty-six.
These birds frequent the ponds, rivers and creeks during the sum-
mer; build in the trees of the swamps, and those of the islands in
the ponds; they construct their nests of sticks; eggs of a sky blue
color. I inspected a nest, which was not very large, it contained
two eggs and six young ones, the latter varying much in size; they
will occupy the same tree for a series of years. They commonly
sit on a stump, which rises out of the water, in the mornings of
the spring, and spread their wings to the sun, from which circum-
stance they have obtained the appellation of Sun-birds. They are
difficult to be shot when swimming, in consequence of only their

heads being above the water.”

84,

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER, OR LOON.

COLYMBUS GLACIALIS.

[Plate LXXIV.—Fig. 3. |

Pennant, Br. Zool. 237. Arct. Zool. 439.—Le grand Plongeon tacheté, Briss. Orn. VI, 120. tab. 2,
Jig: 4.—I/ Imbrim, ou grand Plongeon dela Mer du Nord, Ds Burr. Ois. XV, p. 464. PI. enl.
No. 952.—Turt. Syst. I, 356.—Laru. Gen. Syn. III, pt. 2, p. 337.—Colymbus maximus caudatus,
Raut, Syn. p. 125, A. 4.—Greatest speckled Diver, or Loon, Wui.ueuBy, Orn. p- 344.—Great speck-
led Diver, BARTRAM, 295.—ALBIN, III, pl. 93.—Brwicx’s British Birds, Il, p. 168.—PsaLE’s
Museum, No. 3262, male and young.—3263, female.

THIS bird in Pennsylvania is migratory. In the autumn it
makes its appearance with the various feathered tribes that fre-
quent our waters; and when the streams are obstructed with ice,
it departs for the southern states.* In the months of March and
April it is again seen; and after lingering awhile, it leaves us for
the purpose of breeding. ‘The Loons are found along the coast
as well as in the interior; but in the summer they retire to the
fresh water lakes and ponds. We have never heard that they
breed in Pennsylvania; but it is said they do in Missibisci pond,
near Boston, Massachusetts. ‘The female lays two large brown-
ish eggs. ‘They are commonly seen in pairs, and procure their
food, which is fish, in the deepest water of our rivers, diving after
it, and continuing under for a length of time. Being a wary bird,
it is seldom they are killed, eluding their pursuers by their asto-
nishing faculty of diving. ‘They seem averse from flying, and are
but seldom seen on the wing. They are never eaten.

The Loon is said to be restless before a storm; and an ex-

perienced master of a coasting vessel informed me that he al-

* The Loon is said to winter in the Chesapeake bay.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. 85

ways knew when a tempest was approaching by the ery of this
bird, which is very shrill, and may be heard at the distance of a
mile or more. |

This species seldom visits the shores of Britain, except in
very severe winters; but it is met with in the north of Europe,
and spreads along the arctic coast as far as the mouth of the river
Ob, in the dominions of Russia. It is found about Spitzbergen,
Iceland, and Hudson’s Bay.. Makes its nest, in the more north-
ern regions, on the little isles of fresh water lakes: every pair
keep a lake to themselves. It sees well, flies very high, and, dart-
_ ing obliquely, falls secure into its nest. Appears in Greenland in
April or the beginning of May; and goes away in September or
October, on the first fall of snow.* It is also found at Nootka
Soundt and Kamtschatka.

The Barabinzians, a nation situated between the river Ob and
the Irtisch, in the Russian dominions, tan the breasts of this and
other water fowl, whose skins they prepare in such a manner as
to preserve the down upon them; and, sewing a number of these
together they sell them to make pelises, caps, &c. Garments made
of these are very warm, never imbibing the least moisture; and
are more lasting than could be imagined.t

The natives of Greenland use the skins for clothing; and the
Indians about Hudson’s Bay adorn their heads with circlets of
their feathers.

Lewis and Clark’s party, at the mouth of the Columbia, saw
robes made of the skins of Loons;** and abundance of these birds
during the time that they wintered at Fort Clatsop on that river.tt

The Laplanders, according to Regnard, cover their heads
with a cap made of the skin of a Loom (Loon), which word signi-

fies in their language /ame, because the bird cannot walk well.

* Pennant. + Cook’s last voy. ii, p. 237, Am. ed. f{ Latham. - § Aretic Zoology.
*«* Gass’s Journal. +t History of the Expedition, vol. ii, p. 189.

VOL. IX. Ys

86 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER.

They place it on their head in such a manner, that the bird’s head
falls over their brow, and its wings cover their ears.

“Northern Divers,” says Hearne, “ tho’ common in Hud-
son’s Bay, are by no means plentiful; they are seldom found near
the coast, but more frequently in fresh water lakes, and usually in
pairs. They build their nests at the edge of small islands, or the
margins of lakes or ponds; they lay only two eggs, and it is very
common to find only one pair and their young in one sheet of
water: a great proof of their aversion to society. ‘They are known
in Hudson’s Bay by the name of Loons.”*

The Great Northern Diver measures two feet ten inches from
_ the tip of the bill to the end of the tail, and four feet five inches in
breadth; the bill is strong, of a glossy black, and four inches and
three quarters long to the corner of the mouth; nostril pervious ;
the edges of the bill do not fit exactly into each other, and are
ragged, the lower mandible separates into two branches, which
are united by a thin elastic membrane, and are easily moveable
horizontally or receding from each other, so as to form a wider
gap to facilitate the swallowing of large fish; irides dark blood
red; the head and half of the length of the neck are of a deep
black with a green gloss, and purple reflections; this is succeed-
ed by a band consisting of interrupted white and black lateral
stripes, which encompasses the neck, and tapers to a point on its
fore part, without joining—this band measures about an inch and a
half in its widest part, and to appearance is not continuous on the
back part of the neck, being concealed by some thick, overhang-
ing, black feathers, but on separating the latter the band becomes
visible: the feathers which form these narrow stripes are white,
streaked down their centre with black, and, what is a remark-
able peculiarity, their webs project above the common surface;

below this is a broad band of dark glossy green and violet, which

* Hearne’s Journey, p. 429, quarto.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. 87

is blended behind with the plumage of the back; the lower part
of the neck, and the sides of the breast are ribbed in the same
manner as the band above; below the chin a few stripes of the
same; the whole of the upper parts are of a deep black, slightly
elossed with green, and thickly spotted with white, in regular
transverse or semicircular rows, two spots on the end of each fea-
ther—those on the upper part of the back, shoulders, ramp and
tail coverts small and roundish, those on the centre of the back
square and larger, those on the scapulars are the largest, and of
an oblong square shape; the wing feathers and tail are plain brown
black, the latter composed of twenty feathers, and is very short
and rounded; the lower parts are pure white, a slight dusky line
across the vent; the scapulars descend over the wing, and the
belly feathers ascend so as to meet them, by which means every
part of the wing is concealed, except towards the tip, this accom-
modation is to prevent its retarding the bird in diving; the outside
of the legs and feet is black, inside pale blue; the leg is four inches
in length, and the foot measures, along the exterior toe to the tip
of its claw, four inches and three quarters; both legs and feet are
marked with five-sided polygons.

The female Diver is somewhat less than the male; the bill
is yellowish; crown, back part of the neck, and whole upper parts
pale brown; the plumage of part of the back and scapulars is tip-
ped with pale ash; the throat, lower side of the neck, and whole
under parts are white, but not so pure as that of the male, having
a yellowish tinge; the quill feathers dark brown. She has no ap-
pearance of bands on her neck, or of spots on her body..,

The young males do not obtain their perfect plumage until
the second or third year. One which we have seen, and which
was conjectured to be a yearling, had some resemblance to the fe-
male, with the exception of its upper parts being of a darker and
purer brown or mouse color, and its under parts of a more deli-—

cate white; it had likewise a few spots on the back and scapulars;

88 GREAT NORTHERN DIVER.

but none of those markings on the neck which distinguish the full
grown male.

The conformation of the ribs and bones of this species is re-
markable, and merits particular examination.

In the account which the European ornithologists give of
their Northern Diver, we presume there is some inaccuracy.
They say it measures three feet six inches in length, and four feet
eight in breadth; and weighs sixteen pounds. If this be a correct
statement, it would lead to the surmise that our Diver is a differ-
ent species; for of several specimens which we have examined,
the best and largest has been described for this work, the admea-
surement of which bird comes considerably short of that of the
European; the weight we neglected to ascertain. ‘The common
Wild Goose of our country, 4. Canadensis, when in good condition
will seldom weigh more than twelve pounds. In order to deter-
mine this point, we personally exerted ourselves, and commission-
ed some of our friends, to procure a good specimen of the Loon
during the past season, but without success.

89

BLACK-HEADED GULL.
LARUS RIDIBUNDUS.

‘Plate LXXIV.—Fig. 4:]

Linn. Syst. 225.—La Mouette rieuse, De Burr. XVI, p. 232. Pl. enl. No. 970.—La Moueite rieuse
a pattos rouges, Briss.—Latu. Gen. Syn. III, pt. 2, p. 380.—Br. Zool. I, 252. Arct. Zool. No.
AB Ag 455.—Laughing Gull, Carussy, I, 89.—Wi1u. Orn. p. 347. pl. 66.—Pewit, Black-cap, or
Sea-crow, Ratt, Syn. p. 128, A. 5.—Bewicx, II, 200.—Prater’s Museum, No. 3381.

LENGTH seventeen inches, extent three feet six inches; bill,
thighs, legs, feet, sides of the mouth and eyelids dark blood red;
inside of the mouth vermilion; bill nearly two inches and a half
long; the nostril is placed rather low; the eyes are black; above
and below each eye there is a spot of white; the head and part of
the neck are black, remainder of the neck, breast, whole lower
parts, tail coverts and tail pure white; the scapulars, wing coverts
and whole upper parts are of a fine blue ash color; the first five
primaries are black towards their extremities; the secondaries are
tipt largely with white, and almost all the primaries slightly; the
bend of the wing is white, and nearly three inches long; the tail
is almost even, it consists of twelve feathers, and its coverts reach
within an inch and a half of its tip; the wings extend two inches
beyond the tail; a delicate blush is perceivable on the breast and
belly.

The head of the female is of a dark dusky slate color, in
other respects she resembles the male.

We are inclined to the opinion, that the three Gulls of La-
tham, viz. the Black-headed G. the Red-legged G. and the Laugh-
ing G. are one and the same species, the very bird which we have
been describing, the difference in their markings arising from their

VOL. IX. Z

90 BLACK-HEADED GULL.

age and sex. We feel imboldened to this declaration from the
circumstance of having ourselves shot Gulls which corresponded
almost precisely to those of the above author, of the same habits,
the same voice, and which were found associating together. In
some specimens the crown was of a dusky gray; the upper part
and sides of the neck of a lead color; the bill and legs of a dirty,
dark, purplish brown. Others had not the white spots above and
below the eyes. |

The changes of plumage, to which this genus of birds are
subject, have tended not a little to confound the naturalist; and a
considerable collision of opinion, arising from an imperfect ac-
quaintance with the living subjects, has been the result. To in-
vestigate thoroughly their history, it is obviously necessary that
the ornithologist should frequently explore their native haunts ;
and to determine the species of periodical or occasional visitors,
an accurate comparative examination of many specimens, either
alive or recently killed, is indispensible. Less confusion would
arise among authors and nomenclators, if they would occasionally
abandon their accustomed walks—their studies and their museums,
and seek correct knowledge in the only place where it is to be ob-
tained—in the grand Temple of Nature. As it respects, in par-
ticular, the tribe under review, the zealous inquirer would find
himself amply compensated for all his toil, by observing these neat
and clean birds coursing along the rivers and coast, enlivening the
prospect by their airy movements: now skimming closely over the
watery element, watching the motions of the fretted surges, and
now rising into the higher regions sporting with the winds; while
he inhaled the invigorating breezes of the ocean, and listened to
the melody of the cedar groves, mingled with the hoarse but sooth-
ing murmurs of the billows.

The Black-headed Gull is the most beautiful and most soci-
able of its genus. They make their appearance on the coast of
Newjersey in the latter part of April; and do not fail to give no-

BLACK-HEADED GULL. on

tice of their arrival by their familiarity and loquacity. ‘The in-
habitants treat them with the same indifference that they manifest
towards all those harmless birds which do not minister either to
their appetite or their avarice; and hence the Black-heads may
be seen in companies around the farm-house; coursing along the
river shores, gleaning up the refuse of the fishermen, and the ani-
mal substances left by the tide; or scattered over the marshes and
newly ploughed fields, regaling on the worms, insects and their
larvze, which, in the vernal season, the bounty of Nature provides
for the sustenance of myriads of the feathered race.

On the Jersey side of the Delaware bay, in the neighborhood
of Fishing creek, about the middle of May, the Black-headed Gulls
assemble in great multitudes, to feed upon the remains of the King
Crabs which the hogs have left, or upon the spawn which those
curious animals deposit in the sand, and which is scattered along
the shore by the waves. At such times if any one approach to
disturb them, the Gulls will rise up in clouds, every individual
squalling so loud, that the congregated roar may be heard at the
distance of two or three miles.

It is an interesting spectacle to behold this species when about
recommencing their migrations. If the weather be calm, they will
rise up in the air, spirally, chattering all the while to each other
in the most sprightly manner, their notes at such times resembling
the singing of a hen, but far louder, and are often changed into a
haw, ha ha ha haw! the last syllable lengthened out like the exces-
sive laugh of a negro. When mounting and mingling together, like
motes in the sun beams, their black heads and wing tips, and snow
white plumage give them a very beautiful appearance. After gain-
ing an immense height they all move off, with one consent, im a
direct line towards the point of their destination.

This bird breeds on the marshes. The eggs are three in
number, of a dun clay color, thinly marked with small irregular

touches of a pale purple, and as many such of pale brown; some

2 BLACK-HEADED GULL

are of a deeper dun, with larger marks, and less tapering than
others; the egg measures two inches and a quarter by one inch
and a half. |

The Black-heads frequently penetrate into the interior, espe-
cially as far as Philadelphia; but they seem to prefer the neigh-
borhood of the coast for the purpose of breeding. They retire
southward early in the autumn.

This species is found in every part of Russia and Siberia, and
even in Kamtschatka. ‘They are seen throughout the winter at
Aleppo, in great numbers, and so tame, that the women are said
to call them from the terraces of their houses, throwing up pieces
of bread, which these birds catch in the air.*

The Black-headed Gull is common in Great Britain. “ In

b)

former times,’ says Bewick, ‘ these birds were looked upon as
valuable property, by the owners of some of the fens and marshes
in this kingdom, who, every autumn, caused the little islets or
hafts, in those wastes, to be cleared of the reeds and rushes, in
order properly to prepare the spots for the reception of the old
birds in the spring, to which places at that season they regularly
returned in great flocks to breed. ‘The young ones were then
highly esteemed as excellent eating, and on that account were
caught in great numbers before they were able to fly. Six or se-
ven men, equipped for this business, waded through the pools, and
with long staves drove them to the land, against nets placed upon
the shores of these hafts, where they were easily caught by the
hand, and put into pens ready prepared for their reception. The
gentry assembled from all parts to see the sport. Dr. Plot in his
Natural History of Staffordshire, published in 1686, gives the
above particulars, and says that in this manner as many have
been caught in one morning as, when sold at five shillings per

dozen (the usual price at that time) produced the sum of twelve

* Vide Dr. Russel’s description of Aleppe.

BLACK-HEADED GULL. 93

pounds ten shillings; and that in the several drifts on the few
succeeding days of this sport, they have been taken in some years
in such abundance, that their value, according to the above rate,
was from thirty to sixty pounds—a great sum in those days. These
were the See Gulles of which we read as being so plentifully pro-
vided at the great feasts of the ancient nobility and bishops of this
realm. Although the flesh of these birds is not now esteemed a
dainty, and they are seldom sought after as an article of food, yet
in the breeding season, where accommodation and protection are
afforded them, they still regularly resort to the same old haunts,
which have been occupied by their kind for a long time past. This
is the case with the flocks which now breed at Pallinsburne, in
Northumberland, where they are accounted of great use in clear-

ing the surrounding lands of noxious insects, worms, slugs, &c.”*

* Bewick’s British Birds, part ii, p. 204.

VOL. IX. Aa

LITTLE AUK.
ALCA ALLE.

[Plate LXXIV.—Fig. 5.]

Laru. Gen. Syn. p. 327 —Br. Zool. Ti, No. 233, pl. 82. Arct. Zool. No. 429.—T ure. Syst. I, 338.
—Faun. Suec..N'o. 142. Faun. Grenl. No. 54.—Brun. Orn. No. 106.—Martin’s Spitzb. 85.—
Mergulus melanoleucos rostro acute brevi, Raiz, Syn. p. 135, A. 5.—Small black and white Dicer,
Wi. Orn. p. 343, pl. 59.—Epwarps, pl. 91.—Greenland Dove, or Sea Turtle, AtBin, I, pl. 85.—
Le petit Guillemot, Brisson, Orn. VI, p. 73, 2.—BurFFon, Ois. XVIII, p. 24. Pl. enl. No. 917.—
Bewicr’s British Birds, I, p. 158.—PEALge’s Museum, N’o. 2978.

OF the history of this little stranger but few particulars are
known. With us it is a very rare bird, and when seen it 1s gene-
rally in the vicinity of the sea. The specimen from which the
figure in the plate was taken, was killed at Great Egg-harbor in
the month of December, 1811, and was sent to Mr. Wilson as a
ereat curiosity. It measured nine inches in length, and fourteen
in extent; the bill, upper part of the head, back, wings and tail
were black; the upper part of the breast, and hind head were gray,
or white mixed with ash; the sides of the neck, whole lower parts,
and tips of secondaries were pure white; feet and legs black, shins
pale flesh color; above each eye there was a small spot of white ;*
the lower scapulars streaked slightly with the same. This bird
has no heel, and the exterior toe is the largest.

The Little Auk is said to be but a rare visitant of the British
isles. It is met with in various parts of the north, even as far as
Spitzbergen; is common in Greenland, in company with the black-
billed species, and feeds upon the same kind of food. ‘The Green-

landers call it the Ice-bird, from the circumstance of its being the

* In Peale’s Museum there is an excellent specimen of this species, which has likewise a smaller

spot below each eye.

LITTLE AUK. ve)

harbinger of ice. It lays two bluish white eggs,* larger than those
of the Pigeon. It flies quick, and dives well; and is always dip-
ping its bill into the water while swimming, or at rest on that
element. Walks better on land than others of the genus. It grows
_ fat in the stormy season, from the waves bringing plenty of crabs
and small fish within its reach. Jt is not a very crafty bird, and
may be easily taken. It varies to quite white; and sometimes is
found with a reddish breast.t

To the anatomist, the internal organization of this species is
deserving attention: it is so constructed as to be capable of con-
tracting or dilating itself at pleasure. We know not what Nature
intends by this conformation, unless it be to facilitate diving, for
which the compressed form is well adapted; and likewise the body
when expanded will be rendered more buoyant, and fit for the pur-

pose of swimming upon the surface of the water.

* Birds of the Auk genus are said to lay but one egg. + Latham. Pennant.

96

TURKEY VULTURE, OR TURKEY-BUZZARD.
VULTUR AURA.

[Plate LXXV.—Fig. 1.]

Uruba, aura Tzopilotl, MARcGRAVE, Mexico, 207, 208.—HERNANDEZ, Mex. 334.—Vullur Galline
Africane facie, Carion Crow, SLOANE, Jam. II, p. 294, tab. 254.—Brown, Jam. 471.—Damp. Voy.
Il, pt. 2, p. 67.—Barrram’s Travels, p. 289.—Carespy’s Carolina, 1, 6.—Corvus sylvaticus,
Barrere, 129.—Lawson’s Carolina, 138.— BANCROFT, 152.—Dvu Prarz, Il, 77.—Wrtt. Orn. 68.
Rai, Syn. No. 180.—Linn. Syst. 122.—Carrion Vulture, Laru. Gen. Syn. I, 9, No. 5. Id. Sup.
p-. 2—PrENN. Arct. Zool. I, p. 221.—Vautour du Brésil, De Burr. Ois. I, 246. Pl. enl. No. 187.
—Brisson, I, 468.—Cozcaquauhlli, Cuavicrro, Hist. Mex. I, 47.—Puane’s Museum, N’o. 44,
male—12, female. |

THIS species is well known throughout the United States,
but is most numerous in the southern section of the union. In the
northern and middle states it is partially migratory, the greater
part retiring to the south on the approach of cold weather. But-
numbers remain all the winter in Maryland, Delaware and New-
jersey; particularly in the vicinity of the large rivers and the
ocean, which afford a supply of food at all seasons.

In Newjersey,* the Turkey-buzzard hatches in May, the deep
recesses of the solitary swamps of that state affording situations
well suited to the purpose. The female is at no pains to form a
nest with materials; but having chosen a suitable place, which is
either a truncated hollow tree, an excavated stump or log, she lays
on the rotten wood from two to four eggs, of a dull dirty white,
or pale cream color, splashed all over with chocolate, mingled

with blackish touches, the blotches largest and thickest towards

* The editor mentions Newjersey in particular, as in that state he has visited the breeding places
of the Turkey-buzzard, and can therefore speak with certainty of the fact. Pennsylvania, it is more
than probable, affords situations equally attractive, which are also tenanted by this Vulture, for hatch-
_ ing and rearing its young.

eC

Buxxard, size of Li

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of Lurk

Head

sire of Lite .

Vedllucre,

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Le

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TURKEY VULTURE. . 97

the great end; the form something like the egg of a Goose, but
blunter at the small end; length two inches and three quarters,
breadth two inches. The male watches often while the female is
sitting ; and if not disturbed they will occupy the same breeding
place for several years. The young are clothed with a whitish
down, similar to that which covers young goslings. If any per-
son approach the nest and attempt to handle them, they will im-
mediately vomit such offensive matter, as to compel the intruder
to a precipitate retreat:

The Turkey-buzzards are gregarious, peaceable and harm-
less: never offering any violence to a living animal, or, like the
plunderers of the Falco tribe, depriving the husbandman of his
stock. Hence, though in consequence of their filthy habits they
are not beloved, yet they are respected for their usefulness; and
in the southern states, where they are most needed, they, as well
as the Black Vultures, are protected by a law, which imposes a
fine on those who wilfully deprive them of life. They generally
roost in flocks, on the limbs of large trees; and they may be seen
on a summer’s morning, spreading out their wings to the rising
sun, and remaining in that posture for a considerable time. Pen-
nant conjectures that this is “to purify their bodies, which are
most offensively fetid.” But is it reasonable to suppose that that
effluvia can be offensive to them, which arises from food perfectly
adapted to their nature, and which is constantly the object of their
desires? Many birds, and particularly those of the granivorous
kind, have a similar habit, which doubtless is attended with the
same exhilarating effects, that an exposure to the pure air of the
morning has on the frame of one just risen from repose.

These birds, unless when rising from the earth, seldom, flap
their wings, but sweep along in ogees, and dipping and rising
lines, and move with great rapidity. They are often seen in com-
panies, soaring at an immense height, particularly previous to a
thunderstorm. ‘Their wings are not spread horizontally, but form

ViOue i. Bb

98 TURKEY VULTURE.

a slight angle with the body upwards, the tips having an upward
curve. Their sense of smelling is astonishingly exquisite, and
they never fail to discover carrion, even when at the distance from
it of several miles. When once they have found a carcass, if not
molested, they will not leave the place until the whole is devoured.
At such times they eat so immoderately that frequently they are
incapable of rising, and may be caught without much difficulty ;
but few that are acquainted with them will have the temerity to
undertake the task. A man in the state of Delaware, a few years
since, observing some Turkey-buzzards regaling themselves upon
the carcass of a horse, which was in a highly putrid state, con-
ceived the design of making a captive of one, to take home for
the amusement of his children. He cautiously approached, and,
springing upon the unsuspicious group, grasped a fine plump fel-
low in his arms, and was bearing off his prize in triumph; when
lo! the indignant Vulture disgorged such a torrent of filth in the
face of our hero, that it produced all the effects of the most pow-
erful emetic, and forever cured him of his inclination for Turkey-
buzzards.

On the continent of America this species inhabits a vast range
of territory, being common,” it is said, from Nova Scotia to Terra
del Fuego.t How far to the northward of North Californiat they
are found we are not informed; but it is probable that they ex-
tend their migrations to the Columbia, allured thither by the

* In the northern states of our union the Turkey-buzzard is only occasionally seen, i¢ is consider-
ed a rare bird by the inhabitants.

+ « Great numbers of a species of Vulture, commonly called, Carrion Crow by the sailors, ( Vul-
tur aura_), were seen upon this island (New-year’s Island, near Cape Horn, lat. 55 8. 67 W.), and
probably feed on young seal-cubs, which either die in the birth, or which they take an opportunity to
seize upon.” Cook calls them Turkey Buzzards. Forster’s yoy. ii, p. 516, quarto, London, 1777.
We strongly suspect that the sailors were correct, and that these were Black Vultures, or Carrion-
crows.

¢ Perouse saw a bird, which he ealls the Black Vulture, probably the V. aura, at Monterey Bay,
North California. Voy. ii, p. 203.

TURKEY VULTURE. 99

quantity of dead salmon which at certain seasons line the shores
of that river.

They are numerous in the West India islands, where they
are said to be “far inferior in size to those of North America.”*
This leads us to the inquiry whether or no the present species has
been confounded, by all the naturalists of Europe, with the Black
Vulture, or Carrion-crow, which is so common in the southern
parts of our continent. If not, why has the latter been totally
overlooked in the numerous Ornithologies and Nomenclatures
with which the world has been favored, when it is so conspicuous
and remarkable, that no stranger who visits South Carolina, Geor-
gia, or the Spanish provinces, but is immediately struck with the
novelty of its appearance? We can find no cause for the Tur-
key-buzzards of the islandst being smaller than ours, and must
conclude that the Carrion-crow, which is of less size, has been
mistaken for the former. In the history which follows, we shall
endeavor to make it evident that the species described by Ulloa,
as being so numerous in South America, is no other than the Black
Vulture. The ornithologists of Europe, not aware of the existence
of a new species, have, without investigation, contented themselves
with the opinion, that the bird called by the above mentioned tra-
veller the Gallinazo, was the Vultur aura, the subject of our present
history. This is the more inexcusable, as we expect in naturalists
a precision of a different character from that which distinguishes
vulgar observation. If the Europeans had not the opportunity of
comparing living specimens of the two species, they at least had

* Pennant, Arctic Zoology.

+ The Vulture which Sir Hans Sloane has figured and described, and which he says is common
in Jamaica, is undoubtedly the Vailtur aura: «The head and an inch in the neck are bare and with-
out feathers, of a flesh color, covered with a thin membrane, like that of Turkies, with which the most
part of the bill is covered likewise ; bill (below the membrane) more than an inch long, whitish at the
point ; tail broad and nine inches long; legs and feet three inches long ; it flies exactly like a Kite,
and preys on nothing living, but when dead it devours their carcasses, whence they are not molested.”

Sloane, Nat. Hist. Jam. vol. ii, p. 294, folio.

100 TURKEY VULTURE.

preserved subjects, in their extensive and valuable museums, from
which a correct Judgment might have been formed. The figure
in the Planches enluminées, though wretchedly drawn and colored,
was evidently taken from a stuffed specimen of the Black Vulture.

Pennant observes that the Turkey Vultures “ are not found
in the northern regions of Europe or Asia, at least in those lati-
tudes which might give them a pretence of appearing there.” “T
cannot find them,” he continues, ‘in our quarter of the globe
higher than the Grison Alps,* or Silesia,t or at farthest Kalish, in
Great Poland.”

Kolben, in his account of the Cape of Good-Hope, mentions
a Vulture, which he represents as very voracious and noxious:
‘“¢] have seen,” says he, ‘“ many carcasses of cows, oxen, and other
tame creatures which the Eagles had slain. I say carcasses, but
they were rather skeletons, the flesh and entrails being all devour-
ed, and nothing remaining but the skin and bones. But the skin
and bones being in their natural places, the flesh being, as it
were, scooped out, and the wound by which the Eagles enter the
body being ever in the belly, you would not, till you had come
upto the skeleton, have had the least suspicion that any such
matter had happened. ‘The Dutch at the Cape frequently call
those Eagles, on account of their tearing out the entrails of beasts,
Strunt-Vogels i.e. Dung-birds. It frequently happens, that an ox
that is freed from the plough, and left to find his way home, lies
down to rest himself by the way; and if he does so, ’tis a great
chance but the Eagles fall upon him and devour him. They
attack an ox or cow ina body, consisting of an hundred and
upwards.’’§

Buffon conjectures that this murderous Vulture is the Tur-

key-buzzard, and concludes his history of the latter with the

* Willughby, Orn. p. 67. + Schwenckfeldt, ay. Silesia, 375.
+ Rzaezynski, Hist. Nat. Poland, 298. § Medley’s Kolben, vol. ii, p. 135.

TURKEY VULTURE. 101

following invective against the whole fraternity : “In every part
of the globe they are voracious, slothful, offensive and hateful,
and, like the wolves, are as noxious during their life, as useless
after their death.”’ |

If Kolben’s account of the ferocity of his Eagle,* or Vulture
be just, we do not hesitate to maintain that that Vulture is not the
Turkey-buzzard, as amongst the whole feathered creation there
is none, perhaps, more innoxious than this species; and that it is
beneficial to the inhabitants of our southern continent, even Bul-
fon himself, on the authority of Desmarchais, asserts. But we
doubt the truth of Kolben’s story; and, in this place, must express
our regret, that enlightened naturalists should so readily lend an
ear to the romances of ‘travellers, who, to excite astonishment,
freely give currency to every ridiculous tale, which the designing
or the credulous impose upon them. We will add further, that
the Turkey-buzzard seldom begins upon a carcass, until invited
to the banquet by that odor, which in no ordinary degree renders
it an object of delight.

The Turkey Vulture is two feet and a half in length, and six
feet two inches in breadth; the bill from the corner of the mouth
is almost two inches and a half long, of a dark horn color for
somewhat more than an inch from the tip, the nostril a remark-
ably wide slit or opening through it; the tongue is greatly con-
cave, cartilaginous, and finely serrated on its edges; ears inclining
to oval; eyes dark, in some specimens reddish hazel; the head
and neck for about an inch and a half below the ears, are furnish-
ed with a reddish, wrinkled skin, beset with short black hairs,
which also covers the bill as far as the anterior angle of the nos-

tril, the neck not so much caruncled as that of the Black Vulture;

* These blood-thirsty Eagles we conjecture are Black Vultures, they being in the habit of mining
into the bellies of dead animals to feast upon the contents. With respect to their attacking those that
are living, as the Vultures of America are not so heroic, it is a fair inference that the same species

elsewhere are possessed of a similar disposition.

VOL. IX. CC

102 TURKEY VULTURE.

from the hind head to the neck feathers the space is covered with
down of a sooty black color; the fore part of the neck is bare as
far as the breast bone, the skin on the lower part, or pouch, very
much wrinkled, this naked skin is not discernable without remov-
ing the plumage which arches over it; the whole lower parts, lin-
ing of the wings, rump and tail coverts are of a sooty brown, the
feathers of the belly and vent hairy; the plumage of the neck is
large and tumid, and, with that of the back and shoulders, black;
the scapulars and secondaries are black on their outer webs, skirt-
ed with tawny brown, the latter slightly tipped with white; prima-
ries and their coverts plain brown, the former pointed, third pri-
mary the longest; coverts of the secondaries, and lesser coverts
tawny brown, centred with black, some of the feathers at their
extremities slightly edged with white; the tail is twelve inches
long, rounded, of a brownish black, and composed of twelve fea-
thers, which are broad at their extremities; inside of wings and
tail light ash; the wings reach to the end of the tail; the whole
body and neck beneath the plumage are thickly clothed with a
white down, which feels like cotton; the shafts of the primaries
are yellowish white above, and those of the tail brown, both pure
white below; the plumage of the neck, back, shoulders, scapulars
and secondaries is glossed with green and bronze, and has purple
reflections ; the thighs are feathered to the knees; feet considera-
bly webbed; middle toe three inches and a half in length, and
about an inch and a half longer than the outer one, which is the
next longest; the sole of the foot is hard and rough; claws dark
horn color; the legs are of a pale flesh color, and three inches
long. The claws are larger, but the feet slenderer than those of
the Carrion-crow. The bill of the male is pure white, in some
specimens the upper mandible is tipt with black. ‘There is little
or no other perceptible difference between the sexes.

The bird from which the foregoing description was taken,
was shot for this work, at Great Egg-harbor, the thirtieth of last

TURKEY VULTURE. 108

January. It was a female, in perfect plumage, excessively fat,
and weighed five pounds one ounce avoirdupois. On dissection,
it emitted a slight musky odor.

The Vulture is included in the catalogue of those fowls de-
clared unclean and an abomination by the Levitical law, and
which the Israelites were interdicted eatzng.* We presume that
this prohibition was religiously observed, so far at least as it re-
lated to the Vulture, from whose flesh there arises such an unsa-
vory odor, that we question if all the sweetening processes ever
invented could render it palatable to a Jew, Pagan, or Christian.

Since the above has been ready for the press we have seen
the History of the Expedition under the command of Lewis and
Clark, and find our conjecture with respect to the migration of
the Turkey-buzzard, verified, several of this species having been
observed at Brant Island, near the falls of the Columbia.t

* Leviticus, xi, 14. Deuteronomy, xiv, 15. } Hist. of the Exped. vol. ii, p. 233.

104

BLACK VULTURE, OR CARRION-CROW.
VULTUR ATRATUS.

| Plate LXXV.—Fig. 2. |

BaRTRAM, p. 289.—Gallinaxo, Utioa, Voy. 1, p: 52.—Zopilot, Cuhavicnro, Hist. Mex. vol. I, p. #7.
—Vultur jota, Mouina, Hist. Chili, 1, p. 185.—Prsnn’s Museum, N'o. 13.

AL'THO an account of this Vulture was published more than
twenty years ago, by Mr. William Bartram, wherein it was dis-
tinctly specified as a different species from the preceding, yet it
excites our surprise that the ornithologists should have persisted
in confounding it with the Turkey-buzzard: an error which can
hardly admit of extenuation, when it is considered what a respecta-
ble authority they had for a different opinion.

The habits of this species are singular. In the towns and
villages of the southern states, particularly Charleston and George-
town, South Carolina, and in Savannah, Georgia, the Carrion-crows
may be seen either sauntering about the streets; sunning them-
selves on the roofs of the houses, and the fences; or, if the wea-
ther be cold, cowering around the tops of the chimneys, to enjoy
the benefit of the heat, which to them is a peculiar gratification.
They are protected by a law or usage; and may be said to be
completely domesticated, being as common as the domestic poul-
try, and equally familiar. The inhabitants generally are disgusted
with their filthy, voracious habits; but notwithstanding, being
viewed as contributive to the removal of the dead animal matter,
which if permitted to putrefy during the hot season, would render
the atmosphere impure, they have a respect paid them as scaven-
gers, whose labors are subservient to the public good. It some-
times happens that, after having gorged themselves, these birds

BLACK VULTURE. — 105

vomit down the chimneys, which must be intolerably disgusting,
and must provoke the ill will of those whose hospitality is thus
requited.

The Black Vultures are indolent, and may be observed in
companies loitering for hours together in one place. ‘They do not
associate with the Turkey-buzzards; and are much darker in their
plumage than the latter. Their mode of flight also varies from
that of the Turkey-buzzard. The Black Vulture flaps its wings
five or six times rapidly, then sails with them extended nearly
horizontally ; the Turkey-buzzard seldom flaps its wings, and
when sailing they form an angle with the body upwards. ‘The
latter, though found in the vicinity of towns, rarely ventures within
them, and then always appearing cautious of the near approach of
any one. It is not so impatient of cold as the former; and is
likewise less lazy. The Black Vulture, on the ground, hops along
very awkwardly; the Turkey-buzzard, though seemingly inactive,
moves with an even gait. The latter, unless pressed by hunger,
will not eat of a carcass until it becomes putrid; the former is not
so fastidious, but devours animal food without distinction. |

It is said that the Black Vultures sometimes attack young
pigs, and eat off their ears and tails; and we have even heard sto-
ries of their assaulting feeble calves and picking out their eyes.
But these instances are rare; if otherwise they would not receive
that countenance or protection which is so universally extended
to them, in the states of South Carolina and Georgia, where they
abound.

‘‘’This undescribed species,”

says Mr. Bartram, “is a native
of the maritime parts of Georgia and of the Floridas, where they
are called Carrion-crows. They flock together, and feed upon
carrion; but do not mix with the Turkey-buzzard (V. aura). Their
wings are broad and round at their extremities. ‘Their tail, which
they spread like a fan when on the wing, is remarkably short.
They have a heavy, laborious flight, flapping their wings, and

Od. aloe pd

106 BLACK VULTURE. |

sailing alternately. The whole plumage is of a sable or mourn-
ing color.” *

In one of Mr. Wilson’s journals I find an interesting detail of
the greedy and disgusting habits of this species; and shall give
the passage entire, in the same unadorned manner in which it 1s
written.

‘ February 21, 1809. Went out to Hampsteadt this fore-
noon. <A horse had dropped down in the street, in convulsions ;
and dying it was dragged out to Hampstead and skinned. ‘The
ground for a hundred yards around it was black with Carrion-crows;
many sat on the tops of sheds, fences, and houses within sight ;
sixty or eighty on the opposite side of a small run. I counted at one
time two hundred and thirty-seven, but I believe there were more,
besides several in the air over my head, and at a distance. I ven-
tured cautiously within thirty yards of the carcass, where three or
four dogs, and twenty or thirty Vultures were busily tearing and
devouring. Seeing them take no notice, I ventured nearer, till I
was within ten yards, and sat down on the bank. Still they paid
little attention to me. The dogs being sometimes accidentally
flapped with the wings of the Vultures, would growl and snap at
them, which would occasion them to spring up for a moment, but
they immediately gathered in again. I remarked the Vultures
frequently attack each other, fighting with their claws or heels,
striking like a cock, with open wings, and fixing their claws in
each others head. The females, and I believe the males likewise,
made a hissing sound, with open mouth, exactly resembling that
produced by thrusting a red hot poker into water; and frequently
a snuffling, like a dog clearing his nostrils, as I suppose they were
theirs. On cbserving that they did not heed me, I stole so close
that my feet were within one yard of the horse’s legs, and again

sat down. They all slid aloof a few feet; but seeing me quiet,

* MS. in the possession of the editor. + Near Charleston, South Carolina.

BLACK VULTURE. 107

they soon returned as before. As they were often disturbed by
the dogs, I ordered the latter home: my voice gave no alarm
to the Vultures. As soon as the dogs departed, the Vultures
crowded in such numbers, that I counted at one time thirty-
seven on and around the carcass, with several within; so that
scarcely an inch of it was visible. Sometimes one would come
out with a large piece of the entrails, which in a moment was
surrounded by several others, who tore it in fragments, and. it
soon disappeared. ‘They kept up the hissing occasionally. Some
of them having their whole legs and heads covered with blood,
presented a most savage aspect. Still as the dogs advanced I
would order them away, which seemed to gratify the Vultures ;
and one would pursue another to within a foot or two of the spot
where I was sitting. Sometimes I observed them stretching their
necks along the ground, as if to press the food downwards.”

The Carrion-crow is seldom found on the Atlantic, to the
northward of Newbern, North Carolina,* but inhabits the whole
continent, to the southward, as far as Cape Horn. Don Ulloa, in
noticing the birds of Carthagena, gives an account of a Vulture;
which we shall quote, in order to establish the opinion, advanced
in the preceding history, that it is the present species. We shall
afterwards subjoin other testimony in confirmation of this opinion.
With respect to the marvellous tale of their attacking the cattle in
the pastures, it is too improbable to merit a serious refutation.

“Tt would be too great an undertaking to describe all the
extraordinary birds that inhabit this country; but I cannot refrain
from noticing that to which they give the name of Gallinazo, from
the resemblance it has to the Turkey-hen. This bird is of the
size of a Pea-hen, but its head and neck are something larger.

From the crop to the base of the bill it has no feathers; this space

* Since writing the above I have been informed by a gentleman who resides at Detroit, on Lake

K. :e, that the Carrion-crow is common at that place.

108 BLACK VULTURE.

is surrounded with a wrinkled, glandulous, and rough skin, which
forms numerous warts, and other similar inequalities. This skin
is black, as is the plumage of the bird, but usually of a brownish
black. 'The bill is well proportioned, strong, and a little hooked.
These birds are familiar in Carthagena, the tops of the houses are
covered with them; it is them which cleanses the city of all its
animal impurities. ‘There are few animals killed whereof they
do not obtain the offals; and when this food is wanting, they have
recourse to other filth. Their sense of smelling is so acute, that
it enables them to trace carrion at the distance of three or four
leagues; which they do not abandon until there remains nothing
but the skeleton.

“The great number of these birds found in such hot climates,
is an excellent provision of nature; as otherwise, the putrefaction
caused by the constant and excessive heat, would render the air
insupportable to human life. When first they take wing they fly
heavily; but afterwards they rise so high as to be entirely invisi-
ble. On the ground they walk sluggishly. Their legs are well
proportioned; they have three toes forward, turning inwards, and
one in the inside, inclining a little backwards, so that the feet in-
_ terfering, they cannot walk with any agility, but are obliged to
hop ; each toe is furnished with a long and stout claw.

“When the Gallinazos are deprived of carrion, or food in the
city, they are driven by hunger among the cattle of the pastures.
If they see a beast with a sore on the back, they alight on it, and
attack the part affected; and it avails not that the poor animal
throws itself upon the ground, and endeavours to intimidate them
by its bellowing: they do not quit their hold! and by means of their
bill they so soon enlarge the wound, that the animal finally be-

comes their prey.’*

* Voyage Historique De L’Amerique Meridionale, par Don George Juan et Don Antoine De
Ulloa, liv. I, chap. viii, p. 52. A Amsterdam et a Leipzig, 1752, quarto.

BLACK VULTURE. 109

The account, from the same author, of the beneficial effects
resulting from the fondness of the Vultures for the eggs of the al-
ligator, merits attention. |

‘“‘'The Gallinazos are the most inveterate enemies of the alli-
gators, or rather they are extremely fond of their eggs ; and em-
ploy much stratagem to obtain them. During the summer, these
birds make it their business to watch the female alligators; for it
is in that season that they deposit their eggs in the sand of the
shores of the rivers, which are not then overflowed. The Galli-
nazo conceals itself among the branches and leaves of a tree, so
as to be unperceived by the alligator; and permits the eggs quietly
to be laid, not even interrupting the precautions that she takes to
conceal them. But she is no sooner under the water, than the
Gallinazo darts upon the nest; and with its bill, claws, and wings
uncovers the eggs, and gobbles them down, leaving nothing but
the shells. This banquet would indeed richly reward its patience,
did not a multitude of Gallinazos join the fortunate discoverer,
and share in the spoil.

‘¢ How admirable the wisdom of that Providence, which hath
given to the male alligator an inclination to devour its own off-
spring; and to the Gallinazo a taste for the eggs of the female.
Indeed neither the rivers, nor the neighboring fields would other-
wise be sufficient to contain the multitudes that are hatched; for
notwithstanding the ravages of both these insatiable enemies, one
can hardly imagine the numbers that remain.” *

The abbe Clavigero, in his History of Mexico, has clearly
indicated the present species, as distinguished from the 'Turkey-
buzzard.

“The business of clearing the fields of Mexico, 1s reserved
principally for the Zopzlots, known in South America by the name
of Gallinazzi; in other places, by that of dure; and in some places,

* Liv. iv, chap. ix, p. 172.

VOL. IX. Ee

110 BLACK VULTURE.

though very improperly, by that of Ravens. ‘There are two very
different species of these birds; the one, the Zopilot, properly so
called, the other called the Cozcaquauhtli: they are both bigger
than the Raven. These two species resemble each other in their
hooked bill and crooked claws, and by having upon their head
instead of feathers, a wrinkled membrane with some curling hairs.
They fly so high, that although they are pretty large, they are
lost to the sight; and especially before a hail storm they will be
seen wheeling, in vast numbers, under the loftiest clouds, till they
entirely disappear. ‘They feed upon carrion, which they discover
by the acuteness of their sight and smell, from the greatest height,
and descend upon it with a majestic flight, in a great spiral course.
They are both almost mute. The two species are distinguished,
however, by their size, their color, their numbers, and some other
peculiarities. The Zopilots, properly so called, have black fea-
thers, with a brown head, bill and feet; they go often in flocks,
and roost together upon trees. ‘This species is very numerous,
and is to be found in all the different climates; while on the con-
trary, the Cozcaquauhtli is far from numerous, and is peculiar to
the warmer climates alone.* ‘The latter bird is larger than the
Zopilot, has a red head and feet, with a beak of a deep red color,
except towards its extremity, which is white. Its feathers are
brown, except upon the neck and parts about the breast, which
are of a reddish black. ‘The wings are of an ash color upon the
inside, and upon the outside are variegated with black and tawny.
“The Cozcaquauhtli is called by the Mexicans, king of the
Zopilots ;+ and they say, that when these two species happen to
meet together about the same carrion, the Zopilot never begins to
eat till the Cozcaquauhtli has tasted it. The Zopilot is a most
useful bird to that country, for they not only clear the fields, but —

* This is a mistake.
} This is the Vultur aura. The bird which now goes by the name of King of the Zopilots, in
New Spain, is the Vultur papa of Linnzus.

BLACK VULTURE: 111

attend the crocodiles and destroy the eggs which the females of
those dreadful amphibious animals leave in the sand to be hatch-
ed by the heat of the sun. The destruction of such a bird ought
to be prohibited under severe penalties.’’*

We are almost afraid of trespassing upon the Asinente of the
reader by the length of our quotations; but as we are very anxi-
ous that the subject of this article should enjoy that right to which
it is fairly entitled, of being ranked as an independent species, we
are tempted to add one testimony more, which we find in the His-
tory of Chili, by the abbe Molina.

“ The jota (Vultur jota) resembles much the aura, a species
of vulture, of which there is perhaps but one variety. It is dis-
tinguished, however, by the beak, which is grey with a black point.
Notwithstanding the size of this bird, which is nearly that of the
turkey, and its strong and crooked talons, it attacks no other, but
feeds principally upon carcasses and reptiles. It is extremely in-
dolent, and will frequently remain for a long time almost motion-
less, with its wings extended, sunning itself upon the rocks, or the
roofs of the houses. When in pain, which is the only time that
it is known to make any noise, it utters a sharp cry like that of a
rat; and usually disgorges what it has eaten. The flesh of this
bird emits a fetid smell that is highly offensive. ‘The manner in
which it builds its nest is perfectly correspondent to its natural
indolence; it carelessly places between rocks, or even upon the
sround, a few dry leaves or feathers, upon which it lays two eggs
of a dirty white.’’t

The Black Vulture is twenty-six inches in length, and four
feet four inches in extent; the bill is two inches and a half long,
of a dark horn color as far as near an inch, the remainder, the
head, and a part of the neck are covered with a black, wrinkled,

* Clavigero’s Mexico, translated by Cullen, vol. i, p. 47, London.
+ Hist. Chili, Am. trans. i, p. 185.

£12 BLACK VULTURE.

caruncled skin, beset with short black hairs, and downy behind ;
nostril an oblong slit; irides reddish hazel; the throat is dashed
with yellow ochre; the general color of the plumage is of a dull
black, except the primaries, which are whitish on the inside, and
have four of their broadened edges below of a drab, or dark cream
color, extending two inches, which is seen only when the wing is
unfolded, the shafts of the feathers white on both sides; the rest
of the wing feathers dark on both sides; the wings when folded
are about the length of the tail, the fifth feather being the longest;
the secondaries are two inches shorter than the tail, which is slight-
ly forked, the exterior feathers three quarters of an inch longer
than the rest; the legs are limy, three inches and a half in length, |
and with the feet are thick and strong; the middle toe is four
inches long, side toes two inches, and considerably webbed, inner
toe rather the shortest; claws strong, but not sharp like those of
the Falco genus, middle claw three quarters of an inch long; the
stomach is not lined with hair as reported. When opened, this
bird smells strongly of musk.

Mr. Abbot informs me that the Carrion-crow builds its nest
in the large trees of the low wet swamps, to which places they re-
tire every evening to roost. ‘ They frequent,” says he, ‘ that
part of the town of Savannah where the hog-butchers reside, and
walk about the streets, in great numbers, like domestic fowls. It
is diverting to see, when the entrails and offals of the hogs are
thrown to them, with what greediness they scramble for the food,
seizing upon it and pulling one against another until the strongest
prevails. The Turkey-buzzard is accused of killing young lambs
and pigs, by picking out their eyes, but I believe that the Carrion-
crow is not guilty of the like practices. The two species do not

associate.’

113

RAVEN.
CORVUS CORAX.
[Plate LXXV.—Fig. 3.]

Turn. Syst. t, 248.—Korp, Faun. Suec. No. 85. Faun. Grenl. p. 62.—LeEMs, 240.—Le Corbeau.
De Burr. V,16. Pl. enl. No. 495.—Briss. Il, 8.—Prnn. Br. Zool. 1, No. 74. Arct. Zool.
No. 134.—Latu. I, 367.—Brwicx, I, 100.—Rau, Syn. p. 39.—Win. Orn. p. 124, pl. 18.—
Axst1n, II, pl. 20.—Corcus carnivorus, BARTRAM, p. 290.—PEALE’s Museum, No. 175.

A KNOWLEDGE of this celebrated bird has been handed
down to us from the earliest ages; and its history is almost coe-
val with that of man. In the best and most ancient of all books,
we learn that at the end of forty days after the great flood had
covered the earth, Noah, wishing to ascertain whether or no the
waters had abated, sent forth a Raven, which did not return into
the ark.* This is the first notice that is taken of this species.
Though the Raven was declared unclean by the law of Moses, yet
we are informed that when the prophet Elijah provoked the en-
mity of Ahab, by prophesying against him, and hid himself by
the brook Cherith, the Ravens were appointed by Heaven to bring
him his daily food.t The color of the Raven has given rise to a
similitude in one of the most beautiful of eclogues, which has been

perpetuated in all subsequent ages, and which is not less pleasing
for being trite or proverbial. The favorite of the royal lover of
Jerusalem, in the enthusiasm of affection, thus describes the object

of her adoration, in reply to the following question :

What is thy beloved more than another beloved,
O thou fairest among women?

* Genesis, viil, 7. . } 4 Kings, xvii, 5, 6.

VOL. IX. Ff

114 RAVEN.

My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among
ten thousand. His head is as the most fine gold,

his locks are bushy, and black as a Raven!’’*

The above mentioned circumstances taken into consideration,
one would suppose that the lot of the subject of this chapter would
have been of a different complexion from what history and tradi-
tion inform us is the fact. But in every country we are told the
Raven is considered an ominous bird, whose croakings foretell
approaching evil; and many a crooked beldam has given inter-
pretation to these oracles, of a nature to infuse terror into a whole
community. Hence this ill-fated bird, from time immemorial, has
been the innocent subject of vulgar obloquy and detestation.

Augury, or the art of foretelling future events by the flight,
cries, or motions of- birds, descended from the Chaldeans to the
Greeks, thence to the Etrurians, and from them it was transmitted
to the Romans.; The crafty legislators of these celebrated nations,
from a deep knowledge of human nature, made superstition a prin-
cipal feature of their religious ceremonies; well knowing that it
required a more than ordinary policy to govern a multitude, ever
liable to the fatal influences of passion; and who without some
timely restraints would burst forth like a torrent, whose course is
marked by wide-spreading desolation. Hence to the purposes of
polity the Raven was made subservient; and the Romans having
consecrated it to Apollo, as to the god of divination, its flight was

* Song of Solomon, y, 9, 40, 44.

+ That the science of augury is very ancient, we learn from the Hebrew lawgiver, who prohibits
it, as well as every other kind of divination. Deut. chap. xviii. ‘The Romans derived their knowledge
of augury chiefly from the Tuscans or Etrurians, who practised it in the earliest times. This art was
known in Italy before the time of Romulus, since that prince did not commence the building of Rome
till he had taken the auguries. The successors of Romulus, from a conviction of the usefulness of the
science, and at the same time not to render it contemptible by becoming too familiar, employed the
most skilful augurs from Etruria to introduce the practice of it into their religious ceremonies. And
by a deeree of the senate, some of the youth of the best families in Rome were annually sent into Tus-
cany to be instructed in this art. Wide Ciceron. de Divin. Also Calmet, and the abbé Banier.

RAVEN. 115

observed with the greatest solemnity; and its tones and inflections
of voice were noted with a precision which intimated a belief in
its infallible prescience.

But the ancients have not been the only people infected with
this species of superstition; the moderns, even though favored with
the light of Christianity, have exhibited as much folly, through the
impious curiosity of prying into futurity, as the Romans them-
selves. It is true that modern nations have not instituted their
sacred colleges or sacerdotal orders, for the purposes of divina-
tion; but in all countries, there have been self-constituted augurs,
whose interpretations of omens have been received with religious
respect by the credulous multitude. Even at this moment, in some
parts of the world, if a Raven alight on a village church, the whole
fraternity is in an uproar; and Heaven is importuned, in all the
ardor of devotion, to avert the impending calamity.

The poets have taken advantage of this weakness of human
nature, and in their hands the Raven is a fit instrument of terror.
Shakspeare puts the following malediction into the mouth of his
Caliban: |

As wicked dew, as e’er my mother brush’d,
With Raven’s feather, from unwholesome fen

Drop on you both !*

The ferocious wife of Macbeth, on being advised of the ap-

proach of Duncan, whose death she had conspired, thus exclaims:
The Raven himself is hoarse,

That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan

Under my battlements !t

* Tempest, act i, scene 2. + Act i, scene 5.

116 RAVEN.

The Moor of Venice says:

It comes o’er my memory,
As doth the Raven o’er the infected house,
Boding to all.*

The last quotation alludes to the supposed habit of this bird’s
flying over those houses which contain the sick, whose dissolution
is at hand, and thereby announced. ‘Thus Marlowe, in the Jew
of Malta, as cited by Malone:

The sad presaging Raven tolls

The sick man’s passport in her hollow beak,
And in the shadow of the silent night

Doth shake contagion from her sable wing.

But it is the province of philosophy to dispel those illusions
which bewilder the mind, by pointing out the simple truths which
Nature has been at no pains to conceal, but which the folly of
mankind has shrouded in all the obscurity of mystery.

The Raven is a general inhabitant of the United States, but ~
is more common in the interior. On the lakes, and particularly in
the neighborhood of the Falls of the Niagara river, they are nume-
rous; and it isa remarkable fact, that where they so abound, the
Common Crow, C. corone, seldom makes its appearance; being
intimidated, it is conjectured, by the superior size and strength of
the former, or by an antipathy which the two species manifest to-
wards each other. This I had an opportunity of observing myself,
in a journey during the months of August and September, along
the lakes Erie and Ontario. ‘The Ravens were seen every day,
prowling about in search of the dead fish which the waves are

* Othello, act iv, scene 1.

RAVEN. E17

continually casting ashore, and which afford them an abundance
of a favorite food; but I did not see or hear a single Crow within
several miles of the lakes; and but very few through the whole
of the Gennesee country.

The food of this species is dead animal matter of all kinds,
not excepting the most putrid carrion, which it devours in com-
mon with the Vultures; worms, grubs, reptiles and shell fish, the
last of which, in the manner of the Crow, it drops from a consi-
derable height in the air on the rocks, in order to break the shells;
it is fond of birds’ eggs, and is often observed sneaking around the
farm house in search of the eggs of the domestic poultry, which it
sucks with eagerness; it is likewise charged with destroying young
ducks and chickens, and lambs which have been yeaned in a sick-
ly state. The Raven, it is said, follows the hunters of deer for the
purpose of falling heir to the offal;* and the huntsmen are obli-
ged to cover their game, when it is left in the woods, with their
hunting frocks, to protect it from this thievish connoisseur, who,
if he have an opportunity, will attack the region of the kidneys,
and mangle the saddle without ceremony.

Buffon says that “the Raven plucks out the eyes of Buffaloes,
and then, fiaing on the back, it tears off the flesh deliberately ; and
what renders the ferocity more detestable, it is not incited by the
cravings of hunger, but by the appetite for carnage; for it can
‘subsist on fruits, seed of all kinds, and indeed may be considered
as an omnivorous animal.” This is mere fable, and of a piece
with many other absurdities of the same romancing author.

This species is found almost all over the habitable globe.
We trace it in the north from Norway to Greenland, and hear of
itin Kamtschatka. It is common every where in Russia and S$i-

beria, except within the Arctic circle ;t and all through Europe.

* "This is the case in those parts of the United States where the deer ave hunted without dogs :
where these are employed, they are gencrally rewarded with the offal.
+ Latham.

WOW 1x G g

118 RAVEN.

Kolben enumerates the Raven among the birds of the Cape of
Good Hope ;* De Grandpré represents it as numerous in Bengal,
where they are said to be protected for their usefulness ;+ and the
unfortunate La Pérouse saw them at Baie de Castries, on the east
coast of Tartary; likewise at Port des Francois, 58 37 north lati-
tude, and 139 50 west longitude; and at Monterey Bay, north
California.t The English circumnavigators met with them at
Nootka Sound;§ and at the Sandwich Islands, two being seen in
the village of Kakooa; also at Owhyhee, and supposed to be ador-
ed there, as they were called Eatooas.** Our intrepid American
travellers, under the command of Lewis and Clark, shortly after
they embarked on the Columbia river, saw abundance of Ravens,
which were attracted thither by the immense quantity of dead sal-
mon which lined the shores.tt They are found at all seasons at
Hudson’s Bay ;#f are frequent in Mexico ;$§ and it is more than
probable that they inhabit the whole continent of America.

The Raven measures from the tip of the bill to the end of
the tail twenty-six inches, and is four feet in extent; the bill is
large and strong, of a shining black, notched near the tip, and
three inches long, the setaceous feathers which cover the nostrils
extend half its length; the eyes are black; the general color is a
deep glossy black, with steel-blue reflections ; the lower parts are
less glossy; the tail is rounded, and extends about two inches be-
yond the wings; the legs are two inches and a half in length, and,
with the feet, are strong and black; the claws are long.

This bird is said to attain to a great age; and its plumage to
be subject to change from the influence of years and of climate.

It is found in Iceland and Greenland entirely white.

* Medley’s Kolben, vol. ii, p. 436. + Voy. in the Indian Ocean, p. 148.

+ Voy. par I. F. G. De la Perouse, ii, p. 129, 203, 443.

§ Cook’s last voy. ii, p. 236. Am. ed. ** Idem, i, p. 329.

++ Gass’s Journal, p. 153. ++ Charlevoix. Kalm. Hearne’s Journey.

§§ Fernandez.

RAVEN. 119

The Raven was the constant attendant of Lewis and Clark’s
party in their long and toilsome journey. During the winter, at
Fort Mandan, they were observed in immense numbers, notwith-
standing the cold was so excessive, that on the seventeenth of
December, 1804, the thermometer stood at 45 below 0. :

Like the Crow, this species may be easily domesticated, and
in that state would afford amusement by its familiarity, frolics and
sagacity. But such noisy and mischievous pets, in common with
Parrots and Monkeys, are not held in high estimation in this quar-
ter of the globe; and are generally overlooked for those universal
favorites, which either gratify the eye by the neatness or brilliancy
of their plumage, or gladden the ear by the simplicity or variety
of their song.

120

GREAT-FOOTED HAWK.
FALCO PEREGRINUS.

[Plate LX XVI. |

Raz, Syn. p. 13, No. 14.—Tourrt. Syst. I, p. 155.—Brxon, Aves, 116.—Faleo peregrinus niger, AupR.
Aves, I, 239.—Sparviere pellegrino femmina, LorENzi, Aves, tab. 24.—Blue-backed Falcon, Cuar-
LETONI, Evercit. 73.—Peregrine Falcon, Penn. Br. Zool. 1, p. 156, No. 48, pl. 20. Arct. Zool.
I, p. 236, No. 97.—Laru. Syn. I, p. 73, No. 52.—Peregrine, or haggard Faleon, Wi. Orn. pe
76, tab. 8.—Spotted Hawk or Falcon, Enywarps, I, p. 3. Black Hawk or Faleon, Idem, I, p. +.
—le Faucon pelerin, Briss. Aves, 1, 344.—Burr. Ois. 1. p. 249, pl. 46, et suiv.— PEALE’s Mu-
seum, No. 386.

IT is with great pleasure that we are now enabled to give a
portrait of this celebrated Hawk, drawn of half the size of life in
the best manner of our deceased friend; and engraved by the ac-
curate and ingenious Lawson.

This noble bird had excited our curiosity for a long time.
Every visit which we made to the coast, was rendered doubly in-
teresting by the wonderful stories which we heard of its exploits
in fowling, and of its daring enterprise. There was not a gunner
along the shore but knew it well; and each could relate some-
thing of it which bordered on the marvellous. It was described
as darting with the rapidity of an arrow on the ducks when on
the wing, and striking them down with the projecting bone of its
breast. Even the Wild Geese were said to be in danger from its
attacks, it having been known to sacrifice them to its rapacity.

To behold this hero, the terror of the wild fowl, and the
wonder of the sportsmen, was the chief object of our wishes. Day
after day did we traverse the salt marshes, and explore the ponds
and estuaries where the web-footed tribes frequent In immense
multitudes, in the hope of obtaming the imperial depredator ;

even all the gunners of the district were summoned to our aid,

—— = = Se ~ 2 = ——

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GREAT-FOOTED HAWK. 121

with the assurance of a great reward if they procured him, but
without success. At length in the month of December, 1812, to
the unspeakable joy of Mr. Wilson, he received from Egg-harbor
a fine specimen of the far-famed Duck Hawk; which was disco-
vered, contrary to his expectations, to be of a species which he
had never before beheld.

If we were to repeat all the anecdotes which have been re-
lated to us of the achievements of the Duck Hawk, they would
swell our pages at the expense, probably, of our reputation. Natu-
ralists should be always on their guard when they find themselves
compelled to resort to the observations of others, and record no-
thing as fact which has not been submitted to the temperate deli-
berations of reason. ‘The reverse of this procedure has been a
principal cause why errors and absurdities have so frequently de-
formed the pages of works of science, which, like a plane mirror,
ought to reflect only the genuine images of nature.

From the best sources of information, we learn that this spe-
cies is uncommonly bold and powerful; that it darts on its prey
with astonishing velocity ; and that it strikes with its formidable
feet, permitting the duck to fall previously to securing it. The
circumstance of the Hawk’s never carrying the duck off on strik-
ing it, has given rise to the belief of that service being performed
by means of the breast, which vulgar opinion has armed with a
projecting bone, adapted to the purpose. But this cannot be the
fact, as the breast bone of this bird does not differ from that of
others of the same tribe, which would not admit of so violent a
concussion.

When the water fowl perceive the approach of their enemy,
an universal alarm pervades their ranks; even man himself, with
his engine of destruction, is not more terrible. But the effect is
different. When the latter is beheld, the whole atmosphere is
enlivened with the whistling of wings; when the former is recog-

VOL. IX. Hh

122 GREAT-FOOTED HAWK.

nised, not a duck is to be seen in the air: they all speed to the
water, and there remain until the Hawk has passed them, diving
the moment he comes near them. It is worthy of remark that
he will seldom, if ever, strike over the water, unless it be frozen;
well knowing that it will be difficult to secure his quarry. ‘This
is something more than instinct.

When the sportsmen perceive the Hawk knock down a duck,
they frequently disappoint him of it, by being first to secure it.
And as one evil turn, according to the maxim of the multitude,
deserves another, our hero takes ample revenge on them, at every
opportunity, by robbing them of their game, the hard-earned fruits
of their labor. | |

The Duck Hawk, it is said, often follows the steps of the
gunner, knowing that the ducks will be aroused on the wing,
which will afford it an almost certain chance of success.

We have been informed that those ducks which are struck
down, have their backs lacerated from the rump to the neck. If
this be the fact, it is a proof that the Hawk employs only its ta-
lons, which are long and stout, in the operation. One respecta-
ble inhabitant of Cape May told us, that he has seen the Hawk
strike from below.

This species has been long known in Europe; and in the
age of Falconry, was greatly valued for those qualifications which
rendered it estimable to the lovers and followers of that princely
amusement. But we have strong objections to its specific appel-
lation. The epithet peregrine is certainly not applicable to our
Hawk, which is not migratory, as far as our most diligent inqui-
ries can ascertain; and as additional evidence of the fact, we our-
selves have seen it prowling near the coast of Newjersey in the
month of May, and heard its screams, which resemble some-
what those of the Bald Eagle, in the swamps wherein it is said to
breed. We have therefore taken the liberty of changing its Eng-

lish name for one which will at once express a characteristic de-

GREAT-FOOTED HAWK. 125

‘signation, or which will indicate the species without the labor of
investigation.”

“ This species,” says Pennant, “breeds on the rocks of Llan-
didno, in Ceernarvonshire, Wales.t ‘That promontory has been
long famed for producing a generous kind, as appears by a letter
extant in Gloddaeth library, from the lord treasurer Burleigh to
an ancestor of Sir Roger Mostyn, in which his lordship thanks
him for a present of a fine cast of Hawks taken on those rocks,
which belong to the family. ‘They are also very common in the
north of Scotland; and are sometimes trained for falconry by
some few gentlemen who still take delight in this amusement in
that part of Great Britain. Their flight is amazingly rapid; one
that was reclaimed by a gentleman in the Shire of Angus, a county
on the east side of Scotland, eloped from its master with two
heavy bells attached to each foot, on the twenty-fourth of Septem-
ber, 1772, and was killed in the morning of the twenty-sixth, near
Mostyn, Flintshire.”

The same naturalist in another place observes, that “ the
American species is larger than the European ‘Vhey are subject
to vary. The Black Falcon, and the Spotted Falcon of Edwards
are of this kind; each preserves a specific mark, in the black
. stroke which drops from beneath the eyes, down towards the neck.

‘ Inhabits different parts of North America, from Hudson’s
Bay as low as Carolina. In Asia, is found on the highest parts of
the Uralian and Siberian chain. Wanders in summer to the very

Arctic circle. Is common in Kamtschatka.’’**

* «¢ Specific names, to be perfect, ought to express some peculiarity, common to no other of the
genus.” Am. Orn. i, p. 65.

+ We suspect that Pennant is mistaken; its name denotes that it is not indigenous in Great Bri-
tain. Bewick says, « The Peregrine or Passenger Falcon, is rarely met with in Britain, and conse-
quently is but little known with us.” British Birds, part i, p. 74.

+ British Zoology.

§ If we were to adopt the mode of philosophizing of the sapient Count de Buffon, we should infer
that the European species is a variety of owr more generous race, degenerated by the influence of food

and climate ! / ** Arctic Zoology.

124 GREAT-FOOTED HAWK.

In the breeding season the Duck Hawk retires to the recesses
of the gloomy cedar swamps, on the tall trees of which it con-
structs its nest, and rears its young secure from all molestation.
In those wilds, which present obstacles almost insuperable to the
foot of man, the screams of this bird, occasionally mingled with
the hoarse tones of the Heron, and the hooting of the Great-horned
Owl, echoing through the dreary solitude, arouse in the imagina-
tion all the frightful imagery of desolation. Mr. Wilson and the
writer of this article explored two of these swamps in the month
of May, 1813, in pursuit of the Great Heron and the subject of this
chapter; and although they were successful in obtaining the for-
mer, yet the latter eluded their research.

The Great-footed Hawk is twenty inches in length, and three
feet eight inches in extent; the bill is inflated, short and strong,
of a light blue color, ending in black, the upper mandible with a
tooth-like process, the lower with a corresponding notch, and trun-
cate; nostrils round, with a central point like the pistil of a flow-
er; the eye is large and dark, surrounded with a broad bare yel-
_ lowish skin, the cartilage over it yellow and prominent; frontlet
whitish; the head above, cheeks running off like mustaches, and
back are black; the wings and scapulars are brownish black, each
feather edged with paler, the former long and pointed, reaching
almost to the end of the tail; the primaries and secondaries are
marked transversely on the inner vanes with large oblong spots
of ferruginous white, the exterior edge of the tip of the seconda-
ries curiously scalloped, as if a piece had been cut out; the ter-
tials incline to ash color; the lining of the wings is beautifully
barred with black and white, and tinged with ferruginous; ona
close examination the scapulars and tertials are found to be barred
with faint ash; all the shafts are black; the rump and tail coverts
are light ash, marked with large dusky bars; the tail is rounding,
black, tipped with reddish white, and crossed with eight narrow
bars of very faint ash; the chin and breast, encircling the black

GREAT-FOOTED HAWK. 125

mustaches, are of a pale buff color; breast below and lower parts
reddish buff, or pale cinnamon, handsomely marked with round-
ish or heart shaped spots of black; sides broadly barred with
black; the femorals are elegantly ornamented with herring-bones
of black on a buff ground; the vent is pale buff, marked as the
femorals, though with less numerous spots; the feet and legs are
of a corn yellow, the latter short and stout, feathered a little be-
low the knees, the bare part one inch in length; span of the foot
five inches, with a large protuberant sole; the claws are large and
black, hind claw the largest. Whether the cere is yellow, or flesh
colored we were uncertain, as the bird had been some time killed
when received, supposed the former.

The most striking characters of this species are the broad
patch of black dropping below the eye, and the uncommonly large
feet. It is stout, heavy, and firmly put together.

The bird from which the above description was taken, was
shot in a cedar swamp in Cape May county, Newjersey. It was
a female, and contained the remains of small birds, among which
were discovered the legs of the Sanderling Plover. he figure in
the plate is an excellent resemblance of the original, which is

handsomely set up in the museum of Mr. Peale.

iO. (xe: 11

126

LESSER RED-POLL.*
FRINGILLA LINARTIA.

[Plate XXX.—Fig. 4. |

Turton’s Linneus, I, p. 562.—Brewicx’s British Birds, I, p. 191.—Br. Zool. No. 132. Arct. Zool.
No. 262.—Le Cabaret? Bure. Ois. VII, 109. Pl. enl. No. 485.—BELON, av. 356.—ALBIN, III,
p. 314.—Ph. Trans. xii, 405.—Grasiska, Faun. Suec. No. 244.

CONTRARY to the usual practice of Mr. Wilson, he omit-
ted to furnish a particular description of this species, accompany-
ing its figure in the fourth volume of the present work. But this
supplementary notice would not have been considered necessary,
if our author had not fallen into a mistake respecting the mark-
ings of the female and the young male; the former of which he
describes as destitute of the crimson on the forehead; and the latter
not recewing that ornament till the succeeding spring. When Mr.
Wilson procured his specimens, it was in the autumn, previously
to their receiving their perfect winter dress; and he was never
afterwards aware of his error, owing to the circumstance of these
birds seldom appearing in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. Con-
siderable flocks of them, however, have visited us this winter; and —
we have been enabled to procure several fine specimens of both
sexes, from the most perfect of which we have taken the following
description. We will add, that having had the good fortune to
observe a flock, consisting of nearly an hundred, within a few feet
of them, as they were busily engaged in picking the seeds of the
Wild Orache,t we can with confidence assert that they a// had the
red patch on the crown; but there were very few which had the

red rump and breast; the young males, it is probable, are not

\ * See vol. iv of this work, p. #2. + Atriplex hastata, Linn.

LESSER RED-POLL. 127 ©

thus marked until the spring; and the females are destitute of
that ornament altogether.

The Lesser Red-poll is five inches and a quarter in length,
and eight inches and a half in breadth; the bill is pale yellow,
ridged above and below with dark horn color, the upper mandi-
ble projecting somewhat over the lower at the tip; irides dark
hazel; the nostrils are covered with recumbent, hair-like feathers
of drab color; a line of brown extends from the eyes, and encir-
cles the base of the bill, forming in some specimens a patch below
the chin; the crown is ornamented with a pretty large spot of
deep shining crimson; the throat, breast and rump stained with
the same, but of a more delicate red; the belly is of a very pale
ash, or dull white; the sides are streaked with dusky; the whole
upper parts are brown or dusky, the plumage edged with yellow-
ish white and pale ash, the latter most predominant near the
rump; wings and tail dusky, the latter is forked, and consists of
twelve feathers edged with white; the primaries are very slightly
tipped and edged with white; the secondaries more so; the greater
and lesser coverts are also tipped with white, forming the bars
across the wings; thighs cinereous; legs and feet black; hind claw
considerably hooked, and longer than the rest.

The female is less bright in her plumage above; and her
under parts incline more to an ash color; the spot on her crown
is of a golden crimson, or reddish saffron color.

One male specimen was considerably larger than the rest ;
it measured five inches and three quarters in length, and nine
inches and a quarter in extent; the breast and rump were tawny;
its claws were uncommonly long, the hind one measured nearly
three eighths of an inch; and the spot on the crown was ofa
darker hue than that of the rest.

The call of this bird exactly resembles that of the Fringilla
tristis, or common Yellow-bird of Pennsylvania.

128 LESSER RED-POLL.

The Red-polls linger in the neighborhood of Philadelphia
until about the middle of April; but whither they retire for the
business of incubation we cannot determine.

In common with almost all our Finches, the Red-polls be-
come very fat, and are then accounted delicious eating. During
the last winter many hundreds of them were exposed to sale in
the Philadelphia market, and were readily purchased by those

epicures whose love of variety permits no delicacy to escape them.

129

BALD EAGLE.*
FALCO LEUCOCEPHALUS.
[Plate XXXVI. |

IN Mr. Wilson’s history of the Bald Eagle, he confidently
asserts that it is the same species as the Sea Eagle, in a different
stage of color. In his account of the latter,t he adduces additional
reasons for his belief, which is at variance with the opinions of the
most respectable naturalists of Europe. We have no hesitation,
from our own experience, in pronouncing these birds to be the
same; and consider it unnecessary to add any thing further on the
subject, as the reasoning of Mr. Wilson is conclusive.

Our author, vol. vii, page 19, describes an Eagle’s nest, which
he visited, in company with the editor, on the eighteenth of May,
1812. It was then empty; but from every appearance a brood
had been hatched and reared in it that season. ‘The following
year, on the first day of March, a friend of ours took from the
same nest three eggs, the largest of which measured three inches
and a quarter in length, two and a quarter in diameter, upwards
of seven in circumference, and weighed four ounces five drams
apothecaries weight; the color a dirty yellowish white—one was
of a very pale bluish white; the young were perfectly formed.
Such was the solicitude of the female to preserve her eggs, that
she did not abandon the nest until several blows, with an axe,
had been given the tree.

In the History of Lewis and Clark’s Expedition, we find the
following account of an Eagle’s nest, which must have added not

* See vol. iv, p. 89. + vol. vii, p. 46.

V Ol 8S. Kk

130 BALD EAGLE.

a little to the picturesque effect of the magnificent scenery at the
Falls of the Missouri:

“ Just below the upper pitch is a little island in the middle
of the river, well covered with timber. Here on a cottonwood
tree an Eagle had fixed its nest, and seemed the undisputed mis-
tress of a spot, to contest whose dominion neither man nor beast
would venture across the gulfs that surround it, and which is fur-
ther secured by the mist rising from the falls.”’*

The Bald Eagle was observed by Lewis and Clark during

their whole route to the Pacific Ocean.

* Flist. of the Exped. vol. i, p. 264.

131

GOOSANDER.*
MERGUS MERGANSER.
[Plate LXVIUL—Fig. 1.]
Torr. Syst. I, p. 334.—Buwicx, II, p. 228.—Pxnn. Br. Zool. U, p. 469, No. 260.

ON the twenty-ninth of January, of the present year, the
editor procured a fine full plumaged specimen of the male Goos-
ander, which was shot in the Delaware below Philadelphia; it —
was in good condition, and weighed three pounds thirteen ounces
avoirdupois. This bird was examined with accuracy; and as we
are not satisfied with the description accompanying the history of
this species in the eighth volume of the present work, we have
resolved upon giving another, chiefly for the gratification of those
naturalists of Europe who may feel disposed to compare our Goos-
ander with theirs. Mr. Wilson must have certainly described
from a bad specimen; and, as will hereafter appear, it had been
some time killed. As the figure was colored from a wretched
stuffed subject, we regret to say that it gives but an imperfect idea
of this elegant bird, which perhaps is second to none of our web-
footed tribes in beauty, if we except that universal favorite, the
Wood Duck.

The Goosander is a broad, long-bodied and flat-backed bird.
It is a great diver, and remains under water for a considerable
time. It is likewise very shy and hard to be obtained, unless
there is ice in the river, at which time it may be approached in
disguise, the gunner and his boat being clothed in white, so as to

resemble floating ice. It appears to live entirely on fish, which

* See vol. viii, p. 68.

132 GOOSANDER.

its sharp-toothed and hooked bill is admirably calculated for se-
curing. It rises from the water with considerable flustering, its
wings being small and short; but when in the air it flies with
great swiftness. It is a singular circumstance that those Goosan-
ders which are seen in the Delaware and Schuylkill, in the vici-
nity of Philadelphia, are principally old males.

The male Goosander is twenty-six inches in length, and
thirty-seven in extent; the bill to the angles of the mouth is three
inches long, nearly an inch thick at the base, strongly toothed on
both mandibles, the upper with two corresponding rows of fine
teeth within, the lower divided to the nail, and connected by a
thin elastic membrane, which admits of considerable expansion
to facilitate the passage of fish; nostrils subovated, broader on
the hind part and pervious; the bill is black above and below, its
sides are crimson; the tongue is long, pointed, furnished with a
double row of papillae running along the middle, and has a hairy
border; irides golden; the frontlet, lores, area of the eyes, and
throat jet black; head crested, tumid, and of a beautiful glossy
bottle green color, which extends nearly half way down the neck,
the remainder of which with the exterior part of the scapulars, the
lesser coverts, the greater part of the secondaries, the tertials and
lining of the wings white, delicately tinged with cream color; the
breast and whole lower parts are of a rich yellowish cream; the
upper part of the back, and the interior scapulars are of a fine
glossy black; the primaries and exterior part of the secondaries,
with their coverts, are brownish black; the lower part of nearly
all the coverts of the secondaries white, the upper part black,
forming a bar across the wing; the shoulder of the wing is brown-
ish ash, the feathers tipt with black; the middle and lower parts
of the back, and tail coverts ash, the plumage centred with brown;
the tail is brownish ash. rounded, composed of eighteen feathers,
and extends about three inches beyond the wings; the flanks are

marked with waving, finely dotted lines of ash on a white ground;

GOOSAN DER. 133

the tertials on the outer vanes are edged with black; the legs and
feet are of a rich orange; the toes are long, middle one somewhat
the longest, claws flesh colored. The whole plumage is of a silky
softness, particularly that of the head and neck, which feels like
the most delicate velvet.

Both Bewick and Wilson represent the feet and legs of this
species as of the color of red sealing wax. This is an error which
arose from the circumstance of their having seen their specimens
some time after they had been killed. When the bird is alive
these parts are of a beautiful orange, which changes after death
to the color they mention.

Retire conjectured by the ornithologists of Europe that the
Goosander commonly breeds in hollow trees. I have little doubt
that this is the case. In the month of August, 1813, being but a
short distance from lake Erie, I saw several Mergansers, either of
the present species, or of the Red-breasted, in a creek; and was
informed that they were common throughout the summer In those

parts, and bred, like the Wood Duck, in hollow trees.

VOL. IX. ek

THE END.

hE
rt 4 et ed

Dl Aa

GENERAL INDEX.

American Avoset
American Bittern
American Buzzard
American Crossbill
American Redstart
Young of ditto
American Sparrow Hawk
Male of ditto
American Widgeon
Ash-colored Hawk
Ash-colored Sandpiper
Auk
Autumnal Warbler
Bald Eagle
Bald-pate Duck
Baltimore Oriole
Female of ditto
Bank Swallow
Barn Owl
Barn Swallow
Barred Owl
Bartram’s Sandpiper
Bay-breasted Warbler
Bay-winged Bunting
Belted Kingsfisher

INDEX.

Black and yellow Warbler ; li 63
Black and white Creeper _ . a ite Mi, 23
Black-billed Cuckoo ; iv 16
Black-bellied Darter : : : TRY oO

Female of ditto. 1X}. 482
Black-bellied Plover : vil 41
Blackburnian Warbler : : : ; li «664
Black-capt Titmouse , : 1 134
Black Duck . : : : . . vil 141
Black Hawk ; : ‘ Viv SD

Variety of ditto : ; vi 84
Black-headed Gull : ; ix 89
Black, or Surf Duck é . wii 49
Black-poll Warbler iv 40

Female of ditto ae ha ; vi 101
Black Skimmer i : WIE BS
Black-throated Blue Warbler : } W115
Black-throated Bunting : : é DY) ato
Black-throated Green Warbler ; ; 4 i 137
Black Vulture : ; : : : f ix 104
Blue-bill Duck : : . vi 84
Blue-bird a : : L 466
Blue Crane F : : : i vu 117
Blue-eyed Warbler. : ; : u 111
Blue-gray Flycatcher ; ' 11 164
Blue-green Warbler , ; : i 119
Blue Grossbeak Nahai SUC" ° reali alla alte
Blue Jay . ; T ore
Blue Linnet 7 é ie 1 100
Blue-mountain Warbler _ . i v 113
Blue-winged Teal ' , Le aN FA.
Blue-winged Yellow Warbler .. i 109

Blue Yellow-back Warbler ‘ btn ee

Boblink
Brant ; f
Broad-winged Hawk
Brown Creeper
Brown-headed Nuthatch
Brown Lark
Buffel-headed Duck
Butcher-bird
Butter-box Duck
Czerulean Warbler
Canada Flycatcher
Canada Goose
Canada Jay
Canvas-back Duck
Cape-May Warbler
Cardinal Grosbeak
Carolina Parrot
Carolina Pigeon
Carrion-crow
Cat-bird
Cedar-bird, or Chatterer
Chat
Chewink }
Chesnut-sided Warbler
Chimney Swallow
Chipping Sparrow
Chuck-will’s-widow
Clapper Rail.
Clark’s Crow
Common Coot
Common Crow
Common Rail
Connecticut Warbler
VOL. IX.

INDEX.

- PAGE

A8
131
92
122
105
89
54
74
51
141
100
53
33
103.
99
38
89
91
104.
90
107
90
35
99
A8
127
95
112
29
61
79
QF
64,

INDEX.

Cow Bunting
Crested Crow
Crested Titmouse
Crow Blackbird
Curlew
Darter
Diver

Downy cee
- Duck Hawk
Dunkadoo
Dusky, or Black tine
Eider Duck

Female of ditto

English Snipe
Esquimaux Curlew
Ferruginous Thrush
Field Martin
Field Sparrow
Fish Crow
Fish Hawk
Flamingo
Flicker
Fox-colored Sparrow
French Mocking-bird
Gadwall Duck
Gallinule
Golden-crested Wren
Golden-crowned Thrush
Golden-eye Duck
Golden Plover |
Goldfinch
Golden-winged Warbler
Golden-winged Woodpecker

VOL.

ul

PAGE

145
11
137
44)
23
79
84
153
120

i 141
i 122
i 125

121

INDEX.

VOL

Goosander ; : : Vill
Ditto 3 ; f Raila Oye 5 6.”
Female of ditto : : d Vill
Gray-back Sandpiper : . Vil
Gray Eagle ; } ; vil
Gray Phalarope , ; : 7 PALS
Great American Shrike i
Great Carolina Wren ’ i Penal
Great-crested Flycatcher ‘ il
Great-footed Hawk : reg UX
Great Heron : : ; vill
Great-horned Owl ; ' é d ests if
Great Marbled Godwit : Vil
Great Northern Diver i 3 5 ’ AT 3O1
Great Tern . 3 , : i Vil
Great White Heron : : . Vil
Green Black-capt Flycatcher “iii
Green Heron f ‘ ae OV Wis
Green White-bellied Swallow : : V
Green-winged Teal ; : » eNO
Ground Dove : y 5 vi
Grous : ; ,
Hairy-head Merganser : , Vill
Hairy Woodpecker ; i
Hanging-bird . i
Harlequin Duck : . Vill
Hawk Owl it: ; V1
Hemlock Warbler ; : l Vv
Hemp-bird en a a A Phi agen, tens
Hermit Thrush i : : Vv
High-holder hs een Ne tt) Na i
Hooded Flycatcher : : ; ae , AA
Hooded Merganser : : : 4 Vill

» PAGE

68
131
il

Ad
(16

72

74

61

75
120
98

52

30

84

76
106
103
97
44,
101
15
104
79
150
23
139
64
114
119
95
A5
101
79

Horse-foot Snipe
House Wren
Humming-bird
Indigo-bird

Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Kentucky Warbler
Kildeer Plover
King-bird
Kingsfisher
Kite
Lawyer
Least Bittern
Le Pape
Lesser Red-poll
Ditto

Lesser ‘Tern
Lettuce-bird
‘Lewis’s Woodpecker
Little Auk
Little Owl
Little Sandpiper
Log-cock
Loggerhead Shrike
Long-billed Curlew
Long-eared Owl
- Long-legged Avoset
Long-tailed Duck

_ Female of ditto
Loon
Lord Duck
Louisiana Heron
Louisiana ‘l'anager

Magpie

INDEX.

126

126

Wo

Mallard
Marsh Blackbird
Marsh Hawk
Marsh Tern
Marsh Wren
Martin :
Maryland Yellow-throat
Female of ditto
Meadow Lark
Meadow Mouse
Mississippi Kite
Mocking-bird
Mother Carey’s chicken
Mottled Owl
Mourning Warbler
Mouse Hawk
Mud-hen _
Myrtle-bird
Nashville Warbler
Night-hawk |
Night Heron
Nonpareil
Northern Diver
Old-field Lark
Old-wife Duck
Orchard Oriole
Osprey
Oyster-catcher
Painted Bunting
Parrot
Partridge
Passenger Pigeon
Pewee Flycatcher
VOR.. 1x

INDEX.

s PAGE

112
30
67

143
58
58
88

163
20
59

80

13
90
17

101
67

112

138

120
65

101
68
84,
20
93
64
13
15
68
89
21

102
78

Pheasant

Pied Duck

Pied Oyster-catcher

Pigeon Hawk

Pileated_ Woodpecker

Pine-creeping Warbler

Pine Finch

Pine Grosbeak

Pine-swamp Warbler

Pinnated Grous

Pintail Duck

Poke

Prairie Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

Purple Finch
Young of ditto

Purple Gallinule

Purple Grakle

Purple Martin

_ Purre

Qua-bird

Quail

Rail

Raven

Red Bat ;

Red-backed Sandpiper

Red-bellied Nuthatch

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-billed Rail —

Red-bird

Red-breasted Merganser

Red-breasted Sandpiper

Red-breasted Snipe

INDEX.

- PAGE

AS
91
£5

107

27
Q5
133
80
100
104
72

Vin G7

87
Wf
119
87
67
AA,
58
39

i 101

21
27
113
60
QS
43

lS

109
38
81
43
AS

INDEX.

VOL. PAGE

-Red-breasted Thrush ; mi 35
Red-cockaded Woodpecker : : iv 103
Red-eyed Flycatcher : ei Tae
Red Flamingo ; : vii 45
Red-headed Duck ; . vii 110
Red-headed Woodpecker WatAg
Red Owl . OD AVIS
Red Phalarope . , ’ pi RAS
Red-poll Finch : 8 RAD
Red-shouldered Hawk ; : : vi 86
Redstart ; ; ; i 103
Red-tailed Hawk ’ ; i” vipee75
Red-winged Starling ; : vl MIA ZO
Reed-bird : : : ; i 48
Rice Bunting : : 1 48
Ringed Plover. : V1 G38
Ring Sandpiper a : feria GS
Ring-tailed Eagle Be an aes vii 13
Robin : ; ASS
Roseate Spoonbill He ecu a i vii 123
Rose-breasted Grosbeak .. ea fo EE ES
Rough-legged Hawk ! i iv'59
Ruby-crowned Wren : hy hae ; RSS
Ruby-throated Humming-bird ; ; : met
Ruddy Duck ; : . vii 128
Female of ditto. vill 130
Ruddy Plover ; : ; win £29
Ruffed Grous : ; et vi 45
Rusty Grakle sa : : abies JU age |
Sanderling Plover ; aiid by vi 68
Sand Martin. ; ’ PO VINNAIG
Sand-shoal Duck ; OS) ae : : vii 91

Savannah Sparrow ee ray Te RZ

Female of ditto
Scarlet [bis
Scarlet Tanager

Young of ditto
Scaup Duck
Scoter Duck
Screech Owl
Sea Eagle
Sea-side Finch
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Semipalmated Snipe
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Sharp-tailed Finch
Sheldrake
Shore Lark
Short-billed Curlew
Short-eared Owl
Short-tailed Tern
Shoveller Duck
Skimmer, or Sheerwater
Slate-colored Hawk
Small Green Flycatcher

Smew

Small-headed Flycatcher

Snake-bird

Snipe

Snow-bird

Snow Bunting

Snow Goose
Young of ditto

Snow Owl

Snowy Heron

Solitary Flycatcher

INDEX.

- PAGE

55
AA
AQ
ES;
84
135
83
16
68
131
27
116
76
68
85
22
64
83
65
85
13
17
126
62
79
18
128
36
76
89
53
120
143

INDEX.

Solitary Sandpiper

Song Sparrow

Sooty Tern

Sora ert,

‘South-southerly Duck

Sparrow Hawk

Spoonbill

Spotted Sandpiper

Sprigtail Duck

Starling

Stormy Petrel

Straight-billed Curlew

Summer Duck

Summer Red-bird

Summer Yellow-bird

Surf Duck

Swallow-tailed Hawk

Swamp Robin

Swamp Sparrow

Swift Lizard

Tawny Thrush

Tell-tale Godwit, or Snipe

Tennesee Warbler

Thrasher

Tilt

Towhee Bunting

Female of ditto

Tree Sparrow

Tufted Duck

Turkey-buzzard

‘Turn-stone

Turtle Dove

Tyrant Flycatcher
Vow" BR,

111

118

123

INDEX.

Velvet Duck : : : F . vill 137
Virginian Partridge : ; ‘ vi 21
Virginian Rail : ; : : ‘ . wi 109
Warbling Flycatcher ; ! v 85
Water Thrush : 3 , : . A ieemwthios
Whip-poor-will : : ; . v 71
Whistling Field Plover : ; : . Hktawht
White-bellied Swallow : : : sina GEA
White-breasted Nuthatch ‘ 5 i 40
White-crowned Bunting : : iv 49
White-eyed Flycatcher 5 : 3 ; ll 166
White-headed Eagle ! ; iv 89

Ditto : : : ; : : th Hiwdi29
White Ibis ‘ : : : : vil 43
White Nun. : , . 2 Wii, 126
White-throated Sparrow ; ui St
White-winged Crossbill : ; : en av (aS
Whooping Crane : : rh Ce : vill 20
Widgeon : ; F . vil 86
Wild Pigeon : ; : : v 102
Willet Af P vile 27
Wilson’s Plover . ’ ieee w 4
Winter Hawk, or Falcon , “ines
Winter Wren : ; ; 1p ds9
Woodcock : Pattie ‘ : .. “Na FAO
Wood Duck : é ; . vill 97
Wood Ibis ; : ; } . wii 39
Wood-pewee Flycatcher : sir ae ee i ast
Wood Thrush, or Wood Robin : ia
Worm-eating Warbler ; : lil 74
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker 1 147
Yellow-billed Cuckoo .: IV py kB

Yellow-bird : : i : : f . Linge

Yellow-breasted Chat
Yellow-crowned Heron
Yellow Red-poll Warbler
Yellow-rump Warbler
Ditto :
Yellow-shanks Snipe
Yellow-throated Flycatcher
Yellow-throat Warbler
Yellow-winged Sparrow

INDEX.

e PAGE

138
121

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LIST OF

AMERICAN

Pennsylvania.

American Philosophical Society
Amies, Thomas, 2 copies
Armstrong, George
Astley, Thomas, 2 copies
Atheneum of Philadelphia
Baird, Gen. Thomas
Baldwin, Henry
Bancker, Charles N.
Barton, Benjamin Smith, MM. D.
Bartram, William, Botanist
Bedford, Doctor N.
Biddle, Nicholas
Binny & Ronaldson,
Birch, William Young
Blockley Agricultural Society
Bloomfield, General
Boas, Jacob
Boileau, N.
Bronson, Enos
Brown, Joseph
Bryant, John Y.
Bryant, Mordecai Y.
Butler, Pierce
Caldwell, Charles, M. D.
Caldwell, James

VOL. IX.

SUBSCRIBERS

TO THE

ORNITHOLOGY.

Carey, Mathew
Carr, William
Carstairs, Thomas
Chapman, Nathan, MM. D.
Coleman, Robert
Collins, Thomas
Craig, William
Cramer, Zadock
Cromwell, Thomas
Desilver, Robert
Desilver, Thomas
Dickinson College
Eddows, Ralph
Enocks, Thomas
Enslen, A. Botanist
Fisher, Miers
Fisher, Redwood
Fisher, William W.
Fering, Frederick
Gapper, Mrs.
Gibson, James
Gilpin, Joshua .
Gilpin, ‘Thomas
Griffin, Ward
Hamilton, William

Harrison, George

PP

Haydock, Samuel
Henry, William
Howard, John KE.
Howell, Colonel
Ingersoll, C. J.
Jones, Joseph
Jones, William

Johnston, Alexander

Kimber & Conrad
Lang, John
Lardner, John
Lawson, Alexander
Lewis, Joseph S.
Lewis, Reeve
Lewis, Samuel N.
Louden, Archibald
Maris, Richard
Martin, James
McAlpin, James
McInsey, Joseph
Miller, Daniel H.
Miller, John M.
Morton & Wallace
Mountain, James
Murray, George
Neill, Lewis
Nevill, Presley
O‘Hara, General
Ord, George

Patterson, Rey. Robert

Peale, Rubens

Pennsylvania Hospital, 2 copies

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Philadelphia Library, 3 copies

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Pollock, George
Reed, Joseph

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Reigart, Adam
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Shaw, William A.
Sheaff, George
Short, William
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Smith, Charles
Snyder, Simon
Spencer, Eliza
Spencer, Robert
Stott, Watson
Sullivan, Joshua
Sutton, George
Tanner, Benjamin
Thomas, Moses
Turnbull, Alexander
Vallance, John
Warder, John
Wheelan, Israel
Whitehead, William
Wilkins, General William
Wilkins, William
Woodruff, George
Yeates, Jasper
Newyork.

_ Albany Library

Barto, J. J.

Beasley, Rev. Frederick
Boyd, Samuel

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Carrick & Dodge
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Doughty, Gen. John

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

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Hall, Charles H.
Hammond, Abijah
Hobartgrinel, Sloss.
Hosack, David, M. D.
Hounsfield, Ezra, |
Ironside, George
Jarvis, Rev. Samuel F.
King, Charles jun. |
King, Rufus

Lansing, John
Lawrence, William
Livingston, Brockholst
Livingston, Robert B.
Mason, John M. D. D.
McKesson, John
MIntyre, Archibald
Moore, The Right Rey. Bishop
Morris, Gouverneur
Murray, John K.
Newyork Society Library
Nott, Eliphalet, D. D.
Ogden, David B.

Pell, Alfred S.
Phillips, Frederick
Rea, Alexander
Robertson, William
Rodgers, John K. B.
Rogers, John

- Russel, Abraham
Schenck, Peter A.
Secneider, John

Smedes, Abraham Kk.

Swan, B. L.

Taylor, John

Van Renselaer, Stephen

Verplanck, D. C.

Waddington, Joshua

Weeks, Ezra

Wells, Lemuel

Wilson, Peter

Wyman, John W.

Connecticut.

Beers & Howe

Hartford Library

Wadsworth, Daniel
Massachusetis. —

Boston Atheneum

Bowdoin, James

Davis, J. P.

Derby, General E.

Higgenson, George

Kimball, Leon

Lee, J. Lemen

Lloyd, James

Morse, Jedidiah, D. D.

Prince, Rev. Doctor

Quincy, Josiah

Thorndike, Israel

Warren, J. C.

Warren, John, V. D.
Newhampshire.

Carrigam, Philip

Dartmouth College Library

Dearborne, Henry A. 8.

Hartwell, Cyrus

Lincoln, Daniel W.
Newhampshire Medical Society
Smith, Nathan MM. D.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Maryland.
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Chatard, Doctor
Coale, E. J.
Dueatel, Edmund
Johnston, Robert
Lormon, William
Lucas, Fielding
Messonier, Henry
Raphel, Stephen
Shroeder, Henry
Smith, D. A.
Smith, Jacob G.
Sterett, James
St. Mary’s College Library
Watkins, T.

District of Columbia.

Coffer, Joshua
Congress Library
Eppes, John
Fitzhughes, Giles |
Gallatin, Albert
Georgetown Library
Goldsborough, C. W.
Granger, Gideon
Headly, James
Kennedy, James
Latrobe, B. H.

Mac Gruder, Patrick
Madison, James
Mason, George
Milligan, Jos.
Rittenhouse, John B.
Sheldon, Daniel
Smith, R. S.

Way, A. & J.
Wilkinson, Gen. James

Virginia.
Armstead, Theo.
Banard, E. & R.
Birchett, Robert
Blanchard, Thomas
Bolling, Robert
Brockenbrough, Gabrielle
Davis, Samuel

Dunlap, John

_ Gibbons, J.

Giles, William B.
Gilliam, James S.
Greenhowe, James, MM. D.
Griffin, Thomas
Hansferd, Lewis, M. D.
Jefferson, Thomas
Loyal, George
Macnair, Ebenezer
Munroe, James
Newton, George

Pike, John C.

Potts, William
Prentise, Joseph
Purdie, Thomas
Ralston, G.

Richmond Library
Saunders, Robert

Say, William Levi
Singleton, William, Af. D.
Taylor, Robert H.
Tyler, Gov.

Walker, Robert
Wilder, J. & J.

Williamsburg College Library

Williamson, Thomas
North Carolina.

Blount, J. G.

Burgwin, George H. B.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Burewin, John F.
Cochran, Robert
Devereux, John
Dick, William
Eagles, Richard
Gaston, William
Hassel, William
Herrit, John W. ~
Macneil, A. F.

South Carolina.

Alston, John A.

Baillie, David.

Barron, Alexander, M. D.

Blake, J.

Blythe, Joseph

Carr, ‘Thomas

Charleston Library

Cheves, Langdon

Cochran, Thomas

Cripps, John

Crosby, Moses G.

Drayton, William

Harry, Peter

Hassel, Christian G.

Haywood, John

Heyward, Thomas

Irvine, D. M.

Izard, Ralph

James, William

Keith, James

Kinlock, C.

Manigault, Gabriel

Medical Society Library

Neufville, Isaac

Pinckney, Gen. C. C.

Pinckney, Major Thomas

Radcliffe, L.C.

Richardson, Charles
VOL. IX.

Shoolbred, James
Smith, Savage —
Smith, Wm. Loughton
Taylor, John
Trapier, W. W.
Vander Hoorst, General
Washington, William
Wilson, John L.
Georgia.
Bolton, John
Bullock, W. B.
Cummings, John
Elliot, Stephen
Grimes, John
Jackson, James
Kimball, Hazen
Labuzan, Charles
McAllister, Matthew
Miller, M.
Mitchell, D.
M’Kinnie, Joseph P.
Savannah Library,
Stephens, W.
Stiles, Joseph
Telfair, Thomas
Wayne, James M.
White, Doctor
Williamson, John P.
Woodruff, G.
Young, ‘Thomas
Kentucky.
Barry, W. F.
Buttler, James
Coleman, James.
January, Thomas
Legrand, H.
Lexington Library

Morrison, James -

aq

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Morton, William
Overton, James, M. D.
Pendell, Thomas H.
Purvianee, Henry
Von Phul, Henry
West, John B.
Wilkins, Charles
Worseley, W. W.

Mississippi Territory.

Baker, Looe

Brown, Samuel, M. D.
Calvit, Monfort
Conner, William
Cook, James

Cox, John C.
Dinsmore, Silas
Dunbar, William
Ellis, Sarah

Evans, Lewis

Farrar, Benjamin
Forman, J.

Freeman, Thomas
Green, Charles B.
Harding, Lyman
Overacker, George
Postlethwaite, Samuel
Sargeant, Winthrop
Seip, Doctor F.
Steele, John

Vick, Burwell
Wilkins, James
Winn, John W.
mf Louisiane.
Alexander, James
Alexander, Robert
Bartlet, J. C.

Blanques, J.

Boswell, William

Bourjeoy, M.
Brand, William
Brown, James
Burnside, Robert
Cenas, B.
Chabaudd, J.
Chew, Beverly
Claiborne, W. C. C.
Clark, Daniel
Deblois, Gilbert
Derbigny, P.

Dow, Robert, M. D.
Dunean, A. L.
Duplessis, F.
Duplessis, P. L. B.

Ellery, Abraham R.

Farrell, John B.
Flood, William, M.D.
Fortier, M. jun.
Grymes, P.

Guérin, F. M.

Hall, Judge
Hambleton, 8.
Harman, Thomas
Heap, Samuel D.
Henderson, 8S.
Hermen, Alfred
Kinner, William
Lewis, Joshua

Listet, L. Moreau
Mather, James
Mather, James, jun.
Miller, William
Montgomery, William W.
Morgan, Benjamin
Morgan, George W.

Neworleans Library

- Nott, William

Patton, Charles
Petot, J.

Porter, Commodore David
Robertson, Thomas B.

Rogers, William
Russell, Hamilton
Saul, Jos.

Sauve, P.
Shipherd, R. D.
Simpson, William
Smith, J. K.
Tricou, J.
Trimble, Jacob
Urquhart, Dayid
Urquhart, Thomas

Watkins, John, M. D.

Williams, Thomas

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Europe.
Barclay, William 8S. B. England

_ Brown, Benjamin, London

Glasgow University Library
Hobson, Jonathan, Liverpool
Hunterian Museum, Scotland
Jackson, F. J. London
Lawrence, Nath. Liverpool
Nevilt, W. H. London
Pahlen, Count J. Russia
Ralph, John R. England
Roscoe, William, Liverpool
Rose, Wm. Steuart, London
Salkeld, George, London
Vaughn, William, London
West, Benjamin, P. R. A. London

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