No. i.

MONTREAL, JANUARY, 1882.

Vol. IT.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

, . - . — ir

OUR NEW TITLE-PAGE.

Our readers will, no doubt, be pleased .with
the improvement which we have made in our
Title-page. The design is by Mr. A. F. Dunlop,
Architect, and the engraving by Mr. J. L.
Wiseman, both of this city. The work rellects
credit on the skill of the artists.

KILLING FISH BY DYNAMITE.

The residents of Indiana have been making-
use of the above explosive to kill fish. The shock
destroys hundreds of marketable fishes, but at
the same time there are thousands of young
fish killed and allowed to decay in the water.
The destructiveness of this method is so great
that popular indignation should arise against
it. We have been informed tflat the un-
marketable fishes thus destroyed by dynamite
in the White-water River, 111., were seen float-
ing in the river and its tributaries fully forty
miles from the scene of the explosion. We
have seme knowledge of a similar experiment
to kill fish in Canadian waters. The party
who tried it, made the first attempt at Quebec.
Americans to-day would call such a man
“ crank,” and although we have frequently re-
marked “daft” moments in his dealings, he was
determined and had energy as a fishmonger.
The material had to be obtained to supply his
customers, and as he could not procure
sufficient by net process he thought of trying
the dynamite one. On a beautiful summer’s
morning, he arose from his bed in Blanchard’s
Hotel, and taking a handsome trout rod in
hand, proceeded to the Custom-house wharf,
jfiongside of which lay a small trading
Schooner. The dynamite fish-killer tripped
lightly on board the vessel, and having quietly
adjusted the explosive to a line attached to the
fishiug rod, the experiment began ; but the
Skipper, who was in his berth, — hearing light

footsteps on board his craft — came forth from
his cabin just at the instant of the explosion to
find the schooner and himself thrown partially
on the wharf. Of course the Skipper asked
him “ what you do there,” but he coolly
answered that “ he was fishing,” that a large
fish took hold of his bait, and the line and a
great portion of his twelve dollar rod were
gone. The turmoil being over and the ex-
perimenter having quickly disappeared from
the scene, the matter ended, but it must be
remembered that he had an object in view and
that was to discover if he could procure fish
in large quantities by a cheap and easy pro-
cess. This was his first trial with the dan-
gerous article, and we cannot say that he tried
dynamite again, but the intentions of this fish-
monger were to dynamite the Trout Lakes of
our Laurentide mountains, in order to procure
large quantities of fish to supply the demand
of the American market. He failed, how-
ever, as every man will, who uses unnatural
or unlawful modes to catch his game. We
have had accounts of large quantities of small
fishes belonging to several species having been
seen dead on the waters of Lake Ontario, and
even in the Lower St. Lawrence, but no one
has given a proper cause for the mortality.
We are told that some years ago, the Norway
Haddock ( Sebastes Norvegieus) appeared in
thousands opposite Metis, but they were all
dead. Millions of Sticklebacks have been
seen on the surface of the salt water in the
Lower St. Lawrence, but what killed them is
a mystery. Some attribute it to aqueous
earthquakes producing sulphureous gases.
Water maybe poisoned in many ways; we
know that lime when cast into the upper por-
tion or source of a trout stream, will, in a short
time, kill every fish in it. Fresh cut pine saw-
dust when thrown into a river, becomes dis-
agreeable to fish, but this dust produces
greater harm after it accumulates, for saw-

1

98

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST

dust will go together even underwater, and we
have known instances on the Ottawa when
the acid and pyroligneous carbon exploded in
winter sending the ice into thousands of
pieces. — C.

HATCHING SALMON.

The Government of the D'ominion devotes a
large amount of money annually for fish
hatching, and a few men derive a very com-
fortable living from the business. But we
doubt that since the hatcheries were erected
the species of fishes hatched therein have in-
creased to be of additional commercial value.
What has become of the thousands of young
fishes which were planted in Lake Ontario?
Were any of them seen since? What have
they produced? These are important ques-
tions to ask. The hatching establishment at
Newcastle must make some kind of show, and
the employees have to exhibit a little energy
in order that the Government may see that
they are working for their money. This is all
very well if anything could be shown for the
outlay. We say that nothing of apparent
value has as yet been derived from hatching
Salmon in Canada. On the contrary, the
adult fish are taken from one river and
killed to procure ova that other rivers may
be stocked ; yet the hatching of Salmon has
been going on for years in the Provinces of
Ontario and Quebec, and the fish are becoming
scarcer year after year. This is pointedly the
case on the south coast of the Gulf of St.
Lawrence, where Salmon hatching houses are
situated. It is true that there is too much
netting and too many weirs set up in the tidal
waters which are destructive to all marine
fishes, and the Salmon have to suffer from
these causes, but we deprecate against the
evil mode in which adult Salmon are taken
from their native river to procure material for
the imaginary purposes of increasing the
species. It is cruel, for the fishes are destroyed
in the process, besides it “is unnatural that
Salmon should be planted in a river, the water

of which is disagreeable to them. Of course
the Fishery officials will say that we know
nothing about hatching Salmon. True, we
have not been in the business but possess a
knowledge of the operations. There is this
argument however, in our favour, that is to
say, it is interfering with a course of nature,
which if allowed to proceed in the old way
would doubtless show that it is wrong. The
object of these fish-breeders may be to make
new species by transporting and transmuting.
They would like to make a new species of
Salmon (in fact, that has been tried already ;
it however turned out to be old Salmo salar
after all), but it is impossible, the process is
not natural. Instead of changing the form or
flavour or increasing the true Salmon, they are •
merely helping to produce deperdition, and
we wonder that the system has been so long
allowed. It would be far better for the Govern-
ment and the country to devote a portion oral!
of the m on e^ expended on hatching fish, to
make the rivers easy for Salmon to reach their
natural spawning-grounds. Artificial fish-leaps
should be made in several rivers along the
North Shore of the Lower St. Lawrence. If such
work was taken in hand, there are several
rivers now almost worthless that could be
made profitable, and the Fishery Department
are cognizant of the fact. The late Rev. Dr.
Adamson, published a pamphlet on this sub-
ject. We have spoken of it before, but the
Department will take neither advice nor in-
struction from any man — not even a lessee of
a river, who, in many cases, knows more about
it than they do. To show the cruelty and
destruction of the fish culturists, we here
take the liberty to quote from the St. John
News of August 1881, where the editor attacks
Professor Hind’s theory regarding the migra-
tion of Salmon. We have had the pleasure of *
knowing Mr. Hind when Professor of Chemistry
in Trinity College, Toronto, and have read
some curious statements in regard to his
knowledge of Natural History since he re-
moved to Nova Scotia ; but it matters not, we

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

99

have some consideration for Professor Hind’s
investigations regarding the noble fish, and
when he wrote of the migration of Salmon,
depend on it, he was not far astray. His
knowledge of Natural History cannot be pooh-
poohed by any penny-liner. We also can
vouch for the fact that sea-trout and brook-
trout enter the upper waters of all Salmon
rivers, for two purposes, (as they are parasites
on their own genera), to destroy the eggs and
fry of Salmo salar. The Salmon fry allowed
to escape from the hatcheries in New Bruns-
wick, have been devoured by trout imme-
diately after being deposited by the officer.
“ F. L.” a correspondent to the St. John
Telegraph , makes this statement, and we can
corroborate it. The system of netting the pools
to supply the hatcheries with ova is destruction
to the parent fish, as we find that it takes 500
females to supply ova for the first start of a
single hatchery, and we are informed that
there are four hatcheries at present operated in
the Lower Provinces. Then, taking these at
500 each hatchery, it is requisite that 2,000
female fish are annually destroyed in the
spring in order to keep these officials going ;
and besides, it is necessary that a certain num-
ber of males should be obtained to fertilize the
ova. What a destruction offish? which if al-
lowed to pass up to their natural spawning-
grounds, would in the true course of nature,
produce more genuine Salmon than all the
hatcheries in the Dominion. What cruelty ?
What waste ? Now we have proof of what we
say ! We wish this business ended ! ! Are
there no scientific men in Parliament? Can-
not some one stand up for the rights of truth ;
If not, then farewell to our Salmon fisheries :
farewell to the Salmon hatcheries ; and fare-
well to the Fishery Department. — C.

SPORT AND SPORTSMEN.

What is “sport” and who are te sportsmen ? ”
appears to be peculiarly defined by European
and American writers. There is a vast differ-
ence between play and pastime for a consider-

ation, and diversion, or properly speaking the
pleasure a man acquires when he turns aside
from his every day duties to go off to the
woods, prairies or marshes in search of game.
A sportsman is a man of activity, fond of
hunting and fishing, willing to pay freely for
his privileges. He disdains unlawful acts and
always has an eye on the pot-hunter. The
gambler is not his companion ; his associates
are always gentlemen. Such a man is a true
sportsman — a lover of legitimate sport. What
then constitutes “ sport ? ” It consists vir-
tually in the relief of man from business con-
finement, that recreation may be obtained
with rod and gun, in the woods, on the lakes
or along the river banks, c< sport ” is what we
call fair play between “ man and beast ; ” and
the man who stands by this motto will never
feel ashamed of his position. It is said that
Fox and Otter hunting constitutes “ sport,”
and we have nothing to say against it, because
they show fair play, and the chase does not
arise from mercenary motives. Nothing of
this nature has so far appeared among the
Fox-hunters of Canada, and as regards the
Otter its venation is not carried out here as in
Scotland. It occurs to us that the word
“ sport ” is not properly rendered. It is said
to be et a diversion, pastime, jest, game or
jingle,” and it is evident that on the strength
of this broad definition, editors of American
sporting papers allow their columns to be filled
witli pastimes under the heads of horse and
boat-racing, cock-fighting and other gambling
jingles, games, jests, pastimes or diversions,
none of which have a tendency to elevate man-
kind. We are not anxious to make the
acquaintance of men who will publish and
circulate this kind of literature; our aim
is to 'serve a far higher type of mankind.
We appreciate athletic sports — it is a

grand idea of the young men of Canada to
emulate the strong Roman — the youths who
will perform on the cross-bar without the
“ bar,” will eventually come out without a
scar. The pastime of a young man devoting

100 THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

a portion of his leisure to the study of Natural
History is <c sport.” — we appreciate his en-
thusiasm when he enters the woods with insect-
net in hand — he has no mercenary objects in
view, but a love of study. The student of
Geology, Conchology and Botany, and the
man who rambles through the fields to procure
something to instruct his brother does good
and enjoys “ sport.” Then, in the name of all
that is human, why should the word “ sport”
be associated with such unnatural proceed-
ings as cock-fighting, killing salmon to take
their progeny from them ; injuring high-bred
horses by racing, or gambling in any form, be
encouraged in Canada.

The first volume of The Canadian Sports-
man and Naturalist, the only journal in
Canada devoted to the lovers of the rod and
gun, suffices to illustrate what we intend to
follow up, and despite whatever opposition we
may receive hereafter from pseudo Canadian
Sporting papers, the pages of our periodical
will not be contaminated by productions that
are not fit to be read by the most fastidious
man or woman. — C.

THE INFLUENCE OF SPORT.

To those who are not in the habit of using
the gun or fishing-rod it may appear strange
that a certain number of their fellow beings
have such a fondness for the pleasures of the
chase. By some the amusement may be con-
sidered childish, by others cruel ; yet there is,
perhaps, no pastime more calculated to develop
a manliness of character than the art of shoot-
ing or fishing as practised by a lover of these
sports. That, which at one time was the prin-
cipal occupation of our forefathers, has now
become a popular diversion, indulged in by all
classes from the peasant to the peer ; royalty
itself has not been proof against its attractions,
and the pleasures of court have been forsaken
for the excitement of moor. We need not
wonder at the fascination which the forest has
for the hunter, or the river or brook for the
disciple of el Walton.” The pleasures of cast-

ing for trout, or playing the noble salmon,
afford opportunities for the display of more
manly qualities than a novice is apt to suspect.
Patience and judgment, as well as a certain
degree of skill, are requisite to success ; and
who will say that these are not equally essen-
tial in other pursuits in life ? A love of nature
is usually combined with a love for sport ; the
wanderer in the forest becomes attached to her
solitudes, he derives instruction as well as
amusement from contemplation of her works,
while the prosecution of his sport affords him
at the same time that invigorating exercise so
necessary to the enjoyment of health.

Wallace.

THE PETER REDPATH MUSEUM.
This handsome building which will be here-
after looked on with pride by the inhabitants
of Montreal, is situated a short distance from
McGill University, to which it is attached for
museum educational purposes. The college
collection of specimens, in a geological and
paleontological view, are extensive, and when
arranged in the new building, will be seen to
advantage. The Carpenter collection of shells
will also form a grand feature of interest both
to student and visitor. Dr. Dawson, we are
told, will add his own private collection, and
a large donation of specimens will be added as
soon as the museum is ready for occupation.
Montreal will then have a thorough educa-
tional museum of Natural History, and the
only one in Canada that can compare with
some of the Collegiate Museums of the United
States. It is expected to be open by the time
the American Science Association meets here
in August.

What will the Natural History Society of
Montreal do when the Peter Red path Museum
opens free to the public? Will they be able
to keep up their establishment on the present
nominal public charge of admission, a small
membership, and a poor government grant?
We doubt if they can, and being aware that
they were at one time willing to amalgamate

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

101

with the Fraser Institute, would it not be a
good move on the part of the Council of the
Natural History Society to make the same
offer to the authorities of McGill University?,
By so doing, the collections in the Peter Red-
path Museum would at once become- most ex-
tensive, and doubly instructive, in fact the
best on this continent. The Geological
Museum at Ottawa could not make a .com-
parison with it. We throw out this hint that
the matter may be ventilated by those who
are interested in it. Unless something of this
nature takes place it is seemingly evident that
the dissolution of the Society is merely a
matter of time. The new museum is only a
short distance from the old. The former will
be visited by thousands of the inhabitants and
visitors to the city, while the old Society must
continue to charge for membership and the
entrance of strangers. Then we say that the
Natural History Society of Montreal should
cast away its fossil condition and join an in-
stitution with some vitality in it. — C.

ftorresponbence.

ENTOMOLOGY.

To the Editor of the Canadian Sportsman and

Naturalist : —

Sir, — I have received the November number
of your valuable journal, containing a very
friendly and favorable notice of Transactions
No. 2 of the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club.
In this review exception is taken to names of
two weevils which are mentioned in my paper
on Coleoptera, injurious to the Pine. The first
complaint is that Polydrosus elegans , Couper,
is given as Scythropus elegans, Couper, ac-
cording to. Crotch’s revised Check List. As
this list gives the Rliyncophora according to
recent classification, and was issued under the
supervision of LeConte and Horn, the blame,
if any, of changing this beautiful beetle’s
generic name, must rest upon their broad
shoulders. I may say, however, that in your
description of this beetle (published in Cana-
dian Naturalist, 1865,) you give it as Poly-

di'osus ? elegans, and at the close of this descrip-
tion add that LeConte does not think it a
'Polydrosus. As regards Hylobius Stupidus,
Sch., my defence is equally simple. The species
is given in the printed lists of the Entomological
Society as found in Canada, and my beetles
were named by careful -comparison with a
specimen so labelled, in the collection in pos-
session of the Ottawa Literary and Scientific
Society. This fine collection vvas arranged by
Mr. Billings, with, if I mistake not, the assist-
ance of Mr. Pettit and yourself. I have failed
to find in The Canadian Naturalist your
description of H. pinicola, or I should have
compared my beetles with it. You state that
it is strange that the species should lie dormant
so long when such experienced entomologists
as Mr. Billings and yourself collected together
for three years around Ottawa. This certainly
shows the beetle to be very rare, but does not
prove its non-existence. I collected actively
for three years without finding it, and have
since obtained but three specimens. Mr.
Fletcher during a similar term of years has
not succeeded in finding one specimen. I hope
shortly to have all undetermined and doubtful
species named by competent authorities ; until
I am able to do so this beetle must rest in my
collection as H. Stupidus. ■

W. Hague Harrington.
Ottawa, 15th Dec. 1881.

Note. — I am satisfied with my colleague’s
statement regarding Scythropus elegans, Cou-
per. If Dr. LeConte removed it from the
genus Polydrosus, the matter is settled. I
would, however, be pleased to have a five min-
utes’ glance at Hylobius Stupidus, Sch., as at
the time I described H. pinicola in Transac-
tions Literary and Historical Society, Quebec,
— New Series, part 1 1, p. 85, 1865—1 remarked
that another of the same -size was found in
Western Canada, but with marked difference
in elytral characters. I had not the Western
insect to compare with my Quebec specimen.
H. pinicola is allied to H. arcticus of the other
continent. I have no knowledge of H. Stupi-
dus, hence the remarks which led to this cor-
respondence. I was wrong in saying that I
described pinicola in the Canadian Naturalist
and Geologist, published at Montreal. — C.

102

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

DANISH SUPERSTITION REGARDING
THE CUCKOO.

Sir, — Having admitted into your journal
“ The Legend of the Crossbill,” and a contro-
versy regarding the Robin as “ God’s Bird,”
I think the following may interest your
readers : —

On the appearance of the Cuckoo ( Cuculus
canorus) in Denmark the village girls, in
springtime, kiss their hands — addressing the
bird when they hear its note — exclaiming,
“Cuckoo, cuckoo, when shall 1 be married?”
Then the old Danish folks, born down with age
and rheumatism, repeat the words, ;e Cuckoo,
cuckoo, when shall we be released from this
world’s care ?” The bird continues to call
“ Cuckoo ” so many times as years will elapse,
evidently satisfying and dissatisfying _ many
young and old regarding their peculiar wishes
But as some people live to a maximum age
and girls may become old maids it is sup-
posed that the poor Cuckoos are so much
engaged in annually answering these supersti-
tious people, that they have no time to build
nests. Therefore, the eggs of the Cuckoo are
deposited in the nest of the Hedge Sparrow
( Accentor modularise R. S.

Montreal, December, 1881 .

Note. — The female Cuckoo should, in ac-
cordance with the general nature of birds, be
the nest-builder, and the male is only supposed
to call “ cuckoo.” Our correspondent evi-
dently writes the above to show that one
European legend is as good as another. They
are either childish or doting thoughts pro-
pounded from a want of proper education. We
do not wish to have any more of this kind of
matter. Give us something original.— C.

THE ACCLIMATIZED SPARROW.

Sir, — As a lover of birds, and being a friend
to that pert little bird called the European or
English Sparrow ( Passer domesncus ,) will
you kindly insert in your valuable journal the
following extract from the “ Gardener’s Chron-
icle,” London, Eng., July, 1879, on the

USES OF THE SPARROW :

“ We are sorry that Sparrows are still re-
garded as enemies by many of our village
husbandmen ; thus the overseers are yet em-
powered by the vestry meeting to pay one-half-

penny per head for all destroyed. It is a pity
we have not yet learned more humanity, for
without doubt this persecuted bird is one of
the best friends both to the gardener and far-
mer. A calculation has been made that a pair
of Sparrows destroy nearly four thousand cater-
pillars per week; besides other insects, while
rearing their young. When Cockchafers ( Melo -
lontha vulgaris) abound, which happens period-
ically, they would speedily become a perfect
pest but for the Sparrow. It is true the Rook
( Corvus frugilegus) destroys an immense
quantity, yet it should be remembered the des-
pised Sparrow has access to gardens and other
small enclosures where the Rook is denied
access. The Sparrow fortunately does more
for our house coriifort, for he destroys one of
our greatest pests, the common house-fly,
which, were it not for his persistent efforts,
would m ultiply to an alarming extent. Scarce-
ly anything in the way of insect food comes
amiss, for he is a voracious feeder. Therefore
he should be regarded more as a friend than a
foe.”

P.S. — I believe since the above was written,
the “ Wild Bird’s Act ” protects the Sparrow.
— R.S.

Note. — The Domestic Sparrow’s habits havu
considerably changed since its introduction
into Canada. — C.

A GENERAL DELUGE.

BY G. W. BROWN, M.D.

{Continued from, page 96.)

On many of the islands of the Pacific are
found traces of an ancient people who
possessed an order of civilization closely
resembling that of Oriental nations, as
first revealed to us at the commencement
of the historic period, and almost
identical with those now being explored in
Mexico and Yucatan, and similar to those of
Peru in South America. These people passed
away, as did the mound builders of our own
country, leaving enduring monuments of their
labors, which modern travellers look upon with
astonishment, as they reveal a period of con-
siderable advancement in the arts, and a
knowledge of mechanics unknown to their
degenerated successors. In support of this
proposition, we make the following quotation
from a newspaper article which we find float-
ing through the press without credit, but fur-

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST. 103

nishing well authenticated facts of discoveries
in the Pacific, a multitude of a similar char-
acter being within reach of the common reader :

“ In the middle of tlje Pacific ocean, 3,000 miles distant
from the nearest contihent, lies Easter Island, abounding
with remains of a remote antiquity, which have interested
and perplexed a party of savants who recently visited them.
This island is 40 miles in circumference, of volcanic origin,
barren, no trees, destitute of resources, and inhabited by a
few savages who lead the most miserable life imaginable.
But upon this narrow strip of land so barren and unproduc-
tive, the explorer beholds a forest of gigantic statues, of the
origin and beginning of which the race dwelling around
know absolutely nothing. The smallest of these statues
measured 30 faet, and a few attain the incredible dimen-
sions of 50 feet. Some repose upon Cyclopean platforms ;
the greater portion of them wear crowns about six feet in
height, which have evidently been placed upon these statues
after their erection. The foreheads of the statues are re-
treating, and the mouths prominent, which indications may
possibly reveal the race who constructed them. As regards
the workmanship displayed upon them, it is rude and
clumsy, although not destitute of character and expression.
The questions concerning them presented for solution are ;
What do they represent? Whose handiwork are they?
and how came they there ? How possibly could this barren
island have nourished a race of men capable of raising such
monuments ? Where is the race ? What country do they
still inhabit ? ”

It is well known to the antiquarian that
Asia was originally populated by a black race,
as is Africa in our day? These aborigines re-
ceded before the great Aryan wave which
roiled down from the Northeast, driving
before it the weaker, as do the same race with
the Indians of America at the present time.
They overran the great plains of Central Asia
and made permanent homes in the valleys of
the Tigris and Euphrates ; thence spread
eastward, intermingling with the already
mixed population inhabiting Iran and Hindos-
tan, while an advanced wave, pressed by those
in the rear, crossed the Isthmus of Suez, and
established themselves along the Nile. These
parent waves spread westward and overran
Europe, with colonies to Northern Africa,
everywhere destroying the males and inter-
mixing, forming varieties of races. In process
of ages the same dominant race crossed the
Atlantic, to repeat the barbarities of a remote
age on the natives of this country, and to
efface the link which connects all these with a
submerged race over which rolls in majestic
and solemn grandeur the deep and surging
waves of the mighty Pacific.

It is well-known to geologists that animals
whose habitat was in or near the tropical
regions, and distant from which they could not
survive, have been found embedded in ice in
the Artie regions north of Asia.* They were

*So fresh is the ivory throughout northern Russia, that,
according to Tilesius thousands of fossil tusks have been
collected and used in turning ; yet others are still procured

so well preserved through the countless ages
since their hyperborean imprisonment that
their flesh was consumed by carniverous ani-
mals now inhabiting those regions when a
warmer sun melted their encasement. This
fact of itself demonstrates that the polar regions
were once approximating the equatorial ; for
these animals could never have wandered so
far from the places of their nativity. It also
proves that the change from a high to a Tow
temperature was sudden, not leaving time be-
tween for animal decay to commence after
the destruction of life, and the formation of ice,
by which they were preserved.

Beds of most excellent mineral coal are
found in Greenland, from where it is quarried
and loaded directly on ship board of exploring
steamers visiting those high latitudes. It is
found out-cropping from cliffs at the very mar-
gin of the sea. Whether there is more than
one stratum of such coal the writer is not in-
formed.

Twenty-eight different beds of coal, super-
posed one above another, with varying thick-
ness of intervening rock and slate, have been
opened and worked in Great Britain. The
lowest of these is more than 5,000 feet below
the present surface of the sea. This tells us,
with unerring certainty, that there has been
twenty-eight epochs, each of indefinite dura-
tion, when those islands were alternately above
and below the sea level ; periods when the
earth was covered with dense verdure ; when
the surging ocean rolled over it, and covered
that verdure with sand and gravel, the material
of which overlying rock was formed ; when it
again emerged ; was again adapted to the
growth of vegitation, and again, after the lapse
of countless ages, went down, and so has con-
tinued until the present order of things was in-
troduced.

What is true of the British islands in this
regard, is probably true of every other island
and continent on the globe. And this oscilla-
ting condition of the earth’s crust will ever go
on with seas and continents while the same
laws which have governed matter as in the
past shall coutinue. To-day a continent, cov-
ered with animal and vegitable life ; to-morrow
the ocean rolls its turbid waves over the melan-
choly wreck, leaving no trace of the toil,

and sold in great plenty. He decla-es his belief that the
bones still left in northern Russia must greatly exceed in
number all the elephants now living ou the globe. —Sir
Charles Lyell , in his Principles of Geology , p. 81.

104

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

anxiety and unbounded hopes of him who had
delved to make it a satisfactory home for his
ambition.

The present reveal ings on fehe surface of
Greenland, where a few hundred years ago
were green Helds, waving forests, flowing
rivers, populous and thrifty villages and a
contented people, show only mountains of ice,
all nature congealed, a country of desolation
and snow. This change has been gradual, and
the temperature is still declining.

Iceland, too, is slowly undergoing a similar
change. At the same rate of decadence in an-
other hundred years it will cease to be habit-
able. Already such portions of the population
as have means are removing to the northern
latitudes of America. The island, like Green-
land, will soon be a cold and dreary desolation,
to so remain until other changes shall tran-
spire, when it may again, in a lower latitude,
become the home of man ; but ages of frost
and ice must first mark its site ; other lands
in turn, now nearly tropical, must become
frigid ; and then it is questionable if any traces
of man, even as insignificant as the stone axe
or arrow head, shall remain to excite wonder
or curiosity among those who shall delve in its
soil.

While we can account for the gradual
changing of the polarity of the earth and the
shifting of climates — the glacial period always
existing in some parts of the earth — we can-
not, by the same mode of reasoning, explain
why whole continents are suddenly submerged,
or why the beds of oceans, as suddenly, become
continents.

The equatorial diameter of the earth is
greater than the pola»r by some thirty-four
miles. While the centre of gravity remains as
now the polar and equatorial regions will re-
main substantially the same; but if from any
cause the polar shall preponderate, then a
change iu polarity will ensue. Such, without
doubt, was the case when the tropical elephants
were encased in the icebergs of Nova Zembla
and Spitsbergen.

Mountains of ice are continually forming
within the arctics. The heat of summer can-
not reach them ; but century after century,
and age after age, the accumulation goes on,
adding to the polar density. Some disturbing
element as an earthquake shock convulsing
the globe, a volcanic eruption and upheaval,

or the addition of some fragmentary planet or
wandering body lost in space, which has been
attracted from its orbit by its nearness to our
earth, falls upon it, the equipoise is lost, and
the waters of the ocean, seeking their plane,
roll over their rocky bounds, engulf continents,
and sweep away every vestige of aspiring man
save the few favorable locations which acci-
dentally escape the general deluge and the
submergence of continents.

Such has been, such will be again and again
the fate of the globe. Man beholds the traces
of his labors all around him, finds everywhere,
even deep down in the bowels of the earth,
evidences of his great antiquity, and looks up-
on all as stable and enduring He inquires of
the pyramids, ascends their summits, wanders
through their interior labyrinthian passages,
and seeks to find the motives for their con-
struction. He deciphers the inscriptions on
their walls, and is astonished with the power
and wisdom of those who made them. He
finds their builders were interlopers from some
other country, and at a very remote age.
Human records fail to give the origin of these
people, or the country from which they came.
The antiquarian lends his aid. He finds the
mounds and tumuli of America identical in
general form, and evidently constructed for the
same perpose, with those covering the vast
steppes of Asia. The mounds are traced down
the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates, and a
feeble idea of their magnitude is learned by
exploring the ruined temple of Belus — the
wonderful tower of Babel, of biblical story — on
the site of ancient Babylon. As we follow the
nomadic builders of those structures we over-
take them in the valley of the Nile, driving out
the native blacks, as they had already done in
Asia, setting up a new civilization peculiarly
their own, and erecting their mounds, towers
and pyramids, each step of their progress mark-
ing an improvement on the preceding, the
general idea and purpose of which their re-
mote ancestors carried out with them from a
continent which was gradually submerged, the
inhabitants retiring before the incoming ocean.
During the long periods of their journey ings,
resting for centuries by the way, and again
advancing, they reached that region, foreigners
on a foreign shore, where we first find them
at the commencement of the historic age,
making aggressive inroads upon the native
populations of Asia and Africa.

(to be continued.)

The C/NADiAf( Sportsman Af |atupst.

No. 2. MONTREAL, FEBRUARY, 1882. Vol. II.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS.

We shall be pleased to receive communica-
tions upon all matters relating to Sport and
Natural History, and our. columns will al ways
be open to friendly discussions upon these
subjects. We have to request, however,
that our Correspondents omit all personalities
from their manuscripts, otherwise we shall
be obliged to refrain from publishing them.

Ed.

TOLING DUCKS.

Some birds are very susceptible to the
promptings of curiosity, and advantage of this
is taken by sportsmen to decoy them by very
simple devices. The system of toling ducks,
though not very generally known in Canada,
has been practised in England and the United
States for a great many years past.

Toling consists simply in attracting the
birds to the shore, where the gunner remains
concealed at some convenient spot, and is per-
formed by a dog, taught to run up and down
the beach, where the ducks are feeding, at
some point not too far from shore. The dis-
covery of this mode of decoying ducks was
quite accidental, being attributed to a circum-
stance noticed by a sportsman, who, concealed
behind a blind, patiently awaiting the approach
of some Canvas Backs, observed that they
suddenly lifted up their heads and moved to-
wards the shore. Wondering at this unusual
procedure he naturally looked around to dis-
cover the cause, and observed a young fox
sporting on the river bank ; and the ducks, all
eagerness to gaze upon him, were steering
their course directly for the shore. This
mode of decoying, however, is confined to
very few species of ducks, and can only be
successfully practised early in the season,

before the birds have become too wary. Most
dogs require very little training to become
adepts at toling, and will usually keep in
motion on the shore if they see a flock of ducks
approaching. Canvas Back, Blue Bill and
Red Head are the species generally procured,
as they are also the most easily attracted by
decoys. The writer, while snipe shooting at
Lake of Two Mountains in the Autumn of
1878, was a witness to the success of this
method of attracting ducks. Having seen a
large flock of Red Heads feeding at a distance
of about four hundred yards from the shore, a
hiding place was selected, and a small pointer
dog which accompanied us was allowed to
run along the beach. At sight of the ducks
the dog betrayed great eagerness and ran
excitedly to and fro on the river bank, the
ducks in the meantime perceived his move-
ments and almost immediately turned their
course towards shore. In a few minutes,
more than fifty Red Heads were within range
of our guns, some of them, in fact, not more
than ten yards from the dog, and all appa-
rently greatly interested in his motions. We
had deferred firing as they were pretty well
scattered in the water, but at last could
restrain ourselves no longer, and as the smoke
from our guns rolled away we gathered up
five birds, which we considered not a bad
result from our first experience in toling.

Wallace.

CRACK SHOTS.

Some sportsmen enjoy the enviable reputa-
tion of being what are termed <e crack
shots,” they have acquired such a degree of
skill in the art of shooting that if a bird rises
within range of their death-dealing tubes, no
matter how dense the cover, or how difficult
the shot, the unfortunate bird is doomed to
destruction and is speedily consigned to the
depths of their game bags ! At least such is

106

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

often the impression of those who are not
initiated into all the mysteries and uncertain-
ties of shooting, and the “ crack shot ” is
usually too proud of his reputation to dispel
this illusion, or to keep any count of the
misses he may make. Some few years ago
the writer was in the habit of visiting a place
not many miles from Montreal, and where
there was a stretch of woods extending three
or four miles in length, and in which, at that
time, there were a good many Ruffed Grouse.
During one of my visits the birds were pretty
numerous, but I had by noon only succeeded
in bagging two brace, one of these being a
“pot shot,” while I had missed at least a
dozen shots, the cover in most places being
very dense. While pursuing my sport nume-
rous shots were fired from the other end of the
wood, three or four reports in rapid succession
made me aware that more than one gun was
being employed, and that game was apparently
plentiful. In a short time the hunting party
approached near enough to enable me to
recognize three well-known sportsmen and
reputed “ crack shots — feeling ashamed to
appear before these gentlemen with only two
brace, I quietly turned about and walked in
another direction, — they had fired at least
twenty shots, and from their “ reputation ” I
concluded must have bagged nearly as many
birds. Some days after, however, I happened
to meet one of the gentlemen, and did not tell
him of the result of my day’s sport until I had
ascertained that his party had, with a score of
shots, only succeeded in bagging “ one bird.”
I have since then been a firm believer in the
uncertainty of Ruffed Grouse shooting and can
confidently recommend this sport to any one
ambitious to acquire the reputation of being
considered a “ crack shot.” — Wallace.

LOBSTER CULTURE.

The subject of Lobster culture has taken up
the attention of Prof. S. F. Baird and the Fish
Commissioners of the State of Maine. The
Professor says : —

“ There is a very great promise of success
in cultivating lobsters on a large scale by in-
closing them in small salt water bays, where
there is a free circulation of water, and the
egress of the lobsters can be prevented by
grating or netting. They can be fed, as I
understand, very largely upon clams, and will
not only grow very rapidly under such circum-
stances, but carry on the propagation of the
young. The young can either be kept in the
inclosure or go out to sea and increase the
supply in the vicinity. This is, by far, the
most feasible way of solving the problem in
regard to the depletion of lobsters along the
coast of Maine and the Provinces. Is there
any provision in the fishery laws of Maine by
which an individual undertaking this work
can prevent unauthorized persons from going
in and reaping the benefit when the individual
cultivator actually owns or leases the adjacent
shore? Of course no man will be willing to
go into the business unless he can be protected,
and if there is no provision in Maine, as there
is in Massachusetts, by which the Fish Com-
missioners can lease a pond to particular indi-
viduals for the purpose of propagating fish and
secure to them thereby exclusive rights in the
waters, it would be well to have such a provi-
sion, with the understanding that it is to ap-
ply to salt waters as well as to fresh. If the
experiment proves as successful as I confi-
dently anticipate and believe it will be, it will
add enormously to the resources of the State,
as there are hundreds of localities where such
ponds could be established to the best advan-
tage. Of course I suggest no interference with
high seas navigation.”

In the September and October numbers
(Yol. I.) of this journal, we made a few
remarks on the Canadian Lobster Fisheries.
It may be further stated in connection with
the subject, that in consideration of the extent
of this industry in our Maritime Provinces, it
would be well for those engaged in the busi-
ness to consider the propriety of cultivating
the lobster, as suggested by Professor Baird .
There are many available localities along the
Gulf seaboard where the cultivation of this
valuable cmstacean can be carried on with
success. For instance, the Bay of Gaspe, and
and at several places on the coast near Perce
and Bonaventure. Prince Edward Island has
also many excellent sites for this object.

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

107

Then, where can they be more profitably cul-
tivated than on Anticosti? The numerous
bays around the island are, at this day, teem-
ing with them, and we are pleased to learn
that a Company from New Brunswick is to
take advantage of this fishery next season. — C.

THE ENGLISH SPARROW.

This European introduction, which at one
time was looked upon with so much favour, is
now pretty generally regarded as a pest ; care-
ful observations made during recent years
having proved conclusively that these birds
possess few redeeming qualities to compen-
sate for the great amount of damage they
are credited with doing. The Colony of
Australia appears to realize the serious dis-
advantages of their introduction, their in-
crease there has been so rapid, and their
depredations so marked, that they are now
considered an equal nuisance with the import-
ed rabbit, and in that prolific land will proba-
bly be as difficult to get rid of. The Austra-
lian Government has lately offered a bounty of
sixpence per dozen for the heads, and two and
sixpence per hundred for the eggs, which will
probably have the effect of reducing their
numbers.

Here, in Canada, our severe winters have, to
a certain extent, checked their increase, but
they are in some places already too numerous,
and ere many years will, no doubt, multiply
to such an extent that we, also, may be
obliged to adopt some means for their extermi-
nation.— Wallace.

NEW BRUNSWICK SALMON RIVERS.

THE RIGHT TO FISH FOR SALMON.

A landowner, named Phair, was arrested
while fishing with rod and line for salmon in
the Miramichi river, opposite his own pro-
perty. The arrest was made by W- H. Ven-
ning, the Inspector of Fisheries for New
Brunswick. Phair refused to give up his
fishing rod, &c., to the officer, but he yielded

when Venning presented a revolver. Phair
brought an action for damages for the seizure
of his tackle, and the suit was brought before
the Circuit Court of Fredericton. The attorney
for the Government moved for a nonsuit, on
two grounds; first, that the defendant was
acting in the capacity of a Justice of the
Peace, and was entitled to one month’s notice
of action ; and second, that the plaintiff was
illegally fishing. The judge overruled both
these objections, and charged in favour of the
plaintiff on points of law, but he disagreed on
the matter of damages. The jury, however,
decided to award $511. The Government or
the Chief of the Fishery Department, with the
consent of the Privy Council, should recognize
riparian rights in navigable or unnavigable
rivers where fish occur. It will save money
and litigation, and the earlier this annoyance
is abated the betier for both parties.— C.

INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES
EXHIBITION.

The approaching Fisheries Exhibition to be
held in Edinburgh, Scotland, next April, will
be open to all countries. It is under the
patronage of the Duke of Edinburgh and the
Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland. It
will include everything connected with or as
an illustration of the fisheries of the world.
The exhibits are to be divided into twelve
classes, embracing models of boats ; of fishing-
boat harbours and fishermen’s houses ; nets,
lines, rods, artificial bait, tackle, piscicultural
apparatus, fish ova, and young fry ; stuffed
fish and aquatic birds ; paintings and casts of
fish models, of fish passes and ladders ; life
boats, fishermen’s dress and equipments ;
specimens of fresh, cured and canned fish ;
samples of preparation for preserving fish and
specimens of such results ; models and other
means of illustrating the life, habits and
social condition of those engaged in the
fisheries ; treatises on the pollution of rivers
and the best means of remedying the evil. A
loan collection will be included, and the Asso-

108

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

ciation will pay all charges of transportation
in connection with this branch. There can he
no doubt that the exhibition will be a most
interesting one and will command widespread
interest and attention.

PEINCE EDWAED ISLAND FISHERIES.

There has been a falling off in the catch of
Mackerel, Cod and Herring this year, and the
Salmon taken by the islanders are not worth
reporting. Mackerel canning has become
quite an industry, the annual average number
of cans being about 200,000 put up on the
Island. Of Lobsters 6,832,865 cans were filled
this year. There is a reason for the present
scarcity of Salmon in the Gulf of St. Law-
rence. Why is it that from all portions of the
North and South coasts we have reports
regarding the rarity of this noble fish during
the past three seasons? Cannot some one
help us to discover the cause?

THE COMMON DOVE.

(Zenaidura Carolinensis .)

We have received the head, wings and tail
of a specimen of the above bird shot by Mr.
Comeau at God bout, on the north shore of the
Lower St. Lawrence. The occurrence of this
Dove so far north is another illustration show-
ing that as the Canadian climate gradually
moderates, many birds which were heretofore
in a great measure, confined to southern and
western regions, will, eventually change their
ranges of migration. If we had a few more
close observers like Mr. Comeau, doubtless
other rare species would be discovered visiting
our northern forests. — C.

FISH AND GAME PROTECTION CLUB OF
THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.

TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING.

Mr. G. H. Mathews, Secretary of the Club,
presented the annual report, from which it
appeared that the Club had done good work
during the past year, and was now in a
flourishing condition.

From this report it appeared that the Club
had commenced the year with a deficit of
$61.13; receipts during the year had been
$361.20; expenditure, $251.21; balance on
hand, $43.86. The membership stood as fol-
lows at the end of the respective vears : —
1878, 30; 1879, 93; 1880, 101; 1881, 176.

The report was adopted.

The election of officers was then proceeded
with, resulting as follows, viz. : — President,
Aid. J. C. Wilson, re-elected ; Vice-President,
Mr. E. C. Monk, re-elected ; Treasurer, Mr.
W. H. Rintoul, re-elected ; Secretary, Mr. G.
H. Mathews, re-elected. Committee — Messrs.
F. J. Brady, R. H. Kilby, H. R. Ives, I. H.
Stearns, B. Goodacre, A. N. Shewan, L. A.
Boyer, Selkirk Cross, Wm. Crowther, Chas.
Stimson, W. S. Macfarlane, Fred. Henshaw,
Jas. Appleton, Hon. J. R. Thibaudeau and
Alderic Deschamp.

A Committee, consisting of the officers and
members of the Club, was then appointed,
with power to add to their number, to make
arrangements for a picnic during the coming
summer.

ORNITHOLOGY OF THE ISLAND OF
MONTREAL.

By Ernest D. Wintle.

The following list of birds, frequenting the
Island of Montreal, has been prepared chiefly
from observations made by the writer, extend-
ing over a period of several years. It is pro-
bable that a few species have escaped notice,
as many remain only a short time on the
island during their migrations north and south.

TURDIDiE. — Thrushes.

1. Turdus migratorius , Robin. Common. Arrives
in March. Nests in May, June and July.

2. Turdus mustelinus, Wood Thrush. Common.
Arrives in May. Nests in May and June.

3. Turdus Pallasi, Hermit Thrush. Rare. Arrives in
May. Nests in June.

4. Turdus Swainsoni , Olive-baclccd Thrush. Rare.
Arrives in May. Nests in June.

5. Turdus fuscescensj Wilson’s Thrush. Common.
Arrives in May. Nests in June.

C. Mimus Carolinensis, Catbird. Common. Arrives
in May. Nests in June and July.

7. Harporhynchus rufus , Brown Thrush. Becoming
numerous. Arrives in May. Nests in June.

SAXICOLID.M. — Stone Chats and Bluebirds.

i 8. Sialia sialis, Eastern Bluebird. Common. Arrives
in March. Nests in May, and raises two broods.

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST,

109

SYLVIIDIiE.— Sylvias.

9. Begidus calendula , Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Arrives
in Aprii. Abundant in spring and autumn.

10. Begidus satrapa , Golden-crested Kinglet. Arrives
in April. Abundant in spring and autumn.

PARIDA3. — Titmice, Chickadees.

11. Parus atricapillus , Black-capped Chickadee. Not
very common. Breeds on the Island.

SITTHLE. — Nuthatches.

12. Silt a Carolinensis, White-bellied Nuthatch. Win-
ter and summer resident. Nest, 20th April, with 9 eggs.

13. Sitta Canadensis , Red-bellied Nuthatch. Winter
and summer resident. Nests in April.'

14. Certliia familiar is, Brown Creeper. Not common.
Arrives in April, Nests in May.

TROGLODYTIB^E . — Wrens.

15. Troglodytes aedon, House- wren. Not common.

16. Anorthura hyemalis , Winter Wren. Not com-
mon. Arrives in April. Breeds on the Island.

ALATTDIDJE. — Larks.

17. Eremophila .alpestris, Shore Lark. Nest found be-
ginning of April with young ; snow on ground, Abundant
in autumn.

MOTACILLID^.— Wagtails.

18. Anthus ludovicianus, Titlark. Abundant in
spring and autumn.

SYLVICOLIDiE. — Warblers.

19. Mniotilta var ia , Black and white Creeper. Common.
Arrives early in May. Nests in June.

20. Panda Americana, Blue yellow-backed Warbler.
Arrives early in spring.

21. Dendrceca cestiva, Summer Warbler. Common.
Arrives in May. Nests in June.

22. Helminthophaga chrysoptera, Blue golden-winged
W arbler. Arrives early in spring.

23. Dendrceca virens, Black-throated green Warbler.
Arrives early in spring.

24. Dendrceca ccendescens, Black-throated blue War-
bler. Arrives early in spring.

25. Dendrceca coronata, Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Arrives early in spring.

26. Dendrceca Blackburnice, Blackburnian Warbler.
Arrives early in spring.

27. Dendrceca striata , Black-poll Warbler. Arrives
early in spring.

28. Dendrceca castanea, Bay-breasted Warbler. Arrives
early in spring.

29. Dendrceca Pennsylvcmica , Chestnut-sided Warbler.
Arrives in May. Nest 11 June, 3 eggs and 1 cowbird’s
egg, all incubated.

30. Dendrceca maculosa, Black and yellow Warbler.
Arrives early in spring.

31. Dendrceca pinus, Pine-creeping Warbler. Arrives
early in spring.

32. Seiurus aurocapillus, Golden-crowned Thrush.
Common. Arrives in May. Nest, 5 June, 4.eggs.

33. Geothlypis trichas, Maryland yellow-throat. Com-
mon. Arrives in May. Nests in June.

34. Geothlypis Philadelphia, Mourning Warbler.
Arrives early in spring.

35. Myiodioetes Canadensis, Canadian Fly. catching
Warbler. Arrives in May. Breeds here.

36. Setophaga ruticilla, Redstart. Common. Arrives
in May. Nests in June.

TANAGRIDJE.— Tanagers.

37. Pyranga rubra, Scarlet Tanager. Not common.
Arrives in May.

HIRUNDINID2E. — Swallows .

38. Hirundo horreorum , Barn Swallow. Common.
Arrives in May. Nests in June.

39. Tachycineta bicolor, White-bellied Swallow. Com-
mon. Arrives in April. Nests in May and June.

40. Petrochelidon lunifrons, Eave Swallow. Arrives
in May. Nests in June.

41. Cotyle riparia, Bank Swallow. Common. Arrives
in May. Nests in May and June.

42. Progne purpurea, Purple Martin. Common. Ar-
rives in May. Nests in June.

AMPELID2E. — Waxwings, etc.

43. Ampelis garndus , Bohemian Waxwing. Rare
visitant.

44. Ampelis cedrorum, Cedar bird. Common summer
resident, occasionally seen during winter. Nests in July.

VEREONID2E; — Vireos, or Greenlets.

45. Vireo olivaceus, Red-eyed Vireo. Common. Ar-
rives in May. Nests in June.

LANIIDiE. — Shrikes.

46. Lanius borealis, Great Northern Shrike. Occasion-
ally seen during winter. Nests found in May.

47. Lanius ludovicianus, Loggerhead Shrike. Has
been shot here.

FRINGILLIDH3. — Finches, etc.

48. Pinicola enudeator, Pine Grosbeak. Autumn and
winter visitant.

49. Carpodacus purpureus, Purple Finch. Not com-
mon. Arrives in May. Nests late in June.

50. Loxia leucoptera, White-winged Crossbill. Not
common. Summer and winter resident. Nests end of
March.

51. Loxia curvirostra, Common Crossbill. Autumn
and winter visitant.

52. JEgiothus linaria, Red-poll Linnet. Autumn
and winter visitant.

53. Chrysomitris pinus, Pine Linnet. Arrives early
in spring.

54. Chrysomitris tristis, American Goldfinch. Com-
mon. Arrives in May. Nests in July.

55. Plectrophanes nivalis, Snow Bunting. Autumn
and winter visitant.

56. Pooecetes gramineus, Grass Finch. Common.
Arrives in May. Nests end of May.

57. Melospiza palustris, Swamp Sparrow. Not com-
mon. Arrives in May. Nests in June.

58. Melospiza melodia, Song Sparrow. Common.
Arrives in April. Nests in May, June and July.

59. Junco hyemalis, Snowbird. Common. Arrives in
April. Nest, 15 June, 2 eggs.

60. Spizella monticola, Tree Sparrow. Not common.

61. Spizella socialis, Chipping Sparrow. Common.
Arrives in May. Nests in June and July.

62. Spizella pusilla, Field Sparrow. Arrives early in.
Spring.

63. Zonotnchia albicollis, White-throated Sparrow.
Not common. Arrives early in spring. Nests in April.

64. Zonotrichia leucophrys, White-crowned Sparrow.
Not common. Arrives early in spring.

65. Passer domesticus, English Sparrow. Abundant.
Nests very early in spring, and throughout the summer

110

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

66. Goniaphea ludoviciana, Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Rare, spring visitant.

67. Cyanospiza cyanea, Indigo bird. Common. Nests
in June and July.

ICTERID2E. — American Starlings.

68. DolicJionyx oryzivorus, Bobolink. Common. Ar-
rives early in spring. Nests in May.

69. Molothrus ater, Cowbird. Common. Arrives in
April. Have found its eggs in nests of Phoebe, Wood
Thrush, Redstart, Summer Warbler, Chestnut-sided
Warbler, and Song Sparrow.

70. Agelceus pheniceus, Red-winged Blackbird. Com-
mon. Nests in May and June.

71. Icterus Baltimore, Baltimore Oriole. Become
common. Arrives in May. Nests in June.

72. Scot ecophagus f err ugineus, Rusty Grackle. Spring
and autumn visitant.

73. Quiscalus purpureus, Crow Blackbird. Common.
Arrives in April. Nests in May.

CORVIDAE.— Crows, Jays, etc.

74. Corvus Americanus, Common Crow. Arrives in
March. Nests in April, A few usually remain through-
out the winter,

75. Cyanurus cristatus, Blue Jay. Autumn visitant.

76. Perisoreus Canadensis , Canada Jay. Autumn
visitant.

TYRANNIDiE. — Flycatchers.

77. Tyrannus Carolinensis, Kingbird. Common. Ar-
rives in May. Nests in June.

78. Myiarchus cinitus , Great crested Flycatcher
Common. Arrives in May. Nests in June.

79. Sayornis fuscus, Phoebe. Common. Arrives in
April. Nests in May.

80. Contopus borealis, Olive-sided Flycatcher. Not
common.

81. Contopus virens , Wood Pewee. Common. Ar-
rives in May. Nests in June.

82. Empidonaxflaviventris, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Not common.

CAPRIMULGIDiE. — Goatsuckers.

83. Antrostomus vociferus, Whip-poor-will. Rare
visitant.

84. Chordeiles Virginianus, Nightliawk. Common-
Arrives 15th May. Nests end of May on gravelled roofs
of houses in the city.

CYPSELID2E. — Swifts.

85. Chceturapelasgia, Chimney Swift. Common. Ar-
rives in April. Nests in May, in chimneys of houses in
the city.

TROCHILIDiE. — Hummingbirds.

86. Trochilus colubris, Ruby-tliroated Hummingbird.
Common. Arrives 6arly in May. Nests end of May.

ALCEDINIDiE.— Kingfishers.

87. Ceryle a, Icy on, Belted Kingfisher. Common.
Arrives in' April. Nests in May.

CUCULIDiE.— Cuckoos.

88. Coccyzus erythropthalmus, Black-billed Cuckoo.
Common some seasons, and scarce others. Nests end of
May.

89. Coccyzus Americanus, Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
Very rare, only one specimen is recorded to have been
'shot*

PICID.33. — Woodpeckers.

90. Hylotomus pileatus, Pileated Woodpecker. Rare
autumn or winter visitant.

91. Picus villosus, Hairy Woodpecker. Regular spring
and autumn visitant. Occasionally seen in summer.

92. Picus pubescens, Downy Woodpecker. Common.
Winter and summer resident. Nests end of May.

93. Picoides arcticus , Black-backed Woodpecker.
Casual visitant.

94. Sphyrapicus varius. Yellow-bellied Woodpecker.
Common. Nests in May and June.

95. Melanerpes erythrocephalus , Red-headed Wood-
pecker. Not common. Nests in May.

96. Colaptes auratus, Golden-winged Woodpecker.
Common. Arrives in April. Nests in May.

(to be continued.)

Itorresponbence.

ROBINS AGAIN.

To the Editor of the Canadian Sportsman and

Naturalist : —

Sir, — The October number of your journal
having failed to reach tny hands until to-day
when, through your politeness, I received a
supplementary copy, I have onty just read
John H. Garnier’s letter on “ Robins again,”
which appears in that impression. With the
courtesy which pervades the whole of his
communication he remarks that he is “ sur-
prised and sorry to see such ignorance ex-
hibited by me,” but he does not favour me by
specifying the nature of that ignorance. I
gather, however, from his very rambling letter,
that he imagines I have confounded the
English Redbreast with the American Robin.
I need not assure you , Sir, that I did nothing
of the kind , and that the accusation of ignorance
is as gratuitous as it is unmannerly. As John
H. Gamier, however, has thought fit to prefer
this accusation against me, I may perhaps be
permitted to counsel that person, before he
hazards such a charge again, to be a little
more careful in respect of his own communi-
cations. For instance, I would recommend
him to study English grammar a little, and I
would advise him to make himself acquainted
with the phraseology of sportsmen, and not
speak of “ a pair of rabbits ; ” and above all,
I would suggest that when he quotes Lath) he
would get some one who knows a little of that
language to scrutinize his quotation, and then
perhaps he will not make Sallust appear to
liave been as unfamiliar with the Latin
grammar as he evidently is himself. T might
have answered his letter more at. length but
that his style of writing is not such as to
make any gentleman desirous of entering into
a paper controversy with him. His pen does
not want the “ additional vim ” with which

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

Ill

lie threatens me, without, however, alarming
me, but it certainly does require a little addi-
tional culture. Vincent Clementi.

Peterboro, January 12, 1882.

Note— With the above letter from Mr.
Clementi we must now close our columns to
any further correspondence on this subject. —

Ed.

THE MESSINA QUAIL.

Dear Sir, — From the extensive orders sent
to Sicily, for migratory quail, it is evident
that earnest efforts will be made next spring
to introduce and naturalize in Canada this
valuable bird. Col. Rhodes, who takes a lively
interest in the success of the scheme, now
absent from the city, has forwarded me the
enclosed directions for keeping quail in con-
finement, previous to letting them loose in our
woods. I crave a corner in your journal for
their insertion. J. M. L.

Quebec, Jan. 20, 1882.

QUAIL IN CONFINEMENT.

To Editor Forest and Stream :

Having kept quail in confinement several
seasons for stock, I will give my experience.
I make a square coop large enough to keep
from eight to ten pairs. Two-thirds of the
way I put in a partition, with a hole in centre
of this partition large enough for them to run
through into the rear part. This hole con-
tains a slide-door from top on outside, so that
the birds can be shut in while cleaning the
front, and vice versa. The front is made
entirely of slats, placed so near that they
cannot get their heads through to injure them.
The back part is made quite dark, with door
for cleaning ; in front part is a trough to
slide, with end projecting so as to give fresh
water often. They require their dust bath in
confinement every day. This I provided for
by sweeping very dry dirt from some sunny
places about a shed, placing it in the front
part of the coop. For feed, oats, buckwheat
and wheat screenings, given alternately. I
made my coops six (6) feet long, four feet wide
and two high. Top is of boards with holes
bored in. These coops two men carry every
morning into a warm sunny place, and at
night they are returned into a building and
placed on stools as high as convenient, and
are made to stand well out from the side of
the building.

The legs of bench should be covered with
tin or something to prevent rats or mice get-
ting at the birds. In the above manner I have
kept them without losing a single bird.

Warren Lowe.

West Haven, January 6, 1882.

Note.— The introduction of these Quail into
Canada has not yet been a success ; most of
the birds having been liberated late in the
season. Some few broods were reared, but it
has not yet been proved whether any returned
during the following spring. Further efforts
are now being made by keeping the birds in
confinement during winter and liberating them
as early as possible in spring ; a better oppor-
tunity will then be afforded them of maturing
their young. A gentleman of this city has had
a number in confinement during last year and
experienced no difficulty in keeping them.

THE RED CROSSBILL.

( Loxia curvirostra. — Lin.)

As comparatively little is known of the his-
tory of the Crossbills, I send a statement of
my observations. About twenty years ago the
above species was a common resident in this
vicinity. During the months of December and
January they gathered in small flocks, and evi-
dently commenced to pair. Occasionally I
have seen the white-winged species, but these
never associated with their congeners. Every
one is familiar with the peculiar flight of the
yellow bird (C hrysomitris tristis) during the
nuptial season. Exactly in a similar manner
the red Crossbill spreads its wings and tail,
and flies in a fantastic manner on sunny days.
The female, in the mean time, maybe seen
perched on some neighbouring sprig or prom-
inent place seeming to enjoy the gambols of
the male. Early in the morning they betake
themselves to the hemlock, pine, or tamarac
ridges, and may be seen at all altitudes and in
all positions on the cones in search of food.
Sometimes, head downwards, or holding with
claws and bill directly beneath the cones, and
tearing the seed from its covering with much
ease. Their motions are graceful, and have
nothing of the jerk peculiar to the Sittse or
Picoidse. — About two o’clock, they fly to some
neighbouring place to pick sand, and I have
seen as many as two hundred at one time
about ash heaps, on bare spots on the road, or

112

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

on the banks of a stream where they could
obtain sand. They are harmless, familiar
little birds, and are very quiet in their man-
ners, as I never saw any encounters, nor those
battles that so often occur among English
sparrows and other finches. The nests are
generally placed near the extremity of a hem-
lock or cedar branch, and are large and very
thick for the size of the builder. They are
variously lined with bits of small roots, fibres
of vegetables, hair, feathers and the like, but
of course vegetable fibres predom inate. I have
frequently seen the head and a little portion of
the tail of the bird project over the side of a
nest, when on, or nearly on a level, but never
from below. Although I saw numbers of
nests, I never obtained any eggs. The fact is
I never tried, as the thought did not at the
time occur to me. I, however, obtained many
fine and beautiful specimens, of L. curvi-
rostra as well as L. leucoptera. These birds
breed early in March or towards the end of
January and during February. I am unable
to state exactly how many eggs they lay, nor
the period of incubation. On the 24th of
March, 18G2, 1 saw a female crossbill feeding
her young ; there were four of them, closely
huddled together on a maple twig. I shot
three of them, the fourth and the old bird
escaping seemingly unhurt. I carefully ex-
amined the young ; they were of a greenish
brown color, and there was down on the ends
of their feathers, especially on the head and
back. The tail was more than half grown, and
the flight of the young bird that escaped,
seemed very strong. The bills of the young
were not in the least crossed, and this proves
that the beaks take this form as they arrive at
maturity ; the appearance was like that of
any young finch. It strikes me, their bills
were too tender to procure food, and that the
parents fed them for a longer period than is
general in the finch family. But since that
period the axe has done its work. We find no
more of this species in the neighbourhood as
it has little to live on. Occasionally in Spring
before the foliage comes on the trees, families
of five or six pass around, but every year they
are becoming more scarce, and I have neither
heard nor seen one for four or five seasons
past. The nest, is, as has been stated, very
thick, compact, and large ; nature has taught
the bird so to construct it, as otherwise the
eggs and young birds would be frozen. The
crops of the three procured were quite dis-
tended with hemlock seeds. The external
covering in every case was removed and each I

seed was bruised, and covered with a
peculiarly glutinous fluid, either so given by
the old bird, or produced in the crop of the
young ones ; perhaps as in parent parrots.
Although these birds chirp continually while
on the wing, yet I never recollect hearing them
sing, and they are very silent when on the
ground and when feeding on trees. But, the
moment a note of alarm is given, they rise
altogether with much noise, and after flying
about for a moment, to see that danger has
passed, they settle down, frequently on the
same tree, in perfect silence, seeming intent
in procuring food The peculiarity of the
bill, is wonderfully designed to open the scales
of fir cones, on which this family feeds, and
this pojnt has been discussed by abler pens.
But though one is sad to know that they are
very seldom seen in this locality, yet noble
farms and happy homes take the place of the
wild woods where these birds formerly had
their habitation. It seems remarkable that
crossbills should breed so early in the year.
It is not at all strange in any of these months,
to see the thermometor frequently below zero.
Their food is at this time abundant, and con-
tinues so until summer, and it seems improb-
able that food supply is the cause of such
earl}' incubation. These statements are true,
but why this little bird breeds during the
coldest period of a Canadian winter, who can
tell? Mr. Maynard in his “Naturalists’
Guide,” mentions a gentleman in Maine who
obtained the eggs. This Naturalist, whose
name I forget, also avers that he procured the
eggs in February, and if I only had such a
chance as in 1862 to collect, I would certainly
lay past a large store of them. Crossbills are
indifferent to cold, and I have observed them,
in a heavy snow storm, feeding with great
composure. I have seen them in considerable
numbers in Beverly township near Hamilton.
I presume they migrate north in summer. I
never remember seeing them before Decem-
ber, nor after the beginning of May. I should
like to see the observations of others on the
life history of this species, especially any
theories or facts that might help to elucidate
the cause of its winter incubation. I have
heard parties deny that the crossbill or any
other little bird t could incubate so early, but
this is because they have not had the opportu-
nity to prove it as I have ; and, I confess, 1 was
skeptical till I saw the birds, both male and
female’ incubating, and obtained the young.

J. H. Garnier.

Lucknow, January, 1882.

No. 3.

MONTREAL, MARCH, 1882. Vol. II.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

A COMPARISON OF THE GAME LAWS OF
ONTARIO AND QUEBEC.

The growing scarcity of many of our game
birds and quadrupeds is a matter of great
interest to sportsmen, all of whom should
unite in their efforts to prevent this diminution.
That the extension of the period of our close
seasons would be of great benefit, we do not
think will be denied, and no true sportsman
should object to a curtailment of his privileges,
in this respect, when the object to be attained
will ultimately be the means of providing him
with increased pleasure. There is a marked
difference in the protection afforded by the
Game Laws of Ontario and Quebec, and the
assimilation of some of the close seasons could
not fail to be of benefit to this Province.

A synopsis of the Game Laws of the two
Provinces shows the close seasons to be as
follows : —

Ontabio. Quebec.

Deer and Caribou.. 15 Dec. to 1 Oct. 1 Feb. to 1 Sept.
Moose do do

Grouse Ptarmigan, )

&c. $ 1 Jan

Wild Turkey and )

Quail 5 1 Jan.

Woodcock ljan.

Snipe 1 Jan.

Mallard, Gray Duck )

Black Duck, Wood l 1 Jan.
Duck )

Other Ducks M May

Swans and Geese. . . s do

. to 1 Sept. 1 March to 1 Sept.
. to 1 Oct.

to 1 Aug. 1 March to 1 Sept,
to 15 Aug 1 March to 1 Sept.

fWest of Three
I Kivers

to 15 Aug J 1 May to 1 Sept.

) Bast of Three
to 15 Aug j Kivers

do ( 15 May to 1 Sept.

Thus, in Ontario, Virginian deer and
Moose are protected from 15th December,
although the open season is one month later
than in Quebec, the wisdom1 of this is
apparent from the fact that these animals fall
an easy prej to the hunter in winter, especially
in the month of January, when the deep snow
and the crust formed by the frost and sun,
prevent their escape ; the Caribou, however,
from its lighter weight and the peculiar

formation of its hoofs is enabled to move very
rapidly through deep snow, and is seldom run
down by the hunter. Ruffed Grouse are pro-
tected from 1st of January in Ontario, while
our open season extends until 1st March ; the
long winter affording the habitant an oppor-
tunity to try his hand at snaring, as he has
seldom anything else to occupy him at this
time of year. It is well known that the greater
number of these birds with which our markets
are supplied, are procured by this means, and
it is hardly possible to obviate this, except by
making winter a close season. Ruffed Grouse
are very easily snared, and to the depredations
of the market hunters alone, must the scarcity
of these birds be attributed The Fish and
Game Societies of the Province of Quebec have
been endeavouring to obtain an amendment to
the Act for the Protection of Game, prohibit-
ing the spring shooting of ducks. This is a
much needed reform, as from a statement
submitted by the Secretary of the Montreal
Club, no less a number than 1000 brace of
Black Duck were exposed for sale in the
Montreal markets last spring. These birds, as
well as Mallard, Wood Duck, &c., are pro-
tected during the spring in Ontario, and we
cannot understand how our Government
should tolerate such a destruction in the breed-
ing season. If our legislators are not sporting-
men, they should, at least, have a slight
knowledge of political economy, and'recognize
that game is one of the resources of the
country, which should be conserved like any
other product. A bill to abolish spring shoot-
ing was presented last session, but owing to the
opposition which it received, was withdrawn ;
we trust, however, it will not be abandoned
and that when again presented, both partie.- in
the House may unite in passing this much
needed amendment. The great difficulty with
all game laws is to secure their proper obser-
vance, especially in remote sections of the

114

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

country. If it were possible to prevent the
snaring of Ruffed Grouse, the present protec-
tection would, no doubt, be ample ; as it is,
however, the habitants pursue their work of
trapping unmolested, and the only feasible
way of stopping this would seem to be by
prohibiting the sale of these birds after a
specified time ; the law would not then be
violated to such an extent as the market
hunters would not be able to dispose of their
game and would in consequence restrict their
efforts to obtaining a supply sufficient for their
own use. — Wallace.

THE DESTRUCTIVE BRUSH WEIRS.

That there is cause for the decrease of
Salmon along tiie shores of Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick and the tributaries of the St.
Lawrence, cannot be denied. They have
steadily decreased in these waters since 1841.
The blame for paying high prices for this
wholesome food, must rest on the shoulders
of the Government, who have allowed the in-
habitants residing along the sea-board to erect
“ Stake or Barrier Nets ” and “ Brush Weirs.”
The “ Stake-Net” is a Scotch invention intro-
duced into Canada about the year 1818, and
they have been found effective modes of cap-
ture, by intercepting the fish in their
approaches to the rivers. They are formed of
strong netting attached to “Stakes” driven
into the shore, and these nets extend from high
to low water mark ; thus placed before the
course of the fish on their way to the breeding
grounds. The “ Stake-Net ” terminates in a
chamber or trap from which there is no
escape. The “Brush Weir” is more destruc-
tive ; composed of wicker-work or brush-
wood, it also has a chamber with a narrow
entrance wherein all kinds and sizes of fish are
caught at the ebb of the tide. These destruc-
tive traps are self-acting, working night and
day. Although the fishery regulations require
an open space to be made in the lower part of
the chamber to be covered with net- work to

admit the passage of small fishes, the provision
is defeated by quantities of seaweed and other
floating substances which close the netting at
every tide. We advise the Government to de-
stroy every one of these watling fences at once
and forever. “ Stake-Nets” should be absolu-
tely abolished in the Lower St. Lawrence. In
1841, Salmon were abundant; 50,000 being
the annual catch on one of the Labradorian
rivers, and during the latter year, 1 ,800 Salmon
were taking during one tide at Tadousac.
Other rivers along the Lower St. Lawrence
were then equally productive, but the “ Weirs”
and “ Stake-nets” extended rfipidly, and since
then Salmon, Shad, Cod, Herring, Striped and
Sea-Bass have been annually destroyed by
“ Brush Weirs.” These engines when first
placed in Scottish and Irish waters, produced
profitable returns to the Weir-holders ; but,
during this time, destructive results so far as
regarded the propagation of Salmon. The
British Government became alarmed, and a
scientific commission was appointed to make
enquiry as to the cause. The following is an
extract from the Report of Sir William Jar-
dine, one of the Commissioners. It speaks
for itself. —

“ In adverting to the evil done to the Fish-
eries by the use of these fixed barriers, and in
pointing out the course believed to be indis-
pensable to preserve what remains of these
Fisheries, may be interfering with the gains of
a few, who, in large estuaries or other favored
localities, still reap a precarious harvest from
their use ; but I hold it to be due to the public
that the destruction caused by the modes of
fishing hitherto and still practised should be
frankly indicated without regard to the private
gains of any individual. There is no doubt
that the longer these obnoxious Engines are
permitted to exist the more difficult will be
their removal. The instances in older coun-
tries of the destitution, the riots, the bloodshed
and loss of life caused by these nuisances to
fishing and navigation ought to be a warning
to us.”

Here in Canada, we have a Fishery Depart-
ment which is cognizant of the fact that these
“Brush Weirs” are annually a source of

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

115

profit to the owners ; and, furthermore, it is
aware that these traps destroy millions of
young fish at every tide and no action has been
taken to abolish them, or stop their increase.
Why should this be allowed any longer? We
have Salmon rivers in the three Provinces
mentioned, which were heretofore unequalled
on this earth, — rivers which by expending a
small amount on each, would ultimately pro-
duce a large return to those who would lease
them — that would be annually a source of
large revenue to the country. We are deter-
mined not to lose sight of this subject, and
shall keep the matter before the public until
we sec justice done. We call for the destruc-
tion of “ Brush Weirs,” as they are the worst
enemies of the young of fishes inhabiting the
saline waters in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
They look ugly, adding no natural feature to
a maritime view; are dangerous to navigation,
and the sooner they are destroyed the better
for the fish and the country. — C.

ORNITHOLOGICAL QUERIES.

The Sparrow Owl, Nyctale Richardsonii,
Bonaparte. We want accurate information
regarding the nest of this owl. Does it lay
its eggs in a tree cavity, or on the ground ?
Has it been found nesting in Canadian forests
south of the parallel of 50° north latitude?
Mr. Vennor wrote to the Montreal Witness,
some time ago, that he discovered its nest on
the ground near one of our northern rivers.

The Saw- Whet Owl, Nyctale Acadica
Bonaparte. The nest of this species has been
found in Nova Scotia, but its nesting habits
do not agree with the above Genus. Did any-
one find its nest in the woodlands of Quebec
or Ontario ? The eggs of these two species
are desiderata in Oological cabinets.

The Snowy Owl, rfyctea nivea, Gray. In
accordance with the severity of the weather,
this owl .comes down to latitude 42 2 about
the end of December, remaining about the
fields and wooJlands until the middle of
February, if the temperature is mild. This
bird has been seen in summer on the mountain
regions on the Upper Godbout, where they
are supposed to breed. We wish to obtain
additional observations regarding the summer
habits of this species.

The Hawk Owl, Surnia ulula. Bonaparte.
Arrives about latitude 46° in October and
November, sometimes in great numbers. We
want some definite knowledge respecting the
nesting localities of this species. Has its
nest been found in Canada ? Mr. Henry
Reeks, F.L.S., an Ornithologist who remained
two years on Newfoundland, says that it is,
perhaps, the most common owl on the island,
remaining there throughout the year. They
occur abundantly along the southern coast of
Labrador during the latter month, returning
north as the weather moderates.

The Banded three-toed Woodpecker,
Picoides hirsutus , Yieill. We have not }^et
noticed this bird in the Province of Quebec,
but Mr. Reeks says that although not common,
it is non-migratory on the Island of Newfound-
land. We have found the nest of its congener
P. arcticus on the 3rd of June, about two de-
grees north of Montreal ; and, doubtless the
nest of P. hirsutus may be obtained during the
latter month in Newfoundland. Its discovery
would be a rare prize to the Oologist.

The Striped three-toed Woodpecker,
Picoides dorsalis, Baird. I found one speci-
men of this species north of the City of Quebec,
and it is probable that it breeds in the same
latitude as P. arcticus. Can any Ornithologist
give additional information regarding its
summer habitat?

The Whip-poor-Will,Hn£rosfomws vociferus
Bonaparte. Occurs rarely in the Province of
Quebec. I heard its call on a mountain
adjacent to Lake Beauport, near Quebec,
which is probably its most northern range.
Has its nest been found in latitude 45 ° ?

The Winter Wren, Troglodytes hy emails,
Vieill. Has the nest of this delightful songster
been found in the Province of Quebec ? Mr.
Reeks says it is common, and a resident
throughout the year in Newfoundland. I have
seen it on Mount Royal in spring, but could
not discover the nest. I saw it also at Godbout,
on the Lower St. Lawrence in June, where it
doubtless breeds.

The Red-bellied Nuthatch, Sitta Canadensis,
Linn. This bird is common in our woods in
spring ; has the nest been discovered in
New Brunswick, Ontario or Quebec?

The Hudsonian Titmouse, Par us Hudsonicus,
Forster. This Titmouse appears in latitude
56* about the beginning of October, generally
in company with the Genus Regulus and
Pinicola. On the approach of spring, the
Hudsonian Titmouse returns to high latitudes

116

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST

to breed. Mr. Reeks mentions it as common,
and non-migratory in Newfoundland and
Audubon, I believe, was the first lucky man
who found the nest of this species. A youth
residing at Godbout discovered the second,
last year. Who will find the next? Nowr,
that Newfoundland, is to be traversed
> by the iron horse, many facilities will be
offered to reach the habitat of this and
many other rare northern species. We are
anxious to hear more of this Titmouse
and its nest, which is so elaborately described
by Audubon.

The Pine Grosbeak, Pinicola Canadensis,
Briss. Mr. Reeks tells us that this Grosbeak,
is common in Newfoundland throughout the
year. It must, therefore, bring forth its young
there. It ranges south to latitudes 43° or,
probably-, further in severe winters. Has the
nest been discovered in Canada, or did anyone
notice the bird in our forests during summer?

The Semipalmated or Ring Plover, Agialitis
semipalmatus, Bonaparte. This beach bird
breeds on Newfoundland. Did any Oologist
find its nest of late in Canada? They bred
during Audubon’s time, on the north coast of
the Lower St. Lawrence. — C.

MONTREAL BRANCH, ENTOMOLOGICAL
SOCIETY OF ONTARIO.

The eighty-seventh meeting of this Society
was held at the residence of the President, H.
H. Lyman, Esq., on the 7th January last.

Mr. G. J. Bowles, read a paper, entitled
“ The Pickled Fruit Fly,” Drosophila ampelo-
rhila, Leow, giving a discription of this
v urious insect, illustrated by drawings under
the microscope of the larva and pupa, and
specimens of the fly. It is of the same genus
as the well-known “ Wine Fly,” and has some-
what similar habits.

A letter from W.H. Edwards, of Coalburgh,
Virginia, was read, enquiring about the forms
of Lycaena lucia found at Montreal. Many
specimens of the butterfly were examined, and
the conclusion arrived at that the commonest
form at Montreal, was not the type, but a
variety, intermediate between the type and
violacea.

A large collection of rare and beautiful
Spliingidae and other Lepidoptera were
exhibited by the President.

The eighty-eighth meeting was held on 14th
February, at the residence of the Secretary.

Mr. G. J. Bowles, read a paper on the
“ Genera Hepialus and Sthenopis,” noting the
capture here last summer of a very rare moth,
H. thule, Strecker, only one other specimen
of which is known to be in collections.

Mr. J. G. Jack, exhibited some large larvae,
Supposed to be Hepialidse, still alive in their
tunnels, bored in the roots of swamp-maple.

The President communicated some interest-
ing particulars regarding Callimorpha and
other Bombycidae, which he had gathered
during a recent visit to the museums in
Boston.

Several boxes of Lepidoptera were exhibited,
and some species new to this locality noted.

Thomas Craig, Esq., and W. W. Dunlop,
Esq., were added to the roll of the Society at
this meeting.

ORNITHOLOGY OF THE ISLAND OF
MONTREAL.

By Ernest D. Wintle.

( Continued .)

97. Bubo Virginianus, Great-Horned Owl. Autumn
and winter visitant.

98. Scops asio, Mottled Owl. Autumn, and winter
visitant.

99. Otus vulgaris , Long-eared Owl. Summer and
winter resident ; breeds here occasionally.

100. Brachyotus palustns. Short-eared Owl. Casual
visitant.

101. Syrnium cinereum, Great gray Owl. A beautiful
specimen was shot near the wheel-house on the 11th of
February.

102. Syrnium nebulosum , Barred Owl. Autumn visi-
tant.

103. Nyctea nivea. Snow Owl. Autumn, and winter
visitant. One specimen shot opposite Nun’s Island on
the lltli of February.

104. Surnia Hudsonica , Hawk Owl. Winter visitant.

105. Nyctale Richard sonii, Richardson’s or Tong-
malm’s owl. Winter visitant.

106. Nyctale Acadica , Acadian Owl. Winter visitant.

FALCON IDAS (DIURNAL).— Birds of prey.

107. Circus Hudsonius , iTlarsli Hawk. Immature
birds common. Adults very rare.

108. Accipiter fnscus, Sharp-shinned Hawk. Common.

109. Asttir atricapUlus , Goshawk. Rare visitant.

110. Falco communis , (anatum) Duck Hawk. Veiy
rare visitant.

111. Valeo sparverius, Sparrow Hawk. Not common.

112. Buteo borealis. Red-tailed Buzzard. Rare, 1
specimen shot in autumn of 1881.

113. Buteo lineatus, Red-shouldered Buzzard. Most
common Hawk. Breeds in April.

114 Buteo Swainsoni , Swninson’s Buzzard. Rare
visitant.

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST

117

115. Bnteo Pennsylvanicus, Broad-winged Buzzard.
Not common.

116. Archibuteo lagopus. Rough-legged Buzzard.
Bare visitant in fall.

117. Pandion haliaetus, Fish Hawk. Bare visitant in
summer.

118. Haliaetus leucocephalus, Bald Eagle. Bare visi-
tant.

COLUMBIDH<:.— Pigeons.

119. Ectopistes wiigratorius, Wild Pigeon. Not com-
mon. Spring and autumn visitant.

• TETBAONID^E • — Grouse, etc.

120. Bonasa umbel! us, Buffed Grouse. Abundant in
food producing localities. Summer and winter resident.
N ests in April.

CHABADBIIDiE. — Plovers.

121. Squatarolahelvetica, Black-bellied Plover. Spring
and autumn migrant.

122. Charadrius Virginicus, Golden Plover. Spring
and autumn migrant.

123. Mgialitis vociferus, Kildeer Plover. Not com-
mon. A few breed here.

124. Mgialitis Wilsonius, Wilson’s Plover. Casual
visitant.

125. Mgialitis semipalmatus, Semipalmated PI over, or
Bingneck. Spring and autumn visitant.

126. Mgialitis melodus, Piping Plover, or Bingneck.
Spring aud autumn visitant.

127. Mgialitis cantianus , Snowy Plover. Bare visi-
tant.

SCOL0PACIME . — Snipe, etc.

128. Philohela minor, American Woodcock. Arrives
beginning of April ; a few pairs remain throughout
the summer and probably breed here.

129. Gallinago Wilsoni , Wilson’s Snipe. Spring and
autumn visitant.

130. Macrorhamphus griseus, Bed-breasted Snipe.
Spring and autumn visitant. Bare.

131. Tringa minutilla , Least Sandpiper. Spring and
autumn visitant.

132. Tringa maculata, Pectoral Sandpiper. Spring
and autumn visitant.

133. Totanus flavipes, Yellow-shanks. Spring and
autumn visitant.

134. Totanus solitarius, Solitary Tattler. Spring
visitant.

135. Totanus melanoleucus. Greater Tell-tale. Bare in
spring ; the young common in autumn.

136. Trinigoides macularius, Spotted Sandpiper.
Summer resident. Nests beginning of Jnne.

ABDEID2E. — Herons.

137. Ardea herodias, Great Blue Heron. Spring and
summer visitant. Young common .in the fall.

138. Nyctiardea grisea, Night Heron. Summer resi-
dent. Nests end of May on Nun’s Island, above Victoria

bridge.

139. Botaurus minor, Bittern. Summer resident.
Nests end of May.

BALLIDiE. — Bails, etc.

140. Radius elegans, Fresh-water Marsh Hen. Summer
resident. Nests beginning of June.

141. Rallus Virginianus, Virginia Bail. Summer
resident. Nests beginning of June.

142. Porzana Carolina, Carolina Bail. Summer resi-
dent. Nests beginning of June,

143. 'Fulica Americana , Coot. Summer resident.
Nests beginning of June.

ANATIDiE.— Geese, Ducks, etc.

144. Branta Canadensis, Canada Goose. Spring and
autumn migrant.

145. Anas boschas, Mallard. Casual visitant.

146. Anas obscura, Black Duck. Summer resident.
A few breed here in April.

147. Dafila acuta, Pintail; Sprigtail. Not common.

148. Mareca Americana, American Widgeon ; Bald-
pate. Casual visitant.

149. Querquedula Carolinensis, Green-winged Teal.
Spring and autumn migrant.

150. Querquedula discors, Blue-winged Teal. Spring
and autumn migrant.

151. Spatula clypeata , Shoveller. Bare visitant.

152. Aix sponsa, Wood Duck. Summer resident.

153. Fuligula marila, Greater Bluebill. Spring and
autumn migrant.

154. Fuligula affinis, Lesser Bluebill. Spring and
autumn migrant.

155. Fuligula Americana. Bedhead. . Spring and
antumn migrant.

156. Fuligula vallisneria , Canvas-back. Shot at Lake
St. Louis in the fall.

157. Bucephala clangula, Golden-eyed Duck. Spring
and autumn migrant.

158. Bucephala albeola, Buffle-headed Duck. Spring
and autumn.

159. Mergus merganser, Merganser. Common in
spring and autumn.

160. Mergus serrator, Bed-breasted Merganser.
Spring and autumn migrant.

161. Mergus cucullatus, Hooded Merganser. Bare
during spring and autumn.

LABID2E. — Gulls, Terns, etc.

162. Larus marinus, Great Black-backed Gull. Bare
during spring and autumn.

163. Larus argentatus, Herring Gull. Common Gull.
Young birds occur during spring.

164. Larus Philadelphia, Bonapartes’ Gull. Young
birds occur in autumn.

165. Sterna hirundo, Common Tern. Spring and
autumn visitant.

166. Sterna super ciliar is, Least Tern. Bare spring
and autumn visitant.

COLYMBIDiE. — Loons.

167. Colymlms torquatus , Great Northern Diver.
Ocours in the St. Lawrence in spring.

PODICIPIDiE. — Greb e s .

168. Podilymbus podiceps, Pied-billed Dabchick.
Summer resident. Breeds here.

The above together with the interesting List of Birds,
collected by Professor Macoun at Belleville, with notes
by Professor Bell, of Albert University ; published in
“The Canadian Sportsman and Naturalist,” in the
November number of 1881, will, I trust, induce others
to publish lists of birds occurring in their localities.
Such records are valuable for reference, regarding the
geographical range of the species.

118

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

(torresponbence.

“CRACK” AND OTHER “SHOTS.”

To the Editor of the Canadian Sportsman and
Naturalist : —

“ It is generally tlie mistaken idea of those
who are no judges of shooting, that if a man
kills a certain number of times without miss-
ing, he is to be put down as a first-rate shot ;
and that another person, because he has been
seen to miss, ig to be considered as his in-
ferior ” — Col. Hawker.

There is, no doubt, a large amount of
charlatanry in the pretentions of a soi-disant
c‘ crack shot,” an illustration of which I may
superadd to the cases alluded to in your last
impression. I knew a gentleman, in England,
who was said never to miss a shot ; and he
never, or “hardly ever,” did. But then his
modus operandi was as follows: he rarely
pulled trigger on a bird at a greater distance
than from 30 to 40 yards, and he scarcely ever
even aimed at a bird that flew away to the
right. I refer now to Partridge-shooting, and
I need not say, that a very ordinary marksman
ought seldom to miss a bird flying straight
away from him, or to his left, at 30 yards. I
knew another gentleman, a distinguished
sportsman, who, although an excellent shot,
did, and not unfrequently, fail to bag a bird he
shot at ; but, his style was somewhat different.
He had a keeper always at his elbow with a
seco d gun, and, having brought down his
birds, right and left, with the first, the second,
one of Lancaster’s No 9, with steel barrels, was
placed in his hands, and he often bagged a
second brace, generally a third bird, from one
covev. An excellent test of accuracy of aim
may be demonstrated in the Old Country by
paying a visit, in a boat, to the caves with
which the rock-bound coast of Kerry, Ireland,
is indented, and which are the haunts of seals,
of many varieties of wild-fowl, and Rock-
pigeons, Columba livia. Send a man in a
spare boat into one of these caves, and the
pigeons, called also Sea-pigeons, will fly out
with meteor-like rapidity; and to drop them as
they wing their way towards you , will put to
the proof the accuracy of your eye and the

steadiness of your nerves. How different and
how superior this sport to the almost
mechanical process of firing at the same birds
from a trap. Apropos of trap-shooting, I once
saw a number of school boys in a field, in
England, some with guns in their hands, and
some with baskets. I stopped to watch them,
and found that they were about to engage in a
pigeon-shooting match. A bird was trapped ;
the word was given ; the trap was sprung; the"
pigeon was on the wing ; a gun was discharged ;
and down came the bird, wounded, as I sup-
posed, for it lay fluttering on the ground. To
my astonishment, however, a boy ran up,
seized the pigeon, and trapped it again .
Explanation : the unhappy bird had a long
slender string attached to its leg, and wdien it
was not hit, it was pulled down, and submitted
to another ordeal. Such is sport as some
define the term 1 V. Clementi.

Peterboro, Februaiy 20, 1882.

A BOY’S ENCOUNTER WITH A BEAR.

Sir, — The following true account of an
adventure with a bear may be of interest to
your readers. In August last, a boy about
twelve years of age, living within seven miles
from this place, started for the woods one
morning in search of his father’s cows. He
had with him a shot-gun, and was accom-
panied by a dog ; having entered the woods a
short distance, the dog, which had hitherto
kept close to his heels, bounded suddenly away
and was soon lost to view. Thinking there
was game ahead, he followed as fast as his
short legs and the bushes would permit in the
direction the dog had taken. On reaching
a place where tfye undergrowth was thick and
tangled, an animal rushed past him at a speed
too great to enable him to see what it was ;
he then became alarmed and began to beat a
retreat, and well he did so, for at this moment
the ugly visage of a bear approached. Between
fright, and a desire to get home, (just then,)
the boy succeeded in reaching a moreopen space
before Bruin caught up to him. He then
turned around and as her ladyship raised to
give him a fond embrace, the little fellow
dashed (begun into her face, having forgotten in
the excitement of the moment that it was loaded.
This seemed to disconcert the bear a little, and
the youth started to run in another direction,
but was almost immediately pursued. Having
to scramble over a large hemlock log, the bark
gave way and he rolled over, being partly

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST. 119

covered with the debris. As he raised himself.
Bruin stoo 1 above him, seeming quite sur-
prised at his appearance; but, as he again
started off, she gave chase, and had nearly
overtaken him, when he took off his hat and
threw it at her ; this stayed her progress for a
few seconds, and the boy took advantage of the
delay by starting to climb a small ironwood
tree, but none to soon : the first dash Bruin
made for him as he was going up, left some
ugly scratches on his boot. Howeyer he
succeeded in reaching a limb about ten feet
from the ground, over which he placed one
leg. A short time afterwards, Bruin started up
after him ; and, although the tree was only
about five inches in diameter, she succeeded
in getting up beneath him. His free leg now
came into use, and with all his force he kicked
heron the nose and jaw ; one unlucky aim,
however, sent his foot into her mouth, but she
only succeeded in tearing off a portion of the
boot with which she descended to the ground,
where she thoroughly examined her prize.
After this, she proceeded to climb an adjacent
tree, the trunk of which leaned in the direction
of the one in which the boy was placed. She
soon reached a point almost over his head,
about twelve feet from him. Fearing she
' would drop down, he lowered himself to the
ground, but was again obliged to ascend, as
Bruin came down also. This operation was
repeated several times, and it is uncertain how
the adventure would have ended, had the boy
not succeeded in attracting the attention of a
man working in a clearing near by, whose
arrival, with his dog, caused the*bear to move
away. On arriving home, the canine com-
panion of the' boy was found with the skin torn
from one side of his face. The dog must have
been the fleeing object that passed him just
before he encountered the bear, and her per-
sistency in following the boy, may be attributed
to being enraged beforehand.

R. B. Scriven.

Gravenhurst, Ont., 8th February, 1882.

THE PILEATED WOODPECKER.

In No. 12, Yol. I, you ask your readers for
information regarding the nesting habits of
(Hylotomus piliatus.) In reply to this query,
let me say that the nesting habits of this
species, differ little from those of the most
common of the Woodpeckers ; except that the

cavity which it forms for nesting, is of course
larger, and generally in a large tree, deep in
the woods and high off the ground. I have
seen several trees which at different times
contained the nest of this species, though I
have not obtained the eggs. More than twenty
years ago, when I was a boy, residing in the.
township of Peel, and while engaged in sugar
making, I noticed a pair of these birds at the
work of nest building, in the trunk of a large
beech tree about fifty feet from the ground.
This, was, I think, in the hitter part of April.
In May, the female was hatching, for when the
tree was struck with a stick, she would dart
out and shortly afterwards return to the nest.
In June both birds were constantly seen going
in and out of the nest, evidently attending to
the wants of the young. While the female
was incubating, the loud call of her mate
might often be heard in the vicinity. After-
wards in the winter season when the tree was
chopped down, I examined the cavity, and
found it large enough to contain the body of
a grouse. Among the early pioneers this bird
was called the “ Woodcock,” and net until, in
after years when I began to study the works
of Ornithologists, did I know the true Wood-
cock to be a very different bird. This bird is
the most retired and solitary in its habits of
all the Woodpeckers; and, but for its loud,
monotonous and exciting call, would scarcely
be known to exist. This “ outburst” is
occasionally heard resounding through the
dark pine and hemlock woods, while
the feathered hermit is on the top of
some lofty tree in the depths of the forest.
The call is sometimes heard in mid-winter
as well as in the summer season ; but
it is most frequently heard in early spring or
late in the fall, and is by some supposed to in-
dicate a change of weather. The favorite hab-
itat of this bird is the high rolling, hardwood
forests, where there is an intermingling of ever-
greens and the sound of rushing waters and
though it may occasionally feed on seeds,
fruit, &c., yet its chief food appears to be the
larger species of insects and worms which it
procures from the bark and trunks of decayed
trees. When two of these birds meet — as they
sometimes do— while in search of food, on the
trunk of a large tree, especially an old hem-
lock or pine, they soon strip it of its bark and
leave the giant of the forest a monument of
their strength and industry.

Naturalist.

Listowell, Ont., February 3, 1882.

120

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

A GENERAL DELUGE.

{Continued from, page 104.)

The American continent bears unmistakable
traces of a race who lived contemporaneous
with those people. They, too, were mound,
pyramid and artificial lake builders ; they were
sun-worshippers, as were those who reached
Asia, and, like them had their idols, to whom
they made animal and human sacrifices ; they
faced the east in their worship, and buried their
dead looking the same direction, and each had
a large array of priests who administered 'to
their gods ; each employed ornamented funeral
urns in which they deposited the ashes of their
worthy dead, and each used the phallic emblem
in the same manner. In short, each were
parts of the great wave of h umanity, going out
of a common centre, one rolling eastward, the
other westward, to escape a then impending
calamity. Each had similar features! and
similar forms of expression ; each carried for-
ward a similar civilization ; each had made
'similar advances in mineralogy ; each employ-
ed the now lost art of hardening copper for
stone-cutting, and used the precious metals for
ornamentation. And, to climax the whole,
each had a written language. t Famine, pesti-
lence, and exterminating war, an overwhelm-
ing ocean wave, or some other direful calamity
swept all away. His labors only remain to tell
that he has been. Savage man, from some

fin an excavation made in the lower stage, or esplanade
of the principal mound, I found embedded in the walls of
the cut, and so firmly fixed in the wall that it was with
difficulty extracted, the head of an idol with Asiatic fea-
tures. * * It would be of thrilling interest to be able to
ascertain how the conception of the A siatic face origi-
nated.— .S'. B Evans in his letter of May 25th, 188 1; to
the Chicago Times , describing his visit to the pyramid of
Cholulu, Mexico.

JTheir monuments indicate that they had entered upon
a career of civilzation ; they lived ip stationary communi-
ties, cultivating the soil and relying on its generous yield
for support; they clothed themselves, in part at least, in
garments regularly spun and woven ; they modeled clay and
carved stone, even of the most obdurate characters, into
images representing animate objects, including even the
human face and form, with a close adherence to nature ;
they mined and cast copper in a variety of useful forms ;
they quarried mica, steatite, chert and the novaculite
slates, which they wrought into articles adapted to personal
adornment, to domestic use, or to the chase ; they col-
lected brine of the salines into earthen vessels, moulded in
baskets which they evaporated into a form which admitted
of transportation ; they erected an elaborate line of .je
fence stretching for many hundred miles, to guard against
the sudden irruption of enemies ; they had a national reli-
gion, in which the elements were the objects of supreme
adoration ; temples were erected upon the platform
mounds, and watch-fires lighted upon the highest sum-
mits ; and in the celebration of the mysteries of their
faith, human sacrifices were probably offered. — Foster's
P re- Historic Races of the United Stales, pp. 350 and 351 .

(To bo continued.)

less favored region, gained control, and intru-
ded his dead into the mounds and places of
sepulchre of the lost, and now, so far as
America is concerned, wholly extinct race.

The antiquarian and scientist, and the theo-
logian as well, should cease investigations
among the ruins of Asia for the birthplace of
humanity, but such may, with profit, find a
perfect resemblance between ancient Asiatic
and American civilizations, and almost demon-
strate that the latter is coeval with or antidates
the former by thousands of years ; that the
western is quite as old as the eastern hemis-
phere, and that here has been wrought changes
of which the human mind has but a feeble
conception ; that the marks of an ancient and
advanced civilization all around us give indi
cations of still older ones which cycles of sub-
mergence and emergence are ever developing
to observing man ; and which, if human
records could be preserved through all the
mutations of time, would ultimately reveal
much that at present is concealed from the
earnest investigator.

In a preceding article we stated that even
scientists, had claimed too brief a period for the
age of the earth. A hundred thousand years
leave but trifling changes on the earth’s
surface, when the vast whole is taken into
account. A portion of a continent may be en-
gulfed and another may emerge from the ocean ;
new islands may appear, or seas be drained,
but the general appearance will remain the
same. The changes are not so marked or fre-
quent now as during earlier periods, when the
internal heat was greater, the surface thinner,
and the shock was more universal.

Geologists, as if fearful that.a statement of the
long period which has elapsed since the earth
was a molten incandescent mass, revolving
on its own axis, as well as round the sun, carry-
ing with it several satellities, all of which, save
the moon, have been com pletel}'- swallowed up
and lost in the parent earth, are content to
demonstrate the thousands of years which
would be required to silt up the valley of the
Nile; to show how vast a period would be re-
quired for the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri,
and the tributaries, to fill up an arm of the
ocean from Cairo to the Gulf of Mexico; to
abrade the rock of Niagara and form the mighty
chasm, more than two hundred feet in depth,
and seven miles in length, through which flow
the waters of the great lakes on their way to
to the ocean ; or to build up a chalk cliff nearly
a mile in height, as found in England, from
minute shells of microscopic animalculse.

The Canadian Spo^tsm/n a\d Naturalist.

No. 4.

MONTREAL, APRIL, 1882.

Vol. II.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

In order to dispose of an accumulation
of matter, we have increased the number of
pages in our present number. This enlargement
we would like to retain permanently, and trust
that before the end of the present volume, our
subscription list will have increased to such
an extent as to enable us to do this without
suffering pecuniary loss. We have had many
difficulties to contend with — much doubt
expressed with regard to our longevity — and
some fault found with the limited form of our
publication. These difficulties have not
proved insurmountable. Our subscription
list 'has steadily increased. We have en-
deavoured to profit from the well-meant
criticisms of our friends, and have quietly
ignored the forebodings of those who did nof
predict our success. We now ask the co-
operation of our subscribers — of all lovers of
field sports and Natural History — and with this
assistance, in a country so extended as the
Dominion of Canada, and in which there is
such a diversity and abundance of sport, we
feel quite confident of the prosperity of the
Canadian Sportsman and Naturalist, which
we claim is the only publication in the
Dominion, devoted exclusively to legitimate
field sports and the Study of Nature.

WHY ARE GAME ANIMALS BECOMING
SCARCE ?

When Bartram, Audubon, Bachman, Wil-
son and Bonaparte wrote on American Natural
History, the quadrupeds and birds which are
classed as game on this continent, were then
abundant. The above writers had no difficulty
in obtaining material to describe and illustrate
their works. But a gradual change has been
going on as regards the abodes of American
animals. Man , in opening up the soil, destroys

or presses back almost every wild animal in-
habiting his immediate woodlands and lakes.
The aborigenes are no exception, as many of
us now living, can remember. In 1842,
Indians were settled on the North shore of
Lake Ontario; one tribe called Credit
Indians,” "were frequently seen at that time
selling their wares in the streets of Toronto.
Their stay was of short duration in the
neighbourhood of whiskey and the white man —
being compelled to seek another habitat , they
gradually disappeared — the weaker homo had
to succumb to the stronger. In like manner,
combined with the achievement in the forms
and use of heavy arms of late there is also
a visible force pressing on the wild animals
from their former haunts in prairie and
forest, and in order that they may retain
their balance amongst the native fauna ,
they, like the weak aboriginal tribes, have also
to retreat to new localities to find a subsistence.
In 1842, many of the laige Canadian marshes
were teeming with geese, duck, snipe and
plover indigenous to the country. Toronto
marsh was then a good shooting ground, and
many birds which regularly visited it at that
time, are considered of rare occurrence to-day.
A large Black Bass ( Huro vulpes , Agassiz,)
then had its habitat in Ashbridge’s Bay, and
many a fine 201b. fish of this species did Joe
Lang spear in its surrounding marshes. But
there has been a change; the building of the
esplanade forced back the water in Toronto
Bay, resulting in a breach in the sandy penin-
sula opposite, therefore destroying the old
marshy grounds lying east of the city,
thus finishing the historical hunting and fish-
ing resorts of Toronto sportsmen. An increas-
ing rural population annually clearing the
woodlands, and the extension of railroads
are powerful agencies to frighten and cause
the removal of wild animals, which, at

122

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

one time, were common in our immediate
forests. The Moose and Virginia Deer will
not remain long in proximity to civilization,
and it is a fact that these species each success-
ive season move towards higher latitudes. It
is therefore probable that ere many years pass
away, the hunter, in order to obtain venison,
will have to travel to the extreme northern
edge of the .Canadian forests to find his game.
There is an American cry at present against a
few English gentlemen, who occasionally visit
the Western regions of the United States in
search of large game. They are accused of
wantonly destroying Rocky Mountain Elk (?)
Shooting the animals down for the mere
pleasure ot afterwards boasting of the circum-
stances. Now, we cannot comprehend the
reason why an old sporting paper like Forest
and Streanrij should mislead its readers by
stating that Englishmen journey so far for the
sport of shooting Elk, when they can procure
them in some places in Canada or Maine. An
editorial in the same paper says that Moose
are not abundant in the Rocky Mountains or
valleys adjacent thereto. There is something
wrong here, and the zoological writer in Forest
and Stream would do well hereafter to adhere
more closely to the nomenclature of the
Michigan Sportsmens’ Association. No true
sportsman, especially an English one of means,
will remain silent without demurring against
a false charge of this nature, and it is evident
that the object of making it, is to further the
interests of Western skin hunters, who are
jealous of the visits of good marksmen, who
go there, not for mercenary purposes, but for
pure sport. The people inhabiting the West-
ern portions of the United States, where large
game occur, should certainly make stringent
laws to protect the animals, going so far as to
compel every man to procure a license to hunt
in the regions of the Rocky Mountains. If
this is not done, the Wapiti ( C . Canadensis ,)
the Elk of Forest and Stream , will ultimately
he exterminated, and the Buffalo (although
not considered game) ere many years pass

away, will also be classed among extinct
quadrupeds of this continent. In our own
Great North-west Territories, at present, the
richest sporting grounds in America, the
advance of the white man will eventually pro-
duce the same changes in the fauna of that
region which have been alluded to above.
The lakes and ponds of the vast prairie lands for
centuries past and the breeding-places of many
species of wild water fowl, will, as man sur-
rounds them with his habitations, be thoroughly
deserted, and the birds, like the poor Indians,
must find more retired places to produce their
species. Such then is the Natural History
view to be taken of tlie advance of civilization
westward. Every animal of a wild nature
will have to retire before it. That there is
plenty of space for their removal, there is no
doubt, but there is a limit to the northward
progress of some quadrupeds and birds, many
species of which cannot subsist in high lati-
tudes. Then, anticipating a large annual
increase to the present rural population in the
North-western portions of Canada, the results
which are now spoken of regarding a change
in th e fauna of that region, will certainly take
place. Where will they go to be undisturbed
as they were before the recent encroachment of
man on their domain? This is a question ot
interest to the sportsman and naturalist. Any
person reading Audubon’s visit to Labrador,
and who will take the trouble to follow his
footsteps on the latter coast, as the writer has
done, may see the changes which have taken
place there. In fact, one reading his descrip-
tion on the spot where he found a species of
bird breeding on that rocky shore, would
pronounce the statements fictitious, as no nests
of the kind are found there at this day. Man
appeared and settled in the ‘neighbourhood,
and the birds have removed for safety to more
secluded places. — C.

THE NIDIFICATION OF NUTHATCHES.

Eminent Ornithologists have described the
nesting habits of these birds as similar to
Woodpeckers, the nest being formed by

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

123

excavating a hole in a decayed tree or stump.
Audubon mentions having found in Maine, a
nest of Sitta Canadensis, which was dug in
the decayed wood to the depth of fourteen
inches. Coues, in his “ Birds of the Colorado
Valley,” referring to Sitta Carolinensis , states,
“ that it regularly digs a hole for itself, both
sexes working assiduously till an excavation,
it may be fifteen or twenty inches deep, is
prepared for the reception of the nest.” The
European Nuthatch appears to nest differently,
according to Morris “ the nest is placed in some
hole in a tree. If the entrance is too large,
they narrow it with clay, until it is of the right
width.” Now, if .all these descriptions are
correct, we find a wide difference in the nest-
ing habits of our Nuthatches and their European
congener.

My observations have, so far, been confined
to Sitta Carolinensis, three nests of which I
have taken during the past five years, none of
which were in holes formed by these birds,
but in natural cavities, in living trees. From
these observations I would suppose a natural
cavity, or the deserted nest of some wood-
pecker, or squirrel to be the place usually
selected, and that these birds never, or “hardly
ever,” dig a hole for themselves. The follow-
ing extract from my note-book refers to the
last nest taken.

Returning from a visit to a sugar camp in
the spring of 1878, 1 heard the cry of a pair of
Nuthatches, following in the direction of the
sound, I soon perceived the birds and was not
surprised, even at this early season, to find
that they were making preparations to build.
One of the birds had in its mouth a large piece
of downy looking material, with which, after a
short time, it ffew to a neighbouring tree and
proceeded to the spot selected for the nest.
This was a round knot hole, overgrown by
bark, and about four feet from the ground. I
ventured to peep -in, but all was darkness
within, and as I did not wish to disturb the
birds, retired, to observe them from a distance.
For several days both male and female were
busy carrying material for the nest, after which
I did not see them for some time, as after
completing the nest they apparently retired to
some secluded spot, no doubt to complete
their nuptial arrangements. On the 20th April,
with mallet and chisel in hand, I again went
to the tree and on looking down into the cavity
could see the female on the nest. The hole,
though sufficiently large to admit a bird of
greater size than the Nuthatch, was too small
to allow me to insert my hand. Before pro-

ceeding to enlarge it, I knocked vigorously on
the tree but could not frighten the brave little
bird away. I then took a slender stick which
I thrust gently into the hole and endeavored
to force her to leave by touching the head
and wings, This, she resented by pecking
angrily at the twig and I was at last obliged
to allow her to remain while I enlarged the
cavity. Themest I found to be composed of a
large amount of miscellaneous matter, rabbit
hair predominating. The material was spread
over a large surface in the cavity, with a well
defined depression in the centre, which con-
tained the eggs, nine in number. Incubation
had not commenced and I transferred them to
my cabinet without accident. This was the
largest set I obtained, the other two nests
having contained six and eight respectively.

W. W. Dunlop.

Montreal, March 10th, 1882.

MONTREAL BRANCH, ENTOMOLOGICAL
SOCIETY OF ONTARIO.

The eighty-ninth meeting of this society
was held on the 13th March, at the residence
of the President, H. H. Lyman, Esq., who
read a paper on the Lepidoptera collected at
Sault St. Marie, in 1881, by Dr. Robert Bell,
of the Geological Survey. All the species
taken are also found at Montreal, with the
exception of Coenonympha inornata, Edw., a
butterfly taken in the Western States, but
which extends into the Algoma region of
Canada. A pleasant hour was spent over the
microscope, and several rare and beautifully
illustrated works on Entomology were also on
the table for the inspection of the members.

REPLY TO ORNITHOLOGICAL QUERIES.

Sir, — In your March Number it is queried
if the nest'ot the Whip-poor-will ( Antrostomus
vociferus ) has been found in latitude 45°.
The latitude of Listowel is nearly 44°, but
owing to its elevation, is probably as cold as
45° of the sea level. The Whip-poor-will is
quite common in the swampy woods of this
neighbourhood, and during the calm hours
that follow the sunset of the early summer
evenings, its loud and melancholy notes may
be heard in the town, from the woods north
and south, though nearly a mile distant. Its
eggs have been found by several parties in the
vicinity, and one collector who procured some
and appeared well acquainted with its habits,
informed me that its nest is always sure to be
found near the place where its notes are heard

124

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

in the early part of the season. Two years
ago, a boy who resides a few miles south of this
town, told me that the summer before, he had
found the eggs of this bird on the bare ground?
where a log had been removed, in a piece of
swampy land. In 1865, wdien I came to reside
in North Wallace, a neighbour found a nest of
the Whip-poor-will, containing two eggs, in the
month of August; this seems to indicate that
it hatches more than once in the season, as it
is well known that the eggs are generally found
in the early part of June. The latter nest was
on a piece of rising ground close by a pine and
cedar swamp, and the eggs were of a bluish
white color mottled with brownish black. The
peculiar notes of this bird are probably the
voice of the male, and its noisy repetition is
generally heard at the time when the female
is selecting her nesting place, and during
incubation. After the young are hatched, the
time and attention of the male is occupied in
assisting to supply their 'wants, and his twilight
notes gradually cease as the young become
more voracious, until about the middle of July,
when he becomes silent, except when the first
eggs have been removed and his mate is again
nesting. It makes no regular nest ; the two eggs
are deposited on some dry leaves, or fine rotten
wood, near swampy woods, where amid the
dense foliage, and gloomy shade, perched
lengthwise on a low branch, or mossy log, the
male passes the hours of sunlight in silence
and inactivity, but as the shadows of evening
gather over the woodlands, it commences its
low, soft flight in pursuit of night-flying insects,
or in some dark retreat, i( begins its evening
hymn.” The Winter Wren — A query regard-
ing the nest of this bird, is also made. I do
not know it by that name, but there is a Wren
quite common in the wild swampy woods of
Central Ontario, whose thrilling notjes are
very pleasant, especially when heard in the
early spring mornings, before the snow and
ice have disappeared from the gloomy places,
where the little creature takes up its summer
residence. Its general appearance is similar
to that of the House Wren, but it is rather
smaller and darker in color. It sometimes
utters notes like the red squirrel, and again
like the chirp of the cricket, but louder. It
forms a nest like that of a mouse, generally in
the under part of the turned up root of a fallen
tree, sometimes in the side of an old moss-
covered log, or rather stump; the outside is
formed of moss, and the inside is lined with
fine dry grass, feathers, and hair. Its eggs
are white witli reddish spots scattered over the

large end. It sometimes lays eight eggs.
Those in my collection were taken from a nest
of six in the early part of June 1879. Sitta
Canadensis is rather a rara avis in those
districts where my ornithological researches
have been pursued. It appears to prefer the
deep evergreen woods to the hardwood timber
lands. I have not seen its nest or eggs, but
am informed that they differ little from those
of the white-bellied species. I have often seen
the nest and eggs of the latter and can furnish
a sketch if desired. Par us Hudsonicus does
not visit this latitude, and the Pine Grosbeak
is only a rare winter visitor. Of owls I have
not seen a nest or egg of any of the species,
some of- them, however frequent our woods,
and doubtless nest here. Mr. Yennor’s article
on the nest of the Sparrow Owl, is the only
article on the subject that I have ever seen.
It is a very rare bird here. The Woodpeckers
mentioned do no visit this region. The nest
of a Crossbill, containing young, has been
seen in a neighbouring township, in the
month of March, and another species, the
Shore Lark also nests iu March and April.

Wm. L. Kells.

Listowel, Ont., March 15th, 1882.

Pine Grosbeak ( P . Canadensis). I collected
an adult female in the immediate vicinity of
this city, about the beginning of August, 1879 ;
this was the only one I have observed during
summer. Mr. j. H. Carnall informs me that
he found them quite abundant in September,
on Nictaux mountain, Tobique river; he also
found several old nests, which he assures me
were made by these birds. Some years they
are abundant, then, for two or three successive
winters, we see nothing of them. During the
winters of 1876 and 1878 they were very
abundant, visiting the suburbs of the city,
feeding on the berries of the mountain ash.
Can you give a reason for the peculiar move-
ments of this bird? Hudson Bay Tit, (Pams
Hudsonicus). This Titmouse is undoubtedly
a .esident with us, and breeds in this Province.
I collected a specimen on the 20th of May, and
have observed them here during summe”.
Mr. Banks noticed a pair in June, carrying
material for nest-building. Two nests of this
species were discovered near Stewiacke, N.S.,
by Mr. Bailey of the Nuttall Ornithological
Club. Red-bellied Nuthatch, ( Sitta Canaden-
sis). Have found this bird nesting near St.
John. They are more abundant some seasons
than others. Harold Gilbert.

St. John, N.B., March 13, 1882.

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

125

Note. — These queries are going to do good
eventually. In their promulgation, I wished
to arrive at truth in order to correct ttie errors
of old American writers on our birds, more
especially regarding the time and localities of
nidification of the ’ species which pass the
greater portion of their lives in high latitudes.
Our correspondent gives no substantial proof
that the Pine Grosbeak breeds in N. Bruns-
wick. Until the nest and eggs are discovered,
the mere occurrence of one adult female in
August will not suffice to class it as a resident.
They arrive about the latitude of Montreal
during severe weather in September, being
then gregarious, remaining as such in the
woodlands until the middle of May following,
when they leave for the far north. Regarding
the nests spoken of by Mr. Carnall, it would
be worth his while to visit the locality again
during the breeding season. Will Mr. Gilbert
be kind enough to send a description of the
nest of the Red-bellied Nuthatch? Does it
select an old knot-hole or excavate a cavity
for itself? — C.

ACCLIMATING THE MESSINA QUAIL
AT QUEBEC.

Dear Sir. — In one of your recent issues you
alluded, to the efforts of Col. W. Rhodes, and
others to acclimatize the Messina Quail in this
Province. The Colonel is now in Europe and
has, if I mistake not, sent orders for the
importation of a few hundred of these birds.
In order to help his praiseworthy efforts, I
permitted him to send to my aviary of Canadian
birds, the Quail he received too late for distri-
bution in the woods last year. I intend to
give them their liberty in April, and from the
following statements, I hope success will
crown the Colonel’s efforts.

Yours truly,

J. M. LeMoine.

Spencer Grange, )

Quebec, 20 March. $

W. Rhodes , Esq., Quebec, P.Q., Canada.

Dear Sir, — Your favor of 13th January
came duly to hand and much interests me. I
did not see your referred notice to queries in

“Forest and Stream,” or I might sooner have
given you the gratifying news that the quail
returned to Maine last, spring. None were
imported to this State in 1881, and they were
observed here previous to the liberation else-
where of any newly-imported ones. The young
of the previous season were hatched in June
and July. They mature very rapidly, and
from the time of hatching (when they at once
leave the nest as good runners) until the
autumn migration, there is an interval quite
equal to the time afforded the young of as
many of our song birds to acquire strength for
their long journey. By my advice and direct-
ion the 2,000 quail that I distributed through-
out Maine, in 1880, were liberated in lots of
not less than 15 or 20 in each locality selected.
If this method with equal total numbers should
be followed up for several consecutive years, I
should have no doubt of success in the object
desired. The results of a single season, how-
ever, may not prove to be permanent.

Yours very truly,

Everett Smith.

Portland, Maine, Jan. 20th, 1882.

NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF
LUCKNOW, ONT.

Sir, — You published a list of reptilia pro-
cured by me in this vicinity, and other localities
in Ontario. The following four additional
species, have been added to my collection
Chorophyllus triseriatus, Little Tree-frog,,
Lucknow. Amyda mutica,( four specimens.)
Lake St. Clair. Amblystoma Jeffersoni,
Jefferson’s Salamander. Found at Hyde
Park, by J. Morden. Scotophis, Allighanir
ensis is reported to be found in Essex ; its
occurrence here is probable, as I have received
several specimens from Michigan, which is
in the same latitude, the only barrier being a
river, separating the Southern portion of
Ontario from Michigan.

The Red Lynx, Lynx rufus is not uncommon
in this neighbourhood. I obtained four speci-
mens this year, and I can procure more if I
take the trouble to hunt for them. The Canada
Lynx, Lynx Canadensis, appear to be a larger
Northern species. It has never been seen
on this peninsula, or south of the Ottawa
river. I have read of it as occurring common
in the Province of Quebec. Almost every
school-boy has read the interesting account of
Mr. Bannetyne in the “ Reader ; ” of how an

126

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

Indian was killed by a Canada Lynx, and his
brother’s description of his death and renio.val
for burial. Among birds, I record the capture
of the Sandhill Crane, Grus Canadensis, shot
by Mr. F. Martin on St. Clair flats. I obtained
it from him. He killed another which unfor-
tunately flew into an unapproachable morass
and was lost. I accompanied him on the
next day to hunt for it ; the mud was deep and
we could not find bottom with an eight foot
paddle. The surface was covered with rank
weeds and other vegetable refuse, preventing
us from pushing the canoe into it or over it,
and to attempt walking on it would be a mad
idea. I shot the King Rail ( Ballus elegans,)
and had it mounted ; also a Yellow Rail
( Porzana Novaboracensis ). I presented these
two birds to Mr. John Morden of Hyde Park.
A very fine specimen of Rallus Virginianus
shot on the flats may be seen at anv time
among his beautiful collection of Canadian
birds. Among rare ducks, I secured two fine
specimens of the American Black Scoter
((Edemia Americana) ; also the Velvet Scoter
((Edemia fusca) ; they are magnificent birds.
I killed some splendid Canvas-back which I
prize highly, as they are becoming scarce, but
I am sorry to add that I lost a fine young
specimen of the Red-necked Grebe, ( Podiceps
Holbolli,) which by the carelessness of the
Express Co., was not delivered until spoiled.
I particularly regret this, as I have only pro-
cured one specimen during many years. The
Great Northern Diver, ( Colymbus lorquatus,)
is common but difficult to obtain. I am not
aware that Colymbus Arcticus has been noticed
on the inland lakes, but I have shot three or
four of the Red-throated Diver, ( C . Septentri-
onalis). I have also seen the great White
Heron, and one was killed near Wallaceburgh
Co. Kent, but the ignorant person who shot
it, allowed the bird to spoil. The Least
Bittern, ( Ardetta exiles) and Night Heron,
( Nyctiardea griseo), are not uncommon on
the St. Claire flats.

J. H. Garnier.
Lucknow, 27th Feb., 1882.

EXPERIMENTS WITH GUNPOWDER.

Sir, — I send you a report of some experi-
ments I have been trying with the following
powders, thinking it might be of interest to
some of your readers. I have been unable to
carry out the trial of the different kinds of
powder I mentioned to you some time ago, I

owing to the difficulty I have in obtaining it
such small quantities (viz. : 12 charges of
drams each.)

^ ® ■<# «

O ft (D

P4

<M Ol <N <N

CM <N <M r-l

CO <N CO <N

O id O lO

^ %
ZM ®
o® .5

o

► . tj <D s©

• • .

O o O O

o ^ .S .3 ^ ^ ^ ^

Q a!

◄ s

to s

8 3
3 <=>

A s

© rd 'O 'd
ill

60

'O

^ 6 6 6 o
M XS T3 'd 'd

a

A

=8 d

d
’§

s-, •

£ s • £

o

>> o
« © d

5.1*

§ §

- o „ o S d

I0 I0 i a 1

&o 3 cs eg -d

a © m m a

A

a 5*5
§ w *s

3 DQ 'Zi „

o « a -
ep | §

Ph © W

I may state the recoil spring was screwed
up to 60 pounds.

The fine grain powder (Pigou, Wilks &
Laurence’s and Hamilton FF) did best with the
2£ dram charge, both in pattern and pellet
force. Shultze’s powder also gave the best pat-
tern, but the force was not quite so good ; the
recoil being the same as with 3 drams of
Curtis Harvey’s, and “Caribou” fell off
very much, although the recoil of the former
was four pounds heavier and the latter ten
pounds lower. The heavy recoil with the 2h
dram charge was probably caused by the

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

127

change of waddiug, the four pink edge offering
more inertial resistance than the thin card
and thick felt.

Table Showing Highest and Lowest Pattern,
Velocity and Recoil.

Charge 2j Drams.

Pattern 10” Velocity. Recoil.

m

•4-5

CO

*5

03

P

02

A

bn

f

1

<D

*

Ido

<P

&

5

o

h?

s

o

0

5

Schultze

55

35

6'09

501

90

86

Curtis & Harvey.

30

20

5-03

412

85

81

Hamilton PP. . . ,

40

20

7-30

528

83

80

Do. “ Caribou’ ’

20

10

464

412

75

71

Pigou, W. & L. . .

65

20

7-40

545

96

86

Charge 3 Drams.

Schultze

34

17

5-93

577

90

86

Curtis & Harvey.

37

29

5-89

501

90

72

Hamilton PF....

23

20

5'59

547

91

84

Do. “Caribou”

42

28

540

519

85

81

Pigou, W. & L. . .

35

15

6'38

589

93

84

Average of

the Different Powders.

Charge 2i Drams. ‘

10 in.
Pattern.

Pellet

Force. Velocity. Recoil.

Eng. Black Powders

33

2.41

559

84

Hamilton do.

23

2.26

524

77

Schultze

40

x 2.44

566

86

Charge 3 Drams.

Eng. Black Powders

28

2.53

586

78

Hamilton do.

30

2.35

545

83

Schultze

24

2.53

586

86

Schultze Powder recoiled nearly as much
with these charges as it did when fired with
52 grains and oz. of shot, in which case it
averaged 88 pounds.

Spread op Shot at Different Ranges, (1 oz. of
Shot used.)

Distance 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 Yards.

Charge Diameter of

of Pattern Ver- Hori- Ver- Hori-

Powder. in Inches. tical. zontal. tical. zontal.
3 drams. 4 17 43 and 40£ 79 and 70

3i “ 3 6 15£ 40 “ 38 74 “ 69

H “ 4£ 9 24 52 “ 51 90 •'* 87

Circles with the above diameters do not in-
clude all the pellets in a charge, as there were
a few wild shot that I did not include, as any-
thing outside would only be struck by the
merest chance. According to the spread of
shot they do not travel in a straight line after
leaving the muzzle, but curve outwards from
the c line of fire. At first I thought this was
caused by the shot passing through the paper
screens, so I tried a shot at the 40 yard screen
only and obtained about the same result;
therefore I am satisfied the screens did not
affect the direction, and conclude it is caused
by the shot colliding with each other during
their flight. The horizontal diameters of the
3D and 40 yard pattern, were shorter than the
vertical in every case, varying with the charge

of powder, the heaviest charge giving the least
difference. I measured and weighed the
different powders, and find that Curtis & Har-
vey’s is the heaviest for its bulk, “Caribou”
the next, the other two samples are the same
weight, and Schultze’ powder was rather under
half the weight. . The charges of “Caribou”
used in these experiments, were obtained from
a friend, who purchased the powder as such.

Yours truly,

Lachine. 12-Bore Greener.

A DEER HUNT IN FLORIDA.

Dear Sir, — Thinking perhaps some of the
readers .of your journal, would like to know
what kind of sport we have on the West Coast
of Florida, I will try to give them an idea of
what is to be had in the way of shooting. I
shall tell them of what I sawin a day’s deer
hunting on one of the Islands of Charlotte
Harbor. Leaving this place about ten a.m., a
party of five of us, exclusive of “ Bob” a very
intelligent hound, proceeded across San Carlos
bay ; two going in a small schooner, and three
of us going in a sloop ; after a pleasant run of
about an hour, we passed between Sanibel and
Pine Islands, entering that beautiful sheet of
water named “ Charlotte Harbor.” Before us
lay a number of islands of a semi-tropical
appearance. The palmettoes and hemp raising
their heads high above the mangroves; between
the islands were oyster bars which were
covered with White and Grey Pelicans, Cor-
morants, and Great Snowy Herons. On the
neighbouring mangroves, perched Ibises, the
Scarlet necked and Louisiana Herons, and the
beautiful Roseate Spoonbill, while farther up
the harbor we could see the white sails of a
schooner beating up towards the north. Sail-
ing along the shore of Pine Island, we dropped
anchor close to a small island near Pine.
Leaving H — in charge of the boats, we took
our small boat and rowed to an oyster bar
between the two islands, where K. and I
landed, and concealed ourselves behind a low
growing mangrove. C — , S — , and the dog
then went to the small island to drive it. We
expected the deer, if any were there, would take
to the water, and swimming to the bar, cross
it, and endeavor to escape to Pine Island. We
had not very long to wait till Bob gave tongue.
K — and I crouched lower among the leaves
and anxiously watched the opposite mangroves,
but Bob drove away from us, and then suddenly
changing his note, we knew, he had treed.
“ Well, by George, I’ll bet that’s a Coon” said

128

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

K — , at that moment we heard two reports
from a gun, then all was silent. We waited a
few minutes longer, when Bob again spoke.
He made the circuit of the island several times
and then once more all was quiet. K — and
I sat and watched the sharks pursuing the
mullet. I counted seven sharks from five to
ten feet long, all within a hundred yards of us ;
or we watched the interesting movements of a
large Bald Eagle and an Osprey. The latter
had captured a mullet, when the Eagle, which
had waited patiently on a large mangrove near
by for this event, immediately swooped down
towards the Osprey, which uttering screams of
despair, endeavored to rise above the Eagle.
This, the last named bird tried to prevent. I
never saw anything more beautiful than the
flight of those two birds. The Osprey would
rise quickly, then drop, but the Eagle was
always close behind, and throwing itself down
with a half somersault movement, would try
to seize hold of the fish. When this had gone
on for some time, a second Eagle appeared on
the scene and took up the pursuit, upon which
the first withdrew from the chase and returned
to his perch. The Osprey now evidently
despaired of escaping with its prey as the
second Eagle which appeared to be a female,
and was probably the mate of the other,
pursued it so closely, it was forced to drop the
fish, when the Eagle pausing for a moment in
the air, went down with a rush and caught the
fish before it fell in the water. In watching
the Eagles we had almost forgotten the Deer,
but Bob had not, for we could hear him
approaching quite rapidly. We also heard
C — and S — shoot once or twice. In a few
minutes a deer jumped into the water from
out the mangroves to be quickly followed by
another, and close at their heels was Bob.
On they came swimming rapidly towards us,
nothing but their heads being above water.
When they came within good range I gave the
first the contents of my gun, turning it over,
while K — fired at the second only wounding
it however, and though we gave it another
charge of buckshot, it swam around the end of
the bar and escaped to Pine Island. We got
the dog into the boat and going over tracked
it for some distance into a mangrove swamp,
but as the tide was rising, Bob lost the trail
and we had to return without it much to our
disappointment. Returning to the bar we took
the Deer we had secured to the boats where
we cut it up. As the sun was now getting
down towards the horizon, the various kinds
of birds began to seek their roosts or rookery, |

as it is called. I stood there and saw flock
after flock of Ibises, Pelicans Herons, Egrets,
Spanish Curlews, Cormorants, etc. pass by,
while the rookery was alive with them. High
over all sailed the graceful man of war Hawks
describing circle after circle with a scarcely
perceptible motion of the wing. Having had
something to eat, C — and I started for home,
the others in the schooner going up the harbor
in search of Flamingoes. We had a pleasant
sail home and altogether enjoyed our hunt
very much. I may mention that it was a
“ Coon” Bob had treed the first time, and our
friends had to discharge their guns to frighten
the Deer off the island, as they were not at all
afraid of the dog. C— and S — could not get
a shot at them as the mangroves were so
dense.

Yours &c.,

F— .

Punta Russa, Florida.

A GENERAL DELUGE.

BY O. W. BROWN, M D., ROCKFORD, ILL.

{Concluded.)

But they neglect to tell of those illimitable ages,
which it enumerated, no one could comprehend,
probably not less than six hundred million
years, during which every particle of

matter, whether dust, or clay, salt, sand,
pebble, boulder or rock, mineral or vegetable,
found on the earth, or deep below its
surface, of which the various geological
formations are composed, whether strati-
fied or otherwise, overlying the primary
rock, more than twenty miles in depth, and in
which the fossil remains of by-gone ages are
entombed, have been wrested and torn from
the elementary rock, worn down by rolling
upon each other, and by the action of winds
and waves and falling waters, has subsequently
been deposited in the beds of oceans, to again
harden into rock, giving us the sandstone
and limestone formations, the coals, shales,
clays and all other rocks and earths, other than
the quartz — the parent of them all.

The mind is overwhelmed as it contemplates
the eternity of years which have preceded us, as
the eternity which lies beyond ! Truly it may
well be said ; “We stand midway between
two eternities 1 ”

Puny man may seek to abridge the years,
and shorten the geological ages ; but the start-
ling fact is ever before him that finite mind is
incapable of fathoming infinity. He must be-
come conscious that change, not destruction,

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

129

is the fate of everything ; that Law, fixed and
eternal, governs the minutest particles of mat-
1 ter as of rolling worlds.

Man lives his brief life, passes away and is
succeeded by others. Another generation re-
peats itself. So it has always been — so it will
ever be. There really was no beginning, there
can be no ending.

"We may render homage to a master mind
who designed all, and called all into being, or
insist that all is self-existant and eternal, and
we shall find the result is the same. It saves
one step in the grand scale of creation. The
ancients thought the earth was a plane, and
rested on pillars; that the pillars rested on a
rock, and the rock on a turtle’s back. But
what does the turtle rest upon ? was the inquiry
of the sceptic.

The logic that there is no design without a
designer, no law without a lawgiver, is only a
repetition of the pillar, rock, and turtle theory
as regards the earth.

The sceptic of to-day meets all our argu-
ments in regard to a first cause writh the syl-
logism : “ All the works of the Creator give

evidence of design. As no design can exist
without a designer, therefore,” say they, “ the
Creator must have had a designer.” Astrono-
mers found that the earth did not rest upon
pillars ; that there was no need of a rock
for them to stand upon ; nor a turtle’s
back to support the rock ; so when humanity
shall better understand the forces of Nature,
self-inherent in' matter, which calls world’s
into being and endows them with motion
and life, there will be less need for trying
to comprehend that which is incompre-
hensible. The Law governing the mighty
machinery of the universe ; which keeps
all in equal poise ; which causes the earth-
quake and the upheaval of vast moun-
tain chains ; which drains oceans and sinks
continents ; which fills the atmosphere with
lurid flame; and startles the people with its
thunder crash ; which gives rise to the winds,
the waves and the tides, the heat of summer,
the cold of winter, and the thousands of other
incidents of well defined Law, once ascribed to
the action of an angry God, is now well un-
derstood. As knowledge is further developed,
other secrets of nature will be revealed, and
the mythical causes will be further and further
removed into the realms of the ignorant past.

The genuine student has no theories predi-
cated upon early teachings. The great book
of Nature is wide open before him, penciled by
unerring Law, and everything must be tested

in the great crucibles of Reason and Truth.
The dross is only consumed. The pure gold
is made brighter by every test applied to de-
termine its genuineness.

The Sanscrit is probably the original of all
modem European languages. It contains the
roots of the Latin, Greek, Celtic, German, and
Slavonic. It is the ancient tongue, which
prevailed throughout Hindostan, and from the
Gulf of Bengal to the Arabian sea, extending
to the Himalaya mountains on the north. The
language has not been spoken for many
thousand years. The sacred books of the
Brahmans were written in it, and, hence, have
been preserved to modern times, without
alterations common to a living language, as
our ancient literature has been transmitted to
us through the Greek and Latin. Scholars
find the original of many of our myths in the
Sanscrit, the story of “ William Tell” being
one of them, though the scene of it is now
located in Switzerland, and the occurrence is
made to have transpired within a few hundred
years.

We stated in a former article that the
account of a general deluge was undoubtedly
copied by Jewish historians — -priests, Josephus
tells us, — from Babylonian records, while
the Israelites were captives in that country.
The Babylonian history, without question,
was the source from which the flood of Deu-
caleon, as well as that of Noah, was derived ;
but the story was older than Nineveh or
Babylon; it was transmitted to them from a
still older civilization ; it came to those ancient
people through the Sanscrit literature, the
common fountain from which Chaldea, Assyria
Persia, and Egypt, were supplied, and from
which the Phoenicians drank second hand, as
did the Hebrews.

The geography of the old Sanscrit books
describes the world as ee a circular plain, with
a slightly convex surface, sloping gently on
all sides to a surrounding ocean. Beyond this
ocean, which incloses the world in a vast river-
like circle of waters, was a circular range of
mountains, beyond which none but the most
powerful go.is could pass. In the centre of
the world, at the highest point of its surface,
stood Mount Meru, with Jambu-dwipa, the
primeval home of the Aryan race, spread out
around it,” bordered by six other grand divisi-
ons of the earth.

These mountains bordering the ancient
ocean supported the vast vault which spanned
the heavens. Above this vault was the home
of the superior gods. From their hand direct

130

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

came light, and heat, and dews, and rains, and
all other blessings; and, when the gods were
angry, winds, and storms, thunderbolts and
earthquakes. The sun and stars were made
expressly for man, as were the seasons, with
seed-time and harvest. The earth rested upon
pillars, while under it were immense fires, in
which the demons were confined, and here the
wicked were doomed to dwell ; while above the
vault were the Elysian fields, the home of the
blest.

This wild astronomical and theological
theory of creation was the prevailing idea
among all peoples, five and six thousand years
ago. Indeed, the true theory in regard to the
solar system has been taught by the learned
but a little more than three hundred years,
the great mass of the uneducated still enter-
taining a belief in the ancient system, and are
still quoting their sacred books in confirmation
of it. The Phoenicians taught this flat-earth-
and-vaulted-firm ament theory at home, and in
all their colonies. It was a part of the
religious belief of all the nations bordering on
the Mediterranean. It was believed by the
cultured Greeks, as by the more modern
Romans. The whole system of theology of
all these nations was built upon this idea ; and
this was also true of the Hebrews, as their
books furnish incontrovertible evidence. True,
Herodotus, the Greek historian, ridiculed this
teaching, and wrote:

“I cannot but laugh, when I see numbers
of persons drawing maps of the world without
having any reason to guide them ; making, as
they do, the ocean-stream to run all around
the earth, and the earth itself an exact circle,
as if described by a pair of compasses.”

The reader will please remember that this
was the idea entertained by him who gave us
a history of the “ flood,” the “ opening of the
windows of heaven” through which to let
down the rain, and the breaking up of “ all
the fountains of the great deep.” This con-
ception of the deluge came from Indus; it was
as old as the most ancient civilizations ; but
it had been modernized with advancing thought
as was the story of William Tell— as have all
the myths which the learned have exploded —
their origin lost in the sands of time, so
antiquated that no one can trace their begin-
ning, or learn when they were not believed as
facts.

The mythical teachings in regard to a
general deluge are not the only fabrications
which have puzzled humanity, and, because
of being interblended with a religious education,

have paralyzed investigation through many
generations. The Egyptians taught that the
world would be alternately purified by water
and fire ; that these were parts of the system
which the Creator employed to prevent man
from growing in power, and gaining a mastery
over him ! The teachings of barbarian races,
slightly changed, have survived the ages ;
they have entered into the religious beliefs of
the world, and will be as difficult to eradicate
from the common mind as any other inherited
error of so ancient an origin. , Thos. Moore
has well written : —

‘‘The lover may

Distrust that look that steals his soul away ;

The babe may cease to think it can play
With heaven’s rainbow; alchymists may doubt
The shining gold their crucible gives out ;

But Faith, fanatic Faith, once wedded fast
To some dear falsehood, hugs it to the last.”

It is to be regretted that scientists are not
permitted, without subjecting themselves to
sectarian abuse, to pour in a flood of light
upon the ancient fallacies which have crept
into all our early teachings. Were they at
full liberty to give the public their honest
thoughts we should soon have a truer concep-
tion of the past, and a more exalted idea of
the future ; but ere that “ good time coming”
shall dawn upon the world, it is possible that
many years may intervene.

Commencing with the story of creation, as
borrowed from the Hebrew writers from count-
ries where they had been slaves, wherein it is
represented that the whole planetary and
stellar systems are the out-growth of six days’
labor, (not the production of a single mind, as
the English reader finds it in his translation ;
but the task oi many gods, as a correct render-
ing of the Jewish narrative, will show), with
all the long incidental errors, following this
first incorrect teaching, and ending witli the
looking forward to a general destruction of the
material universe, when a grand conflagration
will invelope all in universal ruin; when
earth, and moon, and sun, and stars, will be
<c rolled together as a scroll,” and disappear,
while darkness and chaos succeed the present
order of things, much is found that needs
revision. He who is sincerely honest is hope-
ful that the day will not be too far distant
when every false teaching shall receive that
consideration it deserves; when every myth
shall be exploded, and the sunlight of Truth
shall illuminate all the dark corners of the
world. This grand consummation of desire
will usher in the real millenium, when
“ knowledge shall run to and fro as the waters
cover the great deep.”

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST. 131

THE BIRDS OF PREY OF NOVA SCOTIA.

By J. Bernard Gilpin, A.B., M.D., M.R.C.S.

In making this list I have personally identi-
fied, with one or two exceptions, every species
in it. I will not say that no other specimen
may be added, but that if hereafter noted, it
will be a very rare one to have escaped my
notice of more than thirty years. Personal
identification of each species also by the writer,
even if in a narrow limit, adds always to the
interest and value of a paper. In classification
I have used Key to N. American Birds, by
Dr. Coues, 1872, of the value of which it
scarcely needs any mention from me. I have
found, with one or two exceptions, all the
birds of this Order common to North Eastern
America, in Nova Scotia, and noticed those I
expected to find and failed. From their nature
and food they are rare everywhere, and one
who has witnessed the scarcity of all animal
life in our forest, and the little bird life even
in our cultivated fields, is not surprised by
finding a greater scarcity of this Order. The
innumerable flights during the autumn of
what are called shore birds, chiefly composed
of the Genera Tringa, Totanus and closely
allied species in their autumn migrations,
attracts numbers of the Genus Falco. Our
marshes, especially after mowing, which lays
bare the runs of field mice, and the haunts of
frogs, snakes and other reptiles, attracts the
harriers and buzzards, and the sea shores of
the Bay of Fundy, at ebb tide, left in far-
reaching and muddy flats abounding in
stranded fish, bring the eagles and fish hawks
for their prey, the latter seizing its living prey
from the shallow pools, whilst the former,
when not plundering the fish-hawk, contents
himself with the dead and stranded fish.
Except the grouse, the hare, and perhaps
shrews in the depth of the winter forest, or a
white weasel or jay. bird, or a red squirrel now
and then, the stern winter has locked in snow
and ice everything that makes food for the
few owls that hibernate with us. The few
eagles- and fish-hawks I have dissected, I have
found fat, even in winter; the hawks generally
thin. I have never identified any kites in
Nova Scotia, but my son has observed fork-
tail hawks in the air, which I have also seen,
but very rarely, most probably the Genus
Nauclerus.

LIST OF RAPACIOUS BIRDS OF
NOVA SCOTIA.

Family Strigida: — (Owls).

Bubo Virginianus — Great horned owl.

Otus vulgaris (var. Wilsonianus) — Long-eared owl.

Brachyotis palustris — Short eared owl.

Syrnium laponicum (var. cinerium ) — Great grey owl.

Syrnium nebulosum — Barred owl.

Nyctea nivea — Snowy owl.

Surnia ul.ula (var. Hudsonia ) — Hawk owl.

Nyctale Tengmalmii (var. Richardsoni)— Tengmalm’s
owl.

Nyctale Acadica — Saw-whet owl.

Family Falcontda:.

Circus cyaneus (var. Hudsonius) — Marsh hawk.

Accipiter fuscus — Sharp shin.

Accipiter CoopepH— Cooper’s hawk.

Astur atriccapillus — Goshawk.

Falco sacer — Jerfalcon

Falco communis — Duck hawk.

Falco columbarius — Pigeon hawk.

Falco spaverius — Sparrow hawk.

Buteo borealis — Red tail hawk.

Buteo lineatus — Red shoulder hawk.

Archibuteo lagopus (var. Sancti Johannis ) — Rough
legged buzzard.

Pandion halicetus — Fish hawk.

Aquilla chrysaetus — Golden eagle.

Haliaetus leucocephalus— Bald eagle.

You will find in this list, taken as regards
its nomenclature from Coues’ Key, that many
generic as well as specific names are changed
from Wilson, Audubon, Nuttall, Richardson,
and even Baird, or other recent writers. The
greatest change is with the specific. Whilst
we accept the changes from the older authors
as the necessary progress in the science, yet
we can see in the differences from the modern
ones that one principle rules them, a nearer
return to truth, to the principle of returning
to the specific given by the first discoverer of
the species, allowing him the exclusive right
of naming, and finally in birds almost identi-
cal in both continents the allowance of
geographical variation from one common
origin. This of course is the most philosophi-
cal way of settling points beyond our reach.
Field naturalists can scarcely be allowed the
privilege of criticising, which must be the
result of intimate knowledge of large collec-
tions and libraries, and, as respects the author
of the Key, still larger experience of field life.
Yet one may be allowed to say that anything
that reclaims the science from the divisions of
sub-families and sub-genera, and innumerable
lists of synonyms made, not tor truth but for
personal exaltation, must be hailed with
pleasure by all true naturalists. Of the family
of owls which inhabit our Province, the
Halifax museum, with the exception of the
great grey owl (N. laponicum), contains an
excellent collection of every species I have
identified myself. The great grey owl was
taken some years ago in Pictou County, and
a specimen was in the collection of the late
Dr. McCulloch, of Pictou town. This is the
only recorded instance I know of its being
here. The great horned owl (B. Virgmianus )

132

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

is common. It both breeds and winters,
usually keeping in the thick forests, seldom
coming out in the clear country. I have seen
its young in the spring, and the adult at all
seasons of the year. A specimen shot at
Digby, Feb. 1876, when feeding upon a black
duck, was nearly white, washed by pale
ferruginous, and barred and spotted light
browu. The pure white chin remained un-
changed, as it has done in every individual I
have examined, how much otherwise the
plumage may have been altered. Though not
resembling Richardson’s figure, I thought it
may have been the Arctic variety. Our camp
fires attracted them when camping on the
shores of a forest lake in Digby county. Sept.,
1871 . By answering their wild feline cries, we
kept them about us the long night, unseen,
yet continually shifting froih one spruce fir to
another, amongst which our camp was pitched.
Their prey is nocturnal, and thus less likely
to be known. Grouse, hare, and even ducks
may be readily captured by this powerful bird,
which uses its beak as well as its claws in
destroying life. A poor pet crow, the favorite
of the village at Annapolis, visiting every
house for its bone, and sleeping now in an old
porch, now in an unfinished church, or under
the eave of inhabited houses, alarmed the
inmates, beneath whose eaves it had sought a
roosting place, by its shrill cries one calm
midnight. On going to its rescue a large
nocturnal bird of prey floated away. At sun-
rise it was found dead on the grass beneath,
no doubt a victim of this powerful nocturnal
prowler. Of the short eared owl ( B . palustris )
and the long eared owl ( 0. vulgaris), they may
be said, though not rare, still not very
common. I have Mr. Downs’ authority that
the short eared nests in Nova Scotia, near
Halifax. Probably both do, yet the number
of both that appear during winter proves
migration to be the chief cause of their
presence with us. Of the barred owl ( S .
nebulosum ), my notes give May, as the month
I identified him in the breeding season. I
have no doubt he winters with us, but my
notes have no monthly dates. The hooting of
this owl comes down on the night wind to you
like the loud broken laughter of many men.
A stranger would easily suppose he was near
a large logging party. The majestic snow owl
(N. nivea) I do not think nests with us. He
is usually a winter visitor, though I saw him
once, August, 1854, on Sable Island, with all
his feathery alpine plumage, sitting upon the
hot sand, the snowy, thick muffled claws I

reposing on sand that heated your touch. A
few years after the island had been stocked by
domestic rabbits, this bird made his appear-
ance, in 1827, and ever after paid it an annual
visit. I saw him patiently watching the
burrow mouth, instantaneously to seize its
emerging owner. He is usually our winter
visitor, and like other species' sometimes comes
in flocks. In the winter of 1876 Mr. Egan, at
Halifax, had fourteen specimens at one time.
The settlers told me they sat like pigeons upon
their barns, coming out of the forest at dusk.
There had been no storms or local reasons for
this migration which extended into New
England. The hawk owl ( S . ulula), is also a
winter visitor. He shows himself sometimes
in flocks. Some years ago there were more
than a dozen brought into Halifax, then not
seen for years, and of late returning singly.
Of Tengmalm’sowl(Ar. Tengmalmi)Iha,ve seen
but few specimens, and believe it very rare.
Four are the utmost 1 have seen in Nova
Scotia. The Saw-whet ( JV. acadica) is common
and resident, keeping the deepest forests as his
abode, frightening the Indian at his bivouac,
who never will answer him or allow any one
to do so in his camp, for fear of impending
misfortune. Yet he, too, appears sometimes
in flocks in the open. During the spring of
1879, Mr. Egan had numerous specimens
offered him. The little red owl (& asio), so
common in New England and also in New-
foundland (Reek’s Zoologist, 1869,) I have
never seen here, in which Mr. Downs joins
me. In its migrations it passes perhaps north
of us. In ending my remark on our owls, I
may say that about four have been identified as
nesting with us, the others are winter visitants,
and that with the exception of the Great grey
owl, there are excellent specimens of each
species in the Halifax museum.

In passing to the diurnal birds of prey, the
Falconid^e, we find more power and strength
developed in each individual, though denuded
of their soft coating; the hind toe (in the owls
very small comparatively) greatly increased, a
greater propensity to use the claw than bill,
and a greater ardour of temperament, and
power of wing action. This family naturally
separates itself into the harriers, the falcons,
the hawks, the buzzards, and the eagles. 1
mean as regards Nova Scotia, since the kites
and vultures never come to us. Of the harriers,
resembling the owls in a facial circle, we have
one species (C. cyaneus) , a geographical
variety of the old world harriers.

( To be Continued ■)

The Canadian Sportsman ai^d ^atur/list,

No. 5. MONTREAL, MAY, 1882. Vol. II.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

THE GAME LAWS OF THE PROVINCE
OF QUEBEC.

A NATURAL HISTORY REVIEW.

It is notorious that for many years past
Game Laws have been in force in the Province
of Quebec ; that these laws were repeatedly
amended and evep at this instant they are
imperfect ; that on all former occasions the
alterations sought for w§re brought forward
by parties who knew very little of the Natural
History of the animals which are said to occur
in the Province. In the Bill now before the
Legislature of Quebec there is the heading
Moose, Beer, Elk, Caribou. Now, to make
the matter plain, the word deer includes all
which are hunted for venison. We have
in this Province, four species of deer, viz. :
the Elk, commonly called and known as
Moose ; two of Caribou and the Virginian Deer.
These quadrupeds are invariably confined to
certain localities, each having ranges of various
extent. For instance the Virginian Deer has
not a wide range in Quebec, and it may be
now accidental in places where it was formerly
abundant. The cutting down of forests
accounts, in a great, measure, for its disap-
pearance. The Elk or Moose is also similarly
situated, because its chief food consists of
moosewood and aquatic plants ; it is also ex-
tremely fond of mountainous regions, especially
where there are lakes, which are not frequent-
ly visited by man. The deer known as Caribou
of which we have two species, are generally
confined to high latitudes, and it is only during
winter that man can approach them. To
make the Game Laws perfect, these animals
should be indicated in the Act, by placing the
scientific after the local name of each species —
as Elk or Moose, ( Cervus alces) ; Woodland
Caribou, ( Rangifer tarandus) ; Barren-ground

Caribou, ( Rangifer Grcenlandicus) , and the
Virginian Deer, ( Cervus Virginianus) This
would make the law definite with regard to
these animals. Confusion will certainly arise
from this nomenclature when not framed in a
manner to be clearly understood by the sport-
ing people of the Province. Greatly as are the
inhabitants of the United States ahead of us
in some matters of this nature, they will call
animals by wrong names, for instance the large
deer or Wapiti ( Cervus Canadensis') of the
Rocky Mountains, is vulgarly named Elk, while
the latter is the animal we call Moose in Canada,
and which is scarce near the Rockies. In the
French and English copies of the Act, the
word Pekan occurs. Now, surely, if the framer
of this Bill went to any trouble, he would have
discovered that this is the animal commonly
called Fisher by English people, Muslela
Canadensis of naturalists/ and not the wild
cat ( Chat sauvage). Well, what animal have
we here ? We are told that it is the Racoon (of
uncommon occurrence in this Province).
There is another common animal called Lynx
(L. Canadensis ) which is also called wild cat
by country people, and although there is no
true wild cat found in the Province of Quebec,
it occurs in Ontario. As for Muskrat, there
is no greater nuisance among the quadrupeds
of this country. It burrows under the banks
of rivers, making numerous holes whereby
the fertile lands of the farmer (especially if a
stream is overflowed in Spring), are destroyed ;
however, if all parties are satisfied with the
protection of this animal, we are.

Regarding the feathered game, no bird called
Partridge exists in this latitude. There are
five species of Grouse occurring in the Pro-
vince— i. e. the Ruffed Grouse ( Bonasa um -
bellus), Sharp-tailed Grouse ( Tetrao pedioe-
cetes), rare in the valley of Lake St. John,
Upper Saguenay; Spruce Grouse ( T . Canar

134

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

densis), two species of Ptarmigan (Lag opus
Americanus), and ( Lagopus rupesiris), both
winter visitors; the former common, the latter
rare. Wild Swan should not be included in
the Bill as all the North American species are
rara avies in this Province. The Canada
Goose ( Bernicla Canadensis') is a wild goose ;
the Widgeon ( Mareca penelope) — a rare visi-
tor in Quebec — and Teal (of which there are
two species) deserve protection. The Black
Duck ( Anas obscura) is certainly the duck of
the sportsman, because it is the most game
and prolific of all the wild ducks. The Mal-
lard, Canvas-back Duck and Pintail are not
specially protected although they are sometimes
abundant on Quebec waters. But as this Bill
protects all the wild ducks (fish and vegetable
eaters) we will not further pause to point out
mistakes in regard to what constitutes aquatic
game. There is a vast difference between
birds (ducks) that are good food and those
that are not, the latter are allowed by law to
live and destroy the fry of salmon and other
valuable food fishes. Why this portion of the
Bill is not properly put together, we cannot
understand. The laws of Ontario regarding
wild ducks, merely protect those that are
thoroughly game, such as Mallard, Black
Duck, Wood or Summer Duck, and Gray
Duck, the latter, so far, is not identified or
detei mined. All other species are classed as
sea ducks, although not game, they
are protected between 1st May arid 15tli of
August. We are as anxious as the Provincial
Government to protect insectivorous birds, and
would be greatly pleased to see this portion of
the Bill perfect. There are birds in this sec-
tion of curious nomenclature — “ Grives,” we
know them not. “Cow buntings,” — thank
Providence, there is only one species in Can-
ada ; it is a parasite : a robber among, its
kind, and if the Hon. framer of the Bill, knew
what it was, he would not have classed it as lie
has. “ Bobolinks,” the Rice Bird ; what is
extraordinary is that in the Hon. Mr. Flynn’s

Bill, the scientific name given to this bird is
not correct, ( Dolichonyx oryzivorus,) of dear
old Swainson is now converted into Dolychonix
orizivorus by a Quebec legislator, and to add
agony farther, the Starling (commonly known
as the Marsh Blackbird), our two species of
Grakle and the two species of Grosbeak (one
a winter, the other a summer visitor), are
classed as insect eating birds. We can prove
that certain species of Falconid^ or Hawks
are insectivorous ; that Crows, Waxwings and
Shrikes are insects destroyers, and further-
more that we have two species of Shrike in
the neighbourhood of Montreal — the Logger-
head (common), andthe Great Northern Shrike
(rare), both of which destroy insects during
certain portions of their residence with us. By
the way the latter is another species to which
the scientific name is given wrongly. Com-
pare text of the Bill. C.

THE NEW GAME LAWS FOR THE
PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.

A bill to amend and consolidate the Game
Laws is now before the Quebec Legislature.
The principal changes are as follows : — ■

Moose, Caribou and Virginian Deer. —
Present close season, 1st February to 1st
September; proposed close season, 1st Janu-
ary to 1st September.

Wild Ducks and Geese. — Present close sea-
son, 1st May to 1st September, west of Three
Rivers, and 15th May to 1st September east of
Three Rivers; proposed close season, 1st May
to 1st September throughout the Province.

Ruffed Grouse. — Present close seasoif, 1st
March to 1st September; proposed close sea-
son, 1st January to 20th August.

Canada Grouse, Ptarmigan. — Present close
season, 1st March to 1st September; proposed
close season, 1st February to 1st September.

Hares, snaring (this is permitted by the
present Act) to be prohibited.

By the new Act, all persons who shoot are
required to take out license, non-residents of
the Province to pay $20 for a license to hunt

ME CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

135

any kind of game in each district ; residents to
pay $1 to $2 for each district. License good
for the whole Province, $50.

The proposed amendments in regard to the
close seasons are to be desired, and if the
Spring shooting of Black Duck, Mallard, Wood
Duck and Teal were prohibited, the Bill, in
this respect, would meet the views of most
sportsmen. Numbers of Black Duck and Wood
Duck breed in suitable localities throughout
the Province, and many more would, doubtless,
remain to nest if protected in the Spring, as
they commence nest-building early in May,
and the full number of eggs is usually
deposited before the latter part of that month.
It is true many nests are found as late as the
middle of June, but this is the result of the
birds having been disturbed in Spring and
prevented from occupying the places they had
first selected, as in the most Northern parts of
the Province, where they have been undis-
turbed, nests have been found as early as the
15th May. The first principle of all laws for
the protection of game is that the quadrupeds
and birds protected should not be disturbed at
those particular seasons defined by Naturt for
the perpetuation of their species. It is obvious,
therefore, that it is wrong to permit the shoot-
ing of these ducks until 1st May, as they have
paired and selected their places for nesting
long before that time. The proposed division
of the Province into districts, and the impo-
sition of a license fee for the privilege of
shooting, is not likely to meet with much
favour from sportsmen, who have already to
pay pretty dearly for the privileges they enjoy.
The confusion likely to arise from this division,
and the impossibility of collecting the tax
impartially will make this portion of the Bill
most unpopular, not only to sportsmen, but
to farmers and others who, from time imme-
morial, have been accustomed to enjoy a little
shooting in their spare time. The necessity of
securing a Government license to hunt on
their own farms, cannot but seem arbitrary ;

and we fail to see any good to be derived from
the imposition of this tax as the revenue accru-
ing therefrom will be more than consumed in
the cost of collection.

A careful revision of the Bill is necessary
before its final reading as several omissions
occur, and the use of local names may lead to
some confusion.

A MYSTERY.

A magnificent adult Moose head was lately
sent by W. F. Lewis, Esq., of this city, to me
to stuff. There is a mystery about the ears
of this head. Each ear has three deep cuts
longitudinally from the apex towards the base.
The edges of the cuts are healed and covered
with hair similar to the outside margins of
the natural ear. Who or what cut the ears of
this Moose, and what was the animal’s age
when these cuts were made? The head was
sent from Pembroke by Me'ssrs. T. & W,
Murray to whom I wrote asking if they could
give me some information regarding these ear-
cuts, suggesting that at one time (probably
when young) the animal may have been the
property of some one who had it partially
tamed ; that the cuts were then made as marks
of identity, and that it afterwards escaped to
the woods. I have had deer heads with fresh
ear-cuts which were done by the hunter after
the dear was shot, but this one is the first
instance of the kind coming under my notice,
Messrs. Murray say : — es We do not think that
it was ever tamed as there are no settlers in
the section it was taken from. The Indians
might probably keep one a short time when
young, with a view of taking it where it could
be disposed of alive, but they very seldom
keep them ajiy time.” I may probably have
some further information regarding these cuts.
They do not represent wounds made by a
quadruped ; they resemble cuts made with a
knife ; but when and where they were made,
is the mystery. C.

136

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

ORNITHOLOGICAL QUERIES.

In former numbers of this journal we have
asked for information regarding the economy
of certain birds inhabiting Canada, of which
very little is known. The natural history of
the following species appears to us, worthy of
further investigation.

The Gray Sea Eagle or Ern ( Halicetus albi-
cilla) It was described by Cuvier. Now,
there is a doubt expressed by American orni-
thologists as to its being a true species. An
eagle resembling the European Ern occurs in
Canada to which the name Gray Sea Eagle is
applied* but some persons contend that it is
only the young of the Bald Eagle. Mr. R.
Rowe, of St. John, N.B., writes to ask cc If the
female of Halicetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle)
has plumage same as male — i. e. — with white
head and tail. I am inclined to think that
the female has not the white head and tail.
I saw a pair this fall, one had head and tail
like snow, and the other which I concluded
was the female, was brown. I am speaking of
course of mature plumage. If I had had my
rifle with me at the time, I believe I could
have killed the two, as they were not twenty
yards from me, and both in a line sitting on an
old stump.” Can any of our correspondents
inform us if the Northern Sea Eagle ( H pela-
gicus, Siebold), has been shot in Canada ?
These three eagles are evidently mixed up in
such a way that it will take some time to
separate them properly. Have ornithologists
compared the eggs of H. pelagicus with those
of H. leucocephalus , or can the egg of H
albicilla be produced as identified ?

Golden-crested Wren, ( Regulus satrapa ,
Licht.) I saw this species feeding its young
at Mingan on the North Shore of the Lower
St. Lawrence. Has its nest been found in
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick or the Western
portion of the Province of Quebec?

Tit Lark ( Anthus ludovicianus, Licht.) This
species visits the Provinces of Ontario and
Quebec in the Fall; is said to nest in high
latitudes. The bird is terrestrial and possibly
the nest may approach the form of that of a
Melospiza , and may therefore be overlooked.

I have never noticed the Tit Larkin Ontario
or Quebec in Summer, hende it is questionable
if it nests in the vicinity of latitude 46.

Blackburnian Warbler ( Dendroica Black-
burnicie.) This pretty warbler passes north
through our forests about the middle of May.
Has its nest been found in New Brunswick
or Nova Scotia? I saw numbers of this

species in the woods of Labrador on the 17th
June, but could not discover the nest. I
found the nest of the Black and Yellow
Warbler ( D . maculosa ) at Natashquan on the
latter date.

The Evening Grosbeak ( Hesperiphona vesper-
tina, Bon.) Occurs in Western Ontario. Can
any of our correspondents send us a descrip-
tion of its nest, and the geographical range of
the bird in Canada? How far East has it
been noticed in Ontario?

The Pine Finch {Chrysomitris pinus. Bon.)
Has this bird been found breeding in Canada ?

The Lesser Red-poll ( Aegiothus linaria , Cab.)
Two species of Red-poll are sometimes com-
mon in the Province of Quebec in the Fall,
but I have not yet met with a person who
found their nests in Canada.

The Sea-side Finch ( Ammodromus maraiimus ,
Sw.) Can any of our Nova Scotian or New
Brunswick ornithologists inform us if this
finch breeds within their Provinces ? I found
nests of a finch on the Labrador coast which
I took for this species, but at the time had no
facility to identify them.

The Tree Sparrow ( Spizella monticola , Baird.)
This is another species which appears in the
Province of Quebec. It passes north in April.
The Fall birds are mostly all young. Probabty
they nest in the woods on the Lauren tian
Mountains. I would like to obtain information
regarding the nest of this species.

The Magpie ( Pica Hudsonicus, Bon.) This
bird is said to frequent the vicinity of Lake
Superior. Has its nest been discovered near
the latter region ? C.

BULLETIN OF THE NATURAL HISTORY
SOCIETY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

The first proceedings of the Natural History
Society of New Brunswick are before us ; the
matter, scientifically viewed, is fully equal
to that issued by older institutions. It con-
tains a catalogue of the birds of New Bruns-
wick, by Mr. Montague Chamberlain, who
appends brief notes relating to their migrations,
breeding, &c. The discovery of the breeding
localities of birds forms the most important
research in Ornithology at this age of human
inquiry, and a compiler of matter relating to
this portion of American bird history, should
certainly be encouraged in order to have it
authentic. From Mr. Chamberlain’s notes we
obtain new information regarding a few spe-
cies which were heretofore considered myste-
rious as to their breeding places, and we wish

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

other Oological students to follow his example
and penetrate the primitive forests of New
Brunswick to add additional facts to this
excellent list. The Society’s Committee on
Botany have made a good beginning in issuing
a list of plants found within the Province, and
we have no doubt that through the exertions
of Messrs. Hay, Chalmers and Yroom, the
Flora of New Brunswick will be as thoroughly
worked up as the birds have been by Mr.
Chamberlain. The Bulletin is creditable to
the Society and printer, and doubtless No. 2
will contain matter of similar interest.

REVIEW.

The Farmers’ Advocate, published at
London, Ontario. The April number of this
serial contains two handsome engravings
(specially designed for the journal), and is
replete with matter interesting to the Agricul-
turist. Subscription, $1 .00 per annum.

We call the attention of those of our readers
who are fond of the Rod, to the advertisement
headed “ Sportsman’s Retreat,” in this issim.
Our friend should have a full house during
the season ; guests are promised plenty of
sport.

(forresponbence.

To the Editor of The Canadian Sportsman
and Naturalist.

Dear Sir, — Referring to your “ Ornitholo-
gical Queries” (just the thing that is wanted,
and answers to which I shall look forward to
with much interest), perhaps it will not be
uninteresting to lovers of Ornithology to know
that last week was shot on the Belvedere
Flats, about twelve miles from this city, a fine
female specimen of the Trumpeter Swan,
( Cygnets buccinator ). It was very thin, but
in excellent plumage, entirely white with the
exception of head and neck, which had mark-
ings of a very light rusty brown, so light that
at a distance of a few yards the whole bird
appeared white; Measurement from tip to tip
of wings, 6 feet 6 in. By the slight markings
on the head and neck, I concluded it was a
young bird. This appears to be quite a rara
avis in these parts. Last fall, there was killed

137

at Dick’s Lake, N.B., a Florida Gallinule,
( Galenula galeata.) At Musquash, N.B.,
seventeen miles from here, on the 4th April,
last year was shot the Purple Gallinule, ( Pro -
phyris Martinica), and another last September
at Quaco, N.B. ; the latter was in fine feather,
and appeared to be a young bird. Several
Green Heron (Ardea virescens ), were taken
last September at Brier Island, N.S.* At same
time were seen large flocks (?) of the Scarlet
Tanager, ( Pyranga rubra), and Baltimore
Oriole, ( Icterus Baltimore). We have had
also, this spring, quite a flight of Cross-bills,
both the red ( Curvivostra Americana) and the
white-winged (C. leucoptera). The pine Gros-
beak, ( Pinicola Canadensis), is frequently
found in this Province, but whether they nest
here or not, I have been unable as yet to
determine. With the exception of the flocks
of Tanagers and Orioles mentioned above, I
have seen all these birds in the flesh.

I am, yours truly.

R. Rowe.

St. John, N.B., 10th April, 1882.

* An island in the Bay of Funcly, at the S. W. ex-
tremity of Dighy Neck, on it is a lighthouse.

NID1E1CATION OF NUTHATCHES.

Sir, — When I wrote the article published in
the April number, I stated that I had not seen
the nest or eggs of Sitta Canadensis , and in a
note to Mr. Dunlop, giving some of my obser-
vations regarding the nidificatioir of Nut-
hatches, I stated that on one occasion I had
seen the nest of this bird — Sitta Carolinensis —
in a cavity of a decayed tree, like that of a
wood-pecker. Subsequent investigation amid
the wild haunts of these birds, proves that the
red bellied species are far more numerous
than I had supposed, and a review of my
observations, taken at the time, now makes
me confident that the nest referred to belonged
to the latter bird. If was in the early part of
June 1866, I was cutting down timber on the
margin of a beaver meadow where the wood,
mostly balsam, cedar, and white wood (linden),
was thick. I happened, among others to fell
an old linden stub, and to my regret and the
great distress of the parent birds, found that it
contained the nest of a Nuthatch, in which
were three young ones, which were nearly
killed by the fall* of the tree. The cavity in
which the nest wa^* placed was about twenty
feet from the ground, made like that of a
wood-pecker or chickadee, and not more than

138

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

eight or ten inches deep ; this excavation, I
have no doubt, was the work of the birds
themselves. In the bottom was a small quan-
tity of fibrous, woody matter. This nest was
altogether different to any of the Nuthatches
that I have seen, and it struck me at the time
as very peculiar. I also noted that the birds
were darker in color, and their notes consider-
ably different to those commonly observed in
the high, hardwood lands, but until years
afterwards, when I procured a copy of “ Ross’
Birds of Canada,” I was not aware that the
Red and White-bellied birds, were distinct
species. Since then I have observed that the
habitat of Sitta Canadensis is generally the
deep evergreen woods, and lately, I note, that
its call is louder, more prolonged and plaintive
than that of its white-bellied congener, which
latter is partial to the hardwood regions, and
always makes its large nest (formed of moss,
fibrous bark and hair) in the natural hollows
of trees. Years ago I had observed some of
these birds excavating cavities in old stubs,
generally softwood timber, and that in the fall
of the year, they laid up a supply of different
kind of seeds in such place ; I am now disposed
to believe that this was particularly the work
of the Red-bellied species.

W. L. Kells, Listowel, Ont.

SUPPOSED NESTS OF THE CROSSBILL.

On the 10th of April, when taking a ramble
for ornithological purposes, with my two boys,
in a cedar swamp, north of this town, I noticed
a number of nest-like structures, placed on
the branches of cedar and other evergreens,
generally about twelve to twenty feet from the
0-round. I had often, in different places, noticed
similar structures before, always in the early
spring, and knowing that these had been made
in the winter, supposed that they were the
work of some squirrel. On the above date,
however, curiosity led me to examine several
of these structures more closelv, and to my
surprise, I found that they were the nests of
some birds, and had evidently been recently
occupied. Compared with the size of the bird
that must have built and occupied these hut-
like formations, they were large. One which
I brought home, measured two feet six inches
in circumference; yet the inside cavity was
only about four inches in diameter, and the
entrance showed that the body of the builder
was about the size of that of the pine finch.
The outsides of these nests w'ere formed of moss
calculated to keep out cold, and throw ott the

rain, while the inside was thickly’- lined with
the soft fibrous dry cedar bark, and in some
cases, small quantities of hair. The materials
of the entrance were of such quality and
arrangement as to almost close when the
occupant went in or out, and it would appear
also that it was the intention of the owners to
cover the contents when they found it neces-
sary to leave it for the purpose of procuring
food. For a while I was puzzled to know
what species of the feathered race had made
these nests, and therein reared their young in
the midst of our cold and stormy winters. I
then recollected and re-read the article in the
last February number by Dr. Gamier, on the
Crossbills, the mystery was solved. These
moss-made hut-shaped structures were the
nests of Loxia curvirostrat I then recollected
that in the winter of 1866, and following years,
I had observed these birds in flocks in the
barn-yard and among the evergreen woods of
North Wallace, where also I first noticed those
curious nests, but never thought they were
the habitations of birds, or that any bird could
rear their young at such a season of the year
in our climate. Lately a neighbour informed
me that he saw the nest of a bird with four
young in the month of March, but could give
no information as to the species or formation
of the nest. It was, of course, a crossbill.
I did not see any of these birds this season,
they had evidently departed northward before
my advent among their winter homes. I hope
another season to see their eggs.

W. L. Kells, Listowel, Ont.

Sitta Canadensis. When I first discovered
the nest of this bird, both male and female
were busy gathering soft material to complete
their nest ; the spot selected for this purpose
being a hole in a dead tree, about ten ieet
from the ground ; the hole, however, was not
the work of these birds, but one which had
probably been made by a squirrel or wood-
pecker some seasons previous, the cavity
being about fourteen inches deep. Sitta Caro-
linensis. As the northern limit of this Nut-
hatch, as a winter resident, is somewhat
indefinite, I might mention the fact that one
was taken at Westfield March 10th, 1882.

Harold Gilbert.

St. John, N.B., April 23, 1882,

Dear Sir, — In answer to your query in
the March number of the Sportsman and
Naturalist, concerning the nesting of Antros -

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

139

tomus vociferus (Bp.), I can say that I have
found several nests in the Province of Quebec,
in latitude 46 ° . The bird is quite common
in the County of Ottawa, P.Q. Mr. W. P.
Anderson tells me that he found both the
Whip-poor- Will and the Night Hawk very
common in the North-West Territory, some
distance north of latitude 49 ° . Can you tell
me whether there is, so far, any record of the
Western Grebe ( Podiceps Occidentalism lawr )
being taken in Ontario or Quebec? Prof.
Macoun, I think, found it north of Winnipeg.
Mr. George White, of this city, shot a pair
near here last season, but the skins have
unfortunately been lost.

W. L. Scott.

Ottawa, Ont. April 26, 1882.

Note. — The Western Grebe occurs rarely in
the Province of Quebec. I purchased one
in the Quebec market. — C.

THE BIRDS OF PREY OF NOVA SCOTIA.

BY J. BERNARD GILPIN, A.B., M.D., M.R.C.S.

He is common, and most probably breeds
with us, as he is seen during that season, but I
have no note of his nesting. He leaves us during
November, the swamps then being frozen, and
the mice, reptiles and snakes, his usual food,
hibernating. He is seen beating our new
mown fields and swamps, but never hunting
the shores abounding with shore birds. The
females and young are much more abundant
than the slate grey male. In his habits he
resembles the buzzard, as he does somewhat
in bill and claws. In the next family of hawks
we have the sharp-shin (A. fuscus ), Cooper’s
hawk (A. Cooperi ), and the Goss-hawk (A.
atricapillus). The sharp-shin is, perhaps,
our most common hawk. I have noted him
in May and in December. Little doubt he
breeds with us. though I do not know his nest.
Though slenderer than the falcons, his bill
lighter, and upper mandible scarcely notched,
he is by no means their inferior in audacity
and headlong pounce. One broke the glass
of Mr. Downs’ aviary in attacking a canary,
seen through. He will often attack caged birds
hanging in country houses, and even enter the
city for the same game. Cooper’s hawk (A.
Cooperi ), an enlarged model of the last, is
very rare. I am indebted to Mr. Egan for
notes of one specimen mounted by himself
and afterwards sent home to England. I have
never seen it myself. The Goshawk (A. atri-
capillus) is common and seen during the

breeding season, though I have no notes of
time. A pair wintered near the light-house
at Digby Gut, 1880 ; but this is unusual. The
vicinity to the sea would make one suppose
they lived upon fish. Few hawks of any
species, save eagles, are seen after Decem-
ber, even the fish hawks leave us. One would
suppose* a duck upon the water would be an
easy prey for them, and our winter shores are
covered by them ; but I have never heard or
have read of any hawk making like the fish-
hawk what may be called a water pounce.
The Goshawk is the type of the great hen
hawk of the farmers’ wives. He comes out
in the open, is not seen beating marshes like
the buzzards and harriers, or the sea sands
like the smaller falcons, but prowls about the
homesteads, coming suddenly with the swift-
ness of the gale from nowhere, and sweeping
a hen or chicken from the very feet ofitsowm
er, gone as suddenly as it came, and losing
in the deadly rush for a time that caution and
wariness which ever keeps him from the vic-
inity of man. The next Family are the
Falcons; a mere pcwntul organisation comp-
aratively; a keener ardor and untamed spirit ;
the habit of taking their prey with a pounce
from a tall tree, or perpendicularly from the
air, rather than hunting along the surface;
a stronger, shorter, and peculiarly notched bill,
and pointed wing, define this family as it were
abruptly from the others. It is the type fof
the highest excellence of the whole order. Of
six species inhabiting North America, four
are found in Nova Scotia ; two probably nest-
ing, the others rare, and as respects the
jerfalcon accidental visitors. In F. Sacer we
miss the old name so long given by naturalists
to the falcon of antiquity, but bow to the law
that gives to the first scientific discoverer
(Forster) the right of the specific name. Of
this historical bird, the companion and pet of
mediaeval princes, the subject of the ancient
pseudo science of hawking, with all its complex
phraseology, I am indebted to Mr. Downs for
my sole note. One specimen was mounted
by him some twenty years since, being taken
by a vessel on the coast and brought to Halifax,
and a second specimen is exhibited this even-
ing by him. They are not uncommon at
Newfoundland, being called white hawks, and
sometimes stray south of us, into New England
doubtless taking the inland route. The duck
hawk ( F communis ), and here again we lose
the fine old name peregrinus, a bold and
beautiful bird, wiih the eye, toothed bill.

140

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

and powerful claw of its race in the highest
beauty and perfection in my experience, is very
rare. There was a good specimen in the Halifax
Museum 1870, and Mr. Downs has noted it.
This falcon is the anaium and great footed
hawk of American writers. The pigeon hawk
( F . columbarius ) is perhaps the most common
hawk of our Province. My notes are Septem-
ber and November, but still I believe he nests
with us or is found during the time of incuba-
tion. He is a true falcon, in dash, temerity
and force. He will strike a duck upon tne
wing and lacerate and tear up, the whole back
and neck region so as to produce death. He
occurs here with a variation of colour. In the
Provincial Museum are specimens with four
obscure whitish bars upon tail. A specimen
in Mr. J. M. Jones’ collection agrees with this ;
the bars broader. Another, shot by Mr. Alfred
Gilpin, has five white bars, the fifth obscured
by tail coverts. Another specimen, shot by
John Baxter, Nov. 4th, 1880, has five dark
bars crossing the tail, the fifth hid by tail
coverts. In this specimen the colour was
more plumbeous on back and rump and tail,
and more whitish below. I have not specimens
enough to show any analogy between the plum-
beous colouml back and darker tail bars, and
whiter colour below. Coues asserts the female
has white bars, Reeks (Zoologist, 1869,) des-
cribes it at Newfoundland, as having dark bars.
The question is also complicated by Richard-
son’s merlin or Aesalon of the old world, very
allied to this species, being found in America,
though denied by Coues. We find this very
active and bold falcon on the flats of the se#"
shores, pouncing serially upon the TrinAa,
Totani and other shore birds in their autumn
migration. He lingers into November before
he leaves us. There is no prettier sight than
on a warm September day, in the Digby, Basin,
when the great Bav of Fundy tide has filled
up to the very rushes the salt water estuaries
and creeks ; when the peeps and shore birds
are like snowy drifts on the edge of the tide,
waiting for the ebb; when the herons, coming
full twenty miles from their heronry by the
forest lakeside, are roosting ih awkward groups
on the spruce pines and birches overhanging
the tideway, also waiting for the ebb ; than an
instant alarm of shrieks from the herons,
followed by an instant barking of the crows,
rising and falling about the tops of the pines,
disturb ycu, as floating in your canoe you are
watching how a feathery gull, or an early scoter,
is breaking the majestic mirror all around you.

Malti Pictou, your Indian, says, “ May bee
herons don’t like the hawk ” ; and then, as you
turn your eyes landward, you see the hawk
sailing in short circles around and then with a
sweep fetching down upon the herons, recover
ing himself and passing with lazily flap of
wing slowly their roosting trees. He, too, is
waiting for the ebb. The sparrow hawk (F.
sparverius) is not rare with us ; my notes of
him are in September, but Mr. J. M. Jones'
allows me to say, he has seen them during the
summer in the valley of Annapolis, with all
the habits of a resident bird, and probably
nesting. Its beautiful colouring and bold up-
right form and audacity makes him every-
where a marked species. Of the next family of
buzzards, I have identified three species. This
family, more robust than the last and more
powerful in form, have less audacity, sitting for
hours listlessly on a dead tree, living on the
smaller mammals and reptiles which, flying
low, they snatch rather than pounce upon,
are still audacious plunderers of the farm yard.
Of the Red-shouldered hawk (B. lineatus ) I
have only Mr. Downs’ notes. I have never
seen it. The winter falcon (A lagopus ) is seen
rarely here. A specimen in the Halifax
Museum agrees with Richardson’s figure and
description, the colours scarcely so bright. I
saw_one specimen of a black hawk in Mr.
Roue’s collection, at Halifax, 1870. It was
alive and therefore could not be examined
closely, but it looked so very unlike, in
size and figure, the lagopus , that I

could scarcely call it a nigritism of that
bird. But still I have nothing explicit enough
to call it a true species, especially as the best
writers unite in not considering it such. I can
not but think there is a lost hawk in this
family. The Red-tail hawk ( B . borealis ) is a
common hawk with us. My notes give him
the middle of April, Summer and November
resident, but leaving us in winter. Our speci-
mens, in the finest nuptial plumage, differ
from Richardson’s description both in the
colour of tail and breast. They have very
much more brown and ferruginous on breast,
and the tails of the brightest chestnut red,
the two outer tail feathers obscurely barred.
Richardson says of his specimen, killed at
Carleton house, May, 1827, “The tail is
brownish orange, tipped with soiled white,
with a subterminal band of blackish brown
there are also traces of thirteen other brown-
ish bars.”

( To be continued .)

No. 6. MONTREAL, JUNE, 1882. Vol. IT.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

TO HEALTH AND PLEASURE SEEKERS.

This journal is the best medium to advertise
Sea Bathing localities and healthy inland
Summer Resorts, especially where good shoot-
ing and fishing can be obtained. Our sub-
scribers are generally gentlemen of means,
and just the parties who visit new places
annually to enjoy themselves.

THE CANADA LYNX.

( Lynx Canadensis.')

A subscriber writes to say “ that Mr. Gamier
is wrong in stating that the above-named
quadruped have never been seen in the Penin-
sula (of Ontario I suppose) south of the
Ottawa River ! ” He informs us 4 that they are
still to be found in the County of Simco'e, and
that he has found them in his own woods on
Lake Simcoe. A remarkable fine specimen
measuring very near! y forty-three inches from
nose to tail was sent to him by one of his sons,
shot in t^ie County of Frontenac, near Skunk
Lake, about three months ago. The two
. species, the Red Lynx ( Lynx rufus) and the
Lynx Canadensis , though resembling each
other in many respects, yet have such distinc-
tive characteristics, that they cannot well be
mistaken for each other. ”

Note. — The Canada Lynx was not uncom-
mon when we resided in Toronto about thirty
years ago, and although its fur is used for
robes, &c., and many are annually destroyed,
it is not possible that it is annihilated in
Ontario. The two species are arboreal, and
as the woodlands are being cut down and farm
lands extending, these animals, like many
others, are pressed back to the mountain soli-
tudes, where they can procure food and bring
forth their young. This accounts for L. Cana-
densis being more abundant north of the City
of Quebec, where large tracts of woodland are
almost as primitive to-day as they were one
hundred years ago, Our fur-bearing animals
are doubtless decreasing, especially in the
more cultivated and open portions of Canada.
At one time, the Hudson Bay Co., although
traders in furs only, protected these animals
by a proper system, ordering the Indians to
procure certain species during the season,

therefore allowing other species to multiply,
thus they kept up the stock in a natural way.
But of late years, hunters and fur traders visit
the grounds which formerly the Company
held within themselves. Now, fur-bearing
animals are trapped by residents on the
Labrador coast at all seasons. The Indian
seeing his white brother doing this, as a
matter of course, follows his example, but the
result will be ultimately disastrous to the
hunter and quadrupeds The government
should certainly stop people from killing fur-
bearing animals out of season, and we are
pleased to notice that the new Game Laws
provides that “ the Lieutenant Governor in
Council may, in his discretion, prohibit the
hunting or killing of any game or fur-beaTing
animals, for a period not exceeding five years.”
This is sensible, but at the -same time, we
have no objection to the muskrat being
destroyed at all seasons when they commit
havoc on a farmer’s land by burrowing under
creeks and rivers on his property, but martin,
otter, mink and beaver should not be destroyed
out of season.

The editor of this journal is not respon-
sible for matter sent by correspondents. When
manuscript is placed in our hands for publi-
cation, any statements therein, of which we
have a doubt, will be invariably corrected
before the compositor receives it. Were, it
not for our long absence from Ontario, Mr.
Garnier’s remarks regarding the Canada Lynx
would have been noted at the time they were
published. — C.

ORNITHOLOGICAL QUERIES.

The Canada Jay ( Perisoreus Canadensis) :
A great deal has been written regarding the
habits of this bird, but very little of its history
is given during its nesting season. Its nest
was found in Novq Scotia, Mr. Dickinson of
Springfield, Mass., says he has eggs from the
latter Province. It must nest about the same
time as the Crossbills, as on my visit to
Labrador, specially to obtain the eggs of this
bird, I noticed the young in May, at a place
called Watchshesho. They were following
their parents, flying from tree to tree, but
their heads were covered with white downy
feathers, therefore, I must have found them
•in the vicinity of their nest. Can any of our

142

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

correspondents send us a description of the
nest; the month of its completion; the
locality and tree in which it was built ? From
seeing the young so early in Labrador, we
think that the eggs must have been laid in
March or April, when the land was deeply
covered with snow. *The stomachs of the
young birds shot at Watchshesho were filled
with a species of swamp cranberry.

Have any of our correspondents discovered
a Canadian nesting-place of the Wild Pigeon
( Ectopistes migratoria) of late years?

The Northern form of Sharp-tailed Grouse
( Pedioecetes phasianelhis ) occurs in the valley
of St. John, Upper Saguenay in winter. Has
its nest been found in Canada ?

The Rock Ptarmigan ( Lagopus rupestris)
is also occasionally found in winter. The
species evidently nests on the north coast of
the Lower St. Lawrence. We would be
pleased to hear from Oologists regarding the
summer locality of this bird.

The Red-breasted Snipe ( Macrorhampus
griseus ) is occasionally shot in the Province
of Quebec, while on its western flight in
spring. Has its nest been found in Ontario?

Jack Snipe ( Tringa maculata) are some-
times abundant in swamps about the 20th of
May. Who discovered its nest and determined
its eggs in Canada ?

The Solitary Sandpiper (Rhyacophilus soli-
tarius ) is also seen about the end of May, near
creeks on the margin of forests. Has any
person found its nest in Ontario?

Did any Oologist discover the Field -Plover,
commonly known as Bartram’s Plover ( J/cti -
turns Bartramius ) breeding in Canada ?

The Yellow Rail ( Porzana Novaboracensis).
This pretty little game-looking Rail breeds in
our northern swamps, as they have been shot
on snipe grounds behind Quebec in Autumn.
They pass over the latitude of the latter city,
probably north of the Laurentian mountains.
Can any of our correspondents send us infor-
mation as to its nest location, its form and
material of construction ; whether the habits
of the species are similar to the other Rails?
Any portion of its summer history would be
of interest. — C.

MONTREAL BRANCH, ENTOMOLOGICAL
SOCIETY OF ONTARIO.

The ninth annual meeting of this society
was held on the 1 6th May, at the residence of
the President, II. II. Lyman, Esq. A very
favorable report was presented for the past
year, and the society congratulated on its

success and the interest taken by the members
in this important branch of Natural Science.
Eight meetings were held during the year,
(there being a vacation in summer), at which
six original papers were read,' ai.d many
valuable observations placed on record with
regard to our Montreal insect fauna. The
titles of the papers are as follows : “ Notes

on some species of Hymenoptera occurring
at Montreal.” “ On Instinct in insects.”
“ The Pickled Fruit Fly, Drosophila ampe -
lophila , Loew.” “ On the Genera Hepialus
and Sthenopis in Canada .” “ Notes on the
Callimorphas in the Boston Museums, as
compared with Montreal species.” “ List of
Lepidoptera collected in 1881 , by Dr. Bell,
of the Geological Survey. . A valuable dona-
tion of books, from the Society in London,
Ontario was also thankfully acknowledged.

The following gentlemen were elected to
office for the ensuing year: H. H Lyman,

M.A., President , W. Couper, Vice-President ,
G. J. Bowles, Secretary and Treasurer , F. B.
Caulfield, J. G. Jack and E. D. Wintle,
Members of Council.

The members had the pleasure of examin-
ing the celebrated work of Boisduval and
Leconte on the Diurnjb of America, and also
the beautifully executed works of Professor
Townend Glover, of Washington, U.S. on the
Hemiptera, and on Cotton worm insects.
The latter books are profusely illustrated with
etched plates, and the reading matter is
lithographed from the Professors manuscript
in fac-simile. All of these works are, we
believe, unique in Montreal.

The prospects of the coming season’s
collecting were also discussed, as well as the
Yarious entomological problems at present
engaging the attention of the society, and the
members separated with pleasant anticipations
of the summer expeditions in pursuit of their
“ untaxed and undisputed game,” by field
and flood, over the mountain slopes, or
through the leafy woods, and gaining at one
time three important things, — health, recrea-
tion, and some insight into the mysteries and
beauties of nature.

PETRIFIED NEST AND EGGS.

While examining the collection of Dr. S
Woolverton of this city, I was shown a pet-
rified bird’s nest, containing two eggs, which
was found in a cave near Woodstock, Ont.,
several years ago. It seemed to be formed of
sticks, which outside were placed longitudin-

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST,

143

ally, but in tfye cavity laid horizontally. Many
were as much as five-eighths of an inch in
diameter, but probably increased by their coat-
ing of lime precipitate. What had the appear-
ance of moss was laid around the edges. The
eggs, also petrified, lay near the centre of the
nest, the larger end of one adjacent to the
smaller end cf the other. The external dimen-
sions of the nest are 5x5 inches, the cavity
being 3£ x 3 ; the eggs both in size and appear-
ance resembling a chaparrel cock’s. The
whole weighed about two pounds, all the
interstices between the sticks having been filled
with the carbonate, welding them into a
homogeneous stony mass. As a whole, it
greatly resembled the lava-like formation of
stalactites generally. The species is unknown
but the doctor thinks it belongs to a Pewee,
the eggs being abnormally enlarged by the
lime formation, as also the straws, which have
the appearance of sticks.— G. S. Smith,
London , Ont.

Horrespcmbenc^

BIRD NOTES.

To the Editor of The Canadian Sportsman
and Naturalist.

Dear Sir, — As previously intimated, the
Messina Quail, imported by Col. W. Rhodes,
of Benmore House, wintered at his*request, in
my aviary, were let loose at Spencer Grange
this spring. The event took place on the 20th
May inst. — Buckwheat their favorite food was
strewed in the woods and the birds cast out
free. You may also be pleased to learn that
Col. Rhodes, who returned home per
“ Circassian ” on the 17th inst., brought out
to Quebec, another supply of Sicilian Quail,
close on one hundred, all of which he turned
loose the next day, at Sillery, towards the
Gomin Wood, in rear of Benmore House. The
experiment was unavoidably made late, on
account of the backwardness of spring. In
ordinary seasons, it might take place on the
1st May, so as to give the birds a chance to
nest early and have their young full fledged,
healthy and strong in September following.
I hope yet to hear that some of your public
spirited Montreal sportsmen and well-to-do
citizens will try similar experiments in the
wooded and sheltered declivities of Mount
Royal, whose southern aspect seems most
favorable for this purpose. Let us now mark

results of this spring’s operations. As a
former resident of Quebec, you must be well
acquainted with the dates and particulars of
the spring migration of our Canadian birds,
especially that of the Robin ( Tardus migra-
torius ), on his way to the ice-bound regions of
Hudson Bay, where Sir. John Richardson,
during the leafy months met the Robin in
such numbers. The spring and fall migration
of birds has ever been shrowded in mystery
and the Robins are no exception to the rule.
For the last twenty-two years, which I have
spent at Spencer Grange, (as you know,) is
the smaller half of Spencer Wood proper, the
spring migration in the early days of May has
been uniform and regular. It was difficult to
ignore even in a parliamentary or Pickwickian
sense the presence and loud warblings of the
two hundred feathered musicians, who on some
occasions have, undisturbed, elected domicile
here in May, for two weeks on a stretch.
Night and morning, these virtuosos poured
forth floods of wild minstrelsy, in such defiant,
loud, merry, lawless tones that one might
have been tempted to believe the place belonged
to them — possibly as Irish tenants of the land.
The programme ran thus — at 6 a.m., a bath
in the Belle Borne Brook; at 8 a.m., the
morning hymn or performance; on the rising
of the curtain, a grand rehearsal: the execu-
tion, superb, highly artistical — shall I say,
•sesthetical. Then, a full stop — a break in the
song — a rush, an invasion en masse of the
moist meadow adjoining the lofty pine, ash,
and maple trees which girdle the grounds. A
few pair of Robins would cross over to lunch
at Woodfield, on caterpillars, earth worms, &c.
Some jaunty bachelors whisking their tails and
wings, accompanied by sprightv or demure,
love-sick lady-birds, lighted under the groves
of Spencer Wood, to gossip, frisk and flirt on
the grassy margin of the historic ruisseau
Saint Denis , where more than a century ago,
the valiant Wolfe climbed to conquor or die:
the bulk of the orchestra, possibly, accom-
panied by the Impressario, loved to linger
the livelong day, under the leafy domes of
Spencer Grange, within reach of their bathing
ground — the Belle Borne Brook. Such the
usual accompaniments of the annual northern
migration of the Robin. Nothing of the kind
this spring. The only Robins, a few pair
probably hatched on the place — brought back
by the bump of locality or memory of places.
No spring wave of emigrants this season to
the north — our way ; — another route through

144

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST

a warmer latitude may have been selected.
But I must close; I may in my next have
something to say about other dear friends —
the Song ; White-crowned ; White-throated
and Chipping Sparrows, as well as of other
spring visitors — the Golden-winged Wood-
pecker; the Hermit Thrush; theVeery; the
Red-start, the Red-eyed Flycatcher &c.

J. M. LeMoine.
Spencer Grange, 20 May, 1882.

Dear Sir, — In the last number of your
valuable paper, I notice a letter from Mr. R.
Rowe. As I take a great interest in Orni-
thology, and know how very important it is,
that all information on this subject should be
thoroughly reliable, I take the liberty of
correcting an error in Mr. Rowe’s notes, as I
feel it a duty I owe to others interested who
may be misled by it. He says a tine female
Trumpeter Swan ( Cygnus buccinator , Rich)
was shot near this city ; the bird referred to
by Mr. Rowe was shot by Mr. Barnhill, and
mounted by Mr. Carnal], and is now on
exhibition for a short time, in the rooms of
the Natural History Society of this city,
where I have had the pleasure of examining
it, and pronounce it to be the American or
Whistling Swan (C. Americanus, Sharpless) ;
the yellow spot showing distinctly in front of
eye; tail composed of twenty feathers; nostril
far .‘orwsird. The interior extremity more
forward than half the commisure; wing
measuring twenty-one inches ; bill four and a
quarter. These facts I think are sufficient to
convince any one who has studied the
differences of the two species, of the identity
of this bird, and I think Mr. Rowe will also be
convinced if he will examine it again more
closely. Mr: Barnhill prizes this bird very
highly as it is the only instance of which I
can learn of one having been captured in this
Province. Can any of your readers inform
me of any having been taken in New Bruns-
wick or Nova Scotia? Would Mr. Rowe
kindly inform us, in what part of the Province
the flights of Cross-bills to which he refers,
been seen? If in the vicinity of St. John?
and during what month? 1 cannot learn
of anyone else who has seen them near here,
as 1 myself and several of my friends have
made special excursions in search of these
birds and their nests, and have not been
successful in seeing more than an occasional
straggler. During the winter of 1871) and
1880 the White-winged Cross-bill ( Loxia

leucoptera ) was particularly abundant ; during
a two hours tramp, I secured sixteen beautiful
specimens and could have secured as many
more had I been desirous of so doing.
The common Redpoll ( Aegiothus linaria) and
Pine Finch ( C i.risomitris Pinus ) were also
very abundant during the same winter, when
the woods were made quite lively by the com-
bined songs of these birds; by the middle of
April the\ had all disappeared, and have not
been as abundant since, the Cross-bills only
appearing in straggling pairs, while an occa-
sional flock of Redpolls have put in an appear-
ance round the farm yards. I have never
observed the Red Cross-bill ( Loxia curvirostra
Americana ) during the winter months ; I
shot a pair in July 1879, and have frequently
seen them late in the fall in large flocks'.

Harold Gilbert.

St. John, N.B., May 17, 1882.

PICKERING’S TREE FROG.

V- ( Hyla Pickering ii )

This little Tree Frog is usually the first of
its class to hail the coming of Spring. It
sends 0.4 a peculiar crepitant sound, strongly
resembling a cricket, hence it is sometimes
called “ Cricket Frog.” It is a true Tree
Frog; the extremities of its toes and fingers
have round sponge-like protuberances supplied
with viscid matter to help it to adhere to any-
thing perpendicular. It is at ease on a sheet
of glass, and when confined in a glass vase
containing water, it can climb up and remain
on the surface of the glass for a long time,
perfectly motionless, as if asleep. This can-
not be done by a common frog, as it is not
provided with glutinous exudation. Hyla
Pickeringii belongs to the order Anura, or
tailless batrachians. The Hylidce are arboreal
in summer; they are small frogs having
remarkable power of emitting loud and hoarse
notes. The ear is fully developed and the
family is represented in many portions of this
earth. It is toothless; the toes are webbed;
the skin more or less warty ; under portions
of body crowded with small papillae exuding a
viscous fluid. Each toe and finger has a
dilated spongy disk enabling it to cling to
anything that it leaps on, and it relies on the
papillae to secure its position on a leaf or
branch of a tree. The toes are certainly used,
but not in the manner of other frogs. Its
back is reddish-brown with stripes resembling
St. Andrews cross. A triangular mark on the

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURAtlSl.

145

head between the eyes. Irides golden hazel.
External surface of legs and arms spotted or
banded or irregularly striped. Abdomen
yellowish white. A dark strip from the
nostrils passes through the eye, over shoulders
and halfway down the side. Throat more or
less brown, generally wrinkled under the
tongue and fauces. Tongue bifid behind.
Beneath the tongue there is a small opening at
each side, and these unite, at the entrance into
the sublingual sack. When making its'
crepitant croak, this sack is distended in the
shape of a small orange, and rapidly emptied,
forcing the wind over the edges against the
palate and through the nostrils. By this
means the peculiar noise is produced. This
species breeds early, depositing its spawn in
water, very soon after the ice disappears. I
have heard its notes at one end of a small pool
when the other end was glazed over with ice,
and when the temperature of the water was
33° Fahrenheit. It is a difficult matter to dis-
cover this little frog when it sounds its note
and if man approaches, no matter how careful,
the least motion causes it to be still. It pro-
trudes half of its head over the surface of the
water, and in calm sunshiny days, a gentle
thrill of wavelets may be noticed around its :
tiny head. But the moment that it sees any-
thing in motion approaching or passing, its <
sack suddenly collapses, the tiny head sinks, i
and Mr. Frog goes noiselessly to the bottom, .
without leaving the slightest ruffle on the
surface of the water. It drops down among ;
the mud and decayed herbage without any 1
effort to bury its kodv. Its imitative powers :
are so great that the spot in which it hides i
itself cannot be seen ; the colour of its body 1
being almost like the mud, &c., and spots 1
or stripings ha e a tendency to make it <
more obscure. Regarding its note (which is i
powerful in proportion to its size) it may t
be heard on a calm spring evening, at a t
distance of a mile. Its weight is about thirty f
grains or half a drachm, therefore an ordinary 3
sized man of 155 lbs. weight is 32,720 times £
larger than this little vocalist. Now suppose t
a man gifted with the same proportional vocal i
power, stood anywhere on the equator, raising 1
his voice aloud, the sound would go round the c
whole world,. and lap over its point of starting f
8,720 miles. This illustrates an amazing £
power of producing sound, and it is well that r
our atmosphere resists and modifies sound in 2
accordance with natural laws, otherwise the 2
surface of the world would become a continual c

din. There is another fact that I have often
observed in reference to the notes of this frog,
that is, its power of reverberation, seeming as
if produced by ventriloquism. I have fre-
quently stood motionless near the edge of a
pool or swamp, hidden perhaps by a root or
an upturned tree, listening to a score of mese
vocalists in full chorus, as if each endeavoured
to drown the sound of its neighbour, and
although I looked with great care, I could not
see one individual. I have often searched
with my eye for some particular Hyla , as far
as my vision permitted, and the sound rever-
berated in my ears, as if the animal was ten
or fifteen yards away, while in fact it was
actually at my feet. One warm day at the
end of April, 1880, I was collecting on the
banks of a large pool in the bush. Suddenly
I heard a single Hyla Pickeringii several
yards awajq and as I was anxious for some for
exchanges, I went cautiously to the spot. As
I arrived, the same tone of note resounded
from the very spot I had left. Returning
again, it sounded from an opposite quarter,
and, thither I followed the sound as if in
mockery, in the very spot I had just left. I
proceeded with more caution than before, and
after a short time, the sound proceeded from a
limb some distance aboye me. I happened to
cast my eye on a fly that rested on a twig
about four feet from me, thus by mere accident
I discovered a Hyla perched on a dead branch.

I stood motionless, intently watching it and
presently I saw its little pouch distend, and
the notes follows, but I could not tell from
what quarter, had not my eye detected the
musician ; my ears led me astray, indeed,
they failed to assist me to the true locality
from which the sound proceeded. This power
of reverberation or ventriloquism, call it what
we may, is possessed by no other species to
the same extent. It is comparatively easy to
trace any other frog by its notes. I saw the
spawn this season on the 4th of April, but this
year has been exceptionally early. This frog
seeks its food on herbage, but seldom climbs
to a great distonce from the earth. On open-
ing the stomachs of several, I have found
Aphides, small beetles and other insects, and
on one occasion, a small earth-worm. This
frog is seldom seen in daytime ; it is more of
a night feeder. In the nesting season, the
note differs little from that of any other period,
and the name given to this sound, is most
admirably expressed in French by chant
amour. The following measurements of a

146

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

dozen adult specimens taken carefully and
added together, and divided by twelve, gives a
very fair average of the normal size : — Length
of apex of nose 'to end of longest toe, 2f inches ;
breadth of body, 9-16 in.; length of body from
nose to tail, 1 3-16 in. ; length of skull, ^ in. ;
bifad th of skull, 6-16 in.; length of leg from
hip joint to end of longest toe, 1 10-16 in.;
length of thigh, 7-16 in.; length of leg J in.;
length of foot 12-16 in. ; length of arm to end
of longest finger, 10-16 in.; length of arm,
2J-16 in. ; length of fore arm , 3^-16 in. ; length
of hand, 4-16 in.; length of nostril to corner
of mouth, 4-16 in. ; diameter of ear, 1-16 in.;
length of second finger, 3-16 in.; length of
third finger, 12-16 in.; breadth of lower jaw,
6J-16 in. In spring it is generally found in
pools, and in the autumn it buries itself in
moist or muddy localities where it hybernates,
and the place may be covered with several
inches or feet of water. It is frequently found
under leaves in moist wooded spots, and when
the leaves are removed from its back, it
remains perfectly motionless, and it then
represents the shape and colour of a dead
birch leaf. Although numerous they are not
easily captured. They are comparatively still
in day-time, but as night approaches, the
sounds from the numerous throats are truly
deafening. In this locality it is popularly
named “ The Canada Band.” With them are
associated the Wood Frog and the Acris
gryllus var. crepitans ; also a Cricket Frog,
which has more of a singing note, and in fact
very difficult at times to distinguish from it;
even on close inspection. The ova is deposited
in April, and I have obtained the young in
perfect form in June. This is a rapid com-
pletion of its early stages, but it is slow when
compared with some species found in Arizona
and New Mexico, which deposit their ova in
pools formed by spring rains, and before these
pools have had time to dry, the young come
forth fully formed. Hyla Pickeringii has the
power of mimicking colour, and it is not
uncommon when first taken to be of a light
yellow or slightly brownish yellow colour, and
when placed in a vase with dark moss, it will,
in a day or two become a deep coppery brown.

1 have observed this frequently and am
unable to account for it. If volition has to
do with it, the animal, would change suddenly.
But it requires several days to produce this in
confinement, consequently I presume it must
be as slow in freedom. In summer I have
seen the young of a greenish tinge, among low

herbage, and when these are kept a few days,
they become of a coppery tinge or yellowish
brown. It appears to me, then, that the sub-
cutaneous pigment may be deposited in greater
quantity when surrounded by dark colours,
and that light colours have the power of
causing sympathy or exciting influence, either
of absorption or diminishing excess of shade.
The subject is too intricate to discuss at
present. I have taken the measurements
with care and am able to state that they
approach as nearly to the exact thing as
possible.

J. H. Garnier.

Lucknow, Ont., June, 1882.

GAME LAWS FOR THE PROVINCE
OF QUEBEC.

Moose, Deer, Elk, Caribou, &o.

1. The hunting or taking of moose, before
the first of September in the year one thousand
eight hundred and eighty-three, is forbidden,
and, after the expiration of that period,
between the first day of February and the first
day of September in every subsequent year:
the hunting, taking or killing of elk, caribou,
deer or their fawn, is also prohibited between
the first day of February and the first day of
September in each year.

Beaver, Mink , Otter, Marten, Pekan, Wild-cat,
Hare, Musk-rat.

2. It is forbidden to hunt or trap :

1. Any beaver, mink, otter, marten, pekan
or wild-cat between the fifteenth day of March
and the first day of November, in each year;

2. Any hare, between the first day of March
and the first day of November, in each year ;

3. Any musk-rat, between the first day of
June in each year and the first of April of the
year following, in the districts of Quebec,
Saguenay, Chicoutimi, Montmagny, Kamour-
aska, Rimouski, Gaspe, and between the first
day of May in each year and the first day of
April following in the remainder of the
province.

Partridge , Grouse, Ptarmigan, Woodcock, Sand-

lark, Wild duck, Widgeon, and Teal, t$*c. Jfc ,

3. It is also forbidden to hunt or take:

a. Any partridge between the first day of
January and the fifteenth of September, in
each year ;

b. Any grouse, ptarmigan, woodcock, snipe,
or sand-lark, between the first day of February
and the first day of September, in each year ;

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST. 147

c. Any wild swan, wild goose, Canada
goose, or wild duck of any kind, widgeon or
teal, between the fifteenth day of April and
the first day of September, in each year ;

d. Any of the birds mentioned in paragraphs
b and c of this section, at any time between
one hour after sunset and one hour before
sunrise

2. To disturb, injure or gather or take, at
any time, the eggs of any species of wild fowl
mentioned in this section, and all vessels or
boats employed in disturbing, gathering or
taking the eggs of any species of the aforesaid
wild fowl, may, as well as Ihe eggs be confis-
cated and sold.

Nevertheless, in that portion of the province
to the east and north of the counties of Mont-
morency and Montmagny, the inhabitants
may, at any time, and only for the purpose of
procuring food, shoot or take the birds
mentioned in paragraph c of this section.

4. It is forbidden to take, at any time, by
means of ropes, snares, springs, cages, nets,
pits or traps of any kind, any of the animals
or birds mentioned in sections 1 and 3, except
partridges ; and to place, construct, erect or
set, either wholly or in part, any engine for
such purpose, and any person finding any
engine so placed, constructed, erected or set,
may take possession of or destroy the same.

Insectivorous or other birds beneficial
to agriculture &c.

5. It is forbidden, beiween the first day of
March and the first day of September, in any
year, to shoot, kill or take, with the intention
of killing, by means of nets, traps, springs,
snares, cages or otherwise, any barn swallow,
bank swallow, martin or chimney swallow,
king-bird, warbler, flycatcher, woodpecker,
whippoorwill, song-sparrow, titmouse, gold-
finch, grive, cow-bunting, bobolink, ( dolicho -
nix oryzivorus ), sparrow, jay, grakle, gros-
beak, and all other species of birds, with
respect to which no provision has been made
in any of the preceding sections, or to take
their nests or eggs, except eagles, falcons,
hawks and other birds of the eagle kind, wild
pigeons, fishers, crows and ravens, waxwings
( recollets ), and the great northern shrike
( Collyrio borealis).

This section does not, however, apply to the
birds commonly known as poultry.

6. It is forbidden to take or kill migratory
quail up to the thirty first of December, one
thousand eight hundred and eighty-four.

GENERAL PROVISIONS.

7. It is forbidden, at all times, to use or
employ strychnine or other deleterious poison,
either mineral or vegetable, or any spring-gun,
to hunt, take or destroy any animal what
ever.

8. Every game-keeper, under the control of
the Commissioner of Crown Lands, shall forth-
with seize all animals or birds mentioned in
the preceding sections, — except section 5, — or
any portion of such animals or birds found by
him in the possession or custody of any person
during any forbidden period and which appear
to him to have been taken or killed during
such period or by any of .the illegal means set
forth in sections 4 and 7 of this act; and
bring them before any justice of the peace who
shall declare them confiscated, either in whole
or in part. All animals or birds or portions
of animals or birds so confiscated belong to
the game-keeper.

9. It is forbidden to have in one’s possession,
custody or care, any animal or bird already
mentioned, — except those with respect to
which provision is otherwise made in section
5 of this act, — or any part of such animal or
bird, with the exception of the skin, during
the period in which the act of killing the same
is prohibited, by this act, or which appears to
have been killed or taken by any of the means
forbidden bv this act; but every such animal
or bird, or any portion or portions thereof,
may be bought or sold, when lawfully taken,
during five days to be computed from the
expiration of the various periods respectively
fixed by this act for the taking or killing
thereof.

10. Every game-keeper, under the control
of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, may
cause to be opened or may himself open, in
case of refusal, any bag, parcel, chest, box,
•trunk or other receptacle, (outside the limits

mentioned in the following section,) in which
he has reason to believe that game, killed or
taken during the close season, or peltries out
of season, are hidden.

11. Every gamekeeper appointed by the
Commissioner of Crown Lands, if he has
reason to suspect, and if he suspects that game,
killed or taken during the close season, or
peltries out of season, are contained or kept in
any private house, store, shed or other build-
ings, shall make a deposition before a justice
of the peace, and demand a search warrant to
search such store, private house, shed or other

148

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

building and thereupon such justice of the
peace is bound to issue a warrant.

six calendar months from the day of the
committing of the offence charged.

PENALTIES, PROCEEDINGS, &C.

12. Every infringement of any of the pro-
visions of this act is punishable by fine, to be
recovered summarily on information or only
on a writ of summons issued by a justice of
the peace.

The fines are as follows : For every

infringement of

Section 1

Sections 2 and 3

Section 4

Sections 5 and 6

Section 7

Section 9

Section 17 (double the fee
for the game license)..
Section 19

$5 to $20
5 to 15
2 to 10
2 to 6
25 to 50
5 to 20

5 to 10

Such justice of the peace, shall, if he finds
the proof sufficient, impose the fine with costs,
which fine wholly belongs to the prosecutor,
if he be a game-keeper, and one half only if
he does not act in an official capacity ; in the
latter case the other half is paid over to the
game-keeper, appointed for the division by the
Commissioner of Crown Lands, to be by him
forwarded to the Crown Lands’ Department.

In default of immediate payment, the
offender is imprisoned in the common gaol of
the district within the limits of which the
offence was committed, for any period of time
not exceeding three months, and in cases of
infringement of section seven, for a period not
exceeding six months.

Every justice of the peace has power to
convict on view.

Prosecutions are at the risk and costs of
the complainant.

13. Suits brought in virtue of this act need
not be begun by deposition, or information or
oath of the plaintiff or complainant, provided
that the purport of the complaint or demand
is sufficiently set forth in the writ or in a

declaration annexed thereto.

The evidence of the complainant alone or
of any one witness is sufficient to justify a

conviction.

14. No proceeding under this act shall be
quashed, annulled or set aside by certiorari.;
but an appeal may be brought before the
Circuit Court of the district in which the
offence took place, in the same manner as
appeals under the municipal code.

15- No prosecution shall be brought after

APPOINTMENTS, GAME LICENSES, &C.

16. The Commissioner of Crown Lands has
the power of appointing officers to see to the
observance of this act and of any other act
which may hereafter be passed relating to
game in this province.

17. In future, no person who has no domi-
cile in the province of Quebec can, at any
time, hunt within the meaning of this act,
without being authorized thereto by a license
to that effect.

18. Such permit may, upon payment of a
fee of twenty dollars, be granted by the
Commissioner of Crown Lands to any person,
not domiciled in the province, who applies to
him therefor, and shall be valid for the whole
of one season’s shooting. It must be counter-
signed by the game superintendent.

19. The Commissioner of Crown Lands may
grant written permits to any person or persons
who may be desirous of obtaining birds, eggs
or fur-bearing animals for bona fide scientific
purposes, to procure them for that purpose
during the close season, and such permits
shall be countersigned by the game superin-
tendent ; and the person, who shall have
obtained such permit, shall not be liable to
any penalty under this act, provided he sends
in, within two months from the date at which
he acted under such permit, a statement show-
ing the species and number of the game or
fur-bearing animals he so procured for scientific
purposes.

20. Every wood-ranger, appointed by the
Commissioner of Crown Lands,' is while in
office as such, ex-officio gamekeeper for the
division under his superintendence and he is
not entitled to any additional salary for such
services.

21- The Commissioner of Crown Lands
may also appoint as game-keepers, any other
persons besides the wood-rangers and assign
to them such territory or division as he may
think proper under the circumstances.

22. The lieutenant-governor in council may
in his discretion prohibit the hunting or kill-
ing of any game or fur-bearing animal, for a
period not exceeding five years.

23- The present act shall come into force
on the day of its sanction.

Note. — In our next issue, we will make
some further comments on the above.

The Canadian Spopp ahp Hatur/list.

No. 7.

MONTREAL, JULY, 1882.

Vol. IT.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

CANADIAN FOOD FISHES— NEGLECTED
SPECIES.

Large quantities of preserved fish- commonly
called Sardines are sent to this Dominion from
Europe. The Canadian consumption of this
article must be enormous, while the purchas-
ers are ignorant of what they are buying, and
we may as well tell them that in many cases
they are not eating the genuine Sardine, but
the posterior portion of herring ( Clupea .)
Years bach there was a possibility of obtaining
the true Sardine, but to-day few fish of the
kind are packed for our market. We have to
take an inferior article— a fish densely covered
with large scales and with only a remote
flavour of the Sardine. We know of a better
fish in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, occurring
abundantly during the months of May, June
and July, as far up the river as Baie Mille
Vaches and Bic. The habitants take them in
large quantities, which they generally salt in
tin nets for the Quebec market, but unfortu-
nately this Canadian Sardine is extremely
delicate and the primitive mode of preserving
make the fish too salt ; they are therefore not
generally relished. If, however, the Sardine
of the St. Lawrence, could be put up in oil in
fair-sized tins, there is reason to think it would
be equal, possibly superior to the supposed
Italian fish sent to us by the name of Sardines
a la huile. We have an advantage also of
claiming this fish as local to our marine fauna
— that is to say, they occur in great schools
in the Lower St. Lawrence, while they are
scarcely ever seen in the salt waters bordering
the United States. This is an advantage.
Doubtless the presence of this delicate fish in
the Gulf, is to a great extent the cause for the
appearance of numbers of whales and seals in
these waters during summer. Here, then, is
plenty of material to open a new industry,
which in our opinion would be remunerative.

if a few energetic men take it in hand. We
are astonished that this pretty, delicate fish
has been so long neglected, and the subject is
now brought' before the Canadian public for
the first time, to show that there are disre-
garded though available industries in the
Dominion.

There is another little fish, also extremely
prolific in the same waters — i.e., the Caplin.
When this fish is properly cured — and of late,
the Gulf fishermen have paid some attention
in curing them — it forms a healthy, fattening
food. The demand at present is principally
from English restaurant keepers, especially in
the City of London. The present mode of
curing is simple, that of allowing the fish to
remain in salt for a short time and then
laid out in the sun to dry. It may be said
that Caplin preserved in this way are sun
cooked. We can vouch for this, as they
formed a delicious morsel with a biscuit and
coffee at breakfast daily for three weeks on
our second trip to Labrador. One pailful
purchased for 25 cents, served to give a relish
to the morning meal during the latter time.
In these times, when all kinds of human food
is dear, it is necessary that some attention
should be directed to neglected material which
could be converted into good, strengthening,
easily digested food for mankind. Now that
we have made important remarks regarding
the above species of marine food fishes, we
wish to bring before our readers two species
of fresh-water fishes, which, by some persons,
are considered excellent human food, when
properly cooked. The common Cat-fish and
the large Channel Cat-fish are found through-
out the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec ; the
former common throughout Ontario, and the
latter uncommon in Quebec. It seems that
delicate and refined people have a prejudice
against eating these fishes, but we can dispel
such notions from the fact that some scientists
have classed them near the Genus Salmonidce.
The Cat-fish being forms occurring on
this continent, approaching the latter by
having the lateral and posterior portions of
their bodies resembling Salmon. They have
the adipose fin ; the tail portion certainly
resembles some species of Salmonidce. With
regard to our own experience, we have cooked

150

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

Cat-fish in various ways, but the perfect mode
of obtaining the flavour of the common Cat-
fish is to pot them ; they constitute the best
fresh-water fish on this continent for potting,
and their flavour is not far removed from
Salmon. We rely therefore on the gist of our
remarks being looked into ; that we may see
the Sardine of the Lower St. Lawrence put up
in genuine olive oil ; the pretty Caplin sold by
our grocers, as sun-cooked fish, and the Cat-
fishes of our fresh waters potted in such style
that the strong prejudice formerly held against
them may be forever removed. — C.

THE QUEBEC GAME LAWS.

It is strange, after the many changes or
alterations made in the Game Laws since they
were first framed for' this portion of the
Dominion, that they are now imperfect. The
Commissioner of Crown Lands has adopted an
ornithological nomenclature peculiarly his
own, as we cannot determine his “ Sand-lark,”
and question if any one else can. Suffice to
say that.no bird of the name is known on this
Continent. Section 5 of the Act is a perfect
jumble, for we find the Graldes, Grosbeaks
and Cow-bunting classed as insectivorous,
while the (wax-wings) Cedar-bird is ordered to
be destroyed. The Sparrow, which we
suppose to mean the introduced European
species is classed as an insect-eating bird,
merely by chance because it has changed
much of its old country habits in this climate.
Only the other day, a motion was made by
one of our Montreal City fathers devising
means to destroy the House Sparrows, which
are said to be a nuisance. But the mover and
seconder of the idea forgot that an Act was
passed by the Quebec Legislature protecting
the Sparrow, and as soon as they gave the
order to the Road Committee and they com-
menced to destroy them, Inspector Gailey
could pounce upon these gentlemen, when
according to law, they would be fined or go to
jail. In connection with Section 5, a paragraph
occurs which appears to us to have been
placed there as a joke, as we cannot see what
“poultry” or domestic fowl have to do with

the wild birds of the forest ; however he who
shoots a barn-yard fowl to bag it instead of a
Whip-poor-will is a knave when he pleads
ignorance of difference between the two birds.
To show the confusion in this Game Law, it
says that “ it is forbidden to hunt or take (a)
any Partridge between the first day of January
and the fifteenth of September in each year
and (5) any Grouse cr Ptarmigan between the
first of February and the first of September in
each year.” The poorest tyro sportsman in
Canada possesses some knowledge of the birds
classed as game, and when the Ruffed Grouse
is called a Partridge, he knows that the name
is vulgarly used. Suffice to say that we have
no Partridge in Canada, (unless they have
been lately introduced from Europe or some
other country without our knowledge). The
birds of this class called game — i.e., the
Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse and Ptarmigan
are true American representatives of forms
known to ornithologists as Grouse. Now, as
stated above, a man may shoot Ruffed Grouse
on the 16th of September and in accordance
with the correct nomenclature of the bird,
backed by scientific evidence, he can defy any
Provincial Magistrate to fine him for doing so.
We are displeased with this amended Game
Law, and the hurried manner in which it was
passed to the Statute-book. The matter
should have been placed in the hands of a
competent naturalist — one who professes to
know something of the animals referred to; —
A course of this kind would avoid criticism
and the Statute would not then be paradoxical
to legal men or magistrates. We wish some
of our sportsmen would give us their opinions
on these Game Laws ; our object being to
arrive at tlieir correct framing. — C.

THE SAW-WHET OWL.

The melanic form of this little owl is rare.
A beautiful specimen was sent to us on the
2 1st inst. from Ontario. In days of yore, the
variety was not properly known, its dark
colouring would at that time lead an ornitholo-
gist to describe it as a new species. A want
of knowledge of this bird led to the description
of the White-fronted or Kirtland’s owl, but now
it is known that we have only two distinct
species of small northern owls — i.e., Richard-
son’s and the Saw-whet, both of which appear
in distinct dresses during summer and winter.
— C.

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST,

151

ftorresponbence.

NEST HUNTING.

Sir, — Recent communications which I
received from Canadian and American Orni-
thologists leads me to think that former
articles in your Journal have been read with
interest ; I think it may also be interesting to
our Ornithological friends to make a few
remarks regarding birds observed, and nests
discovered during the present season. On
the 24th of May, I was fortunate to discover
the nest, and secure therefrom, a set of the
eggs cf the Pigeon Hawk, ( Falco colum-
barius ). This bird is rather rare in these
parts of Canada where I have pursued my
Ornithological researches ; in fact, with the
exception of the Red-tail, commonly called
the Kite, or Chicken Hawk, none of thi^ tribe
are numerous in this region. Last summer,
I noticed one of these hawks capture a pigeon
in my garden ; it flew with its victim towards
a cedar swamp north of this town, where in
April last I noticed several old nests -which I
supposed belonged to this species, or some of
the hawk family. This led me to believe
that the locality was a favourite nesting place
of these birds, and I determined to revisit it
later in the season. Accordingly on the above
date, in company with my oldest son, I was
again among the cedars. In the midst of a
thick growth of evergreens, chiefly balsam
and cedar, I discovered in a cedar tree, about
forty feet from the ground, a new-made nest,
from which upon throwing up a stick, I had
the pleasure to start a hawk ; and upon her
return with her mate, I saw it was Falco
columbarius , and these by their notes inti-
mated that they regarded my presence as
dangerous to their long undisturbed 'safety.
To reach the nest was a work of considerable
difficulty ; I was not an expert climber, and
a fall might be fatal. Having a shingling axe
and some nails with me, I first made a rude
ladder, about fourteen feet long ; this brought
me to the lower branches, whence I had to
cut a number of small limbs as I progressed
upward. In a short time, however, I found
myself in reach of the nest, which was placed
on several branches, close to the trunk of the
tree, and formed of small dry sticks and
bramble. In the slight hollow I found four
eggs, which I soon transferred to my collect-

ing-box, and with them descended in safety to
the ground, rejoicing over my prize— the first
eggs of any of our Birds of Prey that I had
yet secured — and which, though incubation
had progressed several days, I found no diffi-
culty in preparing, and placing at the head of
my collection. The general colour of these
eggs are white, variously marked by different
shades of brown. No two of them are
similarly marked, nor of a uniform size ; two
of them are almost round, being 3 5-8 x 3f
inches in circumferance. One is. 3f x 4, the
other which is more oblong, is 4 x 3f. One
of the round eggs is dark brown on one end ;
the more oblong one has an irregular band of
a similar hue towards the centre; another is
banded and blotched over the middle, and
another which has less colouring than the
rest, has its darkest shade on one side.
Vennor, in “ Our Birds of Prey,” pages 11
and 16, describes this bird, but it seems that
he was not acquainted with its nidification.
On the 5th of April, I observed three pair of
a species of hawk, new to me; they were
moving westward, being at an elevation of
several hundred feet, and seemed to be going
through a regular waltzing gyration. The
colour appeared to be greyish white ; the body
neat and slender and about the length of the
Pigeon Hawk ; the wings long and curving
sometimes flapped, and again spread out as
they circled round after the manner of the
Red-tail. Again, on the 25th of the same
month, about three miles east of this town, I
observed at about an equal elevation, six birds
similar to those seen on the 5th, going through
similar evolutions, but moving in an opposite
direction. Their notes which I heard on this
occasion, at first sounded like those of the
wild goose, but ended in a call similar in tone,
but less loud then that of the’ Red-tailed Hawk.
Perhaps these were the Broad-winged Buzzard.
Robins are numerous here, this season, and
many of their nests have been observed.
The Blue Bird is now becoming scarce, I
have not seen its eggs this season yet. It
first made its appearance here on the second
of March. The Crow-black birds are very
numerous, nesting in the balsam shade-
trees in the town, and in the willows and
small cedars in the beaver meadows as
well as the deserted holes of Hiholders, and
hollows of trees. I have taken over a dozen
sets of their eggs this month. The North-
ern Shrike (?) is becoming more common.
On May 3rd, I collected from a nest in a

152

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

thorn bush by the road-side, six eggs, and
on the 6th, from another nest in a small
balsam, a set of seven eggs ; another set of
six, was collected on the 20th near the former
place. I will not tresspass on your space,
further at present but will continue this sub-
ject another month.

Wm. L. Kells.

Listowel, May 29th, 1882.

TIT LARK.

( Anthus ludovicianus .)

I recollect having found the nests of these
birds on a Common near Galt, Ont. They
were placed in a hollow in the ground just
large enough to contain the nest. The place
selected was always on a hillock or rise in the
ground. I often wondered they were not
destroyed by the cows, that fed over the
common, stepping on them, as they were so
exposed. I have seen them with eggs and
with the brood. The young are little, grey,
fuzzy-headed fellows. The eggs were not
unlike the cow-buntings. I think it was in
May I found them. Of this or the appearance
of the eggs I am not certain, as it is several
years since I saw them.

Chas. J. G. Fraser.

Punta Rassa, Florida,

FISHING AT ST. ANN’S.

The fishing at St. Ann’s this season as else-
where, especially in the Ottawa, is later than
usual, owing to the high water and continued
cold, bleak north and east winds. Occasion-
ally however, there was a warm balmy day,
one of these days that a fisherman “ sees
game” and if so situated as to be able to take
his rod, boat and a few white minnows at the
“ biting hours” and quietly slipping his
anchor in the lee of a point, or in the edd}’-
between two currents, he will not wait long
before there is the gentle nibble, then the
whiz of the reel, and a good fish is hooked.
On such a day last month, a gentleman of
Montreal, residing at St. Ann’s lor the summer
succeeded in taking three black bass, weighing
respectively 3 J, 4| and 5j lbs. in an eddy,
and on a similar occasion, while trolling with
the rod, struck a maskalonge weighing 35
lbs., and again another weighing 15 lbs. The

bait used was a white phantom minnow. To
take a maskalonge on the rod, is the highest
ambition of most of our local fishermen, but
many are lost in the capture, the cause being
chiefly defect in tackle or bad management on
the part of the boatman. Weare informed that
5J lb. black bass are scarcer at St. Ann’s
than large sized maskalonge, and as much if
not more careful play is necessary to kill the
Armer than the latter. For a good day’s fish-
ing, we know of no better place than St. Ann’s
in the immediate vicinity of which there is
excellent fishing, and it is midway between
Lakes St. Louis and Two Mountains. Mine
host Routhier of the Clarendon, the fisher-
mens quarters will furnish boats and boatmen
if notified in season.

Spell Maskinonge.

Montreal, June 27.

BALD EAGLE.

(Halimlm leucocephalus.)

I made enquiry of Messrs. Howard &
Kennedy, who have been collecting ornitho-
logical specimens on this coa,st, for six years
or more, and they say they have neve£ seen a
Gray Eagle paired with a Bald. During this
time on the coast, they have probably seen
fifty nests, and both Eagles were similar in
their markings. I found a nest a few weeks
ago; it was in the top of a tall black man-
grove. I visited it several times and always
found an Eagle with white head and tail on
the nest. I removed the eggs and placed them
in an ant-hill to be cleaned ; though they were
protected by a box and boards, a Raccoon
dug under everything and destroyed them.

Ciias. J. G. Fraser.

Punta Rassa Florida,

24th May, 1882.

Note. — The Anthus referred to by our
correspondent, is doubtless the Tit-lark. He
says, “ it has a very sweet note and sings as
it rises in its flight. It mounts to a height'of
perhaps fifty feet, then suddenly closing its
wings drops towards the ground as if it was
shot. The nests of this Lark were found near
Galt, about fifteen years ago.”

We think there is no duty on objects of
Natural History, brought to Canada from the
United States. The specimens being lor your
J private study. — C.

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

153

THE BIRDS OF PREY OF NOVA SCOTIA.

BY J. BERNARD GILPIN , A.B., M.D., M.R.C.S.

These markings do not accord with the
bright chestnut red with no bars, of ours,
excepting the broad subterminal one. At the
same time, Mr. Downs kept in confinement
for several years a pair of red-tails which
always kept the brownish bars on brownish
red-tails, resembling Richardson’s. Thus #e
have this buzzard in two forms. The warm
southern form of Wilson and the paler arctic
one of Richardson. The specimens in the
Halifax Museum and private collections are
all young birds, but agree exactly to Richard-
son’s description in bill, length of primaries
and legs and feet. I kept one of the southern
forms in confinement for several years. The
second year he lost the brown tail of the
immature bird and developed a bright chest-
nut one. I fed him upon livers and raw meat,
which he received on his bill, but immediately
transferred to his feet, tearing it, from which
he fed. On giving him a dead bird he instantly
became excited, spreading out his wings and
tail and bending over it, with erect crest and
head plumage, as it was fixed to his perch by
his claws. He usually tore the sides open,
thrusting in his hooked bill and drawing out
the intestines. His blood stained bill and
feathers, with his continuous, guttural, angry
cries, and piercing eye underneath its bony
brow, showed for the time he was no poor
captive tied with a string. The fish hawk
( P . halicetus) stands out from the family so
broadly that he almost deserves a family alone.
Eagles are admitted carrion eaters, and there
are ugly stories told about the noblest falcon,
of preying on vermin and dead animals. He,
of all, kills his prey. Should he drop a fish
from his claws, his instincts are never to
pick it up. His limbs are mpscular to the
extreme, scarcely covered by the shortest
feathers, and his legs and claws immense for
his size; the joints are -so loose in their articu-
lation as to have a side motion, and the toes
so adjusted that they may work in pairs, like
the parrots, two before and two behind ; the
proper hind toe small, in this particular
approaching the owl. The very peculiar scales
they are covered with, and the roughness of
the sole, still further recedes it from the typical
foot of the Falconidte. They breed in our
forest some miles from the sea, but do not
winter with us. He may be seen regularly
hunting our estuaries and forest lakes. Now

gracefully soaring, and now falling prone as a
stone into the water, and then emerging with
a fish in his claws, heavily laden and seeking
the forest. I never could observe if he went
beneath the water, as everything was covered
by the splash of water caused by his fall. It
is asserted that he does, by men of science
and by the practical observer. It must be a
vefy powerful bird to rise loaded from beneath
the wave. The rising sun caught me amongst
the hills of St. Clements, one morning after a
long night ride. The air was filled by dismal
screeches, and I nearly broke my back twist-
ing in my saddle till I saw right over my head
a fish hawk heavily laden with a fish in his
claws and a bald-headed eagle continually
soaring above and pouncing down upon his
back. In a moment the fish came diagonally
falling, the level beams of the early sun glint-
ing it with silver. The eagle dropt like a
stone beneath it, catching it on its upturned
claws, and flapped away, whilst the poor
plundered hawk was heard screaming long
after out of' sight. The eagles are the last
upon our list. The golden eagle (A. chrysae-
tus ), the eagle of the ancients, the bird of Jove,
remains the whole year, and nests with us.
They are more rare than the bald-heads, a
pair dominating over a very wide country. I
have seen four, three of them alive, taken in
traps, the fourth killed by a woman in Pictou,
County. One in captivity was a very bold
bird, attacking" everybody that approached
him with his claws. This attack was so fierce
that a calfskin boot would have soon been
torn from your foot. The bold grandeur of
its massive head, supported by a neck arched
like a horse and adorned by shining and
golden hackles, imposed itself upon you as the
type of force and pride; and yet he was
trapped. He was seeking dead meat, which
he devours as well as carrion. In beauty and
severity of expression he far surpasses the
bald-head (F. leucocephalus), the only other
eagle we have- Though he will eat carrion,
and gorge himself over the carcase of a dead
horse: though he will enter your gardens, and
strike a pea fowl or Brahma pullet: yet he
adds dead and stranded fish to his larder.
Hence his abundance, and lfis fatness. He
remains all year with us, especially about the
sh< res of the Bay of Fundy, building his nest
sometimes in trees, at other times on scraggy
rocks. As usual, the perfect adults with milk-
white tail and head are few in comparison
with the browri and splotched white young,

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

154

and what is singular those young are larger in
their dimensions than the adults. I have
known them six inches longer than old male
adults. An immature bird shot near Halifax,
in January, 1855, measured nearly eighteen
feet wing spread, with tail of sixteen inches.
He was shot rising from the carcase of a dead
horse upon which he had gorged himself.
These dimensions exceed the dimensions of
the supposed Washington eagle. In studying
many specimens, both adults and young, as
regards scutillation of tarsus, I found them to
vary so much, not only among individuals
but in the individual itself, in number, as to
be of no use as a typical mark. Audubon
makes it a defferential mark in the Washing-
ton eagle. An eagle about two weeks old,
now in Halifax Museum, has twelve on tarsus
and twenty on middle toe. The legs of an
adult, shot at Digby, 1880, and mounted as
candlesticks, has none upon tarsus. One
must conclude that they are shed and renewed.
In all my examinations of grey or splotched
white and brown specimens, I have never
seen any but what were the young of the bald.
In the list of rapacious birds I have presented
to the Institute as inhabiting Nova Scotia,
identified by myself or friends, we find that
with the exception of the Screech owl ( S . asio),
we have all the New England species of owls
as visitants or residents, and this as a rather
remarkable exception, as being abundant in
New England and Newfoundland, and migra-
tory. Owls are a peculiarly forest family, and
our still remaining pine spruce forests, our
barrens and lake country, give them shelter
and food. The Great Horned owl, (B. Vir gird-
anus) the Barred owl ( S . nebulosum), the Long
and Short-eared owls(0. vulgaris and B. palus-
tris), and the Saw-whet (IV. Acadica ) are resi-
dent, breeding with us, their nests and young
having been taken, or they themselves having
been seen during all periods of the year. The
more arctic species are our winter visitants,
breeding and nesting to the far north. The
Great Grey owl ( S . laponicum ) is a very
rare visitant. The Snow owl ( Nyctea nivea,
and the Hawk owl S. ulula ) appear during
some winters, almost in flocks, a thing
unusual for birdj of prey, and showing great
scarcity of food. The Saw-whet ( N . Acadica)
is seen approaching the clearings during
winter, also in flocks, whilst Tengmalm’s owl
(IV. Tengmalmi) is very rare. One sees them
scarcely ever during the day time in our
solitary forests either winter or summer.

During the night we hear them in our summer
or fall camp. The fierce feline cry of the
Great Horned, or the broader sounding hoots
of the Barred, as well as the stridulous
squeaks of the Saw-whet. Unless the hunter
hides his grouse or hares he may have shot,
cunningly beneath the snow, when he returns
for them he will find that an unseen but watch-
ful prowler has stripped off feathers or fur,
tory and devoured them. This feeling of
being watched by the unseen is one of the
charms of our alpine forests. If you take
your back track in early morning after com-
ing to camp late in the evening, you will find
you have been stealthily followed for many a
mile by the tracks of the lynx or wild cat.
During the night the foxes and the bears, nay
even the moo^e, is warily recon noitering the
intruders, and the owls coming to the camp
fire, all prowlers in the dark for what they
may pick up. Of the diurnal Rapacidgg,we
find our Province has the usual New England
species, yet there are a few noteworthy excep-
tions. I have never seen the Broad-winged or
Pennsylvania buzzard here ( B . Pennsylva-
rdcus), nor the common English buzzard of
Richardson ( B . vulgaris ), or the Short-winged
buzzard ( B . buioides). The kites also I have
never seen. If they migrate north of us, as it
seems they do, they go inland and not along
the sea coast. Neither are they winter visitants.
A stray Red-tail hawk ( B . borealis) is seen
during winter. But the Goshawk (A. alricap-
illus) may be called a persistent winter visi-
ter. Specimens of him are brought to Halifax
frequently at that time. He and his mate, all
winter long, frequents the scrubby pines over-
looking the Bayof Fundy from the North moun-
tain, and the moose hunters have seen them
feeding among the white snow upon the grouse
they struck in the forest. Though this
family do naturally resolve themselves into
harriers, buzzards, hawks, and falcons, some
pursuing live game, others pouncing upon it,
others picking it from the ground, and taking
lizards, frogs, and even insects, yet with the
exception of the timid fish-hawk, the only one
who takes his live meat, they all will descend
to dead meat and carrion. The imperial
eagles being the nearest in this to the vultures
who never take their game alive. I have
never heard of the bald-heads taking their fish
alive, whilst the fish-hawk, if he drops his fish
will never seek to reclaim it, seemingly having
no instinct to catch fish except from the water.
To him alone is due, if it is an honour, never

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

155

to sit, except tc the Abbyssinian banquet ol
quivering meat.

There are many traditions and stories of
children being carried away by eagles ; they
are usually the traditions of former times, and
of spectators and eye-witnesses long since
relieved of the burden of flesh. But there is
one instance which happened in Labrador,
where the parties are still Jiving. An English
missionary was visiting a fisherman’s family
in their hut by the shore ; the father of the
family came stumbling in for his gun, in a
most excited state he handed it to the mission-
ary, saving, “ I can’t kill my own child, do
your best.” Gun in hand the clergyman stood
upon the shore, and saw an eagle about eight
feet in the air slowly rising weighted by the
living child held by its clothing; he coyered
his bird, fired, and it dropt so gently to the
ground that the child was unhurt, though the
slugs by which the gun was loaded had done
their work. This gentleman, the Rev. Mr.
Wain wright, now holds a good position in the
diocese of Honolulu, in the Pacific.

COLEOPTERA FOUND IN THE
PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.

By William Couper.

In the Transactions of the Literary and
Historical Society of Quebec for 1864-5, I
published brief lists of the Coleoptera (Beetles)
taken in the vicinity of the latter city, and
other portions of the Province, formerly
Lower Canada. Since then, through the
exertions of a few local students, additional
species have been added, which are here
included. During the above years, L’Abbe
L. Provancher was my protege , and I am
pleased to state that in the determination to
master the study, and through his subsequent
publications benefit has been the result
especially among the young French scholars
in this Province. Considering that there are
several Entomologists subscribing to this
journal, I will publish the names of all the
beetles so far found up to the latitude of
Quebec. The species are numbered that
collectors in adjoining Provinces may compare
notes regarding Geographical range.

Oicindela I albilabris, Kirby. I took
this species at Lorette, north of Quebec, and
at God bout on the north shore of the St.
Lawrence, in June.

2 sexguttata, Fabr. Generally
in woods in May and June.

3 purpurea, Olivier.

4 vulgaris, Say.

5 duodecimguttata Dej.

6 torticollis, Say.

7 limbalis, LeConte. I took
this species at Natashkouan, on the north
shore of the St. Lawrence.

8 repanda, Dej.

9 splendida, Hentz. This spe-
cies is given on the authority of Mr. Caulfield,
who says it occurs on the Island of Montreal.

Omophron Americanum, Dej. Rare.
Elaphrus 1 ruscarius, Dej.

2 politus, Lee.

3 cicatricosus, Lee.

Blethisa Jul.ii, Lee. Rare.

Loricera 1 pilicornis, Latr. Rare.

2 Neoscotica, Lee.

Nebria 1 castenipes, Lee.

2 moesta, Lee.

3 pallipes. Say. Rare.
Notiophilus confusus, Lee.

Clivina rufescens, Dej.

ScHiaoGENius lineolatus, Say.

Apristus subsulcatus, Dej.

Blechrus linearis, Lee.

Calosoma 1 calidum, Fabr.

2 frigidum, Lee.

Carabus 1 serratus. Say.

2 Lapilayi, Laporte.

Cychrus LeContei, Dej.

Dyschirius globulosus, Putsays.

Brachinus 1 fumans, Fabr.

2 cordicollis, Dej.

3 medius, Lee.

Lebia 1 atriventris, Say.

2 tricolor. Say.

3 viridis, Say.

4 pumila, Dej.

5 scapularis, Dej.

6 furcata, Lee. ■

7 axillaris, Dej.

8 fuscata, Dej.

Dromius piceus, Dej. Rare.

Metabletus Americanus, Schaum. Rare.
Axinopalpus biplagiatus, Lee. Rare.
Cymindis 1 reflexa, Lee.

2 pilosa, Say.

3 neglecta, Haldeman.

4 laticollis, Say.

Calathus gregarius, Dej.

Platynus 1 pusillus, LeConte.

2 bicolor, 4t

3 sinuatus, “

4 extensicollis, LeConte.

5 viridis “

156

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

6

anchomenoides,

CC

7

melanarius,

cc

8

Harrisii,

cc

9

limbatus, Say.

10

metallescens, LeConte.

11

cupripennis.

u

12

punctiformis,

CC

13

excavatus,

cc

14

picticornis,

cc

15

nutans.

cc

16

subcordatus,

cc

17

ruficornis,

cc

18

octopunctatus

cc

19

chalceus,

20

pi acid us,

cc

21

obsoletus.

**

22

picipennis,

cc

23

stigmosus, Lee.

24

retractus, Lee.

My as foveatus, Lee.

Oijsthropus 1 parmestus, Say.

2 mi-cans, Lee.
Pterostichus 1 adoxus, Lee.

2 lucublandus, LeConte.

3 erytbropus, “

4 caudcalis, <e

5 luctuosus, ((

6 corvinus, “

7 patruelis, <e

8 desidiosus, “

9 mutus, e(

1 0 adstrictus, Esch.

1 1 Luczotii, Lee.

12 mandibularis, LeConte.

18 maucus, cc

14 stygicus, • “

15 protensus,

16 perm and us, “

1 7 honestus, <e

18 protractus, “

19 lachrvmosus, Newm.

20 coracinus, “

21 punctatissimus, Hand.

22 rostratus, Lee
Amara 1 muscul us, Say.

2 avida, Lee.

3 exarata, Dej.

4 angustata, Say.

5 impuncticollis, Say.

6 littorallis, Zimmerman.

7 fallax, Lee.

8 erratica, Strum.

9 lyevipennis, Kirby.

10 interstitial is, J)ej.

1 1 obesa, Say.

1 2 pygmaca, Cou’per. The type of

this species is in the Laval University collec-
tion.

1 3 subaena, Lee.

14 indistincta, Mann.

Badister pulchellus, Lee.

DiCyELUs 1 simplex, Lee.

2 teter, Bonelli.

3 politus, Lee.

CriLyENius 1 lithophilus, Say.

. 2 sericeus, “

3 chlorophanus, Dej.

4 Pensylvanicus, Say.

5 tricolor, Dej.

6 impunctifrons. Say.

7 tomentosus, Dej.

Oodes fluviatilis, Lee.

Spongopus verticalis, Lee.

Amphasia interstitial is, Say.

Selenophorus granarius, Dej.
Anomoglossus emarginatus. Say.
Haplochile pygmsea, Lee.

Agonoderus 1 comma, Fabr.

2 lineola, Dej.

3 pallipes, “

Axisodactylus 1 ellipticus, Lee.

2 rusticus, Dej.

3 Harrisii, LjeConte.

4 melanopus, “

5 nigritta, Dej.

6 discoideus, Dej.

7 Baltimorensis, ej.

Bradycellus 1 quadricollis, LeConte.

2 lugubris, “

3 cognatus, “

4 rnprestris, “

Harpalus 1 stigmosus, Germ.

2 caliginosus, Say.

3 erraticus, “

4 vividaenus, Beauvais.

5 Pensylvanicus, LeConte.

6 com par, “

7 erytbropus, Dej.

8 pleuriticus, Kirby.

9 herbi vagus. Say.

1 0 laticeps, LeConte.

1 1 faun us, Say.

12 Lewisii, LeConte.

13 varicornis, “

Stenolophus 1 liumilis, Dej.

2 conjunctus, LeConte.

3 fuliginosus, Dej.

Patrobus 1 longicornis, Say.

2 tenuis, Band.

3 rugicollis, “

*4 angicollis, “

The Canadian Sportsman a^d Naturalist.

No. 8.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

THE INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES
EXHIBITION.

This Exhibition will be opened on the 1st of
May, 1883, in London, England, and will
remain open for a period of six months. The
principal objects to be admitted are all kinds
of specimens of fish-life, and to illustrate all
the modes by which the Marine and Fresh-
water animals of economic value are captured
and utilised, together with the commercial,
scientific, social, historic and legislative aspects
of such fisheries.

The United States Congress have lately
voted $50,000 in order that fishing industries
carried on by the American people may be
properly represented. Our neighbours say
that the amount invested by them for the
Berlin Exhibition, was m'oney well spent, and
they are determined not to be behind in a show
of this nature, especially when it is patronized
by our beloved Queen and the male portion of
the Royal family, also by foreign Princes and
all the noblemen of the British nation. The
Right Hon. Sir John A. Macdonald, K.C.B.
Premier of Canada, represents our Dominion,
as a Vice-President and member of the
Genera] Committee.

There is a Fisheries Department at Ottawa,
and its Chief is a Council Minister ; yet up to
this instant, nothing has actually been done to
illustrate in London next year, products from
our great lakes and rivers throughout this
vast Dominion. The Exhibition was in pros-
pect months gone bye, and to-day we find the
men in charge of our Fisheries only commenc-
ing to procure material when the season is
almost past. There are a few pseudo natural-
ists connected with the Government who seem
to have all this kind of business arranged in
their own way, and large sums of money is

Vol. II.

expended from year to year on experiments
that never return a cent into the Exchequer.
We know that Mr. S. Wilmot of Newcastle, 0.
has done his share to make a successful show,
but some one in the Department is to blame
for procrastination and want of energy. When
Mr. Wilmot exhibited his fishes at Ottawa, the
Editor of this Journal competed with a collec-
tion of stuffed Food-fishes from the Province
of Quebec; many of the latter species were
different from those exhibited by the former
gentleman. The Quebec Fish collection was
offered to the Fisheries Department, at a
reasonable price ; the offer being made through
Mr. Whitcher, who knew that the lot was a
bargain, and by his request, they were packed
and left in Ottawa, to await a reply from the
Chief of the Department. Some days after-
wards an answer was received that the Depart-
ment had no money to purchase Stuffed Fishes,
and the collection was brought back to
Montreal, where it was immediately purchased
by Dr. Sterry Hunt and presented to McGill
College Museum. Mr. Wilmot endeavoured
to induce Mr. Whitcher to purchase the collec-
tion, and probably they now regret not having
secured it. A second collection was started
by the same hands, which was exhibited at
Mile-end, Montreal. The officers of the
Fisheries Department were cognizant of this
exhibit, but made no effort to secure it; there-
fore a part of it is now in McGill College
Museum and the remainder was purchased by
the Rev. C. J. S. Betliune and belongs to
Trinity College, Port Hope, O. Now, the
result is that thes6 specimens are not available
for loan, and from want of foresight much of
the material whi’ch Mould represent the Food
Fishes of the Province of Quebec, cannot now
be obtained in time to be represented in the
London Exhibition. If our Fisheries Depart-
ment is to be a live Canadian Institution,

MONTREAL, AUGUST, 1882.

158

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

we want a long-headed, pushing man like
Prof. S. F. Baird of Washington. A writer in
the St. John (N.B.) Sun , seems to know more
about our native food fishes, than the men at
present in office. The Fisheries Department
should be allowed facilities to form a museum
of animals of economic value, coming from
our marine and fresh waters, with the same
opportunity to display objects of this kind here
and alroad, as are extended to the Geological
Museum. By the way, what are the natural
ists connected with the latter institution doing?
Why cannot one or two of them be sent to
help Mr. Gregory down the Gulf? One man
can do very little work in so short a time,
especially on a steamer, and where is he to
procure the material ? It is absurd to send
a man on an expedition of this kind. A
good Taxidermist should have at least two
assistants, besides means of procuring speci-
mens. What has become of the objects
collected in the deep sea dredgings in the
Gulf? A schooner was employed to cruise
in the Lower St. Lawrence, and it had a good
crew to assist the dredging party, but some-
thing should be shown for the outlay. The
Department of the Interior should also be at
work. It has as much to do in procuring
material for the coming Exhibition as a similar
Department in the United States. Manitoba
and the N. W. Territories have be be
represented ; in fact the fish products of the
latter regions are not even known in Ontario
or Quebec. If we discover that the naturalists
of the Geological Survey are lacking in energy,
then something further must be said. The
above statement is made that the public may
learn something in regard to matters of this
nature. The Montreal Star stated lately that
Canadian museums had nothing Ichthyologi-
cal to send to the London Exhibition. The
writer made a mis-statement, as we know that
Toronto University Museum contains a fine
Canadian collection of Fishes and Reptiles.
Laval University has quite a number of
etufled food fishes in its museum, and the

Literary and Historical Society of Quebec
possesses a fair fish exhibit. The Natural
History society of Montreal has a very good
collection of the same material, and if the
above institutions wished to send their com-
bined collections to England, the total would
be larger probably than that to be brought
together by Scotland and England. But
museum collections are not loaned, especially
to go out of the country. We know a gentle-
man who has had experience of this kind ; he
made a loan of stuffed fishes for the Paris
Exhibition ; they were not returned, nor never
will be. The fact is, they were supposed to
be Government property, and it is therefore
probable that they are at present in a French
or British Museum. — C.

FISH-BREEDING IN CANADA.

We have before us, “ The Daily Sun,” St.
John, N.B., containing over five columns of a
review on Superintendent Wilmot’s Report on
Fish-Breeding. The writer in the Sun3
although well posted in Ichthyology, com-
ments rather severely, in fact spitefully against
Mr. Wilmot’s efforts to hatch fish. The re-
viewer charges as follows : — That “ he (Mr.
W.) failed in his quixotic enterprise ; ’* — giving
“ glowing accounts in his characteristic style
of florid description and incorrect statement;”
that he kept “salmon stored up from July
until November in that cesspool, the Carleton
mill-pond, into which the sewerage of a large
part of Carleton is drained,” and further
“ that the Government has been paying vast
sums of money in teaching this blunderer his
science.” The reviewer in the Sun has a
perfect right to make a clean dissection of Mr.
Wilmot’s report, but when an attack is
made upon a man's energy to develope and
increase food fishes for the rich and poor of
.Canada, we think ii is unjust to use such
harsh language. Mr. Wilmot honestly states
that he has failed in breeding Salma salar on
the borders of Lake Ontario, and he gives the
cause. In fact, we were almost certain that
the hatching of the latter species, so far in-
land, would ultimately fail. The Fisheries
Department are greatly to blame for allowing
so many stake-nets to block up the entrances
of rivers. If salmon and trout are to be

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

159

caught by wiers and stake-nets, the latter
should be placed one mile at least from the
entrance of all the rivers, in order to keep
the tide-way clear for thefish to reach the
pools and spawning grounds- We believe
also that the money spent in building fish
hatcheries and maintaining offieeis, could be
better and more profitably expended in im-
proving the rivers and paying guardians or
preventive officers to stop Indians and others
from spearing salmon while depositing their
ova. It is in these interior places that houses
and officers are required. Leave nature to do
its work, and place guardians on the spawn-
ing-grounds to prevent the fish from being
disturbed, and doubtless a change for the
better will soon appear. Parties renting a
river, should be compelled to guard the
estuary, seeing that the nets are properly
placed, and the mesnes of legal size. It this
is done, we will hear of salmon becoming
abundant — the fly fisher and net owner will
have their share. The Government may do
with the hatcheries what they think proper.
We are satisfied that if salmon are not
interfered with on their spawning-grounds,
that more healthy fish will return to the sea
from the natural hatchery than from the
artificial one. — C.

BLACK BASS AND PIKE-PERCH.

We have had verbal accounts from various
localities relative to inland fishing this season.
Good sized Black bass and Pike-perch (Dore)
are evidently abundant in some of the Quebec
rivers, but especially the Canadian waters of
Lake Champlain. Early in the season, Bass
were found occupying grounds wherein schools
of minnows occurred about sunrise. Sports-
men discovering the fish thus situated were
then generally successful in taking Bass with
a fly resembling a grasshopper. Black Bass
are, at certain seasons* gregarious, following a
leader, in the chase of small fishes ; it is
astonishing how Bass manages to secure
sufficient of these small quick swimming
fishes, but they do destroy numbers of them
daily. All the species of fresh-water and
marine Bass are truly carniverous, preying
on the weaker forms occurring in the same
waters. We hftve opened the stomach of a
large Sea Bass, sent to us from St. John,
N.B., which contained thirteen adult herrings.
Sometimes Black Bass have the same inquisi-
tive nature noticed in the salmon and trout,

by rising to the artificial fly, when the
colours of the latter attract its curiosity. Bass
do not generally go in schools ; but later in
the day when the sun shines warmly, they
separate retiring under the shade of aquatic
plants or to reeky cavities, resting till after
noon, when they return to deep water in
search of food. Pike-perch (Dore) are raven-
ous feeders, especially in the morning, when
they are in cool shallow water. At noon
they do not, as a rule, seek the shade of
plants, but move to deep water or a current in
which to rest at a convenient depth, ready to
devour any small fish passing or approaching
them. The habits of Pike-perch are not
unlike the common Yellow Perch when the
latter attain adult form, it becomes a deep
water wanderer, particularly where there are
large ponds surrounded by marshes. This
accounts for one making a good day’s fishing
over a certain ground, while the following day,
the same place may turn out poor. There
is therefore two portions of the day — morning
and evening — that these fishes are on the move.
Many persons who go fishing, return home
either disheartened or disgusted when they
meet with bad luck, often under the impression
that no fishes were in the water, while in fact
they were there — on their resting-grounds —
but difficult to discover. A, good indication
of the presence of large fish, is in noticing
minnows leaping over the surface of the
water; the enemy is beneath them, and it is
generally in the neighbonrhood of such places
that large Bass, Pike-perch, and Maskalonge
are to be found. We make these few remarks
to give encouragement to the disappointed
fisherman. Go to the same place again, and
with a little experience, success may be the
result. — C.

A PRIME FISH.

Mr. M. Wright, proprietor of the Cottage
Saloon 74 St. [Jrbain street, Montreal, while
trolling for fish on the south side of the St.
Lawrence, near the foot of Lachine Rapids,
struck a large Pike-perch (Lucio-perca Ameri-
cana) commonly called Dore in this Province.
His tackle consisted of a good silk line, rod
and reel. The bait being Westwood’s No. 4
gold and silver spoon ; its concave side is red.
The fish is 34 inches long, with the following
circumference : — before pectoral fins 1G inches ;
centre of body 18 inches; front of anal fin 14
inches. Weight 13 lbs. Attached to the

160

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

little spoon are treble hooks of small size,
trimmed with red, white and peacock herl.
Mr. Wright played this fish for half an hour,
and we look on it as a prime adult female
Dor6 , of whose capture any sportsman would
feel proud. It is to be stuffed for Mr. Wright.

LEMOINE’S BOOK ON ORNITHOLOGY.

J. M. LeMoine, Esq., of Quebec, is collect-
ing material for a second edition of his French
work on Canadian Birds. His aim is to pro-
duce a book which will be popular among
students in seminaries, &c. There is no doubt
regarding our esteemed correspondent’s ability
to write a scientific and agreeable treatise on
our birds, and we wish him every success.

Correspondence.

LYNX RUFDS.— THE RED LYNX.

Mr. Editor. — It gives me much pleasure
to read the remarks on the Canada Lynx in
your issue of June last. Having studied the
subject, I wish to make some observations on
the courteous notes referred to. What I
understand the Peninsula of Ontario to be, is
that portion west of a line drawn from Toronto
northward to the south-eastern limit of the
Georgian Bay. I have to-day sent down a
typical specimen of Lynx rufus. Although I
have obtained a few larger, the one sent by
express, is a fair-sized animal. It weighed
thirty-five pounds. Along with it you will
find five skulls of different sizes; the largest is
of an adult that weighed sixty-eight and a-half
pounds. It was wounded with No. 5 shot
about the end of January, but escaped ; it was,
however, found dead in March, 1879, and the
skull is before you. I have trapped several
of these animals, and handled dozens of their
skins — young and old — in this section of
Canada, and I never saw any variety but the
one sent for your examination. I have long
been of the opinion that these two varieties —
species if you will — are one and the same;
that Lynx Canadensis is merely a more north-
ern form of Lynx Rufus ; the varieties being
produced by climate and food. This happens
to other fur-bearing animals whose pelage is
less developed in the south, and this causes
much difference in color and general external
appearance. I have before me Professor
Jordan’s “ Manual of Vertebrates,” and I give

the relative description of the two species side
by side with my own observations in italics
so that a comparison can be made without
difficulty :

Lynx Canadensis.

1. Feet very large,
densely furred be-
neath in winter, con-
cealing the small
naked patches.

2. Tail black at tip.

3. No distinct bars on
inner sides of legs.

4. Much larger than
next with larger feet
and longer.

5. Habitat — North 5. Habitat — United

America. States and North-

ward.

In the specimen sent, there are merely
blotches on the inner hind legs; the bars on
fore legs are indistinct and mostly covered with
white long fur that has to be separated to
make them perfectly seen. There is a full
tufted belt of long tur round the throat which,
in old specimens! have seen very much larger.
The ears are slightly tufted, but I have seen
them more so, and over an inch of full pen-
celling on tips. It was shot in Kent Co., by
Mr. Thos. Dusten, who kindly forwarded it.
When in the flesh, the animal measured forty
and a quarter inches from nostril to tip of tail.
The specimen is, I think, about two years old,
but a fair sample, although not adult. The
largest skull belonged to an old male L. rvfus
which measured forty-nine and a-half inches
from the nose to tip of tail. At first sight it
may appear that the smaller skulls belong to a
different species on account of the greater pro-
portional development of the cavity of the

Lynx Rufus.

1. Feet not so much
furred. “ How do
they differ in sum-
mer? They leave a
very large track on
the snow.”

2. Tail with black
patch at the tip pre-
ceded by half rings.
“ In the adult these
rings disappear, and
are sometimes much
more distinct in the
young,”

3. Inner sides of legs
with dark cross-bars.
“ These are well-
marked in theyoung
but less so in the
adults, and frequent-
ly there are none to
be seen at all, pure
white .

4. Smaller — Less feet,
less fur.

TflE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

161

skull, but this is not so. I shall be glad to
have information of the anatomical difference
that is noticed in the osseous development and
structure of the cranium, to develop distinct
species. There is nothing in the descriptions
of Jordan to prove anything specific, or that,
might not be produced by a high northern hab-
itat. The greater quantity of fur on the feet
and longer body fur generally point to the
animal’s geographical range. The dark spots
are, I consider, from the appearance of the
Lynx in early life, and these will naturally fade
in a cold climate. They are carnivorous, but
the difference in quality of food in both species
must vary between Labrador and South On-
tario. Yet the size of mature forms appear
to be the same, and I aver having shot and
trapped L. rufus over sixty pounds. The
largest, I can attest was sixty-eight and a-half
pounds ; others killed far in the interior of the
bush, were certainly as heavy. I have seen
many much larger than the one killed by Mr.
Dusten, near Wallaceburgh — in fact, various
sizes above the kitten of a few pounds weight,
— the latter are always distinctly marked with
spots. Lynx generally hunt in pairs at a con-
siderable, although convenient, distance apart,
in spaces between two hundred yards and half
a mile in order to head off their quarry. When
in full cry, they give two quick yelps succes-
sively, followed by an unearthly scream while
running with great rapidity. I have often
heard them thus when the snow was two or
three feet deep, and as many as six of the
animals giving tongue in different directions.
An unpractised ear might easily mistake them
for the howls of a pack of wolves in full cry at
night. They may be considered outlaws with
bears, skunks, wolverines, et hoc genus omni ;
are very destructive to fawns, rabbits, lambs
and poultsy; they also destroy numbers of
ruffed grouse on their nests, or in winter when
the birds are buried at night in the snow, and
I have seen the fatal traces on more than one
occasion, where a Lynx or a Fox thus secured
a supper. I shall be happy to procure a true
Lynx Canadensis captured anywhere in On-
tario, especially in the Peninsula, taken any
time between the 15th of November and 12th
of April. This will settle all disputes, and I
will pay a reasonable price and carriage with
pleasure. The spoor of the Red Lynx is large
on snow, and although the feet are not so
densely furred as its northern relative, the foot
impression of rufus on the snow looks large
and round in proportion to the size of the feet

of the animal in the dead state. They become
fat at certain season, and they are eaten by
Indians who pronounce them good. The L.
rufus is at maturity when it passes its fourth
year. The specimen sent is nearly adult ; its
sharp teeth and medium size are my proof,
together with the semi-rings on the tail, now
disappearing^also the black marks on under
parts of body, which are much less in adults,
and are frequently altogether absent or obliter-
ated. It is easily trapped, not being very shy ;
nor has it the cunning of a Fox. When hunted
by man alone, or by the latter with dogs in
the forest, it takes to a thicket, being a nimble
climber; cat-like, resting a short time on each
•limb. The ears are sharp, the tympani
sensitive, and when danger approaches, it
springs from tree to tree like a squirrel, some-
times leaving iis pursuers hundreds of yards
behind. The old trapper or Indian understand
the feline tricks of the Lynx. I have followed
and shot one that went nearly a quarter of a
mile in this manner, hiding himself as a last
resource, in a dense hemlock tree, forty feet
above the ground. This is simple work after
a fresh fall of snow. You have merely to
mark carefully the first tree he mounts, as at
its base, y< u will notice bits of twigs, moss,
&c. on the fresh snow. As he springs away,
he leaves additional marks which he throws
down in like manner, but more scattered. By
following the debris a broad trail is visible.
It is with greater facility followed in a swamp,
than in open ground, because there is generally
more broken material thrown down, and the
animal is easily detected. The Red Lynx
springs easily from sight to fifteen feet, perhaps
more. Once only during my hunting trips, I
noticed a Lynx take a long spring from tree to
tree. An Indian and myself chased it with
two dogs for over three miles. The aborigine
pointed the Lynx preparing to spring from a
branch of a tree to another at least sixty feet
from the ground. The extremities of the
branches were three or four feet apart. The
animal did spring and certainly cleared sixteen
feet, but no more. Now, let any one of your
readers consider how far the space is in mid-
air, from that portion of a limb capable of
supporting forty-five or fifty pounds of live
Lynx throwing himself to an opposite branch
of similar strength. Let one consider the
muscular force and accuracy of eye required
by the animal to reach the object of escape.
The young L. rufus in my opinion approaches
Jordan’s L. Canadensis. Mr. Henderson found

162 THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

it near Lucknow, and I had the pleasure of
receiving it from him. They (the old ones)
are very shy during the breeding season, after
constructing a bed in a hollow log or some
secluded place. On one occasion, in July,
many years ago, I was in Turn berry Swamp
looking for pigeons. I had a dog wandering
about with me, and he gave tongue at some
distance; it was near sunset and I hurried
towards the place, thinking he had attacked a
Porcupine. On arriving where the dog was, I
saw a large Lynx and two young ones (kittens)
which on my approach, entered a hole at the
base of an elm tree, before I could cover them
with my rifle. The old one made frantic
charges at the dog which I called away from
the contest, and after T closed the hole with
fallen limbs, to keep the party secure, I went
home. Early next morning in company with
a neighbour, the place was visited, but to our
astonishment a hole was opened in another
place at the base of the tree, and the Lynx and
kittens gone. I give a short account of the
skulls of L. rvfus sent to you for inspection,
all of which were killed within a few miles of
this place. —

No. 1 — Adult male, shot by me in January,
1879. Length 49J inches. Weight 68^ lbs.
This was one of the largest I met with, and
am sorry to have lost the skin.

No. 2 — A female. I presume three years
old. Weight 58 lbs; Length 48 inches. Shot
February 23, 1882, by Mr. Alfrei Haldingby
of Culross Township, Ont. In this instance
also I lost a very fine specimen.

No. 3 - Young female trapped and shot in
the head by Mr. Sutherland Taylor, 1878, in
Wawanosh Township, 0. Length 38 inches ;
Weight 30 lbs.

No. 4 — A young male, shot bv Jos. Hender-
son of Lucknow, 0., who gave me the animal
fresh. Length 38 inches ; Weight 25 lbs.

No. 5 — Young male, shot by myself, on
December 1, 1881, in Ash field Township.
Weight 27 lbs. Length 37f inches.

In the last three the svmphasis and the
sutures are not solidified. They are therefore
the skulls of young L. rvfus.

I sincerely hope this may draw forth the
opinions of others on the Lynx forms occurr-
ing in Canada, I trust moreover that a valu-
able periodical like “ The Canadian Sportsman
and Naturalist” will soon have means to
illustrate subjects of this description. '

J. H. Garnier, M.D.

Lucknow, Ont.

Note. — We have received the specimens
sent for examination. The adult skin and
the stuffed kitten are specifically L. rvfus.
The whole of the skulls belong to. the latter
species. Our correspondent quotes Jordan’s
Manuel of Vertebrates to distinguish between
L. Canadensis and L. rufus which compara-
tively we consider very vague. Independent
of the permanent marks and general colour of
L. rufus , when the Dr. has an opportunity of
comparing L. Canadensis , he will discover
that the latter is a true and well defined
species. It is futile to deny the occurrence of
the two species in Ontario. Without giving
the osteology of the animals, we may state
positively that they are not alike. First in an
exterior view, we notice that the marks behind
the ears of the kitten of L. rufus, are perma-
nent in the adult. The Dr. has overlooked
these evident specific marks which do not
occur in L. Canadensis. A frigid climate
will doubtless alter the exterior markings
or colour of animals unused to a low tempera-
ture. We know that a coolie dog when taken
from Scotland to an Arctic region, there to
remain for three years, causes the animal to
erect its ears and change colour but the osseus
parts are still those of a coolie. Exposure to
a frigid pressure is even remarkable in the
human form, when subjected to the same
influence. We have no space to go further at
present, but in the meantime the subject can
be looked into by our readers who may give
additional light on it. — C.

RARE BIRDS IN ONTARIO.

Sir, — Having read with much pleasure, in
your valuable journal, accounts of other
collector’s experiences in the Ornithology of
our country, the thought struck. me that some
of my notes might be acceptable to you.
During this Spring, from 8th April until 23rd
June, I, in company with my assistant, were
collecting at Mitchell’s Bay, and adjacent
marshes, where we preserved over one thou-
sand four hundred specimens of birds, fish,
reptiles and birds eggs ; but the bird that

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

163

astonished us most by its numbers, was the
Lapland Bunting or Longspur (Plectrophanes
lapponicus ). The inhabitants told us they
occur theie every winter, and are called by
them the black or dark Snow-bird, but to us
they began to appear about the 17th of April.
First we observed three flying over us as we
were tramping the marshy shore in search of
desirable species coming in our way. The
Buntings were leisurely flying eastward, con-
stantly uttering notes differing somewhat from
those of the Snow Bunting ( Plectrophanes
nivalis) being harsher and in a different tone.
The following Sunday, April 23rd, I was
reading in the house of our host, when my
assistant returned from a walk on the shore ;
he informed me that he noticed a flock of
about two hundred birds which wer. strange
to him, and very remarkable by their black
throats. When these birds alighted on the
ground, a person could walk into the midst of
the flock, within six feet of many of them, but
on the least noise being made, they would
become alarmed,. rising in a circular manner
to the height of about seventy feet, and for a
time disappear. We saw flocks of from six to
one hundred and fifty almost daily until about
the 20th of May, when they left us altogether.
The specimens shot at the latter date were
invariably females, but we succeeded in
collecting about sixty, many of which are
beautiful adult males. Why do not these
birds occur at or near Hyde Park or London,
while they are so abundant at Mitchell’s Bay ?
I presume they follow the shore of lakes,
therefore passing over the latter places ; at all
events I have not hitherto heard their notes,
although collecting birds in the neighbourhood
during the last seven years. I had a single
specimen in my collection and looked on it as
rare until this Spring. It was shot near St.
Thomas, Ontario. The song of the Lapland
Bunting is very similar to that of the Purple
Finch ( Carpodacus purpureus,) and they were
in full song after we noticed them. We
collected one specimen of the Cape May
Warbler ( Dendroeca tigrina) which is the
first I have seen in this region.

John A. Morden,
Hyde Park, Ont., July 1882.

Note — We have no record of the occurrence
of the Lapland Bunting in the Province
of Quebec. The Snow Bunting ( P . nivalis) is
frequently accompanied in early Spring with

the >§hore Lark ( Eremophila cornuta). The
latter is abundant on the Labrador coast flying
in flopks in Spring. The inhabitants say they
make an excellent pie.

Dear Sir, — C. J. G. Fraser writes in July,
about Anthus ludovicianus, and from various
reasons I think the bird is the Shore Lark
( Eremophila cornuta). The Lark is common
here 6 through the summer, while Anthus
ludovicianus only occurs during the migrations
and then sparingly. Shore Larks almost
always breed on commons where cows feed,
and their nests are generally placed in a small
hollow on level ground. That is the single
difference between C. J. G. F’s account of
ludovicianus, and my observations of cornutus.
I have often seen the latter rising in flight,
singing its “ sweet note,” until it reaches a
height of “ perhaps fifty feet,” when suddenly
closing its wings, it drops perpendicularly till
within about twenty feet of the ground.
Generally, however, the bird mounts much
higher, often so high that, lying on my back
on the ground, I have had some difficulty in
following its flight ; probably the distance
would be about two hundred yards. Mr.
Fraser was evidently a tyro in Ornithology at
the time of liis observations, confounding
two bi-rds which to-day lie would at once
recognize as distinct species. Query. — How
far east have Orchard Orioles reached ? They
are very common in Kent County, not rare
here; a small number breed, but I have not
heard from further east.

Yours truly,

W. E. Saunders.

London, 0., July 22nd, 1882.

COLEOPTERA FOUND IN THE
PiiOVINCE OF QUEBEC.

By William Couper.

Bembidium 1 paludosum, Panzer.

2 imequale, Say.

3 chalceum, Dej.

4 nigrum, Say.

5 simplex, LeConte

6 lucid um, “

7 semistriatum, Hald.

8 rupestre, Dej.

9 patruele, “

164

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

Bembidium 10 variegatum, Say.

1 1 versicolor, LeConte.

12 fontale, “

18 4-maculatum, Linne.

14 bimaculatum, Kirby.

15 impressum, Gyll.

1 6 transversale, Dej.

17 incrematum, LeConte.

18 diadaturn, “

Tachys 1 nanus, Schaum.

2 flavicauda, Say.

8 incurvus, “

Haliplus 1 triopsis, Say.

2 immaculicollis, Harris.
Cnemidotus 1 2-punctatus, Say.

Agabus 1 tristis, Aubi.

2 punctulatus, Aub6.

8 semivittatus, Lee.

4 punctatus, Mels.

5 hypomelas, Mann.

6 bifarius, LeConte.

7 fimbriatus, “

Hydroporus l conoideus, LeConte.

2 spurius, “

8 rnodestus, Aube.

4 puberulus, Lee.

5 catascopinm, Fay.

6 si mil is, Kirby.

Laccophilus maculosus, Germar.
Coptotomus interrogatus, Fabr.

Mates bicarinatus, Aube.

Colymbetes 1 biguttulus, Germar.

2 binotatus, Harris.

8 sculptilis, “

4 4-maculatus, Aube.

5 picipes, Kirby.

6 agilis, Labr.

Aciljus fraternus, Lee.

Dytiscus 1 confluens, Say.

2 Harrisii, Kirby.

3 verticolis, Say.

4 Cordieri, Aube.

5 fasciventris, Say.

Gyrinus II ventral is, Kirby.

2 fraternus, Couper.

The type of this species is in the collection of
Laval University, Q.

Dineutus 1 American us, White.

2 discolor, Aubt.

Hei jOpiiorus 1 lacustris, LeConte.

2 scaber, “

3 lineatus, Say.

Hydrobius 1 tumid us, LeConte.

2 digestus “

3 globulosus, “

4 regularis, “

5 fuscipes, Curtis.

6 subcupraeus, LeConte.

7 despectus, “

Hydrocus squamifer,

Hyr^ena Pensylvanica, Krizenwetter. Rare.
Hydrophilus 1 triangularis, Say.

2 lateralis, Fabr.

3 glaber, Herbst.

4 mixtus, Lee.

Hydrocharis obtusatus, Lee,

Berosus 1 striatus, Say.

2 peregrinus, Herbst.

Laccobius agilis, Randall.

Philidrus 1 cinctus, Say.

2 fimbriatus, Mels.

3 aeraceus, “

Cercyon 1 posticatum, Mann.

2 unipunctatum, Linn.
Cryptopleurum vagahs, Lee.

Necrodes surinamensis, Fabr.
Thanatophilus 1 lapponica, Herbst.

2 marginalis, Fabr.
Necrophil a peltata, Lee.

Silpha inaequalis, Fabr.

Necrophorus 1 marginatus, Fabr.

2 pustulatus, Herschel.

3 orbicollis, Say.

4 lunatus, Ijec.

5 Sayi, La Porte.

6 velutinus, Fabr.

7 pignueus, Kirby.

8 mortuorum, Fabr.

9 Melcheimeri, Kirby.
Catops opacus, Say.

Anlsotoma col laris, LeConte.

Liodes dichroa,

Agatiiihium oniscoides, Beauvais.

Sc YDMyENUs rasus, LeConte.

Tykus humeralis, “

Falagria 1 dissecta, Erickson.

2 venustula “

Homalota plana, Gyllenhall.

Aleociiara 1 fuscipes, Fabr.

2 lata, Grav.

3 limaculata, Fabr.
Coproporl's vemriculus, Kraatz.

(To be continued.')

The CupiAit Sportsman ahp Naturalist.

No. 9.

MONTREAL, SEPTEMBER, 1882.

Vol. IT.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

CALIFORNIAN SALMON AND OUR
SALMON RIVERS.

The introduction of foreign Salmonldae
into Canadian waters inhabited by Salmo salar ,
is, in our opinion, unnatural. There is no
necessity for introducing Californian Salmon
into our northern rivers; S. salar has too
many enemies already without adding to them.
We know sufficient of the Natural History of
the latter fish to say that it will never agree
with another species inhabiting the same river
— the weaker must succumb to the stronger—
the Californian fish where it is planted with
success, will ultimately cause salar to abandon
our rivers. The men who are anxious to
carry out these changes, would possibly prefer
the Californian to the European form of
salmon, but we think it would be more satis-
factory to retain the latter ; our sportsmen
understand its habits, knowing it to be the
most gamy fish that enters our rivers. A
charge is made against an overseer for casting
young Californian Salmon into ice holes on
the St. John, (N.B.) river in the month of
March. We think the man did perfectly right
in getting rid of them in this way. It is a
waste of money to endeavour to restock a
river with salmon when the tributaries are
interfered with. The woodlands surrounding
the mountain springs should be allowed to
remain in their primitive state. We care not
how magnificent a river may appear to the
eye of man, salmon, as a rule, will not enter
it when its immediate woodlands and flowing
mountain springs are destroyed. All the best
salmon rivers in this Dominion are generally
wide, swift-running, with falls and pools a
few miles from the sea, but let us follow any
of them for some distance inland, and they
will be seen to diverge into a number of

small tributaries, arising from cold mountain
springs, many feet above the sea level. Then,
we say, if salmon are to be increased in future,
these springs must be retained in their old
state. How is it that we cannot procure
discriptions of the inland sources of several
rivers in the Province of Quebec ? Simply
because officers of the Fisheries Department
never took the trouble to explore them, and it
is only at this late day when many of the
rivers have passed from their control that
they begin to think there is something in the
upper waters in connection with continual
existance of salmon ; — that in fact the inland
streams are becoming caloric, and salmon
will not remain there— therefore no matter
how beautiful the river and its pools may
appear, so long as the head sources of a river
is unfit for the hatching of salmon ova and the
propagation of young fish, it will be useless
to endeavour to restock it, the parent fish will
leave it forever.

There is not sufficient trouble taken to
obtain a knowledge of our rivers — we mean
the upper portions — the natural hatcheries.
It is always gratifying to one interested in a
river, to see numbers of fish passing up, but
it would be greater satisfaction to ascertain
how far they go inland ; the temperature of
the water, and the locality selected by them
for their future progeny. A short time ago,
Mr. Gilmour, wishing to obtain this informa-
tion regarding the Godbout, sent intelligent
men many miles up to explore the land.
They returned with a satisfactory report ; pass-
ing through a rugged region, with many lakes
and rivulets falling into the main river. The
lakes contain plenty of fish food peculiar to
inland waters ; in fact, abundance for salmon
during their stay in the inland waters of the
Godbout sources. Through the care of natives
for Mr. Gilmour’s woodlands along the river.

166

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

so far they have escaped from fire. This is
not the case with rivers further down the
coast, where large tracts of the interior have
been burnt thus destroying the cover on the
margin of streams where salmon deposit their
ova. We remember some years ago, when the
whole of the interior lands behind Natash-
quaun were set on fire, lasting three months,
in fact, until it burnt itself out, and we know
that for years following, salmon decreased in
the rivers inhabited by them on this portion of
the coast. — C.

THE FORESTRY CONGRESS.

It is the duty of Canadian and American
Sportsmen and Naturalists to take an interest
in the protection of the forests of their respect-
ive countries. Sportsmen on both sides of the
line must keep a sharp lookout in order to
preserve the wild animals inhabiting our
forests. Game animals are disappearing
simply because their selected homes are in-
vaded by human rangers who go out in quest
of timber for the benefit of the present genera-
tion. Forest material must be obtained of
necessity, but from what we have seen sur-
rounding lumber shanties, there appears to be
enormous waste not only of woods of com-
mercial value, but by fire and gun, animals
are destroyed in a merciless manner. Lumber-
men have been known to cut down more than
they are able to carry away. — Majestic trees
which stood at some distance from an aquatic
outlet, have been chopped and left where they
fell, — all lost for want of proper judgment.
This occurred to our knowledge on the high
woodlands of the upper Assomption River ; it
is therefore no wonder that the Company failed
to prosecute a profitable lumber trade in this
region. The subject of forest protection and
replenishment is of the highest importance,
and the welfare of this Dominion depends in
some degree on the future supply of good
commercial woods. We have, in the lands
already denuded and at present a waste, space

and earth-food for a duplicate crop of such
trees. Who will undertake to cultivate this
fresh growth? The Local Governments of
the Dominion should certainly do something
to have their burnt and waste Crown Lands
replanted. Dr. A. D. K. King of Compton
says : — “ If it is prudent, not to say a duty, of
Governments and other lessors of large tracts
of wooded lands, to preserve the timber from
waste, it were equally so the duty of individu-
als. A large and important part of this Prov-
ince is divided into lots, some of which con-
tained too much timber for general purposes
for agriculture, the farmer possessing a new
lot, looking upon every tree as an enemy, and
seeking to destroy it in order to give him
space for tilling the soil. Other lots, which
had little woodland, the owner did his best to
economize. He would suggest that before
felling, a careful examination should be made
so that the dead or dying trees might be
selected. Propagation might be done by seed
sowing or planting.”

Many years ago, Mr. Todd, the Librarian
of Parliament, suggested to the writer, the
necessity of agitating this subject through the
Cauadian press. He saw at that early day, a
time drawing near when a vigorous cry would
arise regarding the enormous drain on our
forests ; that in consequence of the continual
demand for timber of various kinds, our
woodlands would ere long be exhausted,
unless means were taken to replant the
lands annually weeded of the best trees. His
words are now verified ; men are awakened
to enquire into the matter. We are pleased
to give this short record of the efforts of
intelligent men who have lately met in
Montreal to consult on Forestry and trust that
in a short time their labours will be rewarded ;
that Parliament will notice a strong pressure
of facts from without. The next good move
should be a Congress of American and Cana-
dian Sportsmen to provide correct means for
the protection of Fish and Game of both
countries. There are several interesting sub-
jects which may be discussed at meetings of
true Sportsmen — such as the effect of forest
fires causing the decrease of animals ; fish and

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

167

game protection in an American and Canadian
view ; harmonizing the Game Laws of the
Provinces ; correct nomenclature of the Game
animals and other kindred subjects. Ameri-
can sportsmen have a greater interest accord-
ing to numbers and position, in taking part
in a Congress of this nature than we have,
besides there is something congenial in a meet-
ing of true sportsmen ; All have the same
objects in view. We at least protect the bulk
of woodcock and snipe bred in the north,
more for the benefit of our neighbouring
sportsmen than our own. We do the same
with geese and ducks, classed as game occurr-
ing on the waters of both countries. — C.

THE ST. FRANCIS SALMON.

The Sherbrooke Examiner of 4th ultimo,
made a charge against Mr. W. C. Willis, a
Fishery Overseer, for granting permits to take
salmon from the tributaries of the St. Francis
River with “ fly and minnow.” An annony-
mous writer in the Montreal Star of 12tli ult.
reiterates it cum grano satis, under the sig. of
“ One who has caught Salmon with a rod.’’
The Star knows this salmon-rod sport ; he is
doubtless known to the Fish and Game Pro-
tection Club of Sherbrooke, and we trust they
will look further into the matter. We now
see that “ W. C. W.” takes' the Star’s sport
by the nose, telling him that he is lying
in every particular, notably regarding the
catching of salmon with “ dip-nets ” at
Brompton, or with the fly or minnow near the
latter place. The O verseer says : — “ I have
consulted several old sportsmen, who assert
most emphatically that they never heard of
or saw a salmon which was caught (in the St.
Francis) in the manner, spoken of by your
correspondent. It would be interesting to be
informed of the time and place of this extra-
ordinary catch. The Fisheries Department,
as a great favor, granted fifteen days to catch
a few salmon, by the only means they can be
taken, in that river, at which this person
grumbles, while he fails to notice the thou-
sands that are yearly taken in rivers of the
lower St. Lawrence by nets and pounds, of

which we in the townships seldom or ever
get a taste. These fish begin to ascend the
St. Francis River annually about the middle
of July, thence they pass up the Salmon
River to the spawning grounds situated in the
township of Ditton. During their passage up
they seem to refuse all food 5 the most fasci-
nating fly has been thrown across them, but
all in vain, not a “ rise” can be got, though
the burnished sides of the tempting beauties^
are plainly visible beneath the current.”'
Taking a truthful view of Mr. Willis’ states
ment — i.e— "-that salmon pass up the St.
Francis “ annually about the middle of July,
when they refuse all food 5 even the most
fascinating fly,” is a peculiarity in the history
of Salmo salar unknown to us. We have no
knowledge of this river as far as Brompton,
but it is however evident that no pools or falls
interrupt the fish to the latter place. Mr.
Willis says that they <c pass up the Salmon
River to the spawning-grounds situated in the
Township of Ditton,” but we have no proof
that a “ rise ” can be had even in this river.
If it is true, we now say to the Fishery
Department, place a guardian on the upper
waters of this river. Here, we have an
overseer stating that salmon go up the St.
Francis (we suppose) without resting, continu-
ing on to inland waters called the Salmon
River, on the upper sources in which the fish
spawn. This locality is the place we wish to
see guarded. The cool mountain tributaries ;
the woodlands surrounding these spawning-
grounds should be protected. Taking Mr.
Willis’ statement that no salmon were caught
on the St. Francis by fly or minnow, during
the last thirty years, we suggest that no net-
ting be allowed on any portion of the rivers
for three years at least. By so doing, good
results will follow, and salmon will become
abundant in these rivers, and they may be
tempted to make their way to waters further
inland. We say protect the Ditton Township
spawning-grounds, facilitate passages for
salmon endeavouring to mount the St. Law-
rence above Quebec, and there will be no

168

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

necessity for the people of the townships say-
ing that while salmon are caught “ in nets
and pounds ” in the Lower St. Lawrence, we,
the people of “ the townships seldom or ever
get a taste.” “ The fifteen days granted to
catch a few salmon by the only means they
can be taken in the St. Francis shows that the
overseer has been allowed by some one in the
, Department to give parties liberty to catch
salmon on the two rivers during this space of
time, therefore, considering every word so far
published on the subject, the charge of the
complaining party has some foundation in
fact, as the overseer acknowledges that
the fish are allowed to be caught by nets of
some kind during the space of fifteen days.
Can any one give us additional information
regarding the locality in which the netting
of salmon occur in the St. Francis ? When
the facts are given us then the subject matter
Will be properly sifted. — C.

the Entomological society of

ONTARIO.

±TS ANNUAL MEETING IN MONTREAL.

A meeting of the Council of this Society
was held at the residence of Mr. G. J. Bowles,
Vice-President, on Thursday, August 24th, at
11 o’clock a.m. The following officers were
present : — William Saunders* President, Lon-
don, Ont. ; G. , J. Bowles, Vice-President,
Montreal ; Rev. C. J. S. Betliune, M.A., Port
Hope, Ont. ; E. Baynes Reed, Secretary-
Treasurer, London, Ont. ; James Fletcher,
Ottawa, Ont. ; J. M. Denton, London, Ont. ;
William Couper, Montreal ; W. H. Harring-
ton, Ottawa.

The Secretary-Treasurer read the annual
reports, which were found satisfactory. After
discussing several subjects relative to the
Welfare of the parent society and its branches,
the members examined Mr. Bowles’ fine col-
lection of insects, many of which were
greatly admired. The Council then adjourned
until three o’clock p.m., to hold the annual
general meeting in the rooms of the Natural
History Society. There was a good attend-
ance, including many ladies. After Mr.
Saunders called the members to order, the
Secretary read the annual report of the

Council, which gave the reasons tor holding
the meeting outside of Ontario. It had been
felt that the selection of Montreal for the
meeting of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science and the consequent
gathering of distinguished entomologists from
the other side of the line, together with the
members of the Montreal Branch, would
afford an opportunity not to be missed, and
accordingly the Hon. S. C. Woods, Com-
missioner of Agriculture for the Province of
Ontario, had been applied to for permission to
hold the annual meeting in Montreal, to which
he gladly consented. It was therefore a point
of no small importance in the history of the
Society, and they heartily welcomed all their
foreign brethren. The report referred to the
endeavor made in the Dominion Parliament
last session to get scientific books for libraries
on the free list, which was unsuccessful, but
they were hopeful that in the next session
they would meet with better success, for the
imposition of this duty did no good to any
one, as our Canadian publishers did nothing
in that line. It expressed regret that the
Entomological Section of the American Asso-
ciation had been merged in Section F (Biology)
which might prevent the adequate discussion
of their particular branch of natural history,
and hoped that members would endeavor to
form a club for the more frequent discussion
of their beautiful science.

The annual report of the Montreal branch
was considered in every way satisfactory.

The election of officers was then proceeded
with, resulting as follows : Mr. Wm. Saunders,
London> Ont., President; Mr. J. G. Bowles,
Montreal, Vice-President; Mr. E. Baynes
Reed, London, Ont., Secretary-Treasurer;
Rev. C. J. S. Bethune, Port Hope ; Messrs.
J. A. Moffat, Hamilton ; James Fletcher,
Ottawa ; Rev. F. W. Fyles, Cowansville, P. Q.;
Messrs. J. M. Denton, London, Ont. ; W. H.
Harrington, Ottawa, and W. Couper, Montreal,
composing the Council. The auditors chosen
were Messrs. Chas. Chapman and H. Bock,
and the President was reappointed editor of
the Canadian Entomologist.

The following embraces the substance of

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS.

Mr. Saunders, on rising to deliver his
annual address, was loudly applauded. He
said that he felt it was no common period in
the Society’s career; it was the first time they
had met outside of Ontario, and in the name
of the Society he offered his felicitations to all

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

169

who were strangers. The insect that had
attracted the most attention during the past
year was undoubtedly the Hessian Fly, which
had injured the wheat crop in Ontario about
20 per cent., or to the value of many hundreds
of thousands of dollars. Since 1878 they had
been comparatively free from this scourge,
but now they had returned in very great mag-
nitude. He described the manner of the
growth of this dreaded pest and their effect
on the plants they ruin. No successful
measures had yet been devised for their cure
or killing ; some people advocating the imme-
diate reaping and thrashing of the wheat ;
others were for burning the field as it stood,
but it must be remembered that this would
also kill the many friendly parasites who were
the farmer’s friends ; and some people were in
favor of harrowing the stubble and thus clear
the ground. But in his opinion the only
effectual remedy was late sowing, which ren-
dered the wheat better able to withstand its
enemy. He referred incidentally to the para-
sites to which the farmer was very much
indebted for their destruction of hurtful insects,
tie had noticed in Ontario what many people
doubtless thought did not exist in this country,
he referred to the Phylloxera which had
caused so much damage in France to the vines.
A person untutored in the matter would be
greatly surprised at the extent to which it
prevailed, and he explained the time and
manner of the growth of the insect and the
way it went to its deadly work. He showed
some examples of the Diplosis, the only para-
site inimical to the Phylloxera, and expressed
the hope that it would be extensively dis-
tributed in districts where the latter prevailed.
The short fruit crop of the year had been put
down by many to insects, but it was in reality
the very wet weather and low temperature that
prevailed in the Spring. He looked forward;
to an excellent crop, all things going well in
1883, as it was generally the case after a short
year. It was the opinion of many that
California was the fruit grower’s paradise, and
it undoubtedly was so till 1874, when insects
were rare. Since then, however, they have
began their ravages, and the State Legislature
has been compelled to make provisions for
their prevention. An inspector is appointed,
with sub-inspectors, authorised to visit each
grower, and in the event of his not obeying
certain regulations, he was liable to a fine.:
The whole process only costs the State $10,000
a year, and he was Of opinion that if it proved;

a success in the Far West, it should be tried
here in the East*. It was certainly the right
thing to do in their case and why not in ours.
The President resumed his seat amidst loud
applause.

The annual meeting of the Entomological
Society of Ontario then adjourned, and Dr.
Hagen, of Cambridge, Mass., drew attention
to the status of the Entomologists in relation
to the section of Biology in the A.A.A.S. The
Entomological Club had, a year or two since,
been merged in that section, and that state of
affairs is not satisfactory at present.

GENERAL MEETING OF ENTOMOLOGISTS.

Dr. Hagen moved a resolution that the
Entomologists resume their old status in rela-
tion to the Biology Section, but without any
regular organization, the understanding being
that they meet a day before the A.A.A.S. each
year, and that Mr. Lintner, of Albany, be
responsible for due notice, etc., in calling them
together. — Carried .

There is a feeling of discontent among the
American and Canadian Entomologists re-
garding their present status in connection with
the American Association for the advancement
of Science, i.e., their transfer to section F. in
Biology, which doubtless will terminate in the
formation of an International Union of Ento-
mologists, who can meet wherever they please
to discuss their subjects without embarras-
ment.

Springing from inquiries made by Mr.
Fletcher, an interesting discussion took place
on the cotton moth, he said, Mr. Riley, of
Washington, had made investigations which
had all gone as evidence to prove that the in-
sect had no other food plant than the cotton
plant. Specimens of the cotton moth had
been found in the Northern States and
Canada, where no cotton grew, but these might
have flown there, as the moth was capable of
immense flights. Mr. Riley did not believe it
could perpetuate itself outside of the cotton
belt.

Dr. Hoy, of Racine, Wisconsin, said he had
found a specimen of the cotton moth in the
north whose wings had not hardened ; it must
have been born there. Other gentlemen had
met with the same experience.

Mr. Saunders thought it possible that insects
so found had been brought to the finding place
either in an egg, larva or chrysalis state in
nursery plants, etc.

170

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

The evidence recited by various speakers
went to show that while in $ number of cases
the cotton moth had been found sometimes
with crippled wings, far away from the cotton
belt, still no plant other than the cotton plant
had been discovered on which they could live.

Before the meeting broke up, Dr. Hagen and
Mr. Henshaw. of Washington, gave interesting
accounts of their visit this summer to Wash-
ington Territory for the purpose of collecting
and studying the insects of that region.

The following American Entomologists took
a part in the proceedings, Prof. Comstock,
Ithaca, N.Y.; R. Dodge, Washington ; Homer
F. Bassett, Waterbury, Conn. ; Prof. C. H.
Ferland, Orono, Maine. All had an exceedingly
pleasant time in examining the rare insects
which members brought there for identification.
We agree with Mr. Saunders that Entomolo-
gists should endeavor to (levote more time to
investigate the life histories of insect parasites,
in order that farmers may be educated to dis-
criminate friends from foes ; we retain the
opinion that there are insect parasites follow-
ing every form from the hard shelled beetle
to the soft bodied spider, or even lower and
more minute forms of insect life. No one
thought of noticing the minute Hymenopterous
insect which destroys the chrysalis of the
Cabbage Butterfly, yet, the parasite is said to
have existed on this continent long before the
introduction of the butterfly into Canada.
Too much time have been given to the study
of large American insects ; many Entomolo-
gists look on minute forms of Ilymenoptera
and Diptera as significant, whereas these
creatures may turn out to be our friends, and
profitable to us. They are placed here for
some purpose, and their economy should be
studied.

A subsequent meeting was called by Mr.
Lintner at the residence of Mr. Bowles, to
consider the formation of an Entomological
Club. The following gentlemen attended —
Messrs. W. Saunders; H. F. Basseit; Prof.
Riley ; Prof. McCook ; Rev. F. W. Fyles ; II.
II. Lyman; Prof. Claypole; R. Dodge;
Ernest D. Wintle ; G. J. Bowles and W.
Couper. Nothing definite was done regarding
the desired change, the feeling of a few
members tended to allow matters to remain as
they are at present. After a pleasant conver-
sation on other Entomological topics, all
parted with the hope of meeting again. — C.

Horresponbence.

ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENTS.

W. A. H., Sherbrooke —Maple trees have
been introduced into the United States and
Canada from many parts of the globe. Over
twenty varieties from Japan. Maple is popular
as shade and lawn trees in all American cities,
from sixty to seventy varieties are used. The
species which attracted your attention on
Drummond street is native ; called the Silver
Maple ( Acer dasycarpum). Its growth is rapid;
form irregular; foliage light green, silvery
underneath ; very hardy and easily trans-
planted. It is one of the best avenue trees.
Three other species, viz — the Scarlet or Swamp
M. ( A . saccharinum ) ; the Sugar or Rock M.
( A . nigrum ), are used as ornamental trees in
the neighbourhood of Montreal. Ruffed Grouse
and allied northern species and the Ptarmigan
have the habit of burying themselves under
soft dry snow, but whether the former remain
long enough to be frozen in and perish, we
cannot say. Numbers of Ptarmigan have
been found dead in the woods of Labrador in
spring. They are supposed to have been
caught by a sudden frost making them
prisoners, and death ensued from starvation.

Mr. John A. Morden, Hyde Park, Ont. —
The skins of the Lapland Longspur (P lapp-
onicus) have been received. They are care-
fuly made up and a credit to your art. Since
we stated that the species have not been
obtained in the Quebec Province, Mr. N. A.
Comeau of Godbout, informs us that he can
procure them every season at his place. We
will publish your observations on the breeding
habits of the Red-headed Duck, or any other
water- fowl found on the St. Clair Flats. — C.

THE MONTREAL DOG FANCIERS’
ASSOCIATION.

We have before us, the prize list and rules
for governing the first Annual Exhibition,
which takes place on the 18th, 19th and 20th
instant. The names of the officers for the
current year are as follows: — Major Thomas
A. Evans, President; C. E. Gagnon, Esq., and
Wm. Mackenzie, Esq., Vice-Presidents; John
F. Campbell, Esq., Secretary ; James Lindsay,
Esq., Treasurer ; l)r. J. E. Nichol ; J. Nelson,
Jr., Esq., George Jordon, Esq., J. A. Pitt.,
Esq., John Wilson, Sr. Esq., and Sergt. B. T.
Holbrook are the Committee of Management.

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

171

E. C. Barber, Esq., and R. H. Kilby, Esq. are
the Judges, who will be guided by the Vero
Shaw Standard of excellence. A properly
organized association of this kind was really
required in Montreal, and the men at its head
are just those who will strenuously adhere to
the Constitution and By-Laws. A sportsman
is nowhere successful unless he is followed by
a well-trained dog, and without an institution
of this nature, that class of dogs required for
the chase, will never be more than a series of
mongrels. Under the new organization, we
anticipate an attractive exhibit with beneficial
results. — C.

THE GODBOUT RIVER SALMON SCORE.

On an average, three rods were employed on
the above river this season. The total catch
being 384 salmon. In one day, Mr. Manuel
of Ottawa, landed thirty-one fish. Consider-
ing the scarcity of salmon for three years past
in the Gulf rivers, the old Godbout still holds
good for a month’s surface fishing. Its
Salmon and Sea Trout spawning-grounds are
far in the interior, and although the mountain
Indians may occasionally traverse along the
tributaries in which the fish are lying, they do
not interfere with them. Extreme want alone
will cause these people to disturb salmon
while in their mountain waters. The aborigines
of the district are generally well treated by
Allan Gilmour, Esq., the proprietor, and they
have therefore great respect for him. — C.

Deanery, Kingston, Ont.

11th August. 1882.

Dear Sir, — Many thanks for your interest-
ing and instructive “ Naturalist,” which I
have taken since the beginning.

On my son’s farm near this city, I saw
some gamy birds, very like Quail, but with a
dark yellowish breast. Upon securing a
specimen and taking it to an expert, he called
it a “ Meadow Lark;” is it the “ Eremophila
cornuta ” or what ?

Faithfully yours,

James Lyster, LL.D

Note — The breast of the Meadow Lark
(Sturnella magna ) is a clear yellow when it
visits the North in Spring. It may be found
in fields as far east as Kingston. The Ameri-
can Sky Lark ( E . cornuia ) is smaller than
the Meadow Lark and its breast is differently

marked. Of late years this Lark nests in
Ontario and Quebec. Neither of these birds
are classed as game, although a dog will point
at the Meadow Lark, we suppose from noticing
the gamy colour of its back, and its peculiar
mode of locomotion during the nesting season.
We shall be pleased to hear from the Dean
again, as enquiries of this nature have a
tendency to encourage the young in the
delightful study of Ornithology.— C.

COLEOPTERA FOUND IN THE
PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.

By William Couper.

Tachinus 1 fimbriatus, Grav.

2 fumipennis. Say.

Tachyporus 1 jocosus, “

2 acaudus, “

Conosoma basale, Erichs.

Boletobius 1 cinctus, Grav.

2 cincticollis. Say.

3 bimaculatus, Couper.

The type of this species is in the Laval
University Cabinet.

Quedius 1 melochinus, Grav.

2 fulgidus. Fair.

3 capucinus, “

Creophilus villosus, Grav.

Leistotrophus cingulatus, Grav.
Staphylinus 1 maculosus <e

2 badipes, Lee.

3 cinnamopterus, Grav.

4 violaceus, “

5 capitata, Bland.

6 fossator, Grav.

7 tomentosus “

8 varipes, Sachse.

Oxypus ater, Grav.

Philonthus 1 cyanipennis, Fabr.

2 aeneus, Fosse.

3 blandus, Grav.

4 ventralis. Say.

5 promptus, Erichs.

6 lomatus, £<

7 fulvipes, Fabr.

8 longipennis, Provancher .

Is this specific name appropriate ?
Xantholinus 1 cephalus. Say.

2 obsidianus, Mels.

3 hamatus. Say.

Baptolinus melanocephalus, Nord%
Cryptobium 1 bicolor, Grav.

2 pallipes, <e

172

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

Lathrobium 1 longiuscnlum, Grav.

2 simile, Lee.

3 puncticolle, Kirby.

4 dimidiatum, Say.
Lethocharis confluens, “

Sunius lougiusculus, Mann.

Paederus 1 littorarius, Grav.

2 riparius, Fabr.

Stenus femoratus, Say.

Oxyporus 1 rufipennis, Lee.

2 stygicus, Say.

3 vittatus, Grav.

Bledius 1 fumatus, Lee.

2 semiferruginosus, Lee.
Pinophilus latipes, Er.

Platystethus Americanus, Erich.
Oxytelus rugosus, Grav.

Anthophagus brunneus. Say.

Acidota subcarinata, Erich.

Lathrimceum sordidum “

Omalium plagiatum, Mannh.

Anthobium protectum, LeConte.
Micropeplus costatus, “

Hister 1 depurator, Say.

2 foedatus, Lee.

3 Americanus, Paykull.

4 planipes, Lee.

5 interruptus, Beauvais.

6 bimaculatus, Linne.

7 marginicollis, Lee.

8 LeContei, Mars.

9 attenuatus, LeConte.

10 civilis, “

Saprinus 1 distinguendus. Mars.

2 sphoeroides Lee.

3 ferrugineus, Mars.

Scaphidium 1 quadripustulatum, Say.

2 piceum, Mels.

Mycetocharus bicolor, Couper.

The type of this species is in the Cabinet of
Laval University, Q.

Olibrus nitidus, Mels.

Paromalus bistriatus, Er.

Dendropiiilus punctulatus, Say.
Brachypterus urticae, Fabr.

Colastes truncatus, Randall.

Carpopiiilus 1 niger, Say.

2 brachypterus, Say.

3 discoideus, Lee.

Conotelus obscurus, Erichs.

Epur^ea 1 rufa, Say.

2 borella, Erichs.

3 vicina, Lee.

» 4 convexiuscula, Mann.

Nitidula 1 zigzag, Say.

2 bipustulata, Linn.

Nitidula 3 rufipes,

Lobiopa undulata. Say.

Thymalus fulgidus, Er.

Osmita colon, Linn.

Phenolia grossa, Fabr.

Crypt archa ampla, Erichs.

Ips 1 fasciatus, Olivier.

2 4-signatus, Say.

3 sanguinolentus, Cliv.

4 Dejeani, Kirby.

Bactridium nanum, Erichs.
Trogosita 1 dubia, Mels.

2 intermedia, Horn.
Nosodes silphides, Newman.

Peltis 1 ferruginea, Linn.

2 4-lineata, Mels.

Cerylon castaneum, Say.

Sylyanus advena, Erichs.

Nausibius dentatus, Schaum.
Cucujus clavipes, Fabr.
L^emophlceus biguttatus, Say.
Corticaria cavicollis, Lee.
Catogenus rufus, Fabr.

Pediacus planus, Lee.

Brontes dubius, Fabr.
Paramecosoma serrata, Gyll.
Anterophagus ochraceus, Mels.
Cryptophagus cellaris, Erichs.
Derodontus maculatus, Mels.
Lathridius pulicarius, <e

Psepenus LeContei, Hald.
Mycetophagus 1 punctatns, Say.

2 flexuosus “

3 bipustulatus, Mels.

Tripijyllus ruficornis, LeConte.
Litargus tetraspilotus, “

Diploccelus brunneus, <f

Dermestes 1 lardarius, Linn.

2 marmoratus. Say.

3 talpinus, Mann.
Attagenus megastoma, Fabr.
Trogoderma ornata. Say.
Antiirenus varius, Fabr.

Orphilus ater Erichs.

Byrrhus 1 Kirbyii, Lee.

2 Americanus
Nosodendron unicolor, Say.
Onthopiiagus ovatus, Linn.

Cytilus alternatus, Fabr.

Limniciius punctatus, Lee.

Heliciius lithophilus, Germar.
Stenelmis crenatus, Say.
Heterooerus mollinus, Kies.
Platyoerus 1 quercus, Weber.

2 depressus, Lee.
Ceruchus piceus, Weber.

{Continued from page 155, No. 7.)

No io.

MONTREAL, OCTOBER, 1882. Vol. II.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

Since tlie first issue of this magazine, my
object has been to produce original matter,
cognizant that unless new material appear
each succeeding month, the chance of success
would be poor indeed. It is my intention
to devote a portion of the journal to Ento-
mological subjects — the study of insects at
present occupies the attention of many intelli-
gent men and women throughout the continent
of America — therefore, I solicit correspond-
ence of a popular nature from all quarters —
north, south, east and west — regarding Ento-
mological matters. My friends across the
line, may rest assured that great care will be
taken to avoid errors, and that communica-
tions for# publication will be looked over as
carefully as if revised by the author.

DEEP SEA FISHING.

Our American maritime neighbours are con-
tinually on the look-out for something new in
the way of food fish ; not satisfied with the
products of inland waters to supply their cus-
tomers, they regularly resort to the edge of the
Gulf Stream for deep sea fishing ; the latest
haul being from a depth of one hundred and
twenty fathoms, obtaining a new food fish
said to be of great value. The specimens
taken range from one to four pounds in
weight ; the flesh white and delicious. Dr.
Baird, the Secretary ot the Smithsonian In-
stitution, will probably give an early report on
this new addition to the fish fauna of the
United States. The species will, doubtless,
form a feature of interest at the Fisheries
Exhibition in London next year. After all the
boasted wealth of Canada as a fish-producing
country, the greater portion of the fresh fish
sold in Montreal and other Canadian cities,
generally comes from Portland ; and for all

that, large sums of money is annually granted
to develop our maritime and inland fishing
industries. It will be ere long acknowledged
that American fishermen can show that they
are far ahead of us in their plans to procure
material to supply the continual drain upon
their markets. The fishing industry of the
State of Massaclmssets alone is enormous ;
nothing on our marine waters can compare
with it. There are characteristics in the
Glocester fishermen that are apparently want-
ing in many of our men who derive a living
from the products of the sea. The former
will risk everything and even go out of their
latitude to obtain a new object in this line
of trade, while the latter generally prefers to
keep within their old landmarks, preferring to
return to shore with a meagre catch, after
undergoing the old style of misery which they
are repeating and enduring every season of
their existence. There is something radically
wrong in the fishing systems pursued by the
people residing on the Canadian sea coasts.
The majority of these toilers from boyhood
were compelled to follow this rough work for
a simple sustenance, and consequently educa-
tion was neglected. The attempts so far made
to establish schools to enlighten the poor
fisherman, have been few indeed. To
my knowledge, but two schools exist on
the Labrador coast, one of which is sup-
ported by a few friends in Montreal. The
harvest of the sea is in the hands of mono-
polists who have no stake in the country,
whose aim is to make money while fish bite
and sun shines — caring not a cent how their
men fare so long as the piles of fish go
on increasing around their establishments.
These companies, in my opinion, are liable
and should pay a business tax. Their sum-
mer establishments are in the Maritime Pro-
vinces, while they reside comfortably during

174

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

winter in Europe. They should certainly pay
for the privilege of squatting on our territory,
and carrying off the best fish to foreign
markets. As for the labour and system of
pay the fisherman is ground down, doubtless,
under a contract of dependence ; his work
from day to day is merely chance, and in
many instances after the season is over, he
finds himself in his employer’s debt. This
system of slavery should not be allowed ; it is
now time to expose it, and I trust that some
philantrophist will take up this matter in the
interest of the poor fellows who toil on the sea
risking their lives for a mere existence. This
disgraceful system of sweating the Canadian
deap-sea fishermen should be thorougly ex-
plained at the approaching International Fish-
eries Exhibition in London. A subject of this
nature comes under class II, <e Economic con-
dition of Fishermen,” section 4, (e Contracts
of Partnerships.” The Committee offer a
prize for the best essay on fishing industries,
and as the matter is of great interest to Canada,
some one should attempt it. — C.

DEPARTMENTAL BLUNDERS.

A New Brunswick Inspector of Fisheries
has brought the Government into trouble
by interfering with riparian rights. It ap-
pears that the Department at Ottawa in its
efforts to enforce an order-in-council in direct
opposition to the second section of the Fish-
eries Act and in defiance of the judgment of
the Supreme Court of New Brunswick, which
has recently been confirmed by the Court of
Appeal at Ottawa, ordered this Inspector to
follow out their instructions. The first suit
was that of Spurr vs. Yenning, which we
believe went to appeal. Three suits have
since gone against the Department, viz., J. H.
Phair, Esq., of Fredericton vs. the Inspector
of Fisheries, for seizing his fishing tackle ;
Mr. Phair’s damages amount to $511. The
second suit was brought against the same
officer for the same action, by Judge Stead-
man, and resulted in a verdict for damages
to the extent of $3,000. The third suit was
brought by Mr. Hanson, of the Crown Lands
Office, against the same officer for a similar
seizure, and a verdict was given for $1,000

damages. In all the Department will have to
pay $5,731 for ordering an officer to carry out
the instructions of the Government. The
above does not include the costs. All this
through ill-considered instructions submitted
by the Minister at a meeting of Council from
whence the order emanated. — C.

ORNITHOLOGICAL QUERIES.

Young Pigeon Hawks ( Hypotriorchis col-
•unibariits, Gr.) were abundant in the Province
of Quebec this year. Can any of our cor-
respondents give us additional information
regarding the nidification of this species?

A Whip-poor-will ( Antroslomus vociferus ,
Bonaparte) was shot lately by W. II. Rintoul,
Esq., on the south side of the St. Lawrence,
not far from the river. It is in this year’s
plumage, indicating that it was bred not far
from the Island of Montreal. Have the notes
of the Whip-poor-will been heard on the
Island?

Can any of our readers give us the chemical
composition of the saliva used by the Chim-
ney Swallow to build its nest? Why does
this Swallow prefer breaking off dead twigs
from a tree by force of flight in preference to
selecting the same kind of branches which
have fallen to the ground ?

We notice the Purple Martin ( Progne pur-
purea Boie.) every summer in the neighbor-
hood of Montreal. Can any person inform us
if they nest on the Island ?

How far east in Ontario has the nest of the
Ground Robin or Towhee Bunting been
found ?

Did anyone discover the nest of the
Western Grebe ( Podiceps occidentalism Lawr.)
nesting in the Province of Quebec ? The ■
young birds are shot sometimes near Montreal
in the fall. — C.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES.

BY THE EDITOR.

Mr. F. B. Caulfield, a member of the
Montreal Branch of the Entomological Society
of Ontario, obtained the prize at the late
Montreal Exhibition for a collection of insects
methodically arranged, illustrating the native
species injurious to vegetation.

One important omission, probably not
thought of, at the late election of officers of *
the Province of Quebec Forestry Association

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

175

is the appointment of an Entomologist. Trees
during their growth are more or less subject
to the depredations of insects, therefore
enquiry will be made regarding the cause. If
the Association is to be extensive and success-
ful in their work, the nomination of an
honorary consulting Entomologist should not
be neglected. The planter is not generally
supposed to understand the internal and
external diseases of trees in this latitude. It
is not too late to remedy the oversight.

I wish to call the attention of Ottawa ento-
mologists to a Hymenopterous gall found by
me some years ago near Billing’s Bridge. It
attacks the roots of a species of Rubus. See
“ Canadian Entomologist,” vol. II., pages 68-98.
During the late meeting of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science in
Montreal, in conversation with Mr. Bassett on
the subject, he informed me that the gall has
not been rediscovered since, and that he is
anxious to obtain specimens. Will some one
connected with the Ottawa Field Naturalists’
Club endeavour to find the gall ? He will be
greatly pleased if some entomologist devotes a
little time in the search. Mr. Bassett is work-
ing on the genus Diastrophus, and the root-galls
of Rubus would form quite a valuable addition
to American literature on the subject.

In an article on the milk plant and its insect
parasites, page 10, vol. I, “ Canadian Sports-
man and Naturalist,” I made out a list of
insects which either live on its roots or on the
leaves when the plant is progressing towards
maturity. So far, I have shown that the milk
plant ( Asclepias ) supports insects which are
remarkable for two definite colours, red,
(reddish-orange) and black. An addition is
made this year in the form of a tufted cater-
pillar Euchates egle , Drury, which is also
red and black. The common Asclepias of
Montreal mountain was literally covered with
these caterpillars in August, 1882. I collected
a number of these larva, some of which formed

cocoons. On the 10th September, a Dipterous
fly emerged from one of these cocoons which
corresponds to the description of the male of
Tachina (Lydella) doryphorce, Riley, which
preys on the larvae of the Colorado potato
beetle. This being a prolific year for E. egle,

I am anxious to hear of my confreres’ experi-
ences in rearing the moth, and especially
regarding its parasites in the caterpillar state.

In a skin of a Grizzly Bear examined
lately I found several pods of a prickly vetch
or pea imbedded in the hair. Each pod con-
tained from two to four peas, evidently in the
best state of preservation. Here we find a
bearskin carrying healthy seed — probably
many days since the animal was shot near
the Rocky ' Moftntains — after undergoing the
process of dressing. I have noticed some
curious ways by which seeds of plants have
been distributed, but the present instance is
certainly extraordinary. The little pods were
found at the base of the hair on the posterior
sides of the skin of the animal. They
evidently attach themselves to the hair like
the seed of the common burdock, but the
latter becomes matted in the fur. These
pods seem to have a creeping power, as they
are covered with numerous spines, some of
which are hooked at the point, and they were
all found at the base of the hair, from which
they were extracted with difficulty. I notice
this peculiar m'ode of seed distribution in
order to ascertain if others detected similar
circumstances in the hair of quadrupeds.

Speaking of Wasps’ nests, at page 150 of
“ Packard’s Guide to the study of Insects,”
published in 1869, he says that “no parasites
have been as yet detected in this country.” I
look on “this country” entomologically, as
embracing the limits of Dr. Le Conte’s
geographical distribution of Coleoptera — i.e.,
from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Circle —
a plan which Dr. Packard follows in his Guide
— therefore Canada is within the meaning of

176

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

the term “ this country.” By referring to
page 104 vol. I, “ Canadian Entomologist,” a
description will be found of Euceros burrus ,
Cresson, found by me as a parasite in the nest
of Vespa maculata, at Ottawa, in October,
1868. I had, at the latter date, discovered a
second species attached to the cells of paper-
making wasps found near Ottawa, which
shows that Mr. Packard should have at least
remarked the discovery of one species in this
country. My Ottawa friends should look out
for the other forms parasitic on wasps occur-
ring in their neighbourhood.

Entomologists please make a note of what
Vennor wrote to the Montreal Witness on
September 1st. . He says that “ the woods
along this portion of the Maine coast are ever-
lastingly green — being of pine — and this color
is not much affected by heat or drought. In
these woods there is ample scope for the ento-
mologist in studying the habits of the pine-
boring beetles which abound. They are still
hard at work cutting off the tops of the
branches and boring down into the soft pith,
in which they deposit their eggs.” Entomolo-
gical knowledge is not advanced one iota by
the above. I am loth, to make remarks on
the subject ; but in the first place, to show the
ignorance of the writer, I say that the pine
boring beetles do not cut off the branches of
pine trees, neither do they deposit their eggs
in the pith. In fact, the pine-boring beetles
will not attack a perfectly healthy tree (if they
did there would not be many living trees in
the forests to-day) but the moment that decay
shows itself, then the parasites appear and
the work of destruction commences, not in the
living branches, but in the dead wood — the
solid trunk. My friend Vennor better let
Entomology alone; to commence dabbling
into it at this age of this science, will not
only be a source of annoyance to himself,
but to those actually making it a study; the
latter can manfully stand up and tell the truth
as there is nothing to be gained from stating
otherwise. Vennor’s story of the pine woods
on the coast of Maine appears similar to that

related by an ordinary educated European
from a ship’s deck when passing the Island of
Anticosti in June; the landscape looks green
and therefore beautiful ; there is something en-
chanting about it, but the eyes of the stranger
are deluded; he merely passes by, carrying
impressions of hi& first visit to a new country.
That is all — with the exception that he did
not see the pine-boring beetles.

In skinning an adult grey squirrel, on the
21st September, a larva of a bot-fly was found
beneath the skin, half way between the cheek
and upper frontal part of the femora of the
right fore leg. The larva (maggot) at this
date, measures 7-8 inch long, covered with
numerous rust-coloured dots and short stiff
hairs. The mouth is provided with two sickle-
shaped teeth. The insect belongs toJhe Order
Diptera: Family Oestrid^e: Genus Cutere-
bra, i.e. — subcutaneous bots beneath the skin
of animals. The hole made by the larva
measures 2-8th inch in diameter. This insect,
it is said, inserts the egg (in fact it is possible
that some of the insects belonging to this class
of Diptera may be viviparous, nevertheless
the wound made by so small an object after its
insertion into the animal’s skin, would not
probably produce sufficient irritation to cause
trouble, but when the wound is thoroughly
enlarged by the maggot becoming longer and
wider, the poor squirrel must suffer while it
occupies the cell,) into the squirrel’s skin,
just in a place where the animal cannot easily
reach it with its tongue, and after the parasite
penetrates to a sufficient depth, all effort
made by the squirrel, to destroy the cause of
irritation is ineffectual, until the insect attains
its perfect larval form, when it ceases to annoy
the animal by leaving it altogether. — Gastro-
philus equi , Fabr, is the species which we call
the Horse Bot-fly, and I have known an
instance of this insect finding its way into the
stomach of a man who resided at Stoneham,
north of Quebec. The fly deposits its eggs on
the horse’s body where the animal can reach

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

m

them with its tongue, thereby conducting the
eggs into its stomach. This man, after giving
his horse water from a pail, foolishly drank a
portion of it himself, therefore taking into his
stomach a number of Bot-fly eggs which
became detached from the horse’s lips. Of
course he became sick and after suffering days
of pain, resorted to an over dose of whisky as
the only remedy at hand, when he vomited a
number of larva which were sent to me and
which I pronounced to be the Horse Bot-fly.
There are cases on record of man’s death
caused from carelessness in drinking water
after his horse. Dr. Wright of Toronto has a
man’s liver in spirits, which is full of larva of
the Horse Bot-fly. People cannot be too care-
ful in matters of this kind ; it should at least
be known that insects which can withstand
the temperature of a horse’s stomach, may
also habituate themselves to live in the larva
state in the stomach of man ; therefore I say,
no matter how clean the exterior skin of the
horse may appear, never drink water from the
same vessel from which your horse drank.
The genus Caterebra are those which seem of
interest to us at present. We are anxious to
procure further information regarding those
that are parasitic on the wild quadrupeds of
our forests — such as deer, bear, wolverine,
ground-hog, squirrels, hare and the wood-
mice. One species Hypoderma tarandi, Linn ,
is said to infe.-t the reindeer. The genus
(Estromyia is thought to inhabit the hare.
Of the former genus, Dr. Fitch described a
species Caterebra emasculator, Fitch, which
lives in the scrotum of the black squirrel,
which it is known to emasculate. C. buccata,
Fabr., inhabits the body of the striped squirrel ;
it generally attacks the animal in the region
of the kidneys.

Butterflies belonging to the genus Pieris
(one of the species destroys cabbage in the
vicinity of Montreal) were not generally sup-
posed to feed on plants far removed from the
latter. In the last number of “ Papilio,” a
proficious magazine devoted to the study of

Butterflies and Moths, edited by Mr. Henry
Edwards of New York, I notice an elaborate
paper from the pen of my old correspondent
R. H. Stretch of San Francisco, Cal. It
appears that Dr. Hag^n of Cambridge, Mr. S.
Henshaw of the Natural History Society of
Boston, Mass., and Mr. Stretch, three Ento-
mologists, accompanied the IJ. S. North
Transcontinental Survey this summer. At
Spokane Falls, Washington Territory, in July,
at an altitude of 1900 feet above the sea, they
discovered and partially studied the habits of
Pieris monapia , Feld., var. svffusa , Stretch.
During the latter month “ the air was alive
with butterflies flitting round the pines in
countless numbers, and glistening against the
dark green of the young timber like the most
delicate snowflakes. Some idea of the im-
mense numbers of the insect may be gathered
from the fact 'that in the infected district,
on every little pine, though not more than
two feet high, each terminal branch of needles,
from one to twelve larvae or pupae could be
counted, and every weed could show its quota
of pupae.” The trees which this butterfly
destroys in Washington Territory are the
Balsam Fir ( Abies balsamii), the Tamarac
(Pinus contorta ), and the Yellow Pine (Pinas
ponderosa). “ The area actually visited,
where serious damage has already been com-
mitted, extends about twenty-five miles north
and south, with an unknown width, and in
this region all the Yellow Pines have been
nearly or totally stripped of their foliage, as
well as many of the smaller species of Coni-
fer ce. The first impression was that fire had
scorched the tops of the trees, so brown and
withered did they look in their clothing of
dark, blackish moss ; and before the cause
of this effect had been discovered, it was only
by persistently remembering that all the
large fir trees were green that the idea could
be kept out of the mind.” Now this insect
occurs in California and Vancouver’s Island,
and “ is evidently of very wide distribution,
latitude in the north taking the place of alti-
tude in the south, and consequently the same
phenomena which we are here called to note
may occur in localities where the timber is
both denser and more valuable,” It will be a
poor lookout for our forest pines if this
butterfly visits the Dominion, and I cannot
see that its further northern course can be
prevented; although a delicate butterfly, it
has better facilities of coming here than the
Colorado beetle had. Yet it may be presumed

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

178

that so long as it is not kept down by birds,
bats and insect parasites in its present home,
it will probably keep within the territory
which it now devastates. It appears that
nature has supplied this butterfly with an
abnormal habit hitherto unknown to the genus
on this continent — that of descending from the
branches to the ground by means of a silken
thread.

THE AMERICAN SNIPE.

( Gallinago Wilsonii, Bon.)

The arrival of snipe with us in the spring is
very uncertain, but depends entirely upon the
state of the season. If the spring opens late
they remain here but a few days, passing hur-
riedly to their breeding grounds in the far-
North. On their return from the north with
their young, they pay us a visit before going
south, reaching us in September ; the first cool
weather having prompted them to seek winter
quarters. They make their autumnal migra-
tions in stages in advance of hard freezing,
stopping and resting on the route. The snipe
lies best to a dog on warm sunny days, when
gentle winds are blowing, and if feeding in
high tusscch meadows will sometimes not take
flight until nearly trodden upon. But during
blustery weather, especially if the wind is from
the north-east, they are very loth to allow even
the most steady dog to come within thirty or
forty yards of them. This is more noticeable
in the spring, when the birds have first arrived,
and are in wisps or bunches, than in autumn,
when they appear to have made up their minds
to stay for a while previous to moving south-
ward. Sometimes, particularly on a dark
drizzling day, which is the weather they prefer
for their flights, the flushing of one bird will
be the signal for every snipe in the field to
rise with a sharp ee skeap,” *c skeap,” and the
air will be filled with their bleating and their
irregular flights. Perhaps they will join in a
flock and fly beyond the range of vision or
again individual birds may drop with their
peculiarly rapid descent until all have settled
again. There is no difficulty in marking down
a snipe, their quick, dropping motion is un-
mistakable. Beating for snipe with the wind
at one’s back, has always been advised by
experts, as the bird invariably rises against
wind, and flies at an angle towards you, either
to the right or left, thus presenting a more
easy shot than when going straightaway in a
zigzag course. Frequently when flushed, a
bird will dart away, flying low at first, but

gradually rising will soon seem but a speck in
the sky, and then disappear from view, let the
hunter keep for a few minutes his position,
and quick as flash the bird may drop down
within a few yards of his former resting place.
This is not always the case, however, as often
the snipe may leave not to return. The pro-
bable explanation of this is, that in the first
case the ground from which the bird was
driven afforded good food and cover, and the
snipe was loth to desert so attractive a spot.
In our estimation no sport is comparable to an
October day with the snipe if they be tolera-
bly plenty. Undoubtedly the perfection of
snipe shooting is had in Florida during the
winter months. In some places so thickly do
they congregate that a dog is an impediment
rather than a help, though a good retriever is
very useful when there is much water.

THE GOLDEN PLOVER.

( Charadius Virginicus , Borck.)

This is a fine game bird, confined neither to
the interior nor to the coast alone. None of
our game birds seem to be more generally
known, for it is scattered apparently over the
whole face of the land — from the fur coun-
tries to the Gulf, and from ocean to ocean —
breeding in the most northern portions of the
continent, to which they annually repair
about the beginning of May, and commence
their return journey during September. These
birds, though naturally timid, and usually
very shy of the approach of man, are easily
reached, provided the proper precautions are
taken by the hunters. In the Western States
and prairie land where there is no cover for
the gunner they are usually shot from
waggons; and from their apparent inattention
to enemies thus equipped, it would seem that
their fear of humanity is limited to man in
his primitive condition only, for after volley
upon volley has been poured into their, ranks
with deadty effect, they pass along in unbroken
line only to receive another cross shot in their
next circuit of flight as they pass over a
favorite feeding place of newly ploughed
ground or in a grasshopper or cricket range.
In the autumn, and more particularly after a
protracted drouth, these birds resort regularly
to the sand beaches or rocky points of the
nearest streams for the purpose of washing
and quenching their thirst. As the flock
comes into sight a shrill whistle is usually the
first welcome, then the chorus of a hundred

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

179

voices cliime in as though rejoicing at the
sight of the liquid element. Such is their
ecstasy as they wheel around over their
favorite bar, and such their utter disregard
to the booming of gins, that dozens are
dropped upon the water, the wounded flutter-
ing in £very direction, while the column
wheels into line again right over the spot
where its dead and wounded companions lie,
only to be thinned again and again, until
finally driven away. Ordinary precautions
seem forgotten or abandoned by these birds
when approaching a favorite watering place ;
and when met with under such circumstances
it is conclusive evidence that they have not
been long from the breeding grounds, and
that most of them are young and inexperi-
enced.

(Dorresponhence. _

ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENTS.

R. McK., Newcastle, N.B. — If you possess
“ Packard’s Guide to the Study of Insects,”
you have the best work for a student of
American Insects. “ Harris’ Insects injurious
to Vegetation” is an accurate work, but we
have no book published in the United States
or Canada specially devoted to one order of
insects. There are seven distinct orders of
insects, all of which are largely represented in
America, and it will require many more years
of collecting and careful investigation before
we can obtain separate works on the orders
of American insects. You do not inform us
what order you study. Let us know, and we
may lead you to obtain information. In
regard to English names for our insects, we
question if they can be applied even to the
butterflies of this continent. The extent of
territory is so great and the species so diversi-
fied that Mr. Scudder of Boston, an eminent
entomologist who attempted it is now ridiculed
for so doing. Latin names are certainly pre-
ferable and more simple, especially for classi-
fication, and a child can learn and retain them
almost as easily as a dressmaker remembers
the names of the parapharnalia of her business.

Sib,— In the last issue of The Canadian Sportsman
and Naturalist, a copy of which is before me, I notice
the following article under the signature of “ C.” : —
“ The Sherbrooke Examiner of the 14th ultimo, made a
“ charge against Mr. W. C. Willis, Fishery Overseer, for
“ granting permits to take salmon from the tributaries
“ of the St. Francis Fiver with ‘fly and minnow.’ ’’ I
beg to state that no such article as the above ever ap-
peared in the Examiner or any other paper, consequently
there is no truth in it ; it is purely a stretch of the imagi-

nation of the writer. Among other extraordinary things
he alleges that W. C. W. took the “ Star's sport by the
nose ! ” Ana becoming somewhat mixed, he says, “ some
“ one in the Department must have given liberty to catch
“ salmon in the two rivers , and if any one give additio-
“ tional information as to the facts, the subject matter
“ will be properly sifted.” As the Department, or any
one else, never contemplated giving any such liberty,
there can be nothing to “sift.” The entire article ex-
hibits great want of candor or ignorance, or something
best known to the writer. W. C. W.

Sherbrooke, .2nd' October, . 1882.

Note. — Since the inception of The Cana-
dian Sportsman and Naturalist, articles
bearing the signature “ C ” have been written
by the Editor. The first remarks coming under
our notice relative to granting permits to take
salmon on the St. Francis river appeared in
the Star, who quoted the Sherbrooke Examiner.
Subsequent seemingly corroborative statements
were published in the Star, under the signa-
ture “ One who has caught salmon with a
rod.” This was followed by a letter from “ W.
C. W.,” an extract from which is given in last
month’s issue of this journal, wherein he says
that “ the Fisheries Department, as a great
favour, granted fifteen days to catch a lew
salmon by the only means they can be taken
in that river.” There is no stretch of imagi-
nation or anything mixed in the matter on
our side of the fence, but the correspondence
indicates something wrong. May we ask if
“ W. C. W.” wrote that letter to the Star, where
it is stated that “ the most fascinating fly has
been tnrowri across them, but all in vain, not
a rise can be got, though the burnished sides
of the tempting beauties are plainly visible
beneath the current.” How can “ W. C. W.”
harmonize the statement of a fifteen days’ grant
to catch salmon in the St. Francis, with the
last paragraph ol his above letter? Does he
wish to take the Editor of this journal by the
nose? In regard to “ W. C. W.” taking the
Star’s sport by the nose, literal phrases are
generally used metaphorically, therefore the
ontology has no existence unless “ W. C. W.”
wrote that letter. — C.

COLEOPTERA FOUND IN THE
PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.

By William Couper.

Ontiiophagus latebrosus, Strum.

Aphodius 1 fossor, Linn.

2 fimitarius, Linn.

3 ruricola, Mels.

4 granarius, Linn.

5 inquinatus, Rerbst.

G vittatus, Say.

7 foetidus, Fabr.

180

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

Atcenius stercorator, Fdbr.
Euparia gracilis, Lee.

Odoniveus filicornis, Say.
Geotrupes 1 spiendidus, Fabr.

2 Blackburnii, 44

3 excrementi, Say.

4 egeriei, Germar.

Nicurgus obscurus, LeConte.
Trox 1 sordidus, 44

2 capillaris, Say.

3 porcatue, 44

4 terrestris, 44

5 aequalis, 44
Eurytomia Inda, Linn.

Hoplia 1 trifasciata, Say.

2 modesta, Hold.
Dichelonicma 1 elongata, Schoen.

2 linearis, Gyll.

3 albicollis, Barn.
Serica 1 vespertina, Schoen.

2 sericea, III.

3 iricolor. Say.

4 trochiformis, Burm.
Diplotaxys 1 tristis, Kirby.

2 liberta, Germ.

Lachnosterna 1 cognata, Barn.

2 ilicis, Knock.

3 hirticula, 44

4 ball a. Say.

5 fasca, Frohl.
Polyphylla variolosa, Hentz.
Anomala varians, Fabr.

Ligyrus relictus, Say.

Aphonus frater, Lee.
Cremastochilus, Harrisii, Kirby.
Osmoderma 1 scabra, Paliss.

2 erimicola, Knock.
Trichius 1 affinis, Gory.

2 piger, Fabr.

Oiialcophora Virginica, Drury.
Dicerca 1 divaricata, Say.

2 tenebrosa, Kirby.

3 tuberculata, Say.

4 lacnstris, LeConte.

5 prolongata, 44

6 obscura. Fabr.
Eupristocerus cogitans, Web.
Ancylochira rusticoruin, Lee.

P (ECilonota cyanipes, Say.
Anthraxia subaenea, Lee.
Buprestis 1 fasciata, Fabr.

2 sexplagiata, Lee.

3 lineata, Fabr.

4 maculiventris, Say.

5 Nuttalli, Kirby,

G striata, Fabr.

Melanophila 1 longipes, Say.

2 fulvogutta, Harris.

3 Drunimondi, Say.
Chrysobothris 1 chrysoda, III.

2 quadreimpressa, Lap.

3 dentipes, Germar.

4 femorata, Fabr.

5 soror, Lee.

6 trinervia, Kirby.
Agrilus 1 gravis, Lee.

2 otiosus. Say.

3 politus, 44

4 biliniatus, Weber.

5 viridifrons, LeConte.

6 fulgens, 44

Brachys ovata, Weber.

Troschus Chevrolati, Bauv.
Microrhagus imperfectus, Lee.

Fornax 1 cylindricollis. Say.

2 Orchesides, Newman.
Epiphanis cornutus, Eschs.

Adelocera 1 pennata, Fabr.

2 aurorata, Say.

3 marmorata, Fabr.

4 brevicornis, Lee.

5 impressicollis, Say.
Alaus 1 oculatus, Linn.

2 myops, Fabr.

Cardiophorus 1 cardisce, Say.

2 amicus, Mels.

3 convexulus, Lee.

Cryptohypnus 1 abbreviatus, LeConte.

2 grandicollis, 44

3 bicolor, Esch.

4 pulchellus, Linn.

5 pectoral is, Say.
(Edostethus femoralis, Lee.

Elater 1 linteus. Say.

2 semicintus, Rand.

3 apicatus, Say.

4 phoenicapterus, LeConte.

5 luctuosus, 44

6 fuscatus, Mels.

1 nigricans, Lee.

8 pedalis, Candeze.

9 lacustris, Lee.

10 sanguinipennis, Say.

11 rubricus, Say.

12 obliquus, 44

13 protervus, Lee.

14 nigricollis, Germ.

15 pullus, Cand.

1G miniipennis, Lee.

Ludius abruptus, Say.

Drasterius dorsalis, Say.

(Continued from page 172, No. 9.)

The Can/dia^ Spopp Ap Naturalist.

No. n.

MONTREAL, NOVEMBER, 1882.

Vol. II.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

FALL SHOOTING.

Canadian sportsmen have had a good fall
for woodcock shooting, although poor for snipe,
along the shores of the St. Lawrence, on
account of high water — the latter kept in
the woodlands and fields during daytime, —
visiting the marshes at sunset. Duck shoot-
ing was poor until the end of October on
account of mild weather, but some good bags
of black duck were made on Lake St. Peter
and the Upper Lakes. Fall ducks began to
arrive in large numbers at the end of the
month, and some good bags were made on the
above Lakes. We have been informed that
large flocks of geese were lately seen on Mis-
sisquoi Ba}^. The Lake of Two Mountains is
a favorite resort for wild geese during Novem-
ber, and we will, doubtless, hear of some good
sport in that locality. Messrs. Dunlop and
Wintle shot at St. Barthelemi for four days
during the first week of October, killing
seventy duck, thirty-six snipe, fifteen jack-
snipe and two loons, one of the latter being a
young black-throated loon, a rare bird on the
St. Lawrence. Among the above number of
duck, thirty-five were black duck. This is
the largest bag made at the latter-place with
two guns, for the time, at that season. Vir-
ginian deer are said to be numerous m their
old resorts, but the weather during October,
was unfavourable for the preservation of veni-
son, hunters are therefore holding back until
they obtain a more steady lower temperature.
We expect to see venison sold at a reasonable
price before the season closes. Results of
game bagged during the present season will be
of value to sportsmen, and we invite those
who have been successful in making good bags,
to send us reports for publication.

THE DOMINION KENNEL CLUB.

A meeting of the Fish and Game Club for
the Province of Quebec, was held in their club
room, 366 Notre Dame street, Montreal, on the
27th ult. Mr. L. A. Boyer occupied the chair.
Mr. B. H. G. Vicars, Secretary-treasurer of the
Kennel Club, was present and explained the
constitution and objects of the Club. He said
that the Club was organized as a joint stock
company with shares of $10 each. Its main
objects were both national and local, and aimed
at encouraging sport of a legitimate character,
preserving the game laws and amending them
in some particulars. The Club intended also
to publish a stud book at a nominal figure, to
encourage bench shows and field trials, to hold
an international show in conjunction with
English sportsmen, and to arrange for exhibi-
tions of sportsmen’s materials for the purpose
of encouraging the manufacture of these goods.
A kennel would also be established at Ottawa
for the importation and propagation of a
superior class of dogs, and a lot of land had
been secured on the Rideau Canal for this
purpose. An attempt would also be made to
remedy the defects in the game laws, and see
that they were properly enforced. A number
of those present expressed themselves as
heartily willing to co-operate in furthering the
objects of the Kennel Club. Mr. Vicars said
he was perfectly willing to leave the matter in
the hands of the Fish and Game Club, and
suggested the appointment of a committee to
consider the subject. On motion of the chair-
man, seconded by Mr. Matthews, the following
committee was appointed to secure applications
for stock, and to appoint a local board for
Montreal : — Messrs. Geo. U. Ahern, J. B. A.
Beique, J. A. U. Beaudry, F. J. Brady, Thos.
Costen, H. A. Hogel, W. Mackenzie and John
Nekon. Mr. Nelson was elected secretary of
the committee.

We are pleased to notice the organization of
the Dominion of Canada Kennel Club, who
will doubtless carryout its object of encourag-
ing sport of a legitimate character. The game
laws of the Provinces of the Dominion are far
from being intelligent or easily interpreted.
Instance the late amended game laws for the

182

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

Province of Quebec. If the Club can only
arrive at a proper way to remedy the present
defects in the laws affecting our game, they
will certainly benefit all honest sportsmen.
Our animals, from which the hunter derives
pleasure, should be properly defined ; their
historic names ought to appear in the law in
order to conjoin a proper nomenclature of the
game fauna throughout the Dominion. The
animal called an elk in the west, is not the elk
of the Province of Quebec ; in fact the animals
belong to two distinct genera, and as different
in form as a buffalo is from a deer. We know
that when a number of intelligent sportsmen
meet to form laws of this nature, their decision
will be generally correct ; in fact, more so than
^he poor attempts so far made by any party in
a Provincial Parliament. The proceedings of
the Michigan Sportsman’s Association have
shown this to be the case, and we trust that
the above combined Clubs will follow their
example. — C.

The ruffed grouse commonly known as par-
tridge, are not reported abundant near Montreal
this fall. A person must now go to the Lau-
rentian Mountains, otherwise the chance of
obtaining the ruffed beauties on the low wood-
lands, will be poor indeed. The few. birds
noticed on the island, may have been breed
on Mount Royal, where all birds, even hawks
and owls are protected. To our knowledge,
about a dozen brace have brought up their
broods on the three conjoined mountains
this past summer. On the morning of the
14th ult., a young male ruffed grouse flew
against one of the windows of Mr. Walter
Paul’s grocery in this city ; it was killed by the
concussion. We conjecture where this bird
came from, and, moreover, believe that all
the birds bred there, when strong enough,
leave for other localities where they winter
without being so mucll molested.

Thousands of black squirrels have bpen
killed nearj Hornellsville, N.Y., during the

month of October. The grey variety were
abundant throughout the Eastern Townships
this fall. The species (black and grey being
the same) migrate, and they, doubtless, took
advantage of the late beautiful October to reach
new localities. The specimens which we ob-
tained from the townships, were fat and excel-
lent eating.

A fine specimen of the Snow Owl was shot
near the Grand Ligne Depot on the 20th ult.,
and a Pine Grosbeak was taken near Montreal
on the same date. The arrival of these birds
from the far north indicates the approach of
cold weather.

The attention of Entomologists is called to
the fact that the collection of Thysanoptera
(Thrips) of this country have been neglected.
Mr. Theo. Pergande, of Washington, writes to
say that “ there seems to be nobody among the
entomologists in this country who takes an
interest in this group of insects.” Mr. Per-
gande is now studying Thysanoptera, and he
will be pleased to receive specimens from all
parts of America. His address is 61 4 Seventh
street, S.W., Washington, D.C., U.S.

REVIE W.

“ The Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club” Tran-
sactions No. 3, for 1881-2, are full of interest
to the general student of Canadian Natural
History. The success of this institution is
doubtless due to Mr. James Fletcher, its
worthy president, who, in his genial way,
manages to keep the Ottawa naturalists con-
stantly at work. We have reports from the
Leaders of the different branches of Natural
History. In a list of birds said to have been
shot in the vicinity of Ottawa, I notice liar-
porhynchus cinereus , Bd. (The St. Lucas
Thrasher), which may be a var. of the com-
mon Brown Thrush, (II rufus) ; Polioptila
cccrulea, Sclater, (the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher);
Pams rufescens , Towns, (the Ches nut-backed
Chickadee); Coccyzus Ammcanus , Baird (the

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

183

Yellow-billed Cuckoo) ; Glaucidium passeri-
var. Calif ornicum, Ridgway (Pigmy Owl ;)
according to Ridgway’s List, there are only two
species of this genus in North America. The
G. gnovia , Wagl., is a California bird, and its
occurence in the vicinity of Ottawa is doubt-
ful. Nauclerus furcatas, Vigors (the Swal-
low-tailed Kite). This genus is now changed
to Elanoides , and Ridgway gives it in his List
as forficatus. Vigors should not be quoted as
the authority, as it is Linnaeus’ type of Falco
furcatus ; and Poranza Jamaicensis , Cassin
(the Little Black Rail) ? With the exception
of the Thrush var., the Gnatcatcher and the
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, this is the first record
of the" occurrence of the above birds in this
portion of Canada, and it is strange that no
determinate remarks appear in the report re-
garding them. Are these birds preserved, and
where are they to be seen ? A descriptive
paper by J. B. Tyrrell, B. A., on Sarcoptidae, or
parasites found on Canadian Birds, is accom-
panied with illustrations. Dr. Cowdry, ot Tor-
onto, is at present at work on this class of ecto-
parasitic forms which he mounts for the mi-
croscope. ( Notes on the Ottawa Unionidee,’ by
F. R. Latchford, is a good contribution to .our
conchological literature. — JJnio borealis, A. F.
Gray, is illustrated as a new species from the
Ottawa River. There are other papers of
equal value and interest. In conclusion, the
work is in a high degree creditable to the Club,
which should be encouraged for their industry
and intelligence. — C.

itorresponbence.

Dear Sir, — I send you enclosed three
specimens of a peculiar hammer-headed fly,
which I see here every year about this time
on the side of a house. These pretty little flies
have the cqrious habit of collecting into a
dense mass as evening draws on. I have
noticed them, night after might, for the last
three weeks, in the angle miade by two brick
walls beneath the porch of a doorway. During
the daytime they are very bright ,and active,

and front round immediately a hand is raised
towards them. The easiest time to catch them
is at night when they are at rest. I have no
copy of Say, but I think I remember seeing it
figured towards the end of one of the volumes*
I shall be obliged if you will send me the
name, and if it is a rarity, I shall be pleased
to send you a good series of specimens.

I am, dear sir, your truly,

J. Fletcher.

Ottawa, Oct. 17th, 1882.

Note. — The fly belongs to the Dipterous
genus Sphyracephala. The North American
species are rare. It may. be Say’s brevicornis,
but I have no immediate opportunity to com-
pare it with the description. If it is not the
latter, you may have a new species. I trust
you secured a number of them. The genus
is remarkable for its stalked eyes which are
placed on stems going out from the sides of
the head. Some species are found fossil in
Prussian amber. — C.

LIST OF THE BIRDS OF WESTERN
ONTARIO.

By J. A. Morden and W. E. Saunders.

The following list has 'been prepared chiefly
from observations made at and near Hyde Park,
London, Mitchell’s Bay, Point Pelee ; and Luck-
now.

Hyde Park and London, in Middlesex county,
are in the centre of a large and fertile agricul-
tural district abounding in woodland birds.
Mitchell’s Bay at the St. Clair Flats and Point
Pelee are also rich in woodland birds, and
besides are noted for their water birds ; while
Lucknow in Bruce county is farther north, and
therefore a greater number of the northern forms
breed there, while some of the southern are
wanting entirely.

To Mr. E. W. Sandys, Chatham, Ont., we
are deeply indebted for his valuable assistance,
more especially among the water birds, but also
for the only records of a few land species.

It is hoped that the publication of this list,
will draw from others in Ontario, criticisms and
additions to our fauna , together with more exact
knowledge about many of our rarer species.

The nomenclature adopted is that given by
Ridgway, in the Smithsonian Catalogue of 1881.

1. llylocichla muslelina ; Wood Thrush. Fre-

184

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

quent in Middlesex in heavily timbered woods.
In Kent, breeds abundantly.

2. Hylocichla fuscescens ; Wilson’s Thrush.
Breeds abundantly.

3. Hylocichla ustulata Swainsoni; Olive-backed
Thrash. Very rare in migrations near London ;
only one shot ; more are found in Kent where it
may breed ; several seen May 19th, 1882.

4. Hylocichla unalascse Pallasi ; Hermit Thrush.
Regular migrant. Found common in full song
in a large swamp, June 22nd, 1882. No nests
found, although it was undoubtedly breeding.
None observed in summer in any other locality.

5. Merula migratoria; Robin. Breeds abun-
dantly. In very mild winters a few remain.

6. Mimus polyglottus ; Mockingbird. One taken
in June, 1860 at Chatham. (E. W. Sandys).

7. Galeoscoptes Varolinensis ; Catbird. Breeds
abundantly. Five eggs not an uncommon set.

8. Harporhynclms rufus ; Thrasher. Much less
abundant than the last. Seems to be very locally
distributed, frequenting low scrub and hazel
thickets ; breeding in brush heaps, bushes and
on the ground impartially.

9. Sialia sialis ; Bluebird, Breeds abundantly.
Earliest eggs, 11th April, 1877 ; largest set,
seven ; four sets of white eggs taken.

10. Polioptila cserulea ; Blue-gray Gnatcateher.
Generally common, and well distributed through
high woods, but some seasons rare.

11. Regulus calendula ; Ruby-crowned Wren.
Common. Arrives from t e north early in Octo-
ber, and in mild winters i emains, leaving about
May 1st.

12. Reg'ulus satrapa; Golden-crowned Wren.
More common than the last, with same habits.
Male in full song shot in a swamp near Lucknow,
Bruce County, May 21st.

13. Parus atricapillus ; Chickadee. Very com-
mon in spring and fall ; less so in winter, and
a few remain through the summer and breed.

14. Sitta Carolinensis ; White-bellied Nuthatch.
Like the last, only more abundant in summer,
and less so in winter. Never makes holes for
itself for breeding purposes.

15. Sitta Canadensis ; Red-bellied Nuthatch.
Rare ; our few have been taken- early in May.

1G. Certhia familiaris rufa ; Creeper. Common,
except in summer when a few breed. Nests are
placed behind a large flake of bark on the side
of a tree.

17. Troglodytes sedon ; House Wren. Common.
Breeds. Snake skins are a common ingredient
of country nests.

18. Anorthura troglodytes' hyemalis ; Winter
Wren. Common in spring and fall. A few
breed in wooded swamps.

19. Te.lmatodytes palustris ; Long-billed Marsh
Wren. Breeds very abundantly in the St. Clair

marshes, but in smaller inland marshes is very
rare.

20. Cistothorus Stellaris ; Short-billed Marsh
Wren. Rather common in the St. Clair marshes ;
a set of five eggs, the size and shape of those of
this species, white and sparingly dotted with the
color of those of the . other species, was taken
at the St. Clair marshes June, 1881, and prob-
ably belong to this species.

21. Anthus ludovicianus ; Titlark. Abundant
at times in fall and spring ; seen as late as May
20th, and early in spring, flocks of a hundred
have been noted.

22. Monitilta varia; Black and white Creeper..
Common in the deeper woods. Breeds.

23. Helminthophagachrysoptera ; Golden-wing-
ed Warbler. Regularly distributed and rather
common. Breeds. Marked very rare by , Mc-
Ilwraith.

24. Helminthophaga ruficapilla ; Nashville
Warbler. Breeds commouly in swamps mostly
evergreen, where there is thick growth of moss
on the ground, among which the nest is placed.

25. Helminthophaga peregrina ; Tennessee
Warbler. Common at times during spring
migration.

26. Parula Americana; Blue yellow-backed
Warbler. Rather cqmmon. Breeds.

27. JPerissoglossa tigrina ; Cape May Warbler.
Only one taken ; Mitchell’s Bay, May 16tli 1882.

28. Dendroeca sestiva ; Yellow Warbler. Breeds
abundantly.

29. Dendroeca cserulescens ; Black-throated blue
Warbler. Not uncommon during migrations.
May breed as a male in full dress was
taken June 22nd, 1882.

30. Dendroeca coronata ; Yellow-rump Warbler.
Common in spring migrations, more abundant
in fall.

31. Dendroeca maculosa ; Black and yellow
Warbler. Rare migrant. May breed as a male
was taken June 8th, 1882. More common north
and east of these counties.

32. Dendroeca cserulea ; Blue Warbler. Com-
mon. Breeds. Generally stays high in the
trees.

33. Dendroeca Penmylcanica ; Chestnut-sided
Warbler. Common. Breeds.

34. Dendroeca castanea ; Bay-breasted Warbler.
Very rare during the migrations. Four speci-
mens only taken.

35. Dendroeca striata; Black-poll Warbler.
Common some seasons during migrations ; rare
at others.

36. Dendra'ca Blackbiirnist ; Blackburnian
Warbler. Somewhat common. Breeds. Fre-
quents the high trees in swampy districts. Often
feeds on the ground at Mitchell’s Bay.

37. Dendroeca v irons ; Black-throated Green

.3

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

185

Warbler. Rather common during migrations
and may breed as a male in full song was shot
June 12th, 1882.

38. Dendroeca pinus; Pine-creeping Warbler.
Very rare. Two specimens taken.

39. Dendroeca palmerum hypochrysea ; Yellow
Red-poll Warbler. Rather rare during migra-
tions ; several specimens taken.

40. Siurus auricapillus ; Golden-crowned
Thrush. Common. Breeds.

41. Siurus nsevius ; Water Thrush. Less
common than the last but breeds regularly.

42. G eothly pis Philadelphia ; Mourning Warb-
ler. Not uncommon in low timbered bush and
swampy thickets where it breeds. Marked very
rare by Mcllwraith.*

43. Geothlypis trie has ; Maryland Yellow-
throat. Common. Breeds.

44. Myiodioctes mitratus; Hooded Warbler-
Very rare. Only one specimen taken.

45. Myiodioctes Canadensis; Canada Flycatcher.
Rather common. Breeds regularly.

46. Setopliaga ruticilla ; Redstart. Common.
This species and D. sestiva are our most -common
Warblers ; this in the wilder and more wooded
portions, while the other comes into* the towns
and inhabits scrub growth in the country.

47. Vireosylvia olivacea ; Red-eyed Vireo. Very
common. This species and V gilva are our
most common Vireos.

48. Vireosylvia gilva ; Warbling Vireo. Very

common. Breeds.

49. Lanivireo flavifrons ; Yellow-throated
Vireo. Common. Breeds.

50. Lanivireo solitarius ; Blue-headed Vireo.
Very rare ; only one taken September 15th, 1877.

51. Lanius borealis; Great Northern Shrike.
Rather common in spring and fall. Remains in
mild winters but very few_breed.

52. Lanius ludovicianus excubitoriodes ; White-
rumped Shrike.. Rather common. Breeds.

53. Ampelis garrulus ; Bohemian Waxwing.
Appears in winter ; sometimes in large flocks.

54. Ampelis cedrorum ; Cherry Bird. Common.
Breeds. Remains through mild winters.

55. Progne sub is ; Purple Martin. Common
in towns, seldom seen in the country.

56. Petrochelidon lunifrons ; Eave Swallow^. '
Breeds abundantly.

57. Hirundo erythrogastra ; Barn Swallow.
Even more abundant than the last.

58. Tachycineta bicolor ; White-bellied Swal-
low. Breeds commonly both in town and country.

59. Cotyle riparia ; Bank Swallow. Breeds
abundantly.

* Mr. Mcllwraith, of Hamilton, O., published his list
of Birds in the “Proceedings of the Essex Institute,
Salem, Mass., 1806.”

60. Stelgidopteryx serripennis; Rough-winged
Swallow. Breeds in the same localities as the
last, but is much less common and generally
alone or in small communities by itself. Not
given by Mcllwraith ; probably overlooked.

61. Pyranga rubra; Scarlet Tanager. Com-
mon. Breeds. Frequenting mostly pine and
other deep woods. Near the shores of Lake St.
Clair, it feeds much on the ground.

62. Hesperiphona vespertina; Evening Gros-
beak. At Winnipeg, Man., Prof. Macoun was
shown specimens of this bird shot near London*
Mcllwraith gives several shot at Woodstock in
1863.

63. Pinicola enucleator ; Pine Grosbeak. Occurs
quite regularly in winter.

64 Carpodacus purpureus ; Purple Finch. Com-
mon in fall, winter and spring. Breeds sparidjly^

65. Loxia curvirostra Americana; Red Crossbill.
Occasionally common in winter, One shot July
5th, 1882.

66. Loxica leucoptera ; White-winged Cross-
bill. Occurs in winter but neither so abundantly
nor as often as the preceding.

67. JEgiothus linaria; Redpoll. Common in
winter, arriving in October and leaving in April.
A nest of this species with two addled eggs was
found May 29th, 1879, and identified by com-
parison with European eggs.

68. Astragalinus tristis ; Yellow Bird. Very
common, remaining with us in mild winters.
Breeds in the third week in July.

69. Chrysomitris pinus; Pine Finch. Rather
common, arriving in October and leaving in
April.

70 . Plectrophanes n'ivalis ; Snowbird. Com-
mon in large flocks in winter ; in spring they
sometimes stay till late in April and are then in
song.

71. Centrophanes lapponicus; Lapland Long-
spur. First found this spring (1882), at Mitchell’s
Bay, Kent County, in flocks of from 25 to 200.
According to the inhabitants these birds breed
there but none were observed after May 18 th.

72. Passer cuius Sandwichensis savanna; Sav-
annah Sparrow. Regular but not abundant
breeder.

73. Pooecetes gramineus; Grass Finch. Very
common. Breeds.

74. Coturniculus passer inus; Yellow-winged
Sparrow. Very rare. One specimen taken.

75. Chondestes grammica ; Lark Finch. Breeds,
but is rare. Has been seen common along the
roadsides in the southern and western counties.

76. Zonotrichia leucophrys ; White-crowned
Sparrow. Common for a few days in spring,
not yet observed in full.

77. Zonotrichia albicollis ; White-throated Spar-

186 THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

row. Common during migrations. May breed
as one was heard June 22nd, 1882.

78. Spizella montana ; Tree Sparrow. Common
during migrations. Remains in mild winters,

79. Spizella domestica ; Chipping Sparrow.
Abundant everywhere.

80. Spizella pusilla ; Field Sparrow. Rather
local in its distribution, but common in its fav-
orite localities. Breeds.

81. Junco hgemalis; Black Snowbird. Breeds
Breeds, but not commonly. Common in migra-
tions and in mild winters a few remain.

82. Passer domesticus; English Sparrow This
little pest was introduced in London, Ont., about
1876, and is now abundant all through the city,
and is found throughout the country for some
distance ; while almost all the towns and villages
of Western Ontario have their quota.

83. Mdospiza faciata ; Song Sparrow. Breeds
abundantly and in mild winters a few remain.

84. Melospiza palustris ; Swamp Sparrow.
Moderately common in swamps consisting of low
trees and bushes. At the St. Clair Flats it is
abundant.

85. Cardinalus Virginianus ; Cardinal Gros-
beak. Two taken at Chatham, May, 1849. (E.

W. Sandy s).

86. Passerella iliaca; Fox-colored Sparrow.
Rare during migrations. Four or five specimens
taken.

87. Pipilo erythrophthalmus ; Chewink. Com-
mon. Breeds.

88. Zamelodia ludoviciana ; Rose-breasted
Grosbeak. Rather common. Breeds.

89. Passerina cyanea ; Indigo Bird. Common.
Breeds.

90. Doliclionyx oryzivorus ; Bobolink. Breeds
abundantly but always makes a well concealed
nest that is rather difficult to find.

91. Molothrus ater ; Cowbird. Very common.

)4^<m Have found eggs in nests of Plover, Tawny

Thrush, Bobolink, Meadow Lark, Yellow Warb-
ler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Golden-crowned
Thrush, Golden-winged Warbler, Cherry Bird,
Black Snowbird, Chipping Sparrow, Field Spar-
row, Chewink, Song Sparrow, Red-eyed Vireo,
Warbling Yireo, Indigo Bird.

92. Agelaius phoeniceus; Red-wing. Breeds
abundantly in marshy places and near bodies of
water ; the majority of nests found being in
bulrushes but often in bushes and once 8 feet
from the ground in a thoril.

93. Sturnella mayna; Meadow Lark. Common.
Breeds. In fall collects in flocks and remains
till about October 26.

94. Icier as spurius ; Orchard Oriole. Mcll-
wraitli says, u I am only aware of one specimen
being found in Canada.” At present this is a
common bird in Kent and Essex and is becoming

more so in Middlesex, having been observed a
number of times this year.

95. Icterus galbula ; Baltimore Oriole. Com-
mon. Breeds.

96. Scolecophagusjerrugineus ; Rusty Blackbird .
Rather comnolon in the migrations.

97. Quiscalus purpureas ; Crow Blackbird.
Common. Breeds. Often in communities in an
old orchard.

98. Corvus corax carnivorus : Raven. Occurs
regularly at St. Clair Flats but is rare inland,
except in the most unsettled districts.

99. Corvus frugivorus ; Crow. Common.
Breeds. Last year a flock of about five hundred
was observed in June, generally much later.

100. Cyanocitta cristata •; Blue Jay. Common.
Resident throughout the year.

(Canada Jay not observed.)

101. Eremophila alpestris ; Shore Lark. Very
common in migrations, less so in summer when
quite a number breed, and a still smaller number
remain through the winter in small companies.
Raises two or three broods. Young birds have
been seen following the parents April 25th.

102. Tyrannus Carolinensis ; Kingbird. Com-
mon. Breeds.

103. Myarchus crinitus ; Great-crested Fly-
catcher. Less common than the last. Has a
great fondness for snake skins in the nest.

104. Sayornis fuscus ; Pewee. Common. Breeds. |

Its favorite resort for Resting is on beams of old /yo
bridges ; one nest, with repairs, being used for I
years. Two broods are generally raised.

105. Contopus boYealis ; Olive-sided Fly-catcher.

Not uncommon in the northern counties ; not
observed in the southern.

106. Contopus virens ; Wood Pewee. Common.
Breeds.

107. Empidonax Acadicus ; Acadian Fly-catcher.

Very rare, only one specimen taken ; Hyde Park.

108. Empidonax pusillus Trailli ; Traill’s Fly-
catcher. Rare and usually wary.

109. Empidonax minimus; Least Fly-catcher.
Generally common ; quite scarce this year.
Equally distributed through town and country.

110. Trochilus colubris ; Ruby-throat. Com-
mon. Arrives early in May.

111. Chsetura pelasgia; Chimney Swallow.
Common. Breeds. In the fourth week in May, IfcfciL
thousands of these birds were observed circling
around some chimneys on the Parliament build-
ings at Ottawa. In the woods they nest in
hollow stubs.

112. Caprimu/gus vociferus ; Whip-poor-will.
Rather common but local in distribution, pre-
fering rough pieces of country.

113. Chordeiles popetue ; Night hawk. Very
common. Breeds.

114. Picus villosus ; Hairy Woodpecker. Breeds

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

187

regularly but is not abundant. Remains all
winter.

115. Ficus pubescens ; Downy Woodpecker. A
common resident.

116. Ficoides Arcticus ; Black-backed three-
toed Woodpecker. Very rare. One taken in
London in the fall of 1875.

1 117. Ficoides hirsutus j Banded Three-toed
^Woodpecker. One shot about 30 miles north of
‘London in winter of 1881-82.

118. Sphyrapicus varius ; Yellow-bellied Wood-
pecker. Common in migrations and quite a
number remain to breed.

119. Hylotomus pileatus ; Pileated Woodpecker.
Very rare. Has retired to less thickly settled
districts.

120. Centurus Carolinus; Red-bellied Wood-
pecker. Rather common in migrations and a
few breed. Mcllwraith says, u On the third of
May (1865) I shot three specimens of this bird
near Chatham. Farther east it is quite rare.”

121. Melanerpes erythrocephalus ; Red-headed
Woodpecker. The most abundant of this family
and no favorite with the farmer, as it makes
large and increasing depredations on the fruit
crop. In mild winters a few remain.

122. Colaptes auratus ; Highholder. Only less
abundant than the last. Migrates earlier and
returns later.

123. Ceryle alcyon ; Kingfisher. Common
along the rivers and streams. Breeds in holes
five to eight feet long and makes no nest.

124. Coccyzus Americanus; Yellow-billed
Cuckoo. Rather common. Mcllwraith says,
“ Have only seen one specimen of this bird in
Canada.”

125. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus ; Black-billed
Cuckoo. Common. Breeds. There is a marked
scarcity of this species this year. Have often
blown six eggs from a nest.

(To be continued.)

COLEOPTERA FOUND IN THE
PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.

By William Couper.

Monocrepidius auritus, Herbst.

Agriotes 1 mancus, Say.

2 fuscosus, LeConte.

3 limosus, “

4 pubescens, Mels.

5 stabilis, Lee.

Dolopius pauper, Lee.

Betarmon bigem inatus, Rand.

Melanotus 1 fissilis, Say.

2 communis, Gyll.

3 decumanus, Hr.

Melanotus 4 Sagittarius, Lee.

5 depressus, Mels.

6 castenipes, Payk.

7 Leonardi, Lee
Limonius 1 griseus, Beauv.

2 phebejus, Lee.

3 ectypus. Say.

4 basilaris, Say.

5 agon us, Say.

Campylus denticornis, Kirby.

Athous 1 affinis, Couper.

2 rufifrons, Lee.

3 Brightwelli, Say.

4 bipunctatus, Prov.

5 acanthus, Say.

CEstodes tenuicollis, Rand.
Corymbites 1 trin udulatus, Rand.

2 hieroglyphicus, Say.

3 splendens, Ziegl.

4 seripennis, Kirby.

5 pulcher, Lee.

6 aeranus, Rand.

7 cylindriformis, Herbst.

8 vernal is, Hentz.

9 Kendalli, Germ,.

10 tarsal is, Mels.

11 f'alsificus, Lee ,

12 athoides, “

13 pyrrhos, C(

14 appressifrous, Rand.

15 tessellatus, Linn.

16 vulneratus, Lee.

17 spinosus, c<

18 sulsicollis, Say.

19 medianus, Germ.
Asaphes 1 memnonius, Herbst.

2 decoloratus. Say.

3 melanophthalmus, Mels.

4 aereus, Mels.

5 brevicollis, Lee.

Cebrio bicolor, Fabr.

Pityobuis 1 Billingsii, Bland.

2 anguinus, Lee.

Eanus maculipennis, “
Sericosomus 1 fuscicornis, Lee.

2 incongruus, “
Oxygonus obesus, Lee.

Dictyoptera perfaceta, Say.
Edrypogon niger, Mels.

Cyphon 1 pallipes, Lee.

2 fusciceps, ((

3 nebulosus f<

4 ruficollis, Say.

Scirtes tibialis.

Calopteron 1 reticulatum, Fabr.

2 apicalis, Lee .

188

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

Caenia 1 dimidiata, Fabr.

2 basilaris, Newm.

Eros 1 coccinatus, Say.

2 caniculatus, Say.

3 modestus, “

Lucidota atra, Fabr.

Photinus 1 corruscus, Linn.

2 lacustris, Lee.

3 nigricans, Say.

4 angulatus, <c

5 ardens, Lee.

6 consanguineus, Lee.

7 pyralis, Linn.

8 scintillans. Say.

Photuris Pennsylvania, DeGeer.
Chauliognathus 1 Pennsylvanicus,De(reer.

2 marginatus, Fabr.
Podabrus 1 flavciollis, Lee.

2 diadema, Fabr.

3 porticollis, Lee.

4 simplex, Couper.

5 punctulalus, Lee.

6 laevicollis, Kirby.

Telephorus 1 rotundicollis. Say.

2 Carolinus, Fabr.

3 tuberculatus, Lee.

4 excavatus, “

5 biliniatus, Say.

6 rectus, Mels.

' 7 fraxini, Say.

8 margin ell us, Lee.

9 armiger, Couper.

1 0 scitulus, Say.

Silis 1 luticollis. Germ.

2 percomis, Say.

Collofs 1 quadrimaculatus, Fabr.

2 vittatus, Say.

3 tricolor, “

Cymatodera bicolor “

Clerus Nuttalli, Kirby.

Thanasimus 1 nigripes, Say.

2 dubius, Fabr.

3 nubilus, King.

4 thoracicus, Oliv.

5 sanguineus, Say.

Hydnocera 1 humeralis, “

2 curtipennis, Newm.
Corynetes violaceus, Linn.

Cures capitata, Fabr.

Ptinus, 1 fur, Linn.

2 brunneus, Dvftsch.

Anobium notatum, Say.

Ptiunus 1 ruficornis, Say.

2 thoracicus, Hand.

Dinoderjjs substriatus, Payk.

Spuindus American us, Lee.

Eucrada bumeralis, Mels.
Try'popitys sericeus. Say.
Sitrodrepa panicea, Linn.
Hadrobregmus 1 foveatus, Kirby.

2 carinatus. Say.

3 errans, Mels.

Trilobium ferruginosum, Fabr.
Crypticus absoletus. Say.
Hypophlaeus parallelus, Mels.
Phellopsis obcordata, Lee.
.Blapstinus 1 metallicus, Fabr.

2 interruptus, Say.
Xylopinus saperdioides, Oliv.

Upis ceramboides, Linn.
Nyctobates Pensylvanica, DeGeer.
Ipthimus opacus, Lee.

Tenebrio 1 obscurus, Fabr.

2 molitor, Linn.

3 castaneus, Knock.

4 tenebronides, Beauv.
Paratenetus punctatus, Sol.

Uloma 1 impressa, Mels.

2 punctulata, Lee.
Bolitotherus cornutus, Fabr.
Diaperis hydni, Fabr.

Hoplocepha bicornis, Oliv.
Platydema 1 ruficornis, Sturm.

2 ellipticum, Fabr.

3 Americanum, Lap .

4 laevipes, Hold.
Scaphidema agneolum, Lee.
Hymenorus niger, Mels.

Isomira quadristriata, Couper.
Cistela sericea, Say.

Mycetocharus, 1 bicolor, Couper .

2 fraterna, Say.

3 foveata, Lee.
Allecula punctulata. Mels.
Capnochroa fuliginosa, Lee.
Androchirus luteipes, Lee.
Arthromacra mnea, Say.
Tetratoma truncorum, Lee.

Penthe 1 obliquata, Fabr.

2 pimelia “

Synchroa punctata, Newm.
Eutropiius 1 tomentosus, Say,

2 bicolor, Fabr.
Orchesia gracilis, Mels.
Serropalpus striatus, Hellcn.
Hypulus lituratus, Lee.

Xylita laevigata, Jlellen.

Zilora unda, Prov.

Meeandrya striata, Say.

Emmesa 1 labiata <c

2 connectus, Newm.

C Continued from page 180, No. 10.)

The

vr

No. 12.

MONTREAL, DECEMBER, 1882.

Vol. II.

WILLIAM COUPER, Editor.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

A beautiful young specimen of tbe rare Least
Auk (Ciceronia pusilla), was sent to Montreal
to be stuffed. It was mailed a sjiort time ago
from Newcastle, N. B., by R. Mackenzie, Esq.

A fine young specimen of the Solan (ploose
or Gan net {Sola bassana) was lately shot by
Mr. A. W. Barnes of this city, in the St.
Lawrence, near Contrecoeur.

Last August, Baron de la Grange, of Paris,
accompanied by Mr. N. A. Comeau of Godbout
P.Q., went on a hunting tour through Wyoming
and Montana. They had good sport, having
killed two grizzlies ; thirty-eight buffalo ; fif-
teen wapiti ; seventeen black-tailed deer ;
eleven antelope ; five mountain sheep and
some smaller quadrupeds. The Baron has
several wapiti and other deer heads and skins
as trophies.

During this season, Mr. L. A. Boyer, of
Montreal, shot young Eider duck ( Somateria
mollissima,) near Summerstown, Ont. It is
unusual to find these birds so far from the sea.
He has had a pair preserved and stuffed.
Those birds may possibly be the young of S.
Dresseri , Sharpe, Ann. Mag. N. H., 1871, figs.
1 and 2. The true Eider has only lately been
detected in America, it being the form found by
Mr. Kumlien breeding abundantly on the west
side of Cumberland Gulf.

AN ENGLISH WOOD.COCK SHOT
AT CHAMBLY, QUEBEC.

A specimen of the English Woodcockf&coZo-
yax rusticula,) was shot on the 11th ultimo,
by a French Canadian at Chamblv, P. Q.
Colour, size and weight of the bird confused
the man, who carried the stranger to Mr.
Brock Willett, who knew what it was, but he
became incredulous — as we did when it was
brought to us in the flesh — that a fat twelve
ounce European Woodcock could be obtained
in Canada, in November ; but its freshness
settled the doubt, and the bird is now stuffed.

We believe this is the first specimen shot so
far inland in Canada. The other record of a
specimen occurring far north on this continent
is one taken in Newfoundland in 1866. Dr.
C cures in “ The American Naturalist,” X.,
No. 6, June, 1876,p. 372, records one specimen
as having been shot in Virginia, U. S.

DUCK FEEDING GROUNDS.

“ A Reputation from the Fish and Game
Protection Club, consisting of Messrs. L. A.
Boyer, Rintoul, Selkirk Cross, and W. Parker,
waited on the Provincial Premier while in
Montreal last month, to request a grant of
$250 for the sowing of wild rice in the differ-
ent duck feeding grounds throughout the
province. The deputation was very politely
received and their request granted by the Hon.
Premier. The grant is to be added to the
sum of $100, which the Club guarantees to
raise from amongst its members. It may be
mentioned that this can hardly be called a tax
upon the province, as the law passed last
session compelling strangers to take out sport-
ing licenses has already resulted in the netting
of a considerable sum to the province, and
which will annually increase, as the sporting
grounds are protected and improved.”

Note. — If wild rice turns out productive in
this latitude, several of our lakes and ponds
will doubtless have an annual tenfold increase
of wildfowl, and the sportsmen of the Province
of Quebec will not hereafter complain of having
to leave their old hunting grounds in search
of game elsewhere. This aquatic plant was
sent broadcast into the Canadian waters of
Lake Champlain about twelve months ago, and
we have been informed that it was coming up
last spring. ' The Fish and Game Club should
select good natural localities for the propaga-
tion and extension of the seed.

THE WINCHESTER CLUB.

A club has just been organized for the pur-
chase of the hunting grounds in the county of
St. Maurice. Besides acquiring some of the
bush land about St. Elie, on which a sports-

190 THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

-man’s lodge will be built, the club proposes to
secure fishing and shooting rights over other
land in the county, and will engage in the
propagation of fish and preservation of game.
The proposed site of operations has been one
of the richest hunting and fishing grounds in
the province, and with two years protection,
the club hope to be able to re-stock the rivers
and forests of the county. Salmon will be
introduced into some of the rivers. Messrs.
W. Skillings, of Bethel, J. P. Spaulding, of
Boston, Romeo H. Stephens, of St. Lambert,
Sheldon Stephens, of Montreal, and W. H.
Parker, St. Elie, have been elected a provi-
sional board of directors. The club will seek
incorporation at the next session of the Pro-
vincial Legislature, under the name of the
Winchester Club, with a capital of $6,750
divided into thirty shares.

Note. — There are good names connected
with the above Club, and we will use our
influence to make it a success.

ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT.

John H. Morden, Hyde Park, Ont. — Write
to S. E. Cassino, 299 Washington St., Boston,
U .S. He is the publisher of the “ Naturalist’s
Directory,” in which you will find the address-
es of the most promiminent Taxidermists on
this continent. You must send two dollars
for the work.

®orasp0ttben«.

Dear Sir, — On page 170 of your Journal
you say in answer to a correspondent, that
“ three other species, viz: — the Scarlet or
ce Swamp Maple ( Acer saccharinum) ; the
“ Sugar or Rock Maple (A. nigrum ) are used
“ as ornamental trees in the neighbourhood of
“ Montreal.” Permit me to point otit that
you only mention two species in addition to
A. dasycarpum , and that the Scarlet or Swamp
Maple is Acer rubrum, the Sugar or Rock
Maple is A. saccharinum , and that according
to ^Gray, A. nigrum is only a variety of A.
saccharinum .

Yours truly,

H. H. Lyman.

Note — Our correspondent is correct regard-
ing the above maples. A mistake occurred in
the specific names ; the Soft or Swamp Maple
should be rubrum , and the Sugar Maple
saccharinum; the nigrum referred to in our
article is a variety of the latter.

MY BARK CANOE.

Fresh from the dusky Indian’s hand,

I launched thee on the pebbly strand
Ten years ago ; tight, trim and new,

My buoyant, light-built bark canoe.

No white man’s hand could fashion thee,

Thy perfect lines curved gracefully ;

“ A thing of beauty,” through and through,
Wert thou my matchless bark canoe !

Oft o’er the Ottawa’s rippling swell
I journey’d in thee safe and well ;

Steady wert thou as any rock,

Resisting the explosive shock

Of “ Fatigh-a-Ballagh’s” roaring ling.

At swift, black duck upon the wing —

From thee the “ chilled ” went always true,

M y staunch, my beautiful canoe !

Upon thy ribs red stains I see,

Each is a tecord plain to me
Of scenes gone by — each crimson spot,

A witness of some long range shot,

There lay the quarries side by side,

Arrested in their plumaged pride ;

Delightful to a sportsman’s view,

My beautiful old bark canoe !

Some killed at eighty yards and more,

Have stained thy sheeting with their gore ;

The mallard in his headlong flight
Hurled quivering from his airy height.

The gorgeous wood-duck and the teal —

The strong merganser’s wings of steel ;

The golden-eve, whose whistling wing
Made Nova Zembla’s inlets ring,

Each shattered fell, pierced through and through,
To freight my beautiful canoe.

The stately pintail there has lain,

The biack duck and the red-head slain —

The bluebill and the buffle-head.

There stretched beside each other dead —

The graceful white-crested merganser —

The wild goose — Canada’s great anser —

The osprey from his liglitning sweep
Has fluttured to eternal sleep,

The huge-winged heron often too
Has graced my beautiful canoe.

There lay the widgeon in his pride,

The mottled spirit duck beside,

The ruffed grouse, yellow leg and rail.

The cackling coot with restless tail,

The snipe, dabchick and golden plover,

The woodcock, monarch of the cover,

The night heron with drooping crest,

The bittern in loose garment drest,

Each has a place in past review,

In thee my beautiful canoe.

And last, not least, the antlered deer,

Has found his final pillow here,

Down from the " mountain’s crown” he came,
The proud, majestic king of game 1
“ Swift in his wake” old Bugle’s yell
Rose on the blast with echoing swell ;

Like otter through the flood he dashed,

The paddle swept, the rifle flashed,

And on the crashing bullet flew,

He’s lying in my bark canoe. _

I look on thee through memory’s haze,

And see once more the camp fire’s blaze,

My loved companions seated round
That almost consecrated ground —

1 hear their merry laugh again,

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

191

Mirth’s careless, joyous, wild refrain ;

The joke, the song, the hunting story,

Return in all their vivid glory —

Green spots of bliss, alas ! how few,

My beautiful old bark canoe I

I look on thee and think upon
The happy days forever gone ,

I miss, how sadly, from my side
My spirit’s twin, my manhood’s pride,

The ready hand, the loving heart,

The soul of my own soul a part,

The gentle voice, the smile which gave
Me courage to be true and brave —

All these were mine when thou wert new,

My beautiful old bark canoe !

William Pittmann Lett.

Ottawa, Nov. 19th, 1882.

AN EXPLANATION BY MR. WHITCHER.

Rideau Bank, Ottawa.

Dear Mr. Couper,

Attention is drawn to certain passages in an
article in The Canadian Sportsman and
Naturalist , viz : — -

“ When Mr. Wilmot exhibited his fishes at
“ Ottawa, the Editor of this Journal competed with a
“collection of stuffed food-fishes from the Province of
“ Quebec ; many of the latter species were different from
“ those exhibited by the former gentleman. The Quebec
“ fish collection was offered to the Fisheries Department,
“ at a reasonable price ; the offer being made through
“Mr. Whitcher, who knew the lot was a bargain, and
“ by his request, they were packed and left in Ottawa, to
“ await a reply from the Chief of the Department.
“ Some days afterwards an answer was received that the
“ Department had no money to purchase stuffed fishes,
“ and the collection was brought back to Montreal,
“where it was immediately purchased by Dr. Sterry
“ Hunt and presented to McGill College Museum. Mr.
“ Wilmot endeavoured to induce Mr. Whitcher to pur-
“ chase the collection , and probably they now regret not
“ having secured it.

The latter reference to myself is entirely in-
correct. Your own recollection of that occa-
sion should have suggested the improbability
of this assertion. Please recall the facts : You
were a professional exhibitor of stuffed fishes
of your own handiwork at the Dominion
Exhibition. Mr. Wilmot was President of the
Association and exhibited stuffed fishes belong-
ing to the Government, entered in his own
name. I objected, through Dr. Sterry Hunt,
to these being put in competition for personal
prizes or medals, much to Mr. Wilmot’s dis-
pleasure ; and having failed to protect your
industry in this way, I promised to do what-
ever could be done towards securing your
valuable exhibit for this Department, and
asked you to delay shipment. There are, as
correctly stated in this article, no funds pro-
vided for such purpose; but as Mr. Wilmot’s
specimens had been procured out of fish-breed-
ing funds, and were thus placed on exhibition
for prizes or medals to himself, my idea was

to acquire your’s in the same way through
him, and a correspondence was had accord-
ingly. He did not consider your’s worth
acquiring and so reported. It was therefore
inconvenient for the minister to authorize the
purchase, and my proposal dropped. I under*
stood -that the injustice towards you as a pro-
fessional was somewhat softened by awarding
you a second prize ; but the chief prizes and
gold or silver medals went the way they were
probably intended from their origin.

By referring to a recent number of the
Toronto Globe you will find it stated, in course
of an interview with Mr. Wilmot, that he says
t( no Taxidermist can be found in Canada
“ whose work would appear in a favorable
ec light,” “ or whose specimens (presumably
<c offish) are qrtistic enough” to be attractive;
This accords with his opinion of your’s. Un-
qualified depreciation will doubtless be a sur-
prise if not an amusement to many other
Taxidermal artists besides yourself, who are
obliged to labor in the business without such
public encouragement or private patronage, as
in older countries serve to enhance the art and
improve the productions of Taxidermy.

I quite agree with the Sportsman and
Naturalist that facilities should be afforded to
form a museum of aquatic animals ; and I
have striven during several years past to imi
press its importance on official minds. Time
passes rapidly and with it many of the oppor-
tunities to make a choice and finished collect-
ion are also passing away. The great repre^-
sentative specimens (particularly of our
iehthyic fauna) are fast disappearing. We
find the want of such a storehouse, as should
long since have been formed, in connection
with the fisheries service whenever the country
requires to participate in public displays.
Notably at the present juncture.

The article in question adds, referring to
the International Fisheries Exhibition “ We
“ know that Mr. Wilmot, of Newcastle, Ont.,
“ has done his share to make a successful show,
11 but some one in the Department is to blame
ufor procrastination and want of energy." If the
reflection is meant for my benefit — as most of
the editorial reflects on me personally —your
information on this point also is incorrect, as
I have had nothing whatever to do with the
matter, beyond making a timely statement of
what was required to be done in order to do
justice to Canada on so important and trying
an occasion, offering also some practical
suggestions as far back as last winter. Mr,

192 THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

Wilmot claims to be charged with the duty ;
and if, as he complains through you and the
Globe, there is indifference and" neglect charge-
able against the Canadian Government, and
dilatoriness by the Imperial Commission, it
must be obvious that the proper way to settle
it is with the authority under which he says
that he is acting, and certainly not through
vague insinuations aimed at “Some one in
the Department ” on whom the blame of his
owm anticipated failure may if necessary be
conveniently shifted.

This communication has been with-held
hoping that Mr. Wilmot would correct the
miss-statements. Reluctantly and in self
defence I now ask you to please do so on my
behalf.

Before parting let me add that I fully
endorse what you have said of the value to
his country, of such a “live” Commissioner
of Fisheries as Prof. Baird, and as heartily do
I join with you in wishing that we had his
like in Canada, to say nothing of his zealous
staff of scientists and other practical workers,
all supported by ample means and adequate
authority. The United States Government
thoroughly appreciates the federal fisheries
service ; and besides maintaining it on a liberal
footing, has always treated the able and earnest
officer at its head in a spirit of justice and
generosity, worthy of the great national interest
which he seeks to promote, and the vast pro-
ductive industry which he labors tp develop.

Your obedient Servant,

W. F. WlIITCHERi

LIST OF THE BIRDS OF WESTERN
ONTARIO.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 187.

126. Asio Americanus ; Long-eared Owl. Un-
common. Occasionally several may be seen
hunting a field in winter like Harriers.

127. Asio accipilrinus ; Short-eared Owl. Rare..
We have only taken four.

128. Strix nebulosa ; Barred Owl. Common ;
breeds. Formerly abundant.

129. TJlula cinerea ; Cinereous Owl. Two in
possession of S, Herring, Toronto, shot near
London. Very rare in winter.

130. Nyctalc Acadica ; Acadian Owl. Rather
rare. Not known to breed.

131. Scops asio; Mottled Owl. Our most
common Owl. Breeds.

132. Bubo Virginianus ; Great Horned Owl.
Common. Breeds very early.

133. Nyclea Scandiaca; Snowy Owl. Occasi-
onally common in winter. More regular along

the lake-shore, especially Lake St. Clair^.

134. Surnia funerea ; Hawk Owl. Very rare.

One bought in the flesh in London, 187 — . [E.

W. Sandys.]

135. Falco peregrinus nsevius ; Duck Hawk.

Very rare inland. One taken near London, 187 — . ( pi
Frequently seen in fall at St. Clair Flats.

136. JEsalon columbarius; Pigeon Hawk.

Rare ; three or four taken.

137. Tinnunculus sparverius ; Sparrow Hawk.

Our most common Hawk. Breeds.

138. Pandion haliaetus Carolinensis ; Fish
Hawk. Rare inland. More common along the
lake-shore where it breeds.

139. Elanoides forficatus ; Swallow-tailed Kite.

Some years ago a pair of these biids stayed all
summer about eight miles North-west of London.

140. Circus Hudsonius ; Marsh Hawk. Rare
inland. Very common along the large marshes,
where it breeds.

141. Accipiter Cooper i ; Cooper’s Hawk. Rather
common ; breeds. .

142. Accipiter fuscus; Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Common in the fall, but only a few breed. Late
in September, 1882, large numbers of these
hawks were seen on Point Pelee, as many as fifty
passing the house in a day. It seems they are
equally abundant every year.

143. Astur atricapillus ; Goshawk. Occurs
frequently in winter and regularly at the St.

Clair Flats.

144. Buteo borealis; Red-tailed Hawk. Com-
mon ; breeds.

145. Buteo lineatus ; Red-sliouldered Hawk.

The most common of our large hawks ; breeds.

146. Buteo Pennsylvanicus ; Broad-winged
Hawk. Sometimes common in flocks during
migrations. At other times single individuals
are rather rare.

147. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis ; Rough-
legged Hawk ; Black Hawk. Common in fall at
the St. Clair Flats.

148. Aquila chrysaetus Canadensis; Golden
Eagle. Very rare. Mr. Sandys reports two — one
of which was taken in the winter of ’74-5
benumbed by cold, and is still alive in captivity.

149. Halmetus leucoccphalus ; Bald Eagle.
Rather rare. A pair breeds regularly on a lake-
side farm in Kent, and several pairs on Point
Pelee. Seldom seen in the older districts. The

pair on the Kent filrm live chiefly on fish and *
muskrats, taking the former from the water them-
selves, winter and summer.

150. Cathartes aura; Turkey Buzzard. Re-
ported from various points in the St. Clair
marshes.

151. Ectopistes migratoria ; Pigeon. Formerly
abundant. Now rare except in the less settled '
districts.

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

193

152. Zenaidura Carolinensis ; Dove. Regularly
distributed and rather common ; breeds. A
specimen taken January 6, 1877.

153. Meleagris gallopavo Americana ; Wild
Turkey. Formerly common, but now very rare.
A nest was found in Middlesex in 1878.

154. Canace Canadensis; Canada Grouse. One
taken near Chatham.

155. Bonasa umbellus ; Ruffea Grouse. Com-
mon ; Breeds.

156. Cupidonia cupido; Prairie Hen. A few
are resident at St. Clair Flats.

157. Ortyx Virginianus ; Quail. Common;
breeds.

158. Ardea herodius ; Great Blue Heron. Com-
mon. Generally breeds in communities, but
occasionally in single pairs.

159. Herodias alba egretta ; Great White Egret.
Regular but rare . near large bodies of water,
sometimes even on rivers.

160. Butorides virescens ; Gieen Heron. Rather
rare. Occasionally quite common.

161. Nyctiardea grisea nsevia ; Night Heron.
Occurs at the St. Clair Flats in small numbers
where it probably breeds.

162. Botaurus lentiginosus ; Bittern. Rare
inland but common at the St. Clair and other
marshes, where it breeds.

163. Ardetta exilis; Least Bittern. Occurs
with the last but not quite so common, and more
seldom inland.

264. Strepsilas interpres ; Turnstone. Rare
during migrations.

165. Squatarola helvetica ; Black-bellied Plover.
Common migrant.

166. Charadrius dominicus ; Golden Plover.
Formerly occurred in immense flocks. Now
regular but in limited numbers in fall inland and
during both migrations at the lakes.

167. Oxyechus vociferus ; Killdeer. Rather
common ; breeds.

168. JEgialites semipalmatus ; Semipalmated
Plover. • Common at the lakes ; uncommon in-
land.

159. JEgialites melodus ; Piping Plover. Com-
mon at Point Pelee where it breeds ; elsewhere,
occurring only along the lake-shore and rare.

170. Philohela minor ; Woodcock. Rather
common ; breeds.

vi 171. Gallinago media Wilsoni ; Snipe. Com-
mon in the migrations. Mafy breed! in the St.
Clair marshes as a pair were shot 17-5-82.

172. Macrorhampus griseus ; Robin Snipe.
Rare along the lakes.

173. Actodromas maculata ; Pectoral Sandpiper.
Occurs in flocks in the marshes in fall.

174. Actodromas minutilla ; Least Sandpiper.
Occurs rarely inland but is common on the lake-
shore.

1 '/ 5. Pelidna alpina Americana ; Dunlin. Com-
mon in migrations along the lakes.

176. Ereunetes pusillus ; Semipalmated Sand-
piper. Common migrant at the lake-shore but
rare inland.

177. Galidris arenaria ; Sanderling. Common
migrant along the lakes.

1 78. Limosa peeda; Marbled Godwit. Rare
migrant along the lakes.

179. Totanus melanoleu’cus ; Greater Yellow-
legs. Rare inland but more common in the large
marshes.

180. Totanus flavipes ; Little Yellow-legs.
Occurs with the preceding.

181. RhyacophiMs solitarius ; Solitary Sand-
piper. In the summer of 1879, this bird bred
very commonly along the streams in Middlesex
but since then has been quite rare.

182. Bartramia longicauda ; Bar tram’s Sand-
piper. Very rare. Only one specimen taken.

183. Tringoides macularius ; Spotted Sandpiper.
Common everywhere along streapis and marshy
spots.

184. Numenius longirostris ; Long-billed Cur-
lew. Formerly occurred as far inland as Middle-
sex— probably never now. Rather common
migrant in the large marshes.

185. Phalaropus pulicarius ; Red Phalarope.
Very rare. Dr. Gamier shot one out of a flock ^
of six in the fall of 1880 at Mitchell’s Bay.

186. Lopipes hypetboreus ; Northern Phalarope.
Rare. Three taken in Middlesex ; one found
dead at Mitchell’s Bay in May 1882.

187. Steganopus Wilsoni-, Wilson’s Phalarope.
Very rare. One taken May, 1882, at Mitchell’s
Bay.

188. Recurvirostra Americana ; Avocet. Ex-
tremely rare. One taken in the spring of 1860, 17

at Rondeau. [E. W. Sandys.]

189. Rallus elegans ; King Rail. Common at
St. Clair Flats where it breeds. Mclljvvaith gives I
Clapper Rail but not King Rail — probaTiry~a~l
case of mistaken identity as it is improbable that
the Clapper will occur.

190. Rallus Virginianus ; Virginia Rail. Rare
inland but common at all the large marshes,
where it breeds.

191. Porzana Carolina; Carolina Rail. Un-
common inland but breeds abundantly in the
large marshes.

192. Porzana Noveboracensis ; Little Yellow
Rail. Rare in the large marshes.

193. Gallinula galeata ; Florida Gallinule.
Breeds very abundantly in the large marshes.

194. Fulica Americana; Coot. Almost as
abundant as the last, and is also taken in the
rivers inland.

195. Grus Canadensis ; Sand-hill Crane. Ex- f
tremely rare in the large marshes.

194

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

196. Olor Americanus ; Whistling Swan.
Occurs regularly at St. Clair and other suitable
places.

197. Olor buccinator; Trumpeter Swan. In
Jour. Proc. Linn. Soc., 1865, Rev. W. Hincks
(Toronto) says : “ C. buccinator is our commonest
species.” It must, therefore, occur with the other
at St. Clair Flats, although we have no record
of it.

198. Chen hyperboreus ; Snow Goose. Very
rare. Two specimens taken (E. W. Sandys.

199. Anser albifrons Gambeli ; White-fronted
Goose. Rare Migrant.

200. Bernicla Canadensis ; Canada Goose.
Common migrant.

201. Bernicla brenta ; Brant. Rather rare
migrant.

202. Anas boscas ; Mallard. Uncommon in-
land but common migrant in the large marshes
where a few breed.

203. Anas obscura ; Black Duck. Common
migrant. A few breed in the large marshes, also
taken inland.

204. Chaulelasmus streperus ; Gray Duck.
Rather rare but occurs regularly at St. Clair.

205. j Dafila acuta; Pintail. Common. Breeds
at St. Clair.

206. Mareca Americana; Widgeon. - Rather
common. May breed.

207. Spatula clypeata ; Shoveller. Rather rare
at St. Clair Flats, and may breed.

208. Querquedula discors; Blue-winged Teal.
Common. A few still breed at St. Clair.

209. Nettion Carolinensis ; Green-winged Teal.
Common migrant. Not known to breed.

210. Aix sponsa ; Wood Duck. Regularly
distributed and rather common. Breeds along
the marshes and rivers.

211. Fulix mania; Scaup Duck. Very com-
mon migrant. A few breed at St. Clair. Also
taken common inland.

212. Fulix affinis ; Bluebill. Like the preced-
ing. Also taken common inland.

213. Fulix collaris ; Ring-billed Duck. Com-
mon in some migrations in the large marshes.

214. JEthyia vallisneria ; Canvas-back. Rather
rare at St. Clair Flats. Migrant.

215. JFAhyia. Americana ; Redhead. Very com-
mon migrant, and some breed in the large
marshes. Also taken inland.

216. Clanyula glaucium Americana; Golden-
eye. Rather common migrant. Also taken in-
land.

217. Clanyula. albeola ; Bufflehcad. Common
migrant and a few breed at St. Clair Flats. Also
taken inland quite common.

218. JIarelda ylacialis ; Long-tailed Duck.
Rather rare migrant at St. Clair. An immature

male was picked up in the snow January ,\1881,
near Hyde Park.

219. (Edemia Americana; Scoter. Rare mi-
grant.

220. Melanetta velvetina; Yelvet Scoter. Very
rare migrant.

221. Erismatura rubida ; Ruddy Duck. Abund-
ant migrant and a few breed in the marshes.
Also taken inland, common.

222. Mergus merganser Americanus ; Goosander.
Common migrant both on rivers and lakes.

223. Mergus serrator ; Red-breasted Merganser.
Rare migrant.

224. Lophodytes cucullatus ] Hooded Merganser.
Common migrant both inland and' at the lakes.

225. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus ; White Pelican.
One taken near Chatham 187 — ; also one near
I ngersol^se veral years ago.

226. Phalacrocorax carbo ; Cormorant. Occurs
rarely along the lakes.

227. Larus argeniatus Smithsonianus ; Herring
Gull. Common. Probably breeds.

228. Larus Philadelphia; Bonaparte’s Gull.
Common in spring in fall.

229. Sterna Forsteri ; Forster’s Tern . Common ;
breeds at St. Clair.

230. Sterna fluviatilus ; Common Tern. Breeds
at St. Clair but in smaller numbers than the last.

231. Ilydrochelidon lari/ormis surinamensis ;
Black Tern. Breeds very abundantly at St. Clair
marshes.

232. Podiceps Holbolli; Red-necked Grebe.
Very rare ; one taken at Mitchell’s B ty.

233. Bytes auritus ; Homed Grebe. Breeds
abundantly at St. Clair Flats.

234. Podilymbus podiceps ; Carolina Grebe.
Breeds abundantly at St. Clair Flats.

235. Colymbus torquatus ; Loon. Common in
the large marshes and- at some points in the
lakes. Breeds.

236. Colymbus septentrionalis ; Red-throated
Diver. Very rare. One shot on the Thames
near London in spring 1881. Occasional at St,
Clair Flats.

INTELLIGENCE AND HUMOUR IN
A HORSE.

A friend and neighbor of mine, recently in-
formed me, that a few years ago, his father pos-
sesed a colt which exhibited proofs of intelligence
amounting to reason, and also to a certain de-
gree of a sense of humour. The stables on his
farm are ranged in a row under the barn, and the
lower doors are fastened, as usual, with a long
wooden bolt. The colt learned in some way
how to draw back the bolts, and so to open the
stable doors and let out all the other horses
which stood loose in the stalls. He then

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST.

195

seemed thoroughly to enjoy the mischief he
had done. In order to prevent this practice,
which became troublesome, holes were bored
in the doors behind the bolts, and wooden pins
inserted, so that the bolts could not be drawn
back without first taking out these pins. For
some time this device baffled the colt, but
before long he found out how to evade it, and
used to pull out the pin with his teeth, draw
the bolt and let the door fall open as before.
He would then gallop off with the pin in his
month and drop it where it could never be
found again. After having thus opened the doors
and let out the horses, his master would often
try to catch him, but the stables communicated
with one another at the back, and the colt
used to dodge the old man in at one door and
out at the other, as in pure fun or mischief,
until some one of the younger and more active
men, came with a stick and brought him to
terms. The above acts indicate no low order
of reason, and certainly look as if the colt
enjoyed playing the pranks and witnessing the
discomfiture of his master.

E. W. Claypole,
New Bloomfield, Perry Co., Pa. )

Nov., 26th 1882. \

CANADIAN OOLOGY.

Dear Sir, — lam much interested in the list
of Western Canadian Birds contributed by
Messrs. Morden and Saunders, to the Novem-
ber number of your Journal. Having pro-
mised to continue my experience in Oological
study during the past season, I beg to send the
following notes : — The Wood Thrush and
Wilson’s Thrush, are quite abundant in this
vicinity, but until the past summer I had
but little personal knowledge of the Hermit
Thrush. In June last, however, I discovered
three nests of the latter species. The first,
which contained four eggs, was placed in a low
beech bush, nearly two feet from the ground,
and was composed of dry leaves, stalks of dry
weeds, bramble, rotten wood, rinds and small
roots. Surrounding the nesting-place was a
thick growth of low brushwood. The second
nest containing four eggs, was placed in an old
turned up root, about four feet from the ground,
and in the midst of a grove of young tamarac.
When discovered, the bird was sitting on the
nest and I could have caught her had I wished
to do so. The third nest, containing two eggs,
was placed in a bunch of yellow water lillies,
a few inches above the water of a pool. Early
in April I saw a solitary specimen of the

Olive-backed Thrush, but I have not yet dis-
covered its nest. On the 6th of June, I
noticed a small species of Thrush, new to me,
building her nest. The site chosen was a
cavity in a low bank, overshadowed by a small
hemlock, on the margin of a swamp, near
water. A large quantity of dry leaves was
used in raising the foundation to the required
position. When I visited it a week after, the
foundation of the nest was burrowed by
some small animal, but I found one egg
beneath it. This egg was marked exactly
like that of the Golden-crowned Thrush ;
but it was much smaller in size. The other
nest of this species, which contained five
eggs, was placed in a corner of a turned
up root, the top of which hung over, sheltering
it from sun, rain, and observation, and beneath
which was a pool of water. The female sat
upon this nest until my hand was a few inches
off". The .colour of the bird was slaty-black
on the upper parts, yellow below, with black
marks extending downwards from the throat.
Length five inches; common notes, a sharp
“chip.” Song of the male resembling the words
“ dure dure lidy, dure lee.” I have since
identified this species as the Large-Billed
Water Thrush, {Sciurus ludovicianus ). On
the 8th of June, I discovered the negt of a
species of warbler hitherto unknown to me.
This was situated in a small balsam, (in a
black ash swamp,) four feet from the ground,
and formed Of small stalks of w7eeds, rootlets
and fine hair, much in form and size like the
nest of the Chipping Sparrow. This nest
contained four fresh eggs, white in colour,
with a ring of reddish spots towards the largest
end and a few dots of the same hue near
the centre. I identify the latter species as the
Myrtle Bird, or Yellow-Rump Warbler, ( Den -
droeca coronata ). The nest and eggs are in
my collection. I also collected for the first
time, two nests of the Chestnut-sided Warbler.
One was situated in a cluster of raspberry
vines; the other, in a small scrubby beech;
the first contained two of its own eggs, and
two Cowbird’s ; the other, four, and one Cow-
bird’s. The eggs of the Cowbird were also
found in the nests of the Black Snowbird,
Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Chipping
Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Golden-crowned
Thrush, Red-eyed Yireo and Water Wagtail.
This latter nest was the first of this species
that I have seen ; it was placed in the cavity
of a large turned up root, over a pool of water,
into which the bird jumped when she left the

196

THE CANADIAN SPORTSMAN AND NATURALIST

nest. The nest was like that of the Snowbird,
and contained four of its own eggs, besides
that of the Cowbird. These were white, thickly
dotted towards the large end* with reddish
spots. They were, however, (June 8th,) near-
ly incubated ; so I did not remove them. On
the 7th of June, I collected in a beaver mea-
dow, some two miles north of the town, three
nests of the Purple Finch ; these were situated
near the tops of small balsams. Four eggs
are the general set. On the same date, I took
from a small thorn bush, a nest of two eggs,
which I have marked as belonging to the
Black and Yellow Warbler. The Yellow
Warbler is quite abundant in this neighbour-
hood now, though it is only a few years ago
since’I first notictd it, and the same may be said
of the Bobolink The Catbird is numerous
in this locality, I have seen several nests this
season, but never, except cfn one occasion, saw
more than four eggs in a nest. The Bed-
wing Blackbird is also numerous; collected
several nests this season, mostly from flags in
water ponds, or the margins of creeks. The
High holder or Golden-winged Woodpecker,
is the most abundant of this class of birds
here ; I have collected some five or six sets of
its eggs this year. There are generally six
eggs in each set. Altogether I have collected
eggs of some forty different species of wild
birds this season, and obtained seven addition-
al species by exchange, from J. A. Morden,
Esq. I have now in my collection specimens
of the eggs of nearly seventy Canadian birds.
When in London, on the 27th of September,
last, I identified among the grand collection
of Canadian and foreign birds, exhibited by
.1. A. Morden, Esq., a specimen of Cooper’s
Hawk, as the species whose nest and eggs I
described in my last article.

Wm. L. Kells.

Listowel, Out., Nov. 1882.

COLEOPTERA FOUND IN THE
PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.

By William Cooper.

Piiryoanophilus collaris, Lee.

Stenotraohelus arctatus, Say.

Crymodes discicollis, Acc.

Pytho Americana, Kirby.

Prioonatiius monilicornis, Baird.

Borus unicolor, Say.

Salpinqus virescens, Lee.

Calopus angustus, Lee.

This insect has a wide distribution, from ,
New Mexico to the city of Quebec. Mr. Pro-
vancher says it is rare about the neighbour-
hood of the latter city. When I collected
there, they were abundant at the upper end of
St. John St., near the Finlay Asylum.

Ditylus coeruleus, Rand.

Narcerdes melanura, Linn.

Oxasis 1 notoxiodes, Fabr.

2 thoracica,

Asclera ruficollis, Say.

Cephaloon lepturides, Newm.

Anaspis 1 flavipennis. Raid.

2 rufa. Say.

Mordella 1 marginata, Mels.

2 linearis, “

Mordellistena 1 scapularis. Say.

2 pityoptera, Lee.
Pelecotoma flavipes, Mels.

Corphyra 1 lugubris, Say.

2 collaris “

3 fulvipes, Newm.

Notoxus an chora, Hentz.

Anthicus 1 rejectus, Lee.

2 formicarius, Laf.

3 florialis, Pay'k.

4 corvinus, Laf.

Dendroides Canadensis, Lair.

Pyrochroa fiabellata, Fabr.

■ Schizotus cervicolis, Newm.

Meloe angusticollis. Say.

Macrobasis unicolor, Kirby.

Epicauta 1 Pensylvanica, DeGeer.

2 vittata, Fabr.

Pomphopaea aenea, Say.

Myodites 1 fasciatus Say.

1 stylopides, Newm.

Barynotus undulatus, Uhler.

Sitones 1 lepidus, Gyll.

2 scissifrons, Say.

Pandeletetus liilaris, Herbst.

Otiorynchus 1 sulcatus, Herbst.

2 ligneus, Oliv.

Cyphomimus dorsalis, Horn.

L’abbe Provancher described this species as
Micronychus sulcatus which falls, it being
preoccupied by Otiorynchus sulcatus, Fabr.
The insect is now known as C. dorsalis as
above.

Phyxelis glomerosus, Sehoen.

Listronotus 1 appendiculatus, Boh.

2 latiusculus, “

Ithyoerus Novaboraccnsis, Forst.
Phytonotus nigrirostris, Fabr.

Lixus musculus, Say.

Lepyrus colon, Linn.

Continued from page 188 No. 11.