5-€
ey
HARVARD UNIVERSITY.
LIBRARY
OF_ THE
MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY
BEQUEST OF
WILLIAM BREWSTER
a) 76
-DaNIELSONVILLE, Conn., NOVEMBER, 1890. No/ 1.
he melancholy days have come, the saddest of the year,
Mets wailing ine and naked woods, and meadows brown and sere.
And from the wood-top calls the Crow through all the gloomy day. — Bryant.
CHILLY NOVEMBER,
inds of Autumn chant the sad requiem of the ine year. Birds of passage are now
ge flocks, embarking with slow wing but earnest purpose, on their annual
© a more genial clime. The wild-flowers that have kept us company so long,
eered ‘us amid the general desolation of nature,/are now taking their leave, like
ingering friends who hover around the departing bark of the voyager, and one by
appear, with a sad and long farewell. The naked orchard, the barren fields and
: the moaning forests unequivocally declare that the season of warmth and
departed. Already are the little lakes crystalizing beneath the cold breath of
, and the ground is whitened by the early frost. The mountain tops are barren,
iss has withered. The long evenings are enjoyed by Naturalists, Ornithologists,
Collectors and Taxidermists, by seating themselves in the old arm chair
-hearth-stone, and carefully perusing the contents, of the good things contained -
e Collectors’ Monthly.
‘ed CHAS. K. REED, De
262 Main Street,
CESTER, sR Ve memo me eae Mele CASS
-TAXIDERMIST |
* Naturalist Shippin Shells; Bird Skinsand Eggs. | Manufacturer of the Finest Egg
Is ever made, best of steel, engraved handle, nickelplated. Embryo hooks and blow pipes the same
ae a fine. set, sent post-paid Rte of 65c. Will allow good exchange for eggs in sets, first”
8 with full ‘data.
Send stamps for illustrated catalogue of Supplies or price-list of Skins and Eggs.
Paty
ey ty
he COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. oy |
4as- Always mention this paper when answering
advertisements :
AB UU On
OUR OFFER
Any one who will write an article for the Col- |
lector’s Monthly, founded on facts, which
come under their own observation, and of
interest to the student of Natural His-
tory, the same to occupy one col-
umn or more, will receive this
paper one year FREE.
We wish to
make every is-
sue of this paper
worth a year’s subscrip-
tion, and to do this we want
good, reliable, interesting man-
uscripts relating to Natural History
from all sources and especially from
those who have had year’s of experience
and made Natural History a Study. Full
name and address must accompany all manuscripts
ATTENTION!
Something New
Life-like hand paintings of birds in oil, size
4x1o inches; sent by return mail for only 50 cents,
prepaid. I will exchange one painting for every
dollars worth of desirable eggs in sets with data,
sent with 10 cents to pay postage. Address
J. W. P. Smithwick,
|
Sans Souci, N. C.
Exehange Notice.
Eggs, Stamps, Minerals) Fossils and Curio to)
exchange for Eggs, Fossils, Books and. Confeder-
ate Money. Have some fine sets, A. O. U. Nos,
6, 214, 343, 3373 333) 375» 378, 308,413, 406, 402, 394,
393, 4175 324, 5052, S8IC, 538, 531, 530, 529, 510a, 608,
622, 622a, 624, ;
FRANK KINNE,
Knoxville, lowa.
THE MAINE
ORNIT HOLOGIST !
——AND—
OOLOGIST! |
will be sent to you one year for only 15 cents.
Advertising rates, 8c per line, 60c per inch.
Price-list of stufted birds, birds eggs and birds)
‘skins FREE.
H. STANTON SAWYER, Pub.
GARLAND, MAINE.
Send us an exchange notice of 40 words, as per
terms, and you will receive this paper one year
Free. Address
Pub. of Goliector’s Mo nthly.
STORMY PETREL!
An 8-page monthly, devoted to Ornithology‘
Oology and Natural History in general.
Send 20 cents forone year’s subscription, and
you will never regret it, as it will keep collectors
posted on all the important points in their lines.
Free exchange column.
Published by
WM. SMITH & CO,
Mendota, Ill.
—
HE COLLECTORS’ WONTHLY.
Devoted to Ornithology, Oology and Natural History.
BIRDS’ NESTS AND EGGS.
Written for the Collector’s Monthly.
The first generalization likely to be made
by the collector in regard to eggs, is that
birds breeding in holes or places which are
dark lay white eggs.
.-Take for example the Sand-martin and
Kingfisher which lay their eggs in banks and
the Wood-pecker and Owl which breed in
holes in trees; these birds lay white eggs.
Why is this ? Simply because being incubat-
edin the dark Nature takes no trouble to
waste her coloring matter where not need-
ed.
The eggs of Puffins and Petrels which
breed in holes have traces of spots upon
them, while those of the Anks and Gulls,
very near relations, are very highly colored
by reason of being hatched in open nests.
The theory of this is, that the Petrels and
Puffins have but lately taken to breeding in
holes so the coloring matter being of no
further use is gradually disappearing. So
we assume the color of an egg is due to the
place is which it is laid.
The second generalization to be made is
the color of the birds. All birds dress as
gorgeous as Nature will permit, being as a
rule very vain.
The hen birds breeding in holes are as a
rule gorgeously colored being due to the
fact that, being concealed during the incuba-
tion they are free from attacks of the merci-
less Hawks and thus may take on brilliant
plumage, while the hen birds breeding in
nests not being very well concealed during
breeding are shabbily dressed so as to bet-
ter escape the the keen eye of the Hawk.
The hen Kingfishers and Beeeaters are
ee
as gorgeous as their mates while the Hum-
mingbird is very shabbily dressed and its
mates plumage is unrivaled.
Why then is this unequailty? because the
hen bird while breeding is more the color of
its nest and so escapes prying eyes while the
mate having no occasion for this, is gayly
dressed.
The Kingfisher relies upon the concealed
nest for the safety of its eggs, while the
Humming bird relies upon the unobtrusive
plumage of its mate.
birds such as the Sandpiper, Plover, ete,
lay their eggs upon the ground and for the
protection of the same are found to be near-
ly the same color as the ground upon which
they are laid.
A large number of
The birds building their nests on high
trees or cliffs are too. powerful to be afraid
of the Magpie, a great destroyer of eggs, and
so build their nests out of reach of beasts of
of prey.
lay their eggs openly and rely upon their
strength to repulse all marauders. This
class includes the Herons, Comorants ete.
Many birds which go in colonies
From this generalization we learn that the
color of the eggs is due to surrounding in-
fluences, and the saftey of the sameis due
to the concealment of the nests, the plumage
of the birds being due to the macessibility
of the nests and the strength of the birds.
Fred G——.
<=— ——
Customer—It is less than a year since you
stuffed my poor little Paroquet, and the
feathers are falling out already.
Naturalist—That shows the excellence of
the work.
they moult just as if they were alive.
Istuff birds so naturally that
THE COLLECTORS’ MON CEL Ye
The’ Collectors’ Monthly.
A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Study of
Ornithology, Oology : and Natural History.
CHART ES) THe Veiner
Editor and Publisher, Danielsonville, Conn.
Cy See ee
SUBSCRIPTION RATES:
Single Subscriptions, : = : = 5 Ae.
Foreign “ - : - - 12cts extra.
Single Copies, So, \uie Bey 3c each.
ADVERTISING RATES:
One p:ge, one insertion, ae. ce $4 00
One Column, one insertion, Sees : 2 25
Half Coiumn, one insertion, - - - 1 20
One Inch, one insertion, - - - 50
Casi must accompany all advertisements.
Write for special rates on standing advertise-
ments.
Articles: and items of interest to the student of
Natural History will be thankfully received.
Ba@=-Address all communications to the Editor |
and Publisher.
EDITORIALS.
Advertisements and éxchanges received too
late for this number will appear in our next issue.
All advertisements and exchange notices must
be in our hands, to insure insertion, by the 20th of
the month previous to our next publication.
We will send a eopy of the Collectors’
Monthly free to any editor or publisher who
will give it a notice and send a marked copy
of the same. .
To anyone who will send us a first-class
side-blown eggs worth 35c or over we will
send this paper /ree.
We wish to say that the publication of the
“Oologist Advertiser’’ has been discontinued
as it was considered unwise and unprofitable
to maintain such a paper for so little money.
To those who were subscribers to the
“Oologist’s Advertiser’? we will send the
Collectors Monthly until the expiration of
their subscription. We think that we have
entered upona larger field and can accom-
plish more good and obtain better results in
so doing we shall endeavor to give every one
{full valué for the money invested in our
énterprise. We hope that from time to
we may be able to give something that is of
real value to every collector, and that
through the columns of this magazine both
subcriber and editor may be the means of
accomplishing much good and of advancing
the interests of collecting naturalists through-
out the Universe.
——$——=-
The Auk, publishell as the organ of the
American Ornithologists Union is a quarter-
ly Magazine devoted exclusively to Ornithol-
olgy. Itisedited by J. A. Allen with the
assistance of Mr. C. F. Batchelder, and is
published by L. S. Foster, 35 Pine St., New
York. Itis an ably conducted Magazine,
which with 1890 commences its seventh
year. Readers may feel assured of being
kept abreast of the advances in the sciences
and all interested should not fail to become
a subscriber.
We want the readane oF this little paper
to bear in mind that it is our desire and aim
to make this a first-class publication, and
with your assistance we can do it. Will you
aid us in our undertaking? We are thank-
ful for small favors, even 30 cts fora year’s
subscription will help us. Items of interest
wouldn’t be amiss. Unless by earnest re-
quests we shall have no Monthly Directory
in the Collector’s Monthly.
We have just recone the Bittern, Vol, 1,
No. 1, edited and published by Henry E.
Berry, Damariscotta, Me. It is a 4 paged
monthly devoted to Ornithology and Oology
we wish you success with the ‘*Booming
Bittern,’’ Brother Berry.
+
Mr Rippon of Canada, who was awarded
the silver medal at the Toronto exhibition of
‘89 and ‘go, sends us a very neat and com-
plete price-list of eggs.
If those who receive a sample copy of
this issue and are not interested will please
hand it to some friend, collector or student
in Natural History, they will greatly oblige
the Editor.
re
THE BOBOLINK.
[ Dolichonyx oryzivorus. ]
For the Collector’s Monthly.
The Bobolink, the happiest bird of our
Spring and one that rivals the European
fark in our estimation, is the Bob’olincoln
as he is commonly called. He arrives when
‘atore is in all her freshness and fragrance.
Yhe trees are in their fullest foliage and
brigutest verdure, the air is perfumed by the
sweet flowers, wild roses and clover-blos-
soms, while the apple, peach and the plum
begin to swell and the cherry to glow amid
the green leaves. This is the season of the
Bobolink. | He comes in the fragrance of
the season and is to be found in the mead- |
ows and apple orchards and is most in song | eet :
ages ; | and Ostrich is of very large size.
when the clover is in blossom, you will find | 3 ye j
| ly six feet long, found in Australia and pe-
him on the top-most twig ofa tree or onsome |
long flaunting weed, and as he rises and |
- sinks with the breeze pours fourth a suc- |
ession of rich notes equal to the rapturous
As the year advances and the clover blos-
_ soms disappear the spring fades away into
summer and he gradually gives up his ele-
gant tastes and doffs his poetical suit of |
black, assumes a russet dusty garb.
_ notes no longer vibrate in the air, for he is |
stuffing himself with the seeds of the tall
His
weeds which he lately swung on.
We next hear of him with myriads of
_ others, banqueting among the reeds of the
Delaware. He has changed his name now;
and is no more the Bobolincoln but the reed
bird, and is now much sought for by the
_ Pennsylvania enicures.
flight.
Again he wings his
The rice swamps of the South invites him
_ and he gorges himself among them till he can
searcely fly, He once more changes his
Name and is now the famous rice bird or
melody of the Skylark, as he pitches from beth sia eace
the summit of some lofty tree he begins his |
song, and as he gets on the wing, flutters |
_ tremuously down to the earth in an ecstacy
of delight.
| dle Atlantic States where
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. 3
| rice bunting of the Carolinas,—the last stage
of his career.
He is served up, a vaunted dish on the
table of some Southern epicure. Such is the
story of the once admired Bobolink, the joy
of the meadows, and the favorite bird of
Spring.
The nest of the Bobolink is very hard to
find and can only be found by diligent search
as it is generally built in a natural cavity on
the ground. The eggs being brownish white
and cloudedjwith a chocolate brown making
the general appearance very dark and are
easily overlooked.
THE EMU.
The Emu, a bird related to the Cassowary
It is near-
culiar to New Holland. The body is hairy
of a mixed brown and gray color, paler on
the under parts, the head neck and wings
It subsists on vegetables
and fruit and is very fleet of foot, but like
the Ostrich it is unable to fly and is very
wild. It is hunted for its flesh, which is
said to have much the flavor of beef. The
name is sometimes erroneously applied by
the Brazilians to the Rhea or South Ameri-
can Ostrich.
Pine Siskin.
Or Pine Linnet, sometimes called, Pine
Finch, and American Siskin, belongs to
Canada and is a winter visitant to the Mid-
itis seen from
Oct. to May 1. Inthe pire forests of Maine
it sometimes remains the year round. This
Linnet is a vegetarian in the strictest sense,
feeding upon the seeds of the large pines,
common weeds, grasses, etc. The gullet of
this greedy bird, is very large and it some-
times puts more grist in the hopper than the
gizzard can grind at once. Its color is olive
brown above, the whole plumage being
yellowish especially the wings and tail. The
sexes are much alike in outward appearance.
They lay 3 or 4 eggs, which are pale green
speckled with brown.
4
THE ‘COLLECTORS’ MONT HEY.’
THE MOCKING BIRD. —
[Mimus polyglottus.] -,
For the Collectors’ Monthly.
The Mocking Bird is a species of Thrush,
found in the warm and milder climates of
America. This famous bird is about nine
inches and a half long, of an ashy gray color
above, whitish below and though destitute
of brilliant plumage, his form is beautiful,
delicate and symmetrical. His motions are
easy and} graceful, and his looks full of
shrewdness and intelligence. He listens
with attention to each passing sound, and
imitates with exactness the notes of all the
feathered creation. -Whiie thus engaged, it
might be supposed that all the assembled
birds were making a trial of skill, and so
perfect are his imitations that even the
Sportsman is at times deceived, and sent in
quest of birds that have mo existance a-
round. He ism truth the Orpheus of the
forest, for however wild and discordant the
tones and calls he imitates may be, he blends
them all together with such a tender sweet-
ness, the orignals, mortified and astonished,
withdraw from his presence, or listen in si-
lence.
He builds his nest ina bush, thicket, or
tree, of twigs, leaves and grass, blended with
bits of wood, and so careful is he of his
young brood that he will attack cats, dogs
and men if they approach the nest; but his
most deadly enemy is the black snake.
soon as this creature is discovered by the
male bird he darts upon it, strikes it upon
the eyes and head and so unceasing are his
efforts that he soon causes his subtile foe to
retreat; then, mounting on the the bush
which contains the objects of his affection-
ate solicitude, he pours forth his loudest
song in token of victory.
This charming bird is easily tamed, and
becomes familiar with his master, playfully
attacking him through the bars of his cage.
Here, as in his native woods, he is full of
life and action, while engaged in song,
As |
throwing himself about as if keeping time to
his melody. It is painful to reflect that
blindness often terminates the gay career of
this interesting prisoner, and drooping in
silent sadness, he dies soon after his mis-
fortune. The price given for the Mucking —
bird is from five to fifty dollars; and some-
times even a hundred have been refused for
an extraordinary songster. His nest is
built of leaves, grass, twigs and etc. in low
trees or bushes. The eggs vary greatly in
size and are from .85 x .70 to .g§ x .80, of a
bluish green color and have several shades
of brown markings upon them.
THE GANNET. |
The Gannet or Soland Goose is chiefly
found in the northern regions of both conti-
nents. It is white, marked somewhat with
black, and is about two feet six inches long.
It dwells in desert and rocky islands in the
the sea, in incredible numbers. It is unable
to dive, walks with difficulty, is of powerful
flight and seldom swims. It hovers over the
water for its prey. Thereisa rock called
Gannet Rock in the bay of the St. Lawrence,
which it frequents in vast numbers, ap-
pearing at a distance like masses of snow. -
This is the bird whose eggs afford the in-
| habitance of St. Kilda their chief support
They lay buta single egg.
The Jackdaw is a species of crow inhabi-
ting Europe, of a black color, and about
thirteen inches long. In England, it is of-
ten seen around ruinous buildings. It is
capable of being tamed, and can articulate
some words. It has a turn for theft, and
will often secrete money and jewels.
»
An attempt is being made to propogate
Chinese Quail in California, and 600 have
been sent to the large ranches in the great
valleys. The birds resemble English Snipe
| or the American Meadow Lark in size and
| color. an
RGES AND WARTS.
heading we insert exchanges and |
ake first-class eggs correctly named
“money in payment, Will allow a
cent the eggs are worth. No second
ipieteleed. No eggs accepted listed less
cents each, (Lattins 1890 prices.) Those
large number of words send sets if pos-
We do not care for notices less than 25
‘Eggs or money must accompany your
d fot
see
sible
pa
it n
PE So rte
N!—Every one who advertises ex-
o} wants DY numbers, be sure and state
e A. O. U. or
WANTED.
a Sia from other localities, for Califor-
or singles.
Send lists ag receive mine,
Address, —
a x, A SCHNEIDER, ibe
alien Park, Cal.
iewee pines” second and third-class ee
Faultless sets with nests, duck and
preads for ae Other curios.
ptborough, conscien-
; Address
an PEABODY,
pariingtos, Kansas,
“LOOK |
‘ 2000 qpatage panes to exchange for the
of bird skins.
WM. BERMAN, ®
Los Angeles, Cal.
! “TO EXCHANGE.
Ry First-class eggs in sets with full data and nice-
) epared bird skins from this locality for others.
L sets of water birds especially desired. Send
rs
Wes BS im A /ELLNER,
85) w 18th ‘St. ‘ Los Angeles, Cal.
WHAT OFFERS ?
ee re Cents; date 1851, *56, 44, °28,
ww 36,
"38, °56,
MRS. Ai me “Spa Moaptehoeh
Putnam, Conn,
WANTED.
ater Birds Eggs, Address THIS PAPER.
‘
Buen s numbers |
UGal- "|
THE COLLECTORS’ MONT HL Y.
FIVE VOLUMES
| Oliver Optic’s Magazines, handsomely bound and
about seventy odd numbers of the Golden Days.
What offer? Address L. E. RICHARDSON,
North Grosvyenordale, Conn,
-eWANTEDD>
A copy of Coue’s Key, latest edition, in good
condition. Will give good bargain for same in
first-class birds eggs in sets and single.
JOHN V. CRONE
Marathon, Iowa.
Have the following
TOKENS AND COINS
for offers. Bank token of upper Canada, one.half
penny, 1852; token of the bank of Montreal, one
that is marked ‘‘Ein Krenzar’”’ 1816, and Victoria
Dei Gratia, 1853, the other side Britannia Reg.
Tid, Def. Bank token half-penny 1837 and two
Skillings, date 1842; also Colonies Francaises, five
cent 1827, other side marked Charlds X Roi De
France, color brass. Address
MRS. J.J. RICHARDSON.
Padi im, Conn.
TO EXCHANGE.
The following sets for others or Taxidermists
or Oologists instruments and supplies. A. QO. U.
No’s 7 1-7..714, 77: 3 3G, 106 1-11, 202 4%, 221, 224%,
(incomplete), 263%/, 316%, 387%, 390%, 448 2*5
488% (incomplete), 494 1-5, §0, 506 a, 3-5, 2-4, 540%,
$528, 2-4, 50534, 00414, 622 A 1-5, O5244, 70334, O25 1-5.
Also a great many singles, including 40 of 305,
2 of 1900 and many others. Write making offers to
JOHN V. CRONE,
Marathon, Iowa.
INS
WANTED
Eggs of the Wild Goose. Will give good ad-
vertising space, Address this Paper.
To EXCHANGE.
Turtles Eggs at 9 cents each, for Water Birds
eggs, send lists to
N. D: PRINCE,
Danielsonville,
Will sell cheap for cash,
Conn,
_ THE iaeanmea aaa yi MONTHLY.
Old issues of United States pos-
tage and envelope stamps, high val-
ue envelopes any issue, cut square,
special delivery department, local
and telegraph stamps. A good pho-
to Camera and outfit. United States
and Foreign copper, silver. nickel
and bronze coins, Indian and
Mound Builders relics, axes, arrow-
heads, etc. Showy minerals and
curiosities of any kind suitable for
a Public Museum.
I offer in exchange first.class de-|
sirable Texas eggs. My own col-
lecting. Send list of what you have
with prices, and receive my egg list
in return. Address
J. A. SINGLEY
Giddings,
Texas.
eGGSeeseeeseeees
In strictly first-class sets of eggs
| with full data.
NT Soe ee
ee re
A. O. U. No’s. per eg,
|721a 1-7 1-6, $168,
.560a 1-4, .05
552a 1-5, -O4
466 I-35 » 20)! ae
447 45 -04,
3874 1-4, .09.
552 I-1 I-t, 2.25:
151 I-5, -40
3375, 1-2, Suey fo
76 1-1, 1.00
683a 1-4, .08
458 1-5 -09
723 E33 oF
430 Or 431 1-2 and nest 2d class .35
When ordering send express or
| postal order.
Name few substitutes.’
more I will give free a set of 588ar-4.
To the fifth order will give a set of
508 1-4.
close five cents for postage, etc.
Also skins to exchange.
Address
A. U. NOLTE,
| W 16th pincel,
los Angeles,
No stamps
Cal.
To the first order of one dollar or’
Orders of less than one dollar, en- —
> MontHLY |
f ave just read with pleasure,
‘aoa lhe November Punter
c sitog of-birds eggs, and, aichaush
dea had occured to me as PO
*
bias where there are so many Leute
5
an =}
ia
= £
e
jon
re)
iad
~
Bek
ry
a
o
re ee
ee
~
“go
|
=
>
o
o
gg.
GQ:
DB
\ to me to divapiaaees rather Saat
‘Now he gives the eggs of Wood-
Kingfishers and Owls as ex-
ae saa being a because in-
) eg 48
MASS.
- TAXIDERMIST |
Eggs. Manufacturer of the Finest Egg
lls ever made, best of steel, engraved handle,
Iplated. Embryo hooks and blow pipes the
same making a fine set,sent post-paid on receipt of
Will allow good exchange for eggs in sets,
lass ee full data.
; is Y
ae Main Street, _ }
ealer in Naturalists’ Supplies, Shells, Bird | prey,
eons, Humming-Birds anda large number
of Fly-Catchers and other small birds are
pure white, or nearly so, although not ‘ in
cubated in the dark,” and as to “eggs that
are incubated in the dark are white," how
about Blue-birds, Chickadees, Wrens, Tit-
mice, Nuthatches, Creepers and the Cliff
Swallow whose eggs are not white,
though laid in the dark.
We also find that birds that are dressed
alike and nest in very much the same posit-
ions, as the Grouse and Woodcock, lay en-
tirely differently colored eggs—the Grouse
eggs being white, while those of the Wood-
cock are spotted.
So we have some birds that nest in holes
_ | laying white eges, others, in the same po-
sition laying spotted or heavily colored eggs,
and the same is true of those birds that nest
out in the light.
In view of the above facts, can we justly
assume that the color of an egg is duesto
the place in which it is laid ?
al-
k. B.
WwW.
LOOK!
A large lot of stuffed Woodcock,
Hawks, Owls,
yull,
Quail,
Eagles, old and voung, Os-
Clapper Rail, Crow, Opossum,
Herons, Ducks and many small fancy birds
to dispose of cheap.
F. THEO, MILLER,
Heatbsville, Ka.
i
THE: COLLECTORS? MONTHE®,
a@- Always! kabution this paper when answering
advertisement C
Oluo. M08 Gud
QFin Qj
Ha,
OUR OFFER, |
=ts
|
Any one who will write an article for the Col-
lector’s Monthly, founded on facts, which
come under their own observation, and of
interest to the student of Natural His-
tory, the same to occupy one col-
umn or more, will receive this
paper one year FREE.
We wish to
make every is-
sue of this paper
worth a year’s subscrip-
tion, and to do this we want
good, reliable, interesting man-
uscripts relating to Natural History
from all sources and especially from
those who have had year’s of experience.
and made Natural History a Study. Full
name and address must accompany all manuscripts
Old Curiesity Shep.
A popular journal published in all branches of
collecting. Established 1882 and now published
by A. Macdonald, Box 1732 San Francisco, Cal.
It will be sent you one year for 25c your address
on a postal will bring you one sample copy.
PORSALE. _
Ten varieties of second class California birds
eggs, all good specimens, sent post paid for 25 |
cents. Enclose stamps for list of first-class eggs.
Fine sets of two eggs and nest of Black-chinned
Hummer, post-paid, at 70 cents per set.
TE Ie Ike
839 W. 18th St.,
Los Angeles, Cal.
To EXCHANGE,
One good Elgin watch, two Flobert rifles, one
Pocket rifle, one nickled revolver, two cabinets,
‘five thread cases, Indian clubs, climbers, com-
pound microscope, eggs and minerals for Bicycle,
printing press, shot gun, repeating rifle; type or
Any other food personal property.
LETSON BALLIET.
Des Moines, Iowa.
| at 30e each (60 ct’s cash).
A Valuable Curiosity
for Goliectors.
Don’t miss this opportunity of securing while
you can, a 1704 Curicsity. No collector's cabinet
iscomplete without it. Only a limited number—
we make this offer to any one who will send us
two new subscribers for the Collectors’ Monthly
We will send as a
Our Premium.
premium to the sender, a copy of the Boston NEWS —
LETTER the first news paper printed in America
in April 1704 together, with Antique Curiosities
containing a picture of the First Steam Railroad
Passenger Train in America, giving the name of
engine, the weight, engineer’s name and naies of
passengers on board at first trip.
Picture of First Steamboat in the world, giving
name of inventor and builder and where built.
Picture of the First Successful Steam Locomo-
tive in the world and name of the inventor. _
A picture of the Old Liberty Bell which in thun-
dered peals proclaimed liberty throughout all the
land, July 4, 1776.
A picture of Independence Hallin 1776. It was
from the tower of this edifice that the Liberty
Bell first proclaimed a nation free.
Picture of the house in which Thomas Jeffersou
wrote the Declaration of Independence.
Picture of New York city as it appeared in 1650.
Think of it, we send all of the above for only
two new subscribers (60 cts in cash). Send at
once before the supply is exhausted.
Address This Paper.
ATTENTION! ©
Something New
Life-like hand paintings of birds in oil, size
4x10 incnes; sent by return mail for only so cents,
prepaid. I will exchange one painting for every
dollars worth of desirable eggs in sets with data,
Address
J. W. P. Smithwick
‘Sans Souci, N.C.
sent with 10 cents to pay postage.
a
\ ‘vale
a x
}
HE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Devoted to Ornithology, Oology and Natural History.
BOTANY.
Special to the Collectors’ Monthly.
In most papers devoted to the study of
natural history Botany is over looked.
Especially with young Oologist’s this subject
is almost entirely unknown, and I think that
most of the older botanist will agree with
me that this subject is too often slighted.
There are first and second class specimens
in this line as well as with eggs, and all
collectors should avoid second class
specimens.
Botany is, as well as Taxidermy, classed
with the “Fine Arts’’ but the botanist will
find that he cannot dispose of duplicate
second class specimens. Second class speci-
‘mens are not five so they cannot be classified
with the FINE Arts. In preparing botani-
cal specimens two things mst be observed.
First, Absolute Correctness in the Scientific
names. Second, zeatiess, in pressing, drying
and mounting.
T find with my experience that the best
way to dry specimens is to get two boards
2 feet long by 1 1-4 feet wide and place
pieces of blotting paper between, (the blot-
ting paper must be nearly the same size as
_the boards and can be obtained at most any
‘Insurance office.) News paper will do if
blotting paper is not at hand, but this necessi-
tates the changing of the paper every day to
prevent molding. Now whenyou have ‘“‘run
down”’ your plant (i.e., found the name) pin
the name to it and lay it between two sheets
of the paper, put the top board on and then
put a weight on it, care must be used not to
crush the plant by putting too heavy a
weight upon it. Not over r5 pounds in any
|. case.
After it has thoroughly dried place it upon
prepared paper (11 x 14 inches is the stand-
ard size) then carefully trim off the root
fibers and branches to accomodate the
of the paper. Now don’t glue it onto the
paper, but take a sheet of good book paper
(never use ruled paper,) and give it a
of glue after pinning it to the wall to prevent
When thoroughly dry give another
size
coat
curling.
coai, and still another this will be enough,
now cut it into strips and dampen with
tongue,then paste one over each branch and
root fiber (never use sticking pastes.) If
the rbizoma is too thick it may be flattened
with a knife on one side only.
If this is of interest to the readers of the
Collectors’ Monthly and the publisher will
kindly allow me this space again, I will try
and give you a few more hints on preserving
natures beautiful flowers, also a way to find
the names of plants unknown to you, and
some collecting experience of my own.
LETSON BALLIET.
Des Moinies, Iowa.
Rirds are the only animals besides man
that can be taught distinctly to articulate
and utter sentences,which, though «of course
not understood by the birds themselves, are
none the less surprising to listen to.
The best speed of a railway train is only a
little more than half the velocity of the gold-
en eagle, the flight of which often attains to
the rate of 140 miles an hour.
Of all birds, the condor mounts highest
into the atmosphere. | Humboldt describes
the fight of this bird in the Andes to be at
least 20,000 feet above the level of the sea.
THE: COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
The Collectors’ Monthly.
A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Study of
Ornithology, Oology and Natural History.
CHARLES H. p RINCE
Editor and Publisher, Dan.elsonville, Conn.
(Oem Ake
SUBSCRIP TION RATES:
Single Subscriptions, : : 2 Z Pace:
Foreign se - - - - rzcts extra.
Single Copies, : - - - - 3c each.
ADVERTISING RATES:
One p:ige, one insertion, - $4 00
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Cash must < accompany all advertisements.
Write for special rates on standing advertise-
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Articles and’ items of interest to the student of
Natural History will be thankfully received.
kG@>Address all communications to the Editor
and Publisher.
EDITORIALS.
Advertisements and exchanges received to late
for this number will appear in our next issue.
All advertisements and exchange notices must
be in our hands, to insure insertion, by the 2oth of
the month previous to our next publication.
If those who so kindly favored us with
Manuscripts in answer to our offer in the
November, No. will accept our thanks we
will publish them in regular order as fast as
we have room. We shall need to enlarge if
Collectors continue to favor us with such
interesting and excellent articles as we have
lately “Bet
good work go on.”’
unexpectedly received. the
The Empire State Exchange closes Vol. 1
with the October, No. New features will
be added commencing with Vol. 2. We
wish if success.
Vol. I, No. I, of f the iy. A. Bulletin’”’ is
before us in the interest of science and the
advancement of the Agassiz association,
published by the Bulletin, Publishing Co.,
with W. A. Crooks as Editor. A good
begining Bro. Crooks.
Excellent articles to commence the new
year, by experienced and advanced Col-
lectors. Send in your subscriptions and
help us improve the Collectors’ Monthly.
Taxidermists to give a life like represen-
tation to mounted specimens should pay
some attention to artistic mounting. By
this is meant the Surrouding of specimens
with appropriate accessories, and it is well
exemplified by the new work shown in the
natural history museum at South Kensington,
where for example, birds are arranged as in
a State of nature, feeding or flying to their
young, sitting on their eggs, swimming in
miniature pools, or preening their feathers
whilst perched lovingly side by side, and
surrounded by exquisitely modeled foliage
and flowers. ‘his, with correct modeling
of the specimens, indicates the future of the
art, the hope of which lies in the better
education of taxidermists as designers, artists
and modelers.
What better Christmas present could you
make your collecting friends than a years
subscription to this paper, which will be a
regular reminder of you, and for your trouble
obtain our premium which every collector
should have, and no collection is complete
without it.
lee SPARROW.
A Michigan ornithologist has collected
enough stories about the English Sparrow
to make a book of 400 pages. He finds out
that if a single’pair and its progeny were to
live ten years their family would number
27 57 1698 3608. A family
begins to grow April Ist, and its nest is a
regular incubator for six months. He cites
a case from which an egg was taken for forty
five consecutive days, these facts make it
look as if bounty law was rather expensive,
but if the Michigan law was repealled it
would injure the small boys chance for
pocket money.
Sparrow
Frerp G.—
THE COL LECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Notes on the Birds of i" Ong |
Island. |
WITH BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES.
BY W. W. WORTHINGTON.
The following notes are the results of
twelve years jottings in the fields. I am
indebted to Mr. A. H. Helme of Millers
Place, L. I., for valuable notes, and have
drawn from the published records of Mr.
Wm. Dutcher of N. Y., to both of whom
credit is given in the text. Items of my ex-
perience with some of the species in the
South it is hoped wii) be found interesting,
and the brief descriptions will doubtless be
found useful by new beginners, in identify-
ing Stas
_ The first is the list No. The next that of |
the A. O. U., and the one after the name
that of the Ridgway Catalogue.
The description is supposed to be that of |
the adult male.
(1) 2. Colymbus Holboellit:
Holboell’s Grebe, (‘731.)
Above brownlsh black. Topof head and nape
black, Primariesashybrown. Secondaries mostly
white. Throat and sides of head ashy. Chin, and
line under eye, whitish. Front and sides of neck
brownish red. Beneath silky white. Bill black,
Yellow at base. Iris bright carmine. Length 18
inches.
A not un¢ommon winter visitor. In the
plumage (lackirg the red neck). Ihave had
one specimen in the adult plumage.. Called
*“Peggy Loon’’ by local gunners. Some
times caught in the fishermens fyke nets,
by becoming entangled in the twine while
diving after the fish. Like the other
members of the Grebe family they are adepts
at diving, and are not easily secured unless
shot while flying in an exposed position.
Breeds in the far North. Nest, a mass of
rubbish, floating, among reeds inswamps or
marshes. ‘Eggs’ average 2:25 x 1: 30 inches,
dull white, soiled surface.
(2); 3. Auritus:
Horned Grebe, (732.)
Crown, checks, throat and ruff, black.
valley all a ae Or EXCHANG i.
Great Blue Heron. Pe
Pied Billed Grebe. 6 | Very fime sets of the Follows,
Bald Bagle....0 ccc. $2.50
Era yibe Owl .... Sigs TR Ie with fall at RiP a
Barn Owl......--4... Papen cape) Ue, rage b 3
American COOt.......cl.:..c Mes tsee ee BARS cree | 55 o, Loon, ieee
Lewis Wood-pecker...... .. bind ARIES 10. \~ a RN i
California Thrasher....-.ccccsccece cence eens ey _ Red Throated one Metta ot :
Yellow-billed Magpie.......... ant, eR BRASS Fe 2254 : Fr Se
Black-billed Magpie....:......6..ceeccceeeeseeeeeeeee EEE SD) Cassin’s 5 yas : } 3
s BTCT CM WM bY oh) ia § WR pinhynr = 2 cer alee ae Plea atee alo pi alee i aS
MOLI arG ali nale.d 6 sie ok AEH oh aces dares 05 | F Skua, { :
Sooty Tern..-.25...022: ee af peer Ul a
Farallone Comorant -70 Long- tailed Jaeger, q We
Virginia Rail........ 20 08 Nae
APOGEE ue RT ee TY Glaucous Gull, | ; FAS
EP QUSE SBI GI 2575 ski sey. Se spe en ae eeen tebe t were Bere Us) P iol
Western Kingbird... yi woe | Iceland Gul,
California Blue-hird......... } California’ Gull, ‘
Lazuli Bunting................ Tee eee EF ili; G il,
Bullocks Oriole::........5.024: 10 | ranklin
Western Red Tailed Hawk. bers WI Has a Oe
FOI ROT 8 see, sy ee aoe eek a ee 10}. Fulmar :
White “Peligants 250. Sct © 3 aipneseea died tion vac eoah Reaas 30 Th :
\ American Herring Gullic.cptsreus ots estceestenees 15 | Manx Shearwater,
Willow Ptarmigan.......... EERIE Bre de eo ee ST ees a fare
Bobwhite, ........0.-.... ..05| . Man O’war Bird,
Russet-backed Thrush.. » 10 | ments * : :
Orewon. Powhees oc) geen ess cst 25,. Barrows Golden Eye,
California Screech ee Libs oD Sa yaestas Nigh
Prairie Hene snes ‘Velvet Scoter,
Red-shafted Flicker......... Wee ae gx’
Bish OFOW 2 egecnyy py oa : Whooping Swan,
; Limpkin, —
9) es
15 | Curlew,
Green- ‘backed Goldfinch... Beech tooth: se Fe av cce te: 087} (joe taki
Foreign Eggs. ae i yStercatener,
Dipperin woes ESPEN SLANE fs” 2's arte ow aU eG 15 | ry
Misael, Dhrush..2)..2.5!l554 eee, iikoocoess se a ieaae 05 | Rock Ptarmigan,
Song Thrush...... whi Ndipcloite SeaRROR ES pate Se ee ses aCe ee 05> “n-shin ‘
Black Wird.c oo cj ss k Renee aR “05 | Sharp-shinned Hawk,
Hedge Sparrow..........6.--.sc0s J 3 OREN 2 Walp seiey Pare 05 5
PRODI ssid eset dae A MN entoeen rans Blin Fo 05 Golden Eagle, ¢
Wikbthe: Dhiroait sy 3. ei eine teen ada hese ocete 05. | Merlin, ;
A oh NRE Preiaie iie aan MaR e eak Sl MA al .04 i ,
Great Tit...,. 07 +
Cirl Bunting... . 510 k Raven, ;
Green Minch) e772 hss ce eeeenmcaeaeseane eae te 05 | ,
Starling ‘08 | Snow Bunting,
Rook 2004} ; : =
Swallow Ae WOT, Pine Grosbeak,
ae ha ee Golden Crowned Kinglet. .
nated hg =} 1 We Avena rr an ee ae ak J0 0 SRA at ci fa a ' Send 2 cent stamp for Price List: 3
MU OPT, coos cies eure Seaside, RRR ao cee EL oe MOVE TO OUO eggs in stock. St
Black-headed Gull................ oy oats ceva takes ate ote 20 | :
Whiskered Gye SRT SUEC I Oe! 30| Awarded silver medals for 188
OMAMON Gay. Ra a aa is seen -20
ROR APA een ok ee Te eta ae 49 | and ’9o0, at Toronto Exhibition, f
cS ey . 15 | largest collection of eggs, €
Reed Bam bin escola reece eae eae eee .10
Sets with data can be furnished when desired. Address, E. a Rippon,
On orders under $1.00 five cents must be added
for postage. No stamps taken. } 139 Cu mberland Street,
Address all orders to FF. i. CORLESS, |
Tillamook, Oregon.
ay &
al D >.
ue)
; > Ve
E. M. HAIGHT,
Box 24, Riverside, Cal.
‘The allt or! ‘Monthy.
A Montiily dine Perot BACB Uke SS ee of
Oxnitholony, QOology and Natural History. —
CHARLES (-H. PRINCE
Editorand Publisher, Dan ,elsonville, Conn.
| and taking with
| and say, as given i
U. tSe sae
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: ‘
Single Subscriptions, = - - ~ §- = oc.
Foreign - ss - Ws > aes tacts extra.”
Single: Copies. cn coe een = 3c each.
ADVERTISING | RATES:
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One Column, oneinsertion, |- -— - 225
Half Coiumn, one insertion, — - - - 1 20
One Inch, one insertion, — = = 5 eon
Casi: must accompany all advertisements.
Write for “Special rates on Standing advertise-
ments.
Articles and items of igterest to the student of
Natural History will be thankfully received.
_ &aPAddress all communications to the Editor
and Publisher.
Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville,
Conn., as second class mail matter.
SS
SSSI 2 TS, CERES ER SE WR
EDITORIALS.
Advertisements and exchanges received to late
for this number will appear in our next issue.
All advertisements and exchange notices must
be in our hands, to insure insertion, by the 2oth of
the month previous to our next publication.
We wish our subscribers, and many col-
lecting friends, 4 Happy New Year.
Subscribers can have sample copies of this
paper sent to their personal friends interest-
ed in Natural History if they will send us
their address, plainly written on a postal
card.
A typographical error in Red-throated
Loon of our last issue, fifth line from bottom,
[at the North] should have read at the
Mouth.
Thirty cents will make you a regular sub-
scriber to this paper and give you the privi-
lege of 30-words one insertion, in exchange
~olumm
| tos secure more el ge re
~ Our Premium n offered i in Dec. No. we s
tion. Certainly we
that others do n
knows something t
kno som
all sources ‘of new
a book or paper without get
idea, or suggestion, that wil
thinking: or planning.
Contributors who so kindly. ae
MSS., in answer to our offer wl ich we
have withdrawn for the present—accep
thanks. Please be. patient, they will appe
in due time as we are crowded for. room.
contitiue, those wishing to avail them
of this golden opportunity should do
once. A rare curio sity. A rare oppo
a
eer Ex-Col. notices we accept eggs. as ae
eee for cha a
My whole private eiacn of Eggs, skins, et
For SAue.- Full price list ‘upon application. All”
at very low prices. -Hereis a sample. Sets with
data orsingle. Add five cents if ordering less
than one dollar. ES =
Aretie Pern..:....-.-ies «10 Snake Bird
Baldpate........0......
Bells Vireo..
Clapper Rail.
CO Ota es cee Ss. Se
20 Am. Osprey........
Lark Sparrow.......... 06 Cardinal............,
Golden crowned Thrash nest four eees zane
Yellow breasted Chat ‘ _
Blackpoll Warbler |
«
Swamp Sparrow Sa tr a
Tricolered Black-bird, a hive pues
Biack Guillemot....... BIRT Oaeae con ood sves sen opie eee
American Hening Gull, ssteaees
Caspiam Tern:......... Gis...
Black Skimmer
Great Blue Heron..
Louisiana Heron...
Scarlet Tanager...
Summer Tanager.
Cedar Waxwine.........c..cecee cee
White eyed Vireo"*'*'* ‘
American Dipper ..... % isi Rs
Cal., Bush Tit, nest five exes Dag ake Rotebctuteiees
Blue gray Gnat-catcher, nest five eggs...
Purple Gallinule..
Wilsons Plover
Prairie Hen........
Audubons Caracara.
Chimney Swift.........
Chestnut collared Long-spu
California Towhee
Rose breasted Gro
Fred T. Jencks, formerly of Southwick < and
Jencks, Drownyille, Be ie
ste eeeeeeee
ween etn eeeweetececeseeeseee
ee
THE GOLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Devoted to > Ornithology, Datay and Natural History.
Whip-poor-will.
(Antrostomus Vociferus.)
The Whip-poor-will belongs to the order
Macrochires, Family Caprimulgidae, genus
Antrostomus. The Whip-poor-will arrives
from the sunny South, where he spends the
greater portion of his time, about the first
week in April. I have however seenhim as
early as March 31st, they remain with us
until the first part of September; the latest I
“ever saw them or heard their familiar notes
was Oct. Ist. Family duties do not begin as
soon as they arrive as is the case with sume
of our feathered friends, but they prefer to
wait until the cold mother earth is once
thoroughly warmed before they enter into
the duties of life. Fresh eggs may be taken
in this latitude about May sth to June rsth.
The nest if such it may be called is simply a
depression between two or more leaves, I
| have often read of them laying upon a broad
leaf, but I have examined five nests and as
‘yet I have my first to find which was laid on
abroad leaf. The eggs are generally two in
number, sometimes only one,Eliptical with a
ground color of white, they are very hand-
~somely marked with large and small spots of
"yellowish brown distributed abundantly ovey
the entire surface; deep shell markings are
“very prevalent and are of a lilac gray or
-avender tints. They avera ge about 1: 12x 85.
_ The Whip-poor-will is seldom seen, thus
making the villiage or city Orinotholigist
and Oologist believe him to be a very rare
bird in his locality, but let the city egg crank
we are called spend a night or two in the
‘wooded district about the first of May to the
ast of August and on moonlight nights
7.we™ 7} =
esbeetny will he think they are certainly
very common. They frequent upland woods
where the timber has grown up very thick
and where are occasional old
Ihave very often could
not distinguish the Whip-poor-will from his
near relation the Night Hawk. One remark-
able difference is in the Night Hawk the
tarsus is not covered with feathers, while
that of the Whip- poor-will is feathered
the way down to the ankle joint, and again
the bill of the Whip-poor-will is said to be
nearly as bluntly again as that of the Night
Hawk. I cannot say practically as I’ never
compared the two together. The Night
Hawk may be easily identified by the V
shaped white patch on the breast and also
by the white spot on each wing which are
decayed
logs -
met persons who
all
very conspicious when seen flying. The
tail of the Whip-poor-will is rounded, while
that of the Night Hawk is slightly forked.
The Night Hawk also inhabits the Prairie
districts while the Whip-poor-will is seldom
seen far from wooded districts. I trust the
above may be of interest to at leasta few of
the readers of this valuable little paper the
Collectors’ Monthly. Although the Monthly
is inits infancy its Editor of
making it a first class journal and let us all
help to make it as interesting as any of the
more advanced journals whenever we can,
by the frequent use of the pen.
Yours Oologically,
C. B. VANDYCOOK.
is desirous
Marion Co., Ills.
<$3 QOuR OFFER. -
To the persons sending us three new yearly
subscribers at 30 cents each, (90 cents cash)
we will send this paper one year FREE.
a
Se ee
10
THE COLLECTORS, MON TEE Ye
Winter Birds.
As winter is now upon us it would not be
amiss to write an article touching on our win-
ter birds.
It is ageneral belief that the woods and
fields are in the winter time, devoid of bird
life, but, if some enthusiastic collector
would brave the cold and start out on a
winter expedition through the fields they
would find this a very mistaken theory and
would be well repaid for their trouble.
Of course the birds which were with us in
the summer have gone to a warmer climate
but those birds which spend the summer in
the northern regions fly southward upon the
approach of the Arctic winter and make
their homes with us during the winter.
On traversing the same woods and fields
that have been traversed during the summer
one can find entirely different birds from
any also learn
many items of interest concerning birds with
which he considers himself well acquainted ;
for instance let him come near some swampy
woods and he will find the American Gold-
finch or yellow bird, (which he supposes
migrates in the fall) but with plumage so
changed as to be hardly recognizable, being
of a dull brown color instead of the buebs
yellow which it holds in summer.
Another very rare bird which is found in
northern states during the winter is the
Snowy Owl. He is also found in the west-
ern states along the coast. He breeds princi-
pally within the Arctic circle and is general-
ly found near some body of water, from
which he seldom strays... Unlike most of
his tribe he hunts by day and may be found
in the open fields seated upon agstump or
fence watching for mice upon which he
feeds. Although an Arctic species this Owl
bears confinement well,bu* cannot be tamed.
In the dense pine swamps several other
varities of Owls are found but the most in-
teresting of these is the Saw Whet Owl,
which is one of the smallest of the family.
This bird is not very common. Its pecular-
seen heretofore and can
ity is its note which sounds like the filing of
a saw. It feeds upon mice and small game.
The shrikes or butcher birds are found at
this season of the year. This is an extreme-
ly enteresting bird and is well worth going
miles to see. They are found near clumps
of bushes seated upon a branch watching
for a victim, which, when caught is impaled
upon athorn thus to await the appetite of
the cruel marauder. Some call it the nine
lifer because of the popular belief that it
impales nine victims before it begins its
meal. It feeds on mice, moles and smali
birds.
The Buntings are also quite common and
are found in flocks of a dozen to two hun-
dred or more. When flying they have the
appearance of pure white but the upper part
are black: They. are very shy and unap-
proachable.
Besides these there are many other birds
which instead of migrating remain
behind and may be found in the warmer
and secluded parts of a swamp. Among
these are the Golden winged and hairy
Wood-pecker, and white bellied nuthatch.
Now then, with all this material awaiting
us why should we not make tke winter as |
well as summer a study time for our great
science’
You who have never traversed the woods
in winter will find yourselves well repaid
for the trouble. FRED G.
We are constantly in receipt of flattering
testimonials in regard to the make-up of the
Colleotors’ Monthly. ‘We hope and intend
that the 2000 readers of this paper will get
full value for their money. Wedon’t believe
in short weights, but like to get what we pay
for, and like to give what we are paid for:
the Best Paper for the money, devoted to
Natural History, published. We will ap-
pend only one of the many testimonials we
are in receipt of.
C. H Prince, Esq., Dear Sir:—I received a copy
[ of your paper, the CoLLEcToRs’ MonTauiy, and
find it to be one of the BEST papers devoted to
Natural History that have come :nder my notice
Letson Balliet, Des Moines, lowa
My Screech Owls.
(Meyascops asio.)
BY F. S. NYE.
One day last spring as I was returning
home from an afternoon’s collecting trip, my
path lay through a piece of woods bordering
on the shore of a Wisconsin lake, it was
growing late, and the fast thickening shad-
ows of evening made it quite impossible for
me to find my way, Just as I was in the
center of the woods I was suddenly startled
by the screech of an owl. I stopped and
stood looking about me, trying to discern
from whence the sound came; and I soon
saw a small owl disappear in a hole in an
oak tree near by. The hole was about flve
feet from the ground; and on going to the
tree, I could, with no difficulty whatever,
reach my arm into the hole. My hand, on
reaching the bottom of the nest, was receiev-
ed by a few digs from the owl’s claws; but
T soon pulied her out of the nest, thus hav-
ing it free to my investigation.
It was lined with leaves (they probably
being the remains of an old Squirrel’s nest)
and a few feathers; and contained four half
fledged young, Screeeh Owls that would
probably leave the nest in about a week or
two. I removed them from it, and took
them home; soon after, leaving them to the
tender mercies of a noted taxidemist
city.
The Screech Owl is rather common in my
locality; but I have noted it only a few times.
They, as arule, nest in hollow trees; and
the first eggs are laid about the last of
March or the first of April. The number of
eges in a set (according to Davie) range
usually from four to six, and rarely nine ;
they are nearly round in shape; and are
pure white, averaging I. 40 by 1.20.
in our
The Freuch are endeavoring to train swallows,
the Germans pigeons and the Russians falcons.
Whether the falcons are themselves to convey
messages, or are to be used to cut down theswal_
- lows and pigeons while so engaged is not stated
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY
i
II
| Notes on the Birds of Long
Island. |
WITH BRIEF DISCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES.
BY W. W. WORTHINGTON.
(9) pr: Orin lomvia.
Brunnich’s Murre. (764 a.)
| Bill rather short, curved at tip, compress-
ed. Above brownrsh black. Tips of second-
| aries, and beneath white, as is the throat in
winter. Sides under wings with transverse
. Strips of ashy brown. Legs and feet greenish
brown. Length 17 inches Breeding habits
and eggs same as preceding.
Rare or irregular winter visitor along the
coast. ‘‘Between Jan. 8th and May 24th’’
| 84 I obtained 12 specimens and noted about
| 30 additional individuals of this species from
| the souch side of L. I. ** * The notes ac-
companying the specimens indicate that this
is avery uncommon winter visitor to the
west end of L. I., and an irregular winter
visitor to the extreme eastern portion of the
Island ’’* Dutcher.
(10) 32. Alcea torda:
Razor Billed Auk, (742.)
Bill and upper parts black. Beaneath,
and tips of secondaries forming a bar across
the closed wing, white. Bill compressed,
much higher than wide, with a curved line
of white crossing both mandibles. Tail
pointed. Length 17 inches.
A rare winter visitor. A fine specimen of
this bird, No 2776 of my record was picked
up dead on the shore of Long Island Sound
on Jan. 26, 1887 and sent to me to be mount-
ed. ‘‘Two or three instance of its occurance
in this vicinity’? (Helme). “Jan. rrth, 884
I recieved one from * * Southampton, * *
* Feb. 2nd, 1884 I recieved one from Smiths
Point, * * * Feb. 6th, 1884 I recieved still
another from Southampton, * * * (Dutcher.)
All these were found dead upon the beach,
and noted as being in very poor condition,
as was also the case with my _ specimen,
which goes to show that these individuals
strageled beyond theirfood supply, and came
of grief in consequence. Breeds from the
coast of Labrador northward, laying one or
12
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
two eggs, averaging 3: 00 X 2:00 in. among
the fissures of the rocks. Eggs are creamy
or bluish white, marked with brown and
blackish.
(11) 34. Alle alle:
Dovekie (752.)
Small. Above black. Edges of scapulars,
tips of secondaries, and under parts white.
Bill short, black. Feet reddish. Length
7 M2) i.
Not uncommon along the coast in winter
Two or three instances of its capture here.
IT had one specimen which was caught in a
creek at Shelter Island, evidently blown in
from sea by a heavy easterly storm. Breeds
in the far north, laying one ‘pale bluish egg,
in crevices of the rocks. Eggs average 1:
See L827.
(02) e315: SRUQ:
Skua Guill. (696)
“Above dark brown, the feathers tipped
with gray. Wings chocolate brown, with
their shafts and basal parts white. Tail dark
brown, white at base. Beneath dark gray-
ish brown. Bill, legs, and feet black. The
' central tail feather extend beyond the others
Length 22in. Bill 2: 50. his species has
rarely been obtained in the United States’’
(Baird).
Megalestris
Extremely rare straggler in winter. ‘‘Mr.
M. F. King, one of the crew of the Life.
Saving Station at Amaganset, Suffolk Co.,
sent to me, in the flesh a specimen of this
species. He informed me that he found the
bird March 17, ’86 ina large piece of ice,
which had formed on the meadow back of
the beach, He also stated that Jan. 9th the
tides were exceedingly high, by reason of a
very severe N, H. storm and gale of wind.
He thought the bird probably died near the
shore and was driven by the very voilent
surf and wind to where it was found. The
high tide was followed immediately by very
cold weather which encased the bird in its
icy tomb, thus preserving it until found
aid permitting a new record for Long Island
and the third and most southern one for
North America. Mr. King, further stated
that no ice was driven on the beach during
the past winter, therefore the bird must have
died while on or near the beach. It is prob-
able that it died of starvation as it was very .
much emaciated. The sex could not be
determined as the viscera had begun to
decompose’’ (Dutcher).
Breeds in the far north, laying two or
three eggs of an olive or drab, with brown
and chocolate markings, in a shallow nest
on the ground.
36. Stercorarius pomarinus:
(13)
Pomarine Jaeger (697,)
Above blackish brown. Throat and under
parts white. A band of brown spots across
upper part of breast. Sides and back of
neck bright yellow. Shafts of quills white.
The middle tail feathers extend beyond the
others 2 inches. Length 20 in.
Probably a very rare straggler in winter.
Breeds in Greenland. Habits and eggs
similar to preceding.
Stercorarius parasiticus:
(14) 37.
Parasitic Jaeger. (698.)
*‘Above blackish brown, darkest on wings
and tail. Shafts of primaries white. Nape
and sides of neck yeliowish white. Beneath
with. Bill and feet black the former bluish
at base. Centeral tail feathers extend
beyond the others about 3 in. Length 21
inches. Breeds in the far north.
About the roth, of Sept. 1882 they were
common in this part of the Sound. I shot
a malefabout this time. At the present time
(Aug. 25, 83) Jaegers are reported to be
occasionally seen from Stratford Shoal Light
House. I saw several there Aug: 16th and
17th, (’83.) I have also seen them at other
times but was unable to tell which species
they were. Sometimes they are not un-
common late autumn visitors at the time
when the Terns are moving South”’ (Helme).
er ee — -
VV anted.
Will exchange sets of the following, for a good
~ cabinet: Ridgways Numbers., 382, 395, 396,
exchanges" and :
poet named — 402, 402 b, 408, 420, 423, 436b, ete. Send full
0. E. CROOKER.
Will allow a | description. Address,
a fisted less _ 621 Francis St., Madison, Wis.
es FOR SALE,
A collection of over 200, first and some second
| class specimens, from this locality, many of which
are catalogued at over 25 ¢., for $2.50, sent post
paid, No. stamps.
A. W- NOLTE.
_W. 16th n St., | Los Angeles, ( Cal.
NOTICE.
|. Specimens and supplies of all kinds to ex-
ie i ehange for such specimens as we can use, and any
( lis, Indian and | kind of personal property, Send stamps for list.
ens. Stamps, | All letters answered. Cabinets made to order.
1nd Confederate | Letson, Balliet, Des Moines, lowa, Note. We will
‘ obtain a specimen for a patron if not in stock.
i} ald 2th ad.
WANTED.
The following single eggs, Ridgways numb&s.
38-58-4-55 58-76-77-79-S1-85-86 a-94 96, 114, 116, 117,
119, 121, 125, 125, 127, 236, 266, 268, 290a, 299 b,
| 290, 291, 292, 296, 313, 328, 353, 397, 397 a, 405 a, 41,
412b, 418, 417, 423, 427, 451, 452, 469, 470a, 471, 472,
500, 508, 505, 509. 513, 517, 519, 520a. 521, 523, 524,
528, 529, 580, 541. a, 543, 546, 547, 554, 563, 564, 565,
556, 581, 586, 588, 593 a, 594, 595, 598, 618, 619, 620,
627, 627 a, 639, 654. 655, 657, 658, 664. 666, 968, 679,
680, 694, 696, 702, 7I1, 712, 736, 752. Can offer sets
of 35, 41 b, 145, 207, 238 a, 287, 300, 325a, 336 and
nest, 402, 484, 436, 646a, 661, 667, 699, 751, and
many others.
ARTHUR. E. PRICE.
Grant Park, Ill.
Gollectors’ Exchange.
‘First-class skins with, W. M. BERMAN.
1050 Ingraham St. Los Angeles. Cal.
NOTICE.
Will give first or second class eggs for a rifle,
smooth bore between, 44 and 50 Gauge. Make
offers at once.
O. F. ZAHN.
at, ‘S$. Hope St. Los Angeles, Cal.
advertises ex-
epic and state |
| EXCHANGE _
if :
] ections, including
\ me
Send
Mand ‘ee press.
rice and size of Chase.
«EL RAUBE.
The Agassiz Association Bulletin.
A Monthly Magazine which contains all
the latest Agassiz Associatioa and scientific
news, and fresh articles by - well known
writers on Botany, Zoology, Entomology,
Orinithology, Oology etc.
Numbers from 1 to 40 except 4,6, 13.and
ge for other egg cheap for cash.
_ W. B. PORTER.
Ils.
; few sets with data of the followin,e
it over from last season, which I-desire to ex-
ange for sets of any of ‘the Gulls, Terns, Hawks
Jwis: Ridg’s No’s. 27, 36, 53, 148, oar 82. ete.
ill send a list of common. varieties, if desired-
stamps. What have you to offer? Corre
ndence. solicited, Address, —
70. 5 E.SCROOKER.
om Pramcis St., EMadisons Wis.
Subscription 35 cents per year.
with Vol 4. Oologists’ Exchange asa pre
mium, Advertising rates on application.
Sample copy free.
BULLETIN PUB. CO., Gilman Ill.
4 oo
es 2
rh
I offer the following eges trom my private collection. Seles of theres are Foxconn rare and ae
sirabie, and collectors will do well to fill up the gaps in their collections, at once as I have but few vot
- them. 5 gee ier x
‘
Ridgways Numbers. a
sialecssepesestisis 40 SAAS pebeeaeepy UG: cia teeectacs cac< ettacatecabeae vgs
-5b Hermit Thrush¥...........00...5... a
9 Varied Thrash ygin, occcicee~ ia tecen sos e+ ese-gvenecstvens Ser 417 Pigeon Hawk.......
iéa Lecontes Thrasherlg, 44. \.......0...:sccsceenees 428 Mississippi Kite 1-1 -
19 Arm. Water: Oucel yan aii, cage csate can ns-occsceaanens 447 Am. Rough-leg Hawk}é............. ri
20 Blue-throated W ablerl-5,................-.:c000000- “0 | 448 Ferruginous Bone fee's: ncetosvounaeaw’
26 Black-crested Flycatcher¥...............-.-. + So 449 Golden Eagle%, 1-1.
34. Kennicotts Wabler 1-5.....0.0..........c..ceceeeeeee 00 | 451 Bald Eagle. 1-1.......
ye hal RES Sale eee aes aya 471 Dusky Grouse 1-7.. :
36 Tufted Titmousel-6 ....... diesgetgeyesonrse-encesneree 35 | 47la Sooty GrousetQy.s.....c.-.ccceeee ceeee
38 Plain Titmouse 1-6...0.. 2 iveee nce. eee ee ensae eee .45 | 475 Rock Ptarmigan 1-1
51a Slender-billed Nuthatch 1. LE BRR a .60 | 479 Sage Cock 1-7, %.
84 Pigmy Nutiepenyg oii. oo. Seis. .0 eee ick eseenenscs .55 | 486 Great White Heron¥................
55 Brown Creeper 1-5............ ARERR pe tee .70 | 5386 Bonaparte Sandpiper...........-.-.0-..
: .60 | 548 Nellow legs 12-2 <
$7 St. Lucus Cactus Wrent,”
81 Golden-winged Warbleri....
I4la Cassins Vireo%
147 Day Vireo™............. 0.02
... .60-| 564 Black-necked Stil
150 Bohemian Wax-wing'.......0..02........c.00. 1.40 | 585. Hancneet eke See
168 Hepatic Tamager'4.....6...6....6.. woes 1.25 | 598a Am. Whitedronted’ Goose
186 Snow Bunting 1-5, 1-6 .. 0.3.0... ee .50 | 594a Hutchins Goose 1-7
224 Black-throated Semrerys K 603 Florida Duck.. on
934 Lincoln's: Finch 4 .l. ccs ibsece..-ecieseceeeeenees 604 Gadwall 1-6....... te
238b Oregon Towhee 1-5 : 608 Shoveller 1-10......
240 Cali Wowhee 1-6. 2. i.ccccnicsencece co -ncecccans .... e60.| 619 Barrows Golden Bye 1-5...
280° Ams SRVOUIh Sc. se eases, noe oo ~ 622 Harlequin Duck, Yen. ese
282b Northwestern Fish Creqi- 629 King Eider4......cy00...+-
291 | BYORI S, Say Yann sis aes evans ews cc ek sacceae 3 630 Am. Scoter\....... Bigawikcco
335 Ruby -throated ‘Humming bird n-2.. -60 | 636 Am. Sheldrake 1-6...+......
337 Costa’s Humming bird * 33 ARs ate .90 | 658a Pacific Kittiwa’
GSE Pear WHI ees, tededs Bete Sa caweriaeans 2.00 | 659 Red-legged Kittiy akels...
363 Texan Sapsuckerl4, 14... ices cee lecceceeee eee 1.00 | 661 Iceland Gulla. %
366 White-headed Woonresiey | SRR 1.25 | 665 Siberian Gull%...
374 Gila Woodpecker'¥4, 1-5...2......... cece. eceee eee eet .80 | 674 Franklins Gulii<,
383 Texan Kingfisher¥4, 1-8...........ccceceeceee eee 1.00 | 692 Bridled Tern 1-1...,
406 Snowy Owl 1-6........00..0.. Sipe as Siar ea 2.50 | 705a Pacific Fulmer b
Address,
F. T. PEG BER,
Granville,
Yon 2.
pa The Collectors’ Monthly.
A Few Bixceptions
3 Under vie title of Birds Nests and Eggs,
nd in the November Monthly, Fred G. states
that “birds breeding in opal or dark
- places lay white eggs.” The writer
evidently forgot to take into consider-
‘ation the Great Crested Flycatchers, the
uthatches, the Titmice, the Chickadees,
some of the Wrens, the Blue birds and
numerous other species, which “nest in
h oles or dark places.’’ Now, considering
he reason given for this statement, that
the eggs are white, because “Nature does
Caro
phe take the trouble to waste her pager
ae he aie m nanan isnot needed
:
“hs the ease of the eggs of the Dove, the
3 Kia dh collector of specimens in Natural skate.
| Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to make |
up in first-class shape, and sell cheaper than the |
8 me grade of skins can be bought from any dealer, |
is Send stamp for list of skins and eggs. I offerwith
es yactn: —
Peat ndence desired with collectors in any
Q PN atural History, who desire honest spe- |
| cimens at honest prices,
Dantevsonvite, Conn., FEBRUARY, 1891.
Ample reference if de-
iy
’ Monthly.
Mies: THOSE INTERESTED UN NATURAL HISTORY.
1891. No.
2
ceptions to the rule, than there are cases
where the rulo applies, then the rule is
invalid.
The reasoning employed is inductive,
‘but ‘the fallacy has arisen from the
author’s putting non Causa pro causa;
that is, he has assigned an effect to a
cause which did not exist.
I will not attempt to state the reason
for the different coloring of birds-eggs, for
Ido not think science has yet reached the
point wheresuch a diseovery can be made.
ALBERT GARRET.
We congratulate Mr. Crooks in the new
work he is now undertaking, and we feel
sure that he will make his work a success.
We, as Collectors’ are greatly in need of a
complete, authentic Directory in order that
we may know in what part of the field to find
our friend Collectors’. Send your address
which will be inserted free, to
W. A. CROOKS, Gillman, Il.
Fine Stamps
on approval at. 50 per cent
discount, sent to responsible
parties. TI also have
For Sale Cheap
Birds Eggs, Skins, Shells,
Insects, Minerals, Indian
Relies, Coins, Confederate
Money, Relics and Curiosi-
ties in great variety. Illus-
trated catalogue free.
E. M. HAIGHT,
Box 24, Riverside, Cal.
THE “at lep pea a MONTHLY.
AB Ae ree ee ee a
—
The Collectors wibidee |e... Prince. Clinton, Ark.
aint fo Soles oC Natural ee Collectors Monte was duly een
CHARLES H. PRINCE and I feel it my duty tocongratulateyou
Editor and Publisher, Dan.elsonville, Conn. in your success. Itis nice and neat, and
UZ-S: 285 of excellent reading matter, it is sure of ©
| success and is well worthits price. I wish
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Single Subscriptions, = BRIS = . -~) 20e Sei 3 . 2
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| can towards getting subscribers, for I
oo such a paper of value to any —
One p:tge, one insertion, = = : - $4 00
eae cateei oe ekestion, Ret ea se oe collector. Very Truly Yours.
Half Coiumn, one insertion, - - - I 20 ae
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Casa must accompany all sdgeriaem ents: |
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Articles and items of interest in any branch of Advertiser” as a premium.
Natural History solicited for publication. parr
B@-Address all communications to the Editor| Arthur’s Home Magazine offers as an
and Publisher. indacement for new subscribers for the
year 1891, four new names one year
Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville, $5. 00 or ce $2. 00 Gash (New names) the
Cozn., as second class mail matter. >
of Charles Dickens works. The books
Home Magazine and a set of 12 volumes:
All persons subscribing this month can —
JOTTINGS. are of the Lesiure Hours series and areof —
the size of the Seaside and other similar ;
We solicit subscribtions at thir ty cents | Libraries, the twelve volumes contain —
per year, for the benifit of this paper and | the following world famous works, each —
enlargement in the near future. | one of which is published complete, un-
We can only judge by what subscribers tield, Martin Chuzzlewit, Nicholas Nick-
say regarding tha value of the Collectors |
the opinion of another. peat is your | Stories, Oliver Twist and great Expec-
opinion of it? tations, the Old Curiosity Shop and the
ae Uncommer cial Traveler, a Tale of Two
Giddings, Texas. ) Cities, Hard Times and the Mystery of
Mr. C. H. Prince, commences its fortieth year of continuous
Dear Str:—I have recieved three copies
| Edwin Drood. Arthur’s Home Magazine, —
| changed and unabridged. David Copper-—
elby, Dombey & Son, Bleak House, Little —
M F d, Pickwick — .
Monthly: Here’s the decision of one and | ae Se Mo Cee ;
publication and is a Monthly of dis- —
of your little Journal and find it equal tinguished literary excelence. Inaddition —
| to a liberal supply of stories, are choice
te many that 1 have pal, double ats selections intended for special didactic
amount for. The reading matter is new, | reading. We would recommend to all ©
and the exchange column is as good as those wishing to subscribe for an honest
any in the Union and superior to a great | clean Monthly Magazine, to snbscribefor
many. Hoping that you may have
enough subscribers to warrant its enlarge
ment next Vol.
: Remain, Sala Oologically,
E. A. RAUBE.
more explicit particulars write is TT 8S.
Arthur & Son Publishers.
Box 913, Philadelphia, Penn.
Arthur's Home Magazine ior 1891— —
whether wishing premium or not—for —
HE GOLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Devoted to OmfuEboloay: Oology ay Natubal History.
The Nests and Habits of the lin the young fir timber on the foot hills al-
Oregon Grouse.
Bonasa umbellus sabini.
|For the Collectors Monthly.]
The adult specimens of these birds are of
a dusky or slate blue color. The tail is tip-
ed with two bands on the extremity of the
tail feathers, the outer band is of a light grey
ashy color while the inner band is pure black
and about 3-4 of an inch in width. Over the
eyes are two semi-circular watiles of bright
yellow, extending from the base of the upper
mandible back of the eye about 3-8 of an inch
having a soft velvety appearance. The feath-
ers of these birds are much lighter during
the summer, changing from blue to greyish
brown. The nests of this species are always
placed on the ground in a shallow depres-
sion in the earth which is roughly lined with
grass and surrounded with straws and a few
sticks.
The nests are rather a crude affair at best,
‘and are generally placed in old clearings,
where wild pea vine or timothy has grown
up or been sown; thus giving their nest’s
and young better protection from their most
dreaded enemies; Hawks and the common
skunk.
Their eggs are considerably less than those
of the-domestic fowl and are of a creamy
white spotted with light brown blotches with
the spots more thick at the base than the
apex of the egg. The number of eggs in a
set as arule range from 10 to 16 although I
have taken sets of only 4 and 5 eggs.
In the summer these birds live on grain
and can always be found around wheat fields.
When the fall rains set in they seek the foot
hills and in early winter begin to go to roost
ways selecting a thick grove on a high knoll
well protected from high winds. Their win-
ter food is principally young fir buds which
they crop from the trees in which they roost
The first few warm days in the spring the
males begin to hoot and continue to do so
until late in the summer. Most of the hoot-
ers select very large fir trees at this time of
the year and sit very high up when hooting.
Their neck skin becomes covered with yel-
low spots resembling small blisters while
hooting and when hooting can be distended
until their necks are as large as a mans arm.
The old males call is rather hard to imitate;
on paper at least, and consists of 4 or 5 hoots
in quick sucession. The female utters only
one cry in the breeding season which con-
sists of one long drawn plaintive hoot. The
courtship of these birds is something very
amusing and interesting also for the reason
that few collectors can claim the honor and
pleasure of witnessing this strange spectacle.
I once had the pleasure of witnessing part of
a grouse courtship. I had been out “hunting
one day last spring until about 4 o’clock in
the afternoon and had paused to rest on an
old oak log near a little glade in the timber.
I had perhaps been seated five minutes,
when I was disturbed by the flutter of wings,
and glancing behind me I saw to my surprise
an old “hooter’’ with his tail spread in all
the splendor of an old male turkey, his wings
draging along among the dry leaves not 30
feet away from me, cutting a big circle
around his mate who stood gazing at him in
ameekand apparently admiring frame of
mind. At the end of each semicircle the
old fellow would spin around like a top
producing a sound similar to that of a strut-
ting turkey. This continued for some
minutes, the hen cackling all] the time while
the male would stop and hoot occasionally.
Finally my dog burst through the bushes
and both birds taking fright at the intruder
sailed away out of sight.
Ciay McNaMEE.
Moscow, Idaho.
14
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY:
The Turkey Buzzard.
For the Collectors Monthly.
The Turkey Vulture is deserving of our
greatest praise and protection, for no other
bird renders such invaluable and immediate
service as does the Buzzard. Other birds
destroy insects which may injure our crops,
they also destroy those which do no harm as
well as those that are a benifit to us, besides
charging ‘‘toll” from the crop itself, We
can live without gay plumage, we can live
without their song, but when we come to
consider health as a factor of our existance
we must not fail to vote the Vulture as our
most valuable bird, The Zzrkey Vulture
is more attentive to its duty than the other
Species, but its great numbers, vast region of
extent and its seeming fearlessness enable it
to secure the greater portion of food, and
not even the dead rat in the barnyard is
allowed to escape notice. Its God given
powers enable it to subsist upon that, which
is not only noxious to our external senses,
but is poison and disease to our systems.
Endowed with the keenest scent and the
sharpest eye the Buzzard is ever ready and
anxious to remove the decaying carcasses
from the fields.
We cannot comprehend their value to us,
but we do know that their’s is a welcome
mission, which promotes our better health,
and health means wealth and happiness.
The Buzzard is the most widely distributed
of any of the family, (also the most numerous)
and, perhaps of any of our birds. Its range
extends over the whole of the U. S., Southern
Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the
greater part of South America. It is most
abundant in the warmer portion of the
continent; the farther south one goes, the
greater the need, and here they are found
soaring by hundreds, in company with their
near relatives, the Black Vulture, or Carrion
Crow. The-two are often mistaken for each
other, though a-.second look is sufficient to
determine their difference. The Buzzard is
l ofa dirty brown color, with long, bent wings
and divergent quills at the ends, and takes
two or three long sweeping strokes of the
wings, while the Carrion Crow is black, has
short straight, round ended wings and flies
heavily, making about six short, quick
strokes in rapid succession, and repeated
often, whereas the Buzzard may sail for
hours, with perhaps, only now and then a
single wave of the wings. Whenseen closer,
the Buzzard has a red head and neck similar
to acommon turkey’s (hence the name), and
the Carrion Crow is black.
When anywhere but in the sky overhead,
the Buzzard seems to be out of his realm,
away from home. Heis awkward, clumsy,
filthy and unsightly. But let him stretch
his powerful wings out over the fields, and
he at once becomes the most graceful bird of
the air, sailing, and rocking, as it were, on
the billows of the sky. Other birds (suchas
the Hawks), feeling a sense of pride, mount
into the heavens to try their skill at soaring,
but fall far short of the Buzzard’s standard
of excellence,and presently drop into the
forests below.
The very nature of the Buzzard’s occupa-
tion, or manner of subsistence, often re-
quires him to go hungry (for he is wont to
kill), and consequently, when he does find
food, gorges himself till unable to fly. If
disturbed he will disgorge his meal to make
safe his escape. I have no authentic record
of ones ever attacking a life animal, though
they sometimes hover over a dying beast till
life is extinct, rather then eat the flesh of a
living being.
Like other American Vultures he has no
voice, but only hisses like a goose or setting
turkey.
The muscles of the wings, like those of
most other sailing birds, are so arranged that
when the wings are spread, it requires no
effort on the part of the bird, to keep them
thus, and it can soar all day without tireing.
It’s extreme lightness also aids much to
easy flight, its body being even smaller than
that of the Carrion Crow.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
It often breeds in communities, but more |
commonly in pairs, selecting, as a building
sight, some rocky cliff, hollow log or stump,
acavity ina tree, a cave or even the bare
ground. In trees, the eggs are deposited on
the bo#tom, even if it be hollow clear to the
ground. Considerable noise is occasioned
in going in and out, by the wings, raking
against the sides of the tree,and is sometimes
heard for nearly half a mile. For three sea-
sons I have visited what is known here as
“Buzzards cave,’’? in the hopes of securing
a set of eggs ofa pair that usually breed there.
I finally concluded that they knew my errand,
and quit going so regular. One day, as I
strolled by, I saw two full-fledged young
sitting in the eutrance sunning. On my ap-
pearance, they turned and scampered to its
remotest ends and tucked their heads in
crevices of the rocks. This year I was
awarded for my patience, by a handsomely
marked set of two eggs, which further testi-
fy to the theory that the eggs are laidin pairs
that will hatch male and female, that the
two are not the same general shape, or of
the same general markings. One is a ‘‘roos-
ter egg,’’ not laid by the rooster, but will
hatch out to be one, and is longer than the
other, and has a predominance of the dark
brown markings, aggregated near the larger
end; while the “hen egg’’ is shorter, more
pointed, has fewer brown blotches and more
of the concealed or lilac color, and more
evenly distributed over the whole egg.
~ Now I will not vouch for the truth in this
part of my letter, but it is my candid opinion,
and as far as my experience goes, the rule
holds goods. I would be glad to hear from
other observers on this point.
_ The young of the Buzzard, and also the
| “Squobs”’ of the Carrion Crow are pure
| white, in the down, not a dingy yellow, but
-as clean looking as the driven snow. It is
/interesting to watch them as they grow, and
‘the black quills appearing one by one, in
rows, till the beautiful down has disappear-
| ed, and oursquab isa ragged, dingy Buzzard.
| It is several months before the young leave
the nest. They are loth to be intruded up-
‘on, and emit the already decayed carrion
in self-defense, and to the disgust of the in-
_truders.
| Two eggs generally constitute a clutch,and
are too well described in books to need men-
tion here.
| Begging tobe excused for being so lengthy
!
‘in any remarks. I remain,
Very respectfully yours,
CUE, BLEAS,
Clinton, Ark. l
Notes on the Birds of Long
Island.
WITH BRIEF DISCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES.
BY W. W. WORTHINGTON.
(15) 38. Stercorarius longicaudus:
Long-tailed Jaeger. (699.)
Above blackish gray. The lores, crown
nape, wing quills, tail and feet are black.
Beneath white, with a tinge of yellow on
breast. The two central tail feathers extend
beyond the others six inches or more, and
taper to a point. Length 20 in.
A rare winter visitor along the coast. This
family of birds are parasitic in habits, and
may be seen attentively watching the Gulls,
and when one is seen to secure a morsel of
food the Jaeger immediately starts in pursuit,
often obliging the Gull to disgorge, when the
Jaeger will instantly swoop down and catch
the food before I have the
species nuw under consideration following
up their trade along the coast of South Caro-
lina in which instances the Herring Gulls
were the victims of their piracy. Both
species frequently came within easy gun-shot
of the steamer.
it sinks. seen
(16) go. Rissa tridactyla:
Kittiwake Gull, (658.)
Above silvery gray. Wings tipped with
black. Head, neck, and under parts white.
Legs and feet black. Bill yellow. Iris ced-
dish brown. . Length 17 inches.
A regular migrant but not very common.
A fine specimen in my cabinet was shot at
Ram Island Shoals. They sometimes travel
in company with flocks of Bonapartes Gulls,
but are somewhat shy compared with that
species. Breeds on the coasts of Northern
New England, and northward; nests of sea-
weeds and grasses on rocky cliffs. Eggs 2 or
3, yellowish buff, or grayish, spotted with
browns, and lilac, and average 2 1-4 x 1.61
inches.
16
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY
My Experience with the Birds
of South Florida.
(For the Collectors Monthly.)
Having taken the ‘‘bird’s-egg craze,’’(asit
is called by some) when a boy and living in
this, my native State (Tennessee), I was not
able with any ease at that age to prepare
and arrange in my cabinet what poor speci-
mens I could obtain, but having had more
experience, I determined to make it a study
instead of simply a robbery of the birds.
After taking the ‘‘craze’’ and partially
encouraged by the delightful experiences of
collectors, of which I read in the neat, little
periodical published by Frank H. Lattin
called the ‘‘Young Oologist,’’ I set about
real business in collecting eggs. So in the
early spring I was in the field one beautiful
day, and my first find was a handsome set
of two eggs of the Turkey Vulture and this
find greatly encouraged me as it would any
boy. The nest was situated in a hollow tree
very near the ground. The eggs were per-
fectly fresh and beautifully blotched wtth a
rich brown, I did not take the measurements
in those young days, so I never obtained
the exact measurements of any of my eggs
comprising my first collection. Well I will
procede with my subject. It was in the
year 1880 that I left this “‘garden spot of the
world’’, in company with my father who
was a consumptive, and went to the ‘‘Land
of Flowers and tropical scenery.’’ After
having gotten my father comfortably fixed,
I devoted all my time in spring to-the birds.
And when not in that occupation, I was
gunning the Ducks (which are very plentiful
at certain seasons of the year) or chasing
the ‘Finny Beings’? over a beautiful sheet
of water 2 miles wide by 3 1-2 long on
which our place was. We were situated 2
1-2 miles South of the city of Orlando in
the center of the orange-producing regions,
anda more delightful country was never
visited by mortal man. Well the spring
came at last and the birds were simply too
numerous to mention. My first take was
a set of 3 eggs of the Sparrow Hawk. The
nest was situated in an old, dead pine tree
about 15 feet from the ground. The old
bird was on the nest when I reached the
hole with the aid of my climbers, and she
“put up’? a good fight, and it was not until
I had had my hands skinned in several
places by trying to catch her, that I succeed-
ed in obtaining the set, which is by far the
most exquisite I have in my cabinet. Ikept
the old bird in confinement for several days,
but at last she died possibly scared to death
by prowling cats, in which Florada is said
to abound, especially in Orange Co. I took
this set of eggs Feb. 23, 1881, I never had
the luck to find any other rare species for
several days or probably a week. Finally I
met with an old friend who proposed that
we go insearch of “Crane’s eggs,’’ as he
called them, meaning many species of the
‘‘Heron’? family. So I jumped at the
‘chance, as I had not been able to locate
their breeding places with my scanty knowl-
edge of the surrounding country. Soon the
morning of the 8th of March 1881, we set out
with all tools and baskets necessary for col-
lecting a large quantity of eggs of the “‘Her-
ons.’’? We arrived at thespot (about 5 miles
from any residence) where there was a large
swamp covered with a very heavy growth of
under-brush. The birds arose and flew from
us in all directions. In my excitement I
shot into the flock, which was not more than
20 feet over-head and accidently killeda
beautiful specimen of the ‘‘Snowy Egret”
which I have mounted to this day. Then
armed with rubber-hip boots, we proceded
into the marsh. The nests were placed very
thickly all over the surface of the marsh and
I never hadas much sport (if that it might be
called) collecting eggs in my life. We took
46 sets of the ‘‘Little Blue Heron,”’ 22 of the
“Great Blue,’’? 16 of the ‘Snake Bird,” 29
of the ‘‘Snowy Hgret,’’ and 6 sets of some
species of Duck, with which I was not fami-
liar at that time. But the eggs were
much smaller than those of the domes-
ticated duck and of a deeper blue color. It
was about 11 o’clock when we left the swamp
and as we were very hungry we made quick
time for home, feeling greatly rewarded for
our journey.
as almost every collector is familiar with both
the habits and eggs of this species of water
fowl. I have now taken up ‘to much time
wtih this, so I will close my experiences for
this time, hoping that some less experienced
collector may be benefitted bythem. If I
can be of any help to any reader of this, I
am at his command.
A. L. CHILDRESS,
P. O. Box 59. Decherd, Tenn.
I have not described the eggs, |
Ne av
.
net VJ
ANGES AND WARTS.
er this heading we insert exchanges and
rants, and accept first-class eggs correctly named
ith data or money in payment. Will allow a
rord {or every cent the eggs are worth. No second
ss eggs received. No eggs accepted listed less
liiteen cents each. Those having a_large
ber of words send sets it possible. We do
cate for notices less than 25 words. Eggs
money must accompany your notice.
_ ATTENTION !—Every one who advertises ex-
‘changes or wants by numbers, be sure and state
ether itis the A. O. U. or Ridgway’s numbers
VOU Use.
WANTED.
Orignal setsfrom other localities, fur California
ets or singles. Send listand receive mine. Singles
‘sale at one-half rates, and less. Address,
Meher __F. A, SCHNEIDER, Jr.,
llege Park, Santa Clara Co., Cal.
‘One hundred and seventy-five
Dawn se SCAM pS
is and curiosity papers, all different, a $2.50
t’s International albumin good condition,$2.00
rare stamps, and one first-class set of three
f£ Red-tailed Hawk to exchange for Indian
3s or first-class egg's in sets with full data.
ee BAO ACE CHAS. R. KEYES,
oe
To EXCHANGE
.00 worth of single eggs (first class) for an
y knapsack or 44 cal. c. fire, Remington Revol-
| ver or packed arenoid Barometer registering 10,000
y HENRY HALL,
Vernon, Iowa. _
swell, Lowa.
S paper one year with privilege of 30 words
is column one insertion for thirty cents. -
EXCHANGE NOTICE.
have 23 No’s. of Golden Argosy trom 288 to 312
Sive and 28 No’s of Argosy from 313 to 340 in-
e, which | willexchange for best offer of sea-
S eggs in sets with data or will sell for $3.00.
) 7 1-3, 106 2.1, 467 2-4: ;
B. G. WILLARD,
__New Castle, Maine.
CARUS TéN CENTS EACH.
.verage size 18 x 24, 2c stamps taken onl for
, 7 for soc. - Albatross,Bobolink i ries she
for, Cookoo, Owl, Pelican, Night Hawk, Flam
ingo. Heron. L. E. RICHARDSON, North
_Grosvenordale, Conn.
TO EXCHANGE.
oy Singles of Birds eggs value at $8.50 and sets of
i 1 A.O,U tor iffe or other EE UY
Rea ayer J. COLBY BASSETT.
Winslow, Kennebec Co., Muine.
_ Wanted to exchange with all collectors this
| Coming season first class sets with full data of both
‘American and Foreign eggs.
receive mine. C.W. CRANDALL.
Woodside, Orleans, Co., N. Y.
Kindly send lists.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Be SE A ee eae ee ee)
BIRD’S EGGS.
Skins, Shells, Minerals, Fossils,
Bay
Indian and War Relics, Coins, Medels, Tokens,
Stamps, Colonial, Continental, United States and
Confederate Money, State Notes, Broken Bank
Bills, Curiosities, etc., for same,
E. M. HAIGHT,
Box 24, Riverside, Cal.
WANTED.
Double barrel shot gun, breech loader prefered
Colt, Remington or Smith and Wesson’s revolver,
Winchester rifle or other good make, repeating pre-
ferred. Will pay cash if cheap, or give good ex-
change in first-class sets of BIRDS eggs, Books,
Watch and many other articles, or will sell for
cash, : C. BYRON VANDYCOOK,
Box 113, Odin, Ills. ;
To EXCHANGE.
Infertile eggs of domesticated wood ducks, man-
darines, teal and pintails to exchange for live wild
ducks or fertile eggs. Don’t want egg shells of any
kind. FRED MATHER,
Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.
For Exchange.
Following sets, Ridg’s. No’s. 15, 135, 1498, _—
286, 387, 408, 463, 464, 565, 572, 666a, 674, 723, 733,
751, 700. Also the best tanning process for tur skins
in use and pattern for mittens for $1.50 worth of
first-class sets at Lattins 18go list, send list of sets,
A. E. Kibbe,
Mayville, N. Y.
- Wanted.
Names for my new directory, greatest ever com-
piled. Notice “ad” in another column, Send your
hame on a postal stating in what column you wish
it put. Give name and address plainly written on
a postal to, JAMES HILL,
Sox 125, Edinburgh. Ills.
For Exchange.
Single Ridgway’s Numbers.
679; 733) 442, 431 7432, 385, 669, 6So, 673, 161, 494,
494, 690, 494, 690, 499, O41, 477+ 490, 493, 763, OSS, 57%
286, 555,516, 379, 591, 742, 733% 11, 69, 395, and many
others for any sets. Owls, Hawks, Woodpeckers,
Terns, Gulls, or any number from 500 to 725. I
will exchange the above at 2-3 rates for any thing I
chave named. Or at4y-5 rates for most any other set.
Everything must be complete set furnished with
complete data. It you have aay of the above send
your list if not silence is golden.
; JAMES HILL,
Box 125, Edinburgh, Llls.
ILLUSTRATED CURIOSITY LIST.
With Box Ornamental Minerals, Indian Relics,
Curiosities, roc. ‘Companion,’ Illustrated, de
scribing Curiosities, 25¢ year: Advertisements Ic-
a-word [mention this paper.]
E. A. BROWNE, Florence. Arizona.
We call your attention tothe new Directory now
being compiled by W. A. Crooks, Gillman, Ills.
Send in your ad or exchange notice, and thus help
| along a good cause.
The et Acecelbtton Bulletin.
A Monthly Magazine which contains all
the latest Agassiz Association and scientific
news, and fresh articles by well eal
writers on Botany, Zoology, Entomology,
Orinithology, Oology ete.
Subscription 35 cents per year.
with Vol 4. Oologists’ Exchange asa pre-
mium. Advertising rates on application.
Sample copy free.
BULLETIN PUB. CO., Gilman Il.
Standard Directory
—— FOR——_
Ornithologists, Oologists and
Taxidermists.
We will publish about April 1st, one of the best
’ cheap directories yet in the field. It will surpass
all the cheap directories yetissued. Will contain
sae or more pages, prinetd in heavy book paper,
bound substantially im heavy tinted covers.
Will contain names and addresses of the promi-
nent collectors of North Aimerica. Cards of princi-
pal dealers, Natural History press Directory, ete.
Price 25 cents after publication, but to those who
send in their addresses at Once and signifly. There
desire for a copy when pubJished the price will be
Puy, 16 cents. Your namé inserted free.<@A
Exchange and Want Notices.
will be inserted in this directory at very cheap rates
Send for Prospectus
which gives advertising, exchange and want rates,
etc., to the compilers. Mention this paper.
W. A. CROOKS & CO.
Gillman, ILL.
Collector’s |! Advertisers! Everyone !
Put your name in the
Naturalist’s Directory
Most complete directory ever compiled, will be
ready Match first.
TERMS.
Page $3.00; part of poe at same rate. Ex,
changes 4 cent per word. #@>Names. Free,
Directory ro cents
until March 1st, after that 15 cents each,
Ba-No Stamps Taken .& =
~.-. On application.
Address
.. a Edinb 139 Cumberland Street,
James Hill, €‘ighurs:| 3° :
. Raven,
and ’go, at Toronto Exhibition, for—
largest collection of eggs, — ‘3
Further information ders of $10 and upwards. } sail’ ;
with full data
- Loon,
Red Throated Tes
Cassin’s Auklet,
Skua,
Long-tailed Jaeger,
Glaucous Gull,
Iceland Gull,
California Gull,
Franklins Gull,
Fulmar,
Manx Shearwater,
Man O’war Bird,
Barrows Golden Eye,
Velvet Scoter,
Whooping Swan, _ ih
Limpkin,
Curlew,
Oystercatcher,
Rock Ptarmigan,
Sharp-shinned Hawk,
Golden Eagle,
Merlin,
Snow Bunting,
Pine Grosbeak,
Golden Crowned Kinglet.
Send 2 cent stamp forg Price List.
Over 6000 eggs in stock.
Awarded silver medals for 1889.
Discount off list prices on all, or-
‘Address, B.. V. Rippon, —
Toronto, Canada.
P9856. HEE 41. 1920
The Coll
* t
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN NATURAL, HISTORY F
ob -
CQ:
or:
=E=
=
oe
Vou. 2: _ DanIELSONvVILLr, Conn., Marcu, 18g1. No. 3
Autways Buy Tue Best!
Egg Drills, Blowers, Embryo Scissors and Hook.
; Best of stock, Nickle Plated, Engraved Handles, Naturalists and Taxider-
"= mists Supplies of all kinds. Send stamp for I]]ustrated Catalogue and Pr-ce Lists. +4
‘ peers K. REED, 262 Main St., - « oe - oe ek, Mi Mass.
Bes NOTICE !
If you are in want of anything in the
RUBBER STAMP LINE
_ Write to FORD for prices. He will furnish you with a FOUR LINE
RUBBER STAMP with ink and pad, all complete for only 33 cents.
| AGENTS WANTED,
PR ow: W: FORD, - - : : Bristol. Conn.
_W. W. WORTHINGTON, Fine Stamps
Shelter Island Heights, N. Y.
cr | on approval at 50 per cent
Taxidermist:! {|
discount, sent to responsible
parties. I also have
And colcctor ot specimens in Naturs] Histor;
Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to m ake |
For Sale Cheap
| up in first-class shape, and sell cheaper than the
; Birds Eggs, Skins, Shells,
_ Same grade of skins can be bought from any dealer. Insects. Minerals. India n
~ Send stamp for list of skins and eggs. I offerwith Relies, Coins, Confederate
- foll data :— Money, Relics and. Curiosi-
Set of 3 eggs of Boat-tailed Grackle, post-paid, 15¢ | ties in great variety. Illus-
ee Set of 4 eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, 3oc. trated catalogue free
- _ Correspondence desired with collectors in any y:
PS _ branch of Natural History, who desire honest spe- | E. M é H A IG H | .
| . S. ae]
I
SUBSCRIPTION RATES:
Single Subscriptions, - - - Sot ea nreie
Foreign — “ . . - - i2zcts extra.
Single Copies, le ==: ae Be -eack:
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. B@-Address all communications to the Euitor
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Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville
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EDITORALS.
We understand there is to be a Natura
History Library Assuciation formed at Des
Monies, Iowa, with F. Leon Englebert as
Secretary.
It is stated that—The organs of smell of
turkey buzzard, vulture and carrion crow are
so delicate that they can scent their food for
a distance of 40 miles.
a
a us, a monthly magazine edited and published
ay. And is a neat 4 page
Fred W. Stack.
\ Journal worthy of your perusal.
g the many interesting papers that
ceive is the ‘‘Orinthologist and Bot-
,’”’ 6f Binghamton, N. Y., those interest- |
ed in “Botany should not fail tosecure a copy.
Those receiving Sample Copies of- this
paper, marked at top of first inside page,
- Sample copy’’ ‘‘Please subscribe,’’ please
azine Beroted : ‘eo! ak waNy of
; great Arctic owls wkich aes been. seen in
Vol 1, No. 1 of Oologist's Journal is before’
the Col lectors’ M ra
We are indebted to ae L. Davison,
‘figs sree which have come 1
observation in Niagara, Co., N. ¥
=
Au Aretic Bird in ‘Connect ut.
| nerthern shrike made its appearance |
Jewett City. These birds are natives
much higher latitudes fe this, and —
this state) to the extreme cold in the north,
also to the ease with which any bird cal
travel with a storm. Some years ago one
was seen in Jewett Ctty and secured
local hunter. It was purchased~ by —
Agassiz chapter, and can now be see
mounted at their rooms in the Slater libra
These birds are-to acertain degree birds
prey, as their food consists of sparrowsand
field mice, which they capture and transfix
upon some nearby thorn bush. They are |
about the size of the robin, though the tail
is much longer and the beak is hooked. |
Theplumage is gray and white, with a black
stripe extending from the eye down the side
of the head and neck.—Worwich Bulletin.
Lockport Union, January 29 1891.
Mr. J. L. Davison, Lockport, N. Y., writs
us that Zaxzus Rorealis is not an un-—
common bird here during the winter mon ths, —
a friend of mine secured one on Dec. 2
on Jan. 1st I also secured a specimen and
the zoth, I saw another in the same
which I could have secured had I wished to
do.so, but having three specimens in my co =
lection did not care to take it. I have take
‘them as late as March 18th.
tied Most ;
,
a re os oe
SAMP I!
A tev
THE COLLECTORS a sat
Devoted to Ornithology, Baise. aad Natarat ‘mba
The Belted Kingfisher. letbaily dug straight in for two feet or
— more, when it sometimes curves one way
(For the Collectors Monthly.) or the other.
re On May 11th, ’89, I obtained two sets
One of the most interesting members of | of their eggs. One set consisted of five
the feathered family, which comes under | perfectly fresh eggs, and the other of sey-
the observation of the Orinithologist! en eggs badly incubated.
is the Belted Kingfisher. The bottom of all the nests, and the
In taking a stroll near the edge of a! runways leading to them, that havecome
lake or secluded stream, one is often star-| under my observation were strewn with
tled by the whistle of one of these expert ! the skeletons of crabs, and the wings of
fishers, as it starts from a dead limb, | beetles which had been their victims.
which overhangs the water, for another| The rapidity with which these birds ex-
perch, farther out of reach along thebank. | cavate the cavity for the nest is simply
As the student carelessly approaches it | wonderful, as the following incident taken
again, the bird repeats the operation, | from my note book will show.
alighting on a dead: tree still farther! May 2nd, 1889, went to a gravel bank
away. which contained a nest, and upon ex-
This is kept up until the end of his line| amining it found that the complement
of retreat is reached, when he makes|had not been completed, as there was but
another swoop, but this time makes ajoneegg. One week from that day I vis-
circle out over the water, and, returning | ited the same place again. About three
to the shore, begins his retreat in the op- | feet from the old cavity was now another
posite direction. hole.
Or, one may be seen poised in the air,| It was dug in six feet, and the bowl of
over the water, watching for a little min- | the nest was as large as a halfbushel,but
ow, when all at once it drops, and disap-| no eggs had been laid. All of this work
pears below the surface, soon emerging | had been done in a week. How they dig
with its victim in its bill, when it flys to| and remove the dirt from the hole in so
a suitable places, and gulpsit down whole. | Short a time is surprising.
Of three birds examined in one day I The large strong beak, the small feet,
Se as. One, all two in each of the sharp piercing eye, the band across
’ the breast, and the ragged crest, are &
the others, in different stages of digestion.
few of the ‘striking char acteristics of the
The fish being from two to four inches in | Belted Kingtisher.
length.
A Much Used Nest.
(For the Collectors Monthly.)
The nesting habits of this bird are pe-
culiar. A sand or gravel bank isselected.
The cavity is begun about one foot or
: : tl ih of J li vith
eighteen inches below the surface. It is RS SS al
three other collectors set out for a walk
a
18
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
to forest of pines a walk of about twelve
miles. We followed therailroad track for
about five miles and then cut over a field
to the B. & O. R. R. Stock Yards where
we stopped for a lunch. While we were
eating I heard a noise like the tapping of
Woodpecker. On looking around I saw
author of the disturbance a Flicker (Col-
aptes Auratus) was making a home for
himself and mate. The place he had sel-
ected for his abode was a gatepost atthe
main gate where hundreds of people and
thousands of cattle passed daily. We left
Mr. Flicker and continued our journey
and got a very peculiar set of eggs of the
American Crow (Corvus americanus.)
All of them being pale green with outany
markings and one of them arunt measur-
ing 1.08x98. At first I did not know
what kind they were as they were so pe-
culiar so I waited awhile hoping that the
bird would return and was pleased to see
a grayish white bird about the size of a
crow come flying right toward the nest.
She flew directly to the nest and looked
in and finding her eggs gone she gave a
plaintive Cawi Caw, to her mate (as I
supposed) and she then flew low enough
to shoot so I raised up and blazed, and
down she dropped. I dropped my gun
and every think and ran to pick her up
and found a partial ‘‘Albino.”” Asitwas
the first Albino I had ever shot. I began
dancing up and down and gave such an
ear piercing “‘Warwhoop” thatit brought
my three friends up running as if for their
lives, to see if I had killed myself and
were greatly relieved to find thatI wasn’t
dead and they laughed till l thought they
would burst when I explained what had
happened and to this day if 1 happen to
ery out my friends say ‘‘Bert has shot an
Albino.” But to return to the original
subject Mr. Flicker, I went out to the
nest, three weeks afterwards and secured
a fine set of seven eves, a week after that,
I got five more. Three weeks passed and
for curiosity I again visited the place and
found a set of five Blue birds eggs (Sialia
Sialis), thinking this very curious, wrote
it up and sent it to the O——and it was
published. But, this did not end it, for I
took two sets of eges of the House Wren
(Troglodytes aedon) 1-7 and 1-6 respec-
tively, making a total of thirty eggs ta-
ken from one nest.
Let us hear from more on the subject
of two or more birds nesting in this way.
HERBERT FE. Kaicun.
Blue Jay.
(For the Collectors’ Monthly.)
( Cyanocitta Cristata.)
This beautiful bird is very common in
this section. He is a very mischievous
bird. Many nests and eggs of smaller
birds are destroyed by him. He is very
fond of fruit and during the fruit season
you can always find one or more in an
orchard.
He is very noisy, keeping up his scream-
ing all day.
The nest is a rather bulky affair con-
taining in its composition rags, mud,
sticks, several yards of twine, cotton,
or any thing that can possibly be woven
into a nest.
They vary in height from three to forty
feet.
The nesting season is about three and
one-half months. Incubated eggs were
found the begining of March and fresh
ones in June.
These are olive drab covered with cin-
namon spots. In some cases they are a
light green marked similarly.
I have a set of two Albino eggs, one is
light green, without markings while the
other has a faint gray spot near the
larger end.
The period of incubation is about three
weeks, from the day the egg are laid.
HK. RausBe, Texas.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
a
Notes on the Birds of Long
Island.
WITH BRIEF DISCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES.
BY W. W. WORTHINGTON.
(77) 42. Larus glaucus :
Glaucus Gull, (660.)
Above light bluish gray. Edge and tip
of wing white head, rump, tail, and beneath,
white. Bill gamboge yellow, with an orange
red spot near the base of lower mandible.
Tris light yellow. Legs and feet flesh color.
Length 30 inches. . Tail 8:75.
This fine Gull is very rare so far South as
Long Island. “I saw an adult of this species
several times during the winter of 1880-1881
saw it very plainly, and do not think it was
an albino form of L. marinus’’ (Helme).
“Mar. 11, 1884, I purchased one of a pair
of this species which had been shot bya
gunner at South Oyster Bay. The specimen
Ou ght is in nearly the same plumage as
one described by Dr. Mearns in the Bulletin
of the Nuttall Orn. Club. Vol. v. p. 189. The
other is a vounger bird,’’ (Ducher). Breeds
in the Arctic regions, laying 2 or 3 eggs of a
grayish brown to whitish ground, with spots
of brown and blackish. Nests of seaweeds
and moss, placed on rocks or in grass tus-
socks. Eggsaverage about 3x2xI-4 inches.
(78) 47. Larus marinus :
Great Black-backed Gull, (663.) |
Above slaty black. Head, neck, tail, and
under parts white. Quills tipped with white.
Bill yellow, with an orange red blotch near
the tip of the lower mandible. Length 30 in.
A rather common winter visitor. Often
seen in company with the next species. FEx-
tremely shy and difficult to obtain. Breeds
from the Bay of Fundy northward. Nests of
dry grasses, on the ground; bulky. Eggs 2
‘color.
or 3, light grayish to yellowish brown ground,
spotted and blotched with reddish brown
and lilac.
(19) 51a Larus argentatus smithsonianus:
American Herring Gull, (666a.)
Above fine bluish pearl, the wings with
black markings near the tip, which are white.
Head, neck, tail, and beneath white. Bill
yellow, with an orange red blotch near the
end of lower mandible. Legs and feet flesh
Length 23 in.
An abundant winter resident, a few re-
maining through the summer, but none
breed south of Maine, where their breeding
range extends northward and inland. Wary
birds, always keeping just beyond gunshot,
but sometimes captured on a fish-hook im-
bedded in an eel, and attached to a conceal-
ed string. Gathers in flocks on sand bars at
high tide,and breeds in communities. Feeds
on scallops and other shell fish,and whatever
refuse is cast up by the waves. Nests onthe
ground, where much persecuted takes to
trees. Nest of moss and grasses. Eggs 3,
whitish to yellowish brown, blotched and
spotted with browns, average 2: 83 x I: 79 in.
(20) 54. Larus delawarensis :
Ring-billed Gull, (669.)
Above light,bluish pearl.
under parts white.
crossed near its tip
Length 20 inches.
A regular migrant but not very common.
Abundant winter resident along the South
Carolina, and Georgia coast, and quite un-
suspicious, being easily attracted by a dead
tern thrown overboard, over which they
would come and hover until shot. I think
many of these birds travel north by an inland
route. ‘‘Not an uncommon winter resident’”
(Helme). Breeds inland and northward.
Nest on ground or cliffs, made of grasses,
etc.
markings of lilac, and brown of different
shades, average 2: 78 x I: 67 in.
Head, tail, and
Bill yellowish, and
with a black band.
Eggs, whitish or brownish ground,
20
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY
| (2z) 58. Larus atricila :
Laughing Gull, (673.)
Above dark gray.
with black. Head and upper neck slaty
black. Eyelids,tail, and underparts white,the
latter with a beautiful roseate tint which
fades gradually after death. Bill deep car-
mine.. Length 17 inches.
Rare as far north as Long Island,although | ~— have
| Have taken it near Port Royal, S. C. and at
| Sapelo Island, Ga., in both instances in
recorded from Mass. Have never met with
it on L. I., but have taken many specimens
on the South Atlantic coast, where they are
common, flying along the edges of the rips in
search of any ‘‘small fry’’ the tide may have
forced to the surface, and easily lured within
gunshot by flinging a dead tern or gull over-
board. Breeds on simall islands along the
coast. Nest of grasses, placed among the
grass. Eggs laid in May and June; bluish
or greenish ground, blotched and spotted
with browns and lilac, and average 2: 14 x
1.57 inches.
(22) 60. Larus philadelphia:
Bonaparte’s Gull, (675.)
' Above pearly gray. Wings tipped with
black. Head and upper neck slaty black.
Bend of wing, tail and under parts white.
Bill black. Iris hazel. Legs and feet red-
dish orange. Length 14 inches.
’ A common migrant.
the spring.
Less numerous in
A few probably remain through
the winter as I have seen them late in De-
cember. They are quite tame, and when
one individual of a flock is shot and falls in
the water, the others come and hover over it,
and will not leave sometimes until several
have been brought down. Small fish form a
large portion of their food, which I have
seen them capture in a manner very similar
to the Terns. Breeds far north and inland.
Nest placed in bushes or trees, made of
sticks, grass, etc. Eggs, greenish or
brownish ground, spotted with different
shades of brown and lilac, and average
£.93X135 inches.
Wings largely tipped |
(23) 63. Gelochelidon nilotica.
Gull-billed Tern, (679)
Above light pearly gray. Primaries
‘hoary on the outer webs, darker on the inner.
Top of head, bill, legs and feet black. Un-
der part pure white. Length 13 inches;
‘tail 4 inches.
far
never
Rare as north as Long Island:
met with it bere.
May, but they were not common. “I be-
came the fortunate possessor of a male and
female of this species July 4, 1882, While
* * * at South Oyster Bay, Nelson
Verity called my attention to the cry ofa
pair of Terns that were flying past. He
winged one so that it fe!l] scme distance off
Its mate would not desert it, so was easily
secured. * * *? (Dutcher.) Mr. Dutch-
er also ‘‘shot a female in full plumage July
8, 1884, at Shinnecock Bay, while watching
ior Lzmzcolaec. There were five in the flock, it
being without doubt a family of two adults
and their brood of the present year. They
were migrating westward along the coast,
and must have bred further east than Long |
Island.’’ Breeds on the South Atlantic and
Gulf coast. Nest placed on ground, among
grass, or on the bare sand; in the latter case,
the nest being simply a hollow. Eggs 3 or
4, average 1.75X1.30 in., greenish or buffy
ground, marked with lilac and different
shades of brown.
The Kansas City Scientist, a continuation
of The Naturalist, now in its fifth volumn, is
a 16 page illustrated monthly, devoted to
Art, Science and Literature. Official organ
of the K. C. Academy of Science. While of
a necessity to a certain extent technical, its
aim is to present, scientific knowledge in as
popular a form as possible. Published at
$1.00 per year. Sampie copy free to pros-
pective subscribers. Address
Editor SCIENTIST, K. C., Mo.
bit hel els ~~
iT his this heading we insert exchanges and
accept first-class eggs correctly named
Saty ‘or money in payment. Wall allow a
oo ie eg@s are worth. No second
class. ews received. No eggs accepted listed less
ve an fii een cents each, hose having a large
pane r of words send sets if possible. We do
ot eter for ‘notices - less than 23 words. Eggs
or mon ied tan accompany | your notice.
NEO: EXCHANGE
rat class Birds, Skins for same.
_F, W. COOK, 3114 Plesant Ave. 8.
Our Minneapolis, Minn.
Mie ented...
Tl; of the following sets. A. O. U. Nos. 1, 3,
10, 11. 13, 27, 84, 25, 47, 58, 54,.64, 65, 67,
2; 75, 104, 118, 119, 120 a, 120b, 123 a, 126,
30, 132, 183, 185, 186, 137, 139, 140, 142, 143, 144,
54, 149, 160, 171, 171-4, 172 b, 184, 186, 193, 195,
264, 275, 277, 295, 301, 308, 309, 319,
pe 339 b, 348, 359-1, 367, 873b, 409, 413. a,
29, 429-1, 443, 445, a 457, 463, 465,
} ita, Sel 4T5-
WwW. G. LAWRANCE.
Mbox 122% eee. parce Cal.
see hes new, Syataral History Tabeeey
apend, to Naturnl History. Library Associ-
} Des ass Towa,
fies Al aa ENGLEBERT, See’y
\ STAMP COLLEC YEORS.
Send: 20 cents for a packet of 25 different forign
tam ps, used and unused, including rare Japan,
idia, West Indes,. Oid European, South Am-
ica, etc. ©. 9. War enveloyes 10 cents.
rs Address, H. SAYLES, Jr.
_ Abilene, Texas.
“NOTICE. aie
‘send Suess ination for embalming
and ‘mounting birds for 25 cents worth of curiosites,
or F 1b stamps: - RK. C.. ALEXANDER.
: Stark, Mich.
“COLLECTORS.
- During the comming summer you will find many
Ween) Seat eggs in an advanced stage of incubation.
Send me 75 cents worth of eves and receive sample
nd direction for using an article with the aid of
which you can remove large embiyoes as easily
as though the eggs were fresh. Satisfaction
Guranteed, (not hook or scissor).
EE: SwIFT,
Des : em Towa.
“WANTED.
\ ‘vary Goiluctor in the U.S. to use my Oological
labels. Pe a Be are ae what are needed by every
eollector”—K. . Stark, Mich. I have a few
wo cents at once for samples.
Address, -
on, CROOKER. i Madison, Wis..
8, ae 21a, 213, 117, '292, 228, 226, 229,°
a THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
ee Hedi Gi EE. 188: §. is FP RES
- x ; >
Exchange Notice.
Wanted to exchange with all collectors this com-
ing season first-class sets with full data of both
American and All eggs. Kindly send list and
receive mine, CRANDALL,
Woodside, Queens Co,, N.Y.
~T have the: following eggs to exchange A. O. U.
No’s. 360 2-5, 378 1-6, 3-5, 5-4, 1-3, 476 1-6, 1-7, 501b,
2-4, 1-8, 240 1-6, 1-5, at $1.00120c % at $1.50, 622b
8-7, 2-6, 6-5, 540 1-6, 2-5, 2-4. 497, 1-5, %, 499, 1-5, 3-3,
Y, 591b, Y%, Ys, 508 2-5. 4-4, 552a3-5, 2-4, 2-3, 721a 4-7,
2 6, 2-5, 530 4-4, 14, 519 2-4, 2-8, 1-6, 560a 3-4, 558 %,
5914, 7114, 3754, 337 2-3, 2014. 79 6-11, 5914, 6424 at
ar .25, eggs first-class in every respect, data com-
plete...
w.c. Lawrence,
Box 122. _ Los ¢ Gatos, Cal.
For Exchange.
First clas: sete of Ket 9 ( Ride" 8) with data for
other first class sets with data. Send lists stating
number of ezgs in sest.
WARD AMES, Jr., 214, Ist Ave. East’
Duis + M oat.
"We have an old War envelope addressed to Geo.
N. Galloway, Esq., Army of the Potomac, for
offers. __ Address this ] this paper.
EXCHANGE Notice.
Collectors send me a first-class set of ezgs, any
kind with data, and I will send you full instruec-
tions for mounting and embalming birds, very
easily done. Send all letters and packages to,
THOS. A. SMITHWICK,
Walke, North Carolina.
Notice.
IT have a lot of eggs of the Sooty Grouse and
Mongolian Pheasant to exchange for first-class
bird skins I will send one ofeither for every skin
of 472, 483, 481. 481a, 506, 507, 510, 523, 512, 561, 558,
556, 554, 552, 545, 446, 543 or 540, Ridgway Numbers.
G.L. . HOWE, Granger, Oregon.
TO EXCHANGE.
A hunting case watch cost $20, a good time
piece for the best offer of first-class eggs in origi-
nal sets. Sets for same, send lists.
W.L. MORSE,
6 Onondaga Co, Saving Bank Syracuse, N. Y.
©O EXGHANGE.
42 sets of Birds eggs for breech loading shot
gun, also a pair of good climbing irons with
straps, only $2.50.
Frankfort, Ind.
©. M. WALLACE, :
BIRD’S EGGS.
Minerals, Fossils, Stamps, Shells, Confederate
money, and Cnrios toexchangefor Old Books and
Magazines, Confederate money, Indian Relics,
Coins and Relics. ~
3
FRANK M. KINNE, Knoxville, Lowa.
To EXCHANGE
First-class birds skins from this locality for
others. Send Sete and ive mine.
ELELNER,
839W. 18th St. Los Angles, Cal.
eee <5 — x :
Every collector to write for my complete list of 4
Eggs and Minerals. ‘Over 800 different specimens | —
listed. § FRED H. BANKS, Stamford, Conn. aT
‘ hasgot Canada or Wild Goose Eggs for sale. | We will publish ab
State lowest price. Address at once This Office. | cheap directories’
eee ib Fx : all the cheap director! 1S
| fi
: 3 | pal dealers, Natural
W. A. Cooks & Co.’s Standard Directory will be | Price 25 cents after pu
ready about April Ist. ‘Ornithologist, Ologists | send in their addresse
and Taxidermists . - + | desire for a copy w
only 15 cents. You name inserted free.
DONT DELAY! assests"
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put send your names at, once for insertion, with | Vy. 04 5: x
3 = : which gives advert
15 cents for a copy when ready. ae etc., to eon ple
Ww. A. CROOKS & CO., a
GILLMAN, Se re EOP OS iy a ALE ooo ee
as . _ | MINERALS, ST ‘NS and |
| CURIOSITIES. — stfree. |
Lad © DOF 1 | W.P.& F.M. AR were way
(first-class) ey ;
Toany person sending 4 subscribers at 30 cents :
s A Mont LY MAGAZINE.
The Only Publication in the W
ears Devoted solely to :
Popular Natural Histor
each, ($1,.20,) Address” *y
: Collector’s Monthly.
ADVANCED COLLECTORS.
As I wish to devote all my time to mineral col-
lecting, I am disposing of my large collection of
first-class birds eggs in sets, with data, very.
cheap for cash. Send for list,
N.R. CHRISTIE, Rye Patch, Nevada, _ The Aquarium Departme €.
Ties
is conducted by Hugo Mulertt, who— will a:
all quries relative to the construction an
duct of Aquaria. — 3
ILLUSTRATED CURIOSITY LIST.
s Wijh Box Ornamental Minerals, Indian Relics,
yCuriosities, ioc. ‘*Companion,” Illustrated, ~de- fg :
~eribing Curiosities, 25c. a year. Advertisements = Se ike
€, a a ; Mention nhis Paper. 3 Pea The Note and Query Departme
E. A. BROWNE. Florence, Arizona. is especially opened to record ‘fhe obs
| and experiences of amatuer naturalisis
A RA Ry E -@)] F EF E R sire to commune one wita the other, and t
a] permanency and publicity to their field o:
work. Beate Rae ARES
Zealimi is issued on t
MPHiIs PAPEL ODE YAM, ..cevercescceeyernereorsesers terse 30¢
Thirty words in exchange eolumn, (one ear
0
70¢
All of the above for only Thirty Cents. Ad-
dress at once
€. HW. Prince. - - - WDanielsonville, Conn. -
VEC 11 1920 :
“Monthly.
A |}
ieee.
# FoR THOSE INTERESTED IN NATURAL HISTORY.
Vou. 2. Dantersonvir, Conn., APRIL, 1891. No. 4
~ ALWays: Buy THE BesT!
as o». Egg Drills, Blowers, tmbryo Scissors and Hooks.
vBesp, of: Sock: Nickel Plated, . Engraved Handles, Naturalists and Taxider-
_ mists Supp fries of all kinds. Send stamp for [!lustrated Catalogue and Price Lists. 2-4
HARLES K. RI K. REED, 262 Main LAG - . ° Worer ter, Mass.
If you are in want of auvthing in the
RU BBER STAM® LINE
Write to FORD for prices. He will furnish you with a FOUR LINE
RUBBER STAMP with ink and pad, all complete for only 33 cents.
» _——_—CAGENTS WANTED.
R. W. FORD, - ae
Bristui- Conn.
ne SSE I 2 IS m= = \ | 2S - =e
W. W. WORTHINGTON, A “A IVE CURIOSITY AND PET.
| Sheiter stand Heights, N.Y. Lhe Horned Toad
ee SS eT oo
“ position when tamed. When % domesticated
And collector ot specimens in® Natural History. all a a Lanta rhe. house >, See Se arn Se
_ Bird skins # specialty, which I endeavor to make foeankini atin cocts, Angee id oe shine bax
y as in first-class shi apts and sell creeper than igeis /at night. When running tree they reynire uo feed
jing. The home of the Horned ‘oud is the desert
i fSo. Cali. and they can be captured only
3 rat data :— L Shiba ; ; ; ,
. 4 at certain. periods of the yenr. Live health
Set of 3 eggs of Boat-tailed Grackle, post-paid, 15¢ | specimens, sent by express (charges paid) on r
“Set of 4 eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, 30c. ceipt of $1.25 and safe delivery to purchase:
, guaranteed Please mention ft jis pe
Correspondence desired with collectors in any | :
"branch of Natural History, who desire honest spe- | CHAS. FURTON,
.imens at honest prices.” Ample reference if de- | uy
aired. Los: «.ngeles, Cal.
~ enclasi.g $1.60 will receive one of my $1:50-col-
y i ji iF UG Te i ‘OWING tosevyeraleau
tals |
14 epuy
g
H
i
|
H
Grystals |
Every person mentioning this paper®and
lection of crystals, which contain 14 choice speci-
mens, no two alike.
Sapphires from Ceylon, each lic.
Tree Moss,
Each package contains 2 species, one light and
the other dark, per package 10c.
Gems and precious stones, cut and polished.
Fine each 05, 10 and I5c.
Mongolian Phesant eggs each - - -25
Northwest Crow se = =~ 25
Oregon Jay “F a 2 1.00
Coyote Teeth 2s < = = 10
Sea Beans ss ae = - 03
Orders of 50 cents or over sent postpaid.
ADDRESS.
Geo. L. Howe,
Granger, Oregon.
NATURE'S RE ALM, |
A MOSTHLY MAGAZINE.
6 ny neal anne See sat entreaties ie Se
REALM Standard Directory,
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The Only Publication in the World
Devoted solely to
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The Aquarium * epartment
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Nature’s Realm is issued on the first
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| cheap directories yet in the field.
; ay or more pages, prinetd io heavy book paper, —
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ie crystals 1 [
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your name and add EE, and your.
and exchange notices at our published rates
Our Directory will havea large circylation
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add.ess by the publisher. nat
W. A. CROOKS & CO. Gillm TL a
Antimioth. .oiiectorsAttention! —
a valuable substitute for “Moth Uamphor 2
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to many on account of their disagreeable smell. —
“Anti Moth” while being an excellent Preventitive _
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and will send free sample on receipt of stam ss =
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SUNSET. Mi'g. Co. Los Angeles. Cal.
Naturaiists Suppiy Dep
Have you received my large aes ee
alognefer 1891? Sent-to any address forstam p:
FLETCHER M. NOE. 64 W. Market St.
Indianapolis. Indiana, 43
WANTED. zs
Every collector to write for my cemplete list of a
Eggs and Minerals. Over 800 different specimens
listed FRED BANKS, Stam ford, Conn —
——FOR ——
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We will publish about May 1St, one of the best —
It will surpass —
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-
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BIRDS EGGS, INDIAN RELIC
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- #-SU BSCRIBE NOW
HE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
A
m”piocted to ae ay Obisaiy and Natural History.
Notes on the Birds of Long
: Island.
WITH BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES.
BY W. W. WORTHINGTON.
(24.) 64. Sterna tschegrava:
Caspian Tern. (680.)
“Crown,. sides of head, and occiput
black, glossed with green. This color ex-
tends below the eye, under whichisa nar-
row white line. Back and wings light
bluish-ash. Quill shafts strong and white.
Tail and its upper coverts grayish white.
Neck and entire under plumage pure
white. Bill and inside of mouth bright
-vermillion. Legs and feet black. Bill
very stout. Tail not deeply forked.
Length 21 1-2 inches.
Specimen of adult and young are in my
cabinet, obtained on the south shore
of Long Island” (Baird). During a col-
-lecting trip to Shinnecock Bay in Sept.
1882, I saw six individuals of this species.
None of the professional gunners about
ae Sh. *
Sept. 7th, was one of a pair, and adult
a wing and thus secure it. Thenext pair
were adult and young. Before they were
was heard, and also the sharp whistle of
the young bird. The old bird came near
enough to shoot, and my gunner called
back the young bird by imitating the
the bay knew what they were, and but |
few of them had ever seen them before. |
The first specimen procured |
wereseen and taken on the 13th. They too | Bil] deep red.
seen the harsh rolling cry of the adult!ihe South.
whistle of the Esquimaux Curlew, (N.
| Borealis), which was a perfect reprodue-
- | tion of its own ery.
|on asand bar at Shinnecock Inlet, they
Thethird pair I saw
were in company with some Herring
Gulls. They were also adult and young.
(Dutcher). [have never met with this
| widely distributed species at the east end
riya Was
T secured a
partner Mr. M. B.
pair, shot by iny
Griffing after I had
made an ineffectual shot at them, at
Sapelo Island, Ga., on Dec. 16, 1887.
This pair like all those mentioned by. Mr.
Dutcher, was an adultand young.
on some of the islands along the Atlantic
and Gulf coast and also at the great
lakes, in hollows in sand. Lays two or
three eggs, whitish to greenish ground,
spotted with different shades of brown
and lilac, 2 3-4 x 1 3-+ in.
Breeds
A 75-CENT EGG.
To any person sending 4
($1.20) Address.
Colleetor’s Monthly.
(first-class) subscrib-
ers at 30 cents each,
(25:) 65. Ster
Reyal Tern. (681.)
Quills hoary
RQ MAXIMAL
Above light pearly gray.
'male,and a young bird, the former of! on the outer webs, darkened on the inner.
which came near enough for me to break | Top of head. legs and feet black.
feathers of the occiput lengthened into a
T he
loosecrest. Underparts pure glossy white.
Length 21 in.
Probably a rare summer visitor from
It is on record from our
latitude and no doubt oceurs rarely. I
have never met with them alive atthe
North, but on the south Atlantic coast
; where they are the most abundant mem-
2
=
2
bers of their family, (so far as my cbser- |
vations go.) Lhave had ample opportu-
nities for studying their habits. After
satisfying their appetites they assemble
in large flocks on the sand flats, left by
the receding tide along the ocean beach,
and as each newcomer alights the others
all erect their crests.and raise their wings,
at the same time sending forth a loud
chorus o! their harsh, rasping cries of
welcome, which always seemed to mein
strong discord with their easy graceful
movements while on the wing. They us-
ually sit just at the edge ofthe water,and
when the waves wash up—often over
their feet, they raise their tail, and folded
wings to their highest angle, as if afraid |
that the spray would soil their delicately
tinted plumage. Breeds from Cobbs Is-
land, Va., southward. Nest, a hollow in
the sand. Eggs, two to four. greenish or
yellowish ground, spotted with umber
brown and lilac of different shades. Size
about 2:70 x 1:70 in.
(26.) 67. Sterna sandvicensis acuflayida.
Cabot'’s Tern. (683.)
Above light bluish pearl.
extending to end of loose crest on the
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
|
Acadian.Elycatcher...
(For the Collectors Monthly.)
(Empidonax acadicus) (Gmel.) Bd.
The Acadian Flycatcher is one of our
latestarrivals; arriving about the 20th of
May, and migrating about the 10 of Au-
gust. Asfaras Fhavebeen able to ascertain
is a strictly insectivorous bird, and one
that should receive protection. He has
no song like some birds, only a peculiar
ery which is noticed about dusk of warm
summer evenings when he comes forth to
procure insects. The Acadian is a very
common breeder here. My firstset taken
this year about June 1st. When they
are robbed they will grieve only a few
days, when a new nest will be built in the
immediate vicinity of the old one, the set
; consist generally of three, though often
‘four eges of a dark cream color with
brown, and sometimes reddish markings,
the markings are generally on the large
eud of the egg sometimes forming an un-
broken circlearound the larger end. The
nest is placed generally near the end ofa
'smalllimb. The nest is very small and
Top of head, |
occiput, basal three-fourths of bill, legs |
and feet, black. Tip of bill yellow. Rump,
tail, and under parts, white, the latter
with a beautiful roseate tinge when first
killed. Length 15 1-2 inches.
A rare straggler from the South. Re-
corded as far north as Cape Cod. I have
taken srveral specimens on the South |
Carolina and Georgia coasts, but its
habitat is given as from. Texas to Flori-
da. Breeds from southern Florida south-
ward, and amongthe Bahamas. Nest, a
hollow in the sand. Eggs, buffy or white
ground, spotted with reddish brown, um-
ber; and lavender of different shades, and
average about 2 1-8 x 1 1-2 inches.
*‘Anti Moth” free sample on receipt of
| still water
sometimes looks like a wisp of grass on a
limb, it measures 2 1-2 inches wide, 1 1-4
deep outside. On the inside about 1 3-4
wide by 1 in. deep. The Acadian Fly-
catcher resembles the Phoebe in plumage
almost exactly, and it is almost the same
size, but a little smaller though than the
Phoebe. Their haunt upon the prairie is
some sniall hedge, very shady in which I
have found as many as8 nests. In the
woods he frequentsshady glens near some
The Acadian is a true Fly-
catcher, a person observing him in his
gyrations will notice they resemble those
of the Bee Martin, he will suddenly leave
his perch. and flying upward catch an in-
| seet, when he will come down almost per-
pendicular until even with his perch when
he will fy back to his perch and devour
stamp, Sunset Mfg. Co., Los Angeles,Cal. | the insect —F. T. M.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
The Collectors’ Monthly.
_A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Study of
Ornithology, Oology and Natural History.
CHARLES H. PRINCE
Editor and Publisher, Danielsonville, Conn.
¥ Drie Sii Ak
SUBSCRIPTION RATES:
Single Subscriptions, 3 2 : y :
30c
Foreign oe - : - - 12cts extra.
Single Copies, - : - = - 3c each.
ADVERTISING RATES:
One pige,one insertion, - - - $4 00
One Column, one insertion, - - - 2 25
Half Coiumn, one insertion, - - Sie yo)
One Inch, one insertion, - - - = 50
' Cash must accompany all advertisements.
. Write for special rates on standing advertise-
ments.
Articles and items of interest in any branch of
Natural History solicited for publication.
fa@-Address all communications to the Editor
and Publisher.
Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville
Conn., as second class mail matter.
Woops Hout, Mass., Marca 11, 91.
Mr. Prince :—
The Mareh No. of
Monthly at hand and I think that I may
safely say that I have never seen it’s
equal for the money, don’t think that I |
could get along without it now that I
have begun taking it. Enclosed is a por-
tion of anarticle which if you think fit for
publication, I will continue each month
in articles of about this length until con-
cluded.
Description of the Nests and.
Eggs of the Birds of
Barnstable County.
In preparing this
state, that I have
several private
article, let
had access’ to
collections, and am
considerably indebted to Messrs H.
G. White, V. N. Edwards, and others, to
whomecredit is given in the text. The
numbers used are according to the latest
A. O. U. list.
me
the Collector’s |
No effort has been made to |
23
| describe the birds themselves, as more
complete descriptions than the writer can
give will be found in suchStandard works
as Coues Key, Ridgways Manual ete. The
A. O. U. listnumbers are placed at the left,
and those of Ridgways Manual at the
right. I adopt the A. O. U. classification,
because it is the latest and to my mind
the best.
70. Common Tern.
(Sterna hirundo. 686.)
These beautiful birds are very com-
mon breeding on the numerous islands in
this vicinity, but which do not belong to
this county. Here during the breeding
season, they are so numerous that one
who had never seen an island upon which
| “Sea Gulls” (as the youthful collectors
call them) were in a habit of breeding,
would be astonished at the vast numbers
of these birds which are continually fly-
ing over his head, uttering their plaintive
cries of (Chee-cheetn) iu a peculiar grating
manner. The eggs are usually three in
number and are placed in a slight hollow
'in the sand or on some rock. Mr. H.G.
White has a set of five in his collection,
which is a very rare occurence.
The eggs
are very interesting, presenting very great
| variety in size, shape, color and mark-
ings. I donot think that I have ever
seen two Terns eges that resemble each
other in all of these respects.
1.40 x 1.60.
Measure
72. Roseate Tern.
(Sterna dougalli.) 688.
Habits nearly the same as the last,
with the exception of the nest which is
Imed with grass. The eggs are two in
number, and differ from those of 4rrunde
by being more rounded at the small
end, and having finer markings. The
ery resembles a gutteral (7-4#-179,) these
| Terns breed abundantly on the extremity
of Cape Cod. C. C. PurDUM.
(To be Continued, )
24
THE! COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY
(For the Collectors Monthly.)
The Prairie Chicken.
Its colors are mostly grayish and
brown, beautifully arranged. The male
birds have long pointed tufts of dark
brown feathers on each side of their neck,
and under these is a large orange-color-
ed air-sac, which can be greatly enlarged
by filling it with air, When these air-
sacs are filled with air-the chicken lowers
his head close to the ground and opening
his mouth emits a very loud booming
sound which gradually decreases until
the air is all exhausted from the air-sacs.
The sound can be heard for a mile or
more and for its pecular drumming, the
bird is often called a ‘‘Drummer.”’ :
The female bird has a small smooth
head that resembles the head of a gopher,
which is often shot forachicken, when he
raises his head out of the grass. The
Prarie Chicken does not fly until you al-
most step on it, thatis ifitis in the grass
or under cover, then itfly’s up so sudden-
ly and swiftly that it startles most hunt-
ers, that are not accustomed to shooting
chickens, so that they most always miss
the bird. It moves through the air by
rapidly flapping its wings, and then sail-
ing for many rods, holding its wing ex-
tended. Prairie Chickens are found in
coveys of from twenty cr thirty, unless
they have been cut up by hunters, who
by the way are gradually decreasing their
number like all other kinds of grouse.
The Prairie Hen builds its nest on the
ground under a tuft of tall grass or bush
and is a hollow scratched in the soil lined
with grasses and feathers. They lay
eight to twelve, or even sixteen eggs in
exceptional cases.
The eggs arelightdrab, or a dull bufty,
or yellowish hue, occasionally sprinkled
with brown or nearly black. As soon as
the little grouse, which are hatched in
‘nineteen days, are all out of shells they
| follow their mother through the grass in
| search of food. If you should happen
near them, they will hide in a moment in
the grass and under the leaves of plants
so that you cannot find any of them.
while the mother will try many very cute
ways to lead you from the place.
In summer the PrairieChickens sleep in
meadows and tall grass, while in the day
time they -feed upon seeds, wheat, corn,
etc., but in winter they plunge under the
snow and make a kind of snow house,
where they sleep snug and warm. While
in the day time they feed upon seeds and
wild rose buds. Of 90 eggs of this specie
that have passed through my hands, the
average size was 1.70 x 1.30, while the
largest was 1.90 x 1.52, and the smallest
1.23 x 1.02. D.S. Mussmr.
- Ostrich farming is quite profitable in
Australia. On one farm in Port Augusta |
there are seven hundred birds worth one
hundred dollers each. The yield of
feathers this year, from these seven
hundred birds, it is thought, willamount
to seven thousand dollars.
Coues’ Key.
By Elliot Coues’ M. A. M.D. PhD.
Fourth and latest edition,—is to well
known to need description being recog-
nized by all leading Ornithologist to be
the Standard authority, on Ornithology.
Profusely Illustrated, containing over
900 pages fully indexed by several
thousand entries.. Sent to any address
on receiept of price $7.50. Address,
C. H. Prince.
281 Main St., Danielsonville. Conn.
Your cabinet will be generally improv-
ed by introducing ‘Anti Moth” into it.
et
ges of ab
yoo willr
“a good
dak camera,
ing Owls Eggs. _
; hag for other first
ew singles. ©. 2.
— L. B. HARTZELL.
-ansas, 4-8
ik These Eggs!
first class singles, value
to exchange. A. O. U.
718a, 394, 740, 735a. 729,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
e volumes of the '
i sur Bi in q ts,’ or nicely
|
or for egesinsets. will exchange
r Twelve Dollars worth of any of
swered, write and make offer to,
MITHWICK. Plymouth, N. 0
th Box Ornamental Minerals, Indian Relics,
i ‘Companion,”’ Illustrated, de-
, 25¢.a year. Advertisements,
-. Mention this Paper .
- BROWNE. Florence, Arizona.
ilectors are requested torsend their
ona’ postal card, stating their special
leeting to. CHAS. TURTON
"tle pee Los Angles Cal.
will befor your interest.
“s
f collecti
See.
from
' box (Post. paid)
| Supplied. Sunset Mfg. Co.
The Semi
DANBURY,
ANTI RUST!
A great discovery! Prevents iron and steel
rusting, invaluable to sportsmen and
mechanics to use on guns bicycles, tools, ete.
_ Contains no acid or other injurious ingredients
d Easily applied and guaranteed effectnal.
Try Ir
Price 15 cents per
wanted and trade
Mention this paper.
Los Angeles, Cal.
WANTED:
IT want a small 32 or 38 calibre collecting «un,
Coue’s Key or Ridgway’s Manual. I have an
incomplete set of two eggs of the Acadian Owl.
and you will always use it.
\gents
hg i ee
several sets of Red-shouldered Hawks to exchange,
Also advertising space Semi Annual. Write me.
CLAUDE CORNELLE MAXFIELD.
Box 224, Danbury, Conn.
FISHING TACKLE.
Anyone having fishing tackle to exchange for
first class eges with data, write me what you
_ have and its vatue and I will_make an offer.
W. E. BRADFORD. Mayfield, Kentucky.
WANTED AT ONCE.
Revolvers, Rifles. Musical Instruments, Type-
writers, Printing Press-ty pe, Job Printing, Curios,
Relies, Collections of stamps eté. ete.. in any
quantity in exchange for first elass singles, and
sets. curiosities etc. CHAS. TURTON,
os Angeles, Cal.
First class eggs with data at % rates for cash
to close out. A. O U. No’s. 325, 364, 352, fine
sets. Singles, 74, 201, 211, 289, 332. 420, 390, 413,
456. 465, 488, 490, 498.571, 513, 683, 704, 721, 613, 364,
364. 352 at $3. Full nickel. 5 shof 10 in. pocket rifle
cheap. F. THEO MLLLER.
; Readsville, Va.
Annual,
CONN,
Kdited by Lynds Jones, 5 Elm St, Oberlin, Ohio.
Published by Claude Cornelle Maxtietd, Danbury,
Conn.
Voi. I11, No. I, will be issued about April 15,1891,
and will contain fifty pages of items and sketches
of interest, to working Ornithologists and Oolo-
gists, with reports of committee of the Wilson
Ornithogical Chapter of the A.A, The articles
are prepared with great care and are scientific as
well as interesting. It is printed on heavy book
paper at 35 cents per copy. Its typographical
appearance is superior.
G. G. Maxfield,
Danbury, Genn.
Western Grebe
Holboel’s Grebe...
Horned Grebe..........-
Am. Eared Grebe...
St. Domingo Grebe...
Prairie “Hen :
x Mourning Dov
20 | Whited-trontec a
7 | White-winged Dove..:..........
Pied Billed Grebe...0.....5...-:.- 08 | Wild Turkey..
Loon. pierce ak wisi etree} black aelre:
Black- ated Loon.........1.50 | Marsh Hawk..
Pacifie LOOn....... 2.00 | Cooper's Hawk.
Red-throated L0of............-+ 75 eile tailed Hawk :
Puited Putiin.s-s ce sme
TPA Ota epee teeonaaa ee 3
Large-billed Puffin. 75 | Red-bellied Hawk......20..0....
Horned Puffin..:.... 4.00 ety Hawk.
Black Guillemot.....
Mandt’s Guillemot...
Pigeon Guillemot ...: Es
iW Avian) eeenereene bas aes 20° | Black-bilied Cuckoo.
California Murre......... 25 | Red-headed Woodpecker .
- Brunnick’s Murre «... +20 Red-shafted Flick
Pallas’s Murre.,..... ..75 | Chuck-wills-widow
Razor billed Auk.. See) Ww Dp ee On
a Herring Gull. S20 Night- hawk..
paGetlens svc. &.. -00-
Franklin’ 8 Gull: : .5¢ | Black- chingen Hummer...
Bracke W erie. «cbt 10 Anna’s Hummer
Bridled Tern......... att Nest and two egg:
Black Skimmer... ..10 | above Hummers. ~— Data 1.80
..20 | Kennicotts Somees Ow
1,00 | Burrowing Owl.....2
Plmatenakeae ...60 | Scissor-tailed F] Ste
Brandt's Cormorant .2......... 40) Arkansas King ria ae
Violet-ereen Cormorant........ 35 | Cassin’s King bird...
Baird’s Cormorant....... rg3}3) \ Crested Flycatcher...
MG se aCe eyes sdac tevobare 2-20) “PRoebestino sa. aan
Blue-winged Teal....... 20 Black Phoebe
Ginnimon Teal.......-. 730) Wood Pewee....... .
Barrows Golden eye.. 7) | Western Plyeaitohe
Ruddy Duck.....-.....4 ...B0 Acadian Sie
Beast: Bittern: 2.26 .-qesecawewetae 15 Little ‘
Great Blne Heron... 120 Least “
Green Heron........... reO Am. Magpie....s....
Snowy Heron... 12 .| Blue-jay......
Louisiana Heron.......... . 10 *| -Fla. Crow.
Black or Night Heron, . pk) Bobolink .
Clapper Rail......... -..-.05 ...08 Cow-bird..........
Louisiana, Clapper Rail.........15 Drawf Gow-bird.......
Virginia Rail....-.........% ned Red-winged Black_bird.
STINE ieee gee ecco ee «.08 Bicolored Black bird.
Florida Gallinule....
MRT Ra Ot Resear ae ae ae ae
10 | Tricolored Black bird...
08 Meadow Lark....cc.:-.---:
Bartramian Sandpiper.....-...80 | West'n. Meadow Lark-..
Bnaeies Sandpiper... -s.s-.. 10. | Hooded. Oriole... ...
oe ae fit Soi tag se ace eee 15 | Avizona Hooded Oriole...
ob RE BOS i coseens 210 Baltimore Oriole...
Texas Bob W hite ps.) wold |
Mountian Fartridge.. 70 | Brewer's Black bird:
California Partridge. alt 5
Valley Partridge 7s S54; Boat tailed Grackle
Jambel’s
Bullock's Oriole..
Partridge. .......2.-..-20 St.
{ Lucas House Fineh.. “ess .05
Bow FLT CLispeeee ac sentn~ teh eh oe 05
lanes P Ba, 1
; ong-billed Marsh
oe Titmouse.
e | aa FS Mor K stn ie 70 lg GY
SE N _ oii aaiatc ie ata og IN NWATU pony. eb
eee ee en 5 OEE SPAM
msg ennelinfatilinah ee IY m= gh age
S a Tue Best!
Is, Blowers, Embryo Scissors and Hooks.
sf ——— =
S_—
_ Plated, . Engraved. Handles, Naturalists and Taxidere
‘stamp for Illustrated Catalogue and Price Lists. 34
S$ - = ~~. Worcester, Mass.
ep | BIDS EGGS, INDIAN RELICS,
fe illustrated cat-| MINERALS, STAMPS, COINS and
ress for SPD CURIOSITIES. Large price list free.
Market S ers
W. P. & F. M. ARNOLD, -- = Shannock, R. 1.
-Yours Tey
“SOUTHWICK & CRITCHLEY,
a) eal
‘ ane:
;
The Collectors’ ae ly W “WORTHIN
A Monthly Magazine Devoted to — pecs f of es is & =§
ees iw ie lib csr e emma | - Shelter Island Heights, N
ve ‘adc ot i Taxidermis
Cl ty +i ) D- iH BF) Ad} And collector of sigenens = Natural
"| Bird skins a speciaity, whic endeavor na
SU! BSCRIPTION RATES: s up in first-class See and sell cheaper than the
: aoe | Same grade of skins can be bought from any dea :
Single Subscriptions, = - =~ - ~ 306 1gonq stamp for list of skins and eggs. I offe
Foreign “ SS ea 12cts extra. } fol data —
Single Copies, : o - - 3c each. : Setof 3 eggs of Boat-tailed Grackie, post-paid
: Set of 4 eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid,
ADVERTISING RATES: : . Corresponcence deSired with collectors in an
| braneb of Natura! History, who desire honest
Bare ets 1 ADSCIED MS EE sr 7 © -. $4 00} imens at honest prices. sae referees ‘if de-
One Column, one insertion, -- - = 2 25} dred:
Half Coiumn, one insertion, . - - 1°20 a
One Inch, one insertion, = = 3 S 50
Casi must accompany all advertisements. : D R. DB.
Write for special rates om Standing Seige
ments.
_aA\rticles and items of interest in any branch of | ee ee
Natural History solicited for publication.
&=-Address all cammuanications to the Euitor.
and Publisher. ‘Sweet Home, Linn Co., Oregon.
j
| Ss Skins and mounted specimens
| Oregon birds a specialiy. All
| x work first-class and pee
Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville
Corn., as second class mail matter.
Cumoiaas | | Minerals I
reasonable. - =
Ali dead-birds and quadrupeds sen we 168
prepared must be accompanied by th
full amount of cash in advance for mount-
ing, and in all cases the express char,
For go days I will send, for $1.50, one of | Must be paid in full by seader or eee
my X collections of curiosities, which contains | 4! specimens. Send for terms.
from 25 to 40 specimens of Curiosities, Min-
erals, Indian Relics, Crystals, etc. The ANTIQUE CURIOSITIES
specimens in this cojlection are all fine and
worth from 5c to soc each. The regular’ :
price of this collection is $2.50 post paid. — = We nave a few copies of the
= “BOSTON NEWSL ETTER”
GARNETS. |
Green garnets from Maine...
The first newspaper ever printed in America,
— 1704. Every collector should have one. —
Red garnets from Alaska ........... Ade a
White garaets from Mexico..........0......-...-.. .15¢ |
Yellow garnets from Maine......00.-.......-.2--. Rape AE:
Black garnets from [taly-..icéc:s-esce0-s0-0---- ...15¢ ee CREAT cu RIOSITY,
Pink garnets from Mexico.....c...-e0-0---- zeke.
Red garnets from Maine. ...2.....2.0..ccsecceeeesceeseeeee 15e
Fossil shark’s teeth from S. C., very large........ 15e Subscribers
Prehisteric shell beads, 5 specimens on a neat ag | Given for two New (60 ets. —<_ =
” @ar . Bare: Sel | <<
All sent post paid. : Write quick, as they wont staylong.
GEOR = E L. HOWE, "4 = GS: H. PRINCE,
GRANGER, - Ba Oregon. ‘Danielsonville, ook Tesmger
THE COLLECTORS Moun
Devoted to 9 Ornithology, ology « and a ral History.
Description of the Nest and Eggs of the
Birds of Barnstable (o., Mass.
263. ites: s dapper.
(Actitis macularia.) 277.
This familar birdjfis found breeding quite
abundantly in this part of the state. It has
a queer ‘bobing motion of the body, which
gives it thenames of ‘‘Teeter-tail,’’ ‘‘Tip-
up’’ and many others.
The note, as near as I can express it in |
print, is a peculiar sound, resembling pet: |
“weet, peet-weet, which it utters as it runs
along some sandy beach, looking for small
fish which has been washed ashore or swim-
ming very near the shore.
The nest is placed on the ground, in some
high grass or sea-weed, and is simply a
slight hollow in the,fground lined with grass
or sea-weed. The eggs are four in number,
creamy buff, with dark brown markings. The
average measurment is about 1.32xg0. One
peculiar thing about the eggs of the Spotted
Sandpiper (as indeed there is about all the
waders), is that the eggs all lay with the
| small ends together.
273. Killdeer} Plover.
(Aegialitis vocifera.) 516.
This bird wasfjformerly very abundant all
_ is taken, no doubt, from it’s cry of killdeer,
_killdeer, which can be{heard on still days
and moonlightjnights.
The nest is similar to macularia, but the
‘eggs are a dark clay color, marked with
‘brown and umber.
Set in a private collection without data, are
as oes No. 1, 1.49% 1.59;
eo: N 3, 1.48x1.60; No. 4, 1.50x-
I
| over this State, but is now rareygThe name |
|
277. Piping plover.
(Aegralitis m
‘loda.) 520
I have never met with this specie breed-
| ing in this part of the state, but am told by
.
|
}
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| own fair country
The measurements of a!
No. 2, !
Mr. H. G. White that it breeds near Pro-
vincetown, near the extremity of Cape Cod.
He says that the nest is nothing
ground, with not evena hollow
it.
The cry is very difficult to describe on pa-
per. It resembles the whistle of the
mon Ring-necked Plover.
The eggs are four in number, pale buff
i aeaied| with
Avérage mearsurement,
but the bare
scooped i in
com-
black and purplish gray.
1.2QX1.
C. C. PURDUM.
[ro BE CONTINUED.|
—_—
Mr. C. H. Prince, Dear
very much the COLLECTORS’
Bird life is very
One of the most noticeable things is the in-
nummerable flocks of Robins. Have had
the pleasure of collecting a beautiful speci-
men of a young Golden Eagle.
I send you the following article.
Edible Insects.
Sir:—I enjoy
MONTHLY.
active here this winter.
But few persons prebably have ever given
this subject much thought. Indeed,
we hardly know anything
about Edible Insects, there probably being
only one or two cases where these
are used for food. The Digger Indians
California and Arizona, in the summer and
in our
insects
in
fall collect great quantities of locusts,
and store them away as food for
| winter. They harvest their crop by forming
26
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHEY.
a large circle on the prairie and setting fire ;
around it. The fire burning inward, drives the
insects towards the centre, where they are
either killed or scorched so bad they cannot
fly. They arethen scooped up and stored
away. They prepare them for the festive |
board, by pounding them up with acorns
and mixing with water and baking, making
a kind of brown cake.
The natives of South Africa collect and
use for food these inscets, especially during
a dronth, and they live and seem to thrive
on them.
These tribes usually wash and
eat them, though sometimes they make a
kind of soup of them.
John Chinaman, who is noted for saving
everything, does not hold “‘the bug”’ in scorn,
but hails with delight the larva and pupa of
many insects and always saving the larva of
the silkworm for the table. Even in Europe
the larva of many of the common beetles,
especially the wood borers, are considered
very fine. It is said that among the Greeks
the cicada were considered among the deli-
cacies. Both the larvaand pupa were eaten,
but the imago were considered best, espec-
ially the females, on account of the eggs.
Roasted spiders are eaten by natives of
New Caledonia, and in Southern Europe
you frequently find individuals who eat them
raw. A traveler tells of a young lady, who,
in her rambles, whenever she found a spider
cracked and ate them on the Indeed, |
if it were not for the popular predjudice
against ‘‘a bug,”’
spot.
insects would be an article
We think nothing
oi eating an oyster, and many of our insects
have a very delicate flavor and are very nu- |
tritious, as many of our most noted entom-
ologists will testify.
Now, if some enterprising house-keeper
of desert on our tables.
would simply start the fashion of having
roasted grasshoppers, rare, or fricasseed |
cankerworms, in a short time the grass-
hopper scourge would be hailed with delight
by the fancy grocer, and the farmers could
turn that pest of the orchard into account.
E, M. B.
Leonardville, Kansas.
; ton Co.), it is not very Common.
; places.
| squirrels, frogs, snakes, lizards and small
| usually lay from four to six eggs, of a green-
SOME OREGON BIRDS.
BY G L. HOWE.
Turkey Vulture.
(Cathartes aura.)
This bird is found in all parts of Oregon.
Almost any day in summer he may be seen
sailing through the air or on the ground-
This bird is not very clean, but for useful-
ness surpasses all others. They are hardly
ever killed, as they devour at all times the
putrid or decomposing flesh of carcasses.
Around the carcass the birds my be seen in
great numbers, devouring the flesh with
great relish. The Turkey Vulture is also
noted for its flights, soaring around in great
circles, apparently without effort. They
congregate in great numbers to roost, and in
some dead pine tree, sleep away the night-
The nest is situated on the ground in rotten
logs, stumps and caves. A slight depres-
sion with a few leaves scattered in it, com-
pose the nest. The eggs are yellowish
white, blotched with purple and brown
two in number, sometimes only one, aver-
aging in size about 2.73x1.88.
Warsh Hawk.
(Circus hudsonzus.)
This birdis sometimes called the Blue
Harrier, and it North
In this locality (Ben-
It is found
especially in low, swampy lands or marshy
It’s
hawk or inhabits
America in general.
food consists of rats, mice,
birds. The nest is generally placed on the
ground usually ina marsh or swamp, some-
The nest is a
foot or more in diameter, three to six inches
in height, and is composed of dry grass, hay,
The same nest is generally
years in They
times on a grassy prairie.
twigs or moss.
used several succession.
ish white color, faintly spotted with pale
brown and lilac. The eggs closely resemble
those of the Coopers Hawk, (Accipiter coop-
eri), and measure 1.80 to 1.90 in length by
1.40 to 1.45 in breadth. :
Oregon Jay.
(Perisoreus obscurus.)
t
This bird differs from the common jay, be-
ing darker and having a large top-not. It is a
very tame bird, but I have never found them
as tame as Mr. Davie mentions that Mr. A.
W. Anthony says he found them. He says:
* “ FTYe characterizes it as a bird utterly de-
void of fear, While dressing deer in the
thick timber he has been almost covered
with these jays. They would light on his
back, head and shoulders, and there tug and
pull at eaeh loose shred of his coat, as if as-
sisting him in all ways possible.’? The Ore-
gon Jay is also a great mimic ; mocking the
crow almost to perfection. I have often
mistook them for crows and sometimes for
other birds, by the sounds they made. In
the winter they come to the valleys to stay;
but in the spring, off they go to the moun-
tains to raise their young; only a few re-
maining to breed. I have never found. but
fone nest in tke valley, which was in a fir
tree, about five feet from the ground. The
nest was placed close to the trunk, and was
almost as large as a crow’s nest. It was
composed of twigs, feathers from itself,
Ihairs, etc. The. old bird was exceedingly
tame, letting me put my hand almost on her.
he nest contained three eggs, of a light |
blue color, thickly covered with spots of
rown, mostly on the larger end. The eggs
easure about 1.03x75. It is very hard to
istinguish the male from the female, as they
ook just alike a little way off. They live |
mostly on acorns, corn, bugs, worms, eggs |
ynd most any thing that they can steal that
seatable. Ithas a large crest on its heqd |
f a dark blue color with a light blue line in |
ront, which it raises and lowers at pleasure. |
[ro BE CONTINUED. ]
Nest and Eggs of N Am. Birds, Oliver Davie. .
| “Birds of a feather generally flock to-geth:
r, but geese and ducks are found in divers
aces.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
| tookthem all in.
IMPORTANT.
A $35.00 NoricrE.—A person calling him-
self John L. Swenson, and hailing from dif-
ferent places in Iowa, Illinois and Minneso-
ta is an unmitigated fraud and honest collect-
ors are warned to beware of him.
I will also state that this Swenson
me in reply to an exchange notice, sometime
since, and he listed a lot of specimens I par-
wrote
ticulariy desired, and I was foolish enough
to send him about $35 worth of eggs, and
have not heard a word in answer, though I
Have
to Postmaster at the place I sent eggs, and
I have received
inquiries Other parties
who sent him specimens, and got nothing in
have written several times. written
the reply was—is not here.
from several
; return. Look Our For Him.
A. E. PRICE,
Grant Park, Ill.
Another $21.00 Victim.
Mr. C. H. Prince, Dear Sir:—In the
February number of your COLLECTORS’
Monru_y I had an exchange notice and re-
ceived a letter from John L. Swenson, wish-
ing to make an exchange from Fairfax, Lowa,
and he gave me a very desirable list, so I
sent him $21 worth of eggs and mounted
birds, mostly eggs, and he promised to send
back by return mail and I have not heard a
o
es
word from him since he said he was going
to Alaska to collect this season, starting the
16th of March, so I think I shall hear
from him again. Isent him some very fine
sets, as he wrote me very nice letters. I
Can you give me any in-
not
| formation in regard to the man?
A. E. Kippe.
We have looked our list all through and
| inquired, but fail to find his name, or get
We are on the
with-
any clue to his wherebouts.
lookout for others, whose
hold at present.—Eb.
names Wwe
28
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Notes on the Birds of Long
Island.
WITH BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH SPECIES
BY W. W. WORTHINGTON.
(27.) 69. Sterna forstert:
Forster’s Vern. (685.)
Above light pearl gray.
and occiput black.
Legs and feet scarlet.
tail feathers white.
Tail 6 inches.
A notuncommonAutumn visitor. Ihave
several specimens taken on different occa-
sions inSeptember, at Ram Island Shoals.
One flock observed their contained about
twenty individuals, They did not seem
to associate with the Common Terns,
which were plenty at the time, but kept
in a rather compact body by themselves.
I have never met with them in the Spring,
and which way the autumn travelars
come trom Iam unable to state. This is
about their northern limit along the
coast. Their breeding range seems to be
west of our meridian, both north and
south, and inland. Nests in grassy
marshes, using dry grasses reeds, ete.
ges two or three, greenish, brownish,or
white ground, spotted with different
shades of brown and lilac, and bout 13-4
x 1 1-4 inches.
Top of head
Underparts white. |
Outer web of outer
Length 14 inches.
(28.) 70. Sterna hirundo:.-
Common Tern. (686.)
Above light bluish Pearl. Upper part
of head black. Cheeks, throat, under tail
coverts, and rump white. Beneath light
pearl gray. Length 14 in.
An abundant summer resident. Breeds
in communities like all the Terns, and
when one of their breeding places is ap-
proached they all rise and hover over-
bead keeping up their loud cries of 4ee-
ar-1-r, kee-ar-r-y, until the intruders de-
part. The nests are simply hollows in
the sand, or sea drift, sometimes lined
with a little grass. The eggs are three
or very rarely four in number, with a
light greenish or brownish ground, heavi-
ly blotched and spotted with different
shades of brown, blackish, and lilac. The
first set is here deposited in the second
week in June. ‘Egeing Parties’ how-
ever, generally keep the eges cleaned off
from Gull Island, where the species has
always bred abundantly,) so thatI have
taken sets of fresh egos from there late
in July, so as a matter of course the
species is not nearly as abundant there
as they once were.
et au Z
Coues’ Key.
By Elliot Coues, M. A., M. D., Ph. ID,
Fourth and latest edition,—is to well
known to need description, being recognized
by all leading Orinthologist to be the Stand-
ard authority on Orinthology. Profusely il-
lustrated, containing over goa pages, fully
indexed by several thousand entries. Sent
to any address on receipt of price, $7. 50.
Address
CL. PRINCE
281 Main St., Danielsonville, Ct.
<
ponsibity.
Our Res
We have sent sample copies of the Cox-
LECTOR’s MONTHLY to some whoare strang-
ers to us, think they might be interested ina
first-class Collectors’ paper at a low price,
and be induced to subscribe thereby. If
however, you receive a Sample copy of this
paper without having sent for it, you will
understand why it was sent you. If you
have any doubt aS to our business integnity
reliability and ability to make all our offers
good, and fulfill all our agreements, we
would refer you to any and all reliable per-
sons in business in this place’ We are weil
known here and make no offers which we
are not entirely able to carry out to the let-
ter.
Fa SG. C4
oon ct SSS
; ‘ar Always mention this paper when answering
). | advertisements.
Eat A : RAYS 0 EXCHANGE. x ‘and artistio-
we agin and ally lined, (new invention) hand made of fine |
jas rrectly named | white card board, cloth corners, for exes, skins,
Will allow a |} mounted specimens, etc. Send stamp for sample,
No second stating what you have and Want.
Prof. B,J, eee 407 Second St , New Or-
| piace! La. :
| T° Every: person sending ua THIRTY CENTS
| fot one year’s subscription to this paper, this
month, we will send as a premium a first-class
| egg worth 20 cents.
} THE COLLECT ORS’ MONTHLY.
a 10, EXCHANGE: Fos ossiis ath) Atrow ‘Points ‘tor
: tamps, Fossils and 0 uriosities.
eee ‘cheapest made Price, | "" HERBERT B. BROCK, Mason Clty, Iowa. .
VOR EVERY $5.00 worth of first-class eggs.
” either singles or sets, sent me with data, I
| will mail a receipt for making Arsenical Soap for
| preserving bird skins, used in the Scientifle School
of Taxidermy, Paris, France. Nothing better
I also have eggs of my locality to exchange for
eo localities. Write for list
G, W. MORSE, 311 East Coates St. Moberly, Mo.
ae New -England Business Directory and
Gazetteer, No. 11, containing the names, bus-
iness and address of nearly every merchant, man-
ufacturer and proffesional man in all the New
| Gontatae States. Copyrighted 1883. Cost. $6.00.
Contains 185) pages. What offers? -
CH. PRINCE, Danielsonville, Conn.
- NATURE’ S REALM,
A Montuty M AGAZINE.
the Only Publication i in “the World .
Devoted soleil to
ae a. ar iin bananas ‘Compound,
Dew
Popular Natural History.
. .
The Aquarium Department
is conducted by Hugo Mulertt, who will aoswer
th $2. 20 for only | all queries relative co the comsbenction and con-
duct of Aquaria,
5 r ment
ee oe a ve Ray Rese tines The Note and Query ‘Departme
worth pauble Soe money. Five | is especially opened to record thé observations
b 3 -| and experiences of amateur naturalists who de-
| sire to commune one with the other, and fo give
ale Sate and publicity to their fleld or closet
work. ‘
““geoing: ia beleiving.”’ Nature’s Realnz is issued on the first
Wasrenved of each: month, and cortains fifty-two pages
. 714x10 inches. It is: printed on superior canlen-
| der paper and the mechanical execution is of the
best. Subscription, $2.00; single copies, 20 cts.
a oe __THE HARRIS PUBLISHING CO.,
10 Warren Street, NewYork.
|THE coLLBe ‘ORS
4. 0 pat ree hrehihn Peds oon ee te cm
Call
Don’t talk so much or you will swal-
low your teeth, But look at these prices |
which cannot be beat. $
iy 4 ) r .
BI RD: SKINS
Blue bird
Russet-backed Thrush...
Ruby-crowned Kinalebe, Reeds
Golden-crowned Kinglet...
Carolina Chickadee....2
Chickadee .,
Red-breasted Nuthateh ..
White-breasted Nuthateh.
Parkman's Wren........3..
Brown Thrasher...... NS
Yellow Palm Warb ..i..
Black-throated Green -Warb. Ree ey
Chestnut-sided Warb,... :
Audubons Warb..
Myrtle Warb
Evening Grosbeak. ,....
Tutescent Warb..... Saas
Black and White W orn Recor
Violet-zreen Swallow...
Indigo Bunting...
Rose-breasted ‘Grosbeak...
Slate-colored Tuna. dic ccepscseccseeccs es
‘8 Lbipping ® Sparrows. BA Sie bers Tage ws eRe Roe So 2
WVhite-throated SparrOw..cc.cccccccccasv guvscseneee :
W. Savana Rnaxroem SS RSE are Little ae ayaettanenenee a
MPRO GOlGRN ch... . i Peete csc cecsk ea ee Baird’s Cormorant... ) g
Mschard Oriole: .< .!. aes ecko RS >
OQ IEG ak co 5. RRR cae cS SO ee
CSA eat oss sc. a, ce
BRU Paine. sco kc) ke
Ruddy-horn Lark......,
ar Pewee... abc
Chimney Swift
al, (Wodpeck ker... ara vheo gun taees
Downy Woodpecker., Fo Se =-(o bb) :
Burrowing Mwl..... ee eon
Cal. Partridge... 5
Spotted Sandpiper...
Pectoral Sandpiper...
AM.) GOO A. 05s
Yeliow-Legs. aoe
Solitary Raeduinss
Cassins Vireo .....
Warbling Vireo
\
Can I ian: 1 dow. dontaesorted ‘ocineedte
eS ADDRESS _ =
Ww. M. BERMAN, |
1050 Ingraham St., Los Annalee, . ae
Seton ty ; 7 es
. as.
= Sena
Leet ae JV
s
es, tae ees ie Pog
ve 85, Bl
i 2
; oue’s ‘Key Free for New Subseribers. asec hist of Premiums.
re Collectors’ Monthly.
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN haem AT. HISTORY.
‘Vou. 2. DANIEL SONVILLE, Conn., poe & Je ty, 1891. No.6 &7
tg Ege Drills, Blowers, Embryo Scissors and Hooks.
¥
7 Best" of stock, Nickel Plated, Engraved Handles, Naturalists and Taxider
"mists Supplies of all kinds. Send stamp for Illustrated Catalogue and Price Lists +4
| ieee K. REED. 262 Main St.» . - “ Worcester, Mass
}
o Naturalists Supply ipa: BARE EGGS
Have yon received my large illustrated cat- To exchange f for ch cap kinds, please send us full
| Mlogue fer 18917 Sent to any addressforstamp. | lists at once of what yu have to exchange.
é. Pome p-obeban M. NOE. 64 W_ Market St. Address CoLtiectoss Moz >) 2a
W. W. WORTHINGTON,
Shelter Island Heights, N. Y. |
‘Taxidermist!
And collector of specimens in Natural History. |
Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to make —
up in first-class shape, and sell cheaper than the ©
Same grade of skins can be bought from any dealer. ~
Send stamp for list of skins and eggs. I offer with
full data :-— My
Set of 3 eggs of Boat-tailed Grackle, post-paid, 15¢ _
Set of 4 eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, joc. "
Correspondence desired with collectors in-any
| branch of Natural History, who desire honest spe-
imens at honest prices. Ample reference if de-—
Sired.
DRA. & PRILES
’
ae
| TAXIDERMIST !
Sweet Home, Oregon.
|
| Correspondence Solicited.
.
: Premium No. 1.
| ‘The Semi-Annual published in April and Octo-
| ber is now ready; edited by Lynds Jones, Oberlin
,; Ohio and published by C. ©. Maxtield, Danbury,
Conn. A nicely gotten up Magazine of nearly 50
pages of interesting reading. Ornithologists and
Oologists should not fail to secure a copy at
onee. Price 35 cents a copy. ;
) - No Free Sampies.
SEE HERE! We will send the Semi-Annual,
| April number, and give & year’s subscription to
| the Collector’s Monthly for only 50 cents; or we —
will give the Semi-Annual as a premium for TDwo
| new subseribers (70 cents cash), Address
| C. H. PRINCE,
Danielsonville, Conn. |
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
eee to > Ornithology, Sak eked and Natural History.
Cuckoos in Northwestern lowa
(For Collectors Monthly,)
The family Cuculidae is represented here
by two species; the Black billed and Yellow
billed, the latter being the most common.
In seasons past I have searched in vain |
for a nest of either species but this year I
have been successful beyond all expectation,
having found no less than 11 nests with eggs
or young.
On the 22d of June, 1890, I was egging
on a bluff thickly covered with ash, willow
and many other trees and bushes, and was
forcing my way through a tangle of under
brush when I was startled by a sudden flap-
ping in the thick brush, which I took to be
a Mourning Dove leaving her nest and a
moment later espying a rough looking nest
of twigs in a small willow tree I approached
and looked into it, and was surprised to see
4 greenish-blue eggs, beautifully mottled,
reposing therein. I was unable to identify
them until the cry of a. Cuckoo in a thicket
on the other side of the river, instantly
decided me as to their parentity.
The nest was a thick, slightly concave,
platform of loose twigs on which was placed
a saucer-shaped layer of leaves, small twigs
on some grass which had evidently
picked green and allowed to dry together.
The 2nd and 3rd nests were found by my
brother, while collecting insects. Each con-
tained 3 eges of the yellow billed species
and ch was placed in a willow tree on the
bank of the river.
The fourth set was found on the 27th of
June and consisted of 4 eggs of yellow billed
Cuckoo, This nest, as were all the others,
was like No. 1 in material and construction
and was placed in a plum tree about 7 feet
from ground.
The 5th set was brought to me by a boy.
The eggs were those of the vellowbilled and
were 3 in number, they were greenish-blue,
unmottled. The 6th set of yellowbilled was
found on July ist, the nest with 3 eggs
being placed ina willow tree.
On the 2nd and 3rd of July I was fortunate
enough to secure 3 sets of the Blackbilled.
1 of 4 and 2 of 2 eggs each, the eggs were
; smaller and much darker in color than those
!
been
of yellowbill. The did not differ
preceptibly from those of the other species
and were all placed in willow trees near the
nests
river.
On July 5th I found 2 nests of Blackbilled
one containing 4 young and the other 2 young
and 2 eggs nearly ready to hatch.
On July 6th I found 2 nest of yellowbilled
Cuckoo one placed in a currant bush on the
river bank and containing 5 fresh eggs, and
the other in a small plum tree and contain-
re
ing 3 incubated eggs.
CARLETON BALL.
Little Rock, Lowa.
~ +
Description of the Nest ead Tes of te
Birds of Barnstable Co., Mass.
289. Bob-white.
(Colinus vn {8o.
This well known yame bird is found during
the greater part of the year in coveys; in the
“vTNTANUS. )
Spring however, each pair choses a particular
spot, and remains there during the following
After mating the well-known cry
(bob-white- bob- white) can be
summer.
of the male,
heard at short intervals in fields and wood-
30
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
land. The nest is generally placed on the
ground at the corner of a rail fence, and is
constructed of dry grasses and straws. The
eggs are from fifteen to twenty in number,
pure white unless they are stained by the
bed on which they lie. They are quite
pointed at one end, and rounded at the other-
They present a great regularity in size and
shape, the average measurement of a set
collected at Falmouth, cuntaining fifteen eggs
being 1. 19x93. Often
raised in a season.
300. Ruffed grouse.
(Bonasa umbcllus.) 473.
The “‘Partridge’’ is not a very common
bird in this locality ; only a few being seen
during the breeding seoson, and not very
many during the winter months. The ‘‘drum-
ming’’ of the ‘‘Partridge”’ is a curious sound,
produced by the bird striking it’s wings
against the sides of it’s body. To produce
the sound, the bird lowers it’s wings, ex-
pands ‘the tail, contracts the neck, and
inflates the body; then raising its wings the
bird strikes the body with them, increasing
the rapidity of the strokes, untill the wings
do not seem to move.
The nest is usually placad at the border
of the forest and often near the roadside.
The nest is composed of dead Jeaves, and is
placed under the branches of a fallen tree.
The eggs are from five to fifteen in number,
dark cream, nearly brownish. Average
measurement, I. §5x1. 14.
331. Marsh hawk.
(Circus hudsonius.) 430.
The Marsh hawk or Harrier is a common
bird in this locality, but I have found but
one nest. This was placed on the ground
three broods are
and was only a collection of hay and dry |
moss, containing five eggs which were a
greenish-white, spotted wilh brown. The
farmers think that the Marsh hawk is as
harmfull to their poultry as any other hawk, |
but as far as any investigation of mine is
concerned, I can safely say that the Marsh }
hawk is not at ail given to plundering poul-
try yards, but prefers to subsist on mice,
grasshoppers, large insects and small birds
C. C. PuRDUM.
(TO BE CONTINUED. )
| cure an Elgin Typewriter. See list of premiums,
My Experience.
(For the Collectors Monthly.)
I noticed in the Feb. No. of your Col-
lectors’ Monthly, an article by C. E, Pleas,
on the Turkey Vulture or Buzzard. Mr.
Pleas gets there pretty well on the habits of
the Turkey Vulture until he says he has no
authentic account of their ever trying to take
life, it is strange that Mr. Pleas observed so
much of them and does not know they take
life, I have been a close observer of them for
the last 25 years and have been in the woods
almost daily during that time, and haye
known them to kill Lambs and Pigs by the
wholesale and have seen them trying to kill
young Calves and have seen them disfigured
by the Buzzard, but it is a rare thing for
them to attact young calves. The reader will
also bear in mind that the Black Vulture
takes-a hand in the slaughtering business
with the Turkey Vulture. Now, to settle
this question I will not ask the reader to take
my word, but write enclosing stamp to some
of the parties mentioned below, who are not
bird men but men who are in the stock rais-
Robt York, Giddings, Texas ;
Fayette Balander, Giddings, Texas; R. C.
Thompson, Ledbetter, Texas; Robt. Knox,
Dime Box, Yexas ; II. S. Moore, Dime box,
Texas; P. J. Atkinson, Dime Box, Texas;
these men are not men that I have heard
complain, but they are stock raisers and I
ing business.
know have suffered from the attacks of thes
birds.
what they say.
Would also state March 11th
1Sgt aset of 2 Islack Vultures, incubation
advanced would have hatched in a few days
Address them with stamp and see
I secured
is not this early for them?
Kv AVKINSON.
Dime Box, Texas.
We consider it a very remarkable occurene
the earliest we have any record of. —‘[I¢p.
Send in your subscriptions this month and se
SOME OREGON BIRDS.
By G. L. Hows.
Sooty Grouse.
(Dendragapus obscurus fuliginosus.)
This bird is very common in the William-
ette valley. In the winter it remains at the
top of the large fir trees begining to ‘“‘hoot’’
at the first warm ‘‘spell’”’ in spring. — It
makes about five slow ‘‘hoots’? and then
about six in quick succession. It is very
hard to locate them when they are ‘‘hooting.”’
I have often been under a tree where I knew
there was one, looking for as much as_twen-
ty minutes, but come away without seeing
it, although it kept a hooting all the time.
They are a very dark bird, much more so
then the Oregon Ruffled grouse. (onasa
umbellus subini), ‘The male is darker than
the female, and has a yellowish pouch on
his neck about the size of an olive. Only
‘the males “‘hoot.’’? The sooty grouse is also
larger than the ruffled grouse. When the
grain is ripe it leaves the trees and makes its
home in the fields. It breeds early in the
spring, making a nest on the ground out of
grass, leaves etc., and lining it with feathers
and wool. . It lays about eight eggs, of a
buff color, thickly spotted with brown, about
1.85 x 1.35 in size. The Sooty grouse is not
as good eating as the ruftled grouse as it is
tougher, but is a great deal better than duck.
It lives mostly on grain and fir buds, I know
of one occurrence where a Ring Neck
Mongolian and a Sooty Grouse layed
in the same nest, the sooty grouse’ hatching
all the eggs and raising both broods. I did
not see the Grouse but I saw the egg shells
of both kinds of eggs; and I am well ac.
quainted with the person that found the nest.
Western} Meadow Lark.
(Steernella magna neg lecta.)
This is one of our commonest birds. It is
so much like the Meadow Lark (Stella
magna) that it needs no description.. It
makes its nest on the ground in the grass.
_It is composed of grass, feathers, paper and
hairs ; it is covered, that is the grass is wove
in at the top so as to form a csmplete cover-
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
31
{
ing the bird entering at the side. Any per-
| son directly over the nest cannot find it, but
get on the right side, and it is plainly seen.
The nest is generally placed in a slight
depression made by a horses foot, or a wheel
track. The eggs are generally five in numbe,
of a pure white color, thickly spotted with
brown and purple.
The average size is
about 1.08 x 1.85; bnt they vary greatly in
size and color; some being long and slender
others thick and short.
Red Shafted Flicker,
(Colaptes cafer)
This woodpecker is abundant in Oregon,
I shall not describe it as it is so common.
It makes its nest in a hollow tree, or in a
cavity that it makes in a sound tree. It
is composed of sawdust, feathers etc., and
is generally about two feet lower than the
enterance hole.
It lays from six to ten eggs
of a pure white color ; in size about 1.14 x 85.
Band-tailed Pigeon.
(Columba fasciata.)
This Pigeon is very common in this locality
in certain parts of the year. It comes in
the spring and goes again inthe fall. About
a mile from where I live there is a spring
the water of which is a little salty; the birds
congregate there in great numbers. In the
morning the birds are found around the
water; but in the afternoon they seek the
grain fields and the cherry trees, also the
strawberry fields and the alderberries when
they are ripe. They do not nest in this
locality (at any rate I have neverseen a nest,
{nor do T know of any body that has] within
twenty miles of here). The bird looks very
much like the common blue Pigeon; being
about the size and color with the exception
that the band-tailed has a white ring around
its neck, and a darkish band across its tail.
It is not very good eating, as it has a strong
taste, something like that of a duck, when
boiled. It makes its nest in a small tree, or
on the ground. The nest is composed of
twigs, sticks, feathers etc., and is a mere
platform of twigs. The eggs are two in
number, of a glistening white color and with
an average size of [.50X 1.20.
32
Notes
on the Birds of Long Island.
By W. W- WorRTrHINGTON.
Arctic Tern. (687.)
(29.) 71. Sterna Paradisaea
Above light bluish pearl. Top of head
and occiput black. Cheeks, rump and under
tail coverts white. Beneath light pearl gray.
Entire bill and feet bright red. Length
14 T-2 inches.
Much less common than the preceding or
succeeding species during the migration. I
have taken the only living specimen I ever
saw at Ram Island Shoals, in autumn. None
breed in this vicinity to my
The breeding habits and eggs of this bird
are identical with those of the preceding
species, but the bird is easily distinguished
by the entire bill being red.
Roseate Tern. (688)
(30.) 72. Sterna dougall,
Above pale pearl gray. Top of head and
elognated feathers of occiput black. — Bill
black except at base, which is orange.
Beneath white, with a fine roseate tinge
which fades soon after death. Outer tail
feathers very long and slender. Feet red.
Length 16 inches.
A common migrant, formerly breeding
sparingly in two or three localities within
our limits, but now nearly or quite ex-
terminated. In 1881 a large colony of these
elegant birds bred on a small island situated
in Long Island Sound near the Conn.,
shore. I visited this place with my friend
Mr. M. B. Griffing, on June 22d of that year,
and at that time the nests literally covered
the ground, being placed among the beach
grass, and some were directly under a large
vessel hatch which had drifted up on some
former high tide and was supported a foot
or so from the ground by the rank growth.
They were quite neatly constructed of fine
beach grass, and most of them contained
two eggs, and as incubation was far advanc-
ed, and we only found two sets of three, we
concluded that two is the usual number laid.
The ground color of these eggs resembles
~ that of the common tern, but the
class’
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
markings average much finer, and more in-
duced to rings about the larger end of the
egg. The eggs of this species are also
uniformly more pointed in shape.
(690.)
(51.) 74. Sterna antillarun
Least Tern.
Small. Above light pearl. Top of head,
outer half of two outer primaries, and tip of
bill black. Crescent on the forehead, and
under parts, satin. white. Feet and bill
bright yellow. Length 8 1-2 inches.
Formerly a common summer resident in
restricted localities, breeding in communities
of from three or four, to a dozen or more
knowledge. |
pairs, but now nearly or quite exterminated
from this locality. The nests were slight
hollows, scratched in the beach by the birds,
and neatly paved with bits of shells, and
usually situated among a bed of small pebbles
corresponding in size with the eggs, thus
rendering them difficult to find. But con-
trary to this, on a small sandy island on the
coast of Georgia, which T visited in ’88, the
eggs were laid in slight hollows in the clear
white sand, and each set stood out in bold
relief This was the 17th of May, and the
sets were about completed, being of three,
and rarely four eggs each. On L. Tl.) suhe
eges were rarely laid before the middle of
June, and I have taken fresh sets in July.
The ground color is buffy drab or whitish,
spotted with different shades of brown and
lilac, and average about 1x Il-4 inches.
‘Breeds at Port Jefferson, and used to at Mt.
Sinai’’ (Helme).
Sooty Vern. (691)
32.) 75. Sterna fuliginosa.
Top of head, hind neck, upper parts, bill
and feet black. Forehead amd under surface
white. Length 16 inches.
A specimen of this species was shot
Lake Roukonkoma, on Sept. 13th 1878, by
Mr: Chas. Earle, of N. Y., City, and record-
edinthe ‘Auk’? 1886, p. 433 by Mr. Dutcher,
where a description of it\in full, is given by
Robt. Ridgway, who pronounced it ‘a young
bird in transition plumage.’’ Another
specimen which I secured while ona collect-
ing trip to Napeague Harbor, is a female, |
and agrees perfectly with the full plumage
described above, except in having a few
scattered feathers across the upper breast of
a dark grayish brown. It came on board of
a fishing boat, near Montauek, Pt., after some
bait which was exposed on deck, and was
caught by one of the fishermen, and brought
to me when they made the harbor for the
night. This was on Sept. 18th 1883. The
bird was in an emaciated condition. Breeds
on islands in the West Indies, and Gulf of
Mexico, from whence it straggles as far
north as New England. Nests on the
ground, layes one or two eggs in May, of a
whitish ground, spotted with brown and
lilac of different shades, and averages about
2 x 1 I-2 inches,
Black Tern. (693)
(33:) 77- Hydvochelidon migra surinamensis.
_ Above dark lead gray. Head, neck, and
under parts black. Under tail coverts white.
Length 1o inches.
~ A not uncommon migrant in autumn. I
have taken several, both adult and young at
Ram Island Shoals. Have rever met with
itin the spring. ‘‘Sept. 9th ’79, I shot
one. Aug. 30th ’80, shot one. Sept- roth
80, I saw one or two. Sept. 12th ’$2, I saw
one’? (Helme). Breeds in large inland
marshes, nesting on Muskrat barns and
small islands. Nest of grasses etc. Eggs
greenish or brownish ground boldly blotched
with dark brown and lilac. and average about
I 1-4 x1 inches.
Black SKimmer. (656,)
(34.) 80. Rhynchops nigra.
Above blackish brown. Beneath white.
Bill orange at base, black at tip, the lower
mandible extending an inch or more beyond
the upper. Length 18 inches.
A rare straggler from the South Recorded
from as far north as the Bay of Fundy.
Breeds abundantlly along the South Atlantic
Coast, depositing the eggs in hollows scratch- |
edinthe bare sand, early in June. The
Black Skimmers procure their food by flying
along the surface of the water, and keeping
THE COLLECTORS MONTHLY.
33
)
the end of the projecting lower mandible
skimming just under the surface at such an
angle that asmall fish or other morsel of
food on coming in contact with it, is glanced
into the mouth. After feeding they gather
in large flocks, like the Terns, and so _thick-
ly do they swarm together that I have
brought down over twenty at one discharge
of my 16 guage breach loader, as they rose
from the beach. When wounded they bring
their bills together with such force as to
makea loud clicking noise, similar to the
Owls. The eggs are three or four, of a
buffy or white ground, with clearly defined
markings of different shades of lilac and
brown, and are very handsome.
—
The Purple Finch.
LCarpodacus purpureus].
season.
This bird breeds regularly in this local ;
ity, but is more abundant further east.
One morning in thespring of 1890, with
a companion I was out in he woods.
After a while we happened to come to the
top of a large hill, the sides of which were
covered with a thick growth of young
There were a great many Sparrows,
Robins ete., about and we sat down to
watch them. Pretty soon we saw abird,
which looked very much like a song Spar
row, fly into the top of a fir, about thirty
feet high, with a straw in her mouth, and
moment later her mate came and
perched himself on the topmost twig of
the tree. I noticed that he had a red
head and therefore I knew the bird was a
‘inch of some kind.
firs.
a
|
Knowing that the nest in the tree was
not fully built, we proceeded on down the
hill and began watching some other trees
and were soon rewarded by seeing an-
other female with nest material enter one
of them, we then went home. About
three days afterwards we visited these
nests and found that each contained two
eggs which were almost counterparts of
the Chirpping Sparrow’s eggs except as
to size. We waited three days longer in
hopes of getting a set of five eggs from
one of the nests, but we had no such
good luck. Going to them on the third
day, wefound a very handsome set of
four in one nest, butthe other wasempty.
Whether some one else had got them or
the birds had distroyed them we never
found out. The nest was built of dry
grass and lined with horse-hair aud was
situated about twenty-five feet from the
ground ina thick bushy fir so that it
could not be seen. This tree is used
almost invariably by the birdsin nesting.
The eggs are greenish blue and have
large blotches of brown about the larger
end which form sort of a wreath. They
average about 84 x 65.
OoLoGIsST.
BANS a
Got it Bad.
Mr. C. H. PRINCE, DEAR SIR:
That John L. Swenson has let me in for
$90.00 worth of eggs. I hear he has robbed
others as well as myself. He is a designing
impostor and should be put in jail,—as he is
unfit to breath the same atmosphere as ordi-
nary mortals. Collectors should be on the
lookout for him as he mayturnup in another |
locality, and by assuming another name, get 4
collectors to send himspecimens. He offers
rare species in exchange. From his style of
writing he is evidently not a boy and un-
worthy the name of man.
WALTER RAINE,
Toronto, Canada.
Collectors there are others in the field.
Beware who you, deal with.—‘‘Ep.”’
THE COLLECTOR’S MONTHLY.
Pileated Woodpecker.
e
(Picus Hylotomus) pileatus.
The Pileated Woodpecker, ee |
known as Black Wood-cock, or Log cock,
is not a very common bird throughout Iowa,
A Correction.
In looking over the May number of the
“Collectors Monthly,’’ I saw the article on
“Some Oregon Birds’’ written by G. L.
Howe. I find that the article on ‘Oregon
Jay’’ is incorrect and as it will undoubtedly
eee alone thes wooded | water | lead many of the readers astray, and as our
courses. His length is about eighteen inches; |
width about twenty four; color, blackish :
brown, crest, a brilliant red; a red dash at
the angles of the mouth; bill, black; chin
and feathers of nostrils, white; this color
passes in a stripe, down the sides of the neck |
and spreads under the wings; upper half of
wings, white which is concealed, when bird
is at rest, by the black coverts; tail rather |
long and tapering; feathers convex above,
and rather strong, the female differs from |
the male, by the front of the head being of a!
light brown color, and the dash behind the
mouth, is rather dusky. No nests of thig
beautiful bird have ever been known to have
been taken in this (Polk) county, and I think
I may safely say, in Iowa.
I remember one day, abeut a year ago, a |
friend of mine and I were out hunting rab-
bits, about eight to ten miles north west of
town, when we ‘‘happened’’ through a patch
of woods, where the above named birds were
said to exist- :
I m ade up my mind, if there were any thre
I was going to see what one looked like, |
I had never seen any. After hunting for |
nearly half an hour, I heard an exceedingly |
Joud “drumming,’’ and hastening to the spot,
I saw, on a dead limb of a large elm, a Pil-
eated Woodpecker. I tried my best to secur
the bird, but the gun I had was an old one,
and can ‘‘seatter’’ all over creation. After |
wasting six or eight shells, and chasing the
bird all around the woods for fully an hour |
and a half, he at last got away from me, so I |
gave him up in disgust, and my friend and I |
slowly wended our way homeward, as tired |
a pair of ‘‘mortals’”’ as ever went hunting.
F, LEON ENGLEBERT?. |
‘Des Moines, Iowa.
friend Howe may bear correction, I send
this notice, which perhaps will lead Mr.
Howe and many others to a more close
observation of the Jays,
There are three rare species of Jays in
Oregon viz. Stellers, Blue Fronted and
Oregon. The latter is the most rare and is
very seldom found below an elevation of
four thousand feet, It resembles the East-
ern Jay in color more than any other, its
breast being grayish white and the other
plumage of a much lighter shade than
Steller’s orthe Blue Fronted Jay both of
which are common in Ovegon.
The Oregon Jay belongs to the family of
crestless Jays andas Mr. ‘Howe's Jays has
a prominent crest, that alone will show that
he has made a mistake. ‘Zhe Oregon /ay
has no crest.
During the past two
observation, I have only seen three speci-
mens of the Oregon Jay. These obseryation
have been taken in the valley as well as in
the mountains.
It is not difficult to distinguish between
the male and female as is the case in Steller’s
and Blue Fronted Jays, which can only be
told by dissection. The difference between
the latter two species is not easily seen but
requires practice. In Steller’s Jay the blue
and white wing markings are more bright
than the Blue Fronted Jay. In Steller’s
Jay, you also find a few white feathers just
above the upper mandible extending back
to the crest which you do not find in the
Blue Fronted Jay.
The specie therefore which friend Howe
has described is either Steller’s or Blue
Fronted and in all probability it is the latter
as that is the most abundant.
Very truly,
Dr. A. G. PRILL.
years of careful
36
THE COLLECTORS MONTHLY.
(For the Collector’s Monthly.)
The Screech or Barn Owl...
(AZegascops asto.)
Although most of the owls are not found
in this locality (Central New York), the
screech owl, which is quite numerous here,
has come under my observation, and I wish
to relate to the readers of the Collectors
Monthly, what facts concerning it, I have
gathered.
This owl is asmall bird of prey, of a red-
dish color, mottled with white. It has a very
large head, stout back and fearful staring
eyes. These latter are the prominent feature
of the owl family. The eyes being surround-
ed by a fringe of feathers, are made to look
still larger then they are, and such a stare as
an owl will give you is enough to frighten
the bravest. As the eyes of all owls are so
constructed that they can see only in the
night, they come forth in search of their prey,
consisting of poultry, small birds, rats and
-mice. These they swallow, bones, feathers,
fur and all, and cast them up in pellets or
balls, in some hole in the tree where they
The owl lays at intervals, three
or five large round white eggs, and
as the owl begins to set as soon as the first
one is laid, they are not all hatched at the
same time.
Still another remarkable feature of the owl
is, in its feathers being so constructed that
it makes no noise in flying. Thus it can en-
ter the hens roost unheard by the sleeping
poultry till one is captured. But although
it makes no noise in flying it’s unearthly
screech warns one of its approach, and makes
the farmer think of his poultry. Doubtless
many have heard this screecn in the night
and on waking perhaps finds that the noc-
turnal visitor has stayed too long at the feast
and is compelled wait until darkness
comes again before going home. As this
quite often happens, little is thought of it,
but the adventure of an owl which I am
about to relate, I think it is unsurpassed.
live.
to
a
Near where I live is situated a small
church, which is heated by a wood stove
stationed in one corner, and having a 6 inch
pipe, with two right angular joints, running
the whole Jength of the church, a distant of
over forty feet.
church ladies went to this church to sweep,
and put it in order for services the next day.
After completing her work, she started, as
was her custom, to put the dirt in the stove
to be burned when the fire should be kindled
the next day. On opening the door of the
stove what should meet her gaze but a pair
of large firey eyes. The woman was terrified
and running out of the church she succeeded
in calllng a man to her assistance, who came,
and found: nothing more than a poor screech
owl sitting there as calm as could be. That
owl had come down the chimney, through
the whole length of the stove pipe, making
two turns and passing two dampers, and
finally arriving at the stove where he was
contented enough not to bein a hurry to go
back through the tortuous tunnel.
HENRY HUBBARD.
anna
Elegant Prizes for the Ladies.
The Publishers of THE CANADIAN
Queen, Toronto, Canada, are offering
two new prize competitions, with lead-
ing prizes consisting of a pair of Shetland
Ponies, carriage and harness, a Free Trip
to Europe, first-class upright piano, two
weeks vacation to any summer resort in
| Canada or the United States, all expenses
paid; safety bicycle or tricycle, one hun-
ture, ladies’ gold watches, ete., ete. This
magazine has become famous on account
ofits prize competitions. Hundreds of
Americans have won valuable prizes in
previous contests. Sample number of
Tap QupEN with full particulars, will be
sent by the publishers upon receipt of the
address of any lady and six U.S. 2 cent
stamps. Address THE Queen, Toronto,
Canada. .
About a week ago one of the
Fe
dred dollars in cash, suite of parlor furni- |
) CHANGES, AND WARTS.
ney ‘aii Haan we insert exchanges and
yants, and accept first-class eggs correctly named |
ith data or. money in payment Will allow a
rord for every cent the eggs are worth
an fiifteen cents each ‘Those having a large
number of words send sets it possible We do
lot care for notices Jess than 25 words
rmoney must accompany your notice.
d iby payment in tull for inserting the
S nse Star im Waban éorpotn a:
which is the best and cheapest made Price,
an d 50 cents.
; I DRMAN, Los Angeles, Cal. 52
kd Burrowing Owls Eggs.
it sets with data to exchange tor
aii eges in sets and a few singles,
B. HARTZELIL.
Crystal Springs, (tamper Go. ) Kansas, 4-8
IFIC SE MOSS.—Some very fine specimens
‘om Soathern California. Moss mounted on
board. Price 25 cents.
i hy - BERMAN, HOB Angeles, ¢
other first
Cal.) 2
or Sate: Have demponnd Microscope $3.00,
Indian Clubs s0c, two Hatches $11.00 and 56.00,
| i also 114 varieties of eggs for 413.50 or 5 varieties
for 10 cents, 10 varieties for 40 eents, 15 varieties
| tor $1.50, 20 varieties for $2.50, and 2 ie-yarietiaa
Wr Y B4.00.— No Stamps.
ah aaah H. YOUNGM: \N, MeLean, Til.
Iv erybody having
‘0 EXCHANGE: eges to exchange
| nalne send us lists of what you havefor exchange,
as we have a large lot for exchange and for sale.
ease state which Numbers you use A. O. U. or
idgway’s. - None but first-class eggs wanted.
sieoab GB PRINCE, Dathelsenvitle, Conn,
or 5. 00 wen ot well blown oes with data,
Iwill ship one pair White Fan Pigeons. The
irds ave first-class, A. J, RAND, Holyoke, Mass.
O'TICE: I have three tine first-class eges with
data, of the Swallow-tailed Kite. Send best cash
offer at once to KIL ATKINSON, Dime Box, Texas.
Z
hose having first-class Birds ges tor baie,
|) Please send us list with lowest prices ior same.
No second-clas§ eges accepted at any price. ga
0 ‘er keh. COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY,
: Da nony. ila sigan
BIRD'S EGGS.
Suidhtiks: Fossils, Stamps, Shells, Coufederate
noney, and Curios to exchangefor Old Books and
agazines, Confederate money, Indian Relics
oins and Relies. :
: PRANK M KINNE, Knoxv ute Lowe, 3-6
Tlustrated Curiosity List with Rox ‘Ornamental
‘Minerals, Indian Relies, Curiosities, 10¢, “Com-
“panion,” Illustrated, describing curiosities, 25¢ a
Advertisements le a work. Mention this
Bh. A. RROWNE. Florence, Arizona,
No second |
‘class eggs received No eggs accepted listed Jdss- |
Eves |
YY snl No exchanges will be noticed unless ac- |
T HE COLLECT ORS’ MONTHLY ;
h%~ Always nention this paper when nuswering
| udvertisements.
-TheY oung Antiquarian
A 20 page paper (16 with cover) devoted to an-
tiquities, Indian Relics, Ancient Coins, ete., will
be published July 1st. The leading articles of the
July No. will be Prehistoric Cliff-dwellings,’’ The
Belzoni Sarcophagus and other articles together
with *‘Latest Discoveries,’ Ethnographic Notes,
ete. Subscriptions 50c¢ per year. 12 numbers
Suaranteed. Advertisements 25 cents per inch.
All advertieements for No. 1 must be in by
20th.
Special Offer.
avery person subscribing for the Young Anti
quarian before June 20th. will receive a preminm
| valued at 25e. All subseriptions and advertise-
ments should be sent to the publisher.
GEO. L. HOWE,
Granger
REALM,
MAGAZINE.
, Oregon,
NATURE'S
The Only Publication in the World
Devoted solely to
Popular Natural History.
The Aquarium Department
is conducted by Hugo Mulertt, who will answer
all queries relative co the construction and con-
duet of Aquaria,
The Note and Query ‘Department
is especially opened to record the observations
and experiences of amateur naturalists who de-
sire to commune one with the other, and to give
permaneney and publicity to their field or closet
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Wature’s Realm is issued on the tirst
of each month, and contains fifty-two pages
tf 74x10 inches. It is printed on superior canlen-
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{ best. Subscription, $2.00; single copies, 20 cts.
THE HARRIS PUBLISHING CO.,
10 Warren Street, NewYork,
LIST OF PREMIUMS. |
} cen *
-GOUE’S KEY FREE,
ot
By Elliot Coues, M. A., M.D., Ph. D.
Sent'to any address on recaipt of price $7.50.
Premium No. 3.
THE ELGIN TYPEWRITER.
Patented July 15th, 1890.
Phe invention of an expert in the Elgin Watch
Works. A useful as well as instructive and enter-
taining instrument, requiring no previous knowl-
edge of typewriting to operate perfectly. —
The merits of this wonderful little instrument,
eall forth the highest praise and testimonials
from its thousands of purchasers throughout the
United States. Because itis the best in the world
for its price.
Ten Reason’s Why.
Ist. It is easily and quickly learned.
2d. Tt will do work equal to print.
3d. It can be carried in a& Small satchel and is
therefore adapted to traveling people.
4th, Itis simple but strong in construction
and will not get out of repair.
5th. It writes equally as well on blank or ruled
paper, and addresses envelopes, etc.
6th. Itis selfinking and elean, and has no ink
ribbon to soil the fingers,
Tth. The work is constantly in sight of the
writer.
Sth. Itis instructive to the young and useful
to all. ,
9th. Itis adapted to the use of those, who, for
Inany reasovs, are unable to write well with a
pen. ;
10th. Its low price brings it within reach of
everyone, ;
Price by mail, postage paid sixty cents. We
will, as a premium to subscribers. send the above
Elgin typewriter and this paper one year to your
address on receipt of.65 ets, or the typewriter free
to any one sending us 8 new subseribers, 90 cents
wash.
Address C, H. PRINCE,
Danielsonville, Conn.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY:
y E , \ _ Fourth and latest edition,—is to well-known to need de-
scription, being recognized by all leading Ornithologists to be the standard authority on Orni-~
thology, Profusely illustrated, containing over 900 pages fully indexed by several thonsand entries, —
[ ] We give it as a premium fo every :
25 new subscribers at 30 cts each—7.50 cash. An unparalled offer.
y
;
person sending us |
pata aie cst.’
» Premium No. 4.
Our Birds in their Haunts, by J. H. Langille.
Price $2.50. We giveit as a premium offer for 10.
hew subscribers at thirty cents each. $3.00 cash. |
All our offers in former issues are with-drawn. oF
\
,
Premium No. 5.
We will give fifty fords in exchange column for
three new subscribers, 90€ cash. ‘
r
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A first-class side blown ege listed at
new subscribers, $0 Gash.
75e for 8 |
A years subseription to this paper to the per-
son sending us three new subscribers at 30 cents
q
Premium No. 7. e
each,
FOR SALE.
T have a few nice sets of White-tailed Bagle |
Northern Raven, Rock Ptarmigan, Whooper)
Swan, Whimbrel, Golden Plover, Curlew and|
others, which I will sell cheap or will exchange for
species I am in want of. kK
WALTER RAINE,
Hayden St., 'Toronto, Canada. |
Rare Eggs For Sale.
Eggs of the swallow-tailed kite, turkey buzzard
and many other rare eggs of my locality, cheap for|
Address, KIF. ATKINSON,
Dime Box, Texas. ‘
eash.
i) Goue’s Key Free for New Subscribers.
‘he Coll
é
act
4 aes 2;
i Ep s Wanted.
hl “At once mus e first-class,
_ Willet 15 set of 1-3.
_ Florida Gallinule 20 set of 1- a he
- Virginia Rail 50 set of 1-7. t
i Stonny Petrel 20 set of 1-1. ve
_ Brown Pelican 10 set of 1-3. ;
- Cal. Patridge 30 set of 1-8.
bs ‘Ruffed Grouse 10 set of 1-10.
| Any one sending us a set of either the above,
we will send in return a copy of the First News
Paper ever printed in America, 1704 a rare curios-
_ ity.” Address,
C. .H. PRINCB,
é NManicisonvilis, - His Conn.
' Birds Eggs, Glass Eyes, Shells, Books, ete.
CHAS. K. REED,
WW. WORTHINGTON,
Shelter Island Heights, N.Y.
‘Taxidermist !
And collector of specimens in Natural History.
‘Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to make
Same grade of skins can be bou ies from any dealer.
Send stamp for list of skins an
Soe eggs. I offerwith
Set of 3 eggs of Boat-tailed Grackle, post-paid, 15c¢
Set of 4 eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, 3o0c.
Correspondence desired with collectors in any
cimens at honest Prices.
Ample reference if de-
gired.
A
>
Danre.sonviLe, Conn., Aveusr, ‘1891.
“up in first-class shape, and sell cheaper than the |
branch of Natural History, who desire honest spe- |
== See July No.
ectors’ Month
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN NATURAL HISTORY.
No. 8.
a
TEXAS!
Is the place for you to geteggs. Ihave 200 eggs
of Little Blue Heron in sets of 1-4 with data,that
I am selling at 30 cents per set.
ALSO RARE EGGS
such as Swallow tailed: Kite, White tailed Kite,
Red tailed Hawk, Florida Red shouldered Hawk,
and mary others that I can furnish you for cash.
ADDRESS,
KIT ATKINSON,
Dime Box, Texas.
Our new Scalpel and Brai1 Spoon, only 60 cents.
Rest of Steel, Nickle Plated engraved Handle.
- Narurauists AND 'TTAXIDERMISTS SUPPLIES.
Send 2 cent stamp for illustrated catalogue.
262 Main Sts, Worcester, Mass.
Dk. A. G- PRILL,
TAXIDERMIST !
eey e Tee TT Te
‘Sweet Home, Oregon.
Correspondence Solicited.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY
seek
The Gollectors? Monthly.
A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Study of
Ornithology, Qology and. Natural History.
CHAREES Hus PRINGE
Editor and Publisher, Danielsonville, Conn.
Uc. Sipe:
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Single Subscriptions, Fy - - - 30c
«“ 12cts extra.
3c each.
Foreign
Single Copies,
ADVERTISING RATES:
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42 Cash must accompany all advertisements.
Write for special rates on standing advertise-
ments.
Articles and items of interest in any branch of
Natural History solicited for publication.
£a-Address all communications to the Editor
and Publisher.
Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville
Conn., as second class mail matter.
Editorials.
Advetisements and exchanges reteived to late
for this number will appear in our next issue.
Mr. E. W. Martin’of Medina, Ohio, is expecting
to push ‘“‘the Taxidermist,” for all, its worth was
expected to appear about July 1st. as yet we have
ree’d no copy.—‘‘Let her go.”’ Bro. Martin,
Mr. F. M. Kinne, of Knoxville, Iowa, by letters
we are receiving from parties at a distance is not
dealing on the square. Parties write us that he has
owed them for several months, and pays no at-
tention to repeated requst for an answer’to their
bills and notices to settle. We also “find ithe
above correct in our experience with dealings’ with
him.—Collectors Beware of Frauds.
RE-NOTICE: Change of terms in Exchange Col.
Eges accepted for exchange notices during the
month of August only, those who wish to use our
exchange column and send eggs for payment
should improve the opportunities at once, as we
shall accept eggs only during the month of Au-
gust. On September ist we shall change onr
terms to cash only. For exchanges 30 words or
less will be 20 cents (cash with notice), over 30
words 1-2cent a wordf no exchanges inserted for
less then 20 cents cash, so send inyour exchanges
with eggs before the 1st of September.
Le
——
OUR OFF
Wemake you the following special and very
liberal offer for the best interesting and instruc-
tive MSS. or’ article'on “Our Birds” (to be the
title), not to bé less than 2 pages in length, we
reserving the right to publisa all MSS.—We will.
give ONE COLUMN ADVERTISEMENT to the party bar
sending us the prize MSS., contest to close and
MSS,-to be in our hand on or before September ©
1st. We will notify party securing prize soon as
contest closes, also will publish name securing
prize in the following issue.
We want everybody who reads this paperto ~
help us make the Collector’s Monthly interesting on
and instructive, send us fresh items ofnews which
you think would be interesting to collectors, also
get you neighbors to subscribe, don’t be afraid to
speak a good word for one who speaks two for
you. We want to get acquainted with all reliable
Collectors. We mean you? Why not try for the
prize MSS. to begin with.
W Natural Science establishment
ARDS & Rochester, N. Y., furnishes a —
fine new catalogue of N. America and Foreign
Birds eggs. _ Numbered according to A. O. U.
Nomenclature with common and scientific names
and containg prices. Sentfor 10 cents well worth
the price asked.
FOR SALE.
One set of 2 Mississippi Kite for $15.00 and one
set of 3 Florida Red Shouldered Hawk for $7.50, -
both sets are first class with full data.
E. K. COLLETT,
1400 Colorado, St.
————————
To EXCHANGE, —
Would like to exchange California eggs for
Eastern or Foreign eggs with square dealing and —
experienced Collectors.
Will give very satisfactory exchanges.
Shall send out none but first-class, full sets and
with unquestionable datas. We hope through *
this little ad. to form acquaintances which will be
of benefit tojboth parties. Write or send list.
Address H.,
Box 1185 Station C. Los Angeles, Cal. :
Austin, Texas. —
HE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Devoted to Ornitholoy, Oology and Natural History.
(Written for the Collectors Monthly)
BY REV. J. H. LANGILLE.
Author of ‘Our Birds in their Haunts.”
The Golden Crowned Accentor.
This may be regarded as one of the most
pleasing and interesting birds of our country
Resembling the thrushes in color, it was for_
merly called the Golden-crowned Thrush ,
bearing a strong resemblance to the Larks
in manner, it has been more or less associa-
ted with that class; while more recently it
has been classed with the warblers. It is
therefore rather difficult to classify. As its
nest, which is on the ground, is covered over
admitting the bird through a hole in the side
and so resembling an old fashioned oven,
the owner has also been called the Oven bird,
- Its classification with the Warblers, is on
account of its structural affinity, and not from
its appearance or habits. Its eggs, like those
of its near relation the Water Thrush
also named from color are decidedly
like those of the warblers, white, elegantly
marked with light reddish brown.
A dainty, mincing little walker is this Gol-
den crown. Taking long steps, it moves its
head backward and forward in a dove like
manner, to keep its balance,and when flying
it seldom rises far from the ground. Its
monotonous chant so frequently neard, is
generally delivered from the lower limb of a
tree or some where near the ground.
Until quite recently, this chant was sup-
posed to be the only song of the species; but
Mr. John Burroughs, in his Wake-Robin,
gave an account of a song flight, some what
after the manner of the European Sky Lark.
This took all ornithologists by surprise, and
put them on the alert to see this strange
SE ee ee eee
manceuvre. For years, while preparing for
the publishing of my book, ‘‘Our Birds in
their Haunts,” I watched this bird, hoping
to see the song flight, but without success.
Once, while spending the night in my ham-
mock in the woods, I heard the bird deliver
a delightful warble as a continuation of its
chant, I was thus well rewarded for spending
a night in the woods.
Six years ago, I moved into Maryland just
in the suburbs of Washington. Being fond
of rural pursuits, and wishing to make a
permanent home in the locality referred to
I purchased a small tract of heavily timber-
ed land and began a pioneer life. Having
made a new cleaning with woods onal] sides
and built my house in a beautiful grove of
forest trees, I found myself well situated for
the study of the wild birds. Tanagers, Wood
thrushes, Chewinks, Field sparrows, Prarie
and Maryland yellow throat warblers, Vireos
Chats, and Indigo birds were abundant.
The Grand Cardinal quite common, and the
first to sing in winter, as spring approached.
The bird which sings all the year, however
is the Carolina Wren.
But the main point is this, here the Gold-
en Crown favors me with his best profer-
mance, his song-flight to perfection. Rising
high above the tree tops, he will flutter and
hover, for some time at about the same point
making the air resonant with a most delight-
ful warble; and, having completed, will de-
scend like some falling object into the tree-
tops. Sometimes he will rise over the open
field to deliver his song, and then shoot back
into the dense forest at its close.
This performance occurs most frequently
between sun-set and dark, on fine summer
38
evenings; but I have heard it at aboutal |
hours of the day, and occasionally through- |
out the night. I therefore consider it the |
most interesting item in bird life, which has
fallen under my notice in this interesting
place.
It requires care, however, lest one mistake
the Golden Crown for the Indigo bird, as the
latter has a very similar performance, gener- |
ally in the open fleld, however. This song
by the two birds when in flight, bears a strik-
ing resemblance except that the melody of |
the Golden Crown is much the more charm-
ing.
(For the Collectors Monthly.)
Dendragapus obscurus fuliginosus. !
(Ridgw.) 29%a.
Sooty Grouse.
This beautiful Grouse is found in the
Mountainous regions of Western N. A. near
the Pacific coast. In Oregon it is exceeding-
ly abundant as far as numbers go; but it is
not so easy to find as one might suppose up-
on first entering a fir wood and hearing the
booming or hooting which the males alone
are engaged in during the months of April,
May and sometimes June. On every side
may be heard the muffled ‘‘Hoot! hoot!
hoot, hoot, hoot!’’ of the birds. There are
invariably five notes, x0 more ; but sometimes
(though rarely) less. ‘‘Davie’’ in his ‘‘nest
and eggs of N. A. birds,” states that there
are from five to seven notes. I cannot agree
with him in that as I never have heard more
than five and I have taken particular pains
to hear more if possible. During the Spring,
Summer and early Autumn the Grouse is
abundant in the low foothills of the moun-
tains. In October or November they grad-
ually fall back into the high mountains where
they remain all winter. While there, they
feed mostly upon the seeds of the fir trees.
When spring arrives, they again descend to
the lower hills. They are hardly ever found
in the valley but always upon the hills or |
mountains.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Their nest is built upon the ground near
some log or in a chump of grass or bushes.
They are found either in the wood or in an
open stumpy field and generally on the south
side ofa hill. The nest is made of dead
leaves and grasses and the complement of
eggs is usually from five to twelve, though
more are often laid. I have one set contain-
ing only one egg. This was due from one
set of eggs being taken from the bird and
she only laying one more after building a
new nest. This one was badly incubated
when found.
So far this season I have secured three
sets of eggs of the Sooty Grouse. They are
as follows:
(a) Nest found April 20, 1891 containing
one egg badly incubated as before mentioned.
This nest was on the ground beside a log in
the fir woods and made of leaves only.
(b) My second set of seven egys was taken
May 4th,’91. Incubation slight. Nest on
ground in an open field in a clump of grass.
It was made of dry leaves and grass.
(c) My third set was taken same day as (b)
and contained seven slightly incubated eggs.
It was only a few rods from nest (b) and in a
similar location.
The eggs are of a creamy buff color with
specks of brown. They measure on an aver-
age 1,87x1,38.
With these few random notes on the Sooty
Grouse, I will close. Very truly yours,
Dr. A. G. PRILL.
Sweet Home. Linn Co., Oregon.
AUSTIN CORBIN’s great game park near
Newport, New Hampshire, contains 22.000
acres of hilly land, is stocked with buffalo,
elk, moose, black-tailed deer, red deer,
caribou antelope and wild boars, from the
Black Forest of Germany. The experiment
is said to promise great results.
THE COLLECTORS MONTHLY.
Florida Red Shouldered Hawk:
(Benteo lineatus alleni.)
This Hawk is the commonest in this lo-
cality. being seen on almost any sunshiney
day sailing high up amongst the Vultures,
Its flight is easy and graceful and rivals that
of the vultures. The nest of this species is
a large bulky affair composed of sticks as
large as ones finger it is generally lined with
leaves and moss from thesame tree in which
it is placed and sometimes a few feathers are
placed in it from the breast of the parent
It is generally placed in a pine oak and is from
25to soft.from the ground. The No. of
eggs laid ranges from 2 to 4, the latter being
the more frequent number found. The
ground color and markings of the eggs vary
a great deal, in some the eggs have a ground
color of cream spotted and blotched with
roufous brown while in others the ground
color and markings are so confused as to be
indistinguishable. Some others are nearly
white with very few spots on them. They
nest in the dense bottom land bordering the
streams, the time being from the last of Feb-
ruary to the last of April. I found one set
of partly incubated eggs on March 15th while
on April 15th I found a set of fresh eggs.
The food of this bird is rats, birds, rabbits
and sometimes chickens in fact almost any
small animal or bird is not too delicate for
his palate. They are very affectionate par-
ents and keep their young plentifully suppli-
ed with food. They also protect them in
time of danger.
L. L. Knox.
Giddings, Lee Co., Texas.
Description of the Nests and
Eggs of the Birds of
Barnstable County, Mass.
332. Sharp-skinned Hawk.
(Accipiter velox.) 432.
This is not a very common breeder here,
but a few nests have been taken. This bird
is the boldest of the hawks, and will often
attack birds of its own size. Unlike the
39
Marsh-hawk it preferes poultry and mice,and
is often very bold in its attacks. Like all
other hawks it is known by the name of ‘‘Hen
hawk’’ and the farmer is his worse enemy,
never loosing a chance to destroy him. Un.
like most of the hawks the sharp skinned does
not occupy the same nests for more than one
season. The time of depositing the eggs is
about the same as the Marsh-hawk, being
from the first of April to the middle of June.
The nest is placed in a tree usually in dense
pine woods, and is composed of small sticks.
It is nothing more than a platform with a
hollow in the middle. There is no lineing.
The eggs are generally four in number, blu-
ish white, speckled with umber.
measurement I. SOXI. 13.
Average
337. Red Tailed Hawk.
(Benteo Borealis.) 436.
This is the most common of our hawks.
It is a large bird, but lacks the pluck of the
Sharp-skinned. Itis a frequent visitor to
poultry yards, but its chief food consists of
small birds, field moles, etc. The nest is
placed in high trees in deep pine or oak
woods. Itisalarge and heavy affair with
very little hollow in it, composed of sticks,
Corn husks and hay. I have seen them using
deserted crows nests. The same nest is often
used for many consecutive seasons. The eggs
are three in number, bluish white with no
markings in some and in others heavily
blotched with brown. Average measurement
2. SSXI. 60.
339. Red Shouldered Hawk.
(Luteo lineatus.) 439.
This hawk is nearly as abundant as the
last species and shares with it the name of
“chicken hawk,’’ although it is not such a
common visitor to the barn yard as borealis.
Its habits are much the same, and the nest is
placed in about the same locality. The num-
ber of eggs is three, brownish, specklen with
reddish brown.
The shades ofthe ground color and mark-
40
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
i}
ings vary greatly, and some of the eggs would
be readily mistaken for the last species.
Average measurement 2. IoxI. 68.
-C. C. PurDUM.
(To be Continued.)
The bob-white.
Ortyx Virginiana.
‘The bob-white is an all the time inhabitant
with us. I have noticed him sitting on a
stump for an hour at a time echoing his plain-
tive bob-white at short intervals. While
out collecting this year I found a nest con-
taining 14 eggs. When I came up the old
bird flew off but lit on an old stump about
150 yards distant. Then she sat for full half
an hour. After I had obtained the eggs I hid |.
myself securely and awaited her return in
about 30 minutes she flew back and alighted
on the ground near her nest, after preening
about for some time she took a sudden de-
parture. Her nest was made of grass, weeds
and some dead leaves and was situated under
a large bunch of grass near an old chestnut
stump. When blown the eggs proved to be
perfectly fresh and measured as follows; 5
measured 1.21x9I—5 measured I. 20x89 the
other four, I.22xQI—1I.2IxXQ0O—I.21x9Q2—1.22
xQO. ERNEST E. LEE.
Covington, Ga.
The Reprimand.
(For the Collectors Monthly.)
Dear reader : —- A controversy is not the
thing to appear in a paper like this, yet, we
all wish to be understood as we say and mean.
In the June and July No. of this paper Mr.
Atkinson, Dime Box, Tex.. takes exceptions
tomy article in the Feb. No. because I stat-
ed only what I knew to be simple facts, that
I had no authentic record of the Turkey,
Buzzard ever attacking a living being. Please
do not think I ‘‘go toarues” at being told of
a mistake. If I am wrong I always want to
know it, but I left plenty of room for the
gentleman to send in his experience without
misconstruing the meaning of any remarks.
T know not how the habits of the birds in the
South may differ from those farther North’
but I have never been ina locality where they
committed such depredations as he speaks
of, and have never met any one who knew of
such. I have works from different authors,
but none speak of the Buzzards ever taking
life.
The gentleman seems to have been a close
observer of the birds habits long before I had
my eyes open, and I think we will all accept
his truths gladly. No doubt, Mr. Atkinson
could give us a very interesting account of
their depedations among stock, etc. I have
taken a set of Black Vulture eggs as far North
as this on March 16th.
C. E. PLEAS
Breeding of Yellow Legs in
Monroe Co. N. Y.
A. O. U. (255.) Often called water plover
o Yellow-legged plover. This bird is arath-
er common spring migrant here, and about
the 20th of May can be found near almost
any small pond. While on the wing I have
often heard it called Golden plover, but its
peculiar cry will always identify it. It is a
very rare breeder here and I have not yet
found its nest with eggs. On about the 2oth
of July 1888 I found a female and 4 young
birds. I was riding along a much travelled
road at the time, and, on seeing the old bird
fluttering along I got off of my wagon and
hunted out the little ones which were only a
few days old, and very pretty. They looked
some like young woodcocks, but were lighter
colored, and of coarse with smaller beaks.
When I got the young birds, the old one be-
came almost fearless coming right under my
feet fluttering along as though badly hurt,
and uttering a plaintive twitter some like the
Spotted sandpiper only louder. The young
wonld once in a while utter a low peep. The
place where I found them was quite a dis-
tance from any woter course but close toa
rather wet swamp. Last summer (1890) there
was a male of this specie which feed every Cay
in a meadow near here, through the months
of July and Angust, generally near sunset.
I do not think there need be any doubt but
that its mate had a nest near here. These
are the only instances I know of and think
they are quite rare here.
ERNEST H. SHORT,
Chili, Monroe, Co., N. Y.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Our Orioles.
Both the Baltimore and the Orchard
orioles are common with us here, but the
first more so by far than the last named.
The Baltimore oriole reaches here some-
time in the first week of May, while the
orchard is generally a week later, both
birds soon becoming common after the
fore runners have putinappearance. The
habits are so well known that I will only
speak of their songs and notes which with
both birds are somewhat alike the Balti- |
more having the finest song in tone, be-
ing loud, clear, and strong, sounding
like. ‘Jurrup, Jurrup, lurp-lurp, a-Jurrup,
a-lurrup, a-Jurrup.”’ This bird has also
a loud, rather harsh and grating call,
sounding like “‘tekala tekala.”’ The song
of the orchard oriole is plain, still not
harsh, and as I said before not as fine
toned as his brothers. He seems to say
“‘teek-clee, clur-clur, teek-clee, teek-clee.”’
Also he has some harsh sounding much
like some of the Baltimores. Both of
these birds when singing are usually
perched at quite a height for if you will
notice they seem at that time to perfer
the higher limbs. Another thing to be
said about these two orioles, they are
early risers, waking quite a long time be-
fore ‘Old Sol’ has showed his face over
the hills and sent his warm rays down
into the valleys where the dew seems as
many diamonds strewn far and wide.
Harry E. MIuuer.
Westchester Co., N. Y.
There are 6,000 species of birds known of
503-
Occasionally the return of the swallow or
the nightingale may be somewhat delayed,
_ but most sea fowls may be trusted, it is said,
as the almanac itself. Were they satellites
revolving around this earth their arrival could
hardly be more surely calculated by anas-
tronomer.
which North America has 471 and Europe |
41
Notes on the Birds of Long Island.
By W. W. WORTHINGTON.
(35-) 89. Puffinas major.
Greater Shearwater, (709.)
Above light ashy brown, becoming
darker on the wings and tail, and the
feathers on the back with lighter margins.
Beneath white. Bill yellowish green,
stout, and curved at the tip. Feet yel-
low, except the outer toe, whichis brown-
ish. Irisbrown. Length 20 inches.
Not uncommon in Fall and Winter
along the outer coast. Arrives from the
north in October. Breeds in thefarnorth.
Eggs white or yellowish, about 3x2 in.
(36.) 94. Pufinus stricklandt.
Sooty Shearwater. (714.)
Simular to last, but sooty throughout,
lighter beneath.
This bird, thought by some authors to
be a distinct species, by others to be the
young of the last species, is recorded
along the Atlantic coast from the Caro-
linas northward. Breeds far north. Eges
white, 24%x1% inches.
(3?7.) tog. Procellaria pelagica.
Stormy Petrel. (721.)
Above greyish black, with a brown
tinge. The secondary coverts margined
at and near the tip with greyish white.
A white band accross the rump. Basal
part of tail white for a short distance.
Beneath sooty brown. Lower tail coverts
white at the base. Bill and feet black.
Length 5% inches.
An Oceanic species. Occurs irregularly
off our coast. Breeds on islands in the
far north. Laying one white egg, thinly
marked with brown spotsnear the larger
end, in a cavity or burrow, lined with
leaves, ete. Eggs average 1x inches.
42
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
(38.) z06. Oceanodroma leucorhoa.
Leach’s Petrel. (723.)
Sooty brown, darker on crown. Wing
eoverts and secondaries ashy. Rump
and outer lower tail coverts white. Legs
and feet black. Length 8 inches.
An irregular visitor during the warmer
half of the year to the eastern waters of
Suffolk Co. When in the vicinity of the
fishing boats, and any refuse is thrown
overboard, they will hover over it, eating
the grease, and keeping their wings in
motion just sufficient to keep their feet
on the surface, and giving them the ap-
pearance of walking on the water. ‘‘Pe-
trels are common in the sound opposite
this place in the summer. I never saw
them nearer than four or five miles from
the shore” (Helme). Breeds from Maine
northward. Laying one egg, white, with
a ring of reddish spots about the larger
end. in a cavity or burrowin the ground.
Eggs about 14x1 inch.
(39-.) 209. Oceanttes oceanicus.
Wilson’s Petrel. (722.)
Dark sooty brown throughout. Wings
and tail blackish. Some of lower tail
coverts, rump, and sides of a abdomen
white. Leg: and feet black, latter with
webs yellow. Length 7¥ inches.
Oceanic. An irregular straggler off our
coast. Breeds on isolated islands. Lay-
ing one white egg, about 1%x1 inch, in
cavities among rocks.
(go.) rr7. Sula bassana.
Gannet. (650.)
General color white.
of neck buffy. Primaries black. Bill pale
blue. Lines on the upper mandible black-
ish. Bare place on throat, and around
eye bluish black. Feet blackish. Iris
white. Length 38 inches. Bill 4 inches.
A rather common winter resident along
the eastern coast. Maritine in habits,
seldom coming to land or into the smal-
ler bays. Food entirely of fish, which
they dive for and pursue under water.
Head and back.
Breeds in immense colonies on precipitous
islands in the northern regions. Builds
nests of sea weeds, mud, stones, ete. Lays
one whitish egg, covered with a chalky
deposit, and averaging about 2x3% in.
41.) 119. Phalacroeorax carbo.
Common Cormorant. (642.)
General color black. Upper parts dark-
ash, with bronze reflections. Bare space
around the eye, dull olive, beneath the
the eye red. The gular sac yellow, be-
neath which is a broad band of white. A
patch of white feathers on the side over
the thigh. Length 37 inches.
A rare winter visitor from the north.
Recorded as far south as New Jersey.
Breeds in Labrador in nest made of sticks
and seaweeds. Lays 4 to 6 eggs about
2x1 inches, elliptical in shape, and
greenish in color.
(42.) 120. Phalacrocorax dilophus.
Double-crested Cermorant.
(643.)
Head, neck, and breast greenish black,
Feathers of upper parts dark ashy brown.
with black margins. Tail black. A tuft
of erectile feathers back of the eye. Bare
surface of head orange red. Length 33
inches.
An aboundant migrant, and to some
extent.a winter resident. Called ‘‘Shag”’
By local gunners, and seldom shot, owing
to their worthlessness as an article of
diet. I am informed by Capt. B. C. Cort-
wright, an old gunner, that he has shot
numbers of these birds over decoys.
Breeds from the northern U. 8. north-
ward, both on the coast andinland. Nest
made of green seaweeds. Eggs bluish
green, two to tour, and average about
1%x2Y inches.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
(43.) 125. Pelecanus ergthrorhynchus.
American White Pelican. (640.)
General plumage white. Crest and
elongated feathers on the breast pale
yellow. Primaries and part of secon-
daries black. Bill, feet, and bare space
around eye yellow. Iris white. Length
70 inches.
A rare straggler from the south. Re-
corded from Middle States and New Eng-
land. Breeds in Utah, Oregon, and
northward. Nest of sticks, on the
ground. Eges two to four, about 34x2y
inches, covered with a chalky white de-
posit.
(44.) 126. Pelecanusfuscus.
Brown Pelican. (641.)
Head white, except on the fore part
where it is yellow. A shortreddish brown
erest. Beneath brownish ash, the sides
with narrow white lines. Legs and feet
black. Length 56 inches.
A rare visitor from the South, Casual,
as far north as New England. Breeds in
large colonies from Florida southward.
Eggs 2 to 5, laid in April, May, and June.
Nests of sticks, grass, weeds, etc., on the
grounds or in trees. Eggs chalky white,
about 2x3 in. They plunge after fish
much in the manner of the Fish Hawk,
but catching them in their mouth.
Mr. C. H. Prince, DEAR Sir :-—
On June 6th I took a nest and set of
six eggs of the Crested Flycatcher in a
lone tree on the parrie, nest about the
size of a mocking bird made of small
sticks, moss, and cotton seed hulls, lined
with hair, feathers and snake skin. The
nest was on a limb 12 feet from the
ground, there was also a Kingbird build-
ing in the same tree and a sparrow nest
turned upside down, and the eggs broken
on the ground. Pretty good for one tree
I thought. Yours Truly,
JESSE W. MILLER, Houston, Texas.
45
Elegant Prizes for the Ladies.
The Publishers of Tae CANADIAN QUEEN
Toronto, Canada, are offering two new
prize competitions, with leading prizes
consisting of a pair of Shetland Ponies
earrage and harness, a Free Trip tc
Europe, first-class upright piano, twe
weeks vacation to any summer resort in
Canada or the United States, all expenses
paid; safety bicycle or tricycle, one hun-
dred dollars‘in cash, suite of parlor furni-
ture, ladies’ gold watches, etc., ete. The
magazine has become famous on account
of its prize competitions. Hundred of
Americans have won valuable prizes in
previous contests. Sample number of
THE QUEEN with full particulars, will be
sent by the publishers upon receipt of the
address of any lady, and six U. §S. 2 cent
siamps. Address THE QUEEN, Toronto,
Canada.
The Louisana Water Thrush
In Connecticut.
There was a sluggish stream winding
its tortuous way from oneside to another
of a dense Alder swamp between two
thickly wooded hills before it reached the
pond at the mill, and there was only one
practical crossing place till you reached
the old long bridge just at the verge of
the swamp along way above, so that I
often availed myself of this crossing to
shorten myroute. Nature had place here
several large boulders in the stream and
though the water were deep among
them they stood firmly in their places
jutting a few inches above thesurface and
affording a secure stepping place as with
a few light leaps 1 was wont to gain a
crossing of the stream at this place. A
few steps further among the alders, logs
and brakes and the opposite bank was
securely reached. Justatthe middle of
this crossing some violent gale had pros-
trated a large tree and raised up out of
the mud a huge pile of roots with the ad-
44 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
hering debries of the swamp,—it stood up
like a wall beside the path aboutfour feet
high. One day as I crossed this spot a
small bird darted across just before me
and disappeared like a flash in the oppo-
site thicket I noticed the movement and
made a brief examination of the place
whenceit must havesprung, but saw noth-
ing noticeable, there was the pile of mud,
roots and decayed leaves nothing more,
and passed on. But the next time I had
occasion to cross at the place my atten-
tion was keenly alive to every iovement
and I was not disappointed for at the
same place as before flitted across my
path from among the tangled roots the
same little bird and in the same manner
vanished from sight. But I had little
difficulty in finding the closely hidden nest
ina niche among the roots, composed
chiefly of decayed and mud-stained leaves
neatly lined with fineroots and grass,and
containing four beautiful spotted eges of
about the usual size and form of the Oven
Birds, but with a moreglossy surface and
with the spots more inclining to the dark
and purple tints. This was my first in-
troduction to the Louisiana WaterThrush
and its nest, a bird of which I had never
heard or read and as I then based my
book knowledge upou Samuels Birds of
New England I did not dream that I had
found a species of whose presence in New
England the author seemed wholly un-
aware. On the contrary I supposed be-
yond a doubt that I had found the
nest of the Northern Water Thrush and
congratulated myself greatly over the
discovery and acquisition andit was some
time later before the mistake was made
clear to my satisfaction and I was con-
vineced that this was an entirely different
species. This is only one of the many in-
stances in which I have been compelled to
learn by experience ‘‘How easy it is to be
mistaken.’’ Thesecircumstances occured |
a number of years ago, since then I have
discovered that the Louisiana Water
Thrush is a not rare Summer inhabitant
of Southern Connecticut—that the nest I
first found as above is a typical one of
the species as was also the site and the
eges, having since found a large number
of the nests nearly always in similar sit-
uations though the size of theset wasnot
as full as usually found, six eggs being a
more common complement than four.
The bird is abeautifulsinger and its notes
are ainong the loudest and sweetest of
the denizens of the wild-woods. Approach
it never so cautiously you and are for-
tnnate if keen eyed enough to see it for a
moment teetering violently on a bough
as ifimpatient to be off—a chirp-sharp,
loud and clear and the bird has vanished
— a moment later and you hear the song
repeated far up the stream, and even after
you have wondered far from the place,
pausing a.moment to listen you seem to
hear it still far away in the woodland
depths. SEINRUS.
A Queer Pet.
Rather a queer pet was noticed running
around the waiting room ofthe Wolfskill
depot last night, in the shape of a quail.
The little thing flew in the window of
Mrs Elizebeth Miller of Denver, who with
her little 9-year-old daughter is visiting
California. The child caught the bird,
and the two seemed to take a great fancy
to each other at once. The bird follows
the little girl around and is perfectly hap-
py when in her presence, but will not
stay with any one else. She carries its
in a hand basket, and when it gets tired
of running around it cries until it is put
to bed. The quail is said to be the hard«
est of all birds to tame, and even after
they have been kept in acage for months
they will go back to their wild lifeas soon
as they are liberated.—Los Angels times.
At Anaheim, Cal., a few days ago, 162
| ostridges were sold for $6.000.
‘inden this heading we insert exchanges and
ih Betates and accept first-class eggs correctly named
with data or money in payment Will allow a
word for every cent the eggs ‘are worth No second
_ class eggs received No Cage accepted listed less
than fifteen cents each hose aving a es
_ number of words send sets it bagseiblé We d
not care for notices Jess than 25 words Bede
_ or money must accompany your notice.
‘ww No exchanges will be noticed unless ac-
i companied by payment in full noe inserting the
PBA Eos 5
Burrowing Owls Egxs.
In sets with data to exchange for other first
class egas in sets and a few singles.
BAY L. B. HARTZELL.
i ___ Crystal Spr Springs, (Harper Co., Co.,) Kansas, 4-8
Wanted.
i old ‘coins, I will give $2. 00 worth of first-class
sets for half dollars of 1836, 1851, or 1855, $1.00
worth for quarters of 1823, 1827, 1853 or 1854, 35
cents worth for 10 cents of 1802, 1808, 1804, 1820,
1808, anes) 1852 or 1858. Send for list of eggs.
WALTER BRADFORD,
Mayfield, Ky.
ATTENTION.
Taxidermist, IThavea seb, of Taxidermy tools
and supplies worth ten doliars, which I will send
4s
“pre paid’’ for only $6.00. Reference. Editor
' this paper. Cc. BYRON VANDYCOOK,
i Bo x 118, 8-3 Odin, Il
ak E x Everybody having
oO XC H ANGE! eges to exchange
wen send us lists of what you have for exchange,
“as we have a large lot for exchange and for sale.
Please state which Numbers you use A. O. U. or
Piet idlace s. None but first-class eggs wanted.
° C. H. PRINCE, ‘Danielsonville, Conn,
iy =or $5. 00 worth of well blown eggs with data,
bi I will ship one pair White Fan Pigeons. The
bird are first-class. A. J, RAND, Holyoke, Mass.
iv “NOTICE: I have three fine first-class eges with
' data, of the Swallow-tailed Kite. Send best cash
offer at once to KIT ATKINSON,Dime Box, Texas.
- ©o Exchange: The Beiiawing first-class
' sets with data, Nos. 11 1-6, 60 1-6, 37 1-6, 61b 1-5,
152 1-5. 251 1-4, 204 1-4, 242 1-5, 282 1-7, 328 1-2, 3011-5.
362 1-7, 460 1-2, 731 1-3, two ‘Mississippi Kite at 10
‘dollars each and 3 Florida Red Shouldered Hawk
at 4 dollars, Ridg. Nos. for singles only.
B.. K. COLEBTT,
i 1400 Colorado St., ‘
Austin, Texas.
200 Eggs of Little Blue Heron i in sets of 1-4 at 30
-eents per set, data furnished.
_ KIT ATKINSON, Dime Box Texas.
_ elsewhere be sure and order immediately.
8. A. ASHE, Jr, Releigh, N. C.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
SEE; my adv of eres and data blanks for salee
~
7
i Always mention this paper when answering
advertisements.
Make us an offer in eggs for a fine Green wing
teal skin. C. H. PRINCE,
Danielsonville, Conn,
I have several fine sets of No. 385 Ride, which I
will sell for 50 cts, a piece, nest and data accom-
paning each set.
S.A. ASHE, JR., Releigh, N. C
TO EXCHANGE
The following first-class sets and singles A. O. U.
Nos. 121-1, 161-1, 291-1, 128b, 1-21-8, $73 1-2 1-3
1-4, 466 1-4. 476 1-4 1-61-7 1-9, 431 and nest 1-2 499 1-4,
510, 1-41-5, 508 1-8, 530. 1-3 1-4, 552a, 1-4 1-5, 581d,
1-3, 591b, 1-3 1-4. 596, 1-3 1-4, 599 1-3 1.4, 652 1-4 1-5.
721 a 1-5 1-6 1-7, 758 1-3 1.4, Ihave all of these in
sets and singles and slightly second class eggs of
No. 16, send lists, TVirst-elass sets only wanted.
Cory Chamberlin,
College Park, Santa Clara Co., Cal.
| G furnish you rare eggs such as Tur-
an key, Vulture, Black Vulture,Swallow-
tailed Kite, White-tailed Kite, Red-tailed Hawk,
Florida Red Shouldered Hawk, and many other
rare eges, such as are found in Texas cheap for
eash, write stating wants.
Address,
KIT ATKINSON, Dime Box Texas.
To Exchange
for best offer of common eggs in sets 120 gange
collecting gun (New Hopkins and Allens) with
full set of loading tools and 100 shells valued com-
plete $13.00 also 1 88 caliber xu collecting gun no
tools or shells at $7.50, 24in. bbl good shooter.
Both of these guns are new breech loaders and
perfect in every way.
CHAS. K, REED,
262 Main St., Worcester, Mass.
ANTED: A good 7 shot revolver 32 caliber,
will give eggs amounting to $6.00 from my
list in another column, wanted also a good foot
ball “sweater” w = give eggs amounting to $5.00
as above, . A. ASHE, Jr,,
Raleigh, N.C.
CURIOSITY.
The first newspaper ever printed in America
which we offer on ist. page of cover is a great
curiosity. Old style of papertype, printing, com-
posing, spelling, etc., together with a great
amount of information not to be obtained else-
where. No collection of curiosities complete with-
outit. Will exchange for eggs as stated in an-
other column,
C. H. PRINCE,
Danielsonville, - - conn.
MURDER
is nothing compared to my Ne
one collections of crystalized
minerals. Each collection con-
tains 14 choice specimens. Send
me $1.00 and see for yourself
each n. p. y
Birds Eggs.
Oregon Jay, First-class .50
Ringneck Pheasant, ‘_ 2D
Kildeer, a8 10
Western Bluebird, 3 .05
Western Meadow Lark, “ .08
H. H. Shark, es 12
Skate, ae 05
Garnets.
Green from Pa., 15
“S “3 Mexico, 15
Cinnamon from Conn., 15
ce BS Maine, 15
Red from Alaska, 10 & 15.
Red from Maine, Py)
White from Mexico, 15
Pink 43 ae 15
Loose Crystals.
Amythest, : 15
Topaz, 15
Pyrite, 15
Quartz, -05 and .10
Lepidolite, 05
Jircon, 05
Curiosities.
Pre Pottery Fragment, 05
Ad Shell Beads, -05
Sapphires, 15
Beaber Teeth, 15
Coyote, ‘‘ 15
Sharks ‘“ 10, .40 and .75
Sea beans, .02
“Tree Moss per pkt., .08
Cut Agates. -10
All sent post paid. Send for
a sample copy of the Young
Antiquarian.
G. L. HOWE,
Albany,
Oregon
a
ee ee ee ee
: THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY:
GREAT BARGAINS | Amer Barn Owl,
IN BIRDS EGGS.
Order before all aregone. All
the following eggs are first-
class. Cash must accompany
order. A 20 per cent discount
on all orders over $6.00, Al-
ways send list of substitutes.
California Bluebird, .O8
Blue Gray guatcatcher, -10
Tufted Titmouse, 20
Plain do, <25
Cactus Wren, .08
Carolina do, 08
House do, 04
L’ng-Bil’d Marsh do, 04
Shorts: ** ss do, 50
Bl’ck and Yellow Warbler, .30
Chestnut sided do, 15
White and Black Creeper, .30
Yellow Breasted Chat, .05
Puftin, 10
American Redstart, 18
Red Eyed Vireo, 15
Yellow Throated do, bs)
White Eyed do, -20
White Rumped Shrike, 05
Ceder Waxwing, 05
Searlet Tanger, 15
Summer Redbird, 10
American Goldfinch, 05
Green Backed do, -10
Western Grass Finch, 10
Swamp Sparrow, 15
Hermann’s song do, 19
Towhee, .05
Rose Breasted Grosbeck, 10
Blue do, atts)
Indigo Bunting, 04
Yellow-headed bl’ck b’d, 05
Meadow lark, -06
Orchard Oriole, 05
Thick Billed Grebe, 05
Western Kingbird, 05
Great crested flycatcher, 05
Wood Peewee, 05
Ruby throat humming b’d, .25
Anna's do, .30
Whippoowill, -30
Night Hawk, 25
Downy Woodpecker, -20
Red headed do, 05
“« Shafted Flicker, 05
Franklins Gull, 40
Road runner, -20
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 10
Black do do, 10
Am, Long eared do,
Little Sereech do,
Great Horned do,
Burrowing do,
‘Turkey Buzzard,
Bobwhite,
Snowy Heron,
Lousiana do,
Little Blue do,
Bl’ck crowned night do, 06
Kildeer, 10°
Red breasted Rail, 15
American Coot, .07
Common Tern, 05
Roseate do, 10
Least do, .05
Black do, 10
30
Red Shouldered Hawk,
The following A. 0. U. Nos.
for 3 cents a piece, 755, 652, 612,
613, 616, 510, 598, 552a, 552, 540.
The following A. O. U. Nos.
or 2 eents a piece; 761, 708, 704,
705, 766, [516], 560, 563, 581, 495.
498, 511, 511b, 488, 777, 444. 456,
423.
f
Data. blanks, 3x4, in pad
form 15 cts. per 100 o $1.25
per 1000,
Trays assorted sizes, 60 cts.
per 100, Brass blow pipe10cts.
Note heads, envelopes, business
cards, shipping tags printed at
Order
at once and get the best. Be
sure and mention the Collec-
tor’s Monthly.
the very lowest rates.
ADDRESS,
S. A. ASHE, Jr.,
628 Hillsboro, St.,
i
Raleigh, N. C.
tee
Rat “ ie:
; Key Free for gen Subscribers. = See July No.
ahha iH RS GOT 0 OO Co
“FOR THOSE . habia IN NATH in Tens
_ Danretsonvitte, Conn., SEPTEMBER, i891. No. 9.
rE s oC | , ’ ; i SY
‘99 : ‘ Collectors Take Notice.
At once must be first-class, | th
Willet 15 set of 1- iM ,
Ue cae aE set of 1-7. i. I keep in stock nearly everything obtainable in
+ 5
‘irginia Rail 50 set off1-7. , / | the line of first-class North American and Foreign
tormy Petrel 20 set of 1-1. wn Birds Eggs in sets and singles, and a trial order
J ‘ will convince you that my prices are the lowest
CPs fridge 40 set of aa OE in this country at the present time. My “Special
. sys) Offer’ for August and September, has been taken
advantaye of by scores of collectors. Write at
once for prices if you desire anything in this line.
I guarantee satisfaction and safe delivery of
specimens.
. Address, WALTER F. WEBB,
Geneva, N. Y.
Any one sending us a fon of nc « the above,
e will send in return a’ copy of the First News
on ever printed in ce ica, Qo a rare curios-
Ac
SSS
Nickel Plated Engraved dandle.
“using of Stee
" Birde I s Bas, Glass. Eyes, Shells, Books. ete. Send 2 cent stamp for illustr ated catalogue.
ie
d
W. W. WORTHINGTON,
Sheltet Island Heights, N. Y.
262 Main St, Worcester, Mass.
t ‘ ae ’ A an ’ mn J
AXIDERMISMS !
_ And General Collectors.
We have Moanted Birds. Skins. and Eggs for
3 e e
ale orexchange. We sell at more than 50 per | | ad !
t, discount for cash, or exchange Gpabhuend at a X1 © r ry) 1 Ss t :
ices quoted by F-. H Lattin in February and
ne Oologists, 1890. And collector ot specimens in Natural History.
“We desire most all varieties of Copper Coins, Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to make
jtamps, Indian and Mound Builders Relies, Con- | up in first-class shape, : and sell cheaper than the
ifederate Money, Fresh and Salt Water Shells, Same grade of skins can b »e bought from any dealer.
Corals, Birds, Eggs, Skins and Curios of all } Send stamp for list of skins and eggs. I offerwi ith
Ke eh full data :—
any specimens we can use in Genitit Write | ee ile< e, post-paid, 1sc
for cash and exchange lists, and always Share| Set of 3 eggs of Boat-t: aile 1 Grackle, + Po tpi i, Is¢
four list. Correspondents answered in due time. | Setof4eggs of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, 30c.
eign correspondents: receive special atten- | Correspondence desired with collectors in any
Address, branch of Natural History, who desire honest spe-
W.A. & W. EF: BRYAN, | cimens at honest prices. Ample reference if de-
z ' New Sharon, Iowa, | sired.
THE COLLECTO
Fee ER Gee,
: pe pm Ae 7 Ab cf
ao” A ae at 2
ary : es wrote
Ree tt
Dag
es
—
RS’ MONTHLY - oe
The Collectors’ Monthly.
A ‘oemth Bases De iin ae vib Bandy of
rnitho leet glosy Ml Natural History.
ait RELES) | PRINCE,
EBéitot a Paniisnes, elteh ie ville, Conn.
U. «eS Ae
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Single Subscriptions, - - = s SE Or
Foreign 2 - - - - 12cts extras
Single Copies, . - . - 3c each.
ADVERTISING RATES:
One p:.ge, one insertion, - - =
One Column, one insertion, - s 2 2 25
Half Coiumn, one insértion, 2 - - -F'20
Qne Inch, one insertion, - - - - 50
&= Cash must accompany all advertisements.
Write for special rates on st: snding advertise-
ments.
Articles and items of interest in any branch of
Natural History solicited for publication.
&a-Address all communications to the Editor
and Publisher.
A
-
8
Entered at the Post Office at Danielsonville
Corn., as second class mail matter.
Editorials.
Advertisements and exchanges received to late
for this number will appear in our next issue,
Dr, A. G. Prill late of Sweet Home, Oregon, 1s
now loeated at Springville, Erie Co., N. Y., where
he will be glad to hear from all his old patrons
and oological friends.
W. R. asks us how many known species of hum-
ming birds there are. Wehave a list of fifty-four
outside ofthe United States. Will some of our
readers please answer, W. R’s. question more defi"
nitely?
“The Taxidermist,’’ edited and published by E.
W. Martin, of Medina, Ohio, is a wide awake 8
page Monthly. The August number comes to us
gull of valuable information for those interested
in Taxidermy.
Since our last issue, parties have written us
confirming the statement made in regard to F.
M. Kinne, Kuoxviile, lowa. They claim to have
sent him goods, but received nothing in return
Coliectors what do you eall it ?
Fora number of years a pair of Storks have
built their nest annually in the park of the
eastle Ruheleben, in Kerlin. A few years ago one
of the servants placéd a ring with the name of the’ :
place and date on the leg of the male bird, in or-—
der to becertain that Soe bird returned each
year. This spring the stork came back to. its
customary place, the bearer of two rings instead — ;
ofone. The second one bore inseription, | =
“India sends greetings to Germany.”
One of the finest and most complete vateinniea #
is that of Wards Natural Science, establishment — =
16-28 Gollege Ave., Rochester, N. Y. It contains =
170 pages, with prices for skin and mounted speci- —
men of nearly all mammals, birds, reptiles, batra- ~
chians and fishes. It surely does credit to the —
establishment. and will be sent to your sche :
upon receipt of thirty cents.
The Naturalists’ Bureau of 43 West St., Bos- 4
ton, Mass,, has been recently organized tor :
the purpose oi supplying schools, colleges and i
educational institutions, as well as private in- 4
dividuals, with specimens in all departments of —
Natural History, together with instruments to ‘
aid in gathering the same. Selected series of
specimens in Zoology, Mineralogy and Botany, —
will be made up for the use oi schools and labeled —
carefully by trained Naturalists. This includes 7
the Zoological series upon which Mr. C. J. May- |
nard, has been working for fifteen years, and —
which is now being introduced into schools. Cata- ».
logues of the material in stock, which ean be fur- —
nished, will be issued as fast as possible, but
prices will be quoted to those wishing any parti- ©
cular article, upon application. The Bureau is
under the management of Mr. C. J. Maynard,who 7
has had many years experience as @& naturalist
and as a dealer in all branches of Natural Seience. |
The business of C J. Maynard & Co., established _
n 1865 has been merged into that of the Bureau. =
We understand that H. E. Berry, of Darmaris- —
cotta, Maine, has sold his interest in the Bittern —
to Mr. C. W. Hillman, of Canisteo. N. ¥., who will |
add a colored cover to it, and issue it about the ©
middle ofeach month. It is also rumored that
Mr. Hillman is soon to buy the Maine O. and O.,
and increasing its size somewhat, issue it as the
Empire State Exchange. We wish himevery suc-
cess in his adventure. :
fia Name of person receiving prize and prize ©
M.S.S. will appear in our next issue.
Taxidermy and Zoological collecting. A com-
collector. By Wm. T. Hornnaday, containing 24
plates, 104 text illustrations and nearly 400 pages.
Price $2.50 or given for 10 new subscribers at:
cents each. A valuable book.
!
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Devoted to Ornitholoy, Oology and Natural History.
[For the Collectors’ Monthly. ]
The Bald Eagle.
(Haliaetus leucocephalus.)
The habitat of the Bald Eagle is the
whole of North America, being generally
found along the sea-coast and at the
mouth of all our large rivers.
The Bald Eagle receives his name from
the fact that its head and neck are cover-
ed with snowy white feathers, which ata
distance give the birds a very “bald” ap-
pearance. The remainder of the body is
a deep chocolate color, shading into a
beautiful black along the back. The tail
and upper tail coverts are of the same
beautiful hue as the head and neck. In
the immature bird the colors are ofa
more sombre tint, and the Bald Eagle
does not obtain its beautifully white head
and tail until it is fully four or five years
of age. This is what at one time caused
so much dispute about the bird; some
thought that the young Bald Eagle was
an altogether different species from the
older bird, and itis not until within the
last five or six years that the question
has been undisputedly settled.
The Bald Eagle is extremely fond of
fish, and being no very great fisher, takes
advantage of the fine fishing talents of
the osprey, and very often robs him of
his hard earned prey. This predatory
propensity aroused the wrath of Benja-
min Franklin, who objected strongly to
the employment of the Bald Eagle as the
type of the American nation, urging as
his ground for opposition, that “it isa
bird of bad moral character, and does
not get his living honestly.” Heis capa-
————————EE SS
ble of catching fish it is true, but he does
it in an extremely awkward manner, wad-
ing into the shallows of the sea or river
like a heron, and snatching suddenly at
any of the finny tribe that may be pass-
ing in his direction.
The nest of the Bald Eagle is generally
placed in some lofty tree from the top of
Which the Eagle can scan the sea and
watch for some osprey that has been so
lucky as to catch a large pike or salmon.
The nest in time becomes of a very great
size, for, instead of building a new nest
each year, the Eagle places a new layer
of sticks and branches of the nest of the
year before. The female Eagle com-
mences to breed at a very early period of
the year, depositing her eggs, which are
always two in number, in January, and
hatching them about themiddle of Febru-
ary.
The Bald Eagle is quite noted for its
which absolutely
It constantly tends
affectionate nature
knows no bounds.
and watches its young so long as they
are ina helpness and unfledged state. So
greatis the Eagle’s affection forits young,
that it willnot forsake them, even though
the tree on which they rest be enveloped
in flames, and it prefers to die with them
rather than have them meet their fate
alone.
The Bald Eagle is very accomodating
in his appetite, and will, in fact, eat any-
thing that has ever been posessed of
animal life. He is by no means averse
to carrion, and muy now and then be
seen perched regally upon a dead horse.
keeping at a distance the hords of vul-
46
tures that always collect around a car
ease, and will not permit them to ap-
proach until he has gorged himself to
his fullest extent. Wilson tells howa
Bald Eagle had taken possession of a
heap of dead squirrels that had been ac-
eidentallally drowned, and prevented any
other bird or beast of prey from ap-
proaching his treasure. He is especially
fond of lambs, and is often more than
suspected of aiding the death of many a
sickly sheep by the dexterous use of hig
beak and claws. Sometime he pays the
penalty of his voracity, as the following
quotation from Selmar Hess’s “‘Animate
Creation” will show. ‘A Bald Eagle had
caught a wild duck, and carrying it toa
large piece of ice, tore his prey to pieces
and began to eatit. When he had finish”
-ed his repast, he spread his wings for
fight, but found himself unable to stir
his feet being firmly frozen to the ice.’
Several persons who witnessed the scene
endeavored to reach the bird, but were
unable, owing to the masses of loose ice
that intervened between the Eagle and
the land. At last the poor bird perished,
as was supposed, having been seen to flap
his useless wings in vain endeavors to
escape until night drew on and darkness
hid him from view. By
Epwarp FULLER.
161 Main Street, Norwich, Conn.
Notes on the American Red-
start.
(‘“‘For the Collectors’ Monthly.’’)
During the past season I have found
five nests with eggs, of the American Red-
start, but have only been able to get one
set of four.
I will give the readers of the “Monthly”
the benefit of my experience, hoping: it
may be of interest to some.
The first nest I found, which was on
May 23rd., contained two eges Nest
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
placed in a clump of Elderberry bushes,
five feet from the ground. I took one of
the eggs in my hand, to examine it the
more closely, but replaced it very care-
fully, hoping to get a full set by leaving
them for a few days. On the 25th, I
looked again as I was passing by, but
both nest and eggs were gone.
My next nest was found on the 27th,
It was completed, ready for its speckled
beauties. The next day it contained one
ege, for the two or three days following
no more eggs were added, but the next
time I visited the place, the one egg was
missing.
No. 38, [found May 30th it contained
two eggs, but when I went to the place
again, the whole outfit was gone.
I also found my fourth nest on this day.
This was placed in a Bitter-nut tree,
saddled on a limb about twenty feet up.
Saw the bird sitting on the nest at inter-
vals during the following week, but when
I went up to see it eight days later there
were no eggs to be seen.
June 2d, 1 found No. 5, It contained
four eggs, I took them at once, not wish-
Ine to run any more risk of not getting
a set.
Thetollowing is from my note-book. Ob-
tained set of four perfectly fresh eggs of
American Redstart. Nest in Basswood _
tree placed at the end of horizontal limb,
thirty feet from trunk of tree, and twenty
‘feet up, saddled on top and composed of
fine fibers, etc., ined with hair and thre,
or four feathers.
All of these nests were placed in a heavy
piece of timber, and so situated where
they would not be seen, except by one
who was looking for such things, being
saddled on top of the limb in every case.
Think it barely possible that another
person besides myself knew of their
whereabouts. There is, then, but two
causes for the removal of the nests and
egos. They either must have been de-
stroyed by the birds, or by some animal
that feeds on the e@y's of small birds.
If an animal, why were the nests remoy-
ed? Noteven a single fiber remained to
be seen, nor could [ find a particle of the
nest anywhere around, so careful had
they been to remove every clue of a nest
ever being placed there. It was the same
with the three that had disappeared.
So the only thing that remains to con-
jecture is that the birds seeing me ap-
proach their homes, and examine the
treasures, which they thought so much
of, took this method of protecting their
rights; could it be possible for these little
fire flies of the woods, for such they seem,
as they hop from one branch to another,
flitting their tail in a peculiar manner,
could it be possible for them, to move
their home and its effects to a more re-
tired spot, there to continue, or begin
over, the most important work of the
season. Let us hear from others, and
thus become more familiar.
Yours truly,
G. A. M.
The Boyal Condor.
Sarcorhamphus gryphus.
The greatest of birds is the Royal Con-
dor of South America, an unclean crea-
ture, whose home is amone the lofty
heights of the Andes. There seems to be
a probability that at one time the Con-
dor, ora bird closely resembling it, in-
habited parts of Asia and Africa. The
legends of the great Roc, may have refer-
red to some such creature now extinct.
The old geographer, Mareo Polo, places
the condor in Asia, and says that the
bird was so large and strong as to be
able to lift an elephant high enough in
its claws that the fall would killit. A
traveler, as late as 1830, ventured the
assertiou that one had been killed of
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
47
which a single quill feather was sixty feet
long’.
Humbolt was among the first to state
the truth about the condor, and it is now
known that the largest authentic state-
ment of a condor’s size gives an expanse
of wings of only 14 feet. This however
makes the condor thegiant among birds.
The permanent habitation of the con-
dor is never found below an altitude of
ten-thousand feet. Im the rainy season
they frequently descend to the coast,
where they may beseen roosting on trees.
On the mountains they rarely perch, for
which their feet seem poorly fitted, but
stand on the vertical cliffs where their
nests are, and where cattle are most like-
ly to fall. They always frequent the
vicinity of cattle estates, and they are
never seen in flock except around a large
ecareass. The condor is often seen soar-
ing in large circles and at an immense
height with a slow majestic flight. Its
head is constantly in motion as if look-
ing for food. To rise from the ground it
must run for some distance, then it flaps
its wings several times and ascends at a
low angle till it reaches a considerable
elevation, after which it literally sails on
the air. .
The gait in walking is awkward and
painful, the wings trailing on the ground
and the head crouching. From its ina-
bility to rise without running a narrow
open pen suffices toimprisonit. Though
a carrion bird, it breathes the purest air,
spending much ofits time soaring three
miles high.
Its power of gormandizing is enormous.
A condor has been known to deyoura
ealf at a single meal, and, though it per-
fers carrion it has been known to attack
livinganimals. The eyes and tongue are
the favorite parts and first devoured.
There has never been any authenticated
cases of condors carrying off children, or
A8
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
of attacking adults except in defence of
their eves. When full fed or gorged the
bird is exceedingly stupid, and can be
captured by hand, but at other times it
is more than a match for any man.
It passes the greater part ofits time in
sleeping, more often searching forits prey
in the morning and evening than at
noon, very likely because objects are then
more distinctly seen.
The bird is seldom shot, but generally
trapped or lassoed. Prescott in his his-
tory of the “Conquest of Peru,” speaks
of the “great bird of the Andes, the
loathsome condor, which, sailing high
above the clouds, followed with doleful
eries in the track ofthearmies.”’ Butthis
is a poetic exaggeration, for the only
noise it makes is a hissing like that of a
2oose.
Its nest is on some inacessible eliff, and
here it lays two white e@es, which are
about four inches long. Its nest really
consists of a few sticks laid around the
eges, the skill and intelligence of other
birds being lacking. Perhaps a more
correct way of putting it is that there is
no need of the protective skill of elaborate
nests, as the bird does its breeding on in-
accessible heights where no enemy is to
be feared. The young are not able to fly
for nearly two years, and for the first
year they look like gigantic goslings.
The white irillat the base of the neck and
the white wing feathers do not appear
till the second plumage, until which time
they lie in secluded caves, fed by their
elders.
The head, neck, and front of the breast
of the condor are bare, indicative of its
love of carrion. The head is flat and
elongated; the skin lies infolds. The
whole appearance is hideous and repul-
sive, loathsome to the eye as itis to the
smell, for the odor of decayed flesh reeks
from every feather. Though the condor
has not the bright eye of the eagle, and
the smelling powers of the dog itvet per-
ceives the carcass from afar. It lacks
the strength and sharpness of the eagles
beak, and its powerful talons for seizing
living prey. Itis simply the inost gigan-
tic of vultures, and with all the habits
and instinets of the vulture race, lacking
the courage and fierceness of the eagle,
and other predatory birds of the same
type. But when the condor is seen soar-
ing high up in the sky with slow and ma-
jestic flight, it is said to be one of the
most striking exhibitions of power and
grace to be seen in bird life. ‘‘World of
Wonders.”’
[Special to the Collectors’ Monthly. |
The American Gold Finch.
( Spin us tristis.)
This very beautiful bird called also
thistle-bird, yellow-bird, lettuce-bird and
wild canary, breeds in August. The
back of the bird is black, and the wings
are bright yellow. When sitting onsome
slender branch it is one of the most beau-
tiful birds I have ever seen. When flying
rapidly it is very often mistaken for a
canary by young collectors, but the older
and more experienced ornithologist will
at onee recoenize it by its dark colored
back. Its nest is almost always found
in thistles, henee its name thistle-fineh. I
have never found a nest of this species
more than five feet from the ground.
The nest is composed of d ried @rass very
closely woven and lined with the soft
down from the thistle blossom. The eom-
mon number of e@e@s is five or six.
They are deposited two days apart and
are of a light blue color much the same
as the blue bird but smaller. If you dis-
turb the bird on her nest when she has
two or three eves, although you may not
touch the nest or thistle she will not de-
posit another egg in it, but will continue
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
pres nrineiorrenyeeninme ’
to sit on what she has. If the nest is
touched before any eves are deposited she
will not return but will build again. Of
course there are exceptions to all rules
but only once in my experience have |
known the bird toreturn tothenest alter
it had been disturbed when empty and
then, she only deposited one egg. Both
birds assist in making the nests. The
male bird never leaves the loeality of the
nest while his mateissetting, unless driv-
en from it. The female is dark all over
being a varied dullbrown. TheCollector
can @o within a few feet of her when sheis
on the nest without seeing her, and when
she does leave the nest under his very fin-
gers she goes so noiselessly as to escape
the notice of the unwatehful collector.
Collectors should remember that identi-
fication is of the first importance and
when collecting eges of this species, watch
for the female as she leaves the nest.
After she has left she will fly but a short
distance where the male bird will join her,
then is the time for the collector to iden-
tify his eves. Lerson BaLnimr.
Des Moines, Lowa.
Mr. C. H. Prince,
Danielsonville, Conn.
Dear Str:—Am very much pleased with
last number of yourpaper. Isend you a
few notes which, if you can use, you are
welcome to. Wish to do my part tow-
ards keeping it up. I trust we may see
it enlarged, in the near future, that you
may, be warranted in increasing its size.
Yours Truly,
G. A. M.
Dar Srr:—A friend of mine ereatly in-
terested in oology and ornithology
showed me your Collectors Monthly,
which [ considered a bright lively paper,
and wish you the best sueeess in vour
continued work. Enclosed please tind
30 cents worth of 2 cents stamps.
Yours Truly,
C. BrapLey IsHaM.
49
Notes on the Birds of Long Island.
By W. W- WorTHINGTON.
(45.) 128. lregata aquila.
Man-o’-War Bird. (639.)
Large; pluinage black, with a metallic
gloss. Tail forked. Feet and gular sae
orange red. Length 40 inches.
Liable to occur as an extremely rare
strageler from thesouth. Reeorded from
Nova Scotia, and inland to Ohio. Breeds
from the Bahamas southward. Nest
built of sticks, on the ground, orlow trees.
Lays one egg, chalky white, about 24x
* inches.
(46.) 129. Merganser americanus.
American Merganser. (636 )
Head and neck dark green. Breast and
under parts salmon red Zack black, be-
coming lead color on rump and tail.
Wings with a black band, and much white
markings. Crest notconspicuous. Length
26 inches.
A rare winter visitor to the east end of
L. I. “A common winter resident”
(Helme). Breeds in Northern New Eng-
Nest made of
erasses, moss ete., lined with down from
the birds breast, placed in holes in trees.
land, in May and June.
Kees six to ten, bulfy, or cream color,
and average about 2.65x1.% inches.
(47.) 130. Merganser serrator.
Red-breasted Merganser (637).
Head and back black, the former with
a ereenish gloss, and with a conspicuous
erest, of long slender feathers. Breast
heht reddish brown, streaked more or
less with black. Collar around neck, un-
der parts, and much of wings, white.
Length 23 inches.
An abundant migrant, and except in
very a winter resident.
Usually seen in small floeks diving and
feeding near the shore, on which they
often crawl up to rest and preen their
plumage. Pasily decoyed, and much
sought after by local gunners, although
their flesh has a rather rank fishy taste.
severe seasons
50
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Breeds from the northern U.S. north-
ward, in the vicinity of water. Nest of
moss and leaves, lined with down from
the birds breast, placed on the ground
among low bushes or grass. Eggs six to
twelve, Creamy, or greenish, and about
2%x1% inches.
(48.) 131. Lophodytes cucullatus.
Hooded Merganser. (638.)
Head, neck, and upper parts black,
the head with a large compact crest. A
large patch on the side of the head, wing
bars and under parts, white. Length 18
inches.
A rather common migrant. Frequents
fresh water ponds, and creeks. Ihave
seen them in flocks of a dozen or more
individuals in a large pond near Sag
Harbor. ‘Dec. 24, 1880 I found a dead
male on the Sound shore. In Jan. 1881
Ireceived a fine male from Patchogue.
The gunners on the south side eall them
Wood Sheldrake” (Helme) I found this
species abundant in South Georgia (MeIn-
tosh Co.,) and breeding very early, as I
took a fully developed eve from a female
shot on Feby. 22d, 1889. Nest of leaves,
grasses, etc., lined with down from the
birds breast, placed in hollow trees. Eges
from six to eighteen, very smooth, clear
white, and average about 24x1% inches.
(49.) 132. Anas boschas.
Mallard. (601.)
Head green. Breast bright chestnut.
Sides and under parts finely mottled with
gray and black. A white ring around
the neck. Tail whitish, its upper coverts
black, with a recurved tuft of feathers.
Speculum glossy purple. Leneth 23 in.
A winter visitor of no great rarity.
Seen at intervals throughout,the winter.
Frequents fresh water ponds in the fall.
“Not common spring and autumn mi-
grant’ (Helme). Breeds inland, west-
ward and northward. Nest placed in
grass or low bushes near water. Eges
greenish or drab, six to ten, and average
about 24x1¥ inches.
(50)) 133. Anas obscura.
Black Duck. (602.)
Dusky brown throughout,
rufous edging to the feathers.
head, throat and neck pale grayish brown
finely spotted with dusky.
glossy violet, surrounded by black.
Length 22 inches.
An abundant winter resident, a few
pairs remaining to breed on Gardiners
Island, and rarely on Shelter Island. Nest
placed in thick grass or low bushes, on
the ground near water,
grasses, weeds, etc., lined with dowu from
the birds breast. Eggs six to twelve,
creamy or grenish, and average 24x22 in.
(51.) 135. Anas strepera.
Gadwali. (604.)
Sides of head and front of neck pale
brown, with spots of dusky. Breast and
Jower neck all round, black, with narrow
half-ceircies of white, andashy. Speculum
white, in front ofit a large patch of black.
Sides dark brown, finely waved with
whitish. Beneath white. Leneth 22 in.
Arare migrant. “Two shot at Mt.
Sinai Harbor, in the spring of 1879.
Usually seen in company with Black
Ducks”” (Helme). Breeds inland and
westward. Nests on the ground in low
thick growth, near water. Nest of
grasses, lined with down and feathers.
Eggs six to twelve, creamy or clay color,
average about 2x1% inches.
(52.) 136. Anas penelope.
Widgeon. (606).
Sides of head, and neck all around
chestnut red, spotted more or less with
black. Top of head whitish. Back and
sides, brown, finely waved with white.
Wings and tail dark brown, the latter
with white edging. Beneath white.
der tail coverts black. Length 19% in.
A rare winter visitor, orstrageler from
Hurope. Said to have bred on this side
of the Atlantic inthe north. Nest on the
ground near water. Nest of grasses,
leaves, ete., lined with down and feathers
of the bird. Eggs six to eight, creamy
or buff, 24x1\ inches.
with light —
Side of —
Speculum —
composed of —
ie ae
Un- 9
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
(53.) 137. Anas americana.
American Baldpate.
Very simular to the last species, but
distinguished by lack of chestnut on the
head and other slight differences.
A rare migrant at the east end. I
flushed one from a small pond on Shelter
Island, on Sept, 11th, 1886, the only one
I ever saw alive. Breeds in the western
lake regions of the U.S. Nest placed on
the ground in thick growth of grass or
bushes, near the water, making a nest of
grass and lea ves, lined with down and
feathers. Eges eight to twelve, yellowish
or pale buff, and measures about 2x1%in.
[Written for the Polleetors’ Monthly. ]
Hints to Young Collectors.
In this paper I will take up the ditferent
branches of the subject, from the stand
» it is nearly worth-
a rays a eges with a single
ibole iu the side and never break sets when
| The best way
ary puetaae ae Ren aw: ay, ie it not
yoths and mould will soon ruin them. A
week solution of corrosive sublimate in
Prater has proven of great benefit in my
Hease as it thouroughly disinfects them.
iw hen out after eges you will find
square tin box provided with a strap for
fcarring long enough to go over the shoul-
dev. very convenient for eges. Always
a number of folded papers in
yhich to place insects, and a small bottle
‘of chloroform in the vest pocket. — In in-
seet collecting you will need anet for
moths and butterflies. The one I use is
~a@
O41
simply a broom handle,in one end of
which is a ring’ of heavy wire. Sewed to
the wire is a bag of common mosquito
netting. The whole cost 5 cents, and is
just as servicible as one costing two or
three dollars. I always kill butterflies,
mothsand grasshoppers with chloroform,
while beetles and bugs can be put in a
large mouthed bottle containing a little
cyanide of potassium. The best way to
prepare a bottle for this purpose is after
putting in the cyanide, pour in enough
plaster of paris and water to cover the
This soonsets and you will find
the evanide with
Beetles are pinned
cyandie.
it better than to cover
cotton as many do.
through the right wing cover, bugs
through the center of the back, and
moths, butterflies, bees, dragon _ flies,
ete., through theback between the wings.
A convenient block to use in spreading
the wings is made of a couple strips of
cigar box, two inches wide nailed at each
end to a piece of wood +44
Cut this so the outer edeen of the strips
when fastened will be a fourth inch high-
er than the inner edges, this will leave a
third of an inch between the strips. To
this on the under side, glue a strip of
sheet cork, and it is done. I made a
dozen last year at a cost of three and a
fourth cents each. When setting to dry,
spread the wings carefully to their full
extent, and arrange legs and antenne in
anatural manner. Wind all with soft
thread or place over the wings a narrow
strip of card board, pinning securely, be
careful and do not tear the wings and
nana the buttertlies as little as possible
inches long.
as they are easily spoiled in this way.
After they are thoroughly dry turn the
specimen over and carefully paint the
bodies with corrosive sublimate dissolved
This will greatly lessen the
moths. When in the cases do
in ale oh. ol:
danger of
not over crowd them, as this does much
52
THE COLLECTOR’S MONTHLY.
more towards spoiling the beauty ofa
collection of insects than many suppose.
The instructions for collecting botanical
specimens in the December number of the
monthly are fine. Let me say I always
dip my specimens in a solution of either
corrosive sublimate or strychinine before
pressing to avoid insects. If these hints
are of any value and notes of my experi-
ence will be of value J will give you more
in the future. Groree H. Berry.
Cedar Rapids, Lowa.
[For the Collectors’ Monthly. ]
Water-birds of lowa.
About sundown we started for the lake,
2 miles south of our house which is
ealled Lard or Rush lake, but neither |
name is rightly applied for there is neith-
er Lard or rushes in the lake. We could
hear the roar of wings as the birds were
flying over and around the lake, here is
afew canada geese, vonder comes four
stately cranes, away out there is hun-
dreds of Brandt. Now as we comenearer
a louder noise of wings is heard. What
is it, O, there is the cause, a red tail
hawk comes over the tall reeds, before
him is thousands of coots making a
hideous noise; presently the hawk is gone
and the coots are quiet again. Now we
take the canoe and start out, first
we meet a pair of wood ducks, these
are quickly bagged, but the report which
echoes over the water startles thousands
of birds, six mallards start out the crass
a few rods from our boat, then we began
a regular slaughter with our 6 shooters,
alter emptying our guns we start for our
game for if not we will soon loose them
in the marsh @rass, now we look at our
catch, 2 brandt, 5 mallard, 3 teal, 4 wid-
geon, 2 shovelers, 1 pintail and 3 snipes,
now as it is getting dark we light our
lantern, and get out
The pickrel are large
our fishing tackle,
and lively, pretty
soon we havea finefish, I noticed that
their was one fine albino rusty gracklein
aflock, but I was not near enough to get
it. We got home at 10.35 p. m.
Henny G. HAuu.
Newell, Lowa.
:
:
How to Keep a Gun from Rust-
Tas.
My experience informs me that the ker-
nel ofa Pecan nut placed in a piece of
cloth and rubbed briskly over the steel
parts of a gun will remove rust and keep
it off. It keeps the gun continually oil- —
ed, and there isnot stickiness or offensive
odors as given off by other so called rust
preventitives. Another feature is the
small cost. One nut will clean an entire
gun thoroughly. Hoping to hear from
other collectors am yours.
EE. R.—Giddings, Texas.
[For the Collectors Monthly.]
Mr. C. H. Prince,
Danielsonville, Conn.
Dear Sir:—Seeing what others say in
the August number of your ‘‘Monthly” in ~
regard to F. M. Kinne, Knoxville, Iowa,
has caused me to feelit iy duty to relate —
my experience with him. Last fall I sent
him a list of eges in sets, in exchange for
drills, blowpipes and datas, but as he did
not send them I kindly notified him of
the fact, but there was no attention paid
to my ecard, | waited several days longer
and then notified him again, with the’
same effect. Thinking I bad been impos-
ed upon by a fraud I wrote him again
and threatened to advertise him if I did
not hear from him before the first of Jan-
uary. This brought an answer in the
shape of about half of the goods I had
ordered, also a letter saying my order
had been overlooked on the order book.
What Il want to know is this, ifmy order
was Overlooked why did he not look it
up when L first wrote him ?
Yours Truly,
W. E. DrennaM,
Lo nae 4
‘ hy
DB ae Gat Aly
TN as VT) 4 :
oT a
Otters lor cash debarred. A strictly
1 Exchange and Want Column. No notice inserted
for less than twenty cents. CASH must accom-
oe
"pany all notices. _
me “in
‘0: EXOHANGD—First-class sets of birds eges
) 1 with the best of data, to exchange for the
Pee Send list and receive mine. —
Bh oy | “J, WARREN JACOBS,
Kes Way hesburg, Penn.
ee,
Prva to exchange i in first- Claas original sets
fi .U, No.’s): 58 1-3, 1-4, 743a 1-4, 652 1-4,
eon 8. "599, 596 1-8, 581d 1-3, 1-4, 5571-8, 5541-3, 531
14,5 bia. 519e 1.4, 499 1-4, 465 I-4, 464 1-4. 431 1-1,
1-2, ‘and. nest 375. 1-6, 373e 1-3, 360 1+b, 352 1-1, 294
112 and 128b 1-3 16 eTsbae 1, collected by my-
Rett on the Farrallones,
Baie) FRED SCHNEIDER, »
“i ; Santa Clara Co. College Park, Cola.
yk. ALG 3. PRILL, late of Sweet Home, is now
‘Veoated at Springville, Erie Co., N. Y,, where
’ : he will be glad to hearfrom all bis old patrons and
he oological friends. i
by ae
t
y
‘Burrowing Owls Eggs.
“tn sets with data to exchange for other first
class eges in Sets and a few singles.
+ L. B. HARTZELL,
‘Crystal PPrBES, (Harper Co,,) Kansas, 4-8
FRY EPXCHANGE—Nearly first-class set Fla.
Burrowing: Owl, 1-5, for best: offer in first-class
_ sets, shot gun, rifle, Ornithological books, field
; i Vodipates ‘owglee ete. All answered.
; Z B.S. BOWDISH, Phelps, N. Y.
! 200 Eggs of Little Blne Heron in. Bets of 1-4 at 30
cents per set, data furnished.
E KIT ATKINSON, Dime Box Texas.
ETS, EXCHANGE—Eggs of Snowy Heron, Dwarf
Cowbird, Texas Grackle, Yellow breasted Chat,
Blue gray Gnat Catcher, Mocking Bird, Purple
~ Grackle, Purple Martin and others. Sets and
“a pees to exchange for same,
JESSE W. MILLER,
184 Dallas Street, Houston, Tex,
IRN EXCHANGE—Eges of Fla. Red-shouldered
_ + Hawk, for pair Wooden Decoy Ducks ( Mallard
or Red-Head), male and female.
ED. RAUBE, Giddings, Texas.
ATTENTION.
4 Taxidermist, Ihave a set of Taxidermy tools
and supplies worth ten dollars, which I will send
ee ! Bite paid’” for only $6.00. Reference. Editor
S$ paper. C. BYRON VANDYCOOK,
Box 113, 8-3 Odin, Tl
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
WANTED.
IRST-CLASS Warblers Skins, with data, from
every state in the Union. Also skins and
dere of all) U.S. Humming Birds. Wili give in
exchange first-class skins, with data, and a few
egesin sets. What offers in skins and eggs for a
finely mounted Loon?
H. T. VAN OSTRAND, Millbury Mass.
WANTED.
WE want 1000 subscribers before January Ist,
1892. Send for a sample copy of ‘The Taxid-
ermist,”’ with its supplement premium list, and it
will induce you to place your name on our books.
85 cents per year. It will pay you. Address,
“THE TAXIDERMIST,” Medina, Ohio.
Everybody having
To E EXCHANGE! eges to exchange
please send us lists of what you havefor exchange,
as we have a large lot for exchange and for sale.
Please state which Numbers you use A. O. J. or
Ridgway's. None but first-class eggs wanted.
C. H. PRINCE, Danielsonville, Conn.
Fo. $5.00 worth of well blown eggs with data,
I will ship one pair ‘, hite Fan Pigeons. The
birds are first-class. A. J, RAND, Holyoke. Mass.
ian Complete Yaar Files.
OW is the time to complete your files of the
**Collector’s Monthly,’’ as we have only a
limited number of the back numbers left which
we are disposing»of at 4 cents each, 3 for 10 cents
or7for 20 cents. Send at once before all are
gone. Address,
“COLLECTOR’S MONTHLY,”
Danielsonville, Conn.
fou a Subseriber ,i:..C lleetors Monthly?
If not, read the following list of Eggs which we
will accept in payment for One Year’s
Subscription.
URING the month of SEPTRMBER we will
accept any of the following first-class singles
or sets in payment for New Subseribers only:
SINGLES, SETS.
Pigeon Guilemot. Willet I-38.
Pallas Murre, Florida Gallinule 1-7
Great Black Baek Gull. Virginia Rail. 1-7
Franklins Guli. Brown Pelican 1-3 *
Noddy. Cal. Partridge 1-8
Stormy Petrel. Bob-White 1-8
Farrallone Comorant. Spotted Sandpiper 1-4
Bairds Comorant. Least Bittern 1-4
Gadwall Anhinga 1-4
Wood Duck. Black Skimmer 1-4
Velver Scoter. Kildeer 1-4
Canada Goose. Ring Neck Pheasant 1-3
Am. Flamingo. Clapper Rail 1-6
Glossy Ibis. Prairie Hen 1-6
Am. Bittern, Am, Sparrow Hawk 1-3
Am. Woodcock, Night Hawk 1-2
Long Billed Curlew. Bobolink 1-3
Am, Oyster Cateher. Orchard Oriole 1-5
Wild Turkey. Scarlet Tanager 1-3
Turkey Vulture, Painted Bunting 1-5
pe Vulture. Pied-Billed Grebe, 1-6
ll eggs must be firsf-classin every respect, cor-
rectly named with data. No second-class eges
received. Send eggs at once to
CHARLES H. PRINCE,
Danielsonville, Conn,
The Naturalists Buread.
HP Naturalists’ Bureau has been organized
for the purpose of supplying Educational In-
stitutions and private individuals with books
treating upon all branches of Natural History,
Also with correctly named speciinensin Zoology,
Botany and Mineralogy, and with the best and
most practical instruments for the collection of
Specimens in all departments of Natural History.
Everything is selected and approved by special-
ists. Address,
THE NATURALISTS’ BUREAU,
43 West St., Boston, Mass.
SOMETHING NEW FOR
€GG@ GOLLEGTORS!)|,
MAYNARD’S
Automatic Egg Blower
Y this little machine an ege may be emptied
ol its contents without danger of breaking
and without waste of breath.
Works perfectly easy and can be carried in the
pocket,
A THOROUGHLY PRACTICAL MACHINE, and
exactly meets the wants of egg collectors. Price
until Jan. 1, 1892, tointroduce it, 50 Gents. Send
for illustrated circular. Address,
The NATURALISTS’ BUREAU,
43 WEST STREET, BOSTON, MASS.
To OOLOGISTS.
E are selling the best outfit for Beg Collec-
tors for ONLY 25 CENTS. Ege Drill—the
best in use, will not erack the egg—Blow Pipe
and Embryo-Hook. Get them in time for the
next collecting season. 25 cents only. Address,
The NATURALISTS’ BUREAU,
43 WEST STREET, BOSTON, MASS.
ie ° Trion
A 16 Page and Cover Magazine
devoted to Antiquities.
‘Samp.e Copy FREE ! e
BIRDS EGGS.
Ringneck PRG AS Beer se sc cece tk dedcsne sehen aneetepeteaoes
ED: SEA NSU Ks, gees nice caceeed akgncse wgaieee
English hy Speck
French rs
Chucker e
Barbary .“ Pty
ROOK eatessa 2a seen
Little Grebe.........s.5
Great eee Gretene
Skylark...
aeeee
+ teeewar
Topaz
Lepidolite
Magnetite...
Galenite,............. :
Mica (white)..... 2
Mica (curved).....
Wine Spar........
Gallente rigiGstes<. 103 nh.
Rubellite............000.
Vesuvennite .. .....
deeenreee
a eeeenesceeeteseneen
Spodumene....... -cceeeay rss
Tourmaline
CURIOSITIES.
Pre. Pottery Fragment............:-ccseseteens 05 and 10
Pre, Shell’ Beads. fees .scacessves 30c
Foreign ss - : - - 12zcts extra®’
Single Copies, - . - - - 3c each.
ADVERTISING RATES:
One pige, one insertion, - : - - $5 00
One Co umn, one insertion, = = : 2 75
Half Coiumn, one insertion, : = - 150
Editoral Page per in. one Agee ou, - 1 00
One Inch, one insertion, EAPr, - - 60
Half-inch one insertion, = 3 - 35
&¢s- Cash must accompany all povericeearS
Write for special rates on standing advertise-
ments.
orn . . Eh,
Articles and items of interest in any branch of
Natural History solicited for publication.
keas-Address all communications to the Editor
and Publisher.
Entered at the Post Office at Danitlsonville
Conn., as second class mail matter.
wet
Editorials.
Subscribers whose’ subscription expires with
this number will do us a favor if they will remit at
once.
RE
Mr. C.J. Maynard (whose ady. appears on last
page of cover), writes us in regard to Egg Cabinets
that any one wishing such can be supplied by send’
ing sizes wanted, and-prices will be quoted, as they
manufacture to order.
If you are in want of any variety of fine steel
pens, write to Miller Brothers, Meriden, Ct., tor
illustrated circular, and price list. They are offer-
ing high grade steel pens at a very low price, and
you cant afford to ‘be without them. ‘They also
earry in stock a complete line of cutlery etc. Write
them, (enclosing stamp) and when writing mention
“The Collectors’ Monthly.’ ~
One of the lead ng features for. Ornithologists at
the Worlds'‘Columbian Exposition at Chicago,1893,
will be the exhiblt of Native Birds. Collections to
consist of not less than twenty-five varieties, nor
léss'then ote pairi.e, One male and one female
of each variety, For largest. and - best Collection
of Native Birds, $75.00. 2nd. premium $50.00. - 3d.
premium $35.00. 4th. premium $25.00. Corect
names, with all known synonyms to be furnished
i
with each Collection, together with history, nalnts
localities, where found in greatest numbers, an
other facts and information ot interest.
Collectors desiring anything in Natural History.
Such as Birds eggs, skins, stuffed birds, mammals,
| mammal skins ,Curiosities or supplies for Oologists
Ornithologists, Entomologists, Botanists, etc
should not fail to secure them from James P, Bab
bitt, whose ‘‘ad’’ appears on last page of cover, and
obtain honest goods at honest prices.
Thanksgiving is now upon us and we are again
' reminded of that band of Pilgrims who landed at
Plymouth nearly three centuries ago, and laid th
This month
the turkey,—the truly American bird—will be |
“corner-stone”’ of this might nation.
slaughtered on moorland and farm, bringing a
welcome supply of pocket money to the farmers 4
wife, who has carefully tended the young brood
As at the old
Roman feasts, the royal pea-cock formed the choic |
through sunshine and shower. ©
est dish of all, so the stately turkey who for months”
has proudly lorded it over the barn-yard commu
nity, will now grace. our Thanksgiving table, as”
fitting head piece to the board. A beautiful illus-
Whittier.
Ah! on Thanksgiving Day when from East and |
trom West, :
From North and from South come the pilgrim a and
guest; a
When the gray-haired New Englander sees round)
his board :
The old broken links of affection Bueeaee
When the care wearied man seeks his mother onc
more, : f
And the worm matron smiles. where the girl smils
ed pete
What calls back the past like the rich pumpkin
pie? “
Auk” of 1890 angi! or. All having: such to se
of we will give good equivalent for same. q
oo
FIVE two cent stamps will BEL you a sample of
Arthur’s Home Magazine, Philadelphi
Agents wanted.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Our Birds.
(Original. )
Our Birds are very numerous
As they flit from tree to tree,
Or skim the glassy waters
Of the deep and dark blue sea,
And still there would be many more
If they were allowed to live,
But they are fading fast away
That the Naturalist may live.
Whenever I see the Robin,
Or the beautiful Humming bird,
I think of Wonderful Nature,
And my thoughts are turned away.
To when I’ve seen the blackbirds,
Committing their deeds of sin,
I liken them to the human world,
To many men therein,
What better treat than a day in the
woods,
Where everything is still
Save the murmer of the babbling brook
And the Blue Jays notes so shrill.
’
Here, the cuckoos notes are faintly heard,
Sounding so lonely and clear,
And its here, that “Our Birds in Their
Haunts”’ are found
In their homes and houses so queer.
Should twilight over take us,
There are other birds to spy,
Perchance we may see the Whippoorwill
Or hear the Night Hawks cry.
Wherever we go we'll find “Our Birds”
As merry, and blithe, and gay,
As they ever are in the tropics
In the merry month of May.
You may take from us our other pets,
Or approach with unkind words,
But leave alone our feathered pets,
Our Joved and cherished birds.
Notes on the Birds of Long Island.
By W. W. WORTHINGTON.
(54) 142 Spatula clypeata;
Shoveller, (608.)
Bill expanded at tip. Head green. Breast
white. Beneath, chestnut brown. Upper wing
coverts blue. Rump and upper tail coverts black.
Length 20 inches.
A rare migrant. I have nevermet with
t alive. Mr. Dutcher has taken one
specimen. Breedsin the West, making
nest of weeds and grasses, and placing it
; on the ground near water. Eggs six to
ten, pale grayish, or bluish green, averag-
ing about 2: 1-3 x 1: 1-2 inches.
(55) 143 Dafila acuta.
Pintail, (605.)
Back and sides finely waved with black and
white. Beneath white, a narrow line of which
extends up each side of neck to the crown. Head
brown. Central tail feathers elongated. Lower
tail coverts black. Jength 30 inches.
A rather rare migrant at the east end
of L. J. Ihave had specimens which were
shot in April and February. Frequents
creeks and ponds containing enough
grass to afford concealment, amongst
which they feed. Breeds in the low
prairies of the West, and Northward to
Arctie countries. Nest made of grasses
and weeds, placed in grass or low bushes
near water. Eges eight to twelve, dull
greenish, and about 2: 1-4 x1: 1-2inches.
(56) 144. Aix sponsa.
Wood Duck, (613.)
Crested. Head glossy green.
|
‘a
/Mr. Moore gives the extent of birds
ges to be as follows.
Swans, Parrots and Ravens, 200 years.
lagle, 100. Geese, 80. Hens and Pig-
ns, 10 to 16. Hawks, 30 to40. Crane,
4. Blackbird, 10 to 12. Peacock, 20.
elican, 40 to 50. Thrush, 8 to 10-
ren, 2to3. Nightingale, 15. Black-
ip, 15. Linnet, 14 to 23. Goldfinch,
YU to 24. Redbreast, 10 to 12. Sky-
itk, 10 to 30. Titlark, 5 to 6. Chaf-
THE, COLLECT
| the Black. Capped Chickadee.
experimenting with these birds.
ORS’ MONTHLY.
|
Some ofouv Winter Birds.
The Paridae,
(For The Collectors’ Monthly.)
Our common resident of this family is
which at-
tracks attention throughont the winter
by its saney cry of pe-wee. Thisbird, like
all the representatives of this family,
builds its nest ina hole. The nest is ne ver
more than fifteen feet from the ground:
and is composed of moss, softly lined with
hair or rabbits fur, and occasionally a
few feathers. The ege's, which are from
four to nine in number, are white,
blotched with teddish brown and lilac,
and about .60x.47in size. The chickadee
| is a very bold bird, frequently building
its nest near a house, and in this particu-
lar is quite different from another resi-
dent, the Tufted Titmouse.
The latter is found along the timber-
belts, usually building its nest at a dis-
tance from the ground, laying from five
to eight white ego's, sparingly blotched
with red and purple; .75x.53. This bird
is one of the first harbingers of spring:
their somewhat shrill notes making the
woods fairly ring in the early spring.
Our third and last resident of the Pan-
| dae, is the White Breasted Nuthatch,
which was formerly rare in this locality,
but is now becomming quite common.
They lay from five to eight white egos,
(which have a pink hue, below being
brown,) blotched and splashed with red
and purple. What a pecular bird it is!
With a manner in which is blended the
boldness of the Chickadee with the shyness
of the Titmouse, the Nuthatch neither
defies man nor seeks to avoid him. His
first cousin S. Canadensis, is a winter res-
ident here, and is by far the most inter-
esting of all the family. He posseses all
the sauciness of the Chickadee, with a
good deal ofimpudencecombined; allow-
ing one to approach within a few feet of
him, when suddenly with a “‘cheet” “cheet”
and a saucy jerk of his tail, he is off!
Several winters ago I spent some time
There
Was one, especially that was very tame;
and I determined to eatech this one. I did
catch it; but immediately let it go, tosee
if it would come back to the trap. Inless
than five minutes, I had it again; and
beh, 20 to 24. Starling, 10 to 20.
e
(
i
this time I kept it. It grew very tame,
68
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
and was quite a pet; but at last was a
victim to the cat.
My next paper will be on the Picidae.
ALBERT GARETT.
Lawrence, Kan.
The Prairie Horned Lark
(For the Collectors Monthly)
BY thie
The reason I have chosen the Horned
Lark as the subject of this sketch is, his
presence as a ground bird the most
noticable, to a tiller of the soil—I first !
began to see them about April 15th,
and they have been constant companions
since. His song if such his few notes can
be called, is in our ears all day long.
Tfound my first nest on May 2d ’90‘
on the ground at the foot of a corn hill.
The nest was made of dead wild-grass
and the course roots of the prarie-grass,
nicely woven together in a holejust large
enough to receive it. The nest was 2%
inches deep out-side 2 inches in diamater
1% im depression, and contained 3 fresh
eges, of a dirty green ground work
marked with chocolate or olive brown
spots or rather speckles that almost
covered the ground work. Since that
time I have found 4 or 5 nests and all of
them have been placed at the foot of
corn hills and the singular part of it all
was, they were invariably on the east
side of the hill. The birds are so well
known that a description is scarcely
necessary. But for the benefit of some
who may get them mixed with theground
Sparrow I will try and describe them to
the best of my ability.
The male is about 3% inches from tip
to tip. Head is a brown gray ou the
crown, side of head around the eyes is
jet black. Throat a dingy white fading
to clear white on breast. Under tail-
coverts dingy white. And the distinguish-
ing feature, the “horn” attachmentraises
from the fore head between the eyes and
curves gracefully backward. The female
is much the color of the male except has
not the black spots on side of her head,
and is some what smaller than the male
and has no horn.
Now as a closing remark I will say
that the study of Orinthology isa source
of endless enjoyment and satisfaction to
me.
Miller Bro’s Steel Pens
—The Best in Use—
Of which the Patent Adjustable Quill reservoir
Pen—‘‘Acme” takes the lead, besides this we have
the Bank Pen1, School Pen, Broad stub, Stub,
Small Falcon, Falcon, Bead Pen, and 50 other —
kinds, also carry a large assortment of steel ink ©
erasers, Scissors, Shears, and Patent Pocket Cut-
lery.
Miller Bros. Cutlery Co.,
Meriden, Conn.
ROAD CARTS ONLY $10
The Best and Lowest Price
of any Carts Mats.
| B15, $18, $20 and #25.
|Top Buggies, enly $55.00.
— | Harness $7.50 and 310.00.
7 Forges, Anvils, Vises, Safes, Sewing
. Machines, Scales of all varieties,
f Save money and send for Price List. |
J.c>p CHICACO SCALE CO.,
=" 151 South Jefferson Street.
\s =
“Down With High Prices.”
— SEWING MACHINES
FROM $40 TO $I0!
Prices Lower than the Lowest on
Buggies, Carts, Sleighs, Harness.
$5.00 Family or Store Scale, $1.00
A 240-1b. Farmers’ Seale.... 3.00 |
Farmers, do your own Repairs.
Forge and Kit of Tools.... $20.00
1000 other Articles at Half Price.
CHICAGO SCALE CO., Chicago, Til.
PICTURES
WORLD'S FAIR ,.cvs¥ias-
Full: information of everything connected with the
Greatest Event of all time, also description of ali States
and Territories, account of all Government Lands to -
be had at $1.25 per Acre, fine illustrations of various |
Industries and Interesting Scenery. A World of Infor-
mation for only 25 cents ayear. Sample Copy and 100-
-age Catalogue containing 1,000 Clubbing Offers, 10 cts.
he Guide and Hand-Book of Useful Information con-
4s 1,000,000 Facts. Price 50 Cents, with Paper 65 Cts.
25 BYESTERN WORLD, Chicago, ill.
ihe ‘‘Little Detective’ Postal Scale $3.00
Beam shows Postage in Cents on any ciass Mail Matter,
Best Office or Family Scale made.
Capacity from 14 oz. to 25 Ibs.
16_18 20 32 34 96 95°50
8 98 10 11 32 15. 16 15 36 unte
3 | 8
‘The well-known ‘Singer Style” Sewing Machine, $10.00
“Champion” Road Cart, best made, finely finished 15.00
The “Champion” 1-Seat Wagon, $30.00. 2-Seated, 36 00
Single Harness, $7.50. Farm do $20.00 ‘Top Buggies 55.00
Hay, Grain. Coal or Stock Scales from $30.00 .o 60.00
Send for List. CHICAGO SCALE CO., Chicago, Ill.”
|
4
|
4
a
EXCHANGES AND WARTS.
80 words, 20 cts.; 1-2 cent per extra word.
This column is open to all having Exchanges
or Wants. Offersfor cash debarred. A strictly
Exchange and Want Column. No notice inserted
for less than twenty cents. CASH must accom-
pany all notices.
; : Burrowing Owls Eggs.
In sets with data to exchange for other first
class eggs in sets and a few singles.
‘ ; L. B. HARTZELL.
Crystal Springs, (Harper Co.,) Kansas, 4-8
RAPED BIRDS.—Parties wanting live birds
such as Cardinal, Red birds, Texan-Bob- White
and many others. | Address with stamp.
__ KIT ATKINSON, Dime Box Texas.
Taxidermy.—Birds and animals mounted at
reasonable rates. Twelve vears experience. Will
pay cash for first-class skins.
WM. B. CAULK, Terre Haute, Ind.
TOR EXCHANGE.—The following A. O. U
numbers in full sets with data 722a, 510, 761a,
292, 5S8b, 7z1b, 297, 501b, 622a, 428, 751, 452, 191, 77>
412, 687, 498, 657, 333, 365, 59, 488, 477, 587, 761, 337»
01, 501b, and 70s, for skins, egys, insects, Camera,
atural History books, etc. What have you. All
must be first-class. DR. A. G. BILL,
Springville, N. Y.
Correspondence solicited from working Orni.
thologist. ; '
OR EXCHANGE.—The following strickly first”
* class Bird skins to exchange Ridgway Nos’
1, 2,7, 7#, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, 41, 47
51, 63a, 71, 74, 85, 86a, 95, 96, 99, 113, 115, 128, 135’
1405 143, 146, 151, 156; 161, 165, 166, 170a, 172,179,181’
182, 183, 186, 193b, 201, 204a, 207a, 200, 218, 231b, 234”
237, 238b, 240b, 242, 244, 248, 251, 254, 257, 258, 260’
261, 26 1a, Aba 269, 270, 272, 274, 2S0, 289, 291, 293°
301, 304, 306, 307, 312, 313, 317, 320, 337, 338, 340, 351’
361, 364, 369, 372, 387b, 352, 388, 397, 408, 420, 460:
492, 507, 516, 521, 535, 549, 556, 579, 580, OSr, also
Western Yellow-throat Calfornia Shrike, Yellow-
rump Tanger at $1.50, and Ruddy Horned Lark.
Only well made skins wanted. Send list of what
you have to offer. F. T. PEMBER.
- Granville, N, Y. ‘
FOR EXCHANGE.—Eggs in sets. Ridgway
* Nos., 5a, 5b, 9, 15a, 16a, 34, 53,55, 56, 57, Gob,
146, California Shrike, 155, 156, 158, 162, 170, 170a,
3042,’ 234, 238, 238b, 240, 264, 272, 275, 291, 397,313,
ee or 330 338, 355, 352, 364, 366, 374, 37Sb, 379,
383) 390; 400, 402C, 408, 408a, 417, 428, 434, 442, a
66; 471, 4718, 471b, 585, 607, 661, 665, a74.004 25
705a,'732, and many others. . Reliable, Coll
please send listofegys. Will exchange for skins
éees by Lattins Hand book or 1890
S~:
or specimens I can use. ‘
Mee F.T. PEMBER.
Granville..N. ¥.
“f
ectors |.
ist ‘at even |
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Mention the ‘Collectors’ Monthly’’ when ang
wering advertisements. It costs you nothing
and does us good
WANTED
the address of ever Ornithologist and Oologist col-
lector who has got in his possession—stating how
many—eggs of the Canada or Wild Goose with posi-
tive identification and data, all such answering this
will be repaid. Know later on.
To Exchange. :
Extra 2nd. class eggs of the following Ridgway
Nos. 5a, 8, 9, 19, 101, 234, 354, 355, 359; 379, 395) 395>
396; 407; 430, 431, 432, 4334, 490b, 441, 447, 445, 454,
455) 4714, 470, 474, 479, 515, 520,558, 570, 603, 607,
613, 630, 644, 645, 660, 61, 674, 694, 732, and 200
others. All answered, ARTHUR E. PRICE,
! Grant Park, Ill.
Complete Your Files.
NO is the time to complete your files of the
“‘Collector’s Monthly,’’ as we have only a
limited number of the back numbers left which
we are disposing of at 4 cents each, 3 for 10 cents
or 7for 20 cents. Send at once before all are
| gone. Address,
“COLLECTOR'S MONTHLY,”
Danielsonville, Conn,
iF YOU DON’T
read the Ornithologist and Botanist, it is because
you have never seen a copy. Eight pages and
cover, monthly; bright, clean and readable. Send
for a sample copy, now or
You Will Miss It.
Address, ;
JOSEPH E. BLAIN,
Binghamton, N. Y?
MADAGASCAR.
Birds eggs of my locality,both rare and common,
for sale or exchange. I guarantee all eggs true
to name. :
Send Stamps for Price List.
Address,
F. SIKORA, Naturalist. -
Annanarivo Nadagasear, ~
,... Via. Marseilles.
‘Correspondence Solicited.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
RARE EGGS |™e Naturalists’ Bureaa. °
TO
EXCHANGE.
Ihave in steck at the present time a few fine
sets of each of the below listed eggs, full and or-
igna] data with each set.
St. Domingo Grebe % 1-5,............ eter ee EEN $3 00
BOOB Ya ics bas 5sie2 se dae ne ea Sa eben 5 00
Royal -Lerail-] 6 Wgeiisciiccsseretvetteestuccesscteacecdes 40
Cabots do diy ail eee eet 40
Chachalaca 1% ¥,...... oie Mapes ae eS ee 150
White Crowned Pigeon ¥,................06005 eaaeee 3 00
Red-billed ido A-¥; is;ccd.sicrscsssuateaecsieeeses cede. deokenes 2 00
Mex. Ground Dove Yayii...cceccccccccesseseeeseseeeeees 2 00
Markey; Vulture Vo,o-cc iv ccccessseeee. cee anc ova leceeas 75
Black ViualbUre 32, ck vcs tees. chooses tos as ees 75
Kennicott’s Screech Owl 4 1-5,...........ccseeeeeeeee 2 00
Gold-fronted Woodpecker 4 1-5,.........c.0:0cc.008 75
Gilded Piicker 4-6)... GER ae oes oe
Costas Hummer ¥y......0....ccccceceececcecesserseeceesss 100
Frosted Poor-will EASE MCHE Ci SAS OCO ER OES 400
Parauque 1-1,........ ... vibes cssumeednayesstesse ccs ore es 400
The above eggs are varieties that cost me
considerable money; I could not afford to ex-
change outright but collectors who desire a few
sets, (or even a single set) of above and are will-
ing to pay a small portionin cash, will please
send list of their duplicates. I am in need ot
most of the large low priced eggs, and can use
about anything and in any numbers, if good
specimens. Only reliable collectors need apply.
HE Naturalists’ Bureau has been organized a
for the purpose of supplying Educational In- —
stitutions and private individuals with books 4
treating upon all branches of Natural History, —
Also with correctly named specimensin Zoology, a
Botany and Mineralogy, and with the best and q
most practical instruments for the collection of —
8pecimens in all departments of Natural History. |
Everything is selected and approved by special-
ists. Address,
THE NATURALISTS’ BUREAU,
43 West St., Boston, Mass.
SOMETHING NEW FOR
EGG GOLLEGTORS!
MAYNARD’S z
Automatic Egg Blower
Y this little machine an egg may be emptied
of its contents without danger of breaking
and without waste of breath.
‘Works perfectly easy and can be carried in the |
pocket. ‘&
A THOROUGHLY PRACTICAL MACHINE, and
exactly meets the wants of egg collectors. Price |
until Jan: 1, 1892, tointroduce -it, 50eents. Send |
for illustrated circular. “Address,” 6 a
The NATURALISTS’ BUREAU,
48 WEST STREET, BOSTON, MASS.
To OOLOGISTS.
E are selling the best outfit for Egg Collec-
tors for ONLY 25 CENTS.
Egg Drili—the |
best in use, will not crack the egg—Blow Pipe. a
and Embryo-Hook. Get them in time for the
next collecting season. 25 cents only. Address, ~
The NATURALISTS’ BUREAU, —
48 WEST STREET, BOSTON, MASS.
JAMES P. BABBETT
_ TAUNTON, MASS.
10 HODGES AVE.
Ury tL locv
Persistent Adverti sing is the Price of Success.
he Collectors’ onthly.
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN NATURAL a oritcnroraee
o.oo Cis, Ducemser, 1891. No.
17 Sets—BOOBY’S -17 Sets.’
7 INDIAN ARROW POINTS of fiint & S's
large illust. catalogue of Relics, 25
Minerals, Coins, ete., post paid 20c. OR SALE or EXCHANGE for rare kinds, send
FLETCHER M, Nor, Indianapolis. us alist of your best eggs if you wish to ex-
change. iH. ‘PRINCE.
Danielsonville, Conn.
on
"Our new Scalpel and Brain Spoon, only 60 cents.
Pie) Rest of Steel, Nickel Plated Engraved Handle, "
| NATURALISTS AND 'TAXIDERMISTS SupPureEs.
ee ‘Birds Eggs, Glass Eyes, Shells, Books, ete. Send 2 cent stamp for illustrated catalogue.
co AS. K. REED, 262 Main St, Worcester, Mass
ln chm aR ar Sn a - —
a HISTORY OF THE
i
BIRDS OF KANSAS
r
5 ie an: oF GOSS.
‘This valuable addition to the Literature of Kansas | is
‘ now ready and for Sale.
It is unnecessary for us to say to old residents of Kansas anything in
regard to Col. Goss or his accomplishments. But to others we will say,
that he was a lifelong Naturalist ; an enthusiastic in his chosen study of
Ornithology; a member of the Council of the American Ornithological
Union, and a recognized authority on his chosen subject. The book is
handsomely bonnd in full cloth, with gold embossed back and sides. There
are 693 pages, besides the photogravure illustrations of 529 birds. Price,
37 7-50; delivered on receipt of price. Reduced prices for quantities. On
ccount of the death of Col. Goss, all communications and orders should be
mailed to
GEO. W. CRANE & a Topeka Kansas.
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY
The Collectors Monthly.
A Monthly Magazine Devoted, the Study of
sigma ds Oology and Natural History.
chor bakery ho
CHARLES. AB PRINCE,
Editor and Publisher, Danielsonville, Conn.
(While mts 7A
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EDITORIALS.
Subseribers whose subscription expires with
this No. please note that yourname will be cross”
ed off our list unless renewal is received at once.
The American Garden and Popular Gardening
are now combined in one,—making the most at-
tractive as well as the most interesting of all
Monthlies on Gardening, that hascome under our
observation. Everyone who is interested in gar
dening for pleasure or profit, should not fail to
become a subscriber at the astonishingly low
price of $100 a year. Send to Rural Publishing
Co. Times Building, N. Y.
Collectors’ who will show their enthusiasm and
interest in the Collectors’ Monthly enough tv send
us ‘free gratis’’ an electro of some fine bird, that
you would like to see appear with full description
in these columns. Who will be the first one to
have his name at the head of the list?
James P. Babbitt, of Taunton, Mass., whose
“ad" appears on last page of cover is known far
and wide as New England’s famous dealer and
Taxidermist.
| to take 1 column ‘‘ad,’’ each issue for one year,
Wianeede aman Subseribers who will volunteer j
If you will do this we will guarantee to give you 4
a paper that can’t be beat. Collectors’ give usa
lift and ‘‘Boomer-up’’if you want a hash paper, —
you must help make it so. q
J. H. Langille, of Kensington, Md., is aboutto 7)
get out a new edition of his work, “Our Birdsin |
their Haunts.’’ Anyone sending in their names ~
by Jan. Ist, 1892, can have the book containing EI
624 pages for $1.50, with 10 cents additional to |
pay half postage. The work makes Oology a :
speciality, and is a complete treatise on the a
birds of Eastern North America, containing a 7
great deal of information, not found in other 4)
books, especially. the water birds, and is in all re- a
spects. adapted to beginners in Bird Life. ;
You who can engrave send us a fine Specimen ~
of your work—some species of Birds as a Christ-
mas present, and killtwo Birds with one stone.
Help us and help yourself. See the point? Ori =
you are not an engraver, buy one of your friend, —
we will accept it just the same.
Arthur’s Home Magazine and this paper 1 year |
for $1.30, price of Arthur’s alone, $1.50. :
Wanted, back numbers of the ‘‘Auk,” of July p
1890 and ’91. All having such to dispose of we 4
will give good equivalent for same.
We hope our Subscribers who receive an inti
mation that their subscription has expired, will b
take no offence or delay in remitting the amount 4
due us, and send a years subscription in ad- ~
vance. Another thing to which we are obliged to ~
refer, is the fact that a large amount is due us in a
the way of subseription arrears. Quite anumber ©
have received the paper from’ the commencement, a
and failed to remit any part of the subscription. —
We know they are perfectly good for it, and with ~
some the amount is considered so paltry that —
they do not think the want of it causes us any ‘- d
convenience, but they forget that the aggregate
amount of these small itemsis animportant mat
ter to us. We know from the complimentary —
letters we are receiving from all quarters that our .
publication is appreciated, among a class of read- ¥
ers whose good opinion we appreciate, and that ‘
many of our subscribers preserve each number ‘i
for reference.
+
Pie ‘two cents stamps will get you asample —
of Arthur’s Home Magazine Peers tie a
Agents wanted. od
HE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
Devoted to Ornitholoy, Oology and Natural History.
Tonawanda Swamp.
(Written forthe Collectors Monthly.)
One of my most interesting collecting
rounds, while prosecuting my ornitho-
logieal studies in Western New York, was
‘Yonawanda Swamp; a large tract of
ountry along the line between Orleans |
nnd Genesee country. Here was every
variety of swamp properly so called,—
regular peat-bog, trembling beneath
Ibnes feet and containing deep and peril-
us pits of soft mire here and there in
bvery direction, with meadows abound-
ng in sedges and course grasses. Dry in
hnid-sammer, but flooded the greater
Ipart of the year; tall deciduous forests,
ktanding in water a erent part of the
hear; tangled shrubby tracts, almost
mpenetrable because of briars wildferns
hnd soft mud; and dense, shadowy tracts
Here and there meand-
‘As may be imagined, this was a very
aradise for the botanist and orintho-
I meae only space to say a little
During the migra
Lon ae Salealy in early spring, here
Were immense numbers of the dusky foaeke
anas obscura), these secluded streams,
loughs and puddle holes, being the best
Heonceivable resorts for them. They
night befound in pairs any where through
Yput this region; and in some of the flood-
‘Wed fields, they would congregate in flocks
Wi many hundreds, so that the sound of
heir wing's on rising would be like that
of distant thunder. Here, too, they were
fairly common during the breeding sea-
son; and the young were often seen on
the glassy streams and ponds during
summer.
During the migration the Pintails were
fairly common. A _ pretty figure they
used to make, flying in small flocks above
the tree-tops. At the same time, one
would often see both the Blue-
winged and the Green-winged Teals.
Not infrequently they w ould feed in com-
pany. Then it was interesting to note,
how much nearer the ‘shore the latter
would dive after their food, just as has
been so faithfully noted by Audubon.
As might be inferred, the elegant Wood
Duck might be found here, more or less
commonly, in the migrations and during
the breeding season.
Waders were also found here; the Wood-
cock from early Spring till late Autumn,
breeding of course. The Greater and
Lesser Yellow legs, were herein abundance
and for several weeks, spring and fall.
The Spotted Sandpiper was a part of
the landscape from early in April till
October. During April, Wilson Snipe
was very common; and it appeared in
the low meadows in October.
Blackbirds,—cthe Redwing Crowblack-
bird and Cowblackbird, but, most abund-
ant of all during certain days in April.
The Rusty Blackbird. Their numbers
and their noise could not fail to attract
attention.
Here the Swamp Sparrow was buildind
its coarse strong nest with dark tinteg
heavily markedeggs. Notonly the Long-
70
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
billed Marsh Wren, but that somewhat
rare and local species, the Short billed
Marsh Wren, breed here in considerable
numbers. These nests, contaning pure
white eggs, are placed near the ground,
sometimes touching the ground, in grassy
sedgy tracts of the swamp, where the
water disappears in summer.
Here was the never ending chant of the
Golden-crowned Accentor; and the com-
mon water Thrush, was to be seen any
where around the water-holes, among the
fallen and decaying trees. Its so-called
song, sounding, as one has said, as if the
bird had met with some strangesurprise,
was common enough at any time through
the breeding season. Appearing as early
as the 25th of April, it has already made
}
its nest on the ground and is leading its |
young about by the 19th of June.
Here the Warblers are well represented.
The Yellow Warbler of course, breed here
abundantly, also the Redstart and the
Chestnut sided Warbler. Every where
among the cedars, throughout thespring
and summer, one could hear the drowsy
song of the Black-throated Green Warbler.
Among the tall trees, the Coerulean was
a common resident, making its closely
compacted nest, gray aS a wasp’s nest
outside and brown inside, some 30 or 50
feet from the groud. This species is a
constant singer. That rather southern
species, the Hooded Warbler was to be
seen in great numbers, making its nest
in low bushes near the ground. And,
singular as the companionship may be,
here too was the Canada Warbler, sing- |
ing in every direction throughout the
breeding season. Without doubt it bred
here. That shy beauty, the Mourning
Warbler, was to be found in suitable
places; and the Black. and White Creep- |
ing Warbler, could be both seen and
heard many times a day.
| in holes in trees.
All these Warbles, without doubt, breed
here in very considerable numbers. Th ;
of them become very
1
nests of most
familiar to me while studying here.
omitted to say that the Maryland Yellow
throat was exceedingly common here, as.
a summer resident. 7
Once, on the 7th of June, Isaw afemale
of the Slate-colored Snow Bird, her
mouth crammed with writhing carvoe
evidently intended for a brood of young
near by. | q
The most striking feature of bird lie
in summer, was the charming song f
the Winter Wren, quite common among:
the cedars. b
Had we space, we might speak of the
Bittens, the Rails, ete., but this note is
long already. 4
J. H. LANGILLE. 7
Kensington, Md.
—~—
Notes on the Birds of Long Island.
By W. W. WorRTHINGTON.
Ali articles by Mr. Worthington are original
and written expressly For the Collector’ 8 Mowe
Lye) SEEDY ; 3
(62) 151. Glaucionetta clangula —
americana...
American Golden eye. (620) ©
Head glossy green, and with a loose crest. :
round white spot in front of the eye. Above |
black, a voilet patch on the wing and~ white
markings on the seapulars. Tail hoary. Unda
part except the flanks white, “a
An abundant winter resident, arriving:
from North on theadvent ofcold weather,
Called ‘‘ Whistlers’’? on account of the
noise caused by their wings when flying.
They often feed in the small shallow er eeks,
and sometimes even in fresh water ponds,|
Breeds i in the far North, daying six to. ten|
pale greenish eggs, about 2 25 x 1 Z,incHe
Nest of grasses ett.
lined with down.
P THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
(63) 152. Glaucionetta islandica
Barrows Golden-eye. (619.)
Very similar to the preceeding, but the spot in
front of eye touches base of bill, and runs up to a
point.
Probably occurs as a rare winter
visitor. Breeding habits and eges similar
to preceeding.
(64) 153. Charitonetta albeola.
Buffle head. (621.)
Small. Above black, with much white marking
on the wings and scapulars. Head black highly
glossed with green between the eye and bill, and |;
purplish (a large white patch on back of head) on
the'crown and cheeks. Beaneath white, Length 15
inches. —
A not uncommon winter visitor, their
advent being an almost unvarying sign
of the near approach of severe weather.
I have taken this species as far south as
| Port Royal, S.C. Breeds from Northern
Maine northward. Nesting in hollow
trees. Nest of moss, grass, etc., lined
with down. Hees pale greenish, six to
fourteen in number, and averaging 1% x
2 inches.
(65) 154. Clangula hyematlis.
Long tailed Duck. (623.)
Male in winter. Breast,back, and upper surface
of wings, lengthened tail feathers, and patch on
side of neck, black. Outer tail feathers, head
neck and beneath white, Sides of body and
scapulars pearl gray. Patches on cheek enclos-
ing the eye, gray. Length 20 inches.
' The handsome “Old Squaws” are
abundant winter residents, being found
in every bay and harbor along thecoast.
| They are extremely swift flyers, and when
wounded can dive and swim long dis-
tances under water, being seldom bagged
unless killed at the first shot. They are
very sociable birds, usually seen in small
parties, and continually ‘talking”
amongst themselves, for which they have
received the above name, They breed
far up in Alaska and the Arcti¢ regions.
‘Making a nest of grasses, moss, etc.,
warmly lined with down from their breast,
71
| and placed on the ground near water.
Eggs six to twelve, pale greenish, and
average about 1% x 2 inches.
(66) 155. Histrionicus histrionicus.
Harlequin Duck. (622.)
Head and neck, dark slaty blue, almost black
on lower neck. A black stripe through thecrown,
bordered laterally with chestnut brown, and in
front with white, which expands into a large
patch in front of eye. Sides of body chestnut
brown. Spot behind eye, stripe on side of neck,
two patches on side of breast, spot at the base of
tail, and spots and markings on the wings white.
Length 17 % inches.
The beautiful Harlequins are very rare
winter visitors to Long Island. Capt.
Wal. Reeve, of Greenport shot one at
Gull Island in 1865, and there are two
or three other records of their capture
within our limits, but none to my know-
ledge within the Jast seven oreight years.
Breeds in Newfoundland and northward,
making a nest of grasses, weeds etc.,
lined with down, placed on the ground
near water. Eggs palebuify, or greenish,
six to ten in number, and about 2\x
1% inches.
(67) 160. Somateria dresseri.
American Eider Duck. (627%a.)
Head, neck, back, and most of upper surface
of wings white, tinged with eream color on breast.
and with pale green on the cheeks and nape.
Quills, rump, sides, and under parts black,
Length 26 inches.
Probably a rare winter visitor. Ihave
never met with it. Recorded from as far
South as the Delaware River. Breeds
along the coast’ of Maine, and north-
ward. Nest made of down, placed in
erevices on rocky ledges. Eggs six to
ten, pale greenish drab, and average
about 3 x 2 inches.
(68) 162. Somateria spectabilis.
Ming Eider. (629.)
Body and wings black. Front of body, back,
neck and throat, white. Space around the eye,
and V-shaped mark on the ehin, black. Crown
and nape ashy. Sides of head tinged with green-
ish. Length 22 inches.
t
72
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
¥
Dri |
A rare winter visitor. I have never
met with this species on L. I., but in the
spring of 1890, I had the pleasure of ex-
tending their known range by nearly a
thousnnd miles, having secured a male
at the mouth of the Altamaha River Ga.,
on April 25th, and another male [from a
flock of seven, four of which were males]
on May 5. All were tame until shot at
once, but could not approach them again.
The flesh of the two killed was eaten,
and found delicious, with no fishy taste.
The stomachs contained some shell fish
and vegetable matter. The King Eiders
breed in Greenland and other Arctic
countries, making a nest of down, on
the ground near water, and laying eight
or ten eggs of a grayish or pale greenish
color, and about 2 x 3 ¥ inches.
1 Loe
The Lest Bitiern.
(For the Collector’s Monthly.)
This retiring bird of the marsh the
smallest of the whole group of Herons
has many attractive features.
The sexes of this specics are dissimilar
whieh is not the rule among the family.
The male’s head—which is slightly crested,
—back, and tail are of a rich glossy.
black. The hind neck, and most of the
wing coverts, deep chestnut red. The
remaining coverts, being yellowish brown.
Allthe under parts, including sides of
neck, are a very light brownish yellow,
which becoms white.on the throat line.’
There is a brownish black patch on either
side of the breast. Bill vellow, save the
culmen, which is black. Eyes and toes,
straw color. Legs green with yellow
behind.
In the female, the black of the male, is
replaced by dark purplish chestnut.
They are seldom seen except at early
morn, and at dusk, as they are very
seclusive. :
The first one knows of their presence,
|
z
is seeing one of them flying, with dang
ling legs, along over the tops of th¢
rushes making for a place of better securi
ty, when all at once it drops. It’s gomnd
that’s all. ‘Now you see it and now you
don’t.”’
Or, occasionally, one may be seen, by
the close observer, crouching down on 4
bog, something after the style of a Jack
snipe, but they hug the ground pretty
close, and their colors blending so well
with surrounding objects, makes 1
almost impossible to see them. .
Their nests are very slight affairs,
rushes, only large enough to keep th
eggs from rolling off into the water
They vary as to height, have found them
so low as to benearly touching the wate
These nests weresomewhat larger. Whil
this past season, although very dry, al
the nests, that Leame across, were buil}
about eighteen inches or more. abo
the water, attached to old reeds, and
wild rice stalks. j
The eggs, four or five in number, are 4
beautiful bright blue tint, eliptical if
shape. Davie gives the average size a
about 1: 20 x 93, which corresponds &
specimens in my collection. Coues give
the dimensons at 1: 92 x 1: 22, which |
think must be an error in the print.
The retiring habits of the bird, make
one feel that he would like to secret hi nl
self in the narsh, and thus unobserved
watch their actions. {
Youry truly,
2 G. A. M:
pk Pi SBE Brest
A Rare Capture for Rhode |
island.
(For the Collectors Monthly.)
While doing my chores on the morning
of May 31st a Vireo was singing con
tinously in a large Porter apple treenea
the barn. }
_ THE COLLECTOR'S MONTHLY.
73
or
A Pea tit tcristink Hansen, whom |
I employed and who was ver Yy omuch |
interested in our feathered friends finally
heard it and went out to see what it was. |
Perceving his intention, as he passed out
of the barn, I remarked “Only a Red}
eye,” but soon he called “Come out
quick! it isnot aRed eyed Vireo, it is too
small” but I merely replied that it must
be and did not move. Again he called
and urged me to come and take a look
at it, and to please him I went. The |
moment my eye rested upon it [ exclaim- |
ed “Its a Philadelphia Vireo!’ The gun
was brought and Rhode Island ee
fauna was increased.
It might be well to add that a Black-!
poll Warbler was singing from a Maple
near by and on June 2nd the last one |
_ was heard which will serve to show what
alate migrant this rare Vireois. It may
be well also to add that for perhaps
fifteen or twenty minutes that little bird
had been singing in the tree while I had
several times passed below it, notsuspect-
ing its identity, and had it not been for
the zeal of a biginner my life of bird study
would have passed for naught.
On Oct. 18th, [heard what [ at. first
took to be a Brown Thrasher singing at
a distance, on approaching nearer I con-
eluded it was a Cat bird which thought
seemed to be veritied when he was seen
sitting on the telegraph wire. But an
instant later he flew disclosing the white
patches on his wings, and alighting in a
small tree above my head—A Mocking
bird. FRED T. JENCKS.
With this No. closes Vol. 2, of “Col-
lectors Monthly.’’ We feel very grateful
for the patronage and support we have
received, and for the interest which has
been manifested by our many patrons
for our welfare, during the past year.
Before we commence another Vol. we
extend to you our hand, and congratu-
lations. We thank you for your patron-
age in the past, and hope to receive a
continuance of the same, through the
coming year. We need YOUR, assistance
and the assistauce of every person who
is interested in our line of w ork, to make
the ‘Collectors Monthly” what you
would like to see it, the BEST PAPER,
published, hoping to havea good response
and wishing you one and all, our old and
new subscribers, a Merry Christmas.
I remain your Humble Servant,
(THE Eprror.)
Articles, by C. C. Purdum, Woods
Holl, Mass., will be continued in Feb.
No. A press of business the cause.
The way They talk About us.
Gidding, Texas, Nov. 20 1891
Mr. C. H. Prince:—My Dear Sir.
Tam justin from field work and find
Nos. 10 and 11 of “The Collectors
Monthly” on my table. I enclose here-
with postal note which please apply to a
renewal of my subscription.
I must say a word of commendation
for your Monthly. [ve been taking it
from the first number, and so know of
the improvements you've made in it
until it is now second to none of the
journals devoted to bird lore, and I trust
thatit has been’ as great a success fi-
nancially as it has in a and
typographical way. :
‘literary
My work during the year has been in
other lines, but I never lose interest. in
our birds.
Wishing you and the ‘ Monthly”
long career of prosperity,
[ remain Sincerely yours,
J. A. Stineney.
a
74
American Ornithologist’s Union
The Ninth Congress of the American | per by William Palmer on “The Birds of 3
Ornithologist’s Union was held at the
American Museum of Natural History,
New York City, November 17,18 and
19,1891. The first day was not open
to the public, being devoted mainly to
the business of the Union, the election of
officers, members and other routine
work.
After the business meeting, Dr. Sorat
Lockwood of Freehold, N. J., read a par
per entitled ‘* Why the Mockingbird Left
New Jersey —A Geological Reason.”
This elicited much discussion from the
members. Mr. William Dutcher followed
with a paper on ‘‘A Probable Occur-
rence of the Hurepean Curlew (Numenius
arquatus) on Long Island, N. Y.
The meeting on the second day was
public and a large number of people were
present. It opened by Mr. D. G. Elliot
delivering the President’s address: ‘‘ The
Inheritance of Acquired Characters.”
The other papers read during the day
were ‘‘ The Migrations in Chester County,
South Carolina,” by Leverett M. Loomis.
‘“A Preliminary Study of the Grackles of
the Subgernus Quiscalus,” by Mr. Frank
M. Chapman, and “Birds Attracted by
the Rays of Liberty’s Torch,” by Jona-
than Dwight, Jr.
On the third day the reading of papers
began with one by Theodore A. Schurr,
entitled ‘“‘Plans for Protecting Birds.”
Following this came three papers by Dr.
J. A. Allen: ‘Geographical Variations in
the Nort American Forms of the Genus
Colaptes,” ‘The Intergradation of Co-
laptes auratus with C. cafer,’ “‘Sugges-
tions Regarding the Genesis of the Ameri-
can Forms of Colaptes.’’ Many other
papers were read by titleand Dr. C. Hart
Merriam made verbal remarks on ‘““SSome
Results of the Death Valley Expedition,”
which was under his charge. The audi-
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY. a
ence then repaird to the lecture room of 4
the American Museum to listen to a pa- —
the Pribvlof Islands, Alaska,” illustrated —
by lantern slides. Other slides from pho- a
tographs of living birds and of nests and a
egies, contributed by Messrs. Flint, Spel-
man, Allen and Stone, were exhibited. i
The Union adjourned late in the after-
noon, having held one of the most inter-
esting and enjoyable sessions since its |
foundation.
a
Queer Finds.
As I found a few queer sets this season,
I though that perhaps the readers of the
ConLEecrors’ MonTHLY would like to hear
about them. My first was a peculiar set_
of Robin’s eggs. The nest and oe
were of the usual order, but the eggs”
were thinly spotted with redish brown.
Another set was five eggs of the Pewees,
four were pure white and one was spotted
with red. I also found a set of Albino
Bluebird’s eggs. The nest was in a bird-_
house, and it contained two white eggs.
The parents were somewhat more highly -
colored than is usual in Bluebirds. I also.
found a peculiar set of Least Flycatcher
There were two evg's in the nest. Leas
Flycatcher eggs are generally almost)
completely round, but these eggs were}
long and slender, like those of the White- |
bellied Swallow. I read a short time ago, ,
in an Ornithologist paper, about, birdss
changing their modes -of nesting. Here
the Cedar Waxwing usually nest in trees, |
but this year I found one nest in a bushi
about two feet from the ground. The
Yellow Warbler, a familiar summer resi-i
dent here, generally nests in low bushes,
but I found one in a small elm tree-
If any of the readers of the CoLLEC
Tors’ Montaty have met with similat
experience, let mé hear from them j
through its columns. S. O. BRusu. -
THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
A Mixture From Maine.
[For the Collectors’ Monthly. ]
Maine is a great state, not only in size,
but as a field for the oologist. Other |
states may have many of the birds that.
we do, but none other has them all.
75
_ displays of birds, their nests and eggs.
Around here we have some drawbs i@ks in|
our collecting.
‘
Hermit Thrushes have been quite com-.
mon around here this summer,
than in previous years I think. Some-
|
more so |
where around the neighboring pouds the |
Bald Hagle nests; but Ido not know of
the exact spot ever being located.
At the present time there is, I think, no
oological paper published in this state.
Formerly we were represented by the
“Bittern”? and the “Maine O and O,”’
‘but in the September number of the Cot-
LEcTORS’ Montaty, I saw the statement
that they had both been bought by C.
W. Hillman of Canisteo, N. Y.
THe Couuecrors’ Montaiy is a fine
paper and I hope that all the Maine col-
lectors see it each month. Some of its
articles are especially interesting. -I
would like tor Maine to have a represen-
tative in the list of oological pipers pub-
lished, and should like to hear from
those who have the same desire.
Why don’t we see some articles in the
CoLLEcTors’ MonrHuuy on the collecting
of water-bird’s eggs? Surely it must
have nany subscribers who could write
on that subject if they chose.
The English Sparrow is very thick
here. Every electric light on the streets
has a nest on the switch-board. The
linemen used to tear the nests out, but
this summer they have suffered them to
remain aud large numbers of these pests
have had a secure nesting place.
Every lover of birds should surely at-
tend the Columbian Exhibition. I ex-
pect that there will be some extra fine
“on the ground.
eal
Waterville, Maine.
Rockwoop.
Seeetl
Birds of Kansas.
By N.S. Goss.
We can furnish copies to all who desire
at the regular price, $7.50.
C. H. Prince, Editor.
Wo Preserve Eggs.
When the egg has been blown, get a
fine pointed syringe and inject the speci-
men with water until it comes out clear.
When an egg has been partly incubated
or addled, the removal of the contents
generally includes that of the internal
membrane or pellicle; this makes the
shell weaker. When the egg is quite
clean and dry (which will take a day or
two) take the syringeand inject a strong
solution of isinglass and a little sugar-
candy, the latter is used to preserve the
shell from cracking, after which the egg
should be thoroughly dried. This meth-
od not only varnishes the inside, but
strengthens it also. If the specimen be
allowed to remain in the solution for a
short time and then dried. the outside is
also varnished and the egg will preserve
its color much better. Ihave tried the
above method and find it a great help.
—Agassiz Companion.
ue
Just as the peregrine is the largest, so
the merlin is the smallest of British resi-
dent faleons. Although not much larger
than a thrush, this handsome little bird
is full of dash and fire,and commonly at-
tacks birds more than double their weight.
It has been known to pull down a par-
tridge, and it is sometimes terribly de-
structive to young grouse. While near-
ly all of the diurnal British birds of prey
build on rocks or trees, the merlin nests
Its eggs are usually
found in some depression on a_ bright
heather brae or patch of ling, and these
are of the brightest red.
76 THE COLLECTORS’ MONTHLY.
RESULTS OF PRIZE DRAWING,
WHICH TOOK PLACE NOV. 13.
Subscribers who ordered a Bird Nesting in Northwest Canada before Nov. 15, received a ticket en-
titling them to a chance of one of the following prizes.
WINNING TICKET.
Ist. Prize a clutch of 4Pizeon Hawks........-. veg ceceTleceeseeeeee sscoods H. K. James, Bockviile, Conn. —
2nd. Oe 2 Bald Fagles.........++++- ooncoad @sagcs0conean seeseeM. L. Wicks, Los Angeles, Cal.
¥z Whooping Swan, :
3rd.‘ Me i Tropic Bird........ ayseiela ars BooaisDoods _ eeeeeee ...0e- F. Lattin, Albion, N. Y.
1 Man O’ War Bird. :
4th. ‘“ 4 Avocets, 3 Iceland Gulls............00- Bs sacodessanpoode soces: G. Kohn, New Orleans, La.
bya, 9 OY 2 Bonaparte Gills o6b0sc0dcn0c00nsnued6 EWE sooupborEwaauon ae eobosc ..W. J. King, Phila., Pa.
6th. ‘ 4 Wilson’s Smipe........ce.seceseees.eee 40) aoar sadoanodaooocs J. W. Miller, Houston, Texas.
(ston 4 Avocets and 4 Curlews.. SouboododandCObS Bisioounce Codbo0) GoGaGd .-..D. Denne, Montreal, Can.
Chi, | 60 4 Wilson’s Phalarope.......sccceseesees AD ee aie 00 S .J. W. Velu, Chicago, Il.
9th “* 5 Marsh Hawks and 2 Sharp Shinned Hawks... .34........... hip Clayton, Lincoln, Maine.
10th. “ 2 Swainsons Hawks and 2T urkey Vultures....... 14....Dr.Caul & Co., Terre Haute, Ind.
lith. * 1 Judas billed Tropic Bird .... ........ Ep acodon Seb sede deh 6 if. Harris La Cresent. Minn.
12th. < 1 Audubons Shearwater...... sonoqoocst).. .J. W. Banks, St. John, N. B.
Also 50 Prizes of Views of Niagara Palls were distributed.
Price to Subscribers ording the Book, Bird Nesting in North West Canada before Jan. Ist. $1.35
after that, the price will be $2.00.
W. RAINE,
Hayden St., Toronto, CANADA.
First-class Sets with Data Cheap.
Those ordering $2.C0 worth will :eceive a set 4% Caspian Tern free.
ADDRESS;
WY.
224
IB. TORT re
1b,
CHICAGO,
OAKLEY AVE.
PER EGG. ete wine’ Dove 4, oe
Throated Loon 1-1, 40 round « W, :
ine Gull 4, %. ¥%, 40 | Mexican Ground Dove %, .75
Royal Tern 1. ‘95 | Am. Rough Leg (End blown) %, 50
Caspian *‘ 1%, 1%, \, ‘99 | Ferruginous Rough Leg %, 1.50
Least « i 4, 05 | Everglade Kite ¥, 10.00
Black <“ ie Ys. 08 Marsh Hawk 4, 20
Cabots “ 1%, %, 99 | Harris Hawk ', Ya, f .B5
Bl. Skimm We VU, VU 03 | 4m. Sparrow Hawk 4. ANB
Booby ¥%. ¥, 1-1, ‘60 | Am. Long Eared Owl 4%, .20
Double Crested Connorant ¥%, V4, 20 | Screech Owl ¥%, .20
Fla. “ 1-514, 4, 15 | Road Runner 4%, 4, a
Am. White Pelican 1-1, 95 | Whip-poor-will (End blowm) ¥, 40
Brown Pelican 4, 4, 15 | Night Hawk 2, .20
Man O’War 1-1, 1-1, 1-1, 75 | Balt Oriole 15, 05
Least Bitten 14, 10 | Cal. Purple Finch \4, 5
Reddish Egret 14, 99 | Texas Thrasher 1-5. 15
La. Heron \4, 05 | Curved-billed Thrasher 1-5, 15
Green “ 14, 4, 05 caroline oS 05
’ Spotted Sandpiper 1%, 10 arkmans “ 1%, alt
Passenger Pigeon 1-1, 1-1, 75 | Cal. Bush-tit 1-6, .08
Fe 80 words, 20 cts.; 1-2 cent per extra word.
This column is open to all having Exchanges
or Wants. Offersfor cash debarred. A strictly
| Exchange and Want Column. No notice inserted
for less jewde dias ica ai CASH must accom-
‘Mr. C. H. Prince.
- DEAR Srr.—Asl am about out of Owls eggs
you may ay well stop my ‘ad,’ it has puid me
‘er, y well, have exchanged several hundred eggs.
A pei 348 tuiethe tal
TO EXCHANGE '
ee a good Guitar, Istclass eggs insets with data.
Write Biving deseription and price,
L.. HARTZELL,
Crystal Springs, Harper Co.,
K ansas.
‘ OLUME II, No’s. 1 to 12, inclusive of the Col-
lector’s Monthly, send postpaid to any ad
ress eon receipt of 40 cents. Address,
THIS P SPER)
For Sale Or Exchange.
Alarge lot of rare eggs for sale or exchange,
ach as, Booby, Chachalaca, Whooping Swan,
merican White Pelican, Groove billed Ani, Brid-
2
SS Ge EEINCE:
\
ed Tern, Poor-will, and many others. Send list
mee eges. No cheap eggs wanted.
Address,
f danielsonville, Conn.,
| i} AUTION: —Careful Roltestors should be on the
ee, for Iowa, Mississippi, and Kansas parties
rho are sending out eggs of Flicker and Mourning
ae for those of the Poor-will. >
} : P. B. PEABODY.
as SALE.
Advertising space in this paper.
Address, C.
H. PRINCE, Editor.
Rare Eggs For Sale or Exchange.
hime Box Texas. _ KIT ATKINSON. |
|
_ MADAGASCAR.
Birds eges of my locality,both rare and common,
br sale or exchange. I guarantee all eggs true
Address, .
F. SIKORA, Naturalist.
jnnanarivo Madagascar,
Via Marseilles.
i: Correspondence Solicited.
THE COLLECTORS’ MON] MONTHLY.
W. W. WORTHINGTON,
Shelter Island Heights, N. Y.
A ASSIS PERIISt!
And collector of specimens in Natural History,
Bird skins a specialty, which I endeavor to make
up in first-class shape, and sell cheaper than the
same grade of skins can be bought from any deal-
er, Send stamp for listofskinsand eggs. I offer
with tull data:—
Set of 3 ezgs of Boat-tailed Grackle, postpaid, lide
Set of 4egg¢s of Little Blue Heron, postpaid, 30c.
Set of 2 eggs American Osprey, postpaid, 75e.
Set of 3 eggs ae $1. 00
Correspondence desired with collectors in any
branch of Natural History, who desire honest
specimens at he prices Ample reference if
desired,
ROAD CARTS ONLY $10
== The Best and Lowest Price
of any Carts M: pens
815, Bee $20 and #25
Top Buggies, only #55. 00.
Harness $7.50 and $10.00.
Forges, Anvils, Vises, Safes, Sewing
Machines, Scales of all. varieties.
Save money and send for Price List,
CHICACO SCALE CO.,
151 South Jefferson Street.
“Down With High Prices.°’
SEWING MACHINES
FROM $40 TO $10!
Prices Lower than the Lowest on
Buggies, Carts, Sieighs, Harness.
$5.00 Family or Store Scale, $1.00
A 240-1b. Farmers’ Seale. . 3.00
Farmers, do your own Repairs.
Forge and Kit of Tools.... $20.00
1000 other Articles at Half Price.
CHICAGO SCALE CO., Chicago, Il.
PICTURES
WORLD’ S FAIR nergoitese
Full information of everything connected with the
Greatest Event of all time, also description of all States
and Territories, account of all Government Lands to
be had at $1.25 per Acre, fine illustrations of various
Industries and Interesting Scenery. A World of Infor-
mation for only 25 cents ayear. Sample Copy and 100-
Page Catalogue containing 1,000 Clubbing Offers, 10 cts.
‘The Guide and Hand-Book of Useful Information con-
“ins 1,000,000 Facts. Price 50 Cents, with Paper 65 Cts.
"WE WESTERN WORLD, Chicago, Ill.
The “‘Little Detective”’ Postal Scale $3. 00
Beam shows Postage in Cents on any ciass Mail Mace:
Best Office or Family Scale made.
Capacity from 14 oz. to 25 Ibs.
The well-known ‘Singer Style’’ Sewing Machine, $10.00
“Champion” Road Cart, best made, ffnely finished 15.00
The “Champion” 1-Seat Wagon, $30.00. 2-Seated, 35 00
Single Harness, $7.50. Farm do $20.00 Top Buggies 55.00
Hay, Grain. Coal or Stock Scales from $80.00 co 60.00
Send for List. CHICAGO SCALE CO., Chicago, Ill.
THE COLLEC TORS’ MONTH ney
HOW MANY OOLOGISTS HAVE x FINE
Of any kind to place on their egg cases to show them off? I present this month a list of ani
of fine skins just received from my collector on Mexican boundry. All were collected inside of 30
and will mount easy, to those that cannot or have not the time to mount them themselves, we
a@ price for birds all mounted as well as skin, only one price is quoted on skins as we Bo nop
skins of any kind.
| : ; Skin. i
San Domingo Grebe.....-...... .0e.2ee 5. B1.50..... 6. esate Basa SD a
\Blagk bellied Tree Duck: jos. 22602. 4 2058.00... Bee SRS ENE:
Fulvous © Be a ae care alanis Cite oy (bs ato! al rgeeeaesa 3200)". Aon eins a os oieeiaetane
EAST ICKY: |: oacseaenataeetee ees nea edo este cn tee -1.50..... A Sr esha Ta:
Sora Hal coir jira ee acces Has seats Chea ae ep) ame Ea ee ait
Mexas Screcch Owai tea. 2.90 sec esc! ewan es « GMMR: bia ies bie enna
Reva inne Pict a # sete, wOOTOO a's «/gtatatmatany avers calaingey:
Lexan King fish every on ecb ukieues ane lenaees TED a is) «daa ehn 56 ieee ae eee
Pexan’ Wodd pecker yaks soe wkete fate weceistntarp ony A ch mee teas elude estore
Golde n-tronted daSee sas cscs ios ewer wes Beyer, op Reeap ease, Lace oC A
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher... 0605) foe. 0 ween .00 extra long tailed...... .
ouch’ s Kane b ind samt Suc canyeciene ser pore teel ks Os a: giamnes ase ace neensee ane
Derby Flycatcher........ Plrabisavel he eran Mier SO ean Mrmr Nm ata ee rie
Vermilion do.......... APTN MME etnME /;S Ie Avaee: (0 Tt2a Lei Remnyy sore > 2
Green Jay {... eee seiaiepevilatswecsh estates cele. oa a ede yg, ae
Bronzed: Cow-bindigeiess cee c uae wens Wee ers 60-0 .004 ee Shes Ghia a aaaenees
Andubons Oriole ‘eels 1. < seee ee vea'elae. siclsce SOO) -.) ean oe Lae
Gti tailed: Gracklage nee ee iateie cs Ue eyelet oe EOS s Sa Ura Se Ay is
Birds under 8 inches post paid, over 8 in., I pay half.
EGGS.
‘This month I offer a fine set of three eggs of Royal Tern for 55 cents with
full data, postpaid.
JAMES P. BABBITT.
: 10 HopcEs AVE. :
TAUNTON, = =) Mia
septs she Por esensa ne edn datucilbetertte Sa ee Mp Palht 22” ean eipian wrk AEA Ayth: Gan NO NSOEe PON
treats Semngirsaate ata earte ear nr nas Sah oer rere ee ter ur
Ln ed OE ad rf parveoyes
nies
Rs AR Te eRe
rh eae Pye ae Ab
Peels year, PNG
mae a
REDS Tiree, aha oe.
TOT A
PPO nt dn,
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